Chapter 292: Do You Have A Master? (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 292: Do You Have A Master? (2)
It was the third day of the exam.
Many examinees had been eliminated in the second stage, yet hundreds still remained. If someone were to ask if the test was easy, the answer would be no. The truth was simply that this generation was overflowing with so-called Young Prodigies.
After all, one couldn't even take the exam without an invitation letter from the Heavenly Dragon Academy to begin with. Considering that only those from noble clans or major sects, or those with recommendations from renowned martial artists or instructors, could even qualify, it was no wonder the current crop seemed so exceptional.
Just how many are there? Is this why they came up with that 'Meteor Generation' label?
Because this era had more young talents than ever, geniuses and exceptional fighters were emerging left and right. Among these competitors were those truly worthy of the title 'genius,' leading people to glorify this period as the Meteor Generation.
It was all utterly pointless.
Because in the end, no matter how many geniuses gather, they'll be nothing but a pile of corpses before the singular Heavenly Demon.
"I'll finish my time at the Academy within half a year to a year at most."
Considering the standard curriculum lasted two to three years, I planned to cut it by more than half. I'd already devised a way to do it. I couldn't afford to waste more than a year.
The Heavenly Demon is slated to appear in four to five years.
Given how events could twist, it was possible the Heavenly Demon could emerge even sooner. I needed to use my time efficiently.
The best and most comfortable method is…
If the entity I faced in the Black Palace was truly the future Heavenly Demon…
…If I find and kill it, everything ends.
I could avert the future calamity and all the suffering that would follow.
But I can’t find it.
Despite gathering all available intelligence, I found no trace of its whereabouts. If it was hiding deep within the Abyss, how was I supposed to locate it? This was precisely why I couldn't afford to spend my time searching blindly. The situation wouldn't resolve itself unless I dealt with both threats.
Therefore, I have to leave the Academy as soon as I get what I need.
As I massaged my throbbing temples, a voice rang out from afar.
"We will now begin the test. Please gather."
It was time for the final stage.
I was briefly curious about how the others were faring, but I trusted they would be fine. I'd find out later anyway. That was the point of this test. If my prediction was correct.
Just as I expected, as everyone prepared for the exam, an instructor approached me. It was none other than the Sword Queen. She held out a band of a different color.
I reached to accept it without question, recognizing its purpose immediately.
"Than—"
Stiff.
But it didn't budge, as if frozen in place.
"Hmm?"
A cloth band couldn't actually be frozen. I naturally looked up at the Sword Queen.
"...Instructor? What's wrong? Shouldn't you give it to me?"
The Sword Queen was gripping it tightly, refusing to let go. What was her problem?
As I stared in confusion, the Sword Queen spoke with a peculiarly sweet smile. "Oh, I'm sorry. My body isn't cooperating… I must have overexerted myself the other day…"
"…"
Did this woman hold a grudge? Because of what happened last time?
I did feel a little guilty, admittedly. The surroundings had been wrecked because of that incident. In fact, the current exam grounds were located further away from the original spot. The previous area was too much of a mess to use.
Well, who told her to provoke me in the first place?
I would have taken it easy if the Sword Queen hadn't decided to test my temper. She was the one who pushed my patience, and I merely responded. Besides, while I may have gone a bit overboard, I did so precisely because I knew the Sword Queen was capable of blocking it.
Although, if I'm being honest, I hadn't fully trusted her, which is why I held back some power, even injuring myself in the process.
If I had known she would handle it so effortlessly, I should have just gone all out.
The unexpected part was that the Sword Queen was far more powerful than I had anticipated. She claimed to be exhausted, but she seemed barely injured. I had reduced the destructiveness and controlled my strength, yet the recoil still stung a bit.
Because of that, the way others look at me has changed, too.
The gazes that once questioned if I was truly the 'True Dragon' were now tinged with other emotions. Astonishment? Admiration? Fear? Perhaps all three. It was bothersome, regardless.
I applied more strength and pulled on the band. Finally, the Sword Queen relinquished her grip, and I took it.
"...Could you at least explain?" I asked her.
I had a good idea what the exam entailed, but I had to ask anyway to avoid seeming suspicious.
"...For some reason, I don't want to tell you. Pure spite," she admitted bluntly.
"It's refreshing that you're so honest, but wouldn't it be problematic if you withhold the instructions?"
It was almost amusing how direct she was being. However, laughing in the Sword Queen's face was out of the question. After letting out a light sigh, she began her explanation.
The two bands I received from her were red and yellow. She mentioned there was also a blue band. Looking around, I spotted others with different combinations: blue and red, yellow and blue.
The exam was straightforward. Before sunset, I needed to acquire three bands of different colors. She explained that these colored bands were attached to Demons that had been released into the forest. The objective was to tear them off the Demons.
