Indeed, people really are defined by how they present themselves.
That was the first thought that crossed my mind as I looked at Moyong Tae, the Lord of the White Sky Sword, who had just appeared before me.
When he used to walk around in rags, he was just a man with a hint of mystery. But now, dressed in clean robes with an air of refinement, it was amazing how different he looked.
‘No, this isn’t the time to be thinking about appearances.’
What mattered wasn’t how he looked but why he was here, at this time.
Moyong Tae stood there exuding a chilling aura, his gaze fixed on me. I decided to ask him directly.
“…Why are you here, Lord Moyong?”
“I came out for a walk,” he replied casually.
I stared at him, incredulous. A walk, with that kind of aura?
There was no way anyone would believe he was just out for a stroll.
‘Is he really here to kill me?’
The thought crossed my mind, but I dismissed it quickly. Surely, the head of one of the Four Great Clans wouldn’t come alone and attempt to assassinate me like this.
Besides, he knew as well as I did that causing such a disturbance here in Hanan would have serious repercussions.
I bowed slightly, keeping my tone respectful.
“…Understood. It was an honor to see you, Lord Moyong. I’ll leave you to your walk.”
I made to leave, but just as I turned my back—
Shwip—
A gust of wind brushed my face.
Shhk—
The unmistakable sound of something being cut. Trees around me toppled as Moyong Tae’s sword had cleaved through them.
“Young Hero.”
I turned back. He had drawn his sword and was watching me closely, his presence magnified by the mingling of lethal intent and pressure.
I swallowed hard.
“I have yet to receive an answer.”
“…What answer are you referring to?”
“Your name. Will you now tell me your name?”
My name?
‘He already knows.’
Moyong Tae surely knew who I was. So why was he asking?
“…”
It felt like some kind of test, and judging by his gaze, he was dead serious. Was that swing just now also serious?
The atmosphere was chilly, to say the least.
‘Something feels off about this.’
No matter how I looked at it, this was an uncomfortable situation.
‘Where is Father?’
He should be arriving soon. Once he did, this whole situation would be resolved, though the awkwardness would likely linger.
I was deep in thought when Moyong Tae spoke again.
“If you won’t answer, you don’t have to.”
He slowly began to sheathe his sword. Was he just going to leave?
Could it really be this simple?
Clack.
The blade clicked back into its scabbard. Before he could fully turn away, I called out.
“What happens if I don’t answer?”
He looked back at me, eyes sharp as ever.
“Then I’ll leave.”
It seemed straightforward, but something about it felt off.
“And of course, I’ll be taking my daughter with me.”
“…!”
“The agreement with the Gu family will be honored, and the trade routes in Shanxi will remain intact. You needn’t worry.”
“…And what about your daughter’s illness?”
The reason the Moyong family had extended so much support to the Gu family and why Moyong Hya had been by my side was all because of her treatment, which was ongoing.
If he was taking her away, it meant they would abandon the treatment. He answered my concern with a hint of frost in his tone.
“That is our family’s concern. You needn’t worry.”
He wasn’t wrong. It was their business, and I had no place to interfere.
But something didn’t sit right with me, an uncomfortable itch in my chest. It was infuriating.
“So, I’ll ask one last time. Will you tell me your name?”
“…And what happens if I do?”
If it was just my name, why did he care so much? Moyong Tae laid a hand on the hilt of his sword, as if sensing my confusion.
“I don’t like you.”
“…”
“I think you know why.”
“…Yes.”
“Even so, if you’re the only way my daughter can survive, then I must endure it.”
“But…”
“However.”
Shring.
He drew his sword again, and this time, the murderous intent surged forth, making the air itself tremble.
I could feel the weight of his presence pressing down on me, his power evident.
The Lord of the White Sky Sword, Moyong Tae—while considered one of the lesser martial artists among the Four Great Clans, his skill was undeniable.
‘Just his aura alone is enough to cut.’
His killing intent was as sharp as a blade. I could finally see why he once vied for the title of Sword King.
“I cannot entrust my daughter to someone who cannot even state his own name.”
“…”
“Even if that someone is her happiness, I cannot accept it.”
His presence grew, swelling with authority. There was no more room for doubt.
If I spoke my name, he would point his sword at me. Whether it was a test or simply his desire to beat me senseless, I wasn’t sure.
But his words echoed in my mind.
-I cannot entrust my daughter to someone who cannot even state his own name.
I had never agreed to take responsibility for Moyong Hya. Even if I had, that was in a previous life, one that no longer mattered.
But still, something about his accusation stung.
Was it because I didn’t want to let Moyong Hya go?
Why? Because she liked me? Because our relationship was different from before?
Or was it simply because I found her useful?
“…”
My blood boiled, but I couldn’t grasp a single reason why.
I already knew the answer, but I was trying to find an alternative.
“This is your final chance.”
He pointed his sword at me, giving me one last opportunity.
I knew that speaking my name would mean trouble.
Once I said it, I would have to take full responsibility for Moyong Hya. I would probably have to duel Moyong Tae as well.
I felt it in his eyes—this man intended to fight.
The idea of fighting this man, someone older and much more experienced, was absurd.
I wanted no unnecessary conflicts, especially since I still didn’t know the full extent of my own abilities.
But despite the numerous reasons not to, one irrational thought weighed heavily on me.
I didn’t want Moyong Hya to leave.
It was a selfish, petty desire. But it crushed all my rational thoughts.
So, there was only one choice I could make.
I steadied my breath, raised my hand, and made a respectful salute.
“…I am a member of the Gu family of Shanxi, meeting with Lord Moyong.”
Moyong Tae’s gaze wavered.
“My name is Gu Yangcheon. And although it’s quite grandiose…”
His sword wavered slightly as I gathered my inner energy.
My entire body heated up, the energy surging up from my middle to my upper dantian, filling me with a fiery strength.
“…I am known as So Yeom-ra.”
I hated that title, but it felt like my ears were burning just saying it.
“…”
Moyong Tae’s eyes widened as he realized my level of skill.
As I focused, I could feel my eyes glowing red, my aura radiating outward.
“If Lord Moyong would be so inclined…”
I exhaled, feeling the fire within me intensify, knowing my eyes must have been blazing by now.
“…I humbly request that you teach this junior a lesson.”
I had officially challenged Moyong Tae to a duel.
He said nothing, but merely adjusted his sword, aligning it precisely.
And then—
Rrrrrrr—
A thick aura erupted from him, enveloping his body.
He took his stance. Flames flickered around me.
At the peak of the Flame Wheel Technique, another wheel ignited within me.
As the crimson flames surrounded my body, I sprang forward, charging at Moyong Tae.