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Chapter 227: Listen to the Legend

Two months passed.

The season that marked the start of spring was already nearing its end, waiting for summer to arrive.

The brightly blooming flowers were preparing for their final bow.

Hoo-! Hoo!

The young man swung his sword.

Sweat fell from his chin onto the sun-baked field.

“Huuh…!”

The wooden sword in his hand shook with trembling.

It was the result of intense training.

With legs that felt as if they might collapse at any moment, the young man swung his sword once more.

Bang!

With a stomp of his foot on the ground, a gust of wind surged around him.

The energy he had soaked into his body made his sword path surge forward straight.

As he reached his peak, the energy that clung to the tip of his sword soared infinitely high.

Swoosh!

As the sword tip sliced through the air, a wave of sword energy burst forth.

Crash!

As it swept around, it sliced through several trees, bringing an end to his demonstration.

“…Hah….”

It was only when he stopped moving that he could let out a deep breath.

Hoo.

The energy that had been pressing down on his body returned to his lower dantian.

The sweat-soaked young man steadied his breathing and calmed himself.

‘It’s tough.’

The young man, Muyeon, thought.

Just two months into reaching the peak.

The thrill of having crossed the wall and touching a new world was still fresh, but the world that had opened up after reaching the peak in the first class was far wider and more daunting.

Now that he had reached the world he desperately wished for, he was left wondering just how much arduous training and countless insights it would take to move beyond this point.

Still, Muyeon shook off his thoughts and focused on his breathing.

‘There’s plenty of time. No need to rush.’

It was advice someone had often given him.

Of course, it wasn’t delivered in such a gentle tone.

– Don’t act recklessly; just do what’s in front of you. A person needs to know their place, or else they won’t get anywhere, showing off without understanding that?

It was the words of a boy with a fierce expression who had once spoken to him.

Muyeon, the one who served.

The young man destined to become the greatest pillar of the Gu Clan.

‘…Does this mean the Young Master has lived in a world like this all along?’

His admiration for Gu Yangcheong deepened after reaching the peak.

‘Truly, the Young Master must have talent bestowed by the heavens.’

When he first saw Gu Yangcheong, a little over a year ago, he barely seemed like an amateur martial artist, perhaps at best a third-rate.

Yet somewhere along the line, his talent began to blossom.

From reaching a second-rate level.

To becoming first-rate.

Before he even realized it, he had passed through the wall and achieved peak status.

Recalling that it had only been a little over a year left him in disbelief at how ridiculous that talent was.

‘…There are countless people who have trained in martial arts for their entire lives and never reached the peak.’

Initially, Muyeon had felt a surge of jealousy and envy, but as time went on, he felt somewhat at ease.

Perhaps it was the words the attendant had said to him that night that shifted his perspective.

Swish!

After finishing his training, he arranged his wooden sword and wiped away his sweat.

Someone approached Muyeon.

“Good job today.”

Muyeon turned his gaze toward the voice addressing him.

“…Ah. Hong Sojeo.”

The attendant, Hongwa, appeared and handed Muyeon some water.

Muyeon lightly bowed his head and drank the water gratefully.

He was relieved to quench his parched throat.

While he was doing this, Hongwa cautiously asked.

“Have you made any progress?”

“Pretty much the same as always.”

“From the look on your face, it seems like you’re doing well, though.”

…Ah.

At Hongwa’s words, which seemed to convey relief, Muyeon shyly smiled.

The day he reached the peak and declared it to the clan, the Sword Team and the Gu Exemplar Sect had been turned upside down.

This marked the birth of the youngest martial artist to ever reach peak status in the history of the Gu Exemplar Sect.

Moreover, since the Sect Master, Elder Lee, had passed away, and the misdeeds he had committed were gradually coming to light.

The position of Gu Jeolyub, who was set to inherit the role of Sect Master, was precarious.

Discussions arose about whether Muyeon was sufficient to lead the next generation of the Gu Exemplar Sect.

Considering that Muyeon had originally belonged to the Sword Team, there were talks about pulling him out of the guard team to allow him to rejoin as a member of the Sword Team.

An accomplished martial artist at the peak, at the very least, would secure a position as a sub-lord in a Sword Team.

However.

Muyeon declined it all.

He simply felt it wasn’t suited for him.

– I have a task I want to accomplish. Until that task is done, I do not wish to receive any posts.

With those words, Muyeon brought the discussion to a close.

Of course, several great lords and members of the Gu Exemplar Sect wished to discuss the matter further, but all fell into silence under Elder Lee’s presence.

“Muyeon, brother.”

“Yes.”

“…Are you still using honorifics?”

