Book 18 Chapter 17

[Overwhelmed]

—Three Seconds of Red

Is it due to the virtue of yielding priority to women? Or was she much more proactive than him? Yurran was the one who attacked first. Perhaps it was due to pride that she rushed to cross swords with Namgung Sang alone, without asking for Yu Unbi's help. She was confident in her skills. She was confident that she wouldn't lose to anyone her age. The fact that she was born two or three years earlier was not proof of greater strength. She wanted to prove herself, and Namgung Sang was the best material for that. The tip of the sword, swung without hesitation, flashed with a cold gleam.

"Fast!"

Yu Unbi exclaimed in admiration at Yurran's swift single strike.

As expected of a disciple of a prestigious sect, her movements were stable and skillful. The depth of her training could be felt in the smooth, unadorned single strike. Moreover, like a fanatical sword lover who passionately adored swords, the bluish blade was sharpened as thinly as a strand of hair. However, this was merely an interpretation and evaluation tailored to Yu Unbi's own perspective. To Namgung Sang, it looked a little different. To him, the trajectory of Yurran's swift sword, which had evoked Yu Unbi's admiration, was as clear as reading the lines on his palm. He could see where the sword started, where it passed, and where it would change. Her sword, to put it kindly, was too honest, and to put it harshly, it was rigid and confined to a mold. Without even a moment to savor the astonishing change of seeing what he couldn't before, he stepped back half a step with his hands clasped behind his back.

Swoosh!

The sharp trajectory of the sword grazed him exactly one inch away from his body. It was a miss.

"Ah!"

Yurran was flustered. And she blamed herself. It was a reprimand for momentarily ignoring the simple truth that the greater the attack, the greater the flaw revealed upon failure. She naturally assumed Namgung Sang would attack towards her large, gaping flaw. It was a natural action for a martial artist. However, Namgung Sang did not. Instead, he retreated and seemed lost in deep thought. What he had done moments ago, he had not recognized due to the suddenness of the event, but now that he had a moment of leisure, he felt a sense of incongruity in his actions.

'Huh? What was that just now? And why is that kid so clumsy? A disciple of the Ami sect shouldn't be this clumsy! Was Ami's sword always this slow?'

The opponent's attack was clearly visible, as if looking at the lines on his palm. And there he was, instinctively pulling his body back just slightly from the predicted path of the attack. His body had moved before his consciousness took over. Before fully grasping the situation, he had executed the most effective evasion with the smallest movement.

'Is this One-Inch Penetration… Is this the result of hellish training?'

As the nightmarish days he never wanted to recall swept through his mind like a storm, he felt a chill run through his body.

Even then, the sun shone brightly and warmly in the clear blue sky, devoid of a single cloud.

* * *

Clunk! Clunk!

"So, you see…"

Bi Ryuyeon spoke quietly.

"Fighting should be economical."

"Economical?"

Clunk!

"Yes, economical. It's simple, isn't it? In fact, it's a very simple and obvious principle when you think about it, but everyone forgets it. In that regard, you're out."

Clunk-clunk!

"But… isn't martial arts about more than just business?"

Why talk about economics?

"What does economical mean?"

Clank-clank!

Bi Ryuyeon retorted.

"Doesn't it mean making a lot of money?"

Thwack!

"Ouch!"

A scream burst out involuntarily.

"Economical means there's no waste. In that regard, you waste too much. Not just you, but all the others too."

Clank-clank!

Bi Ryuyeon circled Namgung Sang, speaking.

"Do you know why you waste so much?"

"Why?"

"Because you don't think! Especially when you fight someone weaker than you, you fight without much thought, don't you?"

Bi Ryuyeon asked in an overbearing tone, leaning his face close.

"Well, yes."

Clang!

Namgung Sang admitted in a small voice, turning his head to avoid Bi Ryuyeon's pressure.

Bi Ryuyeon straightened up again.

