Try Living Well Without Me

It has been six days since Jin Gayoung began her training to counter Namgung Cheolbin.

Surprisingly, she has already mastered the methods to deal with him perfectly.

Moreover, she has even started to adapt and mock me as I imitate Namgung So So.

It seems that now she’s capable of going against Namgung So So anytime.

Clang!

After finishing the last move, she sheathed her sword.

Jin Gayoung also put her sword back into its scabbard.

“Excellent, Miss.”

“Huff, huff…! How was it? Have I improved…?”

“There’s no better word for it than meteoric growth. I’ve never seen anyone with the martial talent you possess.”

“Hehe.”

Of course, there’s Su-a, so it’s somewhat exaggerated, but the fact that she has remarkable martial talent cannot be denied.

“However, your breathing and control still seem rather awkward.”

“Mmhm…”

“Don’t worry. These things take time. Now, review everything you’ve learned so far. Tomorrow, we’ll visit Byeohwa for a sparring match.”

Considering she already declined it, there’s no point in being concerned about losing face. Jin Gayoung didn’t say anything about that.

That’s a good attitude.

Pride is useless in this perilous martial world.

“Can I handle it?”

“I believe you already have what it takes.”

“Really?”

“While I can’t say you surpass Byeohwa, given the specialized training you have received, you won’t lose.”

Perhaps it’s because of my firm response.

Jin Gayoung, even as she lay on the floor exhausted, grinned broadly.

Her expression was unbearably cute, making me unconsciously reach out and pet her.

At my touch, Jin Gayoung trembled briefly before closing her eyes and accepting it.

Swish, whoosh—

To be honest, it reminded me of the feeling of nurturing a disciple after a long time.

“Hehe… Successfully got petted by uncle…”

She has grown quite familiar with her strange habits, but even as I listen, it doesn’t bother me much anymore.

Perhaps it’s proof that I’ve grown accustomed to her.

—Beom Rak? Can you come out and take a look at this for a moment?

Just as I was petting Jin Gayoung who was lying down, a mental voice reached me from beyond the wall.

There’s only one person who can send such a mental note from beyond a wall without speaking aloud.

“You may rest, Miss. I’ll be right back.”

“Y-you’re leaving? Are you coming back?”

“Of course, where else would I go leaving you behind?”

“H-huh, alright then…! Please return safely…”

With that, I turned to leave, keeping my eye on the slightly flushed Jin Gayoung, who had buried her face in the dirt, and headed towards the door.

As if waiting all along, Namgung So So appeared right in front of me as soon as I passed through the door.

“Could we move somewhere else first?”

She glanced back at where Jin Gayoung was resting.

Judging by Namgung So So’s demeanor, it seems she plans to discuss something that shouldn’t have any audience.

“Alright.”

“A…thank you!”

She took the lead, and I followed in her footsteps.

By the way, Namgung So So doesn’t look well at all.

Her face has grown unnaturally pale since the last time I saw her, and her limbs are gaunt.

Although she appears to be walking normally from afar, a closer look reveals how fragile she looks, as if she might collapse at any moment.

Just then,

Wobble—

Namgung So So wavers as if experiencing a headache.

Chock—

I quickly steadied her, but she recoiled with a start, pushing away my hand.

“I-I’m sorry… Lately, I’ve been like this…”

“If it’s difficult, you should rest. You seem to be overexerting yourself.”

“Well…is that so? But there’s something I want to say…”

“Let’s speak here then. We are far enough away from the Sword Flower Sect headquarters. And nobody is around.”

“Alright. Th-then, I’ll say it here…”

What exactly is the matter that she’s being so cautious about?

Her lips finally parted as my curiosity grew.

“You intend to issue a martial challenge to me tomorrow, right? You from the Taewon Jin Clan?”

“You must already know, since you’ve been observing everything.”

My slightly cold response implied, ‘If you know everything already, why ask?’

