Chapter 524: Lightly Building a Connection
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 524: Lightly Building a Connection
"My name is Jang Sun-woo."
Sun-woo spoke, his gaze fixed steadily on the giant.
"In the Murim, I am called by the undeserved title of the Heavenly Dragon."
A thick smile began to spread across Sun-woo's lips.
"Jang... Jang Sun-woo!?"
"The Heavenly Dragon?!"
"Why is he here!?"
As soon as he revealed his identity, everyone in the vicinity began to react with shock. The name he had just uttered was by no means a light one.
The Heavenly Dragon, Jang Sun-woo.
He was the greatest Rising Star of the current Murim, a man who had instantly suppressed the Dragon and Phoenix—the group of the finest Rising Stars composed of the most brilliant talents in the land.
A young expert whose fame was so great that he was called the successor to the World's Greatest Martial Artist, Lee Jae-won.
The ultimate secret weapon of the Tang Clan, raised by the Poison King, a man hailed as a hero of the Murim.
There was no way such a name could be taken lightly.
That man is Jang Sun-woo?
Lee So-ran stared at Sun-woo with a stunned expression. She knew he was extraordinary, but she had never imagined that this eccentric man would be the legendary genius known as Jang Sun-woo.
A look of pure astonishment began to cloud her eyes.
"Are... are you truly... the Young Master Jang Sun-woo, known as the Heavenly Dragon?"
The giant’s jaw dropped in surprise as he stammered out the question.
"That is what they call me," Sun-woo replied with a deep smile.
"...Can you prove it?"
"Hahahaha! I didn't realize this gambling house was so fond of proof."
Sun-woo let out a boisterous laugh, as if he found the giant's request incredibly amusing.
"My martial arts is my proof. If you're so inclined, feel free to test me."
Sun-woo’s eyes sparkled as he looked at the giant. His gaze was brimming with absolute confidence.
"............"
Meeting that gaze, the giant clamped his mouth shut and remained silent. Facing that level of self-assurance, he didn't dare to offer a rebuttal.
"I apologize for my rudeness, Young Master."
The giant bowed his head politely. If this man truly was the Heavenly Dragon, he occupied a position so high that someone like himself couldn't dare to touch him. It was better to apologize quickly.
"Oh? You believe me?"
"How could I not, after you've displayed such overwhelming martial prowess?"
The giant glanced at the security warriors scattered across the floor. These men, who had reached the First-Class realm, had all been forced to their knees simultaneously without even managing to leave a scratch on their opponent. How could he doubt someone who displayed such overwhelming power?
"I could be lying, you know."
"The Cheonmu Alliance is right under our noses. I don't believe anyone would dare tell such a lie in a place like this," the giant replied calmly.
"If you need proof, you're welcome to test me," Sun-woo added with a mischievous grin.
"I shall decline. If even I, the captain of the guard, were forced to my knees, the reputation of this gambling house would hit rock bottom."
The giant shook his head slightly, declining the offer. His subordinates had already been humiliated enough. He had no desire to indulge in useless bravado under these circumstances.
"You're quite timid."
Sun-woo spoke provocatively.
"Let's call it the wisdom of age," the giant replied smoothly, brushing off the jab.
"So, what happens to me now? Am I going to the magistrate's office?"
"Of course not. Is there not a Non-aggression Pact between Government and Martial Arts? The very idea of taking a martial artist to the magistrate is preposterous."
"What an unfair world. To think that even crimes are forgiven because of a name."
"Hohoho. I suppose that's why people say if you're upset by it, you should become successful."
The giant let out a hollow laugh. Sun-woo's words had made him feel a bit embarrassed.
"That's a relief. At least I won't be dragged to the magistrate."
A small smile played on Sun-woo's lips. He found the giant's sudden shift to a humble, humorous attitude quite amusing.
"So, what should I do now?"
"You may do whatever you wish. As for that fellow, we will take him and handle his punishment separately."
The giant pointed to the gambler lying on the floor, clutching his severed wrist.
