Chapter 298: Zhuge Jihee (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 298: Zhuge Jihee (3)
As the exam entered its second half…
“Brother?”
Bibi turned toward the presence she felt and spoke.
The man who had left her, promising he’d be right back, had only just returned.
Bibi had even considered searching for him herself, given how long he’d taken… but he was finally here.
However, the sight of Bi Eejin gave her a shock.
“Huh? What’s wrong, brother?”
Something was off about Bi Eejin since his return.
“Are you injured, perhaps?”
“Injured? Of course not.”
Yet Bi Eejin seemed uncomfortable.
Injured? Is that even possible?
Bibi’s expression instantly shifted, swept by disbelief. The man who had walked away perfectly fine after falling off a cliff had returned in an exhausted state—how could she not be stunned?
“…Did you… run into a Crimson Demon or something?”
Bi Eejin smirked at Bibi’s words.
“Where would we find such a thing in this day and age?”
“But if that’s not the case… this shouldn’t be possible.”
Fascinated, Bibi poked Bi Eejin’s body a few times.
“…Stop that.”
“Does it hurt? What about here?”
Bi Eejin sighed and gently pushed the curious Bibi aside.
A Crimson Demon, huh? It was somewhat fitting.
Whether it was a Crimson Demon or Gu Yangcheon, they shared the common trait of being drenched in red. The young man was as violently fierce as any demon.
Thanks to him, Bi Eejin’s arm was broken and a rib shattered from the very first blow.
How long has it been since I was last injured like this?
Bi Eejin had taken great care of his body, worried it might break after weakening past his youth.
Yet, this only proves my theory: only he could have done this.
Fighting him had made Bi Eejin more certain. Gu Yangcheon’s close-combat technique was crude compared to his innate talent and level. Setting aside the fact that he seemed to be holding back, the boy possessed an instinctual sense for battle.
Well, he was certainly reckless.
He seemed to realize immediately that overthinking his attacks was pointless, charging in as if willing to trade a piece of himself for an advantage.
But it’s understandable for him to be arrogant, given his skill at such a young age.
Bi Eejin didn’t know the official records, but it was possible Gu Yangcheon was the youngest person ever to reach the Peak Realm. Moreover, even among much older prodigies, there were likely no martial artists who could truly compete with him.
Despite this, Bi Eejin saw not a trace of arrogance in his eyes. Instead, the boy sought improvement, fully aware of his own weaknesses.
How odd.
Even though Bi Eejin was hiding his strength, every one of Gu Yangcheon’s movements, though seemingly reckless, was taken with caution. It was as if he instinctively knew Bi Eejin was stronger.
He’s clever, too.
In just a few exchanges, Gu Yangcheon realized Bi Eejin had no intention of permanently harming him. Knowing he’d have no escape if an arm or leg were caught, he charged in even more recklessly.
…What a monstrous bastard.
It sent a shudder through Bi Eejin. Knowing Gu Yangcheon was already injured and couldn’t afford further damage to his precious body, Bi Eejin had to restrain himself as much as possible. In the end, he only overpowered the young man after sacrificing his own arm and chest.
It was like looking at his younger self. He used to fight like that during spars—as if there were no tomorrow, ready to die at any moment.
Good. How satisfying.
After their clash, Bi Eejin concluded that Gu Yangcheon had not undergone the Eternal Youth process as he had. He was sure of it. The bastard’s body was a masterpiece of natural craftsmanship. Such a physique wouldn’t have been possible if he’d endured the same ordeal as Bi Eejin.
Which was precisely why he couldn’t let him go.
I must prepare.
They had made a promise, so he needed to set a date. He certainly couldn’t go in his current state.
“Oh.”
“What is it?”
“Now that I think of it, I forgot to give this to him.”
Bi Eejin pulled a letter from his pocket. It was meant for Gu Yangcheon, but he had completely forgotten about it.
I must be getting old; my memory is failing me. He had thought his recall improved after rejuvenating, but that didn’t seem to be the case.
A dirt raccoon from the Beggar’s Sect had given him the letter. Bi Eejin had captured the snooping creature and put him to use.
I considered burying him somewhere. He’d thought about disposing of him, but the raccoon proved more competent than expected—obedient and quick to follow orders. Because he worked hard, Bi Eejin had accepted a request from him.
I wonder what’s written inside.
Out of curiosity, Bi Eejin opened the letter. He had no qualms about reading another’s mail.
- To the Great Expert, True Dragon.
The letter began respectfully.
- You bastard.
But the tone shattered with the very next line.
“…?”
