Chapter: 308
Life at Shinryonggwan isn’t all that complicated.
After waking up, I go through a quick morning training session, about one ‘sijin’ long.
Once breakfast is done, we kick off our sword training.
Instructors are assigned based on their areas of expertise.
Depending on the instructor’s discretion, they decide whether to hold theoretical classes or move on to other types of training.
Personally, I’ve always despised theory classes the most.
“Because of that… when dealing with blue-rank monsters, it’s important to remove the magic stone first to minimize the risk of an explosion after they die…”
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard this already.
Since I already knew that, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.
This was no different for the other students.
They must have learned the theory from their Sega or Sect as well.
Most of them were probably the type who moved their bodies around a lot.
Theory classes felt like hell on earth.
Everyone kept their mouths shut, but…
They were probably battling with sleep in their heads.
A life-and-death struggle against drowsiness.
“Ugh…”
As for my friend Pae Woo-cheol sitting next to me,
He was pinching his thighs nonstop trying to shake off his drowsiness.
That’s gonna hurt…
Wait, is it bleeding already?
Hmm…
It’s kind of ridiculous how much training is necessary just to catch a monster.
But honestly, it was a completely necessary part.
This isn’t the era of humans fighting humans anymore.
We live in a time where the main enemy is monsters.
For safer and more efficient hunting, having that knowledge is essential.
…Actually, I kind of regret it sometimes.
When I became a mine…
Or even before that, during my time rolling around with the Murim Alliance,
There were several instances where I nearly died due to a lack of knowledge about monsters.
Of course, I had managed to gather some knowledge through hard knocks, so I’m okay now.
I’ve taken quite a few hits, damn it.
There was even a time I went into the mouth of a red monster and counted its teeth.
No, let’s be honest.
While I could learn about green and blue monsters through knowledge,
What the heck do I do with a red monster?
There really was no answer to that.
Living in this era, all us martial artists
Have never truly experienced a red monster,
Considering the Magic Gate hasn’t opened to that level yet.
What this means is,
The only person who has experienced a red monster in this day and age is…
Yup, it’s just me.
Assuming I’m the only one who’s had the bizarre experience of regression.
So, it’s pointless.
This is also why the other students listen to theory lessons half-heartedly.
Green monsters? A few of them are easy to deal with.
As for blue monsters?
Once you surpass the first class level, as long as you don’t let your guard down, you can catch as many as you want.
Sure, there are specific traits and individual risks,
But even those have a high likelihood of causing no damage if you unleash your energy.
That basically means they aren’t that dangerous.
In fact, in my case,
Unless blue monsters were coming at me from all sides,
I wouldn’t be in much danger.
Unless there’s a mutated one in the mix.
Even after spending over a year on the frontlines,
I never faced any significant danger.
If anything, it was more comfortable because I could feed the little beggar inside me.
If there’s any real danger, it would probably be when Gu Hee-bi got angry.
In that sense,
Now is the era of peace.
Monsters are still around,
And the Magic Gate continues to open,
But dealing with monsters has become pretty swift.
We keep hearing about civilian casualties.
However, most people think that’s just the way it is.
Just bad luck, I guess.
That’s how they shrug it off.
An era of peace?
In my eyes, it’s more of an era of amnesia.
Considering this situation has persisted for centuries,
People seem to have lulled themselves into believing everything’s fine.
It doesn’t matter, I guess.
It’s not like I was unaware of the times we live in.
I glance around,
Noticing fellow students struggling against sleep.
They’re here to carry on their Sega legacy,
Or to elevate their status within the sect.
They end up building connections in pursuit of a more comfortable life.
But no one really knows…
The moment danger strikes,
Everything will come crashing down.
Green, blue,
Red is a whole different ball game, meaning that theory is pointless.
“Red will emerge in the next two to three years.”
The explosive appearance started after the emergence of the Celestial Demon.
But the first appearance is less than a few years away now.
Where was it?
Was it Sichuan or Xian?
If not, maybe it was Cheonghae?
Because it came up after such a long time,
It caused quite an uproar across the Central Plains.
But my memory’s a bit fuzzy, so I can’t quite remember.
Tsk.
This is actually important information.
And yet, I managed to forget it.
… When a red monster appears, the formation collapses.
If you haven’t reached the pinnacle of martial prowess,
You can’t fight a red monster alone.
In this vast Central Plains,
How many people are truly exceptional?
Counting martial artists and categorizing them by age,
There might barely be a thousand.
A thousand martial artists amidst a vast land—
Will they truly withstand the backlash from a red monster?