“…It’s just that I’m not used to it.”

Hongwa made a face as if saying it was ridiculous, then brought up something else.

“I heard that you had a visit from Prince Gu Jeolyub yesterday.”

“Ah, yes, that’s correct.”

“Was it alright?”

At Hongwa’s question, Muyeon smiled bitterly.

“It will be alright.”

That was all he could say.

Gu Jeolyub would be fine.

At least the boy he had seen was a martial artist sturdier than he had imagined.

Muyeon recalled the still pale Gu Jeolyub and deliberately changed the topic.

“Oh, right, today, huh?”

“Is it the day the Young Master is coming out?”

“Yes.”

“That’s right. Not sure when he will show up, though…”

It had been two months since Gu Yangcheong was punished and confined.

Time, which felt fleeting, seemed like a mere moment.

‘…Should I announce it as soon as he’s out?’

Before entering seclusion, Gu Yangcheong had asked Muyeon for a few favors.

The requests were simple, so for Muyeon, it was an easy task.

But as always, it was hard to understand why Gu Yangcheong would ask for such things.

‘The Young Master must always have a reason.’

That was all Muyeon thought.

His level of understanding was not sufficient to grasp geniuses like Gu Yangcheong.

“Oh, brother, have you heard the news?”

“What news are you referring to?”

“Regarding the event that the Moyong Clan is hosting…”

“Ah, yes, I heard they’re collaborating with the Tang Clan…”

“Yes. Apparently, they’ll be selling clothes and decorations too, so they’ll come not only to Mount Shan but from other places as well.”

“Oh, I see.”

He seemed to have a vague memory of the news.

After all, the direct line of the Moyong Clan was residing in the Gu Clan at that moment.

‘Seolbong, right?’

Seolbong Moyong Hi-ah.

She had visited a few times to see Gu Yangcheong, so Muyeon had seen her face up close.

‘She was a beautiful woman.’

A woman who knew her own beauty and took care of herself.

Her smiles and gestures effortlessly captivated men.

The Seolbong Muyeon had seen was that kind of person.

However, for some reason, Gu Yangcheong always cast her a wary glance and avoided her.

‘Why is that?’

Muyeon couldn’t understand it.

Who wouldn’t like a beauty?

‘Is it because of Nangong Bi-ah?’

While Moyong Hi-ah was beautiful, the most beautiful person Muyeon had ever seen was Nangong Bi-ah.

She didn’t put on airs, didn’t dress up much, and usually tied her hair back in comfortable training clothes.

Nangong Bi-ah was someone who possessed a different kind of beauty altogether.

Perhaps that was why Muyeon felt a twinge of jealousy toward Gu Yangcheong for being engaged to Nangong Bi-ah, even if just for a moment.

“…So, about that…”

“Yes?”

“If it’s okay with you, Muyeon oppa… would you like to join me this time…”

“Oh! There you are!”

Just as Hongwa was about to say something, someone approached and interrupted.

As soon as Muyeon saw the person who had interrupted, he immediately put on a polite demeanor.

“I… I see Elder Lee.”

“Ah, it’s been a while.”

“Yes.”

Though it felt like a long time, they had seen each other just a few days ago.

“Ah, Hongwa is here too.”

“”

“Hmm? Why do you look so gloomy?”

“Nothing. I greet you, Elder Lee.”

“Ah, right….”

For some reason, Hongwa’s expression appeared darker than usual.

Was something wrong with her health?

“I’m here because I heard you’ll be coming out soon.”

“Ah…! The Young Master, you mean?”

“Yes. Will you accompany me?”

“Yes.”

Nodding in response to Elder Lee’s words, Muyeon felt a sense of anticipation.

It was a matter he had been waiting for two months.

Hongwa respectfully bowed to Elder Lee and took a step back.

“Then, I’ll go prepare the meal.”

Perhaps it was because she had heard the news that Gu Yangcheong was emerging, Hongwa hurried off to prepare the meal.

Until then, Muyeon had a nagging feeling about the change in her demeanor.

“…Um, did I say something wrong?”

“No, it’s just that Hongwa might not be feeling well.”

“Ah, I should have sent her to the medical room.”

Muyeon smiled at Elder Lee’s words.

He took a step forward, following Elder Lee.

!

!

.

If Muyeon were to recount everything that had happened over the last two months.

First and foremost, it was regarding Elder Lee’s actions.

As Gu Yangcheong had mentioned, there was evidence of him sharing information with other factions hidden within Elder Lee’s quarters.

This provided justification for Gu Yangcheong’s actions in dealing with Elder Lee.

Moreover, upon the disbandment of Elder Lee’s position, he became unable to conduct any proper meetings.

