Chapter 298: Zhuge Jinseon. (3)

Time flowed, and as the exam was already heading into its latter half.

“Oppa?”

Bi Bi turned her head, reacting to the sound of footsteps.

It was because the human who had left her, saying he’d be right back, had finally returned.

He had been gone so long, she was just about to go look for him herself…

Just then, he had returned.

However, Bi Bi had to be quite surprised by Bi Uijin’s appearance.

“What? Oppa, what’s wrong?”

It was because the returning Bi Uijin felt strange.

“Don’t tell me, did you get hurt?”

“Hurt? No way.”

Bi Uijin looked somewhat uncomfortable.

‘That human got hurt?’

Is that even possible?

Bi Bi’s expression changed instantly, as if she were engulfed in shock.

He was the kind of person who looked like he’d return unscathed even if he fell off a cliff.

Seeing him return looking so exhausted, she couldn’t help but be surprised.

“…What… did you meet a Red Monster or something?”

At Bi Bi’s words, Bi Uijin unintentionally let out a laugh.

“Where would you even see something like that these days?”

“No, if it wasn’t something like that… this shouldn’t be happening?”

Bi Bi, looking curious, poked and prodded Bi Uijin’s body here and there.

“…Stop poking me.”

“Does it hurt? Does this hurt too?”

Leaving Bi Bi, who seemed inexplicably excited.

Bi Uijin let out a sigh.

‘A Red Monster.’

It was somewhat similar.

Whether it was a Red Monster or Gu Yangcheon.

Thinking about how they were both red, it was similar.

Truly.

He was so violent, just like a monster.

Thanks to that, one of my arms broke.

My ribs were shattered by the first attack.

‘How long has it been since I got hurt like this?’

Ever since my body became young again, until my physical form stabilized.

It was a body I had cherished and protected, fearing it might break if I so much as bumped it.

‘But, that’s precisely why he’s the one.’

Fighting him face-to-face only solidified my conviction.

Compared to his apparent level and talent, his close-combat skills were lacking, and…

Putting aside his movements that seemed like he was hiding something…

That guy, Gu Yangcheon, had instinctive senses.

‘He seemed like he’d charge in without thinking, but…’

Perhaps realizing that simply charging head-on wouldn’t work,

He clung onto me with the resolve to sacrifice anything.

‘At that age and level, he has every right to be arrogant.’

I don’t know about records, but…

Reaching the peak at that age… by some accounts, he might even be the youngest.

Not just the fastest to reach it.

Above his age.

Even going much further back.

There were practically no martial artists among the later disciples who could even compare to Gu Yangcheon.

Yet, there wasn’t a trace of arrogance in his eyes.

Rather.

He knew he was weaker.

His eyes searched for openings.

‘Strange.’

Even though I was holding back my strength considerably.

Compared to his rough movements.

Every single move was cautious.

As if he instinctively knew that Bi Uijin was stronger than him.

‘He was even cunning.’

After a few exchanges.

Gu Yangcheon seemed to have noticed that Bi Uijin didn’t want to damage his body.

That’s why, even though getting caught by the arm or leg would lead to an irreversible situation,

He charged in even more desperately.

‘…What a monstrous fellow.’

It makes my teeth chatter.

I knew Gu Yangcheon had internal injuries.

And since it was a situation where I couldn’t afford to damage that precious body,

Bi Uijin had to restrain himself as much as possible.

As a result.

Bi Uijin gave up his arm and chest.

And barely managed to subdue Gu Yangcheon.

It was just like seeing his own childhood.

When I used to spar, I fought exactly like that.

As if there was no tomorrow.

As if it were a place where one would die immediately.

‘Good.’

I’m satisfied.

Fighting him, I confirmed he wasn’t a Rejuvenated Elder like myself.

I’m certain.

As I could tell just by looking.

His body was like a finely crafted jewel.

If he had gone through the same situation as me,

He could never have achieved that.

Therefore.

I must not let him slip away.

‘I need to prepare.’

Since there’s a bet we agreed upon.

I had to prepare it soon.

