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Chapter 132: What Even Are You?

“What even are you?”

Why is this guy here?

If we were to think about the origin of this incident, it wouldn’t be too difficult.

The day before leaving for the Dragon Meeting.

I’d just seen Nangong Jin’s movements for the last time. It’s clear that he could no longer stay with the Gu Clan, and with my schedule lined up, there was no other choice.

During this, though he pretended to be fine, the disappointment on Nangong Jin’s face was painfully obvious.

I understood his feelings, but from my standpoint, even though I might overlook the sword… it was just a relief to have one less burden on my shoulders, merely following Noya’s words.

The problem arose right after.

“It’s been a while, Yangcheon.”

“Have you been well?”

Immediately after meeting Nangong Jin, I headed to find Elder Lee.

Elder Lee had said the day before that he would go with me, but I vehemently opposed and insisted on going alone.

He looked puzzled but having him accompany me would hardly be beneficial.

In fact, being with a contrasting figure like Elder Lee only drew a line between us.

I stared at the skinny, sharp-looking old man sitting before me.

Though small and frail, I could sense a well-honed sword blade within him.

He felt like a master sword even in his old age.

However, this also meant that I had reached a level where I could feel Elder Lee’s strength.

Elder Lee smiled at me and asked,

“So, what does this old man owe the pleasure of your visit?”

“I just thought I should come by to see if you were well.”

“Ah… just hearing that is enough to bring joy.”

I also smiled back at Elder Lee.

Gu Exemplar Sect.

It’s a faction belonging to the Gu Clan, known as the Sword of the Gu Clan.

While it’s not too far from the Gu Clan, it feels more like a separate entity than one truly belonging to it.

It’s unclear whether this sentiment arises from thought or if it’s something passed down from ancestors.

“Well, I’ve heard you’ve been doing well lately.”

“Of course, I’ve always been doing well.”

The conversation began simply.

I couldn’t just immediately go in for the attack.

“I heard you even got engaged to a pretty girl. That’s fantastic.”

“Fortunately, it seems they hold me in good regard.”

“Of course.”

Elder Lee chuckled at my words, yet the atmosphere in the room felt stifling.

I could sense subtle stirrings in the surroundings.

‘Look at this old man.’

He was emitting a very faint kick of energy, hidden from sight.

Without needing to conjure a blaze, I moved my energy to disperse the thick air.

Whoosh—!

It wasn’t a burst of heat; it didn’t need to be.

It must have caught Elder Lee off-guard, as his expression shifted.

Looking at him, I said,

“I really dislike a stifling atmosphere.”

“Well then…”

Elder Lee’s smile quickly vanished.

Yeah, this is much more comfortable.

“You seem to have changed quite a bit.”

“Well, I’m at that age to grow, aren’t I?”

“Indeed… the child who used to avoid my gaze can now…”

I couldn’t have comfortably endured this odd atmosphere back then.

Had it not been for the circumstances, I likely wouldn’t have come to meet Elder Lee on my own.

Taking in Elder Lee’s words, I idly sipped some tea.

I wondered if he had mixed something toxic into it.

‘…Has it come to the point where I even worry about that?’

In this moment, Elder Lee had no intention of doing such a thing, but in my previous life, I constantly had to consider poison and assassination.

Thus, even now, it was a habit for me to widen my Qi perception.

“You’ve indeed changed quite a lot since before; it’s good to see.”

“Really, do you think so?”

“Of course, our clan’s main figure has changed this much; how could it be anything but good.”

“That’s quite flattering to hear.”

The main figure of the clan.

To speak such insincere words so casually.

At one point, I even thought his words might be genuine, but time revealed those sentiments to be futile.

“The reason I came to see you today is different.”

Hoo—

A red light swirled around, pervading my shoulders like haze.

Perhaps this was a showy display of energy that slightly furrows Elder Lee’s brow.

“I came here to tell you something.”

“…What kind of story do you wish to share?”

Elder Lee didn’t seem very shocked seeing I had reached the peak because he likely already knew.

The reason I chose to reveal my peak was not for the sake of boasting.

It wouldn’t make sense to threaten him with such weak intentions.

Though I was commendably at the peak for my age, it still wasn’t sufficient.

In comparison to other martial artists, I might seem exceptionally high-level, but I was still at a stage where I would easily die if the Sword Sovereign or Sword Demoness wielded their swords.

To live as if one were angry would be impossible from my current level.

[Then why not just kill and live?]

‘…It’s not as easy as it sounds.’

I’ve killed quite a bit, you know.

The world knows nothing of such matters.

I know you’re aware of me.

With my level, you should know it’s late; just stop meddling.

And many other meanings accompanied it.

Did Elder Lee really not catch that?

This was not how I believed it would pan out.

In my placid gaze, Elder Lee finally sheds his last mask.

He must not have had any intention to hide it from the beginning.

“You’ve changed so much that I hardly recognize you. It’s like you’ve become a different person.”

“I often hear that. They say coming of age is a moment’s decision.”

