Chapter 228: Little Immortal Swordsman (2)

A no-name guy was flirting with someone's sister?

I got a bit riled up since this involved someone of my blood. As So Wonwhi of the Justice Faction, I always tried to solve things using words, but I got so angry that my hand moved before I realized it.

-You did fine. What else could you do if not this?

I controlled myself quite a bit but couldn't do it fully.

I certainly felt stronger as I looked at the stunned people around me.

As they returned to their senses, one of them spoke to me.

"W-what is this? How can a person called the New Second Star, a successor to the Justice Faction's will, do this..."

"There are too many dogs barking these days. They have no idea what they did."

They stopped speaking as someone appeared.

Sima Young.

As soon as Sima Young appeared, Yong-yong broke into a womanly blush.

"Young master."

Ah... My head hurts.

She didn't react like this when I came here.

"What. This guy!"

"You bastard, how dare you call us dogs!"

More than half of them reached for the weapons on their waist. Clearly, they were angry at Sima Young's treatment of them.

Seeing this, I made my move.

"I've given my warning. The warning isn't limited to that one alone."

Their faces then turned pale.

I wanted to make them pay for trying to mess with my sister, but doing so would only get me in trouble with their families. Clearly, they were also looking for a way out.

-They will not run either.

Such was the troublesome nature of children from prestigious families.

Those of the Evil Faction and quite a few Murim people would know when to stop down when faced with a stronger opponent. These ones wouldn't do so because of their pride and honor.

That was probably the reason why they were looking around.

Then I just needed to give them an opening.

-I will do it

Short Sword giggled and moved from her sheath.

'...!!!'

Their eyes widened as Short Sword moved around them threateningly, filling them with fear.

This was definitely an intimidating act. Thanks to this, the inn also became noisy.

"T-the dagger is flying."

"The rumors are true."

"Air Sword! It is the Air Sword!"

"Little Immortal Swordsman!"

The sound of the crowd could be heard even from the outside. More people flocked in to see.

"Kuak."

"L-let's go."

In response, those who had been forced to step forward due to their pride decided to take their unconscious companion, covered their faces, and left the inn.

It must have been embarrassing.

As they turned tail and ran, I smiled and went to Yong-yong.

"It's been a while, Yong-tong..."

At that moment, one of her female companions came running to us and said.

"Oh my. Guardian Little Immortal Swordsman. You are so cool. It is such an honor to meet you. If only I had such a wonderful person as..."

-What is she saying?

Moreover...

I remembered her face.

Was she Eon Yong-in? One of the troop members?

I hadn't judged her for someone so chatty at that time.

In the first place, I hadn't been sure of her character since her troop members hadn't treated me well.

"Little Immortal Swordsman?"

What did that name mean? I was puzzled, but then Sima Young chimed in.

"Ah, right, the young lord might not know. Rumors are going around these days.'

"Rumors?"

"The people think that you are the reincarnation of the immortal swordsman because of your flying sword. They also say you are now one of the Eight Great Warriors."

Sima Young was clearly proud of this. However, this was the first time I've heard of it.

I have been stuck with the pirates in the river for the past five days, so no rumors had reached me. That title was something that stood out even more.

-You seem to like it, though. Look at those lips twitching.

Twitching?

It's because the nickname is great, okay? One could only dream of having such a name in a lifetime.

Seeing Eon Yong-in being clingy toward me, Yong-yong's face looked upset.

"What is happening?"

"What?"

Was she upset?

I couldn't figure out what she was doing. I then saw a woman smiling at Yong-yong.

'Ah...'

She was Namgung Gahui, the Golden Jade of the Namgung family.

Seeing the White Peach Blossom, who was reputed to captivate the heart of many men this closely, was a special feeling.

-Is this your first time seeing a girl as pretty as Sima Young?

Yes.

She was someone reputed to be one of the top three beauties of Murim. Not only was she pretty, but she was also famous for having the best sword technique among female warriors.

She wasn't someone I had met before, but it did remind me of a memory. In that lifetime, I remembered her as being kind to me despite not being a member of the alliance.

-Seeing how you compliment her, she seems to be a good person.

She didn't just have a pretty face, but she also had a good personality.

Namgung Gahui then said.

"It is always difficult to be a woman. Even more so if she is your sister."

Should I consider the feelings of my sister as a woman?

-You know nothing about women.

I might not know them.

But if you put it that way, women won't understand a man's feelings either. Hearing my thoughts, Iron Sword said.

