Don't Hold Me Back
The Crown Prince couldn't comprehend the current situation.
He had cherished the young man's talents and invited him to join forces, only to receive this response...
...Just two days?
At first, he thought he'd misheard.
But seeing Jeong Gwang's clear gaze, he realized he'd heard correctly.
He simply had to ask.
"...Do you truly understand my words and respond accordingly?"
"Yes."
"...You truly desire no wealth or glory?"
"What does a Taoist want with wealth and glory?"
"...I heard you were merely a Taoist in name. But your recent exploits are said to surpass even those rumors..."
The Crown Prince trailed off in disbelief.
Jeong Gwang scratched his head vigorously.
Ah, seriously. How did the rumors spread like this?
How indeed.
They had spread far and wide.
If even the Crown Prince, secluded in the imperial palace, knew, then naturally his master and the rest of Kunlun had heard as well.
Still, he felt no great worry.
They'll understand.
Kunlun Taoists were true Taoists, after all.
No, wait. What did I even do wrong?
On the journey from Henan to here, he hadn't killed any innocents or stolen others' property... just bandits and river pirates, which was self-defense.
In any case, Jeong Gwang hadn't done anything truly blameworthy yet.
Thus, he could stand tall and speak confidently.
"Rumors in the jianghu are often distorted, Your Highness. It seems you've misunderstood."
"...Yanjing is where the Emperor resides, so land prices are exorbitantly high. The views aren't great either. Shall I provide a manor?"
"How much? Is the feng shui good?"
"..."
"Infinite merits. Just give me two days' worth."
The Crown Prince stared at Jeong Gwang before bursting into laughter.
He'd bitten the bait hard, yet still insisted on just two days.
What an amusing fellow.
The Jade Dragon...
Even from this brief encounter, he could tell.
Jeong Gwang wasn't someone who could be taken by force.
Time and effort would be needed.
The road ahead is long anyway.
The Crown Prince was patient.
Until he ascended the throne, no matter how long it took.
He revealed his intentions openly.
"Very well. One condition: two days it is."
"What's with 'one condition'? Absolutely two days..."
"Wouldn't it be better to think long-term?"
"Pardon?"
"As you said earlier, I'm a man of great wealth. And I hold power too."
"Mm. True enough."
"In the future, I'll become an even greater existence. Isn't that right?"
Jeong Gwang nodded inwardly.
He's not wrong.
The Crown Prince would become Crown Prince, then Emperor.
As long as nothing went awry midway.
Hmm.
Jeong Gwang peered closely at him.
The Crown Prince met his gaze steadily, without flinching.
Pretty sharp. And he's got bearing too.
Such people were rare.
Building a connection wouldn't be a loss, at minimum.
Jeong Gwang made his decision.
"Fine. Two days it is, then."
"Hahaha. My thanks."
"No need. It's a transaction. What will you offer for those two days?"
The Crown Prince stroked his chin thoughtfully, then shook his head.
"Rather than me deciding, tell me what you desire. That seems cleaner."
"You might say it's too big to handle."
"I'll accommodate as much as possible."
"Then let's let it mature a bit longer."
"...?"
The puzzled Crown Prince burst into hearty laughter at Jeong Gwang's follow-up.
"I'll ask when you're stronger. With interest."
And so, Jeong Gwang ended up spending two days with the Crown Prince.
"We should decide on lodging first," Jeong Gwang muttered.
The Crown Prince replied, "The eldest young master has provided a grand hall."
"This place is better than that."
"Why so?"
It was because Jeong Gwang still harbored suspicions toward Paeng Gang-ung, the Pang Clan's eldest young master.
But he couldn't say that outright.
"I've stayed here a few days, and it's comfortable."
"Hm? Hahaha. An amusing reason."
The Crown Prince wanted to accommodate Jeong Gwang's wishes, but he also needed to give face to his longtime deputy commander.
"What does the Deputy Commander think?"
After a moment's thought, the man spoke.
"Truth be told, both the hall from the Pang Clan and this place have shortcomings for attending Your Highness. But if I must choose, this one is better."
"Why is that?"
"The other place has too many halls nearby and too much foot traffic."
"True enough."
"But this location is somewhat secluded, making it easier to guard all directions. With the Imperial Guard surrounding it, no ordinary person would even think of approaching."
The Crown Prince smiled faintly and added, "And those beyond ordinary? The Deputy Commander will block them all."
"Your Highness... You honor this lowly one too greatly."
"Haha. Honor? I'm merely giving the assessment fitting for one of the palace's Ten Great Experts."
"Your Highness..."
The Deputy Commander was moved, and the Crown Prince was pleased.
Watching this, Jeong Gwang couldn't help but admire.
Wow. That Crown Prince guy—if he'd been born a beggar, he'd have made a living no problem. No, he'd have lived like a king.
He knew how to read people's moods and handle them deftly.
Jeong Gwang's wariness grew.
Slack off, and he might cut my pay. Gotta stay sharp.
Meanwhile, the Crown Prince had another concern.
To the Pang Clan, he was an uninvited guest who had arrived without notice.
For their eldest young master to offer a hall, only for him to refuse and stay here?
This went beyond rudeness—it was a grave insult.
No need to earn needless enmity.
It could also affect his own reputation.
"...What a dilemma."
He muttered, and Jeong Gwang asked, "What is it?"
"I'm wondering what to tell the eldest young master."
