### Chapter: 681
A table where men gather, and there’s no alcohol.
It was truly a bizarrely evocative sight.
Is it because it’s so unusual? I could feel the eyes of those around me glancing at this place.
I ignored their stares and took a sip of the tea in front of me.
‘Probably not because of that.’
The reason for their attention wasn’t due to the absence of alcohol.
“Isn’t that one the Sage?”
“I heard that not long ago at Mang, there was talk about seeing the Sage. So it was true, huh?”
“He really is handsome.”
It was also thanks to Peng Woo-jin, who was quietly enjoying his meal in front of me.
“Then is that the inflammation line next to him?”
“Soyeomra? What do you mean all of a sudden with Soyeomra?”
It was also because I was enjoying dumplings with him.
“I heard there was a young man who pretended to know the Sage. They say that’s Soyeomra.”
“Is that author next to him also the Sage? I can’t see his face very well…”
“No, the one next to him.”
“Next to him? Oh, wait!”
“I was wondering how such a fierce-looking young man could be called the Soyeomra… Surprisingly, it really is him.”
What’s going on then?
What’s so surprising about it?
I wanted to walk over and confront them right away, but I held back. I’ve gotten used to this kind of treatment by now.
It’s really sad that I’ve adapted to this.
“Right. He was once called the youngest Hwagyeong… Of course, in the end…”
I couldn’t hear the rest of what he said. But I could easily guess what they were getting at.
They probably said it was a lie or a rumor or something along those lines.
I didn’t feel any particular emotion about it.
From the start, I didn’t affirm or deny anything. In fact, I preferred it more when rumors faded away like this.
The problem is…
“Hey, my chopsticks are shaking.”
…!
What’s worse is that the guy next to me is reacting even more strongly than I am.
“What’s wrong?”
…It’s nothing…
He pulled down his hood more deeply, trying to hide his face.
“If you’re going to be that nervous, why did you even come out to eat?”
“Hoho, don’t be like that!”
Peng Woo-jin softly interrupted me, moving his hands slightly.
He brought the dumpling in front of us closer to the ddaengjung.
“Your Excellency, how much must you have wanted to eat to come here? I completely understand.”
“Thank you…”
“How delicious must it be for you to come here against all odds? Nobody! Not a single person among those I’ve seen so far would have done this. Doesn’t that mean that this dumpling house is incredibly good?”
…
…
I see. It was a backhanded compliment.
It was a level of sarcasm I had never even dared to consider.
…This guy.
Is there something I could learn from this?
I thought I could take something away from it.
I don’t know if he meant it sincerely or not.
Because Peng Woo-jin’s expression was the very essence of sincerity.
He tilted his head while looking at the trembling ddaengjung holding the chopsticks.
“What are you doing? You can eat as much as you want.”
“Th-thank you… thank you…”
The kid shivered but managed to pick up a dumpling with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth.
As soon as I saw that, I said,
“Oh, you’re eating this! Even in this situation, you’re going to shove it in again?”
Ugh…
In an instant, he nearly spat it out from shock but forced himself to swallow it and began eating.
Seeing this, I thought I understood his condition completely.
‘So determined to eat, huh?’
Since he’s already been caught, he’ll eat it no matter what.
That kind of attitude was very evident.
Just how much does he want to eat? What’s so special about these dumplings…
… I shouldn’t say this, but…
As I watched Ddaengjung eat diligently, I also began to play with my own chopsticks.
I meant to grab a dumpling for myself.
Clash.
“Huh?”
…Hmm?
The chopsticks clashed. Now that I look, there’s just one dumpling left.
After confirming this, I spoke to Jinryong.
“Just put it down. You’ve been giving in until now.”
Following my words, Jinryong continued,
“…Your Excellency, since this is served by the Sage, it doesn’t quite make sense for the Sage to yield.”
“Huh?”
Look at this guy?
“If you’ve been working hard to eat everything up until now, at least one should be offered. How can you be greedy like that? We shouldn’t be desirous of material things.”
“Of the nine dumplings, three were eaten by the Sage, and I ate three, so these belong to the lesser monk.”
“You’re counting that too?”
