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“Gu Cheolun, it is.”

At the mention of the man’s name, the waiting room suddenly felt suffocating.

He had merely stated his own name.

Was there a bet in his voice? No.

Was he using the weight of a wager to crush the air? That also was not the case.

It was just the presence he exuded.

Those present found themselves unwittingly weighed down by his gaze.

Immediately after the man took his seat of honor and spoke his name, the room quickly filled with a buzzing chatter.

– Gu Cheolun? Isn’t he the one known as the Tiger of the Mountains?

– The Tiger? The Tiger of the Shan Clan?

He was the most notable late-stage talent who once held the title of the stellar Shin Ryong and was also a prominent figure from the now-defunct Martial Alliance’s Divine Dragon division, now serving as the leader of the Shan Clan.

Once considered among the top hundred martial masters of the Central Plains, he was said to have weakened significantly over the years.

Moreover, he had recently acquired an even more renowned title.

The new moniker that began to spread throughout Hanam and the Central Plains was that of a legendary martial artist: So Yeomra (小閻羅) Gu Yangcheong.

He was the one who played a crucial role in ending the incident at Shin Ryong Temple, which was the reason for the righteousness faction gathering.

Or rather, he had received a new title that made it impossible to refer to him simply as a late-stage talent now.

The man was the father of So Yeomra.

Until recently, he was better known as the father of the Sword Peak’s progeny but now was more famous for being the parent to So Yeomra.

And anyone with even the slightest knowledge of Gu Cheolun would immediately say when hearing about So Yeomra:

– Like father, like son.

How can a tiger give birth to a dog?

It was only natural for a monster to produce another monster.

Even now, though people muttered that he was merely a toothless tiger or the remnant of a forgotten past in the Shan Mountains, those who remembered Gu Cheolun in his prime would not see him only that way.

Just look at it now.

There were plenty of people overwhelmed simply by the mere presence of Gu Cheolun, without him even placing a bet or performing any specific actions.

It was just that those who remembered the past were weighed down by his presence all on their own.

In the silence that fell due to Gu Cheolun’s introduction, the first to speak was Tang Cheon-gi.

“It’s been a long time.”

It must have been several decades since Tang Cheon-gi last faced Gu Cheolun.

Given that, Moyong Tae, who had been wearing an unsatisfied expression, cautiously nodded in acknowledgment.

“…It’s good to see you.”

Naturally, Moyong Tae did not hold Gu Cheolun in high regard.

He hadn’t since the past.

Since they were of similar ages, they often crossed paths during their late-stage talent days.

When Moyong Tae was known as the White Dragon, there had even been a time they had faced each other.

Then too, the Dragon Meeting had been taking place.

The results of that encounter had long since been erased from Moyong Tae’s memory.

It meant he had lost so badly that he didn’t want to remember.

Especially since there was a time when his sister had chased after Gu Cheolun, stating he was quite likable.

This made it even more uncomfortable for Moyong Tae regarding Gu Cheolun.

Just thinking about it made him feel deeply annoyed.

‘…Looks like the fathers are chatting away.’

A growing rage boiled within.

He was biting his tongue because his precious daughter was talking here, but he had no intention of forgiving that scoundrel known as So Yeomra.

‘If it were just a daughter, I could have overlooked it.’

Rumor had it that the guy was always surrounded by women.

Just hearing that made him furious, but he restrained himself.

After all, some truths can only be grasped in person.

Meeting the rotten scoundrel could change Moyong Tae’s thoughts momentarily.

For no reason except the mere fact that someone with such a terrifying appearance had women clamoring around him didn’t seem logical.

So Yeomra wasn’t exactly ugly, but he was also not handsome, and when paired with the roughness associated with the Gu Clan, he presented an intimidating image, truly hard to look at for long.

That such a person had his distinguished daughter, who was well-regarded and remarkable, hung up on him?

‘Something’s off.’

Moyong Tae thought as such.

The reason his daughter harbored such an obsession wasn’t complicated.

His daughter was afflicted with a congenital illness, and So Yeomra was the one potential cure.

How it came to be was not completely clear to him.

However, it had been confirmed by the physicians who accompanied them, including the elders of the Moyong Clan.

That’s why he was able to endure it.

Having to trust his precious girl to another boy of the same age.