Although we only started to build a system to cope with them,
By the time we reach that point…
It’ll probably already be a raging inferno.
‘This is a headache.’
If, by luck, we manage to block the Celestial Demon, maybe we can get through it.
But if not, it’ll ultimately follow the same pattern as my previous life.
Squeak.
As I sit down in my chair, that sound resonates.
I close my eyes for a moment and start to gather my thoughts.
‘I need to slowly release the information.’
Weaknesses and intel regarding the red monster.
As best as I can, I suppose I should start disseminating this into the world.
Of course, many may dismiss it as mere fantasy.
But those whom I trust will believe it.
For now, that’s what I need to do.
Should I just pass it to the public?
In that regard, I think Hoemon might be better suited.
“…Sir.”
Or, I could anonymously send it to some Sega or the sect…
“Older brother.”
“…Ah.”
While my brain is churning away,
I’m suddenly jolted back to reality by a rough voice.
“Are you okay?”
It was Pae Woo-cheol.
“What? It’s over?”
“Yes, it just ended.”
Looks like the theoretical training has wrapped up.
They said it would take about an hour, but I blinked through it.
And now it felt so short.
“Your expression doesn’t look good. Are you alright, brother?”
“I’m fine.”
Just a bit stiff.
Given I couldn’t focus on the lectures, I ended up zoning out even more.
‘With both training and this, it feels like I never get a breather.’
After I found a spot that looked like a resting area,
I had been using my morning practice time for personal training.
I still carry some traces of my injuries,
But now that most of the recovery is done, I’m fine to practice again.
Even if it’s just mental training.
‘It’s not easy.’
I need to elevate my cultivation as quickly as possible.
Is that a result of my impatience?
It feels like the wall isn’t budging at all.
How odd.
‘Conditions seem to be all met, though.’
My body is still a bit lacking.
Yet I’ve been meeting the requirements.
It’s bizarre that I’d still be falling short after consuming so much.
This should be enough to elevate my level.
‘Where’s the holdup?’
For some reason, I just can’t seem to cross that wall.
As I ponder my thoughts, a few reasons pop up.
First off, I never reached Hwagyeong in the conventional sense in my previous life.
…Ugh.
While you’d typically attain that level through many realizations and prolonged training,
I used Demonic Absorption to pump my energy.
I forcefully elevated my level.
Should I say that the overflowing energy smashed through that wall?
Because I advanced through that process,
It might not be easy to progress the orthodox way like I am now.
…If I acquire the White Horse Stone, this could all be resolved.
In that case, if I manage to obtain the White Horse Stone and absorb its essence,
It would all be solved in one go.
But, as I mentioned previously,
That’s something I’ve wanted to gain ever since I encountered Hwagyeong.
That way, I could fully harness the energy of the White Horse Stone.
If I act out of greed, I’d surely miss out on even more.
So, I’ve had to restrain myself.
‘I’m feeling anxious. This isn’t a good situation.’
I can’t revert to my old ways.
That route leads to a dead end.
In the future, I must pursue a more righteous path to build my skills,
But that also brings me unease.
‘If only Shin Noya were here right now.’
Ha.
The thought makes me chuckle,
Reflecting on living aimlessly,
And now realizing I could use a mentor.
It seems like I’m at a serious dead end.
“Older brother?”
“Yeah, I’m worn out. Let’s go grab a bite.”
I get up.
What good will come from mulling over things that don’t have answers?
I’ll just keep doing what I’ve consistently done.
‘In complicated times, you have to keep up with your tasks.’
There’s no time to feel demoralized.
What a delightful life. Quite a pitiful one, too.
“Woo-cheol!”
“Yes, brother.”
“Did anything important come up?”
“Yeah, just the same old, nothing special.”
“…”
No, it may not have mattered to me, but isn’t it different for you?
I glance at Pae Woo-cheol as if to challenge him.
Pae Woo-cheol suddenly seems to remember something and claps his hands.
Clap!
Maybe because his hands are massive, the sound is quite loud.
“Oh, it’s nothing… Now that the instructor has wrapped up the theory, let’s proceed to practical training…”
“So, you were here.”
Just as Pae Woo-cheol is passing along the information,
Someone strides up to me and interrupts.
“Hmm?”
I’m curious about who this is, so I have a quick look.
First, well-defined eyes, nose, and a face catch my attention.
Then, I spot the sword strapped at the waist.
Once I see the shaman’s robes further confirming their identity,
I instantly recognize who it is.
“Aren’t we familiar with one another?”
The young man looks at me, smiling brightly.
