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Chapter 195: Understanding the Topic

“It’s all about understanding the topic!”

When talking about the Gu Exemplar Sect, it’s known as the place referred to as the Sword of the Gu Clan.

The Gu Exemplar Sect is the only reason the Gu Clan can be called the guardians of Mount Shan.

Under the name of the Legendary Family, it stands as the largest pillar supporting the Gu Clan.

It educates and nurtures the White-Grade Masters who slay Demon Beasts, with a justified purpose of contributing to the peace of Mount Shan.

Because of this, the Gu Exemplar Sect is the core strength of the Gu Clan and can be said to be its sword that protects both the Gu Clan and Mount Shan.

Of course, like the Gathering of the Nine Dragons, they do hire Martial Artists from outside, but ultimately, most of their personnel are nurtured within the Gu Exemplar Sect.

A notable figure is Elder Lee himself.

There’s also Muyeon, who is on the brink of reaching the peak level at just over twenty, and Gu Jeolyub, who shows signs of genius.

Considering that every Martial Artist serving as a leader in the Five Sword Team is a product of the Gu Exemplar Sect—except for Gu Huibi, who is the Great Lord leading the team—it’s clear that the Gu Exemplar Sect is the deep root of the Gu Clan.

Many speculate why Elder Lee shows such deep ambitions while my father leaves him unchallenged.

Some think it’s because he’s unable to secure the position of Clan Leader, intending to make Gu Jeolyub the Clan Leader as Elder Lee wishes.

Honestly, both theories seem plausible in light of the circumstances.

Even now, I can’t seem to understand.

As time passes, I’ve begun to understand my father a little, but that doesn’t mean I completely grasp the reason he lets Elder Lee be as he is.

In the future, it’s only when Elder Lee crosses a line that I remember my father unleashing the flames.

The flames my father sparked were undoubtedly anger.

A huge wave of flames that engulfed the entire Gu Clan.

That overwhelming sight remains vivid in my memory.

An old tiger, a former superhuman past its prime.

It was enough to make me believe the rumors about my father’s inactivity in the clan were mere fabrications.

However, beyond that, there was something peculiar about him taking direct action only when it reached that line with Elder Lee.

I know the standing and necessity of Elder Lee regarding the clan, but it’s hard to understand why my father wouldn’t cut off the rotten ties.

How many times can I endure their nonsense?

It’s not like I could just stand by and watch.

The Sleeping Dragon told me to endure just three times.

My limit stops there.

“…I’ll meet the First Prince.”

The Gu Exemplar Sect is located somewhat apart from the Gu Clan.

It’s not really far, but it’s definitely a distance from a secondary family’s position.

Standing at the front of the Gu Exemplar Sect’s main gate, a Martial Artist guarding the entrance greeted me.

He was likely a member of the Gu Exemplar Sect.

“You know me?”

“How could I not recognize you, Prince?”

I was worried he might not recognize me, but thankfully, it seems my striking appearance left no room for doubt.

[Well, there’s no other face as ferocious as yours.]

Despite feeling irritated by Shin Noya’s subtle insult, I chose to overlook it for now.

“I just want to see Elder Lee.”

“Ah, the Sect Master is currently not receiving guests.”

“A guest…?”

That was an odd response.

“I thought you said you knew who I was.”

“Yes, the First Prince…”

“Then do I look like just any guest to you?”

I could see the corners of the attendant’s mouth twitching at my words.

He was probably more flustered by the awkward situation than afraid of me.

“That’s not it… it seems to be a bit late…”

“Late? Why?”

“Because it’s too late, it would be prudent to schedule a visit…”

Before I knew it, I found myself scratching my neck, feeling an inexplicable itch.

What can I pinpoint about this?

‘…Ah.’

There was no need for lengthy contemplation.

It was simply damn ridiculous.

No need to try thinking of highbrow words; the answer was straightforward.

“You’re treating me like crap.”

