Chapter 146: Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 146: Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament (5)
They say silence speaks louder than words.
While feeling such a heavy, dense atmosphere in a quiet space didn't logically make much sense… that was precisely the reality of the moment.
Dozens of young prodigies were gathered at the banquet. With so many people, the hall should have been filled with noise.
So why was it so deathly quiet?
The reason was simple.
They had just witnessed something utterly shocking.
"What the…"
"What was that just now? Did anyone see it clearly?"
"…Who is that boy?"
Muttered voices began to break the silence. Their cautious tones and hesitant actions made it clear they were completely dumbfounded.
Crack. Crack.
With each twist of my wrist, the sound of cracking bones echoed.
I hadn't intended to go this far.
This was a bigger mess than I'd anticipated. My plan was to stay quiet during the banquet.
I just didn't expect that bastard to cause more trouble.
…Sigh…
And so, I got dragged into this hassle.
I didn't particularly care about all the young prodigies staring at me. I knew why they were looking, and my emotions had long since withered to the point where their gazes meant nothing to me.
My eyes instinctively sought out Jang Seonyeon.
I would have just watched if he hadn't tried to interfere.
Even without me, Gu Jeolyub would have won anyway. I intended to use him strategically since he was under my charge.
He's also more useful than I first thought.
Gu Jeolyub was the kind of genius recognized across the world. Teach him one thing, and he'd grasp five more on his own.
Though I did push him harder since I wasn't fond of that.
How narrow-minded of me. Elder Shin would have surely said that if he were here.
He went for the chin, huh.
Gu Jeolyub's decision wasn't bad. Of course, it wouldn't have worked. That pig, Hwangbo, who now lay collapsed like a corpse beside me, was a despicable person, but he wasn't weak.
It's true that a martial artist's power depends on their training and skill level… but the most important thing is the foundation. Gu Jeolyub's sword was simply too slow to reach him. It was that straightforward.
Even if Hwangbo Cheolwi was weaker than Gu Jeolyub, the latter lacked the power to finish him in one blow, so it wouldn't have ended quickly.
Jang Seonyeon, watching from the back, now wore a different expression. His smile had vanished, replaced by a calm mask. I didn't know, and couldn't know, what emotion lay beneath it.
It looked like he was about to charge in.
Jang Seonyeon's eyes, the subtle shift of his feet, the way his Qi began to flow—when I noticed these signs, I acted without thinking, stepping in first.
I wondered what would have happened if I hadn't been the one to intervene. If it had been him, what would he have done?
All the mutters surrounding me, all the eyes fixed on me, all the attention… would it have gone to him instead?
Just like back then?
Our eyes met for only a brief moment. To others, it was a fleeting instant, but in that span, I managed to smile at that bastard.
He seemed to notice. Jang Seonyeon's eyes widened slightly.
This much is enough.
There was no need for further provocation. Because, slowly but surely… until the very end…
I will take it all.
I would take everything, piece by piece. That was my decision.
I spoke up, kicking the seemingly lifeless pig, Hwangbo, beside me. "Hey."
I directed my words toward his group. Their shoulders visibly tensed when I called out.
"What are you doing? Clean this up."
Their expressions twisted, probably displeased by my informal tone. Was it because a boy much younger than them was speaking to them so bluntly? Even if that was the case, I had no intention of showing them respect. Besides, I wasn't interested in crafting a favorable image.
"Aren't you going to clean this up?"
They only started moving after I repeated myself. It seemed they had no intention of confronting me directly. Fortunately for them, they weren't that stupid.
Hwangbo Cheolwi, as he was dragged away, drooled saliva from his mouth. This was his first appearance at the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament.
But now he'll be remembered as the guy who drooled.
I felt a little bad, but what could I do? Guys like him needed to learn reality the hard way, through humiliation.
Just like I did.
Once Hwangbo Cheolwi was out of sight, I turned my attention to Gu Jeolyub. For some reason, he looked nervous.
What was his problem?
"Jeolyub."
"Y-Yes!"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing…"
He flinched when I took a step toward him. Seeing that, I spoke with a sour expression. "What's with that reaction? You're making it look like I'm going to hit you."
"…"
"…"
Well, I suppose I had hit him before.
To break the awkward silence, I let out a fake cough. Well, moving on.
"But why do you keep causing trouble?"
"…I'm sorry."
"What kind of person stirs up trouble on the day of a gathering, especially by using Qi?"
…Wait, didn't I do something similar in the past? Well, since no one remembers, it might as well never have happened.
My words left Gu Jeolyub looking disappointed. It was annoying to see a handsome guy make such a face.
Bonk!
"Uugh!"
I clenched my fist and struck the top of his head. I didn't use Qi, but I must have hit a critical spot, because Gu Jeolyub staggered and fell to the floor.
"You think you're the Second Elder or something? Why is charging into trouble always your first choice! Are you planning to do the same with the carriage later?"
"N, No, sir…"
"No, my ass… Didn't you come here to keep me in check? Then why are you the one causing all the trouble?"
"Well… no."
"Do you have anything else to say besides 'no'?"
