Chapter: 299
It feels like my pupils are rolling around.
What the heck, what is this situation?
Iron line.
No, his real name, Zhuge Jinseon, had to roll his eyes diligently to grasp the situation.
‘What the hell is going on?’
Where did it all go wrong?
Why am I here?
I can’t figure out anything.
It just felt like my head was frozen solid.
“Would you like to try this?”
“You know, Confucius, do you know what happened just now?”
“…”
I still can’t believe what I see.
‘On the left is Seolbong, on the right is Dokbong… … .’
These are the people that Zhuge Jinseon knows.
If you are someone living in the Central Plains, it’s an impression you can’t help but recognize.
We didn’t introduce ourselves to each other.
Zhuge Jinseon could tell this as soon as he saw them.
‘And… I’m not sure about the other one….’
Another ridiculously beautiful woman.
A woman with an appearance that could make you lose your mind just by looking at her.
“…!”
That woman was looking at him.
Staring into those cold blue eyes.
Zhuge Jinseon turns his head without realizing it.
‘…What the heck is going on?’
If you ask where it went wrong.
The problem was being greedy.
A person who looked exhausted was stuffing food into his mouth among the women.
Approaching that person was probably the biggest mistake.
‘…I should have just been serious about hunting monsters.’
While taking the exam.
It was a mistake to try to leave easily, thinking that some crazy guy was lying there sleeping.
While they were all targeting each other.
If you see a guy lying down and resting peacefully,
There must be something about this person.
Blinded by greed, I momentarily forgot that.
‘No way, it was that True Dragon.’
I just thought he was a scary-looking dude.
The identity of the giant was unexpected.
True Dragon. Guyangcheon.
As predicted, he is the youngest person to reach his peak.
The younger brother of the most influential person, Geombong.
A dragon and a phoenix chosen among countless shining stars in the sky.
Among them, this index received the arrogant nickname of a “true dragon.”
An overwhelming power unseen at that age.
Rumors were already spreading throughout the Central Plains.
Additional rumors included:
He intervened in the fight between the Sword Dragon and the Sleeping Dragon.
He has the capacity to subdue both of them in an instant.
I think it was called heroism.
‘… You said he was a lecher who lived with women? And each and every one of them was extraordinarily beautiful.’
The Central Plains are as always distorted.
Because it’s a place where rumors are full of exaggeration.
But it’s hard to believe anything about that last rumor.
‘I wondered what kind of beautiful woman he would be with given that appearance.’
The rumors were true, without exaggeration.
The sight of women enjoying a meal served right in the middle was
Literally, literally a lecher.
That in itself.
Of all people, I got caught by that guy.
Even though he is Geombong’s younger brother,
There were also many stories claiming that he didn’t have a very good temper.
‘… That was worse than the rumors.’
It was like the face of a predator facing its prey.
We tried to be friends and things like that,
As far as Zhuge Jinseon was concerned.
‘You messed with me, so I’ll make you miserable until you die!’
It just seemed like that.
My flesh is trembling.
Why does he say that with such a fierce face?
Honestly, I almost lost it for real.
‘The problem is….’
Zhuge Jinseon secretly clenches his fist.
I don’t know the truth about how the person named Jinryong brought me here.
The important thing is.
-Do you have a sister?
The problem was what Jinryong said while looking at Zhuge Jinseon.
‘I don’t think he knows anything.’
It is full of questions.
The moment I met Jinryong was clearly a coincidence that started from my own mistake.
But the appearances that are seen after that.
I couldn’t help but feel suspicious about both of them.
-What’s your name?
When I tell you my name.
-Include your last name.
The image of Jinryong asking firmly comes to my mind.
If you hold my neck and refuse to answer,
A look in your eyes that says you’re going to break my arm.
Anyone who saw it could tell that it was sincere.
Are you really just a member of the orthodox sect?
It was completely different from what I knew.
‘… You don’t know me, do you?’
About my own identity.
I don’t think Jinryong knows.
Zhuge Jinseon had to swallow the anxiety rising inside him.
There’s no way I would have been caught.
Your own purpose too.
Because no one will know about its identity.
Even if, by some chance, his purpose and identity are discovered.
He had to keep it a secret from his own sister.
By any means necessary.
‘It’s okay… I was going to approach you anyway.’
Whether it’s Seolbong or Dokbong.
