MTL NOVEL Chapter 55
Whooosh.
A snowball filled with jealousy, mockery, hatred, and complaints flies through the air.
Thud!
The snowball collides with something and disperses into powder, scattering everywhere.
The ‘person’ hit by the snowball stumbles momentarily then helplessly bows their head.
“We don’t need your kind at the Seven Flowers Tournament!”
Yu So-eun, who is a head taller than Namgung Su-a, wraps her arms around Namgung Su-a.
Though quite petite herself, she tries her best to shield her despite not being able to completely cover her.
“If you have any decency, leave now! Get out immediately!”
The crowd continues to insult and shout at the two of them.
Among the slurs were some truly vile words beyond all bounds of decency.
“Namgong is no longer one of the righteous factions!”
“How dare you walk in so shamelessly! Do you have no pride?”
These actions stem from a collective ritual.
People insult because others are doing the same, creating a vicious cycle.
To prove they belong to the so-called “righteous factions.”
Because of these absurd selfish motivations, Yu So-eun and Namgong Su-a are unjustly maligned despite being innocent.
Once my wife and daughter, now they are being subjected to a form of bullying.
Gritting of teeth.
Of course, I am infuriated.
I want to confront them and question what makes them so righteous.
And even though our connection is severed, they were still my family.
They were the source of my motivation to return, the faces that drove me to rewind time countless times when I wanted to give up.
It’s quite distressing seeing my former family mistreated like this by such despicable masses.
Still, why is that?
“Uncle, why are you covering your mouth with your hand? Is something stuck in your teeth?”
“…It’s nothing.”
It feels so satisfying.
The sight of the people who abandoned me being subjected to the same treatment I endured is incredibly gratifying.
I know I shouldn’t feel this way. I shouldn’t enjoy witnessing these unjust criticisms. This isn’t the way of the righteous or chivalrous.
But I’m no sage who can control emotions perfectly. I’m no machine either.
– Those bastards would have found your presence amusing, it’s a shame you’re keeping your head down.
“Could it be you told me not to wear a mask for this reason?”
– Ahem, it was a two-fold purpose. There was also the need to boost your rock-bottom self-esteem.
“…”
– Don’t look at me like that. It really is because of you that I said it.
Jin Woo-yong’s meaningless chatter is mostly ignored as I refocus my gaze on them.
I feel repulsed. The fact that my former family is being mistreated simply for being part of my family fills me with disillusionment and anger.
But I can’t act rashly.
There’s this conflicting feeling within me—a sick satisfaction that counteracts the disgust, frustration, and anger.
Undeniably an infuriating scene, yet strangely refreshing.
It feels as if a long-blocked corner of my heart has finally opened up.
Thinking of myself as a sage and yet feeling these emotions I shouldn’t be feeling.
Am I a villain?
– I must say, don’t categorize the feelings you’re experiencing now as evil.
“What do you mean?”
– It’s merely primal emotions that humans naturally feel. Witnessing those who wronged you now facing similar treatment, the unease you feel because you’re not the one causing it, and the satisfaction at the end—it’s all normal human feelings. It’s neither good nor evil, so don’t waste time indulging in self-loathing.
“…Still, it’s not a pleasant sight.”
– True, that’s another natural feeling you’re supposed to experience. There’s a phrase ’empathetic resonance.’ Feeling pity for those in a situation similar to yours is natural too.
“I want to stop it. I want to be the one cursing them, not these filth. I’m more angry at these filth than anything.”
– Do as you wish, but I think it might be better not to get involved.
“Excuse me?”
At Jin Woo-yong’s cryptic statement, just as I’m about to ask, a great roar echoes through the space.
“Roar-!!!”
A tremendous shout, only achievable by an ultra-master, sweeps across the area.
Boom-!
Simultaneously, a rich plum scent rises from the center of the arena and spreads in all directions.
The leader of the Mount Hua Sect, Elder Dokgo Gupae, leaps high into the air and lands on the arena with a powerful strike.
The resulting massive shockwave momentarily shakes the entire Wudang Mountain.
“To all of you! Stop this immediately! What exactly are you doing?!”
Not as the leader of the Mount Hua Sect, but as the father of Yu So-eun.
He is genuinely furious.
“What fault do they have that you all treat them like this? These two are ultimately also victims!”
The shout of one of the twelve great masters resonates loudly.
As a result, the audience momentarily has to cover their ears.
During this brief pause, Elder Dokgo, who is standing with his back to Yu So-eun, whispers to her.
“Why did you trouble yourself to leave a perfectly fine sect for this hardship?”
“…”
“…You foolish one, go back.”
Even though she is shaking in fear, Yu So-eun walks down towards the Namgong tent with Namgong Su-a still in her embrace.