Namgung So So flinched once and finally got to the point.

“So, what will you do if I refuse to accept the challenge?”

“Do you intend not to accept?”

“No, I’m not saying that. I just wanted to know what you would do if I refused.”

Why the long preamble if there’s something specific she wants to say?

I must respond first.

“What would I do? I’d return. But I don’t expect you to refuse.”

“Why…?”

“Isn’t there public opinion to consider? If you avoid sparring with our Miss Jin, the crowd will mock you as a coward who is afraid and ran away. It would naturally lead to the perception that Sword Flower is superior to Sword Blossom.”

“Even if I give the excuse that I’m unwell? Take a look at me. Do you think someone in a state like this could fight?”

As she spoke, Namgung So So lifted her clothing to reveal her abdomen.

It was so sunken that her ribs were visible.

Showing her abdomen so unprotected like this to someone who isn’t acquainted must mean she trusts me to some degree.

Seeing her younger sister-like figure battling through such mental struggles makes my heart ache.

“Public opinion cares little for such circumstances. Even if they know, they will likely turn their backs.”

As they did with me.

The public will bury insignificant truths while weaving tales around more sensational ones.

“S-so even if I don’t get the title ‘Flower Among Seven,’ is that alright?”

That’s also a valid point.

Even if she faces ridicule for refusing the duel, Jin Gayoung would lose an opportunity that could possibly lead to earning the ‘Flower Among Seven’ title.

If she avoided the duel because she feared losing, the result would be an automatic disqualification, and it would be impossible to claim the ‘Flower Among Seven’ title due to her condition.

However, that’s not likely what she aims to discuss.

“So, what is it you’re trying to say? Did you bring me here to discuss this?”

“No, I have a proposal.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ll accept the challenge. And I’ll give up the title ‘Flower Among Seven.’ Whether Sword Flower wins or loses.”

If Jin Gayoung wins or loses…?

“What do you desire?”

“Y-you.”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean you! In case I win, come serve under me. That’s my offer!”

I’m tempted to question what nonsensical suggestion this is, but

Considering her expression, it’s far from a joke.

Her face reflects sheer desperation as if she’s staked her life on this very matter.

Her breathing is erratic, and her face simultaneously flushes and fades.

She appears on the verge of fainting.

“Don’t you find it curious? Didn’t you insult me just three days ago as someone who practices witchcraft?”

“Th-trying to trap you! To understand what kind of witchcraft you’re using against me and keeping you under lock and key!”

“…”

“Even without evidence, you can’t just capture and interrogate me, can you?”

Why does her current demeanor so vividly remind me of the past when she rescued me?

Back then, amidst tens of thousands of Blood Cult disciples, she infiltrated their stronghold to save me, lying helplessly bound by iron chains in the underground dungeon.

Even then, with a sense of urgency as if I were a part of her, she desperately saved me, and it resembles her current state.

“Do you actually believe you can beat our Miss Jin? As far as your current condition goes, it’s hardly in a state for battle.”

“I-I’ll figure that out myself! So, give me an answer! Will you accept my offer?”

“And you are sure you’ll hand over the title regardless of whether you win or lose?”

“Yes, I’m serious.”

“Then I accept.”

After this intense training, I don’t think Miss Jin will lose.

In fact, Namgung So So’s current state is abysmal.

Even if by some chance she does win, I have no regrets as she has been a benefactor who has made me feel human warmth after such a long time.

Rather, it puzzles me why she would be ready to abandon such a prestigious title like ‘Flower Among Seven’ just for one person.

“Is it real? If I win, you’ll come to serve under me, right?”

“In case you win. Then I bid you farewell for now.”

“T-thank you!”

“On the contrary, I am indebted to you for granting our Miss an opportunity.”

After bowing deeply in gratitude, I used my agility techniques and swiftly returned to Mt. Hangsan Sword Sect.