Whether it was Jin… Ryong or Shinryonggwan, if he passed, they were all targets of approach.
I was wondering if it would turn out as expected.
‘Maybe it’s for the better.’
But I was dragged here half by force.
Wouldn’t it be better if the situation were the same as now?
Even Jinryong took care of his own zodiac sign and helped him pass.
It was a benefit in its own way… It was a benefit, right?
“…turn off.”
Meanwhile, our eyes meet.
He locked eyes with the Jinryong who had brought him here.
As soon as we met those eyes.
I feel like I can’t breathe.
‘…I’m so scared.’
You have to be a little scared.
Just looking at him was enough to give me the creeps.
“Hey, friend.”
“… Yes… Yes!”
My voice keeps trembling when I mention that friend.
Why do you keep calling me that?
Could this be another meaning of the word slave used by Jinryong?
It will definitely be like that.
It was clear that I was now a slave to the True Dragon.
“Aren’t you going to eat?”
Jinryong picked up one of the foods in front of him with his chopsticks.
He showed it to Zhuge Jinseon and asked.
“I have no appetite….”
“Really? People need food. Tsk, tsk.”
In response to Zhuge Jinseon.
Jinryong stuffs food back into his mouth without a care.
The sight of it makes the side dishes quickly switch around.
It was the hand of a snow-white woman.
It seemed they were switching the side dishes in front of Jinryong.
‘… You really have to go that far?’
What on earth is Jinryong?
In Zhuge Jinseon’s eyes, it was just a fantasy.
Rather, it just makes it all seem less realistic.
“Master, aren’t you thirsty?”
“Throat… No, what did you put in there?”
“I didn’t put anything special in it. Just some dried leaves that are good for digestion?”
“…What’s the name of the leaf?”
“It’s called Heeryeongcho.”
“That… is a poisonous plant that paralyzes the stomach.”
“Hey! Your Majesty, if a person drinks this, will they become paralyzed? No way? When you feel like you’re going to get sick, it’s good to boil this and drink it.”
“Usually, it’s like this. It’s called a poisonous plant because it can paralyze you…”
It was Dokbong who secretly and cheerfully handed Jinryong some poisonous tea.
The situation is strange.
I heard that Jinryong is engaged to the sword dancer of Namgung Se-ga.
‘Then, that beautiful woman… .’
The white-haired beauty.
Is that Namgung Bi-a, nicknamed Geommuhee?
That seems highly likely.
‘They say Anhui is the best.’
Frankly, that statement couldn’t be more accurate.
Among the women that Zhuge Jinseon has ever seen,
Because it was the first time I had met someone prettier than my sister.
“Oh right, buddy.”
“Yes….”
“You don’t have to be formal, we’re friends.”
“…”
“Answer.”
“Uh… . Yeah!”
Friends are bullshit.
How is this a friend?
I don’t know much about Zhuge Jinseon because he doesn’t have any friends.
At least common sense tells me that this isn’t a friendship.
‘… Save me, sister.’
He clenches his teeth as he thinks of his sister.
This too must be endured.
-There will always be a crisis.
Before choosing the Central Plains route.
That’s what his sister said to him.
-Sister, I wish you didn’t go. But if you still want to go, please be strong, my little brother.
‘…’
From the beginning, everything my older sister said was right.
It seems to be the same now.
I shouldn’t have gone.
Ah, why do regrets always come late?
Zhuge Jinseon was just feeling sorry.
“Oh, right, I moved your accommodation here.”
“… Yes? No, huh? What do you mean… .”
“What are you talking about sleeping in a stable? How can you sleep in a place like that? I’ve already moved all your luggage, so sleep here.”
At the sight of Jinryong speaking with a sly smile.
“…”
Zhuge Jinseon intuitively felt that his future was at stake.
That devilish guy seems to want to keep me by his side and treat me like a slave.
It was really a wrong judgment call.
Should I run now?
‘No….’
Not yet.
Zhuge Jinseon recalled his goal.
‘I have to somehow establish my position in Shinryongwan.’
Meet many people.
Build a lot of connections.
Get a lot out of it.
‘Save my sister.’
Plus.
One day, he will reveal his last name.
I will raise up the fallen and defiled clans.
That was the purpose of the trip to the Central Plains.
Even in the midst of all that.
Zhuge Jinseon recalls the story his sister had told him.
