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The men gathered around a table devoid of alcohol.

It was truly a peculiar sight.

Could it be the oddity of it all? I felt the eyes of those around me stealing glances this way.

I ignored their gazes and took a sip of the tea in front of me.

‘Perhaps it’s not that after all.’

The reason for the attention wasn’t due to the lack of alcohol.

“That’s the Bi Seongdo, isn’t it?”

“Just the other day, there was talk about seeing Bi Seongdo at the alliance. So it was true.”

“He’s really handsome, isn’t he?”

It was also due to Peng Woojin quietly using his chopsticks in front of me.

“Then is that So Yeomra next to him?”

“So Yeomra? Where did that come from all of a sudden?”

It was also because I was munching on dumplings.

“I heard there was a young man who acted familiar with Bi Seongdo, and they say that was So Yeomra!”

“Is that guy next to him So Yeomra? I can’t see his face well…”

“No, the one next to him.”

“The one next? Wait, what!”

“I wondered how a rough-looking young man could be So Yeomra, but… it really is him.”

What’s the deal with that?

What’s up with that?

I wanted to confront them immediately, but I held back. I had grown accustomed to this kind of treatment by now.

How sad is it that I have become used to such things?

“Indeed. The young man once called the Youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist… of course, in the end…”

The rest of the words were drowned out. But I could easily guess what was said.

They must have been about how it was a lie or a mere rumor.

I felt no particular emotion about it.

I had neither denied nor confirmed it from the beginning, and honestly, it suited me better that the rumors had faded like this.

The problem was.

“Ugh, my chopsticks are shaking.”

“…!”

It was the reaction of the guy next to me that was worse than mine.

“What’s wrong?”

“…It’s nothing…”

He pulled his hood down deeper, as if to hide his face.

“If you’re that scared, why’d you even come to eat?”

“Ha ha, don’t be so harsh.”

Blocking my words, Peng Woojin subtly moved his hand.

He brought the dumplings closer to the trembling guy.

“Gu Gongja, how badly do you think he wanted to eat these to come here? I completely understand.”

“Thank you…”

“How delicious must they be to overcome all logic to come here? No one! None of those who have come before did something like this. Doesn’t this mean their dumplings are ridiculously amazing?”

“…”

“…”

Ah, I see. It was a roundabout way of dicking me over.

It was a clever jab I had never even dared to contemplate.

‘…This guy.’

Is there something to learn here?

Feels like I could pick up a few pointers.

Whether he meant it or not was unclear.

Because Peng Woojin’s expression was utterly sincere.

He tilted his head, watching the trembling dumpling guy holding chopsticks.

“Why aren’t you eating? You can go ahead and indulge.”

“Th-thank you….”

The dumpling guy, trembling, finally picked up a dumpling and shoved it into his mouth.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but comment.

“He’s eating it. Even in this situation, he’s still stuffing his face?”

“Ugh….”

For a moment, upon hearing that, he nearly choked, but he managed to swallow and began munching away.

Watching him, I could tell the guy’s mindset instantly.

‘Now that he’s been caught, he’s going to eat no matter what, huh?’

Since he’s been found out, he’s going to make the best of it.

Such desperation was palpable.

Just how much does he want to eat these dumplings? What on earth are they made of…

‘…Not that I’m one to talk.’

I watched the dumpling guy—no, Shin Ryong—eating eagerly, and then I toyed with my own chopsticks.

I was about to grab a dumpling myself.

Clack.

“Eh?”

“…Hmm?”

My chopsticks clashed against another pair. Turns out there was exactly one dumpling left.

Confirming that, I spoke to Shin Ryong.

“Put it down gently. You’ve got enough for now.”

Upon hearing my words, Shin Ryong replied.

“…Sijoo, this dumpling is from Bi Seongdo Sijoo, so for you to say you’ll give it up seems a bit off.”

“What are you saying?”

What’s wrong with this guy?

“If you’ve been eating so greedily so far, you should let one go. Can’t let the dumpling guy get too greedy, right? You shouldn’t covet material things.”