The fact that through such circumstances, his daughter eventually came to develop feelings was also bearable to him.

Thus, as long as his daughter could live, and be happy, he could manage to put up with anything.

Moreover.

‘She’s so happy.’

It had been more than ten years since he last saw his daughter smile so brightly.

This could be deemed an excellent change.

So, Moyong Tae was forgiving toward So Yeomra.

He had heard tidings of an engagement, but when informed that his daughter was slated to break off the engagement and promised he would marry her, he accepted.

After all, if it was meant to be with the Gu Clan, there were ways to negotiate such pacts.

Everything was for his daughter’s sake.

To Moyong Tae, who had lost his wife, his daughter was his everything.

But.

‘…Did he have other women while still thinking about our daughter?’

Just imagining it sent chills running down his spine.

Moyong Tae remembered clearly.

He had seen those gathered at the table where his daughter Moyong Hi-ah would sit.

‘It was full of women.’

Each just as beautiful as his daughter.

For Moyong Tae, who deemed his daughter the best, to find them of similar caliber implied they were quite exceptional.

As soon as So Yeomra entered the inn, those beautiful girls would always cast glances in his direction.

Among those, Moyong Tae managed to spot one young woman standing out.

A mid-aged woman with blue-white hair and green eyes.

Moyong Tae could tell just by her martial robe and aura that she belonged to the Nangong Clan.

And as far as he knew, there was only one direct descendant of the Nangong Clan’s bloodline who was a daughter currently.

Was it Sword Dance Hero?

She was said to be stunningly beautiful, possessing exceptional talent, but what truly mattered to Moyong Tae was different.

She was engaged to So Yeomra.

Unlike his daughter’s words, it seemed they were getting along quite well.

In other words.

‘He has no intention of breaking that engagement and is thinking of making a fool of my daughter.’

Crack.

Moyong Tae’s grip tightened.

If the table were not made of stone, it would have shattered immediately.

‘Was he mocking me back then too?’

He recalled the first time they met on the streets.

The sight of So Yeomra taking the lead after questioning the way made him remember vividly.

Though Moyong Tae might have been unaware, the boy had known every word was directed toward him, yet he laughed along as if it were a joke.

Even saying he would break his arms and legs spoke of his agreement.

‘He knew and still played me for a fool.’

So Yeomra couldn’t have been clueless about it.

Since it is an undeniable truth if one has the slightest bit of awareness.

It was clear.

That guy had insulted him.

Though reason may advise against his prejudice, Moyong Tae had already tuned that out.

In any case, he had never been fond of that family since the past.

‘Once this gathering is over.’

Once this matter wraps up, Moyong Tae planned to seek out So Yeomra.

His daughter might insist she could handle things, but as a father, he could not suppress his instincts.

He did not plan to kill him.

No matter how badly he wanted to, he had to draw the line there.

Moyong Tae had merely intended to teach the boy a proper lesson as a ‘senior.’

Though it would certainly be intense.

As he grinded the sword of his emotions internally, struggling to quell them.

“Gathering here is quite the coincidence, but I’ve heard a rumor.”

Moyong Tae, alongside Gu Cheolun and the scoundrel known as So Yeomra, heard a voice he detested even more than those two.

It was none other than Sword King Peng Zhou.

“Because Gu Clan Leader is here, must I say this: I’ve been hearing your son’s quite magnificent lately.”

As for what he deemed ‘magnificent’, it quickly became apparent, and it was indeed a subject relating to So Yeomra.

“How fortunate you are to have such a precious son!”

With a grin, Peng Zhou remarked, eliciting Gu Cheolun’s attention, turning his head to look at him.

Gu Cheolun’s eyes, due to their unique piercing nature, appeared quite cold.

“He merely performed adequately.”

In response to Peng Zhou’s statement, Gu Cheolun returned with a flat voice, as if it held no significance at all.

Did it not sit well with him, perhaps?

Peng Zhou’s eyebrows twitched slightly, and he seemed determined to continue.

“Isn’t it because he has someone supporting him from behind that he managed well?”

As he overheard Peng Zhou’s words, Tang Cheon-gi and Moyong Tae could finally guess what intention lay behind those words.

There were many rumors surrounding So Yeomra now.

Yet back then, the one who was the most notable late-stage talent and was known as Shin Ryong was none other than the lesser clan leader of the Pang Clan.

