Chapter 131: So why are you here again? (2)
Why is this guy here again?
If we think back to the start of this incident, it wouldn’t be too hard to figure it out.
The day before leaving for the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament.
It was right after I last saw Namgung Jin’s moves. Namgung Jin could no longer stay in the Gu Clan, and since I also had my own schedule, there was nothing I could do about it.
He said he was fine, but the disappointment on Namgung Jin’s face was all too clear.
I understand his feelings, but from my perspective, even if I were to entertain him with my sword… I was merely repeating what Elder Shin told me to say, so I felt more relaxed that one annoyance was out of the way.
The trouble came immediately afterward.
“It’s been a while, Yangcheon.”
“How have you been?”
After my meeting with Namgung Jin, I went to find Elder Shin.
Elder Lee had said he’d join me after hearing my intention, but…
I firmly opposed that idea and said I would meet him alone.
Elder Lee looked confused but having him come along wouldn’t really help.
In fact, being with Elder Lee, who belonged to the opposing faction, would simply draw a line between us.
I gazed at the skinny yet sharp-eyed old man sitting before me.
His frail body was diminutive, but I could sense the finely honed edge of a sword within.
Despite his age, he still felt like a renowned swordsman.
However, conversely, it also meant that I had reached a level sufficient enough to gauge the skill of someone at Elder Lee’s caliber.
Elder Lee gave me a smile and asked,
“So, what brings you to see this old man?”
“I just thought I should check on you, to see if you were doing fine.”
“Ah… Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.”
I smiled back at Elder Lee.
Gu Sunmoon.
He’s a sect belonging to the Gu Clan, often referred to as the ‘Sword of the Gu Clan.’
While not far from the Gu Clan’s base, there’s a strong sense of separation rather than belonging, despite being a branch clan.
Whether this impression arose from history or was instilled by our ancestors is unclear.
“Yes, I heard you’ve been doing well these days.”
“Of course, I’m always fine.”
The conversation was straightforward at first.
I couldn’t just start asking harsh questions out of the blue, after all.
“I heard you even got engaged to a pretty girl. That’s wonderful to hear.”
“Thankfully, her family seems to think highly of me.”
“Indeed, indeed.”
Elder Lee grinned at my words, but the atmosphere around us felt stifling.
I could sense an undercurrent of tension swirling around us.
‘This old man.’
He was secretly exuding a hint of Qi, just enough to go unnoticed.
Since he initiated this sneaky tactic first, I, too, let my Qi flow and stirred the air in the room.
Whoosh!
I didn’t expel heat; there was no need for that.
Perhaps caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, Elder Lee’s expression subtly shifted.
I spoke while watching him closely.
“I’m not really fond of this heavy atmosphere, you know.”
“Ah, I see…”
Elder Lee quickly wiped the smile off his face.
Yeah, I prefer it this way instead.
“It seems you’ve changed quite a lot.”
“I’m at that age where I’m still growing.”
“Hehe… You were once a child who couldn’t even meet my gaze, but now…”
Was I? I certainly wouldn’t have been able to endure that awful atmosphere back then.
If it were the past me, I wouldn’t have dared to come and face Elder Lee on my own.
Half-listening to Elder Lee’s words, I took a sip of the tea in front of me.
He hasn’t slipped any poison in this, has he?
‘…Am I worrying about such things after being tricked so many times?’
In this situation, Elder Lee wouldn’t have done anything reckless, but given my past life, where I constantly had to think about poison and assassination, it made sense why I was a bit on edge.
Even now, he had a bad habit of manipulating the atmosphere around him with his Qi.
“It appears you’ve indeed changed a lot since then; it’s nice to see.”
“Is that really so nice?”
“Of course! How could it not be? The key figure of our clan has transformed for the better.”
“That’s kind of you to say.”
Key figure of the clan, huh?
I wonder how he can toss those words around without believing them even for a moment.
Once upon a time, I thought he truly believed that,
But as time passed, I realized that all his words were meaningless lies.
“The reason I have come to see you today, Elder,”
Woosh!
A red aura swirled over my shoulders, pulsating with energy.
The aura radiated the energy of a peak martial artist, and seeing it caused Elder Lee’s brows to furrow slightly.
“I only have a few words to share.”
“…And what might those words be?”
The reason Elder Lee didn’t seem overly surprised at my peak martial artist level was probably that he already knew.
I had only one reason to exhibit my current capabilities.
It wasn’t an invitation for him to challenge me to a duel, given I was still not strong enough.
I might be at an impressive level for someone my age, but it was still only a peak.
It was indeed high compared to average martial artists, but far from a realm worthy of boasting.
I would still collapse if someone like the Sword Emperor or Sword Master pulled their sword against me, not to mention the Heavenly Demon.
It meant that I hadn’t yet reached a stage where I could act however I wished.
How about you tone down your attitude a bit, then?
‘…It’s really not that easy.’
I had already calmed down significantly.
Too bad the world doesn’t recognize that.
I’m aware of that.
Given that I’ve reached this stage, don’t you think it’s too late? Please just stop bothering me.
