1228 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

An outburst of instruction, rather, a reckless act of violence had come to an end. "Ugh..." Something that had once been Tang Cheongi squirmed on the ground in agony. Speaking to him seemed pointless, given his current state, and it was a marvel he was even alive. "Is he alive...?" As I started to harbor concerns that he might actually be dead, Poison Phoenix issued a short command. "Get up." In that instant, Tang Cheongi, whom we thought was at death's door, sprang to his feet. Ah, so he was alive? Startled, I stared at him. "Do you have nothing to say?" "...I'm sorry." His words were barely coherent, and blood trickled from his lips. "Not to me." "....." Tang Cheongi flinched at Poison Phoenix’s words, realizing the apology wasn't meant for her, but for me. "Sister... I mean..." "Unwilling? Well, that's understandable." With those words, Poison Phoenix rolled up her thin sleeves. Upon seeing this, Tang Cheongi hastily looked at me. "I'm sorry." "Pardon?" "I-I apologize." "You apologize?" "My apologies...?" Finally, Poison Phoenix nodded. "I'm sorry... Baek Daewon, please forgive my rudeness..." "No, uh..." "I'll apologize as well. I'm really sorry." Bang. "Ugh..." Poison Phoenix grabbed Tang Cheongi by the head and slammed him into the ground. Then, lowering her own head, she spoke too. "I'm sorry." "Yes... Uh... it's fine." I had already let my anger out, and Tang Cheongi was already in such a sorry state that not accepting the apology felt wrong. "Shouldn't we at least send for medical assistance?" "It's okay." Poison Phoenix said with a bright smile that left me momentarily speechless; why was the one who had done the beating saying it was okay? "Your brother doesn't look alright though?" "Oh, no, he has more stamina than you might think. He'll be fine with some ointment." "..." Was she serious? I wanted to question it but held back. There was no need to make a fuss. "I will ensure he doesn't cause any more trouble for you." "Ah... I see. Alright." I took a step back, observing. "Well, then..." "Yes, yes, please go safely." Poison Phoenix waved her hand, as if urging me to leave quickly. Despite the uneasy feeling, I ignored it and moved away. Even as I left her sight, I felt her gaze following me. I chose to ignore it. As I should. * * * As soon as Baek Yangcheon disappeared from view, Poison Phoenix turned to her brother. "Cheongi." "Ugh..." Tang Cheongi shivered upon hearing her soft call. Every spot she'd hit throbbed in pain. "Why do you keep disobeying your sister? I really find it curious." "Sister, but that guy..." "You mean his issues with women are sordid?" "...Yes. Haven't I told you?" He'd said it all. About Mi Hyoran, about Hyun Soyeon, even strange rumors about Sword Peak Soi from the same troops. He'd even seen the truth of those incidents himself. "Why him of all people?" Why did his sister get infatuated with such a bizarre guy? He couldn't understand and asked again. Crunch. "Aaaah!" The answer was pain. "You're speaking informally again. Didn’t I tell you not to do that?" "Ugh..." "And." Poison Phoenix spoke with a peculiar smile to Tang Cheongi. "In general, successful men are often involved with many women. Isn't it ideal?" "What nonsense..." He bit his tongue, realizing that no matter what he said, she wouldn’t listen. ‘This is insane.’ It happened again. His sister’s odd taste in men. Filtering out all normal ones and falling for bizarre types. And now, she seemed enamored with possibly the strangest one yet. "Sister, please stop. If the House Head were to know..." Swish. "...!" Tang Cheongi froze at the sensation on his neck. A sharp blade rested against his throat. When did she draw the dagger? Poison Phoenix looked down at him, weapon in hand. "Cheongi, discussing the House Head is off-limits here. We promised, right?" "Sister..." The cool gaze watching him from the twilight was chilling. Not even he, Tang clan’s genius, could withstand her speed and ferocity. Feeling all this, Tang Cheongi spoke. "Truly. Sister, you should become the House Head." At this, Poison Phoenix chuckled. Retrieving her dagger, she spoke again. "I have no such ambition." "It’s not ambition. You know it well." "My, my. Is this because you’re afraid of more punishment?" "Sister..." "If it is, you've succeeded. Don't do it next time." Tap, tap. Giving Tang Cheongi's nose a light flick, she rose to her feet. Her graceful steps as she walked away left Tang Cheongi sighing heavily. "...Really." A sigh of lament escaped him. Despite being several times more talented than him, his sister continued in this manner, which troubled him. "I should be House Head, but it must be Sister." Though the clan pushed him as the next House Head, Tang Cheongi didn’t agree. His sister should lead the Tang clan. Who was she, after all? 