“Out of nine dumplings, you’ve eaten three, and I’ve had three, so it’s definitely my turn to eat.”

“Were you actually counting how many you’ve had?”

When did he start counting one by one?

As I looked at Shin Ryong in disbelief, I noticed the corners of his mouth slightly twitching up.

Could it be he actually thinks he’s won this argument? Realizing that, I let out a defeated sigh.

“Technically, it’s true that the dumpling guy is here to eat dumplings, right? Especially since they’re filled with meat?”

“…!”

Bringing up the core issue caused Shin Ryong to flinch and shiver.

Looked like he was feeling a pang of conscience himself.

Now’s my chance.

Whoosh-!

“Ha!”

Seizing the opportunity while Shin Ryong was caught off guard, I quickly shoved the last dumpling into my mouth.

His expression crumbled as if the heavens had fallen.

No matter how I looked at it, it was not a face that a dumpling guy would make.

‘What on earth is in this dumpling?’

No, what kind of meat would even make a master and a monk act like this?

‘Woo Hyeok, he’s a weird one, but then what about this guy?’

What’s up with this one here?

‘Why is he causing such a scene right here?’

Just like the first time I saw him, this was our second encounter, and it was also over dumplings.

‘…Monks must know a thing or two about meat.’

According to Peng Woojin, it seemed like this place’s dumplings really were something special.

“Bring me another plate of dumplings!”

“Yes, sir!”

As Peng Woojin called for more, Shin Ryong’s expression brightened.

“Have you been starving?”

“…No.”

“Of course, you haven’t been!”

Noticing my teasing, Shin Ryong decided to forgo any more responses.

He’d rather ignore me and continue eating.

Seeing that made me stifle a laugh while I took a sip of my tea.

While watching him silently, the tension suddenly returned.

“So, that youth is So Yeomra?”

“Jin Ryong, they say he was once famous… but I don’t know why he’s not having any rumors lately. Even more so…”

The one talking suddenly paused before continuing.

“They even said he was called the Youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist.”

I froze.

Upon hearing that, the dumpling guy’s hands trembled.

“Hey! You believe that nonsense?”

“No, I’m just saying that was the buzz. It’s such a big rumor, yet it seems all too silent…”

The whispers scratched at my ears.

They were trying to keep it discreet, but they couldn’t fool my developed energy perception.

“Must be since he’s not active anymore.”

“That line of thought feels off…”

Curious about the next comment, I leaned in.

Woooo-!

“Hmm?”

The energy around us began to swirl.

It was the energy barrier.

Yet the energy enclosed felt ominous.

It was pure and clear, easily perceived.

‘If it’s that kind of aura…’

I quickly glanced beside me.

“What are you doing?”

“…”

The energy barrier was something Shin Ryong had created.

It was probably to block out the external sounds.

“What’s with this?”

I waved my hand through the air in question.

I was fairly certain Peng Woojin and Shin Ryong also heard the murmurs.

The fact that he felt the need to layer an energy barrier over my words meant…

“Are you even thinking about what I said?”

“That’s not what it’s for…”

Shin Ryong avoided my gaze and turned his eyes elsewhere.

What could he possibly be thinking?

As I tilted my head and watched him, he spoke up.

“So… Gu Gongja.”

Suddenly, Peng Woojin, who had been next to me, initiated a conversation.

“Why haven’t you visited your family lately?”

“…Out of the blue?”

What kind of nonsense is this? I frowned at the unexpected topic.

“I didn’t tell you to set a date. I expected you to visit regardless.”

“Oh.”

Now that rang a bell.

Upon reflection, I had received something.

‘A black neck token.’

He had surely mentioned that taking it to the Peng family would ensure a warm welcome.

Years had passed since I received it, yet I had never once gone to the Peng estate.

“I’ve just been too busy to find a reason to go.”

Battered and beaten, it had been a struggle just to survive.

There had been no time to visit anywhere comfortably in that mess.

So that should suffice as an explanation.

‘Not that I would have visited even if I had the time.’

What would I even do at the Peng estate?

