Chapter 145: Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 145: Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament (4)
Gu Jeolyub was a son of the Gu Sunmoon.
His memories of his parents were faint; they had perished in the Abyss when he was just five years old. The first figure to take on a parental role was his grandfather, Gu Changjun.
Gu Changjun, who coveted the position of Gu Clan Lord, saw a useful tool in Gu Jeolyub’s innate talent and striking appearance. And Gu Jeolyub, striving to fulfill his grandfather’s ambitions despite the immense pressure…
Harbored a small, secret dream unknown to anyone, even Gu Changjun.
He wanted to be a hero.
A true hero who saved the weak from the world’s dangers.
His motivation wasn’t particularly grand. The person Gu Jeolyub respected most was the Sword Venerable.
He couldn’t help but admire the martial artist who had achieved everything through sheer talent and mastery of the sword. In his active days, the Sword Venerable was known as the Wind Sword—and as a hero.
Even criticism labeling him a vigilante couldn’t deter his resolve to aid the world. His unwavering determination and the feats it produced eventually earned him the title of Sword Venerable in his later years.
What did it mean to be a hero? What was this concept that ignited a blazing spirit within a young boy’s heart?
To the boy, it was a question both impossibly difficult and undeniably simple.
-A martial artist's belief must never be twisted.
-To be a hero is to follow one's heart.
-Only by following your heart can you become a hero.
Long ago, when the Sword Venerable was still called the Wind Sword, he had spoken these words after single-handedly thwarting a True Gate of Demons. They became famous, resonating deeply with every swordsman.
And they were the primary catalyst for Gu Jeolyub’s dream.
I will become a hero.
If following one’s heart was the requirement, then that was precisely the kind of person he needed to be.
To do that, Gu Jeolyub first had to grow up. As a child, he saw only one path ahead, and it had felt right at the time.
But as his mind matured, he began to realize more and more that the path he was on was somewhat crooked.
The reason Gu Jeolyub never once complained about Gu Changjun’s demands was that he believed his grandfather’s ultimate goal aligned with his own. Even if it meant his own life was humiliated in the process.
The clan heir, Gu Yangcheon, had selfishly and viciously bullied the servants.
Which was why I defeated him in that duel.
Gu Jeolyub believed it was far better for him to become clan lord, as his grandfather had always insisted, than for someone like Gu Yangcheon to take the position. He never truly desired the lordship himself, but it was the lesser evil.
A year passed, and then came that day. The starting point of change, and the most humiliating day of Gu Jeolyub’s life.
The day he lost a duel to Gu Yangcheon.
The Gu Yangcheon who couldn’t previously touch the hem of his clothes was still physically unimpressive—poor physique, the same distasteful tone of voice. But Gu Jeolyub felt something strange, perhaps emanating from Gu Yangcheon’s eyes.
They were cold and hollow, like a calm lake devoid of any emotion, making his thoughts impossible to read. Moreover, Gu Jeolyub found he couldn’t meet that gaze directly; his breath would grow erratic, his words stifled.
Like a rabbit trembling before a predator.
Me? Afraid of him? Impossible…!
Unable to accept this reality, he had charged in recklessly. And, as is now known, only humiliating defeat awaited him.
Yet, one thing became clear from the experience: Gu Jeolyub possessed a keen sense. He had been able to perceive the threatening aura Gu Yangcheon radiated.
-Young Masterrrrr!
By observing how Gu Yangcheon looked at his servant after the duel, and how the servant looked back, Gu Jeolyub learned one thing.
That Gu Yangcheon might not be the horrible person he once was.
And that he, Gu Jeolyub, lacked the talent to accurately deduce someone’s capabilities through speculation alone.
I am an imperfect human.
Then how does one become perfect?
I do not know.
Gu Jeolyub didn’t know, because he himself was not perfect.
What defined a hero? What distinguished justice from injustice? He did not yet have the answers.
“Caused some trouble back at the lodge, didn’t you?”
Though he repeatedly questioned himself, Gu Jeolyub knew one thing for certain.
