The chatter from around me had been incessant just a moment ago.

But suddenly, everything grew silent.

Well, the sound may have died, but the gazes multiplied.

It felt like countless eyes were fixated on me.

‘This is so damn frustrating.’

I was faced with the very situation I dreaded the most.

I had come here on the first day to avoid this kind of embarrassment. What a complete disaster.

‘That bastard…’

I had to scowl at the damn idiot who created this mess.

There he was—a handsome young man with black hair and eyes.

For someone from that family, filled with hulks and brutes, his well-proportioned physique and striking appearance were quite remarkable.

Someone once said he was a mutant.

That makes sense.

In a place like the ‘Peng Family,’ which is packed with rough and wild martial artists, it’s only logical that someone like him would be a mutation.

‘Peng Woojin.’

The young man was the Lesser Clan Leader of the Peng Family.

The legendary Shin Ryong, Peng Woojin.

‘Wait, should I now call him Bi Seongdo?’

What was it again? They said something about him changing nicknames after solving an incident.

I wasn’t too clear on it.

It wasn’t something I cared much about.

The problem was that this Bi Seongdo was now approaching me with a bright smile.

“It’s been a while!”

“…”

“I can’t even remember the last time we met. It must have been three or four years ago, right? Isn’t that so, Gu Prince?”

What the hell.

His voice was loud enough to obliterate the surrounding noise.

Thanks to that, the chatter ceased, but a whispering buzz began to fill the air.

“Bi Seongdo… Isn’t he the current Lesser Clan Leader of the Peng Family?”

“To think we’d see the heir of a great house on the first day. What luck we have!”

“Wait, who’s Bi Seongdo greeting right now? Anyone know?”

“I could have sworn he just said something about Mount Shan Clan….”

As those whispers puzzled over the details, they quickly shifted.

“If it’s Mount Shan Clan, that’s the clan known for their heroic status! Oh!”

One of the men seemed to catch on and shouted.

“Is that So Yeomra!”

Damn it.

“If we’re talking about a young man from the Gu Clan, it must be So Yeomra!”

“So Yeomra? For real…?”

“Are we talking about the young Heroic Blade who stopped the slaughter at Shinryong Temple?”

“That young man is So Yeomra?”

As if they had finally remembered the recently quiet conversation, all eyes that had been on Peng Woojin now turned to me.

Not only ordinary people but even martial artists registering for the Martial Arts Tournament were looking my way.

Was my nickname that famous?

I thought the rumors had fizzled out since I hadn’t heard anything.

‘Seems like the likes of Lightning Something and Wind Something are quite popular too.’

If they recognize even unheard names, it’s not too surprising.

“That guy… So Yeomra?”

“He doesn’t look very strong… no, wait. His face looks intimidating.”

“Intimidating doesn’t even cover it. He’s downright scary! A lot scary!”

“Why does his appearance look like that?”

“Hey! Who was that last guy?”

As I growled out, the onlookers flinched and scattered.

Why point out someone’s looks? Just wait till you get caught.

‘Took note of his face.’

Grinding my teeth, I sighed.

And then I turned to glare at the one responsible for this situation.

“Hahaha.”

He seemed delighted for some reason, breaking out into his signature laugh.

This bastard had made a bad impression on me from our first encounter, and now I was being served a real mess.

Trying to force up a smile, I barely managed to keep my composure.

“Yikes!”

“That’s one scary smile…!”

‘Damn it.’

Trying to smile only made things worse. So, it was best to just be my usual self.

“Peng Prince.”

“Really good to see you! I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Are you participating in the Martial Arts Tournament as well…?”

“Of course! I couldn’t pass up such a grand festival!”

I never thought Peng Woojin would join the Martial Arts Tournament.

‘I figured he’d have no interest in something like that.’

A festival that he couldn’t resist?

‘Though, considering our first meeting, it wouldn’t be strange for him to act oddly.’

The next Lesser Clan Leader of a great house had previously joined the Gathering of the Nine Dragons to become part of the Sword Team.

That showed right away he wasn’t exactly ordinary.

Moreover, since Peng Woojin was also a martial artist, it wasn’t surprising for him to join the Martial Arts Tournament.

However…

‘The problem is that he is the Lesser Clan Leader.’

Being the Lesser Clan Leader literally means they will be the next Leader of the Clan.

‘Thus, if the Lesser Clan Leader appeared weak, it would strike a blow to their clan’s reputation.’

No need to mention how the Clan Leader had to be strong; the same went for the Lesser Clan Leader.

Since they would be the face of the family later, their prowess and incompetence would have significant impacts on the clan.

