Book 5 Chapter 21
Epilogue
“How is it?”
Biryuyeon asked with a bright smile.
The person who had to answer this question was standing before him,
Na Yerim, a peerless beauty (美少姐) with a unique charm that continued to mesmerize whoever looked at her.
“……”
At first, she couldn’t readily answer Biryuyeon’s question. Honestly, she hadn’t expected him to go this far. But who could have guessed he would actually win the Samsung Mujae tournament!
“You have no answer…”
Biryuyeon said with a slightly dejected voice. But if he were to be discouraged here, he wouldn’t be Biryuyeon.
“It turned out as I said, right? I won, didn’t I?”
“Yes!”
She replied softly. As always, her voice was pleasant to hear. Even heavenly music, Cheon-eum (天音), couldn't compare to it.
“Honestly, it was unexpected. I truly didn’t expect it to turn out exactly as you said.”
“That’s an honest answer.”
Biryuyeon smiled faintly.
“……”
“Then will you apologize now?”
Biryuyeon said, like a child whining.
“For what?”
“For suspecting me of being the intruder in the Geomhucheo (Sword Matriarch’s Residence).”
He had a confident attitude, as if it were obvious. What an infuriating fellow!
Still, he had honestly only mentioned the Geomhucheo intruder, omitting the Baihuiguan (White Incense Pavilion) intrusion. In fact, it wasn’t him who had intruded into the Geomhucheo, even if he had intruded into Baihuiguan.
“I’m sorry! I was hasty, so I apologize.”
Although still suspicious, she apologized for now. Biryuyeon had perfectly (?) fulfilled the absurd promise she had made. A promise was a promise.
“Then what about an apology gift?”
Biryuyeon said, as if he had been waiting.
“Huh?”
She looked at Biryuyeon with a look that said, "What are you talking about?" But before she knew it, Biryuyeon was right in front of her nose.
‘I didn’t read it again…’
It wasn’t a hallucination. It was the same this time. Even at this close distance, with his hand holding her delicate, pearly, fairer-than-any-other wrist, despite the physical contact, she couldn’t read anything. On one hand, she felt uneasy, but on the other, she felt somewhat at ease.
Biryuyeon’s lips touched hers. Again, it was an unauthorized theft. While not as overwhelming as the first time, a jolt like a lightning strike coursed through her entire body. It was sweet. The last time, her mind had been so blank that she couldn’t fully appreciate it, but this time, her mind was relatively clear, allowing her to savor the enchanting feeling.
For some reason, she didn’t resist. After an eternity, Biryuyeon’s lips parted from Na Yerim’s. If this were known, it would be a major incident that would break the hearts of countless men once again.
“Chae-aeng!”
Without warning, Na Yerim’s sword again emitted a silver flash. But…
“I couldn’t succeed this time either.”
Was she defending herself? Her eyes twinkled strangely. This time, she couldn’t even sever a hem of his clothing.
“I succeeded!”
Biryuyeon said calmly, still with his innocent smile. A smile that many would call infuriating bloomed on his face.
“It seems the price for the apology has been paid. Then, excuse me!”
Her words still lacked any discernible emotion. In this regard, Biryuyeon was a little disappointed. He had wanted to see a more smiling face… Her face still showed no emotion. If only richer emotions were present, she would be more beautiful than anything in this world… Biryuyeon found that truly regrettable. She turned her back and walked away from him.
“See you next time!”
She stubbornly ignored Biryuyeon’s loud voice as he waved goodbye.
“I won!”
Geumyeongho said with a satisfied expression. The smile of a victor appeared on his face. Conversely, a deep shadow of defeat fell upon the face of Dogwangseo, the sword of the Broken Sword.
“Tsk, I lost.”
The opponent readily admitted defeat. Indeed, his eyes and judgment were accurate. Dogwangseo stood there, looking utterly defeated and crestfallen.
“How did you know?”
Dogwangseo asked, as if he couldn’t possibly understand.
“Know what?”
“How could you predict that brat’s victory? There was no basis for it.”