“Exactly. I would have preferred you not to awaken at all.”

“Regardless of what you were doing or dreaming of, I have no interest.”

The old man’s longings are fruitless yet profoundly deep.

I had no interest in what he wished for.

“But it does seem I keep getting dragged into this.”

The problem lies in how the old man’s desires seem to tie me into unfavorable circumstances.

“How could you escape being involved?”

“Precisely, it’s bothersome and irritating.”

“What was the problem?”

Elder Lee asked.

“What made you change from a child who would bow to live, into this? A bit of hope, or some pitiful faith?”

“The hope has burned away long ago, and the state of my household isn’t clean enough for me to live on mere belief.”

This Elder Lee’s tolerance of the situation was likely why my father allowed it to persist.

No matter what, it was a filthy household.

Nothing pleased me.

“Your father is arrogant.”

That sudden remark left me with a strange expression.

Why would he suddenly speak ill of parents?

“Isn’t that true?”

“Do you want me to agree to your slandering of my father?”

Even though I find it difficult to understand my father, this was utter nonsense.

“Do you not realize how arrogant it is to think that you and your father alone can bear the burden of this world?”

I set down the tea I was about to drink.

I hadn’t expected Elder Lee to mention karma.

“How do you know that?”

“Isn’t it peculiar? To know such things?”

“Yes.”

For those who know of such matters, it can be counted on one hand within the clan.

Outside of the clan, I’m clueless, but at least within, that must be the standard.

‘But Elder Lee knows that.’

When did he start to know? Can he really confirm he knows?

I hardly know much about Elder Lee.

The reason being, in my previous life, I stood out as nothing more than pitifully weak.

Elder Lee only began to take notice of me after I was appointed as the Lesser Clan Leader.

“If you already know, why climb to places you can’t reach?”

“Climb to places I can’t reach? No, what about my children?”

“Whatever it may be.”

“Not just your father; you too are arrogant.”

If the karma in the underworld were taken into account, perhaps it would have warranted sympathy.

Yet it seemed Elder Lee had a different thought in mind.

“You wouldn’t understand. The power of holding them in your hands is immense.”

An icy chill washed over me.

“I’m not interested in knowing, whatever the meaning.”

Elder Lee couldn’t touch that place.

If he had been, he wouldn’t be able to stand and walk around now.

Perhaps he’s trapped in some fantastical dream.

“If you wish to dream, then I hope you only keep dreaming.”

Dreaming is free. My father letting Elder Lee be is likely out of this reason too.

Elder Lee smirked as if to mock my words.

“If you aren’t dreaming, what do you plan to do?”

“Well…”

Even if Elder Lee had become blind with ambition, he wouldn’t easily grant me a pretext.

The value of Gu Exemplar Sect is high, and its roles are clear.

Yet who knows how much my father would permit?

Elder Lee wouldn’t be oblivious to that.

Thus, despite feeling obstructed, he wouldn’t outright do anything.

“Do you know?”

I looked Elder Lee in the eyes.

“The once-guarding dog has aged, perhaps it has developed issues in its head and shows its teeth to its master.”

I mixed in a bit of the tale from my previous life.

Without this detail, it wouldn’t be amusing.

“A dog…?”

“Yes, a dog.”

I slightly raised the corners of my mouth.

“But it had defended the house, so I put up with it; one day the old hound bit its master.”

“And then?”

“Do you know what happened?”

a

“I don’t know.”

The final act of Elder Lee happened a few years later in a similar season to this one.

How can I remember? That day was unseasonably hot for autumn.

The head of the Gu Clan was furious.

The flame he emitted filled the sky.

“All its teeth were pulled out, and it burned to death alive.”

If it had merely bitten, it wouldn’t have gone that far. It had crossed the line far too often.

Isn’t that right?

It had touched the bloodline.

Back then, my father stepped in.

This time, however, at a different period, it might just be me.

Coincidentally, that day of my previous life was something I could perform quite well in.

So long as I had a pretext.

And it felt like there would not be long until that pretext would be provided.

Thus, I could still respond with a smile.

“It’s just that.”

“…What an interesting story. Quite amusing.”

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“Isn’t that right? I hope it remains just a story.”

Elder Lee couldn’t hide the ambition gleaming in his eyes while doing his best to suppress his current emotions.

Perhaps he was seething inside.

A kid so immature babbling disrespectfully at him.

“It was an interesting story. Thank you.”

Elder Lee smiled, seemingly unbothered.

Seeing that smile, I felt like I understood even more.

Nothing would change regarding my relationship with Elder Lee.

Now here with Gu Jeolyub, many thoughts surged in my mind.

“…Hoo.”

Was it a mistake to visit my father immediately after that uncomfortable conversation with Elder Lee?

The phrase ‘I understand’ echoed in my mind.

I merely went to convey a sense of what should be done.

“Why are you here?”

“…I’ve been ordered to keep company with the Grand Prince.”

“You? Me?”

“Yes….”

