Chapter 282: Entrance Exam. (2)

A day passed.

As soon as morning broke, I left the inn.

Since it was already on the schedule, I had prepared to leave well in advance.

Winter was still cold, but.

In comparison, the sky was clear.

As if the rain that had fallen for the past few days was merely an illusion.

“It’s disgustingly high.”

Even as I walked, sighs escaped me at the soaring mountain valley.

What a crazy neighborhood.

What kind of mountain is there in Hanam?

Every time I see it, I’m dumbfounded.

In my past life, I got exhausted halfway up this mountain and fainted.

‘Idiot.’

If it was hard, I could have just rested midway.

I got stubborn, conscious of others’ gazes.

And ended up utterly humiliated.

It was an embarrassing anecdote that sent shivers down my spine just thinking about it.

I suppose it’s one of the big reasons I’m glad I regressed.

“A long time ago.”

As I was diligently climbing the mountain, Tang Xiaoyeol, who was following behind, spoke up.

“They say this mountain was created during the Blood Demon War.”

He wiped off some sweat as he explained.

It seemed he had noticed the question on my face: ‘Why the hell does this mountain exist?’

“A mountain was created?”

“Yes…! I heard it was created during a battle with the Contemporary Fist King.”

“…?”

Hearing Tang Xiaoyeol’s words, my expression crumpled. It was such a baffling story.

The Contemporary Fist King, that’s another alias for Yeon Ilcheon, the Iron Golden Fist King.

So, it means this mountain was formed from the battle between Yeon Ilcheon and the Blood Demon.

Not a natural disaster.

What kind of bizarre tale is it that a mountain was created due to a battle?

‘What human natural disaster?’

How could a human create such a massive mountain through battle?

‘…Hmm.’

Even while thinking that, objectively speaking.

I did think that maybe I could create a small hill.

Still, this level is too much.

This is Mount Tai (Taishan)!

‘Let’s put that aside for now.’

Whether it’s a baseless rumor or an exaggerated story, I don’t know, but.

Putting that aside.

While climbing the mountain, something other than stamina was difficult.

‘So many people are staring like crazy.’

The subtle gazes piercing me.

Every single one bothers me.

The path up the mountain was long.

And wide.

Moreover, since there was a set time, many people were walking to get there on time.

Most of them were later-stage disciples…

No, to be precise, it would be correct to say all of them were later-stage disciples.

The others interspersed here and there must be escorts for the clan’s blood relatives.

Excluding them, it was truly filled only with young martial artists.

Our group was enough to attract the attention of such people.

Whispering voices kept reaching my ears.

-Poison Phoenix…? Isn’t that person Poison Phoenix?

-Beside them looks like Snow Phoenix?

-Wow…. Unbelievably beautiful.

Most of the sounds were of admiration.

The reason there was no talk about Namgung Bi-ah amidst this.

Was because she wore her veil properly.

And Namgung Bi-ah herself was concealing her presence.

‘It’s fortunate she’s using it well.’

I was worried because it seemed she wasn’t using it for a while.

“…”

Perhaps feeling burdened by the crowd, Namgung Bi-ah concealed herself.

Thanks to that, it became relatively more comfortable, but.

It wasn’t completely comfortable, though.

-Then who is that guy? Who is he?

-Who? The one behind?

-No, the one in the front…. The scary-looking one.

-There are two men. But why only the man in front?

-The one behind is handsome.

-Aha.

Those bastards…?

Glaring at them as they kept muttering.

They flinched in surprise and shut their mouths.

For reference, the handsome one behind was referring to Gu Jeolyeop.

To face discrimination based on appearance even outside?

Life is still about looks.

Fuck.

‘Fortunately, it seems they don’t know who I am.’

This is likely thanks to not having done anything significant since the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.

Even then.

‘I’m glad I deliberately covered my face a bit.’

Just like Namgung Bi-ah. I also covered my face.

To be precise, I only concealed my presence.

Since I had to spar, I couldn’t use my full abilities.

I had set it to a level where one could only remember me if they concentrated hard and stared intently.

‘That’s why it’s a mystery.’

A few days ago on the street.

When I subdued Jinryong and Yeongpung.

-That face…! It’s Jinryong!

There was someone who recognized me.

At the time, everyone just passed it off as if it were nothing, but.

It was a mystery to me.

‘Who could it have been.’

Although I couldn’t catch who it was in the end.

The unease still remains.

To call it a coincidence.

I had deliberately taken measures to prevent such coincidences from happening.

A martial artist who had surpassed the peak might be able to pierce my veil and see my face.

But a martial artist who reached that level.

Wouldn’t they act unremarkably, hiding among ordinary people on the street and shouting, ‘It’s Jinryong!’?

Furthermore.

‘I wasn’t detected by their ki sense.’

Even the fact that they escaped by piercing my ki sense.

There were more than one or two points worth questioning.

‘It seems I need to pay attention.’

I had intended to let it slide, but.

Seeing the situation, I need to sharpen my focus a bit.