“W-What?”

My emotions had been difficult to control lately.

Coming home from a trip to find the house in complete chaos wasn’t exactly typical.

To put it harshly, the house was in ruins.

“Do I look like someone who cares about that?”

“Th-That’s not…”

“Stop dodging and tell me clearly. Who do I look like to you right now?”

This is what I’ve never understood.

The Gu Exemplar Sect is strictly a subordinate family of the Gu Clan.

Even so, my father—or the generations above him—has made efforts not to let them feel like a mere branch until today.

Is it because the Gu Exemplar Sect is the sword of the Gu Clan?

Or perhaps it’s merely the result of the legacy of the previous generation?

I’d treat them as equals, regardless of their subordinate status or bloodline.

Such foolishness would be a waste of my time to entertain.

Still, neglecting them completely often brings problems.

Current events made that abundantly clear.

“Because I don’t treat dogs like dogs, you seem to forget your place and rise higher.”

“W-What?”

The attendant stuttered, unable to continue.

As he tumbled down, I casually kicked him aside and kicked open the door.

Creek!

As the door opened, I could sense the other members inside react to the noise.

“What is the First Prince doing here?”

Flustered, they looked at my sudden appearance.

I kindly answered their confused gazes.

“Where’s Elder Lee? I came to see him.”

It was the same question once more.

Around me, the attendants’ gazes were filled with confusion as they looked around, unsure of what to do.

All I needed was that uncertainty.

“If you won’t tell me, I’ll find him myself.”

With that, I started walking away.

Honestly, I didn’t even need to search.

I had visited here once before.

Elder Lee lives in the highest mansion of the Gu Exemplar Sect.

So I just needed to head there.

However…

“First Prince!”

As expected, someone stood in my way.

He appeared to be a bit older than me, and his aura suggested he was first-rate.

“Currently, Elder Lee is…”

“Resting at this early hour, and you want me to turn back?”

“…”

“Yet here you are, running about making a ruckus; you seem just fine to me.”

His expression twisted slightly at my words, as if he didn’t like what I said.

“Mind your words, Prince. This is the Sect Master’s domain.”

“I’m just the son of the Clan Leader here. What? Did I say something wrong?”

“Hmph! Even if you are a blood relative, you should respect the Sect Master…”

Hahaha!

I couldn’t help but laugh at the man’s harsh words.

I didn’t need to hear more; it was all clear.

“Stop right there. I’m in no position to give anyone a break.”

I lightly patted his shoulder and tried to walk past him.

That is until he grabbed my arm.

“You can’t go!”

Thud!

He tried to contain me, but the blow sent him flying backwards.

Bang!

His massive body soared through the air before crashing to the ground, skidding away before finally stopping.

“Gah…!”

As he caught his breath, he instantly doubled over, spitting blood on the floor.

Clutching his stomach, he trembled in pain.

Clearly, he still hadn’t fully recovered from the shock.

To me, this was more than enough leeway.

If a crazed Wudang saw him now, he’d probably be scared out of his wits.

So, there was no longer a need to show restraint.

Taking a few slow steps toward him, my Qi began to rise, filling my Lower Dantian.

Fwoosh!

As I approached, flames ignited around my body.

The scarlet flames danced wildly, twisting into a ring shape and spinning frantically.

“The dogs I keep at home can recognize their owner.”

As I moved, the rotating ring gradually expanded.

Absorbing my Qi rapidly, it unleashed scorching heat that enveloped the surroundings.

“You goofy fools seem to have forgotten who I am by trying to shove this nonsense at me.”

The rising heat began to saturate the expansive space around us.

“Or do you genuinely not understand who I am right in front of you?”

I knew it was a mess inside, but I certainly didn’t expect the actual dogs to act up like this.

“If you really dislike me finding my way, then…”

Gruggh…

“Since you wished for it, I won’t head directly to the old man.”

The embers began to rise and soar toward the sky.