"But will your skills really improve like that? You shouldn't fight without much thought when fighting someone weaker than you. Of course, the speed of improvement will be different when fighting a master. But you don't get many opportunities to fight such 'suitable' masters. In that regard, you can consider yourself lucky, Gong Sang. Because that 'Red Uncle' is quite a formidable master."

"I'm not trying to nitpick, but… I don't think it's just 'suitable'?"

Namgung Sang cautiously offered his opinion, recalling Yeomdo, who spewed flames every regular training session to turn their Suzaku squad into roasted chickens. However, that opinion was instantly dismissed by Bi Ryuyeon, who simply ignored him, turned his back, and continued to say what he had to say.

"It's natural to defeat someone weaker than you. It would be strange if you couldn't. If you lose to someone with less experience and skill than you, it's just proof that you're incredibly incompetent. You lose either way: a loss means damage, a win means nothing."

"Then what should I do?"

Namgung Sang asked, lifting his head. He could feel the skin on his neck stiffen.

"You have to create your own constraints."

Bi Ryuyeon said, turning halfway around with a smile.

"Constraints?"

It was a word with an ominous resonance.

"If you can't compete with weaker opponents, you should face the strongest opponent."

"The strongest opponent? Who is that? Where is it?"

"It's close. Right nearby. You can meet it easily anytime if you just close your eyes. Close your eyes once. Can you see it?"

"I can't see it."

"Look closely. If you look closely, you'll see someone who is awkward, indecisive, and timid. Can you see it?"

"I… I don't know who it is, but it sounds strangely familiar?"

"Of course. You've seen it all the time. Every morning, or before you sleep. In the mirror. You know that kind of attempt, right? A poem about talking to yourself in the mirror when you're lonely or sad. You've probably experienced it."

At those words, Namgung Sang shivered.

"Th-that… how…?"

"Huh? You really did that? I was just joking? Hoho~ You really did? Hmm~"

Namgung Sang desperately felt the need to change the subject.

"Ah! I remember now. Um… but as I recall, I didn't seem particularly indecisive or timid? I also looked quite handsome. And surprisingly reliable, I think."

"That's a delusion. Your memory is wrong. Tsk tsk, are you getting dementia now?"

"Ah… no. That's impossible. So, what you're saying is the strongest enemy is…"

"Yes, it's you. You yourself are the strongest enemy, the most difficult to defeat!"

Bi Ryuyeon said, poking Namgung Sang's chest.

"This guy is quite a master. That's why he wins without even fighting. Because he makes you give up before you even start. If you can't defeat this guy, you won't even get a chance to fight. So, how strong is he? Isn't that right?"

Namgung Sang had no words to refute.

"So don't give up before you even start. It's no fun. It's no fun to teach you. Constantly confirm to yourself that you can become an economical warrior."

"Then, if I just confirm that, can I definitely become an economical master?"

"Not necessarily. Then anyone could become a master, right? It's useless if actions don't follow. This world is unpredictable. All it does is dramatically increase the probability of it happening. Always remember! Always remember! And act! Constantly calculate how few movements it takes to subdue the opponent. Few movements not only reduce the consumption of stamina and internal energy with incredible efficiency, but they also have another supreme advantage."

"What is it?"

Clunk!

"Speed!"

Bi Ryuyeon replied in a short, clear voice.

"With small movements, you can evade and travel a shorter distance to bring the enemy within my range. If the speed of swinging a sword is the same, the one who travels a shorter distance wins. In the end, the one who touches the opponent's body first is the key."

Bi Ryuyeon continued to circle the immobile Namgung Sang.

"So you have to reduce waste. You have to reduce waste in your body to achieve maximum efficiency with minimum movement. Otherwise, you'll never become a true master, will you? A master is a title only those who can achieve maximum effect with minimum effort can receive. Nowadays, anyone and everyone hangs out a master's sign, but…"

No matter how many sharp words he uttered, his tongue seemed inexhaustible.

