Chapter 305: Vicious Leader.

Where dark-colored snakes gather.

Just as a white snake would stand out clearly when it appears.

Among countless individuals, outstanding ones are bound to always distinguish themselves.

If it’s a small gathering of the orthodox sects in the Central Plains, called the Dragon God Hall.

It’s only natural that they would stand out even more.

Among the geniuses who fly and crawl.

Meaning they shine brighter.

They feel pride themselves.

And eventually establish themselves as a renowned name.

Therefore, the talk about the factions currently spreading rampantly within the Dragon God Hall.

Could not help but make the disciples listen intently.

Because it might be a significant event that determines their future.

Even if the Dragon God Hall is fundamentally a sword training institution.

How many people really came here just for that?

Rather, they would welcome it.

They probably wished for something like this.

And so.

The small spark of rumor spread wide and fast.

‘Snow Phoenix is personally moving to form factions. They say the recruitment of influential families and several renowned clans is complete.’

‘Sinseong has embraced most of the Sword Scrutiny Squad to create a faction.’

‘Disciples belonging to the sect are gathering to form a single faction.’

‘A personal guard is being formed for Sword Dancer and the descendant of Geomjon.’

And so on, those are the major rumors.

‘What about the last one?’

Especially after hearing the last rumor, I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.

What the hell is a personal guard?

When I first heard it, I thought I’d misheard.

Are they crazy?

What the hell are they doing?

They must have absolutely nothing better to do.

“Did you see it too?”

“…Huh?”

“They’re saying it’s your personal guard.”

I asked Namgung Bi-ah, who was dozing off beside me, mid-meal.

Namgung Bi-ah just shook her head upon hearing me. She really looks clueless?

So, is it just a baseless rumor?

That was possible.

Rumors aren’t always entirely true, after all.

But.

“I saw it.”

As I was thinking that, Gu Jeolyub suddenly interjected.

“What?”

“The personal guard.”

“…It really exists?”

“Yes…”

Gu Jeolyub had a face thoroughly worn out by fatigue.

I heard his assigned instructor is obsessed with monster theory.

I heard the amount he has to memorize is no joke, but…

Is that why he looks so aged?

“What was it like?”

“…Well, for starters. It didn’t look like they were in their right mind.”

That makes sense; if they were sane, they wouldn’t have formed something like a personal guard.

“Actually, because of that, 위….”

“…No…”

Gu Jeolyub, who was about to bring something up,

Held back his words.

Why is he acting like that?

If Gu Jeolyub shut his mouth, it’s likely there’s a good reason,

So I decided to let it go for now.

Though I plan to grab him later and ask.

“So, is your rumor true too?”

The person I asked this time was Moyong Hi-ah.

Moyong Hi-ah, who was gracefully putting a bite of food into her mouth, responded to my question.

“No.”

It was a firm answer.

Well, it’s unlikely that the recruitment of people from the renowned and influential families was completed in such a short time…

“The rumors aren’t entirely accurate. There’s still a little left.”

“…Huh?”

“There were more people from the influential families than expected. Many were unnecessarily arrogant and clueless. It seems like it’ll take longer than anticipated.”

“…”

“Still, it probably won’t take that long. You don’t need to worry.”

I’m sorry, but…

At least from my perspective. Even if the world were to end,

I don’t think I’d worry about Moyong Hi-ah.

The way her eyes sparkled was quite terrifying.

Seriously, it’s only been a few days since we entered?

“Why go to such lengths? Just do it moderately.”

“Young Master, the world isn’t that forgiving.”

Moyong Hi-ah was right.

Right, I know better than anyone that the world is crap.

“If you prepare in advance like this now, it will help the path you take later, Young Master.”

“…What help will I get from you preparing?”

“…”

After I said that, Moyong Hi-ah’s gaze turned somewhat cold.

Did I say something wrong?

“Young Master, I haven’t had to give you harsh words yet, have I?”

“I suppose so?”

In my past life, I heard harsh words from Snow Phoenix as naturally as breathing.

But in this life, that hasn’t happened.

It means our relationship has changed significantly.

“I’d like it to stay that way, but… it’s not easy.”

“Why?”

“There’s just… this stubbornness.”

She suddenly blurted that out and turned her head away as if sulking.

What is it? Did I do something wrong?

I look towards Namgung Bi-ah or Tang Soyeol, seeking an answer,

but they both avoid my gaze.

Seeing that, it really seemed like it was my fault.

