Martial Arts Masochist

Dang Soran had heard the full story.

Wi Cheonsang was said to be a backer who had endlessly supported Baek Sahyeon, the public enemy of Murim.

The depth of their relationship was far from ordinary.

After close observation, the entire Sangpyeong Merchant Group had ultimately been established to support Baek Sahyeon.

“How can you be so sure?”

“The Hao Gate Leader came to me personally. I also ran around checking it myself.”

“…”

Only then did Dang Soran realize it had been a more dangerous moment than she’d thought.

For the Hao Gate Leader to step in personally.

Then that meant even Wi Cheonsang’s desire to take her as his wife was all…

A great many events followed.

The Poison King was furious.

Everyone in the Tang Clan could feel it in their bones.

Even as he tried to hide it, the aura emanating from the Poison King’s body was suffocating them all.

This was a declaration of war against the Tang Clan of Sichuan, and the Poison King had no intention of taking it lightly.

Especially since Dang Soran could have been entangled in it.

Wi Cheonsang was promptly executed in the Tang Clan’s underground chamber and vanished.

Taking this incident as an opportunity, the Poison King declared he would go meet the Shaolin Abbot.

It was already a confirmed fact through back channels that Baek Sahyeon, Yeongcheon of the excommunicated Wudang Sect, and a few other martial artists had joined hands and were acting together.

There had to be some intent behind them reaching out to the Tang Clan.

The time had come to discuss countermeasures.

Dang Soran decided to leave the more complicated matters to her father.

For now, calming her startled heart took priority, and thoughts of Han Seojin came right after.

Was this really Han Seojin’s doing?

That day, after he’d clashed with Wi Cheonsang and boldly stepped forward to say he’d end all the betrothals himself.

And then, as if by magic, the seemingly ironclad betrothals began crumbling one by one right after.

This time, the biggest piece had fallen away.

Wi Cheonsang was gone.

It didn’t seem like mere coincidence.

Even if Han Seojin hadn’t done all of it himself, it didn’t matter.

Somehow, he had become her lucky charm.

Everything went smoothly whenever she was connected to him.

Dang Soran mulled over Han Seojin’s appearance from that morning.

…Just how much more handsome did he have to get before he was satisfied?

He was probably the first man she’d ever thought was handsome.

With a target like Wi Cheonsang in front of her, who else but Han Seojin wouldn’t shrink back—a mere beggar?

And the anger he’d shown then… wasn’t it ultimately jealousy because of her?

Maybe he’d gotten a little heated seeing her walk with Wi Cheonsang.

Jealousy. How cute.

“…Pfft.”

At that thought, Dang Soran couldn’t hold back her laughter.

Her heart had been shocked because of Wi Cheonsang, but Han Seojin had soothed it again.

“…Haa.”

Han Seojin had brought hope once more.

At a moment when everything seemed hopelessly blocked and she had no choice but to go through with the marriage, he’d appeared for her sake again.

It had been the same when she was tormented by her heart demon.

The same when she agonized over the betrothals.

Whenever he showed up, all her worries vanished.

She felt happy when he was by her side.

…If it was going to be like this, then to feel this happiness for life.

She might as well marry Han Seo—

“…Have I lost my mind?”

Dang Soran snapped back to her senses and muttered to herself.

How could she even think that.

Her, with a beggar like that.

It was absurd.

Her family would never accept it.

It was a forbidden relationship, just like the game she played with Han Seojin.

The entire Central Plains would point fingers.

The eldest daughter of the Tang Clan of Sichuan marrying the owner of an unremarkable leather shop?

They’d mock her everywhere, saying she’d bought herself a house husband.

Thinking about it again, her feelings for him hadn’t been that deep to begin with.

Marriage, though.

“…”

…But.

But even if she set that aside. Even if she had no such thoughts.

What if Han Seojin confessed honestly?

“…Mm.”

Or, like before, if he commanded her imperiously.

If he ordered her to marry him.

…Then she’d have no choice, she thought.

She couldn’t live alone forever, as her father said.

She’d have to find a partner eventually.

Instead of falling into some strange trap while searching for successful men, having a man who didn’t exist anywhere else come along, worship her, and save her life by supporting her forever didn’t sound so bad.

Han Seojin living to support and cherish her.

“…Pfft.”

A smile came to her again at the thought.

Ahem. Clearing her throat, Dang Soran steadied her resolve right after.

For now, Han Seojin had worked hard alone and suffered a lot.

She couldn’t just sit idly by.