Jeong Gwang caught on.
"Beat around the bush."
"What do you mean?"
"The story with Elder Paeng. I received help in the past but couldn't publicize it due to imperial protocol. I still can't announce it, but I wish to convey deep gratitude to the Pang Clan. I'd like to spend time here, away from the clan's core, reminiscing with Elder Paeng. Like that."
"Ah!"
The Crown Prince let out an involuntary exclamation.
Of all people, the Pang Clan. A little leak like that is fine.
It hadn't been so in the past, but now he was the Crown Prince.
He had enough power that this wouldn't be held against him.
Besides, it's a chance to credit my master's deed to his clan.
Not even the Pang Clan knew why Pang Man-so limped.
It was an imperial matter, kept strictly secret.
Even phrased indirectly, they'd understand.
"Excellent. Let's do that. But..."
"Yes?"
The Crown Prince's eyes narrowed.
"How do you know what happened between me and your master?"
It was natural for him to suspect.
Jeong Gwang hadn't been in the room earlier.
Jeong Gwang replied as if it were obvious.
"I heard it."
"..."
The Crown Prince turned to the Deputy Commander.
His face was already flushed red.
I definitely blocked the sound with inner power. How?
The Crown Prince consoled the self-reproaching Deputy Commander.
"It's not your fault."
"...Your Highness, execute this lowly one."
"Come now, no."
His gaze shifted to Jeong Gwang.
The one who truly deserved execution was Jeong Gwang.
If he were an enemy, that is.
Just imagining it made his skin prickle.
To casually reveal such ability meant his hidden ones were even greater.
Why, wasn't there a jianghu adage: hide three-tenths of your skill?
Jeong Gwang was surely doing the same.
In that case...
The Crown Prince's greed intensified.
Right now, he wanted Jeong Gwang second only to the throne.
Paeng Gang-ung was overjoyed.
How many in the world could hear words of gratitude from the Crown Prince?
Even Paeng Gang-hwi, who had suddenly lost his hall, felt the same.
Their hearts swelled with pride for their grandfather and clan.
And he'll even give a speech at tomorrow's banquet?
Nothing more to wish for.
The Paeng brothers bowed deeply.
"Rest well, Your Highness."
"My thanks."
Thus, the Crown Prince comfortably settled into Paeng Gang-hwi's hall.
Jeong Gwang introduced the people there.
"My junior brother, Baek Seung-mu. In the jianghu, he's called the Golden Fist Sword Hero."
"...I've heard the name vaguely. They said you were a fine gentleman, but you look quite pitiful. Have you altered your appearance?"
"Yes."
"I see."
As the Crown Prince admired the deeply bowing Baek Seung-mu, Jeong Gwang continued.
"This is Jao. We travel together. Looks like a vicious rich bastard, right? He's actually quite ordinary."
"Heavens. Impressive."
As Jao bowed deeply, Jeong Gwang introduced Pang Su-bin.
"My disciple, Pang Su-bin. Just took her on."
"Already?"
"Yeah. No idea how it happened. But she's sharp, so that's good."
"Haha. She looks it."
With introductions done, Jeong Gwang ran out of words.
Everyone has their role; Jeong Gwang knew how to use people, like the Crown Prince.
"Jao, tell His Highness some fun stories?"
"Though lacking, I'll give it a try."
He wasn't lacking.
Not at all.
Jao chattered nonstop, and the Crown Prince listened raptly.
Mostly jianghu scandals and assassin tales—when had the exalted Crown Prince heard such things?
Occasionally, the stories got too vulgar, and the Deputy Commander tried to intervene, but the Crown Prince stopped him.
"Deputy Commander, stay quiet this time. It's most intriguing."
"...Yes, Your Highness."
Jao, emboldened, kept talking.
Jeong Gwang quietly slipped out and closed the door.
Unlike the noisy room, outside was peacefully quiet.
If the pig were nearby, he'd have heard the rumors by now.
Waiting wasn't his style, but this time it was necessary.
He couldn't predict what the pig might do.
For now, my condition is maxed out...
And his allies were solid.
The Deputy Commander, of course, and even the Imperial Guards on watch.
He'd familiarized faces and chatted casually, so they could coordinate if surprises arose.
But above all...
I need to get acquainted with the real deal.
Jeong Gwang's gaze fell to his shadow.
He sent a transmission toward it.
You should ask permission before coming over.
Anyone seeing would call him mad, but he was serious.
He continued to the shadow.
Slipping from His Highness's shadow in an instant. What's your identity?
Even waiting patiently, the shadow didn't stir.
One corner of Jeong Gwang's mouth lifted.
A taciturn one, eh. Merge with Jao and split in half—perfect.
If only that were possible.
But Jeong Gwang didn't lament the impossible.
First things first.
Anyway, let's do well today and tomorrow. Suppose His Highness is ambushed during a meal. How do you normally move?
...
Come on, really. Cut the pointless glare and speak. We need to coordinate, just in case.
...
Oh ho. Playing it like that?
Jeong Gwang's eyes sharpened.
Glare at the shadow, he shrugged and transmitted.
Fine. We'll move separately. Just don't hold me back.
Was it an illusion?
The shadow trembled faintly.
Huh? Stronger pride than he looks.
...
So, what should I call you?
...
Lady hero? Great hero?
...!
Neither? Then I don't know what to call you.
The shadow shook noticeably.