Chapter: 304
The reason I headed towards the iron line was simple.
I really wanted to eat together.
That was the whole reason.
‘Are you doing well?’
While I wondered why I needed to bother about that guy.
I had been pretty busy these past few days, so I hadn’t paid much attention.
Still, the iron line was the biggest reason I had to come to Shinryonggwan.
I had to keep an eye on him as much as possible.
‘I’ve also made some good connections.’
I thought it would be okay since we’re just friends.
He didn’t seem to have any complaints either.
After all, he helped me pass the exam.
He also found me a good place to stay.
He even made me a friend.
Thinking back, I had done everything for him.
Isn’t this enough already?
It felt like everything was going just as planned.
If there was something a little different that concerned me, it was that I didn’t know what the other kids were up to.
Each group had its own quirks.
Since they were divided by the weapons they were using from the beginning, it wasn’t a very good situation for running into them.
The only time I saw them was during meals.
I caught a glimpse of Dang So-yeol’s dying expression, while Namgung Bi-ah approached, looking a bit tired, sniffing as she went.
As for Wi Seol-ah, I occasionally ran into her over the past few days.
Yet, she didn’t deliberately come over here.
From her gaze, it seemed like she wanted to come and talk to me.
I was left wondering what exactly was going on.
I should just go over and ask them outright next time.
Why are they making me so anxious?
Anyway…
It appears everyone has their own circumstances.
Particularly, Mo Yong-hee seems to be the busiest of them all.
The rumors I’ve been hearing say as much.
Whatever the case, he really liked stirring up trouble.
‘Was it downstairs?’
I take a step.
Even while walking through the hallway, I felt the gazes of those around me fixated on me.
It seemed my face was becoming quite popular among these folks.
In the meantime…
“What are you looking at?!” growl
What the heck is this kid doing and why is he acting like that…?
Pae Woo-cheol, following behind, growled as if ready to pounce on those who dared look my way.
Seriously, what’s got him all riled up?
Wait, why is he even following me in the first place?
‘…Ah, it’s a goal.’
I had quieted him down during our first meeting.
Right after I had beaten Instructor Cheol Hwan-oh in a bet,
Pae Woo-cheol’s attitude towards me seemed a bit off.
Did I hit my head wrong or something?
No, it’s not like I’ve only beaten someone once or twice.
I’m not the kind of guy to make that kind of blunder.
Surely, I had knocked him around just enough for it not to show.
“Look at those eyes? Are you dissatisfied with our brother?”
“…Everyone can see I’m dissatisfied with you, so shut your mouth. I’m dying from embarrassment here.”
Is this guy serious?
Is he even from the Orthodox sect? It seems like he’s from the Unorthodox side or something…
Pae Woo-cheol indeed had a rather menacing look about him.
“Ugh, just get lost. Why are you following me?”
“Whatever my brother’s doing, I should follow him.”
“Oh, that’s not how it works, so don’t tag along.”
I really wish he’d just take a hike.
Should I fold him up and toss him in the dorm?
Yeah, that sounds way more convenient.
As I was about to resolve my mind that way…
Unfortunately, I had already arrived at my destination.
“See you later…”
-Do you have a sister?
As I stepped into the area where the iron fence was located,
A voice echoed from inside.
Curious about the ruckus, I peeked in.
It looked like Cheol Ji-seon was having a conversation with some unknown guy.
‘From the looks of it, this doesn’t seem like a friendly situation.’
It was clear they weren’t on good terms.
‘You find guys like that anywhere you go.’
There are always those who can’t resist the urge to crush someone they perceive as weak.
That happens everywhere.
In the middle of all this, it seemed the iron line had encountered one of those guys.
Cheol Ji-seon seemed a bit small for a martial artist and,
Alongside that, his level seemed low too.
He would have made an excellent target for those wannabe strong guys.
I knew this well since I had once been in that position in my previous life.
However, there’s one distinct difference between us.
I would claw at my opponent with everything I had, regardless of whether I lived or died.
‘The difference is that the iron line wouldn’t do that.’
So I quietly observed the situation.
I thought I could wait and see whether I should intervene or not.
But problems began to arise immediately.
-Does your sister look like you? That could be nice. I want a lot of concubines.
-I can be the one to save your life. It’s a good opportunity, trust me!
The words kept pouring out, making me feel hotter inside.
If it were me, I’d have pulled out my tongue and burned it right in front of them after hearing those words.
‘Are you really going to put up with that?’