Was it Elder Lee’s doing? Such a thing couldn’t transpire without my father’s permission.

Surely, my father’s influence must have played a role.

A hostage situation.

“…”

Gu Jeolyub averted my gaze.

It seemed she understood just what her role entailed.

“Long time no see?”

“…Yes.”

As I stared at her, Gu Jeolyub refused to meet my eyes.

Perhaps due to the previous incident?

‘It wasn’t like she was beaten up that badly.’

I hadn’t broken anything while releasing her, so one would expect she wouldn’t bear such sentiment.

It seemed I had been far gentler than what I had expressed.

“Prince….”

Tang Soyeol cautiously approached.

She was sending wary glances toward Gu Jeolyub.

‘Thinking back, they must have met already.’

It seems both had crossed paths due to the incident I initiated in anger.

Hence, Tang Soyeol had met with and rebuked me for that.

After seeing Tang Soyeol, Gu Jeolyub slightly bowed her head in greeting.

“Nice to see you again, Young Lady Tang.”

“…Hello.”

Even though the handsome Gu Jeolyub was trying to greet her, Tang Soyeol only slightly frowned.

“Young Master!”

Amidst that, Wi Seol-Ah came dashing in.

Since our last outing together, it was nice to see her maintain such a lively demeanor.

“You must be sleeping in the carriage, Bi-Ah sister!”

“It was as I expected.”

Nangong Bi-ah, as previously mentioned, chose to travel along.

It seems she went to the carriage right away and fell asleep.

“Oh? Hello.”

Wi Seol-Ah noticed Gu Jeolyub and greeted her.

Seeing that, Gu Jeolyub flinched.

Could it be that she was reminded of being struck while she was pining for Wi Seol-Ah before?

I looked at her and asked,

“What are you riding on?”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean, what’s your role here?”

Putting aside the matter of serving me, there needs to be clarity on why she follows me.

Whether she comprehended my words or not, Gu Jeolyub revealed a letter.

It was a recommendation letter to the Dragon Meeting.

The referee was none other than Gu Cheolun, my father’s name.

Seeing that, I was momentarily dumbfounded.

Not Elder Lee, but my father. When I looked at Gu Jeolyub incredulously, it seemed she shared the same sentiment.

Her expression mirrored my own, baffled about why she was here.

“…Interesting.”

“What’s interesting?”

When I turned my head at the suddenly interjected voice, Gu Ryeonghwa was gazing at me with her big eyes.

“When did you arrive?”

“Just now….”

“Were you here to see me off?”

“I just passed by.”

By the way, the distance from the entrance to Gu Ryeonghwa’s residence is quite considerable.

“Are you leaving now?”

“It looks that way.”

“Then when will you…?”

My perplexed tone drew a strange expression from Gu Ryeonghwa.

It also seemed that Gu Ryeonghwa realized the oddity of her own statement, as her face turned red, and she stared at the ground.

While suppressing a laugh, I said,

“Who knows? I don’t think it’ll take long.”

Surely, it would be faster than my visit to Hwasan Sect.

Would Gu Ryeonghwa really remain in the clan during that time?

‘She should still be here when I return, I guess.’

While I was lost in thought, Gu Ryeonghwa added,

“…Hyeok will look for you a lot, you know.”

“What?,,

Did I just mishear something?

“What do you mean by ‘Hyeok’?”

“Eh? Why?…”

“Just, what’s with that casual term of endearment?”

“Why all of a sudden?”

Hyeok… I can’t mean that it’s the same Hyeok I know, right?

“You… are you close with him?”

“We’re not really close, but I saw him yesterday.”

“What did you say?”

“My Master and Shin Yi had dinner together.”

“And so?”

“What’s that got to do with anything? They just had dinner….”

Wait, are you saying you eat with someone you’re not close to? I stared wide-eyed at Gu Ryeonghwa, but she merely sent me a look that seemed to question my confusion.

“I’d better see Hyeok soon.”

“Why?”

“I want to get closer now.”

“Hyeok said he was close to you.”

“That’s right, I need to grow closer from now on.”

Our Hyeok.

I’m so disappointed I couldn’t see him today.

Just as something was about to stir within my heart, Muyeon approached.

“Young Master, shall we finish loading the luggage now?”

“Is there much left?”

“Just the food supplies, and we’ll be done.”

Only the heavy stuff remains, huh?

I turned to Gu Jeolyub, who was still staring blankly at me.

“Hey.”

“Yes…?”

“What are you doing?”

“Excuse me? What do you mean….”

“What are you dawdling for? Go assist.”

Whether it was Elder Lee’s intention or my father’s thoughts, I had no way of knowing.

If I was given permission, then I should do what’s asked.

In this situation, Gu Jeolyub would be expected to perform quite a bit on the journey ahead.

While I patted Wi Seol-Ah’s hair, standing beside me like a little puppy, I thought about it.

Does Gu Jeolyub know?

That I’ll likely be sticking around longer than she anticipates.

 

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