"You can never reach that realm unless you possess both the eyes to discern the opponent's moves and the physical strength to turn the judgments you've made into reality. And the person you have to overcome is that kind of person."

Clang!

"In that regard, Uncle Yeomdo wastes too much. He just tries to sweep everything away."

Clunk! Clunk!

"But there's one thing I'm curious about."

"What is it?"

"I'm incredibly curious about what this has to do with my current state?"

Namgung Sang scowled and looked at his current, unappealing appearance. It wasn't easy to examine his whole body when his limbs were restrained. His arms and legs were firmly bound to a large cross. Since iron handcuffs and shackles were used, every time Namgung Sang struggled, it made a clunking sound. He had been tied up here for nearly an hour, listening to Bi Ryuyeon's long lecture.

"It has a lot to do with it. It's the first step to becoming an economical master."

At that moment, the smile on Bi Ryuyeon's lips appeared to Namgung Sang as a devilish grin.

"You don't mean this is related to training?"

"Of course. Why else would I do this if it wasn't related to training? Do you think I made you look like this just because I was bored and wanted to torment you?"

"Yes."

It was an answer without hesitation.

"Ho ho, really? You thought that, did you? I'll keep that in mind."

Namgung Sang's face turned pale, as if all the color had drained from it.

"To first master One-Inch Penetration, it's important to cultivate your inner sight. However, back when you were on Ami Mountain, you built the basic foundation by stringing together magic beads, so think of this as advanced training. Simple, right?"

While listening to Bi Ryuyeon's explanation, Namgung Sang suddenly had a strange thought.

"Huh? Wait a minute. You weren't there during the intensive training back then, were you?"

Ah, that's right. Bi Ryuyeon had momentarily forgotten that fact.

"No, I mean, that's how the Master taught it."

"……?"

As Namgung Sang looked at him with a puzzled face, still full of questions, Bi Ryuyeon clapped his hands twice to shift the mood.

Clap-clap!

"Now, now, don't get distracted by such trivial matters. Now is the time to concentrate. Because if you don't, you might die."

As he said that, a dagger, glinting sharply in the sunlight, appeared in Bi Ryuyeon's right hand.

Grin!

Bi Ryuyeon's smiling mouth looked as terrifying as if he were biting a blade.

"Wh-what are you going to do with that?"

"Who knows?"

One should always live positively. A positive mindset always breeds immense power. However, Namgung Sang had a grim and ominous imagination.

"Big Brother, y-you're not going to throw that at me, are you? As you can see, I'm defenseless."

"No. I am."

Without a moment's hesitation, Bi Ryuyeon delivered his verdict.

"Really?"

"Of course."

Surely, any sensible person would know that one shouldn't throw that in a place with people—especially where someone is bound—as a basic rule.

Thwack!

A thunderclap echoed from below Namgung Sang's right ear. The tremor of the cross vibrated through his entire body.

'When?'

He hadn't even seen him throw it, yet the dagger was already embedded below his right ear with a loud noise. Of course, he hadn't properly seen the incoming projectile either.

Rustle!

A few strands of hair cut by the dagger fluttered in the wind.

"See? Did you see?"

"No."

"When did you throw it?"

"I only saw you holding it."

"Did your arm move at all?"

"No. I didn't even feel a muscle move, let alone my arm."

Murmurs broke out from the Suzaku squad members watching with bated breath. Jin Ling would have been the most surprised. However, since Namgung Sang had chosen to undergo training himself, she had no choice but to watch with her heart in her mouth.

"This is just a taste. You shouldn't be surprised by this. Well, since it's the first time, I'll throw it a little more gently than now."

Clunk-clunk!

"You're going to throw it again?"

Bi Ryuyeon's hand was now holding another dagger.

"Don't worry! It's only the first stage, so I won't throw it directly at your forehead suddenly. Although, personally, I'd like to skip the boring stages and do that, but it would be problematic if you died, wouldn't it? It would be troublesome to dispose of the body, you know."

