Chapter 14: Scions of a Noble Family
The strike was incomparably faster and more intense than the one that had split the air moments earlier. The black sword tip trembled as it extended straight forward, splitting into three prongs. No matter how Songhwa moved, the blade shifted position to pursue her.
Songhwa arched her waist backward, guiding the sword over her chest. The blade transformed mid-motion, retracting without pause before slashing downward. At the critical moment, Songhwa's body spun rapidly while still arched backward.
Using her right foot as a pivot, she whirled three full rotations to escape the sword's reach before rising upright.
'Impressive.'
Lord Hou nodded with folded arms. Though he'd expected competence from Songhwa given her exceptional discipline, her skill surpassed expectations. The four guards maintained their observer stance, radiating quiet confidence.
The swordsman was the flustered one.
His face flushed crimson when his attack was effortlessly evaded. To mask his panic, he immediately launched another strike.
Songhwa's response differed this time.
Instead of retreating, she surged forward into the sword's trajectory.
The move appeared suicidal—as if she'd resigned herself to mutual destruction when evasion seemed impossible.
'The blade will pierce her heart,' the swordsman thought.
He realized his error in the next instant. There was no resistance of flesh. Songhwa twisted sideways, letting the blade slip past her armpit while seizing the vital pulse at his neck with her right hand.
"Ghk!"
The swordsman choked as his energy drained instantly, qi circulation severed by the pressure on his neck.
Songhwa released her sword grip and mercilessly twisted his wrist outward. Arms bend inward—forcing them outward invites disaster. Disaster arrived with a sickening crack as bone splintered.
"Kyaaaaaaah—!"
A harrowing scream reverberated through the inn.
The swordsman's shoulder sagged, his arm dangling at an unnatural angle. Bloodshot eyes glared as he rasped:
"You bitch... You'll pay. Do you know who I—? You've picked... the wrong enemy. Soon you'll—"
"Fly away."
Songhwa's kick connected squarely with his abdomen, sending him crashing through a window.
"Kyaaaaaaah!"
Before the scream faded, Songhwa spun lightly and skipped toward Lord Hou with an innocent smile.
"My lord, were you startled?"
"I nearly lost my liver."
"Hehe..."
"Let's go."
Lord Hou flicked his sleeves and descended the stairs first. Songhwa hurried after informing the innkeeper she'd cover damages with ten silver coins left on the table.
"My lord, my lord! We should leave together!"
She fluttered after him, head tilted in puzzlement. The four guards trailing behind wore identical expressions of confusion.
The young master stood frozen at the inn's entrance with a questioning hum.
The situation clarified instantly.
A dozen swordsmen formed a fan-shaped blockade outside. Among them stood the previously defeated swordsman, now propped up by allies.
The commotion drew inevitable attention. A man's scream followed by his window-shattering flight, then a line of armed fighters—pedestrians halted, tavern patrons spilled into streets. After all, nothing surpassed the spectacle of battle.
Among the crowd were four youths from the opposite balcony.
"Ah... That man seems familiar," muttered Jang Ye of Yeomhwagak, squinting at the scene below.
"Who do you mean, Brother Jang?" asked Seomun Hyeon, third son of the Seomun family.
Jang Ye's eyes widened as recognition struck. "Heavens! Could that be Lord Beom of Cheonhwa Seogo?"
"Lord Beom? The Cheonhwa Seogo heir?"
"Look closely, Brother Seomun."
Seomun Hyeon gasped. "How...?!"
The two women beside them stared wide-eyed.
"That's him? The prodigy among prodigies?"
The tragedy of Cheonhwa Seogo was an open secret locally. Years of seclusion had birthed rumors about its heir—stories blending genius with pity. Yet the man before them radiated vitality, his bearing defying all whispers.
"Without doubt," Jang Ye confirmed. "Yet it's hard to believe even when seeing him."
"What could have changed him?"
Their conversation halted as a one-eyed man stepped from the swordsmen's ranks. His remaining eye glinted like honed steel.
"Your doing?" he sneered at Lord Hou.
"No."
Lord Hou pointed behind him.
Songhwa blinked at the unexpected accusation but stepped forward, remembering her duty. Lord Hou retreated three paces—with her martial prowess and four guards present, his intervention was unnecessary.
"Mind your tongue!" Songhwa barked. "Do you know whom you address? This incident resulted from your man's disrespect. Withdraw now!"
Despite being outnumbered, her voice carried unshaken authority bordering on threat.
The one-eyed man chuckled. "Feisty. Pity I'll be taking an arm for this."
Songhwa sighed deeply. "If you insist on drinking punishment wine..."
"Enough! Attack!"
At his roar, swordsmen charged. Songhwa and the four guards met them head-on.
Chaos erupted instantly.
Lord Hou retreated further, surveying the battle with Heaven's First Eye—discerning outcomes from brief clashes.
'Merely a matter of time.'
Though outnumbered, Songhwa's superior skills and the guards' support would end this without casualties.
He turned toward the crowd, approaching the four youths.
"Brothers Jang and Seomun—do you recognize me?"
Jang Ye and Seomun Hyeon laughed heartily.
"Who wouldn't recognize Cheonhwa Seogo's unparalleled genius?"
"If Lord Beom remembers us, how could we forget?"
Lord Hou smiled. "My apologies for past neglect. Health issues confined me until recently. Seeing you here gladdens me. Shall we converse upstairs? The ladies may join if willing."
The two women—Ban Gyo-in of Cheongwol Sect and Myo Garyeong of Baihua Manor—nodded dazedly. All four youths followed in stunned silence. None had imagined the rumored reclusive heir would initiate socializing.
Before moving, Jang Ye interjected:
"Lord Beom, allow me to resolve this disturbance first."
Sincerity, not empty courtesy, colored his offer.
'He's grown well,' Lord Hou noted before declining:
"Your intent is appreciated, but Jianghu matters are best settled by involved parties. My guards will handle it."
The group gaped. The heir before them—poised and assured—bore no resemblance to the gloomy invalid of rumors.
Even the women exchanged silent glances:
This composure? Weren't they saying he's clinging to life?
Exactly! He seems... pleasant.
Lord Hou chuckled at their stares. "Why the looks? Let's ascend."
They settled at a balcony table overlooking the battle. After brief introductions, conversation flowed warmly. Lord Hou subtly probed about current Jianghu affairs through the men's accounts.
'Nothing extraordinary.'
Minor conflicts simmered but lacked scale to shake the martial world. Only demonic sects like Magyo or Guiyun Sect warranted attention—ordinary strife remained constant.
"Troubles arise everywhere, yet none dare act overtly," Seomun Hyeon remarked. "The alliance leader's death was announced, but most doubt its truth. Many expect Lord Hou's sudden return."
Jang Ye added: "I share their skepticism. Though mocked for his weight, Lord Hou's capabilities touched the heavens. Demonic sects pale before him. Frankly, some find his stoutness dashing—myself included."
"Brother Jang has refined taste," Lord Hou smiled.
He privately agreed—those familiar with him would scoff at the suicide rumors. The alliance leader touring the world they'd say.
By the time farewells were exchanged outside, the one-eyed gang lay defeated. Songhwa delivered final warnings to the groaning leader.
"Rumors prove unreliable," Ban Gyo-in observed. "You're bolder than described, Lord Beom—even inquiring about Jianghu affairs."
The daughter of Cheongwol Sect's leader stood resplendent in crimson silk—a vision of elegance.
