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Chapter 306: Listening to the Ruthless Leader

In a place where dark-colored snakes gather…

When a white snake appears, it stands out like a sore thumb.

Among countless individuals, the exceptional ones inevitably draw attention.

In the small Central Plains known as Shinryong Temple, a gathering of the Righteous Faction…

It’s even harder not to stand out.

Among flying geniuses…

It means shining even brighter.

They themselves take pride in it…

And in the future, they’re bound to establish a reputation.

Thus, the rampant rumors circulating in Shinryong Temple about a faction…

Could inevitably make the Gwandosaengs perk their ears up.

After all, it might determine their future.

To begin with, how many came to Shinryong Temple just to see it as a training ground for Sword Teams?

In fact, they would welcome it.

They must’ve hoped for this sort of thing.

That’s why…

The small rumor rapidly spread wide and fast.

‘Seolbong is forming a faction with her own hands. Especially, she has completed her outreach to some prominent clans and businesses.’

‘Shin Yi gathered most of the Sword Masters to form a faction.’

‘Gwandosaengs affiliated with a faction are gathering to form their own faction.’

‘A personal guard for the descendants of Sword Dance Hero and Sword Sovereign is being established.’

Among these, the most noteworthy was the last rumor.

‘What the heck is that about?’

I couldn’t help but chuckle at that particularly last rumor.

A personal guard?

When I heard it, I genuinely thought I misheard.

Are these people insane?

What on earth are they up to?

It seems like they’re totally bored.

“Did you see it too?”

“…Huh?”

“I heard it’s your personal guard.”

I asked Nangong Bi-ah, who was dozing off beside me while eating.

Upon hearing my words, Nangong Bi-ah shook her head. She had a genuinely clueless expression, didn’t she?

If that’s the case, could it be just a silly rumor?

That could very well be.

After all, rumors aren’t necessarily true.

But—

“I’ve seen it.”

Just then, Gu Jeolyub jumped in.

“What?”

“About the personal guard.”

“…Is it really true?”

“Yes…”

Gu Jeolyub looked utterly exhausted.

I had heard that the instructor he was in charge of was a complete fanatic about demon beasts, and the amount of things to study wasn’t a joke…

Is he that worn out?

“How was it?”

“Well… At first sight, I don’t think he had his wits about him.”

That’s likely the case; if he were sane, he wouldn’t have set up anything like a personal guard.

“By the way, because of that, it’s…”

“Because of that?”

“…Forget it.”

Gu Jeolyub seemed to hesitate, as if he wanted to mention something but restrained himself.

What’s with that?

If Gu Jeolyub didn’t want to speak up, then there must be a good reason for it.

I decided to let it slide for now.

Of course, it was on my mind to ask him later.

“Then, is your rumor true too?”

This time, it was Moyong Hi-ah who asked.

Moyong Hi-ah, quietly eating her food, responded to my question.

“No.”

Her reply was firm.

In such a short time, it would be impossible to have completed outreach to those in prominent clans and businesses.

“Not all rumors are true. There’s still a bit left to go.”

“…Huh?”

“Yes, there are more people from the businesses than expected. Many are arrogant and completely clueless about what’s going on. I think it’ll take longer than I thought.”

“ ”

“But still, it shouldn’t take too long. You don’t have to worry too much.”

Sorry, but…

At least as far as I can see, even if the world were to end…

I doubt I would worry about Moyong Hi-ah.

The glint in her eyes was genuinely frightening.

Hadn’t it just been a few days since she came in?

“What’s with all the fuss, just take it easy.”

“Prince, the world isn’t that easy.”

Moyong Hi-ah’s words rang true.

Right, if anyone knows the world sucks, it’s me.

“If you prepare in this way ahead of time, it will help you when you walk the Prince’s path in the future.”

“…What help would you give me if you’re the one preparing?”

“ ”

!

!

.

Once I let those words slip, Moyong Hi-ah’s gaze was suddenly cold.

Did I say something wrong?

“Prince, I haven’t spoken harshly to you yet, have I?”

“Is that so?”

In my previous life, I could complain to Seolbong as easily as breathing.

But in this life, that had never happened.

This meant the relationship had drastically changed.

“I want to keep it that way, but it’s not easy.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because of things like this, you know.”

With that, she abruptly shot back and turned away.

