NOVEL NEXT Chapter 72
72nd Episode, Part 1
In the past Sayeonghoe Manor of Hwajeong County.
The rumors floating in the marketplace reached the ears of Heuksaryong Wi Soryeon, who was almost done with the cleanup.
“What?! Brother, no way that Double-Edged Sword did that?!”
“Indeed, My Lady. It seems the Orthodox Faction is hypocritical. Not only did they commit atrocious acts against you at the martial arts contest, but now they’re behaving like rakes under the guise of being Orthodox!”
Hearing her subordinate’s words, Wi Soryeon’s cheeks flushed.
Her hands trembled.
“Hmph, men are all the same. Alright, let’s go out.”
“Understood, My Lady.”
Clunk.
After confirming her subordinate had left by sliding the door shut, Wi Soryeon sank into a chair.
Her lips pouted.
“…Damn that brother of mine…”
She should have noticed when he said having two wives was no scandal. Or perhaps when he tore her dress during the previous martial arts contest.
Click.
Wi Soryeon secretly retrieved a hidden portrait and reflected it upon her face.
There she was. A short, messy black bob, looking more handsome than pretty. An appearance that seemed more like a man than a woman.
Even a handsome man would barely pass for anything else.
There was nothing feminine about her at all.
‘The most beautiful courtesan in Sichuan, Neungwolhyang… And now I’m compared to Seomun Cheong-ha of the Seomun Family, Geombong…’
Wi Soryeon lowered her head.
If it were the Orthodox, it wouldn’t matter; being involved with courtesans or being a rake could be a huge blemish in the Orthodox faction, but her father, Gwangma Dodgun, had multiple concubines and frequented courtesan houses like it was nothing.
Having grown up in such an environment, Wi Soryon was unfazed by Lee Cheol-soo’s rake antics.
What concerned her were the two women known as Lee Cheol-soo’s partners.
Neungwolhyang, the most beautiful courtesan in Sichuan. Her beauty, also known as the next most beautiful in the world, transcended Sichuan, taking the entire world by storm.
And what about Seomun Cheong-ha?
As a member of the prestigious Orthodox faction, she must have grown up pampered and genteel, unlike Wi Soryeon.
Memories of the martial arts competition flooded her mind, where she caught a glimpse of Seomun Cheong-ha.
Just looking at her exuded elegance and femininity; she was the epitome of a noble lady, a figure that Wi Soryeon couldn’t shake from her head.
‘While I am…’
Not a hint of femininity could be found.
That fact made Wi Soryeon feel small.
Yet, despite everything, he declared he would take her as a woman and take responsibility.
But still… It bothered her.
She wanted to be a little more feminine.
She bit her lip.
“Ugh… that damn brother of mine…”
Wi Soryeon tousled her hair.
In a daze, she sank down, clutching her racing heart.
*
In the Reception Hall of Gongdong Sect Main Base.
“Master! Just now, I received another scandal regarding the colorful man, Lee Cheol-soo! Listen! Apparently…”
After hearing the rumors from So Geom-hu Cheon Sobin, Geumhu Eun Seol-ran’s impassive face stiffened slightly.
‘Is it true that Cheong-ha and Sangong were already secretly involved? And now Neungwolhyang…?!’
The rumors regarding Seomun Cheong-ha were just that—rumors.
She knew this well because she was an acquaintance of Seomun Cheong-ha.
The same went for So Geom-hu.
“I can’t believe Cheong-ha would be involved with a rake like Lee Cheol-soo! This must be a fabrication added by outsiders during the martial arts competition! But the relationship with Neungwolhyang might be true! I witnessed Lee Cheol-soo go to the pleasure district myself!”
Clears throat.
So Geom-hu, her eyes sparkling, turned to Geumhu.
“I see. Understood.”
Geumhu replied briefly.
But her heart raced.
‘Neungwolhyang, how could someone like Sangong stoop so low? To claim her as a partner… Hmph. How does she know Sangong is such a wonderful man?’
Geumhu bit her lip.
Sangong had done nothing wrong. To dabble with flirtations or keep concubines was within reason.
A man as splendid as Sangong would naturally attract women.
But the gall of Neungwolhyang to claim her as a partner was wrong.
‘No way! I have to somehow get closer to Sangong…’
Geumhu’s silver eyes sank heavily.
Seeing her master in such a state, So Geom-hu laughed.
‘Hehe. Lee Cheol-soo. A man like you will never defeat Master.’
Indeed, it was clear that Master disapproved of Lee Cheol-soo.
So Geom-hu continued laughing while misunderstanding the situation.
*
At the same time.
In the Grand Martial Arts Venue of Gongdong Sect.
Excluding the solo training of Lee Cheol-soo, Seoharin and Yujinhwi, who had officially become disciples of Gongdong Sect, were training together.
“…Is this how it’s done?”
“Yeah.”
Yujinhwi’s cold eyes fixated on Seoharin, who was quickly digesting the basic training.
Right now, Seoharin was working on her external energy and fundamental sword skills, including the Three Talismans Sword and Three Talismans Step, laying the groundwork for her swordsmanship.
While the external training was strenuous for a woman’s body, Seoharin endured without a word of complaint.
Yujinhwi, who was observing her training, quickly recognized Seoharin’s talent.
Though not as talented as herself, Seoharin had enough potential to be regarded as an exceptional talent in the Martial World.
‘Disciple…’
Did the Master know this and recommended Seoharin for entry?
Just then…
“Yujin, Sister.”
“What is it?”
“I heard some strange rumors while I was down the mountain on an errand earlier.”
Whoosh.