When did you start counting all those?
With a bewildered expression, I looked at Jinryong, who had a slight smirk at the corner of his mouth.
Could it be that you think you won? I said in a resigned voice after seeing that.
“It’s true that Ddaengjung was eating dumplings here in the first place, right? Even the ones with meat in them?”
…!
When I brought up the most fundamental argument, Jinryong flinched and shivered a bit.
It seemed even he felt a sense of conscience pricking.
This is the time.
Whoosh!
“Huh!”
While Jinryong was hesitating, I quickly shoved the last dumpling into my mouth.
At that, Jinryong had a look on his face as if the sky was falling.
No matter how I looked at it, that wasn’t the expression of someone munching on dumplings.
‘What on earth is in these dumplings?’
No, really, what is it about meat that gets a Taoist and a monk all worked up like this?
‘Well, let’s say Woohyuk is like that.’
Even if he’s a bit odd, we can reason with that.
‘But what about him?’
The guy in front of me was completely puzzling.
What in the world is he doing here?
‘And at this particular place?’
Just like the first time we met, our second encounter also happened here.
It feels like we met while eating dumplings that time too. Now it’s dumplings once more.
‘… The monk even knows the taste of meat.’
Like Peng Woo-jin said, this restaurant’s dumplings must really be delicious.
“Please give me one more plate of dumplings.”
“Yes—!”
When Peng Woo-jin placed the order after noticing the empty plate, Jinryong’s expression lit up.
“Did you come hungry?”
…No.
“Isn’t that so?”
I pressed, and Jinryong no longer answered.
He seemed ready to ignore me and just eat.
Seeing that, I couldn’t help but smile and took a sip of tea.
As I quietly watched him without saying anything.
“Therefore, that youth is the Sage.”
“They say he was famous at one time and called the True Dragon… Lately, I don’t know why there haven’t been any rumors about him. Even…”
The guy before us paused for a moment and then continued.
“They even say he was called the youngest Hwagyeong.”
A shiver ran through.
At those words, Ddaengjung’s hands began to tremble as he was eating the dumplings.
“Hey, you little punk! Do you believe that ridiculous rumor?”
“No, I was just saying that’s what the rumors said. Even with such a big rumor circulating, everything feels too quiet…”
Their murmurs tickled my ears.
While they probably thought they were speaking quietly, they couldn’t fool my keen senses.
“It’s probably because there’s been no activity from him.”
“Even so… something feels off…”
I wanted to listen further and hear what they were getting at.
Woow!
“Huh?”
I felt an energy surrounding us.
It was jaw-dropping.
But the energy felt unusual.
It was a very pure and clean presence.
‘If it feels like this…’
I turned my head quickly to look.
“What are you doing?”
…
It turns out the energy was produced by Jinryong.
It must have been to block out external sounds.
“What’s this about?”
I waved my hand in the air as I questioned him.
Even Peng Woo-jin and Jinryong must have heard the whispers.
There was no need to pile onto what I said.
“What, are you going to think quietly now?”
“Not really….”
Jinryong avoided answering and turned his gaze away.
I couldn’t tell what he was thinking.
While I watched him shake his head, he finally spoke.
“So… Prince Gu.”
Suddenly, Peng Woo-jin, who had been sitting next to me, began talking.
“Why haven’t you come to see your family?”
…All of a sudden?
What kind of nonsense is this? The sudden line of questioning caused me to frown.
“I didn’t even give you my tokens. I told you to come find me.”
“Oh.”
That finally clicked.
Upon reflection, I actually received something.
‘It was that black badge.’
If I went to the Pang family with that, surely they would welcome me warmly.
It’s been several years since I got it, yet I never once visited the Pang family.
“There hasn’t been a particular occasion. I’ve been busy.”
It was a time when I was being tossed around; saving myself was tough enough.
Where could I have comfortably gone during that time, anyway?
I certainly didn’t have the time to go visit.
One could say that was the case.
‘Even if I had time, I wouldn’t have gone anyway.’
What business would I have at the Pang family?
It isn’t like we share a good relationship, and they must be gritting their teeth at me still.
