Chapter 272: Generation of Shooting Stars. (1)

The inns of Hanam had been bustling with many conversations lately.

“Did you hear the news?”

To the man’s question, uttered with a hint of excitement, the innkeeper Bang Dok scowled.

“I did. Brother Chang tells it every day, so how could I not know?”

“Ah, did I mention it?”

The man, Chang Ui-jin, chuckled sheepishly.

Then again, he had talked about it yesterday and the day before.

At that, the other men sitting at the same table perked up their ears.

“What news are you two talking about?”

At their reaction, Bang Dok muttered, ‘This is going to take a while again,’ and returned to the kitchen.

Of course, for Chang Ui-jin, who loved to talk, it was the perfect situation.

“Don-gu, did you hear the news that the Dragon Gate is opening this time?”

“How could I not know? They say it’s opening for the first time in four or five years.”

Normally, it opened with time gaps between sessions, but…

This time, the break period was unusually long.

“Do you know who the Master of the Gate is this time?”

“Of course. I heard the master of Kunlun is seeking the Dragon Gate this time.”

The master of Kunlun, one of the Nine Great Sects and the ruler of Qinghai.

Qinghai’s Single Sword, Ui Bi-jin.

It was said that he would take the position of Master of the Dragon Gate this time.

The Dragon Gate is hosted by the Murim Alliance, and the Master of the Gate changes each time it opens.

“The previous Master of the Gate was probably the head of the Wudang sect.”

“Perhaps that’s why, but they say only a handful of people managed to graduate properly back then.”

The personality of Wudang’s First Sword was widely known throughout the Central Plains, so it wouldn’t have been strange even if that were the case.

“Still, looking at Sword Peak or Divine Dragon, those destined to fly will fly anyway.”

“That’s true too… But anyway. Was that the important news?”

“Hey, no way.”

Chang Ui-jin denied it, waving his hand.

“If it were something everyone already knew, would I have come here so excitedly?”

“Then what on earth is it?”

“With Qinghai’s Single Sword coming as the Master of the Gate, new instructors aren’t coming too, are they?”

“That’s likely. Then they’d be selecting from the Kunlun sect, wouldn’t they?”

“That’s part of it, but…”

Creak.

Chang Ui-jin suddenly stood up and leaned closer.

“This is top-secret information I got from the Beggars’ Sect.”

“Are you saying this is top-secret information you told us yesterday and the day before?”

“…Ah, could you try to get into the mood a bit?”

At Chang Ui-jin’s whining, the man groaned, “Kkng-“

He scowled and leaned closer.

Seemingly satisfied, Chang Ui-jin whispered in his ear.

“The news is that Plum Blossom Sword Queen is included among the instructors this time.”

“…Huh?”

It was unexpected news.

While it sounded intriguing, the man soon pulled back, looking disappointed.

“Hmph, what nonsense. Why would the Sword Queen bother becoming an instructor?”

“Well, they pay money for it, don’t they?”

“…That’s true, I suppose.”

It’s not just money; the position of Dragon Gate Master is held by those with great fame and renown in the Central Plains.

This perception is well-established.

For a martial artist, it’s like a form of glory.

It signifies being a recognized master in the orthodox sects.

But, if we’re talking about the Sword Queen…

“She’s not someone who would just settle for being an instructor, is she?”

She’s a renowned heroine representing the Central Plains.

A master from Mount Hua who inherited the title of Sword Queen, passed down through generations, at the youngest age in history.

Moreover, the person with the most positive reputation, free from public criticism, was none other than the Sword Queen.

After her whereabouts were unknown for the past few years, when she reappeared.

Many breathed a sigh of relief.

“She’s at a level where she could even be the Master of the Gate if the situation called for it.”

“If anyone were to be the Master, it would be Plum Blossom Immortal.”

In fact, it seemed Plum Blossom Immortal had received several offers.

But he himself refused, saying he didn’t have the strength to take responsibility for anyone other than the children of Mount Hua.

But the Sword Queen as an instructor?

And during the period Kunlun sect is in charge?

“I don’t think Qinghai’s Single Sword would have accepted that.”

That was one of the reasons this news seemed false.

