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Chapter 141: Falling Sword, Jang Cheon (2)

Let me give a brief explanation about the Falling Sword Jang Cheon.

He can be said to be the most idealistic leader of the Martial Alliance.

As the head of the clan, he skillfully coordinates with both the righteous sects and the demonic factions.

With the Sword Sovereign Wi Hyogun stepping down and Jang Cheon taking his position, the surrounding peace notably improved.

When he first took the seat of the clan leader, there were many debates about whether it was right to appoint a relatively lesser-known and young martial artist over the prominent leaders of Shaolin or Hwasan.

However, in just a few years, he was able to silence those voices, proving himself to be a capable individual.

He was known for his noble character, as well as exceptional martial arts.

In the public eye, he was.

“I’m sorry for dropping in so suddenly.”

A handsome middle-aged man with gentle facial features.

It wasn’t intentional; rather, he naturally had slightly droopy eyes that gave him a perpetual smile.

“… I meet the clan leader.”

I immediately knelt cautiously before Jang Cheon.

Seeing this, Jang Cheon hurriedly waved his hand.

“You don’t need to be so formal. I feel like I’m the one committing an offense here.”

“How could I be so careless?”

After all, he is the clan leader.

Even though his position might be less significant compared to Maehwa Seon or the Three Eminent Beings, the importance of his title was incomparable.

Officially, he possessed a strength that surpassed the combined might of the Four Great Sects and the Gu Sect.

“Indeed… it would have been proper to adhere to formalities; I acted too hastily.”

He did rush over.

The situation we encountered was a complete mess.

It’s safe to say that I ruined my first impression.

“Apologies once again for the abrupt visit, Gu Gongja.”

“It’s fine.”

I calmly met Jang Cheon’s gaze, pondering about what could be happening.

It wasn’t like the clan leader would come looking for me without a good reason.

As I mulled things over, several possibilities sprang to mind, but one stood out as the most likely.

‘Pejon.’

That was the only explanation.

The recommendation letter given to me by Elder Lee pointing towards Pejon Bi Ju.

I couldn’t think of any other reason for the clan leader to come see me.

‘What’s questionable is whether it’s worth coming all this way.’

While the renown and prestige of the Three Eminent Beings were undeniable, it was hard to comprehend why the clan leader would go to such lengths.

‘Is there some issue regarding Pejon?’

The clan leader took something out from his robe.

Looking closely, it was none other than the recommendation letter I had.

By the way, the attendants who had been waiting outside were dismissed.

I had instructed Hong Wa to join Gu Jeolyub and the others at the banquet if we were late.

Especially since Wi Seol-Ah was to keep her hand raised until we go, I trusted Hong Wa would manage just fine.

“Gu Gongja, I have something I wish to ask you, which is why I violated formalities and rushed here.”

My body twitched slightly.

As a sensation brushed past my shoulder, I felt the energy barrier manifesting around the room.

“Is this recommendation letter indeed penned by Pejon himself?”

So it was true; the clan leader’s visit stemmed from that letter.

By this point, I wondered if Elder Lee was consistently throwing me off a cliff under the guise of helping me.

Otherwise, such troublesome matters wouldn’t keep arising.

“It wasn’t written personally by him.”

“Ah, so it was received from someone else.”

What was it? I sensed a peculiar aura from the clan leader’s expression and tone.

It felt like I was being interrogated.

Not a pleasant feeling at all.

Suddenly being called into the waiting room for questioning felt akin to being treated like a criminal.

“May I ask why the clan leader is inquiring about this?”

I tried to mask my irritation and spoke politely.

No matter how unpleasant I felt, I couldn’t bite back at the clan leader in the Martial Alliance.

[One must be endlessly obedient in front of the strong… what a complicated situation.]

It’s essential to distinguish when to bark and when to be docile.

Life is precious.

It was one of the few valuable lessons I learned in my previous life.

“…”

Realizing the awkwardness of the moment, the clan leader cleared his throat, adjusting his tone.

“I apologize. I acted rashly out of impatience just now.”

That was a quick apology.

To think someone of the clan leader’s stature could lower their head so quickly before a mere late-stage talent.

‘Is this an act?’

It’s hard to tell if it was genuine or a façade.

For now, I couldn’t figure it out.

Even though the clan leader’s apology was sincere, I was still curious about the situation.

‘What could that old man have given me this time?’

I initially thought he just handed it to me casually, but what lay behind it?

Everything seemed unusual.

The clan leader returned the recommendation letter to me, saying,

“Have you read the contents of this?”

“No, I haven’t read it.”

There was no reason to tear it open.

There was no need, and usually, it’s considered impolite.

Moreover, I held a significant amount of trust towards Elder Lee.

Even amidst a chaotic situation, the essence remains that he cared for me.

“Take a look.”

Following the clan leader’s instruction, I unfolded the torn recommendation letter.

The writing was rough, with only a few lines reflecting Pejon’s straightforward nature.

The contents could’ve been found in any typical recommendation letter.

– A child I’ve been watching.

‘When did he ever see me?’

Moreover, Elder Lee mentioned that this recommendation was drafted a year prior.

I hadn’t seen Pejon at all during that time.

Nor was it likely he could surface in the Central Plains Martial World now.

The problematic line came right after.

– I, a lazy and capricious person, shall not disappoint you.

…?

– This child will one day break the heavens. I shall make it so, so you may await it with eagerness.