‘If he’s acting this recklessly, does that mean he’s confident?’

Or maybe he just doesn’t care about appearances like I did in my previous life.

For that man, it seemed possible.

“I was hoping to see Gu Prince again. I’m very glad to meet you here.”

“What excitement could there be?”

“How could you not be thrilled? Seeing a prince makes the world seem brighter!”

The praise-like words that Peng Woojin spilled made the surroundings buzz.

“…Excitement? That’s a strange thing to say between men.”

“I heard Bi Seongdo is still unmarried. Could it be…?”

“What the hell are these lunatics!? No way!”

It seemed that some ridiculous misunderstanding was taking form, causing me to shout out.

Who’s enmeshing who with such creepy vibes?

On my outburst, the Peng Woojin before me tilted his head.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Just some nonsense I heard.”

As we talked, I waved my hand back.

It was a signal for the registrar to hurry up with my paperwork.

Not long after, the registrar seemed to catch on and quickly handed me something.

It was a neck token studded with a small gem.

It was a marker to indicate my registration was complete.

“About that… token…”

“I already know, so it’s fine.”

“What?”

I slipped the token into my pocket without waiting to hear the explanation.

“The token is newly made by the Alliance, so you should really listen to the explanation…”

“I know, it’s just for identification.”

I infused my breath into the gem embedded in the token.

At that moment, the gem glimmered softly.

Simultaneously, the gem placed on the table also began to shine.

“Is that alright?”

“Ah, yes… yes.”

I linked the gems from the token and the one on the table.

These were items created by the Alliance to ensure more accurate identification of identities.

‘If it’s out already like this, which usually would take a year or two to make…’

It must be a change that occurred since the Wudang’s Sword Master became the head.

Most of these items were crafted in Wudang.

‘I should hurry and escape before more chatter starts.’

With that intention, I planned to wrap things up and leave.

“Then, Peng Prince. It was nice meeting you. Until next time.”

After giving a brief greeting to Peng Woojin, I was about to make a swift exit when—

Snap—!

Peng Woojin grabbed me as I tried to pass by.

“Gu Prince! Where do you think you’re going? After meeting again like this, it’s fate!”

“Ah… I have something to do—.”

As I tried to shake off the annoying grip on me, I noticed—

‘Hmm?’

The hand gripping my sleeve wouldn’t budge.

He had quite the strength.

I could pry it free, but considering he didn’t seem to be putting much effort into it…

‘What the heck?’

There was a strange vibe radiating from him.

‘Whether it’s Gu Huibi or this guy…’

It seems Peng Woojin had leveled up a bit.

He was already at a peak level, but it felt like he was no longer the same.

Did he reach the Transformation Realm?

Thinking about it made me snort unintentionally.

‘This is absurd; it seems everyone is leveling up.’

If that were true, it would be quite ridiculous.

Reaching the Transformation Realm isn’t easy, and even a talented martial artist may only reach it after a lifetime of training.

Why then does every person I meet seem to be at this level?

The faster I grow stronger this life, the more it feels like others are as well.

‘So unfair.’

Some have been grinding away at training, while others munch down on good fortune.

“They’re all just geniuses, huh?”

“Sigh…”

I let out a deep sigh, then relaxed my grip slightly.

Snap-!

I could feel a strange sensation, but I was able to release the grip smoothly.

“Oh…?”

I caught Peng Woojin’s brief expression of surprise.

It seems he didn’t expect to be released so easily.

“It’s nice to see you again, but I have business to attend to.”

“How about we have lunch since it’s just around lunchtime?”

As soon as I heard that, I felt repulsed.

‘Lunch?! Are you out of your mind?’

We aren’t exactly close, and you want to have a meal alone with a man?

‘I would probably choke. Better off without eating.’

Idiot talk, I tried to just walk past him.

“Nah, let me—”

“There’s a place nearby famous for dumplings. Wouldn’t be good to eat together?”

“…Dumplings?”

I halted my words, turning to look at Peng Woojin.

…Dumplings?

‘No… Get a grip.’

I shook away the instant craving and shook my head.

No matter how much I liked dumplings, this wasn’t the time.

“Sorry, but I’ll just eat later…”

“Dumplings are here!”

“…Huh?”

Just as I was trying to refuse again, my body had already entered an inn.

“…”

Could it be that my body ignored my own commands and followed the dumpling temptation?

Is this really happening?

To top it all off—

“I see you enjoy it! That’s a relief.”

“Damn it.”

My hand was already reaching for the dumplings.

They tasted amazing. Really ridiculously good.

‘Of all places, it had to be this one.’

As I savored the dumplings, I realized where I was.

I knew this place well, after all.

