Chapter 145: Dragon Phoenix Gathering. (4)

Dragon Phoenix Gathering. (4)

Gu Yeop was born at the Gu Seon Gate.

His parents had died in the Demon Realm when he was five, so he had no memories of them.

In Gu Yeop’s earliest memories, his parents and teacher were only his grandfather, Gu Changjun.

Gu Changjun, coveting the position of Gu family head while observing Gu Yeop’s talent and handsome appearance.

And for Gu Yeop, who, though burdened, tried to carry on the will amidst that situation.

There was one small dream that others didn’t know, a dream even his grandfather, Gu Changjun, didn’t know.

A chivalrous hero (俠客).

Gu Yeop wanted to become a chivalrous hero.

A true chivalrous hero who roamed the Central Plains, saving those weary of malice and crisis.

The reason he started dreaming wasn’t anything grand.

The martial artist Gu Yeop respected the most was the Sword Master.

Gu Yeop couldn’t help but respect a martial artist who achieved everything solely through his talent as a swordsman.

Around the time he wandered the Central Plains and made a name for himself, the reputation of a chivalrous hero followed the name ‘Swift Wind Sword’.

Even the finger-pointing he received as a ronin couldn’t block his chivalrous spirit.

Based on that, the countless achievements he piled up became a tower, greatly contributing to the Sword Master later being called Sword Master (劍尊).

What is chivalry?

What on earth is it that could make his heart burn so passionately?

It was a story too difficult for a young boy to ponder, yet conversely, it was simple.

-A martial artist’s conviction must not be broken.

-A swordsman’s chivalry is not blocking the flow of the heart.

If I go the way I intend to go, that shall be chivalry.

Long ago, during the time the Sword Master was called the Swift Wind Sword.

These were the words he uttered after single-handedly blocking the Great Demon Gate that opened in the slums.

This spread throughout the Central Plains and was a famous quote that was more than enough to ignite the hearts of countless swordsmen.

And it was also the entirety of what made the current Gu Yeop dream.

Let’s become a chivalrous hero.

No, I must become one.

The words that one can achieve chivalry by letting the heart flow freely.

Were based on the premise that he must be that kind of person.

Therefore, Gu Yeop had to become a sage (聖人).

The direction he was dyed in at a young age was straight, and his intentions were upright at the time, so there was no problem.

However, as time passed and Gu Yeop grew older, it began to show little by little.

That the direction towards his destination was slightly askew.

The reason Gu Yeop hadn’t discussed any particular complaints about Gu Changjun’s goals, along with his own dream.

Was because he thought his grandfather’s will was aligned with his own dream.

Even though his life became one of being suppressed and constantly watching his back.

The First Son, born with noble blood, acted atrociously and selfishly, tormenting the servants.

That’s why he destroyed him in the sparring match.

His grandfather’s words, saying it was better for him to become the head than for such a person, seemed quite reasonable to the young Gu Yeop.

He never particularly wanted to become the head, but he thought it was right for him to become it rather than Gu Yangcheon.

Thus, a year passed, and that day arrived.

The turning point, and what Gu Yeop considered his greatest dark history.

The day Gu Yeop was defeated by Gu Yangcheon.

Gu Yangcheon, who couldn’t even touch his collar a year ago, was still small.

Not to mention his frail-looking body, his speech was just as low-quality as that day.

The strange sense of dissonance he felt amidst that was probably because of his eyes.

Cold and empty.

A calm lake where not a trace of emotion could be felt in his gaze towards others.

But a bottomless, deep abyss.

Unable to meet his eyes properly, his breathing faltered, and his tone, unlike himself, became rough.

Like a rabbit, terrified before a predator, squealing in fear.

‘Me? No way…!’

Unable to accept reality, he charged forward, squealing.

And as is known, only a devastating defeat awaited Gu Yeop.

One thing that could be known at this point was that Gu Yeop had better intuition than expected.

Because he could sense the sense of danger emanating from Gu Yangcheon.

-Young Master!

Gu Yangcheon’s gaze towards the maid after winning the sparring match, and.

From the maid’s eyes looking at him, Gu Yeop could gain a little realization.

That Gu Yangcheon, whom he thought was unconditionally evil, might not be entirely so.

That his own perspective was infinitely insignificant to exclude others solely based on his own thoughts.

‘I am an imperfect human.’

Then how can I become perfect?

I don’t know.

Because I am not perfect, I cannot know the method either.

What is chivalry (俠義)?

What is justice, and what is malice? Gu Yeop still didn’t know.

