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Chapter 7: The Arrival of Troubles

“Are you okay…?”

Just after Beomdong took the Flying Dragon away, Nahi asked me while we were walking down the street.

I glanced at Nahi and asked, “What?”

As I stared at her, she lowered her head and replied, “I’m worried if we can let the Master of the Flying Dragon go so easily…”

“Why? Don’t you think that kind of threat is meaningless?”

“…”

Seeing Nahi like that made me chuckle softly.

No response came, which I took as a yes.

I understood Nahi’s concerns.

“She probably doesn’t get why I only used this approach when better options exist.”

What I had done to Beomdong was nothing more than a threat that involved his family.

I hadn’t placed any Golden Binding on him, nor did I corrupt him into a Demon.

“I could have, but I simply chose not to.”

I could have crushed him at any moment with Demon Energy already in place.

And I could have easily applied a Golden Binding if needed, but I refrained for a reason.

“Don’t worry about it. I have something planned.”

“But… if the Great Lord spills the beans…”

“That won’t happen.”

The word he needed to hear was that I had taken his daughter.

For Beomdong, that should suffice.

“He cares a lot about his daughter.”

I had heard that he had a child in his previous life.

The fact that he hid his child in Hubei became known, and the Peng Family used it as leverage to take her hostage.

I wondered if he really still cared about family after turning into a Demon.

Surprisingly, the moment the news spread, Beomdong rushed to the Peng Family alone, leading to his downfall.

Even as a Demon, he went on his own for his daughter, indicating a strong emotional bond with blood ties.

“Even if he didn’t, it wouldn’t matter.”

“Anyway, I have ways to handle it. Just focus on what you need to.”

“…Understood.”

Nahi bowed her head and looked dejected. I turned to her and asked, “What about her?”

As I mentioned the crazy girl who had just smashed the Flying Dragon, Nahi carefully replied.

“I’ve tied her up in a corner of the residence as you ordered.”

“Good job. Keep an eye on her. She’ll likely wake up in no time.”

Then she’d go on a rampage again.

Just imagining it gave me a headache.

“I was hoping to avoid summoning her.”

I really didn’t want to use someone as unpredictable as her if I could help it.

But in this plan, she was the only one who fit the bill, so I had no choice.

“Make sure to report as soon as the crazy girl wakes up.”

“Yes.”

“Any word from Ji Seon?”

“I received word that he has departed.”

“Guess he will arrive in a few days then.”

He should at least make it within five days; otherwise, managing things might be difficult.

“Alright, check on the Great Lord and organize the happenings with my sister, then send me the details by tomorrow.”

“Understood.”

With those words, Nahi acknowledged and disappeared.

“Hmm.”

After sending Nahi off, I observed my surroundings.

It was nearing noon from the early morning.

It had been a frustrating day since this morning with all the nonsense going on.

“It seems I missed meal time.”

From this point, I had to make some decisions.

The time for our meal had long passed.

I had already messaged Beomdong about what happened, so they probably ate without me.

“Still, it’s a bit awkward to just go train now.”

Today, there was something important I needed to attend to in the afternoon.

Given the free time I had, it was best to get that done first.

“…Tch.”

I clicked my tongue right after organizing my plan.

I knew it was unavoidable, but I never expected to lose time to someone like Beomdong.

“Guess I’ll just go do some work.”

With that thought, I set my feet in motion.

I headed straight to the Baekhwa Sect.

More specifically, I made my way to the Clan Leader’s room on the highest floor.

“You’re here.”

“Yes.”

Upon entering, I was greeted by Lady Mi.

As always, she was gazing at the pile of letters adorning her desk.

Amidst the stacked letters, a flower stood out to me.

It seemed to be the one I had gifted her before heading to the North Sea.

‘It still hasn’t wilted?’

Flowers don’t tend to last long, yet it looked incredibly vibrant and fresh.

Swish.

The sound of Lady Mi turning letters filled the room.

Set against her silhouette, I recalled Moyong Hi-ah.

They say she is learning under Lady Mi, and she seems to be becoming more and more like her.

‘Is that a good thing or a bad thing?’

It was a rather ambiguous feeling.

Just as I was thinking that while studying Lady Mi’s mysterious aura…

“I heard something happened.”

“…”

I had to awkwardly chuckle at Lady Mi’s words.

Oh dear.

‘You’ve heard already, huh?’

She must be referring to the incident where Beomdong came to visit this morning.

I had expected to come here immediately after, but now she was already aware.

“…It’s nothing serious.”

As I said that sheepishly, Lady Mi’s gaze shifted from the letters back to me.

“The Great Lord of the Alliance personally sought after you, and you say it’s nothing?”

Her sharp gaze made me gulp.

Even as my realm increased, the way my father and Lady Mi looked at me always felt overwhelming.

“I know that the Alliance is keeping an eye on the upper house, but the fact that they were looking for you means… was it related to that friction with the branch leader last time?”

“…”

I widened my eyes slightly at her words.

Did she know about that too?

“No, well… I resolved it well.”

I couldn’t bring myself to deny it completely, so I spun it that way.

