Chapter: 275
A day has passed since arriving in Hanam.
I deliberately arrived earlier than scheduled to give myself some time to relax.
There were about three days left until the day I entered Shinryongwan.
I purposely pulled over to arrive with plenty of time to spare, but to my dismay, there really wasn’t anything to do that required arriving early.
“Ugh….”
“Your posture is loose. Why don’t you straighten up?”
“Ugh…!”
At my words, a groan, almost a scream, echoed from below.
It was Gujeol-yeop, diligently doing push-ups.
As a side note, I was sitting on the guy’s back.
“Put your arms straight.”
“Stop…!”
“Good job, let’s go a little heavier.”
“No, sleep…!”
thud!
“Ugh!”
As soon as I lifted the bet to increase his weight, Gujeol-yeop staggered and fell flat on his face.
“Tsk tsk, what are you going to do if you can’t even handle this, you little bastard?”
“… This is something that… I won’t be able to endure…”
“Muyeon is doing well.”
“… Ugh.”
Compared to Muyeon, Gujeol-yeop reacted quickly, but it seemed there was no other way.
Gujeol-yeop seemed to be paying more attention to Muyeon these days.
And as someone who vaguely sensed that, I couldn’t help but send him a peculiar glance.
‘It must be because of the old customs.’
After Gu Chang-jun died, it is said that Ilgeomdaeju and Iljangro are currently managing the clan as agents of Munju.
One day, a proper leader will have to lead the Guseonmun.
The most likely candidates right now are Muyeon and Gujeol-yeop.
These are people who learned and grew up in the old school.
As they are two very talented individuals, if we were to select a warrior who would lead the Guseonmun in the future, those two were the frontrunners.
Of course, there were many martial artists who had been active in the Guseonmun area from the start.
Still, when it comes to judging potential and possibilities, it doesn’t seem there’s anyone better than these two.
‘Originally, Gujeol-yeop would have had the highest probability of that.’
Probabilities and such aside, it was only natural for Gujeol-yeop to sit in the position of Somunju and be active.
However, since Gu Chang-jun rebelled against the families and suffered an undignified death, Gujeol-yeop, his bloodline, faced some hurdles in taking the position of the head of the Guseonmun clan.
‘hmm….’
It seems Gujeol-yeop himself also considers this position to be unjust and wishes to prove himself.
Looking at it this way, I thought grimly, ‘Why does my competitor have to be Muyeon?’
Such a subtle opponent.
In terms of talent, skill, and even personality, Muyeon is still superior.
‘Knowing that, does that make you try harder?’
If it’s that kind of motivation, I could support him to some extent.
Wouldn’t this also be a kind of help?
I’m just trying to push him to do well.
‘It’s not that I didn’t like what you said yesterday.’
It’s not the gossip’s fault.
Because I’m not that narrow-minded.
“Okay, while we’re on the subject, should we spar?”
“… What are you talking about? This is so out of the blue.”
“You like it too? That’s good.”
“…”
Gujeol-yeop makes a face as if he bit a bug.
This kid…?
I’m trying to help you here.
While I’m at it, I’m also trying to shake off some of the stress that’s piled up.
How better can it get?
Just when Gujeol-yeop looked like he was ready to protest, I grabbed him around the neck, determined.
Just as I was about to drag him to the field behind us, I suddenly felt a presence.
“Mr. Ilgongja?”
At my action, Gujeol-yeop looked at me with confusion.
“Excuse me.”
Only then did he appear to understand my behavior when he heard a voice from behind.
“I guess you’re awake.”
Without bothering to turn around, I responded to the owner of the voice.
“Yes, embarrassingly, I only just came to my senses.”
“I don’t think I hit you that hard.”
“Haha, I was a little tired from the trip….”
I furtively turned my head to glance around.
As predicted, Yeongpung was standing there.
“It’s been a while. Gu So-hyeop.”
“Yeah. It’s been a while.”
It’s been about two years since I went to the volcano.
Probably around that timeframe.
Yeongpung looked completely different from how he did back then.
He seemed a bit taller and had grown out of his boyish looks.
Now his physique was solidly built, radiating proper martial artist vibes.
“Hmm…”
The moment I laid eyes on Yeongpung’s face, I grimaced.
Still annoyingly handsome.
I’ve thought about this before.
For some reason, really talented folks always have the looks to match.
It’s rather annoying.
‘And…’
Glancing at Yeongpung’s body, I could tell right away.
‘He’s crossed the threshold.’
I didn’t get a proper look yesterday.
While I was distracted, Yeongpung had reached the peak.
Realizing that made me chuckle internally.
‘It feels like anyone can cross it with a mere push.’