"…N…"
For some reason, it felt like Gu Jeolyub was hogging the spotlight. To be more specific, it felt like I was just cleaning up his mess. Gu Jeolyub seemed aware of it too, since he kept avoiding my eyes.
Was he always like this?
While I acknowledged my own growth since we first met, situations always seemed to take a strange turn around him.
Thankfully, I stopped them before the fight properly began, so it shouldn't escalate too much. It would have been a disaster if they'd destroyed the building. So, I suppose it was fortunate things turned out this way.
Of course, if a problem had occurred, Gu Jeolyub would have been the one to deal with it.
As I continued to scold him, I began to hear whispers.
"He's the son of the Tiger Warrior…"
"What he just did…"
"The Sword Phoenix…"
I looked around at the voices. Everyone's gaze had changed significantly since the incident. Moments before, they had no intention of approaching me, but the recent event had forced me onto their radar.
Now they're cautious of me.
Their eyes held shock and wariness. Was I a little too rough? To be honest, I thought I hadn't shown anything extraordinary.
Perhaps few here had the ability to discern what had truly happened, given that these young prodigies hadn't yet reached higher martial realms.
Let's see… about four or five?
Only around that many, from what I could tell.
"What a hassle."
I couldn't believe I'd had to use force in a kids' playground. Did that make me a bully? A twinge of guilt nagged at me, but I knew it was necessary. It was the easiest path, after all.
With all eyes on me, I returned to the corner where I had been standing before.
"Young Master Gu."
When I returned, Tang Soyeol was clutching her shoulders for some reason. Was she cold? What was wrong?
"What's the matter?"
"…I can't stop shaking because of how cool you were."
"What?"
Tang Soyeol spoke with a bright red face. Her statement flustered me, and I unconsciously took a step back. My reaction, in turn, startled her.
"Young Master Gu?"
"Uh, sorry, I was just surprised for a second…"
You were making such a strange face; how could I not be startled and back away? I felt a little worried for Tang Soyeol, who looked pitiful, but I couldn't take back my reaction.
Namgung Bi-ah, who had been enjoying the breeze by the window, walked over and began rubbing Tang Soyeol's shoulders. Was she trying to comfort her?
As I watched, someone tugged at my clothing. A fragrant floral scent reached me.
"Young Master! You were so cool…!"
I turned to see Wi Seol-Ah, her face still playfully draped in her cover. A slight dimple appeared with her smile, and I couldn't help but smile back. At the same time, I playfully squeezed her nose.
"Ough…"
"I told you not to lift your cover."
"But… it's uncomfortable."
That was understandable.
"But it's still a no."
Wi Seol-Ah pouted after my firm denial but obediently lowered the cover. "Just bear with it for a few more days."
"…Okay."
I did feel sorry for her. I'd made her wear the cover partly because of her appearance, but more so because of my own unease.
…As much as possible, I need to ensure she doesn't attract that bastard's attention.
I doubted anything would happen… but there was no guarantee.
Just a little more.
A few more days. Driven by my own selfish desires, I wanted to ask Wi Seol-Ah to endure it just a little longer. In other words… a few days would be enough for me to ease my concerns.
I could still feel his gaze from behind me. The bastard was certainly looking in a different direction, probably talking to other young prodigies like before. But the fact that I kept feeling his attention meant he still had me on his mind.
It doesn't feel too bad.
It wasn't the worst feeling, considering it was what I wanted. I hoped he would keep looking at me that way—so that he would feel his despair far more clearly later on.
* * *
After Hwangbo Cheolwi was taken away and Gu Yangcheon returned to his spot…
"…What just happened?"
"Isn't that person a blood relative of the Hwangbo clan? How could he be taken down so easily…?"
The faces of those who had been chatting and smiling were now completely changed. Their smiles had vanished, their conversations turning serious.
The incident had been genuinely shocking. A giant like Hwangbo Cheolwi had been defeated so effortlessly. Furthermore, he'd been taken down by a boy barely half his size.
"I believe he's a blood relative of the Gu Clan."
"The Gu Clan… the Tiger Warrior's clan?"
All eyes turned toward the boy standing in the corner of the hall. A boy with black hair, subtly glowing red eyes, and a terrifying smile that emitted a sharp, fierce aura. He was completely different from before.
To be more precise, the entire atmosphere of the hall had shifted. Just moments ago, he had hardly been noticeable compared to the other famous young prodigies. That made it all the more shocking; no one had expected him to possess such talent.
"I couldn't even see him move."
"…Well, we were focused on the other two fighting…"
"True… There's no way he avoided our sight. It must have been a successful surprise attack thanks to a lucky break…"
Even though they had witnessed it with their own eyes, it was difficult for many to believe what had transpired.
These imbeciles.
That was what Jang Seonyeon thought as he listened to the other young prodigies, a smile plastered on his face.
Do they really think it was a surprise attack? And that there's 'no way he avoided your sight'? You trash who don't know your place.
It was simply that he was that fast.
So fast their eyes couldn't keep up. A surprise attack? He had walked right up to him and struck his chin blatantly. Jang Seonyeon had seen it clearly: Gu Yangcheon's flawless movement and unbelievable accuracy.
Even after witnessing such skill, these lower beings were making excuses, as was their nature.