‘It’s not a lie, so it should be fine, right? It did get resolved, after all.’

At my words, Lady Mi quietly scrutinized me.

I wanted to look away under her gaze but resisted.

As a brief silence hung in the air, she spoke again.

“Should I handle it for you?”

“…Huh?”

I blurted out a confused answer at her snug suggestion.

“Handle what exactly?”

“If you wish, just say so.”

“I…”

I hesitated to speak further.

I could somewhat guess what she meant by her offer.

‘If you want me to take care of it, I might be able to arrange something.’

I knew she was offering to handle the Flying Dragon for me.

Even if the Baekhwa Sect is recognized in the Central Plains, would they really be able to clear out one of the Alliance’s sword teams?

That thought aside, I wasn’t planning to accept help from Lady Mi even if it was possible.

“I can manage it myself.”

I had already decided on that from the beginning; this was no different.

Hearing my response, Lady Mi nodded slightly.

“Understood.”

She wouldn’t ask twice.

She promptly returned her focus to her letters, which only served to emphasize her sharpness.

Since I hadn’t actually come to discuss this with Lady Mi, it wasn’t a big deal.

“I have something I’d like to ask.”

“Go ahead.”

“What is the Clan Leader currently busy with?”

She paused.

Upon hearing my question, Lady Mi momentarily stops looking at her letters and stared back at me.

“I believe he sent a letter specifically for you.”

“Yes, I did see it…”

Lady Mi handed me the letter containing my father’s words, but…

‘Something feels off.’

I sensed some unease about it.

Even though the script and tone were undoubtedly my father’s.

“I was hoping there wasn’t anything wrong.”

“…”

Upon my query, I could see a slight change in Lady Mi’s gaze.

I could tell from the worry reflected in her eyes.

Just from that, it was evident something was going on.

I awaited her response but…

“I’ve thought about it, but there’s still nothing I can tell you at this point.”

Lady Mi’s disappointing reply reached my ears.

Just as I was about to express my disappointment.

“You haven’t assumed the role of the Lesser Clan Leader yet, so it’s natural.”

“…!”

Her next words were like a chill running down my spine.

“Understood.”

I quickly responded, turning my thoughts away.

I had gathered a lot of information from Lady Mi’s remarks just now.

‘She can’t tell me yet.’

More precisely, since I hadn’t taken on the Lesser Clan Leader’s position, I couldn’t know.

That meant…

‘The Lesser Clan Leader would know, and something must have happened to my father.’

Moreover, since it was something that could not be carelessly revealed, Lady Mi must’ve deliberately couched her words.

She surely wouldn’t have made such an error, so she must have intended to convey this information.

“…Thank you.”

I offered my thanks, and Lady Mi lightly nodded in return.

That meant my assumptions were correct.

‘Seems like something has happened to my father.’

I knew that family affairs were taking longer to spill over.

‘This is awkward.’

It was hard to investigate.

Delving into it would also feel awkward, especially since I hadn’t succeeded the role yet.

‘It seems all I can do for now is wait.’

In this case, it might be better to go find Gu Huibi.

‘Plus, I need to ask about my grandfather.’

Also, I couldn’t just keep sending people to monitor the Heavenly Demon.

‘They say he caught on a while back. I need to head over there.’

It was said that the Heavenly Demon had already realized the people surrounding him.

Because of that, I couldn’t approach him deeply.

“Tch.”

There seems to be no end to my troubles.

Just like my life, I guess.

Feeling further weighed down, I said to Lady Mi.

“Since the important tasks are complete, I will take my leave.”

“Where do you plan to go now?”

Just as I had finished my courtesy and was about to exit, I heard her voice.

“Perhaps, I’ll head towards the Alliance.”

“The Martial Alliance…”

Upon hearing my intended destination, Lady Mi added, “So you plan to go today, then.”

It seemed she had also deduced my reason for leaving from my projected path.

It’s particularly difficult talking with smart people. They tend to make matters sticky.

Especially the clever ones whom you can’t just hit, they make things the hardest.

“…I figured it would be bothersome if I went later when there are crowds.”

“Right, travel safe.”

“…Yes.”

With that, I ended my response and finally stepped out the door.

It was time to move.

Having resolved my matters, I set forth.

I left the Sect and headed toward the Martial Alliance.

The reason for heading there was likely aligned with Lady Mi’s deduction.

‘Timing is right, I suppose.’

The streets were particularly bustling.

The road to the Alliance was filled with far more bustle than usual.

There was a clear reason for the rush.

It was now less than ten days before the Martial Arts Tournament, and today marked the start of registration for entries.

Consequently, martial artists were out in droves, and even more people gathered to witness them.

Moreover…

‘In five days, this bustle will explode even more.’

It was only the first day, and yet in five days, it would be a complete riot.

That was also the last day to register… and beyond that…

‘The prestigious houses and notable figures will all show up that day.’

It was the time when every top martial artist would gather.

If only I could finish today, it would be incredibly convenient, but those from the renowned houses would undoubtedly show up on the last day.

The reason was simple.