This was the part Dogwangseo couldn’t comprehend. It felt too unsettling to be a mere guess.
“Hehehe, just because you didn’t, doesn’t mean others wouldn’t, right? If you think so, you’re greatly mistaken. Gambling is always a fine line. That fine line was with me, and not with you. That’s why I won. Don’t try to find out any more. Gamblers always have a secret move they don’t reveal to others. Asking about it is a grave insult. It’s a taboo, you know.”
‘Besides, only fools ask such things,’ he added inwardly.
‘There’s a terrifying story hidden there.’
That story was a top-secret matter that absolutely had to be kept from others. A bright smile blossomed on Geumyeongho’s thick face, the victor.
“It seems my skills haven’t rusted. You’ll keep your promise, right?”
Dogwangseo’s face crumpled like a discarded tissue. A man’s word is his bond, and although he was reluctant, he had no choice. How would he face the Qinglongdan members from now on? The more he thought about it, the more desolate he felt.
“Why are you dawdling? You seem too stiff. Well, surely you haven’t forgotten the bet just because a few months have passed, have you?”
Geumyeongho said with a displeased voice. A promise is a promise! A bet is a bet! Hurry up and keep it, that was the meaning. Unbearable shame filled his chest. Dogwangseo gritted his teeth.
“I, Dogwangseo of the Qinglongdan, admit that my humble judgment is inferior to that of Young Master Geumyeongho of the Zhuque Clan, and I offer my respects!”
He shouted this and bowed his head to the floor three times, prostrating himself nine times. He wished he were dead. Conversely, Geumyeongho, receiving the bow, felt as if he were ascending to heaven in the euphoria of victory.
A hefty sum of money piled up in Geumyeongho’s hands. Besides him, only three other people had predicted Biryuyeon’s victory. Moreover, although the payout was somewhat divided, the amount bet was so much larger than the other three that the payout he received was the greatest. The money he gambled had returned manifold. He had hit the jackpot, so to speak.
In addition, he also received a splendid dinner at Nanchang First Pavilion, separate from the bet with Dogwangseo, which was obtained in addition to the Samgugubae. As the name Nanchang First Pavilion (南昌第一樓) suggested, it was an unbelievably expensive place by ordinary standards. All of that money went directly into Geumyeongho’s hands. It was pure fortune.
“Kyaa! This is why I gamble!”
The moment he received the highest payout, making his hands feel heavy, a thrilling pleasure always coursed through every part of his body. It was the best hand.
He had won. His pockets were full. He had also seen the dejected look of Dogwangseo of the Qinglongdan. Geumyeongho’s steps were light and cheerful as he returned to the room where the members were gathered. Immersed in the heartfelt happiness, Geumyeongho didn’t realize that a certain misfortune was lurking and approaching him. However, his carelessness was not to blame, as this misfortune was overwhelmingly irresistible.
“Hey! You look happy? And that thing in your hand looks quite heavy? Shall I help you carry it?”
“No, it’s fi…” *cough!* *cough!* *cough!*
As a bright and cheerful voice came from behind him, Geumyeongho, who had instinctively responded with a wide smile, immediately turned ashen, like someone who had met the Grim Reaper.
“No, what’s wrong? Anyone would think you were carrying a game opponent!”
Biryuyeon’s smiling face appeared like a demon (惡魔) to Geumyeongho’s eyes. Biryuyeon’s finger pointed to the heavy prize pouch that Geumyeongho was trying to hide behind his back.
“Because of whom?”
The bright smile on Biryuyeon’s face deepened. In situations like this, one must never have ulterior motives or scheme deviously. Geumyeongho knew well that when the usual informal address turned into a formal one, it was a kind of danger signal.
“What are you talking about?”
However, Geumyeongho bravely took a risk. He had too much to lose by giving up without even trying. The smile on Biryuyeon’s lips deepened slightly.
“Oh? You really don’t know? That’s disappointing. I guess I’ll have to go to the trouble of reminding you. Who is the reason for winning this bet? Surely you haven’t forgotten?”