“I’ll visit later when I genuinely have the time.”
“Hmm… I’ll take your word for it.”
“Don’t trust it too much…”
The pressure is driving me crazy. Why is this kid so fixated on me?
“… So, Prince Peng, are you actually thinking of participating in the Non-Woongje?”
Feeling annoyed, I shifted the conversation.
“Huh? Of course, I am. I’ve already applied.”
As he spoke, Peng Woo-jin showed me his wooden badge.
It served as proof that I had indeed submitted my application, the same one I had. I continued to ask questions while looking closely at it.
“Why would you do that?”
“Is it strange for a rightful martial artist to participate in an event held by the alliance?”
He was right, so I had nothing to challenge back.
What he said wasn’t outlandish at all.
“Especially since they are boasting that this will be the grandest event in history. I’m really looking forward to it!”
The grandest martial gathering in history.
It’s what the martial world said while announcing the Bimuje.
‘That’s not a lie either.’
When considering the scope of the Bimuje they intend to host and the rewards they prepared for it, it’s undoubtedly grand indeed.
From the great Daehwandan prepared directly by Shaolin.
Also, the Golden Heavenly Dragon Sword, one of the five famed swords of the Central Plains, supposedly kept by the alliance until now.
Alongside that, there are rare silk garments being sold by Mo Yong-se and support that the martial alliance will provide for the next three years.
Hearing about these rewards was enough to widen anyone’s eyes.
‘What the martial artists value the most here is…’
It must be about the Divine Dragon Corps, an elite unit that supposedly disappeared from the martial world.
That was a place where all the masters representing the political sect passed through; it was symbolic.
Although that reputation has faded, the martial alliance announced the revival of the Divine Dragon Corps with this event.
The rewards for this Bimuje included discussions related to this.
‘I heard that those who excel at the Non-Woongje would be allowed to join the Divine Dragon Corps.’
I don’t know how many they will select, but that’s what the alliance mentioned.
In other words, it could be said that this Bimuje is ultimately to establish the Divine Dragon Corps.
The Divine Dragon Corps, symbolizing the righteous sect and known as the sword of the martial alliance.
For warriors who thrive on fame and honor, they would certainly covet this.
Of course.
‘After all, they say that the leader of the Divine Dragon Corps has held the title of the strongest in the world for generations.’
I can’t say how it is now, but supposedly that was the case in the distant past.
There probably was a time when discussions like this would not interrupt each other…
‘Wasn’t it around the time when Geomjon was the leader?’
Geomjon at one time led the Divine Dragon Corps.
Afterward, he ascended to the leader of the alliance, but even though he was called the strongest in the world, he wasn’t the strongest overall.
In the end, the Divine Dragon Corps fell into disbandment.
Consequently, these stories can be seen as having largely faded away.
But.
‘Nonetheless, the martial artists won’t mind.’
The leader of the Divine Dragon Corps is said to become the strongest in the world.
To continue the legend contained in that story, martial artists will flock in like moths to a flame.
Because the current martial artists in the Central Plains are likely those kinds.
“Therefore, does this imply that Prince Peng is also interested in that?”
I spoke while fiddling with my teacup. Peng Woo-jin chuckled and answered.
“Indeed. Didn’t you, Prince Gu, also share the same sentiment, which is why you applied to the event?”
Hmmm.
There was a brief lull after his question.
Honestly, I don’t find much interest in prizes like the Great Hwandan and the Ghost Sword.
The Great Hwandan?
I already have more than enough, and there’s still a poison cauldron out there.
Let alone I possess the original recipe. How could anything like the Great Hwandan mean anything to me?
I can even digest the energy from the Ice Essence by now.
In terms of stakes, it feels like I’ve reached a limit already.
While you can never have too many, I’m unsure what the outcome might be if this number grows.
‘Let’s put the Great Hwandan aside. What about the Five Great Swords of the Central Plains?’
That also seems insignificant.
Not only do I have a sword of that level wrapped around my left arm,
but I’ve no interest in it anyway since it’s not even under review.
Even if a fist hammer were introduced, the outcome would be similar.
The prize itself draws little interest.
