Try Living Well Without Me

“I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Don’t try to evade. Do you think I’m such an incompetent person that I can’t even recognize my uncle… Oh, Uncle? When did you come?”

“I’ve always been here. You should rest. You seem tired.”

“…Is that so? Lately, I’ve been eating casually, so maybe my body is weak?”

Jin Gayoung tilted her head and sniffed the empty space where I was standing just now.

Although it seems like I unintentionally caused some misunderstanding, I feel a little apologetic, but there’s nothing I can do about it.

It would be awkward to say that there’s a Miss among my ancestors inside of me.

“But, Uncle, were you originally so skilled with the Great Moon Blade? You might even be called a Moon Sage instead of a Sword Sage.”

“You’re too kind.”

– That insolent guy, you’re actually accepting the praise meant for me.

“Someone who could last ten rounds against the young Heavenly Flower should stay quiet. You’re using my body anyway.”

-……

Aware of his own shame, Jin Woo-yong shut his mouth tight.

Still, the fact that he refuses to acknowledge it at the end shows that old man has the utmost pride.

“In any case, there’s no such thing as ‘best among swordsmen’ for nothing, right? Isn’t Uncle the only warrior who has reached the pinnacle of the sword?”

“It’s what people say. Where is the end of the martial way?”

“Come on, there’s no need to be so humble. Even those who criticize Uncle acknowledge your martial skills.”

“They only see it that way. I haven’t reached the pinnacle of martial arts. The Great Moon blade technique? I just slightly improved it when I modified the Supreme Heaven Ice Flame Moon technique.”

“You made those powerful strikes with just slight improvement…? I wouldn’t dare to attempt that…”

“That’s only because you have too much internal energy. Once your internal energy increases, Miss, you’ll be able to achieve it.”

Of course, it’s not possible only with internal energy. It was only possible because of his profound understanding and enlightenment of the Great Moon technique.

But, I do genuinely believe she will be able to eventually.

Jin Gayoung is the direct descendant of Jin Woo-yong, and her talent alone surpasses mine.

With my assistance, she could grow into a Great Moon master whose name would echo in the annals of martial arts, surpassing Jin Woo-yong.

– What’s this, my daughter-in-law? Are you becoming unruly because I treat you well?

“The perspective of a great master, objective without any emotion.”

– … If you say that, there’s nothing left to argue with you, is there?

“Hehe, even if it’s just words, I feel good.”

“That’s not false modesty. I mean it sincerely.”

“Okay okay, how could I ever catch up to you? Your name comes up every time they discuss the greatest in martial history across thousands of years.”

“Empty talk. I can’t be the greatest across all times and places.”

Jin Gayoung glanced at me with half-closed eyes.

I shifted my gaze uncomfortably under the heavy look, but she approached to prevent me from avoiding her eyes.

“So, will you also deny that you’re the strongest in the world? Everyone calls you the greatest, right?”

“That’s flattery, a sort of deification. I am not the greatest in the world.”

“What? Then are you going to deny that you’re the strongest among the Five Great Factions?”

– Oh, seems like our descendant is determined to elevate you.

“…”

Why are both my ancestor and descendant ganging up on me like this? Despite it, I’ll only speak the truth.

“…Exactly one person.”

“Huh? What did you just say?”

“Exactly one person I cannot defeat.”

“You… seriously? Someone stronger than the Sword Sage exists?”

“Yes, there is someone I feel I can never surpass and could never defeat, no matter how much time I invest.”

The originator of my countless reincarnations.

And, the one who made me an instrument of reincarnation.

There is exactly one person.

“Who… Who is it? Supernatural monk? Blood Demon? Ah, no, he’s dead… Killer? Celestial Demon? Who possibly could be stronger than you?”

Jin Gayoung was asking questions, visibly excited.

She is a practitioner of martial arts, so the topic of “Who is the strongest?” must be thrilling for her.

Her adorably excited expression made me want to tease her a bit.

“It’s a secret.”

“Eh? After making me this curious, how could you not tell me!”

“Haha, a supreme warrior must remain mysterious. I can’t just disclose his identity.”

“Ungh… You’re mean!”

Although annoying people isn’t a good thing, her reactions are so amusing.

Seeing Gayoung Jin flustered and agitated makes me feel a strange, pleasant feeling.

– Bastard.

