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Chapter 283: Entrance Exam for the Temple

A day passed.

As the morning brightened, I promptly exited the inn.

With the schedule already set, I had prepared to leave beforehand.

Winter was still cold, but the sky was clear.

The days of relentless rain seemed like a mere illusion.

“That’s disgustingly high.”

Even while walking, I let out heavy sighs looking at the towering mountains.

What a crazy place this is.

What kind of mountain is there in Hanam?

I was left in disbelief every time I saw it.

In my previous life, I fainted halfway up this mountain from exhaustion.

‘What a loser.’

If it was too hard, I could have just taken a break in the middle.

I was so worried about others’ gazes that I ended up embarrassing myself.

Just thinking about it sent chills down my spine—a cringeworthy story.

One of the main reasons I feel grateful to have returned.

“In the past.”

As I trudged up the mountain, Tang Soyeol, who was following behind, spoke up.

“They say this mountain was formed during the Blood Demon War.”

He wiped away a bit of sweat while explaining.

It seemed he caught on to the question on my face, ‘Why the hell is this damn mountain here?’

“The mountain was formed?”

“Yes…! They say it was created during the battle with the reigning king.”

“The king?”

Hearing Tang Soyeol’s words made my expression twist up in shock. It was too surprising.

The reigning king refers, of course, to King Gwon Cheolgeum, also known as Yeon Ilcheon.

So, you’re saying this mountain was formed from the battle between Yeon Ilcheon and the Blood Demon?

It’s not a natural disaster.

What kind of bizarre statement is it to say a mountain was created from a fight?

‘A human-created natural disaster?’

How could a human create a mountain like this through combat?

‘…Hmm.’

Even while thinking that, objectively, I felt like I could create at least a small hill.

But this level? No way.

This is Mount Tai!

‘First of all, that’s beside the point.’

Whether it’s a ridiculous rumor or an exaggeration, I didn’t know.

But aside from that, climbing the mountain was more physically taxing than anything else.

‘They’re all staring so damn much.’

I could feel the gazes piercing into me.

Each one was annoying.

The path to the mountain was long and wide.

Not to mention, with a set time, many people were moving to meet it.

Most of them were late-stage talents…

Or, it would be more accurate to say all of them were late-stage talents.

The few others amidst them must be the ones escorting members of the clan.

Other than that, it was packed with young martial artists.

Our group certainly drew enough attention from them.

Whispers of gossip filled the air around me.

– Is that Poison Phoenix…? That person is Poison Phoenix, right?

– The one next to her looks like Seolbong?

– Wow… unbelievably pretty.

Most were sounds of admiration.

The lack of comments about Nangong Bi-A was simply because she had her veil on.

She was hiding her presence quite well.

‘Good thing, too.’

I was a bit worried since I hadn’t used it in a while.

It seemed that in crowded places, Nangong Bi-A felt burdensome and wanted to conceal herself.

As a result, things were relatively more comfortable, but not completely so.

– So, who’s that guy?

– Who? The one in the back?

– No, the one at the very front… the scary-looking dude.

– There are two men, but why only focus on the one at the front?

– The guy in the back is handsome.

– Ah, I see.

Those guys…?

When I glared at their continuous mumbling, they flinched and shut their mouths.

The handsome one they referred to was, of course, Gu Jeolyub.

Even outside, there was discrimination based on appearance.

Life truly is a beauty-centric world, huh?

Damn.

‘Fortunately, it seems they don’t know who I am.’

That must be because I hadn’t really done anything noteworthy since the Dragon Meeting.

Back then, I also made sure to obscure my face.

I had concealed my presence to an extent.

Since I had to partake in the sparring matches, I couldn’t use all my energy.

I had kept my level of focus low enough to be able to memorize faces.

‘So, that’s the mystery.’

Just days ago on the street,

When I overwhelmed Jin Ryong and Yeongpung,

– That face…! It’s Jin Ryong!

There was someone who recognized me.

Back then, everyone had just treated it as a coincidence and moved on, but for me, that was odd.

‘Who could it have been?’

I never managed to catch who it was, but the unease still lingered.

To chalk it up as a coincidence seemed impossible since I had deliberately thrown off any scent.

If it were a late-stage martial artist, they could probably see through my disguise.

But for someone who had reached that level.

I didn’t think they would have shouted ‘It’s Jin Ryong!’ shamelessly in the middle of the street among ordinary people.

Moreover,

‘I didn’t sense anything.’

The fact that someone slipped through my presence was problematic and raised multiple concerns.

‘It seems I need to be mindful.’

While I had intended to let it slide, given the current situation, I’d have to keep my wits about me.