Our relationship wasn’t great, and especially given they’d be all too pleased for an excuse to resent me.

“I’ll visit sometime, when I genuinely have time.”

“Hmm… I’ll hold you to that.”

“Just don’t take my words too seriously…”

The pressure was intense. Why is he so fixated on me?

“…So, is Peng Gongja really planning to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament?”

Feeling annoyed, I tried to steer the conversation elsewhere.

“Hmm? Of course! I’ve already applied, you know?”

As he spoke, Peng Woojin showed me the neck token.

Proof that he had put in his application, just like the one I had.

Continuing my inquiry, I asked, “Why would you do that?”

“It wouldn’t be strange for a righteous faction martial artist to enter the Martial Arts Tournament held by the alliance.”

He was right, and I had no rebuttal.

It was indeed not unusual for Peng Woojin to put his name down.

“Especially since it’s being touted as unprecedented. Just how exciting!”

An unprecedented Martial Arts Tournament.

Those words had been mentioned by the Martial Alliance in conjunction with the tournament.

‘That much didn’t sound like a lie.’

Just looking at the scale of the tournament and the rewards prepared was enough to show it would be unprecedented.

From the Great Heavenly Pill prepared directly by Shaolin…

To the rare treasure, the golden celestial dragon sword, one of the five legendary swords stored by the alliance.

And not to mention the exquisite martial robes made of rare silk, sold by the Moyong Clan, along with the support they would provide over the next three years.

Just the thought of it is enough to widen my eyes.

But among martial artists, what mattered most was…

It probably pertained to the now extinct Shin Ryong Great Lord.

A place where the greats of the righteous faction had passed, in essence becoming a legend.

Though it has faded now, the Martial Alliance announced a revival of the Shin Ryong Great Lord, starting with this tournament.

And included in the tournament’s rewards was the matter of this revival.

‘They said that martial artists will get affiliated with Shin Ryong Great Lord should they achieve outstanding results in the tournament.’

I didn’t know how many would get picked, but that was what the alliance has stated.

That meant, in other words, the aim of this tournament was indeed to lay the groundwork for reviving the Shin Ryong Great Lord.

The symbol of righteousness and the sword of the Martial Alliance.

For martial artists who live and die for glory and honor, it was a treasure worth yearning for.

And rightly so.

‘Because it’s said that throughout generations, the leader of the Shin Ryong Great Lord became the number one under heaven.’

I can’t speak for the present, but that was the story of ancient times.

It must have been during a time when such a word was still circulating…

‘When the Sword Sovereign was the clan leader?’

The Sword Sovereign had once led the Shin Ryong Great Lord.

Although he later assumed the position of clan leader, even being referred to as the number one sword master didn’t place him as number one under heaven.

Thus, the Shin Ryong Great Lord faced eventual dissolution.

So ultimately, this was a tale that faded into oblivion.

One thing was certain.

‘Nevertheless, martial artists wouldn’t care.’

The leader of Shin Ryong Great Lord becomes the number one under heaven.

Martial artists would rush in like moths to a flame driven by that allure.

That was what warriors in the Central Plains were ultimately.

“Does that mean you are also interested in what I said?”

I asked Peng Woojin while fiddling with my teacup, and he responded with a smile.

“Indeed. Isn’t Gu Gongja thinking the same way by signing up for the tournament?”

“Hmm.”

I let out a low voice for a moment as I pondered his question.

Honestly, I wasn’t very interested in the Great Heavenly Pill or the legendary sword.

The Great Heavenly Pill?

I already have more than enough bets lined up, plus there’s still the Poison Heavenly Pill in my possession.

To say nothing of possessing the original recipe.

I’m currently absorbing energy from the Ice Spirit, too.

By those standards, I no longer had any deficiencies.

While I’m a firm believer in ‘more is better,’ I’m not even sure how things would unfold from here.

‘I can do without the heavenly pill, but what about the five legendary swords?’

That also holds no significance to me.

Since I already have one of that level wrapped around my left arm.

And besides, I wasn’t one to pursue sword mastery.

