Book 25 Chapter 21

Manly Man versus Manly Man

—Rivals in beauty, a battle of beauty

"This is indeed Donghae, right? The place where that pretty boy of a gigolo is?"

Gongson Jiehwi asked in a petulant tone.

"It seems so."

Moyong Hwi replied quietly.

Gongson Jiehwi intensely disliked the King of Donghae because he had proposed to Yeonbi. The sight of his smarmy face made him want to punch it. That's why he supported the Donghae side. Then, Biryu Yeon told Moyong Hwi that it would be good to go to Donghae together.

"I am enough on my own."

Gongson Jiehwi declared confidently. His goal was to show that he could do anything Moyong Hwi could, so he didn't want to go with Moyong Hwi.

*Slap!*

Biryu Yeon slapped Gongson Jiehwi across the cheek without hesitation. His head snapped to the side.

"Wh-what is this?"

"Don't be ridiculous, you brat! You've still got a long way to go. What are you going to do with your pathetic skills and that obnoxious pride? If you don't want to die, stay glued to Moyong Hwi's side. Oh, and use polite language. They're all your seniors."

"Y-y-y-yyyyy!"

Enraged by the humiliation of being slapped and Biryu Yeon's words that crushed his pride, Gongson Jiehwi lunged at Biryu Yeon. At that time, he had no idea how terrifying a person Biryu Yeon was. Ignorance is indeed bravery. However, bravery doesn't always lead to good results. Because ignorance can also bring about painful consequences.

"Whoa, whoa, the young man is fearless."

Moyong Hwi and the Vermilion Bird Squad members held back Gongson Jiehwi, who was rushing forward like a puppy attacking a tiger without fear.

"Stop it. You might die."

"You're young, you should cherish your life."

"Behave yourself now when we're busy. You might get beaten into a pulp."

With everyone pinning one of his arms and legs, he couldn't move an inch. Feeling like a thousand-pound rock was pressing down on him, Gongson Jiehwi's pride was hurt again. And he was surprised.

'How strong are these people?'

Being unable to break free from their grips meant their skills were extraordinary.

"Is that young man really okay? He's still so young."

When someone explicitly asked if it wouldn't be better for him to withdraw, as his skills were so lacking, Gongson Jiehwi's pride as the successor of the Gongson family was crumpled like a piece of tissue paper. Biryu Yeon's answer was even more outrageous.

"He's quite handsome, though. Don't you think he'd appeal to women?"

What that meant was…

"W-wait a minute! Are you saying you chose him based on his looks, not his skills?"

"Yeah, of course. Well, not as good as Hui, but he's decent enough."

What does decent enough mean?

"Do you know who I am? I am Gongson—"

*Slap, slap, slap, slap!*

In an instant, Gongson Jiehwi's cheeks slapped left twice and right twice. His cheeks burned as if they were on fire. He had been slapped four times with lightning speed.

Before he could even get angry, Biryu Yeon's hand covered Gongson Jiehwi's mouth. He didn't even see when Biryu Yeon moved.

"Shut up, brat. I'm in a hurry, so I don't have time to educate you. So listen carefully. I'm not expecting anything from your skills. So use that face to charm some women. I hear there are plenty of women there. But remember this. Your background won't help you here. Only skill matters, whether it's your face or your sword. If you're still going to cling to your family name and act spoiled, get lost. I don't need you. I don't need your background right now."

In that moment, Gongson Jiehwi was shocked as if a golden killing intent had pierced his entire body, and he staggered. His cheeks, jaw, and mouth that had been hit and grabbed by Biryu Yeon were numb. Some of the Vermilion Bird Squad members looked at him with pity. Some whispered that it was fortunate he hadn't been beaten further.

Gongson Jiehwi was angry, but he couldn't resist. He didn't even feel like resisting the killing intent that had pierced him earlier. And he realized. This person held no regard for the Gongson family or his grandfather, the Sword Master. And how insignificant he was when stripped of it all. However, his pride, raised in a prestigious family, wouldn't allow him to collapse like this. If he stayed like this, when would he ever defeat the Moyong family and make the name of the Gongson family known in the martial arts world?

