Chapter 242

Chapter 242
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**Chapter 242: Provocations and Matches**

Having received word through Chudal, Baek Yang-hwi made straight for Nanghon without delay.

“What brings you here to find me?”

“Hmm? It wasn’t you I sent for, young master Baek—I sought the young lady of the Zhuge family.”

He let out a scoff thick with disdain.

“In that case, you ought to have sought out someone from the Zhuge clan rather than going through Chudal.”

“How could a simple wanderer such as myself ever gain audience with the direct heir of such an esteemed household? It seemed to me the surest path lay through you, young master Baek.”

“Then why seek an audience with someone you believed you could never meet?”

Nanghon’s lips curved into a faint smile.

“Because I wish to make her acquaintance, naturally—just as every other man in the Moon Admirers Group does.”

So he claims he is drawn to her as all others are, captivated solely by her beauty? A convenient pretense. Yet given Zhuge Seol-ha’s renowned allure, it was likely not entirely false.

“The World’s Greatest Beauty, the Closed Moon Jade Bow Zhuge Seol-ha… is it not truly a wonder? How can someone so breathtaking walk this earth?”

It was indeed extraordinary. Seol-ha’s loveliness went far beyond mere symmetry of features; it radiated from something deeper. The Peach Blossom Body carried an inherent magnetism that ensnared the heart itself, not merely the eye. And she had cast off the curse bound to her constitution, blooming entirely of her own accord. If grace and charm could take human form, surely they would look just like her.

“She is truly magnificent. Truly…” His gaze drifted off, distant.

What ails this man, suddenly carrying on as if utterly smitten? His every word and manner set my teeth on edge—and yet there was something strange about it too. *Why does he suddenly stir such sharp dislike in me?*

Was it that his bearing felt somehow suspect? No; there was no cause for suspicion. My senses were unmatched in all the realm, and they told me nothing was amiss with Nanghon. Not intuition, exactly… that did not sit right either. My instincts were sharp and reliable, yet there was no prickle of warning, no cold dread. Simply… aversion. Not a primal recoil, but a genuine, unaccountable urge to keep him at a distance. And this feeling was new—it had arisen all at once, without warning.

“If your regard runs so deep, why not join the Moon Admirers Group yourself?”

The Moon Admirers Group was a fellowship of rising generation warriors united in their admiration for Zhuge Seol-ha. Daring not to hope for her affection, most joined simply to behold her from afar, or to win even the slightest recognition.

“I have never felt the need. I prefer to admire from a quiet remove.”

“A man of your stature, Nanghon, might well catch her eye—and aspire to stand beside her, just as I do.”

I had been the supreme Dragon in my former life; my abilities were beyond question. The elders of the Zhuge clan might well consider me worthy as a husband for their heir—were it not for the marriage proposal from the Namgung clan, and my own place at her side.

“I harbor no intention of becoming her chosen, not at present. I merely wish to speak with her, awestruck as I am by her beauty.” Nanghon held my gaze steadily. “Besides… she already has you, young master Baek.”

“And yet you speak of seeking familiarity with another man’s intended?”

“Ah—one of the reasons I wished to speak is you, young master Baek.”

What game is he playing now?

“To win the heart of the World’s Greatest Beauty, a man must possess the world’s greatest allure. That is what I believe.”

“What exactly are you driving at?”

“In the coming round of thirty-two… choose me as your opponent.”

The conversation had veered sharply toward a duel. Did he hope to defeat the chosen of the World’s Greatest Beauty and so claim some hollow triumph? That must be it.

“I am afraid I cannot. I have already settled on my opponent.”

The next match was only days away, and nearly five contenders had already put their names forward. *All thanks to Jin Yeong-jin.* I had offered Jin Yeong-jin an honorable way to withdraw from the tournament, and in doing so, I had made myself the favored choice of those who sought a dignified defeat rather than an outright loss against a stronger foe. My selection was already made. To choose an easy opponent twice in succession would give rise to whispers that I shied from true combat; this time, I must face someone of renown.

“Are you avoiding me? That seems unlike you, young master Baek.”

Petty provocation.

“Are we so well acquainted that you can claim to know what is ‘like me’?”

“I believe we are. Borrowing your own words: true martial artists may read one another’s hearts in the space of a single exchange.”