“Why so quiet? Are you scared? Is it because your little crew isn’t here to back you up?”
Justice was a clearer path than injustice. So clear it could not be mistaken.
Hwangbo Cheolwi continued to hurl insults, but Gu Jeolyub did not react.
-You should only act when you are certain you can handle the consequences.
-If you can’t afford to clean up the mess you make, then channel your energy elsewhere.
Gu Jeolyub vividly remembered Gu Yangcheon’s words to him back in Bacheonmaru.
He wasn’t in the wrong. There was no wrongdoing in trying to save a lady in distress. Yet, Gu Yangcheon’s words nagged at him, and he didn’t know why.
“If you’re this scared, why even try to stand up to this mighty Hwangbo?” Hwangbo Cheolwi broke into laughter, as if having a realization. “Oh, is it because of your friends in the back? Some nice-looking girls. How does a guy like you mix with them? You’re just from a mere Gu Clan, after all.”
‘Mere.’ That word bothered him most, but he didn’t show it. Getting involved would likely bring more harm than good, just like last time.
I’m not holding back because of what happened last time.
He tried to convince himself he wasn’t restrained by the memory of Gu Yangcheon forcing his head to the ground.
With his focus on Gu Jeolyub, Hwangbo Cheolwi continued. “That guy at the front.”
Gu Jeolyub’s shoulder twitched slightly.
“The one surrounded by all those girls. Is he the son of the Tiger Warrior? It can’t be you.”
The clues leading Hwangbo Cheolwi to this conclusion were numerous. Gu Yangcheon’s attire featured the Gu Clan’s distinctive red and gold. Unlike Gu Jeolyub’s cold, sharp handsomeness, Gu Yangcheon had a fierce demeanor—a Gu Clan trait—along with black hair and eyes that held a faint red glow. He exhibited all the typical characteristics of a Gu Clan martial artist.
“How does that seat belong to him? Even I, a Hwangbo, sit here…”
Displeased by this realization, Hwangbo Cheolwi’s breathing grew rough. He curled his lips into a horrifying, deliberate smile.
“How did I not see it before? He obviously secured that seat by offering up his clan’s treasure.”
Gu Jeolyub’s eyebrow lifted almost imperceptibly. Was that true? The old Gu Yangcheon might have been capable of such a thing, but the Gu Yangcheon he had observed on this journey was different. He was completely changed.
“And seeing that, I can only assume you’re having a hard time as well.”
Gu Jeolyub couldn’t help but speak. “What do you mean?”
“I can somewhat understand how you feel, seeing that little kid is the son of the Tiger Warrior.”
Why had the target suddenly shifted to Gu Yangcheon? A glance at Hwangbo Cheolwi’s eyes revealed the reason: the girls surrounding Gu Yangcheon.
Gu Yangcheon seemed oblivious, but it was plain for all to see. A beauty who could be called an eternal flower was tending to him with great care. She refilled his tea the moment his cup was empty, cleaned up crumbs from his distracted eating, and fanned him when he seemed warm. Even Gu Jeolyub had to admit the treatment was enviable.
It seemed Hwangbo Cheolwi was displeased with his clan’s seating assignments while Gu Yangcheon enjoyed the gold row’s privileges and pampering.
Just watching him is enough to feel second-hand embarrassment.
But Gu Jeolyub couldn’t solely criticize Hwangbo Cheolwi; he, too, harbored similar feelings towards Gu Yangcheon.
Hwangbo Cheolwi spoke again. “He’s called the troublemaker of Shanxi, right?”
“...”
“Not a single good rumor about him. I heard he’s talentless with a terrible personality. Pathetic, given his bloodline.”
“I heard the same. They say he couldn’t accomplish half of what his sister did.”
“Me too. Completely different from his father and sister. The Sword Phoenix showed amazing talent in past tournaments…”
“And not just the Sword Phoenix. His second sister is no slouch either, they say she’s not far behind.”
