Chapter 145: Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament (4)
Gu Jeolyub was born in Gu Sunmoon.
His parents had already passed away when he was just five years old, losing their lives in the Abyss, leaving him with no memories of them.
In Gu Jeolyub’s first recollection, the only figures who filled the roles of both parent and teacher were his grandfather, Gu Changjun.
Gu Changjun, who covets the head of the Gu Clan, gazes upon Gu Jeolyub’s talents and good looks with a glimmer of desire.
But in-between all this pressure, Gu Jeolyub, determined to continue on, held onto a small dream that no one else, not even his grandfather Gu Changjun, was privy to.
A hero.
Gu Jeolyub wished to become a hero.
A true hero who roams the realm and rescues those tired and battered by evil and crises.
His reason for dreaming this way wasn’t anything grand.
The martial artist whom Gu Jeolyub respected most was none other than the Sword Emperor.
He couldn’t help but admire the swordsman who achieved everything solely through his skills as a fighter.
When the Sword Emperor roamed the land, he was hailed not only as the Wind Sword but also as a hero.
Even the disdain of being called a vigilante couldn’t deter the fervor of his heart.
All the feats he accumulated laid the foundation for him to be called the Sword Emperor later in life.
What does it mean to be a hero?
What can incite such heat within one’s heart?
For a young boy, these were incredibly difficult questions yet, paradoxically, simple as well.
— A martial artist’s belief should not be broken.
— A hero’s virtue means going with the flow of one’s heart.
— If you follow the path you desire, that is when you become a hero.
Long ago, back when the Sword Emperor was still called the Wind Sword,
He uttered these words after single-handedly blocking a True Demonic Gate.
Those words spread throughout the realm and ignited countless hearts within martial artists.
They also became the fuel that ignited Gu Jeolyub’s aspirations.
– Let’s become a hero.
– No, I must become one.
If it was said that one must follow their heart to become a hero…
Then he needed to become that kind of person.
For that, Gu Jeolyub first had to grow into adulthood.
As a child, his path had always been straight and felt right at the time.
However, as time passed and Gu Jeolyub matured, he began to see that his path was slightly askew.
The reason he never complained about Gu Changjun’s ambitions was…
That he believed his grandfather’s goals aligned with his own.
Even if it meant living a life burdened by pressure.
The selfish and feudal heir bullied his servants mercilessly.
Thus, he faced humiliation in duels.
Gu Jeolyub thought it would be much better for him to take the clan’s leadership than Gu Yangcheon, just as his grandfather advised him since childhood.
Though never having aspired to be the clan leader, he still believed that it would be better for him to lead than Gu Yangcheon.
And thus a year passed until that fateful day came.
The day his greatest shame unfolded, and the turning point of change began.
The day of his defeat against Gu Yangcheon.
One year prior, Gu Yangcheon, who couldn’t even touch a corner of his clothing, remained unchanged.
Not just small of stature, but his manner of speech was still repugnant.
However, at that moment, what was peculiar was the unsettling feeling that struck Gu Jeolyub, possibly from Gu Yangcheon’s eyes.
Those eyes, they were cold and hollow.
They resembled a tranquil lake, devoid of any emotion.
Yet the depth of that gaze was layers deeper than he could comprehend.
Unable to meet Gu Yangcheon’s gaze, his breathing faltered while his words grew rugged.
Like a rabbit struck by fear before a ferocious beast.
‘Me? No way…!’
With reality too hard to swallow, he rushed forward recklessly.
And as expected, only a humiliating defeat awaited Gu Jeolyub.
At this point, one fact had become clear: Gu Jeolyub had sharper instincts than he gave himself credit for.
He could sense the impending threat that loomed from Gu Yangcheon.
— Young Masterrrr!
After the duel, observing Gu Yangcheon looking at his servant and the way the servant gazed back at him…
Gu Jeolyub derived a small realization.
That Gu Yangcheon might not merely be the villain he once believed him to be.
That he may not possess the talent to judge someone’s capability from mere appearance.
‘I am an imperfect human.’
Then how does one become perfect?
‘I do not know.’
Gu Jeolyub was aware of his imperfection; hence, he had no method to achieve perfection.
What is heroism?
What is justice and what is evil? Gu Jeolyub still did not know.
“Did you cause some stir at the tavern?”
Though he questioned himself repeatedly, one thing stood firm.
“Why the silence? Are you perhaps frightened? Lacking your crew?”
Justice shone brighter and clearer than injustice.
So distinct it was that misjudgment was impossible.