His tone was such that it was impossible to distinguish between a joke and a jest. No, what was scarier was that it could turn into a jest at any moment.

"Then where?"

"Let's start with both ears, shall we? Think of it as practice training."

At that moment, Namgung Sang's ears twitched.

"I'll throw this 'cutie' either towards your right ear or your left ear. Then, you'll see it and dodge to the left if it's for your right ear, and dodge to the right if it's for your left ear. Easy, right?"

"Easy?"

Namgung Sang thought his elder brother was clearly deranged and disregardful of human life.

"But… in this state, no matter how much I move, I can only move about an inch, right? And that's just my head."

His other limbs were bound, and whoever had touched the metal, the shackles were of unnecessarily excellent quality. It was impossible to move. It was insufficient to break free from the restraint by force.

"I told you earlier. Let's live economically. Let's reduce waste. So, dodge within an inch. For now, I'll only throw one lightly, but as you get used to it, I'll increase the number."

"Lies."

Namgung Sang felt his mind go numb. His psychological state was on the verge of collapse due to the overwhelming trial.

"Concentrate. Don't lose focus. Don't be consumed by fear. No frustration is allowed under me."

"Even if you say so…"

"You're thinking negatively, 'Who wouldn't think that in this situation!'"

"Gasp!"

It was the right answer, the core, the bullseye, the hit.

"But there is. There definitely is. So you can do it too. So, do it."

The request was simple.

"That's why you hear people call you Gong Sang, you Gong Sang!"

Bi Ryuyeon admonished.

"Don't lose yourself. Unite your mind. Concentrate. The moment you lose yourself, your existence disappears. So, concentrate. Heighten all your senses. And let go of hesitation. Let go of negative thoughts. You can do it. You will definitely do it. No, I already think I've done it. Gather the fragments of your thoughts and make a single decision. And then open your true eyes that have been closed [Awaken]. And look straight ahead."

Whoosh!

Once again, a dagger flew from Bi Ryuyeon's hand.

* * *

'It's a miracle that he's still alive after being subjected to that.'

Fortunately, his ears were intact. There was no need to add a new decoration to his forehead. However, that training was just the beginning. In Bi Ryuyeon's words, it was the "toddler's walking stage." Later, he was released from the restraints of the cross, but he continued to train in a narrow space with blades embedded all around, evading attacks with minimal movement. Moving more than an inch was not allowed. No, it was impossible. If he moved more than an inch, the blades embedded in all directions would not forgive him. The purpose of that training was to evade attacks aimed at him by moving his entire body minimally. The boundary between life and death was literally separated by the width of a piece of paper. Not a single moment of carelessness was tolerated. He had to survive by evading all incoming attacks, mobilizing not only his five senses but also his sixth sense.

The test to confirm the completion of the final training was even more difficult and terrifying. In a space where he could only move an inch with his entire body, he had to evade seven consecutive dagger throws. For example, if he slightly moved his body to evade a dagger aimed at his right ear, a second dagger would arrive there with an appropriate time lag. Even if he dodged that, a third dagger would fly, aiming for his left carotid artery. Then, and then again. In this way, he had to evade seven consecutive attacks with the most effective and efficient movements.

Namgung Sang couldn't help but reflect on the tenacity of human life, still being alive after going through all those processes. The struggle for existence to continue life was truly desperate and wondrous. Compared to that hellish training, Yurran's swordsmanship was child's play.

"Hmph!"

Once again, Yurran's sword flew, aiming for Namgung Sang's vital points. It was a textbook attack befitting a disciple of a prestigious orthodox sect.

