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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: cyno
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A young woman with flowing brown hair was crouched on the ground, slowly moving her fingers.
Her name was Namgung Soso.
Her profession was that of a martial artist, and she was one of the Seven Flowers of the Martial World, known as Bi Hwa.
For some reason, her current state didn’t seem befitting of one of the “Seven Flowers.”
*Swish—*
The small wooden stick Namgung Soso was holding between her fingers swept across the dirt.
It was a short twig, about three inches long.
*Swish, scratch—*
After a few moments of absentmindedly scratching the dirt, her expression, which had been blank, rippled like a pond disturbed by a pebble.
“……!”
What she had unconsciously drawn was the mask that Byeokrak always wore.
Not only that, but the sharp ears protruding from the mask and the short, angular hair were also perfectly replicated.
“W-what is this……!”
Namgung Soso hurriedly shook the stick, scattering the drawing of Byeokrak.
After a moment of panic, she seemed to blank out, her mind going completely empty.
*Swish, scratch—*
Soon, she began drawing a new picture over the erased marks.
Her face showed no awareness of what she was doing.
*Scratch, scratch—*
As she absentmindedly drew a new picture, Namgung Soso frowned deeply upon seeing her creation.
Delicate wrinkles formed on her forehead, strangely complementing her expression.
“Ugh……!”
Her lips parted, and irritation seeped out.
What she had drawn over Byeokrak was Namgung Cheolbin.
Though the title of Sword Saint had long been tarnished, those four characters still dug into her heart.
“Just… go away……!”
Still crouched, Namgung Soso raised her fist to strike the drawing of Namgung Cheolbin.
*Whoosh—!*
But her fist stopped just short of his nose, and she trembled before finally giving up and collapsing onto the dirt.
Her face landed on the drawing of Namgung Cheolbin.
*Crunch, crunch…!*
As she moved her head back and forth, a new image formed over the drawing of Namgung Cheolbin.
Namgung Soso thought she was defacing his image and happily pressed her head harder.
In reality, she was unconsciously creating a scene where she was kissing him, though she didn’t realize it.
—
The seventh day dawned.
“Are you nervous?”
“…No, I trust the training I did with you, so I’m not nervous.”
“You’re trembling.”
“Ugh……”
Though Jin Gayoung usually appeared mature, she couldn’t help but feel nervous at this moment.
It was understandable.
Among the younger generation of martial artists, the “Nine Dragons and Seven Flowers” were essentially the “reserve Twelve Saints.”
While others struggled to reach the first or second-rate levels, these individuals had already stepped into the peak realm.
By the time they reached their forties or fifties, they would be wandering the realm of the supreme peak.
Among them, one exceptionally outstanding individual might even join the ranks of the Five Supreme Masters in the future.
“Have you ever experienced something like this, sir?”
“Are you asking if I’ve experienced a martial duel for the position of the Seven Flowers?”
“Yes, you’re incredibly strong.”
“I haven’t.”
When my peers were part of the Seven Flowers, I was already known as the Divine Sword.
Namgung Bin and Namgung Soso were the Sword Dragon and Bi Hwa, respectively.
“Hmm… why haven’t you experienced something like this?”
“I wasn’t talented enough. You’re exceptional, so you get to experience this.”
“…Don’t say that. What about you isn’t talented?”
“Let’s focus on preparing. It’s almost time.”
“By the way, I saw Bi Hwa earlier, and she didn’t look well. She looked like she’d collapse if you tapped her.”
“Don’t let your guard down. The fact that she accepted the duel means she has something up her sleeve.”
“Hmm, you’re probably right. She wouldn’t have agreed for no reason.”
“Bi Hwa was around fifteen when the Great War broke out. She fought from beginning to end, playing a pivotal role. She’s not an opponent to be taken lightly.”
“I know. I’ve heard the story of how she infiltrated the Blood Cult’s stronghold alone and brought out the Sword Saint countless times.”
“…….”
I’m not sure if it’s unnecessary worry.
But Jin Gayoung seems to be overly concerned about Bi Hwa.
My warning not to let her guard down has backfired.
