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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: cyno
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The Seven Flowers Tournament —a prestigious martial arts competition where the “Seven Flowers” of the Nine Dragons and Seven Flowers, the most outstanding young talents of the Central Plains, gather to prove their skills.
Under normal circumstances, this year’s tournament wouldn’t have drawn such attention. But these were not normal times.
Three years had passed since the Jeonghyeol War, ushering in an era of peace. Yet, the martial world remained a place both weary of bloodshed and intoxicated by it.
Killing intent, excitement, fighting spirit—all remained, but with no outlet for their madness.
Thus began an era of stifling boredom.
And then came the Seven Flowers Tournament.
The heirs of the Nine Sects and Five Great Families, all gathered to compete. Moreover, each of the Seven Flowers was renowned for their beauty, making the event the martial world’s greatest spectacle.
This year, unlike any other, the entire martial world was watching.
The return of Okhwa (Jade Flower), the war hero who had secluded herself for three years, only added to the hype.
—
“Ah! Mister, you forgot your mask!”
“I left it on purpose.”
“Huh? Y-You’re not wearing it?”
“Yes. Surprised?”
“Surprised? But why? You said you wanted to hide your identity!”
Jin Gayoung’s golden eyes widened in confusion.
“I just… want to stand a little taller now.”
“Taller? Oh… You mean you don’t want to hide anymore?”
“Something like that. Revealing myself won’t endanger me.”
“Good. Do you know how frustrating it was seeing you wear that suffocating mask when you’d done nothing wrong?”
“Besides, few would recognize me now. My hair’s gone white, my voice has changed… Even if they do, who would dare confront me? Those who wronged me would be too afraid to speak up.”
Even when condemned as a villain, the martial world had never dared punish me directly.
That was why Namgung Bin had only exiled me—nothing more.
“But yesterday, you said there’s one person you can’t beat. What if they recognize you?”
“That won’t happen. They’re not from the Central Plains.”
“Someone from the Western Regions? Hmm…”
“And even if they did, they wouldn’t attack me—not for that reason. That person has no sense of justice.”
Gayoung sighed, lost in thought about this mysterious figure.
“Still… I’m a little sad.”
“About what?”
“You were my little secret. But once you take off the mask, you’ll become famous again. The title ‘White Blade Wanderer’ is already well-known—some even call you a candidate for the Thirteen Heroe.”
“If you wish, I can wear the mask again.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m just a little wistful. I’m happier knowing you’re standing tall.”
“Thank you.”
She was clearly more than just “a little” sad, but her consideration warmed my heart.
‘As expected of my descendant. I nearly panicked thinking she’d be upset.’
“Why panic?”
‘No joke. Watching you is like swallowing a Bikok Pill without water…! Ugh, never mind. At least things worked out.’
“I find Bikok Pills quite filling.”
‘…Madman. Even your tastes are insane.’
Jin Wooyong was as prickly as ever, but I knew his harshness came from care. If anything, talking to him made me feel… richer.
Aside from Gayoung, no one had treated me kindly since Namgung Bin’s betrayal.
‘By the way… Aren’t you afraid? You’re about to reveal the face you’ve hidden for so long.’
“Not at all. I’m looking forward to it. You’re in my mind—you already know.”
‘Hmph. You seem in better spirits than I expected. Any special reason?’
“Who knows? I just feel good today. Maybe I’m drunk on anticipation.”
‘Whatever. Just don’t let your guard down. Your mind could snap at any moment. One misstep, and the dreams you’ve been having could become reality.’
“…That doesn’t sound so bad. And I was never a gentle person to begin with. Just kind.”
‘Lunatic. Your sanity’s slipping.’
“Haha, just kidding. Don’t take it seriously.”
Teasing Wooyong never got old.
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