"To become stronger, you must learn even from your enemies!"

His grandfather, the Sword Master's words, echoed in his mind. He had no choice but to learn, even if it meant enduring humiliation. He needed to engrave their actions clearly in his eyes by staying by their side. It was life or death.

He thought he would leave out of wounded pride, but seeing him straighten his clothes, Biryu Yeon grinned.

"Aren't you leaving?"

Biryu Yeon asked, his face conveying that he could run away with his tail between his legs at any time.

"I'm not leaving. I will stay until the end!"

Without realizing it, Gongson Jiehwi was now using polite language.

"Really? You have more grit than I thought. You might become somewhat decent if you survive this."

Although it seemed like a compliment, Gongson Jiehwi couldn't feel happy at all. His thoughts were shattered by a scream that erupted from atop the castle wall.

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak!"

A woman's scream erupted from atop the castle wall. However, it wasn't the kind of scream he had heard before. The scream contained not pain or fear, but ecstasy and joy. Moyong Hwi and Gongson Jiehwi looked up at the castle wall with bewildered hearts.

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak! What should I do! Look here, look here!"

"Oh my, oh my, oh my. What do I do? Where's my comb?"

"My mirror, my mirror!"

The atmosphere was somehow very chaotic and unsettling.

"Kyaak, what do I do? He's handsome!"

"This young noble in white is definitely the man from the rumors, right? The rising star of the Moyong family, the genius young beauty, the Seven Knives Sword Moyong Hwi!"

If Biryu Yeon heard this, he might have gotten angry, saying that title belonged only to him.

"That's right, it's definitely him! I saw him come to Machon Pavilion a while ago."

"You secretly went to check, didn't you? You traitor!"

"Oh, it was just curiosity, curiosity. For me, there's only Lord Jagun."

Moyong Hwi was indeed a handsome man, as if carved from white jade. His features were delicate, and his face was slender for a martial artist. His picturesque face drew admiration from onlookers. Furthermore, what about his abilities? He was a model student and an honor student. As a promising handsome man who earned the nickname Seven Knives Sword, he was bound to be the talk of the town in a place full of women.

"On that note, who is the man next to him? Even if he looks a bit temperamental, he's quite handsome too? And he's young."

"Even if he seems prickly on the outside, he might become soft and gentle at some point. He doesn't seem that firm in his resolve."

"It's definitely the prickly one! He's always prickly, but he can't stand not being able to get Moyong Hwi off his mind."

As the women's conversation continued, Gongson Jiehwi, whose face had turned crimson, exclaimed indignantly.

"Wh-what kind of nonsensical talk is this!"

However, it had the opposite effect.

"Oh my, even his anger is cute. Did we hit a nerve?"

"Kyaak, kyaak! Strong denial means strong affirmation, they say. He's just embarrassed because his feelings were exposed."

"Then who is the 'seme' and who is the 'uke'?"

"Surely the top spot would be Moyong Hwi, right?"

"No, the tsundere younger one will suddenly switch to 'uke'!"

"……?"

"Seme? Uke?"

Moyong Hwi and Gongson Jiehwi couldn't understand at all, and if they did, they would have wanted to commit suicide. Those were the conversations happening atop the castle wall.

In such situations, 'knowledge is power' was not the case, but 'ignorance is bliss!' Today, ignorance saved the two men from suicide.

Regardless, they didn't understand the meaning. But they felt strangely ashamed and had a peculiar feeling. They clearly realized that the women were chewing them up like gossip. Something was being discussed, but they didn't dare to ask about the content. The instincts deep within their hearts showed a strong rejection. Therefore, Moyong Hwi tried to ignore the conversation and regain his focus. He felt like he might wither away standing there if he got caught up in their flow.

"Excuse me, young ladies."

Moyong Hwi spoke to the women above.

"Oh my, he's calling us. I'll answer."