Since the Heavenly Dragon Academy emphasized military training, it made sense for the final exam to involve combating Demons.
So, they'll be green Demons, not blue ones.
Even the Kunlun Sect and the Murim Alliance wouldn't capture blue Demons for a mere entrance exam. Green Demons were the most likely candidates. Releasing blue Demons for Young Prodigies to handle would be absurd.
Oh, and of course.
It's also perfectly acceptable to take the bands from other bastards.
I didn't necessarily have to get the final band from a Demon. I was permitted to attack other examinees and steal their bands. That was the primary goal of this exam.
As for the others…
Only Gu Jeolyub and Gu Yeonseo were in the second group, so I wasn't overly concerned about them. I was more worried about the girls in the first group, though I was sure they could handle themselves.
'Is this why they split the exam into two locations?'
Dividing the mountain seemed unnecessarily cumbersome. Why go to such trouble?
Wait, did Peng Ah-hee climb an entire mountain just to reach me?
I felt a flicker of… something… at the thought of Peng Ah-hee going through all that effort to warn me about that bastard from the Taeryung Clan. Not that I understood why she bothered.
As I waited for the exam to begin, idly bouncing my leg, an instructor's shout echoed through the area.
"The third exam will conclude at sunset! It will begin in a few minutes, signaled by an arrow shot!"
As soon as the instructor finished speaking—
Swooosh-!
The Young Prodigies around me vanished without a trace, concealing their presence instantly. The brief delay before the start gave everyone time to hide and prepare. These were the survivors who had made it to the final stage; they understood the instructor's implication perfectly.
The reason for hiding was simple. While the stated purpose might have been for the instructors to observe how we fought Demons, everyone knew it was far quicker to ambush another examinee and take their bands.
Everyone is quick off the mark.
It was clear they all understood the third exam was where the real competition began.
After watching them disappear for a moment, I began to walk slowly into the forest.
* * *
Blaze-!
A man's body, wreathed in heat, shot past a tree at high speed. Focusing his qi into his feet, he stomped on the ground.
Swoosh!
The maneuver boosted his already formidable, heat-enhanced speed.
Clack.
His target came into view as he closed the distance. The moment the target entered his sight, the young man's hand went to the hilt of the sword at his waist.
The target, noticing his presence, tried to flee rapidly, but the difference in their qi was far too extreme. Escape was impossible once within the young man's sights.
His back was now fully exposed.
The young man's eyes glinted.
I've reached him.
The target had entered his effective range.
Swish-!
Closing the final distance in a flash, the young man swiftly drew his sword and sent a qi-enhanced sword wave slicing toward his target's back.
Sensing the attack, the target spun around and desperately tried to defend.
Claang-!
"Aggh!"
But with an explosive sound, he was sent flying, tumbling roughly across the ground.
"Ughh…!"
The martial artist groaned in pain as he rolled. He wasn't seriously injured, but—
"Phew…"
His pursuer was already standing before him. It was over.
Seeing the wooden sword pointed at his nose, the man shouted in frustration. "...How stubborn can you be!? Can't you just go hunt Demons!? Why chase me down?"
"I do feel a bit sorry. I suppose I was feeling obstinate," Gu Jeolyub, the Sword of Heroic Flame, replied with an awkward smile as the Young Prodigy vented his frustration.
"Ugh… Dammit…!"
The man continued to curse, but Gu Jeolyub paid it no mind. Compared to his recent ordeals, this man's frustration seemed almost endearing.
Snatch-!
Gu Jeolyub deftly snatched the blue band from the Young Prodigy's arm. The martial artist stared at him with a desolate expression, but Gu Jeolyub merely smiled in response.
"You'll be fine. There's still plenty of time left."
"...How comforting."
After that brief exchange, Gu Jeolyub left to find a place to hide.
I got lucky, he thought to himself as he walked.
He believed fortune had truly smiled upon him. To run into a martial artist with a blue band right as the exam began?
And the exam feels easier than I expected.
It was a boost to his self-esteem. Truthfully, he hadn't found any part of the exam particularly difficult, neither the first stage nor the second. Gu Jeolyub was beginning to realize that he was actually quite strong compared to these Young Prodigies from noble clans and major sects.
I… might be stronger than I thought.
His shoulders rose with a touch of pride. All the pain and suffering he'd endured recently hadn't been for nothing. It was just hard to perceive his own progress when he was constantly surrounded by monsters like the Sword Dancer, the Snow Phoenix… and Muyeon.
The martial artist he'd just defeated… he was definitely from the Chilseon Clan, a descendant of a clan Gu Jeolyub knew of. They were fairly well-known in the region, though not on the level of the Ten Sect Alliance.