The Qi intertwined with the scarlet flames started to fill the heavens.

Soon, the night of the Gu Exemplar Sect began to dissipate.

“If I don’t go, I’ll make it impossible for you to stop me.”

With a mere flick of my hand, the crimson sky began to twist and churn.

An oppressive heat burst forth, and yet the attendants struggled but were already far too late in reacting.

Slowly, I brought my hands down.

Boom!

Clunk!

“…Hmm?”

The tea in the filled cup wobbled with the sudden tremor.

In the prolonged silence, vibrations coursed through me, along with the wind, clearly signaling my Qi.

“…What the hell…”

At that moment, the First Prince of Mount Shan, Gu Changjun, immediately sprang to his feet.

What he sensed outside was a pressure so intense it was suffocating.

“Could it be…”

Clang!

Teacups on the table shattered due to the external pressure as liquids spilled everywhere.

Without heed for that, Gu Changjun flung open the door and stepped outside.

“…!”

The moment he emerged, he was greeted by an overwhelming wave of heat and scorching flames swirling around him.

But the flames were clearly identifiable as the hallmark of the Gu Clan’s fire techniques.

Especially with the familiarity he had towards the aura hefted forth by none other than Gu Cheolun.

“Who the hell…!”

His thoughts raced, yet already, Gu Changjun had a suspect in mind.

He thought to himself that in such a twisting wave of flames, only a martial artist of the Gu Clan could wield such power.

‘…I was told he was gone.’

Gu Cheolun—a member of the White-Grade Masters.

The Clan Leader of the Gu Clan.

Surely, the only one who could unleash such flames would be him.

Though they seemed weaker than before, the conclusion was inevitable.

‘What’s suddenly happening here?’

He had to ponder the reasons behind Gu Cheolun returning to the clan and taking such audacious action against the Gu Exemplar Sect.

‘…Was he discovered?’

While several reasons popped into his head, the only feasible one was that Gu Cheolun might’ve acted directly due to information pertaining to Gu Huibi.

Having finalized his thoughts, Gu Changjun raced down the stairs toward the heart of the flames.

The scene he arrived at looked like a total disaster.

The members of the Gu Exemplar Sect were sprawled out on the floor.

Even those barely regaining their senses looked terrified, trembling as if they’d seen something dreadful.

Seeing that, Gu Changjun couldn’t help but grind his teeth in frustration.

‘Did they take advantage of our weakness?’

Right now, the Great Lords were out, leading many martial artists away from the Gu Clan.

The one orchestrating this was none other than Gu Cheolun.

Though some members remained, it seemed none could face him.

‘The Clan Leader…!’

Knowing that this concern pertained to blood ties, he believed he would not resort to cheap tactics.

Contrary to what he anticipated, Gu Cheolun remained utterly cold.

Grinding his teeth, Gu Changjun was left with no choice but to draw his sword.

While it was unclear why that Gu Cheolun acted so rashly, it was impossible to just stand idly by.

“Clan Leader! What on earth are you doing?!”

As he drew upon his Qi to slice through the inferno, Gu Changjun froze upon seeing the flames around him begin to swirl toward the center.

At the epicenter of the raging flames, a lone silhouette emerged.

Once the flames absorbed completely, standing upon the charred ground, the figure’s realization struck Gu Changjun hard.

In the dimly lit darkness, a boy with fiery scarlet eyes stared back at him.

“I’ve often heard I resemble my father, but seeing you misunderstand… well, it makes me wonder whether I should be pleased or dislike it.”

Though the boy resembled Gu Cheolun, he was definitely not him.

“W-What…!”

No, it would’ve been better if he were Gu Cheolun.

That powerless child should not be standing there, like that.

“It’s been a while, Elder Lee.”

The boy, with deep black hair now transforming into a fiery red mane, grinned widely at Gu Changjun.

“Hope you fancy this gift as a return for your present.”

 

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