What she was currently displaying was Yeonhwa Swordsmanship, one of the Ami sect's famous sword techniques. Although less well-known than Huashan sect's Plum Blossom Swordsmanship, it was not qualitatively inferior. In fact, it was a swordsmanship that could surpass Plum Blossom Swordsmanship depending on the degree and depth of training. However, from Namgung Sang's perspective, he had already experienced this swordsmanship to the point of boredom against Jin Ling. In preparation for the duel with the Ami Goddess, he needed to engrave the flow of Ami sect's swordsmanship into his body, and there was no one more suitable for this task than Jin Ling. If Yurran's training results were superior to Jin Ling's, it might be different, but since that wasn't the case, Namgung Sang had no problem easily evading this swordsmanship.

"The transition from the second to the third move still seems a bit rough. You need to move more smoothly there to gain speed."

It's said to get better and better, and now he's even offering advice.

"Don't look down on me!"

"I'm not looking down on you; I'm giving you advice."

Namgung Sang protested indignantly. A few more attacks were repeated, but Namgung Sang still dodged skillfully. His sword had yet to be drawn from its sheath.

"Why don't you give up now?"

Namgung Sang asked.

"Ah, not yet!"

Yurran replied in a firm voice. As her mind became more urgent, her sword gradually became faster. However, her precision decreased accordingly.

"Control your mind. The tip of your sword is unsteady."

Such a sword was not at all lethal. Namgung Sang was surprised to find himself using on others what Bi Ryuyeon always lectured him on. He felt a sense of great change.

"With a sword like this, you won't be able to defeat me, nor any of the entrance examiners."

As Yurran struggled to gain the upper hand, Yu Unbi also became increasingly anxious. Although Yurran's pride might be hurt, he couldn't stand by any longer. He couldn't let slip the opportunity to gain an advantage in the entrance examination.

Yu Unbi tried to calm his anxious heart and waited for an opportunity. Then, the moment Namgung Sang's back was fully revealed to him, he drew his sword. It was a stab as fast as a shot arrow.

Yu Unbi's stab was fast and accurate, as expected of a disciple of Jeon Chang. Therefore, his sword seemed to penetrate Namgung Sang's head. However,

Swoosh!

As Yu Unbi's sword approached, Namgung Sang's body smoothly moved to the left, as if he had eyes on the back of his head.

"Whoa…!"

Yu Unbi's mouth revealed his surprised feelings. Namgung Sang had accurately evaded Yu Unbi's swift stab by a one-inch margin.

It is said that Jeon Chang's swordsmanship begins with a stab and ends with a stab. As its name suggests, which means "shooting down the sun," Saiil Swordsmanship (射日劍法) is a swordsmanship where everything is concentrated on the stab. The swords they use are thinner and sharper than those of other sects for this very reason. While they do have cuts, they are merely stepping stones to the stab. Therefore, Jeon Chang swordsmen stake their lives on the stab. However, just as a stab is fast and powerful, it is difficult to recover one's posture if it fails. A stab that anticipates a return incurs a loss in momentum. Therefore, Yu Unbi was greatly shocked when his confidently executed stab was so easily parried. Furthermore, his misfortunes did not end there. At the place where the failed stab was heading, Yurran was there. Yu Unbi was flustered, and Yurran was also flustered.

Although the stab missed, it was still powerful. Even with reduced power, its lethality had not diminished, so Yurran gave up attacking Namgung Sang and had to block Yu Unbi's sword, which was flying towards her throat.

There are two ways to block a stab: to deflect it or to parry it. Unlike a cut, if you stand still, you are easily struck by a stab. However, deflecting was too unstable in posture. In her eagerness to push Namgung Sang, her posture had become considerably distorted. Therefore, there was only one remaining method of response. Yurran quickly twisted her waist and parried Yu Unbi's stab.

Clang!

However, as it was prepared as a decisive blow, the internal energy infused into this attack was very powerful. Moreover, she had not anticipated that her own hand, which had parried the stab, would be repelled. They say Jeon Chang's stabs are reckless, but she never imagined experiencing it in such a way today. She could understand why people cursed Jeon Chang sect members, calling them 'unstoppable carts' and 'charging fools who forgot how to turn back.'

