Chapter 138: Star
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 138: Star
I recalled Peng Woojin’s appearance at the Gu Clan a few months back.
Even then, the man had radiated an aura that unmistakably marked him as a scion of the Peng Clan. He’d stubbornly insisted on participating in the Nine Dragons tournament, despite already holding the title of Young Lord.
So why had he tried to become a swordsman for the Gu Clan?
Was it because he ‘wasn’t having fun’?
That was essentially it.
He’d said so himself—that he’d run away from home because he found the Peng Clan dull, and joining the Gu Clan as a swordsman seemed like an interesting change of pace. It was utterly nonsensical.
In the midst of that commotion, the Second Elder had knocked him out with a single blow.
Every memory I had of him was enough to drive me mad.
“...Why are you here again, Young Lord Peng?” I asked him.
“Hmm? Is this a place I shouldn’t be?” Peng Woojin replied, his tone as laid-back as ever.
“Not necessarily, but…”
“Then it’s fine!”
“...”
We’d barely spoken, and my head was already starting to ache. This always happened when I dealt with people like him. The guy who’d constantly followed me around in my past life had been the same way.
As I studied Peng Woojin’s bright smile, my thoughts drifted.
The Heavenly Dragon.
That was the title Peng Woojin had held before becoming the Young Lord of the Peng Clan—a title reserved for the most dazzling young prodigy of the generation, a star shining with brilliant radiance. He had relinquished it upon his ascension.
Didn’t he let it go a little too early?
By age, he was still very much a young prodigy. If I were in his position, I would have hesitated to give up such a prestigious title.
“Young Lord Peng.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“Did you run away from home again?” I asked, just in case. His track record was frankly insane.
Peng Woojin looked dumbfounded for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter. “Do you think I’m some kind of troublemaker?”
Aren’t you?
“What kind of person would come to the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament after running away from home?”
“There could be people who run away because they find home dull and hope to come here.”
“What kind of maniac would do that…”
“...Pardon?”
What is this maniac saying?
It was as if he’d completely forgotten his own past actions. Seeing my incredulous look, Peng Woojin smiled. “Just kidding!”
Damn it. After just a brief conversation, I already wanted to go home.
“Don’t worry. This time, I’m here on business with the Murim Alliance.”
Business, huh?
Did the Murim Alliance really need Peng Woojin for something? And even if they did, was the task important enough to warrant his coming all the way to Hanam?
I fixed my gaze on him, and Peng Woojin slightly averted his eyes as he responded, “...How could I not come out when I have an excuse like this?”
It sounded less like a response and more like a confession.
“...I’m not breaking any rules, though.”
“No one said a thing, Young Lord Peng.”
He always seemed desperate to leave his clan. What was the point of becoming Young Lord if he was going to act like this?
Not that I should be talking…
Every household had its own issues, though none seemed to have as many as mine.
“By the way, did you come alone?”
“Hmm? No.” He gestured behind him.
There stood Namgung Cheonjun, glaring daggers at me.
“You came with Nam… the Lightning Dragon?” I’d almost said “Namgung bastard.” What was he doing here?
“Should I call it a coincidence? It just turned out that way.”
A coincidence that the Young Lord and the soon-to-be Young Lord of two of the Four Noble Clans were traveling together? I had my doubts.
Did Namgung Cheonjun’s earlier arrival have something to do with Peng Woojin, then?
“Oh, if you’re asking about my sister, she’ll arrive in a few days.”
I hadn’t been asking about Peng Ah-hee… but she was coming later on her own?
As if reading my curiosity, Peng Woojin continued, his voice slightly shaky, “...We originally planned to come together later, but I wanted to get here as soon as possible, so I ditched her. She might be angry, but it should be fine.”
At this point, I wondered if Peng Woojin’s greatest hobby was pissing off Peng Ah-hee. The last time I saw them, she’d beaten him like a dog. Was he really going to be okay? I highly doubted it.
“That’s that.”
“I don’t think you should ignore something like that so easily…”
“Do you still have the wood I gave you last time?”
He completely brushed me off.
The wood he mentioned…
He was likely referring to the black wooden insignia he’d given me before. He’d said that presenting it at the Peng Clan would grant me the same treatment as himself. It was a burdensome item to possess.
“I told you you should visit sometime, man,” he said, sounding disappointed.
“It hasn’t even been a year, Young Lord…” Though it had been close.
I’d been traveling nonstop, with no time to visit the Peng Clan. Even if I had the time, I doubt I would have gone.
