Chapter 327
Immediately after the practical training began.
Cheol Ji-seon hesitated while walking alongside Jang Seon-yeon, filled with uncertainty.
This feeling had been lingering for several days.
Moreover…
‘I should just stop now…’
Even as he followed the trudging steps, his mind was a chaotic mess.
The deity in front of him remained silent, yet the faint energy felt on his back made Cheol Ji-seon break out in cold sweat.
He could tell, even without words, just how deeply the divine emotions had darkened.
It felt so strong that Cheol Ji-seon had to stifle silent sobs in fear.
‘Is this what they call divinity?’
His first impression of him had already been ruined upon their meeting.
No matter how he looked at it, he was the only son of the leader.
He was known to be a person of such delicate kindness, yet his outer demeanor could not have been more different.
‘If it’s going to be like this, I’d rather…’
A certain face floated into Cheol Ji-seon’s mind.
A fierce-looking guy whose personality leaned more towards the rogue side rather than the righteous, but at least he didn’t seem different on the inside compared to the outside.
‘…rather.’
Cheol Ji-seon’s steps came to a halt.
Even though Jang Seon-yeon told him to do everything he asked, for Cheol Ji-seon, it wasn’t something he could easily accept with a clear conscience.
‘Are you telling me to open a door right beneath someone standing there…?’
A handful of fragmented childhood memories emerged in his mind.
On the burning land.
The house being engulfed.
The father who was above it.
The screams he had shouted at the top of his lungs.
And his sister, hugging him tightly while holding her breath.
Even his mother, who refused to look at her son’s eyes thereafter.
To Cheol Ji-seon, it was a memory reminiscent of hell.
‘…Are you telling me to do that again with my own hands…?’
His fists clenched tight.
A shiver went through him, and cold sweat trickled down his forehead to the tip of his nose.
Just as Cheol Ji-seon was being consumed by the past and felt his mind spiraling—
“Cheol Prince.”
The voice of the deity rang out.
“…!”
As if noticing that he had frozen in place, Jang Seon-yeon called out to Cheol Ji-seon.
Startled, he looked at Jang Seon-yeon and instinctively covered his mouth.
The darkness in Jang Seon-yeon’s eyes as he looked at him was chilling.
“It seems you’re hesitating.”
It was what the divine being said while meeting Cheol Ji-seon’s gaze.
“Ah, no.”
Upon hearing Cheol Ji-seon’s trembling voice, Jang Seon-yeon flashed a slight smile.
Cheol Ji-seon found that smile to be spine-chillingly frightening.
“That’s right. We can’t hesitate now.”
“…”
“Don’t we both have something we want?”
Jang Seon-yeon said this and turned his head away.
Something we wish for…
At the divine’s words, what Cheol Ji-seon wished for immediately surfaced in his mind.
‘The revival of the Sega.’
The Zhuge Clan clearing their name and once again becoming a central figure in the political faction.
‘…My sister’s happiness.’
His sister living a happy life.
That was the only desire he bore.
At the same time, it was to fulfill a dream his father could not achieve.
His sister’s…
‘I will heal my sister’s body.’
This was the purpose of his journey to the Central Plains.
Jang Seon-yeon had promised to help revive the Zhuge Clan.
Though he hadn’t mentioned anything about his sister, if it was included in the contract—
He might have agreed to it without hesitation.
‘…If I hadn’t met Jinryong.’
Yes, if he hadn’t met the guy.
Setting aside the fact that he was a terrifying being who once considered killing him.
The presence that man had was overwhelming.
Even just looking at the Shinryonggwan emphasized that.
At first, he was astonished to learn that all the blood relatives of the Four Great Families were admitted.
He marveled that he was the highest-level rider among all those in Shinryonggwan.
More than half of the Six Dragons and Three Peaks had been admitted, and each one showed an extraordinary presence.
And that wasn’t all.
The sword dancer of the Namgung Clan, famous for her stunning appearance.
A child of the leader who had recently been talked about as an outstanding figure.
