Chapter 240: Battlefront. (10)

After Hwangbo Cheolwi gathered the fallen.

The Murim Alliance’s Frontline Branch.

And in the Hwangbo Family’s tent, built a short distance away from there.

KWAANG!

Objects flew through the air, creating a loud commotion.

A giant, who seemed large enough to fill the not-small tent.

He was grabbing and throwing nearby objects without pause.

The killing intent radiating from the giant’s body was incredibly dense.

“That damn bastard…!”

KWAK!

The desk shattered under the giant’s fist, scattering across the floor.

The man, Hwangbo Cheok, gnashed his teeth, recalling the warrior he had just met.

“The True Dragon…!”

Right after regaining consciousness, he had heard the identity of the one who attacked him.

The True Dragon, Gu Yangcheon, who had swept through the Dragon Phoenix Gathering and made a name for himself as a new prodigy.

Hwangbo Cheok had heard the name too.

How could he not know him when they called him the new Dragon?

He wasn’t just someone they viewed as the most noteworthy figure in the Central Plains recently.

He had heard news that the man possessed tremendous talent with a promising future.

However.

‘Even so, he’s just a Latecomer.’

Just a Latecomer. To Hwangbo Cheok, the True Dragon should have been just that kind of person.

‘But…. someone like that, dared to toy with me?’

KOONG!

The tent shook with the fist Hwangbo Cheok swung.

The surrounding attendants trembled in fear from the dense killing intent and fighting spirit being sprayed around.

Hwangbo Cheok paid no mind to them, only letting out a roar.

The reason he was so furious wasn’t simply because he had been defeated by someone else.

‘I thought there wouldn’t be anyone like that after that monster from the Peng Family.’

Recalling the monster lurking within his own family, Hwangbo Cheok couldn’t help but shudder.

A being who seemed to live in a world apart.

Furthermore, receiving the gaze of a predator looking down upon everyone.

Was an unbearable thing for Hwangbo Cheok, who was destined to become the master of a prestigious family.

Which is why, even more so.

One such person should have been enough.

‘Grrr.’

Recalling the young man’s moniker, Hwangbo Cheok clenched his fist.

‘For me, Hwangbo Cheok….’

To be defeated by mere a Latecomer.

‘This cannot be.’

Not just the practical combat experience he gained in the Central Plains.

But also the energy he contained within his body and his proficiency in using it.

There was no way someone like a mere Latecomer could be compared to him.

No, he shouldn’t have been.

‘I am the one who must lead the great Hwangbo Family in the future.’

CRUNCH.

He was supposed to live leading a prestigious family, gaining immense fame and honor.

He couldn’t leave such a stain.

‘…What if I kill everyone who saw it?’

Leaving aside those he considered completely his people.

If I deal with the others, won’t there be no repercussions?

Hwangbo Cheok nodded.

Because he had decided to do just that.

TUK.

“Keeu….”

Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his arm.

It was the arm that guy had broken earlier.

Not only did the arm he suffered from that guy leave no aftereffects.

They said it would return to normal with just a little rest.

He was lucky.

It wasn’t common for injuries to leave no aftereffects like this.

At first, he wondered if that guy had done it intentionally.

‘That wouldn’t be the case.’

That’s something only torturers or those skilled in tormenting people through countless killings could do.

No matter how talented that guy was.

This wasn’t a matter of talent.

So it must have just been a coincidence.

There was no other way to explain it.

KWADEUK!

Even the last remaining desk in the tent was destroyed by Hwangbo Cheok’s furious hand.

Amidst the rising heat, Hwangbo Cheok whispered.

“What should I do?”

He glanced back.

There stood another giant, similar in size to Hwangbo Cheok.

“Younger brother.”

It was Hwangbo Cheolwi, the second son of the Hwangbo Family Head.

“…Hyung-nim.”

“I, Hwangbo Cheok, have suffered greatly. What am I to do about this?”

“…”

Hwangbo Cheolwi said nothing to Hwangbo Cheok’s words.

He merely looked at Hwangbo Cheok with an unreadable expression.

Hwangbo Cheok let out a choked laugh.

The emotions soaked into that laughter were so palpable that Hwangbo Cheolwi felt a tightness welling up in his chest.

“What shall we do? Father will be thrilled if he hears about this.”

“Hyung-nim…. You were merely ambushed…”

“An ambush? Did it look like an ambush to you?”

“…”

“It would be better to call it sorcery. That would be much better.”

No matter how much he tried to downplay and dismiss it.

Hwangbo Cheok, being a warrior who had crossed the wall, knew.

How could he not know, having experienced it firsthand?

It wasn’t like an ambush.

The way they looked was different.

The way their bodies moved was different.

And the gap in their decision-making speed.

In other words, it was a difference in level.

“That’s why I’m even angrier.”

Because he had been overwhelmed purely by a difference in strength.

Because he was a blood relative of the Hwangbo Family, who worship martial power and dream of greater strength.

He was even more angered by the fact that he lost to a younger, smaller warrior.

Moreover, the fact that others had witnessed it.

Was another reason Hwangbo Cheok couldn’t suppress his rage.

