Chapter: 879
Two more days have passed since the incident.
The aftermath of the event has been somewhat resolved. A letter was sent to the main temple to inform them of the situation.
Now, as long as I tidy up the tasks I’ve set in motion, I could head straight back to Hanam.
“Are you going to stop by the Tang Clan Hall before you go?”
I nodded at Cheol Ji-seon’s question.
“I have to stop by at least once.”
“Just once?”
“It’s not the right time to linger longer. I’ll check on the commercialization status, and if it’s fine, I won’t be going a second time.”
“Then I’ll contact the head of the clan.”
“Yeah.”
As I replied, I checked the letters. Most of them were reports.
While reading through them one by one, something popped into my head, and I asked Cheol Ji-seon.
“Did you contact him?”
“Oh, yeah… I sent it.”
When I mentioned ‘that guy,’ Cheol Ji-seon’s expression darkened slightly. I could understand why. He had opposed bringing him in from the start.
‘Well, it seems he’ll be taken care of soon.’
If things were in the open, it wouldn’t take long before that guy makes a move.
If the top-level figures got involved, that would be a problem in its own right…
‘I wonder what Ubongchui-gae will do.’
The Ark of Openness said to be connected to my father. I was curious to see how he would act.
The path ahead would change depending on the Ark’s decision.
“Alright, I’ll just ask the chief to contact me.”
“Huh.”
After finishing the conversation with Cheol Ji-seon, I immediately got up.
Stepping outside, the weather was bright and sunny. Maybe the sun felt uniquely hot today?
‘…Well, rather than that.’
Could it be something reflecting the sun in front of me? I thought as I looked ahead.
“Hey, Dragon.”
Something was reflecting the light.
A handsome young man with a glimmering scalp stood in front of me.
It was Shinryong.
“…What’s up?”
Wow, it’s blinding.
The light was so intense that I had to shield my eyes slightly, which caused Shinryong to frown.
“Sorry. But it’s just too bright.”
I wasn’t teasing him. No, to be honest, I didn’t even have the heart to tease him.
“…No.”
“But what are you always carrying around?”
“…”
Shinryong blushed a little at my words, and I noticed someone rubbing his shiny scalp.
Of course, it was Bong-soon. No one else around here would do something like that; only that crazy person.
“Hey.”
“Huh?”
“Be careful or your skin will peel off. Back off a little.”
“No! Baldie brother said it was okay.”
“That nickname is ridiculous. Aren’t you going to back off soon?”
When I said that with annoyance, only then did Bong-soon sulk and move away. Finally, it felt like I could have a proper conversation, so I turned to Shinryong.
“Now, why do you look so sad?”
“…! Oh, no! What…!”
“No, come on! I can tell just by looking that you’re feeling sorry for yourself.”
“That’s not it.”
“By the Buddha?”
“…”
He couldn’t answer that one.
“…Anyway, there are no normal people around.”
I shook my head and let out a sigh. That brat named Ddaengjoong fell for a woman and ended up like this.
The more I thought about it, the more absurd it became.
‘Why did he have to fall for that crazy one?’
Of course, she looks pretty. Bong-soon isn’t unattractive; most people come to realize that in less than five minutes of meeting her.
‘Aah, I shouldn’t get entwined with that crazy girl.’
If you get tangled up, it’s going to complicate things in multiple ways. You can’t shake off that feeling.
That crazy brat doesn’t seem to see any of that.
‘But Bong-soon doesn’t seem to think about it at all.’
She just clings onto that shiny head because she likes it. It’s not like Bong-soon feels anything special for Shinryong.
Honestly, from my perspective, I’d love for Shinryong to feel something and back off, but that’s asking too much.
“Is that guy really that appealing?”
“Wh-what…!”
Shinryong’s face flushed as he yelled.
“So, a monk who’s already part of Shaolin? He wouldn’t ever sway with emotions like that!”
“Who’s saying anything? I was just asking. Or not.”
“…”
If I pressed further, it seemed like only he would end up a wreck.
I did wonder how it all turned out this way, but whatever.
‘What was it like in my previous life?’
Suddenly, I became curious about what his past life was like. He betrayed Shaolin and fell in with the Demonic Cult.
What was he like back then?
‘I don’t think he had anything to do with Bong-soon.’
I have no particular memories of the two of them sticking together. So, is this some bizarre twist in this lifetime?
That possibility seems high. But somehow, it didn’t seem like that would be the case at all.
“So, what’s the deal? What brings you here?”
“…”
When I asked why he’d come to see me under the bright sun, his embarrassed expression transformed instantly.
‘Hm?’
He stiffened, and a look of discontent crept onto his stony face.
“What’s with that look?”
“…I’m curious why you didn’t include me in the mission.”
I nodded at his words. Oh, I see.
‘I was wondering why he came.’
Now it made sense.
“It’s good to take a break from work. So, you came here to ask about that?”
I didn’t deploy Shinryong for this operation. I simply gave him orders to remain on standby no matter what. He didn’t disobey.
He really hadn’t done anything at all.
And now, here we are today.
“I don’t get it.”
“Why don’t you understand?”
“…I’m strong.”
“…Oh?”