Given her delicate condition, I briefly considered supporting her, but considering her as the second most renowned martial artist among the ‘Seven Flowers,’ she’ll likely manage on her own.

Namgung So So, who fought through waves of Blood Cult members while screaming my name, wouldn’t kneel down so easily from a mere cold.

“Uncle? Y-you’re back so quickly?”

“Why such a welcome as if I’ve been gone for days? I’ve only been out for a little over half an hour.”

“I-I thought you had gone somewhere far…”

“As I’ve already stated, how could I leave when Miss Jin is with me? Don’t worry; I’ll stay by your side.”

“It’s fortunate… truly a blessing…”

Of course, there’s no plan to obediently follow Namgung So So even after accepting the offer.

Though it might just be misplaced concern, I prefer to remain as Jin Gayoung’s retainer.

Could I have already developed a bond with her? Even though our paths will likely part sooner or later.

“Uncle.”

Just as I was lost in thought, Jin Gayoung suddenly called out to me.

“Speak.”

“Absolutely, you mustn’t leave me. You must always stay by my side.”

“Don’t worry.”

‘Until you dismiss me, I have no intention of leaving.’

Precisely for that reason, I must ensure Jin Gayoung wins in this forthcoming duel.

“Alright, rise now. Think of me as Byeohwa and attack.”

“Eh? Again?”

“Just use everything you’ve learned so far.”

“Alright… Since Uncle said so, I will…”

Even though she’s clearly exhausted, at my single word, Jin Gayoung lights her eyes with fierce determination.

With a look like hers, how could I possibly leave?

After Beom Rak’s departure

Namgung So So, having barely held onto her legs, collapsed onto the floor when they finally gave out.

“Haa, haa…”

Between her parted lips came heavy, irregular breaths.

Thump, thump…

Her heart, which seemed impossible to calm, thrashed uncontrollably, and Namgung So So attempted deep breathing to soothe it.

Of course, it had no effect.

“…”

This feeling, this palpitation, this confusion.

Now she could unmistakably recognize what this was.

This was that feeling— the one that had plagued her incessantly over the past few years. The one she thought she had successfully escaped from.

“Shit…”

Namgung So So had joined the Sword Flower Sect to free herself from memories of seeing her brother cuddling another woman.

But, is the heart something that can be controlled at will?

Even during the great war against the Blood Cult, where externally she was slashing through Blood Cult members and saving others, internally she was embroiled in her own personal love struggle.

She tried to forget.

She wanted to forget.

Because she no longer wished to like someone who couldn’t reciprocate, someone who shared her own flesh and blood, so she aspired to meet an ordinary man and live a regular life.

But she couldn’t.

Even when various rumors surfaced about Namgung Cheolbin and revelations of his vile side came to light, despite outwardly criticizing and despising him, internally she harbored feelings of compassion.

When everyone else was condemning him, even though she knew he deserved all the curses, she would still feel personal anguish.

And there were occasions where, using the excuse of being drunk, she threw tantrums and obliterated those who had cursed him.

Of course, those times were not joyful.

Rather, they made her feel guilty.

Even when she desired to curse, to fully condemn him like others,

Just as she tried, a part of her heart would cling onto memories and lingering affection, holding her back.

Even when she deliberately hurled harsh words from her heart to sever her feelings, her heart moved against her will.

So when she heard the news that Namgung Cheolbin had been stripped of his title as the head of the Namgung household and expelled from the clan, she secretly entertained the childish thought that now, since he’s no longer her brother, she could freely meet him.

She immediately slapped herself as soon as she realized she’d thought that.

Still, amidst all those days of suffering, a day eventually arrived when she didn’t often think about him.

It wasn’t exactly happy.

Because another person had taken that place.

Beom Rak.

After observing, she realized he possessed high-level martial arts skills far beyond that of an ordinary servant, his face always concealed by a mask, making it impossible to see what lay beneath.

Namgung So So judged.

This was her issue.