“I owed you one at the inn, didn’t I?”

Although he repeated such thoughts countless times, one thing was certain.

“Why aren’t you answering? Are you perhaps scared? Because you have no companions?”

That clear malice is more distinct than goodwill.

To the point where one cannot mistake it.

Hwangbo Cheolwi ground his teeth and picked a petty fight, but Gu Yeop didn’t bother to react.

-Mind your own business only when you can take responsibility for it.

-Practice irresponsible chivalry when you’re alone.

Gu Yangcheon’s words from the inn still lingered in his ears.

I did nothing wrong.

There’s no way it was wrong to stand up to save a woman being threatened.

Even knowing that, why did Gu Yangcheon’s words bother him so much? Gu Yeop couldn’t understand.

“If you’re going to be this scared, why did you try to stand boldly before me, Hwangbo?”

He then chuckled as if he had realized something.

“Ah, is it because of your companions behind you? There are many fine ladies there. How can a guy like you mix among such women? At best, you’re just from the Gu family.”

At best.

That phrase particularly grated on his nerves, but he didn’t show that he cared.

Like last time, he felt it was pointless to step forward and create trouble, as it would only result in losses.

‘I’m definitely not holding back because last time’s incident is bothering me.’

He meant he wasn’t holding back because he remembered Gu Yangcheon saying, ‘Put your head down.’

Watching Gu Yeop like that, Hwangbo Cheolwi continued speaking.

“That guy sitting over there.”

At Hwangbo Cheolwi’s words, Gu Yeop’s shoulder twitched slightly.

“Is that guy surrounded by women the son of the Tiger Hero? It wouldn’t be you.”

It was too obvious to ask how he knew.

The martial attire Gu Yangcheon wore, made of red fabric representing the Gu family, with golden embroidery.

Unlike Gu Yeop, who had a somewhat cold and sharp appearance, his features suited the description of fierce.

Coupled with his black hair and eyes that had a slight reddish tint.

He perfectly displayed the characteristics known to be possessed by martial artists from the Shanxi Gu family.

“Why is that guy’s seat up there? Even I, Hwangbo, am seated here…”

Perhaps that’s what bothered him.

Hwangbo Cheolwi’s breathing gradually became rougher.

Then, he lifted the corners of his mouth and laughed ferociously.

It looked like a forced smile.

“What a laughable concern. At best, a talentless guy must have used his family’s wealth to get that seat.”

At Hwangbo Cheolwi’s words, Gu Yeop’s eyebrows twitched ever so slightly.

Is that really so?

If it were like before, he might have believed the man’s words, but Gu Yangcheon, whom he had observed during the past camping trip, was not that kind of person.

Completely different from how he first appeared in the past.

“Seeing that, you must have gone through quite some hardship too.”

At Hwangbo Cheolwi’s meaningless words, Gu Yeop couldn’t help but open his mouth.

“What are you talking about?”

“If that young brat is truly the son of the Tiger Hero, then I know a little.”

Why did the disgusting malice bypass him and suddenly head towards Gu Yangcheon?

Gu Yeop could understand the reason from Hwangbo Cheolwi’s gaze.

It was because of the women surrounding Gu Yangcheon.

Gu Yangcheon himself didn’t seem to know, but from afar, it was clear.

Beautiful women, who could be called unparalleled beauties, were attending to Gu Yangcheon.

As soon as he finished his tea, they refilled it as if waiting.

They cleaned up the crumbs that fell as he blankly put food into his mouth for some reason.

Sometimes, if he showed signs of being hot by fanning himself, they would fan him with their hands.

Even Gu Yeop felt envious of the treatment he was receiving.

Hwangbo Cheolwi seemed displeased that he, from the Hwangbo family, was seated in the Silver grade while Gu Yangcheon occupied the Gold grade and enjoyed such luxury.

‘What shameful inferiority complex.’

The reason he couldn’t just see it as pathetic was probably because he himself felt something similar towards Gu Yangcheon.

Hwangbo Cheolwi said.

“The Rascals of Shanxi. That’s what they call him, right?”

“…”

“There wasn’t a single good rumor; they say he has insignificant talent and a violent disposition. I heard he’s pitifully incompetent compared to his own bloodline.”

“I heard that too. They said he couldn’t even match half of his sister.”

“Me too. They say he’s worlds apart from his father and sister. That Sword Peak only left behind amazing achievements at the banquet…”

“Besides Sword Peak, the second young lady wasn’t ordinary either. Her talent was said to be comparable to Sword Peak’s.”