-Jinseon-ah.
His sister turned pale and held her cheek with her very dry hands as she pleaded.
-No matter what happens, you can’t use that power. I promised you.
I made a promise, linking my fingers with hers, my little finger trembling with lack of strength.
Strengthen your will.
‘You can do it, Jinseon-ah.’
Let’s just forget about Zhuge Liang for a moment.
Now, he was the iron line of Eulpyeong Ironworks.
And.
Looking at that kind of Zhuge Jinseon.
Guyangcheon’s eyes were sparkling.
I looked at the iron line with its stiff expression and thought.
‘That guy keeps rolling his eyes.’
I guess he has quite a lot on his mind.
The guy seemed to be constantly thinking about something.
Now that I’ve gotten to this point, maybe he made up his mind about something.
‘He is definitely hiding something.’
His reactions are particularly profound.
I guess he’s not used to that kind of thing.
It’s very conspicuous.
‘It’s better for me.’
From my point of view, that was more convenient.
It’s nice to have it next to you and look at it.
‘First of all, keep him by your side.’
Since I discovered it quickly, I had to keep him by my side and tease him well.
It would be best if I could choose to become friends.
‘But I’m not really sincere myself, so let’s just take it easy.’
There’s no way I’m good at becoming close to people.
I’ll give it a try but have no confidence.
First of all, the start wasn’t bad.
We’ve made some progress as friends.
Because they say he sleeps in that weird stable.
I put in some effort to move the accommodations.
You must be happy inside, right?
‘It feels like we’ve gotten a lot closer already.’
He nodded.
For someone like me, I feel like I’m doing pretty well.
You’ve grown a lot, Guyangcheon!
And I’ve made friends too.
Although, he often looks at me and flinches in surprise.
I’m sure that will work out.
Maybe.
Just fill your stomach.
I took a sip of tea.
“…?”
The tip of my tongue feels tingly.
What is this strange feeling?
I looked straight at Dang So-yeol.
Then Dang So-yeol slightly avoids my gaze.
“…hey.”
“Hehehe.”
“Hehehe…?”
“No… It’s really good for digestion, Your Majesty. Please try it.”
“If a normal person drinks this, they’ll die… They’ll die.”
I told you I’d never drink it.
In the end, Dang So-yeol gave me the poison tea.
“Hey… you won’t die… right?”
Why are you hesitating? It’s scary.
“…Why do you keep making me drink poison tea?”
“Poison, the toxicity is high, so it’s not a bad thing. It tastes good too.”
“…”
Surely Dang So-yeol wouldn’t poison me like this to actually kill me.
“Drinking this doesn’t increase toxicity and it doesn’t taste good.”
Or just eat a handful.
What if you bathe in water that is full of poison?
Tolerance is not something that can be built so easily.
Even if you eat or bathe like that.
Usually, you die before tolerance develops.
‘Unless you have a deep understanding of the Tang family.’
The Tang family’s profound desire for enlightenment.
The source that allows you to use poison, and the faction that belongs to the orthodox sect.
That was the reason why he was able to secretly carry out his activities as a hidden guest.
That’s why.
It is possible for Dang So-yeol to enjoy eating poisonous plants like that.
‘It is said that Man-dok-bul-shim… .’
As the name implies.
You can consider it as being resistant to almost all poisons.
It was the absolute realm the Tang family dreamed of.
Also, the reason why one of Dang So-yeol’s eyes is shining bright green.
He’s gradually getting closer to immortality.
It is known that the toxic bee from a past life actually achieved invincibility.
If you look at it that way.
I don’t know about martial arts.
At least in terms of value when it comes to poison, Dang So-yeol can be said to be the most overwhelming in the entire Central Plains.
‘It’s still ambiguous, though.’
As for Dang So-yeol, he is at an ambiguous level among warriors.
It’s not like he’s not working hard either.
As time passes, his skills will naturally improve.
One day, he might just inherit the name of the Toxic Maiden.
Of course.
‘But the future will be different.’
The ending of the Toxic Maiden will turn out differently.
I didn’t want to leave him to die so pitifully.
‘Is it really right to save the person I killed with my own hands?’
That was a questionable thought.
And every time I see Dang So-yeol, I feel a sense of guilt.
So, it would be better to keep him alive.
“…Anyway, I’m done, so you drink this.”
