Book 3 Chapter 16

Kissing almost to death

The first class of Senior Instructor Tang Ping's "Meditation on the 108 Hidden Weapons of the Jianghu" was a great learning experience for many students.

However, unlike other disciples who diligently listened and absorbed the teachings, for Biryuyeon, it was an unbearably boring class that only made him yawn.

"Why does that person teach such obvious things as if they were spitting blood? Isn't it obvious? But why does he talk about it so strangely? Besides, there's no need to throw iron needles for yawning a bit about something everyone knows. If you want to make someone like a hedgehog, shouldn't you first politely ask for their understanding? Of course, even then, they wouldn't agree."

Unlike Ok Hyun-jin, the instructor in charge of the Celestial Fire Department, who was the embodiment of gentleness, it seemed there were many with fiery temperaments like Yeomdo in the Celestial Pass Department. The vigor of an old man nearing his 90s was admirable.

"Speaking of which, how many days has it been since I last saw Yeomdo?"

Since entering the Cheonmu Academy, there had been no opportunity to run into Yeomdo for the past few days. Thinking of Yeomdo, who was secretly rejoicing at not being seen, he decided to visit him soon.

To alleviate the inescapable boredom, Biryuyeon decided to explore various parts of the Cheonmu Academy for a change of mood. It had been almost a week since he arrived, but he had been too busy with course registration, club visits, and various other matters to properly look around.

He was not yet familiar with the geography of the buildings constructed by the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams formation, but it was no problem for Biryuyeon, who was taking a leisurely stroll. Even if he didn't know, there was always the joy of discovering and learning new things. With that in mind, Biryuyeon's steps led him to a certain place according to the principles of the Eight Trigrams and Five Elements. He arrived at a place unintentionally.

A pavilion, like a beautiful painting, harmoniously coexisting with nature. A picturesque artificial lake, beautifully maintained greenery, and harmoniously arranged rock formations. The scenic pavilion proudly displayed its beauty on the mirror-like surface of the water.

The name of the pavilion was Unhyangjeong. It was a restricted area within the academy, accessible only to those of the Five Sword Dragon level or higher, and new disciples were not allowed to enter. However, Biryuyeon ignored the sign that read 'Now Entering' and walked in. Biryuyeon's gaze turned towards the pavilion. It was a gaze that would mark a significant turning point in his destiny.

Boom! It was a shock. A shock as if his soul had turned white and emptied. How could something be so beautiful and noble? An extreme beauty that made all surrounding objects fade. Even the charm of the pavilion, which was like a painting, was merely an object beside her.

Pure beauty that made the stars in the night sky seem dull, a noble grace that made one instinctively bow their head and blush. However, Biryuyeon somehow felt that her eyes looked so lonely that they could make the stars in the night sky weep.

A captivating figure that instantly captured a man, elegant gestures, overflowing grace. Holiness, nobility, elegance, nobility… No single word was adequate to describe her. Giving up the vanity of trying to force an ineffable something into words, Biryuyeon approached her.

Frankly, Biryuyeon had no idea how to approach her. He simply moved his feet, guided by his heart and soul. His mental plan did not include dealing with women. He was also clumsy when it came to women. Well, considering he had lived secluded in the deep mountains of Amisan, where people were rarely seen, it was understandable.

Biryuyeon's footsteps crossed the steps of Unhyangjeong, and now the distance between him and her was only two steps. Her gaze, as if containing the night sky, turned towards the impudent man who had stepped into Unhyangjeong without permission. Her eyes were too deep to read any emotional changes. She stared at Biryuyeon blankly.

So, sometimes ignorance is strength, and Biryuyeon committed a thunderous act without hesitation.

People often become timid when they fall in love. Conversely, some become reckless and wild, but statistically, such cases are extremely rare. On average, a man in love becomes weak in front of the woman he adores and becomes timid when he stands before her. Thus, many miss opportunities by hesitating. Afterwards, they beat their chests and lament, but it's already too late.

However, these general applications did not apply to Biryuyeon at all. He was unbelievably unhesitating and did not waver. He moved solely according to his purpose and emotions. It might have been based on instinct. It would not be wrong to say that Biryuyeon should not be blamed for being excessively resolute, forgetting her existence for a moment.

Isn't it natural for people to falter in some way when they fall in love, as if by appointment? Love is the greatest emotion that changes people the most. If there is no change after falling in love, it is certainly a false love, so it is recommended to reconsider the relationship with the other person.

Without a hint of hesitation, Biryuyeon acted boldly and daringly. His actions were truly astonishingly unconventional and daring.