This was even the place I loved in Hanam.

If I ever felt like eating, It was often where Moyong Hi-ah brought me dumplings.

When I was free, I’d come here alone to eat, and now here I was, dragged here by Peng Woojin.

“I’ve been here a few times, and the taste is excellent.”

That bastard… even if I didn’t like him, it seemed he knew good dumplings. I grudgingly felt thankful.

“Yeah, they’re definitely tasty.”

“If you like them, please pack some when you leave. For Gu Prince, I can at least do that much.”

“Then, please pack ten for me.”

“…That’s a bit more than I expected.”

Peng Woojin frowned at the number.

What kind of rich guy’s logic is this over dumplings?

‘He said he’d pay, so I just halved what I really wanted.’

If I were alone, ten wouldn’t be a big deal. I’d probably have asked for twenty.

I halved my request out of courtesy.

“Any drinks?”

“No, I’m not fond of alcohol.”

“Oh, that’s surprising.”

Is it?

“Do I look like someone who enjoys alcohol?”

“Not necessarily, but it’s rare to meet someone who outright says they don’t drink.”

“I don’t want to spoil my appetite with tasteless stuff.”

I’ve been like this since my previous life.

There might be days when I craved alcohol, but I’d never drunk to enjoy it.

Only on occasions when the Heavenly Demon forced it upon me or when I was cornered did I take a sip.

“I’d rather enjoy the meal.”

“You’re welcome to drink, but isn’t that fine?”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Why would you want to drink if I’m not?”

“I’d have totally shared my cup if you drank, but since you don’t, I find that rather charming. We must have similar taste, right?”

“That’s a fantastically disgusting compliment.”

Now, that’s worse than drinking.

As I made a face, chewing through another dumpling, Peng Woojin casually asked:

“Isn’t the Sleeping Dragon around? I heard you two were together.”

“Is that a rumor?”

“It’s not quite a rumor; it’s just something I heard.”

What nonsense is this?

“You wanted to see his face after a long break, huh? That’s too bad.”

Peng Woojin’s expression radiated genuine disappointment.

Seeing that made me think.

‘Oh right, they said they know each other.’

Kind of hazily recalled that.

I wasn’t sure how close they were, but it was said that Peng Woojin and Woo Hyeok were somewhat aware of each other.

“Considering he’s a daoist, he probably can’t enjoy dumplings, so calling him would just be painful.”

“…”

The way he phrased it made it sound like they weren’t really close.

‘If he didn’t know Woo Hyeok ate meat, he has no idea what he’s talking about.’

While Wu Hyeok might be a daoist, he was known to devour all kinds of gourmet foods without a care.

Gwaeseon must have taught him those things as a mentor.

‘…Everyone surrounding me is pretty much off their rocker.’

Just remembering the friends I’d kept made my head throb.

Seems that a normal person like me can’t survive in a world filled with abnormality.

I shook my head to focus. Didn’t want to turn into a weirdo myself.

While pondering, I nodded casually.

Taking a bite of dumpling to keep it casual.

“That’s not a problem, is it? Daoists can eat dumplings too.”

“…Hmm?”

My words caught even Peng Woojin off guard, causing his expression to change slightly.

Right, it appeared even Peng Woojin thought it strange for daoists to eat meat. This confirmed that Woo Hyeok and Gwaeseon were indeed out of their minds.

Moreover,

“With monks eating meat these days… why wouldn’t a daoist?”

One person quietly eating in the corner flinched slightly at my comment.

At that reaction, Peng Woojin turned to look as well.

A look of awkwardness crossed his face.

“…Well, I wanted to ignore it.”

It seems like Peng Woojin was trying hard to not acknowledge something.

I wasn’t about to let that slide.

If I saw something, there’s no way I’d keep quiet.

“Honestly, it’s better to acknowledge it. That way, they feel more comfortable. It’s just a bit of consideration.”

“…Is that so?”

To my surprise, Peng Woojin looked quite shocked by my suggestion.

“Next time I’ll remember that. Thank you for the good advice.”

“Just don’t mention it.”

I waved dismissively, then turned my attention back to my meal.

“Why not just come over and not pretend to ignore it?”

“…Cough cough!”

Suddenly, a poorly timed cough could be heard.

Following my words, a young man finally turned his head toward us.

Clearly enjoying his meal, his lips glistened with grease while a golden-eyed gaze peeked out from under his hooded cloak.

At the sight, I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

“Looks like we meet again?”

“…”

The child of a great house now known as the youngest Transformation Realm Martial Artist, the most powerful late-stage talent.

Shin Ryong Yu Yeon frowned at my comment.