Due to a slight reduction in power and a slight change in direction, Yu Unbi's sword flew towards Yurran's shoulder. The problem here was that even Yu Unbi could not control his own stab.

In a desperate situation where he might never be able to wield a sword again, Namgung Sang's sword was drawn from its sheath. With a rapid draw befitting his nickname "Thunderbolt Sword Dragon," he parried the young man's stab, which was flying towards the girl's shoulder.

Clang!

With a clear sword ring, the stab narrowly grazed Yurran's shoulder. Both of them were in a compromised posture. Namgung Sang quickly moved behind Yu Unbi and gently pushed his back.

"Whoa…!"

"Kyaaak!"

With a surprised voice and a short scream, Yurran and Yu Unbi's bodies became entangled. They tried to regain their balance, but it was too late. Despite a few awkward hops, the two finally fell in an embrace.

Thump!

When the dust settled, Yu Unbi, in a defeated posture, felt a chill on the back of his right neck, and Yurran, who had fallen looking at the sky, felt a chill on her throat. Namgung Sang's sword tip was touching Yu Unbi's neck, and its end was aimed at Yurran's own throat. Despite their unsightly and humiliating appearance, both of them were immobilized by the intangible pressure emanating from the sword tip.

Clap-clap!

"That's enough!"

As Bi Ryuyeon's signal sounded, Namgung Sang finally sheathed his sword.

"See! Three seconds was enough!"

Bi Ryuyeon said, flicking his opponent with a reproachful tone as he stood up.

"Y-yes."

Namgung Sang replied blankly. The majestic demeanor he had shown moments ago had completely disappeared.

"But a new guest has arrived."

"Guest?"

"Should I say guests?"

Confused as to what he meant, Namgung Sang heard a woman's voice from behind him.

"Hmm, you lost beautifully!"

Namgung Sang whirled around.

There stood a woman in white, accompanied by two young siblings.

'Wh-who is it?'

Namgung Sang subconsciously held his breath. The pressure was immense. There weren't many people in the current martial arts world who exuded such a presence. It was fortunate that Namgung Sang was also surrounded by several monsters exuding similar presences, otherwise, he would have been overwhelmed. As Namgung Sang calmly met her imposing aura, a glint appeared in the eyes of the woman in white.

"Ho ho, quite an achievement at such a young age."

"You flatter me, Senior!"

Namgung Sang replied respectfully.

"Hmm, is it you who did this to my disciple?"

"Yes."

Namgung Sang readily admitted.

'Disciple?'

At the word "disciple," Yurran's eyes flashed open. Her dazed mind, which had been clouded by the shock of defeat, suddenly lit up. Yurran's face turned red as she realized her state. Yu Unbi was still on top of her.

"Ah, no, Miss Yu… this…"

Yu Unbi, meeting Yurran's eyes, tried to make an excuse, but he lacked the courage to say that his back had slipped and he couldn't move either way.

"You pervert!"

Slap!

With an enormous impact, stars flashed in Yu Unbi's eyes. With that sound, his body flew up into the air, spun once, and then went flying far away. The sound was so loud and fierce that Namgung Sang almost closed his eyes tightly.

Yurran, quickly getting up, brushed the dust off her clothes, adjusted her attire, and then knelt before the woman.

"Disciple Yurran pays her respects to her Master!"

The woman in white was none other than Jin Soryeong, the Ami Goddess and Yurran's master. She had been on her way to Joongyang Pyoguk with the two siblings when she felt a familiar martial energy and changed her course.

"Rise."

The woman, after glancing at her disciple who had rolled on the dirt floor, said with a sigh.

"Tsk tsk, didn't I tell you not to be overconfident? I knew you'd get into trouble someday."

Yurran was too ashamed to lift her face.

"I hope my disciple did not commit any offense."

Being asked this, Namgung Sang felt rather honored.

"No. The rules have changed, so we must follow them. It was a legitimate duel."

"And you lost."

At Jin Soryeong's blunt words, Yurran's face turned red again.