He thought it was so sweet and intoxicating. He felt his consciousness fade, as if his mind was filled with milky white, and he fell into an ecstasy. A lightning-like thrill that penetrated his entire body, a faint and sweet fragrance that tickled his nose.

Biryuyeon, without fear, stole a kiss on the lips of the girl, who was like a noble celestial fairy with sacred beauty, existing like a mirage before his eyes, without seeking permission, committing a thunderous act without any qualms of conscience.

His lips touched her moist, ruby-like lips. As it was his first kiss with a woman, Biryuyeon wondered why nonexistent bells were ringing loudly in his head. For him, and for her as well, it was their first kiss. The sweetness and pleasantness passed in an instant.

"Slurp!"

A silver flash appeared and disappeared like an illusion between him and her. A spark of light appeared in her eyes. The person who split the space between them with a streak of silver light was the woman before Biryuyeon's eyes. Despite having her lips forcibly taken by a man she had never seen before – surprisingly, there was little resistance – her expression, as if carved from moonlight, showed no change. There was no anger, no shame, no embarrassment. She simply drew her sword and swung it silently with her deep, abyssal black eyes.

However, when her sword energy, like a silver flash, struck him, Biryuyeon avoided it with a barely visible movement. Of course, if Biryuyeon had been a moment slower in stepping back, his body would likely have been split in two.

A sword drawn without any sound. The eeriness was even chilling. It was an incredibly fast and smooth single sword stroke. It was likely meant as a punishment. There was strangely no killing intent in her sword energy, but if it had hit directly, it seemed unlikely that life would have been guaranteed. If Biryuyeon had stood dumbfounded like a scarecrow, intoxicated by the magical sweetness, he would have been in trouble.

However, it seemed he hadn't completely avoided her sharp sword energy, as his front was cut, revealing his bare skin. Biryuyeon smiled and said to her, who sat like a sculpture,

"You made a mistake. You should have swung deeper to cut my bones. This time it was too shallow."

A subtle ripple, like a thousand drops of morning dew, appeared in her eyes. Biryuyeon did not know that even such a small emotional change was an exceptionally rare and surprising reaction for her. Her beauty, as if sculpted from purity and morning dew, was indescribable.

Eyes like jewels, two eyes that seemed to contain the night sky. It created the illusion that stars that pierced the heavens had lost their way and stayed within her two eyes.

Looking at her was truly a delightful and enjoyable experience. How wonderful it would be if he could feel this way every moment. Biryuyeon dreamed a humble yet grand dream. However, he had enough discernment to distinguish between reality and illusion.

"Were you prepared?"

Her red lips parted, and a voice that echoed in his soul flowed out. The clear, resonant sound stimulated his ears. Only then did Biryuyeon become certain that she was not an illusion but a reality. Until just before, before she opened her mouth, Biryuyeon could not be sure. However, he still felt a sense of loss, as if something was missing from her. That point made Biryuyeon feel disappointed.

"Prepared for what?"

"I'm asking if you foresaw that I would swing my sword and prepared in advance."

Even to such a wicked fellow, she used polite language. Biryuyeon shook his head at her words.

"No, not at all. How could I have the space for such a trivial worry in front of such a beauty like you?"

"Then, how were you able to avoid it?"

"Naturally, it's skill!"

Her eyes, like frozen starlight, sank cold again. Along with it, the last trace of emotion that had surfaced in her also sank.

"I promise I won't make a mistake next time."

Her tone was cold and chilling, unfitting for a face like the moon goddess.

But Biryuyeon was not one to be deterred by that. His insensitivity, and the greatest, worst impudence in history, were renowned throughout the world. A smile still lingered on his face.

"That's a great mindset. Sigh, it was a favorite outfit, but it's unfortunately torn. But considering it's the price for a sweet and intoxicating first kiss, it was a cheap deal, wasn't it? I hate losing money."

For the second time, there was a faint change in her complexion, like a flash of light. She did not open her mouth. Perhaps she was embarrassed by something that all who knew her at Cheongwan would be shocked to witness. Of course, it could just be Biryuyeon's delusion – it's hard to think this guy has grasped anything properly.

"Ah, no. Instead of stealing my lips, you stole my heart, so it's a loss on my side? I've made a really bad deal. This goes against my life philosophy, geez…"

Her eyes, like stars densely embedded in the night sky, shone mysteriously and stared at him. She was inwardly astonished. Her predictions had never been wrong until now.

Her fair, jade-like fingers touched her ruby-like lips.

