Chapter 138: Star. (1)

I recalled the time, several months ago, when Peng Woojin appeared at Gu Family’s Nine Dragons Society.

A young man who, by all appearances, was clearly a blood relative of the Peng family, participating in the Nine Dragons Society claiming he would become a Sword Detachment member.

Moreover, Peng Woojin was already seated as the Young Master at the time.

What reason could he possibly have had to go out of his way to become a Gu Family Sword Detachment member?

‘Because it was boring. Was that it?’

That was probably the absurd reason.

Peng Woojin had said it.

He’d run away from home because the Peng family was boring, and that was the nonsensical reason he gave for wanting to join the Gu Family’s Sword Detachment.

He had even thrown a tantrum and been knocked unconscious by the First Elder’s strike.

Every memory was just utterly mind-boggling.

I asked Peng Woojin, who was like that.

“…Why are you here? Young Master Peng.”

“Hmm? Is this a place I shouldn’t be?”

Peng Woojin said, dusting himself off.

His carefree tone, as if it were no big deal, remained unchanged.

“It’s not that you can’t be here, but…”

“Then it’s fine then!”

“…”

We barely exchanged a few words, and my head already hurt.

It was especially like this when conversing with people of his type.

There was someone I was stuck with constantly in my past life who was also of that sort.

I looked at Peng Woojin, who was smiling brightly, and thought.

The Former Divine Dragon.

That was the title Peng Woojin held before the name Young Master of the Peng family.

It was a title he had relinquished the moment he ascended to the position of Young Master.

It was a title bestowed upon the most outstanding young martial artist of the generation.

A mark of the brightest star.

‘In that sense, isn’t it a bit too early to have relinquished it?’

Peng Woojin, technically speaking, was still a young martial artist, and moreover, in the prime age for activity.

If it were me, I might have felt it was a bit of a waste.

“Young Master Peng.”

“Oh! What is it?”

“Did you run away from home again?”

I asked just in case. His track record was just too colorful.

At my question, Peng Woojin wore a momentarily dumbfounded expression before bursting into hearty laughter.

“Does Young Master Gu think I’m some kind of problem child?”

Weren’t you…?

“Someone who runs away from home wouldn’t possibly come to the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.”

“Couldn’t someone run away because they were bored and come here?”

“What kind of crazy bastard in the world would do that….”

“…What?”

What the hell is this crazy bastard saying right now?

He had the audacity to act as if he’d forgotten all about his past.

Peng Woojin grinned at my dumbfounded expression.

“It’s a joke!”

What should I do? Talking to him already made me want to go home.

“This time, I came for business with the Murim Alliance, so don’t worry.”

At Peng Woojin’s words, I fell into thought for a moment.

Business.

Did the Murim Alliance have any business to entrust to Peng Woojin?

Even if they did, was it significant enough to warrant coming all the way to Henan?

As I quietly observed Peng Woojin, he averted his gaze slightly and said.

“…With such a good excuse, why wouldn’t I come out?”

No, he confessed.

“…It’s not illegal.”

“No one said anything, Young Master Peng.”

He really seemed eager to roam outside.

If that’s the case, why did he even become the Young Master?

‘Though, I’m hardly in a position to think about that….’

Every family must have its circumstances.

Though perhaps not like mine.

“By the way, did you come alone?”

“Hmm? No.”

Saying that, he pointed behind him.

Behind him stood Namgung Cheonjun, who seemed to be glaring at us subtly.

“Nam… You came with the Thunder Dragon?”

I almost called him Namgung bastard just now. Why is he standing over there like that?

“A coincidence, you could say? It turned out that way.”

The Young Master of one of the Four Great Families accompanying the Young Master (Gu Yangcheon). A coincidence.

I had a feeling, somehow, that it wasn’t.

Was Namgung Cheonjun’s arrival at the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering much earlier than scheduled because of Peng Woojin?

“Ah, if you’re asking about your sibling, it will take a few more days.”

I hadn’t specifically asked about Peng Ahui…

And Peng Ahui is arriving separately?

As if sensing my confusion, Peng Woojin continued with a slightly trembling voice.

“…We were supposed to leave a bit later together, but perhaps because he wanted to leave early and bolted ahead, he might be quite angry. But it should be fine.”

At this point, I suspected that making Peng Ahui angry might be Peng Woojin’s biggest hobby.

The last time I saw him, he was getting beaten within an inch of his life.

Is he really okay? I don’t think so.

“That’s that, but…”

“That doesn’t sound like something we can just brush over…?”

“Do you still have the token I gave you last time?”

This guy completely ignored what I said.

‘The token…’

He must be referring to the black wooden token Peng Woojin had given me.

He said that if I went to the Peng family with it, I would receive the same treatment as Peng Woojin.

A truly burdensome item.

Recalling it, Peng Woojin spoke with a hint of disappointment.

“I told you to visit just once, come on.”

“It hasn’t even been a year…”

It had been almost a year.

My schedule had been non-stop, so I had no time to stop by the Peng family.

Besides, even if I had the time, it was questionable whether I would have gone.

“Um, excuse me.”