In times like this, it’s best to just shut my mouth and eat.

Meanwhile, my attention was drawn to…

Cheol Ji-seon, whose pupils seemed to have been shaking like an earthquake all day.

“Your eyes will fall out at this rate, friend.”

“…Huh? Uh-huh….”

“Why are you shaking so much? Did someone threaten to kill you?”

“No….”

I tried to lighten the mood with a joke,

but Cheol Ji-seon only shrank back further.

It was like the look of someone thinking, ‘Why am I even here?’

‘I understand why he’s like that, though.’

It’s probably related to why I’ve been thinking about factions since earlier.

The biggest rumor currently circulating in the Dragon God Hall is…

‘Jinryong intends to seize control of the Dragon God Hall.’

That’s what it was. I couldn’t believe how absurd it sounded the moment I heard it.

Seize control, my ass. Who would want to seize control…

Why would I bother doing something so troublesome?

This rumor seems to be…

Related to the argument I had with the instructor,

and the ruckus I caused in Jang Seon-yeon’s squad.

The names they called us were truly a sight to behold.

The fierce and wicked leader, Jinryong.

Jinryong’s right-hand man, Pae Woo-cheol.

The hidden rabid dog, Cheol Ji-seon.

And so on and so forth…

Just hearing them made my head spin.

Seriously, why are they acting like this?

‘Wicked? Wi-i-icked?’

Who are they calling wicked? I’m trying so hard to live a good life.

Putting that aside,

Cheol Ji-seon was the problem.

A hidden rabid dog, indeed.

Thanks to the one time I caused a scene,

no one in the squad bothered Cheol Ji-seon anymore,

but he became nearly isolated.

‘The man called Jinryong’s friend.’

‘Even if he looks weak, don’t let your guard down. He’s surely the same type!’

‘Wasn’t Jin Yi-seok actually lucky? Perhaps it’s fortunate he met Jinryong before being bitten by that rabid dog.’

Such rumors were rampant.

Three more days have passed since the incident occurred.

In that short time, the impression of Cheol Ji-seon had plummeted.

Cheol Ji-seon, with a face full of injustice, pleaded that he hadn’t done anything,

but it seemed impossible to undo the rumors that had already spread.

Among those ridiculous rumors, if there’s anything remotely true,

‘It’s true that I saved that guy named Jin Yi-seok.’

The scoundrel who used to bully Cheol Ji-seon.

In a way, it’s true that I saved him.

Because I destroyed him before Cheol Ji-seon could unleash his own power.

Cheol Ji-seon listlessly poked at his food with his chopsticks,

but he probably knows a little now.

That being by my side is the better option for now.

That’s why he’s sitting there with a pale face.

Cheol Ji-seon becoming isolated wasn’t part of my plan,

but it turned out rather well.

Because it’s become easier to keep him close.

‘So, what is it?’

There’s still much I haven’t figured out.

If Cheol Ji-seon is the Je gal Ji-hui I know,

whether he’s disguised as a man or a woman,

why he came to the Dragon God Hall using an alias and hiding his identity,

And.

how to make Cheol Ji-seon use the power he possesses in the direction I desire.

‘Where should I start?’

First, I should probably focus on making him reveal ‘that’ power before me.

To do that,

‘Either force him to unleash his power, or make him show it willingly.’

The former isn’t part of the plan.

If that were the case, I wouldn’t have bothered keeping him nearby.

Then I need to make him show it to me on his own.

To do that…

I ponder for a moment.

Various methods come to mind,

but there was only one I could choose right now.

“Friend.”

“Uh… yeah?”

“There’s something I need to ask of you…”

“Brother.”

As I was about to speak to Cheol Ji-seon,

Pae Woo-cheol suddenly appeared and cut in.

“…Gah!”

“Apologies for interrupting your meal. Ah, Brother Cheol and Sisters are here too.”

“Ah, ah. Yeah… Nice to see you.”

Hearing the word ‘Brother,’ Cheol Ji-seon became flustered.

Pae Woo-cheol started calling him ‘Brother’ the moment he heard Cheol Ji-seon was my friend.

Cheol Ji-seon told him not to,

but Pae Woo-cheol didn’t listen.

Not to mention calling my companions ‘Sisters’.

‘…I thought he was clueless.’

Pae Woo-cheol, despite his bulky muscles, was surprisingly quick-witted and sly.

