Chapter 77
Chapter 77
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: Dinner with General Chung Yeon
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Around lunchtime, we arrived at the north gate of the demon beast encampment. After going through the same verification process as when we first entered, we passed through the gate, and Hwangbo Seongu's group, who had arrived a bit earlier, approached us.
“How did it go?”
Professor Hwangbo Gwang glanced at Wi Seongcheon and Paeng Yeonhwa before addressing Seo Il. Seo Il beamed as if he’d been waiting for the question.
“You mean our students? This was my first time subjugating demon beasts, so I couldn’t show a professor’s proper form, but our students were so outstanding that I felt ashamed by comparison! Just a moment ago...”
“...No, not that...”
Professor Hwangbo stared blankly at Seo Il, who was gushing about the students’ excellence.
He had meant to ask if Paeng Yeonhwa had caused any more trouble, but Seo Il had taken it completely differently. Still, it was answer enough.
‘Looks like she didn’t act out.’
Professor Hwangbo glanced at Paeng Yeonhwa again. She met his gaze without flinching.
Her boldness made his eyebrow twitch. But he couldn’t outright call her rude. His shoulder, where she had struck him before, was inexplicably throbbing.
“I caught a Faceless Ghost.”
Hwangbo Seongu turned to Wi Seongcheon with a look of disbelief. Wi Seongcheon was grinning up at him. Hwangbo Seongu grimaced, his cheek scars twitching.
“...And what am I supposed to do about it?”
“You didn’t catch one, right?”
“Are you mocking me right now?”
“Just stating facts.”
It was definitely mockery. Hwangbo Seongu clenched his fist, glaring at Wi Seongcheon’s sly smile. The scars on his cheeks made his twisted expression look even fiercer.
“If a Faceless Ghost had appeared in front of me, I could’ve killed it too.”
“Sure. You’re Fistbone, after all.”
“...You picking a fight?”
“I said I’m not.”
Wi Seongcheon chuckled and extended his hand toward Hwangbo Seongu. Hwangbo Seongu stared at the offered hand for a moment.
“...What’s this supposed to mean?”
“It’s a bit late for it, but let’s get along.”
“You’re hilarious. What’s with the sudden change?”
“You don’t seem like a bad guy.”
It had been the same when he’d asked to pass on an apology to Paeng Yeonhwa, and just yesterday, Hwangbo Seongu had apologized to her directly. Wi Seongcheon had also heard similar things from U Ha-yeon and Jeong Mi-ju.
After the joint class practical, Hwangbo Seongu had fallen out of favor with the Heavenly Assembly Leader Jin U and been expelled from the Heavenly Assembly. As a result, he’d become an outsider among the Dragon-Phoenix prodigies.
Frankly, Wi Seongcheon felt a little sorry about that. He had used Hwangbo Seongu as a stepping stone to become Hidden Dragon, after all.
“...You’re a riot.”
Hwangbo Seongu snorted and reached out his hand.
“I don’t get why it matters if I’m a bad guy or not.”
Hwangbo Seongu’s wrist moved. Not to clasp Wi Seongcheon’s hand, but to swat it away.
The moment his large hand swung to strike Wi Seongcheon’s, Wi Seongcheon’s hand twisted. It spun over Hwangbo Seongu’s hand, forcibly grabbing his palm.
“You’ve got a weird way of shaking hands.”
Wi Seongcheon grinned at him. Hwangbo Seongu’s forearm bulged with veins as he winked. He tried to crush Wi Seongcheon’s hand with his grip strength, but Wi Seongcheon quickly pulled free.
“If you don’t have anyone to eat lunch with, let me know. I’ll join you.”
“You bastard!”
“That’s how guys bond—by fighting.”
Wi Seongcheon teased with a laugh. Enraged, Hwangbo Seongu swung a clenched fist, but Wi Seongcheon ducked low and slipped under it.
It was playful, but his movements were no joke. Hwangbo Seongu glared at him, breathing heavily.
“Wanna fight for real?”
“Here? Nah. And you already lost to me.”
“You little shit!”
“Next time, next time.”
Wi Seongcheon laughed heartily as he walked past Hwangbo Seongu.
“Miss.”
Jeoksa, one of the Twin-Headed Poison Snakes, approached Dang Seona with a hissing breath.
“I failed to serve you properly. My apologies.”
“It’s fine. No issues.”
“The poison? Are you alright?”
“Didn’t need to use it.”