"No, no, I'll go first. You stay in the corner."

"No, you two stay out of the way. I'll speak. Young Master Moyong probably wants to talk to someone pretty like me."

"Who would like a soybean paste like you? To make soy sauce?"

"Who are you calling soybean paste! And what's wrong with soy sauce!"

"Okay, okay, let's just decide with rock-paper-scissors."

After a while, the sound of rock-paper-scissors was heard several times from atop the castle wall. *Tsk*, *Kyaak*, *Euk*, *I won*, the sounds followed, and then it became quiet again. After a moment, a young woman peeked her head over the castle wall. She was a rather cute-looking young lady wearing green attire.

"Hello, Young Master Moyong. My name is Juyeong."

"Ah, it's nice to meet you, Miss Ju."

Moyong Hwi returned the greeting. Then, from above, they heard, "Don't wag your tail, you!" Juyeong, the girl, asked with a sweet, charming smile.

"What brings you here, Young Master Moyong?"

"I have some business with the commander 'Jagun' inside. May I come in?"

Moyong Hwi politely requested.

"Oh my? What should I do? It's hard to refuse a handsome man's request."

"But they told us not to let anyone in, especially men."

Another woman said, emphasizing the word "men."

"Indeed, he dislikes men."

"But, you know, it would be like a painting if that person and Young Master Moyong stood side-by-side."

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaak! Just imagining it makes me want to faint."

"I'm getting a nosebleed!"

It seemed like a nosebleed was indeed occurring, as the sound of someone frantically searching for a handkerchief was heard. The power of imagination was truly remarkable.

What was going on up there? Moyong Hwi had a feeling he shouldn't know. At least, this situation was more uncomfortable than being surrounded by swords and spears.

"……"

Moyong Hwi, who had been full of fighting spirit when he first arrived, couldn't help but be flustered. If they were refused entry, he was prepared to force his way in. But now, they were completely toys in the women's hands, and their fighting spirit was being chipped away.

If this was an intended mental attack and a planned trap, it was truly terrifying. And if this was their genuine intention… it was an even more chilling shock and horror. His fastidious nature couldn't withstand it. At this moment, the shield of 'ignorance' and the spear of 'willful avoidance' were protecting his mind and untainted soul. Gongson Jiehwi, who had a much quicker temper,

"Shut up and open the gate!"

he shouted. But the women weren't going to listen.

"Oh my, your language is rough. But your face is cute."

"That's just personality. He's cute when he's a bit prickly."

"Is that so? But he's not my type."

"Me neither."

"I might like him."

Gongson Jiehwi's presence was completely ignored again.

"Will you allow us to pass, young ladies?"

"Do you really have to come in?"

Juyeong asked on behalf of the others.

"We must go in."

If refused, he intended to break through by force. However, since they were women, it was difficult to use brute force.

"Alright."

After a long discussion with the other women, Juyeong peeked her head out again and said.

"Really, Miss Ju?"

"Yes, of course. But there's one condition."

"What is that condition?"

Then, Juyeong smiled brightly and said.

"We'll open it if you two kiss."

"Wh-wh-what did you sayyyyyyyyyyyy!"

Gongson Jiehwi, startled as if he would faint, jumped up and down. Because he was making such a fuss, Moyong Hwi missed his chance to react. The women made such an absurd proposal as if it were nothing.

"I-it's impossible. And, a man and a man… that… kiss… is strange. No, it's bizarre. It's not normal."

Moyong Hwi said with a serious expression. He was, after all, a man of good conduct. For someone with his fastidiousness, such a thing was unthinkable.

"Oh my, the abnormality is the key. We're not very interested in the normal, you see. Hohoho."

Juyeong, the young lady, was quite sharp and didn't back down at all.

"B-but… I still can't. Please ask for something else."

It would have been better to break down the gate and force their way in.

"Is it really, really, really not possible?"

"It is really, really, really not possible."

Moyong Hwi's intention was clear.

"Hmm, then how about taking off your clothes?"

