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Sure, here is the translation:

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Definitely, people’s appearances are all about how they present themselves.

That was the thought that popped into my head the moment I saw Baek Cheon-gyeomju.

When he was in rags, he was just an atmospheric middle-aged man.

But once he donned well-fitted clothing and adopted a slightly polished demeanor, it was astonishing how much a person could change.

It was truly a wonder.

‘No, that’s not it.’

Now was not the time to be critiquing someone’s appearance.

What mattered was why he was here at this hour.

Baek Cheon-gyeomju Moyong Tae was exuding a terrifying presence as he looked at me.

Seeing that, I asked him.

“…Why is Moyong Clan Leader here?”

“I came out for a night stroll.”

His response left me utterly dumbfounded.

With that kind of aura?

Anyone could tell that Moyong Tae didn’t look like he was just out for a walk.

‘Could it be, does this man really intend to kill me?’

Such a thought crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it.

There was no way that a clan leader from one of the Four Great Clans would suddenly appear alone to attempt an assassination.

He would certainly know that if he caused a disturbance in Hanam like this, he wouldn’t be able to handle the consequences later.

He must be more aware of that than I was.

With that thought, I lightly bowed to Moyong Tae.

“…I understand. It was an honor to meet you, Moyong Clan Leader. Well then, have a pleasant stroll.”

First, I needed to get away from here.

Just as I decided to leave and began to walk away.

When I turned around.

Swoosh-!

A brief gust of wind brushed past my face.

Rustle-!

A brutal sound echoed, and trees fell where the wind had passed by.

“Junior.”

“…”

I turned my head at Moyong Tae’s call.

He had unsheathed his sword and was staring at me.

A mix of faint elegance and murderous intent swelled in his presence.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but swallow my breath.

“I have yet to hear your answer.”

“…What answer are you asking for?”

“Your name, Junior. Can you tell me now?”

An answer about my name?

‘He must already know it.’

Moyong Tae undoubtedly already knew, so why was he making me answer.

“…”

It felt like a joke, but the sincerity in Moyong Tae’s eyes was undeniable.

Was that last strike also serious?

Whatever the case, the chilling atmosphere wouldn’t change.

‘This isn’t a good situation at all.’

It felt quite awkward and tense.

How should I handle this situation?

‘What about Father?’

He would be here soon.

If he came, this situation would be resolved, but the discomfort would remain.

As I was wrapped up in my worries.

“If you won’t answer, you need not do so.”

Moyong Tae slowly slipped his sword back into its sheath.

What? Was he really just going to leave after acting like he was about to kill me?

So easily?

Clink.

Moyong Tae’s sword tip disappeared inside the sheath.

Seeing that, a question suddenly came to my mind.

“If I don’t answer, what happens then?”

At my question, Moyong Tae’s sharp gaze turned toward me.

The energy felt unsettling.

“I will simply return.”

A strange feeling crossed my mind. Wasn’t that a good outcome?

Just as I thought that.

“Of course, I will also take the girl with me.”

“…!”

“The contract shared with the Gu Clan will be honored as it is, so there should be no problem. Moreover, the agreement registered in Mount Shan will not be nullified, so there’s no need to worry.”

“…What about your daughter’s illness?”

The reason why the Moyong Clan had given the Gu Clan various forms of assistance up until now, and why Moyong Hi-ah had been by my side, was to treat her illness.

That treatment was still ongoing.

However, to say he was going to take Moyong Hi-ah like this meant he would no longer pursue that treatment.

In response to my unwarranted worry, Moyong Tae replied in a somewhat cold tone.

“That is an issue my family must address. You need not concern yourself with it, Junior.”

“…”

That was sound logic.

This was indeed an affair of the Moyong Clan, so it was not something an outsider like me should fret over.

Even so, an uncomfortable feeling began to itch at my chest.

It felt very wrong.

“Then, I will ask you one last time. What is your name, Junior? Can you tell me?”

“…What happens if I tell you?”

“…”

The mere choice of saying my name or refraining from it held considerable weight.

I wanted to understand the significance it held for Moyong Tae. He glanced at me for a moment before placing his hand on the hilt of his sword.

And then he spoke.

“I don’t like you, Junior.”

“…”

What reached my ears instead of an answer was a blunt rejection.

“I believe you already know the reason.”

“…Yes.”