'How can this be?'

She couldn't read his next move… This was the first time for her.

Her ability to read a part of the opponent's actions and heart at a glance by combining their expression, subtle movements, hidden habits, complexion, glint in their eyes, and tone of voice had failed for the first time. Although it was not a power she had obtained willingly, it was the first time she had tasted failure since gaining the ability she called 'divine eyes' or 'divine sight.' She had truly tasted the price of failure.

She hadn't predicted his actions. He was different from others. She couldn't feel that certain emotion that she normally felt from ordinary men. Like empty space, like a blank sheet of paper, she felt nothing, so she couldn't predict his next move.

If she could have predicted his recent rude act of theft, she would not have let it go. And she wouldn't have been caught so easily.

But this ill-mannered, impudent thief had foiled her predictions and stolen her lips. He had stolen something intangible that could never be recovered.

"You impudent dog! Die!"

While Biryuyeon maintained a long silence in conversation with her, the bushes about five paces away suddenly rustled. Then, like a flash, a figure burst out with murderous intent and swung a sword at Biryuyeon without preamble. It was not a half-hearted attempt. Fierce anger could be felt, but the sword did not falter due to that anger.

Biryuyeon had no desire to welcome death as his eternal companion in exchange for stealing the girl's noble first kiss, so he used his full abilities to evade the sword energy. As Biryuyeon lightly twisted his body to the side, the man's sword, which had charged like a mad boar, slid past his body.

Seeing the face of the figure, who was regaining his breath after his first attack was thwarted, he looked like a decent fellow. By the standards of the common folk, he was a possessor of exceptional beauty.

"How dare you steal her lips with those dirty, foul lips! You deserve to be cursed! Atone for your sin with death!"

Anger that burned the soul blazed in his pupils. Biryuyeon couldn't understand why that guy was so agitated.

"Isn't it a bit too much to make such a fuss over one kiss?"

"What? You impudent dog!"

Anger erupted like a volcano in the young man's eyes, standing right in front of him.

The young man, wearing a luxurious dark blue silk martial uniform and carrying a magnificent sword with white tassels, was Wei Zhichen, the first talented disciple of the Qingcheng Sect and a hopeful bearer of the sect's future. The mark of the Seven Sword Dragons embroidered on his chest and the mark of the Nine Dragons of Cheonmu on his sleeves testified to his skill. Why was a person with such a background lingering around a woman? And as if guarding her?

"Hmph! It's not a good habit to persecute someone just because they have something you want. What's the difference between that and a child crying stubbornly after having their toy snatched away? If you're envious, just say you're envious, don't stand there blankly like a scarecrow and then go wild like a madman."

Biryuyeon continued to provoke Wei Zhichen, enjoying each reaction.

"Shut up! I'm content just looking at her from afar. Just existing beside her, breathing the same air around her, is enough for me. But to defile our sacred idol, whom we all gaze upon and cherish in our hearts, with those dirty lips! I will surely sever your dirty lips and tongue and mince them."

He was a perfect example of someone who couldn't control their emotions. It was a sincere threat accompanied by terrifying killing intent, but it was too much for Biryuyeon to even twitch an eyebrow.

"Huh? I haven't used my tongue yet. Don't catch my tongue raw. Unfortunately, it was just a shallow kiss, only with my lips. I have manners and principles, I don't rush things from the start."

Does a person with manners and principles just plant their mouth on a woman they've just met? That's absurd.

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Stop defiling her with those dirty lips!"

"I have no memory of insulting her. Stop accusing me with your heretical logic of delusion and misconception."

"Shut up! Those who insult her must pay the price."

"The price? Isn't this torn martial uniform enough? It was quite tough and durable…"

Biryuyeon picked up his torn front and waved it around. The handsome young man, by commoner standards, bristled. Whether it was sincere or not, he had no intention of forgiving someone who spouted such nonsense.

"If your body was cut in two, maybe. But that's not even close."

"Oh dear, what a sad story… If that happened, her hands would have been stained with blood. That would be too sad a story, wouldn't it?"

The woman, who had been listening silently with an indifferent expression, showed a slight, unexpected light on her face.

"Hmph! What you're saying makes it sound like you avoided it because you didn't want to stain her hands with blood. Not because your insignificant life was precious."

"I don't know whose life is cheap, but is it impossible?"

Biryuyeon, who was sure his own life wasn't currently on half-price sale, retorted. His life was still being traded at full price with solid credit guarantees. He had no desire to haggle with a customer with bad business ethics blinded by anger. It was a foolish transaction where he would clearly not get a fair price.