“Why is everyone so suspicious? Don’t be surprised later when my words turn out to be true.”

“If your words are true, Brother, I’ll buy you a drink.”

“That day, this inn’s income will double!”

Chang Ui-jin laughed heartily.

“Enough about that. Tell me something else.”

“Something else? What do you mean?”

“There’s talk that this Dragon Gate is the best ever, isn’t there?”

“Aha.”

At the man’s words, Chang Ui-jin nodded as if he understood.

Because he knew what he meant.

The Generation of Shooting Stars.

In this era, geniuses who appear maybe once in a hundred years are abundant.

And among them, shining individuals are visible.

Thus, it’s called the Generation of Shooting Stars because geniuses are pouring down like meteors.

Among them, the Six Dragons and Three Peaks.

The six dragons and three phoenixes…

They were individuals who shone exceptionally bright among the multitude of geniuses.

“Was it just two, Dragon and Phoenix, in the previous batch?”

“That’s right.”

“Oh, there were two?”

“Sword Peak and Divine Dragon.”

To be precise, it was Peng Yu-jin, the former Divine Dragon,

and Sword Peak, the current top disciple, who were from the previous batch.

The situation back then was so remarkable that…

The Dragon Gate, proposed by the head of Wudang who was the Master of the Gate at the time,

was so challenging even for the disciples from renowned families and prestigious lineages,

It was the highest difficulty in history, and

resulted in the lowest number of graduates in history, but

Sword Peak and Peng Yu-jin

recorded the highest scores among all Dragon Gate alumni.

It was truly an overwhelming record.

“But this time, there are five such individuals…”

The timing was just perfect.

The age and circumstances were perfectly aligned for disciples to enter,

making it possible for everyone except Sword Peak among the Six Dragons and Three Peaks to enter.

Excluding the Divine Dragon, whose position isn’t set yet, of course.

At this point, there’s a topic of conversation.

It’s a question that everyone living in the Central Plains must have pondered at least once,

and the greatest conundrum of our time.

“Who do you think is the most outstanding?”

Who among the Six Dragons and Three Peaks is the best?

To the man’s question, Chang Ui-jin smirked.

“Naturally, it would be Sword Peak, wouldn’t it?”

“Sword Peak isn’t coming to the Dragon Gate, are they?”

“That’s true. Then who do you think it is?”

At Chang Ui-jin’s question, the man paused for a moment, then

“…Sleeping Dragon?”

“After all that thought, you bring up that sleepyhead.”

“Even considering that, it’s true that Sleeping Dragon is outstanding, isn’t it?”

Sleeping Dragon is lazy. He sleeps a lot, is lazy, and hates moving.

That’s why he’s Sleeping Dragon.

They say his personality is such that he finds even breathing bothersome, let alone swinging a sword.

Because he possessed overwhelming talent that more than compensated for such a disposition.

Sleeping Dragon could enter the Six Dragons and Three Peaks.

“If you put it that way, isn’t Thunder Dragon also not bad?”

“Hey now, this fellow. Everyone knows Thunder Dragon lost to an unknown martial artist during the last Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.”

Thunder Dragon, the next young master of the Namgung family,

had failed to produce outstanding results since the year before last, including last year.

“Snow Phoenix or Poison Peak… they’re still ambiguous. As for Twin Dragon, I don’t know much…”

“Then what about Azure Dragon?”

“Ah, the one who recently received a new nickname…? But who are you?”

Chang Ui-jin, having heard about Azure Dragon, realized something and was about to speak,

when he noticed the young man who had suddenly joined their conversation.

They had clearly been talking alone, but at some point, an unfamiliar face had joined them.

To Chang Ui-jin’s question, the young man grinned and picked up a chicken drumstick placed before him.

“Ah, don’t mind me. Your conversation looked too interesting, so I joined in.”

“H-hey…. that’s my food…”

“I’ll pay for the food.”

“What else did you want to hear, my brother?”

The young man, now familiar enough to call him ‘brother’, grinned and replied.

“I’d like to hear more about Azure Dragon. What do you think?”

“Azure Dragon… Actually, he’s an unknown martial artist who hasn’t really shown himself since the last martial arts tournament.”