"Of course, if you wish to exact personal punishment, Young Master, we will not stop you."
"No need. I've already taken his 'neck,'" Sun-woo said indifferently.
He had already taken the gambler's wrist—something more precious than life itself to such a man. He had no desire to do anything more.
"Thank you for your consideration."
The giant bowed politely, expressing his gratitude for handing the gambler over to the house. The gambler was an official employee of the establishment. If such a person caused trouble, it was better for the house to handle the punishment directly to avoid further scandal. If a guest punished the employee themselves, it would damage the gambling house's prestige. He couldn't help but be grateful for such an easy resolution.
"That aside, what about compensation? For the losses incurred because of that bastard."
Sun-woo pointed a finger at the gambler.
"Of course, we shall compensate you in full. We will return all the money the gambler won. Furthermore, in consideration of the mental distress caused, the house will provide an additional sum as compensation."
The giant bowed deeply as he spoke.
"Now that's what I like to hear."
A smile spread across Sun-woo's face. He was quite pleased with the giant's handling of the situation—not only returning the stolen money but also offering compensation for mental distress.
"I hope you enjoy the rest of your time here."
The giant bowed once more. He straightened up and walked toward the table where the dice had been rolled.
Grab.
He snatched up the gambler sprawled on the floor.
"I apologize for the trouble. We will ensure you are properly compensated."
He then apologized to the other gamblers, including Lee Hyun-kyung and Lee So-ran.
Thud, thud.
He began to walk away, dragging the gambler behind him. Once the giant disappeared, only the fallen security warriors, Jang Sun-woo, and Lee So-ran’s stunned party remained.
"Shall we play another round?"
Sun-woo turned to the remaining gamblers, including Lee So-ran and Lee Hyun-kyung.
"Ahem... I think I'll call it a night."
"I don't think today is my lucky day either."
The other gamblers, wanting no part of this, quickly began to leave. Not only had the gambler they were colluding with met a miserable end, but he had also been dragged away by the manager. There was no way they could casually continue gambling in such a situation. It was better to leave quickly before their association with the cheater was discovered.
"That's a shame. What about you, ladies?"
When the others left, Sun-woo put on a feigned look of disappointment and turned to Lee So-ran and Lee Hyun-kyung.
"We will also be leaving for today."
Lee Hyun-kyung quickly voiced her refusal. Things had already become far too complicated. Staying in the gambling house any longer would be a self-defeating move.
The Heavenly Dragon... The Heavenly Dragon... The Heavenly Dragon!!!
She glared at Jang Sun-woo with cold eyes. She harbored a deep resentment toward him. Though they had never met, he was the disciple of her uncle, the Poison King, and the fiancé of her aunt, Dok Seo-si. She had never doubted that this Tang Clan expert would support her.
Yet, he was the traitor of the Tang Clan who had abandoned his master and lover to support Lee Ye-seol instead. It was impossible for her not to hate him.
How dare you interfere with me?
A murderous aura began to flicker in her cold gaze.
"I'm staying!"
Suddenly, Lee So-ran, who was standing beside her, spoke up loudly.
"Wh-what!?"
Lee Hyun-kyung asked in bewilderment, shocked that So-ran would defy her.
"I haven't won anything properly yet. It would be such a waste to leave now."
"Aha, it seems the young lady has the spirit of a true gambler."
Sun-woo smiled at her words.
"Ran-mae, let's just go. Today clearly isn't the day."
Hyun-kyung began to persuade Lee So-ran in a low, suggestive voice.
"If you want to go, why don't you head to the auction first? I haven't even gotten to enjoy some real gambling yet!"
"............"
Faced with So-ran's firm resolve, Lee Hyun-kyung fell silent. She realized that persuading her was a lost cause.
"Fine. Then I'll go ahead."
She finally spoke. Although she felt uneasy leaving Lee So-ran with Jang Sun-woo, she judged that she couldn't stay in the gambling house any longer.
"I won't see you out. See you at the auction."