“But the son who’s supposed to inherit the family headship is mediocre… Tsk, tsk.”

Not only Hwangbo Cheolwi but also the surrounding people began to gossip about Gu Yangcheon.

Gu Yeop’s fists clenched unconsciously.

Gu Yangcheon isn’t that kind of person.

He knew that well enough through their travels.

An astonishing amount of training that didn’t fit the exhausting journey. It was at a level that made Gu Yeop, who watched secretly, shudder.

Gu Yangcheon, who was younger than him, underwent such intense training every single day.

He saw with his own eyes how Gu Yangcheon trained, squeezing out time as if wondering if he even slept.

Receiving what was disguised as a sparring match but was actually assault, he realized once again.

That he couldn’t even graze Gu Yangcheon’s collar.

Gu Yangcheon’s attitude towards the servants was so different that Gu Yeop wondered if it was the same Gu Yangcheon he saw in the past, or if he had seen him incorrectly.

What kind of master takes care of a servant who hasn’t eaten?

Or tries to dry their clothes with body heat because they got wet by the water?

Gu Yeop could even see his own accompanying servant looking at Gu Yangcheon with eyes subtly filled with envy.

‘Is Gu Yangcheon truly a worthless person?’

He thought so in the past.

But now, he didn’t know. In fact, Gu Yeop himself seemed like the more worthless person.

The breath he tried to exhale kept catching. It felt as if he had become one with his intense emotions.

It wasn’t anger from hearing insults about Gu Yangcheon.

In fact, he wished someone would insult him, to that extent.

Yet, the reason he was angry was the thought that Hwangbo Cheolwi’s words were directed not at Gu Yangcheon, but at himself.

Unaware of Gu Yeop’s feelings, Hwangbo Cheolwi continued speaking.

“We have a guy like that in our clan too, someone born with the Hwangbo surname who is useless and lacks talent… I get angry every time I see such a person.”

“Because of what?”

“Although I don’t like you, you seem skilled in comparison. Don’t you relate? It makes me furious to see my own kin so incompetent. Ah, but you’re not of the true bloodline, so it doesn’t matter, does it?”

After cutting him down so sharply, perhaps feeling a bit relieved, he gulped down the tea in front of him as if it were alcohol.

“Moreover, weren’t you just watching from behind last time? How petty for a man.”

It seemed he was referring to Gu Yeop just watching from behind when they had their altercation at the inn.

Hwangbo Cheolwi’s brazen attitude, as if the act of threatening a woman wasn’t petty, was too repulsive to watch for long.

Finally, letting out a deep sigh, Gu Yeop adjusted his sword diagonally at his waist.

So he could draw it at any moment.

He tried to endure it somehow.

But it seemed impossible any longer.

“Someone like that needs education. The martial arts tournament is just around the corner. If I, Hwangbo, meet him, I will personally…”

“Stop barking.”

“What?”

Silence fell for a moment.

Not only Hwangbo Cheolwi, who had been talking endlessly, but also the people around them.

As Hwangbo Cheolwi asked again, Gu Yeop gradually raised his internal energy and continued speaking.

“What did you just say?”

“My ears are rotting, so I said stop barking.”

“This bastard is now…”

“Hwangbo, you’re from a great family. I know that too.”

King of Beasts.

The Hwangbo family is a clan headed by the Fierce Tiger Body Fist (猛虎軀拳).

It was once said to be the closest to the Four Great Families, but its position had slightly diminished as time passed.

However, a great family is a great family.

This is a fact no one can disparage.

“However, whether you are a great enough person to bear that name, I am unsure. In my eyes, you look worse than a beast that barks without knowing its place.”

At Gu Yeop’s calmly spoken words, Hwangbo Cheolwi suddenly unleashed his internal energy.

KWAANG-!

The internal energy contained within the pressure spreading around him felt deep, unlike the person Hwangbo Cheolwi appeared to be.

As if to prove he was indeed a member of a great family, even if it meant death.

“This pathetic fool… What nonsense are you spouting!”

As he stood up, his massive physique was overwhelming. It certainly looked like a well-trained body.

But he wasn’t afraid.

He had good intuition. Therefore, he could know.

That this guy was definitely weaker than him.

“How dare a descendant from some rural village corner challenge me, Hwangbo!”

As if he no longer cared about the surrounding gazes, his internal energy radiated, but amidst that, Gu Yeop observed Hwangbo Cheolwi’s movements.

Meanwhile, his mouth didn’t stop.

“They call Hwangbo the Tiger of the Central Plains, yet your actions are worse than a mere cat, not a beast.”

