Who Dares Insult Me?
The instructor leading the group from the 3rd Junior Swordsman Academy was Ryu Gye-hae. He looked as though he could hardly contain his excitement. The performance of the four representative students in the written examination had been nothing short of spectacular.
Bukjin had set a new record, claiming 1st place and sending shockwaves through all of Unmong City. Ak Hong-hyang scored 277 points, and Han Bul-bu scored 272 points, placing both of them within the top 30. Baek Geum-un’s score was slightly lower at 255 points, landing her in 57th place, but she was only a first-year student. Achieving such a rank in the written exam was considered an outstanding feat for someone of her grade.
In truth, every single representative from the 3rd Academy had been eliminated on the very first day during last year’s Academic & Martial Arts Competition. Compared to that, this year’s results represented a monumental leap forward.
"Hahaha! You all did marvelously! Principal Im was so pleased that he spared no expense from the academy's budget to book a room at Manseung-ru to celebrate your success! Hahaha! Come, let us go and enjoy the feast!"
Ryu Gye-hae’s mouth wouldn't stop twitching into a grin. Just then, someone suddenly approached Bukjin to offer a greeting. It was Im Ui, the genius student from the National Imperial Junior Academy.
"It’s been a long time, cousin."
Im Ui approached with a smile and greeted Bukjin. Cousin? Is he talking to me? Bukjin, who had been happily counting the 16 gold he had earned today, turned his head to look at Im Ui.
"Are you speaking to me?"
Im Ui replied, "Of course. My cousin, Im Bukjin. Surely you aren't going to pretend you don't know me now?"
Hearing those words, Bukjin felt a wave of awkwardness. He hadn't fully merged with the memories of the original owner of this body yet. He only possessed clear memories regarding his father and sister. Consequently, he didn't have much recollection of other family members or relatives.
This person claiming to be his cousin, Im Ui, left absolutely no impression on Bukjin’s mind. "Are you really my cousin?" Bukjin asked suspiciously.
Im Ui was a tall young man with clear eyes and broad shoulders, possessing a refreshing and handsome appearance. Looking closer, he did seem to bear a very slight resemblance to the image of Im Geun-nam stored in Bukjin’s memory. In Bukjin’s estimation, Im Ui was indeed a rare handsome man. Though obviously not as handsome as me...
Various complex thoughts raced through Bukjin's head. Im Ui spoke to him again.
"Haha, who on earth would lie about being blood-related?"
Im Ui was the student who had ranked 4th in today's written exam, making him one of the rising stars of this competition. Bukjin asked, "Then are you a scoundrel too?"
Im Ui looked momentarily dumbfounded before laughing. "Cousin, don't make such jokes."
"If you aren't a scoundrel, how are you still alive?" Bukjin countered.
After the fall of the Heavenly Lord's house, all relatives associated with the family had been punished under the law of collective responsibility. Only those like Bukjin—who were mentally ill or considered not worth the effort to kill—had been spared, perhaps because the Emperor found it too tedious to deal with them.
A shadow of gloom flickered across Im Ui's face. He quickly offered an explanation. "The crime of your father betraying the empire was unforgivable. However, my father's lineage has long performed great services for the empire. Thanks to His Majesty's grace, our branch was granted clemency. That is why I am able to participate in this competition and stand before you now."
Bukjin felt an instinctive repulsion toward the cousin standing before him. He wasn't entirely sure why. Regardless, facing Im Ui made him feel incredibly uncomfortable.
"What kind of nonsense is that?" Bukjin said bluntly as he stuffed his gold into his pocket. "No matter how great your father's merits were, could they possibly be greater than my father's? The entire house of the Heavenly Lord was wiped out, yet your family remained unscathed? That doesn't make a lick of sense. Did you bribe someone?"
Im Ui’s expression darkened. "Watch your tongue. There are many things you do not know. But this is not the place to discuss them. Cousin, I have come under my father's orders to invite you to our home for a meal. So, come with me."
However, Bukjin rejected him flatly. "I don't have time. I'm not going."
Having said his piece, Bukjin turned around and climbed into the 3rd Academy's carriage. As soon as he boarded, the carriage departed quickly, soon vanishing into the distance.
Im Ui reached out as if to catch Bukjin, but it was already too late. "Im Bukjin... you are no longer the son of that great Heavenly Lord. To think you still cannot face reality. Cousin, you will soon bow your head before me and beg on your knees."
Muttering to himself, Im Ui let out a cold sneer and left the area.
Brilliant lanterns were lit, and the night streets of Unmong City began to pulse with vitality. Manseung-ru. It was the most famous luxury restaurant in the city. It had been built a hundred years ago when the founding emperor led an expedition into the Sea Race territories. Over time, successive owners had expanded its scale until it reached its current prestige.
