Chapter 127: Searching For The Old Power (1)

Chapter 127: Searching For The Old Power (1)

Rushing in and attacking people like that wasnt really my style.

Such actions didnt suit my temperament.

[Youre laughing.]

Oh, is that so?

Previously, that would have been true.

Originally, my plan was to approach politely, but the trouble began when the gatekeeper attacked me first.

-Id like to meet your leader, is there any way that could happen?

I asked in that manner, but when they said it wasnt possible, I attempted once more to approach respectfully.

-Could you please let me see the leader?

Then, they drew a sword, claiming we couldnt communicate. Ultimately, I had no choice but to send the gatekeeper flying, with tears in my eyes. They had betrayed my respectful intentions.

As long as youre not too hurt, its fine?

I spent some time wandering around this area, observing this place known as Dowon.

Speaking sweetly to gather stories about the warriors of Dowon, it turns out the top brass seemed okay, but the lower ranks were filled with foul-tempered individuals.

All the warriors whose sects were destroyed gathered here. Its natural for those with unbearable temperaments to be lurking around. Many here are similar to me.

[Similar to you?]

Like ambushing women in the middle of the night or brawls in taverns leading to someones death.

Such stories were common enough to suggest the water here is tainted.

The upper echelons of Dowon, where Cheondo resides, might not be so, but

The lower parts of Dowon, that was, those situated below the mountain range, snuck around committing all sorts of misdeeds, avoiding the eyes of Cheonma.

[How is that similar to you?]

Because I lived foolishly too Well, Ive been forgiven by that person, but what I did was wrong.

[I dont really understand.]

I always thought the water would always be clean in Dowon, where the peaches grow.

Even my master wasnt always a clean person.

They maintained order, but if something happened, they could kill a person at any time.

That included Cheondo and Baekdo. Even the gentle Hwangdo probably had several experiences killing people.

The Dowon that Cheondo grew up in, the one I imagined and hoped for, could not be the utopia I had envisioned.

Strength is everything, the local tavern owner, Jeomsoyi, told me.

Even a mere restaurant girl knew the way of Cheonma. Cheonma dominated this place with the logic of power.

In the martial world, the law of the martial world applied.

If youre weaker than me, you bow. If youre stronger than me, I bow.

Anyway, I was planning to show some mercy.

I wont cause unnecessary slaughter.

Grrr

[Are you sure hes not dead?]

I only hit places that wouldnt hurt too much. He might look like that, but he probably doesnt have a single injured part. Just a lot of bruises.

A man, charred black, couldnt gather his strength and twisted his head.New novel chapters are published on

He was defeated. The surroundings began to stir.

-Is he not dead?

Hes not dead.

There were a few things I learned from Cheondo before the midterm exam.

Where to hit, what magic to use to gently knock someone out.

But the most important thing was that people didnt easily die.

At worst, he was just knocked out.

Especially, warriors who are strict with their physical training are like cockroaches. If you dont do this, you never know when theyll get up and attack.

[Youve been through many battles.]

No? Ive been beaten by my master. No matter how much it felt like death, I never died.

[Ah.]

With my arms crossed, I waited for the next opponent, looking around.

How much time had passed?

Come here!

From a far place, on the roof.

A voice came from the sky.

The volume one would expect from a mischievous prankster.

-Flitter-flutter!

A girl who jumped up like a comet appeared.

Imitating a mid-air walk, she noisily landed on the ground around.

Do you wish to see our father?

The girl, with her hands clasped behind her back, made her way through the crowd.

The warriors parted ways for her to pass.

Some, not understanding the situation, were elbowed by other warriors to catch on.

Hey, make way.

Why all of a sudden?

Look at the white hair.

The eldest daughter of Cheonma.

I listened to the murmurs that came sporadically.

With her snow-white hair and fists proudly at her waist, her V-shaped smile reminded me of a mischievous cousin who enters my room during the holidays.

Baekdo. But, the eldest daughter?

I thought Cheondo was the eldest.

