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Chapter 303: Who’s Harassing Us? (3)

The facilities of Shinryong Temple are numerous.

Since it’s packed with martial artists.

The first floor of the lodging has been turned into training grounds.

There’s also a dining hall capable of accommodating a large number of people.

And, as a precaution, there’s even a closed training area.

Rumor has it they raise demon beasts underground for training purposes.

Ah, by the way, that’s not just a rumor; it’s the truth.

In my previous life, when I discovered the underground area,

The demon beasts were crawling everywhere.

And behind Shinryong Temple, there’s a vast plain.

This is the area designated for squads to train.

Each squad consists of at least ten, but can go slightly over twenty.

This means the plain is more than spacious enough to accommodate that many people.

That very plain now was filled with the energy emitted by the martial artists.

Despite the chilly winter weather,

The heat from the excessive sweat made the surroundings feel ablaze.

Whoosh!

Bodies were constantly moving,

And the sound of friction echoed.

Over a dozen individuals were nonstop in motion across the plain.

And at the center of it all,

Cheol Hwan-O, the deputy lord of the Blue Dragon Clan,

was facing off against numerous late-stage talents at once.

Boom! The ground trembled.

Cheol Hwan-O stomped down, creating a shockwave.

As a result, one of the late-stage talents staggered, losing their balance.

Cheol Hwan-O seized the opportunity and swung his hand.

Thud!

“Ugh!”

As Cheol Hwan-O’s massive hand shoved the late-stage talent,

They flew into another late-stage talent and crashed into them.

The fragile cooperation of the late-stage talents completely fell apart.

Despite a number of them working together against one,

The battlefield was utter chaos.

While Cheol Hwan-O is indeed strong,

It was evident that the situation was quite slapdash.

And Cheol Hwan-O had known this would happen from the get-go.

In fact, it would be more accurate to say he had anticipated it.

Skillfully dodging the overwhelming onslaught,

Cheol Hwan-O scanned the area.

‘There are four with potential.’

Among the swarming energy around him,

Four individuals stood out with a unique clarity.

That was the number Cheol Hwan-O had discerned.

‘However, they’re still just late-stage talents.’

Of course,

Even Cheol Hwan-O would find it challenging to take on over a dozen late-stage talents at once.

But,

Facing individuals who have never collaborated before is a different story.

Their lack of coordination leaves many openings.

Just nudging at those gaps can cause the tower of cards to crumble.

An awkwardly stacked tower will easily collapse with the slightest perturbation.

Look at them now.

Since their coordination is off, it’s a total mess.

In such a situation,

One of the late-stage talents comes charging through the gaps.

A hulking figure with black hair appears.

Cheol Hwan-O recognized that face.

‘Paewoocheol.’

A glimmer appeared in Cheol Hwan-O’s eyes.

He was one of the four he had marked.

Standing amidst the chaos,

Paewoocheol took advantage and charged right up to Cheol Hwan-O.

Using his solid lower body as leverage,

Paewoocheol’s waist coiled for a rebound.

At the moment his hefty fist was imbued with energy,

Paewoocheol launched it. A slick motion, quite impressive.

However.

“How disappointing.”

This was Paewoocheol’s mistake.

Approaching head-on against an opponent of a vastly differing caliber

With no help from his fellow talents was a rookie move.

Overcome by excitement and heat, he must’ve lost his focus.

Crack!

The energy in Paewoocheol’s punch shattered with a flick of the wrist.

Before the energy could fully dissipate from his fist,

Paewoocheol didn’t even catch a glimpse of how Cheol Hwan-O had moved.

And right afterward.

Boom—!

“Cough!”

A shockwave hit Paewoocheol’s abdomen.

It was the force of Cheol Hwan-O’s strike, and the impact unleashed ripples of energy.

Unable to withstand it, Paewoocheol was sent flying back, rolling on the ground.

Not long after the hunting of the demon beasts had begun,

Half of the late-stage talents who started together lay flat on the floor,

While those barely holding their positions were drenched in cold sweat.

Their gazes trembled.

They seemed unable to comprehend how it could come to this.

Witnessing their expressions, Cheol Hwan-O couldn’t help but smirk inwardly.

‘The eyes of newborn chicks.’

It must be a brand new experience for them.

They likely have no real experience in the Central Plains.

Moreover, they probably hadn’t thought much about the existence of demon beasts.