"Oh, clothes, you say?"

Moyong Hwi's embarrassed face turned red.

"Yes, that's right. Then we'll let you in."

How could these women make such shameful and disgraceful demands so casually? Moyong Hwi couldn't regain his senses from the continuous mental assaults. But he knew that if he got caught up in this, it would be over.

"How can I do such a shameful thing? I refuse."

Moyong Hwi managed to refuse, collecting his confused mind.

"Hmm… no?"

"No."

"Oh my, then just your top half is fine."

The women chorused, their eyes shining like wolves spotting prey.

"Just the upper body, you say?"

"Yes, just the upper body. We can be satisfied with the neckline and collarbone for now. How about it? It doesn't seem like a difficult request, does it? Men often take off their tops when they train, right?"

Juyeong, who had become the representative of the women, said in a very casual tone.

"That's true, but…"

He did think that if it was just that, it might be possible. Besides, hadn't they given him a pardon? Many people other than him took off their shirts to train. However, Moyong Hwi had never done so before. He wasn't someone who sweat as much as others during training, and he had reached a level where he could regulate his metabolism to some extent with his internal energy. While physical training was important, there came a point where spiritual and energy training became more important. Moyong Hwi had already reached that stage. Therefore, he had no need to take off his upper garment when training alone.

Sensing Moyong Hwi's hesitation, Juyeong signaled to the women positioned behind her. The women sent back a signal of understanding and simultaneously raised their hands.

"Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off!"

The women shouted in unison, raising their hands. Moyong Hwi's face became increasingly troubled.

"Come on, if you're a real man, make a decision! Will you take off your top, or will you fight!"

It was a truly bizarre choice.

"Do you want to get into a scuffle with us women?"

Actually, that was something Moyong Hwi greatly disliked. But if asked which one he hated more, he couldn't easily answer.

"Hmm…"

A groan of anguish escaped Moyong Hwi. And he finally made his choice.

"Alright. I will do it!"

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaak!"

A scream of pure joy erupted from atop the castle wall.

"Girls, hit it!"

"Oh my, oh my, oh my!"

As those shouts were heard from above, there was a sudden rumble, and more than a dozen women suddenly appeared on the castle wall. Moyong Hwi was flustered, as he thought there were only about five or six. They had all been secretly holding their breath behind the castle wall. The reason was simple: it was easier to make a decision when you thought fewer people were watching. Only then did Moyong Hwi realize he had fallen completely into a trap. More than a dozen women looked down at him with sparkling eyes. His skin prickled.

"Are you really going to do it?"

Gongson Jiehwi asked with a displeased expression.

"…What else can I do?"

A promise is a promise. He wasn't the kind of clever man to go back on his word.

"You're crazy!"

Gongson Jiehwi shouted.

"Perhaps…"

He might indeed not be in his right mind. It was too harsh to maintain sanity right now. His delicate mind wasn't strong enough to remain intact in such a harsh environment. From above, gazes full of anticipation rained down like arrows.

Finally, Moyong Hwi's hand reached for his robe.

"Gulp!"

The sound of women swallowing echoed like thunder.

*Rustle!*

*Thud!*

One woman collapsed, unable to contain her tension and excitement. However, none of the women paid attention to their fallen comrade. Leaving their fallen comrade behind, the women watched with burning eyes as Moyong Hwi undressed. This was a sight that wasn't easy to come by.

And as his upper garment slid down his pale shoulders, his elegantly curved collarbone was revealed. His skin was as white as porcelain.

"Gulp!"

The women watching from atop the castle wall swallowed dryly once again. Their eyes began to redden. Their eyes were bloodshot because they had heightened their vision by focusing their gaze. No one spoke. If you asked them what was most important in the world right now, they would readily say watching Moyong Hwi.

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak!"

*Pfft! Pfft!*

"Aaaaaaaah!"

*Thud!*

"I'm falling…"

A very peculiar sound echoed from atop the castle wall.

The women screamed and fainted one after another.

