Chapter 309: The Wicked Iron Wolf (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 309: The Wicked Iron Wolf (2)
Silence filled the room, yet the Meteor Sword’s words echoed relentlessly in Cheol Jiseon’s mind.
…Perhaps I should call you Zhuge Jinseon instead.
The voice was unnervingly clear.
Crack.
Cheol Jiseon’s fist clenched at the memory. He couldn’t forget the Meteor Sword’s smile.
How did he know?
His true identity. No one was supposed to know he was Zhuge Jinseon, not the Cheol Jiseon he pretended to be. Only Instructor Cheol Hwanho knew the truth, and Cheol Jiseon was certain the man would never talk.
So how had the Meteor Sword uncovered it?
Just how?
It was an utter mystery. And the prodigy seemed to know even more.
H-How do you know about that…?
Cheol Jiseon had been unable to hide his shock.
Calm down, the Meteor Sword had said, chuckling as he pointed.
How can you tell me to calm down right now…!
I wouldn’t have sought you out if your name was all I knew.
Despite the smile, a coldness had lingered in the Meteor Sword’s expression. Cheol Jiseon flinched but forced himself to remain steady.
What are you talking about?
I know you have a goal here.
…!
Cheol Jiseon had gasped.
It must be a long journey to achieve it.
…What are you trying to say?
I will help you achieve that goal.
Cheol Jiseon had frowned instantly. The offer was stranger than the discovery itself.
…Do you even know what my goal is?
If the Meteor Sword truly knew, he would never offer help. Yet…
The resurrection of the Zhuge Clan. Isn’t that what you seek?
…!
The words hit harder than expected. It made no sense for the son of the Alliance Leader to speak of this—the Zhuge Clan’s history was a scar on the Murim Alliance.
…How… do you know…?
Panic had set in, but the Meteor Sword’s smile never wavered.
Help me, and I will help you in return.
…Why would you help me? What do you want?
I have my reasons. This is something only you can assist me with.
What do you mean?
What could the Meteor Sword possibly want from him? Why approach him in such a manner? As Cheol Jiseon’s eyes wavered, the answer came.
Your ‘power.’ I would like to borrow it for a while.
“…Crack.”
Cheol Jiseon gritted his teeth at the memory. That was the thought that had haunted him since.
How did he find out that much?
He had concealed this power for nearly a decade, ever since the promise he made to his sister. Aside from her, only a handful of people—no more than three—knew his secret. And they were not the sort to betray him.
At least, they shouldn’t be.
He prayed it was so. Because if not, he could trust no one.
What… What do I do now?
His once-perfect plan felt like it was unraveling. Where had it gone wrong? How could he possibly fix this? Overwhelmed, Cheol Jiseon clenched his eyes shut.
…I just want to go back.
What would happen if he refused the Meteor Sword? He didn’t want to consider it, but the look in the prodigy’s eyes had been answer enough. Refusal was never an option.
Sister…
He thought of his sister, waiting for him somewhere far away. Only the thought of her could calm him.
Was the Meteor Sword serious about helping? If so, how? He was just a young prodigy, after all. Did the son of the Alliance Leader truly hold that much power? Rumors said yes, but the Meteor Sword he had met left him deeply uneasy.
…Even so, if I have no choice, I’ll have to accept his—
“Hello.”
Tap! Tap!
Someone tapped his shoulder twice. Cheol Jiseon’s eyes flew open.
“…!”
He hadn’t noticed anyone approach. “Agh!” He stumbled back in shock, but the person before him reached out and steadied him.
“Ah…! T-Thank you.”
“My apologies for startling you.”
The man’s smile was refreshingly bright. Cheol Jiseon flinched at the sight of his handsome face, wondering who he was.
Who is this?
But recognition dawned quickly. The murmurs around him confirmed it.
Isn’t he from another group? What’s he doing here?
That Wudang uniform and that face… It’s the Sleeping Dragon, isn’t it?
The Sleeping Dragon is here?
All eyes turned to the man. His fame warranted it. He was one of the Six Dragons and Three Phoenixes, Wudang’s greatest hope—the Sleeping Dragon himself.
“W-Sleeping Dragon?”
“Indeed. The infamous sleepyhead, at your service.” The Sleeping Dragon seemed amused by Cheol Jiseon’s panic, smiling again. “I called out a few times, but you didn’t respond, so I tapped your shoulder. My apologies.”