Meanwhile, Paewoocheol, who’d been blasted away, was

Clutching his abdomen as he rose to his feet.

“Spit!”

He roughly spat on the ground, still with that glint in his eye.

‘What a rough one.’

Not bad at all.

After all, if one’s a martial artist, that’s how it should be.

However, from an instructor’s perspective, the arrogance they carried

Should have been nipped in the bud early on.

‘The world doesn’t work that way.’

The late-stage talents coming to Shinryong Temple

Were all pampered from a young age.

They must have outstanding talents and constant support from their clans or factions.

Most of them viewed the world as their own.

It was imperative to shatter that mindset from the onset.

That was Cheol Hwan-O’s way.

Cheol Hwan-O had taken on the role of instructor numerous times.

He had probably started around the time he crossed that threshold.

Though he hadn’t served as an instructor in recent years,

‘With work piling up, I returned.’

If I’m going to do it, I might as well do it right.

That was Cheol Hwan-O’s mindset.

‘This generation has quality talent.’

Feeling the weight of the blows landing, Cheol Hwan-O thought to himself.

This was a generation where mediocrity and genius were both in abundance,

Known as Yuseong’s generation.

To prove that, the late-stage talents under his wing were also quite impressive.

‘…And then, there’s him.’

Amidst the air filled with his energy,

The gap in the heat swirling around came to notice.

…

…

Beyond the late-stage talents who were panting and groaning,

Cheol Hwan-O cast his gaze towards someone.

During all this, entirely still, acting like an observer was one of them.

‘Jin Ryong Gu Yangcheong.’

The last dragon of the Six Dragons Three Peaks,

He stood far off, seemingly intrigued by the spectacle of the late-stage talents.

He was probably one of the younger ones in this squad or even in the Shinryong Temple.

Even while battling other late-stage talents, Cheol Hwan-O focused his awareness on Gu Yangcheong.

‘Why is he just standing there?’

The question lingered in his mind.

Why was Gu Yangcheong so passive?

‘Was the display earlier just bravado?’

Just before the first training began,

Cheol Hwan-O recalled the words Gu Yangcheong had spoken to him.

– “Can’t we do it alone?”

That brash late-stage talent, who had dared provoke him.

It was such an apparent taunt that it made him nearly lose his composure.

Yet, he held back.

Cheol Hwan-O was an instructor.

He couldn’t just fall for such a simple bait.

But—

He wanted to teach him a lesson.

After all, Cheol Hwan-O is human too, and couldn’t entirely ignore it.

He had thought to use Gu Yangcheong as an example during this training session.

Even that cocky late-stage talent of the Six Dragons Three Peaks

Needed to see that there are things he cannot simply run past instructors.

So the other talents could truly awaken.

And,

‘The young master has recently been spending time with Jin Ryong.’

As the deputy lord of the Blue Dragon Clan, there’s a reason why he stepped back into the instructor role.

Cheol Jiseon.

What thoughts must the young master have?

He had heard that he passed the third trial alongside Jin Ryong.

He remembered the image of the young master, who had said he wouldn’t rely on Cheol Hwan-O’s help.

Though he had come to serve as the instructor,

Sadly, he couldn’t lend a hand in that manner.

Cheol Jiseon’s success was fortunate.

‘What’s on his mind?’

Aside from that,

Cheol Hwan-O was still trying to figure out what kind of person Gu Yangcheong was.

A genius recorded to have reached the peak at such a young age.

Among the falling stars, the boy referred to as the largest star

Merely observed his fallen comrades.

Was he struck by the unexpected strength?

Probably not.

From Cheol Hwan-O’s perspective, Gu Yangcheong didn’t give off that kind of vibe.

Peak level, was it?

He recalls the moment he first laid eyes on the talents.

‘He wasn’t visible.’

It meant he couldn’t read his realm.

When energy and Qi converged, filling the room,

Gu Yangcheong appeared unfazed.

‘Could it be that he is at the same level as me?’

Although he considered himself at the pinnacle level.

The severest peak there is.

Cheol Hwan-O gazed at the Transformation Realm Martial Artist level.

This realization came five years back.

Not all peaks are the same.

Yet still,

‘…A chick not even past its coming of age is at the same level as me.’

Moreover, he had the audacity to provoke him into a match.

‘Did I look down on him too much?’

The Qi within him began to rise.

As the other late-stage talents began to shrink back from that energy,

“Gu Yangcheong.”

