---

Chapter 218: The Prelude (4)

The Council of Elders.

Typically, the three clan leaders decide most matters.

When the clan leader faces numerous issues, it’s necessary to gather the important figures from the clan to proceed.

As the name suggests, most of them are elders.

Within the Gu Clan, there are four elders in total.

Or is it now three?

Leaving out this elder, the Third and Fourth Elders hold positions and influence alongside Elder Lee.

If Elder Lee held authority based on the Gu Clan’s Exemplar Sect, these were the individuals responsible for a few ventures and information-related matters.

‘To begin with, this elder isn’t in charge of anything significant.’

Yem A-kwon Gu Ryoon is someone who originally planned not to take on an elder’s role.

Perhaps it was because my father forced him into it.

‘Is that why he roams around outside all the time?’

I recalled Elder Lee often venturing outside rather than staying within the clan.

According to him, he was responsible for matters outside the clan.

Yet, judging by the daily booze and rather absurd items he’d bring back, I couldn’t shake the feeling he was merely going out to have fun.

‘Who the heck is this crazy guy… I don’t know how he constantly brings back other people’s treasures every time he goes out.’

Ah, there was that request I made to investigate, but has anything come of it yet?

‘There likely won’t be any issues.’

It was him, after all. Could he possibly run into trouble?

…No, there could be.

‘…He does seem a bit slow-witted at times.’

I couldn’t help but feel slightly anxious thinking about that heavyset figure who would act like a local beggar.

Especially since I had asked for information about the Two Dragons, or rather, about the Pejon.

[I’ve heard, but this is absurd. A master like him is publicly lingering around.]

‘…There has to be some reason behind it.’

The Two Dragons’ Bi Yi-jin.

The second son of the Bi Clan leader, a direct descendant who doesn’t possess the right of succession.

Now regarded as one of the Six Dragons, he notably had not shown himself since the first Martial Arts Tournament.

When he first appeared, being a direct descendant of the Three Eminent Beings, especially one who had earned the title of Dragon, many people spoke of him.

But time passed, and he became a silent martial artist.

By now, he would likely just be remembered as the moderately talented descendant of the Bi Clan.

But his true identity was that of a member of the Three Eminent Beings, referred to as the “Master of the Martial World,” Pejon Bi Ju.

‘The Rejuvenation Technique… I can’t believe he actually pulled it off.’

The Rejuvenation Technique (반로환동).

An ancient tale spoken of in legends, claiming that once a martial artist reaches the pinnacle of their realm, they can reverse their aging and return to youth.

It’s said to not only restore the time of an old martial artist but also offer the chance to reach an even higher realm, so many praise it.

But in truth, it doesn’t work that way.

The Rejuvenation Technique carries more drawbacks than benefits.

This is why the current Pejon vanished like a Sword Sovereign, unable to reveal himself until the Heavenly Demon appeared and caused the Blood Calamity.

‘If that were not the case, he wouldn’t have remained hidden.’

Had the Heavenly Demon never appeared, the Pejon would have likely continued to live in hiding for an even longer time.

If it were me, I definitely would have done the same.

The reason the Pejon has remained hidden after the Rejuvenation Technique.

‘The lack of power.’

That’s the problem.

Bi Ju has now lost all his strength.

While the Rejuvenation Technique claims to allow one to regain youth and live in a new time frame, it sounds like a miracle on the surface.

But as with all things, there’s an equivalent exchange.

A tremendous problem exists with the Rejuvenation Technique.

‘You must give up everything you’ve built to gain it.’

The realm a martial artist painstakingly honed.

All the pure inner strength accumulated over long years.

To acquire the Rejuvenation Technique, one must give it all up.

What remains is only experience.

In a way, it resembles my situation of reverting back to the past, but…

‘It’s different, immensely different.’

The greatest problem with the Rejuvenation Technique isn’t even that.

The young body of a person named a Three Eminent Being is indeed known as a “Mortal Shell.”

This is a talent destined from birth, a crucial part that determines whether one can surpass limits or not.

To block such a potential through the Rejuvenation Technique is a major setback.

A weak body.

A confined vessel.

The body acquired through the Rejuvenation Technique is so frail it could collapse with even the slightest touch.

This was something the Pejon had directly stated.

Only after losing everything does one gain a frail body bearing memories of the past.

For some unknown reason, the Pejon chose to do this, leading to his current situation of hiding within his clan.

‘Does this mean Elder Lee also knew about this?’

Given that Elder Lee received a letter of recommendation from the Pejon and even brought back a ring containing a message within, it seemed Elder Lee was aware of the Pejon’s current circumstances.

‘But did he just pass this mess onto me?’

My temples throbbed.

The baseless rumors of being a disciple of the Pejon continued to circulate.

All because of that insignificant letter of recommendation.

‘For crying out loud, how many martial artists are out there? Why am I the one being blamed…’

It’s frustrating to think how the Pejon, who doesn’t even use martial arts from the inner circle, still has his name associated with me, all because of that damned recommendation.

