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Chapter 139: Stars

Stars.

A few months ago, I recalled the time when Peng Woojin appeared at the Gu Clan’s Gathering of the Nine Dragons.

Clearly, he was a member of the Peng Family, participating in the gathering to become a member of the Sword Team.

Moreover, at that time, Peng Woojin was already seated as a Lesser Clan Leader.

So what was the reason he insisted on joining the Gu Clan’s Sword Team?

‘Was it because it was boring?’

That was likely the absurd reason behind it.

Peng Woojin said he ran away from the Peng Family because it was boring and absurdly claimed he wanted to be part of the Gu Clan’s Sword Team.

Additionally, he had once fainted after a single strike from Elder Lee during one of his tantrums.

Those memories all seemed surreal.

I asked Peng Woojin, “…What are you doing here, Gu Prince?”

“Hmm? Is my presence unwanted?”

Peng Woojin casually brushed himself off as though it was no big deal.

His carefree tone was as unbothered as ever.

“Not necessarily…”

“Then it should be fine!”

“ ”

We exchanged a few words, and my head was already starting to hurt.

Especially when talking to someone of his caliber.

In my previous life, I had to deal with such characters incessantly.

I pondered while looking at the beaming Peng Woojin.

The former Shin Ryong.

Before he became known as the Lesser Clan Leader of the Peng Family, he had that title.

It was a title bestowed upon the most exceptional Late-Stage Talents of the generation.

A mark of the brightest star.

‘Wasn’t it too early to give that up?’

If one were to argue, Peng Woojin was still a Late-Stage Talent and at the most active age for it.

If it were me, I might have been a bit reluctant.

“Gu Prince.”

“Oh! What is it?”

“Did you maybe run away again?”

That was only a casual question from me, considering his startling history.

Peng Woojin’s expression blanked for a moment but quickly erupted into hearty laughter.

“Do you think I would be the type to come to the Dragon Meeting after running away?”

“Running away out of boredom could lead to that, don’t you think?”

“Where in the world would you find someone crazier than that…?”

“…What?”

What is this crazy guy saying right now?

He seemed to have forgotten all about his past without a care.

Seeing my stunned expression, Peng Woojin smiled slyly.

“Just kidding!”

What do I do? Talking to him made me want to go home already.

“I’m here for work related to the Martial Alliance, so don’t worry.”

His words momentarily made me think.

Work.

Would the Martial Alliance even entrust him with something?

If that were the case, was it significant enough to warrant him coming all the way to Hanam?

The more I stared at Peng Woojin, he averted my gaze slightly and spoke.

“…With such a perfect excuse, how could I not come?”

He confessed.

“…It’s not illegal.”

“It’s not like anyone is saying anything about it, Gu Prince.”

It seemed he was itching to wander outside.

If that’s the case, why even become a Lesser Clan Leader?

‘Not that I’m in a position to question that…’

Every family has its own circumstances.

Maybe not as severe as mine.

“But, did you come alone?”

“Hmm? No.”

As he spoke, he pointed behind him.

There stood Nangong Cheonjun, watching us knowledgably.

“Did you come with the Thunder Dragon?”

I almost slipped and referred to him as “that guy” for a moment. Why is he just standing over there?

“Isn’t it a mere coincidence? That’s how it turned out.”

The Lesser Clan Leader and the Normal Lesser Clan Leader going together by coincidence.

I had a gut feeling it couldn’t be as simple as it seemed.

Nangong Cheonjun had arrived at the Dragon Meeting significantly earlier, so perhaps it was related to Peng Woojin’s arrival.

“Oh, if you’re asking about my younger sister, it’ll take a few days.”

I hadn’t even particularly inquired about Peng Ahee.

But wait, is Peng Ahee arriving separately?

Before I could let that question settle, Peng Woojin’s voice quivered slightly as he continued.

“…Originally, we planned to leave a bit later together, but I think she wanted to arrive early, so she probably took off on her own. She might be a bit upset. But she’ll be fine.”

At this point, it feels like making Peng Ahee angry is Peng Woojin’s biggest hobby.

Last I saw, she was giving him a thrashing like no other.

Is she really okay? I doubt it.

“That’s that.”

“I don’t think that’s an issue that can just be brushed off…?”

“By the way, are you still keeping that token I gave you last time safe?”

That guy casually ignored what I said.

‘Token?’

He must be referring to the black neck token Peng Woojin had given me.

It was said that if I visited the Peng Family with it, I’d receive treatment on par with that of Peng Woojin.

A rather heavy burden.

Remembering this, Peng Woojin expressed a hint of sadness.

“I told you to come visit sometime, come on.”

“It hasn’t even been a year yet….”

It was nearly a year.

Due to my schedule, I hadn’t had time to visit the Peng Family.

Even if I had, it’s iffy whether I would have.

“Uh, um…”

Amid our conversation, Gu Jeolyub quietly interrupted.