No matter how gentle and soft-hearted Cheol Ji-seon is,
Putting up with this…
‘…Wait, what?’
As I watched the situation unfold,
I was greatly surprised by Cheol Ji-seon’s actions.
Without anyone noticing…
Only I could tell.
Under the table, the tips of Cheol Ji-seon’s fingers began to move.
It seemed like he was trying to grab something.
His movement was slow yet bizarre.
As soon as I noticed that, I sprang into action.
The reason I had suddenly moved after holding back was twofold.
One: If Cheol Ji-seon carelessly used his power here,
It was clear that the surroundings would end up as burnt earth.
The second:
‘It’s definitely him.’
Though I wasn’t fully certain yet,
I was now confident about Cheol Ji-seon’s existence.
I was certain this guy is the one I’d been looking for.
That’s why I moved without hesitation.
I plunged in with a body that had already raised the stakes.
Then, I kicked the chest of the jerk hurling insults at Cheol Ji-seon.
Cheol Ji-seon found it impossible to grasp the current situation.
‘What’s going on?’
This all happened so suddenly!
Gu Yangcheon had appeared out of nowhere,
turning the place into chaos.
The guy who was sent flying to the corner by my kick
was gasping for air.
It seemed his mind was reeling.
“… Cough… Cough!”
Blood flowed from his nose as he coughed.
“What’s this… what’s happening…!”
He too seemed unable to comprehend his predicament.
Finally coming to his senses,
he raised his head and shouted at the one who attacked him.
“You’re doing this to me…! You don’t seem to fear the consequences!”
“How is it that guys like you always say the same thing? Do you have some kind of script?”
“This kid…do you even know who I am?!”
“Who are you?”
When Gu Yangcheon approached and spoke,
I could see the guy’s jaw drop in disbelief.
“Who are you?”
It was icy cold.
There was no need for any kind of revelation.
I wasn’t even showing signs of aggression, merely watching and speaking.
Yet, I could feel the surrounding atmosphere grow chillier.
“… I am Jin I-seok of the Great Taesan Jin Clan…”
“Ah, Taesanjin Clan.”
Upon hearing Jin I-seok’s words, Gu Yangcheon clapped his hands, as if he understood.
Realizing that Gu Yangcheon was reacting, Jin I-seok tried to recover, but…
“Alright then, if you get it, then immediately…”
“So, where is it, brat?”
Bang!
“Ugh!”
Gu Yangcheon’s palm struck Jin I-seok’s head without care.
At that moment, Jin I-seok’s entourage sprang into action.
It seemed they were trying to either stop Gu Yangcheon or help Jin I-seok.
“Don’t move.”
Someone blocked their way.
‘Who is it?’
It was a man of monumental size.
The man with black hair stood before them, wearing a fierce expression.
I was watching him, wondering what kind of guy he was.
Suddenly, one of Jin I-seok’s gang exclaimed in shock.
“… Pae Woo-cheol…?”
“What…? You’re saying it’s Pae Woo-cheol?”
The man was a well-known fighter even Cheol Ji-seon acknowledged.
While not as renowned as the Tang Clan that ruled the land of Sacheon,
he was making a name for himself in the area.
And Pae Woo-cheol, a blood relative of his clan,
was a promising candidate with outstanding martial skills.
“My older brother is handling things. Interfere, and you might die.”
Pae Woo-cheol growled threateningly, causing Jin I-seok’s group to shrink back.
“That guy just called him ‘hyung’?”
“Then, could it be that guy…?”
It was well-known that Pae Woo-cheol, famous for being fierce, had tucked his tail the moment he entered Shinryonggwan.
The one taming such a fierce beast now and using him as a subordinate was a figure already famous throughout the Central Plains.
“Oh please… I said to get out of the dorm!”
The main culprit displayed his annoyance and pushed Pae Woo-cheol away.
Yet, Pae Woo-cheol didn’t budge an inch.
Jin I-seok finally grasped how the situation was unfolding.
He didn’t even care about the blood gushing from his nose as his face turned pale.
“True…True Dragon?”
He finally recognized who stood before him.
Gu Yangcheon was bellowing at Pae Woo-cheol.
An unbothered Pae Woo-cheol ignored him and shifted his gaze back to Jin I-seok.
“Should we have our discussion again?”
“Wh-what does True Dragon want…?”
“Why have you started playing nice all of a sudden? It’s fine to be the way you were before.”
While he said it with a bright smile,
the look on his face suggested he might kill him if he dared to act that way.