“What should I do about this, younger brother?”

“…First, send a letter to the Gu Family….”

“Ha.”

Hwangbo Cheok let out a hollow laugh at Hwangbo Cheolwi’s suggestion.

“Since when did my younger brother become so rational?”

“…Hyung-nim?”

“A letter…. Not a bad idea, considering we’d come out on top if you think about it.

The act of violence against a collateral relative was strictly an incident that occurred within the Hwangbo Family.

It wasn’t something for an outsider like the True Dragon to interfere with.

Especially since he had pulverized not only the blood relatives but also the affiliated warriors.

If we talk about justification, the Hwangbo Family would hold the advantage.

And perhaps, they could gain significant compensation and benefits.

However.

“Then what happens to my pride?”

“That’s…!”

At Hwangbo Cheok’s resolute words.

Hwangbo Cheolwi, who was about to ask if it was really that important, couldn’t open his mouth.

To say it wasn’t important.

Hwangbo Cheolwi himself knew well that pride was more important than anything else to a warrior.

Even if it meant lingering in a murky swamp.

Seeing Hwangbo Cheolwi unable to speak, Hwangbo Cheok lifted the corners of his mouth.

“Don’t worry. There won’t be any repercussions like you’re thinking.”

Perhaps mistaking Hwangbo Cheolwi’s silence for concern about him.

Hwangbo Cheok laughed heartily.

Yet, inwardly, he was thinking about what lay ahead.

‘He seemed to have crossed the wall.’

After he himself was subdued.

And seeing his own escort, who had surpassed the peak, get destroyed, the True Dragon was a warrior who had crossed the wall.

Which meant deploying the current personnel wouldn’t help.

‘In the first place, I couldn’t kill him.’

It would be fine if it were a family he hadn’t even properly heard the name of.

But the opponent was also undeniably a place called a prestigious family.

Though not as much as the great Hwangbo Family.

The point was, it wouldn’t be good to rashly provoke their blood relatives.

‘That’s why the guy is even stranger.’

Even after realizing belatedly that Hwangbo Cheok was a direct descendant of the Hwangbo Family.

No matter how strong he was, how could he have crushed him so ruthlessly without hesitation?

‘Unless he’s a real lunatic….’

Recalling the eyes he met then, Hwangbo Cheok’s shoulder twitched slightly.

He really seemed like a lunatic.

‘…The fortunate thing is that this is the frontline.’

Where monsters swarmed.

And dangerous incidents occurred daily.

Being on such a frontline was the most crucial part.

‘No matter what happened.’

It wouldn’t be strange.

Hwangbo Cheok, rubbing his aching shoulder, called out to Hwangbo Cheolwi.

“Younger brother.”

“…Yes, Hyung-nim.”

“Do you know where Elder Yu is right now?”

At Hwangbo Cheok’s question.

Hwangbo Cheolwi swallowed hard.

Because he had a vague idea of what his brother was thinking.

---

On the frontline, being on watch duty wasn’t particularly special.

In preparation for the Demonic Gate opening late at night.

It was about waiting in areas where it frequently appeared, preparing for any potential situation.

Well, it also included patrolling the surroundings.

Although they did it during the day as well, not just at night.

Still, doing it at night was definitely more dangerous and arduous.

“…That’s why I said I didn’t want to do it at night.”

He muttered irritably, looking at the moon hanging in the sky.

He didn’t know about other families.

But for the Gu Family, being blood relatives didn’t grant many privileges on the frontline.

The most they got was exemption from standing guard.

But even then, if they didn’t do that, they had to work in other ways like this.

In the end, it was the same thing.

‘…This is a truly shitty family.’

Even the Great Master Gu Huibi was training while doing even worse things, so.

There was nothing I could say.

If they tell me to do it, I just have to do it.

He kept fidgeting, letting out deep sighs.

“Mmm….”

Perhaps because his emotions made him move a bit too much.

The woman lying below with her eyes closed let out a sound.

“Mmm….”

Was she talking in her sleep?

He watched her quietly for a moment, then poked her nose bridge with his finger.

“…Mmm…Eup…?”

Perhaps because her breathing was suddenly blocked.

The woman made a strange sound, slowly opened her eyes, and then, with a dazed expression, sat up from resting her head on his lap.

Seeing that, I let out a hollow laugh and spoke.

“Aren’t you just precious.”

As if she had no intention of tidying her messy hair.

She still wore a dazed expression.

Then she slowly leaned her head onto my shoulder.

“Hey.”

“Mmm….”

“I told you not to come if you were just going to act like this. If you’re going to sleep, why even bother coming?”

Namgung Bi-ah paid no mind to my words and started dozing off, leaning on my shoulder.

She had already gone deep into the territory with Gu Huibi.

It was strange that she insisted on following me when I had to stay up all night.

“If you’re just going to doze off, go back and sleep properly. Why come here and suffer?”

“…Mmm….”

“Now you’re not even pretending to listen anymore.”

It was absurd.

Looking at Namgung Bi-ah like that, I gently tidied her messy hair with my fingers.