-My previous owner always said that even if he knew everything else, he would not be able to understand a woman's heart despite living a long life.

Why are you speaking so bitterly?

Gahui bowed.

"Pardon my belated greetings. I am Namgung Gahui, the eldest daughter of the Namgung family. At this time, I am leading the Phoenix Troops, which the Murim Alliance had newly created."

At the end of her greetings, Eon Yong-in also chimed in.

"Let me greet you as well. I am Eon Yong-in, a member of the Phoenix Troops."

'Phoenix Troops?'

What was this? Actually, I wasn't sure they would establish it in this lifetime.

I thought history would change since the last version of the Phoenix Troops ended as a mess due to the Blood Demon Sword incident. Yet here they were, on the same path?

This was strange

And the leader was also Gahui?

I crossed my arms and looked at Yong-yong.

"I guess you are the sub-leader?"

So Yong-yong's eyes widened at those words.

"How did brother know?"

Oh. My prediction was right.

The assessment of her strength wasn't complete yet, but Yong-yong was already the sub-leader.

It seemed that those with talent would end up recognized.

"How did you know? Information about the troops shouldn't have been announced yet, though?"

The other two were also quite surprised. Did I make a mistake?

I looked around and said,

"Since Miss Namgung said she was the leader and Miss Eok Yong-in said she was a member, I just made a guess. I just thought that someone with your skills could get a spot like this. Congratulations, sister."

Hearing my praise, Yong-yong blushed and turned her head away.

"Congratulations huh... thank you..."

This girl...

Has she always been this shy?

She was showing a different side than usual.

"Too cool. Why did unnie grumble about having such a brother? I wish I had one like this."

Eon Yong-in tapped Yong-yong on the arm with her elbow, and Yong-yong coughed for no reason.

"What are you saying? When did I complain about him?"

Hearing this made me feel sad. Still, she was the only sibling I paid attention to since we shared the same blood.

My heart felt heavy for some reason as Gahui spoke to me with a shine in her eyes.

"Yong, your brother came here, so how about having dinner together? There is a place in Hongho that is famous for its guest house. Let us go there."

"Uh? I thought unnie said she was bus... eup."

Gahui covered Yong-yong's mouth.

"Oh my. When did I ever say that? You haven't seen your brother for a while. How can I make us leave earlier?"

"Eupp!"

It seemed like they were quite close. That looked nice.

I heard that Gahui was popular for her easy-going nature, but she looked like a normal human here. Seeing that Yong-yong accepted her was quite nice.

-Wonhwi, behind you.

Behind me?

I turned around after hearing Iron Sword's words. I thought it would be something serious, but it was just Sima Young smiling at me.

But those eyes weren't smiling.

They were blazing.

'... what did I do wrong?'

-My previous owner said that if a man has a woman, they should avoid speaking to other women or looking at them for a long time.

-It's because you smiled while looking at other women.

They're both saying something as if they had experienced it.

No, but it was just that Yong-yong had friends. I was only looking at them as a brother. What else was I supposed to do here?

-How would she know that? It's all about you looking at them. That's all she could judge.

Oh, my head hurts now.

Sima Young then spoke.

"You did well, young lord. Your sister, who is my sister-in-law, also wants to see Hongho Count. Let's take her party along with us."

'..!?'

Eon Yong-in and Namgung Gahui's eyes widened at Sima Young's words.

To suddenly turn my sister into an in-law, that was the real bomb.

Yong-yong spoke with eyes wide in surprise.

"What do you mean by sister-in-law? When did my brother get engaged?"

"Uh... Yong-yong. The thing is."

How should I say this?

Telling them the truth would be troublesome. However, we also had a lot of people listening to our conversation.

"He is engaged?"

"Who could she be?"

No, why was everyone so interested?

This was the first time in my life that so many people seemed to care about my every move. Was this the result of my fame?

It was then that Gahui said,

"It seems like we need to move, Yong. Thanks to your famous brother, staying here any longer would not be right."

It was a pretty cold voice unless one was hard of hearing. It had been a gentle voice before, but it was now a voice devoid of interest.

Eon Yong-in was also biting her lip like she was disappointed.

Why were they acting like this?

To think that the bomb that was the existence of my fiance was blown up and just left like this.

My head hurts.

Yong-yong looked around and spoke to me as if she was about to argue with me.

"What? Tell me quickly! What do you mean by that?"