“Are you, by any chance, the former Shin Ryong, Peng Woojin?”

What’s with that cautious tone? I had never seen Gu Jeolyub behave like this.

Peng Woojin tilted his head slightly as he looked at Gu Jeolyub.

“That’s right. I’m no longer Shin Ryong, though…”

“I-I’m Gu Jeolyub… May I shake your hand?”

“Hmm…?”

After hearing Gu Jeolyub’s introduction, his gaze naturally shifted to me.

“Are you the Prince’s older brother?”

“No, I’m the only son in my family.”

“Makes sense, you don’t resemble each other at all! This junior is handsome…”

“I don’t know what you were going to say next, but please don’t.”

“I was just joking again.”

Peng Woojin laughed heartily while grabbing Gu Jeolyub’s hand.

In response, Gu Jeolyub showed a delighted expression as though he had received a valuable gift.

‘What’s with that for real?’

I felt a bit embarrassed from my standpoint.

I guess Muyeon who was with us felt the same… No, he looked a touch envious too.

Is he out of his mind?

If that’s not the case, is the name recognition from Shin Ryong worth that much?

I had seen it in my past life too, but it was truly a different experience.

[Hey kid, aren’t you being too indifferent about this side?]

‘That could be it.’

I was indeed a bit unsure since I had simply recoiled at the mention of dragons and phoenixes.

I wasn’t particularly keen on witnessing the potential they held.

Though I could clearly see that now.

‘Quite powerful.’

Peng Woojin’s physique reflected the unique intensity of the Peng Family, but there was no sign of destruction.

Instead, he looked slender and agile.

However, I could sense the overwhelming tempest contained within him.

He had surpassed the peak.

A shiver ran down my spine as that intuition resonated within me.

I wasn’t the only one observing; suddenly, Peng Woojin spoke while looking at me.

“I thought the Prince would grow stronger.”

His shining black eyes radiated with interest.

Hearing that, I let out an awkward chuckle.

“No one else thought so, it’s quite peculiar.”

“Indeed, why did no one else think so? That’s more bizarre to me.”

“I find it more curious that the Peng Prince believes that so firmly.”

“Everyone finds me peculiar, but my instincts have never been wrong. Look, the proof is standing right in front of me.”

…

Just as I scrutinized his level, he seemed to sense something from me as well.

He’s not skillful at hiding it, which is evident.

Understanding this takes either long-term real combat experience or the instinct he must have been born with.

For me, it was certainly the former, and for Peng Woojin, it likely was the latter.

This divergence can easily be regarded as a difference in talent.

That which could only be attained after enduring long refinement.

Something born with them seems utterly unjust.

There was also a shadowed past of pain, but I had to shake off that entire burden now.

‘It’s the same now.’

The jealousy gnawing inside me was tempered by the flames embedded in my body.

Just focus ahead.

If I think I’m lacking, all I must do is strive harder.

To twist and bear everything laying before me is the only way.

[Your mindset is good.]

‘Since when did you start showering me with compliments?’

[Responsibilities must be handled. Is there a more incompetent senior than one who scorns a martial artist aiming higher?]

‘Why are you suddenly trying to act all cool? Makes me shudder a bit.’

[Heh, you little rascal… Would reciting every sword technique make you come to your senses?]

I awkwardly retorted, though inwardly felt a bit touched.

Perhaps Shin Noya felt that too.

“Oh, I heard you got engaged. So now you and Nangong Prince are family, huh?”

At Peng Woojin’s laugh, Nangong Cheonjun shuddered slightly from the rear.

I glanced at him and countered.

“Not yet.”

“If you’re engaged, it’s family, right?”

“By that logic, it’s the same with the Peng Family…”

“Oh, since meeting early is also fate, why don’t we have a spar or something?”

What’s with everyone insisting on talking about battles? Is there a reason for this madness?

I sighed heavily at Peng Woojin’s proposal and firmly declined.

“I think it might be a bit difficult right now.”

Sparring out of the blue, does he think I’m some kind of Nangong Bi?

As I refused, Peng Woojin’s eyes widened in disappointment.

Is it that they all want to challenge me?

I had expected more calm from someone sitting in the position of a Lesser Clan Leader.

‘…’

Suddenly, a past misdeed I committed while seated as a Lesser Clan Leader flickered through my mind, prompting me to clear my throat.

It was something I couldn’t afford to comment on.

“Let’s save it for next time. It feels a bit too early.”

Too early.

Those two words understandingly made Peng Woojin simply smile.

“I like the Prince for this reason.”

His oddly intimate words made my expression sour.

It was only our second meeting… why is he being so burdensome?

“Peng Prince… I want to reiterate, I like that girl.”

“Don’t worry about it, I like girls too!”

“Why the heck is that a question?!”

Why is there a cloud of interrogatives hanging around? I could strangle him.

I puffed in irritation, and Peng Woojin chuckled heartily.