In the midst of it, the hairpin I bought and gifted her caught my eye.

“You’re still using this cheap thing.”

It looks a bit worn out. Should I buy her a new one?

As I reached out to examine it a bit.

TAK!

Namgung Bi-ah, who I thought was dozing, grabbed my hand.

“No. It’s mine.”

“…Yes, it’s yours. I know.”

“I won’t give it to you….”

“I wouldn’t take it even if you offered. What would I even do with that?”

Seeing her like that, I just left her to her own devices.

Then I turned my head towards the other person quietly watching the sky beside me.

This guy was also a problem.

“Why are you here?”

“Yes…?”

The one who flinched at my question was none other than Bi Yeonseom.

“I asked why you’re here.”

“Ah, well…. The Deputy Leader ordered me to accompany Young Master Gu this time.”

At Bi Yeonseom’s words, spoken as if making an excuse, my expression crumpled.

“That guy always attaches people to me for whatever reason.”

The Deputy Leader had a tendency to assign new recruits to me whenever they arrived.

There are Gu Jeoryeop and Mu Yeon nearby, so why do they always pair me with them for these tasks?

What did he say again?

He said something about how experiencing great hardship from the start makes it easier to endure?

This sounds like he’s mocking me…?

“Haa….”

As I let out a sigh, Bi Yeonseom hesitated for a moment before speaking to me.

“Um…. Young Master Gu.”

“Yes.”

“I am truly grateful for what happened earlier.”

At Bi Yeonseom’s words, I nodded and looked at him.

Bi Yeonseom probably knew that the request might have been too much.

As he belonged to the Murim Alliance, simply requesting not to go wouldn’t easily resolve things.

There must have been underlying connections involved.

‘They might have already processed him as deceased on their end. Or perhaps they prefer us taking him in like this.’

Of course, if they started arguing about this and that, it would be a loss for their side too.

“…I really joined the Murim Alliance thinking it was a righteous sect…. But it’s more than I thought.”

“You don’t need to tell me the details. I’m not particularly curious.”

“Ah…. Yes.”

Saying his expectations were high due to the Murim Alliance’s name.

And that the reality was different.

I didn’t really want to hear such common stories.

I wasn’t very curious about other people’s life stories either.

Meanwhile, Bi Yeonseom kept glancing at Namgung Bi-ah, who was dozing on my shoulder.

It seemed like his eyes were drawn to her instinctively, even though he knew he shouldn’t.

“…Stop looking, you’ll bore holes through her face.”

“Kk… Sorry….”

“Look straight ahead.”

“Yes…!”

Of course, given Namgung Bi-ah’s appearance, which any man would find hard to ignore.

I could understand, but I didn’t feel particularly good about it.

I had even taught Namgung Bi-ah how to hide her presence before.

Namgung Bi-ah usually used her inner energy to control herself well.

But it seemed like she couldn’t do that when she was dozing off next to me like this.

After warning Bi Yeonseom once, he thankfully straightened up and only looked straight ahead.

Unlike Gu Jeoryeop, he felt quite disciplined.

That guy was always slacking off and needed frequent tightening.

Is he slightly better?

I’m not sure.

Maybe it’s because I don’t pay much attention to him.

“…Hmm.”

Lost in thought, I took out a few letters from my pocket and unfolded them.

I thought they might have arrived today, and indeed they had.

I guess that’s fortunate.

SARAK-

I carefully examined each letter one by one.

One was, as expected, a letter from Tang Soyeol of the Tang Family.

Written in carefully penned handwriting.

Asking if I was doing well.

If I was eating properly.

Whether I had lost or gained weight, etc., it was filled with trivial questions.

The subtle emotions conveyed in those few lines felt nice.

“Hmm…?”

Mentioning how she should have gone there with me.

Asking about Namgung Bi-ah who was with me, and specifically if Moyong Hi-ah hadn’t caused any trouble.

Suddenly, I paused slightly at the last line.

-Still, it’s fortunate that I think I’ll be able to see you soon, Young Master.

-You’re going this time too, right, Young Master?

“Where am I supposedly going?”

I wondered if it was the Tang Family’s Martial Competition held around this time in the Sichuan Tang Family.

But that didn’t seem right either.

I wracked my brain, wondering if I was forgetting something.

“…Ah?”

Realizing something, I flipped through the letters I was holding.

After Tang Soyeol’s, there were letters from the Hao Clan and the Beggars’ Sect.

But right now, something else was more important than that information.

“It’s not… yet, is it?”

Because Tang Soyeol’s words sparked a thought.

Finally, I reached the end of the letters.

I found the letter marked with Gu (俱) and unfolded it.

It wasn’t long, only a few lines.

But I couldn’t help but pause after reading the last line.

The rough and simple handwriting was definitely my father’s.

And just like always, it was written concisely, getting straight to the point.

-Regarding the family matter, the Young Master is to return from the frontline within the next few days. No further extensions.

-Furthermore, upon return, you are to proceed with entry into the Divine Dragon Pavilion.

“…Damn.”

Time had passed, and the moment had arrived.

The moment I never wished for.