Then I remembered Cheondo had mentioned it.

It was a secret to everyone that she was Cheonmas daughter.

Who are you?

Show some respect.

Little Baekdo stood as if she were the Jade Emperor herself, making the atmosphere turn cold.

-Draw your swords.

-What? Didnt you see that person fighting just now?

-We might be fools, but we cant just stand by and do nothing. And if anything happens to that kid, everyone here will be purged.



Cheondo answered without moving at the elders remark.

On a sheer cliffside.

Sitting cross-legged, Cheondo absorbed the words being conveyed without paying attention to anything else.

It seems we have a visitor.

At that single statement, a shiver ran through Cheondo, and his brows twitched.

The elder narrowed his eyes, which were long and narrow.

Do you know the person?

Im not sure.

Cheondo recalled the face of the man he had met the night before.

No, surely not. Even if so, would that man do something so foolish as to step into the masters residence?

Just knowing the Cheon of Cheonma would deter such an act. A moments folly could lead to being dismembered without knowing.

This is the first time seeing someone so bold.

The elder brushed back his white hair and adjusted the sleeves of his robe with his wrinkled hands. Even that slight movement caused the surrounding magic to stir, responding to the elders movements.

A giant, standing over 2 meters tall.

He scrutinized the distant man with his snake-like, triclops gaze.

Cheondo fretted over what might happen.

Oh ho Quite the interesting fellow.

Before the words had even left the elders mouth.

Excuse me?

You. Have you ever shared this power with anyone?

No. I neither have the skill nor the position to do so. Ive never done such a thing.

Right, thats what I thought. Huh. It seems to be connected to some damned tree as well. Cheondo, expand your senses.

Yes.

Cheondo stirred the magic within him, slowly expanding his senses.

Familiar silhouettes. Two women and a man.

The image of a man familiar to her flashed through her mind.

That idiot Why are they together?

Swallowing curses inside, Cheondo bit her trembling lips.

I, Ive felt it.

Then, give that fellow a blow.

Excuse me?

Cheondo was reluctant.

Just watching makes me curious to death Use what Ive taught you to the fullest on that man today.

Does that mean you want me to duel with that man?

The elder did not respond to Cheondos question.

There was no other way.

The masters word was absolute. Cheondo swallowed her bitter breath, regretting not warning him in the morning.

I didnt want this. To duel someone whose name I dont even know.

Cheondo prepared herself, wrapping her hands in deep black magic, ready to spring forth at any moment.

The man slowly approached.

Unaware of her presence.

At this rate Itll be over in a single hit.

Tensing her fist, Cheondo swallowed her breath and hid her presence.

He approached.

-Thud.

He arrived.

One hit as he passed by.

The moment the man came into view, Cheondos body kicked off the ground, launching like a cannon.

-Boom!

A wave opened, and a thunderous noise pierced the sky.

In what could be described as a moment, a second, Cheondo reached in front of the man with a magic-infused punch.

Until then, the man showed no reaction.

Baekdo was the first to react to Cheondos movement.

With wide eyes, Baekdo hiccupped and stepped back.

Next was Hwangdo.

Startled, she tightly closed her eyes.

Im sorry.

An apology that he wouldnt hear.

Cheondos punch stopped just before touching his body.

Of course, the punch never landed.

-Thump!

The thrown punch was easily blocked, throwing Cheondo off balance.

An unexpected wind swept in from nowhere, toppling her center of gravity.

Ah!

In the sudden event,

Cheondo fell, pushed by the wind.

Her voice, brief and tender, escaped her lips.

-Swoop!

The man, catching the falling Cheondo, looked at her strangely, as if holding her was odd.

What are you doing?

She didnt notice his reaction.

Despite the pride she had learned under Cheonma.

Cheondo was dumbfounded by the incomprehensible situation.

But complacency was complacency.

Cheondo frowned, detaching her face from the mans embrace.

Ugh.

What awaited her was nothing but a heap of shame for having been defeated in front of her master.