I needed a reputation, and this was the kind of anxiety I had.

‘If my name gets out, those annoying bastards will swarm around.’

That’s always the case in every situation.

I had expected this part, but

‘It’s happening faster than I thought.’

Who could it be?

Where is this happening, exactly?

No, if I’m curious, I should investigate.

If I catch them, I’ll be able to figure it out.

I’m somewhat of a specialist in that regard.

As I thought, I fiddled with my lips.

“Are you alright?”

Moyong Hi-ah, who was walking beside me, asked.

“Am I alright?”

“Your expression… it looked familiar.”

“Familiar?”

Do I often make this face?

“N-no, it’s just a face I tend to make.”

“Hmm? What do you mean by that?”

Noticing my curiosity, Moyong Hi-ah added an explanation.

“If you get caught, I’ll show you what hell is like.”

“…Huh?”

“That’s a face I often make when feeling the same way, and that’s exactly how you looked.”

“ ”

Her words were so spot-on that I momentarily lost my voice.

Moyong Hi-ah smiled upon seeing my dumbfounded expression.

“Prince, you really can’t hide your true feelings well.”

“…That’s something I hear often.”

I thought I had masked it quite well.

But it’s not working out after my return.

What could be the reason?

Maybe because I’ve gotten a bit used to peace?

“I think I need to fix that.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Hmm? Why not?”

“Because I like you as you are.”

As her words spilled out naturally, a brief silence lingered.

Curiosity filled me as I examined her face.

‘…She’s blushing?’

I caught a glimpse of her rare rosy cheeks.

It seemed that was not something she planned to say.

“The apples are ripe. So red.”

“Ugh…”

As I playfully remarked, Moyong Hi-ah’s cool demeanor cracked.

Seeing her like that was unexpectedly cute…

‘…Cute?’

What the hell.

Did I just think she was cute?

Is my mind going haywire from climbing this mountain?

‘It’s not that difficult, though.’

!

The training I had done until now should have precluded me from getting thrown off by such a trivial matter.

I must just be a bit tired today.

I brushed my hair back.

A cool breeze continued to blow, making me feel a bit better.

Shinryong Temple is located at the mountain’s peak.

However, our destination was not there.

We were headed for a slightly less deep area.

To enter the prestigious Shinryong Temple,

I unfortunately had to take an entrance exam.

This indicated they wouldn’t accept just anyone.

It meant they would only take in those with high talents from the training institution.

A prestigious great house.

Moreover, since they were sending late-stage talents recognized in the beginning, they were all composed of remarkable individuals.

Among those, they further filtered out who to accept.

This might seem like a blow to pride.

But those chosen implicitly meant they were among the exceptionally talented few.

These people place immense importance on honor and reputation.

Once entered this way,

Even if cliques form, managing connections would become easier.

The original intention of education suddenly felt unimportant.

Of course, even disregarding all of that,

It was already a well-known fact that the name brand of being from Shinryong Temple was the reason behind it.

‘And.’

As they say, it’s the best sword training institution.

The quality of education isn’t bad.

‘…Most great houses could teach this at home.’

Especially true for bloodlines.

With clan leaders or elders around, there was really no need to waste time in an institution.

“Gu Yangcheong from the Mount Shan Clan. Confirmation complete. Proceed to the next group.”

I guess it’s because it’s a property of the righteous sect.

The confirmers were all from the martial alliance.

They completed identity confirmation and even checked the groups.

Shooting a glance behind,

One of the people who confirmed my origin and name glared at me.

The look in his eyes said, ‘Is this brat really him?’

I suppose I’ll have to endure that kind of stare for a while.

Although now getting angry was pointless.

‘Are the others arriving tomorrow?’

The reason I don’t see the likes of Sleeping Dragon or Sword Dragon is likely because the sect members take their exam separately tomorrow.

Today was just for the clan’s bloodlines.

To exaggerate, it was as if all late-stage talents from across the nation were gathering here.

Just a single day would hardly suffice.

‘Next group.’

It was clear to see that they had divided the groups by rank.

Proof of this sits with Moyong Hi-ah and Tang Soyeol.

As for Nangong Bi-A, she was assigned to the first group.

‘Why am I in the next group?’

It wasn’t that I was mad I wasn’t treated as part of a great house.

I felt something was off objectively.

A clan at my level shouldn’t be treated with such disdain. Being in the next group shouldn’t be a mark of inferiority.

Considering the current standing of the Gu Clan in the Central Plains,

It felt somewhat ambiguous in terms of numbers.

“Hmmm… honestly, it didn’t matter much.”

