The two then parted ways after their training, and Wooyun went back to his chores.
Today, he was tasked with chamber pot duty. Even if this was a fantasy novel, it still abided by ancient rules. There was no plumbing system, which meant that human waste had to be collected in chamber pots. Seo-yoon was forced to empty and clean the pots every morning. It was a chore Wooyun hated more than life itself, but he had no choice but to do it.
Not only that, but he was also in charge of manure collection for farming. The Han estate consisted of the main house and an outer house where all the servants resided. Then, not too far away from the property, was the barn where the horses and other animals were kept, along with the chicken coop and the farm.
Although animal waste worked as excellent fertilizer, there were much more advanced techniques available. Yet, Kang Choon-hee insisted on keeping "traditions" and made Seo-yoon fetch piles of horse, ox, and pig dung with her own two hands. Luckily for her, Auntie Lim gave her some gloves and other equipment to make the job less degrading and unbearable.
"I am convinced the entire Kang family comes from a long line of sociopaths. Because who in their right mind comes up with a plan this diabolical?"
He walked through the fields, the sun already on the horizon as the day finally began. He still had a lot of work to do and couldn't afford to dawdle.
"Just a few more weeks," he muttered to himself. "A few more weeks."
~*~
Two weeks had gone by since then, and it was finally the day of the tournament.
Kang Choon-hee had been anxious for the past few days, making sure Yu-jun not only fought his best but looked his best as well. Donned in his new robes and with his precious sword at his waist, the evil family of three was prepared to leave.
Wooyun stood alongside the other servants as they prepared to send them off. Kang Choon-hee turned to look at him before sneering. "I better have the estate nice and clean by the time we get back," she said.
Yu-jun shot him a disdainful look, while Do-yun completely ignored his presence. As they rode off in the carriage, Wooyun muttered under his breath, "I hope you lose in the first round, you little shit."
Wooyun waited until the carriage was all the way down the street before running back to the estate—making his way to the attic, where he had prepared a disguise for himself.
Although the event was huge and there would be thousands of people in attendance, he didn't want to take the chance of getting caught. He managed to find an old pair of black-and-white robes that had been stashed in a corner and tied his hair into a long braid. He applied some face powder to alter his appearance slightly and put on his shoes. Once he was satisfied with his disguise, he walked out of the estate, making sure not to be noticed.
Now came the hardest part of the plan—getting a ride to Sky City, where the tournament was taking place. Unfortunately for Seo-yoon, she didn't have a fairy godmother to grant her beautiful robes and a carriage that would lead her to the man of her dreams. All she had at her disposal was one of the horses she had taken a shine to while working in the stables. Luckily for her, the farm keep had taken pity on her and looked the other way when she took the horse. Wooyun hoped he would be granted the same pity.
As he snuck into the stables, his eyes landed on the black horse he had grown attached to. The horse made eye contact with him, and Wooyun smiled.
"Hello, Geomeun. I hope you're doing well," Wooyun greeted the horse, who neighed in response. He approached Geomeun, giving his beautiful black coat an affectionate pat. He then found the saddle hooked next to the horse and gently tightened the saddle straps. Just as he adjusted the reins and prepared to climb onto the horse, the farm keep, Mr. Chun, entered the stable.
The two locked eyes, Wooyun not moving a single muscle.
The older man's gaze flickered between the horse and the young man before sighing. "Where do you think you're going with the horse?"
Wooyun stood there, contemplating whether he should tell Mr. Chun what he was up to. The old man stared at him, recognizing the doubt in his eyes, and sighed again. "You're going to the tournament, aren't you?" Though phrased as a question, it sounded more like a statement.
Wooyun said nothing, prompting another sigh from Mr. Chun.
"Do you think that's wise? Given the mess that was the banquet, I don't think Madam Kang will take too kindly to you disobeying her like this."
Wooyun snorted. "As if obeying her has ever gotten me anywhere."
Mr. Chun paused. His stern expression softened slightly. "… You've changed a lot over the past few months… Not just in your attitude." His gaze flickered to Wooyun's frame, noticing how much taller and leaner Seo-yoon had gotten.
"Good. I was getting tired of seeing you in such a sorry state. I know for a fact your father wouldn't have wanted this kind of life for you."