Naturally, it wouldn’t be the silk garments or support from the upper tier.
That leaves just one thing.
‘The Divine Dragon Corps.’
Reflecting on this, I smiled and said to Peng Woo-jin.
“Yes, I’m not uninterested in that.”
That’s the only thing I need.
That’s why I was willing to go through the hassle of participating in the Non-Woongje.
‘Alright.’
Only the Divine Dragon Corps.
More specifically.
‘I need a hat.’
A very substantial hat.
I need one that is large, heavy, and wide enough to completely conceal my appearance.
As I voiced that thought, Peng Woo-jin made a curious expression.
“Hmm. Understood.”
While he answered, his expression was unreadable.
Ever since I first saw Peng Woo-jin, his eyes have always looked like that.
Eyes that appear lighthearted, yet you can never quite sense what’s on his mind.
His demeanor starkly contrasts with the honest and cheerful-looking Pang Ah-hee.
Even his father, the head of the Peng clan, seemed transparent, albeit in a less favorable sense.
‘Maybe that’s why I can’t help but feel cautious around him.’
That figure keeps leaving an impression on me.
That’s the kind of person I perceive in Peng Woo-jin.
…
…
Has our conversation come to a close?
An awkward silence settled in.
An uncomfortable silence where nobody spoke.
Should I say anything? I hesitated for a moment before finally attempting to open my mouth.
“Food’s here!”
The waiter arrived at the table with the dumplings we ordered earlier.
Thanks to that, the uncomfortable atmosphere was lifted.
“Oh!”
Seeing the dumplings, Peng Woo-jin once again donned his signature smile.
“It looks delicious. Let’s eat quickly.”
With Peng Woo-jin’s cue, the chopsticks reached out.
For a moment I forgot the previous atmosphere and engaged in eating.
While I was taking bites, I suddenly felt an uncomfortable gaze on me.
I looked around, thinking it might be Peng Woo-jin, but it wasn’t him.
It was Jinryong.
He was glancing at me with a disconcerted look.
For some reason, his stare lingered until I finished eating.
###
After our meal, I stepped outside, feeling satisfied.
It was just past noon, so the day was still bright.
I nodded, looking at the sun shining brightly in the center.
‘I could practice in the afternoon.’
The timing wasn’t too shabby.
I felt like I would be able to focus on training today at this rate.
I was already feeling a bit undertrained, so this was fortunate.
“That was really delicious. This place is the best in Hanam.”
As I walked out, Peng Woo-jin followed closely.
It looked like he had settled the bill.
Shenlong followed behind Peng Woo-jin, who then turned to him and said,
“Hey, I said I’d treat you. Why did you end up paying this?”
… No. I had to do it.”
From what I heard, it appeared Jinryong had paid for his share.
Why go through the trouble of paying when he could have simply let me cover it?
‘It probably doesn’t matter, Shaolin must have a lot of money.’
This is not a place that would be shaken by the dumpling price.
For the upper position there, one could imagine they’d get some pocket change from all kinds of places.
‘Looking at it this way, they say to achieve no desires. No place is as greedy as Shaolin.’
They’re not just running various businesses on the down-low, and they’ve set a base in Hanam. No other place seems more out of place than Shaolin.
“Was it delicious?”
When I asked Jinryong, he let out a small cough.
When I looked closely into his eyes, they seemed satisfied. It must have been tasty.
“I’m glad everyone enjoyed it.”
Peng Woo-jin had managed to procure a toothpick and was picking at his perfect white teeth while walking.
“Since you’ve all finished eating, what are you planning to do next? If you don’t have any plans, maybe we can go for a walk somewhere…”
“I’ll go back and practice.”
“… I see. I can’t interfere with your training then.”
I had expected him to cling onto me, but actually admitting that I’d be training made Peng Woo-jin nod in acknowledgment.
“It was a very lovely gathering. I hope we have more opportunities like this in the future.”
“… Yes, depending on the timing.”
“Haha! What a remarkably cool response! It makes it even better!”
Every single word is genuinely chilling.
This kid must be expressing all this on purpose, right?
“Prince Peng.”
“Sure, go ahead, tell me anything.”