Cheol Hwan-O called out.

“Yes.”

Gu Yangcheong, who had still been observing with intrigue, lightly responded to the instructor.

“Why are you just watching the other Gwandosaengs struggle?”

“Is that not allowed?”

“The purpose of training is to hunt demon beasts. Are you just going to watch your comrades fall?”

“The demon beasts can’t talk, you know. It’s strange. They’re doing quite well.”

Crack.

In that moment, Cheol Hwan-O’s expression nearly shattered.

‘What an insufferable brat.’

He was evidently a younger sibling of So Sword Peak.

“In other words, are you insulting your instructor, Gwandosaeng?”

“No, I’m just saying it’s training. I’m being considerate.”

“Considerate?”

“Yes.”

Gu Yangcheong chuckled as he spoke.

Everyone around could clearly feel the derision in that laughter.

“I wouldn’t want to make the training too easy.”

« +1 »

…Ah.

Is he still reacting like this?

Truly arrogant and presumptuous.

‘It’s applicable at that age.’

Especially since he now garners so much attention from the world.

No wonder he’s bolstered by the moniker Jin Ryong,

Proud to be the youngest peak.

That’s bound to sway him.

However, he had chosen the wrong opponent.

‘This brat needs to be put in his place right away.’

Over the next six months of being his instructor,

There would be no slow taming for him.

Time to end this now. That’ll make things easier moving forward.

“Gwandosaeng.”

“Yes, Instructor.”

“Do you believe the world is yours? Your behavior is that of a frog in a well.”

“Ribbit, ribbit.”

“”

“Was that too much? I apologize.”

Rarely did Gu Yangcheong apologize, but it wouldn’t reach Cheol Hwan-O’s ears at this point.

It was already too late.

“Gu Yangcheong Gwandosaeng.”

“Yes.”

“You seem overly self-assured, so let’s have a match, shall we?”

“A match?”

“Indeed. A wager.”

“What will I gain if I win?”

Gu Yangcheong, who had been quiet, finally showed interest.

Cheol Hwan-O raised three fingers.

“I’ll give you three chances.”

“Oh?”

“If at any point during those three chances, your attack lands on me, you win.”

“Wait a moment.”

“What’s wrong? If you’re scared now…”

“Will you also attack or retaliate during those chances?”

“…Ugh.”

What is he talking about?

I clearly stated I would give him three chances. What’s with this question?

Seeing the look on Cheol Hwan-O’s face, Gu Yangcheong seemed somewhat relieved as he spoke.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I’ve just been through a lot of such matches, so… I wanted to confirm.”

“…Alright.”

His reaction was curious.

What kind of lunatic would agree to a match but still hit back?

‘There can’t be such a man.’

If there is, he certainly wouldn’t be part of the Righteous Faction.

Who among those representing the Righteous Faction would engage in such nonsense?

While Cheol Hwan-O mused, Gu Yangcheong queried him.

“I understand the terms, but since it’s a wager, what do I gain for winning?”

“It’s unlikely to happen, but do you wish for anything?”

The look of thought on his face was amusing.

After a brief consideration, Gu Yangcheong promptly found an answer to give to Cheol Hwan-O.

“Then, could you excuse me from morning training?”

« +1 »

…Ah.

Hearing this, Cheol Hwan-O barely managed to suppress an incredulous gasp.

A martial artist, let alone a Gwandosaeng who entered Shinryong Temple,

Asking to be excused from training.

It was utterly absurd.

“Just for the six months that you have me as your instructor, excuse me from morning training?”

“…You really don’t take me seriously, do you?”

“I’m not trying to, it’s just part of the wager, isn’t it?”

“Fine. But if I win…”

“Do whatever you want. I’ll accept anything.”

Clunk.

The indifference with which Gu Yangcheong spoke made Cheol Hwan-O feel as if his sanity was slipping away.

Cheol Hwan-O’s expression darkened completely.

This was nothing short of a significant insult aimed at him, the instructor.

‘Alright. If you’re so eager to meet your end, then, I, the instructor, shall enlighten you about the world.’

Whoooo!

A heavy Qi poured out from Cheol Hwan-O’s body.

The pressure he radiated was distinctly different from the energy that had surrounded the late-stage talents.

This was the overwhelming energy exuded by a martial master at the peak level.

Those who had been laying defeated on the ground,

And those late-stage talents cautiously observing all vomited back.

