Chapter: 302
There are various facilities in Shinryonggwan.
Given that it is a place filled with unmanned warriors.
The first floor of the accommodation was used as a training area.
There is also a restaurant to accommodate a large number of people.
And there’s even a spot designated for any unexpected closures.
Rumor has it that they are raising demon beasts underground for training.
Oh, by the way, this isn’t a rumor; it’s the truth.
In fact, during my previous life, when I discovered the underground,
there were a swarm of demon beasts bustling about.
And behind Shinryonggwan, there lies a vast plain.
This served as a training ground for units.
The number of people assigned to each group ranges from as few as ten to a little over twenty.
What this means is,
the plain is spacious enough to easily accommodate that many people.
Such a plain,
now brims with the heated spirit emitted by the unmanned warriors.
Even though it’s a chilly winter day,
the surroundings were so warm that sweat evaporated with a whoosh.
The bodies were in constant motion,
while the sound of friction rang out.
More than a dozen people were tirelessly moving across the plain.
At the center of the action,
was Cheolhwan-oh, the vice-captain of Cheongryongdae.
A master known as Yicheoncheongkwon was facing a large crowd of opponents all at once.
Boom! The ground trembled.
It was the shockwave created when Cheolhwan-oh stomped the ground.
As a result, one of the latecomers, rushing in, lost his balance and stumbled.
Cheolhwan-oh seized the opportunity and swung his hand.
Thud!
“Gah!”
When Cheolhwan-oh’s enormous hand shoved the latecomer aside,
the latter flew upwards, crashing into another latecomer.
The fragile cooperation among the latecomers crumbled to pieces.
Despite multiple people confronting one individual,
the battlefield was utter chaos.
While Cheolhwan-oh was indeed strong,
the situation lacked finesse.
He had known from the start that this would unfold.
To put it more accurately, it was correct to say he proceeded with this knowledge in mind.
Dodging the frenzied attacks coming his way like water flowing,
Cheolhwan-oh’s eyes scanned the surroundings.
‘There are four guys who stand out.’
Among the myriad fluctuations in energy,
four individuals struck him as particularly poised.
These were the numbers that Cheolhwan-oh had identified.
‘But, they’re still just latecomers.’
Of course,
even for someone as formidable as Cheolhwan-oh,
it was absurd to take on a dozen or more latecomers of varying skill levels at once.
One thing though—
Facing off against those who’ve never worked collaboratively is an entirely different matter.
The mismatched movements led to numerous openings.
Recognizing these gaps and merely poking at them,
the whole tower would come crashing down.
A tower poorly constructed was likely to crumble even with the slightest disturbance.
Just look at the chaos now.
With the lack of harmony, it was a complete mess.
In such a situation,
one of the latecomers surged forth through a gap.
He was a towering figure with black hair.
A face that Cheolhwan-oh keenly recognized.
‘Pae Woo-cheol.’
A peculiar glint flickered in Cheolhwan-oh’s eyes.
This guy was among the four individuals he had been observing closely.
In the midst of the disarray,
it was Pae Woo-cheol who broke through, seemingly using the situation to his advantage.
He was now inches away from Cheolhwan-oh.
Using his solid lower body as leverage,
Pae Woo-cheol’s waist coiled with tension.
At that moment, a heavy punch laden with fierce energy was unleashed.
With a clean movement, Pae Woo-cheol extended his fist; quite impressive.
However,
“Too bad.”
This was Pae Woo-cheol’s mistake.
Approaching a vastly superior opponent head-on, when no comrades were in a position to assist,
seemed to have fed into his excitement, clouding his judgment.
Crack!
“!”
The energy embedded in Pae Woo-cheol’s punch shattered with a mere gesture.
He couldn’t even perceive how Cheolhwan-oh had moved until—
Thud—!
“Gah!”
A shockwave hit Pae Woo-cheol in the abdomen.
It was a single strike from Cheolhwan-oh. Instantly, the energy surged, creating waves.
Pae Woo-cheol, unable to withstand the force, was sent soaring back to the ground.
As the instructor mimicked a demon beast,
it wasn’t long before the monster hunt began: latecomers collaborating to take down the beasts.
Half of those who started together now lay sprawled on the floor,
while those barely managing to hold their positions were dripping with sweat.
Their eyes flickered with confusion.
They seemed utterly baffled by the situation.
Watching this, Cheolhwan-oh couldn’t help but conceal a small chuckle.
‘The eyes of fledglings.’
This was likely a novel experience for them.
Having never truly stepped foot in the Central Plains,
They probably hadn’t given much thought to the existence of demon beasts.