I can understand that my own situation is extraordinary, but what allows these folks to leap over thresholds so effortlessly?
The highest level an ordinary martial artist would spend a lifetime trying to reach is certainly not something you can just casually overcome with mere effort.
‘… This is why they are called geniuses.’
With just a gentle nudge, they fly right over.
Honestly, it’s infuriating.
As far as I know, Yeongpung hasn’t even reached his twenties yet.
‘Aren’t they a year or two younger than Namgungbia?’
And here Yeongpung managed to climb to the top of his game in just two years or so.
Given that he was already near the top of the first-class, it’s not wholly surprising that he’s now at the pinnacle…
“Haha…”
Yeongpung also seemed aware of my gaze.
He scratched the back of his head with a slightly embarrassed demeanor.
Seeing that made me blurt out, “Congratulations.”
“Thank you… It’s all thanks to the old association.”
“What did I do?”
“I’m aware that you’ve helped me, whether you know it or not.”
“Hmmm…”
I had to make a perplexed expression at Yeongpung’s words.
He claims I helped him.
If I did in some way contribute, then perhaps I did help.
But to be honest, I just didn’t like his hotshot attitude, so I openly corrected him.
I’ve heard that those destined to succeed can still gain wisdom even from stumbling over rocks.
“Honestly, I didn’t do much. So what?”
In reality, I really didn’t accomplish much.
I just thrashed him around a bit.
With that, Yeongpung maintained a smile.
He looked at me and decided to change the subject.
“I thought I was trying my best, but… seeing you reminds me that my path is still long.”
“…”
That’s such an awkward compliment.
Additionally, it suggested that Yeongpung is able to gauge my abilities to some extent.
‘Impressive.’
Indeed, he is exceptional.
The Yeongpung I’m seeing now is unmistakably an exceptional talent.
“But what happened yesterday?”
That’s a different topic.
I couldn’t grasp at all why yesterday’s incident occurred.
“Ah…”
“I didn’t think you were that kind of person. Did you eat something bad?”
I heard that Yeongpung suddenly instigated a fight and started swinging swords around.
While there were no fatalities reported.
Having a confrontation with stakes involved in such a crowded place is rather problematic.
Hearing my reproachful inquiry, Yeongpung wore a sidelong smile.
He seemed aware that he had made a mistake.
“… It’s because I was too greedy.”
“Greedy?”
“Yes, it was hard to calm down after crossing the threshold.”
From what Yeongpung said, I vaguely began to understand the rationale.
As energy permeated his body, giving him vitality, it seemed that the impulse surged uncontrollably.
However, it was still Yeongpung’s fault for not being able to regulate it.
It’s simply not advisable to start a quarrel while wrapped in a bet.
Recognizing that, Yeongpung gradually bowed his head while regarding me.
“Thank you. Even this time, I’m receiving help from you.”
“You don’t need to thank me.”
At the time, I wasn’t the only one watching.
Even when considering the timing of the sword’s appearance, it was highly probable that the inspector was also observing.
I’d have to ponder why they didn’t intervene, but it certainly felt as though someone from the Kunlun faction was keeping an eye on things.
‘I think they mentioned the Shinryonggwan leader being Cheonghae Ilgeom.’
Cheonghae Ilgeom.
He belongs to one of the seven great swordsmen of the Central Plains, famed as one of the Seven Iron Three Swordsmen.
I vaguely recalled that the management of the Shinryonggwan would be under the Kunlun faction.
That seemed to fit the circumstances.
I may have acted swiftly, but what if I hadn’t stepped in at all?
‘I suppose I would have intervened somehow.’
Stopping them would have been within my capability.
The fact that I’d knocked out those fools was simply because I was enraged at the moment.
Simply stopping them would have sufficed.
That wouldn’t have been a bad course of action.
“By the way, what brings you here?”
“Oh…”
Yeongpung looked somewhat uncomfortable at my question.
What? Was that an inappropriate inquiry?
“I heard you had urgent business, so I came along.”
‘An urgent matter.’
Judging by his expression, this seemed to be a topic best left untouched.
Yesterday, the sword-master had taken care of Yeongpung rather briskly, so we didn’t plunge into long discussions.
“Did the disciple come to the Yeongpung dojo alone?”
“Oh, no. I came with my fellow disciples.”
I nodded in response to Yeongpung’s words.
That makes perfect sense.
As far as I’m aware, there are several more third-generation disciples around Yeongpung’s age.
Would Yeongpung truly be the only one recommended for entrance to the Shinryonggwan?
‘Whether or not he passes is a different matter, but I doubt it.’
I was momentarily lost in thought, ruminating on other considerations.
