Episode 8: Training, Opening the Eyes.
Of the 382 sects, 8 great merchant guilds, and 16 escort agencies affiliated with the Murim Alliance, only the Nine Great Sects and One Great School and the Five Great Clans were permitted to possess independent compounds within the Alliance's main headquarters. The Xilai First Pavilion was one of those fifteen permitted compounds, and as its name suggested, it symbolized Mount Kongtong—thus, it was the exclusive compound of the Kongtong Sect.
On the third floor of the Xilai First Pavilion—a structure excessively massive for use by fewer than twenty Kongtong martial artists and far too ornate for the Taoist sages of the Kongtong Sect, who resided in a sacred place of Taoism—Elder Guanghanzi of the Kongtong Sect sat in an arrogant posture, listening to the report of his head disciple.
"So, Guo Ziqi is having a duel today?"
"Yes, Master. An official duel will be held on the Second Dueling Stage at the Shen hour. My senior brothers and I plan to attend and cheer for Junior Brother Guo."
"I heard his opponent is a girl from the Phoenix Corps, not even from the main force, but some nameless reserve… Useless fool. What's the point of a duel where even winning is just breaking even?"
"Junior Brother Guo has joined the Murim Alliance, so does he not need an opportunity to display his martial achievements? Though it is a duel against a young girl, it will still serve as a chance to make his name known."
The disciple, watching Guanghanzi's expression as he packed mangwu herb into his tobacco pipe and voiced his complaints seemingly without care, carefully offered this opinion. Though Guanghanzi spoke as if displeased, the disciple well knew his unusual affection for Guo Ziqi, and thus stepped forward to take Guo Ziqi's side.
"For a senior brother to grovel so—has that child Guo Ziqi become so weak? Anyway, since he has decided to hold the duel, tell him not to go easy on her just because she is a girl, and to display his skills properly. There will be eyes watching, so taking the opportunity to show a few moves of the Demon-Subduing Sword Technique would not be bad."
"As expected, what a wise thought, Master. If the world knew that a disciple still so young was already training in the Demon-Subduing Sword Technique, the prestige of both the Kongtong Sect and Junior Brother Guo would rise greatly. If Master were to personally attend, it would shine even more brightly, but…"
"Hehe, do I look so idle? Hmm… If I happen to have time, it would not be bad to stop by briefly."
"If you would do so, it would be a tremendous honor for Junior Brother Guo. Moreover, it is necessary to let all under heaven know that the Kongtong Sect exists, and that the Kongtong Sect is led by Master."
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The quarters of the Divine Dragon Corps, where the late-blooming talents likened to dragons gathered—a place called the future of the martial world. In these lodgings, far more luxurious than those of the Phoenix Corps reserves, a man who seemed beyond mortal was picking out a silk martial uniform and a jewel-studded hero's headband for today's duel. Hurried footsteps approached from afar, and the door to the quarters opened. It was a man who clung to that extraordinary figure.
"Hahaha, Brother Guo. I have finally finished speaking with the duel referee. At first, he made excuses about following regulations, but once I slipped him fifty taels, he shot to the heavens like a jester. So long as your arms and legs aren't cut off, there is no need to worry about the duel being stopped, so feel free to cook Wang Suryeon as you please."
"Hmph, Brother Hong. Is it certain this time? You said if we submitted a written accusation, that bastard Jang Ingeom would be dragged away and interrogated immediately, yet he was released without a scratch, was he not?"
"Th-that was not my fault, but an error in the Internal Administration's documents. Who could have known that bastard Jang had a referral letter from an inn run by a distant relative of an in-law of Chief Strategist Jegal Inseon? Do not pay him too much mind and just think about showing a splendid display in today's duel. I shall prepare a separate measure for that Jang bastard."
"Very well, Brother Hong. I shall trust you once more. Since Lady Namgung Seolhyeon has also said she will attend, I shall properly display my skills today."
"Hahaha, for some reason, I feel the day I attend your wedding draws ever nearer."
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"I feel like I won't be able to fight in this outfit, it's too burdensome…"
Wang Suryeon looked over the silk martial uniform she was wearing for the first time in her life with a distressed expression, while Namgung Inhye, Ju Cheongcheong, and Jin Sohyeon, who were watching her, smiled with satisfaction.
"It's alright, Sister. It suits you so well. Sister Inhye and Sister Cheongcheong worked so hard for several days to tailor it to fit your body perfectly."
That was why. She loved the martial uniform her younger sisters had pooled their money to prepare for her. The eye for fashion of Namgung Inhye, who came from a prestigious traditional family, combined with that of Ju Cheongcheong, the daughter of a wealthy household in Hangzhou, the capital of style, could not possibly have produced something ordinary. Above all, it was precious because it contained her younger sisters' love and care. Yet because of that, wearing it out to a duel where it might be torn by swords or dirtied by rolling on the ground was all the more burdensome.