Geumyeongho’s vision darkened. His heart sank. The senior disciple knew everything and had come here. Ah! He hated himself for being able to so easily predict his senior disciple’s next move.
“Forget? Of course, it’s all thanks to the wise and proud senior disciple. How could I possibly forget the senior disciple’s benevolence? I’ve never forgotten, not even in my dreams… that would be utterly absurd. Hahaha…”
Geumyeongho’s flattery had reached a divine level. Perhaps it was the price of selling his conscience, or perhaps it was due to an unknown power that erupts when life is at stake, but his tongue moved smoothly. However, his laughter lacked force.
“It’s a victory I earned by working hard with all my might, right?”
“Of course.”
Although he was inwardly seething, he couldn’t help but feel the sorrow of the weaker party.
“Then, naturally, there must be a fee for your efforts, right? If not, wouldn’t that be shameless?”
“Of course. How could there not be?”
Even though he was inwardly bleeding, he had to force a smile and say this. Why doesn’t life come with spares? He regretted it just thinking about it.
“I’ll be counting on my junior’s generosity!”
He didn’t resort to pathetic threats of what would happen if it didn’t meet expectations. He knew that well. Experience sometimes grants the ability to understand even unspoken words.
‘Kuhuhuhuhuk!’
Geumyeongho, with a heart torn to shreds, shed tears of blood and handed over more than half of the prize money to Biryuyeon. When he offered only a third, he couldn’t defy the deep smile in Biryuyeon’s eyes directed at him. Biryuyeon, the money he collected under the guise of a service fee was an enormous sum that made Geumyeongho wail and lament his inability to hide his profound sorrow.
The Eye Appraisal Meeting!
Biryuyeon would never miss such a golden opportunity to rake in money like a sweep. The reason Geumyeongho met with Yeomdo that day was because Yeomdo had gone to place bets on Biryuyeon’s behalf. Of course, it was in his own name. That’s why all the details of his meeting with Geumyeongho reached Biryuyeon’s ears.
When Yeomdo returned, he carelessly told Biryuyeon everything about his meeting with Geumyeongho. That much information was enough for Biryuyeon to understand the full situation. And then, he had remained silent until the very last moment to strike with his devilish hand. Thus, the Zhuque Clan members were forced to pay a hefty price, often referred to as being extorted.
Compared to Geumyeongho, whose every step back felt like a thousand pounds, Biryuyeon’s steps were lighter than a bird’s feather, as if he were about to fly.
One month later!
Autumn had fully ripened, and was about to fade with the falling leaves. However, there was still a place overflowing with energy, even exploding with it. It was the exclusive training ground of the Zhuque Clan, located south of the Cheonmu Academy.
“Bang!”
“Ugh!”
Nohak’s body was sent flying four to five paces and thrown to the ground. Furthermore, as if the residual force of the impact remained, Nohak rolled another two or three times, cleaning the training ground floor.
“Next!”
Yeomdo shouted loudly. A hot aura surged through his entire body. His formidable aura was almost terrifying to face.
“Yes!”
The next person to draw their sword was Hyeon-un, Yunlong of the Cloud Sword. His sword grew deeper in its skill with each passing day of rigorous training. Now, he no longer fell after just one exchange.
Yeomdo’s saber and Hyeon-un’s sword merged, creating a magnificent dance of blue sword light and red saber light. Hyeon-un was now holding his own. He no longer showed the shameful spectacle of desperately blocking.
“You’ve improved a lot! Not bad.”
Yeomdo said with a relaxed tone, praising Hyeon-un even during the fierce battle.
“Yes! Th-thank you.”
Cheong-un replied with difficulty. Concentrating on blocking Yeomdo’s saber was already taxing enough.
“But you left this open!”
Yeomdo’s saber, Hongyeom, surged into Cheong-un’s side. With a thought of ‘Oops,’ Hyeon-un twisted his sword to block his side. He wished to avoid his waist being bisected at such a young age.
“Kwang!”