Just like Twin Dragon.

Azure Dragon also hadn’t appeared since his first attendance at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.

What’s truly puzzling is

that both showed overwhelming skill during their first attendance.

Especially how he crushed Thunder Dragon at the time

and toyed with Shin-seong, the winner of the previous Dragon-Phoenix Gathering,

had reached a level where it seemed like a gross exaggeration by now.

Moreover, wasn’t he the youngest among the current Six Dragons and Three Peaks?

‘I heard he hasn’t even passed his twentieth year.’

The rumors were surely exaggerated, but

if they weren’t exaggerated, then Azure Dragon was undoubtedly a monster born to shake the Central Plains.

The Gu family, which actually possessed both Sword Peak and Azure Dragon, remained silent,

leading the Central Plains to believe the rumors were definitely baseless.

“Of course, even so, the fact that he defeated Thunder Dragon and Shin-seong can’t be false, so wouldn’t it be safe to say he’s the stronger one?”

“Then how does he compare to Sleeping Dragon?”

“Sleeping Dragon?”

The man observed the young man, who asked a subtle question.

Looking at him now, he was truly handsome.

His hair was messy, and though there was sleep crust around his eyes as if he hadn’t washed for days,

his striking features seemed to erase it all.

“Hmm… Even so, wouldn’t Sleeping Dragon be better?”

“I see.”

At Chang Ui-jin’s words, the young man wore a peculiar expression.

It seemed slightly disappointed, or perhaps somewhat expectant.

“Ah, little brother. More importantly, since I promised to pay for the food, I’ll tell you something more interesting.”

“Oh, what is it?”

The young man faced Chang Ui-jin with an expectant look.

Chang Ui-jin, pleased with the young man’s reaction, smacked his lips and was about to speak.

Just then.

“Hyung… What are you doing here?”

Someone who approached suddenly sighed deeply as they reached the young man who was about to listen.

The young man then wore a look of realization.

“Oops, I’ve been caught.”

“It’s not that you’ve been caught… No, why were you running away in the first place… Hyung, are you seriously eating meat right now?”

“Saje.”

“Yes.”

“This is meat made from beans. Meaning, it’s not actual meat.”

“Then does that chicken go ‘Kong-kio’ instead of ‘Cluck-cluck’?”

“Haha, Saje, you’re getting funny now?”

“…”

“Alright. Get up now.”

Seeing his Saje’s disgusted expression, the handsome young man scratched the back of his head and stood up.

As he put down the drumstick he was holding, Chang Ui-jin looked up at the young man regretfully.

“Don’t worry. I heard good stories, so I’ll pay the bill.”

“Oh, travel safely. Ah, little brother, you seem like a martial artist too…”

Only then did Chang Ui-jin speak in a somewhat cautious tone.

The way he wore his sword,

and the stance he took when standing gave off an indescribable sense of dissonance.

“I’ve certainly had my share of sword practice.”

“Perhaps… do you have a title?”

“It’s not a grand title, and I don’t particularly like it either.”

The young man chuckled, then tossed a pouch containing the meal cost at Chang Ui-jin.

“The story was fun. I am Woo-hyeok. Let’s meet again sometime.”

Grinning, the young man walked out of the inn.

The person called ‘Saje’ followed him out.

Chang Ui-jin and the man, left alone again,

stared blankly for a moment before opening their mouths wide shortly after.

“Woo-hyeok… Woo-hyeok?”

Because it was a name they knew.

The handsome young man’s name was Woo-hyeok.

If Chang Ui-jin and the man weren’t mistaken, he definitely was.

‘Woo-hyeok of Wudang.’

A famous martial artist of Wudang, born for the era,

and simultaneously, a figure called a great star of the Generation of Shooting Stars.

And his title was…

“…Sleeping Dragon?”

Sleeping Dragon of the Six Dragons and Three Peaks.

He was Sleeping Dragon.

“Hoho.”

The man, who had been talking about Sleeping Dragon until just moments ago, frantically recalled what he had just said, trying to soothe his nerves.

Chang Ui-jin laughed emptily as if he had seen a ghost, then suddenly spoke.

