Chapter 304: Who’s Messing With My Kid? (5)

The reason I headed to where Cheol Jiseon was was simple.

Really, just to eat a meal together.

That was the whole reason.

‘Is he doing okay?’

While thinking, ‘Why should I bother worrying about that guy?’

Since I’d been rather busy for the past few days, I hadn’t paid attention.

And Cheol Jiseon was now the biggest reason I had to come to the Dragon God Hall.

I had to keep paying attention as much as possible.

‘I’d built a decent relationship too.’

If we’re friends, isn’t that okay?

He didn’t seem to have any particular complaints either.

I even got him to pass the exam.

I even got him a good place to stay.

I even became his friend.

Come to think of it, I’ve done everything.

This should be enough!

It really felt like things were going well according to plan.

If there was one slightly bothersome thing.

It was that I didn’t know in detail what the other kids were up to.

Some were in different squads.

Besides, they were divided by the weapons they used, so it wasn’t a situation where we’d easily run into each other.

At best, I’d occasionally see them during meals.

Or seeing Tang Soyeol’s deathly expression. Namgung Bi-ah would sometimes approach, looking a bit tired, sniff, and leave.

As for someone like Wi Seol-ah, I did occasionally run into her over the past few days, but she didn’t seem to make an effort to approach this way.

Judging by her gaze, it looked like she wanted to come over and talk.

I wondered why she was acting like that.

Next time I visit, I’ll ask her directly.

Why she was making me worry so much.

Anyway.

It seemed everyone had their own circumstances.

Especially Moyong Hi-ah seemed to be the busiest among them.

Judging by the rumors too.

Anyway, she really liked stirring up trouble.

‘Was it downstairs?’

I start walking.

Even while walking down the corridor, I could feel the gazes of the junior disciples around me looking this way.

It seemed my face was gradually becoming quite well-known among them.

Amidst that.

“What are you looking at!”

Who the hell is this guy, and why is he acting like this…

Pae U-cheol, who was following behind me, growled as if grinding his teeth at those sending gazes my way.

Seriously, why is he acting like that?

No, why is he even following me in the first place?

‘…Ah, what a pain.’

After I beat him down during our first meeting and kept him quiet.

Ever since I won my bet with Instructor Cheol Hwan-o.

Pae U-cheol’s attitude towards me had become somewhat strange.

Did I hit his head wrong?

No way, it’s not like I haven’t beaten people up before.

I wasn’t at a level where I’d make such a mistake.

I definitely beat him up well without making it obvious.

“See those eyes? Got a problem with my hyungnim, huh?”

“…Anyone can see they have a problem with you, so please just shut up. It’s embarrassing as hell.”

This isn’t even like some country bumpkin thug.

Is this bastard really from a righteous sect bloodline? Isn’t he from a demonic sect…?

Moreover, Pae U-cheol’s appearance was quite menacing.

“Ah, get lost. Why are you following me?”

“Shouldn’t a junior brother follow the path Hyungnim takes?”

“Yeah, that’s not it, so don’t follow.”

I really wish he’d just disappear.

Should I just fold him up and throw him in my dorm?

Yeah, that would probably be easier.

Just as I made up my mind.

Unfortunately, I had arrived at my intended destination.

“I’ll see you later…”

-Do you have an older sister?

As I was about to step into the place where Cheol Jiseon was.

A voice could be heard from inside.

Wondering what was going on, I peered inside.

Cheol Jiseon and some unknown guy seemed to be having a conversation.

‘Judging by the atmosphere, it didn’t seem like a good situation.’

It clearly didn’t feel friendly.

‘There are always guys like that everywhere.’

There are bound to be many guys who can’t help but crush anyone who looks a bit weak.

No matter where it is.

And unfortunately, at this time, it seemed Cheol Jiseon had run into such a guy.

Cheol Jiseon was quite small in stature for someone called a martial artist.

Furthermore, his cultivation level was also low.

He would have been easy prey for those trying to posture as the strong.

I was in that position in my past life too, so I know well.

However, the difference between us was.

I desperately tried to bite back at my opponent, whether I lived or died.

‘Cheol Jiseon doesn’t do that, that’s the difference.’

I watched the situation quietly.

I thought I could still wait and see whether to intervene or not.

However, the problem started to erupt immediately.

-Does your older sister look like you? That would be nice. I like having many concubines.

-Someone like me is a chance to bloom in your life. It’s a good opportunity, I tell you?

The words pouring out without restraint made me feel my blood boil.

If it were me, I would have ripped out their tongue and burned it before their eyes as soon as I heard words like that.

