Try Living Well Without Me

The Seven Flowers Tournament (七花戰).

The Seven Flowers Tournament is a time-honored martial arts competition where the “Seven Flowers,” the most outstanding prodigies among the later generation of martial artists, gather to demonstrate their martial skills and exchange techniques. This event typically would not attract the attention of the entire Central Plains as this year’s Seven Flowers Tournament did.

However, the era of peace arrived in the martial world after the Great Blood War three years ago.

The martial world was weary of bloodshed, but it was also intoxicated by it. The martial world still possessed vitality, excitement, fighting spirit, and youthful energy, but the outlet for their madness disappeared.

Then began an unbearably dull age.

Amidst this, the Seven Flowers Tournament was held. The prodigies of the prestigious Eight Great Factions and Five Great Families gathered to challenge each other. Moreover, each of the Seven Flowers possessed exceptional beauty, making them the ultimate topic of interest for the martial world.

Thus, the current Seven Flowers Tournament has drawn an unusual level of attention from the entire martial realm. One reason was the war hero known as “Jade Flower,” who had remained reclusive for three years after the war, finally emerging from seclusion.

“Uh? Sir, didn’t you forget your mask?”

“I intentionally didn’t wear it.”

“Uh… you mean you’re not going to wear your mask?”

“Yes, are you surprised?”

“Surprised? Yes… But why? Didn’t you say you wanted to keep your identity hidden? Why are you now removing the mask?”

“Just because I want to be a little more upright.”

“Upright? Oh… so you don’t want to hide anymore, something like that?”

“Similar. Revealing my identity won’t endanger my safety.”

“Well, that’s good. I always found it suffocating whenever I saw someone like you wear a mask that looked so oppressive.”

“And besides, not many people will recognize me. My hair has grown out, my voice has changed. Even if someone does recognize me, who would dare say anything? The people who mistakenly perceive me as an evil person will likely be too afraid to approach me.”

Even when the martial world officially criticized me, they couldn’t directly punish me.

And that’s why Namgung Bin only expelled me and didn’t impose harsher penalties.

“But yesterday, you mentioned there was someone in the world whom you couldn’t defeat. What if that person sees you?”

“That won’t happen. That person isn’t from Central Plains.”

“Someone from the Savage Wilds? Hmm…”

“Besides, even if they recognized me, it doesn’t mean they’ll attack me. If they do, it won’t be for the reason you might think. That person doesn’t have an ounce of justice.”

After hearing my words, Jin Gayoung sighed pensively while pondering deeply about “that person.”

“Still, it’s a little sad.”

“What’s sad?”

“You were the only small sir I knew, but once you take off the mask and make a grand appearance, you’ll become famous all over again. Your nickname ‘White Blade Wanderer’ is already quite renowned in the martial world, and you’re even being discussed as a potential Next Thirteen Heroes (十參俠).”

“If you wish, Miss, I can always put the mask back on.”

“It’s fine. I’m only expressing my regret; I don’t want you to do that. If you feel it’s good to become more confident, then that’s better.”

“Thank you.”

You look like you’re quite reluctant, but your consideration for me is admirable.

—

Certainly, you’re the true descendant of myself. I thought you might momentarily panic again.

“What do you mean ‘panic’?”

– I’m not joking. Looking at you makes me feel like eating Wall-Smashing Pills without water…! Ah, never mind. Regardless, it’s a relief that everything is going well.

“I always thought Wall-Smashing Pills made me feel full.”

– …Crazy guy. Your appetite is crazy too.

Despite his usual prickly demeanor, I’m aware that all his actions stem from affection for me, so I don’t feel annoyed.

Instead, conversing with him makes me feel somewhat enriched.

Since Namgung Bin’s defamation, no one except Jin Gayoung has treated me with such familiarity.

– …Then, aren’t you secretly afraid? You’ll soon reveal a face you’ve kept hidden until now.

“Not at all. In fact, I’m looking forward to it. Since you see everything, you must already know, right?”

– Hmm, you seem far more relaxed than I expected. Is there any particular reason?

– I don’t know why exactly… But today, I just feel good. Maybe I’m intoxicated by excitement.

– No matter how you feel, don’t let your guard down. Your mind can spiral out of control at any moment. It also means that your dreams might become reality.