Even the successor of the swordsman, who was said to have retired and gone missing—
In the midst of these absurdly powerful beings, two months passed.
The one who stood out the most was none other than Jinryong.
He not only claimed the top spot in the entrance exam but also from day one, he opposed the instructor and emerged victorious.
Jinryong became the focal point of chaos, like a brewing storm.
‘…That’s why I’ve become a mad dog; it’s all strange.’
Just thinking about it made his teeth grind, but that wasn’t the main concern right now.
Jinryong stood fiercely, exuding an aura of arrogance.
Rumors about him swirled everywhere.
Most of them were laden with malice.
Yet, Jinryong didn’t pay them any mind.
He would listen once to the grumblings of his underlings before losing interest as though they were of no significance.
Nevertheless, he couldn’t help but mutter about those surrounding him.
Once, someone spread a bad rumor about Dokbong.
Jinryong himself went right to the source and wreaked havoc.
Did he say something like, “If you do that one more time, I’ll shut your mouth so you can’t open it next time and set you ablaze?”
Those who witnessed the situation knew right then that his words held no deception.
The murderous aura Jinryong radiated while speaking.
It dominated the entire room.
This is what it means when one says the appearance and essence of a true dragon are alike.
Without caring about the opinions of others, he moved as per his whims.
If he disliked something, he crushed it.
If he liked it, he kept it close.
It was a remarkably straightforward concept.
Carrying out actions with indifference to others’ perceptions was a wholly different matter.
Of course, Jinryong appeared to have many inner thoughts and feelings concealed.
But none of that felt as unsettling as what the divine being before him radiated.
‘…In this aspect, he’s better than the divine.’
After all, Jinryong held a sense of entitlement towards the divine.
There were whispers that his jealousy was over the top.
But to Cheol Ji-seon, Jinryong was not the type to fret over such matters.
Rather…
‘The person in front of me seems to be worrying much more about that.’
Conversely, it was likely that the divine being felt more insecure in relation to Jinryong.
Even now, that presence was evident enough to see.
In this precarious situation.
No matter how much Jinryong told him otherwise—
Was it truly right to point his blade at him?
Cheol Ji-seon’s worries deepened further.
Jinryong harbored little understanding of his own powers.
Not just the magic gate that expels demonic spirits.
But it was also a force that opened dimensions beneath him, swallowing everything above to send it elsewhere.
What’s more, if a fissure opened below, those above would find themselves unable to move.
Even peak-level martial artists would be rendered immobile.
And those who had been devoured still hadn’t returned.
Because that’s precisely what had happened with his father.
As Cheol Ji-seon hesitated, he moved forward.
Before they knew it, he and Jang Seon-yeon were heading towards the mountain’s apex.
They walked silently, and in the distance, Gu Yangcheon became visible. The divine truly had sought out Gu Yangcheon.
He had expected some commotion.
Yet, Gu Yangcheon proceeded exactly as anticipated.
At that instant.
“Stay here.”
The divine spoke to Cheol Ji-seon.
Following Jang Seon-yeon’s advice, Cheol Ji-seon hid in the bushes.
Whoosh-!
As soon as he carefully settled down, an unknown barrier formed around him.
A subtle aura enveloped him, accompanied by the faintest vibrations.
Seems to be really impressive.
The sophisticated application of energy felt in the barrier startled Cheol Ji-seon momentarily.
But it was just for a moment.
Cheol Ji-seon could clearly observe.
The gaze of Gu Yangcheon, who faced the divine in the distance, briefly directed toward him.
‘Did he feel me…?’
The distance was considerable, yet he sensed it instantly.
Gu Yangcheon exchanged a brief glance with Cheol Ji-seon before smiling and turning back towards Jang Seon-yeon.
Witnessing that, Cheol Ji-seon swallowed nervously.
It seemed as if Jang Seon-yeon had prepared extensively.
In the end, to Cheol Ji-seon, it felt like a game Gu Yangcheon orchestrated.