I couldn’t go in this state, after all.

“Ah.”

“What is it?”

“Come to think of it, I forgot to deliver this.”

Bi Uijin took out a letter from his pocket.

It was a letter he was supposed to give to Gu Yangcheon, but he had forgotten.

He had forgotten.

‘Is it because I’m old? I feel like I’m forgetting things more often.’

I thought my memory had improved significantly after my body became young again.

But seeing this, it seems that wasn’t entirely the case.

The sender of the letter was the Earth Racoon from the Beggars’ Sect.

He had caught him while he was investigating him and was putting him to use.

‘I intended to just bury the matter.’

But although I meant to get rid of him,

He turned out to be more capable than expected, so I’m keeping him around.

He also listens well, so he’s useful.

And since he seems to be working hard, I decided to grant this request.

‘What could it say?’

Curious, I unfolded the letter.

Common sense like not reading someone else’s mail?

I was the kind of person who didn’t care about such things.

-To the Great Hero Jinryong.

The letter, which started politely,

-You son of a bitch.

Collapsed like a ghost by the second line.

“…Huh?”

Bi Uijin frowned, thinking he must have misread it for a moment,

But he hadn’t misread it.

-Do you know what kind of state I’m in right now…? You fucking bastard. If you had any conscience, you should have come to save me!

I even sent you a letter…!

-You rotten bastard…. What great fortune am I trying to enjoy! Damn it, do you know what happens when a beggar harbors resentment in winter?

-What happens? Fucking hell…. They’d be hungry! You damn bastard.

-I’ll remember this. I’ll definitely…

Crackle.

Bi Uijin, who had been reading the letter, crumpled it up and casually threw it far away.

‘Good thing I didn’t deliver it.’

It would have been quite troublesome if I had.

Bi Uijin nodded to himself.

“What is it? What is it?”

“It’s nothing. Let’s just ignore it…. Stop poking me.”

“Does it hurt? Oppa, does it hurt here? It hurts? It hur- Kyaaak!”

Finally, after Bi Uijin’s fist thoroughly smacked Bi Bi’s crown of the head,

Bi Bi’s teasing could be stopped.

“Kkyueng…”

As Bi Bi sat down and diligently rubbed the top of her head,

‘Come to think of it.’

Something came to mind as I crumpled the letter.

Why had Gu Yangcheon asked the Earth Racoon to investigate me?

This was something I meant to ask as well.

It was something Bi Uijin had forgotten.

‘I can ask him later.’

Because there’s plenty of time.

What remained for me was time.

Meaningless time, during which I couldn’t perfect my martial arts.

“…Oppa.”

“What is it?”

“Are you going to enroll?”

At Bi Bi’s words, Bi Uijin tilted his head.

He wondered what she was talking about so suddenly.

“You told me last time that you’d just take the exam and go home. That you wouldn’t enroll.”

“Did I say that?”

“Yes. You said you absolutely wouldn’t, even if you died this time…”

“Hmm.”

Knowing myself, it sounded like something I would say, so it must be true.

If there was an exam, I had planned to fail it appropriately and then leave.

To be precise.

The existence known as Jinryong.

If that guy turned out to be just some mediocre fellow who didn’t meet my expectations,

I hadn’t intended to stay here long.

But not anymore.

“I have a reason to stay now, so it’s fine.”

“Oh, really?”

Bi Bi reacted with surprise to Bi Uijin’s words.

Because she never expected her brother to say something like this.

“Yes.”

Bi Uijin replied with a slight smile,

And immediately clutched his chest.

“…Tsk.”

He must have hit me quite hard.

The pain shot through my chest the moment I smiled.

It seemed like it would take

Longer than expected for my injuries to heal.

Time eventually passed.

Fwoosh!

Several arrows were shot into the air.

The flaming arrows quickly ascended towards the sky,

Bang!

And burst into flames, leaving a brief trace.

The disciples of the later generation, seeing the flames, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The flames that erupted simultaneously with the setting sun

Signified the end of the exam.