“What was your name again? Jin Seok?”
“Jin… I-seok…”
“Right, I-seok. How old are you?”
“Why are you asking that…?”
“Are you not going to say anything?”
“S… twenty.”
“If you’re twenty, you’ve had enough to eat.”
Gu Yangcheon remarked that while grabbing Jin I-seok by the hand,
forcing him to clench his fist.
It was as if he was covering it with more weight.
“But why aren’t you living up to your age? Were you sleeping during life lessons?”
“… Wh-what…?”
“Didn’t you learn that bullying the weak isn’t right, you stupid?!”
With that, Gu Yangcheon pressed down on one of Jin I-seok’s fingers.
Crunch!
A chilling noise pierced the air.
“…!”
Jin I-seok emitted a silent scream.
“You’re already twenty, and all you do is torment people? If that’s the case, why are you mingling with the orthodox sect? You should get out of here; you belong in the unorthodox side.”
“Gah… uh…”
“Stop whining; you’re a leftie, aren’t you? I did it with my right hand on purpose. Isn’t that thoughtful of me? I know.”
In an instant, Gu Yangcheon made Jin I-seok feel like a fool, but
now wasn’t the time to ponder that.
‘Ugh… how….’
Gu Yangcheon showed up like a hero.
I was grateful he had stepped in to defend me from Jin I-seok’s harassment.
Though, no matter what, I hadn’t anticipated he’d act so harshly.
If this dragged on, trouble would reach Jinryong himself too.
Cheol Ji-seon’s eyes darted around madly.
With Pae Woo-cheol blocking the way,
everyone watching became aware that it was the True Dragon who was currently tearing Jin I-seok apart.
Yet, they merely stood there, watching.
The brutal actions of Gu Yangcheon silenced them all.
“Ugh… Why, why is this happening…! What business do you have with me?!”
Jin I-seok screamed, feeling persecuted.
Hearing this, Gu Yangcheon sneered.
“Why wouldn’t it matter? He’s my friend.”
He pointed at the iron line and continued.
With that, the gazes of those who heard the words shifted entirely to Cheol Ji-seon.
‘You’re friends with Jinryong?’
‘Who on earth is that guy…?’
‘It’s traditionally said that friends stick together, does that mean he…?’
With just a single phrase from Gu Yangcheon,
the impression of Cheol Ji-seon shattered in an instant.
Realizing this, Cheol Ji-seon felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.
Something felt terribly wrong.
“Then why did you mess with my friend?”
“I didn’t realize that…”
“Being ignorant isn’t an excuse. You get it, Woo-seok?”
Thus, Jin I-seok’s identity shifted to Jin Woo-seok.
But it was hardly the time to argue about that.
“You shouldn’t have done that in the first place. That’s the bare minimum, right? Don’t you think?”
Regrets came far too late.
As Gu Yangcheon spoke, he tightened his grip on Jin I-seok’s hand.
At that touch, Jin I-seok began trembling, tears gathering in his eyes.
As it seemed he might scream in agony again,
“Let’s end it there.”
A voice broke through the tension.
It was firm and powerful.
“If you go any further, it won’t be good for you.”
As the onlookers stood bewildered,
someone approached.
The owner of that voice was none other than Jang Seon-yeon, known as the Divine.
That familiar face was met with a sigh of relief from those in the crowd.
It seemed they were glad the Divine had shown up.
“This isn’t even old Master Confucius’s gathering, wouldn’t it be wise to stop here?”
As Jang Seon-yeon neared, Pae Woo-cheol stood tall, blocking her path.
“Get out of the way.”
Gu Yangcheon, spotting Jang Seon-yeon, let go of Jin I-seok and stood.
A flash of determination shone in Gu Yangcheon’s fierce gaze.
“Why are you interfering?”
“I simply think it would be better for both of us if this continued.”
“Oh, I must have misrepresented myself. Allow me to rephrase that.”
“…Excuse me?”
“Why are you intervening now?”
The words were spat out as though chewed over.
The earlier discourse with Jang Seon-yeon now carried a different undertone.
Curiosity arose among those witnessing.
“What do you mean by that?”
“You, who must have seen it all, whether it be Woo-seok or I-seok, why did you only step in once everything was wrecked?”
“Old Master Confucius.”
“You were watching from the start, weren’t you? What was our… friend’s name?”
“Cheol Ji-seon…”
“Right, you saw Suh Jin I-seok treating him like garbage.”
When Cheol Ji-seon was being tormented by Jin I-seok.