What the heck is this, did I do something wrong?

I looked to Nangong Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol, seeking guidance, but both avoided my gaze.

Seeing them like that told me it was probably my fault.

In situations like this, it’s best to keep quiet and just eat.

Amidst all that, my eyes landed on Cheol Jiseon, who seemed at a loss over what to do with his day-long confusion.

“Keep that up and you’ll go blind, buddy.”

“…Huh? Yeah…”

“What’s with all the distress? Who’s threatening you?” “I’m not…”

I tried to lighten things up, but Cheol Jiseon only shrank back further.

He had a look that seemed to question why he was here.

‘I understand why he’s acting like that.’

It must be related to why I’ve been thinking about the factions.

Among the many rumors circulating in Shinryong Temple, the biggest was—

‘Jin Ryong is trying to take control of Shinryong Temple.’

Upon hearing it, I was at a complete loss for words.

Taking control? Who’s even doing that?

Why would I go through the trouble of some nonsense like that?

This rumor likely arose from the incident where I got into a scuffle with the instructors…

And when I caused chaos in Jang Seonyeon’s group.

It’s quite a spectacle to have my name circulate like that.

The ruthless and brutal leader, Jin Ryong.

The right-hand man of Jin Ryong, Paewoocheol.

The lurking mad dog, Cheol Jiseon.

= = = • •

OOO

They were nicknames that made my head spin just hearing them.

Why are they all losing their minds?

‘Ruthless? Really?’

Who are they calling ruthless? I’ve been trying so hard to live nicely.

Putting that aside, Cheol Jiseon was a problem.

A lurking mad dog, huh?

Thanks to my little incident, no one would dare touch Cheol Jiseon anymore.

But it resulted in a lonely state for him.

‘The man referred to as Jin Ryong’s friend.’

‘Looks weak, but don’t be careless. He must be similar!’

‘Jin Yi-seok was merely lucky, perhaps? It was fortunate he met Jin Ryong before encountering the mad dog.’

Numerous rumors like this flourished.

Three days had passed since the incident, and in that brief span, Cheol Jiseon’s reputation had plummeted.

Cheol Jiseon, with a sorrowful look on his face, lamented that he had done nothing.

Yet it seemed impossible to reverse the spread of these ridiculous rumors.

Among the nonsense, if there is any truth, it’s that—

‘It’s true that I helped that bastard, Jin Yi-seok.’

The little punk who had been bothering Cheol Jiseon.

It’s indeed accurate to say I helped him out, considering I took out that punk before Cheol Jiseon could use his own power.

Cheol Jiseon was picking at his food with no appetite, but now he must have come to realize something.

That for now, being near me is probably the better choice.

So, though his face was pale, he sat there quietly.

While I had not planned for Cheol Jiseon’s isolation, it turned out well in its own way.

That made keeping him close easier.

‘So what’s the deal?’

There are still many things I have yet to uncover.

If Cheol Jiseon is indeed the person I know as Jeonggyeong Ji-hee…

Is he disguised as a man or a woman?

Why did he come to Shinryong Temple, hiding his true identity with a pseudonym?

And how can I make Cheol Jiseon’s powers work in the direction I want?

‘Where do I even start?’

First, it’s essential to get him to reveal ‘that’ power in front of me.

To do that…

“I have a favor to ask, buddy.”

“…Huh?”

“Can I ask something of you?”

“Hyung.”

Just as I was about to speak to Cheol Jiseon…

Paewoocheol suddenly swooped in.

“…You scared me.”

“I apologize. I didn’t realize Cheol Hyung and the sister were here.”

“Ah, yeah… Nice to meet you.”

Hearing him call me Hyung caused Cheol Jiseon to look utterly confused.

Since that moment Paewoocheol found out Cheol Jiseon was my friend, he began addressing him as Hyung.

Cheol Jiseon had asked him not to do that.

But Paewoocheol paid no heed.

It wasn’t just him; he also called my companions “sister.”

“…I thought he was clueless, but…”

Paewoocheol was surprisingly shrewd for someone so muscular.

His first impression had been that of a little punk.

But now, it didn’t feel bad. He had a certain knack for socializing.

The problem is this had only intensified the rumors surrounding me.

“What’s with the sudden appearance? You startled me.”

I frowned slightly as I spoke, causing Paewoocheol to jump, startled.