Some sighed in relief,

While others cried out in frustration,

But regardless of the outcome,

The result would not change.

The third trial for admission into the Divine Dragon Pavilion

Had ended the moment the sun set.

---

Under a night sky filled with dark clouds.

Above a place where waves crashed fiercely.

A solitary island could be seen.

Nearby residents called it a cursed island and avoided it,

And even if one tried to go, the rough waves could sweep them away, leaving their fate unknown.

It was a dangerous island.

The interior of the island was teeming with monsters,

And not only that,

Individuals with fierce auras were patrolling the surroundings.

And at the center of the island,

A massive residence had been built.

Creeeak.

A man walked, making a sound.

He was passing through a dark corridor devoid of any light.

The man, as he moved,

Stop.

Finally halted his steps before a door.

Rattle.

He carefully opened the door and stepped inside.

Inside the room, an old man sat with his eyes closed.

“…Taeju.”

At the man’s voice,

The old man finally opened his eyes slowly.

His eyes were an ominous color, as if faded.

“The presence of the one I sent has vanished.”

“I see.”

The old man reacted as if he didn’t care much about the man’s words.

The man found the reaction bothersome,

But he couldn’t show it.

After all, that was just the kind of person he was.

The man brought up another point.

“…Upon checking other reports, I confirmed that the descendant of the Sword Master headed towards the Divine Dragon Pavilion.”

“Ho ho.”

Only then did the old man’s eyes light up, showing a reaction.

It was a completely different demeanor from before.

“It seems that brat didn’t lie after all.”

Someone came to the old man’s mind.

A young snake coiling secretly around his father and the world.

From its sprout, it was evident it would grow into a great darkness.

Even though I offered my help,

He was proving surprisingly useful.

“Hyo-gun, you foolish friend. If you were going to hide and live, you shouldn’t have left any traces.”

Tsk, tsk, the old man repeatedly let out dry laughter.

What amused him so much,

The man couldn’t tell.

“Truly, the time is near.”

Grind.

As he spoke, the old man stood up.

When the seemingly frail old man stood up,

His hidden, imposing physique revealed itself.

“The Divine Dragon Pavilion…”

A gathering place filled with the descendants of prestigious families.

Not bad.

“It’s a perfect place to announce the revival of this Black Dragon Sword.”

As the old man stretched his stiff body,

Gugugugu….

The killing intent and aura erupting from his body spread in all directions.

The oppressive energy resonated throughout the entire residence.

As the man struggled to breathe, barely letting out a groan from the sheer force of the aura,

The old man spoke to the man.

“Coincidentally, I heard there’s also a descendant of the Poison King (毒王) there.”

“Yes… I heard they are called the Poison Phoenix (毒鳳).”

“Poison Phoenix, how fortunate.”

The possibility of Absolute Immunity to Poisons, which hadn’t appeared in the Tang Clan for a while.

Although they say they are still young,

It wouldn’t be bad to ‘harvest’ them before they grow further.

Since the opportunity has just presented itself.

Having thought that far, the old man commanded the man.

“Deliver a message to the Palace Lord.”

To the person hiding somewhere on this island.

Tell them this.

“A commission is a commission, but you still have to pay rent, don’t you?”

“…Under…stood.”

As the man hurriedly went outside after speaking,

The old man chuckled dryly once more and walked towards the window.

He gazed up at the distant sky.

The dark clouds remained in the night sky,

But moonlight could be seen faintly through the gaps.

Ache.

As I looked at the moon,

The place with the scar felt cold.

It was always like this on nights when the moonlight was visible.

This was why I closed my eyes at night.

The old man could not forget the sword dance he had witnessed that night.

Even after decades, he caressed the stinging scar.

“Tsk, tsk…”

When,

Will the pain from this scar disappear?

Perhaps, it won’t be long now.

The old man, who had been feeling the winter wind for a long time,

Only after seeing the moonlight once again obscured by the dark clouds,

Could he move his stopped body.

---

Immediately after the exam ended.

Not long after, I was able to return to the inn to rest.

“This is damn exhausting.”

My body was quite exhausted.

