Chapter 25 Bondage (2) - Martial Arts Masochist

“A duel?” Cheongwol's reply came out almost as a reflex, though she tried her best to maintain a calm demeanor. Tang So Ran nodded with a gentle smile in her elegant eyes. "Yes, a duel. Just to see how much we've both grown." "..." Her words were soft, carrying a tone that anyone might interpret as a friendly suggestion. But Cheongwol could sense it. The subtle intent behind Tang So Ran's slightly opened eyes because she, too, had been wary of Tang So Ran in much the same way for many years. And Tang So Ran's intentions were always more forthright than her own. Her core desire was always about proving who was stronger, who was superior, who was more exceptional, and who deserved the people's admiration. This time was no different. By defeating Cheongwol, Tang So Ran intended to show her continued superiority. To confirm this, Cheongwol responded. "Returning to the Emei Sect, perhaps we could..." "-But the Emei Sect is an off-limits area for men, you know. Our Tang family members and even the villagers here would probably want to watch." "Are you suggesting we do this in front of everyone?" "Not right away, but maybe tomorrow... or the day after. How about that?" See? Tang So Ran wouldn't make such a proposition if she thought she'd lose. The outcome of this duel would be visible to all, and soon everyone would be whispering about it. Even the beggars in the village and the hidden members of the Hao Mun would spread the news. "And just doing it wouldn't be fun, so... let's make a wager." "A wager?" "If you win... well, I'll pass on the title of Feng to you." Tang Jeokcheon, surprised, glanced at his daughter. "So Ran, that's too..." "Passing on the title of a dragon I don’t possess doesn’t make sense, does it? If she defeats me... then wouldn't it be fitting for Wol to be the phoenix?" Cheongwol couldn't deny that Tang So Ran's proposal was tempting. Even in this vexing situation, she could imagine the delighted expression of the sect leader if she obtained the title of the phoenix. "And if I lose?" Tang So Ran smiled. "Our brother, Jiwon, would like to get to know you better. How about showing him around the village?" Tang Jiwoon made a fist salute from the back. Although the wager placed by the Poisonous Phoenix was much higher, Cheongwol felt her insides simmer with anger. It felt like an insult. "I'm not some courtesan. Why should I do such a thing?" ‘You seem like a common courtesan, Cheongwol.’ She remembered the unsightly moments that she shared with someone privately, but she bit her lip to suppress the thought. At that point, So Woon intervened to hold Cheongwol back. "Wol, don't overreact. I'm sure Miss So Ran didn't mean it that way." "That's right, I didn't mean it like that. Besides, if not a disciple of Emei, who would show around Emei Mountain? And it's not that hard, really. What I'm betting is much bigger." "..." But Cheongwol knew. She still fell short compared to Tang So Ran. It made sense; Tang So Ran was four years older than her. There were many she had surpassed who were four years her senior but... At a higher level, a small difference becomes a big one. Plus, in the last year, Cheongwol hadn’t advanced but rather regressed. Only recently, due to the distraction known as Han Seo Jin, had there been talk of her swordsmanship improving, but she felt no confidence. Tang So Ran had received the nickname Poisonous Phoenix at the Yongbongji Meeting during the year Cheongwol struggled so desperately. Why should she duel with such a person? "Yet, I look forward to the duel. I'd like to see how the flower of the Emei Sect has blossomed," the Tang family head, Tang Jeokcheon, expressed his interest. When he looked to Muwolsatae for permission, Muwolsatae glanced at So Un. Cheongwol's master nodded slowly after a brief hesitation. "A friendly duel is nothing to be afraid of." Friendly? Cheongwol quietly sighed. This was no friendly duel. It was a display for others. It was obvious she would lose and get hurt. She'd have to give a tour of the village to Tang Jiwon, the second son of the Tang family. Tang So Ran's scheme was entirely sewn behind what appeared to be a wholesome practice duel. When the rumor spread that she had shown the village to a man, how many malicious people would gossip negatively? "..." She hated to admit it, but she was scared. More than getting hurt, losing what little she had was terrifying. In Cheongwol's world, reputations could inversely shift after just one duel. She scanned her surroundings. 'A duel?!' 'What a fortune...! To witness the skills of the Poisonous Phoenix firsthand!' 'As expected from the treasures of the Tang family. They know what people want.' The reactions of the crowd were already leaning to one side. A palpable anticipation poured towards her. 'Of course, Miss Cheongwol will win. She visited our shop for snacks!’ Why assume it’s obvious? I have many shortcomings, too. ‘Would she hold the title of the Millennium Flower of Emei for nothing? If she had been at the Yongbongji Meeting... Forget the phoenix, she would've claimed the title of a dragon!’ How can you be so sure? I struggled hard just to stand here. Why... do you keep pressing me? Cheongwol was exhausted by such relentless pressure. It was an endless cycle. Meeting one expectation led directly to a new one... It felt like walking into a never-ending tunnel. Cheongwol observed her surroundings. No one dissuaded the duel. No one sensed the burden weighing on her. Muwolsatae. So Un. Their expressions were soft, a gentle encouragement that experiences wouldn’t hurt. She had only just recovered from a conflict with the sect leader. That truce weighed her down, making it hard to easily draw lines before them. First-generation disciples. They watched the situation with interest. None stepped forward to shield her. If anything, they seemed eager for the phoenix title. Senior disciples. Their complex gazes revealed overlapping envy, jealousy, and a desire to see her falter. The third-generation disciples... With bright, expectant eyes, especially Hong Hwa's which gleamed with eagerness... What if she loses here? How would all these gazes change? Why did everyone assume that she would win in the first place? Why was no one stopping this fight she didn't want? It was baffling that no one seemed to understand how she truly felt. What she'd risked her life for, was it just entertainment