As if he had prior knowledge of everything, he exhibited no hesitance.
‘What exactly is his true nature?’
It remained a mystery.
Though he was younger, his demeanor and eyes carried a maturity.
It appeared he behaved like a rogue or scoundrel.
Yet, he navigated through with a sense of sophistication.
In doing so, it was apparent he would stomp on anyone he desired, ensuring they couldn’t rise again.
There was something inherently warped about his being considered righteous.
The same could be said about contemplating violence towards himself.
If Cheol Ji-seon found the divine unsettling,
Gu Yangcheon was terrifying.
It was frightening.
The more he probed or sought to understand, the more Gu Yangcheon emerged as a daunting figure.
Even if one’s exterior and interior appeared the same,
You never know how many stories dwell beneath the surface.
In this precarious circumstance.
Cheol Ji-seon continuously hesitated over whether it was appropriate to act against Gu Yangcheon.
With anxious eyes, he observed both the divine and Gu Yangcheon.
The two continued their unknowable dialogue.
The reason he deemed it unknowable was simple.
He simply couldn’t hear a word of it.
Perhaps the barrier the divine had set around Cheol Ji-seon was not solely to conceal his presence.
It seemed to effectively muffle any external sound.
Even so…
Cheol Ji-seon discerned that the atmosphere between the two was anything but pleasant.
Gu Yangcheon was smiling brightly.
But the expression on the divine’s face was frighteningly ominous.
Reflecting on it…
‘Is this truly alright?’
Cheol Ji-seon was still troubled.
How could the divine possibly know his hidden secrets?
Could he truly wield such power here, in this manner?
These were the thoughts to ponder.
In a circumstance where all the instructors were gathered,
What was the divine’s actual intent?
He’d told him not to worry and simply do as instructed…
How could he not worry?
While Cheol Ji-seon was still swimming through uncertainty and doubt—
—Now!
“…!”
The divine signaled through sound.
He urged him to open the magic gate, now!
Hearing the cue, Cheol Ji-seon immediately turned his attention to where Gu Yangcheon was standing and reached out his hand.
Just a slight flick of his fingertips.
Something was latched on at the end.
This is the part.
If he relied solely on this sensation and tore it apart—
—Catastrophe would ensue!
Gu Yangcheon appeared to be immobilized, his movements sealed.
He would be swallowed by the magic gate that had opened beneath him.
And he might never return—
Just like what had happened to his father back then.
“Ugh….”
Holding onto a fissure that had already opened without breaking it would mean immense pain.
Yet, Cheol Ji-seon hesitated until the very end.
Living memories that lingered vaguely haunted him.
Causing harm to others in this manner…
Even if he saved Sega and rescued his sister…
He had a fleeting thought that his sister might look down on him if this happened.
—Cheol Prince!
The divine being called Cheol Ji-seon once more, pushing for action.
When he shifted his gaze,
The divine lowered his head, evidently trying to stall for time while keeping Gu Yangcheon’s focus.
No more hesitating if he wanted to fulfill his promise.
One…
‘As expected… I can’t do this,’
Cheol Ji-seon found himself utterly drained.
No matter what, he just couldn’t bring himself to perform such an act.
‘I am…’
—Hey!
‘…!’
As he was about to loosen his grip and lower his hand—
A fierce voice invaded Cheol Ji-seon’s ears.
It wasn’t the voice of the divine.
—Quit dawdling, just open it. Why are you just standing there gawking?
The voice he overheard was unmistakably Gu Yangcheon’s.
It resonated so clearly, cutting through the divine’s barrier.
He never considered how that could even be possible.
“Uh…?”
—Won’t you hurry up and open it? If you’re not going to, why are you even waving your arms around? Want me to take it off for you?
Hearing Gu Yangcheon’s irritated tone,
Eventually, Cheol Ji-seon moved his trembling fingers along the texture.
A hesitation that had lingered so long was easily swept aside by Gu Yangcheon’s tantrum.