In the distance, Pae Woo-cheol was seen rising while clutching his abdomen.
Spit!
He aggressively spat on the ground, his eyes still sparkling with spirit.
‘What a rough character.’
It wasn’t all bad.
If you’re an unmanned warrior, that’s how it should be.
However, from the perspective of the instructor,
the arrogance these latecomers exhibited,
was something that would be best nipped in the bud.
‘The world doesn’t operate like that.’
Those coming to Shinryonggwan
were akin to chicks raised in a cage, filled with adoration.
Brimming with talent, basking in the continuous support of their families and clans,
Most thought the whole world belonged to them.
I had to shatter that naive perception right from the start.
That was the way of Cheolhwan-oh.
Having served as an instructor at Shinryonggwan several times,
he must have begun around the time he turned twenty.
Even though he hadn’t filled such a role in years,
the call for ‘work’ had drawn him back.
If you’re going to do it, you might as well do it right.
This was Cheolhwan-oh’s resolve.
‘This batch seems promising.’
Feeling the tingling sensation in his fist, Cheolhwan-oh pondered.
This was generation akin to meteors, filled with exceptional talents and prodigies.
Simply put, those under his tutelage were also quite remarkable.
‘… And then there’s that guy.’
The energy blending with the air, completely saturating the surroundings,
The heat within the winds.
Amidst the exhausted and groaning latecomers,
Cheolhwan-oh’s gaze fell on someone.
During this entire process,
the one remaining still, simply observing.
‘True Dragon—Gu Yangcheon.’
The last dragon of the Six Dragons and Three Peaks.
With interest, he was watching the situation unfold in the distance.
He was likely among the younger crowd in this group, or perhaps in all of Shinryonggwan.
Despite dealing with the turbulent arrivals,
his focus was trained on Gu Yangcheon.
‘Why is he just standing there?’
This query lingered in his mind repeatedly.
Why was Gu Yangcheon remaining idle?
‘Was the attitude he displayed earlier merely bravado?’
Before Cheolhwan-oh’s first training session,
he recalled the words Gu Yangcheon had tossed at him.
“Can’t you do it alone?”
The young latecomer had dared to incite him with audacity.
Though it was such a glaring provocation,
Perhaps it struck a nerve due to coming from a fledgling who hadn’t lived even half a life.
He had nearly lost his composure and reacted.
But, he managed to restrain himself.
Cheolhwan-oh was an instructor.
He couldn’t fall for such childish antics.
One thing did remain:
‘I had intended to teach him a lesson.’
Being human, Cheolhwan-oh couldn’t simply let it slide.
He had planned to use Gu Yangcheon as a prime example during this training.
Even the arrogant latecomer from the noble Six Dragons and Three Peaks
needed a reality check to realize the instructor’s limits.
So that others could finally come to their senses.
And—
‘I heard the young master has been keeping company with Jinryong recently.’
When Cheolhwan-oh accepted the position of deputy commander of the Cheongryongdae,
it brought him back into the instructional role he had stepped away from.
What was the reason for his return?
Iron Line.
‘What might he be thinking?’
Rumor had it he passed the third assessment alongside Jinryong.
Cheolhwan-oh distinctly remembered the young master declining his assistance.
Entering as an instructor,
it was regrettable that he couldn’t offer help in that regard.
Yet, it was a stroke of luck that Cheoljiseon had succeeded.
‘What might that young man be considering?’
Regardless of that,
Cheolhwan-oh had yet to grasp the true nature of Gu Yangcheon.
Sufficiently remarkable to be noted in records.
A genius who reached the pinnacle at a tender age.
Among the countless meteors, the boy known as the brightest star
was merely observing his comrades’ fall.
Perhaps he was too stunned by their unexpected strength.
Yet that couldn’t be right.
Cheolhwan-oh sensed that Gu Yangcheon didn’t possess such a demeanor.
‘Had he claimed to be at the pinnacle?’
Reflecting on the first time he scrutinized the latecomers,
the moment he had set eyes on Gu Yangcheon, he recalled.
‘He was elusive.’
His level was unreadable.
At a time when presence and conjecture blanketed the room;
he could also remember
how Gu Yangcheon appeared unfazed.
‘Is it possible that we share an equivalent level?’
He considered himself a seasoned peak,
at a level dubbed the summit.
Cheolhwan-oh was eyeing the present landscape.
This circumstance had unfolded five years prior.
Yet not all summits are the same.
Even so,
‘… A fledgling who hasn’t even passed the preliminary stages claims to be at my level.’
It was absurd for him to claim he could win in isolation.
‘His perception must have been terribly naïve.’
Little by little, energy began to rise within.