Dang Seona smiled lightly. Jeoksa bowed her head.
Hwangbo Seongu had growled about a proper match, but no duel happened. Dojun had urged them toward the center of the encampment.
After escorting Seo Il, Wi Seongcheon, and Paeng Yeonhwa to their lodgings, Dojun laid down the law.
“Causing disturbances within the encampment is forbidden. If you do, you’ll face military law. Be warned.”
Dojun glared at Wi Seongcheon as he spoke, referencing his earlier provocation of Hwangbo Seongu.
“So we’re supposed to just stay put?”
“You’re free to move around the encampment, but be cautious. The soldiers and hunters here don’t care much for Heavenly Academy students.”
It was unavoidable. For those risking their lives against demon beasts, they couldn’t like academy students who came just for a short “training” stint.
There was also jealousy mixed in toward the Heavenly Academy students, who were prodigies of prestigious clans and sects.
“So try not to wander outside the lodgings if possible. The soldiers might be fine, but hunters who hate you lot might pick fights.”
“What about food?”
“Do as you like. The barracks mess doesn’t charge, but I don’t recommend it. Honestly, the food’s just so-so. You all have money, so eat at other places.”
The encampment wasn’t just military facilities. Many risked their lives for coin—hunters stationed here, and merchants catering to them.
“Lunch is fine, but skip dinner. Or eat if you must.”
“Why?”
“Probably because General Chung Yeon will summon you for dinner tonight.”
Dojun left after that, to report yesterday’s and today’s events to General Chung Yeon.
He wasn’t the only one moving. The guide soldiers from each squad headed to the general’s tent.
Like Dojun, to report on any standout students.
Breakfast had been one Bigu Pill, and lunch was skipped. Wi Seongcheon wasn’t hungry, but he wanted something to eat. While cultivating Heavenly Flower Chain Art in the shabby lodging room, he opened his eyes at a knock.
“Let’s go.”
Dojun waited outside. Wi Seongcheon grinned as if he’d expected it. Dojun took not just him, but also Paeng Yeonhwa and Dang Seona, leaving the lodging.
Paeng Yeonhwa looked a bit tense, while Dang Seona seemed annoyed.
“We didn’t do anything noteworthy.”
“If you’re one of the Four Beauties of the Dragon-Phoenix, you get attention just by existing.”
“What about Professor Seo Il?”
“The general’s interested in students, not professors. A heads-up: bow your heads when you meet him.”
Dojun led them to General Chung Yeon’s tent. It wasn’t grand. For the commander of Gansu Demon Beast Encampment, it looked downright rundown.
But the security was tight, with hidden presences felt even if not seen.
‘Impressive.’
As the general’s secret guards, their concealment was top-notch. Wi Seongcheon tried to pinpoint them but struggled.
Demonic Cult spies might edge them out in stealth alone, but he’d detected those because they couldn’t fully hide their demonic energy.
“You too?”
They ran into Hwangbo Seongu entering the tent. He was alone. Though Jeoksa from his squad was Dang Seona’s servant, she hadn’t been summoned.
“Told you I caught a Faceless Ghost. You didn’t even get one—why’re you here?”
“Should I rip that mouth off?”
“Like you could?”
Hwangbo Seongu bristled with killing intent, but Wi Seongcheon just chuckled. Hwangbo Seongu genuinely wanted to punch him but held back. This was the general’s tent.
The man already disliked martial artists; no need to stir up trouble.
“No pointless bickering. Follow me in.”
At Dojun’s urging, they entered. A delicious aroma hit Wi Seongcheon, who sniffed appreciatively. The feast was already prepared.
“Sorry for the delay.”
Dojun bowed upon entering. A large round table sat in the center of the spacious room, laden with various dishes.
As informed beforehand, Wi Seongcheon bowed. Not just him.
Dang Seona bowed reluctantly, and Paeng Yeonhwa and Hwangbo Seongu followed suit.
“You’re the last ones.”
A sturdy middle-aged—or perhaps elderly—man sat at the table’s center. Wi Seongcheon noted his graying hair and beard.
This was General Chung Yeon, commander of Gansu Demon Beast Encampment. He wore casual clothes instead of armor, with no guards nearby. No need. Those summoned were verified Heavenly Academy students. Outwardly, at least.
Wi Seongcheon sensed multiple presences hidden, protecting the general.
“Good work, Dojun. You’re dismissed.”
“Understood.”
Dojun bowed and backed out. The door closed behind him. General Chung Yeon stroked his chest-length beard.