Along with the need for fame.

This is the part I was worried about.

‘Once my name gets out, shitty bastards will flock to me.’

It’s the same in any situation.

It’s something I had already anticipated, but.

‘It’s faster than I thought.’

Who could it be.

Or rather, where could they be.

No.

If I’m curious, I should find them.

If I can catch them, I’ll be able to find out.

After all, I’m quite the expert in that regard.

As I was thinking, touching my lips.

“Are you okay?”

Moyong Hi-ah, walking beside me, asked.

“Am I okay?”

“Your expression… it’s a familiar expression.”

“Familiar?”

Do I often make this kind of expression?

“Ah, no. It’s an expression I often make.”

“Hmm?”

What does that mean?

As I questioned it, Moyong Hi-ah added an explanation.

“‘Just get caught, and I’ll show you what hell is.'”

“…Huh?”

“It’s an expression I often make when I feel the same way, and you’re making it exactly like that, Gongja-nim.”

“…”

The words were so accurate that I was momentarily speechless.

Seeing my dumbfounded face, Moyong Hi-ah grinned.

“Gongja-nim, you really can’t hide your expressions well.”

“…That’s something I hear often.”

I thought I had been hiding them pretty well.

But after regressing, it doesn’t work well.

Why could that be?

Is it because I’ve become a little too accustomed to peace?

“I should fix that.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Hmm? Why?”

“Because I like you better when you’re like that.”

“…”

Her words, spoken as naturally as flowing water, created a brief silence.

Wondering what was up, I glanced at her face.

‘…Did she blush?’

For the rare occasion, Moyong Hi-ah’s cheeks were flushed red.

It seemed like words she hadn’t intended to say.

“The apple is ripe. Bright red.”

“Ngh…”

At my teasing words.

Moyong Hi-ah’s cool facade crumbled.

Seeing her like that, she’s cuter than I thought….

‘…Cute?’

Crazy bastard.

To think of the great Moyong Hi-ah as cute.

Did I go crazy from the difficulty of climbing the mountain?

‘It’s not particularly difficult, though.’

I’ve done so much training. There’s no way I’d struggle with this.

It’s probably just that I’m a bit tired today.

I run my hand through my hair.

Then, as a cool breeze continued to blow, I felt a little better.

---

Shinryong Hall is located at the mountain summit, but.

That wasn’t where we were headed.

A place slightly less deep than that.

To gain admission to the renowned Shinryong Hall.

Damn it, one had to take an entrance exam.

This meant they wouldn’t accept just anyone.

It also meant that the educational institution would only accept those possessing high-quality talent.

Renowned prestigious families.

Moreover, since they were later-stage disciples sent from recognized prestigious sects, they were all composed of outstanding individuals.

This meant they would filter them further and accept only the best.

While this might seem like an insult to one’s pride.

Being selected implied, in other words, that they were the most outstanding among the talented.

It was something that those who valued honor and reputation so highly would drool over.

If one were admitted through that process.

It was said that people of the same ilk stick together, making networking easier.

The original purpose, education, felt unimportant.

Of course, even excluding all that.

It was a known fact that people came for the prestige of being a Shinryong Hall graduate.

‘And.’

As expected of what was called the best sword training institution.

The quality of education wasn’t bad either.

‘…Although most things could be learned at home if one was from a prestigious family.’

Especially if they were blood relatives.

With the family head or elders around, there was no need to come to an institution.

“Gu Yangcheon of the Sanseo Gu family. Confirmation complete. Proceed to Group 2.”

Perhaps because it was territory of the Alliance.

The confirmers were also people from the Murim Alliance.

After completing the identity check, I received confirmation of my group assignment.

Glancing.

While I was being confirmed, the person who checked my origin and name glanced at me.

Their eyes clearly conveyed, ‘Is this guy really that person?’

I’ll probably have to endure such gazes for a while.

It was too bothersome to get angry now.

‘The ones who didn’t show up, are they coming tomorrow?’

The reason why Jamryong or Geomryong weren’t visible.

Was likely because those belonging to sects would take the exam separately tomorrow.

Today, only the blood relatives belonging to families were taking the exam first.

To exaggerate slightly, it was a situation where all the later-stage disciples from across the country had gathered.

One day wouldn’t be enough.

‘Group 2.’

It was obvious they had divided the groups by rank.

As proof, Moyong Hi-ah and Tang Xiaoyeol.

And Namgung Bi-ah were assigned to Group 1.

‘Why am I in Group 2?’

I’m not angry because I wasn’t treated as a prestigious family.

It’s because I objectively felt something was strange.

The Gu family isn’t at a level to be ignored anywhere.

Group 2 isn’t exactly a level to be looked down upon.

When considering the Gu family’s position in the current Central Plains.

It was a slightly ambiguous number.

“Hmm…”

Honestly, it didn’t really matter.

As far as I know, there are no special privileges just because the groups are divided.

It probably doesn’t matter much.