“We have never traded even a single blow.”

“If an exchange of blows is not possible… surely a single glance is enough?”

There was truth to that; one could indeed gain some measure of a person from observation alone.

“Choose me—or I shall make it known that you refused my challenge out of avoidance.”

“Go ahead. Spread whatever tales you wish.” Such claims would never gain credence; all knew I would seek an opponent far more formidable than Nanghon, who had so carefully concealed his true skill.

“If you were so eager to fight, you ought to have distinguished yourself openly in your earlier bouts—proven yourself a worthy adversary.”

“The spectacle unfolding before us was simply too delightful; I was content to watch from the sidelines.”

And yet this very man had claimed the championship in my past life?

“It has grown altogether too delightful, and watching no longer satisfies me. Still… I see you will not be moved.” Nanghon rose to his feet. “I shall return when you declare your opponent. You must choose me then.”

One question lingered. “Why are you so determined to cross blades with me? If you seek glory, there are many others you might face.”

Nanghon offered only a quiet smile. “Young master Baek… you are the most interesting of all. I believe you will make things truly entertaining.”

—

Two days later, I understood precisely why Nanghon had spoken those words.

“What? Your opponent is to be Nanghon?”

“It is. He issued the challenge himself.”

“Why did you accept? You ought to have consulted me first!”

“Have I erred, brother?” Baek Heon-so appeared troubled, yet his resolve held. “You yourself once said Nanghon might be invited to join our main family—that he possessed extraordinary talent and skill.”

He was not wrong; I had never spoken of the vague unease that had begun to gnaw at me.

“Nanghon came to me and spoke of his admiration for our family—and for you, brother. When he learned you had already made arrangements, he asked to test his skill against mine instead.” Baek Heon-so bore great pride as the second son of the house, as my younger brother; it was likely the thought of declining such a request never crossed his mind.

*What is it you plot, Nanghon?*

“It is too late to withdraw—the registration has already been submitted. Is there truly cause for concern?”

“Concern? I cannot say. All I will tell you is this: train well, and ensure you are victorious.”

“I shall not fail!”

*Very well then. It is time I confirmed my own match.* Nanghon’s scheming was his own concern; my plans remained unchanged.

“I am stepping out for a time.”

“Until your return!”

I set out toward the residence of my intended opponent, then paused. *If I arrive unannounced, will he even grant me audience? I must make proper preparation.* Standing where I was, I snapped my fingers—not a simple sound, but the opening notes of a melody. A gentle breeze stirred, and there she stood: Zhuge Seol-ha, graceful as a willow in the wind.

“You summoned?”

Since the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly began, circumstances had drawn us ever closer; our bond was such that this melody had become our signal.

“You are growing adept at it—your One Step to a Thousand Miles is flawless.”

“And who taught whom, exactly?”

“Fair point.” I smiled, then added: “Nanghon came seeking you. He spoke of his admiration and hoped to speak with you.”

“Everyone comes sniffing around now that my engagement is known. It seems every stray dog has grown bold.”

“Easy now.”

“Jealous? Then make your name so great none would dare draw near.”

I offered a slight shake of my head, chastened. “Speaking of which… come with me to call upon the Namgung clan.”

“To issue your challenge? You would never be admitted alone, brother.” Zhuge Seol-ha’s face brightened. “But it does sound fun. Let us go.”

She chattered gaily all the way there, like a lark in song. It struck me as a joyous contrast—growing up, the very nature of her Peach Blossom Qi had kept her quiet, almost silent. Now she delighted in the smallest bits of news and gossip.

“And the Moyong girl told me… and tomorrow I plan to…”

“Hold—we have arrived. We may speak freely later.”

“Oh… very well.” Her demeanor shifted instantly, composed and dignified; I wondered briefly if I had offended her, until I saw the gatekeeper standing watch. I had grown accustomed to it by now—the way she set aside her ease in the company of strangers.

“Baek Yang-hwi of the Baek family, and Zhuge Seol-ha of the Zhuge family—we seek audience with the Young Clan Heir Namgung.”

Moments later, someone emerged—not Namgung Cheon-yeong, but a familiar face: Namgung Sword. His tone was sharp, his bearing cold; we had clashed before, and he had not forgotten.