When Jin Woo-yong saw how I handled her, he made a comment.

“You know how to deal with people.”

A soft chuckle escaped me.

Is this what they call rebellion?

– It’s good to see you turning from a sage into a human.

However, I’m pretty drained from Jin Woo-yong using my body, which is unfamiliar to him.

Once I return to my quarters, I should take a nap.

*

“Ugh…”

A familiar ceiling was in sight.

Where am I?

The red ceiling and gold decorations everywhere…

“Ah.”

The Namgung Clan.

And specifically, the Lord of the Alliance’s office.

“Hm?”

Why am I at the Namgung clan’s estate?

I was definitely at the Wu Tang sect preparing for the Seven Flowers Tournament…

“Lord, it’s time for the Namgung Conference.”

“Hm? Oh, yes. The conference is starting soon. I mustn’t be late.”

That’s right, I forgot. It’s today.

…Lately, because of so many disturbing incidents, I’ve been a bit scatterbrained.

The Seven Flowers Tournament shouldn’t be for about seven months in the Wu Tang?

Cack.

After tying my messy hair back with a ribbon while looking in the mirror, I left the office.

I thought of fixing my clothes a bit, but it felt bothersome.

Anyway, I’d only face disdainful stares during the Namgung conference, so it’s better to just go as I am.

Thud, thud.

Why does it feel like my steps are lighter today? Perhaps energetic would be a better word.

Or… am I being harsh? Perhaps I’ve endured enough to be like gunpowder, ready to explode at the smallest touch?

Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter. I have steadfastly followed the path of righteousness despite slander and accusations.

Today, however, it feels futile.

Isn’t there a day like this where you feel capable of doing anything and actually can do anything?

After some time, and when my head clears, I’ll know if this is a midday fantasy or not.

Thud, thud.

I stride confidently down the hallway, heading toward the grand meeting hall where the Namgung Conference is held.

As usual, I don’t feel intimidated. Even amidst the scornful gazes of the troublemakers and the hateful looks of the clan members, I pass by unaffected.

…though suppressing a slight annoyance.

“You… move…! What are you planning to do meeting my eyes?”

“Hmph, isn’t that too brazen? He’s done it too much. After being fully exposed for his sins, shouldn’t he humbly lower his head? What has he done to act so arrogantly?”

“Mo, lower your voice… What if the Sword Sage hears…”

“Hear this! Let him know exactly what he’s done. I can’t bear to see such filth walking with his head high, so I intentionally speak loudly.”

A bit of the familiar gossip I often endure while walking through the estate.

Because I’ve always let them be, their rumors have spread viciously, emboldening them to speak this loudly.

However, for some reason, I usually think of them as pitiful souls misled by Namgung Bin and just overlook them.

“…I’m bothered.”

Why do I have to be treated this way?

Was my achievement, my salvation, worth less than mere fabrications?

The unwritten rule of righteous sects that one must not act arbitrarily without proper justification came to mind.

Speaking of which, I’ve been growing weary of the so-called “righteous sects” too.

“Hey, you two over there.”

“…!”

A smooth voice emerged from my throat, one I hadn’t used in a while.

Why does it feel like such a normal voice is different today?

The two gossipers suddenly looked startled.

Didn’t they expect this kind of reaction from me?

Arrogantly so.

“So, you two. Don’t you think your voices are too loud? Can you please lower them a bit?”

“…!”

“…!”

Their faces stiffened. A faint mixture of fear and disdain showed there.

…While I can overlook the fear, the disdain does hurt.

If they really knew about me, those with conscience wouldn’t show such disdain.

“No, what I want to tell you is this. Would you mind listening for a moment? Stay there; I, the clan head, will come to you.”

Approaching with a twisted smile, the two women looked panicked and tried to run.

Whoosh!

“Ahhh!! When did you…!”

“Spare us! We didn’t say anything!”

In the blink of an eye, I moved behind them, causing them to collapse in panic.

“Haha, don’t worry; I have no intention of harming you. I just wanted you to listen to me for a moment.”

Regardless, I began to speak my mind.

I shouldn’t be saying certain things, but today feels like it’s acceptable.

No, this isn’t just a feeling. A strong urge telling me it’s alright is overwhelming my mind.

It’s as if the shackles that have bound me for so long have suddenly loosened.

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