This had spanned several days.
Did Jang Seon-yeon truly remain unaware of that? No, Gu Yangcheon didn’t believe so.
He was certain she knew everything but chose to ignore it.
That’s why he questioned her.
When Cheol Ji-seon was weak, you simply kept quiet,
so why the sudden interference now?
“If you float in late, acting all high and mighty, will it really change anything? If you’re truly going to do something, then do it from the start. Why swoop in after I’ve bled for this?”
“…I merely awaited the Iron Duke’s victory.”
“Oh please, are you his mentor now? Waiting for him to overcome his challenges? You seriously think that’s admirable? What a ridiculous excuse.”
The words spilled forth like venom.
The harsh language was brimming with coarseness,
frowning those who heard it.
Yet, within them, a sense of doubt began to linger.
Because what Gu Yangcheon said was undeniably valid.
“If you’re going to act all pretentious, then do it right. Don’t even think about drumming up excuses. Or perhaps…”
As Gu Yangcheon spoke, he edged closer to Jang Seon-yeon.
She tried to shift back nervously.
Closer!
“…Ack!”
Gu Yangcheon gripped Jang Seon-yeon’s shoulder, pulling her in tightly.
Then he whispered, so quietly that no one else could hear.
“Did you orchestrate this mess?”
“…!”
At Gu Yangcheon’s words, Jang Seon-yeon’s eyes widened.
Seeing that expression, Gu Yangcheon
remained almost expressionless.
As if he had known all along.
“It seems like you’ve got some schemes in mind, so do you want to hear a funny story? It’s something I haven’t shared with anyone.”
Trying to break free from Gu Yangcheon,
Jang Seon-yeon realized the grip on her shoulder wouldn’t relent.
Just held in place tightly.
She had to listen to Gu Yangcheon’s speech.
“You will die here.”
“…What?”
“I wanted you to know in advance.”
With that, Gu Yangcheon finally released his hold on Jang Seon-yeon.
After putting some space between them, Gu Yangcheon smiled brightly.
“Since you said you’d handle things from here, I can leave with peace of mind. Oh, right.”
Pausing mid-sentence, Gu Yangcheon turned to face Jin I-seok.
“Cough!”
Jin I-seok trembled under Gu Yangcheon’s gaze.
“If you touch my friend again, you’ll be dead?”
“Oh, I understand…!”
“Next time, I’ll pull out your tongue and burn it.”
Having said that, Gu Yangcheon walked away from the bloodied Jin I-seok and made his way towards Cheol Ji-seon.
“Get up, we’re going to eat.”
“Eh? No, huh? R-right now?”
“Well, when are we going to go? Aren’t you going to have lunch?”
“No, that’s not really it…”
Are you seriously saying you won’t even take a bow after all this?
Cheol Ji-seon looked at Gu Yangcheon bewildered.
Seemingly, Gu Yangcheon didn’t give it a second thought.
“I told you he would handle it. Let’s go.”
Just who is “he” anyway?
That was referring to Jang Seon-yeon.
For a moment, she wondered if they were close.
Despite how it looked, the vibe between the Divine and the True Dragon didn’t give off a friendly air.
Their temperaments seemed to clash entirely.
While Cheol Ji-seon hesitated,
Gu Yangcheon yanked on him, lifting him up.
Cheol Ji-seon, forced to stand, couldn’t refuse and followed reluctantly.
“Woocheol, what’s on the menu for lunch?”
“I’m not sure.”
“…Well, that’s reassuring. I guess I’ll just check.”
Once Gu Yangcheon and his group departed,
tranquil silence enveloped the area.
It felt like a giant storm had just swept through in an instant.
Jin I-seok still couldn’t hide his shivering form.
It seemed he had slightly wet his pants from fear.
Finally, Jin I-seok’s gang hastily closed in around him.
“Your fingers…! We need to get to the infirmary….”
“Shouldn’t we report this to the instructor first?”
“Well then…”
Boom!
Amid their flustered attempts to clean up the mess,
an enormous sound erupted.
Other bystanders jumped in surprise and turned to see.
“Now, what’s going on, Prince Jang?”
The cause of that noise was none other than Jang Seon-yeon.
Jang Seon-yeon had smashed the table with her fist.
Everyone watched Jang Seon-yeon with shocked expressions.
Those who glanced at her quickly found themselves holding their breath.
It was understandable, after all.
That kind face of Jang Seon-yeon?
It had twisted into something resembling an evil spirit.
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