Chapter 187: An Unsatisfactory Act (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 187: An Unsatisfactory Act (2)
The tournament was over, and we were preparing to board the carriages for our return journey to Shanxi.
The atmosphere was noticeably less bustling than when I had first arrived. It just went to show how much public interest the event had generated. If the Young Prodigy Tournament could attract this much attention, I could only imagine how wild the Heavenly Dragon Tournament would be.
I definitely won’t be attending that one.
I’ve never been fond of crowded places and the chaotic energy they bring. I’d much rather stay home, spending the day on training or something equally productive.
[People have always enjoyed watching others beat each other up, since time immemorial.]
Elder Shin’s comment was rather crude, but it was true—people have always taken pleasure in witnessing physical competition.
But I have no interest in that nonsense.
It was time to board the carriage, but a headache began to brew the moment I spotted two idiots blocking the path.
“Jeolyub, I won’t lose next time.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
“Right, you should come visit the Hwangbo Clan sometime…”
It seemed Hwangbo Cheolwi had heard that Gu Jeolyub was leaving and had come to see him off. Watching them pat each other on the back and shake hands felt utterly bizarre.
…Why are they acting like this?
Since when were they on friendly terms? Some story must have unfolded between them without my noticing. But seriously, why were they friends now? Weren’t they at each other’s throats before?
Anticipating an endless conversation if I left them to it, I decided to intervene.
“Why are two grown men hugging? Can’t you just screw off already?”
I stepped forward with a growl, startling them into separating. Hwangbo Cheolwi immediately stiffened, avoiding my gaze.
“…Ahem.”
He let out a fake cough to gauge the situation, so I called him out.
“You.”
“…Yes? W-What, did I do something wrong?”
“Why are you scared?”
“…I’m not! What nonsense are you spouting?”
When I raised my hand, he flinched. Yeah, real brave. Did something happen after I hit him last time? Why had this guy turned into such a wimp?
“You’re acting like I nearly killed you. Stop being scared. I’m not going to hit you.”
“Hey…! The mighty Hwangbo fears nothing! I just let my guard down back th—"
“Do you want to have a real battle, then?”
“…”
I’d only said it as a joke, but Hwangbo Cheolwi’s expression crumbled instantly. Seeing such a large man act like this, I couldn’t help but smirk.
“Just kidding.”
I threw in a line Peng Woojin had once used. Hwangbo Cheolwi, however, took offense, puffing up in anger—though he didn’t dare yell at me like last time.
Speaking of Peng Woojin…
“Now that’s a familiar line!”
Speak of the devil, Peng Woojin appeared.
“Perhaps you were waiting for me? I think our minds are connected.”
“…When did you get here, Young Lord Peng?”
He casually draped an arm over my shoulder. I immediately made a disgusted face and shrugged him off. Meanwhile, Hwangbo Cheolwi, witnessing Peng Woojin’s sudden appearance, looked utterly shocked. Even someone as arrogant as him seemed to recognize Peng Woojin.
Ignoring my reaction, Peng Woojin smiled brightly.
“Congratulations, Young Master Gu! Or should I start calling you the True Dragon now? I knew you would succeed.”
He completely disregarded Hwangbo Cheolwi, focusing solely on me.
“…I’d prefer you didn’t call me by that title.”
“What’s wrong? Isn’t it cool? The Murim Alliance themselves acknowledged you as a real dragon!”
That’s exactly what made it so embarrassing, you moron. As the Heavenly Dragon, he probably didn’t realize how awkward the title sounded.
“This Brother Peng watched every one of little brother’s fights without missing a second. And oh, how amazing it was…”
“Why are you calling me ‘brother’? We’re strangers, Young Lord Peng.”
“I’m disappointed about that as well… Perhaps you’d like to take back my pretty little sister? She’s already got a tough future ahead with her harsh personality… so if you take her, you’d naturally become family—"
“You crazy bastard!”
“Ugh!”
Before Peng Woojin could finish, someone appeared in a flash and sent him flying with a kick. I didn’t need to guess who it was—obviously, Peng Ah-hee.
“I should’ve known this would happen when I saw him run off! How can you spout nonsense the moment you arrive?”
“Ah… Ah-hee, I think your brother got hit in a… not-very-good spot…!”
“Who cares! It’s not like you’ll ever have the chance to use it anyway!”
Damn… that was harsh.
Peng Woojin struggled to get up from the ground, still writhing in pain. It really did seem like she’d hit a critical spot.
“…What a way to treat your older brother.”
“And you don’t know the dogshit treatment you’ve given your little sister?”
“I was just trying to connect you with a great man! What’s the problem with that? A tournament winner is more than enough!”
“This guy is really crazy… what do I do with him?”
“What’s the big deal about breaking off an engagement? Just redo the engag—"
“Brother, next time it won’t be a kick. I’ll crush it with my feet.”
“…”
That finally shut him up. It made me realize Peng Ah-hee was a truly capable girl.