Peng Woojin.

Peng Zhou was using this to praise So Yeomra and the Gu Clan as a means of elevating his family’s position through subtle political maneuvering.

Normally, this would lead to an exchange of mutual benefit.

However, Gu Cheolun turned to Peng Zhou, offering a different retort.

“The clans have done nothing. Everything he accomplished was by his own merit. Our family did nothing for him.”

He was resolute.

One could only wonder how he could dismiss it with such conviction.

At this point, it would likely be rather embarrassing for Peng Zhou.

Sure enough, his expression twisted slightly.

The head of the Tang Clan.

The Poison King Tang Cheon-gi sighed internally at that sight.

That blasted bear cub rejects wisdom even as he ages.

Even though they both held the rank of clan leaders, he would still often exhibit his empty-headedness.

‘He wasn’t that blatant before.’

Though the thought of his brain being comprised of muscle might’ve crossed his mind in the past, it seemed to have gotten worse lately.

It could be said that his martial talent and intellect had switched places somehow.

Or perhaps, more precisely, it all began when his child, Peng Woojin, started gaining prominence.

Whatever it was, they needed to be cautious lest the situation takes an unpredictable turn.

As Tang Cheon-gi prepared to speak, Peng Zhou cut him off once more.

“I must congratulate you, but it’s strange. It feels like you were not this way before.”

Thud.

With those words, the mood fell ice-cold.

What he meant was, the engagement the Gu Clan once had with the Pang Clan that ended in a broken engagement.

“Over time, the appearance of foolishness fades naturally. I think that’s a relief. Your child has grown remarkably well.”

Those who knew were well aware of the tale.

That incident where So Yeomra had lashed out at the Pang Clan’s daughter and broken off their engagement.

“In hindsight, it seems he has sincerely regretted that mistake. He appears to be treating another daughter quite well now. It’s pleasant to witness.”

Twitch.

It was not Gu Cheolun who reacted to Peng Zhou’s words.

It was Tang Cheon-gi and Moyong Tae listening to the conversation.

At this moment, Peng Zhou was undeniably overstepping his bounds.

That was only natural, as So Yeomra’s reputation always came with the label of a lecher.

It was a perfect phrase for a hero with a wild streak who had numerous beautiful women surrounding him.

And ironically, amongst those women.

Were Tang Cheon-gi and Moyong Tae’s daughters.

He had carelessly brushed upon an aspect everyone had been trying to ignore.

“Of course, a man is bound to attract women the more capable he is… Which implies your child is quite impressive…”

“Clan Leader Peng, how about you stop there?”

Unable to endure any longer, Moyong Tae interjected.

“Do you have the capacity to bear the consequences if this continues?”

“What could possibly be beyond my limits? I have not made any rude remarks.”

The repulsive sight of Peng Zhou grinning while he spoke made something boil within Moyong Tae. While watching, Peng Zhou turned his gaze toward Moyong Tae.

“Oh, so it turns out Clan Leader Moyong’s daughter is Seolbong. I’ve heard she’s quite the striking friend.”

“Clan Leader Peng.”

“It seems people need to be of a similar caliber to mingle with each other. Seolbong is a marvelous friend, just like So Yeomra.”

As Peng Zhou’s words concluded, Moyong Tae’s expression sharpened significantly.

“Even the Poison King of the Tang Clan… how regretful. If I hadn’t let that friend slip away, by now…”

In the split second that Moyong Tae’s rage peaked regarding the now-pushed limits of Peng Zhou, he intended to rise.

“Silence.”

Kuwee…

The lightly thrown voice demanded the attention of everyone around.

It was so chilling and heavy.

Upon hearing it, Peng Zhou momentarily froze before turning to the one who had spoken.

“…What did you say?”

The one who spoke was Gu Cheolun.

Without acknowledging Peng Zhou’s question, Gu Cheolun took a sip of the tea placed before him.

Seeing that, the tone of Peng Zhou raised slightly.

“What did you just say?”

With a growl, Peng Zhou demanded an answer, while Gu Cheolun shifted his gaze back to him once more.

And spoke.

“I said it’s noisy.”

“Are you talking to me?”

“The only one making noise here is you, so is there another?”

Why he was asking was as if he had a dull brain, but his tone was impeccable.

“Clan Leader Gu…!”