"You're not worth dealing with anymore. Dealing with you any longer will only dirty my mouth."

Wei Zhichen spat out the words. Biryuyeon found the opponent, who ceaselessly showered him with all sorts of malice and murderous intent, somewhat unpleasant.

"I'm not a bird! So please don't treat me like a sparrow flying into a ripe autumn field. Senior Scarecrow!"

"Kuaaaak! No more questions! Die!"

Once again, Wei Zhichen's precious sword scattered towards Biryuyeon's vital points. Wei Zhichen's skill was sharp and keen, like a well-tempered precious sword. For someone chasing after a woman – strictly from Biryuyeon's perspective – he was quite, no, an exceptionally high-level master.

"Blossom Wind Sword Qi Transformation!"

Fierce sword energy attacked Biryuyeon from all directions. The bluish sword energy and the fierce angles targeting his vital points revealed that he was not a weak opponent. However, Biryuyeon, as if it were natural, lightly dodged his sword techniques.

"So you have some skill, huh?"

The man in white sneered and unleashed more sword energy in succession. He truly believed that his attack would succeed in ending the scoundrel's life in an instant. Considering his usual confidence and skill, he judged that he was more than capable of dealing with a newly admitted brat. He thought he had more than enough skill to handle a brat.

"If you're so upset, why didn't you challenge me first? She's not a mirage you can only gaze at from afar."

However, to Wei Zhichen, she was a dream, a mirage, and a goddess. A sacred sanctuary that he dared not touch.

"How do you know what's in my heart? Someone like you."

Wei Zhichen roared with indignation at Biryuyeon's taunts and unleashed sword energy wildly. But Biryuyeon skillfully dodged his sword like a loach. Out of the countless sword shadows, not a single blade had managed to graze his collar.

"Doesn't the saying go that beauties have always belonged to the courageous? It's an eternal truth passed down through the ages."

"Huff huff huff."

Wei Zhichen began to tire himself out. As a result, his fierce and destructive sword energy gradually subsided.

"Why don't you give up now? Doesn't further struggle seem meaningless?"

"Not yet… not yet finished. I will never forgive you. Never!"

Suddenly, the man's eyes became serious, he adjusted his breathing and posture, and pointed his sword tip at Biryuyeon. And a phantom-like white shadow emanated from his entire sword. Biryuyeon knew very well what it was.

"Sword Qi?"

Huh? The tangible sword qi that emanated like a phantom and formed on the sword. Although its shape was not yet clearly fixed, it was definitely sword qi. Finally, he wanted Wei Zhichen, the Wind Dragon, to develop his killing intent into murder. He definitely didn't want to end it casually. A man blinded by love seems to always end up in one type.

"Fool!"

Biryuyeon made a fair assessment. Even that taunt did not reach Wei Zhichen at this moment.

"Heavenly Origin Three Absolute Sword Strike!"

At the same time, the man's sword vibrated, unleashing dozens of strands of hardened qi. Of course, the hardened qi's target was solely Biryuyeon's fatal death.

The fight between the two could be called inevitable. The confrontation between the top prodigy of the Qingcheng Sect, who was currently making a name for himself at Cheonmu Academy, and Biryuyeon, an unfathomable brat in his judgment!

Wei Zhichen, the Wind Dragon, one of the Nine Dragons of Cheonmu and self-proclaimed head of security for Bingbaekfeng, would never let the vile and dirty filth that defiled his noble goddess remain in this world.

The price for touching his goddess was only one thing: absolute death. Wei Zhichen had no intention of compromising on this obvious outcome. Of course, assuming the opponent agreed to this decision, he was fully prepared to enforce it by force if he refused. He had the skill and pride for it. Until today.

Wei Zhichen had no intention of letting the first intruder who trespassed into his sacred domain, which he could only observe from afar, live. Biryuyeon's sin of trampling his sacred domain with muddy feet was punishable by dismemberment. The mark of the Seven Sword Dragons embroidered on his chest, a symbol of his skill, was recognized by only a hundred people within Cheonmu Academy, but Biryuyeon did not know this and did not care.

The Heavenly Origin Three Absolute Sword Strike was a rising technique that could unleash sword qi three times in a row. There were very few people his age who could unleash sword qi three times in a row. That was how outstanding his skill was. Even in front of the barrage of sword qi scattering towards him, Biryuyeon remained unfazed. Just as the dozens of sword qi, with countless variations, were about to tear his body to shreds, his body blurred, and for a moment, his body appeared in three layers.