What’s with that confidence? It’s true, but saying it out loud just sounds absurd.
“That’s so absurd.”
“…”
So, I said it plainly. Shinryong’s face flushed immediately.
It seems he knew he was being teased.
“Yeah, um… you’re strong. You really are. That is true.”
By the numbers, he’s among the top in the Heavenly Dragon Academy.
Objectively, he’s stronger than the current Wi Seol-ah. And Namgung Bi-ah…
‘Namgung Bi-ah would have an advantage in compatibility, so that would require a match to find out.’
Wi Seol-ah tends to focus on attack power compared to her rough fighting style.
Namgung Bi-ah, on the other hand, concentrates on raw strength, unlike the intricate sword techniques.
In this case, it seems Shinryong would struggle to match up against Namgung Bi-ah.
‘If he fought Tang Xiaoyeol, the current Shinryong would definitely lose.’
If Tang Xiaoyeol set his mind to it, I expected Shinryong to come out the loser.
Since the difference in prowess isn’t that expansive, it fit the compatibility theme too.
Of course.
‘Even from this viewpoint, Shinryong is still one of the top five ranked.’
First Class.
He’s also a talented genius who has entered the realm of thoughts, being a leading candidate for the next Shaolin Master.
Among all those who can dance with life and death in the Heavenly Dragon Academy, he easily ranks in the top five.
Under these circumstances, Shinryong should be able to feel justifiably proud of his own strength.
Or, actually…
‘If he was aiming for it, he could’ve been the Chancellor.’
Even if he wasn’t on the same level as the First Sword, in a world if he wanted to, he would have been granted a position in the Murim Alliance.
‘If I hadn’t been around, that is.’
It might be impossible now that my existence poses a barrier, but nevertheless, Shinryong’s value is absolutely formidable.
That’s why he can’t comprehend.
“Are you excluding me just because I’m a member of Shaolin?”
That’s an unreasonable action.
Such thoughts lingered in his eyes.
Seeing that, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“So what shall we do about that?”
“…!”
His eyes widened. There was no further statement following that.
He must not have expected me to agree.
‘As expected.’
This was where I felt assured.
‘It’s amusing to toy with this guy.’
He’s extraordinarily naïve. Can one really stay innocent after reaching that level?
‘…Though, maybe that’s something to ponder.’
-I love you.
There were too many around me to provoke doubts.
So, I decided to step back from the teasing.
“I’m just kidding. I’m half-serious, but that’s not the reason.”
At this, Shinryong let out a soft sigh.
Was that a sign of relief?
If that’s the case, I felt a touch apologetic.
‘The real reason is even less flattering.’
It’s just that I’d be excluding him due to his connection to Shaolin.
If it were anything less, it would have been better. I could have ended up making it sound more malicious.
But.
“If I do… then why.”
“You mean.”
That wasn’t the central issue.
“You’ve never killed anyone, have you?”
“…!”
At my words, Shinryong’s eyes trembled greatly.
His murky golden gaze became exceptionally clear.
“This mission had to proceed quietly and swiftly. There could be no hesitation.”
If told to kill, then he should just kill.
This meant there’s no room for contemplation about his circumstances or story.
“Could you do that?”
“…I can do it.”
“Oh, so a monk who values life above all? Doesn’t that contradict your beliefs?”
“…”
It’s not that all Shaolin don’t kill, truly.
Even if they follow the will of Buddha, they still are warriors. When a battle breaks out, losing lives isn’t uncommon.
“You must have hesitated.”
“…So, you’re saying that’s why you excluded me from the mission?”
“Exactly. You were practically useless for the operation. You could have easily become a hindrance.”
“…”
I shoved my words in like a sharp knife. There was no need to sugarcoat it.
Because I had to deliver the truth as is.
“The little monk…”
“Don’t make excuses; are you entirely certain that’s not true?”
“…”
Shinryong sealed his lips.
Watching this, I felt a slight smile creeping up internally.
‘But he didn’t deny it nor act stubborn.’
He probably wasn’t fully convinced. What bothered me was how it was evident on his face.
‘That’s a bit unsettling.’
It gives off the perfect impression for being easily manipulated.
“You mean.”
I was on the verge of saying something that could highlight this for him.
“Your Majesty.”
A voice cut in from the side.
“I have finished organizing everything you mentioned.”
It was Seongyul.
“Oh, really?”
“Are you ready to move immediately?”
“Oh, wait a moment.”
I was about to say I would go right away as he suggested, but I turned and looked at Shinryong.
“Let me know when you’ve made up your mind. Until then, don’t go acting stubborn.”
“…”
“Let’s go.”
I spoke in a way only Shinryong could understand and then turned my back.
Following Seongyul’s lead, I started walking.
“The meaning is… has already been decided.”
Shinryong spoke while watching my back. I didn’t react in the slightest.
I simply glanced sideways.
Seongyul was looking at Shinryong with a peculiar expression. I moved forward apprehensively to observe that look.
Once I no longer sensed Shinryong’s presence…
“Hey.”
I called out to Seongyul.
He looked at me. While gazing into his golden eyes, I added:
“Which one of you two is older, you or that guy?”
Dun dun.
Seongyul’s body froze completely.
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