“N-No, it’s my fault… But why are you here…?”
“Ah, it’s nothing major. I came because—”
Why would the famous Sleeping Dragon seek him out? A chill ran down Cheol Jiseon’s spine.
Does he know too?
Did he also know about his identity and power? Fear gripped him.
But instead of confirming his fears, the Sleeping Dragon said something utterly unexpected.
“I’d like to join the Cheolyangcheol Clique. I hope you’ll accept me.”
“What?”
What Clique? Cheol Jiseon frowned. He had never heard such a term.
“W-What clique?”
“Was it not Cheolyangcheol? Perhaps it was Yangcheolcheol?”
Yangyang? Yangcheol? What monstrous words were these? Cheol Jiseon’s confusion deepened. The Sleeping Dragon tilted his head.
“I’m not sure I understand…”
“The True Dragon said that if I wish to join his clique, I must find its leader and gain his approval.”
At the mention of that familiar title, Cheol Jiseon hid his shock. The True Dragon. Nothing good ever happened when that name was involved.
Gulp.
“…I see. Then why come to me?”
Cheol Jiseon didn’t want to know what mess the True Dragon had stirred up now. He wanted no part of it. He asked the question warily.
The Sleeping Dragon responded, “Hmm? I came to you because he told me to get your approval.”
“Pardon?”
What was he talking about? Why would he need his approval to join some Yangcheol or Cheolyang group?
-The True Dragon told me.
-I must find his leader and get his approval.
As the words echoed in his mind, Cheol Jiseon’s heart sank.
No. It can’t be.
A nightmare scenario flashed before his eyes, but he refused to believe it. Not even the True Dragon was that insane. He had to believe that.
His hopes were shattered instantly. The True Dragon was far crazier than he had imagined.
“The Mad Dog, Cheol Jiseon. I heard you are the leader of the clique.”
The Sleeping Dragon’s tone was calm.
“Could you please accept me?”
The atmosphere froze solid. It was as if a blizzard had swept through, leaving only icy stillness.
“Ugh… Kegh…” Cheol Jiseon struggled to breathe, feeling like he might pass out.
“What’s wrong?” The Sleeping Dragon’s eyes widened with concern. “Are you alright?”
As the Sleeping Dragon fretted, the surrounding students broke into murmurs—though their focus had shifted entirely.
He’s the leader? So the True Dragon isn’t?
I heard them talking in the cafeteria earlier… I thought it was a lie, but it was true?
The Mad Dog… He looks weak, but he was a sleeping lion all along?
“No! That’s not it at all!” Cheol Jiseon shouted, hearing the absurd rumors. He couldn’t fathom how anyone believed this nonsense. “I-I’m not like th—”
-H-Hey! Jin Eesuk! Wake up! Why did you faint?
-Jin Eesuk fainted after the Mad Dog’s roar!
-So the true evil leader isn’t the True Dragon… it’s the Mad Dog!
“…”
Even Jin Eesuk, who used to bully him, had fainted. Not from any roar, but surely from remembering what the True Dragon had done to him. Cheol Jiseon felt utterly lost.
“Ah…”
His time at the Heavenly Dragon Academy was completely ruined.
“So, will you accept me?” the Sleeping Dragon pressed stubbornly.
Cheol Jiseon responded, his voice devoid of all spirit. “…Do as you wish.”
Forgetting his encounter with the Meteor Sword, he spaced out for a long moment before suddenly muttering, “True Dragon… you bastard.”
It was the first time in his life he had ever cursed.
“Hmm?”
“What’s wrong, brother?”
“Woocheol, were you just thinking ill of me?”
“How could I ever do such a thing?”
Pe Woocheol responded, astonished. How could he speak ill of Gu Yangcheon right in front of him? He’d rather die—or hang himself first.
“Really? It felt like someone was bad-mouthing me.” Gu Yangcheon wore a confused expression. “I’m quite good at sensing it. There are always so many people who do.”
“There is no one else here.”
“Right, I must be mistaken.”
It was understandable. He was used to people talking behind his back. Not that it bothered him much. Though, of course, if he ever caught them in the act…
I’d fold them into a star.
“…Hgh?” Pe Woocheol flinched, sensing a flicker of violent intent.
“Brother.”
“Hmm?”