“Yet, if for that girl’s sake, should she find a way to live that hinges solely on you, I think it’s something you must endure.”

“What do you mean…?”

“One.”

Swoosh.

The sword that had just been sheathed was drawn once more.

In that instant, the surrounding energy surged.

Faced with that power, my whole body felt a prickling sensation.

Baek Cheon-gyeomju Moyong Tae.

Though he was the clan leader of one of the Four Great Clans, he was said to be the least skilled amongst them.

Even so, the fact that he was the clan leader of the Four Great Clans was not a lie.

‘Just from the energy alone, he could slice me.’

It was sharp enough to be deadly, even with just his energy.

I understood why he was called a sword master, having competed under the name of Sword King in the past.

“I have no intention of entrusting someone who can’t even confidently say their own name.”

“…”

“Even if it’s for that girl’s happiness, I cannot accept it.”

His presence only grew stronger. At this point, there was no way to feign ignorance.

If I were to utter my name now, Baek Cheon-gyeomju would point his sword at me.

Whether it was a form of trial or if he genuinely wanted to beat me senseless, I couldn’t tell, but one thing weighed heavily on my mind.

– I cannot entrust someone who can’t even confidently say their own name.

In truth, I had no recollection of being responsible for Moyong Hi-ah’s fate; I hadn’t taken on any responsibility in this life, nor did I in my previous life.

At this point, all those memories were gone.

It was something I alone would keep.

Furthermore, I confidently had not done anything to provoke Baek Cheon-gyeomju.

So why did I feel such discomfort?

Was it because I didn’t want to let Moyong Hi-ah go?

Why? Was it because she had affection for me? That our relationship had somewhat improved compared to my past life?

Or perhaps it was her intelligence and desire to help me that I valued?

“…”

My insides were boiling.

I sought an answer, but nothing resonated with me.

The reason was simple.

I was looking for a different answer while already knowing the one I should give.

“Lastly, I will ask you.”

Moyong Tae pointed his sword at me once more.

I already knew.

I understood that answering my name here would be a loss.

The moment I spoke, I would have to offer definitive assurances about Moyong Hi-ah.

Additionally, it could lead me to share martial prowess with Baek Cheon-gyeomju.

No, this man would definitely fight.

I could already sense that in his gaze.

I was about to have to fight a madman who aimed his sword at a junior who had barely survived.

What kind of absurd situation was this?

I didn’t want to engage in needless conflict like this.

Having no clue how my body was holding up made it even worse.

With so many reasons to refrain from saying anything, it was unnecessary to try.

“Junior, what is your name?”

“…”

Only one insignificant reason weighed down on all those thoughts.

A truly selfish reason.

A narrow-minded desire to see Moyong Hi-ah not leave.

That pathetic greed pressed down on all rational thought.

Thus, when Moyong Tae made that demand of me, I had only one choice.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly spoke. With each exhale, the tension in my body eased.

With that, I raised my hand and assumed the Pogo posture.

“…The descendant of the Gu Clan greets you, Moyong Clan Leader.”

Upon hearing my words, Moyong Tae’s eyes flickered.

“My name is Gu Yangcheong. Overly….”

As I watched his swordtip tremble slightly.

I pulled up my Qi.

The heat spread throughout my body.

As Qi surged from the Lower Dantian to the Upper House, I felt my head beginning to boil.

“I am also referred to as… Yeom-ra.”

It was a nickname I found particularly uncomfortable to say. My ears were red the instant I spoke it.

“…”

Moyong Tae’s eyes widened like lanterns as he assessed my condition.

The energy surged to the Upper House to display its presence.

Moyong Tae seemed to realize what level I had reached.

Looking at him, I spoke.

“Should you approve, Moyong Clan Leader.”

Heat escaped from my breath.

Though I knew without checking that my eyes were glowing red.

Feeling the bubbling heat.

“I ask that you teach this junior one skill.”

I requested a spar with Moyong Tae.

In response, he said nothing.

He merely straightened the sword tip he was aiming at me.

And then…

Whooo-oo-oo-!

Thick energy began to radiate from Moyong Tae’s body.

He took his stance. Flame Burst-! Flames surrounded him.

The rings of the Technique of the Flame Wheel had reached the Transformation Realm and gained an additional one.

He expanded the rings.

Once the vivid crimson flames surrounded him, I kicked the ground and charged at Moyong Tae.

 

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