“I’m sorry. The thing is…”

His words held some hesitation, and he glanced down.

“…Instructor Cheol Hwan-O is looking for you.”

“…Why are you saying that so cautiously?”

Why did I feel like I was on edge?

Upon seeing my confused reaction, Paewoocheol’s expression took on a slightly bewildered look.

“Uh? Well, I assumed it was a summons for life and death…”

“What kind of lunacy is that?”

“I thought you might want to eliminate the instructor if you were planning to take control of Shinryong Temple.”

“ ”

This little punk must be smarter than I initially thought.

Is he insane?

“Don’t worry too much, Hyung. As your little brother, I would follow you wherever you go…”

Whack.

“Ugh!”

I kicked Paewoocheol in the shins. He doubled over, clutching his leg.

“From what I can see, you are the source of these rumors.”

“What… What do you mean by that?”

“…Honestly, just admit it, you’re not a part of the Righteous Faction, are you?”

“Yes…?”

Come on, now.

Leaving behind the bumbling Paewoocheol clutching his leg, I stood up.

I hadn’t even finished my meal.

“I’ll head out first.”

“…Leaving?”

Nangong Bi-ah, who had been dozing off while eating, suddenly asked. She hadn’t seen me in a while, so it seems like she felt a bit disappointed.

But I couldn’t stay.

Even so, I felt the urge to pat her hair, which I had been concerned about lately.

“I’ll see you next time.”

At that moment.

“Hmm?”

I turned around.

I felt an intense gaze on me!

The issue was… there was nothing to be seen where I looked.

All present were quietly eating their meals.

Should I check with my Qi Perception? But there were just too many directions from which I felt the gaze.

‘…Am I just imagining things?’

My internal injuries were almost healed, so could it truly just be my imagination?

Though it bothered me slightly, it was urgent to find Cheol Hwan-O, so I decided to move on.

“So where is Instructor Cheol… What are you doing?”

Just as I was about to ask about his location, Paewoocheol was giving a piercing stare in one direction.

The possibility was Gu Yangcheong.

What was he doing, engaging in a staring contest?

He’s not a child, right?

But what on earth was that about?

It seemed Gu Jeolyub didn’t understand why Paewoocheol was glaring at him either.

His gaze was questioning me instead.

What’s that about?

‘Don’t ask me; I don’t get it either.’

At that moment, Paewoocheol addressed Gu Jeolyub.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“What?”

Upon hearing Paewoocheol’s words, Gu Jeolyub’s expression turned odd.

I shared a similar sentiment.

What the heck did I say about Gu Jeolyub?

I can hardly remember talking about him at all.

“Though I didn’t want to suddenly interrupt you, but what can I do? Such is life.”

What nonsense is that?

Paewoocheol was speaking lightly, yet his words sounded vague.

“…Are you talking to me?”

“I’m afraid so, but… from now on, I’ll be Hyung’s right-hand man…”

“Get the hell out of here, you lunatic.”

“Ugh!”

I yanked on the ridiculous Paewoocheol.

“Stop babbling and tell me where the instructor is.”

“Ah, understood.”

I dragged Paewoocheol out against his wishes.

I didn’t want to leave him here; who knows what he might do.

With that, I quickly moved away from my companions.

Meanwhile, Gu Jeolyub was watching Paewoocheol leave with a peculiar expression.

As Gu Yangcheong departed…

“Well… I’ll be off first…”

Feeling awkward, Cheol Jiseon tried to get up quickly.

He clearly didn’t want to be in this place.

After Gu Yangcheong disappeared, he knew very well what kind of atmosphere the women present would carry.

Each of them held significant statuses in the Late-Stage Talents.

While Cheol Jiseon wanted to get close to them, he also wished he could avoid this group.

If they met one-on-one, it might have been different, but when they were all together, it just gave off a vibe he wouldn’t want to intrude on.

As Cheol Jiseon was about to stand up, carrying the untouched food…

“Wait…”

He flinched.

Someone had called out to stop him.

The culprit was none other than Moyong Hi-ah, known as the Sword Dance Hero.

Nangong Bi-ah from the Nangong Clan.

“Yes?”

“…Finish your meal before leaving.”

With her shining blue eyes…

Those eyes and her absurd demeanor were overwhelming.