"Please wear it comfortably; it doesn't matter if the clothes are ruined. It's your first official duel, so we couldn't just sit still. We would be so happy if you wore this, Sister."
Namgung Inhye's words were filled to the brim with sincerity, so Wang Suryeon could refuse no longer. Since they had given her this gift with such joyful hearts, it was only right to wear it with gratitude.
"Alright. Then shall we go show the men of the martial world how dashing and beautiful we are, wearing clothes filled with your care?"
Seeing Wang Suryeon speak with a bright smile, the younger girls smiled as well. They knew all too well how nervous Wang Suryeon was. It was both heartbreaking and admirable that she tried to smile like this.
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Jang Ingeom, having hurriedly finished preparing dinner, headed to the Second Dueling Stage. Since Jin Sohyeon had told him the detailed location that morning, he found it without difficulty.
Perhaps because the only official duel being held today was between Wang Suryeon and Guo Ziqi, the spectators were not overflowing, but still, over two hundred people had taken places around the dueling stage. Most had come to size up the new Divine Dragon Corps member backed by the Kongtong Sect and the Guo family manor. Some came to make a good impression on Guo Ziqi; others of haughty disposition came to evaluate just how capable a secular disciple of the Kongtong Sect could be.
Around Wang Suryeon, including Namgung Inhye and the others, there were only about six or seven people. Even among her fellow Phoenix Corps reserves, there were members who had not come to cheer. They must have anticipated Wang Suryeon's crushing defeat, and while it was bitter, it was only natural that they did not want to share in the disgrace of being on the losing side.
"Chef Jang! Over here! Come this way!"
Jin Sohyeon spotted the approaching Jang Ingeom and waved her hand broadly in welcome. Wang Suryeon, who had been repeating the 108-character Heart Formula to calm her mind, also smiled upon seeing Jang Ingeom. Seeing his calm expression, some of her tension eased.
As Jang Ingeom quietly took a place behind Wang Suryeon, the referee for today's duel ascended to the stage.
"The time has come; let the duel begin. Corps member Guo Ziqi of the Divine Dragon Corps and reserve member Wang Suryeon of the Phoenix Corps, ascend to the stage."
Before ascending the dueling stage, Wang Suryeon clasped hands with Namgung Inhye and the others, then finally turned to look back at Jang Ingeom.
"In life, there are battles one must never lose. But today is not such a battle, is it? Go and return at ease. I have prepared several special dishes for dinner."
The nervous Wang Suryeon could not answer and headed to the dueling stage. She knew. Though no one had told her to come back victorious, these people were cheering for her victory more than anyone else. And even if she returned in defeat, they would welcome her with all their hearts.
At the center of the dueling stage, Guo Ziqi and Wang Suryeon stood facing each other.
With many eyes watching and ears listening, Guo Ziqi did not spout harsh words, but the gaze with which he looked at Wang Suryeon spoke of far more.
As he had hoped, Namgung Seolhyeon had come to watch, and unexpectedly, in the VIP seats sat his master Guanghanzi alongside Chief Strategist Jegal Inseon. It was the perfect opportunity to reveal himself, and for that, Wang Suryeon needed to be broken even more perfectly.
Wang Suryeon recited the heart formula and struggled to maintain her composure. From Guo Ziqi's eyes and expression boiled all manner of violent auras—ferocity, contempt, oppression, vileness, lust, cruelty. In the past, she would have already lost her spirit, but after sparring with Jang Ingeom for several days, she had gained some resistance. Realizing that her training had yielded results, courage bloomed within her to try.
"Miss Wang. How long must we wait? Surely you do not expect me, your opponent, to launch the first strike against a mere reserve member?"
Guo Ziqi was right. She had to start. Wang Suryeon's sword thrust out forcefully.
Guo Ziqi lightly parried Wang Suryeon's first move and slowly stepped forward, unleashing the Lesser Yang Sword Technique. Though Guanghanzi had permitted him to display the Demon-Subduing Sword Technique, he should save that as a final flourish. He glanced toward Namgung Seolhyeon in the spectator seats; as expected, she was glaring poisonously at Namgung Inhye. To satisfy Namgung Seolhyeon, he intended to torment Wang Suryeon slowly and for a long time. The sight of Namgung Inhye suffering as she watched Wang Suryeon driven into a corner would be the gift Guo Ziqi presented to Namgung Seolhyeon.
Having been forced to launch the first strike to begin the duel, Wang Suryeon immediately assumed a defensive posture. Guo Ziqi's Lesser Yang Sword Technique was sharp, and his footwork swift. The sword of Guo Ziqi that flew toward her arms, waist, and thighs had a clear intent. Like a wildcat toying with a mouse caught in its claws, he was trying to play with her slowly. But Wang Suryeon had no intention of indulging him. Her enhanced vision and hearing read the path of the Lesser Yang Sword. Because Wang Suryeon's sword preempted his position and cut off his flow, Guo Ziqi's blade was forced to change its stepping pattern every time.