‘Is he planning to endure that?’

No matter how gentle and weak Cheol Jiseon’s nature was.

To endure this…

‘…Huh?’

While watching the situation.

I was greatly surprised inwardly by Cheol Jiseon’s action.

Without anyone noticing.

Only I could see.

Under the desk, Cheol Jiseon’s fingertips moved.

As if searching for something to grab.

It was a slow yet strange movement.

As soon as I saw that, I moved my body.

The reason I suddenly moved after holding back was twofold.

Firstly, if Cheol Jiseon carelessly used that power here.

It was clear the surroundings would be devastated.

Secondly.

‘That guy is the one.’

I hadn’t been able to confirm yet about that guy’s existence.

Because now I had certainty.

That guy.

Is indeed the one I was looking for.

Because of that, I moved immediately.

There was no hesitation.

With my body brimming with qi, I charged in.

I kicked the guy spewing insults at Cheol Jiseon square in the chest.

******************

Cheol Jiseon couldn’t understand the current situation.

‘What happened?’

The situation had unfolded too suddenly.

Gu Yangcheon, who appeared out of nowhere.

Had turned the surroundings into chaos.

The guy sent flying to the corner with a single kick.

Was continuously gasping for breath.

He seemed dazed.

“…Cough… gasp…!”

With a dry cough, blood trickled from his nose.

“What… what is this…!”

The guy too seemed unable to comprehend what had happened to him.

The fellow, barely regaining his senses.

Soon lifted his head and shouted at his attacker.

“To do this to me…! You must not fear future retribution!”

“What’s with that? Guys like you always say the same things, did you guys memorize some lines?”

“This bastard… Do you know who I am…!”

“Who are you.”

As Gu Yangcheon approached him closely and spoke.

The guy’s words suddenly got stuck in his throat.

“Who are you.”

It was chilling.

I wasn’t channeling fighting spirit.

Nor was I showing killing intent.

Yet, just by looking and speaking.

It felt as if the area around Gu Yangcheon turned cold.

“…I… am Jin Yi-seok of the Great Tae San Jin family…”

“Ah, the Tae San Jin family.”

At Gu Yangcheon’s reaction, Jin Yi-seok corrected his expression and spoke, but.

“Yes, if you understood, then immediately…”

“So where the hell is that, you bastard?”

Smack!

“Gack!”

As if not caring at all, Gu Yangcheon’s palm struck Jin Yi-seok’s head.

At that moment, guys who looked like Jin Yi-seok’s gang moved.

Either to stop Gu Yangcheon or save Jin Yi-seok.

“Don’t move.”

Someone stepped forward to block them.

‘Who is it?’

It was a man of enormous build.

The man with black hair contorted his face menacingly as he blocked them.

As I watched, wondering who he was.

One of the gang members exclaimed in surprise.

“…Pae U-cheol…?”

“What…? Pae U-cheol?”

The man was a famous junior disciple whom Cheol Jiseon also knew.

Not as much as the Tang family that ruled the lands of Sichuan.

But the Pae family was making a name for itself within it.

And Pae U-cheol, a blood relative of the Pae family.

Along with superior physical abilities and outstanding talent, he was a rather promising junior disciple.

“Hyungnim is handling matters. If you interfere, you’ll die.”

As Pae U-cheol growled menacingly, Jin Yi-seok’s gang members flinched considerably.

“That Pae U-cheol calls him Hyungnim?”

“Then, could it be, that man…”

Speaking of personality, the rumor that Pae U-cheol, known for his ferocity, had tucked his tail immediately upon entering the Dragon God Hall was famous.

The person who had tamed and employed such a Pae U-cheol as a subordinate was already a famous figure throughout the Central Plains.

“Ah, please… I told you to get lost and go to your dorm?”

The person in question expressed his displeasure and pushed Pae U-cheol away, but.

Pae U-cheol didn’t budge an inch.

Jin Yi-seok, finally realizing how the situation was unfolding.

Ignoring the blood flowing from his nose, his face turned deathly pale.

“Jin… Jinryong?”

Who the person in front of him was.

He now realized.

Gu Yangcheon, who had been shouting at Pae U-cheol.

Ignoring the unresponsive Pae U-cheol, turned his gaze back to Jin Yi-seok.

“Shall we continue our conversation?”

“J-Jinryong, what brings you here…”

“Why did you suddenly become nice? It’s fine if you act like you did earlier.”

He said it with a smile, but.

On the contrary, his face looked like he would kill me if I actually did.

“What was your name again, Jin-seok?”