Hwangbo Cheolwi taunted him, but Gu Jeolyub remained unfazed.
— Only intervene when you can deal with the consequences.
— Unaccountable heroism is for when you’re alone.
The echoes of Hwangbo Cheolwi’s words still resonated in Gu Jeolyub’s ears.
He knew he wasn’t in the wrong.
Saving a woman from harassment could never be wrong.
Still, why did Hwangbo Cheolwi’s words rankle him? That remained a mystery.
“Why so jittery? Did you challenge this Hwangbo to a duel?”
After that comment, he chuckled, as if he had figured something out.
“Oh! Is it because of the beautiful faces behind you? Such stunning women! How does a loser like you mingle amongst them? You might as well be dust on the Gu Clan’s shoe.”
Mere— that seemed to be the most pokey part, yet he withheld his reaction.
Last time he intervened brought no good, so Gu Jeolyub felt it would be better to refrain now.
‘I’m definitely not holding back just because of last time.’
Gu Jeolyub tried to calmly assure himself that his silence wasn’t from previous events, particularly when Gu Yangcheon made him faceplant into the ground.
Continuing, Hwangbo Cheolwi remarked,
“See that guy in the front?”
Upon hearing Hwangbo Cheolwi’s observation, Gu Jeolyub’s shoulder slightly twitched.
“Is that guy, surrounded by ladies, the son of the Tiger Warrior? Surely it can’t be you.”
How did he know? That was too evident.
Gu Yangcheon wore the Gu Clan’s traditional red and gold embroidered attire.
In stark contrast to the cold and sharp nature of Gu Jeolyub, Gu Yangcheon’s fierce appearance fits perfectly.
His dark hair, tinged with a hint of crimson in his eyes, vividly showcased the traits typical of the players from the Shanxi Gu Clan.
“Why does he get a spot up front? Even I, Hwangbo, reside here…”
Hwangbo Cheolwi seemed to wrestle with displeasure.
His breathing grew harsher, displaying hints of ire.
And then, he formed a devilish grin upon his lips.
It looked as if he chuckled against his own will.
“What a laughable thought! I’m sure that brat only secured that place by utilizing his family’s wealth.”
Hearing Hwangbo Cheolwi, Gu Jeolyub ever so slightly raised his eyebrow.
Could that really be true?
Had he believed those accusations about the previous Gu Yangcheon, it was hard to reconcile with the young man he had observed throughout their journey.
As he saw him differently than before.
“It seems that you have gone through your fair share of troubles, am I right?”
Hwangbo Cheolwi’s cryptic remark finally prompted Gu Jeolyub to respond.
“What do you mean?”
“If that kid is indeed a son of the Tiger Warrior, then I know a thing or two.”
Why had the target of his frustrational words shifted towards Gu Yangcheon?
A glance into Hwangbo Cheolwi’s eye unveiled the answer.
It was because of those girls swarming around Gu Yangcheon.
While Gu Yangcheon appeared oblivious to it, the sheer distance revealed all.
No matter the angle, a stunning beauty, dubbed “the flower of all flowers,” was attentively serving Gu Yangcheon.
Every time he finished his tea, she eagerly replenished it, as if hovering like a guardian spirit.
Cleaning any crumbs falling from his food-fumbling mouth.
Occasionally, if he shifted uncomfortably, she would fan him gracefully.
Gu Jeolyub couldn’t help but feel enviable of Gu Yangcheon’s treatment.
It seemed Hwangbo Cheolwi was quite vexed by this arrangement.
His family, the Huangbo clan, was of noble descent but here was Gu Yangcheon, seated in privilege.
Just watching the spectacle filled Gu Jeolyub with a second-hand embarrassment.
Yet, he couldn’t solely blame Hwangbo Cheolwi; it mirrored his own feelings toward Gu Yangcheon.
Hwangbo Cheolwi uttered,
“They call him the reckless child of Shanxi, right?”
“…”
“There’s not a single pleasant rumor. I’ve heard he’s less than talented, with a dreadfully vicious nature. They said he’s a dismal failure compared to his lineage.”
“I’ve heard the same. It’s said he can’t even match half of his sister’s capabilities.”
“Me too! I heard that his father and sister are worlds apart from him. The Sword Phoenix made a remarkable impact at the party…”
“And let’s not even begin to discuss the second daughter, known as Soje. Her talent isn’t to be taken lightly, either.”
“Yet, the lad expected to carry forward the clan is nothing but a disgrace… heh!”
Hwangbo Cheolwi and the others began to lambaste Gu Yangcheon.
Gu Jeolyub found himself unconsciously clenching his fist.