Yeongpung attentively lowered his head and expressed his respects.
“Today, since I heard you were here, I came to offer my thanks and to greet you briefly.”
“Why trouble yourself? Is the back of your neck not hurting?”
“… It’s okay.”
Given his forlorn expression, it seemed he might be hurting.
Did I hit him too hard to knock him out?
Nevertheless, having reached his peak, he should recover soon enough.
“And how is she doing?”
“Who…? Oh, are you referring to the old accident?”
“Yes.”
I inquired about my younger sister.
Since my master Geom-hu was here, I was curious about how Gu Ryunghwa was doing on her own.
“She’s always busy.”
“Busy?”
“Yes, despite the little swan being gone, the old accident still draws lots of attention from the private schools.”
From Yeongpung’s words, it sounded like Gu Ryunghwa was earning many accolades and doing well.
‘That’s a relief.’
We exchange letters frequently, but I past memories may still cause me to keep my distance, particularly since I left on a note of resentment after knocking her out without permission.
Even now, I was a tad concerned as Gu Ryunghwa had included some grievances in the closing lines of her latest letter.
But it’s not like I can travel that far just to see her face.
While I pondered those thoughts, Yeongpung spoke up again.
“I’m glad I could at least give you a brief greeting.”
“Are you leaving now?”
“I don’t think I’ll be able to stay long since my fellow disciples are waiting for me.”
By the look of it, he really did just come to say hello.
Watching Yeongpung try to leave without hesitation prompted me to blurt out, “Shall I return it?”
It was in reference to something.
In the past, before we parted ways at the volcano.
I was talking about something he had given me.
I still had it with me.
I knew we would be meeting again so I made sure to bring it along.
Yeongpung looked quite surprised at my words.
It appeared he didn’t expect me to remember this.
Then he quickly masked his surprise and waved it off lightly.
“I hope you still have it.”
“… When will you return it then?”
I don’t have the peculiar hobby of holding onto men’s belongings.
Seeming to catch on to the meaning, Yeongpung chuckled.
He added in a genuine tone, “I would like to receive it once I stand on equal footing with you.”
“… oh.”
The sincerity in his serious words did indeed feel genuine.
… A tad awkward, of course.
I’m not great at this mushy stuff, so it felt somewhat uncomfortable.
I couldn’t fathom what kind of goal he had.
Why set his sights on me?
“Well, that seems like it might be a tall order?”
I considered my words carefully.
Though, it seemed like he liked it as he just beamed even brighter.
“I figured you’d say that.”
This definitely felt like he took my comments in a different light.
… As long as it makes him happy, that’s all that matters.
“It’s nice to meet you again, Gu So-hyeop.”
“… Yes, it’s good to see you.”
“I’ll come visit again later.”
“If you’re busy, please don’t feel obliged…”
Clearly, he didn’t intend to wait for my final response.
Without hesitation, he bowed and left.
See you later?
‘Yeah, I suppose I’ll inevitably encounter him once we enter.’
Unless an unnatural disaster strikes.
There was no way Yeongpung could possibly avoid entering the Shinryonggwan.
And the same goes for me too.
Most likely, we’d meet again once we get in.
Whether it’s Yeongpung or otherwise.
Once Yeongpung drifted away, I was about to start moving again.
Suddenly, a voice broke in from beneath me.
“Your Majesty….”
“Huh?”
“… Now… Could you please step aside?”
“Oh, right.”
Reminded of the time I had been sitting on Gujeol-yeop as a chair, I lifted myself slightly.
“Sorry; I got a little too focused there.”
I swiftly apologized and scooted aside.
Gujeol-yeop climbed off, finally rising to his feet.
Had he really been suffering through all that while I was talking to Yeongpung?
It would have been strange if Yeongpung hadn’t even acknowledged him to begin with…?
As I backed away, it was only then that Gujeol-yeop stood upright.
“… Ugh. Okay. Now we can head back…”
“Where do you think you’re off to? We should go spar now.”
“…”
“Kid, don’t pretend you didn’t hear me. You’re coming with.”
“… my foot.”
“What?”
“No. It’s just that my feet… the ground is a bit painful.”
“You swore at me, but what kind of sore soles are those? Do you want to lick my feet?”
“No, why are you acting like you didn’t hear when you clearly already did… ugh!”
As Gujeol-yeop sputtered that out, he ended up rolling on the ground after my kick.
This kid keeps becoming more bold with each passing day.
I rolled him around further until we shifted to the field.
Following that, I commenced a rather free-spirited training session.
Since I had effectively sealed his mouth shut, it’s likely Gujeol-yeop’s screams weren’t heard at all.
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