"What does Young Master Jang think about this?"
The question was directed at Jang Seonyeon. Their expressions practically pleaded for him to agree with them. Jang Seonyeon responded with a forced smile.
"…I'm not sure. I didn't get to see it clearly myself."
He couldn't see it. That was the truth. Jang Seonyeon hadn't been able to clearly see how Gu Yangcheon had moved to reach his target. Although his attention had been primarily on Hwangbo Cheolwi…
I completely missed his movement, even though I noticed the movements of the other Dragons and Phoenixes.
Jang Seonyeon had thought he only needed to worry about the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes here… but this was unexpected.
He had already heard about Gu Yangcheon from his father.
-He brought a recommendation letter from the Dishonored Venerable.
A recommendation letter from a Heavenly Venerable. He had wondered if Gu Yangcheon was a student of the Lord of the West, the Dishonored Venerable, but that didn't seem to be the case.
Jang Seonyeon recalled earlier, when he had grabbed Gu Yangcheon's hand. It had been a peculiar sensation.
He seemed hostile toward me.
It was just an instant, but Jang Seonyeon had felt it. Gu Yangcheon seemed to be against him.
I wonder why. I haven't done anything to make him see me differently.
Jang Seonyeon knew he was a better actor than anyone. Even his father, the Harmonic Sword, didn't know Jang Seonyeon's true self, which was why this fact bothered him so much.
It must be a mistake.
It had to be. Because if it wasn't…
I'll look more into it, just in case.
It was better to do that than to feel bothered the whole time.
As Jang Seonyeon pondered deeply, the others continued discussing Gu Yangcheon's actions.
"Or maybe the Hwangbo Clan's blood relative is just that weak?"
When someone suggested this, the others fell silent for a moment before nodding. They seemed more inclined to accept this as an explanation than to genuinely believe the alternative.
"As Young Master Bi said… It's probably that."
"Yeah. I heard rumors about that Gu Clan blood relative—that he's a total troublemaker. Lazy, weak, and has no talent in martial arts…"
Tsk-
Jang Seonyeon couldn't bear to listen any longer and accidentally let out a disapproving sound. Thankfully, it went unnoticed as the conversation continued.
How pathetic can they be?
Were these really the people who would represent the Orthodox Faction in the future? If so, it was rather disappointing. Not only were they clueless, but their perception was utterly rotten.
Now I'm starting to feel pathetic for putting on a smile in front of them as an act. How disappointing.
Fine. I can understand their ignorance. It's actually better this way. It means I can shine brighter. I hope they remain this stupid until the end.
But I wonder what his true power is.
While speaking to others with a smile, all Jang Seonyeon could think about was Gu Yangcheon. Not being able to read him clearly meant Gu Yangcheon was either stronger or on par with him.
But how is that possible?
This made it hard for Jang Seonyeon to understand.
I could have sworn the Gu Clan wasn't part of Meteor.
Jang Seonyeon's eyes gleamed quietly. After scrutinizing Gu Yangcheon's body, he sensed no enhancements and found it difficult to feel his Qi, as if he were hiding it. However, it felt like ordinary Qi.
Did this mean Gu Yangcheon had reached his martial arts wall purely through his own strength?
He probably hasn't overcome the wall yet. I doubt he's at the peak realm; there's likely no martial artist in history who has reached and overcome their wall at such a young age.
So, did that mean he was currently facing his wall? Even that was astonishing.
I need to look more into it.
Behind his smile, Jang Seonyeon began to make plans. He was better than anyone at this sort of thing.
"Haha, so…!"
-!
Jang Seonyeon, who had begun his act, suddenly stopped talking. It was as if all the hairs on his body were standing on end. A sharp, prickling sensation pierced the back of his neck. A chilling coldness seemed to radiate from multiple directions, immobilizing even his fingers.
Killing intent?
Jang Seonyeon moved his eyes to look around, but since no one else reacted, he seemed to be the only one experiencing it.
Who is it?
Could a single person exude such precise and potent killing intent directed solely at him?
Thankfully, the pressure disappeared almost immediately—lasting only about two breaths.
Immediately, Jang Seonyeon placed a hand on his sword and scanned his surroundings. But around him, there were only young prodigies engrossed in conversation. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
He briefly checked his hands because of a sudden moist sensation. They were already soaked with cold sweat.
He inspected his surroundings once more, but there was no trace of the killing intent. As if the entire sensation had been his imagination.
While Jang Seonyeon was looking around nervously…
Wi Seol-Ah was secretly observing him from afar. Her face was chillingly emotionless.
"What are you doing?"
Hearing the voice beside her, Wi Seol-Ah's expression immediately brightened, as if nothing had happened.
"Umm…! I didn't do anything!"
At Wi Seol-Ah's cheerful voice, Gu Yangcheon smiled and stroked her hair. His touch was rough yet caring, and Wi Seol-Ah leaned her head into his hand.
The first day ended with the name 'Gu Yangcheon' etched into the minds of all the young prodigies.
And with that, the next day arrived—the day of the Friendly Martial Arts Competition, considered the highlight of the Dragons and Phoenixes Tournament.