As others began to shrink from that rising aura,
“Gu Yangcheon.”
Cheolhwan-oh called out.
“Yess.”
Gu Yangcheon, still observing with keen interest,
responded lightly to the instructor’s words.
“Why are you just watching the other students?”
“Is that a problem?”
“The goal of training is to hunt demon beasts. Do you intend to merely watch your comrades fall?”
“The demon beasts I know don’t speak. How strange—it seems you handle them well.”
Spit!
For a fleeting moment, Cheolhwan-oh’s expression almost contorted.
‘What a cheeky rat.’
They said he was that swordsman’s little brother, and it seemed he took after him quite closely.
“Are you insulting the instructor now, Guandao student?”
“No, I’m just saying, it’s all in the name of training. It’s an act of consideration.”
“Consideration?”
“Yes.”
As he uttered those words, Gu Yangcheon chuckled.
It was evident to everyone surrounding them that his laughter bore a mocking tone,
filled with clear emotion.
“If I were to join, training would become much too easy.”
“…Ha.”
Is that still his attitude?
How incredibly arrogant and cocky.
‘Ah, it’s common at that age.’
Especially if he is the center of public attention lately.
Furthermore, he was known as Jinryong.
Hearing claims that he’s the youngest to reach a peak,
it’s no surprise he acts this way.
However, he chose an inappropriate opponent.
‘I need to address that brashness right now.’
I would not be an instructor for this kid for six months without putting in the effort,
no, it would end today. It’d be easier for the future.
“Guandao student.”
“Yes, instructor.”
“Do you believe the world revolves around you? Your behavior resembles that of a frog stuck in a well.”
Ribbit, ribbit.
“….”
“Was that a bit much? My apologies.”
In a rare instance, Gu Yangcheon offered an apology, yet it did not reach Cheolhwan-oh.
It was far too late for that now.
“Gu Yangcheon, the student.”
“Yes.”
“Since you have such confidence, how about we wager against the instructor?”
“A wager?”
“Correct. A wager.”
“What kind of wager are you referring to?”
Having remained still, Gu Yangcheon finally exhibited interest.
In response, Cheolhwan-oh raised three fingers.
“I will give you three chances at an agreement.”
“Oh?”
“If your attack reaches me during that, you win.”
“Wait a second.”
“Why so hesitant? Are you afraid now….”
“Will you also attack or retaliate during that?”
“…?”
What did he mean by that?
He had assured him he’d provide three chances at an agreement. What was this about?
Glancing at Cheolhwan-oh’s puzzled expression, Gu Yangcheon finally eased his tone.
“Oh, forgive me. I’ve been in this situation a lot… just wanted to confirm.”
“…Very well.”
It was a curious reaction.
What kind of lunatic makes a deal and then berates the other party?
‘Surely, there’s no such man out there.’
If such a man existed, he wouldn’t be aligned with any righteous faction.
Who in their right mind would conduct themselves in such a manner under a righteous banner?
While Cheolhwan-oh contemplated, Gu Yangcheon pressed on.
“I understand the conditions, but since it’s a wager, what do I get if I win?”
“I don’t think that will happen, but do you have a wish?”
“Mmm….”
The expression of deep thought seemed almost comical.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Gu Yangcheon quickly found an answer to present to Cheolhwan-oh.
“Then please excuse me from morning training.”
“…Ha.”
Hearing this, Cheolhwan-oh couldn’t contain a bewildered sigh.
A warrior—no, a student of Shinryonggwan, requesting to be excused from training?
It was utterly preposterous.
“Can you let me off just for the half-year while you oversee this group?”
“…You really think of me as a joke, don’t you?”
“It’s nothing personal; you mentioned a wager, right?”
“Fine. In that case, if I win….”
“Anything goes; I’ll accept it all.”
Thud.
The nonchalant demeanor exhibited by Gu Yangcheon made Cheolhwan-oh’s sanity begin to unravel.
The expression on Cheolhwan-oh’s face crumpled into disbelief.
His actions were nothing short of denigrating towards the instructor present.
‘Alright then. If you wish for it so badly, I, the instructor, will impart the harsh truths of this world upon you.’
Whoooosh!
A heavy aura spilled forth from Cheolhwan-oh’s body.
It was a stark contrast to the energy he had been producing around the other latecomers.
This was a heaviness of an entirely different caliber.
The mature warrior radiated tremendous energy.
Those sprawled on the floor due to exhaustion,
and other latecomers nearby could not help but retch.
The chaotic energy mingled with the murderous intent was palpable.
Typically, such an event wouldn’t have transpired at this level.
Other latecomers would have refined their approach substantially.
