Book 16 Chapter 4

Unbelievable Commotion, Unbelievable Bimu

- Sword Empress vs. Bilu Yeon -

As they say in the capital, it wasn't just a matter of hardship.

For Mo Yong-hwi, the very fact that such an absurd event could occur in this orderly world felt like a tyranny of heaven.

Mo Yong-hwi didn't know the cause of this incident, nor did he want to. What use would it be to find out how foolish his cohabitant had been? However, one thing was certain: the situation was so dire that he could confidently say it couldn't get any worse.

To dare to confront Sword Empress Yi Ok-sang… it would have been far better to choose euthanasia, simply being split in half lengthwise. Bilu Yeon had provoked someone who should absolutely not be provoked. He might be buried forever in the martial arts world. No matter how vast the Nine Provinces of Murim were, there was no place that would welcome someone who had incurred the wrath of the Sword Empress.

"Draw your sword!"

The Sword Empress's cold command rang out once more. But Bilu Yeon, with his head slightly bowed, still made no move. His face was unreadable even when looked at directly, and by bowing his head, it became even more impossible to guess his thoughts.

"Can you not hear me?"

The Sword Empress roared again. At that, Bilu Yeon finally lifted his head slowly. However, his face remained inscrutable. Yet, he was calm, not flustered or fearful, even when facing the worst possible situation that anyone would want to avoid.

"Master, please stop!"

Na Ye-rin rushed forward, grabbing the hem of the Sword Empress's robe, pleading. Her voice was desperate and pathetic. The icy mask she had worn so coldly had already been cast aside. She wore a face that she had never shown to anyone before. Her master, the Sword Empress, was no exception. But Yi Ok-sang remained unmoved.

"You, go back!"

Her master's stern voice, like the heavens, declared that there could be no retreat or reversal.

"Ryeong-a, what are you doing? Take this child away quickly!"

Dokgo Ryeong, who had been anxiously unsure of what to do, acted immediately like a shaman receiving a divine revelation. She, along with Yi Jin-seol, forcibly pulled her junior disciple away and led her to where the people were.

"Well, what now? Are you perhaps afraid?"

At the words that could not be ignored, Bilu Yeon lifted his half-lowered gaze to meet the Sword Empress's. But there was no sign of immaturity, like being enraged by the other's provocation.

Though the Sword Empress's gaze was like a sharp, gleaming sword, Bilu Yeon didn't flinch. Not that anyone could see if he had…

It was difficult to discern what his eyes, hidden by his bangs, were thinking.

"I…"

Just as it seemed Bilu Yeon's lips were about to open, they closed again. He didn't know what fear was. The problem lay elsewhere. Uncharacteristically, he was hesitating.

"What's wrong? Are you scared?"

If so, Yi Ok-sang thought, he was truly pathetic. The thought of such a pathetic wretch lingering around his beloved disciple was unbearable. As his master, she could not forgive that. And Bilu Yeon himself didn't want to become such a pathetic fool.

"Was the person I'm looking at a coward? If so, will you meekly roll over and admit defeat? Then the method is simple. Raise both your hands now, admit in front of everyone that you are a coward and a despicable loser, and never appear before my disciple again!"

Hearing those words, Na Ye-rin's face turned ashen. She had never imagined her master would make such a demand.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot comply with that request. All I have learned is how to defeat my opponent before even fighting. I have never been taught or learned how to lose beforehand. No matter how famous you are, you shouldn't expect victory to be handed to you."

"Ho, you have some backbone after all! I am relieved."

For a supreme master like the Sword Empress, even her voice was not just a simple shout. It was possible to convert the intangible and tangible killing intent within into an invisible resonance that pressed upon the opponent's mind and body. Her immense presence and profound internal energy made this seemingly impossible feat possible. This method of crushing the opponent's spirit and will before the main battle even begins is similar to how the king of beasts, the lion, subdues other animals with a mighty roar. The methods are different, but the principle is the same. It is an act of making the opponent recognize the superiority of one's existence. This is a battle of spirit against spirit, a contest where the weaker will to defend oneself loses. Losing before even fighting was not something he could do.

"Have you decided to draw your sword now?"

The Sword Empress asked with an icy voice.