– …That’s not bad, is it? And I was never exactly gentle, just considerate.

– Crazy guy, maybe your mind is fluctuating.

– Haha, just kidding. Don’t take it too seriously.

Teasing Jin Woo-yong never gets old.

*

The Seven Flowers Tournament matchups are as follows:

Kunlun’s Jade Flower (玉花) vs Amitabha’s Snow Flower (雪花).

Namgong Thunder Flower (雷花) vs Huashan’s White Flower (白花).

Wudang’s Heavenly Flower (天花) vs Zhentian’s Sword Flower (劍花).

Dugu’s Poison Flower (獨花), chosen by Heavenly Master through a lottery, advances without fighting.

Excluding Poison Flower, the six participants will fight preliminary matches, after which the winners fight among themselves in the second round while the losers also compete amongst themselves.

That way, they will determine the ranks among the Seven Flowers.

In reality, the ultimate winner is almost predetermined. With his unparalleled experience and martial arts skills, no one can rival Jade Flower, not even those from a younger generation.

Hence, people’s interest is mostly directed toward who will take the 2nd and 3rd places. Namgong Sua, the Thunder Flower, who, despite being only fifteen, is considered a prodigy of unprecedented talent, reminding some of my younger self. Then there’s Heavenly Flower, whose unbeaten record began only a year ago.

Of course, I, as a martial artist, have personal favorites, and those don’t involve the Heavenly Flower who once injured my body when possessed by Jin Woo-yong—it’s my daughter Namgong Sua.

‘How much has she grown now?’

Namgong Sua began blossoming in talent about three years ago.

It was not just talent, but an extraordinary one that could easily qualify for the “greatest” title among martial artists I have met.

Being only fifteen, she may still face physical limitations, but it is quite exciting to imagine how much she has improved during the months we have been apart.

“Sir! It’s our turn to go out.”

“Understood, Miss. Please lead the way, and I shall follow.”

“Hmm… Excited. Showing my Zhentian Ice Moon under the watchful eyes of so many, what an honor…”

“Miss will do well. Neither tense nor overexcited; just give your full potential.”

Jin Gayoung stepped out of the quarters, her back strapped with the Moonlight Division’s signature weapon.

I followed behind, having already discarded my mask.

“Oh! Look, Sword Flower just passed!”

“Is that small girl really Sword Flower? Just as rumored, she’s very young… and quite pretty.”

“Wait, why are they calling her ‘Sword Flower’ when she’s carrying an axe?”

“Hey! Stop staring right now!”

The crowd’s whispers reached my ears.

There were unusually many spectators compared to previous Seven Flowers Tournaments.

They weren’t just talking about Jin Gayoung.

“But who is that person next to her? He has such a sharp appearance.”

“That person? Isn’t he White Blade Wanderer, Sword Flower’s shadow? They said he always wears a mask, but it’s off now.”

“Wow, he’s tall. But why is his hair so short? Did he just come out of the alleys or something?”

The crowd chatter about me.

How many among them would recognize “Namgung Cheolbin”?

Probably very few.

“Hmm!”

“Sir, Jade Flower seems to have recognized you.”

“Let’s hurry; we’re running late.”

The only one who might have noticed me, besides Jade Flower sitting under the Kunlun tent, was…

If she’s recognized me, although it’s expected, it’s still a bit unsettling. What if Jade Flower suddenly draws her sword and attacks me here? That would completely ruin the Seven Flowers Tournament.

– Sword Sage!

I thought she would let it go, but when I passed Jade Flower’s tent, her voice echoed in my mind.

– Jade Flower, long time no see.

I replied with an equally calm tone through mental communication.

– You, what are you doing here… Could it be that you’ve been the White Blade Wanderer all along?

Her voice quivered upon hearing my familiar tone.

– It’s not necessary for me to answer that. ‘Between us.’

– You…! Didn’t you say that if we ever crossed paths again, you would definitely kill me?

– Calm down. You wouldn’t draw your sword here, would you? Many martial artists could be caught in the crossfire.

– Hmph!

– If you want to fight, come tonight. I’ll be ready. But I can’t disturb these many people.

Her fierce spirit, which normally would have charged ahead without concern for casualties, softened at my persuasion. Has she grown more flexible over time?

In any case, it’s a relief that a hassle disappeared.