It seemed that she was quite curious. I looked around and saw no one around us.

She took a deep breath, exhaled, and then said.

"Calm yourself and tell me."

"You don't look excited? Does it make sense that my only brother has a fiance, and I didn't even know? I also told my team I would introduce them to my brother..."

"... introduce?"

"No, just let that pass."

Let it pass through my ear?

Did Miss Eon Yong-in ask Yong-yong to introduce me to her?

-It is good that you brought Sima Young.

... right.

I think it would have been a bit much if she hadn't been there. Yong-yong then spoke to me harshly.

"No matter how much you hated Father, you should have at least introduced her to me when you decided to get engaged, right?"

Was she angry that I didn't introduce her to my fiance?

Or was she mad that I didn't consult with my only family member?

I wasn't sure, but it seemed to almost be the same thing. Seeing her speak like this for no reason was cute.

I stroked Yong-yong's hair.

"Why are you messing with someone's hair when they're talking!"

"It is because my sister is cute."

"C-cute!"

Her face turned red, making me realize we weren't different from other siblings.

Her eyes shifted to me as she said,

"Who is it?"

"Who?"

"Who are you promised to?"

Phew.

I feel like I should reveal everything to her now. This child, too, deserved to know the secret of our blood.

I knew that this moment would inevitably come. However, now that it had, my mouth instantly dried up because I was confused.

"What is with that expression?"

"Yong-yong. Are you sure you won't be surprised with what I have to say?"

"Surprised? What do you want to talk about?"

"I am afraid that this will shock you."

"What surprise would shock me after finding out that you're engaged?"

Yong-yong spoke indifferently before her eyes widened suddenly.

"Is it a princess of the imperial family?"

I shook my head with a frown.

"What are you saying? Princess of the imperial family?"

Hearing this, Yong-yong sighed and relaxed as if the pressure in her body had leaked out.

"If it isn't that, then there is nothing I would be shocked about, so tell me."

Was she saying she wouldn't be shocked unless the person was a member of the imperial family?

I wasn't sure if I could even get more surprised now. I took a deep breath and spoke to Yong-yong.

"Actually, you've met them too."

"What?"

"You've met them quite often."

"Who is it? Is it one of the girls from the Lower District? How much were you ignored to get trapped by a foxy one?"

"... what are you talking about?"

I couldn't even understand what she was saying.

"Then who are you talking about?"

Should I give her the fake name that she knew?

Yong-yong would know Sima Young as Ma Young.

It was half her actual family name and her full second name.

"You know as well. Ma Young returned to the guest house..."

"Insane!"

Before I could finish, Yong-yong covered her mouth in shock.

I was about to go insane.

This was likely because she didn't know Sima Young was a woman.

"Is that why you didn't tell me? Because you like men..."

"What are you even saying? It isn't like that...."

"Does Brother Ma Young also like brother? Are you two the same?"

Yong-yong had tears in her eyes. She seemed to have a big crush on Sima Young in her male disguise.

Her lips twitched, and her face flushed as if she was about to break into tears.

I needed to say it before she started crying.

"...Yong-yong, she is a woman."

'...!?'

Her eyes widened now.

"... woman? What do you mean?"

"She has a human skin mask on."

"W-what do you mean? So she has been dressing up like a man?"

Yong-yong asked me this stiffly. Well, she was probably confused because the man she had a crush on ended up being a woman.

".... A lie, right? You are trying to make fun of me, right?"

She was now denying reality.

"She is a woman."

"H-How can she?"

"We had a situation. Her identity and appearance drew a lot of attention."

"Identity?"

Yong-yong tilted her head and took a deep breath as she asked,

"What is her identity that she had to wear a mask? Tell me clearly. Do not lie!"

She seemed quite upset at the thought that I might be lying or that I had taken Sima Young.

But since I had brought it up, I told her clearly.

"Ma Young's real name is Sima Young. She is the daughter of Wicked Moon Sword, Sima Chak."

"Wicke...d Moon Sword? Wicked Moon.... Wicked MOONN SWORDDDD!"

Yong-yong's face twitched.

As her voice began to get louder, I reduced the sound leaking out using my internal qi.

Yong-yong looked at me in shock and spoke in a low voice.

"The Wicked Moon Sword that I know about?"

"That's right."

"Four Great Evils?"

"Right."

"... you are insane."

Her reaction was quite violent.

-This is just the start, though. She would be more upset once she heard about the other things.

I know.