Compared to his initial impression as a complete scoundrel,

It wasn’t a bad impression, really. Or perhaps, a good sense of social navigation.

The problem is, thanks to him, the rumors directed at me are getting more intense.

“What’s with the sudden appearance? You startled me.”

I said, frowning slightly,

and Pae Woo-cheol flinched slightly before speaking.

“I apologize. It’s just that…”

It seemed like he had something sensitive to say, as Pae Woo-cheol bowed his head.

“…Instructor Cheol Hwan-oh is looking for you, Brother.”

“…Why are you saying that so cautiously?”

You made me nervous for no reason.

I asked, bewildered, but Pae Woo-cheol just looked puzzled.

“Huh? Well, I naturally assumed it was a summons for a life-or-death match….”

“What kind of crazy talk is that?”

“If you intend to seize control of the Dragon God Hall, Brother, I thought maybe you planned to eliminate the instructors first.”

“…”

Scratch that thought about this guy being smarter than I thought.

Is he insane?

“Don’t worry, Brother. As your sworn brother, I’ll follow you wherever you go….”

Thwack.

“Gack!”

I kicked Pae Woo-cheol hard in the shin.

He let out a yell as his body bent over.

“In my opinion, you’re the cause of the rumors.”

“Wh-what are you talking about…”

“…Honestly, you’re not from an orthodox sect, are you?”

“Huh…?”

Ah, crap.

I got up, leaving Pae Woo-cheol clutching his calf and sputtering.

Even though I hadn’t finished my meal.

“I’m leaving first.”

“…Going?”

Namgung Bi-ah, who had been dozing even while eating, looked up and asked.

Since I haven’t seen you much lately.

It felt a bit regretful,

but I couldn’t just stay.

However, her gaze still bothered me, so I reached out and stroked Namgung Bi-ah’s hair.

“See you next time.”

“…Yeah.”

Just then.

“Hmm?”

I turned around.

I felt like someone was staring intensely?

The problem was, despite feeling the stare, there was nothing there when I looked.

Many people were quietly eating their meals.

I considered checking with my senses, but the gazes were coming from too many directions to pinpoint.

‘…Was it my imagination?’

My internal injuries are almost healed? Was it really just my imagination.

It was slightly bothersome, but Instructor Cheol Hwan-oh’s summons were urgent, so I decided to move.

“So, where is Instructor Cheol…? What are you doing?”

I was about to ask for his location,

but Pae Woo-cheol was glaring at someone.

The target was Gu Jeolyub.

What is he doing? Are they having a staring contest?

He’s not a kid, so surely not,

then what is he doing?

Gu Jeolyub himself seemed clueless as to why Pae Woo-cheol was glaring at him.

Because his eyes were asking me,

What’s this guy’s deal now?

‘It’s no use asking me.’

Because I don’t understand that weird guy either.

Just then, Pae Woo-cheol spoke to Gu Jeolyub.

“I’ve heard a lot.”

“…?”

Gu Jeolyub’s expression turned strange at Pae Woo-cheol’s words.

And I was no different.

What did I even say about Gu Jeolyub?

I don’t think I said anything.

“You might dislike the unexpected obstacle, but what can you do? That’s just how things are.”

What is he talking about all of a sudden?

He spoke with such gravitas, yet his words were vague.

“…Are you talking to me?”

“Regrettably, from now on, I will be Brother’s right-hand man…!”

“Get lost, you crazy bastard.”

“Oof!”

I grabbed Pae Woo-cheol, who was spouting nonsense, and dragged him away.

“Stop talking nonsense and just tell me where the instructor is.”

“Ah, yes, sir.”

I forcibly pulled Pae Woo-cheol away.

Leaving him here any longer might lead to unpredictable actions, so I quickly walked away, dragging Pae Woo-cheol.

Meanwhile, Gu Jeolyub watched Pae Woo-cheol’s retreating back with a subtle expression.

Now that Gu Yangcheon had left,

“Then… I should get going too…”

Cheol Ji-seon, left awkwardly behind, also quickly tried to get up.

Cheol Ji-seon didn’t want to remain in this space.

He knew all too well the atmosphere that filled the room right after Gu Yangcheon disappeared.

He had experienced it vividly over the past few days.

Each of them was a late-blooming disciple of great standing,

and figures Cheol Ji-seon wished he could approach,

but meeting them individually was one thing.

He didn’t want to be stuck with them all together.

Just as Cheol Ji-seon was about to get up, leaving his unfinished meal,

“Wait…”

Jerk.