"It seems you are determined to make me fight you. I didn't want to fight you if at all possible. I feel there is no reason or meaning in this fight…"

The fact that she was one of the Three Heavenly Stars was of no consequence. The problem was that she was Na Ye-rin's master… He found that to be a far more troublesome opponent. It bothered him more than the fact that she was the Sword Empress. If others knew his thoughts, they would undoubtedly have severely criticized him for worrying about the afterlife instead of his own life. However, the Sword Empress's will was as firm as steel.

"You must fight me. And if you lose, as I have decreed, you must never appear before that child again. If you happen to pass by, treat it as if you're passing through air. Because I, Sword Empress Yi Ok-sang, demand it."

The Sword Empress pointed to Na Ye-rin, who was being supported by Dokgo Ryeong, with one hand and spoke in a firm tone. It seemed she was determined to see her will carried out.

"You are truly stubborn! Your disciples must have a hard time."

"Perhaps so."

The Sword Empress readily admitted it. Meanwhile, it was likely a great relief to Dok-an-bong that she did not turn her gaze towards Dokgo Ryeong at that moment.

"If I do not do as you say, do you intend to enforce it by force?"

"Of course!"

"Then it's useless even if I leave this place?"

"Naturally!"

Her attitude was unwavering, her answers without hesitation. There was nowhere left to run. Bilu Yeon had to accept that fact.

"Very well. I like your forceful approach quite a bit. I will agree to that opinion. However, this match seems very unfair. No matter what happens, I only stand to lose, and that seems unfair, doesn't it?"

"So? If you have something to say, say it. I will permit it."

"If, well, if I win this bet, what do I gain? I have to fight for no reason, and it's truly unbearable to gain nothing."

"You intend to win? Against me?"

The Sword Empress asked, unable to hide her bewildered expression. The surrounding spectators were equally astonished.

"Of course. Are there fools who fight with the intention of losing? What can one possibly do with the mindset of already having lost? Isn't that right?"

"Hohahaha! You say amusing things. Indeed, that's right. There's no need to fight a battle that's already decided as a loss."

It seemed Bilu Yeon's recklessness had pleased the Sword Empress. Instead of anger, she let out a clear chuckle.

"Indeed, such crazy behavior is so typical of him! Isn't that right, Jun Ho?"

"Yes, Jang Hyung! It's exactly as you say. Only he could act like that in front of the Sword Empress… But will he really be unharmed after doing this, Hyo Ryong?"

"Hmm… probably not. This time, the opponent is too much!"

Among the bewildered spectators were Jang Hong, Hyo Ryong, and Yoon Jun Ho, these three. They had thought they were accustomed to the incidents Bilu Yeon caused, but this opportunity forced them to revise that perspective once again. And as they watched, the Sword Empress seemed to be contemplating something for a moment. Then, she made a proposal.

"Recognition!"

The Sword Empress's words were short and concise. But their repercussions were far beyond imagination.

"G- *hiccup*, Rec- recognition?"

Another figure, Wei Ji-cheon, the leader of the Ice Peak Movie Guard, who was mixed in the crowd, stammered with a hiccup. Was his hearing failing him? Something incredibly absurd and surreal was happening before his eyes. A trickle of red blood flowed from between his clenched molars, but the man paid it no mind, his gaze fixed on the scene.

"Rec- recognition?"

"R-e-c-o-g-n-i-t-i-o-n?!!!"

At the Sword Empress's unthinkable words, everyone's eyes widened. Recognition, a credible certification, a formal acknowledgment of the two of them. Bilu Yeon could not help but be surprised by this unexpected proposal.

"Really?"

"I may not be a great person, but I do not go back on my word."

If Na Baek-cheon, Na Ye-rin's father and the leader of the Murim Alliance, had heard this, he would have foamed at the mouth and fainted. Even if not to the point of fainting, others were equally shocked. Na Ye-rin, known as the most beautiful woman in the world. A peerless beauty with followers not only in the Heavenly Martial Academy but throughout the entire righteous path, and even within the Jade Pavilion. However, she was like a noble phoenix with a heart as cold as an eternal glacier, who had never granted her heart to any man. A cold and lonely ice moon in the night sky, untouched by anyone's hand… Everyone who knew of her existence could not help but be astonished by the Sword Empress's proposal. In fact, from Bilu Yeon's perspective, receiving such a proposal alone meant he had made more than half of the men in the martial arts world his enemy.