Even if that man truly had unknowingly employed sorcery on herself, the fact that she went through the same with her brother indicated an underlying problem.

After all, does anyone in the world fall in love with someone and become nauseated to the point of throwing up just by thinking about them?

‘This time… I will break free…!’

She would escape this horrific mental disorder and find a proper relationship.

Even if she loses the title as one of the ‘Seven Flowers’ here, she could gain it elsewhere.

It’s better to let it go now than to cling to it if it means she can fix herself.

First, she had to deal with this man named Beom Rak.

‘Ugh… Again… his voice…’

A strange ringing noise started.

She already knew what signaled the oncoming auditory hallucinations from her extensive experience.

Soon after, within her mind, Beom Rak’s rough voice echoed.

‘Trash. Cut off your dick already. You’re disgusting and repulsive.’

“Hng…”

A horrifying sensation coursed through Namgung So So’s entire body.

After convulsing from the discomfort for a moment, she gave up and just stared off into the distance with a vacant gaze.

It wasn’t a meaningful gesture.

‘Where exactly did I hear these words…?’

No, did I really hear them if it involved chopping off one’s…?

Could it be just something fabricated by my mind?

‘I don’t know…’

Now, nothing came to mind.

‘What to do tomorrow…?’

Although the words earlier were just spoken on impulse, how should she deal with Sword Flower who’s preparing to fight against her?

‘Ah…’

Namgung So So, troubled by various situations, buried her head into the ground and collapsed.

The massive band of black path martial artists dominating the night streets of Shanxi Province.

The Royal Corpse Sect.

Currently, hundreds of the Royal Corpse Sect’s thugs were gathered together at Hunyuan County under Mt. Hangshan.

Of course, fitting the title of the dominant force of a province, there were among them even top-tier martial artists and peak experts occasionally mingled within the group.

The leader Wang Safang stood up front and shouted with his internal energy.

“We! For the past ten years, have done all sorts of dirty work for the Hangshan Sword Sect’s benefit!”

His thunderous voice shook the buildings.

The black path martial artists had already blocked their ears to protect their eardrums.

“And because of that! The Hangshan Sword Sect stands proudly among the five great sects! That’s all thanks to the efforts we’ve done hidden in the shadows!”

One of the group chimed in agreement.

“That’s right! All thanks to us!”

He was someone Wang Safang had planted beforehand.

“Yet now, the wicked Hangshan Sword Sect intends to abandon us! Is that fair? Brothers!”

Another person planted beforehand responded.

“Not at all!”

Not knowing the truth, the other members of the black path martial artists gradually followed the flow, getting swept up into the leader’s intentions.

“Exactly! If we endure such unjust treatment, we aren’t true to the black path or the Royal Corpse Sect! Therefore, when dawn breaks, I am going to attack the Hangshan Sword Sect! Don’t worry about the Martial Forest Alliance! I’ve already bribed them! This will be nothing but a rights dispute between the Royal Corpse Sect and Hangshan Sword Sect to crown the true king of Shanxi Province!”

“…”

Looking at the burly men who remained silent, Wang Safang smirked bitterly.

What? The Five Great Sects?

Before the war, that might have been possible, but now the Hangshan Sword Sect is nothing more than a toothless wolf.

In contrast, they are the top black-path faction of Shanxi Province, having cultivated their strength through countless battles.

It will be an impossible fight for them to lose.

The only concern is the Martial Forest Alliance that stands behind the Five Great Sects, but with the bribes already paid, there should be no problems.

And if an issue arises, they can always ask for help from the Black Path United Alliance.

The Martial Forest Alliance weakened by the war against the Blood Cult won’t back down easily against the newer powerhouses.

“With this opportunity, let’s show the world the strength of the black path and the Royal Corpse Sect!!”

By the time Wang Safang finished his final shout, engulfing the sect,

The cheering from the black path martial artists had long since drowned out his voice.

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