Wooyun didn't know how to respond. Those words weren't directed at him but at the original Han Seo-yoon. All he could do was nod.
A complicated expression crossed Mr. Chun's face before he nodded as well. "Go. Take the horse, but be discreet." He turned to leave but returned a moment later, carrying a straw hat and a silk bag.
Wooyun furrowed his brow as Mr. Chun handed him the hat. "You should wear this. I don't know if it'll do much to hide your face, but it's something."
Wooyun took the hat, realizing his mistake—he hadn't thought of wearing one. Even with his powdered face and changed hairstyle, he still looked like himself. If anything, his pale complexion made him stand out even more. It was a good thing Mr. Chun had thought ahead.
"Also, this. It's not much, but you'll need money if you want to enter the tournament—even if you're only spectating."
Wooyun took the bag, his eyes widening at the amount inside. There were around 200 star coins and about a hundred moon coins as well. "Mr. Chun, I—I can't take this," he exclaimed, trying to shove the bag back.
The old man shook his head. "Take it. It's as much yours as it is mine. Though it isn't nearly enough to atone for our sins, it's something."
Wooyun furrowed his brow. Something about those words struck him, but seeing the serious look on Mr. Chun's face, he knew arguing would be pointless. So he took the bag and thanked him.
Mr. Chun watched as Wooyun hopped onto the horse with surprising ease and rode off. He made sure to give the young man one last grateful look. He had always known Mr. Chun was one of the good ones. In the book, he had been one of the few to help Han Seo-yoon, and now, history repeated itself.
A light smile touched Wooyun's lips. The scene had played out exactly as he had anticipated.
As he passed through the estate gates, he took one last look around. He needed to get to Sky City before the tournament began. "Let's go, my friend," he murmured, giving Geomeun a soft nudge with his heels.
The horse responded immediately, stepping into a steady trot. Hoofbeats echoed against the solid ground as they moved through the streets.
~*~
The Heaven's Summit Tournament took place in the capital city of the eastern region. Located in the heaven's gate coliseum, it was bustling with cultivators of all kinds—righteous, neutral, and rogue and was filled with both tension and excitement. You could feel the aura and energy emanating from the giants of the cultivation world as soon as you entered the vicinity.
Since it was an event that happened every year, attracting some of the most promising and aspiring martial artists in the central plans. Participants needed to sign up in advance and pass a preliminary screening to ensure they met the required level. You needed to be at least in the blazing tempest stage or beyond to enter.
Just like participants, spectators also need to pay a fee. It consisted of three areas: the main arena where the fights take place, the grandstands where the general seating was offered for the public, and the private viewing areas for sect leaders, nobles, and high-profile guests.
Kang Choon-hee got out of the carriage alongside her sons and gazed at the full coliseum brimming with participants and spectators. "So this is your competition," she said as they headed for the entrance.
Yu-jun was quiet the entire time, focusing his energy on keeping calm and focused. Despite how arrogant he appeared on the outside, he was no fool. He knew that he would never stand a chance against these monsters, not in a million years. He didn't have the desire, ambition, nor conviction to be a martial cultivator.
The many years he spent cultivating his talents and getting to the level he is now were hell. He hated every single second of it. Having such a talented martial artist like Eun-woo showed him just how lacking he was.
Though he could try to reach a master level of swordsmanship if he put in the work, such a breakthrough wouldn't happen for another ten years. He knew it, and Eun-woo knew it as well. The only reason he was bothering to teach him was because of the friendly relationship Han Beom-seok had with the sect leader of the Sun Sect. His mother made a request and sent him one of their best disciples to teach him.
Yu-jun didn't think learning to fight would be difficult. He was a smart man who excelled in academics, so he figured the same would be applied to the way he fought. But when Eun-woo showed him the full extent of his powers to show him the clear disparity between their skills, Yu-jun knew he had bitten more than he could chew. Training with him from then on was an insufferable task.
Every time his sword clashed with Eun-woo, he felt as if the weapon itself was mocking him. However, he kept it up because it was what his mother wanted.
Yu-jun took in a breath, his mind calmer now. He knew there was no way he would make it past the fifth round, but he could at least prove himself against newer cultivators.
"Let's get this over with."