The elder watches their retreating backs with a somewhat wistful gaze then glances at the Tang family seated next to the Mount Hua sect and quietly speaks to Elder Dok of the Poison Sect.
“Elder Dok, if you don’t mind, could you switch places with the Namgong family?”
An unexpected opportunity to repay a debt.
Not being stupid enough to let it pass, Elder Dok smiles kindly and stands up.
“Of course. Kids, rise. They want us to sit at the Namgong tent.”
Those unaware of the opportunity look perplexed, but Tang Sobaek, who recognized it before Elder Dok, quickly agrees.
“Yes, come on everyone. It’s a direct request from Elder Dok himself.”
As she stands up, the other members of the Tang family awkwardly rise and move to the Namgong tent, while Yu So-eun, holding Namgong Su-a’s hand tightly, enters the Tang tent beside the Mount Hua sect, where she can be protected.
After ensuring her daughter and granddaughter are seated in a position where they can be easily shielded, Elder Dok slowly returns to the audience gathered in Wudang and announces.
“They aren’t Namgong clan members first and foremost! They’re the daughter and granddaughter of a Taoist recluse!”
With such a solemn proclamation, no one dared to even whisper.
Emanating from Elder Dok’s body was a vivid purple aura so intense it had materialized into a tangible form.
It clearly showed how angry he was.
“And even if they were Namgong clan members! Your blind criticism is nothing more than cruel collective punishment!”
Each thunderous proclamation from Elder Dok melted the snow and powder on the arena as if the climate on the arena was different from the rest of the world.
“And if there’s anyone who still wishes to throw snowballs at them, go ahead! But be prepared to be enemies with me, Elder Dokgo Gupae!”
“…”
“…Fortunately, there’s no one.”
After finishing his words, Elder Dok slowly descends from the arena and sits in a position within the Mount Hua sect where he faces Yu So-eun.
The people who were recently cursing Yu So-eun and Namgong Su-a have become silent like honey-fed bears.
In the meantime, upon recognizing the mysterious person known as ‘Byul Rak’ accompanying Jin Gayoung, the Heavenly Lord startled from his trance and quickly steps forward.
“Boundless mercy… You’ve already expressed what this old man wished to say. What outrageous behavior is this in this sacred Seven Flowers Tournament.”
“Humph…”
“Ahem! Huff! Huff…”
“Please remember proper decorum. Those who don’t follow decorum have no place on Wudang Mountain. Wudang is open to everyone regardless of status, but those lacking propriety are not welcome.”
After promptly warning the audience, the Heavenly Lord gazes worriedly at Yu So-eun and Namgong Su-a.
Though Yu So-eun has her eyes and ears covered, the fact that Namgong Su-a’s body isn’t trembling much shows she hasn’t received too much of a shock.
With a deep sigh of relief, the Heavenly Lord turns back to the position of the Wudang sect, but his eyes catch sight of the Taiwon Jin family.
More specifically, Byul Rak who is staring intently at the Namgong family from there.
“…I apologize. I should have stepped in earlier but failed to do so.”
Though not very familiar with the Sword Sage, he knew one definite thing.
No one at this gathering could stop him.
And currently, he is clearly in a foul mood.
This was why the Heavenly Lord apologized.
“Um, there was a bit of a disturbance. Next participants, please enter the arena.”
Followed by Ami’s nuns led by Snow Flower entering the arena.
Thus began the perilous start of the Seven Flowers Tournament.
“That child is my granddaughter.”
“…”
“Stop being stubborn and listen, foolish one.”
“Do you fear?”
“…”
“Why did you ever choose that Sword Sage? With your talent, had you stayed with your sect, the first female leader of Mount Hua might have emerged.”
“…”
“I’m sorry.”
“How could you choose that? How many men wanted you? Wudang’s Wulong followed you around, the eldest son of the Zhuge family professed his love for you, and even the second son of the Huang family fell in love with you at first sight and visited our sect.”
“…”
“There is nothing I can say…”
“When you left Huashan, I resented it greatly, but secretly supported you, thinking ‘our daughter has finally grown up.’ But look at you now. Did you marry into the Namgong clan just to get pelted with snowballs?”
“…”
“Each word filled with resentment from Elder Dok was like a dagger stabbing into Yu So-eun’s heart.
‘I’m sorry… Father…’
Worried Namgong Su-a might hear those words, she tightly covers her daughter’s ears.
Unaware that her own ears were fully open.
“A wise man will die for one who understands him, and a woman will adorn for one who admires her.”
“…”
“What is this current state of yours? Your martial arts are deteriorating, I can barely sense any inner energy. You gave up everything, you didn’t even find true love. Don’t you regret it?”