It was just the division of groups after all, and I understood there were no particular privileges.

So, it likely wouldn’t matter much.

What worried me a bit was if the others from the Gu Clan might act out…

‘That’s unlikely…’

As I slightly eyed Gu Yeonseo,

She was making a dazed expression, which suggested that, judging by her, there shouldn’t be any outbursts.

Feeling quite relieved, I let out a faint sigh internally.

‘Not completely, though.’

Rather than getting rid of the evil spirit, it felt more like covering it up with something else.

The best way for the Sword Master would ultimately be to either send proper people to keep an eye on others or distract them with the sword.

So they won’t be able to think of anything else.

Of course, even that could end up trapping them in the spirit.

After all, chasing after a nonexistent sword was also sinful.

However,

For Gu Yeonseo, I considered it might not be a bad idea.

‘Of course, if this fails…’

I had thought to try using something else, but that didn’t seem necessary.

At least, not for now.

‘Will I even pass?’

With Gu Jeolyub, I was assured of his passing.

As for Gu Yeonseo, the uncertainty loomed.

She’s exceptional compared to other late-stage talents.

Being on the borderline isn’t bad at all, but whether or not she’s at the level to enter Shinryong Temple speaks to doubt.

In contrast, Gu Jeolyub would not fall unless he completely let his guard down.

So, I had to worry about situations where he might fail.

‘He’ll get a serious beating from me if he does.’

It’d be embarrassing for our clan if he couldn’t even pass this one trial after all that effort we put into him.

A shiver ran through me.

Gu Jeolyub, who was behind me, suddenly seemed to feel a chill and took a step back.

Seeing this, I asked.

“Why?”

“…It’s nothing. I just felt I was about to get hit just now.”

“Tsk… quick to catch on.”

“Y-yeah?”

The shocked expression on Gu Jeolyub was almost comical.

Oh, but I wasn’t joking.

If he let his guard down, I indeed might smack him.

As I teased him, I continued to pass the time.

At that moment, I sensed a presence approaching this way.

I wondered who it could be, especially since no one felt particularly inclined to come to me now.

Curious, I focused a bit.

‘Tsk.’

As soon as I recognized it, I clicked my tongue.

A suffocating aura was rising.

‘Yeah, that guy’s here too.’

Given that I had memorized that and followed him in, it was expected.

That did not mitigate my irritation.

“Long time, no see.”

Our meeting was irritating as ever, especially since his intentions were glaringly obvious.

Man, why’s he coming over now?

This guy was really something.

He stepped closer and smiled as he greeted me.

His white martial robe with dark patterns was still as it was, and his well-defined features remained unchanged.

Maybe he had been diligently training all this time.

His physique was even more pronounced than before.

“Have you been well?”

“Yeah.”

I swallowed down the murderous intent that threatened to spill over my lips.

If I couldn’t control myself here, there could be serious consequences—not for me, but for those nearby.

I felt like knocking him out cold right then, but for the sake of the future, I had to hold back.

Thus, I mustered all my strength to respond in the most comfortable way I could.

I smiled at the guy before me.

“Hey, you bastard.”

Cough.

This was the best I could do.

Flame Burst.

The energy trying to escape my shoulder dissipated into the air.

I intended to contain the energy in one solid blow, but it amusingly scattered in the wind.

Clang.

As I gripped the hilt, my arm, which was about to lash out, stiffened.

It was because someone prevented me from drawing my sword.

The culprit who blocked me,

Wi Seol-Ah gazed at the one who had grabbed her own hilt with a somewhat frostier expression.

“An unexpected reaction from the young lady.”

Quick and slow,

a heavy voice echoed forth.

An air of something unexplainable radiated from the two of them.

Wi Seol-Ah was on full alert.

It’s as if the young man felt something from her gaze and spoke up.

“I don’t know what you were trying to do, but it’s best to refrain. Unless you want to be sent home.”

With a smug grin, the young man offered a warning.

How did he know?

Just as Zhang Seonyeon was about to move closer,

Wi Seol-Ah attempted to draw her sword.

To keep him from approaching.

But.

‘When?’

This young man had somehow approached me without either of us noticing.

He suppressed his killing intent.

A task that would be easy for Wi Seol-Ah.

The fact that he realized that was the more unusual part.

As Wi Seol-Ah’s sharp gaze met his, he said,

“Are you curious about who I am?”

With a somewhat mysterious smile, the young man spoke to Wi Seol-Ah.

“Bi Yi-jin. I am from the Bi Clan.”

At the mention of this name, Wi Seol-Ah’s expression turned one of surprise.

 

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