At Gu Cheolun’s words, Peng Zhou’s expression contorted as he rose to his feet.

Or rather, he attempted to rise.

Thunk-!

“…!”

Yet, Peng Zhou ultimately failed to rise.

Gu Cheolun firmly grasped and pinned down Peng Zhou’s shoulder.

“What the….”

In surprise, Peng Zhou reacted.

Even though Gu Cheolun was of substantial build, he was still at a disadvantage compared to Peng Zhou.

Peng Clan’s lineage was renowned across the Central Plains for their strength.

Yet here was Gu Cheolun, easily pinning Peng Zhou down.

With combative energy still swirling around, Gu Cheolun spoke toward the incapacitated Peng Zhou.

“Did you forget what I told you before?”

Gu Cheolun’s expression remained unchanged, and his voice did too.

However, the way he addressed him shifted.

“Wh-What is the meaning of this…!”

– I warned you not to bark carelessly. I’m sure I made that clear, didn’t I?

“…!”

It was a telepathic message.

Gu Cheolun was transmitting a telepathic communication to Peng Zhou.

– Even with age, you couldn’t ditch that pathetic habit of yours, could you?

“Y-You….”

Peng Zhou struggled to rise, but with Gu Cheolun’s strength applied to his pinned shoulder, he was utterly unable to do so.

What was happening?

They had all heard that the Tiger hadn’t shown his former self since his prime, years past.

– So you want to experience that embarrassment you felt before again, now that you’ve become the clan leader?

His words dragged up memories from the past.

The day he had sought out Gu Cheolun, a mere lesser clan leader, carrying the title of Shin Ryong.

On that day, he had invoked the name of Gu Cheolun’s grandfather.

Unfazed by the words, Gu Cheolun had responded not with words but through physical means.

He had introduced Peng Zhou to the reality of walls.

He had made it crystal clear what happens when one’s tongue slips carelessly.

That day, Peng Zhou lost a tooth that had never grown back.

And Gu Cheolun had cauterized that gap with intense flames.

As it happened, both were just past their twenties.

It was one of the most humiliating memories of Peng Zhou’s life.

Brrr.

As anger swelled, Peng Zhou desperately fought to get up, yet Gu Cheolun’s grip only tightened.

– Peng Zhou.

“Grr…”

A murderous intent vibrated through the air.

Unexhibited emotions cloaked behind a calm facade.

In a whisper unheard by anyone else, only able to be perceived by Peng Zhou.

– Do not create burdens you cannot hold. Do you still not understand?

The darkness within his voice flowed deep and heavy.

Just as Peng Zhou was about to draw his Dao Qi to push through.

– If you draw it here, at this moment, you will be reaping the consequence of changing clan leaders.

Gu Cheolun’s words made Peng Zhou freeze.

A change in clan leadership meant he would meet his demise here.

– Do you wish for it?

“…”

Thoughts fluttered through his mind.

If Gu Cheolun could openly kill Peng Zhou within the Martial Alliance, would that actually be without consequence?

Such thoughts flickered, inducing Peng Zhou to clench his nonexistent molars tight.

There was too much piling on: boiling fighting spirit, stubborn pride, and myriad memories kept alive by the past.

And even if he had many reasons, ultimately, Peng Zhou’s choice wasn’t to retaliate with pride.

“…”

His body gradually relaxed.

He relinquished his resistance and eased his tension.

Confirming this, Gu Cheolun withdrew his hand from Peng Zhou’s shoulder.

As if nothing had happened, Gu Cheolun took yet another sip of tea.

In that short moment, Tang Cheon-gi and Moyong Tae could glean precisely what had transpired.

It made total sense.

Peng Zhou’s expression had taken on an overtly shameful mien.

As they pondered how to navigate this suddenly frigid atmosphere.

Creak.

The door from the entrance swung open, and someone stepped inside.

A mid-aged man donned in blue martial robes with azure-tinged hair stepped in.

He was the last of the Four Great Clans.

The Wang of the Azure Sky Sword, Nangong Jin.

“Oh my, looks like I’m the last one to—”

Nangong Jin’s expression twisted into a frown as he entered the room.

Something felt off about the atmosphere.

Confirming that, Nangong Jin commented.

“This indeed feels like something dark is stirring.”

Although he spoke in jest, no one outright disagreed.

 

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