Something feels off. Very, very off.

The words conveyed something incomprehensible.

‘This…’

It doesn’t feel like it was written about me.

No matter how you look at it, the content shouldn’t pertain to me.

Yet, the name written on the recommendation was indeed mine.

It feels like I’m caught up in a series of events unbeknownst to me.

An ominous discomfort slowly crept over me.

And finally, the last line of the recommendation letter left me breathless.

– P.S. The treasure was put to good use. I hope you don’t hold it against me.

Oh, sh*t.

After reading that final line, I looked at the clan leader with trembling eyes.

I felt like I finally understood how this situation came to be.

“…”

I found myself at a loss for words, unable to speak.

‘This shouldn’t be written here. That old man…’

The ambiguous wording was rife with misunderstandings.

Especially since it seems it wasn’t even a letter addressed to me.

The clan leader looked at me and asked,

“Are you indeed the disciple of Pejon?”

“No, I am not…”

Disciple? That’s outrageous.

I haven’t even had the opportunity to learn martial arts from him, let alone face him.

Whether it happens in the future or not, that’s a different discussion right now.

Did the old man… really intend to hand over something he drafted for someone else to me?

What on earth are these people doing?

I was left to bear the embarrassment of this mishap.

At this point, I wished there was a hole I could crawl into.

And the awkwardness was palpable, reflected on the clan leader’s face as well.

“… while the lines written by Pejon certainly appear to be his, I don’t know what to make of them.”

“Would it be possible to disregard the recommendation letter entirely?”

Since there’s an invitation letter, I thought there might be a slight chance.

It’d be better to avoid being entangled in troublesome matters.

“That won’t work. Regardless, it was penned by Pejon, and the name written on it is yours.”

“What if it were an impersonation…?”

“Who could even dare impersonate the likes of the Three Eminent Beings? The seal stamped on the letter and the contained energy are unmistakably authentic.”

He handled things cleanly, leaving no loopholes for escape.

Needlessly, at that.

“I understand your concerns, but if you deny it, there won’t be a matter to discuss.”

What the clan leader said was a relief.

I was already pondering an overwhelming number of thoughts on how to deal with this predicament.

“… I merely thought that if you were indeed Pejon’s disciple, you might know where he currently resides.”

Because of the treasure mentioned in the letter?

“From your reaction, it seems you don’t know, do you?”

“… Yes.”

The truth is, I do know.

I even know why Pejon has gone into hiding.

Though I had no intention of revealing that.

If asked, I would probably deflect the question to Elder Lee.

“… Is that so.”

The clan leader displayed a look of regret as if he had just missed grabbing onto a lead.

Yet simultaneously, he sported an expression of relief as if he had found new insights.

“Is it because of the treasure mentioned in the letter?”

At my question, the clan leader paused for a moment.

“It concerns me that Pejon took that item, but that isn’t all there is to it.”

So there are other concerns as well.

That was sufficient for me.

I saw no reason to pry further.

Some things were likely better left unanswered; if I did push for answers, I could easily become embroiled in complications.

‘Now that I’ve come this far, I’d prefer to avoid adding any further burdens.’

If I had known that the recommendation letter would cause such a stir, I might as well have rejected it outright.

As I neared the conclusion of the conversation, the clan leader stood up.

“I apologize for wasting your precious time.”

“It’s fine. I appreciated the significant meeting.”

“Thank you for saying that.”

It didn’t feel like a good meeting at all, but I had to gloss over it.

Truthfully, from the clan leader’s perspective, he had every reason to doubt my words.

Looking at it, he could have easily become more aggressive in interrogating me if he had chosen to.

‘It doesn’t seem entirely pleasant, but…’

Of course, suspicions wouldn’t vanish completely.

He could still have other plans up his sleeve.

Given that the Martial Alliance is known for such deeds.

The Central Plains may have distinctions between the righteous and the demonic, but it was common knowledge that the lines had blurred significantly over time.

The difference lies in this:

The righteous factions either act obliviously, or vainly attempt to shield the heavens with their beliefs, while the demonic have no such qualms.

The clan leader I just encountered appeared to be a noble and decent fellow at first glance.

However, I held no trust in that.

I didn’t know him well enough.

Preconceived notions can be tremendously frightening.

‘The fact that he is that bastard’s father weighs heavily in my mind.’

Just the thought of him made my blood boil.

The mere reminder of his deplorable visage sent me spiraling into irritation.

“I appreciate you sharing this conversation. I shouldn’t hold up your time any longer; I shall take my leave.”

As the clan leader was about to exit, he suddenly glanced back at me and added,

“I was quite surprised to hear you’re not Pejon’s disciple.”

I wondered what he was on about, abruptly dropping such a statement.

I exchanged glances with the clan leader.

…

“Although you’re noted as Pejon’s disciple, your talents are shockingly remarkable. But since you’re not, in the eyes of the clan, this might very well be the birth of a new star.”

“… Thank you.”

“Just by looking at your sister, I thought the Gu Clan would produce a fierce tiger, but you’ve hidden an even greater dragon within.”

It seemed the clan leader was also aware of my realm.

This was no small compliment.

He was a martial artist who had reached a lofty level.

Because of that, his praise felt quite weighty.

“I look forward to your performance in this assembly.”

With that, the clan leader stepped out the door.

The presence quickly faded away.

 

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