With Peng Woojin silenced, Peng Ah-hee sighed and turned to me.
“…Sorry. It seems the crazy bastard from my clan has caused trouble again.”
“Uh, it’s no problem…”
She’d already dealt with him thoroughly enough; I had little to add. Despite being the young lord of his clan, she called him a ‘crazy bastard’ to his face. It seemed she had a lot of pent-up anger.
“You’re heading back now, right?”
“Yeah. Aren’t you going back as well?”
She shook her head, glancing at the dazed Peng Woojin beside her.
“Since this guy has a lot of business in Hanam, I don’t think I’ll be returning anytime soon.”
That reminded me—Peng Woojin had come to Hanam on business. I’d taken that at face value before, but recent revelations about the Murim Alliance’s possible involvement with the Blood Demon, and mentions of the Meteor group, made me reconsider.
It doesn’t seem like he has any Blood Qi.
Blood Qi was the energy I’d sensed from Jang Seonyeon and Namgung Cheonjun. I hadn’t found a better term, so I was sticking with that for now. Thankfully, Peng Woojin didn’t seem to have any.
And considering he never turned evil in the future…
Could I assume he never got involved with those bastards? But I knew it couldn’t be that simple.
“Oh, right. You still have the black pass, right?”
“Black pass?”
“The thing my brother gave you last time.”
Ah, that black thing? The pass Peng Woojin had handed me near the end of Nine Dragons Day.
“…I have it. I think I left it somewhere in my room?”
Had I put it in a drawer? I couldn’t quite remember.
Peng Ah-hee let out a spiritless laugh at my response.
“That’s not an item to be treated so carelessly…”
“Want me to give it back, then?”
“It’s not something to be given or returned so lightly. You and my brother are alike, both so thoughtless.”
“You’re going a bit far with that. Want to fight? I’m not afraid to hit a girl.”
How could she say something like that so casually? Any positive impression I had of her shattered completely.
“…I’m listening to everything you’re saying, you know.”
“Then you should’ve covered your ears.”
Peng Woojin interjected sadly, only to be promptly ignored.
“Anyway, come to my clan with that pass. Bring Lady Namgung and Soyeol, too.”
Peng Ah-hee invited me, her words trailing off as she noticed something behind me. I wondered why she was acting strange, but nothing seemed out of place—except for Namgung Bi-ah dozing off with her chin on Wi Seol-Ah’s shoulder.
I looked back at Peng Ah-hee.
“I’ll see.”
Given my busy schedule, I didn’t know if I’d have time to visit the Peng Clan.
“You’ll come if you have the chance, then? I’m good at waiting, Young Master Gu.”
“…If I do come, it won’t be for you, Young Lord Peng.”
“So you will come!”
Interacting with him was a constant headache, even with just a few words exchanged. I could’ve sworn the Sword King I saw in my past life wasn’t like this.
Maybe he went through the Abyss and changed, too.
The thought even crossed my mind. If it were true, I hoped he’d change sooner rather than later.
“Young Lord Peng.”
“What is it?”
“Let me ask this now—are you here to bid me farewell?”
“Why else would I come?”
Good point. But why was a young lord of his clan acting like this toward me? He said he’d watched all my fights, but I hadn’t seen him anywhere. Where had he been watching from?
“Oh, there is one thing I wanted to ask.”
“What?”
“I think I asked you this around the same time last year as well… Are you thinking of attending the Heavenly Dragon Academy?”
He brought it up seemingly out of nowhere. I knew the academy was set to open next year…
“I’m not sure.”
But I didn’t feel any particular need to go. Attending was practically a requirement for those intending to fight demons…
But I don’t want to waste my time there.
My goal wasn’t to hunt demons. The clan would probably pressure me to attend, but I just needed to position myself so I could refuse—a strong, stubborn position.
“Judging by your expression, it doesn’t seem like you want to go.”
“That’s not entirely true.”
He had keen eyes. When I avoided his gaze, Peng Woojin continued smiling.
“But it’s true there’s nothing for Young Master Gu to gain there.”
“…”
“And it seems you already know that. Thankfully.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m saying it’s good that you know your own value.”
A chill ran down my spine as he spoke with that kind smile. Ew, disgusting.
“But despite that, I still hope you go to the Heavenly Dragon Academy.”
That contradicted what he’d just said.
“You said yourself I won’t gain anything. Why are you saying this now?”
“Call it intuition, I suppose? But I know you won’t listen to me anyway, so don’t worry about it.”
True, I barely paid attention to anything Peng Woojin said. His words went in one ear and out the other. But this time, I had to think a little differently.
The Heavenly Dragon Academy, huh?
It was useless for me at this point, but not completely without merit. Beneath it lay artifacts akin to treasures—items only found during the future war against the Demonic Cult. The dilemma was whether obtaining them was worth attending the academy, or if I could just wait for them to surface later.
But I don’t need to think about it right now.
With time until the academy opened, I could defer the decision.
“Young Master.”