That was the subtext I wanted to relay by showing him my Qi.
Surely Elder Lee wouldn’t have missed that hint?
I didn’t think so.
After holding my steady gaze, Elder Lee finally dropped his last mask.
It seemed he hadn’t even planned to hide it in the first place.
“You have changed so much that I can hardly recognize you. It’s as if you’ve become an entirely different person.”
“I often hear that. Isn’t it said that a person can mature in just a moment?”
“Indeed. Though I wish you hadn’t.”
“What you do or dream about is none of my concern.”
The dream of an old man like him is trivial.
I had not the slightest interest in what he envisioned.
“But it feels like I’m always tangled up in this dream of yours.”
The concern was that I seemed to be the troublesome thread within his dream.
“How could you not be?”
“Exactly! What a nuisance it is.”
“What was it that changed you, the one who used to keep his head down? Was it a fleeting hope or perhaps a futile belief?”
“My hope has been burnt to ashes long ago, and my family isn’t well-kept enough for me to have faith in anything.”
The continued presence of someone like Elder Lee in my father’s circle proved that point.
Anyway, what a wretched household.
How could it be that not a single thing pleases me?
“Your father is arrogant.”
I wore a perplexed expression after his unexpected comment.
What a strange shift to insulting parents.
“Isn’t it true?”
“Are you suggesting I join you in criticizing my father?”
I may have had difficulty understanding my father, but where was this coming from?
“It’s quite presumptuous for your father to think that only you and he are capable of handling the burdens of this land.”
I placed the teacup I was holding down.
I hadn’t anticipated hearing that from Elder Lee.
“How do you know?”
“Is it that surprising for me to know?”
“Yes.”
Only a handful of people inside the clan knew about this.
I had no idea if anyone outside the clan was aware, but among the clan members, this was the situation.
It had to be.
‘But still, how does Elder Lee know about this?’
I wondered when he first learned of it, if he indeed knew everything.
I didn’t know a great deal about Elder Lee.
At that time, I had been a pathetic existence, hardly noticeable to him,
And Elder Lee’s true nature only began to reveal itself after I was appointed as the Young Lord.
“Even knowing this, you aim to climb heights that you’re unaware are beyond your reach?”
“Can’t climb? Me, or my siblings?”
“Any of you.”
“It’s not just your father who is arrogant; you are too.”
Had Elder Lee felt pity for the burden placed on me and my father regarding the underground affairs, perhaps things would’ve been different.
Yet, it seemed Elder Lee had different thoughts in play.
“You wouldn’t understand how much power it gives you to hold them in your grasp.”
Heat began to dissipate from me.
“I have no desire to know. No matter the implications.”
Elder Lee wasn’t permitted to set foot there.
If he claimed to have seen it,
He wouldn’t be able to walk around normally anymore.
What sort of delusion might he be conceiving?
“But if you do choose to dream about it, then I hope it remains a dream.”
Dreaming is a personal freedom. The fact that Father lets Elder Lee be around probably reinforces that.
Elder Lee then spoke, almost mocking me.
“And what will you do if I choose to make it more than just a dream?”
“I wonder.”
Even if Elder Lee was blinded by ambition, did he think he could act freely?
Gu Sunmoon held significance and a clear role, but how far my father would tolerate his antics was anyone’s guess.
Elder Lee was certainly aware of this.
And that was precisely why he maintained his current restrained stance.
“Do you know?”
I spoke while looking straight into Elder Lee’s eyes.
“There’s a story about an old guard dog that, upon growing old, began to reveal its teeth to its owner.”
I wove in some anecdotes from my past life.
It was more engaging that way.
“A dog, you say…”
“Yes, a dog.”
I smirked subtly as I continued.
“The owner, reflecting on the time they shared, decided to tolerate the old dog, until one day the dog bit the owner.”
“And then?”
“Do you know what happened afterward?”
“I do not.”
The last moments of Elder Lee would be in a few years’ time, around this same season.
I recalled that day vividly because it was notably hot for autumn.
The Lord of the Gu Clan was enraged.
The fire he released engulfed the sky.
“He was burned alive, with all his teeth taken out.”
If it had only been a mere bite, the owner might have accepted it, but the dog had severely crossed the line.
Wouldn’t it?
Because it attacked the children.
Back then, my father had intervened,
But perhaps this time, a bit earlier, it would be I who stepped in.
Coincidentally, that day from my past was also when I could have thrived exceptionally well.
If only I were to be given a reason.
And it felt like that reason was approaching soon.
That’s why I was still able to respond to him with a smile.
“I just wanted to share this anecdote with you.”
“…It’s an amusing story. Very much so.”
“Right? And I hope it stays just that—a story.”
While Elder Lee barely concealed his greed, he succeeded in keeping his current emotions under wraps.
Maybe he was boiling inside.
Naturally, a young brat, like me, spitting such words of disrespect would provoke a reaction.
“It was an entertaining tale. I appreciate it.”
Elder Lee smiled.
I perceived a little more now after observing his smile.
That my relationship with him wouldn’t shift.
And now, reflecting on Gu Jeolyub, many thoughts surged in my mind.