It wasn’t certain if he’d handled the Wi Cheonsang matter, but at the very least, he’d opened the way for the Jegal Yong issue.

It would be too sorry of her to do nothing.

“Young Lady.”

So she went to find Namgung Yeon.

“Young Lady. What brings you here?”

“Could we talk for a moment, just the two of us?”

.

.

.

“Doing what can be done.”

Namgung Yeon nodded with a refined expression.

“Is that really true?”

Dang Soran could hardly hide the joy on her face.

“Haha, Young Lady. Even so, if you’re that happy about it…”

“Ah, ah…! S-Sorry.”

Namgung Yeon took a graceful sip of his tea before speaking.

“Not at all. Even if it involves our families, I have no desire to ignore the happiness of the person involved. Since your will is this firm, I shall take my leave.”

“I’m really… really sorry. To call you here, Young Lord…”

It wasn’t something to do to the young lord of the Namgung Family.

If he’d refused upon proposal, that would be one thing. But to propose first and then be rejected.

It was behind her father’s back, but Dang Soran believed she had to do at least this much.

Fortunately, Namgung Yeon understood.

He was teased as dull-witted by the world, but in truth, he possessed a benevolent character that anyone would like.

“I’m disappointed. To not be chosen by such a beautiful young lady.”

“I-It’s not because you’re lacking, Young Lord. Really. I’m just not ready yet…”

“Yes. I understand.”

Namgung Yeon accepted Dang Soran’s proposal with surprising ease.

Almost too easily.

“I’ll handle things well with my family. Don’t worry too much. Hm, and… we’ll need to align our stories to some extent.”

“Our stories?”

Namgung Yeon smiled.

“There’s no need to spread it around, but if anyone asks, please say I was too timid and didn’t appeal to you.”

“H-How could I say something like that…!”

“A woman rejecting a man looks better than the other way around. It won’t tarnish me much, but if word spreads that you were rejected by me, it won’t look good for you.”

“I’ll bear it. I’m the one who asked—”

“—No. It’s nothing to me, so don’t feel burdened. It’s just both of us making the wiser choice. Besides, in truth, haven’t I been rejected by you?”

It wasn’t quite that, but Dang Soran was too apologetic to lift her head.

Namgung Yeon then took a deep breath.

“Moreover, I’ve actually achieved my goal in coming to the holy city…”

“Your goal?”

“The Detoxification Immortal Root. What mattered was confirming it was truly given to me. That it wasn’t stolen, you see.”

“…”

As he said it, he patted his chest and smiled.

…For some reason, it was a smile that seemed a bit feminine.

Namgung Yeon rose from his seat, as if their conversation was over.

“Young Lady, but there’s one thing I’d like you to know.”

“Yes. Please speak.”

He said it half-jokingly.

“You owe me one.”

Dang Soran had no intention of denying it.

Beyond their agreement, the time he’d wasted coming here, the abrupt rejection—all of it passed smoothly thanks to his consideration.

So Dang Soran nodded.

“Yes. I owe you one.”

“Could you repay that debt right now?”

“…Pardon?”

“Could you tell me… who really gave me this Detoxification Immortal Root?”

“…”

Dang Soran’s lips moved for a moment.

But in the end, she shook her head.

“…He doesn’t want it known.”

Namgung Yeon nodded.

“I see. Understood. Young Lady, then I’ll be off.”

“Ah, yes…! See you next time.”

“I wish you a wonderful match.”

****

I sorted through the information while listening to the uncles’ stories.

So Wi Cheonsang was dead.

Namgung Yeon… yeah, no way that would’ve happened. He probably hadn’t even come intending to marry in the first place.

Looks like he backed out gracefully on his own.

With Jegal Yong turned into a coward, was everything resolved now?

“So, is that it?”

At my question, Gwak Du Uncle clicked his tongue.

“You really wanted to sabotage Young Lady Dang’s betrothals that badly.”

“…Even if there was a reason. Look, that Wi Cheonsang guy was shady. I told you my gut said so.”

Machildeuk Uncle tilted his head.

“Goooosh, it’s amaaazing. This kid’s instincts are always spot on. Never been wrong when he’s spoken up.”

I let out a long sigh.

My mind felt a bit relieved.

Before doing it, it was something I’d hate even if I died, but once accomplished, it brought a sense of pride.

It’s over now.

Things can settle back down.

“But what are we gonna do, Seojin?”

Then Gwak Du Uncle sneered at me.

“Hm? About what?”

“Word is, after that incident, Jegal Yong still hasn’t given up?”