Even if he were to conduct one, he would likely not be able to step into the Gu Clan’s mausoleum.

As for his bloodline, Gu Jeolyub, the measures taken had also been divided.

Thanks to Gu Yangcheong and Elder Lee’s previous arrangements, Jeolyub managed to retain his lower dantian and continue operating under the Gu Clan’s affiliation.

However, he was to relinquish the position of rumor lord in the Gu Exemplar Sect.

He could no longer perform any duties as a collateral descendant of the Gu Clan, but Gu Jeolyub expressed his gratitude towards Muyeon, claiming even this was a blessing.

‘There have been many other items, but…’

The remainder was the discussions he needed to have with Gu Yangcheong.

As Muyeon and Elder Lee arrived at the meeting place, he noticed a few individuals already present.

A woman in a veil stood in the distance.

‘Seolbong has arrived as well.’

A blood relative of the Moyong Clan who had been unable to leave due to the incident.

And beside her….

“…!”

As Muyeon shifted his gaze to the side, he swallowed hard.

Next to Moyong Hi-ah stood Nangong Bi-ah.

It seemed only natural for Nangong Bi-ah to be here; it would be more surprising if she wasn’t.

However, the reason Muyeon was startled was not that.

“…Hoo.”

Elder Lee beside him also exhaled in awe.

The sight of Nangong Bi-ah standing there, poised, was incomprehensibly beautiful.

The woman who used to wander around with messy hair casually tied and dressed in comfortable martial robes had transformed into a stunning beauty.

Her light makeup was not at the same level as Moyong Hi-ah or Tang Soyeol, but it was enough to captivate everyone around her.

Nangong Bi-ah’s head turned, her eyes met Muyeon’s.

“ ”

A slight nod followed.

In response, Muyeon also inclined his head, his heart racing uncontrollably.

‘…Should I bet on something?’

For a moment, he considered this but quickly shook his head.

“There are quite a few gathered. It seems Yangcheon is blessed with many friends, contrary to his character.”

Elder Lee spoke with a hint of pride, as if it were his own affair.

Although the number of people had shifted slightly since Gu Yangcheong entered, there were still quite a few present.

It was strange that so many would gather just for someone coming out of confinement.

“Since we have limited time, let’s get started shortly….”

Before Elder Lee could finish, a sound echoed from the entrance.

Boom.

Was it the vibrations that caused the dust to fall?

The heavy door slowly creaked open.

Whoosh!

A tremendous wave of heat erupted from the entrance.

The heat that swept through, pushing away the dust, carried some other presence within it.

‘…This is…’

The heat felt entirely like the energy.

Such intense and clear warmth, it was unmistakably energy.

As the onrush of heat faded away, within the obscurity where visibility was poor.

Step.

Footsteps echoed.

“Oh dear me.”

Along with that, a familiar voice brushed past Muyeon’s ear.

The voice dripped with a negativity that seemed to express disdain for the world.

It was a voice Muyeon was familiar with yet found strikingly trustworthy in its oddity.

“Now it finally feels livable.”

As the footsteps drew closer, the figure of the boy gradually became clearer amid the shadows.

Although he wore the same clothes as when he entered, he seemed a bit taller.

‘…Has he grown a little?’

Boys at that age tended to grow quickly, but this felt slightly accelerated.

“Hmm? What’s going on here.”

The boy, who ruffled his hair and surveyed his surroundings, still had those sharp eyes.

In that moment, Muyeon found himself jolted by what he saw in those eyes.

‘Purple…?’

For some reason, Gu Yangcheong’s eyes had turned purple.

But with a blink, they reverted to their usual color.

At that sight, Muyeon tilted his head slightly in confusion.

‘Was that my imagination?’

It was likely just a trick of the light.

While he was thinking that for a moment, Gu Yangcheong wore an expression of disbelief and said.

“Why is everyone gathered here?”

“Everyone was waiting for you.”

“…Why in the world would you wait for someone just coming out of punishment?” Elder Lee approached Gu Yangcheong, patting his shoulder, but his steps halted as he got closer.

At that moment, everyone looked on in surprise.

“What’s going on?”

“Yangcheon.”

“Yes.”

“You smell bad.” “ ”

At Elder Lee’s words, Gu Yangcheong sniffed at his sleeve and made a horrified face.

“…What the heck, what kind of smell is this?”

It seemed he had a strong odor coming off him.

“For now, it’s definitely worse than a poop smell, so let’s wash up and talk.”

“Okay….”

Watching this unfold, Muyeon struggled to decide what expression to wear and ended up covering his face.

The situation was far more ridiculous than he had anticipated.

 

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