Chapter 275: Meteor Generation (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 275: Meteor Generation (4)
A full day had passed since our arrival in Henan.
We'd set out early by design, leaving me with a comfortable four days before I was due to report to the Heavenly Dragon Academy.
That said, having free time didn't mean I had anything particular to do.
“Ugh…”
“Your posture is slipping. Do it properly.”
“Ough…!”
The groans came from beneath me. Gu Jeolyub was grinding through push-ups, and I was seated squarely on his back.
“Put more power into your arms.”
“Ough…!”
“Good. Now, let's increase the weight.”
“Wait, hold on—!”
Thud!
“Agh!”
The moment I amplified the pressure with a surge of Qi, Gu Jeolyub buckled and collapsed face-first into the ground.
“Tsk tsk. What kind of man can’t even handle this much?”
“…No ordinary man… could handle this…”
“Muyeon managed just fine.”
“…Ngh.”
Mentioning Muyeon clearly bothered him, but Gu Jeolyub bit back any retort. Lately, Muyeon seemed to be constantly on his mind, and knowing the reason, I could only watch in silence.
It's probably because of Gu Sunmoon.
Since Gu Changjun's passing, the First Army’s Captain and the First Elder had been jointly overseeing the clan as interim stewards. But Gu Sunmoon would eventually need a true Lord to lead it, and the most likely candidates for that position were Muyeon and Gu Jeolyub.
Both had been raised and trained within the clan, and both possessed significant talent. The odds were high that one of them would be chosen.
Of course, Gu Sunmoon had many other martial artists, but none matched the potential of these two.
Originally, Gu Jeolyub would have been the frontrunner.
Setting aside mere possibility, by right of lineage, Gu Jeolyub should have been the natural successor as Young Lord. But thanks to Gu Changjun's betrayal and dishonorable death, his descendant's path to leadership had become fraught with difficulty.
Hmm…
It also seemed that Gu Jeolyub himself wanted to earn the position through merit, rather than inherit it by birthright.
But that was a formidable challenge.
After all, his competitor is Muyeon.
He was a difficult opponent. In talent, skill, and even temperament, Muyeon consistently held the advantage.
Is he pushing himself harder because he realizes that?
If so, I could certainly encourage his efforts. And wasn't this, arguably, a form of support? I had to make him strive for his own good.
Hmph, it's definitely not because I'm not fond of him or anything.
It absolutely wasn't that. I'm not that petty.
“Alright, since we're on the topic, how about a spar?”
“…What topic? That came out of nowhere.”
“You like the idea? I'm glad.”
“…”
Gu Jeolyub looked as if he'd just swallowed a bug.
You little…? I'm doing this for your benefit. And in the process, I'd get to work off some pent-up stress. A perfect arrangement, wasn't it?
Just as I was about to grab the reluctant Gu Jeolyub by the scruff of his neck and drag him to the backyard, I paused, sensing a sudden presence.
“Young Master?”
Gu Jeolyub muttered, confused.
“Pardon the intrusion.”
A voice from behind us clarified the situation.
“You're awake.”
I didn't bother turning around, simply acknowledging the speaker.
“Yes, I've only just regained consciousness, to my embarrassment.”
“I didn't hit you that hard.”
“Haha, the journey here was rather long…”
I glanced over my shoulder and, as expected, saw Yung Pung.
“It has been a while, Brother Gu.”
“Indeed. It's been a while.”
Hmm. Had it been about two years since my last visit to Mount Hua? He had changed significantly since then. Not only was he taller, but his frame had filled out into that of a proper adult, every inch a martial artist.
“Hmm…”
Yet, I couldn't help but frown slightly upon seeing his face.
How annoying. He's still as infuriatingly handsome as ever.
As I've said before, gifted bastards always seem to be blessed with good looks. It was rather irritating.
On top of that…
As I observed him more closely, I sensed it immediately.
He's broken through his bottleneck.