Hwangbo Cheolwi pouted his lips at those words.

“How dare you, who are called a great family with flames weaker than mere embers, insult Hwangbo? I was trying to show some generosity…”

“Generosity is shown by the strong towards the weak. Unfortunately, you cannot show it to me.”

“This bastard…”

Unable to hold back any longer, Hwangbo Cheolwi expanded his muscles.

An overwhelming presence emanated from his greatly swollen physique.

In an instant, he placed his hand on the sword hilt. Inside, regret surged, feeling like he had caused too big a mess, but.

He couldn’t back down.

This was pride.

‘If I go back, I might be killed by Grandfather.’

Amusingly, such a thought crossed his mind amidst this situation.

The face of Gu Changjun, who said he could shine brighter than Gu Yangcheon, surfaced, but.

At least for now, it was impossible. He wasn’t someone who could shine brighter than Gu Yangcheon.

For now, he had to follow.

And someday, he would surpass him. Not for the Elder’s wish, but for his own dream.

“I didn’t like you constantly crawling up, so fine, I, Hwangbo, will surely rip your mouth open right here.”

Hwangbo Cheolwi took a step forward.

The internal energy radiating from his feet was unusual.

‘His shoulder is twitching. Left arm.’

His eyes moved rapidly. He would react sensitively even to small actions.

Amusingly, this was something Gu Yangcheon taught him.

-Yo, look at this bastard’s thigh moving? Trying to run?

-N-No!

-Don’t give me that crap! I told you to run forward, but your toes are already pointed elsewhere.

-Kyak!

‘…’

It wasn’t a good memory. It was closer to torture than teaching. The journey was undoubtedly like hell, but paradoxically, it was a period where he could grow more than any other time.

Hwangbo Cheolwi moved. He had already anticipated the trajectory.

Dodge the left arm and strike the jaw with the sword’s spine to incapacitate him…

Zzzt-!

Gu Yeop, who was about to assume a stance, immediately looked back upon feeling a sudden chilling sensation.

It was a foolish choice with Hwangbo Cheolwi in front of him, but his intuition told him to do it.

‘Two people.’

A different level of energy was being directed towards this side,

He found the owners of the energy that seemed like they were about to intervene.

‘…!’

One was Lei Long Namgung Cheonjun, whom he had briefly encountered at the inn.

The other was a boy named Jang Seonyeon, who had made the banquet noisier by claiming to be the sect leader’s son.

Gu Yeop broke out in a cold sweat from the chilling energy he just felt.

If even one of those two had charged at him to subdue him, he wouldn’t have been able to block it with his own strength.

‘Thank goodness.’

He became grateful for his excellent intuition.

However, while swallowing nervously, he noticed something strange.

Even Lei Long, with his hand on his sword hilt.

And Jang Seonyeon, who was about to raise his internal energy.

Far from charging, they were staring at him with wide eyes. More precisely, at the space in front of him.

‘What is it…?’

Even the other disciples watching from the surroundings were the same.

Everyone had eyes filled with disbelief, as if they had seen a monster.

Only then did Gu Yeop realize.

That Hwangbo Cheolwi, whom he was facing, wasn’t reacting.

Following the gazes of everyone, Gu Yeop turned his head again to look at Hwangbo Cheolwi, but.

What Gu Yeop could see was not a martial artist showing off his massive physique, but Hwangbo Cheolwi, already kneeling and collapsing.

His eyes wide open as if he had lost consciousness, he slowly fell.

The giant, who must have been well over eight feet tall, crumbled endlessly like a sandcastle before the wind.

Only then could Gu Yeop see.

The person standing before him.

“I don’t get it.”

KUUUNG-!

Hwangbo Cheolwi fell beside the fierce-looking boy.

“Why is it always me causing trouble, yet you’re the one stepping up to start things? You bastard, you followed me just for this, didn’t you?”

Seeing him casually brush his hands off with a look of annoyance, Gu Yeop unconsciously took a step back.

His survival instincts told him to do so.

He felt no internal energy from the boy.

Moreover, he couldn’t even figure out when he had approached.

Unlike the internal energy from Namgung Cheonjun and Jang Seonyeon, this boy’s presence couldn’t be sensed.

The boy, Gu Yangcheon, spoke, his crimson eyes gleaming.

“You’re really no help.”

Gu Yangcheon’s soft voice echoed throughout the banquet hall.

Although the volume was ordinary, lacking any internal energy.

Because the disciples watching from all around were silent, it couldn’t help but sound loud.