"M- Master!"

Na Ye-rin, who had belatedly grasped the situation, cried out in a desperate voice. But the Sword Empress, as if her beloved disciple's voice was completely inaudible, continued speaking.

"Yes! You can receive my, Sword Empress Yi Ok-sang's, recognition. Officially!"

She particularly emphasized the word "officially."

"How about it?"

Bilu Yeon remained silent for a moment. But the abacus in his mind was constantly clicking. Finally, Bilu Yeon finished his deliberation and looked up. The calculation was complete, and the sword mountain had been scaled.

The Sword Empress's endorsement was indeed a tempting offer. In the current martial arts world, her endorsement was as valuable as a thousand gold pieces. And it was more effective than the guarantee of any wealthy person or powerful figure. Even though he knew fighting her was dangerous, it was an undeniably attractive offer that he couldn't resist.

"That is a proposal I like very much. It is undeniably attractive…"

Bilu Yeon smiled, pulling his lips towards his right ear. But Na Ye-rin wanted to cry. She was flustered and anxious. Things were proceeding without her opinion being reflected at all. Above all, she even wondered if she and Bilu Yeon were so intimate that they were discussing approval and permission. Recognition… wasn't that a concept that never came up unless marriage was involved? If nothing else, it was certain that they were not at that stage yet. And a more terrifying premonition washed over her.

"No, Ryu Yeon! Don't accept it! Hurry and apologize for your mistake! There's no chance of winning! You can never defeat her!"

Her cry was more like a shriek. The fact that such a condition was presented meant the Sword Empress was serious. She intended to defeat Bilu Yeon with all her might. It didn't matter if he became crippled or even died. But Bilu Yeon remained unmoved.

"What am I supposed to apologize for? For falling in love with you? Or for you falling in love with me? I don't think either is something one should apologize for to someone. Isn't it the principle of heaven and the natural order, the Heavenly Way, the Heavenly Reason, for men and women to be moved and drawn to each other? So why should I be ashamed and apologize or beg for forgiveness? Is it because the Sword Empress's status is high, and her authority is higher than mine? Or is it because she is your master? I can respect you, but I cannot grovel."

"Th- that…"

She felt she should retort, but no words came to mind.

The word "love," fitting its unique nature, burst out of his mouth suddenly, unexpectedly, and impulsively. Na Ye-rin's face turned as red as a beet. She had not expected to hear such words in such a dire situation, and she was hit by a direct blow, defenseless. Those words shook her heart more powerfully than any other force.

Bilu Yeon took a breath and asked again in a quiet voice.

"And yet, do you want me to give up?"

"…"

Na Ye-rin could not answer the question. And Bilu Yeon did not persistently seek an answer. In this case, silence could be considered to satisfy the conditions for an answer.

'Why couldn't I answer that question? Why?'

Na Ye-rin was still unsure of her own heart, like a traveler wandering in a thick fog. However, what was certain now was that her heart was beating strongly, playing the song of life, and warm blood was circulating rapidly throughout her body. Warmth spread through her cold heart, and the frozen time in her heart began to melt. The lock that had been firmly shut for twenty years was opening, and the rusted hinges of her heart were creaking open.

"Honestly, kids these days…"

The Sword Empress felt a throbbing in her head. It was the first time she had seen her disciple like this. In fact, every time she glanced at him, she saw something new.

'Is it because of that guy?'

The Sword Empress's sharp gaze turned back to Bilu Yeon, who stood resolutely before her. It was commendable that he wasn't trembling.

Even in front of one of the most powerful authorities in the martial arts world, the Three Heavenly Stars, Bilu Yeon did not falter. His spirit always stood firm like a steel pillar, and he had secured his own place in this world. He never lost himself at any time. Even if others called him crazy, a madman, or a rude, disrespectful person, he paid no mind. This was possible because he had a clear sense of his own identity.

The Sword Empress's eyebrows twitched slightly.

"The man speaks quite eloquently. Very well! I will grant you one chance in appreciation of your spirit."

"A chance, you say?"

"Take ten of my breaths! If you can withstand my ten breaths, I will consider it my defeat!"