I hadn't gotten a proper look the day before, but Yung Pung had clearly overcome his wall and reached the Peak Realm. Seeing this, a smirk tugged at my lips involuntarily.
Hah! It seems like every dog and his master is breaking through these days.
I was a special case, but how were these guys clearing such a formidable hurdle so easily? The Peak Realm was a level many trained their entire lives to achieve, if they were lucky. It involved Qi breaking into the middle Dantian, achieving a state of unity between body and Qi. Breaking through one's inherent limitations wasn't something sheer effort alone could guarantee.
…This is why I hate geniuses.
Just a little push from me, and they soared past it. How could that not be frustrating? And if I recalled correctly, Yung Pung wasn't even twenty yet.
Isn't he a year or two younger than Namgung Bi-ah?
Despite that, he'd reached the Peak Realm in just two years. Well, given that he was already a First-Rate martial artist when I last saw him, perhaps it wasn't so strange.
“Haha…”
Noticing my intense gaze, Yung Pung scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
Seeing his reaction, I spoke. “…Congratulations.”
“Thank you…! It was all thanks to your help, Brother Gu!”
“What did I do?”
“I may not have realized it at the time, but I know you guided me.”
“Hmm…”
My expression soured at his words.
I helped him, huh?
Technically, it could be called 'help,' but honestly, I'd just beaten him up back then because I found him annoying. They really say geniuses can gain enlightenment from tripping over a rock.
“I didn't do much at all.”
That was the truth. All I did was pummel him.
Yung Pung simply smiled in response and changed the subject. “I thought I had trained fairly hard… but seeing you again, I realize I still have a long way to go.”
“…”
It was an uncomfortable compliment. Moreover, it implied he could now somewhat gauge my level. As expected, those with the potential to soar would spread their wings no matter what. Yung Pung was clearly one of them.
“But why did you cause that scene yesterday?”
Setting that aside, I couldn't understand his actions from the previous day. “…Ah.”
“I didn't take you for that type. Did you get out on the wrong side of the bed?” I'd heard that Yung Pung was the one who drew his sword first. I didn't believe he had ill intent, but choosing to fight using Qi on a crowded street was irresponsible.
Hearing my reproachful tone, Yung Pung offered a sheepish smile. He seemed well aware of his mistake. “…I was too greedy.”
“Greedy?”
“Yes. Ever since my breakthrough, I've found it difficult to calm the energy within me.”
I thought I understood. The process of Qi fully integrating with the body could create a surge of restless energy, causing Combat Qi to spill out uncontrollably. Still, that was no excuse for failing to control it. Starting a fight because you're drunk on power is foolish.
Knowing this, Yung Pung bowed his head slightly. “Thank you for intervening. I am once again in your debt.”
“There's no need for thanks.”
I hadn't been the only one watching that fight. Given her timely appearance, the Sword Queen had likely been observing as well. I wondered why she hadn't stepped in. Perhaps because a martial artist from the Kunlun Sect was also present?
If I remember correctly, the Qinghai Sword is the Head of the Heavenly Dragon Academy this time.
The Qinghai Sword—one of the Ten Masters of the Central Plains. Since the Kunlun Sect was overseeing the Academy this session, that explained his presence.
What would have happened if I hadn't intervened? I probably could have stopped them without knocking them out. I'd only resorted to that because I was irritated. A less forceful approach would have been viable too.
“Anyway, why is the Sword Queen here?”
“Ah…”
At my question, Yung Pung looked uncomfortable. Was it something I shouldn't ask?
“We came together because she… has some business to attend to.”
Business, huh? Judging by his reaction, it seemed he couldn't elaborate. I hadn't managed to speak with the Sword Queen properly either, as she'd left immediately after carrying Yung Pung away yesterday.
“So, are you the only student who came?”
“N-No, I came with other seniors.”
I nodded. That made sense. I knew there were several Third Generation Students around Yung Pung's age. He surely wouldn't be the only one invited.