Slash-!
He felt as though he had torn through air like ripping paper.
Cheol Ji-seon hated that sensation fiercely.
—And just like that,
Boom-!
As expected, beneath Gu Yangcheon’s feet, the dimension twisted and a magic gate emerged.
Seeing this, the divine beamed with a smile.
Gu Yangcheon looked on with wide eyes in surprise.
Indeed…
As anticipated, Gu Yangcheon stiffened…
—It won’t take long. Just remain still.
‘…Eh?’
Contrary to Gu Yangcheon’s shocked expression, who was staring in astonishment at the divine,
The divine’s telepathic tone was remarkably calm and collected towards Cheol Ji-seon.
Just as he pondered about the unfolding situation—
“Hey, you can close it now.”
A voice that was not a sound from Gu Yangcheon broke through.
“…Oh!?”
Gu Yangcheon, who should have been incapable of motion,
Suddenly began to act without a care atop the magic gate.
He moved with blistering speed.
Snatching the divine’s neck and pulling him onto the magic gate.
“How…?”
Cheol Ji-seon found himself exclaiming involuntarily.
Even his own father, a peak-level warrior, couldn’t budge an inch.
How was Gu Yangcheon moving so effortlessly?
It was so swift that even the divine couldn’t respond.
Boom-!
From that juncture,
Slowly, the magic gate began to close in on the two.
Cheol Ji-seon hadn’t deliberately closed it.
Instead, he had hoped to prevent it from closing if at all possible.
Though the captured divine struggled,
The restraint appeared effective, as the divine’s body lay stiff atop the magic gate.
This indicated one thing:
Only Gu Yangcheon was able to move freely.
Before Cheol Ji-seon could fathom how he found himself in that situation—
Boom-!
The open magic gate swallowed the two whole.
In an instant, they vanished from sight.
“Uh…?”
And so, Cheol Ji-seon found himself left bewildered in a situation that he couldn’t comprehend.
Cheol Ji-seon stared blankly at the space where the two had disappeared.
A few seconds later, he regained his senses and contemplated.
‘Now…’
‘Now… what do I do?’
The divine had opened the magic realm as he wished.
Yet, Gu Yangcheon had seized the divine and dragged him into the Demon Realm.
His thoughts began to stumble and fumble.
He felt utterly uncertain about what to do next.
Could it be that Gu Yangcheon wanted to throw himself into a deadly situation?
He certainly didn’t exhibit that sort of persona…
In this situation, such a bizarre thought crossed his mind.
“Ah, what should I do now…?”
Assuming Gu Yangcheon was acting as he did.
If even the divine, who promised to safeguard him, vanished…
What on earth was he to do from here?
As Cheol Ji-seon pondered the uncertain road ahead,
Just as he sought clarity among the mess—
Boom-!
“…Huh?”
Above Cheol Ji-seon’s head,
A sudden disturbance erupted in the clear blue sky.
He looked up at the sky with an inexplicable sense of discomfort.
“What’s that…?”
Cheol Ji-seon’s eyes widened in astonishment as he gazed towards the sky.
It was no surprise.
What had once seemed like a splendid day was now turning increasingly dark.
“What on earth is that…?”
That bizarre phenomenon—
At the very least, it was not within his realm of strength.
He did not possess the ability to overshadow a bright day with night.
In a scenario that sent chills down his spine just with his gaze—
The words of the divine echoed in Cheol Ji-seon’s mind.
Those were the assurances the divine had given him amid his worries.
—Don’t worry. I have everything under control.
As that thought occurred, a bead of cold sweat dripped down his brow.
“…No way.”
Could it be that the method the divine had referenced meant this?
Fighting against his trembling body, Cheol Ji-seon bolted down the mountainside.
He rushed towards the people.
He was worried about both Gu Yangcheon and the divine.
But above all, instincts were directing Cheol Ji-seon.
Whether the recent events were a prelude to a disaster was uncertain.
Around them,
Something unusual just might be beginning.
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