Someone called out to Cheol Ji-seon, stopping him.

The culprit was the woman known as Sword Dancer,

Namgung Bi-ah of the Namgung Clan.

“Yes…?”

“…Finish… your meal before you go…”

Her shining blue eyes.

Those eyes and her unbelievable looks were intimidating.

Perhaps because of that, I couldn’t look at her for long and naturally averted my gaze, but…

“…Eat before you go.”

“Yes…”

At Namgung Bi-ah’s words, which somehow carried an unusual weight, Cheol Ji-seon slowly sat back down.

‘…What is it?’

Why did she tell me to sit?

Telling me to eat in this situation is practically the same as telling me to get indigestion, isn’t it?

‘Could it be…’

Cheol Ji-seon recalled.

That the beautiful woman was none other than the wicked Jinryong’s fiancée.

That alone was reason enough.

‘…Is this a new form of torture by food?’

It was sufficient reason for her to torment him.

Namgung Bi-ah continued to watch Cheol Ji-seon with that strange look,

and Cheol Ji-seon, unsure of what to do,

eventually picked up his chopsticks again and started eating.

Snow Phoenix, who had become even quieter,

and Tang Soyeol, who was merely sipping tea,

made it impossible to tell if the food was going into his nose or somewhere else.

‘…Sis. I’m having such a hard time.’

Cheol Ji-seon tried hard to think of his sister far away,

but it didn’t help at all.

---

Following Pae Woo-cheol’s guidance, I went to find the instructor.

Instructor Cheol Hwan-oh’s gaze wasn’t exactly friendly towards me after that bet,

but given his personality, he seemed to keep it separate from official matters.

“I heard you summoned me.”

When I asked Cheol Hwan-oh, he sighed softly and spoke to me.

“I heard you caused a major incident.”

As expected, it’s about that incident.

As I walked over, I had a rough idea why Cheol Hwan-oh had summoned me.

There was only one reason he might call me lately.

His words referred to the ruckus I caused in Jang Seon-yeon’s squad. That must be it.

Of course, having caused such a scene, I didn’t expect it to go unnoticed.

Sure enough, Cheol Hwan-oh brought up the matter with me.

“Sparring between disciples is permitted, but I heard this incident was different. Is that correct?”

“Yes.”

Right. It couldn’t exactly be called sparring.

Because I beat him one-sidedly.

Cheol Hwan-oh asked me,

“Why did you do it?”

I answered without hesitation.

“I got pissed off seeing how that guy acted, so I beat him.”

“…What did you say?”

Cheol Hwan-oh’s eyes widened in surprise at my words.

Did he expect some proper excuse?

Not a chance.

“He was verbally insulting a disciple weaker than him, and no one intervened? So I just stepped in.”

“That’s something the parties involved should resolve themselves. Moreover, you don’t even belong to that squad. If something happens, they should be allowed to handle it. All disciples here are martial artists.”

“As martial artists, they must overcome even that,” said Cheol Hwan-oh.

Right, I agree with that.

But Cheol Hwan-oh doesn’t seem to grasp the core of my point.

Even though I stated it clearly from the beginning.

“Yes. So I just got angry and beat him.”

I know I shouldn’t have done that,

but I got pissed and just did it.

“Haa….”

Cheol Hwan-oh let out a deep sigh this time.

“It seems you have no excuses. This incident isn’t something that can be overlooked. You know that, right?”

Still, it’s not enough to get expelled.

Worst case, my skipped morning training might be canceled,

but I had anticipated that much when I did it, so it was fine.

“So, what must I do?”

I wondered what punishment I’d receive.

Cheol Hwan-oh said something unexpected.

“The Hall Master is looking for you.”

“What?”

“The punishment you receive will be decided by the Hall Master.”

At Cheol Hwan-oh’s words, my eyes widened this time.

The sect leader of the Kunlun Sect. The ‘Azure Wave Sword,’ currently presiding over the Dragon God Hall this generation.

That such a person was looking for me.

Seeing my expression, Cheol Hwan-oh looked as if I finally understood the gravity of the situation,

but that wasn’t why I was surprised.

Azure Wave Sword or whatever.

“No, if that’s the case, you should have just told me to go straight to the Hall Master’s office. Why did you call me here? What a hassle.”

“…”

“Ah, the Hall Master’s office is on the opposite side… Haa.”

At my words, Cheol Hwan-oh’s expression crumpled.