“U-um.” Gu Jeolyub cautiously joined our conversation. “Are you perhaps the Heavenly Dragon, Young Lord Peng Woojin?”
His voice was uncharacteristically hesitant—I’d never heard Gu Jeolyub sound so careful.
Peng Woojin looked at him and nodded. “Yes, though I no longer go by that title…”
“I-I am Gu Jeolyub… Would it be possible to shake your hand?”
“Hmm…?” Peng Woojin’s gaze shifted to me. “Is he your older brother?”
“No. Our clan has only one son.”
“Makes sense—you two aren’t alike at all! This guy is handsome, unlike—”
“I don’t know what you’re about to say, but please refrain.”
“I was kidding again.”
Laughing, Peng Woojin shook Gu Jeolyub’s hand. Gu Jeolyub looked as if he’d just received a priceless gift.
What’s with him?
I found it a little embarrassing. Muyeon, who was with us, probably felt the same—
Never mind. He looked jealous too. Was he insane?
Did the title “Heavenly Dragon” really mean that much to people? I’d seen this kind of reverence in my past life, but it felt new every time.
[Brat, aren’t you the one who cares too little about things like this?]
That might be possible.
I’d always been full of myself, and I hated hearing about Dragons or Phoenixes. I’d deliberately avoided learning about their abilities in the past.
Now, I saw them everywhere.
He’s strong.
Peng Woojin’s physique didn’t match the typical Peng Clan build—known for being large and destructive. Instead, he was slim and flexible-looking. Yet, I could sense immense power within him.
He’s well beyond the Peak Realm.
My instincts told me so.
It seemed I wasn’t the only one sizing him up. Peng Woojin locked eyes with me and said, “I knew you would get stronger.”
His dark eyes sparkled with interest.
I offered a faint, fake smile. “No one else thinks so. How unique of you.”
“Indeed. I’m more fascinated by why no one else sees it.”
“And I’m more fascinated by how certain you seem, Young Lord Peng.”
“People call me strange, but my feeling wasn’t wrong. The proof is standing right before me.”
Just as I had observed his martial realm, he seemed to have seen something in me—even though I was carefully concealing my strength. Whether it was due to vast experience or innate instinct, he’d seen through me.
For me, it was the former. For Peng Woojin, I assumed it was the latter.
It was a difference in natural talent. What took a lifetime of experience for some came effortlessly to those born with such unfair gifts.
My past self had died walking in the shadows of their brilliance…
But I pushed those thoughts aside for now.
It’s the same this time, too.
I burned away the lingering jealousy with inner resolve. I would only look forward. If I wasn’t good enough, I would simply work harder. That was the only way to overcome the challenges ahead.
[That’s a good mindset.]
You’re complimenting me for once.
[I will when it’s deserved. Who would criticize a martial artist striving to improve?]
Why are you suddenly acting cool? It’s making me shiver.
[Haha, you rotten… Should I demonstrate the Plum Blossom Sword Art with words alone to make you shut up?]
Though I responded impudently out of embarrassment, Elder Shin’s words had touched me. He’d probably noticed.
“Oh, I heard you’re engaged. That makes you family with my Namgung friend over there, right?” Peng Woojin smiled and pointed at Namgung Cheonjun, who flinched.
“Not exactly,” I replied.
“Eh, I’d say you’re family once you’re engaged.”
“Then what about when I was engaged to the Peng Cla—”
“Oh! Since we’ve met early, how about a duel?”
Why bother speaking if you aren’t going to listen, you piece of…!
Seeing his eagerness, I sighed and declined. “It’s a little difficult right now.”
A duel, out of nowhere? Did he think he was Namgung Bi-ah?
Peng Woojin’s mouth turned down in disappointment. Why did every guy I meet ask for a duel? You’d think becoming a Young Lord would make someone more subdued.
…
I coughed awkwardly, reminded of my own behavior as a Young Lord in the past. I wasn’t one to judge.
“Let’s do it next time. I don’t think I’m ready yet.”
Yet.
Peng Woojin caught the meaning behind that single word and laughed. “This is why I like you.”
I frowned at his creepy words. This was only our second meeting—why did he have to make me so uncomfortable?
“Young Lord Peng… I’ll say it again: I like women.”
“I told you not to worry… I like women too?”
“Why is there a question mark at the end?!”
Was he not going to drop that question mark? I swear, I’ll kill him.
