Chapter 131: What Are You Now? (2)

Who are you now?

Why is this guy here?

If I think back to the cause of that incident, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

The day before leaving for the Dragon Phoenix Gathering.

It was the point after I gave Namgung Jin one last look at his movements. Namgung Jin was at a level where he could no longer stay in Gu Family, and I had a schedule set, so there was no other choice.

Meanwhile, he pretended to be nonchalant and said it was okay, but the regret visible on Namgung Jin’s face was too obvious.

I understood his feelings, but from my perspective, even if I looked at his sword… it was just saying things according to the old man’s words, so one burdensome task disappeared, and my mind felt at ease.

The problem was right after that.

“It’s been a while, Yangcheon-ah.”

“Have you been well?”

Right after meeting Namgung Jin, I went to find Iljangro.

The day before, Ijangro had heard my words and said he should go with me, but.

I strongly opposed and said I would go meet him alone.

Ijangro wore an expression of incomprehension, but going together wasn’t particularly helpful.

Rather, just being with Ijangro, who was from the opposing faction, would have created a wall.

I looked at the thin, sharp-looking old man sitting before me.

Though his body was small and thin, I could feel the well-honed blade contained within.

Even with age, he still felt like a famous sword.

However, conversely, it also meant that I had risen enough to feel Iljangro’s level.

Iljangro asked me with a smile.

“So, why have you come to find this old man?”

“I just wanted to see if you were healthy, I thought I should visit at least once.”

“Ho… I’m grateful just hearing that.”

I smiled along with Iljangro.

Gu Seonmun.

It is a sect belonging to the Gu Family, called the sword of the Gu Family.

Positionally, it’s not far from the Gu Family, but it’s strictly a collateral branch, and rather than feeling like it belongs to the Gu Family.

The feeling of being separate is strong.

Whether this is a part that emerged from thought, or a part passed down from ancestors, is unclear, but.

“Yes, I heard you’ve been doing well lately.”

“Of course, I always do well.”

The start of the conversation is simple.

Because I can’t just start biting and tearing into him.

“I heard you even had an engagement with a pretty young lady. That’s good.”

“Fortunately, it seems they looked upon me favorably.”

“Of course, of course.”

Iljangro grinned at my words. In comparison, the air in the room felt stuffy.

I could feel subtle manipulations stirring things up around me.

‘Look at this old geezer.’

Without making it obvious, he was subtly emitting his internal energy.

It was such a pathetic ploy already, that without a word, I also moved my internal energy to disrupt the air.

Hooosh-!

I didn’t emit heat.

Because there was no need to.

Perhaps it was an unexpected situation, but Iljangro’s expression changed significantly then.

I looked at him and said.

“I dislike stuffy atmospheres.”

“My, my…”

Iljangro quickly wiped the smile off his face.

Yes, this is more comfortable.

“You seem to have changed a lot.”

“I’m at the age where I’m growing.”

“Tsk tsk… The kid who couldn’t even meet my eyes properly, now…”

Was that so?

Certainly, I couldn’t have comfortably endured this subtle atmosphere back then.

Normally, I wouldn’t have come to meet Iljangro on my own accord.

I took a sip of tea, half-listening to Iljangro’s words.

I hope he didn’t mix anything like poison in it.

‘…Maybe because I’ve been through so much, I worry about things like this now.’

Iljangro wouldn’t do such a thing in this situation, but in my past life, I lived always keeping poison and assassination in mind.

Even now, it was a habit to move my internal energy and broaden my senses.

“You truly seem much different than before, it’s good to see.”

“Do you really think I look good?”

“Of course, it’s only natural to be pleased when the main figure of our family has changed so much.”

“Those are pleasant words to hear.”

The main figure of the family.

He speaks insincere words so casually.

There was a time when I thought his words might be sincere, but.

The time I’ve lived has taught me that those words are all futile.

“The reason I came to see you today is none other than.”

Whooosh-

Red energy undulates like heat haze along my shoulders.

Perhaps because it clearly contained peak energy, Iljangro’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“I came here because I have something to tell you.”

“…What is it you wish to speak of?”

The fact that Iljangro wasn’t particularly surprised even after I showed him reaching the peak likely means he already knew.

The reason I deliberately revealed my advancement to the peak is none other than.

It’s too weak to be used as a meaning of ‘If you keep provoking me, I’ll flip things over.’

Although I’m outstanding for my age, it was still just the peak.

Compared to other martial artists, it might be infinitely high, but it wasn’t a level where I could brag anywhere.

Not only the Heavenly Demon, but if Sword Venerable or Sword Empress nearby were to draw their swords right now, I would die instantly.

It means that if I were to live according to my temper when I don’t like something, it would be impossible at my current level.

[Then why don’t you kill a few and live.]

‘…It’s quite difficult, you know.’

I’ve killed a lot even with this much.

The world truly doesn’t understand these things.

I acknowledge you.