‘Plus, I can’t even utilize it properly.’

I didn’t gain anything, just piled up misunderstandings that left me burning with anger.

‘I hope the Pejon doesn’t get wind of this, and a situation erupts.’

Knowing a bit about that man’s personality, I just wished he wouldn’t find out and create a scene.

Hence, my plea to Chu Yong was for prayer.

‘As for Muk-Gwon… well, if he comes, that’s good. If not, then so be it.’

I didn’t know how thoroughly Chu Yong would manage to find information, but truth be told, this was more for future relations with that royal figure.

It wasn’t crucial information.

Of course, I had no idea whether Chu Yong knew that.

‘Right now, I don’t have the luxury to worry about such things…’

I was currently enduring the weight of countless gazes all around me.

A total of four pairs of eyes.

Amidst the countless pairs with ferocious expressions, only the gentle gaze of the Head Officer soothed me.

I kept forgetting.

That I was standing in a crucial position.

I was now attending the Council of Elders convened to punish me.

Sitting opposite my father, the clan leader, I had to remain standing there like a dummy.

At the head seat.

My father, sitting as the clan leader, opened his mouth to speak.

“…This Council of Elders is to discuss the consequences of the First Prince’s actions.”

A heavy atmosphere settled in, as if weighing down on everyone without effort.

“The First Prince.”

“Yes.”

“Do you have anything to say?”

“I have nothing.”

I replied to my father’s question.

I had no particular remarks to make.

At this moment, whatever I could say would attest to my father’s point—and soon enough, the truth of my words would undoubtedly be confirmed.

“Ahem… hmm.”

One, I could tell he didn’t seem pleased with my response, as a cough sounded from the left.

“Does saying you have nothing imply you admit to killing Elder Lee?”

‘That must be the Third Elder.’

It had been a long time since I had seen that face.

In my previous life, he was someone I remember as an old man who probably lasted until I left the clan.

I answered without hesitating.

“Whether it’s an admission or not, I killed him. That’s a fact.”

“Heh…! A member of the clan, moreover, an elder, killed by one of his own kin. How can you be so brazen?!”

The Third Elder’s outrage made me frown slightly.

The sheer absurdity of it was hard to swallow.

“Clan member or not, if he committed a crime, he should face consequences.”

“Then why is the First Prince deciding on the punishment?”

“Then who will do it?”

“What?”

“If the Third Elder has heard what the First Elder did, do you mean to say you’d step in personally?”

The Third Elder’s expression warped at my words.

Did he dislike my retorts?

“If what the First Prince has said is indeed true, then it should be up to the clan leader to decide after a proper investigation.”

“But the clan leader is absent, and the criminal might escape knowing the situation. That’s why I acted.”

“Are you calling the clan elder a criminal?”

“Then should I treat him as a hero because he committed a crime? Why are you twisting my words?”

“Y-you…!”

“If you’ve lost your marbles, just go sit quietly in your room or something. Or is there something troubling you, like the First Elder…”

Bam!

Frustrated, I stopped mid-sentence as a heavy atmosphere descended in the chamber.

“Do not cross the line with your words. Do not forget why you stand here.”

“…I apologize.”

That senile old man was speaking nonsense, prompting my unintentional indignation.

[Didn’t you say you’d control your temper?]

‘It’s clear as day that they are trying to drag me down; how can I keep calm?’

I couldn’t understand why people were like this.

I felt like burning everything down and starting fresh, but my father didn’t seem inclined to consider that.

As though sensing an opening, my father began to speak.

“I confirm that, just as the First Prince stated, a secret space exists within the First Elder’s residence.”

“Thank goodness it was found properly.”

“With the obstructive formation set in place, we’ll begin the verification process.”

“Clan Leader, this matter cannot be dismissed lightly.”

At my father’s words, the Fourth Elder, who had remained silent, added quietly.

“A bloodline from the main family reaching out to an elder—it cannot simply be overlooked.”

“I have no intent to let it slide easily.”

Mmm…

“However, as the First Prince said, we should ensure that every unpleasant circumstance involving the First Elder is verified, and then it would only be right to decide on punishment.”

In that instant, my father’s attention turned sharply to the Fourth Elder.

“Would you prefer to cast judgment before conducting an investigation? That would violate the rules as well.”

“Well, that’s not what I meant…”

Once the Fourth Elder spoke out of turn,

The Head Officer seamlessly continued, “This is not about the First Prince punishing the First Elder.”

My father’s sharp gaze swept around the room momentarily.

“Acting recklessly without the clan leader’s consent and fleeing from the scene at a time when a conclusion has not even been reached—this gathering is to discuss your punishment for that.”

Unverified matters were still under consideration.

At this moment, we were only discussing the confirmed crimes.

‘So this is a warning to avoid doing anything unnecessary.’

“Do you admit to your crime?”