for them? "...Alright, then." Yet, Cheongwol couldn't bring herself to say anything else. On the surface, it was merely a friendly suggestion. Refusing would only make her the strange one. And suddenly, a thought flashed. Why was she still living her life in the Emei Sect? **** "Oh dear... oh dear..." I was sprawled out on the floor, groaning as I stared at the ceiling. I had no energy for business or even to stand. This was the fate of someone who knew about an impending disaster. Especially when I was tangled in it! Of course, I must be one of Cheongwol's recent interests—how could I remain unaffected if she fell apart? When she begins to crumble, the first spark would certainly land on me. Front row, VIP seat in the inferno. With a bang, Gwak Du Ajusshi suddenly appeared through the open window, shouting. "Seo Jin! Did you hear? Miss Cheongwol and Miss Tang So Ran are going to duel! How exciting—" "Oh dear... oh dear..." I responded with a continued groan instead of answering. "Huh? What's up with you?" ...The script penned for an adopted son to perish, but you seem joyous, uncle. Cheongwol falling apart wasn’t just an event. It was a turning point. Of course, issues might already have been accumulating from her conflicts with the sect leader, or incidents within the Emei Sect, yet... ...In the duel, unable to accept defeat, she would unleash the Myeoljeol Sword. A sword technique specialized solely for taking life. The intense murderous intent and resentment embedded within her as a nun of the Emei Sect would explode for all to see. Employing such a sword technique in a duel indicated her inner patience had shattered at that moment. And once broken, that patience would not return. Although the duel might be loosely managed somehow, the news of Cheongwol’s spiritual discord couldn't be concealed from the martial world. Following this, she would slowly but surely spiral downward. Without anyone to hold her back. Without anything to stop her. "..." The duel was scheduled for the day after tomorrow. And Cheongwol... could come looking for me tonight. If she sought me out tonight and we somehow managed to navigate this scenario... What then? How do I deal with her after she's started to collapse? It was an overwhelming thought, driving me to the brink. What could be done? How could I avoid this disaster? "...Gwak Du Ajusshi." I suddenly muttered. Gwak Du Ajusshi had entered my house, observing my state. "What?" "...Can't you hide me somewhere?" "...What nonsensical talk are you babbling?" "I mean... just make it so I'm disappeared. Can’t the Beggar Sect do something like that? Ugh, I should’ve befriended the Hao Mun." "Hey! What's with you? Why are you mentioning the Hao Mun guys in front of me?" "Beggars are useless. All they do is take my spare change." Gwak Du Ajusshi awkwardly adjusted his throat and withdrew his fingers from my coin pouch when I mentioned this. "W-well, instead of lying there, how about stepping outside for a bit? The village is bustling with the Tang family's men since they can't enter the Emei temple. It's lively! You might even make some new friends.” "...Since when do martial artists get along with common folk? I’d be lucky if they're not dismissive." Yet the new idea suddenly sparked in my mind, causing me to jump. -Thud! "...W-what? Seriously, what's with you today?" "..." ...Considering it. With the duel scheduled soon and the Tang family members in town... ...Would Cheongwol venture to my secret basement? If caught, it would definitely spell disaster! There was no time for SM or whatever. She'd be busy, right? Maybe she won't come? Besides, after showcasing the Myeoljeol Sword, surely the Emei Sect would supervise her. ...Could she even come to find me after the duel? Would she really just show up to play such a trivial game after such an emotional meltdown? That seems far-fetched, right? Plus, we fought and parted ways. How are they sure I wouldn't seek revenge? "...Oh?" ...Does this mean she might actually not come? **** “...Do I really have to do this?” “...Cheongwol, the agreement is already settled, isn’t it?” “...” “...And it’s just a duel. There’s no need to be so against it. After all, real combat is tough without practices like duels. What are you so burdened by?” Cheongwol looked at Muwolsatae. Despite her plea for the promise to be voided due to not wanting the duel, Muwolsatae’s response was merely—what was so burdensome about it? What was so burdensome about it indeed... The burden had been placed squarely on her, and now they asked what it was. If peace hadn't been made that day, this conversation wouldn't even be happening. Had the owner of the leather workshop not alleviated some of her spiritual discord that day, her heart might have been in shambles right now. "Isn't this a meaningless duel?" "Meaningless? Just through experience alone, people grow." "If experience is what matters, there’s no reason it has to be in front of others, right?” "Similarly, there’s nothing saying it shouldn’t be in front of others." "..." "Cheongwol, the reason we can scrape by is thanks to countless people who support us. Showing them something they want to see can’t be that hard, can it?" She could feel the spiritual discord stirring once more with the circular nature of the conversation. "…Understood." She stood up with a brief reply. At some point, Cheongwol began to realize... Muwolsatae didn't seem to truly understand her. It pained her to accept it, but recently she slowly began to acknowledge that fact. Neither the master, nor the first-generation disciples, nor even her senior brothers. Nor anyone, really. In the end, the only person who truly understood her in this world was herself. Such a lonely existence it was. With everyone acting this way, she sometimes wondered if she was the one who was strange. Perhaps she had already gone mad without realizing it. ‘...You're beautiful, Cheongwol.’ ...No, there was one more strange person. Someone who, even if she became more unsightly, even if she dirtied herself further, would smile and accept her. The long ten-day promise had ended today. Yet... the Tang family members were also in the village. “...” Cheongwol hesitated for a moment, but before she knew it, she found herself hesitantly heading towards the leather workshop. She couldn't quite understand it herself. Why, in such a tumultuous moment... ...was she willingly walking towards yet another humiliation?