Lee So-ran spoke with a nonchalant expression. Lee Hyun-kyung gave her a long look before turning around and walking straight out of the gambling house, her fine brows furrowed in a deep scowl.
Now, only Sun-woo and Lee So-ran remained at the dice table.
"I never imagined you were the Heavenly Dragon."
Once they were alone, Lee So-ran finally spoke.
"Well, it's not like I have it tattooed on my forehead. It's understandable."
"Is it really okay for the greatest Rising Star to frequent gambling houses like this?"
"How boring would life be if I were tied down by such empty fame? One should live as their heart desires."
Sun-woo chuckled at her question.
"So, was it your heart's desire to cut off that gambler's wrist for cheating?"
She looked at him with a sharp gaze.
"I gave him a clear chance. He was the one who refused it."
"I still think it was wrong."
"Even the gambling house let it slide, so what does it matter?"
Sun-woo replied with an amused smile.
".........What a rotten world."
She made a face as if she were disgusted.
"Because it's a rotten world, it's much easier on the soul to live according to one's own convictions rather than relying on the law."
"Don't you think that's just a justification?"
"Not at all."
Sun-woo spoke with a confident expression.
Shake, shake.
She shook her head slightly. She realized she couldn't win against him in an argument.
Thud.
Suddenly, someone placed a large bottle of liquor and two cups on the table.
"What is this?"
Sun-woo asked, looking at the person who brought the bottle.
"A token of apology from the house."
The man spoke in a flat tone.
"I'd prefer money over booze..."
"This is forty-year-old Nu'er Hong. I believe this will be better than money."
"Forty-year-old, you say? Well, that's a different story."
Sun-woo licked his lips. Forty-year-old Nu'er Hong was a rare treasure that couldn't easily be bought with money. As the man said, it was better than cash.
"Whoa... forty-year-old Nu'er Hong!?"
Lee So-ran, standing beside him, exclaimed loudly. She also knew that such aged liquor was a masterpiece that was hard to find even if one had the gold.
"Indeed. It was something we took as collateral for a debt long ago."
Gulp.
Lee So-ran swallowed hard. She immediately reached for a cup.
"Hurry up and try it!"
She urged Sun-woo.
"Let's do that. I was curious about the taste myself."
Sun-woo nodded in agreement and picked up the bottle.
Trickle.
He filled her cup about halfway and then began to pour into his own. Unlike hers, he filled his cup to the brim.
"Hey! Why didn't you fill mine up!"
When Sun-woo didn't fill her cup, Lee So-ran raised her voice in annoyance.
"This much is plenty for a lady."
"What!? What kind of sexist remark is that!"
"It's not sexism, it's consideration. Forty-year-old liquor is far too strong for a woman to handle."
"Don't look down on me!"
Snatch.
Lee So-ran snatched the bottle from Sun-woo.
Glug, glug.
She proceeded to pour the liquor into her half-empty cup until it was full.
"Miss, you shouldn't overdo it. Alcohol is something to be enjoyed within one's limits."
Sun-woo spoke with a feigned look of concern.
"I know my own limits!"
Gulp, gulp.
Spurred on by Sun-woo's concern, Lee So-ran drained the cup in one go without a moment's hesitation.
"Phew... See? I finished it!"
She spoke with a proud expression.
"Alright, alright. Just calm down now."
Sun-woo tried to soothe her.
"But... this... is really delicious."
Glug, glug.
She picked up the bottle again and filled her cup. Once more, the cup was brimming with liquor.
Gulp, gulp.
She downed the full cup in another single breath. The burning sensation of the alcohol began to heat her throat.
It's delicious.
She thought as she finished the drink. It was incredibly tasty.
"Wheee... lookie here... I drink well, don't I!"
With a flushed face, she slurred her words. She had become completely drunk after just two cups.
This wasn't the plan...
Sun-woo felt a wave of bewilderment. He had intended to share a light drink and build some rapport, but he was caught off guard by how she had gotten wasted after only two glasses.