Yet, Cheolhwan-oh couldn’t withstand Gu Yangcheon’s attitude.
He desperately hoped they would understand.
Even if they shared the same peak, they weren’t entirely the same.
That alternate realities existed.
“Come.”
Cheolhwan-oh beckoned with gleaming eyes.
However, Gu Yangcheon remained rooted in place.
With a mysterious expression, he watched Cheolhwan-oh intently.
“Why do you remain motionless? Are you frightened, student?”
No matter how high one climbs,
there are varying degrees of elevation.
It’s quite natural for him to seem immobile.
Seeing this, Cheolhwan-oh could hardly contain a small smirk as he muttered,
“Even now, should you recognize your error and apologize, I might be inclined to let it slide…”
“This might be sufficient. It feels precarious.”
“…?”
Gu Yangcheon interrupted Cheolhwan-oh just as he was about to issue another retort.
At the moment he was about to throw a question back at Gu Yangcheon,
the latter, palms facing upwards, whispered quietly to himself.
“Flame prison.”
“…!”
It was a stance and term he had heard before.
Rumors circulated among instructors during the recent evaluations.
The true dragon of the Nine Families reportedly wreaked havoc across the judging grounds.
It was supposedly a level of force unimaginable for one at the peak.
‘No way.’
The moment that thought crossed his mind,
Fwoosh!
Instantly, flames erupted from Gu Yangcheon’s hand, sending sparks all around,
causing fissures beneath.
The energy and intent of Cheolhwan-oh mixed and flared into the surroundings.
He could see it being swallowed up by the burgeoning flames.
Where?
Directly into Gu Yangcheon’s palm.
The sizzling flames swept away the wind with fervor.
They were collecting, drawing in the energy from surroundings,
devouring everything in sight.
‘This is absurd…!’
A presence so intense just looking at it sent shivers through Cheolhwan-oh.
It was only then he realized his earlier assessments were entirely misguided.
This wasn’t even a matter of peak levels.
Such power couldn’t merely stem from those at that height.
‘Is he planning to unleash it?’
He had long forgotten about his preceding offer of three chances.
If he truly unleashed that energy here,
‘Stopping it would be impossible like preventing a sword strike.’
At Cheolhwan-oh’s level, protecting the latecomers would be out of his reach.
He needed to elevate the stakes.
Above all, blocking that attack was paramount.
Crash—!
Dust exploded from the ground, accompanied by a resounding noise.
Cheolhwan-oh propelled himself forward.
With remarkable speed, he reached Gu Yangcheon’s vicinity in mere moments,
yet for him, it felt like an eternity.
‘Can I actually stop this?’
What would be the explosive range?
How significant would the backlash be if he attempted to thwart it?
If he blocked it outright,
how much damage would it cause Gu Yangcheon?
Countless calculations flitted through his mind, yet no conclusion emerged.
Ultimately,
Cheolhwan-oh had resolved to shield with his own body.
He closed in on Gu Yangcheon, extending his hand.
His arm, laden with energy, whipped forth with astonishing speed.
Yet, as he reached where he aimed to strike,
Whoosh!
“…What?!”
Cheolhwan-oh’s hand merely swept through empty air.
Gu Yangcheon had adeptly evaded the strike.
Cheolhwan-oh’s eyes widened.
He reacted at such speed?
The surprise was short-lived.
Now was not the time for astonishment.
This time, the person who faltered was none other than Cheolhwan-oh himself.
Due to the urgent movements, his stance had faltered slightly,
making it difficult to pivot on time.
Gu Yangcheon capitalized on this opening.
In a swift motion, he summoned a crimson sphere in his palm.
Bringing it up squarely into Cheolhwan-oh’s view.
Wham—!
He clenched it firmly into a fist.
As he tightened his grip,
the wind pressure caused Cheolhwan-oh’s hair to whip about.
“Ugh!”
Anticipating an explosive release, Cheolhwan-oh instinctively shut his eyes and summoned energy to encompass himself.
It was meant to minimize the blast radius.
Yet—
“…?”
Strangely, the overwhelming pressure he had predicted didn’t materialize.
He had anticipated being engulfed by flames.
But around Cheolhwan-oh, only a cool breeze curled around him.
Then,
a gentle pressure grazed against his chest.
Curious about the sensation, he glanced down.
Gu Yangcheon had lightly pressed the tip of his fist against Cheolhwan-oh’s chest.
At that sight, Cheolhwan-oh’s mouth began to part slightly in disbelief.
Gu Yangcheon looked upon Cheolhwan-oh’s expression and declared,
“I caught the demon beast.”
As he stated that, an amused grin graced his face.
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