One of the few in this land whom I can trust.
“…Sleeping Dragon.”
Sleeping Dragon Woohyuk.
“If it’s not too much trouble, how about sharing a meal together?”
A friend from my past life has come to seek me out.
Sleeping Dragon Woohyuk.
He was one of the handful of friends I had in my previous life.
Back then, he was one of the higher-ranking figures among the Oryongsambongs.
The person whose potential the Wudang was most excited about.
Contrary to his lazy and laid-back personality, he showcased sharpness once he held a sword,
making him stand out significantly.
And,
What I knew for sure during the Ma Kyung Jeon incident was this.
The man named Jamryong,
Contrary to the impression he gave off in the Central Plains.
He wasn’t lazy.
He wasn’t laid-back either.
Rather, he was always on his toes.
Even during that chaotic situation,
A lot more could have survived.
Because those on the move—
Wisul-ah, known as Sogeomseong,
Sleeping Dragon, and Seolbong, worked tirelessly.
“Just endure it three more times.”
“Fireworks!”
His smart, playful face that enjoyed toying with me occasionally comes to mind.
Did he find it that entertaining to mess with me?
He would stick close while I vented my anger,
just accepting it with laughter.
To me, he was simply a crazy guy.
Craziness defined,
“You go ahead, I’ll catch up soon.”
Someone like me, clueless and ignorant,
Is definitely the type to throw their life away.
“Let’s grab a drink when we get out.”
That memory tortures me,
because it still rekindles those past feelings.
“Hey, did you know the food here is tastier than expected?”
“Is that… meat?”
“It’s delicious! Wanna try some?”
“…Nah, you eat up.”
The Taoist priest is even chowing down on meat.
I heard that shamans don’t consume meat.
Is that allowed?
“Please, my disciple…”
One who seems to be a priest looks distraught.
As expected, it doesn’t look good.
Even if they insist, they seem to eat freely anyway.
That’s a memory from my past life.
It dawned on me that this rising star of the Wudang had no qualms about devouring meat.
“Disciple.”
“…Yes?”
To Woo I-hyeon, the shaman’s disciple who was trying to intervene,
Jamryong speaks, as if having something serious to say.
“Do you know what the most important rule of Shinryonggwan is?”
“…What is it?”
“Forget your background and name, and live as a student of Shinryonggwan.”
“So?”
“What I’m trying to say is, while I’m here, I’m not a Taoist.”
“…So?”
“Since I’m not a Taoist, isn’t eating meat okay?”
“…Do you think that’ll fly?”
“If it does, then may the Grand Master come for an appearance!”
“Wow, are you completely out of your mind?”
Taking a jab at the Grand Master already, huh?
Can this really be a Taoist?
I nodded along with that.
The young Sleeping Dragon was still crazy.
He’s always been like that since he was born. I guess that’s a relief.
That aside,
“So then, what brings you here?”
“Hmm?”
I needed to ask,
Because visiting Shinryonggwan was also to reconnect with the Sleeping Dragon.
Though I had so many other things on my plate that I hadn’t intended to seek him out,
I didn’t expect him to come looking for me first.
“Is he still mooning over the fangirl from last time?”
Peng Ah-hee mentioned that
Sleeping Dragon had asked about me before.
But I couldn’t figure out why.
Is he still bothered about that time I interrupted his duel with Youngpoong?
“That’s not his style.”
At least that’s what I believed.
“There’s got to be a reason for your sudden visit.”
“Sure, but first, can I ask you something?”
“What’s that?”
“Why are you speaking to me so informally?”
At his words, the atmosphere immediately grows solemn.
Because it sounded rather cold to hear.
“I’m aware I’m older than you.”
“Right.”
He’s probably two or three years older than me.
Sleeping Dragon must be older than I am.
“Yet, why the casual talk?”
“Why are you blaring informally at me?”
I hear Sleeping Dragon’s voice echo,
as it seems like I’m reliving a past conversation.
I can recall that I was much more shameless back then.
There’s no way I’d address him politely,
And the Sleeping Dragon then raised the same query.
I was too wrapped up in my pride.
Couldn’t take that hit to ego.
“If you don’t like it, why not switch it up yourself?”
If any other martial artist nearby heard me,
they’d find it absurdly strange and might feel inclined to punch me out.
Making bold claims for a weakling like me is just fishing for trouble.
It was the sort of conversation in the air where any blow could land.
But the Sleeping Dragon just chuckled and replied.
“Alright then.”
It’s just as I remembered from my past life.
His response is refreshing,
while everyone around me seems to be taken aback.