*Rustle—*
“What’s that?”
“Chicken legs.”
I had prepared them earlier to give to her after the duel if she was tired.
The sweet, savory aroma of the well-seasoned chicken legs was mouthwatering.
“You want me to eat this?”
“People tend to feel better after eating.”
“Heh… did you prepare this for me?”
“I won’t answer.”
“Anyway, since you gave it to me, I’ll eat it.”
*Munch.*
Indeed, as she chewed the chicken, her trembling noticeably subsided.
Her face also regained some color.
“Sword Flower, please come to the dueling arena!”
A voice called for Jin Gayoung from outside the tent.
I patted her back and offered words of encouragement.
“Don’t feel too pressured. From the perspective of a ‘master,’ this duel is your victory.”
Jin Gayoung responded brightly.
“Thank you!”
Soon, the催促ing voice came from outside.
“Sword Flower, please come out! The duel is about to begin!”
“Coming~!”
Just before stepping out, Jin Gayoung turned and waved at me.
I waved back to see her off.
After she left, I was left alone.
Thinking about it, there was nothing to do.
“Excuse me, may I ask something?”
So, I stopped one of the Hangsan Sword Sect disciples.
“I’d like to watch the duel between the Sword Flower and Bi Hwa. Where should I go?”
Perhaps because I was wearing the Taiyuan Jin family’s outer robe, he answered cautiously.
“You don’t seem familiar with our sect’s dueling methods.”
“Is there something unique about it?”
“All duels in the Hangsan Sword Sect are held in a sealed chamber. The doors are closed, and no one else is allowed in. This allows the duelists to focus entirely on the match without external interference.”
A sealed chamber duel?
I’ve never heard of that.
“But isn’t Bi Hwa known for her speed and lightness skills? Can she fully utilize them in a sealed chamber?”
“Don’t worry about that. The chamber is as large as a training ground.”
“Is that so? Then could you tell me where the entrance is?”
“Are you planning to stand there and wait? When the door opens, Bi Hwa will come out. Won’t that be awkward?”
“That’s none of your concern.”
“Well… if you insist, I’ll tell you. Walk straight down this corridor, and you’ll come to a fork. Take the right path, and you’ll see a large door about ten feet tall. That’s the entrance to the dueling arena.”
Since he didn’t seem particularly fond of me, I quickly bowed and left, following his directions.
After walking for about half an hour, I found the massive door as described.
I quietly spread my senses and felt the auras of Namgung Soso and Jin Gayoung inside.
As they said, there was no external interference.
‘But isn’t there supposed to be a referee?’
For a moment, I wondered, but then shook my head.
They’re not children; they’re peak-level martial artists. They’ll handle it themselves.
*Thud—*
I leaned against the door and sat down.
I’ll wait here until either Jin Gayoung or Namgung Soso comes out.
—
It’s strange.
It feels like I’m facing a ghost.
It’s hard to believe this is the same Bi Hwa I saw a few days ago.
“A junior of the martial world greets her senior. I am Jin Gayoung, the Sword Flower.”
“…Namgung Soso.”
“…….”
Even after I bowed and greeted her, she showed no reaction.
She simply gave a short reply with a blank expression.
It was clear she wasn’t looking at me.
Namgung Soso was staring at something behind me.
I don’t know what it is.
“Shall we begin?”
“Yes.”
I want to ask if she’s even in the mood for a duel.
But my instincts tell me.
This is an opportunity.
‘Don’t get distracted.’
This isn’t a friendly spar to exchange martial insights.
It’s a duel for the honor of the Seven Flowers.
*Bang!*
I kicked off the ground and charged at Bi Hwa.
Her entire body was full of openings, not even holding her sword properly.
*Whoosh—*
Since I took the initiative, I won’t give her the chance to attack.
With that mindset, I swung my sword horizontally.
How will Bi Hwa block this?
*Crash—!*
*Clang—!*
“Huh?”
“…This is unexpected.”
Bi Hwa’s sword clashed with mine and flew away, embedding itself in the wall.