“Jin… Yi-seok…”

“Right, Yi-seok. Your age?”

“Why are you asking that…”

“Aren’t you going to answer?”

“Tw-twenty.”

“If you’re twenty, you’re old enough.”

Gu Yangcheon said that.

And grabbed Jin Yi-seok’s hand.

Making him clench his fist.

It felt like he was covering it from above.

“But why aren’t you acting your age? Did you sleep during home economics class?”

“…Wh-what…?”

“Didn’t you learn that you shouldn’t bully slow-witted kids, you bastard?”

Gu Yangcheon suddenly pressed one of Jin Yi-seok’s fingers.

Crackle-!

Then, a chilling sound echoed.

“…!”

Jin Yi-seok let out a silent scream.

“You’re twenty years old, yet your actions are bullying people? If that’s what you do, why hang around the righteous sects? Get lost to the demonic sects, that’s where you belong.”

“Gck… Ugh…”

“Stop whining, you’re left-handed, aren’t you? So I deliberately used my right hand. Such consideration, right? I know.”

In an instant, due to Gu Yangcheon’s words.

Cheol Jiseon, who had become the slow-witted kid.

Now was not the time to think about that.

‘How… how….’

Gu Yangcheon appeared like a hero.

And stopped Jin Yi-seok who was bullying him, which he was grateful for, but.

No matter what, he didn’t expect him to be treated so roughly.

If it became like this, it would cause problems for Jinryong himself.

Cheol Jiseon’s eyes darted wildly.

Pae U-cheol blocked the way.

The other disciples, realizing that the one currently smashing Jin Yi-seok was Jinryong.

Were merely watching.

Due to Gu Yangcheon’s extremely rough actions.

Everyone was overwhelmed.

“Gck… Why, why are you doing this! What business is it of yours!”

Jin Yi-seok shouted indignantly, but.

Gu Yangcheon, hearing that, let out a hollow laugh.

“Why wouldn’t it be my business? That kid is my friend.”

He said, pointing a finger at Cheol Jiseon.

Then, the gazes of those who heard the words all turned towards Cheol Jiseon.

‘Friends with Jinryong?’

‘Who could that person be…?’

‘As the saying goes, friends are made among equals, so then that person too….’

With a single word from Gu Yangcheon.

Cheol Jiseon’s reputation was instantly ruined.

Cheol Jiseon, feeling that, felt dizzy.

It felt like things were going terribly wrong.

“So why did you mess with my kid?”

“I didn’t know that…”

“Saying you didn’t know is no excuse. Woo-seok.”

Although Jin Yi-seok became Jin Woo-seok.

It wasn’t the atmosphere to argue about that.

“You shouldn’t have done that in the first place. That’s right, isn’t it?”

Regret is something you do when it’s already too late.

As if saying so, Gu Yangcheon clasped Jin Yi-seok’s hand again.

At the touch, Jin Yi-seok began to tremble, and tears welled up in his eyes.

Just as he thought he might scream in pain again.

“That’s enough.”

Cutting through the atmosphere, a voice interjected.

It was a calm yet powerful tone.

“If you go any further, it won’t be good for you either.”

Cutting through the junior disciples who didn’t know what to do.

Someone approached.

The owner of the voice was none other than Jang Seon-yeon, known as the Saint.

Perhaps because the others noticed that too.

A sense of relief flashed across the disciples’ faces.

They looked relieved that the Saint had intervened.

“This isn’t Young Master Gu’s squad’s area either, so wouldn’t it be better to stop here?”

Pae U-cheol, seeing Jang Seon-yeon approach.

Blocked the way with his massive frame, but.

“Move aside.”

Gu Yangcheon, seeing that, dropped Jin Yi-seok and stood up.

Fighting spirit flickered briefly in Gu Yangcheon’s fierce eyes.

“Why are you interfering?”

“As I mentioned, it wouldn’t be good for either of us if you go further here.”

“Ah, I must have said it wrong. Let me rephrase.”

“…Yes?”

“Why are you interfering now?”

He spat the words out.

There was a subtle different meaning from the words he first spat at Jang Seon-yeon.

People’s gazes became strange.

They wondered what it meant.

“…What do you mean by that?”

“You, who were watching everything, why are you intervening only after he’s been completely smashed, whether Woo-seok or Yi-seok.”

“Young Master Gu.”

“You were watching from the beginning, weren’t you? Our… what was my friend’s name?”

“Cheol Jiseon…”

“Right, you were watching Jiseon being bullied by that idiot, weren’t you?”