“I do.”

I had intended to face whatever repercussions followed my actions.

“With regards to the escape, it was solely to rescue the First Princess, and I provided ample assistance, thus I would like to be lenient on that matter.”

As stated earlier.

In any case, I had aided in rescuing Gu Huibi using the Orb of Heavenly Road.

My father had taken the orb back.

While Gu Huibi had grumbled about retrieving it, perhaps due to there being ill intent involved, Father’s scolding did leave her sulking.

It wasn’t easy to dismiss.

“However, even though the clan leader is currently absent, it still stands that I must address the matter of having acted recklessly.”

“No matter the reasons, one must be held accountable for slaying a clan elder.”

…

If there had been any underlying issues with Elder Lee,

I could argue the justification, but given that I acted without permission, and that I chose to kill rather than restrain him, they deemed me guilty.

“First Prince, do you have any objections?”

“I do not.”

My answer led to a buzz among the surrounding elders.

They seemed surprised that I had no excuse ready.

‘…I did throw a tantrum during the last council meeting, though.’

And it had been quite the one, too.

-Why is this my fault…! That damn girl started it first…!

-Do they think I won’t notice all the bias in this house just because there’s no one on my side!?

The memories I wished I could forget too easily resurfaced.

The shameful version of myself still lingered in my mind.

Father watched me for a moment before speaking again.

“…We shall decide on the consequences for the First Prince.”

After only a few exchanges, we were already reaching the conclusion.

If that’s the case, why did they even summon the elders?

How pointless, it seemed, as my father had just taken over the matter himself.

‘Is it alright to just do this?’

If it appeared inappropriate, the elders would surely voice their objections.

It seemed Father had something else in mind.

[He doesn’t appear shaken, at least.]

‘What age am I at to still be trembling over this?’

[…What age am I to engage in petty arguments with these old geezers?]

‘It’s simply my usual behavior of not giving them much thought.’

I waited casually for my father’s words.

Honestly, I didn’t anticipate I would be sentenced to a few months of closed training.

‘The elders likely hope my ascent to Lesser Clan Leader would be delayed, but that won’t happen…’

I knew for a fact that was unlikely.

Sure enough, my father’s voice spoke about the closed training.

“First Prince, you are to undergo two months of closed training.”

“…Two months?”

My surprise escaped my mouth unknowingly.

Wasn’t that on the short side for the crime?

Was it my imagination, or were the elders astonished too, suddenly standing up with a look of surprise?

“Clan Leader… wait a moment.”

“And.”

Just as the elders were about to voice their thoughts,

My father continued immediately, “The moment your closed training ends, you are to be assigned to the Sword Team and serve on the front lines for a full year.”

“…What? Excuse me?”

“That’s all.”

“Wait… Father?”

I called out to my father anxiously, but he rose as if the discussion was over and headed for the exit.

“…What did you just say? The Sword Team?”

You want me to undergo two months of closed training, then immediately head to the front lines and serve for a year?

“Is this a joke? I must have misheard.”

The front lines mean working with the Five Sword Team.

Where Gu Huibi is present as the main figure, right?

In essence, that implies I’d be rolling around on the front lines under Gu Huibi’s direct command.

This was akin to the hellish punishment so cruelly dealt to me in my previous life.

Even recalling that time now makes me sick to my stomach.

And now you want me to go through that again?

“…Damn it?”

I think I finally grasped why.

The reason my father didn’t consult the elders about the matter.

‘I’m going to give you a punishment you can’t argue with, so I won’t bother asking your opinion.’

Yesterday, I remembered my father saying to me,

“I will not be on your side either.”

He’s truly keeping his word, isn’t he?

“But this is way too far…”

I resolved I needed to run away from this place as soon as possible.

When I stepped outside, a familiar face awaited me.

“Young Master! This is for you!”

Coming at me with a bounce in her step was Wi Seol-Ah.

And in her hands, inexplicably, she held a tofu.

“…What’s this?”

“I heard you eat tofu when you come out of prison.”

Her face clouded as she took a bite of the tofu.

“…This is delicious.”

“Right?”

“It’s so good I could cry.”

“Huh? Really? I’m so glad I bought it!”

Seeing Wi Seol-Ah so cheerfully grinning without a care made me unable to react, just letting out a deep sigh, I patted her head.

For some reason, that made me feel a bit better.

“Young Master, Young Master.”

“What?”

“Someone’s over there waiting for you.”

“Hmm? Who is it?”

I shifted my gaze at Wi Seol-Ah’s words.

That’s when I spotted a familiar figure in a red martial robe.

I had thought it would be Nangong Bi-ah or Tang Soyeol, but it was a rather uncomfortable person for me.

“…Greetings.”

Despite his haggard appearance, his handsome features were still intact.

The renowned “Young Duke.”

And he was likely furious at me.

“…First Prince.”

Gu Jeolyub of the Gu Exemplar Sect was there, waiting for me.

 

---