“Uh… Your Majesty.”
“Why?”
“Can I drink from the cup that Confucius was drinking from?”
“…?”
“I was joking… Hehe…”
I made a slightly disgusted expression.
Dang So-yeol changed the topic, saying it was a joke.
You must have been joking, right?
He was patting my shoulder as if he found it a bit creepy.
Namgung Bi-a, who was pouring water into my glass, spoke to me.
-Yeah, right.
It was a telepathic message.
-Huh?
I did answer right away, but this is a big deal.
Just doing the sound makes me feel a slight pain in my lower abdomen.
-What’s that guy… What is he?
Namgung Bi-a asks with a nod.
I was asking about Zhuge Jinseon.
-What? I said we’re friends.
I respond as if to ask why she asked such a thing.
Namgung Bi-a was looking at me with clear eyes.
It’s a look that seems to say, “Isn’t that right?”
‘You’re quick-witted.’
Anyway, I was usually oblivious, but in times like this, I was quick to catch on.
Maybe he’s just always pretending to be oblivious.
Isn’t Namgung Bi-a always quick on the uptake?
That’s why I had that thought.
Looking into Namgung Bi-a’s eyes.
I gave an answer as if I couldn’t handle the question.
-Dagger.
-A knife?
-Yes, a knife.
The knife I wish I had.
Kill Jang Seon-yeon.
A knife that might pierce through everything flowing right now.
The power the guy had was worthy.
That guy called Cheoljiseon meant that to me.
So, I should keep it close and not let it go.
Zhuge Jinseon and I locked eyes.
I smiled once because I thought he still looked nervous.
It was meant to be a reminder to relax and take it easy.
“Ugh…!”
That guy flinched as if scared when he saw my smile.
As if he had seen something he shouldn’t have seen.
‘…That kid?’
Since we’re friends, I guess it’s okay to hit him a little?
It will be okay.
Because in my past life, my friends felt like that to me too.
Most of the time, I was in the right position.
This time it seemed like it would be different.
Three days have passed since then.
The exams taken by the members of the sect have also ended.
The day has come when I must enter the Shinryongwan.
Fortunately, no one in the group was eliminated.
In a way, that’s obvious.
I was a little worried, though.
It looks like they managed to get through it with great persistence.
If you climb up the opposite side of the mountain where the test was held,
A mountain appears that looks like a snake’s body.
Though there was a separate name, it seems we commonly call it “Snake Mountain.”
Honestly, I liked the simple name.
By simply following the road to the top of the mountain,
The huge building of Shinryonggwan, which I had wanted to see so badly, emerged.
The size is gargantuan.
The buildings I saw at Namgung Se-ga and Dangmun.
They all had their own majesty.
I suppose it’s because the number of people accepted and the meaning are different.
Shinryonggwan felt much more imposing than that.
Should I say that it looks like a fortress?
‘Money is money, money is money.’
It’s not that merchants or commoners would give donations for that reason.
Why did they build something like this for nothing?
From my perspective, that’s just what I thought.
As I dig deeper, guided by directions,
A place full of people appears.
The energies of everyone gathered are sharp.
A prestigious family and a prestigious school.
Nobodies who only passed the test are gathered here.
The feeling is bound to be different.
‘Well, they still look like little kids, though.’
You can see energies poking you here and there.
Those guys are destined to become something big later on.
And over there.
An old man is seen standing on the podium.
Cheonghae Ilgeom.
He is the current head of the Kunlun clan.
If you want to pick out a master in the Central Region,
He is among those remarkable figures.
It seems the warriors set up around here are all Kunlun Taoists.
‘What a rare feeling.’
I never thought I’d see that guy like this here.
He’s the old man I had a connection with in my past life.
That didn’t feel very pleasurable, though.
As more time passes.
When all the review indices are gathered and the scheduled time arrives,
-Welcome the stars who have entered this Shinryonggwan.
Cheonghae Ilgeom opens his mouth.
To summarize:
It was a long and tedious sermon.
Welcome. Congratulations. Work hard. You are the future!
It’s the same old story.
Actually, I don’t remember it well because I tuned out halfway through.
It’s not really important, so it doesn’t matter.
-Finally, I’d like to introduce the stars who achieved good scores in this entrance exam.
-First, Jang Seon-yeon of Group 1.
Only then did I raise my head at the sound of a familiar voice.