“About the Sleeping Dragon earlier.”
“Yes?” Gu Yangcheon perked up.
“Why did you even mention Brother Jiseon?”
“Why? Did it seem strange?”
Pe Woocheol scratched his cheek. “No, not exactly… I just wondered if it was necessary.”
It seemed he didn’t understand why Gu Yangcheon would start another rumor about Cheol Jiseon instead of simply accepting or rejecting the Sleeping Dragon on the spot.
Hmm…
Gu Yangcheon was impressed. Woocheol was smarter than he looked.
“It wasn’t planned, but it might make things easier.”
Spreading a wild rumor about Cheol Jiseon. It wasn’t essential, but he felt it served a purpose. It would stop others from picking on Jiseon and help spread his name. Besides…
“The Sleeping Dragon wouldn’t have fallen for it anyway.”
“Pardon?”
The Sleeping Dragon hadn’t been fooled by the lie. Throughout their conversation, he had worn a playful expression. He hadn’t believed a word from the start.
Still, there was a chance he had actually gone to Cheol Jiseon.
…He might have.
Gu Yangcheon couldn’t be sure. That guy was capable of anything. He wasn’t normal to begin with.
“You’re done for today.” Gu Yangcheon withdrew his qi.
“Ugh…!” Pe Woocheol collapsed to the floor, having reached his limit. He had begged for this training, and Gu Yangcheon supervised him occasionally. He could at least do that much.
It was amusing to watch Woocheol struggle to keep up. Though Gu Jeolyub’s reactions were even funnier.
Now that he thought about it…
The Dishonored Venerable hasn’t visited since then.
They were in different groups and rooms, but he was sure the man would come if he wanted him as a disciple. It seemed he was lying low. So much so that most students didn’t know the Dragon Warrior was among them. He was hiding his presence completely.
In contrast, he’d heard a few things about the girl named Bibi. Something about her being called a woodpecker. He didn’t know the details.
And Gu Yeonseo…
Namgung Bi-ah had mentioned that Gu Yeonseo was following her. He didn’t know her intentions, but since Bi-ah said it wasn’t a problem, he could leave it be. Namgung Bi-ah could handle herself.
Probably.
He left the exhausted Pe Woocheol on the floor and exited the training ground. The boy would wake up and leave on his own. That’s what he had been told.
About fifteen days had passed in the Academy. He had almost fully adjusted.
He had run into Yung Pung a few times during training, but it was hard to get close—the guy was always surrounded.
Is it because he’s good-looking?
Fair enough. With his handsome face and kind demeanor, it was natural he attracted a crowd. Compared to him…
…People look at me like I’m some kind of beast.
What could he do? He would just live as he was, born this way.
He recalled what Tang Soyeol had said about Yung Pung and the Sleeping Dragon.
- I feel sick if I look at them for too long.
- Really?
- Yes. It’s too much for me to handle, physiologically.
She had said the same about Namgung Cheonjun and Jang Seonyeon. Handsome men seemed to make Tang Soyeol physically ill. He also remembered her nodding as she looked at him.
- But Master Gu… I feel refreshed whenever I look at you. You are the best. I think I could live forever just by staring at your face!
- …
With that thought, he continued on his way. It was almost time to sleep, but he had somewhere to be first. There was someone he needed to meet.
His destination was a familiar pathway, one he had found while searching for the secret vault. It was also where he had met the person he was going to see now.
As he drew closer, the night breeze carried the light scent of flowers—the distinct fragrance of plum blossoms. It was dense, yet soft.
Arriving at the spot, concealing his presence, he saw someone waiting in the distance.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
The woman turned at his voice, her long black hair flowing.
“What should I call you? Instructor?”
She smiled at his words. It was a unique, beautiful smile.
“It doesn’t matter. Call me what you wish. More importantly, I’d like to know why you summoned me in the middle of the night.”
She was one of Mount Hua’s masters, a current instructor of the Academy—the Sword Queen.
Gu Yangcheon smiled lightly. “I’ll be direct. It’s nothing too special. I’d like to offer you something.”
The Sword Queen tilted her head.
He had a purpose here at the Academy, and he needed to achieve it quickly.
“Would you like to make a deal with me?”
The secret vault hidden deep beneath the Heavenly Dragon Academy. He had to find it before it was too late, and for that, he needed the Sword Queen’s help.