I wonder if anything related to the gauntlet would come out, but it too would hold no value for me.

Neither would the splendid silk robes nor the support from the upper house, of course.

So the only thing left was one thing.

‘Shin Ryong Great Lord.’

As I recalled that, a smile crept onto my lips as I spoke to Peng Woojin.

“Yes, I’m somewhat interested in that.”

That was all I needed.

My participation in the tournament was to chase that very goal.

‘Exactly.’

Only Shin Ryong Great Lord.

More precisely.

‘I need a heavy hat of authority.’

A hat large and heavy enough to conceal every detail of my being—what I needed was exactly that.

As I contemplated, I noticed the peculiar expression on Peng Woojin’s face.

“Hmm, is that so?”

His response held an unreadable expression.

From the very first moment, we met, Peng Woojin had that same look.

He carried himself lightly, yet his thoughts were obscured and unreadable.

In stark contrast to the open and cheerful demeanor of Peng Ah-Hee, his sister.

Even his father, the Peng Clan Leader, didn’t come off as particularly opaque, even in a negative sense.

‘Maybe that’s why I find myself becoming wary of him without even realizing it.’

That look he had just made it harder to read.

To me, Peng Woojin was that kind of man.

“…”

“…”

Was the conversation coming to a close?

An awkward silence lingered that no one dared to break.

Should I just say something? I contemplated briefly before attempting to speak again at that moment.

“Food is here!”

Jeomsosoi appeared at the table carrying the dumplings I had ordered earlier.

Thanks to that, the uncomfortable atmosphere dissolved.

“Oh!”

Upon seeing the dumplings, Peng Woojin donned his signature smile again.

“Looks delicious. Let’s dig in.”

As Peng Woojin’s words set the tone, the chopsticks extended.

We briefly forgot about the previous tension as we all dug into the meal.

While enjoying bites, I began to feel an oddly uncomfortable gaze.

Could it be Peng Woojin? No, it wasn’t him.

It was Shin Ryong.

He kept glancing at me with an uncomfortable look, and for some reason, that gaze continued until I finished my meal.

After finishing our meal, we left with satisfied expressions.

By now, it was just past noon, so the day remained bright and clear.

I nodded at the well-hung sun hanging exactly in the center of the sky.

‘It wouldn’t hurt to practice in the afternoon.’

The timing wasn’t bad.

I thought I could focus on training today.

Considering how lacking I already felt, I was thankful for it.

“It was delicious. Truly, this place in Hanam is the best.”

As we stepped outside, Peng Woojin followed behind.

He must have already settled the bill.

Shin Ryong followed him, to which Peng Woojin remarked.

“Hey, didn’t I say I’d treat you? What’s with this business?”

“…No. This was something I needed to handle.”

Hearing that made it clear that Shin Ryong had indeed paid for his share.

Why go through that trouble when he could’ve just let it slide?

‘You think it doesn’t matter? Shaolin probably has massive riches anyway.’

They wouldn’t stumble over dumpling payments.

If anything, being the greatest among the late-stage talents, he probably received plenty of allowances here and there.

‘It’s funny how they say you must achieve detachment. But there’s no place as greedy as Shaolin.’

Indeed, they run businesses here and there, besides which Hanam is where Shaolin is based, thus it’s a bizarre juxtaposition.

“Did you enjoy it?”

I asked Shin Ryong as he walked down, to which he briefly coughed into his hand.

His satisfied eyes showed he must’ve actually enjoyed the meal.

“Glad everyone liked it.”

While Peng Woojin casually walked, I noticed he had somehow procured a toothpick and was now picking his pearly whites.

“Now that we’ve all eaten, what does Gu Gongja plan to do? If you have nothing scheduled, we could…”

“I’ll head back to train.”

“…Is that so? I can’t interfere with your training.”

I had expected him to be persistent, but upon hearing “training,” Peng Woojin nodded in agreement.

“Such a good time! I hope we can have more meetings like this in the future.”

“…Sure, we’ll see.”

“Ha! Such a cold response! Which makes it all the better!”