One woman who barely managed to stand up held her nose with her left hand. Red blood dripped from between her fingers. With her still trembling right hand outstretched, she gave a thumbs up.

"Magnificent!"

*Screech!*

Finally, the firmly closed castle gate opened.

However, Moyong Hwi didn't feel happy at all. He felt mentally violated.

Gongson Jiehwi patted him on the back without realizing it.

"Let's go."

"Uh… yeah, let's."

Leaving behind his unsettling feelings, Moyong Hwi entered the castle gate, cooling his flushed face. As he did, he thought.

'Women are sometimes truly terrifying…'

It felt like the women who were supposed to be protected had transformed into something else entirely. Especially when women united as a group, they were like terrifying monstrous beings from another world.

"I…"

Then, the King of Donghae, Jagun, interrupted him.

"I don't need an introduction about you. The whispers about you have reached my ears, as the women in the inner quarters are buzzing. To my shame, rumors about you are circulating even among my personal guards. So, I couldn't help but pay attention. Who could possibly threaten beauty!"

"Beauty?"

"Ah, call me 'Beauty' when you speak to me! My beauty, 'my beauty,' shortened to Beauty. I am the only one in the martial arts world who can be called beauty without the modifier 'my,' because beauty is justice, therefore I am justice itself! Because I am beautiful!"

"Crazy bastard."

Gongson Jiehwi muttered, dumbfounded.

Moyong Hwi felt a great sense of unease. This person is dangerous. It's best not to get involved. But it wasn't as easy as he thought. He had something to confirm here.

"I don't wish to. I politely decline."

Moyong Hwi replied politely.

"You refuse? Why? Can you not acknowledge my beauty?"

Jagun countered as if asking why he would refuse a universal truth.

"Well, that's… how should I put it, I just can't."

Moyong Hwi refused once again. His head had been throbbing since a while ago. Couldn't they just draw their swords and compete in martial arts?

"Hmm, so that's your intention!"

Jagun, who had been lost in thought for a moment, suddenly exclaimed.

"What intention?"

"You intend to compete with me in beauty. Hmm, yes, that's it. You mean you want me to defeat your beauty with my beauty? Hmm, hmm. I understand, I understand!"

He nodded vigorously as if he had completely understood.

'What on earth does he understand?'

To Moyong Hwi, it only added to the confusion.

"I admit that your beauty is enough to be my rival! I acknowledge you, as my 'rival in beauty'!"

Jagun said in a voice intoxicated with himself.

"I don't particularly need to be acknowledged…"

He didn't want to be acknowledged as a rival for something like that. It wasn't martial arts, and he had no intention of fighting based on being moderately handsome. That was not the path he pursued.

"Martial arts aren't fought with faces, are they?"

"No, it's the face! Martial arts are beauty itself!"

The King of Donghae said without a hint of hesitation.

"It might not be very useful in this martial arts world that blindly values strength. A world filled with aesthetic ignoramuses who are moved by clumsy sculptures of bulging muscles! People who don't even know beauty! But in the battle of life, this 'beauty' is very, very, very important! To win the battle of life, you need to be beautiful! As one of the beautiful people, you need to understand that fact! Because you and I can be called 'apostles of beauty'!"

'Apostles of beauty, what is this person talking about?'

Moyong Hwi, who felt like he understood but didn't want to know at all.

He couldn't follow the conversation. So he felt. No, he was certain.

'I shouldn't talk to that person for too long…'

He felt like he would become strange himself if he did.

Their ways of thinking were too different. And that gap was like a vast cliff that couldn't be bridged by effort.

"Now, shall we have a battle of beauty!"

He said again, striking an exaggerated pose.

"Please spare me. I wish to decline."

Moyong Hwi pleaded. But his words had no effect.

"No, there's no need to decline. Beauty is justice! We must determine whose justice is right here!"

Moyong Hwi had often heard that strength was justice in the martial arts world, but this was the first time he had heard that beauty was justice.

He deeply regretted coming to Donghae for no reason.