– You… I’ll be keeping a close eye on you.

– Do as you please; I don’t have anything to say about that.

Teasing her with little provocations the same way I do with Jin Woo-yong can be amusing.

In any case, have the other Six Flowers arrived yet? None can be seen.

Judging by the empty tents of Namgong, Sichuan, Amitabha, and Huashan, it seems they haven’t arrived yet.

Wudang, however, has representatives already on the stage surrounded by spectators, the Heavenly Master and Heavenly Flower standing together.

‘In fact, considering the Heavenly Master also knows my face…’

When I glanced up at the stage, Heavenly Master looked at me with an astonished expression, as though he had just seen a ghost.

How does it feel to realize that the man who recently sparred with his student is actually the infamous Sword Sage?

– Please.

A frail voice echoed in my mind.

It was once a voice I genuinely respected.

– Please remain quiet.

Strange. Why is he addressing me so formally?

– I’ll grant any request, anything at all.

Does he think I will cause a bloodbath?

– They are innocent lives. Although I don’t know why you’re here, I earnestly plead with you in the name of the Heavenly Master.

I roughly understand the misapprehension but see no need to clear it unless necessary.

“Sir, there’s a tent marked ‘Jin Family.'”

“Let’s go. It seems to be our designated seat.”

The competition venue has a large central arena surrounded by seven tents, one for each martial faction.

The audience encircles the site, forming a large circle.

As I sat down, receiving the intense gazes of both Jade Flower and Heavenly Master, the other Seven Flowers began arriving.

The spectators’ eyes that had been on Jin Gayoung and me quickly shifted to the arriving other Flowers.

The first to enter were Huashan’s White Flower accompanied by her sect leader, Dokgo Gupae.

– That’s him, my rival.

‘I have told you again and again that you are not my father-in-law.’

– Be quiet. If I say so, believe it.

Dokgo Gupae, one of the Twelve Patriarchs who knew my face, seemed preoccupied and hadn’t glanced our way.

As they passed, the crowd murmured:

“That’s White Flower? Quite pretty.”

“Don’t be deceived by her looks. She’s lured and discarded many men just for her own benefit.”

“Ugh, here’s the cursed White Flower again. She behaves like a prostitute.”

White Flower seemed to have a poor reputation. She walked confidently toward Huashan’s tent, seemingly unaffected by the whispers she surely overheard.

Dokgo Gupae, along with the Huashan Taoists, followed her with a noticeably stern and heavy gait.

“Look! The Tang Family has arrived.”

After Huashan’s seating, a group dressed in purple martial uniforms entered the arena orderly.

Both Poison Flower and Poison Lord led the procession, familiar faces to me.

“Isn’t Tang Family a bit dangerous these days? I heard rumors they do strange things in their basements and even randomly kidnap orphans…”

“Shh! Does this friend know nothing? Don’t speak such things in the daytime; even walls have ears and Tang has spies!”

“Ahem… Tang family… Excuse me, I’ll be stepping out for a moment, but do let me know when the competition begins.”

Though not as notorious as me, they still maintained a ground-level reputation.

Had they lacked strength, they’d have been expelled from the Five Great Families long ago, let alone by the righteous sects.

Of course, unlike me, their poor reputation was mostly based on truths; I have no sympathy for them.

“Look! Isn’t that Namgong? Hold on a bit, shall we?”

“What? Namgong? Ha, they’re shameless indeed. Let’s see what Namgong’s face looks like.”

At the mention of ‘Namgong’ in the audience, my head instinctively turned.

The familiar yellow martial uniforms of the Namgong House came into view.

Then.

“Get out! Namgong Family!”

“How dare you shamelessly set foot here! You people who conspire with the Sword Saint!”

Jeers and jeers filled the air.

Namgong’s delegation consisted of only two members: Yu Soeun and Namgong Sua.

The two women who were once my wife and daughter stood there.

“How nauseating! They’ve arrived!”

“How can the daughter of Sword Saint’s bloodline even be counted among the Seven Flowers? Ridiculous!”

“Get out! Get out now! How dare you dare sneak here!”

“Stop pretending to be pitiable! Who cares about the dirty spawn of the demon!”

Whew – thud!

Their shouts were accompanied by various projectiles that mercilessly pelted the two.

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