Chapter 232: Battlefront (2)
After wandering through the forest following Gu Jeolyub for a while, Bi Yeonsum finally arrived at the center of the Battlefront.
Unlike the entrance, where he couldn’t feel a single presence, as he reached the center, a strong presence began to be felt gradually.
It’s dense.
His impression was short yet heavy.
The Qi in the surroundings was thick and concentrated, much more than what he had sensed at the entrance of the Murim Alliance’s camp.
He walked carefully along with Gu Jeolyub, soon noticing someone standing guard in the distance.
Though the figure wasn’t clearly visible, the guard was dressed similarly to Gu Jeolyub, suggesting they were from the same clan.
“Stop.”
The guard commanded, pointing his sword at Gu Jeolyub. In response, Gu Jeolyub raised both hands, signaling he held no intention of fighting.
Bi Yeonsum did the same, lifting his hands as well.
Upon confirming their intent, the guard took a step closer to Gu Jeolyub.
Footstep.
“…!”
Bi Yeonsum flinched as the sharp Qi emanating from the guard brushed past him, denser than he had expected.
What is this…!
Bi Yeonsum realized the martial artist before him had crossed the threshold, indicating he was a Peak Realm martial artist.
A Peak Realm martial artist…?
What kind of nonsense is this?
How does a Peak Realm martial artist serve as a mere guard?
All Bi Yeonsum could do was gulp repeatedly, his body drenched in sweat under the guard’s Combat Qi.
The sharp Qi scrutinized his movements, exploring every inch of him.
Such refined control of Qi…
The martial artist drew his sword and glanced at Bi Yeonsum, assessing whether he posed a threat.
However, Bi Yeonsum couldn’t help but question the need for such caution if Gu Jeolyub truly belonged to this faction.
Moreover, Gu Jeolyub wasn’t even wearing a mask—his face was fully visible!
After an extended pause…
“…Butterfly.”
Gu Jeolyub suddenly broke the tension with a word that shattered the silence, making Bi Yeonsum jump.
While it seemed random and out of place, Bi Yeonsum suspected he understood the purpose behind Gu Jeolyub’s utterance.
Is this a code?
It certainly appeared to be one.
That guard must have already asked for it.
Though I didn’t hear him…
Did they use telepathy?
Bi Yeonsum thought that might be the case.
“Hmm…”
The martial artist nodded slightly, lowering his Combat Qi, confirming Gu Jeolyub’s words were correct.
Once the oppressive Qi that had filled the surroundings receded, Bi Yeonsum felt he could finally breathe comfortably again.
Pff.
Was that the starting point?
The martial artist’s serious expression shifted to a smile at Gu Jeolyub.
However, Gu Jeolyub frowned, clearly dissatisfied.
“…Don’t laugh.”
“Haha! How can I not laugh?”
“Ungh…”
“It’s already been three this month alone.”
“…I know.”
What does three mean?
Could it be the number of people saved by the Sword of Heroic Flame?
While Bi Yeonsum mulled this over, the martial artist asked Gu Jeolyub.
“Are you alright?”
With a deep sigh, Gu Jeolyub exhaled.
All the worries and burdens of the world seemed compressed into that one sigh of his.
“…I’m not.”
“And yet, you keep bringing people in.”
“…”
Gu Jeolyub shot a glance at Bi Yeonsum after this remark.
“…I can’t just leave them behind.”
This caused the martial artist to smile once more, seemingly pleased with Gu Jeolyub’s reluctant response.
Bi Yeonsum couldn’t help but think there was something different about the martial artist in front of him, setting him apart from other Peak Realm martial artists he had previously encountered.
Unlike the usual arrogance that accompanied such a level, he radiated kindness and humility.
He feels completely different from earlier when he exhibited his killing intent.
As these thoughts plagued Bi Yeonsum, Gu Jeolyub asked with a curious expression.
“…What is the Young Master doing right now?”