Stunned by the absurd sight, I couldn’t even speak as Bi Hwa slowly walked over to her sword, grabbed the hilt with both hands, and pulled it out.
Surprisingly, she struggled to pull the sword from the stone wall, groaning with effort.
“…I guess… I can’t do it like this……”
Muttering something incomprehensible, Bi Hwa took her stance again.
But her exposed ankles were trembling.
Is this really a duel?
“Um… are you sure you’re okay to continue?”
“Come at me.”
“Damn it, if you get hurt, it’s not my fault!”
*Bang—!*
I used a technique that Byeokrak had taught me, one that was difficult to counter with the Bokryong Sword Style.
Unlike the Bokryong Sword Style, which focuses on precision, this technique maximizes speed, slashing in all directions.
Bi Hwa’s sword shook weakly each time it clashed with mine, and eventually, it flew away…
‘Flew away…?’
*Crash—!*
“Ugh!”
Wait a minute.
Isn’t this dangerous?
“Ugh… I’m still not enough……”
Do people really get sent flying like that from a sword clash?
She’s no different from an ordinary person.
Wait, more importantly, Bi Hwa’s sword hasn’t been infused with any internal energy… is she holding back?
“Ugh! Cough, cough…!”
No, she wouldn’t hold back to the point of vomiting blood from internal injuries.
“Are… are you sure you’re okay? Do you want to forfeit now?”
Bi Hwa’s current state seems less like she’s choosing not to use internal energy and more like she can’t…
“If this continues… I won’t be able to bring him back……”
Even in this state, Bi Hwa muttered to herself.
She’s clearly not in her right mind.
“My dantian won’t move… I have no choice……”
…What?
Her dantian won’t move?
“W-what did you just say……!”
“Anyway, I’ve never cared about things like lifespan.”
“……!”
Lifespan?
Did I hear that wrong?
“Without my brother, what’s the point of living like this……”
Brother?
Her brother is… the former Sword Dragon, Namgung Bin…
“Living as I please… and then dying……”
“……?”
“That person… I need to see his face before I can close my eyes in peace……!”
*Crash—!*
Bi Hwa muttered as if steeling herself.
Then, an overwhelming aura burst forth.
“Hey, little girl.”
Bi Hwa spoke to me.
This was different.
Putting aside the change in her tone, a cold, blade-like sensation wrapped around my neck.
My free hand instinctively moved to my neck.
“Give up now.”
“Th-that’s ridiculous… ugh!”
How can you tell me to give up now? Don’t talk nonsense.
*Rumble…!*
Perhaps because of Bi Hwa’s hair, which was standing on end from the overwhelming energy, the pressure was immense.
‘Where… is this explosive energy coming from……!’
*Crackle!*
“Tsk, I thought I’d gotten rid of all my Heavenly Thunder Energy. I guess I’m still a Namgung at heart.”
Lightning began to crackle around her sword.
In no time, a band of dazzling lightning formed around her.
*Crash—!!*
The bizarre energy emanating from Bi Hwa’s slender figure made my entire body tingle.
“H-how… is she at the same level as me……?”
She seemed capable of crushing even peak-level martial artists, and perhaps even rivaling supreme peak-level experts.
“Hey, little girl.”
This isn’t dantian energy.
It’s more fundamental, more pure…
…Could it be?
“Now, it’s my turn.”
*Whoosh—!*
My vision began to blur with red.
*Crash, crash, crash—!*
Even as I desperately swung my sword to block.
“Indeed, that Byeokrak guy taught you well. If I had fought normally, I would’ve lost.”
*Slash.*
“Ugh!?”
Bi Hwa moved so fast I could barely see her, relentlessly attacking me.
My vision kept flashing, and every time I swung my sword, it only cut through empty air.
Even now, I feel a sharp pain in the back of my calf.
‘Is this… a peak-level martial artist?’
Using the advantages of lightning energy to create illusions, moving as one with her sword as if she’s achieved the unity of sword and body—is this really a peak-level martial artist?
*Swish, swish—!*
Bi Hwa charged at me again, becoming one with her sword.
‘Gasp!’