The sheer intensity of this energy combined with the killing intent had become overwhelmingly potent.

Under normal circumstances, a late-stage talent wouldn’t have dared engage in such a situation.

They would have surely restrained themselves to some degree.

But due to Gu Yangcheong’s attitude, Cheol Hwan-O could no longer hold back.

He hoped they would feel it.

That while calling themselves peaks, not all are equal.

That there exists a different world out there.

“Come forth.”

Cheol Hwan-O said, eyes gleaming.

Yet, Gu Yangcheong remained standing still.

Still gazing at Cheol Hwan-O with a mysterious expression.

“Why are you idle? Are you scared, Gwandosaeng?”

No matter how high their peak is touted,

This level of disconnect isn’t surprising.

It was only natural to be stuck like that.

Observing this, Cheol Hwan-O slightly curved his lips upwards.

“Right now, if you acknowledge your mistake and apologize, I might just let it slide…”

“That should suffice. It’s quite exhilarating.”

“…Ugh.”

Before Cheol Hwan-O could retort, Gu Yangcheong interrupted him.

At that very moment, with his palms facing up,

Gu Yangcheong whispered softly.

“Flame Jade.”

That stance and wording seem familiar.

It was a tale circulated among instructors during trials,

How the Long Clan’s Jin Ryong wreaked havoc during an exam, causing the entire area to be disrupted.

The kind of power that no one at the peak level should dare show.

‘No way.’

The thought flitted through his mind.

Just as that doubt arose,

Flame Burst!

In an instant, flames erupted around him, tearing through the surroundings.

The energy and killing intent Cheol Hwan-O had released soared into the flames.

Where was it directed?

Straight into Gu Yangcheong’s palm.

The swirling fire began to dance, riding the winds,

Sucking up the energy of others before converging at a single point.

‘This is utterly ridiculous…!’

Even a mere look caused Cheol Hwan-O’s heart to race with shock.

It dawned on him that his thoughts had been completely misguided.

That was no energy coming from an average late-stage talent.

‘Is he planning to unleash it?’

The earlier claim that giving him three chances was genuine, had already slipped from his mind.

If that explosion detonated around them,

‘I can’t stop it like I did with the Sword Demoness.’

At Cheol Hwan-O’s current level, he wouldn’t be able to protect the late-stage talents.

He gathered his Qi to his legs.

First and foremost, he needed to block that.

Bang-!

Dust erupted off the ground, as he surged forward.

In a flash, he was right next to Gu Yangcheong, but for Cheol Hwan-O, that instant felt like an eternity.

‘Can I even block it? What’s its range? If I forcibly block it, then what damage will Cheol Yangcheong sustain?’

Countless calculations flashed through his mind, yet no conclusion settled.

If need be,

Cheol Hwan-O was prepared to put his body on the line to block it.

He approached right in front of Gu Yangcheong and reached out.

His arm, surrounded by powerful energy, shot forward at an alarming speed,

Eager to reach the desired location, but—

Whoosh!

“…What!”

Cheol Hwan-O’s hand merely brushed through empty air.

Gu Yangcheong had evaded it.

His eyes shot wide open.

Did he react to my speed?

The surprise was fleeting; there wasn’t time to marvel now.

This time, it was Cheol Hwan-O who was slow to respond.

Due to the urgency of his movement, his stance faltered slightly.

Thus, he delayed turning his body.

Gu Yangcheong did not miss that opening.

Without delay, he swung his palm adorned with the red flames right before Cheol Hwan-O’s eyes.

Crack-!

He clenched his fist tight.

As he did so, he felt a gust of wind sweep through, sending Cheol Hwan-O’s hair flying backward.

“Ugh!”

As Cheol Hwan-O anticipated, an explosion was imminent, and he tightly closed his eyes while reinforcing his energy to shield himself.

He projected his energy outward, intending to minimize the blast radius.

However,

“…?”

Strangely enough, no explosive energy surged towards him.

He had expected an onslaught of flames engulfing him.

Instead, only a pleasant breeze wafted around him.

At that moment,

He felt a light sensation pressing against his chest.

Confused, he opened his eyes and found Gu Yangcheong gently resting his fist against Cheol Hwan-O’s chest.

As realization dawned, Cheol Hwan-O’s jaw dropped.

Gu Yangcheong looked up at Cheol Hwan-O and declared,

“I caught the demon beast.”

He smiled, looking utterly satisfied.

 

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