Woo I-hyeon glances at my disciple, scowling,
and the others stare at me as if questioning what’s going on.
No matter how raucous I act,
I’ve never been this brazen.
Sleeping Dragon seems almost unconcerned with all the eyes on us,
as he looks back at me and continues.
“So now that we’ve spoken informally, are we friends?”
His words were so light,
they almost felt like a joke.
A conversation that feels no different from our previous life.
I find it humorously ridiculous.
This guy is so predictable.
If anything has changed,
“Are you serious? Can’t you take a hint?”
“Sure.”
I suppose my answer is different now than before.
“…What? I didn’t expect a straight answer just like that.”
Sleeping Dragon seems surprised at my reaction.
Though honestly, I hadn’t meant to reject him.
Ignoring the look of disappointment on Sleeping Dragon’s face,
I continue asking more questions.
“So, now that we’re friends, I’m curious. Why did you come to find me?”
“To see a friend?”
“Make the silly jokes later.”
I certainly wouldn’t let this gloss over.
“So, are you saying there’s hope for jokes later?”
“Do you want to get smacked before talking, or would you rather talk while getting hit?”
“Isn’t ‘not getting hit’ an option?”
Sleeping Dragon smirks as if he finds it ridiculous.
Those nearby watching us are puzzled, thinking, “What kind of dialogue is this?”
They have no clue how things could escalate like this.
Heck, neither do I!
This had always been our dynamic since my past life.
“Nothing much.”
Just as Sleeping Dragon was smiling, he shifted his expression and got to the main point.
“I heard you’re forming a faction.”
“…What?”
I couldn’t help but frown upon hearing that.
A faction? My faction?
What on earth?
I was staring at Sleeping Dragon, dumbfounded by the bizarre circumstance.
Sleeping Dragon continues on without skipping a beat.
“So, can I join?”
“Join the faction?”
Sleeping Dragon nods enthusiastically.
It sounds completely absurd.
I’m feeling a bit flustered.
He came to me to squeeze into my faction?
For that ludicrous notion?
“What for?”
He’s probably one of the least enthusiastic about Shinryonggwan.
I couldn’t comprehend why he’d come to me for that request.
“How does it sound?”
Sleeping Dragon’s voice is loud enough to draw attention.
Naturally, everyone else around who is eating swivels their heads our way.
The idea of him joining the faction led by the sinister True Dragon is quite riveting after all.
Seeing all those stares towards us suddenly sparks a thought.
It’s not that meaningful.
I just felt like teasing him a bit.
If I’m going to do this, I might as well quell the rumors.
“…Sorry, but I can’t accept new members.”
“…!”
Upon my refusal, the look of shock on Sleeping Dragon’s face is priceless.
“W-What? Why not?”
“Because that’s not my call to make.”
“What do you mean?”
“Our faction… Um, well…”
I pause for moment, trying to piece my words together.
It shouldn’t take too long.
“Ah! Right. In order to join the Iron Yang Iron Sect, you’ll need our captain’s permission.”
“…Iron Yang? Captain?”
By the way, Iron Yang refers to:
The iron of Cheol Ji-seon,
The sheep of Gu Yang-cheon,
Including Pae Woo-cheol’s name thrown in too.
Immediately after letting that slip, I want to kick myself.
I should’ve come up with a better name.
I wonder how it ended up being such a silly name.
“Brother, we had a name too… Gurgle!”
I pressed down on Pae Woo-cheol’s foot hard to silence him.
“—So Jinryong isn’t the leader?”
—Then who runs things? The one controlling that Evil Dragon?
The crowd grows restless.
That’s what happens when you shoot from the hip without much thought.
For context, Mo Yong-hee and Dang So-yeol haven’t even glanced our way.
They must’ve realized I’m just messing around.
They’ve probably seen me do this so much they stopped caring.
Wearing my most serious expression,
I face Sleeping Dragon.
“…Mad Dog Cheol Ji-seon.”
“…!”
“Our Cheolcheolyangpa’s…”
“Brother, wasn’t it Iron Yang?”
“…Right! In order to join the Iron Yang Iron Sect, his permission is absolutely required.”
My remark makes Sleeping Dragon’s eyes widen.
Is it because of the stunning truth sinking in?
As he darts his eyes around,
He eventually starts to query me.
“…Who even is that?”
“There’s a kid like that.”
Sleeping Dragon’s reaction couldn’t be more subdued.
Yet, for those who were eavesdropping near us,
The chatter regarding Mad Dog Cheol Ji-seon had just gotten spiced up.
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