Peng Woojin laughed loudly as I growled. Namgung Cheonjun, who had been watching, approached and said, “Brother Peng, it’s time for us to leave.”
“Oh, already?” Peng Woojin scratched the back of his head, seeming reluctant.
“...I guess there’s no helping it. Until next time, Young Master Gu! We’ll meet again soon.”
“No, you really don’t have to bother.”
“Next time, I’ll bring my little sister along!”
“...Why?”
Why would he do that when she and I had an uncomfortable history? Did he forget I was the one who broke the engagement between our clans?
Oblivious to my irritation, Peng Woojin bid farewell and walked away, looking disappointed. As he left, I felt Namgung Cheonjun’s gaze on me.
Jealousy.
Our eyes met, and I recognized a host of familiar emotions in his gaze. People with eyes like that always caused trouble. I had been like that in the past, and so had many others.
“Not good,” I muttered.
“What is?” Gu Jeolyub asked.
Compared to when I’d dragged him to the training grounds, his eyes now shone with curiosity.
“Nothing. By the way, you seemed very happy earlier.”
“Pardon?”
“Did you like Young Lord Peng’s hands that much?”
“He’s… the Heavenly Dragon.”
The Heavenly Dragon, to be precise. Muyeon nodded slightly in agreement.
That stupid title! If it was really such a big deal, I’d get it myself.
“Let’s just train.”
My original goal had been training. Whether it was Peng, Namgung, or whatever, I was going to focus on that now.
Bringing Gu Jeolyub here had turned out to be a brilliant idea. Watching him roll around on the ground, pretending to train, was oddly relieving.
* * *
In the carriage heading to the Murim Alliance after leaving Bacheonmaru, a peaceful silence prevailed.
Namgung Cheonjun broke it, addressing Peng Woojin, who was gazing out the window. “Brother Peng.”
Peng Woojin’s eyes shifted at the sound of his voice, but he didn’t turn his head. “May I ask how you came to know Young Master Gu?”
Peng Woojin’s expression had shifted dramatically the moment he parted from Gu Yangcheon. Just as during their journey to Hanam, his face was now an emotionless mask, devoid of any feeling. Namgung Cheonjun felt a chill at that hollow gaze.
“Why are you curious?” Peng Woojin’s voice was cold, a stark contrast to the cheerful tone he’d used with Gu Yangcheon.
“I saw a different side of you.”
“Young Master Namgung.”
“Yes, Brother Peng.”
“Do you wish to become a star?”
Namgung Cheonjun froze, unable to grasp the meaning behind the sudden question.
“What are you…”
“Do you think you can make yourself shine?”
Namgung Cheonjun reflected inwardly. He believed he was already shining—that was why he was called the Lightning Dragon and praised by countless young prodigies. But he couldn’t say it aloud. Peng Woojin’s expression was sharp as a blade.
Without waiting for a response, Peng Woojin continued, “I admire those who shine on their own. The sight of a star burning brightly stirs an excitement in me like nothing else. How could I not welcome such a thing?”
“...”
“Young Master Gu is exactly that. He’s like a raging fire, shining brilliantly. How could I dislike someone like him?”
Namgung Cheonjun didn’t understand. How could Gu Yangcheon be the one shining? He was just a bastard with a nasty personality.
He might be talented, but that was all.
After the incident that day, Namgung Cheonjun had been confined to his clan as punishment… but that confinement had led to significant growth. He was certain he could easily defeat Gu Yangcheon if he used qi.
That was why he was eager to participate in the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament—to see Gu Yangcheon humiliated in defeat, and to ensure his sister’s…
“Regarding the Lord of Heaven.”
Namgung Cheonjun’s thoughts were cut short.
Peng Woojin’s obsidian eyes seemed terrifying to him now.
“I don’t know what exactly he expects from me, but don’t get your hopes up. I, too, have none for you.”
Clench.
Namgung Cheonjun’s fist tightened at Peng Woojin’s cold words. As he moved, the blue bracelet on his wrist swayed—a gift from the Lord of Heaven himself before his departure for Hanam.
“...Understood.”
“Also.” Peng Woojin, who had been gazing out the window, now fixed his eyes on Namgung Cheonjun. His tone was frigid. “Address me by the correct title. I am not your brother.”
His demeanor was a world away from when he’d told Gu Yangcheon to call him ‘bro.’
Chilled by Peng Woojin’s words, Namgung Cheonjun sealed his lips and nodded.
Silence once again filled the carriage as it continued toward the Murim Alliance.