“Just a reminder, I’m fond of women. Plus, I’m already engaged.”
“Yeah? I’m well aware.”
He looked at me as though I was stating the most obvious thing.
On one hand, that expression provided some reassurance.
“I’m glad to hear that… So, Prince Peng, I take it you too, feel the same way?”
“I suspect the next time we meet will be at the Bimuje. I truly look forward to that time…”
“Answer me.”
Damn.
Why did he have to switch topics at this moment?
I stepped back with a grimace, and at that, Peng Woo-jin burst out laughing.
“Hahaha, I’m just joking.”
“Haha, right?”
“Maybe.”
“Damn…”
“Now then, seeing everyone’s busy, I’ll take my leave first. I also have my share of busyness. Hahaha!”
The jerk who was just asking me to walk with him now says he’s busy.
How should I take this?
I suddenly felt wearied and had to shield my forehead with my hand.
“Prince Gu, it’s a pleasure to meet you too.”
It seemed that Peng Woo-jin almost caught himself calling Jinryong a monk but restrained himself.
Probably because of the crowd around us.
As he bowed respectfully, Jinryong awkwardly returned the gesture.
Since the mortal etiquette doesn’t apply to him, he simply lowered his head.
‘What a tangled web we weave.’
Watching this made me wonder what the hell was going on.
“Well, I really have to go now. It’s been lovely meeting you. Truly, really.”
“Please, take care.”
Feeling like he was a bit clingy, I urged him off, and Peng Woo-jin finally stepped back and disappeared.
Surprisingly, there seemed to be no hesitation in his departure.
And so, Peng Woo-jin melted away into the crowd.
I turned to Jinryong, now just the two of us, and said, “Let’s go.”
…
Offering just a brief word, I began to walk.
I really had little more to discuss with him.
As I prepared to ponder my training routine for the afternoon,
“…Why didn’t you say anything?”
Suddenly, I heard Jinryong’s voice.
I turned my head and looked at him.
“Are you talking to me?”
…
He didn’t reply, but Jinryong was clearly fixated on me.
Seeing that, I asked, “What do you mean?”
“It was about what others said earlier…”
“Oh?”
What’s Jinryong attempting to convey?
Scratching my head because I was lost in confusion.
“Ah.”
Something briefly flickered through my mind.
He must be referring to the remarks made by the guests earlier.
“So, that young man is the Sage.”
“They also said he was called the youngest Hwagyeong.”
“I guess it’s due to the lack of activity from him.”
Those were all the words they uttered.
I wondered if that’s what he meant when I turned to Jinryong and asked,
“What should I have answered there?”
Was there even anything for me to say?
“Should I have gone over and tipped the table or something?”
Talking like that while dining surely wouldn’t have offended their tastes.
If I were to just throw everything over?
‘Why on earth?’
I didn’t think it sounded particularly insulting.
At least not by my standard.
Yet, to Jinryong, was that even a valid point of concern?
I don’t take him as someone who’d be fuming over such trivial matters.
‘Was it because of the way he blocked the comments? Even more so, did he have some kind of level of concern?’
Maybe something’s bothering him, hence the current demeanor?
“Never mind. It’s no big deal… Considering the food was good, we can just go our separate ways.”
Once I said that, I redirected my gaze.
With that, I made for my original destination once more.
“… That’s not it.”
Once again, I furrowed my brow at his next words.
Frustration was rising within me as well.
What’s this guy doing insisting on things after having just enjoyed the dumpling feast?
With agitation welling up inside and not bothering to look back, I let slip, “Then what exactly…?”
“The rumor about the youngest Hwagyeong being a lie.”
Stunned.
“… Why didn’t the Lord deny what was said?”
Hearing this, I turned to look at Jinryong once again.
“Wow.”
The annoyance I’d felt just moments ago evaporated, replaced with a sardonic smile teasing the corners of my lips.
I wiped out all the thoughts I had been contemplating just before as I looked at Jinryong.
“You.”
I faced Jinryong and said, “You’re not as dumb as I thought.”
…
Jinryong’s eyes hardened into a piercing glare as he processed my words.
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