Seoharin’s training sword sliced through the air.
A fearsomely precise downward cut.
“Chatting during training is…”
“This rumor is about me.”
Right when Yujinhwi was about to reply to Seoharin, she interrupted her.
Yujinhwi’s gaze wavered at Seoharin’s words.
The nonchalant look in Seoharin’s eyes caught Yujinhwi’s slight tremor.
“What rumor?”
“…That you are involved with Seomun Cheong-ha of the Seomun Family…”
The moment Seoharin recited the rumor, Yujinhwi’s expression darkened.
“…That’s nonsense.”
Yujinhwi rejected the rumor.
Regardless of anything else, the idea that she was involved with Seomun Cheong-ha was absurd. They had spent more time together than anyone else.
There was virtually no acquaintance between them.
“What about the rumor that you are involved with Neungwolhyang?”
“Th-that is…”
But Yujinhwi couldn’t respond to the follow-up rumor.
She knew that Lee Cheol-soo was engaged in some kind of deal with Hao Mun. And Neungwolhyang was a courtesan. She might even belong to Hao Mun.
If Lee Cheol-soo’s business partner were Neungwolhyang?
‘No way! I must not let the likes of that outside force corrupt the disciple!’
It couldn’t be allowed.
There was no doubt the outside forces had seduced the innocent disciple.
Even now…
Her thoughts felt endlessly fragmented. Amidst a brief moment of countless musings, Seoharin’s voice pulled her back.
“Yujin, Sister.”
Seeing the change in Yujinhwi’s expression, Seoharin forced a smile.
“…What is it?”
“I’ve heard that marriages between disciples aren’t taboo, but rather encouraged.”
Seoharin’s sky-blue eyes sparkled coldly like glass.
“What are you trying to imply?”
“I haven’t given up yet. I know you care for me, Sister Yujin. But rather than giving into a courtesan, wouldn’t it be better to tie the knot with someone from the same sect?”
She didn’t want to distance herself from him. That’s how Seoharin felt.
Though her statement omitted the subject, Yujinhwi understood the true intent behind Seoharin’s words.
Seoharin was right.
Marriages between disciples were actually encouraged. Even their Master, Jeonyeong, would rejoice if they formed a bond.
But for her?
Yujinhwi couldn’t feel joy.
“…Continue the training.”
“Understood.”
Watching Seoharin swing her sword again, Yujinhwi bit her lip.
Her mind was tangled.
‘…I must improve Primordial Unity Technique.’
At times like this, thinking about martial arts was more beneficial.
Resolutely deciding to refine the Primordial Unity Technique for her disciple, Yujinhwi closed her eyes.
*
In the Forbidden City Hall of Peace.
Today, Taepyeong Princess Juga-yul stared blankly at the report from Woo Cheop-hyeong.
“…Alright, I understand. Good work, Woo Cheop-hyeong.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
The rumors about this courtesan, Noya, floating around the Martial World rubbed her the wrong way.
Seomun Cheong-ha and the love triangle involving Neungwolhyang and this courtesan.
But Juga-yul knew Neungwolhyang’s true identity.
Moreover, she knew who was behind spreading these rumors.
‘Jeoksawol… This brat dared to cause trouble…!’
The most beautiful girl in the world.
Yeomwang Jeoksawol.
Possessing overwhelming beauty that could blind one’s eyes upon a mere glance, unrivaled in this world and the best of the supplementary faction.
Juga-yul immediately saw through the fact that she was the true mastermind behind this scandal.
‘…While I knew Noya was allied with Hao Mun, I never thought this brat would dare… How dare she extend her grasp toward my Noya and commit such audacious acts…!’
Noya was a mere courtesan, unworthy of the title of mistress, only deserving to be a fleeting fling!
Juga-yul’s hand trembled with fury.
The Most Beautiful in the World. No matter how stunning, she believed Noya would never falter. After all, Noya had faced Jeoksawol in her past life and didn’t lose.
Back then, she resisted temptation, and now would be no different.
The problem lay with Jeoksawol. That brat must have become infatuated upon seeing Noya, who wasn’t swayed by seduction.
After all, Noya was the finest man among the Nine Provinces, so it was only natural for one to become entranced.
‘And to add insult, that brat is 46 years younger than Noya and still dares…! To call out my name while I’m aging and have no shame about it…!’
Gaka.
The fact that even she, who would never dare utter the term, got ahead of herself bothered Juga-yul to no end.
Juga-yul herself was five years older than Noya. Hence she could address him as she wanted.
However, the elderly Geumhu Eun Seol-ran or the young Yeomwang Jeoksawol should never do so.
Especially Jeoksawol, who was 46 years older than Noya. How could she casually refer to him like that? It was utterly outrageous.
‘One should have some pride, especially at this age! Have you ever seen such a brazen brat?!’
Her hands trembled with rage.
Moreover, Juga-yul knew well that Noya’s original plan was solely to exploit Hao Mun to spread martial arts rumors and draw Seomun Family into a contest.
But Jeoksawol ruined Noya’s plans. How dare a mere mistress, no, concubine think to intervene?
The overwhelming force of Juga-yul, the iron-blooded emperor who had reigned supreme for decades since defeating the Blood Sect and founding the Ming Empire three centuries ago, emanated.
It felt like seeing the appearance of Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty.
The bowing Wu Cheop-hyeong trembled in fear.
“Wu Cheop-hyeong.”
“Did you call for me, Your Highness?”
“Recently, Hao Mun’s power is quite strong. For the sake of world order, we need to put them in check.”
Juga-yul’s melodious voice echoed through the palace.