He was way too weak.
Despite his background, his opponent had felt incredibly feeble. Gu Jeolyub had this feeling every time he interacted with the other examinees. He started to wonder…
Maybe I'm just strong?
It seemed Gu Jeolyub's level was simply far higher than that of the Young Prodigies around him. A smile began to form on his lips. The pride and self-esteem that had been crushed by recent humiliations and pain began to lift once more.
Does that mean I have to thank the Young Master for this?
Gu Jeolyub knew Gu Yangcheon had played a significant role in his growth. Even though Gu Yangcheon had beaten him black and blue during their sparring sessions, forcing him to roll around in the dirt, Gu Jeolyub knew it had been beneficial.
However,
No, that's not it.
He couldn't bring himself to feel grateful to that devil of a man. He'd rather thank the neighborhood dog—
Rustle-
"...!"
The crunch of a leaf behind him. Gu Jeolyub instantly spun around, falling into a battle stance as he sensed a presence.
"...Huh?"
But when he turned to face the source of the sound…
Oh fuck. Speak of the devil.
"You look like you're in a good mood."
The devil himself—no, Gu Yangcheon—was standing right there.
Hiding his shock, Gu Jeolyub asked, "Why are you here, Young Master…?"
"Because I'm also taking the exam. Why, do you have a problem with that?"
"N-Not at all…"
A dreadful thought crossed Gu Jeolyub's mind. Of all the people to run into…
No… did I just run into him?
It was possible it was a coincidence, but Gu Jeolyub had a sinking feeling this encounter was anything but chance. As he wiped away a cold sweat, Gu Yangcheon spoke with an ominous smile.
"You, I saw you steal something valuable earlier."
…Fuck.
Gu Jeolyub cursed inwardly upon hearing Gu Yangcheon's words, delivered with a bright, cheerful smile.
"Young Master… let's not do this."
"Do what? How can I not do this?"
"We're family, aren't we?"
"Family my ass. Are we all family just because we share a surname? You only call me 'family' at times like this. You're the same bastard who always runs away when I try to train with you."
"…"
How could I not run away? I feel like I'd actually die if I did that training every day, Gu Jeolyub resented silently.
While Gu Jeolyub was fuming internally, Gu Yangcheon reached out his hand. "Give it here."
Gu Yangcheon already had red and yellow bands in his hand. Seeing this, Gu Jeolyub mentally recited every curse word he knew.
"…"
But he had no choice. He knew exactly what would happen if he refused.
I got stronger, my ass… If I still can't win against that demon, what did I mean by getting stronger?
His freshly inflated self-esteem began to deflate rapidly. With a trembling hand, Gu Jeolyub handed over the blue band. It hadn't even been a few minutes since he'd acquired it.
"Ugh."
Gu Jeolyub let out a frustrated sound, but Gu Yangcheon showed no mercy. After taking the blue band, Gu Yangcheon continued to stand there, staring at him.
As Gu Jeolyub wiped his brow, unnerved by the intense gaze, Gu Yangcheon spoke as if he'd lost his patience.
"What are you doing?"
"Pardon…?"
"Why are you only giving me one?"
"…What do you mean?"
"You have to give me all three."
"What?"
He only needed three bands, one of each color. He had them now, so why would he need more? Confused, Gu Jeolyub asked for clarification. Gu Yangcheon responded with infuriating calm.
"Give me all three."
"What…! Why are you doing this when you already have all three!?" Gu Jeolyub reacted with clear frustration, questioning the pointless cruelty.
Gu Yangcheon's reply was chillingly pragmatic. "You came all the way here, you might as well struggle a bit. Hard times like these make you stronger, you know? I'm not making you do this just because it looks fun."
"…"
Seeing the look on Gu Jeolyub's face, which resembled someone who had just bitten into something foul, the smile vanished from Gu Yangcheon's face. "Hurry up and give them to me if you don't want to get beaten up. Three… Two…"
As Gu Jeolyub reluctantly handed over his remaining bands, one thought crystallized in his mind.
As expected, this bastard was a devil.
* * *
After taking all the bands from a nearly tearful Gu Jeolyub, I walked away, lost in thought.
Seriously, this guy gets way too full of himself if I leave him alone for too long.
A single victory against one or two Young Prodigies was enough to make Gu Jeolyub happy and proud.
He was celebrating without even keeping his guard up.
I'd followed him after coincidentally spotting him. Everything was fine up until he took that band from the other guy. I'd only intended to take the blue band from him…
But he was completely unguarded.
I'd followed him, not even bothering to conceal my presence, yet he only noticed me after I was right behind him. And that expression on his face…
'Maybe I'm strong after all?'
