1224 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Poison Pheonix. This was the moniker Tang Soyeol bore, known to be an exclusive designation of the Tang Clan. There are only a handful of clans and martial sects that handle poison, and among them, the Tang Clan's influence is overwhelming. Because of this, most of the titles related to poison are owned by the Tang Clan. If a title is related to the latter stage of a martial lineage, it is often without dispute. The male heir destined to be the young lord of the Tang Clan is called the Poison Dragon. A talented young woman is destined to be the Poison Pheonix. Tang Soyeol was called the Poison Pheonix for this reason. Of course, it’s true that Tang Soyeol is exceptionally skilled, but even in the absence of her abilities, she would still be called the Poison Pheonix. Exclusive designation. It fits perfectly. The Poison Pheonix is the exclusive designation of the Tang Clan. 'So, the person in front is also a Poison Pheonix.' The woman standing before me, bearing the Tang surname, was proof that she too held the title of Poison Pheonix. “……It's been a long time.” Upon greeting her, the person hesitated. “You remember me……!” “Yes? Oh, yes.” It seems hard to forget. But what is she doing here? “……What brings you here?” “Oh…… I've come to see my younger brother.” “Younger brother? Ah.” Dang Cheongi. She must be referring to the current Poison Dragon. I had just encountered him earlier. “I see. Understood.” Having overheard her purpose, I thought I'd simply pass by, nodding my head. “Well then, I'll take my leave.” As I was about to pass by, she called out. “Oh……! Excuse me……!” The Poison Pheonix addressed me, and I tilted my head slightly. “Yes?” “……Um. Are you busy?” “Yes.” “What?” “I am busy.” I am busy. I stated firmly and was about to leave when she approached and grabbed me by the wrist. Ah, what’s this? “Why are you doing this?” “I know you're busy, but…… Still. Could you spare a moment for tea?” “……Tea?” I'm busy to the point of exhaustion, and she's asking for tea? My face contorted. The grip she had on my arm was strong. An impressive grip. “Sigh.” Already frustrated after dealing with Cheolhyun Buseon, my irritation flared. I pulled my hand away with force. Smack-! “Ouch!” “Maybe next time, I’m busy for that now…” The moment I uttered that, her gaze moved away from me. She looked over my shoulder, and something caught in her eyes made me bow reflexively. Whish-!!! A gust of wind passed by, as someone aimed a kick at my head. “You, scoundrel……!” A voice echoed. A familiar voice. At the end of my lowered gaze, I saw the tip of a foot on the ground. Recognizing the approach, a fist flew toward me. Preparing to counter, a white hand suddenly extended and blocked the attacking fist aimed at me. “Dang Cheongi.” A chilling voice came from the Poison Pheonix. She, with eyes completely contrasting from her earlier demeanor, was glaring at the assailant, Poison Dragon Dang Cheongi. “What do you think you’re doing?” “……Sister.” “This is incredibly disrespectful.” “However, this scoundrel dared to….” Dang Cheongi glared at me. I shrugged at him. “I didn’t do anything.” “That can’t be true. You must have done something for my sister to cry out.” "What do you mean cry out? Besides, wouldn’t I be the one to shout if it happened?” I was the one whose wrist was grabbed; if someone did cry out, it should be me. Though it was absurd to look at, the expression on the Poison Dragon’s face grew more twisted. “Ever since you met him, you've changed somehow.” “Oh, how ridiculous.” I waved my hand, unwilling to discuss it further. “I’ve said all I have to say, so I’ll leave now.” “Ah……! Wait!” The Poison Pheonix reached for me, but the Poison Dragon stepped in to block her. “Sister, please stop……!” Bang-!! “What?” “Ugh!” With a crashing sound, Dang Cheongi fell to the ground, unconscious after kneeling. Did I see it wrong? 'It seemed like a punch.' It looked as if the Poison Pheonix had knocked him out with a punch. Evidence of this was the stream of blood from the Poison Dragon’s nose. “This is so tiresome.” The Poison Pheonix glared at her brother coldly, then turned her gaze back to me. “……I apologize. My brother was discourteous.” “……Ah, yes.” A horrifying woman. That realization planted itself deep in my mind. “……It seems today is not the best day to create more disturbance. I shall take my leave. Until we meet again.” “…….” I had hoped never to meet her again. I managed to suppress thoughts that reached the tip of my tongue. If there's one thing certain. ‘It’s best not to provoke her.’ She is not an ordinary woman. I felt steadfast in this belief. * * * After the incident, rumors began to scatter throughout the alliance. “Cheolhyun Buseon has come to the alliance.” This news quickly swept through because of a series of events. The emergence of a martial artist deemed the greatest in the world drew unprecedented attention, incomparable to anything else. It had been a whirlwind, even when Paejon appeared. But the arrival of the one acclaimed as the world’s greatest was profound enough to overshadow everything else. She wasn't alone, either. “The Swordswoman Empress has also come to the alliance.” Eulryeong Sword Queen, the idol of female warriors and regarded by the orthodox as the most outstanding swordswoman in history. The entire alliance was abuzz with her arrival as well. "Is something happening? Why are such prominent figures gathered......” “There might be some sort of event emerging due to Paejon's arrival as well.” A gathering of renowned figures. If you ask whether this incurred favorable prospects, many viewed it with skepticism. Uncertainty loomed, fearing what monumental events might unfold. In such a climate, “I’ve created trouble again.” “Haha.” I found myself called in by Daejoo to receive a lecture. “And this time, it’s a mess that’s impossible to clean up cleanly.” “……Haha….” “Does it make you laugh?” “I apologize.” I apologized sincerely. Even I realized the magnitude of my actions. Despite any justification, resolving this seemed challenging. To anyone observing, it might look like I was merely a rogue who broke a peer’s arm. “What are you going to do?” “Indeed……” “It would be better if it was managed internally, but unfortunately, both the lord and Cheolhyun Buseon have witnessed it. This makes it difficult to handle quietly.” The situation wasn't in my favor. Daejoo sighed deeply. "What are you planning to do?" "Well, whatever judgment is passed, I'll accept it." “You seem quite confident. It’s possible the Namgung family might hold you responsible for this.” "That's a big deal." “You have such an indifferent expression.” Naturally. The Namgung family might impose a judgment? Once upon a time, that would have been terrifying. But not anymore. If they do, they do. Even if I didn't have much influence, it didn’t hold much fear for me. “Of course, since Pajeon is currently here, Baek Yangcheon, they won't take any immediate action against you. But given the current circumstances, anything could happen. You know that, right?” “I am well aware.” “If an issue arises, are you prepared to accept it?” “Yes. Most likely.” “So you're saying you'll accept it no matter the issue?” “Well-." “Really?” “…….” Mid-sentence, I clammed up. Something about Daejoo’s words seemed off. I frowned, sensing his intentions. I understood what he wanted me to say. After pondering a bit, I replied. "……And if I refuse to accept it, what happens?" Instead of agreeing, I challenged the expected inquiry, curious to see his reaction. Daejoo then smiled broadly. “Ah, then I would have to find another way." “…….” Ridiculous. He spoke as if he had been waiting for this moment. He casually pulled something from his sleeve and handed it to me. “Hmm?” It was a shiny letter. What’s this about? Curiously, I accepted the letter. “Do you want me to read it?” “Of course, go on, open it.” With permission granted, I unfolded the letter. What could it be? I puzzled over it as I began to read. "……Hmm?" I squinted my eyes, unable to help myself after seeing the contents. Application for the Sword Dance Dragon Competition. Seeing the first line, I immediately looked at Daejoo. “……What is this?” “Just the thing to get you out of this mess, luckily.” Daejoo beamed, though his smile felt anything but reassuring. “It seems due to Cheolhyun Buseon and the Swordswoman Empress being here, the Sword Dance Dragon competition, which was supposed to be held in a couple of months, has been brought forward. Interested? Doesn't the idea excite you-." Crackle. I crumpled the letter immediately. “I’m not going.” “But why not?” Daejoo lamented at the sight. “If you participate, I’ll ensure any punishment will just be overlooked; that’s a promise.” “I don’t need it. I said I’d accept the consequences.” It was clearly a bothersome proposition. Enter the competition? I had neither the time nor the inclination for it. “Just participate!” Seeing my firm stance, Daejoo begged. I sighed as I corrected him. “Why don’t you participate, Daejoo?” “Daejoo is ineligible to participate. If I could, I’d already be in there, smashing everything.” “…….” His confidence was overwhelming. Then again, he was the kind of man who could speak like that. ‘He’s strong.’ Among the Dragon Lords I’ve encountered, he’s one of the strongest. “What can I do even if I participate? I’d rather just stay put." “Oh, please……!” “…….” Why was he being so desperate? Not understanding, I looked at him questioningly. “They’ve said that the New Dragon Corps will be participating this time.” “……Hmm?” The mention of the New Dragon Corps made me stop short. The New Dragon Corps? ‘Hmm.’ For a moment, I was intrigued. The New Dragon Corps? Perhaps sensing my heightened interest, Daejoo quickly capitalized on the moment, speaking directly to me. “If you participate, I’ll grant you any request you make.” “Anything?” “Yes, anything.” Tilting my head at Daejoo’s words, I considered the offer. ‘That’s not bad.’ My interest piqued. It happened that there was a request I had been meaning to ask of him. “Alright.” “Oh.” “But.” With a smile, I said to Daejoo. “I have a condition too.” I couldn’t simply accept without ensuring my own benefit, as always seeking maximal advantage.