“…Phew.”
Did it stem from my visit with Father right after my talk with Elder Lee?
I recalled my father simply replying with “Understood.”
I had approached him with the thought of asking what he intended to do about it.
“Why are you here?”
“…I was instructed to escort the Young Master of the clan.”
“You? Me?”
“Yes…”
Did Elder Lee instruct this? Yet that would require my father’s approval as well.
Clearly, Father had a hand in this too.
“A pawn.”
“…”
Gu Jeolyub averted his gaze upon hearing my words.
He seemed to understand what role he was playing.
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
“…Yes.”
I stared at him, but Gu Jeolyub didn’t meet my eyes.
Was it a result of last time?
‘I didn’t hit him that hard.’
I let him go without breaking any of his bones.
I believed I was being quite nice to Gu Jeolyub, but he clearly didn’t share my view.
“Young Master…”
Tang Soyeol appeared, glaring daggers at Gu Jeolyub.
Now that I think about it, they must have met before.
It seemed they had already crossed paths due to my previous actions.
Because of that, Tang Soyeol had scolded me.
Gu Jeolyub, upon seeing Tang Soyeol, gently bowed his head and greeted her.
“Good to see you again, Lady Tang.”
“…Hello.”
Even when the handsome Gu Jeolyub extended a greeting, Tang Soyeol merely frowned slightly in response.
“You, Young Master!”
In that moment of tension, Wi Seol-Ah dashed towards me.
It was delightful to see her maintain her vibrant spirit from our earlier outing.
“Sis Bi-ah is sleeping!”
“I figured.”
As she mentioned before, Namgung Bi-ah chose to accompany me on this journey.
I heard she was already in the carriage, seemingly fast asleep.
“Huh? Hello.”
Wi Seol-Ah greeted Gu Jeolyub upon noticing him.
Gu Jeolyub flinched at her greeting.
Had he recalled the time he got thrashed for trying to take her from me?
I questioned Gu Jeolyub.
“What purpose do you serve?”
“Pardon?”
“What’s your role in all this?”
Setting aside the fact that he was acting as my escort, there surely was an underlying reason for his presence.
Understanding my question, Gu Jeolyub displayed a letter.
It was a letter of recommendation for the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament.
The recommender? None other than Gu Cheolun, my father’s name.
Upon seeing that, I suddenly lost my composure for a moment.
“…Huh?”
It was my father, not Elder Lee? Looking at Gu Jeolyub in disbelief, I could see he mirrored my astonishment.
He seemed just as puzzled about his presence here.
“…How amusing.”
“What is?”
Turning to the unexpected voice, I found Gu Ryunghwa staring at us, wide-eyed.
“When did you arrive?”
“Just now…”
“Are you here to see us off?”
“I merely stopped by.”
For context, the distance between the clan entrance and where Gu Ryunghwa was staying was considerable.
“Are you leaving now?”
“I suppose so.”
“Then when will you return…?”
I looked at Gu Ryunghwa with a strange expression at her somewhat melancholic voice.
Realizing her own words were odd, she continued to look down, her face flushed.
Suppressing a laugh, I responded.
“I wonder. I doubt it’ll take too long.”
It should at least be quicker than my trip to Mount Hua.
Would Gu Ryunghwa still be here by then?
‘I feel like she’ll still be around when I come back.’
After all, she mentioned staying here for about half a year.
While I mulled it over, Gu Ryunghwa chimed in.
“…Hyuk will be searching for you a lot.”
“What?”
What did she just say?
“What’s with this Hyuk?”
“Hmm? Why?”
“Why the sudden familiarity in calling him that?”
“Why are you asking me this out of nowhere?”
Hyuk… it couldn’t be that Hyuk, could it?
“Do… do you know him well?”
“Not really, but I saw him yesterday.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Master and the Immortal Healer had a meal together.”
“And?”
“What do you mean ‘and?’ They just had a meal together…”
You had a meal together, and yet you’re not close? I stared at Gu Ryunghwa suspiciously, but she looked back, trying to understand my reaction.
“I’ll have to meet that Hyuk in the future.”
“Why?”
“I’ve decided to get closer to him.”
“But Hyuk already claims you’re close.”
“Exactly, so I intend to get even closer.”
My little Hyuk.
What a bummer that I can’t see you right now!
Just as something began to stir within me, Muyeon approached.
“Young Master, we’ll finish loading the rest of the baggage now.”
“Is there still a lot left?”
“Only the food remains.”
So, the heavy portion of the load is the last bit.
Turning my attention back to Gu Jeolyub, who remained still and lost in thought, I said,
“You.”
“Yes…?”
“What are you doing?”
“Pardon? What do you mean by…?”
“What are you standing there for, go help them.”
I didn’t care what Elder Lee or my father intended for him.
They had given him to me, so I planned to put him to work.
Now that this had happened, Gu Jeolyub was about to be very useful for this journey.
I thought while gently patting Wi Seol-Ah’s head, who stood beside me like a puppy.
I wonder if Gu Jeolyub knows.
That I’m not one to let things from the past slip by easily.
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