Bi Eejin frowned, thinking he’d misread, but that wasn’t the case.
- Do you know what kind of state I’m in right now…? You bastard. You should come save me if you feel even a shred of guilt! I even sent a letter…!
- Rotten bastard… I’m the fool for thinking I could gain wealth and honor! For fuck’s sake, do you know what happens when a beggar holds a grudge in the dead of winter?
- What do you mean, ‘what happens’… I’ll be hungry! You bastard.
- I’ll remember this. No matter what, I will…
Crunch.
Bi Eejin crumpled the letter after reading only a part and threw it far away.
Good thing I didn’t deliver it. It might have been trouble if he had. Bi Eejin nodded, convincing himself.
“What is it? What did you throw away?”
“Nothing important. Just… stop poking me.”
“Does it hurt? Brother, does it hurt here? So it does hurt! It hu— Kyaghh!”
In the end, Bibi’s teasing only ceased after Bi Eejin gave her a solid bonk on the head.
“Angh…”
As Bibi sat on the ground rubbing her head, a thought crossed Bi Eejin’s mind.
Now that I think about it… Why did Gu Yangcheon send a dirt raccoon to investigate me?
He had meant to ask but forgotten this, too.
I’ll ask him later. There was plenty of time. All he had was time—a futile period, really, since he couldn’t even perfect his martial arts.
“…Brother.”
“What is it?”
“Are you going to enter the Academy?”
Bi Eejin tilted his head, puzzled by the question. What was she suddenly talking about?
“You told me you’d return home after the exam and wouldn’t actually attend the Academy.”
“Did I say that?”
“Yes. You said you wouldn’t, even if I died…”
“Hmm.”
He might have said something like that. He had intended to return home after deliberately failing the exam. In truth, he wouldn’t have stayed long if the True Dragon hadn’t piqued his interest—but things had changed.
“It’s fine. I have a reason to stay now.”
“Oh really?”
Bibi reacted with shock. She hadn’t expected her brother to say that.
“That’s right.”
Bi Eejin responded with a slight smile, then rubbed his chest.
“…Tsk.”
Gu Yangcheon must have struck extremely hard; pain flared in Bi Eejin’s chest as soon as he smiled. It seemed his recovery would take longer than expected.
* * *
A little while later,
Swish!
Several arrows soared into the sky. Flaming projectiles streaked through the air and,
Boom!
Exploded, leaving brief trails of light.
The young prodigies exhaled in relief at the sight. The flames erupting against the sunset signaled the exam’s end. Some sighed in relief, others screamed in frustration, but regardless, the results were final.
The third stage of the entrance exam for the Heavenly Dragon Academy had concluded with the setting sun.
* * *
Beneath a night shrouded in dark clouds, beyond the violent tides, an isolated island stood.
The island was notorious, rumored to be cursed, and avoided by locals due to the treacherous waters surrounding it. It was infested with demons, and fierce guards radiating powerful Qi patrolled its grounds.
At its center stood a massive building.
Creak.
A man walked forward, his footsteps echoing in the silence. He proceeded down a dark path devoid of any light.
After a while,
Pause.
He halted before a door.
Slide.
He carefully opened it and entered. An old man sat inside, eyes closed.
“…Great King.”
At the sound of the man’s voice, the old man slowly opened his eyes. His pupils were faded, yet ominous.
“We lost contact with the agent he sent.”
“I see.”
The old man showed little reaction. The man felt uneasy at this lack of response but dared not show it. The old man had always been this way.
The man shifted to another topic. “…According to another report, we’ve confirmed that the Sword Emperor’s descendant is heading to the Heavenly Dragon Academy.”
“Oh?”
Only then did the old man’s eyes glow with interest. His demeanor shifted markedly.
“So that bastard wasn’t lying after all.”
The old man was reminded of someone—a young snake who schemed behind his father’s back, without his clan’s knowledge. He had offered a helping hand, seeing the darkness within the boy, and the youth had proven more useful than expected.
“Hyogun, you fool. You should have erased all traces if you wished to remain hidden.”
Chuckle. The old man laughed with a dry voice. The man didn’t understand what he found so amusing.
“Indeed, the time is nearly upon us.”
Crack.
The old man stood as he spoke. As he rose, his small, frail frame seemed to expand into a massive, imposing figure.
“The Heavenly Dragon Academy, huh…” A gathering place for the children of noble clans.
Not bad.
“A fitting place for this Black Dragon to be resurrected.”
As the old man fully straightened,
Rumble…
His Combat Qi and killing intent erupted, flooding the room. The energy was so intense it shook the entire building. The man could only groan in pain, struggling to cover his nose and mouth.