“But the son meant to lead the clan’s future… he’s a complete disappointment. Hehe.”
Others joined in, disparaging Gu Yangcheon alongside Hwangbo Cheolwi.
Gu Jeolyub’s fist clenched without him realizing.
Gu Yangcheon wasn’t like that. Gu Jeolyub had learned this on their journey. Despite the grueling travel, Gu Yangcheon trained excessively—to a degree that gave Gu Jeolyub goosebumps when he secretly watched. Though younger, Gu Yangcheon engaged in rigorous daily practice. Gu Jeolyub wondered if the boy ever slept.
And after his humiliating defeat, he realized he was currently far out of Gu Yangcheon’s league.
Judging by how Gu Yangcheon treated his servants—caring if they ate, using his own heat to dry their wet clothes—Gu Jeolyub even wondered if he was a different person entirely. He saw that his own servants seemed envious of those serving Gu Yangcheon.
Is Gu Yangcheon really a bad person?
He had definitely thought so in the past. But now he wasn’t sure. In fact, Gu Jeolyub began to feel he himself was the worse human being.
His breathing grew ragged, his emotions affecting his breath control. It wasn’t anger on Gu Yangcheon’s behalf; he might have preferred others speaking ill of him. No, his anger stemmed from a feeling that Hwangbo Cheolwi’s insults towards Gu Yangcheon were somehow directed at him, Gu Jeolyub.
Unaware of this internal turmoil, Hwangbo Cheolwi continued. “We have a guy like that in our clan, too. Useless and talentless, even with the Hwangbo name… It angers me every time I see him.”
“Why?”
“I don’t like you, but you seem to have talent, unlike him. So isn’t it relatable? Getting angry seeing a blood relative of your clan be so pathetic and powerless. Oh, but maybe you don’t care, since you’re not part of the main bloodline?”
Having said his piece, Hwangbo Cheolwi gulped down his tea as if it were a refreshing beverage.
“Plus, he just watched from the sidelines last time. How unmanly.”
He was referring to Gu Jeolyub’s previous fight with him. Hwangbo Cheolwi looked pathetic, speaking so shamelessly as if threatening a woman wasn’t a wrongdoing.
Finally, Gu Jeolyub let out a sigh and placed a hand on the sword at his waist, ready to draw it at a moment’s notice. He had tried his best to endure, but he was reaching his limit.
“He needs no further education, since the tournament is starting soon. Once he faces this Hwangbo, I’ll kindly—”
“Stop barking already.”
“What?”
The room fell into a momentary silence, encompassing the incessantly talking Hwangbo Cheolwi and his entourage.
As Hwangbo Cheolwi spoke, Gu Jeolyub responded, his Qi beginning to flow slowly.
“What did you say?”
“My ears are rotting. Stop your barking.”
“You little…”
“Hwangbo. It’s a great clan. I know that.”
The King of Savage Beasts. The Hwangbo Clan, leaders of the Savage Beast Fist. Once on the cusp of becoming one of the Four Noble Clans, their prestige had waned with time, but they remained a noble clan nonetheless. That fact was undeniable.
“However, I do not know if you are a person talented enough to inherit that name. To my eyes, you resemble a savage beast barking out of turn.”
Hwangbo Cheolwi’s Qi exploded instantly upon hearing this.
Slam-!
The Qi wave was dense, unexpectedly potent for someone like him. He was truly worthy of being a scion of a noble clan.
“You piece of…! How dare you!”
He stood, revealing a giant, well-trained physique. But Gu Jeolyub felt no fear. His keen senses told him this man was weaker than himself.
“How dare a lower being like you bare fangs at me, a Hwangbo!”
He continued emitting Qi recklessly. Gu Jeolyub observed his movements carefully.
“I heard ‘Hwangbo’ means ‘Tiger of the Central Plains,’ but your behavior seems more fitting of a cat than a beast.”
Hwangbo Cheolwi smiled at that.
“You mock me, a Hwangbo? You, from the Gu clan, known for its fire, when in reality your flame is smaller than a torch? I was even being generous, but y…!”