“…”
“Regret? Tell me, do you regret leaving the sect for that Namgong fellow back then?”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Yu So-eun answered right away.
Though the voice was a little soft, it held clear power in it.
“No.”
“What…?”
“If I hadn’t followed him then, I wouldn’t be able to see Su-a now.”
“…”
“The child will have to live her whole life with the label of being the child of a swordsman. Don’t you feel sorry for her?”
“It’s alright. I’ll just do better.”
“…”
“Since he has erred, I will bestow kindness. I’ll distribute food to the starving every year, start pawnshops with minimal interest, find and apologize to those harmed by him, and help trade caravans without any commission. If I continue to exert effort like this, one day… One day, Namgong’s goodness will overshadow his misdeeds.”
“You foolish one! Do you know when that day will come? Even if it does come, it’ll be after you’re long gone! That’s how these grudges in the martial world work! They last for at least fifty years!”
“It’s alright. Even if I get cursed for life, it’s fine. The severed relationship and the karma of choosing the wrong husband, I’ll accept. But I can’t leave Su-a like this. At the very least, Su-a shouldn’t bear the sins of her parents. I’ll ensure it doesn’t happen.”
Of course, though Namgong Su-a is still young, she is a top martial artist.
Even if Yu So-eun tries to cover her ears without using martial energy, there’s no way the words wouldn’t reach her sharp hearing.
Clutching tightly…
Gripping Yu So-eun’s waist even harder.
The grip was strong enough to cause pain, but Yu So-eun didn’t show any sign of discomfort and endured silently.
Because she’s a mother.
Someone who needs to embrace, protect, and support her daughter.
Someone who needs to be a pillar that her daughter can always rely on.
Since she is that pillar.
“If you face difficulties anytime, come to Huashan.”
“Thank you, Father.”
Even though she might be a hated and pitiable daughter to someone.
“Huashan has good air. If you’re really uncomfortable, you can also go for rest in Shaolin. Isn’t your son there too?”
“Yes, I’ll do that. It’s been … about twelve years since I last saw him.”
“Unreasonable thing. Even though he left home, how could he not visit his mother even once?”
“Please don’t say that. There must be reasons.”
“Frustrating thing. Do you know how frustrated I’ve been seeing you since old? No matter how harsh the training I imposed, no matter how much your palms bled and hurt, you never complained. What a foolish daughter I have.”
“…”
“There was something good about you for the first time when the person you liked appeared and you left of your own accord. Honestly, I was secretly happy. I thought, ‘When did our daughter grow up like this?’ But seeing you now… Sigh, why am I repeating what I already said.”
Even the eyes of Elder Dok, known as a heartless martial artist among martial artists, were turning red.
There was also a trace of tears.
Even though she couldn’t see it from the front, she could feel the delicate tremors through the back that was facing him.
Raising her head weakly, Yu So-eun noticed the first matchup of the Seven Flowers Tournament—Jade Flower and Snow Flower ascending to the arena.
“…”
Just then, her eyes caught someone across the arena.
Gray hair she had seen only once but would never forget.
The regular features under it, and the blue eyes that resembled her own daughter’s so much.
“Why? Did you see something? You’re trembling suddenly.”
“…”
“It’s nothing.”
“Good. Don’t let your mind wander and focus on the match. Since you have neglected your practice, this will be a great learning experience for you. Just now, Jade Flower’s sword grazed past Snow Flower. Why does she seem so off?”
While pretending to listen to Elder Dok’s reprimand and trying to shift her gaze to the Jade Flower versus Snow Flower match, Yu So-eun’s eyes kept chasing Byul Rak.
In the process, she didn’t forget to keep Namgong Su-a’s head directed towards the match to ensure she wouldn’t see Byul Rak.
“Cheolbin… Is it really alright for you to reveal your face so openly like this?”
The moment she saw Byul Rak, a pang of heartache hit her.
She hated him.
After all, the current situation was all because of him.
Their current state, her estrangement from her father, all of it wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t committed those crimes and transgressions.
But what could be done?
Regardless of feelings, he was her chosen husband.
The karma of her husband was something she, as a wife, should carry.
At least, that’s what Yu So-eun believed.
“Your karma… I’ll find a way to cleanse it for you.”
Just then, Byul Rak’s gaze, moving past Jade Flower overwhelming Snow Flower, also landed on Yu So-eun and Namgong Su-a.
Inevitably, their eyes met.
Though naturally frail in character, Yu So-eun didn’t look away when she felt Byul Rak’s frighteningly cold gaze on her.
“To Su-a, I’ll try to ensure it doesn’t affect her.”
As if she had something to say.
“Please, don’t cause any more trouble and just stay calm.”