When Cheol Jiseon was being bullied by Jin Yi-seok.

And for several days.

Could Jang Seon-yeon really not have known?

No, Gu Yangcheon didn’t think so.

This guy knew everything but pretended not to.

That’s why he asked.

Why he stayed quiet while Cheol Jiseon was being helplessly bullied.

And why he was intervening now.

“After it’s all over, showing up acting all cool, what difference does it make? Damn idiot! If you were going to do it, do it from the start. Why, after I’ve done all the hard work, do you butt in and act cocky?”

“…I was merely waiting for Young Master Cheol to overcome this.”

“Win, my ass! Are you his teacher or something? Waiting for him to overcome a crisis? What a load of crap. What a cool excuse.”

He said it mockingly.

With vulgar curses and extremely rough words.

It made the listeners frown.

But questions arose in their minds.

Because Gu Yangcheon wasn’t wrong.

“If you’re going to be pretentious, do it properly. Don’t bother making flimsy excuses. Ah, or perhaps.”

Gu Yangcheon, who was speaking, moved slightly closer to Jang Seon-yeon.

Jang Seon-yeon tried to step back, but.

Grip-!

“…Gulp!”

Gu Yangcheon tightly grabbed Jang Seon-yeon’s shoulder and pulled him close.

Then, quietly enough that no one else could hear.

He whispered in Jang Seon-yeon’s ear.

“Was this also a setup by you?”

“…!”

At Gu Yangcheon’s words, Jang Seon-yeon’s eyes widened like saucers.

Gu Yangcheon, seeing that expression.

Was rather expressionless.

As if he already knew.

“Since you seem to have some plan too, shall I tell you an interesting story? This is something I haven’t told anyone.”

Jang Seon-yeon tried to break free from Gu Yangcheon, but.

The hand holding his shoulder wouldn’t let go.

Just held tightly.

He had to listen to Gu Yangcheon’s words.

“You’re going to die here.”

“…What…?”

“Just know it beforehand.”

Gu Yangcheon, who spoke calmly, only then released the hand holding Jang Seon-yeon.

Creating distance, Gu Yangcheon grinned.

“Since you said you’d handle the rest, I can leave with peace of mind. Oh, right.”

Pausing mid-sentence, Gu Yangcheon turned around and looked at Jin Yi-seok.

“Gck…!”

At Gu Yangcheon’s gaze, Jin Yi-seok had to tremble.

“If you mess with my kid again, you’ll die?”

“Ah, understood…!”

“Next time, I’ll rip out your tongue and burn it.”

Gu Yangcheon, having said that.

Leaving Jin Yi-seok wiping his blood, approached Cheol Jiseon.

“Get up, let’s go eat.”

“Yes? No, huh? N-now?”

“Then when else? Don’t you eat lunch?”

“No, it’s not that.”

After causing this mess, are you saying you’re just going to leave?

Cheol Jiseon looked at Gu Yangcheon incredulously.

Gu Yangcheon didn’t seem to care at all.

“He said he’d handle it himself. Let’s go.”

Who was ‘he’?

It referred to Jang Seon-yeon.

Cheol Jiseon momentarily wondered if the two were close, but.

No matter how he looked at it, the atmosphere between the Saint and Jinryong didn’t seem friendly.

Their personalities also seemed completely opposite.

While Cheol Jiseon hesitated.

Gu Yangcheon pulled Cheol Jiseon up.

Cheol Jiseon, forced to stand, was dragged along, unable to refuse.

“U-cheol, what’s for lunch today?”

“I don’t know.”

“…So confident, huh? Alright. I guess I’ll find out when I get there.”

After Gu Yangcheon and his party left.

A quiet silence descended.

It felt like a huge typhoon had swept through in an instant.

Jin Yi-seok still couldn’t hide his trembling body.

He seemed to have wet himself slightly, his pants were visibly damp.

Only then did Jin Yi-seok’s gang members rush towards him.

“His finger…! Let’s get him to the infirmary first…”

“Shouldn’t we report to the instructor first?”

“Then…”

KABOOM-!

While they were hastily trying to clean up.

A huge sound suddenly spread.

The others, startled, shifted their gaze.

“Well, Young Master Jang?”

The cause of the sound was none other than Jang Seon-yeon.

Jang Seon-yeon had crushed the desk with his fist.

Everyone looked at Jang Seon-yeon with surprised expressions.

Those who looked at Jang Seon-yeon soon had to gasp.

And no wonder.

Jang Seon-yeon’s face, known for its kindness.

Was contorted like an evil spirit’s.