“…If I had known he was such an important figure, I should have told you the most crucial thing.”

“Is that story still important now? He was Sleeping Dragon! If I had misspoke even slightly… Ugh…”

Leaving the man, who shuddered as if getting goosebumps, behind,

Chang Ui-jin recalled the words he should have said inwardly.

‘The descendant of the Sword God has appeared.’

This, even Chang Ui-jin dismissed as baseless rumor, but

if he had known the man was Sleeping Dragon,

he would have told him, even just for the sake of fun.

Chang Ui-jin was satisfied that he had secured one more interesting topic for conversation.

Clink.

He examined the money pouch Sleeping Dragon had left.

“Since I earned money for free drinks, we can talk all night today…”

“What’s wrong, Brother Chang?”

As Chang Ui-jin faltered,

the man approached and looked into the pouch together.

“…Hmm?”

There was money inside the pouch, but only a measly one or two coins.

It wasn’t enough money to buy even the cheapest bowl of noodles at the inn.

---

“Please, can’t you stop going around alone?”

“Saje, the world is meant to be lived alone.”

“…Ah… My head hurts.”

The Saje shook his head as he walked away,

while Sleeping Dragon, watching the Saje, chuckled inwardly.

Furthermore.

He recalled the conversation he’d overheard at the inn just before.

‘Azure Dragon.’

Was it last year?

It was a name he’d heard briefly.

He heard news that a new Dragon had appeared,

and also heard that this new Dragon mentioned him.

‘They said he defeated Thunder Dragon and Shin-seong.’

Hearing it didn’t evoke much of a reaction.

For starters, Thunder Dragon was neither fun nor skilled.

And as for Shin-seong, there was nothing much to recall.

It was obvious from a glance that he was being praised and coddled by those around him.

As if he was already expected to be called a master.

He felt like a manufactured master.

‘Not interesting.’

Therefore, it didn’t resonate much.

He just felt languid and tired.

“I’m sleepy.”

“Didn’t you sleep all day yesterday?”

“Saje, no matter how much you sleep, you still feel tired.”

Sleeping Dragon soon yawned and walked ahead.

How far was the lodging?

He wanted to lie down quickly.

‘Noisy.’

The surrounding noises were clearly audible,

and Sleeping Dragon disliked such noise.

“Hyung, isn’t it a bit quiet today?”

“Really?”

“Yes. It’s the streets of Hanam, and this much is considered sparse.”

“To me, it’s just as noisy.”

“Huh?”

At Sleeping Dragon’s words, the Saje looked around,

but the atmosphere seemed more fittingly described as sparse with few people.

‘Noisy?’

The Saje harbored doubts but didn’t think much of it.

His Hyung often said strange things, after all.

“For now, I just want to sleep quickly…”

“Huh?”

On the way to the lodging where the Wudang martial artists were staying,

Sleeping Dragon and the Saje stopped walking.

Someone was walking towards them, and it was a familiar face.

Just as Sleeping Dragon stopped first,

the person coming from the front seemed to have recognized Sleeping Dragon as well.

Soon, a smile formed on his lips.

It was a handsome young man, much like Sleeping Dragon himself.

He wore a pure white uniform,

and a symbol representing his sect was embroidered on the chest.

It was a beautifully bloomed plum blossom petal.

Throughout the Central Plains, there was only one place whose disciples wore uniforms embroidered with such plum blossoms.

As Sleeping Dragon confirmed this, wearing a complex expression,

the handsome young man opened his mouth to Sleeping Dragon as if he had been waiting.

“It’s been a while. Daozhang Woo.”

As the words registered, a faint scent of plum blossoms brushed against Woo-hyeok’s nose.

---

About half an hour after arriving in Hanam with his companions, concluding a long journey,

Gu Yangcheon was immediately met with strange words from a servant.

“…What?”

He asked back as if it were utter nonsense, but

the servant’s answer was the same.

“They say Sword Dragon and Sleeping Dragon are currently sparring in the street…”

“…?”

Gu Yangcheon’s brow furrowed upon hearing this.

It was quite an unpleasant thing to hear right after arriving, in broad daylight.

…Those lunatics.

What on earth are they doing?