“Ah! He’s probably out hunting. I saw him leave after briefing the Lord.”
A flicker of relief crossed Gu Jeolyub’s expression at that response.
“Phew… that’s a relief.”
In the meantime, Bi Yeonsum caught an almost whispered phrase from Gu Jeolyub.
If he sweats out there, he might beat me up less when he returns.
Gu Jeolyub nodded as if agreeing wholeheartedly, leading Bi Yeonsum to further ponder why he had been trembling since earlier.
Just as he was about to inquire, the guard spoke up again.
“Kid.”
The guard addressed Bi Yeonsum, and he instinctively felt a wave of tension wash over him.
It was a Peak Realm martial artist, after all.
Yet, to Bi Yeonsum’s surprise, the voice carried a gentler tone.
“If it’s not too forward, may I ask your name?”
“Ah! I-I am Bi Yeonsum from the Bi Seon Clan.”
“I see.”
The guard, likely unfamiliar with the Bi Seon Clan, wore a smile that matched his kind demeanor.
“How would someone know about a small clan hidden away in the mountains?”
As feelings of inadequacy bubbled within him, Bi Yeonsum stifled them, recalling his position.
The guard, seemingly oblivious to Bi Yeonsum’s turmoil, smiled warmly and introduced himself.
“I’m Muyeon.”
Bi Yeonsum envied Muyeon’s air of confidence and his inexplicable goodwill.
“Nice to meet you, Brother Bi.”
“…Y-Yes! Nice to meet you, too.”
As Muyeon extended his hand, Bi Yeonsum reached out cautiously, unsure of whether he should clasp with one hand or both.
Feeling awkward and unsure, he eventually opted for a single grip.
Gu Jeolyub, observing from the side, interjected.
“How long until your shift ends?”
“Not much longer now. Do you need something?”
“Ah, it’s nothing much… just wondering if we could spar later.”
Muyeon smiled at the inquiry.
“I’m up for it; however, are you sure you can handle it?”
“About that… would you mind standing by my side during the match?”
Muyeon nodded, keeping his friendly demeanor, indicating agreement.
Was that a positive response?
Gu Jeolyub’s face lit up with a pleased expression.
“However, I can’t.”
“…”
With a surprisingly resolute look, Muyeon decisively denied the request.
Naturally, he valued his own safety as well!
The camp deep within the forest was surprisingly well-maintained.
Given its location at the center of the Battlefront, Bi Yeonsum couldn’t help but marvel at how organized it was.
It’s quite different.
This place had a vibe distinct from the Murim Alliance’s tense and icy atmosphere.
Unlike the distrustful environment of the Murim Alliance, this area felt friendlier and more natural, yet firmly organized.
Bi Yeonsum couldn’t quite place why he sensed such differences.
While he continued walking, Gu Jeolyub, leading ahead, suddenly halted.
In front of them stood what appeared to be the largest tent in the camp—likely where the person in charge resided.
As they cautiously entered, they realized the tent was empty.
It seemed the occupant had stepped out.
Just as he pondered what to do next, Gu Jeolyub spoke up.
“…The Lord isn’t here. Please wait a moment.”
“Excuse me?”
Bi Yeonsum was understandably bewildered.
Though Gu Jeolyub had saved him, leaving him alone in unfamiliar company felt strange.
How can he trust me? Who knows what I might do while he’s gone?
How could he just abandon him here?
As if reading his thoughts, Gu Jeolyub seemed completely unfazed.
Instead, he fetched a chair and gestured for Bi Yeonsum to sit.
“Sit down. I’ll be back… well, not right away? Either way, I’ll return.”
“Huh…? Why not we go together…?”
“No.”
Gu Jeolyub’s rejection was firm and decisive.
“…It’s somewhat sensitive to reveal such things to an outsider.”
“Ah… I understand.”
It was hard to argue when a person was offering help.
“Just wait here for a moment.”
With that, Gu Jeolyub exited the tent.