Additionally, I could hear a rumbling sound.
-If it’s Jang Seon-yeon, does that mean she’s divine? As expected, there were rumors of her excellence.
-You look young, but that’s pretty impressive.
-They say she has a good personality, she’s pretty, and she has it all.
-I happened to be at the testing center… Well, a divinely gifted person…
It’s all just a tickle to my ears.
The people around are murmuring as they look at Jang Seon-yeon responding to Cheonghae Ilgeom’s call.
-But, the first to be called is Chachaseok’s workplace… Wouldn’t that mean two more beyond the divinity?
-Then, of course, would be the Sleeping Dragon or Sword Dragon.
Cheonghae Ilgeom pats Jang Seon-yeon on the shoulder and congratulates her.
-Congratulations.
-Thank you…
Jang Seon-yeon strikes a proper stance and offers her respect.
But she doesn’t look all that pleased.
‘You can’t manage your expressions properly, you punk.’
Is Chachaseok feeling slighted?
This kid doesn’t know when to count his blessings.
Then, Cheonghae Ilgeom immediately calls for the next person.
-Next… . Wi Seol-ah from Group 1.
I had to stop for a moment when I heard that.
‘…Why does that name ring a bell here?’
Wi Seol-ah.
That was quite unexpected.
Other reviewers also heard that name for the first time and began murmuring among themselves in surprise.
-Who is Wi Seol-ah? Which family does she come from? Is she from a clan?
-They say she crawled up from beneath the divine, but this is the first time I’m hearing that name.
Sarak.
In the midst of these people.
Someone steps forward.
Naturally, all eyes are on her.
Wi Seol-ah had taken off the windbreaker she usually wore.
Wow.
Someone inadvertently gasps in admiration.
Her hair fluttered in the breeze,
And her golden eyes, which seemed to capture the light, indicated that Wi Seol-ah’s beauty had finally blossomed.
-… Ah, the Sword Lord…! The descendant of the Sword Lord…!
-What?
-That young lady is the descendant of the Sword Lord!
The rumors had already been swirling around.
There were whispers regarding the appearance of a successor to the Sword Lord.
Because her martial prowess is so glaring,
If you write about it, it would be impossible to conceal it.
‘…Is that really okay?’
The destructive force associated with the name of the Sword Lord’s descendant.
By now, people like Jang Seon-yeon would be easily forgotten.
But the problem is that its weight is massive.
-Congratulations.
-…Thank you.
Wi Seol-ah also expressed her gratitude and stood next to Jang Seon-yeon.
In that brief moment,
It felt like our eyes locked for an instant.
Wi Seol-ah, whose eyes met mine,
Looks at me and gives a slight smile.
It felt like she was assuring me that everything was alright.
‘What a mess.’
This wasn’t in the plan.
Amidst the turmoil brought on by Wi Seol-ah’s appearance.
-If the second position is filled by the Sword Lord’s descendant, who would then be in the last slot?
As the question echoed,
Cheonghae Ilgeom called the final name.
-Finally, the head.
The last person to ascend to the podium.
Given the unexpected emergence of two characters prior,
The last one was especially important.
Because they would likely take all the focus and attention.
I felt a cold sensation trickling down my spine, as if something was off.
At this point, I was starting to sense it.
No matter how I look at it, I can’t say that it’s real.
There was simply no answer.
‘But just in case…’
Maybe not?
-2nd place is Guyangcheon.
‘Could this be a joke?’
Expectations were immediately crushed.
It feels like the world is always a blade to me at moments like this.
Well, it would have been odd not to have garnered any recognition considering all that I endured.
I move forward, heavy with annoyance.
But somehow, compared to when Jang Seon-yeon or Wi Seol-ah appeared,
It felt eerily quiet.
I was curious about why that was, so I raised my awareness slightly.
-…Wow…. Look at that face.
-If it’s Guyangcheon, that’s Jinryong, right? The brother of the Sword Phoenix…
-Their sister is also famous, but Jinryong himself has a reputation for a similar temperament, right?
-Hey, pipe down. Keep it down. We don’t want to draw attention.
“…”
It felt like some rumor was spreading like wildfire.
It was all because of Gu Hee-bi.
It won’t be my fault.
I thought as I walked onto the platform.
‘What a refreshing start.’
It oddly felt like a tremendous start to a terrible day.
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