Gu Yangcheon was not that way.
Through their journey together, he recognized Gu Yangcheon’s true nature.
Despite the exhausting trek, his training was intense to the level that made Gu Jeolyub shudder as he clandestinely observed.
Gu Yangcheon, much younger than him, was consistently at the grind.
He often wondered if Gu Yangcheon ever took any rest, given how often he seemed to train.
And in the wake of Gu Yangcheon having humiliatingly bested him in their duel, Gu Jeolyub learned.
He realized how far apart they stood in skill.
Time and again, witnessing how Gu Yangcheon treated his servants left him wondering if he confused identities.
What kind of master watches over their servant’s meals?
What sort of master would dry a servant’s wet clothes by radiating warmth?
Gu Jeolyub noted with astute eyes that even his own attendants often gazed upon Gu Yangcheon with envious looks.
‘Is Gu Yangcheon truly an unworthy person?’
He believed so once upon a time,
But here and now, he found himself questioning everything, seeing himself as far more flawed.
Gu Jeolyub’s breaths were growing irregular; a rollercoaster of emotions churned within him.
His ire wasn’t boiling up from the criticism hurled at Gu Yangcheon.
In reality, Gu Jeolyub would have wished for those comments to fly at him instead.
But the source of his frustration stemmed from Hwangbo Cheolwi’s barbs—that they were directed at him, Gu Jeolyub, instead.
Unbeknownst to Gu Jeolyub’s inner turmoil, Hwangbo Cheolwi continued unabated.
“There’s someone like that in my house too. Even with the name Hwangbo, he’s worthless and lacking skills… Every time I see him, I get infuriated.”
“Why does that matter?”
“I’m not fond of you, but at least you seem somewhat capable. Doesn’t it irritate you? Seeing a blood relative so incompetent?”
With that, Hwangbo Cheolwi finished his grievances and started gulping his tea as if it were alcohol, blissfully unaware of the scornful air around him.
“Moreover, he had the audacity to watch quietly from the sidelines last time. What a coward.”
Hwangbo Cheolwi seemed to take glee in ensuring Gu Jeolyub recalled their previous conflict, where he simply stood and waited while insulting a woman.
A figure so brazen, despite the shame he should have felt, was intolerable to observe.
With a heavy sigh, Gu Jeolyub adjusted the position of his sword hanging at his waist.
So that he could draw it at a moment’s notice.
He endeavored to hold back as much as possible…
But it seemed like he was nearing his limit.
“That scumbag needs a proper lesson. With the tournament approaching, if I run into him, I’ll surely-”
“Shut up.”
“What?”
A sudden silence descended.
Even the endlessly chatty Hwangbo Cheolwi and those around him fell quiet.
In unison with Hwangbo Cheolwi’s inquiries, Gu Jeolyub gathered every shred of his Qi and shouted louder.
“What was that?”
“I think my ears might just rot, so I said to stop barking.”
“You little-”
“Hwangbo. That’s a prestigious name. Oh, I know that for a fact.”
The King of Beasts.
The Hwangbo Clan is renowned for their Savage Beast Fist.
Once upon a time, they stood on the brink of becoming one of the Four Noble Clans, but time dwindled their might.
Nevertheless, they remained a noble household.
And no one could contest that legitimacy.
“However, I wonder if you’re worthy enough to bear that name. To me, you appear as a beast howling without grasping your own boundaries.”
The moment Gu Jeolyub spoke, Hwangbo Cheolwi exploded in rage.
BLAM-!
The pressure radiating from him felt dense, showing unexpected depth.
It made plain that he was indeed a descendant of a noble clan.
“How dare you! What nonsense are you babbling?”
He stood tall, his physique an intimidating sight, strong as iron.
Yet Gu Jeolyub remained unperturbed.
His instincts told him otherwise.
This man was weaker than he imagined.
“Who do you think you are, an inconsequential being daring to show fangs at me, Hwangbo?”
Huge waves of Qi flooded the room; Hwangbo Cheolwi was beyond caring for appearances. But Gu Jeolyub kept his focus on Hwangbo Cheolwi’s movements.
His tirade continued to flow.
“I’ve heard Hwangbo means ‘Tiger of the Central Plains’, but your actions resemble more a kitten than a beast.”
Hwangbo Cheolwi grimaced upon hearing that.
“How dare you tease me, Hwangbo, when your own clan is associated with fire, yet that flame barely resembles a flicker? I’ve shown generosity-!”
“Generosity is a privilege only the strong bestow upon the weak, and unfortunately, you lack that within me.”