What worries me a bit is if the other Gu clan members throw a tantrum…

‘That won’t happen…’

Looking at Gu Yeonseo with a bit of worry.

Gu Yeonseo had a somewhat blank expression.

Seeing that, it seemed Sword Empress really did visit last night after hearing my request.

Seeing that, I could let out a small sigh inwardly.

‘Even if it’s not perfect.’

Rather than removing the inner demon.

It feels like it was covered up with something else.

The best method for a sword cultivator is ultimately.

If they can’t escape on their own.

To implant someone worthy they can chase after.

Or to captivate them with the sword.

So they can’t even think of anything else.

Of course, they can still get trapped by their inner demon with that.

Chasing after inadequate swordsmanship is also a sin.

However.

I thought it wouldn’t be bad for Gu Yeonseo.

‘Of course, if this doesn’t work….’

I was going to try ‘something else’, but it seems I won’t have to.

At least for now.

‘Will they even pass in the first place?’

Gu Jeolyeop is someone I’ve been grooming, so I have no worries, but.

Gu Yeonseo is a bit ambiguous.

It’s true they are outstanding compared to other later-stage disciples.

They are at the tail end of the second tier, so it’s not bad, but.

When it comes to whether they are at a level to enter Shinryong Hall, it’s a bit uncertain.

Compared to them, Gu Jeolyeop.

Unless they act like an idiot and let their guard down, they won’t fail.

Rather, we should worry about the case where they might fail.

‘Because they’ll get beaten to death by me.’

To bring shame upon the neighborhood, after raising them so diligently.

If they can’t pass this one thing.

They deserve a severe scolding. A really big one.

Flinch.

Gu Jeolyeop, who was behind me, suddenly felt a chill and flinched, putting distance between us.

Seeing that, I asked.

“Why.”

“…No. For some reason, I felt like I was about to get hit just now.”

“Tsk… You’re quick-witted.”

“Yes…?”

Gu Jeolyeop’s shocked expression was comical.

Ah, but it wasn’t a joke.

Because if they fail, I really intend to destroy them.

As I was teasing Gu Jeolyeop and passing the time like that.

I sensed someone approaching this way.

Who could it be, the person approaching me.

There’s no one specific who should be coming to me right now.

Focusing a little, wondering who it was.

‘Tsk.’

As soon as I realized, I had to click my tongue.

It was an aura filled with unease.

‘Right, that bastard must have come too.’

After all, I remembered that and followed them in.

It’s not strange, but.

Even so, still.

“It’s been a while.”

It hasn’t changed that he’s an annoying guy to face.

Especially since his intention in approaching was obvious.

Seriously, why is he approaching?

This guy is really something else.

The fellow approached closely and greeted me with a smile.

The white martial uniform with dark patterns was still the same.

His handsome face was also the same.

I wonder if he’s been training diligently.

His improved physique compared to back then also caught my eye.

“Have you been well?”

“Yes.”

I suppressed the killing intent rising up to my throat.

If I couldn’t hold back and released it here, I could really mess things up.

Not me, but the people around me.

If it were up to me, I’d want to take him down right away, but.

I have to hold back a bit for the future.

So, for now, I must endure and say it as comfortably as I can within my limits.

I smiled and spoke to the man before me, Jang Seonyeon.

As kindly as possible.

“You fucking bastard.”

“…”

That was the best I could do.

---

Hwa-reuk.

The energy I tried to unleash from my shoulder scattered into the air.

I intended to cut him down in one go, imbued with appropriate energy, but.

Ironically, it failed to be contained and scattered.

Cheol-keok.

My arm, which had grabbed the hilt and was about to extend instantly, froze.

Because it was blocked by someone else’s hand, preventing the sword from being drawn.

The person who was about to draw the sword.

Wi Seol-ah looked at the one who blocked her hilt with somewhat chilled eyes.

“You’re a bit more aggressive than I expected, young lady.”

Fast yet slow.

Slow yet heavy voice.

From the inexplicable aura emanating from him.

Wi Seol-ah’s instincts sharpened instantly.

Seemingly noticing that, the young man continued speaking.

“Well, if you resemble my master, you certainly would be.”

“…”

“I don’t know what you were trying to do, but it would be best to refrain. If you don’t want to go home right away.”

The young man grinned and gave a warning.

How did he know?

The moment Jang Seonyeon tried to approach him.

Wi Seol-ah had tried to draw her sword.

To prevent him from getting any closer.

But.

‘When?’

This young man had approached her side without her even realizing it.

He killed the killing intent.

So that no one could notice.

Wielding a sword without harboring murderous intent, such things were easy for Wi Seol-ah.

That’s why the young man noticing this was even stranger.

As Wi Seol-ah looked at the young man with sharp eyes.

“You seem curious about who I am.”

The young man spoke to Wi Seol-ah with a somewhat meaningful smile.

“Bi Uijin. I am Bi Uijin of the Bi family.”

Hearing the name, Wi Seol-ah.

Had to show a rather surprised expression.