Phoenix Dance: Illusionary Flight, Chapter: Secret Technique: Triple Shadow!

The pinnacle of Triple Shadow, where the afterimages created by the user's high-speed movement appear in three layers. The first strike of the incredibly sharp Heavenly Origin Three Absolute Sword Strike grazed Biryuyeon's body. However, Wei Zhichen did not feel the sensation of flesh splitting and bones breaking. It was an illusion.

The second strike, the second move of the sword qi, which boasted explosive power, struck Biryuyeon's body. But this time too, it was in vain. Despite its explosive momentum, the second move only brought him a sense of futility, like a pebble dropped from a great height.

Finally, the third, he gathered all the true qi in his body and unleashed the final third move, the third strike. Hoping for success this time…

"Third Absolute: Eight Sword Sword Qi Strike!"

Eight strands of fierce sword qi, forming a cluster, mangled Biryuyeon's body. This time, Wei Zhichen firmly believed in the success of his attack, but the moment of elation was short-lived, and his belief crumbled into dust like a sandcastle swept away by the waves.

All three new bodies were illusions that could not be grasped. One of the three was not real. He was spending his immense qi and gasping for breath, aimed at a useless illusion. He had only wasted precious true qi and stamina. Biryuyeon looked at him, exhausted from the immense consumption of inner energy, with a relaxed gaze.

An attack that misses its target, no matter how powerful, is useless. Biryuyeon's body reappeared miraculously within three paces of Wei Zhichen. Although his defense was as hard as any in the world, he was not foolish enough to confront sword qi with his bare hands. A glint of qi flowed in his eyes.

Biryuyeon's right hand trembled lightly, and a phantom silver light shadow extended from his sleeve. It was the Flying Thunder Saber, a technique he was unfolding for the first time since entering Cheonmu Academy.

Flying Thunder Saber: Sword Qi: Swirling Dragon Roll, Chapter: Whirlwind Thunder Split!

A meteor-like tail of silver light shot out and, like a whirlwind, coiled around Wei Zhichen's right hand. Wei Zhichen was caught off guard and had to give up his right hand, the lifeblood of a swordsman. The match was decided in a single blow.

The bloodstained sleeve was torn to shreds, and drops of blood scattered in the air. From the beginning, the target of the Silver Flash Swallowtail was not Wei Zhichen's life, but his right hand and the precious sword held therein.

Under the impact of the Whirlwind Thunder Split, Wei Zhichen, for the first time since leaving his hometown, dropped his sword to the ground. Such was the immense power contained in that single streak of silver light.

"I left your wrist. Because you'll have to hold a sword again…"

Biryuyeon said in a calm voice, looking at Wei Zhichen, who was staring at him blankly, clutching his blood-soaked right arm. This result was satisfactory enough.

"That's all for today. I'll see you again next time."

Biryuyeon, who had completely lost interest in Wei Zhichen, winked at her, who was watching them from above Unhyangjeong, and smiled. However, there was still no change in her facial expression.

As the commotion outside Unhyangjeong grew and the sounds of people approaching could be heard, Biryuyeon quickly used the Phoenix Dance's divine method to hide himself. In matters like this, Biryuyeon was unparalleled in speed. He didn't want to get caught up in a pointless situation.

By the time people arrived, drawn by the sudden flash of sword qi emanating from Unhyangjeong, Biryuyeon's trace was nowhere within a ten-pace radius of Unhyangjeong. They could only witness Wei Zhichen, clutching his blood-soaked right arm and letting out wails of anguish. It was a rare spectacle that made them drop their work.

Those who had never dreamed of witnessing such a pathetic sight of Wei Zhichen, one of the Nine Dragons of Cheonmu and one of the Three Figures of the Nine Palaces, could only ask for the reason. But Wei Zhichen remained silent, strictly exercising his right to remain silent.

One fortunate yet despairingly unfortunate thing was that the sole witness to his shameful display, she, with her ruby-like lips tightly closed, said nothing. And even more tragically and unfortunately, the only witness to his pathetic display was her, and no one else. Wei Zhichen felt utterly humiliated, to the point where he wished he could die.

Biryuyeon, having escaped the approaching crowd and resuming his stroll around Cheongwan as if nothing had happened, finally realized a grave mistake he had made. It was a belated enlightenment.

"Ah! This. Come to think of it, I didn't even ask for her name!"

Such a basic, major mistake. Biryuyeon decided that he must exchange names when he met her next time. The gentle breeze blowing softly was peaceful.