“Only the strong can be generous to the weak. Unfortunately, you cannot extend that courtesy to me.”
“You little…”
Finally, Hwangbo Cheolwi could hold back no longer. His muscles flexed, his body swelling in size, overwhelming Gu Jeolyub visually.
Gu Jeolyub tightened his grip on his sword, immediately regretting his actions, realizing he’d just stirred up major trouble. But he couldn’t back down now. This was a matter of pride.
Grandfather might kill me when I return.
Ironically, that was his predominant thought. He recalled Gu Changjun’s face when he said Gu Jeolyub could outshine Gu Yangcheon. But that was impossible now. Gu Jeolyub knew he wasn’t capable of shining brighter than Gu Yangcheon yet.
For now, he just had to follow Gu Yangcheon. Then, one day, he would surpass him. Not for the First Elder’s desire, but for his own dream.
“I’m not fond of your constant interruptions, but fine. I, Hwangbo, will gladly rip your mouth apart right here.”
Hwangbo Cheolwi stepped forward, impressive Qi emanating from his feet with each movement.
His shoulder moved, then his left arm.
Gu Jeolyub’s eyes darted, reacting sensitively to the smallest motion. Funnily enough, this was something Gu Yangcheon had taught him.
-Huh, trying to run away? Your thigh is moving!
-N…No, sir!
-No, my ass! Your feet are giving you away.
-Oww!
…
It wasn’t a good memory—more like bullying than teaching. The trip had felt like hell, but it had contributed to his growth.
Hwangbo Cheolwi moved. Gu Jeolyub anticipated his path. He would dodge the left arm and strike the chin with his sword hilt to disable him—
—!
Just as he prepared his stance, a chilling sensation made Gu Jeolyub glance behind him. A stupid move with an enemy in front, but his senses screamed at him to do it.
Two people.
An aura in a completely different league. He tracked the owners, who seemed intent on interfering.
…!
One was the Lightning Dragon, Namgung Cheonjun, whom he’d seen in Bacheonmaru. The other was the son of the Alliance Leader, Jang Seonyeon, who had garnered much attention.
The chilling aura sent cold sweat trickling down his cheek. He realized that if either intervened, he wouldn’t stand a chance.
Thank goodness.
He was thankful for his sharp senses. But as he gulped, he noticed something strange.
The Lightning Dragon, hand on his sword, and Jang Seonyeon, Qi flowing around him, weren’t charging in. Instead, they were staring in his direction with widened eyes. More precisely, they were gazing at a point in front of him.
Huh…?
This applied to all the other young prodigies spectating as well. Their expressions were shocked, as if witnessing something monstrous.
Then Gu Jeolyub realized: Hwangbo Cheolwi, standing before him, showed no reaction.
Following everyone else’s gazes, Gu Jeolyub looked at Hwangbo Cheolwi.
What he saw was not a giant martial artist flexing his physique. Hwangbo Cheolwi was on his knees, having already lost consciousness, his eyes blank white as he slowly collapsed to the ground.
A giant over eight feet tall crumbled as easily as a sandcastle swept away by the wind.
Then Gu Jeolyub saw him.
The person standing where Hwangbo Cheolwi had been.
“I don’t understand.”
Slam-!
Hwangbo Cheolwi collapsed beside a fierce-looking boy.
“I should be the one causing trouble, so why are you acting out? You followed me just to do this, you fucker?”
Gu Jeolyub instinctively took a step back as the boy shook his hands. His survival instinct demanded it.
He felt no Qi from the boy. He hadn’t even sensed his approach. Unlike the palpable auras of Namgung Cheonjun and Jang Seonyeon, this boy emitted nothing.
The boy, Gu Yangcheon, spoke, his eyes glowing red.
“You really are no help at all.”
Gu Yangcheon’s soft voice echoed through the banquet hall. He didn’t use Qi to amplify it, but with all the young prodigies watching in stunned silence, it resonated loud and clear.