Amidst our conversation, Goo Geolyeop tentatively interjected.

“Are you, perhaps, the Divine Dragon Peng Woojin?”

What is with that cautious voice? This was the first time I’d ever heard such caution from Goo Geolyeop.

Peng Woojin tilted his head slightly as he looked at Goo Geolyeop.

“That’s right. Though I’m not the Divine Dragon anymore…”

“I, I am Goo Geolyeop… Could I perhaps shake your hand once?”

“Hmm…?”

After hearing Goo Geolyeop’s introduction, Peng Woojin’s gaze naturally shifted to me.

“Are you, perhaps, the Young Master’s older brother?”

“No. I’m my parents’ only son.”

“Well, you don’t look alike at all! This Young Hero is handsome…”

“I don’t know what you were going to say after that, but please stop.”

“It was a joke again.”

Laughing heartily, Peng Woojin took Goo Geolyeop’s hand.

Goo Geolyeop then wore a blissful expression, as if he had received a great gift.

‘Why is he acting like that?’

It was slightly embarrassing from my perspective.

Muyeon, who was with me, probably felt the same… oh wait, no. He looks envious too. Is he out of his mind?

Or perhaps, is the prestige of the Divine Dragon worth this much?

I had seen it in my past life too, but it was certainly a unique experience.

[Kid, aren’t you being too indifferent to this side?]

‘That might be the case.’

I was riddled with an inferiority complex, and I shuddered at the mere mention of Dragons and Phoenixes.

I hadn’t really tried to see the potential they possessed.

Though now, it was incredibly clear.

‘He’s strong.’

Peng Woojin’s physique didn’t exhibit the sheer size or destructive power characteristic of the Peng family.

Rather, his body looked lean and flexible.

However, I could feel the magnitude of the storm contained within it.

He’s surpassed the peak.

A gut feeling that ran down my spine told me so.

As if I wasn’t the only one observing, Peng Woojin suddenly looked at me and spoke.

“I thought you would become strong.”

His shining black eyes were filled with interest.

Hearing that, I let out a hollow laugh.

“No one else thought so, so you’re unusual.”

“That’s what I’m saying, why didn’t anyone else think so? That’s what’s more curious to me.”

“And I find it even more curious that you, Young Master Peng, are so convinced.”

“Everyone calls me strange, but my intuition hasn’t been wrong. Look, the proof is right before my eyes.”

Just as I had assessed his level, he seemed to be sensing something from me as well.

And this was despite me hiding it quite well.

Recognizing this requires either honed senses from extensive real combat experience or innate intuition possessed from the very beginning.

Mine is obviously the former, while Peng Woojin’s is likely the latter.

Simply put, it’s a difference in talent.

Something that those who are born with it possess, achieving in a lifetime what takes others so long to refine.

There was a past where I felt like I was dying in the shadows, but…

I had to shake off all of that to reach this point.

‘It’s the same now.’

The jealousy simmering within me was burned away by the flames contained in my body.

Just look forward.

If I’m lacking, I just need to live harder.

That’s the only way to twist and endure everything that lies ahead.

[Your mindset is good.]

‘What a surprise, you’re praising me.’

[I must do what needs to be done. What incompetent senior is worse than one who criticizes a martial artist striving to advance?]

‘Why are you suddenly acting cool? It’s giving me goosebumps.’

[Hoho, you damn brat… Do I need to perform Plum Blossom Swordplay with my tongue for you to come to your senses…?]

I spoke clumsily out of embarrassment, but inwardly, I was a little touched.

Elder Shin probably felt it too.

“Ah, I heard you got engaged. You’re family with our Young Master Namgung now, right?”

At Peng Woojin’s words, spoken with a smile, Namgung Cheonjun behind me flinched slightly.

I glanced at him and refuted his statement.

“Not yet.”

“If you’re engaged, you’re family, aren’t you?”

“If we’re going by that logic, then the Peng family and…”

“Ah, meeting early is also fate, so how about a sparring match?”

If you’re not going to listen to me, why are you even talking to me, you bastard….

With his excessively aggressive manner, I sighed deeply and refused Peng Woojin’s suggestion.

“It seems difficult right now.”

A sparring match out of the blue? Does he think he’s Namgung Bi-ah?

Seeing my refusal, Peng Woojin pursed his lips regretfully.

Why does everyone who looks at me want to spar?

Even reaching the position of Young Master should have calmed them down a bit, but…

‘…’

Suddenly, I recalled the things I had done when I was the Young Master, and cleared my throat.

It was because it wasn’t something I could criticize.

“Let’s do it next time. It feels a bit too early for now.”

For now.

Peng Woojin, understanding the meaning contained in those three words, simply smiled.

“This is why I like you, Young Master Gu.”

At Peng Woojin’s creepy words, I scowled deeply.

It’s only our second meeting, why is he acting so awkwardly?

“Young Master Peng… Let me say it again. I like women.”

“Don’t worry… I like women too?”

“No, why is that a question?!”

Aren’t you going to remove the question mark? I’ll kill you.

As I sputtered indignantly, Peng Woojin burst into hearty laughter.

