CHAPTER 9

"Let's Have a Match"

Swish!

A giant spider descended from the roof of the pavilion where Lady Namgung Sanyeong resided.

'I must find information about the sorcerer and return to the young lord, no matter what!'

The only thought occupying the giant spider's mind was the desperate need to earn merit.

How long could he continue living like a mere insect?

In reality, he could feel his intelligence and reasoning deteriorating, his human dignity fading away with each passing moment.

To prevent that, he had to catch the young lord's attention.

He knew well that the young lord never forgave betrayal, but at this moment, there was nowhere else to turn but to his mercy.

'If possible… maybe I can even ask him to find my daughter's whereabouts!'

The giant spider shook his head, pushing away the memories of why he had no choice but to betray.

For now, he needed to focus. If he could find the sorcerer, some benefits would surely come his way.

'Someone's with her…'

Narrowing his eight single-lensed eyes, the giant spider observed Namgung Sanyeong.

At that moment, a strange woman stood beside her.

At first, he thought she might be the sorcerer, but her facial features resembled Namgung Sanyeong's—she was her daughter.

Cheonyeop Seonja, Dang Gyu-jin.

She was the heir to the Nine Dragons Branch yet had an unusual background—she had joined the Cheongseong Sect.

It was said that she had an indescribable talent from a young age, and her father's close friend, Master Wooho, had taken her in as a disciple.

Although she had never formally been listed in the sect's registry, she was recognized as one of Cheongseong Sect's most formidable female warriors, even among the Demonic Cult.

But the biggest reason the giant spider remembered her was that she was the only person in this wretched family who had ever treated Dang Un-hwi with kindness.

Of course, even that ended when she left for the Cheongseong Sect.

'She does look gentler than her vicious mother and younger brother, at least.'

Still, he couldn't judge Namgung Sanyeong's bloodline by appearances alone.

Curious about what they were scheming, the giant spider listened closely.

Namgung Sanyeong's sharp voice echoed through the room.

"You really intend to stab your mother in the heart, is that it?"

"The dagger you've planted in Un-hwi's heart is far worse, don't you think?"

"And yet you call yourself the daughter I gave birth to with my own bod—"

Un-hwi?

They were definitely talking about the young lord, but rather than conspiring together, the mother and daughter seemed to be in deep conflict.

And a very heated one at that.

What the hell is going on?

The giant spider blinked its eight eyes, unable to comprehend the situation.

Swish, swish, swish!

The long staff in my hands danced through the air, leaving countless afterimages.

Scattered Flower Staff Technique.

It was a martial art commonly taught to the outer family warriors of the Sichuan Dang Clan.

A staff was the foundation of all weapons—spear, sword, blade, axe, and even whips.

For someone like me, who intended to master the sword, learning the staff was essential.

Deep impact points formed on the scarecrow's limbs, never missing their intended targets.

Swish!

For the final strike—an upward cut.

Slice—thud!

The scarecrow's head tilted and fell to the ground.

"Whew."

I exhaled deeply as I withdrew my staff.

Since I had been training purely with physical endurance, without circulating my internal energy, my clothes were soaked with sweat.

And then—

Paah!

As I circulated my energy to relieve my fatigue, I felt something shift within my dantian.

Twitch!

My internal energy was starting to condense, forming Essence (精).

Twin Suns Emerging.

It was the stage where internal energy truly manifested its nature, affecting the physical body.

In terms of Venomous Dragon Heart Technique, I was close to reaching the Ghost Dragon stage—the point where I could exude poison externally.

At this level, I could even infuse poison into weapons.

This gradual progress—the accumulation of each stage—was an indescribable joy.

I could finally understand why warriors clung to martial arts even in old age, unable to let go of this thrill.

And honestly, the joy of winning bets was just as exhilarating.

"Five nyang."

I extended my hand toward Dang Gon, who was watching me with a twisted expression.

"Damn it! Here, take it!"

A coin pouch landed on my palm with a thud.

Heh. Judging by the weight, it was exactly five nyang.

For all his grumbling, he never tried to cheat. I had to admit, this old man had integrity.

"Relax, will you? Instead of congratulating your adorable disciple's achievement, you're frowning like you lost everything."

"I did lose everything! I'm completely broke!"

"Then stop making bets with me."

"I keep doing it because I keep losing! I need to win at least once!!"

Gone was the strict etiquette—now he was just venting his frustration.

This is why gambling is dangerous, folks. Don't fall into it, or you'll end up like this guy.

Ten days had passed since I started learning martial arts from Dang Gon.

During that time, I had diligently robbed him blind (?) and was now moving on to the fundamentals of the Eighteen Arms Techniques.

At first, Dang Gon had strongly opposed it.

He argued that I still had many hidden weapons and poison techniques to master, and adding weapons would be too much.

But after I taunted him with a simple "What? Are you scared?", he gave in and started teaching me bit by bit.

Of course, he had hoped to win back his money in the process.

But as you can see—he failed spectacularly.

"Didn't you just pick up the staff for the first time yesterday?"

"I did."

"If you're cheating, I swear I'll kill you."

"How dare you accuse this noble young master?"

"Then go tell Lady Namgung yourself!"

He had been thoroughly crushed, and now he was just holding on by sheer stubbornness.

After six long hours of training, I always headed to the same place.

"You're here again, young master! Welcome!"

"Of course. Who else boosts your sales like I do?"

"You're our best customer! Your usual seat and menu?"

"The same as yesterday."

"Right away! Everyone, hurry up! Serve the young master!"

For ten days straight, I had been visiting Cheongpung Tavern.

Every time, I ordered a feast of food and alcohol, making the owner bow nonstop.

"Is this tavern yours, young master?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"Or do you at least own a share in it?"

"Nope."

"…Then why do you keep coming here? There are plenty of other taverns."

Why?

Because I was waiting for someone.

Yet even today, that person didn't show up.

Ten days of waiting—nothing.

Had the Demonic Sect's followers all disappeared from this area?

Or had they been wiped out in the civil war?

I didn't know. But I kept leaving signs, hoping someone—anyone—would notice.

A letter was delivered to Dang Yu-chang's residence.

The recipient's name was boldly written:

"To Dang Yu-chang."

Inside, a short and provocative message:

Let's have a duel, you little bastard.