I found it incredibly annoying, the way he was smiling like that. It was obvious what was going through his head. He'd gained a fancy title and started comparing himself to these kids, letting it go to his head.
Did I go too easy on him lately? Or has he just gotten used to me tossing him around?
Whichever it was, I didn't like it one bit.
He'll wake up once he goes through some real hardship.
I thought this as I stuffed the bands into my pocket. He'd have to work a bit to gather all three bands again. Not that I thought he'd fail, but if he really did, I'd give them back to him.
And if that happens, it'll give me plenty of reasons to make him suffer.
That might not be so bad.
"Anyway."
My own part was done. I had all three bands; all I had to do was wait quietly. But there was one thing bothering me.
"Why are you following me, if I may ask…?" I spoke without turning my head, addressing the space beside me.
Ever since the exam began, someone had been tailing me. I already knew who it was. There was only one person who could follow me so seamlessly. I honestly wanted to run, but in my current state, escaping from that person was impossible.
"Do you have something you—"
Kwak-!
Just as I started to ask, a distant explosion ripped through the air—the sound of qi detonating. Something shot toward me at an insane speed.
He's fast.
Faster than I'd anticipated. A black figure charged at me, and in the next instant, a hand snapped around my neck.
Slam-!
"Ugh!"
I grunted as I was slammed down and sent skidding backward across the ground. The impact was heavy. I'd already channeled qi in preparation.
This is crazy.
But he was far stronger than I'd expected. As my mind raced for a solution, my attacker spoke.
"I have something to ask."
The one who had instantly overpowered me. His voice was calm, a stark contrast to his absurd power. I forced qi through my body and met my opponent's gaze.
His deep, black eyes unsettled me. Those damned eyes hadn't changed a bit.
"You."
It was the Dishonored Venerable, Bijuu. Also known as the Dragon Warrior, Bi Eejin. He was the one who had ambushed me.
"What are you?"
"…What do you… mean…?" It made sense for him to ambush me as part of the exam, but this question came completely out of left field.
"The strength you displayed that day… it wasn't something a mere Peak Realm martial artist should be capable of."
He was talking about when I'd detonated the Flaming Sphere.
Was that the issue?
I might have overdone it a little, but it shouldn't have been that big of a deal.
"I'm curious. Is that sheer talent, or is there another explanation?"
Clench.
His grip on my neck tightened. He was serious. It seemed this madman was genuinely considering snapping my neck.
Is he insane?
Had I been too complacent just because killing was prohibited in this exam? It was highly unlikely the Dishonored Venerable cared about such rules.
Ugh, fuck it.
Kwak!
I grabbed the wrist of the hand clutching my throat, and—
Swoosh!
I channeled my inner qi.
Ache-
My injured dantian throbbed in protest as I pushed beyond my limits, but hesitation now would mean certain defeat.
He remained quiet for a few days.
It seemed he wanted something from me, but he'd only watched since we first met. Had he been waiting for this moment? That was entirely possible.
As I focused my qi,
Press-
I concentrated it into a single point.
"…!"
The Dishonored Venerable sensed my intent, but I was faster.
Boom!
I released the built-up energy in a powerful, explosive burst. I felt my qi reserves drain significantly, but I had no other choice. The recoil threw the Dishonored Venerable backward.
Slam!
I heard a distant crash as he hit something.
"Cough… Cough."
I finally managed to stand, gasping for air.
I thought his body was ruined after his Eternal Youth technique.
Just how much had he recovered in such a short time? I'd only felt it for an instant, but his overwhelming presence was no joke.
Why is he doing this all of a sudden? Am I being punished for bullying Gu Jeolyub?
But I couldn't give that up just because of this.
Clatter.
The qi wave I'd unleashed filled the area with dust and debris. I'd barely managed to push him back. I quickly scanned for an escape route. One thing was certain after that brief contact.
In my current injured state, I couldn't win against that man.
Time to run.
I should have fled the moment I realized he was following me. My hesitation had led to this. As I prepared to bolt, focusing qi into my legs—
"Not bad."
"Fuck…"
I heard the Dishonored Venerable's voice—not from where he'd been thrown, but right behind me.
"As I thought, I can't afford to let you go."
He had reappeared behind me with unnerving ease.
Is this how Gu Jeolyub feels? It was rather horrifying.
As I considered burning all my remaining strength to break away, he spoke again.
"You."
The Dishonored Venerable posed his question. "Do you perhaps have a mentor?"
"…Pardon?"
What?
I stared at him, thinking I'd misheard. But his next words left me even more bewildered.
"If you don't, why not visit our mentor? We're actually looking for a disciple."
"…"
Is senility a side effect of Eternal Youth?
For a moment, I honestly believed that was the case.