I hadn’t even properly managed my internal injuries.

It was because I had a scuffle with the Esteemed Fist Master.

As I trudged back to the inn,

Mu Yeon, who had arrived earlier and was waiting, appeared and helped me.

Seeing that, I had to look quite surprised.

“Mu Yeon, you haven’t left?”

To my question, Mu Yeon replied with a slight smile.

“I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

“You could have left today.”

“I felt I should wait until the final exam…”

“You think I’d fail? What are you worried about?”

If I were to be admitted into the Divine Dragon Pavilion,

I wouldn’t be able to bring my guards,

And I heard Mu Yeon had things to do back at the clan, the Gu Seon Gate.

In fact, coming all the way to Hannam was also thanks to Mu Yeon’s half-forced persuasion.

‘Even though I told him not to come.’

Leaving tomorrow, huh.

At that remark, I suddenly reacted.

“How about taking this loser with us when you leave?”

“Haha…”

I said, pointing somewhere with my fingertip,

And Mu Yeon chuckled sheepishly.

My fingertip was pointing at Gu Jeolyeop.

Gu Jeolyeop, who had been lying down, flinched and got up, perhaps realizing I had pointed at him.

“…I passed…”

“I heard it was close.”

“If someone hadn’t taken my sash… it wouldn’t have been close at all.”

Gu Jeolyeop said, sounding aggrieved.

I heard he barely managed to get the last sash right before the arrows were fired.

Actually, it was quite fortunate.

‘Because my condition was so terrible, I almost couldn’t return the sash.’

The sash I had originally intended to return,

I couldn’t go give it to him due to my condition.

It was fortunate that he overcame the crisis on his own without failing.

If he had failed after all that, even I would have felt a bit guilty.

For the record, Gu Yeonseo also passed.

He went straight to his room to sleep because he was exhausted upon arrival, or so I heard.

‘The others…’

I glanced around.

They all seemed to be in less than ideal condition.

Moyong Hi-ah, who usually took great care with her appearance,

Looked somewhat haggard.

Tang Soyeol, who used to jump around excitedly whenever I arrived,

Was dozing off with his forehead pressed against a table.

‘Why is he like that?’

Even when leaving, he had been so confident, saying he’d easily pass this.

He was so sure of himself.

His current state was strange.

Did something happen?

If they’re this worn out, something must have happened.

The only one relatively unscathed was Namgung Bi-ah.

While everyone else seemed out of their minds, Namgung Bi-ah was calmly sipping tea.

She looked the same as usual.

The only slight difference was

That she wasn’t asleep.

‘…What about Wi Seol-ah? Did she not come?’

It seemed Wi Seol-ah had gone to her own lodging.

Which was only natural,

But her absence here made me feel strangely disappointed.

“Young Master.”

“Hm?”

“But… who is this?”

Mu Yeon asked, pointing behind my back.

“Ah.”

Oops.

I had completely forgotten for a moment.

I immediately grabbed the trembling fellow behind me and pulled him out.

Because of this guy, I had so much trouble trying to get more sashes.

“Say hello.”

“Agh…”

As everyone’s attention focused on him, wondering what he was,

Cheol Ji-seon’s trembling seemed to intensify slightly.

Come to think of it, how should I introduce him?

“Hmm.”

After a moment’s thought, I blurted it out.

“He’s a new friend I made.”

That should suffice, right?

As I said it without giving it much thought,

“…!”

“A friend…?”

“A friend the Young Master made…?”

The gazes of the companions changed.

Especially the way they looked at Cheol Ji-seon was strange.

It was as if they were thinking.

‘How did this happen….’

‘Poor thing….’

Those were the kinds of looks.

Among them, Gu Jeolyeop’s reaction was the most amusing.

He was staring intently at Cheol Ji-seon with wide eyes.

He wasn’t saying anything, but his eyes conveyed it all.

‘Run away…!’

Cheol Ji-seon, meeting his gaze, rolled his eyes around frantically.

What the hell? Why is everyone reacting like this?

I felt incredibly wronged.