The patrons who usually frequented Manseung-ru were either incredibly wealthy or of noble status. In other words, the area surrounding the restaurant was undoubtedly the most opulent district in the city.
On the third floor of Manseung-ru, the members of the 3rd Academy were seated in a private room. "Students, Principal Im is far too busy with official business to attend this gathering and congratulate you in person. However, he has provided more than enough funds for this reward, so please, eat and enjoy to your heart's content," Ryu Gye-hae said with a smile.
As he spoke, Ryu Gye-hae’s face flushed slightly. Everyone knew that Principal Im Tae-heo’s 'busy official business' usually involved indulging in wine and women.
Scanning the menu, Bukjin was shocked by the prices. A single dish cost as much as 4 gold. This place was practically highway robbery. "Do you guys offer a discount?" Bukjin asked.
A spread of delicacies from the land and sea was quickly laid out on the table. The delicious aroma tickled everyone's noses. Just as Bukjin and the others were about to pick up their utensils, the door suddenly burst open.
It was Cho Heun and Ban Oe-min. "Hahaha! I heard the Principal gave you a mountain of gold to treat the students! A luxury meal at Manseung-ru! How could we miss the chance to dine with the heroes who brought glory to the 3rd Academy? We were eating at the Iron Hammer Weapon Shop when we heard the news and rushed straight here!"
Cho Heun seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood. He had originally intended to attend the opening ceremony as an instructor to support Bukjin’s team. However, Yang Chim-ju, knowing his condition, had stopped him. Consequently, he had remained at the weapon shop to help Yang Chim-ju finalize the Heavenly Horse Meteor Arm.
Now, the prosthetic arm Cho Heun wore was fully functional for daily life. The Heavenly Horse Meteor Arm featured a metal skeleton covered by realistic skin crafted through advanced alchemy. Unless one looked very closely, it was hard to believe it wasn't a real arm. Cho Heun had also made great strides in controlling it; he was already skilled enough to use his metal fingers to manipulate chopsticks.
Ban Oe-min, having already downed several cups of the fine liquor known as 'Jade Pool Brew,' laughed heartily as the alcohol took effect. "Gwahaha! Honestly, the two of us are also heroes of the 3rd Academy. Not only did we train you, but we also led you through all those grueling sessions. Surely we've earned the right to join this meal!"
Manseung-ru offered special dishes that could only be tasted there, and a gourmet like Ban Oe-min wasn't about to let this opportunity slip by. Baek Geum-un crossed her arms and savored the aroma of the numerous dishes on the table. She laughed playfully. "Director Ban, you've spent so much time with Director Cho lately that you've become much funnier than before."
Hearing her words, Ban Oe-min didn't say a word but simply flicked his finger in the air. Swish! A piece of beef flew up and landed right in Baek Geum-un's mouth. "Just eat," Ban Oe-min said awkwardly.
Everyone burst into laughter at the sight. "These dishes you ordered aren't the true essence of Manseung-ru's cuisine. I'll order for you myself." Having said that, Ban Oe-min grabbed the menu. An aura like a general leading ten thousand troops radiated from his body. He proceeded to order twelve more dishes in rapid succession.
Watching this, Ryu Gye-hae’s eyes trembled slightly. Principal Im... your wallet is going to take a massive hit this time.
"Alright, alright, enough talk! Let's eat!" Bukjin, who had been salivating on the sidelines, couldn't take it anymore and shouted. Thus, a beautiful time filled with delicious food and pleasant company passed quickly.
The atmosphere inside Manseung-ru grew even more heated. The reception rooms on the first and second floors were already packed with guests. The building was filled with the scent of food and the sound of joyful music. Combined with the festive night atmosphere and the flow of alcohol, the mood became increasingly boisterous and lively.
A short while later, loud laughter drifted in from the room next to the 3rd Academy's party. A very familiar voice spoke in a triumphant tone.
"Hahahaha! You all saw it today, didn't you? The look on that brat Im Bukjin's face when he ran into Young Master Jo was priceless! He looked like a wolf cub that had just lost its parents! He probably never dreamed that Young Master Jo would qualify for the competition! He might have even pissed his pants! Hahaha!"
Hmm? Hearing those words, Bukjin slowly set down the wine cup he was holding. Interesting. They're talking about me, yet not a single word about how handsome I am? Unforgivable.
"Some low-born mutts are getting drunk and spouting nonsense!" Cho Heun, unable to contain his anger, slammed the table and hurled an insult back.
The room next door went silent for a moment. But a few seconds later, the familiar voice from before began to shout back even louder, filled with rage. "Which dog-bone bastard dares to insult me?"
The sound of footsteps approached. Bang! The door to the 3rd Academy's room was kicked open violently. A massive, obese man entered, followed by seven other people.