Maybe because of that, I couldn’t continue looking at her as I instinctively diverted my eyes.

“…Just eat before you go.”

“Yes…”

For some reason, the insistence in the voice of Nangong Bi-ah made Cheol Jiseon slide back into his seat.

‘…What’s up with that?’

Why was she telling me to sit?

In this context, asking someone to eat is nearly akin to forcing them to suffer.

‘Perhaps…’

Suddenly, Cheol Jiseon realized.

That beautiful woman, after all, was the fiancée of the ruthless Jin Ryong.

That alone made it sound reasonable.

‘…Is this some new form of torment?’

The reason for her wanting to make him suffer was quite sufficient.

Moyong Hi-ah was still watching Cheol Jiseon with those curious eyes.

Left unsure of what to do, Cheol Jiseon ultimately picked up his chopsticks once more and began to eat.

With Seolbong speaking less and less…

And Tang Soyeol only sipping tea.

While there was also the intense gaze of Nangong Bi-ah piercing him.

In the end, Cheol Jiseon couldn’t tell where the food was going.

‘…Sister, I’m feeling really overwhelmed.’

Cheol Jiseon tried to invoke thoughts of his sister who was far away, but that didn’t help at all.

Following Paewoocheol’s guidance, I arrived to find the instructor.

Instructor Cheol Hwan-O still looked at me with displeasure, despite the earlier meeting.

But because of his personality, it seemed like he kept professional matters separate.

“I heard you were looking for me.”

When I inquired, Cheol Hwan-O sighed lightly, then addressed me.

“I heard you’ve caused quite a disturbance.”

So it was that business again.

While moving toward him, I was certain that I was being summoned for one specific matter.

There had only been one major incident that warranted this kind of attention recently.

Cheol Hwan-O addressed me, clearly referencing the incident where I had wreaked havoc in Jang Seonyeon’s group.

I didn’t expect things to go smoothly after making such a ruckus.

As expected, Cheol Hwan-O brought it up.

“Although I permit matches among Gwandosaengs, I have heard that this incident was different. Is that correct?”

“Yes.”

It isn’t something you could call a spar.

I had just beaten him up without any hesitation.

Cheol Hwan-O asked me,

“Why did you do it?”

I answered without hesitation.

“I lost my temper at how he was acting.”

“…What?”

Surprise widened Cheol Hwan-O’s eyes at my reply.

Perhaps he expected a proper excuse?

No such luck.

“When he insulted me verbally by claiming there was a Gwandosaeng weaker than him present, did you see anyone step in to help? So, I just decided to step in myself.”

“That’s a matter that should be settled by those involved. Not to mention you aren’t even a part of that group. If anything happened, just let them handle it. All Gwandosaengs here are martial artists.”

Being a martial artist, one should overcome that themselves. These were Cheol Hwan-O’s words.

That’s right; I agree with that sentiment.

But it seemed Cheol Hwan-O didn’t quite grasp what the essence of my words was.

I was clear about that from the very beginning.

“Yes. So I lost my temper and acted out.”

I knew I shouldn’t have done that.

But I acted out of anger.

“Haa…”

This time, Cheol Hwan-O sighed even deeper.

“It seems you have no excuses to offer; this matter cannot be overlooked. You understand that, right?”

But I’m not necessarily in a situation where I’ll be expelled.

At worst, my morning training could be canceled, but I had anticipated that from the beginning, so I was fine with that.

“So what should I do now?”

I was curious what kind of punishment I would receive.

Cheol Hwan-O unexpectedly replied.

“The Clan Leader is looking for you.”

“Pardon?”

“The decision on how to deal with you will be made by the Clan Leader himself.”

Upon hearing Cheol Hwan-O’s words, my eyes widened.

The Clan Leader of the Kunlun Sect and the Sword Sovereign of the current generation, Cheonghae Ilgeom.

How could such an individual be looking for me?

Cheol Hwan-O, seeing my expression, seemed to discern how significant this was.

But my surprise wasn’t due to that fact.

Forget about Cheonghae Ilgeom.

“Why didn’t you just say I should go to the Clan Leader’s place from the start? Why bring me here and make a fuss?”

“Ah, if you wanted to go to the Clan Leader’s office, it’s on the opposite side…”

Upon my words, Cheol Hwan-O’s expression crumpled.

 

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