This time, I focused my internal energy into my eyes and barely managed to track her movements.
But seeing her is one thing; blocking her is another.
‘Damn it, it’s all or nothing.’
Instead of trying to block, I thrust my sword upward, preparing a counterattack.
If Bi Hwa attacks me now, she might be able to cut me, but her throat will be pierced.
‘A pierced stomach won’t kill me.’
With that thought, I prepared for a mutual strike, expecting Bi Hwa to back off.
“Gasp!”
*Whoosh—!*
Instead of withdrawing her sword, Bi Hwa twisted her body and closed the distance faster than I could react.
*Thud—!*
“Ugh……!”
Before I knew it, her fist had struck my lower abdomen.
*Dizzy.*
Instantly, my vision blurred, and I staggered, losing my balance before one knee hit the ground.
*Thud.*
Bi Hwa caught me by the shoulder, keeping me from falling.
“Is it over now? It seems you can’t continue.”
“Th-that’s……!”
“Don’t be greedy. Check what’s flowing from your mouth.”
*Gulp—.*
“Cough! Ugh…!”
“I’ve inflicted some serious internal injuries. You might be able to get up later, but it’s better to give up now.”
Looking down, I saw Bi Hwa’s uniform soaked in red.
It was blood from my mouth.
“If you keep going, your life will be in danger. The title of Seven Flowers is yours now, so it’s better to give up… ugh, damn it. I used too much back then.”
*Drip—.*
“B-Bi Hwa? What’s wrong with you……?”
Bright red blood streamed from Bi Hwa’s nose.
This wasn’t from internal injuries.
It was something more fundamental, more essential… Could she really be using that power?
“Y-you! Are you insane!?”
“Just answer. Are you giving up or not?”
“No matter how important the duel is, using your innate energy like this! Are you trying to die!?”
“What does it matter to you what energy I use?”
To use one’s lifespan for something as trivial as the Seven Flowers?
No matter how out of her mind she is, this isn’t a rational action.
Wait, what did Bi Hwa just say?
“What do you mean the title of Seven Flowers is mine now?”
“Goodness, you’re full of questions. The title was yours whether you won or lost. Didn’t you know?”
“I… I hadn’t heard that… W-wait! Then why are you going this far to win? What do you gain from this?”
The person who arranged the duel between Bi Hwa and me was Byeokrak.
Did Byeokrak hide something from me?
The title was mine whether I won or lost? What kind of…
“For you, it might not mean much, but for me, it’s far more important than the Seven Flowers. At least for now.”
“Wh-what is it…? What could be worth risking your life for……?”
“Judging by your reaction, you really didn’t know. Your servant, Byeokrak—if I win, he becomes my subordinate.”
“…What?”
“You get the Seven Flowers, and I get a clue to unravel this strange phenomenon. It’s a win-win. So just give up alr… huh?”
Byeokrak… is leaving?
Just when I finally met him, when I can finally serve him.
And he’s leaving like this?
Giving me the Seven Flowers?
“…No.”
“It seems he’s very important to you too.”
“Nooooo!!!!!”
I felt a hot energy surging from deep within, deeper than my dantian.
Not internal energy, but something more primal, more pure.
“What’s so special about that servant that you’d go this far? Are you under some spell too? Or do you have a mental illness?”
My drooping eyelids snapped open, and my blurred vision cleared instantly.
The innate energy that had replaced my internal energy surged wildly through my meridians.
The explosive energy I felt from Bi Hwa earlier began to spread through my limbs.
“I’ll never… never let you take him……!!!”
“I noticed you blushing during training, but I didn’t think it was to the point of risking your life.”
It’s been ten years.
After more than half my life, I finally met someone.
Before meeting him, I held him in awe and respect.
But after meeting him, seeing him regain his original beauty day by day as he recovered.
I had unknowingly fallen in love.
A person so upright and pure that I would never regret loving him.
And on top of that, he’s so handsome that just looking at him brings joy.
And now, after finally meeting such a man.
You want me to let him go?
“…I understand what you said earlier.”
“My mind’s all over the place. What did I say?”
“You said, ‘What’
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