You know it’s late now that you’ve reached this level, so stop provoking me.

And so on, I was giving it various meanings.

Would Iljangro really not understand that?

I didn’t think so.

At my nonchalant gaze, Iljangro finally took off his last mask.

Though it seemed he didn’t intend to hide it in the first place.

“You’ve changed so much I don’t recognize you. It’s like you’ve become a different person.”

“I often hear that. Isn’t it said that growing up happens in an instant?”

“Indeed. I wish you had never grown up.”

“I don’t care what you are doing, Iljangro, or what you are dreaming of.”

An old man’s wish is a futile yet deep matter.

I wasn’t interested in whatever he dreamed of.

“But it feels like I keep getting entangled in it.”

The problem is that I’m tied to the old man’s wish in a bad way.

“How could you not be entangled?”

“Exactly, it’s bothersome and annoying.”

“What was the problem?”

Iljangro asked.

“What made you, who lived with your head bowed, change like that? Was it meager hope, or pathetic faith?”

“Hope burned out long ago, and this household isn’t clean enough to live by believing in anything.”

The reason my father leaves Iljangro alone like this is probably part of that.

This damn dog-like household.

There’s nothing I like about it.

“Your father is arrogant.”

At the sudden remark, I made a strange expression.

Suddenly insulting my parents.

“Isn’t that so?”

“Are you asking me to agree with the insult to my father?”

No matter how difficult I find it to understand my father.

What kind of dog-shit talk is this?

“You seem unaware of how arrogant it is to think that only you and your father can bear the karma of this land.”

I put down the tea I was about to drink.

It was because I hadn’t expected Iljangro to bring up karma.

“How do you know?”

“Is it surprising? That I know?”

“Yes.”

Those who know this can be counted on one hand throughout the family.

I don’t know about outside the family, but at least within, that’s how it is.

It had to be.

‘But Iljangro knows.’

Since when did he know? Is he sure he knows?

I don’t know much about Iljangro.

The reason was that my existence was in such a dire state that I wasn’t very noticeable at the time.

Iljangro also started becoming prominent only after I was appointed as the young master.

“If you know, then why try to climb where you cannot?”

“Cannot climb? Me, or rather, my children.”

“Whatever it may be.”

“Not only your father, but you too are arrogant.”

If he were pitying us who have to carry the karma of the underground, it might have been a different story, but.

Iljangro had some other thought in mind.

“You wouldn’t know. How immense a power it is to hold them in your hands.”

The rising heat felt like it suddenly cooled down.

“I don’t want to know. Whatever meaning it holds.”

Iljangro cannot set foot there.

If he had seen it and come back.

There’s no way he could be standing and walking around now.

I don’t know what kind of illusory dreams he might be having, but.

“If you wish to dream, please continue to only dream.”

Dreaming is freedom.

The reason my father leaves Iljangro alone must also be for this reason.

Iljangro speaks as if mocking my words.

“What if I don’t just dream?”

“Well…”

Even if Iljangro is blinded by ambition, would he easily give me a reason?

Although Gu Seonmun’s value is high and its role is clear.

It’s impossible to know how far my father will tolerate it.

Iljangro must know that too.

That’s why he shows troublesome behavior but doesn’t openly do anything.

“Do you know something?”

I said, looking into Iljangro’s eyes.

“A dog that guarded the house, perhaps due to age and a problem in its head, kept showing its teeth to its owner.”

I mixed in a bit of my past life’s story.

Because it’s not fun if I only pull out stories that never happened.

“A dog…”

“Yes, a dog.”

At the same time, I slightly lifted the corners of my mouth.

“Still, because it had guarded the house, I endured it, but one day the old dog bit its owner.”

“And so?”

“Do you know what happened?”

“I don’t know.”

Iljangro’s end was a few years later, in the same season as now.

How I remember it is that day was unusually hot for autumn.

The master of the Gu Family was furious.

The flames he emitted filled the sky.

“After all its teeth were pulled out, it burned to death alive.”

If it had stopped at just biting, I would have let it bite once, but.

It had crossed the line too much.

Isn’t that right?

Because it touched the bloodline.

Back then, my father stepped in, but.

This time, it’s possible I might step in a bit earlier.

Coincidentally, that day in my past life was also a way I could do very well.

If only I were given the justification.

And it seemed not much time was left until the justification would be given.

So, for now, I could answer with a smile.

“Just saying.”

“…That’s an interesting story. Very much so.”

“Isn’t it? I hope it remains just a story.”

Iljangro showed his ambition without hiding it, but skillfully hid his current emotions.

Perhaps he was furious inside.

Because this impudent brat was spewing disrespectful words at him.

“It was an interesting story. Thank you.”

As if that weren’t the case, Iljangro smiled.

Seeing that smile, I felt I understood a little more.

That my relationship with Iljangro wouldn’t change.

---

Arriving at the present like this, seeing Gu Jeolyeop brings various thoughts.

“…Hoo.”