'Revered as the second coming of the Poison zenith.' Tang Jaemun the Poison zenith. A forefather of the Tang clan and hero who quelled the Blood Disaster. His sister was hailed as their reincarnation. Yet she showed no interest. Or perhaps... '...Was it because of Grandfather?' The real power and fear of Tang clan lay with their Grandfather, known as Poison King. Maybe that was why she acted this way. "...Even when leaving, it was the same." As they departed the Tang clan for Hanan, his sister, the House Head, and Grandfather discussed something. He knew she made a promise before heading here. Though unclear what it was. "....." Tang Cheongi frowned deeply. Whatever promises were made and whatever my sister was thinking, all I ever wanted was her happiness. So, 'That guy is out of the question.' Especially that guy. Baek Yangcheon. Newly enlisted in Blue Dragon Squad and rumored to be the disciple of the Pajeon. Though reputed to be highly skilled, few had actually seen him in battle. Furthermore, the rumors surrounding him always involved women, suggesting a strong affinity. ‘He's got that look.’ A fierce face that seemed to be drawn to women—something about him just rubbed me the wrong way. "There's something I just can't stand about him." It had been that way since the first time I saw him. Something about him just felt off. Normally, I wouldn't dislike someone this much, but he gave me an inexplicable feeling, like... ‘It's as if a daughter I never had was being taken from me.’ It felt like I was losing a daughter I never even had. * * * A day passed. I spent my time gathering information about the Divine Dragon squad, followed by verifying several matters, and before I knew it, dawn had arrived. "You all have gathered." In front of the Blue Dragon Lord, who was casually seated on the deck, stood a few individuals. "I'm sorry for the sudden decision, but you’ve heard the news, right?" Yes! As the answer echoed, the troop leader chuckled. "You don’t have to reply that loudly; I can hear you fine. Anyway, the sect is hosting a martial arts contest, and we're entering." The Blue Dragon Lord leaned on his chin. Though he seemed tired, the imminent chill emanated intensely, capturing everyone's attention. "All of you will be representing our troop. I assume there's no opposition." Upon hearing this, I looked around at the others chosen to compete alongside me. The number of participants was set between four and five. Apparently, the troop leader intended on deploying the maximum count of five people. The first person I noticed was Sword Peak Soi. She fixed her unwavering gaze on the troop leader. It seemed she would also be participating in the contest. It made sense; she definitely wasn't weak. While observing her, Whoosh. We locked eyes. The moment our gazes met, Soi's eyes narrowed sharply. It stung a bit. Why did she look at me as if I were a bug? It was hurtful. I wasn't familiar with the remaining two. They seemed to be fellow members but I couldn't recall who they were. And then. ‘Father.’ My father stood among them. "Fortunately, the deputy leader can participate this time. Put in your effort." "I understand." With an unreadable expression, my father responded. Allowing the deputy leader’s participation was blatantly obvious in its purpose. ‘It's to see the Divine Dragon, isn’t it?’ It seemed they wanted to witness the power of my father, who was currently gaining tremendous reputation. That was the notion running through my head. Otherwise, involving the deputy leader would simply be nonsensical. Surely my father would be overwhelming. "Originally, I considered having Sword Dragon participate as well... however, given the circumstances." The troop leader’s gaze fell on me. At this, I looked away. "It’s understandable, considering the situation, right?" "...Ahem." "Do your best." The leader nodded, refraining from further elaboration. "Regardless, just win the championship. That's all." "I will remember." With little time to grasp the context, I found myself entering the contest with a weary body. Preparing to leave for Sichuan.