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Two Days Later

Two days had passed since the incident occurred.

The situation had somewhat stabilized, and I had sent a letter to the Main Sect to keep them informed.

Now, I was in a position to return to Hanam as soon as I wrapped up the remaining tasks.

“Are you going to visit the Tang Clan before you leave?”

I nodded at Cheol Jiseon’s question.

“I have to stop by at least once.”

“Just once?”

“It doesn’t feel right to go again so soon. I’ll just check on the ongoing status, and if everything looks fine, I won’t go a second time.”

“Then I’ll contact the Upper House.”

“Okay.”

As I responded, I checked the letter, most of which were reports.

While reading through them one by one, something came to mind, and I asked Cheol Jiseon.

“Have you contacted that guy?”

“Ah, yeah… I sent it.”

Mentioning ‘that guy’ made Cheol Jiseon’s expression darken a bit. It was understandable. He had opposed involving that person from the very beginning.

“Then it seems like he’ll be taken care of soon.”

Since I made moves with the Beggar Clan when he stirred things up, it shouldn’t take long to resolve.

If the big shots move, that would create issues in its own right…

“I’m just curious about what Woo Bongchwigae will do.”

The captain of the Beggar Clan, connected to my father. How would he react? That was what I was wondering.

Because his actions would determine the course to take.

“Understood. I’ll just need you to contact the Upper House.”

“Sure.”

After wrapping up my conversation with Cheol Jiseon, I stood up.

When I stepped outside, the day was clear. Could it be that the sun was especially hot today?

“…Hmm. Maybe not just that.”

Something shiny was reflecting the sunlight ahead. Thinking that, I looked forward.

“Great Lord.”

Something sparkling reflected the light.

A handsome young man with a shiny scalp stood in front of me.

It was Shin Ryong.

“…What is it?”

Wow, it’s blinding.

As I shielded my eyes from the intense light, Shin Ryong frowned.

“Sorry, but it’s just too dazzling.”

I wasn’t trying to tease him. Well, to be honest, I did have the urge to tease a little.

“…Not at all.”

“But why are you always carrying something?”

“…”

Shin Ryong’s face slightly flushed at my words. Someone was touching his shiny scalp.

Of course, it was Bong-Soon. In this place, the only one who would do such a thing would be her.

“Hey.”

“Uh-huh?”

“Be careful, or your skin will be messed up. Back off.”

“No. The bald brother said it’s fine.”

“What a weird nickname. Can you back off already?”

I said it with a hint of annoyance, and only then did Bong-Soon grimace and step back. Finally, it felt like we could talk, and I turned my gaze to Shin Ryong.

“So, why are you… looking disappointed?”

“…! Ah, no! I’m not…!”

“No? It’s obvious you’re disappointed.”

“That’s not it.”

“Are you sure on Buddha’s honor?”

“…”

Looks like he couldn’t respond to that.

“…Seriously, there isn’t a normal person left.”

I shook my head in disbelief and let out a sigh. It was absurd that this bald monk fell for a girl.

The more I looked at it, the more ridiculous it seemed.

‘Of all people, he has to fall for that crazy girl?’

Of course, she was pretty enough. Bong-Soon wasn’t the kind of beauty that could spark a crush anywhere, but most who met her figured it out within half a day.

‘Oh, I shouldn’t get entangled with that crazy girl.’

Being involved would lead to troubles of various sorts. That feeling was ever-present.

But that crazy monk seemed to be oblivious to it.

‘In fact, Bong-Soon doesn’t seem to think much of it.’

She just liked sticking to the bald guy. It wasn’t like she felt anything special for Shin Ryong.

Honestly, from my perspective, I’d prefer it that way; if she would just back off because of feelings. But that was unrealistic.

“Do you really like her that much?”

“W-What…!”

Shin Ryong’s face turned red as he shouted.

“I-I’m just a monk dedicated to Shaolin! Absolutely no such feelings at all!”

“Who said anything? I was just asking. If you don’t, it’s whatever.”

“…”

Asking further would only ruin him.

I didn’t get why he ended up like this. Anyway, it was what it was.

‘How was it in the previous life?’

Suddenly, I became curious about this guy’s past. The one who betrayed Shaolin and joined the Demonic Sect.

What was he like back then?

‘I don’t think he got involved with Bong-Soon.’

I had no memory of them hanging out together. So was this a change unique to this life?

That seemed quite possible, but I didn’t feel it was that simple.

“So, what’s up? What do you need?”

“…”

What brought him unexpected in broad daylight? When I asked, his embarrassed expression changed instantly.

‘Hmm?’

His face hardened, and dissatisfaction was evident.

“What’s with that look?”

“…Why wasn’t I included in the operation?”

At his blunt question, I nodded. Ah, I see.

‘So that’s why he came.’

Now I understood.

“Taking a break is a good thing. Is that what you came to complain about?”

I hadn’t deployed Shin Ryong for this mission. I had simply ordered him to wait under any circumstances, and he did follow that order.

He hadn’t done anything.

And here we were today.

“I don’t understand.”

“Why don’t you understand?”