"Not bad. Yes, this is how it should be interesting."
Guo Ziqi was truly pleased. If Wang Suryeon's skills were wretched, it would have been awkward to drag out the time, and he would not have won favorable evaluations even in victory. But if she performed at this level, there was room to lead her as he wished, and if she had a hidden move, it would be the icing on the cake. Thinking that he ought to add a few slashes to the martial uniform that suited Wang Suryeon so stylishly, he increased his speed.
The sword that had targeted her shoulders and waist now thrust at her throat and sliced toward her chest. Wang Suryeon could not help but fluster at the suddenly increased speed. She heightened her senses to the extreme, and the moment she saw an opening, she thrust her sword without hesitation, but she felt herself growing slightly slower. Yet she could still endure. The speed of Jang Ingeom, whom she had faced with a real sword these past two days, had been a little faster than this.
Anyone could see that Guo Ziqi was steadily unfolding his attacks, while Wang Suryeon had been in peril from the start but was holding on with all her might. Cheers supporting the struggling Wang Suryeon began to burst forth bit by bit—natural, in a way. Though the occasional cheering voices did not greatly empower Wang Suryeon, they clearly burdened Guo Ziqi.
As he stabbed a strike into Wang Suryeon's side, he glanced over and saw irritation written on Namgung Seolhyeon's face. Dragging out the time any further was meaningless.
He had not yet planned to unleash the Demon-Subduing Sword Technique, but the Demon-Subduing Sword was not his only means of driving Wang Suryeon into a corner. Guo Ziqi's feet moved lightly as he unleashed the Flowing Clouds and Water. With the addition of this footwork, whose advances and retreats were swift and whose direction was unpredictable, the power of the Lesser Yang Sword Technique doubled. Speed and variation that Wang Suryeon's senses could not handle surged simultaneously. In the end, her limit collapsed.
"Ah!"
Short screams burst simultaneously from the mouths of Namgung Inhye, Jin Sohyeon, and even the silent Ju Cheongcheong. Wang Suryeon had been struck on her left shoulder and was staggering. Her newly tailored martial uniform was torn sharply, and red blood soaked the fabric.
She had read the variations of the Lesser Yang Sword Technique and thrust her sword, but she could not read the reversals of the Flowing Clouds and Water.
"Hehe, surely the incomparably stubborn Wang Suryeon won't fall from just this much?"
Wang Suryeon realized she could not be Guo Ziqi's match. But surrendering to someone like Guo Ziqi had never been a consideration. The moment she collapsed on the dueling stage would be the moment the duel ended. Thinking that, as expected, she should have saved the martial uniform she received as a gift, she raised her sword again.
Seeing Namgung Seolhyeon break into a bright smile the moment she saw Wang Suryeon's blood, Guo Ziqi finally felt at ease. Finally, things were flowing according to plan. The Flowing Clouds and Water grew faster, and the Lesser Yang Sword grew more savage. Every three or four strokes, more wounds large and small were added to Wang Suryeon's body. Worried sighs burst from the spectator seats, yet for some reason, the referee did not stop the duel.
"Shouldn't you stop this?"
As Jin Sohyeon sobbed, Namgung Inhye and Ju Cheongcheong looked toward Jang Ingeom. In truth, Jang Ingeom was no different in wanting to stop it immediately. Honestly, he wanted to rush out and face Guo Ziqi in Wang Suryeon's place. But he could not. He had to give her a little more time.
Even with her enhanced vision and hearing, Wang Suryeon could no longer endure. When Guo Ziqi licked his lips like a venomous snake at the sight of her blood spreading red, when Namgung Seolhyeon burst into a radiant, peach-blossom-like smile upon seeing Namgung Inhye clench both hands tight with worry, when her senses screamed sharp warnings at the blades closing in from all directions—it was then. A voice was heard in Wang Suryeon's head.
"—Close your eyes. I shall open them."
What was this sound…? Startled by the unfamiliar sensation, what she saw before her eyes was even more confusing. Strange lines were drawn between her vision and hearing, which were twisting under the inability to keep up with Guo Ziqi's speed. Her senses tangled and knotted, and she could not even maintain her balance. Was this qi deviation? No, it was clearly a Heart Demon.
She could not even lift her sword. Forcing her body to turn to deflect Guo Ziqi's flying blade, she turned her eyes to search for Jang Ingeom. What should I do? Desperately looking at him as she took another wound on her back, Jang Ingeom's face remained calm. Suddenly, his words from a few days ago came to mind.
Trust your sixth sense.
Wang Suryeon… closed the eyes of her five senses.
Then, as if it had been waiting, the sixth sense finally opened its eyes.