“You little…”
Hwangbo Cheolwi spiraled into irritation, muscles rippling in sudden aggression.
His body grew in size, a show of raw strength.
The oppressive tension thrummed and thickened in the air.
Gu Jeolyub’s hand sought the hilt of his sword without a moment’s hesitation.
A wave of regret washed over him; he felt as if he had crossed into dangerous territory on a whim.
But retreat wasn’t an option.
It was all about pride.
‘My grandfather may kill me when I return.’
Ironically enough, as that thought crossed his mind, Gu Changjun’s words about Gu Jeolyub shining brighter than Gu Yangcheon resonated.
But at this moment, it was far from possible.
Gu Jeolyub knew he could not outshine Gu Yangcheon.
For now, he had to stick close to him.
And someday, he’d surpass him, not for the sake of the First Elder’s clamor but for his personal aspirations.
“Your unceasing interruptions annoy me as it is, but fine! I, Hwangbo, will be sure to rip your mouth apart right here, right now!”
Hwangbo Cheolwi stepped forward.
The aura from his feet was anything but normal.
‘His shoulders twitch. Here comes the left arm.’
Gu Jeolyub’s eyes flickered in response, agile to even the minutest gestures.
Strangely enough, this was something Gu Yangcheon taught him.
– Hey! You see that brat’s thigh? Trying to run?
– N… No, sir!
– No? But your toes are already giving it away!
– Oww!
…
It wasn’t a fond memory; what Gu Yangcheon called ‘teaching’ felt closer to torment. The journey had felt like a trial from hell. Still, strangely, it was in that crucible he found growth.
Hwangbo Cheolwi moved with ferocity, the trajectory he would follow sensed beforehand.
Gu Jeolyub anticipated he’d dodge the left arm and then strike at his jaw to bring him to his knees—
ZAP-!
Just as Gu Jeolyub prepared, an icy sensation forced him to glance back.
It was an unwise choice considering Hwangbo Cheolwi stood directly before him, yet instincts propelled him to do so.
‘Two people.’
An aura so uniquely powerful yearning to intervene.
His eyes sought the sources of that molten wave of power.
‘…!’
One— the Lightning Dragon, Namgung Cheonjun, whom he’d encountered previously in Bacheonmaru.
The other was a boy, Jang Seonyeon, known as the son of a prominent leader, who had turned their previous gathering into a clamor.
The sudden surge of frigid energy trickled beads of sweat down Gu Jeolyub’s face.
He understood if one of them intervened, he’d hardly stand a chance.
‘Thank heavens.’
He felt grateful for his keen intuition.
Yet, in swallowing his nervous throat, he realized something was off.
The Lightning Dragon, hand poised on his sword…
And the other boy, unleashing their Qi.
Neither made any move to charge.
Instead, both were transfixed and gazing wide-eyed.
More to the point, their attention was firmly fixed on something right in front of him.
‘Huh…?’
Even the other young prodigies who watched the escalating situation mirrored that disbelief in their eyes.
It was as though they had encountered a mythical beast before them.
At that point, Gu Jeolyub registered the stunning reality.
That Hwangbo Cheolwi, who stood before him, had not reacted at all.
Gu Jeolyub followed the eyes of the crowd and turned to see Hwangbo Cheolwi.
What he witnessed was not a towering warrior flexing but rather Hwangbo Cheolwi knelt and swiftly faltering.
His conscious mind switched off, revealing the whites of his eyes as he collapsed to the ground.
A figure that towered over eight feet had crumbled effortlessly like sand before a gust of wind.
And finally, Gu Jeolyub could see—
The presence standing in front of him.
“I don’t understand.”
THUD-!
Hwangbo Cheolwi crumpled beside a fearsome-looking boy.
“Why am I the one causing a ruckus when you’re the one tearing the place up? You little shit, this is why you followed me around, right?”
Unintentionally, Gu Jeolyub instinctively stepped back, overwhelmed at the sight of the boy nonchalantly brushing off his hands.
His instincts screamed survival.
Not a speck of Qi emanated from this child.
Gu Jeolyub hadn’t even noted when he had grown so near.
Compared to the auras of Namgung Cheonjun and Jang Seonyeon, this boy carried none.
The boy, Gu Yangcheon, sparkled his red irises and spoke,
“You’re really not helping at all.”
Gu Yangcheon’s voice, though soft, resonated with the entire banquet hall.
It wasn’t loud; there was no Qi-enhanced volume to amplify it.
Still, surrounded by the silence of gazing prodigies, it rang out clearly.
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