“…Because I’m strong.”

“…Oh?”

What’s with that confidence? It is indeed true, but it’s kind of irritating to hear him admit it himself.

“That’s annoying.”

“…”

So I said it outright. Shin Ryong’s face turned red in an instant.

He seemed to know it was embarrassing.

“Well, yeah… You’re strong. I can agree.”

By numerical standards, he ranks among the top in the Star Dragon group.

Objectively, he is stronger than Wi Seol-Ah now. And as for Nangong Bi-ah…

‘Nangong Bi-ah has an advantage in compatibility, so we’ll have to see when they fight.’

Wi Seol-Ah doesn’t focus only on firepower despite her rough combat style.

Nangong Bi-ah, on the other hand, concentrates heavily on firepower compared to her delicate sword dance.

In this case, Shin Ryong would find it tougher to fight Nangong Bi-ah.

‘If he fights Tang Soyeol, the current Shin Ryong will lose for sure.’

If Tang Soyeol were serious and vowed to kill him, I would expect Shin Ryong to be defeated.

Since the gap in realms wasn’t that large, it was a matter of compatibility.

Of course.

‘Even so, Shin Ryong is still among the top five.’

In Transformation Realm.

A Martial Artist who’s also entered the emotional realm and a potential genius among the next Shaolin leadership.

Among the selected elites in the Star Dragon group, he’s definitely in the top five.

That alone was enough for Shin Ryong to confidently proclaim he’s strong.

Not really… Maybe.

‘If he truly wanted, he could have become the Great Lord.’

Though not the level of Il Cheonggeom, if he wanted, the Martial Alliance would have given him a role as the Great Lord.

‘If I weren’t here, anyway.’

Right now, because of my existence, that’s impossible, but still, Shin Ryong’s worth was definitely not low.

That’s why he couldn’t comprehend it.

“Or is it because I’m a Shaolin monk that you left me out?”

That’s an unreasonable action.

Those thoughts were written all over his eyes.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Then what will you do now?”

“…!”

His eyes widened. There were no follow-up words.

He probably didn’t expect me to agree.

‘As I thought.’

I was sure of it now.

‘Teasing him is such fun.’

He’s excessively innocent. Can someone be naive even after reaching that level?

‘…But to question that…’

-I love you.

Since there were already plenty around me, there was no need to doubt that.

So, teasing him ended there.

“I’m just joking. Half-serious, but that’s not the real reason.”

At my added remark, Shin Ryong let out a soft sigh.

Was it relief?

If so, I felt a little guilty.

‘The real reason is even less glamorous than this.’

Just because he’s from Shaolin, that’s why he’s excluded.

If that were the case, it would probably be better. I could just tell him I was being a jerk.

However.

“Then… why is that?”

“You, specifically.”

This wasn’t about that at all.

“Have you ever killed anyone?”

“…!”

Shin Ryong’s eyes wavered at my question.

His hazel eyes were particularly clear.

“This mission had to be carried out quietly and swiftly. There should be no hesitation whatsoever.”

If I said to kill, he had to kill.

He shouldn’t care about his circumstances or backstories.

“Could you have done that?”

“…I can.”

“Oh? The monk who values life above all else, Shaolin’s Divine Victory? Wouldn’t that contradict the principles you have?”

“…”

Shaolin doesn’t strictly abstain from killing.

Even by following the path of non-violence, they are still martial artists. When battles ensue, losing lives between each other is a common occurrence.

“You would have surely hesitated.”

“…So is that why you excluded me from the mission?”

“Exactly. You were worthless for this mission. In fact, you might have been a hindrance.”

“…”

I stabbed him with sharp words. There was no need to sugarcoat it.

He needed to hear it.

“I… I…”

“Don’t make excuses. Can you really swear you are not?”

“…”

Shin Ryong sealed his lips.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but chuckle softly inwardly.

‘At least he isn’t denying it or acting stubbornly.’

He probably wasn’t sure. The hint of doubt showed on his face.

‘That’s not a good sign.’

He looks perfect for getting used by someone else.

“You.”

I thought about giving him a bit of guidance when suddenly…

“Great Lord.”

A voice interjected from the side.

“The cleanup you mentioned is all finished.”

It was Seongyul.

“Oh, really?”

“Are you ready to move out now?”

“Uh, just a moment.”

I was about to say I would leave right away but turned to look at Shin Ryong.

“Make up your mind and tell me. Until then, don’t be stubborn.”

“…”

“Let’s go.”

After saying it so only Shin Ryong could understand, I turned my back.

Following Seongyul’s lead, I walked away.

“Just so you know… I’ve already made up my mind.”

Shin Ryong said while looking at my back. I didn’t respond much.

I just glanced to the side.

Seongyul was looking at Shin Ryong with curious eyes. I observed those eyes as we continued walking.

By the time I could no longer feel Shin Ryong’s presence…

“Hey.”

I called out to Seongyul.

He looked at me. I added while looking into his hazel eyes.

“Between you and that guy, who is the older brother?”

Stiff.

Seongyul’s body froze.

 

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