Left alone, Bi Yeonsum comfortably settled onto the chair Gu Jeolyub had provided, his eyes rolling around nervously as he awaited his return.
As Gu Jeolyub left Bi Yeonsum behind in the tent, he walked towards the back of the forest.
The individual he sought was somewhere in this expansive forest, but it wouldn’t take long for him to find him.
Crack.
The snap of a twig underfoot caught his attention.
The previously constant chorus of grasshoppers fell silent, and the lurking demons hid their presence.
In that moment, the only sensation filling the space was oppressive heat.
It’s scorching…
The intense warmth engulfing him was undoubtedly emanating from ‘him’. Even Gu Jeolyub, exuding a similar heat, felt himself struggling to breathe.
Realizing the need to raise his Inner Qi, he complied.
As he moved deeper, the heat became more pronounced.
The vibrant green mask of the forest gradually revealed its unsettling reality.
Ssss-!
Huff…
As the toxic Qi rushed towards him, Gu Jeolyub instinctively heightened his Inner Qi.
This was a place no one could endure without properly resisting such monstrous Qi.
Recalling the words ‘he’ had given him, Gu Jeolyub intensified his Qi.
If you want to live, think of this whole forest as a demon.
He hadn’t understood at the time, but now it began to make sense.
It illustrated just how perilous this forest was.
Despite his own comfortable stride, the one who had uttered those words seemed to traverse through this forest with ease.
“…Sigh.”
Gu Jeolyub breathed out heavily.
The sky ahead appeared to glow faintly red, resembling a sunset.
However, it was barely past noon—a sign that something was amiss.
So then, what is that?
“I never come to terms with his power level each time I witness it.”
That wasn’t sunset, for if itwere, it wouldn’t only be that section of the sky that turned red.
It proved that this space was a manifestation birthed from heat and fire.
An unfathomable volume of Qi intermingled with flames colored the sky in a unique hue, dominating the surroundings.
“…”
Watching this, Gu Jeolyub couldn’t help but smile wryly.
In the last year, his prowess had grown vastly while navigating the frontlines.
His sword had begun to take shape, infused with his intent, and he had reached the point of achieving Sword Resonance as he naturally learned to regulate his Qi.
Others praised his talents, declaring him a genius.
To achieve such height in such a short time, how could one not recognize his talent?
But Gu Jeolyub wasn’t merely content with that recognition.
After all, it lessened his own accomplishments when someone right beside him was advancing more rapidly.
He had not been the one to achieve the most growth this past year; it had instead been that individual.
Additionally, it was him who had consistently pushed Gu Jeolyub, forcing him to endure and claw his way to this level.
Undeniably, Gu Jeolyub felt irritated as he was often on the receiving end of the training hell, but as he reflected on it over time, he acknowledged that thanks to that individual, he had reached this point.
Rather than this, it was undeniable he had suffered under frequent violence and snide remarks daily, leaving marks on his personality.
Gulp.
The closerhe approached that territory, the more Gu Jeolyub found himself swallowing dryly.
Based on his prior experiences, he understood venturing towards him wouldn’t end well.
Should I turn back?
He didn’t linger on the thought for long.
Yes, let’s head back.
He could deal with the situation upon returning.
He didn’t need that person to know about such trivial details.
With a resolute nod, Gu Jeolyub turned around, retracing his steps back towards the tent.
His pace was twice as rapid on the return compared to his arrival.
Where are you going?
Suddenly, a voice cracked through the air, stopping his escape.
Gu Jeolyub froze at the sound of the voice behind him, sending a shiver down his spine.
“Where are you going, I asked.”
After the inquiry echoed again, Gu Jeolyub twisted around, his neck creaking like an old door.
There was still a considerable distance between him and the voice’s owner.
How had that person managed to get so close?
Upon seeing the piercing gaze—still ablaze from the heat—focused on him, he realized it was Gu Yangcheon who stood before him.
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