Every word he said sent shivers down my spine.

This guy is definitely doing it on purpose.

“Peng Gongja.”

“Sure, go ahead, say what you want.”

“Just to clarify, I’m not interested in men. Plus, I’m engaged.”

“Hmm? I know that.”

The expression on his face seemed to say, “What kind of obvious question is that?”

That eased my mind a bit.

“Good to know… and surely Peng Gongja feels the same?”

“Probably, our next meeting will be at the Martial Arts Tournament. I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Answer.”

Damn it.

Why must he change the subject at such a crucial moment?

As I took a step back in indignation, Peng Woojin burst out laughing.

“Hahaha! Just teasing, just teasing!”

“Ha ha, right?”

“Maybe.”

“Damn…”

“Well then, since we all have busy lives, I’ll take my leave first. I have my own busy schedule to attend to. Ha ha!”

Just moments ago, he was suggesting we go for a stroll together, and now he’s off?

How should I take this?

Instantly, I felt fatigue wash over me, and I had to cover my forehead with my hand.

“Gu Gongja, of course, and… it was a pleasure meeting you.”

Peng Woojin directed his gaze at Shin Ryong, almost saying “monk” before holding back due to the crowd around us.

Bowing as Peng Woojin gave his farewell, Shin Ryong returned the gesture awkwardly.

He likely couldn’t bow in that manner according to their etiquette and probably intended to just nod.

‘What a series of odd encounters.’

Watching this, I couldn’t help but ponder the ridiculousness of it all.

“Then, truly, I’ll take my leave. It was genuinely a pleasure. Really, truly.”

“Yup. Take care.”

Seemingly not lingering, Peng Woojin slipped out with little hesitation.

He vanished into the crowd.

As I remained with only Shin Ryong, I glanced his way and spoke.

“I’m off.”

“…”

I simply stated and began to walk away.

There wasn’t much left to discuss with him.

As I thought about my training routine on the way back, I heard Shin Ryong’s voice suddenly.

“…Why didn’t you say anything?”

I turned to face him.

“Talking to me?”

“…”

He didn’t respond, yet Shin Ryong’s gaze remained fixed on me.

Seeing that made me return his question.

“What do you mean?”

“Earlier… about what the others said just now.”

“Eh?”

I wondered what he wanted to say.

Not really picking up on the context, I tilted my head as I stared at him.

“Ah.”

Suddenly, a thought flashed through my mind.

He must be referencing the earlier remarks made by the guests.

“So that young man is So Yeomra?”

“Called the Youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist, they say…”

Perhaps those were the sentences he was referring to.

Could he be asking what I should say about them?

“What was I supposed to say?”

Should I have tipped over the table or something?

Why must I sully my appetite with their drivel?

‘Should I have flipped the table?’

Was it even worth the fuss?

It didn’t sound all that offensive when put that way.

At least, not in my opinion.

But could Shin Ryong have found it to be something worth getting agitated over?

He didn’t seem the type to blow a fuse over trivial matters.

‘Could it be that the energy barrier bothered him, and he found it annoying?’

Maybe he found something irritating and therefore was venting his frustrations now.

“Let it go. What’s so grand? Just enjoy a good meal and go our separate ways.”

I retorted and turned my eyes back forward.

I attempted to walk toward my destination again, but—

“…That’s not it.”

His continued insistence caused me to furrow my brows in annoyance.

I felt exasperated.

Why can’t he just enjoy the damn dumplings without feeling the need to pry into my business?

In a huff, I continued without looking at him.

“Then what is it…”

“About the claim that the Youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist is a mere rumor.”

Stunned.

“…You, why didn’t you deny that statement when it was made?”

Hearing that, I turned my gaze back to him.

“Interesting.”

A smile crept across my lips; my irritation had vanished.

The thought that had lingered while I was watching Shin Ryong came rushing back.

“You.”

I said to Shin Ryong with a teasing tone.

“You’re not as much of a fool as I thought.”

“…”

His expression darkened as if threatening to pierce through me with his gaze.

 

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