As he observed me, Nangong Cheonjun approached and addressed Peng Woojin.

“Peng Hyung, it’s about time we leave.”

“Oh, already?”

At Nangong Cheonjun’s words, Peng Woojin scratched the back of his head. He clearly seemed reluctant to part ways.

“…I can’t help it then. Gu Prince, I must definitely see you again! It won’t be long until we do.”

“No, there’s really no need for that.”

“Next time, I’ll bring my younger sister too!”

“…Why?”

Why would we want to engage in such uncomfortable company?

Does this guy have a selective memory of my broken engagement with the Peng Family?

Unfazed by my grim expression, Peng Woojin seemed saddened as he bid me farewell and walked away.

As he brushed past, I felt Nangong Cheonjun’s gaze on me.

Jealousy.

A familiar yet strangely relatable gaze full of multifaceted meaning locked with mine.

Those with such eyes usually tend to stir up trouble.

I did, and many did as well.

“Not good.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Gu Jeolyub asked in response to my words, his eyes brimming with curiosity compared to when he was initially dragged to the training grounds.

“Something like that. Come to think of it, you seemed ecstatic just now?”

“Uh?”

“Are you that fond of the Peng Prince’s hands?”

“That… is he not the former Shin Ryong?”

Technically, he’s the former Shin Ryong now.

In agreement with Gu Jeolyub’s words, Muyeon subtly nodded along.

That name value, I should acquire it no matter how filthy I feel about it.

“Let’s just train.”

Our original objective was training, after all. No matter what, I needed to loosen my body, Peng or Nangong be damned.

Bringing Gu Jeolyub along was a stroke of genius.

Seeing him roll around while pretending to train eased the tension I had built up.

The horse carriage left Bachunmaru for the Martial Alliance.

In the midst of the tranquil silence, without a sound of hoofbeats, Nangong Cheonjun called out to Peng Woojin, who was gazing out the window.

“Peng Hyung.”

At the sound of Nangong Cheonjun’s voice, Peng Woojin’s eyes shifted.

His head remained still, but only his gaze moved.

“How did you come to know Gu Prince?”

Peng Woojin’s expression changed immediately after parting ways with Gu Yangcheong.

Similar to when he traveled to Hanam, he sported an emotionless facade.

The underlying deterrent force and an uncanny feeling inexplicably lingered in Nangong Cheonjun’s mind.

“Why is that your concern?”

The once bright youth who had faced Gu Yangcheong was nowhere to be found; only a cold voice awaited Nangong Cheonjun.

“You seem to show a different side.”

“Nangong Prince.”

“Yes, Peng Hyung?”

“Do you wish to become a star?”

Nangong Cheonjun’s expression froze at the sudden question.

Its intent was shrouded in obscurity.

“What do you mean by that…?”

“Do you believe you can shine on your own?”

Inside, Nangong Cheonjun mentally answered affirmatively.

He already considers himself shining brightly.

Thus, he was praised by many Late-Stage Talents as the Thunder Dragon.

However, he couldn’t voice that answer.

Because Peng Woojin’s expression seemed to possess the edge of a blade.

In that space, it appeared that Peng Woojin had no interest in waiting for Nangong Cheonjun’s response and continued his thoughts.

“I like those who shine on their own. Seeing shimmering lights brings me an unexpected excitement; how could I not welcome that?”

“…”

“Gu Prince— that boy is like that. Like a brightly burning flame, how could one not appreciate such a person?”

Nangong Cheonjun found that hard to understand.

Gu Yangcheong shines?

That hopelessly fiery disposition he has.

‘He may possess talent, but.’

Even so.

Due to that day’s coincidence, he had received the penalty of being sealed within the family but had grown significantly because of it.

If he used his skill, he could easily cut down Gu Yangcheong.

Therefore, he wished eagerly to witness this Dragon Meeting.

To see Gu Yangcheong obliterated, and perhaps that would involve the elder sister…

“Lord Cheonjun.”

As longings surged within him, Peng Woojin’s words brought his focus back.

Staring back at him were Peng Woojin’s onyx-like eyes, brimmed with an eerie essence.

“I don’t know what you seek, but don’t have too many expectations. I, too, do not harbor too many expectations for you.”

With a clench.

Peng Woojin’s adamant words made Nangong Cheonjun tighten his fists.

With each movement, the blue bracelet clinked along.

This bracelet was a gift directly from the Heavenly Lord when he set off on his journey to Hanam.

“…Understood.”

“And.”

Peng Woojin’s head shifted from the window towards Nangong Cheonjun.

As their gazes met, Peng Woojin coldly stated.

“Use my proper title. I am not your brother.”

A stark contrast to how Peng Woojin had previously addressed Gu Yangcheong as “brother.”

As a result of his firm response, Nangong Cheonjun twisted his lips, nodding with great trouble.

Inside the carriage heading towards the Martial Alliance, again only a heavy silence reigned.

 

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