He managed to block it, but his strength was insufficient. The timing was also not quite right, falling short by half a beat. The result was tragic. Hyeon-un, like a puppet with its strings cut, was also sent flying four paces, scraping the ground as he crashed. However, he showed an attempt to regain his posture, a few steps better than Nohak. It was almost useless, though…
“Next!”
Yeomdo shouted again.
“Yes! Please be gentle.”
The one who stepped forward this time was Namgung Sang, known as the Thunder Sword Dragon.
“Don’t let your guard down. Give it your all. The end of the year is not far off. The Samsung Je is already over. All that remains is a showdown with the Qinglong Clan, that Ice Sword brat. Losing is unacceptable. We must win. Understood?”
Yeomdo roared with an impassioned shout. A strong qi wave that sent shivers from his fingertips to the tips of his hair could be felt.
“Yes! Master!”
“Come on!”
Yeomdo shouted. Namgung Sang rushed at Yeomdo, scattering a white sword aura. Once again, sword dance and saber dance intertwined. They were serious now, and no one could stop them.
A month had passed since the Samsung Mujae concluded!
Yeomdo was pushing the Zhuque Clan’s training even harder, and the training was becoming more rigorous. Only Yun Junho, caught in the middle, was on the verge of death. This time, he had fainted before the training was even halfway over and lay sprawled in a corner. The fact that he had lasted this long was a great improvement for him. Even the most skilled first-year students would collapse within half a shichen (about 1 hour) if they participated in their training. Yun Junho, however, had lasted nearly a full shichen (about 2 hours) before fainting. But with his own troubles, no one had the leisure to pay attention to him. The decisive battle with the Qinglong Clan. It was really not far off now.
Hyoryong also had to fulfill his mission as a spy. First, one must know the enemy to know oneself, so knowing the enemy was as important as training. Hyoryong looked at a masked man bowing before him. There was no need to reveal his presence and pay such a respectful greeting while risking danger, but the masked man, Muheun (No Trace) Number One, was insistent. This was his claim that he could not compromise on. Since Hyoryong was in a position where he couldn’t treat Muheun Number One carelessly, unlike others, he had no choice but to accept Muheun Number One’s greetings every time.
“You still haven’t found out?”
Hyoryong asked, sounding surprised. Were there still pieces of information that the Muheungak (No Trace Pavilion) intelligence network couldn’t uncover?
“Yes! I’m sorry. No matter how much I search, it’s all a mystery.”
Number One bowed his head deeply, looking apologetic. Number One resolved inwardly to whip his subordinates when he returned. It seemed the discipline in the Pavilion had been slackening lately.
“Is it that secretive a sect?”
Hyoryong shook his head from side to side, as if he couldn’t understand. What Hyoryong had asked Number One to investigate was a comprehensive survey of Biryuyeon’s originating sect. But the answer he received was the single word, ‘Unknown.’ It was a rare occurrence. Based solely on the techniques he had observed so far, it was impossible to guess his sect. Furthermore, there wasn't much information. Biryuyeon rarely spoke about his sect affiliation. It seemed that, contrary to his plan, he would need to spend more time.
“Then, for now, please focus your efforts on investigating Samjeolgeom (Three-Section Sword) Cheongheun and Chiljeolsingam (Seven-Section Divine Sword) Moyonghwi. Especially since these two are highly likely candidates, please collect as much information as possible with caution.”
“Yes! I understand.”
“Ah! And…”
Hyoryong stopped Number One, as if he had just remembered something.
“Please command me.”
Number One replied respectfully.
“While focusing your efforts on the three people above, also gather information on a person named Jang Hong as a bonus.”
He needed to know about Jang Hong as well, just in case.
“Understood!”
“And Cheongheun and Moyonghwi! Remember that those two take precedence over any other people. The time is approaching.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
When Hyoryong signaled him to leave, Muheun Number One’s body slowly disappeared into the darkness of the night, as if melting into it. His movements were always so clean that they elicited admiration.
“Hoo!”
Hyoryong sighed and looked at the moon hanging in the night sky. As if unaware of his feelings, the moon shone brightly as ever. The night deepened.
<To be continued in Volume 6 of 『Biraedo』>