I Was Mistaken for a Coincidence Chapter 8

Chapter 8 –  Brush with Death(8)

With a rhythmic kiai shout, the crude wooden sword lunged toward my neck with the ferocity of a predator’s fang targeting its prey. Certainly, the spirit in the form was admirable.

But it was too slow—far too slow to reach me. I could easily evade it with a slight backward movement of my body. However, my opponent knew nothing of giving up.

Despite numerous failures, her indomitable determination immediately drove her into the next form. This had been repeating for a full hour since we began sparring.

Compared to the first day, this is remarkable progress.

Obviously, one cannot wield a sword for this long on determination alone. This holds true even for martial artists who don’t use their inner power.

However, from the second-rate level onwards—when one can properly harness inner power—one’s limits extend far beyond those of ordinary people. But even considering that, Murong Sua’s growth was excessively rapid.

On the first day, she had been unable to control her own strength, thrashing about like an untamed colt, only to collapse from exhaustion after barely fifteen minutes.

Yet, in just five days, that same Murong Sua now had energy to spare even after an hour. She had clearly accumulated experience and discovered her own method.

Her inner power usage has become incomparably more refined since the first day. The wasteful expenditure of inner power has greatly decreased. To think she’s made such progress without any specific instruction…

Of course, since I had trained alone in the mountains for twenty-five years, I couldn’t be certain that her way was absolutely correct. However, it was undeniably better than when she first started.

Despite her rapid improvement, the gap between us remained extreme—she still couldn’t even graze the tip of my hair. Yet, seeing her progress by leaps and bounds each day…

I was almost worried that she might catch up to me someday. It wasn’t for nothing that she was praised as an unprecedented genius in the Murong  family.

“Thank you for your hard work.”
“Yes, good work.”
“How was I, in your opinion, great warrior?”
“…”

What’s this? Why is she suddenly asking such a question?

Her unexpected question caught me off guard, and my reply was delayed. Originally, Murong Sua avoided conversing with me as much as possible.

I didn’t know why. But even if we did talk, I might end up exposing my lack of knowledge, so I welcomed her silence with open arms.

But now, she was suddenly asking for my evaluation. It was an effective surprise attack—one that left me momentarily speechless.

Unless I was at least at the Fire Realm level, where I could freely wield sword energy, or at the Peak level, it would be different. Unfortunately, I was merely at the First-Rate level, only capable of using sword qi.

And having trained alone in the mountains, I lacked the ability to give an accurate evaluation. How could I comment when I hadn’t even seen other sword forms?

“Too slow. It’s hard to see it as the Murong  family’s sword technique, which embodies the principle of swiftness.”
“I see. I will take that to heart.”
Please don’t. Just let it go in one ear and out the other.

In the end, I had no choice but to dress up my impressions to sound authoritative. This is commonly called putting on airs. However, there was a reason I had to do this.

To maintain ties with the Murong  family, this is unavoidable. I have to do this to prevent my lack of knowledge from being exposed.

Of course, any master at the Peak Level or above would see through me immediately. But somehow, martial artists below the First-Rate level could be deceived with a commanding presence and plausible words.

Just look at Murong Hyun, whom I saved—he genuinely believed I was a peak-Level master. I did feel guilty, but technically speaking, I never directly deceived him.

I just didn’t correct his misunderstanding.

That was why I had taken responsibility for Murong Hyun’s younger sister, Murong Sua. Even if my lack of knowledge were exposed later, having accumulated enough favors, I would still benefit in the long run.

“Great warrior, may I request one more round?”
“Very well.”
“Thank you, great warrior!”

I inwardly sighed and took my stance again. According to Murong Hyun, everything would be wrapped up in two weeks at most. I just needed to endure until then.

It wouldn’t matter if my lack of knowledge were exposed once I reached the Murong  family estate.
Even better if I could receive medicine or martial arts techniques without having to visit them at all.

◇

The days were as sweet as a dream.

Of course, there wasn’t the splendor of lavish meals or silk garments like at the family estate. But in this world, even if one possessed everything, it was meaningless if the mind was not at peace.

At least here, Sua could be at ease. She no longer had to worry about being abandoned. While the great warrior wasn’t particularly affectionate,

He didn’t ignore her either. When she wanted to talk, he would look her in the eyes and respond properly. This first experience of being treated like a human felt unfamiliar.

“Too slow. It’s hard to see it as the Murong  family’s sword technique, which embodies the principle of swiftness.”
“Keep your heart hot and your head cold.”
“Focusing solely on the swift sword while neglecting other aspects is foolish!”

The great warrior’s teachings became part of her very being. With her monstrous comprehension, Sua grasped their profound meanings and put them into action.

That became her enlightenment, manifesting in her forms. This was the key reason behind her rapid progress. She could clearly feel it herself.

Her inner power usage had become much smoother than on the first day. Above all, she could now easily perform forms she had struggled with at the family estate due to insufficient inner power.

“Your energy control has improved incomparably since the first day.”
“It’s all thanks to your help, great warrior.”
“I did nothing. These are all results you achieved through your own training.”
“…”

At this first-ever praise, Sua nearly lost her composure, almost jumping for joy like a child.

Had she ever been praised by the family head at the estate?
Never.

They had given her warm rooms, fine meals, and luxurious clothes. But conversations were brief.

Even that was only when others were watching. When no one was around, they treated her like a passing shadow. Yet, she had never questioned it.

Back then, I was just happy about everything. Finally, the family head recognized me as part of the family. But… was that really true? Was I truly recognized?

As doubt spread like wildfire, time continued to flow without pause. A month had already passed, and Mu-myung couldn’t help but tilt his head.

“He said it would take two weeks at most. It’s taking longer than expected.”
“Indeed, my brother said he would return in two weeks…”
“Surely nothing serious has happened. He must be delayed for some reason.”

Fearing Sua might be anxious, Mu-myung quickly reassured her. But Sua wasn’t anxious. Instead, she clicked her tongue in regret and murmured.

“Actually… even if it takes a bit longer…”
“Hm?”
“Ah, it’s nothing!!”

Afraid her true feelings might be discovered, Sua shook her head, her face as red as a ripe persimmon. She sincerely wanted to stay longer.

However, pleasant times always pass quickly.

On the thirtieth day, unexpected visitors arrived in the evening. Mu-myung tilted his head.

Judging by their elaborate attire and formations, they were warriors sent by the Murong  family. However, they did not seem to have come with friendly intentions.

As proof, they had encircled the thatched house, standing in firm formation—clearly determined to prevent any escape.

Sensing something was wrong, Mu-myung silently positioned himself in front of Sua. At that moment, a young man with white hair and narrow, fox-like eyes stepped forward.

“It’s an honor to meet you, senior. I am Murong Sa, a member of the prestigious Righteous Dragon Hall of the Murong family and the leader of the Righteous Dragon Vanguard Corps.”

“I am Mu-myung. But I don’t see young master Murong Hyun.”“Ah, that person?”

Seeing Murong Sa’s smirking lips, Mu-myung’s eyebrows twitched. Ominous premonitions never failed to come true.

“The young master Murong Hyun has been captured for the crime of rebelling against the family head and disturbing the family—”

Before he could finish, Mu-myung had already moved.