Watching him, Namgung Cheonjun approached and said to Peng Woojin.

“Hyung Peng, it’s almost time to go.”

“Ah, already?”

At Namgung Cheonjun’s words, Peng Woojin scratched the back of his head. He seemed reluctant to leave.

“…It can’t be helped. Young Master Gu, let’s definitely meet again next time! We’ll see each other soon.”

“No, you don’t have to, really.”

“Next time, I’ll bring my sibling too!”

“…Why?”

Our relationship is so awkward, why would you do that?

Did this guy forget that I broke off my engagement with the Peng family?

Peng Woojin, oblivious to my sour expression, spoke regretfully, offered me a greeting, and moved away.

As we passed each other, I felt Namgung Cheonjun’s gaze on me.

Jealousy.

A familiar gaze filled with kinship, carrying various meanings, met mine.

Most people with that look tend to cause trouble.

I did, and many others did too.

“This isn’t good.”

“What isn’t, Young Master?”

Goo Geolyeop asked at my words.

His eyes were filled with far more curiosity than when he was first dragged to the training grounds.

“There are things, you know. Speaking of which, you seemed really thrilled earlier?”

“Pardon?”

“Did you like Young Master Peng’s hand that much?”

“He… is the Divine Dragon, isn’t he?”

Technically, the former Divine Dragon.

At Goo Geolyeop’s words, even Muyeon nodded slightly in agreement.

That reputation, I have to earn it, even if it disgusts me.

“Let’s train.”

My original purpose was training anyway, so regardless of Peng or Namgung, I needed to warm up my body.

Bringing Goo Geolyeop along was a stroke of genius.

Using training as an excuse to watch Goo Geolyeop tumble around seemed to relieve some of my pent-up frustration.

---

A carriage heading towards the Murim Alliance, leaving Bacheon Maru.

In the silent carriage, Namgung Cheonjun called out to Peng Woojin, who was gazing out the window.

“Hyung Peng.”

At Namgung Cheonjun’s voice, Peng Woojin’s eyes moved.

His head didn’t turn, only his gaze.

“How did you get acquainted with Young Master Gu?”

Peng Woojin’s expression had changed immediately after parting ways with Gu Yangcheon.

Just like when they traveled together to Henan, Namgung Cheonjun couldn’t shake off the blank expression devoid of any emotion, and the lethargy and chilling feeling contained within it.

“Why are you curious about that?”

Where had the bright young man who faced Gu Yangcheon earlier gone? Only an icy voice greeted Namgung Cheonjun.

“Because you showed a somewhat different side.”

“Young Master Namgung.”

“Yes, Hyung Peng.”

“Do you want to become a star?”

Namgung Cheonjun’s expression stiffened at the sudden question.

It was a statement whose intent was unclear.

“What do you mean by that…?”

“Young Master Gu, do you think you can shine on your own?”

At Peng Woojin’s words, Namgung Cheonjun replied inwardly.

He believed he was already shining.

That’s why he was called the Thunder Dragon and praised by many young martial artists.

However, he couldn’t voice it.

Peng Woojin’s expression was as sharp as a blade.

In the meantime, Peng Woojin, as if he had no intention of hearing Namgung Cheonjun’s answer, continued speaking.

“I like those who shine on their own. When I see a sparkling light, even dormant interest arises, so how could I not welcome it?”

“…”

“Young Master Gu, that young man is like that. Like a brightly burning flame. How could one dislike such a person?”

These words were incomprehensible to Namgung Cheonjun.

Gu Yangcheon shines?

That damn rascal with the terrible personality.

‘He might have skill, but…’

It amounts to nothing.

Although he received the punishment of ‘seclusion’ from the family due to that day’s coincidence,

Namgung Cheonjun was able to grow significantly because of it.

If he used his skills, he could cut down someone like Gu Yangcheon and still have plenty left over.

That’s precisely why he welcomed this Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.

To see the crushingly defeated Gu Yangcheon, and if that happens, his sister too….

“Cheonjun…”

Just as his desire surged, Peng Woojin’s words brought Namgung Cheonjun back to his senses.

Peng Woojin’s obsidian-like eyes, watching him, held an eerie quality.

“I don’t know what you expect from me by acting like this, but don’t get your hopes too high. I don’t have high expectations for you either.”

Squeeze.

At Peng Woojin’s resolute words, Namgung Cheonjun clenched his fist.

As his hand moved, the blue bracelet on his wrist jingled along.

This bracelet was an item personally given by Cheonjun when Namgung Cheonjun departed for Henan.

“…I understand.”

“And.”

Peng Woojin’s head, which had been facing the window, turned towards Namgung Cheonjun.

Meeting Namgung Cheonjun’s gaze, Peng Woojin spoke in a cold voice.

“Use the correct title. I am not your Hyung.”

The tone and expression were completely different from when Peng Woojin had previously told Gu Yangcheon to call him Hyung.

At Peng Woojin’s firm words, Namgung Cheonjun bit his lip and barely managed to nod.

Silence fell once more within the carriage heading towards the Murim Alliance.