The old man addressed him. “You mentioned the blood relative of the Poison King is also there, correct?”
“Yes… She is called the Poison Phoenix.”
“Poison Phoenix. How fitting.”
The Ten Thousand Poisons Immunity, a trait unseen in the Tang Clan for generations. She was still young, but it wouldn’t be bad to ‘collect’ her before she matured. After all, an opportunity had presented itself.
With that thought, the old man issued an order. “Inform the Palace Lord.”
He commanded the man to deliver a message to the person hiding elsewhere on the island.
“Tell him that commission is separate from paying the rent.”
“…Understood.”
After the man hurriedly left, the old man chuckled once more. He walked to the window and gazed up at the sky. The night remained heavy with dark clouds, though slivers of moonlight broke through.
Ache.
The scarred part of his body throbbed as he stared at the moon. It always ached on nights when the moon was visible. This was why he kept his eyes closed after dark.
The old man could never forget the swordplay he had witnessed that night. He rubbed the scar that still hurt decades later.
Chuckle… When would this pain finally leave him? Perhaps it wouldn’t be much longer.
The old man didn’t move again until the dark clouds fully obscured the moon.
* * *
I made it back to the inn to rest shortly after the exam ended.
“I’m disgustingly tired.”
My body was utterly exhausted. Not only was I injured, but I had also fought the Dishonored Venerable. As I limped back, Muyeon, who had been waiting, offered a helping hand. Seeing him, I couldn’t hide my surprise.
“Muyeon, you didn’t go back?”
Muyeon answered with a slight smile. “I will be returning tomorrow.”
“You could have left today.”
“I felt I should stay until you finished your exam…”
“Did you think I might fail? Why worry about that?”
If I passed, I wouldn’t be allowed an escort. I knew Muyeon had matters to attend back in the clan, concerning Gu Sunmoon. Honestly, it was stubborn of him to come to Henan in the first place.
I told him not to come. So he was leaving tomorrow.
After hearing this, I made a suggestion. “How about you take that dumbass with you?”
“Haha…”
Muyeon laughed awkwardly as I pointed in a particular direction—straight at Gu Jeolyub.
Gu Jeolyub flinched and stood up when he realized I was pointing at him. “…I passed the exam, you know…”
“You said it was close.”
“It wouldn’t have been… if a certain someone hadn’t taken my bands.”
His voice was tinged with frustration. According to him, he had barely managed to get a band right before the signal arrow was shot. It had been a close call, and I was glad.
I wasn’t able to return his bands because my body was thrashed. I had intended to, but my condition made it impossible. I was relieved he hadn’t been disqualified and had passed on his own merit. If he had failed like that, even I would have felt a bit guilty.
Gu Yeonseo had passed as well. She had gone to her room immediately upon returning and, exhausted, had probably fallen straight asleep.
The others. A quick glance told me they weren’t in the best shape. Moyong Hi-ah’s usual polished appearance was gone, leaving her looking haggard. Tang Soyeol, typically so cheerful, was dozing off with her forehead resting on the table.
What’s wrong with them? They had been so confident about passing, but now they seemed strange. Something must have happened to leave them so drained.
The only one who seemed fine was Namgung Bi-ah. While the others were visibly exhausted, she sat quietly sipping her tea, looking no different from usual. The only change was that she wasn’t asleep.
…Wi Seol-Ah. Did she not come? It seemed she had gone to her own inn. That was expected, yet I felt a strange pang of disappointment.
“Young Master.”
“Hmm?”
“Who… is this…?”
Muyeon pointed to the figure hiding behind my back and asked.
“Oh.” Right. I had forgotten about him.
I pulled the shivering bastard out from behind me. Because of him, I’d had to work extra hard to get more bands.
“Say hello.”
“Uh…”
Cheol Jiseon trembled even more under the weight of everyone’s gaze.
How should I introduce him?
“Hmm.” After a moment’s thought, I spoke. “He’s a new friend of mine.”
That should suffice.
When I said it casually,
“…!”
“Friend…?”
“You made a friend…?”
The crew’s expressions all changed. They stared at Cheol Jiseon with intense curiosity.
As if!
How did he end up…
Unfortunate…
Their eyes seemed to shout such things. Gu Jeolyub’s gaze was the most intense of all. He stared at Cheol Jiseon with wide, almost pitying eyes. He wasn’t speaking, but his eyes said it all.
Run away…!
I saw Cheol Jiseon’s eyes dart around wildly when they met Gu Jeolyub’s.
What the hell…? Why is everyone reacting like this?
I was rather offended.