“Baek Yang-hwi. What business have you with our heir?”

“Surely it is plain. I come to challenge him to a match.”

“Return home. Our heir has already made his choice.”

Which was precisely why I had brought Seol-ha. Raising my voice so it would carry within: “Then I shall take that as a refusal—and as yielding all claim to Seol-ha!”

“Who gives you leave to speak such insolence?”

“A man who declines a challenge from one who stands beside the lady in question is seen to admit defeat—is he not?” It was the same tactic Nanghon had attempted; I would turn it back upon them. “With Seol-ha herself here to bear witness, the Zhuge clan will know you turned me away. Think what that means for your marriage alliance.”

Namgung Sword’s expression remained icy, unyielding. “You spoke of meeting at greater heights, of testing our pride against one another. Our heir merely honors that promise.”

A fine excuse, yet hollow all the same.

“‘Greater heights’ referred to Daoist White Purity and Adū—not you. Young Clan Heir Namgung is not even in the same league.”

A flicker of displeasure crossed his face, swiftly mastered. “Enough. No more words. His opponent is already chosen.”

I spoke still louder, so none within could fail to hear: “To face anyone other than the Sword Sage of Mount Wudang… what glory is there in that? The outcome is already known—where is the honor?” I leaned into the silence that followed. “There is enmity between our houses. Before you fall to another, let me face you honorably and bring it to an end!” *Step forward*, I willed him. *How long will you remain a sword wielded by another? You were raised as a weapon—then be one that chooses its own path.*

That was when he appeared.

“Uncle.” The voice was quiet, yet carried immense poise. “You told me at the outset of the Assembly that I possessed the strength to grasp all I desired—that I was worthy.”

Namgung Sword stiffened, turning sharply. There stood Namgung Cheon-yeong.

“I accept Baek Yang-hwi’s challenge. Will you stand in my way?”

“Young Master…”

Namgung Cheon-yeong’s face bore no doubt, no hesitation. I could not help but admire what I saw—he had changed beyond measure. He drew close, hand resting upon the hilt of his blade, gaze fixed upon me.

“You once said I was not worth your notice. I heard you. And you were right—but I see clearly now.”

“Is that so?” I grinned. “And how far have you come?”

“My canvas remains blank… but I have taken up the brush.”

He truly was extraordinary. In so short a time, he had gained profound insight and risen to new heights. He was every bit the equal of the Sword Sage or Adū; had he been taught by one of the Heavenly Martial Ten Lords, his power would be unmatched. Potential was like fire—given fuel, it blazed ever brighter; and adversity was the finest fuel of all.

*I challenged him again and again throughout the Assembly… humiliated him before the True Dragon Battles… and in his darkest hour, he found his way forward.* The old Namgung Cheon-yeong would have been a victory without joy. This one… this would be worth savoring.

“Uncle… Elder Namgung Sword. I ask you once more—will you deny me my will?”

“…How could I? If this is what you choose, then so be it.”

Namgung Cheon-yeong turned back to me. “There is much between us. More than enough to call it enmity.”

“Enmity is too mild a word.”

“Then let this duel sever every last tie.”

He spoke softly, yet his resolve rang louder than any shout. Not once did he glance at Zhuge Seol-ha beside me—he knew what truly mattered.

*No trace of the boy remains… I need no further ploys.* My words had never been meant for Namgung Sword alone; they had been meant to stir him, to wake what lay within. It had worked.

“Young Clan Heir.” I offered a formal salute. “I challenge you to duel. Do you accept?”

“Baek Yang-hwi… I do. Let us both give everything we have.”

Everything was as I had hoped. Seeing him rise so far filled me with grim satisfaction. *You have taken your fate into your own hands. Well done. The boy you were would never have been worth the effort.*

Memories stirred—of the Great Namgung Clan in my past life, crushing all I held dear. Slaying Chudal, my last remaining brother. Destroying everything I had built for my family. I had slain them all in turn… yet in the end, a single Namgung technique had taken my life.

*Debts must be repaid. Tenfold, if I can.* Namgung Cheon-yeong… thank you for growing strong. Because of you, the impossible has become possible. *Thirteen years since my life ended… and now we meet again.*

A cold resolve settled over me. I would crush this budding strength, just as the Namgung had sought to crush my family long ago.
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