Was it a problem that I went to my father right after the uncomfortable conversation with Iljangro?

I recall my father saying, ‘I understand.’

I had gone simply to ask what he would do.

“Why are you here?”

“…It’s a message to serve the Great Young Master.”

“You? Me?”

“Yes…”

Did Iljangro insert this? But it’s something that requires my father’s permission, so.

My father’s influence must have been involved too.

“A hostage, huh.”

“…”

At my words, Gu Jeolyeop averted his gaze.

He seems to know what his role is too.

“It’s been a while?”

“…Yes.”

As I stared intently, Gu Jeolyeop didn’t meet my eyes.

Is it because of what happened last time?

‘I didn’t beat him that badly.’

I sent him away peacefully without breaking anything.

Compared to what I said, I treated him very kindly, but it seems that wasn’t the case for Gu Jeolyeop.

“Young Master…”

Tang Soyeol cautiously approached.

She was sending a wary gaze towards Gu Jeolyeop.

‘Thinking about it, the two must have already met.’

It seems they met because of something I caused in a fit of anger.

Because of that, Tang Soyeol even argued with me.

Gu Jeolyeop looked at Tang Soyeol, bowed his head slightly, and greeted her.

“We meet again. Miss Dang.”

“…Hello.”

Even though Gu Jeolyeop, who had a handsome face, offered a greeting, Tang Soyeol merely frowned slightly.

“Young Master!”

In that situation, Wi Seol-ah came running.

Since we went out together last time, she’s maintained a lively appearance, which was nice to see.

“Oh? Hello.”

Wi Seol-ah noticed Gu Jeolyeop and greeted him.

Seeing that, Gu Jeolyeop flinched.

Perhaps he recalled the memory of being beaten up for coveting Wi Seol-ah before.

I asked, watching that.

“What are you going with?”

“Huh?”

“Your role, what is it?”

Putting aside that I was told to serve me, there needed to be an explanation for why he was following.

Perhaps understanding my words, Gu Jeolyeop showed me a letter.

It was a letter of recommendation for the Dragon Phoenix Gathering.

The recommender was none other than Gu Cheol-un, my father’s name.

Seeing that, I was momentarily dumbfounded.

“…Hmm?”

Not Iljangro, but my father? Looking at it with disbelief, Gu Jeolyeop seemed to feel the same.

He had an expression that showed he didn’t know why he had to be here.

“…This is interesting.”

“What is?”

At the suddenly intruding voice, I turned my head, and Gu Ryeonghwa was looking this way with wide eyes.

“When did you arrive?”

“Just now…”

“Did you come to see me off?”

“I just stopped by while passing.”

For reference, there was a considerable distance between the entrance and Gu Ryeonghwa’s residence.

“Are you leaving now?”

“Looks like it.”

“Then when will you be back…?”

At her rather dejected voice, I looked at Gu Ryeonghwa with a strange expression.

Gu Ryeonghwa, perhaps realizing her words were strange, looked down at the ground with a flushed face.

I suppressed a laugh and said.

“Well, I don’t think it will take too long.”

It will be faster than when I went to Mount Hua Sect, at least.

Will Gu Ryeonghwa be in the family during that time?

‘I think she’ll likely still be here after I return.’

Because she said she’d be here for half a year.

While I was thinking, Gu Ryeonghwa added.

“…Hyuk will miss you a lot, oppa.”

“What?”

What did she just say?

“What do you mean, Hyuk?”

“Huh? Why?”

“No, what’s with that familiar nickname?”

“Why are you suddenly like this?”

Hyuk… Surely it’s not the Hyuk I know, right?

“You… are you close with him?”

“Not close, but I saw him yesterday too.”

“What?”

“My master and the Divine Doctor had a meal together.”

“And so?”

“What do you mean ‘and so’? We just ate together…”

We’re not close, but we ate together? I glared at Gu Ryeonghwa, but she only sent back a look asking why.

“I should see Hyuk later.”

“Why?”

“To become closer from now on.”

“Hyuk said he was close with oppa.”

“That’s right, I need to get even closer from now on.”

My Hyuk.

It’s a shame I couldn’t see his face today.

Just as something was about to happen in my chest, Mu Yeon approached.

“Young Master, I will finish loading the luggage now.”

“Is there much left?”

“Once we load the groceries, it’s finished.”

It seems only the heavy items are left.

I said to Gu Jeolyeop, who was still staring blankly.

“Hey.”

“Yes…?”

“What are you doing?”

“Huh? What are you talking about all of a sudden…”

“Stop fooling around and go help.”

Whether it was Iljangro’s intention or my father’s thought, I didn’t care.

If they gave it to me to use, I should use it.

Now that it’s like this, I planned to make Gu Jeolyeop work quite a lot on the upcoming journey.

I thought while stroking the hair of Wi Seol-ah, who stood beside me like a puppy.

Does Gu Jeolyeop know?

That I hold grudges longer than you might think.