Hongwa whispered cautiously from behind.
“We should get going.”
“Alright.”
Peng Woojin stepped back upon hearing Hongwa. Thankfully, he didn’t seem offended by the interruption from a servant.
“It seems I’ve taken too much of your time.”
Instead, he smiled and waved.
“We’ll grow closer when we meet again. I’ll be waiting.”
“Why say something so disgusting… Don’t wait.”
And why was he assuming we’d even meet again?
“Brother, you should get going too. You said you don’t have much time.”
Peng Woojin nodded at Peng Ah-hee’s words.
“Ah, right. I’ll take my leave first. Young Master Gu, have a safe journey back.”
“Yeah, you too.”
“You’re not even going to stop me! How cold!”
Peng Woojin began to leave—or rather, he was dragged away by Peng Ah-hee. It felt like a storm had finally passed.
[Quite a special guy, that one from the Peng Clan.]
Elder Shin, who had been quiet throughout, finally spoke. I found myself agreeing.
“We should get going too. And you—why are you still here?”
Hwangbo Cheolwi and Gu Jeolyub were both staring after Peng Woojin, fascinated.
“What are you looking at?”
“…Young Master, that’s Peng Woojin. Aren’t you the weird one for talking to him like that?”
“The former Heavenly Dragon… His presence alone feels overwhelming.”
I dismissed them with a tsk. They still saw the title ‘Heavenly Dragon’ as something mighty. Or maybe I was just dull.
“Stop talking nonsense and get on the carriage.”
I kicked Gu Jeolyub, who was standing there dumbfounded, and boarded myself. His screams echoed, but I was too tired to care.
That settled, but…
“Where do you think you’re going?”
“…Pardon?”
I stopped Gu Jeolyub as he tried to board a carriage. He looked confused.
“You’re leading the horse. Why are you getting in a carriage?”
“Did you forget?”
“No, it’s uh…”
“You piece of… I should beat you up like last tim—"
“Yay…! Time to get on the horse…!”
Gu Jeolyub hurriedly ran to the horse and mounted up. He should’ve done that from the start. Trying to sneak his way out…
Satisfied, I leaned back in the carriage seat.
“Young Master, are you tired?”
Wi Seol-Ah, already seated beside me, asked after observing me. Namgung Bi-ah was asleep, her head resting on Wi Seol-Ah’s shoulder.
“A little.”
“Did you not sleep well?”
“My mind gets tired every time I talk to people who aren’t in their right minds.”
“Then! You should lean here too, Young Master!”
Wi Seol-Ah shifted, signaling for me to rest on her shoulder—even though Namgung Bi-ah was already leaning on the other side. I hesitated for a moment but eventually gave in, too tired to refuse.
It’s soft.
Softer than I expected. I felt like I could fall asleep right away. I closed my eyes, leaning against her shoulder.
Soon after, the carriage began its journey back to Shanxi.
* * *
Just as the carriages started moving…
On a rooftop nearby, figures watched their departure.
-The target is on the move. Proceed with the operation as planned.
At the command of a man in a black mask, the concealed figures began to move. Their actions were suspicious, but the people of Hanam seemed unaware—a sign of their training.
These covert maneuvers did not escape Peng Woojin, watching from a distance.
Who are they?
His expression was now serious, a stark contrast to his earlier cheerfulness while talking to Gu Yangcheon.
Who could they be?
He had been aware of them since the conversation began. Their presence was well-hidden, but to Peng Woojin’s ‘Eye,’ they stood out clearly. Men like them always had a dirty color.
Hmm…
Their movements suggested they were targeting Gu Yangcheon.
How dare they.
He didn’t know why, but it annoyed him. So much that he wanted to kill them on the spot. A deathly aura began to emanate from him. He wanted to charge in and stop their nonsense immediately.
However…
He suppressed the aura just as quickly, turning away as if he had never been interested. His expression shifted in an instant.
He had considered acting himself, but after speaking with Gu Yangcheon, Peng Woojin knew.
Just like him…
Gu Yangcheon was also aware of their presence. He was certain of it. He had noticed Gu Yangcheon’s gaze and qi subtly directed in their direction. He didn’t understand why Gu Yangcheon showed no reaction.
That means I won’t interfere.
If Gu Yangcheon had a plan, Peng Woojin would restrain himself. The boy was destined to shine brightly, and Peng Woojin wouldn’t cast a shadow on that light. There was no need to add fuel when Gu Yangcheon could burn passionately on his own.
Still, I am a bit disappointed.
He was intrigued by why Gu Yangcheon let them be, and disappointed he wouldn’t see the outcome. Tempted to sneak away and watch, he thought better of it—who knew what Peng Ah-hee would do to him if he did.
Our meeting was short, but I hope you shine even brighter next time we meet, Young Master Gu.
With that hope for Gu Yangcheon’s future radiance, Peng Woojin vanished, turning into a black wind that swept toward the Murim Alliance—where the Shaolin Chief Abbot awaited.