Passing the test, however, is an entirely different matter.
As I pondered this, Yung Pung bowed again. “I came today specifically to greet you and express my gratitude.”
“You didn't need to go out of your way. And doesn't your neck still hurt?”
“…It's manageable.”
From his reaction, it clearly still did.
Did I hit him too hard? Well, now that he'd reached the Peak Realm, he'd heal quickly.
“Ahem. Uh, is she doing well?”
“? Who… Oh, you mean Senior Gu?”
“That's right.”
Since her master, the Sword Queen, was here, I was curious how my little sister was faring on her own.
“She is constantly occupied.”
“Occupied?”
“Yes. Even in her master's absence, she receives considerable attention from her seniors.” From the sound of it, she was being well looked after.
I'm glad. We exchanged letters occasionally, but her last one had held a hint of resentment after I'd knocked her out before my departure. I also hadn't been able to visit her.
As I fell into thought, Yung Pung spoke up. “I'm glad I was able to see you, even if only briefly.”
“You're leaving already?”
“My seniors are waiting. I shouldn't delay any longer.”
It seemed he really had come just to pay his respects. As I watched him prepare to leave without hesitation, I called out. “Do you want me to return it?”
I was referring to the item he had given me before I left Mount Hua last time. Anticipating I might see him here, I'd brought it with me. Yung Pung looked genuinely shocked, as if surprised I remembered.
He soon composed himself and shook his head gently. “Please, hold onto it for a while longer.”
“…Then when should I return it?”
I don't have some strange hobby of collecting other men's belongings, do I?
Yung Pung's expression turned serious, his voice firm with resolve. “I would like you to return it once I have reached a level equivalent to yours.”
“…Oh.”
He seemed completely sincere. But it was rather… embarrassing. I've never been good with this sort of earnestness. Why, of all people, had he chosen me as his benchmark?
“That might be quite difficult, you know.”
I gave him a realistic assessment. However, Yung Pung's smile only widened, as if my response pleased him. “I knew you would say that.”
He seemed to have misinterpreted it, but if he was happy, I supposed it was fine…
“I am truly happy to have met you again, Brother Gu.”
“…I'm happy that you're happy.”
“If time allows, I will visit again.”
“There's no need to go out of your way if you're bus—”
Offering a final respectful bow, Yung Pung departed swiftly, not even waiting to hear my full response.
He'll visit again? Well, we'll likely see each other again after we both pass the test.
Barring some catastrophe, there was no way Yung Pung would fail. The same went for me. We were bound to cross paths—him, and that other bastard, Woo Hyuk.
As Yung Pung left, I made to move when a voice piped up from below me.
“Young Master…”
“Hmm?”
“…Could you… get off now?”
“Eh? Oh, right.”
Only then did I remember I was still using Gu Jeolyub as a chair. “Ahem. My apologies, I wasn't paying attention.”
Feeling a twinge of guilt, I stood up. Gu Jeolyub struggled to his feet with a groan. Wait, had I been sitting on him the entire time I spoke with Yung Pung? And wasn't it strange that Yung Pung hadn't even batted an eye at the sight…?
“…Ough. I'm fine now. We should head back as wel—”
“Where do you think you're going? We still have our spar.”
“…”
“Oi, bastard, don't pretend you didn't hear me. Follow me.”
“…Shit.”
“What was that?”
“N-Nothing! I-I just… stepped in something. Yes, I stepped in shit.”
“Who are you trying to fool? I heard you curse. Do you have a death wish?”
“If you heard it, why even ask— Agh!”
My kick sent Gu Jeolyub tumbling away like a ball. This fucker! His attitude was getting worse by the day.
I gave him a few more kicks, rolling him toward the backyard, and then began our fun little sparring session. Oh, and to ensure no one would be disturbed by Gu Jeolyub's screams, I made sure to erect a sturdy Qi barrier first.