‘They think showing up on the first day is tacky.’

They say the main character makes an entrance last.

Those men would surely refrain from arriving on the first day for fear of looking less impressive.

It’s one of those situations where they hope to avoid showing their eagerness just to attend the Martial Arts Tournament on the first day, but they can’t miss out on the grandeur that everyone else has at the end.

So they all must be aware.

‘What a pain that politics and saving face are… tsk.’

How exhausting they must find living that way.

They could simply live more casually.

‘At least it works out for me.’

Given the crowds, it’d be best to get things done before they explode.

That’s why I specifically came to do this early on the first day.

As I navigated my way through the bustling crowds, I finally arrived at my destination.

I couldn’t enter the headquarters of the Martial Alliance, only the entrance area was open to the public.

Normally, they wouldn’t have let anyone in, but they opened it today for registrations.

“Form a neat line!”

As soon as I entered, I could hear the call.

A member of the Martial Alliance was struggling to maintain order among the growing crowd, while whispers concerning their affiliations were everywhere.

“…Isn’t that the Celestial Martial Blade?”

“What!? Isn’t he that rising Great Master from the Central Plains?”

It was an unfamiliar name to me.

Celestial… what?

‘How poorly crafted that title is.’

It consisted of more than just five characters!

“No way, how could someone known only for his activities in Qinghai come all the way here?”

“He probably found the place too small to contain his aspirations, aiming to get his name more widely recognized.”

“Indeed… the Celestial Martial Blade… I hear he surpassed the peak years before turning thirty…”

“What!? If that’s true, that’s incredibly impressive!”

The words of two people who didn’t know I was standing right there reverberated around.

This is why I hate crowded places.

“Hey! Is that the renowned Maebojung from Sichuan!?”

“Besides him, look over there! It’s the Wind Forest’s Honorary Fist!”

As I strode past, I could hear every kind of title being thrown around me.

With every mention, there were significant reactions, indicating these are famous martial artists; only I hadn’t heard of them.

‘…I thought I had been keeping up with the world recently.’

From past lives and this life, I had never heard of these people.

I must’ve really cared so little for martial artists.

‘But I guess even in gathering famous martial artists and ranking them must be from the interest of someone else.’

The titles of White-Grade Master and Ten-Grade Master stem from the rumors generated by the curiosity of others.

I must seem strange for being unaware.

“Furthermore, that person over there…!”

“Look next to him!”

The gasps of surprise became louder while I ignored them and kept moving.

I could feel the temperature of the crowd rising.

I should quickly do what I came to do or get into some training.

‘This seems to be the right spot.’

I found a place with fewer people and slipped into line.

Even amidst this crowd, the line itself wasn’t as large.

The reason was simple.

Most folks were merely here to watch, yet far fewer martial artists wanted to enter.

‘Since you can’t register without a recommendation letter, it makes sense.’

To enter this time’s Martial Arts Tournament, one needed a recommendation from the Alliance.

In other words, only those who had some level of reputation would be able to register.

‘This means renowned martial artists recognized by the Alliance are what attracts the crowds.’

It seems they have a way of effectively drawing in the masses.

“Next!”

There were so many lines, and since it was the first day, I got my turn quickly.

I hurriedly approached the reception and handed over the letter I had been holding in my arms.

The receptionist, looking thoroughly exhausted, accepted the letter and opened it.

“…The Gu Clan’s… huh?”

After reading the letter, her eyes widened in surprise.

Seeing that made me frown.

‘Oh no, this doesn’t look good.’

A bad feeling crept over me.

“Could it be, the… so…”

Just then, the receptionist was about to blurt out something that would ruin me…

“Shin Ryong!”

An exclamation from somewhere drowned out her voice.

“Shin Ryong? The genius of Shaolin is here!?”

People began to murmur at the shout.

I felt the same way.

Shin Ryong? Could it be the one I know?

‘When they say he arrived early instead of waiting until the last day like everyone else?’

One curious look turned towards a particular direction.

“Listen up, he’s not Shin Ryong!”

Someone began correcting the ruckus.

“Be precise; that gentleman is the previous Shin Ryong!”

‘Hmm?’

I tilted my head at the new information.

The former Shin Ryong?

‘If it’s the previous Shin Ryong…’

There was only one person who had been in that position before the current Shin Ryong, as far as I knew.

As I turned my gaze, I spotted a familiar figure.

Dressed entirely in black, he wielded a sword that symbolized his martial arts prowess at his waist.

The future Sword Emperor who would come to symbolize the martial artists of the Central Plains was none other than Peng Woojin.

‘Why’s that bastard here so early?’

I acknowledge his identity and give a nod.

It’s been a while since I last saw him, but I didn’t expect to run into him here.

Seeing me, Peng Woojin seemed to have realized too, and his gaze turned toward me.

Our eyes met.

At that moment.

“Oh.”

Peng Woojin reacted.

“Who is this!!?”

With an enormous voice no less.

“Wait….”

“Isn’t that the pride of the Shan Clan? Gu Yangcheong!! Hahaha!!!”

“…”

What the hell.

 

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