“Have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
Wi Seongcheon answered. The general’s eyes snapped to him, sharp as blades beneath thick brows.
“You must be the Heavenly Clan’s Hidden Dragon.”
“Honored you recognize me.”
“And beside you, the Paeng Clan’s Tiger Fang.”
“Yes.”
Paeng Yeonhwa answered tensely. General Chung Yeon smiled, lips curling.
“And the Hwangbo Clan’s Fistbone. Impressive build.”
Hwangbo Seongu didn’t reply, just dipped his head slightly toward the general.
“Not our first meeting, is it, Beauty?”
“You didn’t summon me for pleasantries.”
Dang Seona tilted her head as she spoke. Rude words, but the general wasn’t offended. He laughed heartily and nodded.
“True. Unpleasant to call you again?”
“Your previous offer was an honor beyond my station. I declined firmly, thinking it unfit for me. Still lingering, are you?”
“Of course. The Four Beauties warrant three visits and earnest pleas.”
“If you insist on recruiting, try my sister instead.”
Dang Seona glanced at Dang Heeran, seated at the table. Dang Heeran bit her lower lip and looked down.
“Haha! No rush. And I didn’t call you here for that today. How long will you stand? Sit.”
General Chung Yeon gestured. Wi Seongcheon moved first, claiming a seat and beckoning Paeng Yeonhwa. She hesitated, then sat beside him after he pulled out her chair with a smile.
‘All the noteworthy ones are here.’
Wi Seongcheon thought, scanning the table. From the second-year advanced class: Sword Dragon Tae Huimyeong, White Orchid Cheong Wuyeon, and Beauty Dang Seona.
Also, Yeongjin from Jeonchang, who’d greeted him before. Four from second year. From first-years, only Wi Seongcheon and Paeng Yeonhwa were basic class; the rest advanced.
Heavenly Person Mu Yeonjun, Flying Swallow Sang Irin. Venom Hand Dang Heeran. Twin Moon Wheels Ha Ji-tae. Fistbone Hwangbo Seongu.
Every advanced-class student except Yeong Sojin had been summoned.
‘She’s probably tearing her hair out in frustration.’
Wi Seongcheon could guess why Yeong Sojin was left out. Her martial arts were useless against demon beasts, if not people.
“Eat.”
General Chung Yeon picked up his chopsticks. Wi Seongcheon grabbed nearby food and glanced at Mu Yeonjun. All Dragon-Phoenix from first and second years gathered.
Mu Yeonjun’s presence was unexpected.
Given his personality, Wi Seongcheon had thought he’d decline.
‘...No, that’s silly.’
Wi Seongcheon knew nothing about Mu Yeonjun.
“Hidden Dragon.”
As Wi Seongcheon shoveled food in, General Chung Yeon called him. Wi Seongcheon turned, chewing steadily.
“I heard you had questions for me?”
“Mm, yeah.”
The food was hot. Wi Seongcheon chewed thoroughly, swallowed, and wiped his mouth.
“How could I dare question a general first? If you permit, I’ll ask.”
“Hah, so if I don’t, you won’t? Clever.”
“Ah, it comes off that way? Naturally. But I do hope you’ll allow it.”
“Haha!”
General Chung Yeon burst into laughter at Wi Seongcheon’s banter.
“Can’t refuse after that. I’m not so petty as to deny a child’s question.”
But first. He filled his cup with liquor.
“I didn’t call you just to eat leisurely. Shall we talk business first?”
“Please do.”
“You’re all exceptional prodigies.”
General Chung Yeon swirled his cup, eyeing the students seated round the table.
“Dragon-Phoenix. And even those not quite, but proven outstanding.”
His gaze passed Yeongjin and Ha Ji-tae, lingered on Paeng Yeonhwa, then settled on Wi Seongcheon.
“I’d like to lean on that talent a bit. If it’s too much, put down your chopsticks and leave.”
No one rose. He was a general. Even Dragon-Phoenix or Nine Great Righteous Sects prodigies couldn’t afford arrogance.
“Staying means you’ll lend your strength. True heroes.”
“Get to the point.”
Dang Seona said irritably. Sly old fox. He’d guilt them with talk of righteousness if they backed out.
“Not a big deal.”
General Chung Yeon smiled faintly.
“You came here for demon beast subjugation training, right?”
His cup rose slowly to his lips.
“Don’t just do the training.”
The emptied cup lowered cleanly.