"There's no need to be ashamed. You've been there for four years, and if you were weaker than him, why would I have tried to put you there? And why would many prestigious sects try to put as many of their disciples as possible there? Do you see beyond the well now?"

Ami Mountain was insular, so they could only spar with fellow disciples. While there was interaction with other sects, it was not frequent due to the sect's nature. The reason for wanting to enroll him in Cheonmu Hakgwan was to give him more experience in the world and to broaden his horizons through more interaction with other sects.

"What is your name?"

"I am Namgung Sang, a fourth-year student at Cheonmu Hakgwan."

Namgung Sang said, bowing with his sword in hand.

"Ah!"

"Ah!"

Exclamations of surprise burst from Yurran and Yu Unbi simultaneously. And then they shouted together.

"Thunderbolt Sword Dragon!"

"Suzaku Squad Leader!"

It seemed the Suzaku squad had become quite famous. In fact, among those of Yurran's age, the Suzaku squad was already treated as idols. Their actions were that remarkable. However, they had been so much under Bi Ryuyeon's influence that they had barely had time to realize it. Yurran shrieked inwardly.

'No way! Is that person the famous Thunderbolt Sword Dragon, Namgung Sang? But why does he look so shabby and weak? Is the martial world's rumor of him being dignified, valiant, and extraordinary wrong? Or has he undergone some unspeakable hardship?'

Momentarily stunned by the shocking truth, Yurran failed to notice the significant change in her Master Jin Soryeong's expression.

"I see. So you are the child Ling'er was talking about."

At those words, Namgung Sang was startled.

"Senior…"

"My introduction was late. I am Jin Soryeong from Ami."

"Ah, the Ami Goddess!"

It was an unexpected encounter. He had anticipated a formal introduction through Jin Ling in a tense state, not a sudden meeting on the spot after her disciple had been rolled in the dirt. The moment he heard the name of the person who had tormented him in his dreams and indirectly in reality, Namgung Sang's heart pounded. It wasn't just her fame, though that was significant. The biggest problem was that she was Jin Ling's aunt. Suddenly, he felt like he had been placed on a judgment seat.

Just then, someone kicked his buttocks.

"What are you doing, not greeting her quickly?"

It was Bi Ryuyeon who kicked the frozen Namgung Sang's buttocks with unseen speed. Come to think of it, he had been momentarily lost in thought, unable to handle the name suddenly revealed without preparation.

"Ah! H-hello. I formally greet you. I am Namgung Sang, the third son of the Namgung family."

"I am actively hoping for a marriage with Jin Ling, Miss Jin, who is your Senior's niece, and for that, I will not flinch from any trial and am prepared to break myself into pieces."

The latter part was not said by Namgung Sang. It was Bi Ryuyeon mimicking his voice.

"Is that really true?"

Jin Soryeong asked.

"No… that…"

Namgung Sang was flustered, his true feelings exposed (?) before the most difficult person.

"Then it's not?"

Jin Soryeong asked again.

"No. How could it not be? It's true. I am prepared to overcome any trial."

"I see. You are prepared to overcome any trial, you say?"

Jin Soryeong nodded, as if impressed.

"If that's the case, I suppose I must cross swords with you."

With that, Jin Soryeong drew her sword without hesitation.

"No… I…"

Namgung Sang was flustered, not expecting her to draw her sword so abruptly, right after confirming his identity. He couldn't figure out how to deal with the changed situation, as it had deviated far from his carefully planned strategy. It seemed Jin Soryeong had come with a resolve when she left Ami Mountain.

'What should I do?'

The situation had gotten so complicated. It was all because of the elder brother's unnecessary meddling. It was undoubtedly intentional. Namgung Sang began to rack his brain inwardly.

Bi Ryuyeon had not expected Jin Soryeong to appear at this timing either. However, compared to Namgung Sang, who was hesitant and flustered by the dramatic change, Bi Ryuyeon's response was significantly different.