Chapter 302: Who’s Messing With My Kid? (3)

The Dragon Hall has various facilities.

Because it’s a place filled with martial artists.

The first floor of the dormitory was utilized as a training ground.

And a dining hall to accommodate a large number of people.

It was said there was also a place for potential shutdowns.

Rumors circulated that monsters were being raised underground for training.

Ah, for reference, this isn’t a rumor, it’s the truth.

In fact, around the time I discovered the underground area in my previous life.

It was teeming with monsters.

And behind the Dragon Hall, there’s a vast plain.

This was a place for squad-level training.

The number assigned to each squad ranges from as few as ten people to slightly over twenty.

This means.

The plain was wide enough to accommodate even more than that number.

Such a plain.

Was now filled with the inner energy emitted by the martial artists.

Despite the biting winter weather.

The surroundings were even hot from the heat of evaporating sweat.

Huuk!

The body moved ceaselessly.

The sound of friction echoed.

Over ten people were moving relentlessly on the plain.

And at its center.

Was the leader of the Blue Dragon Unit.

And a master called ‘Uicheoncheonggwon’, facing a large number of opponents at once.

Kuung! The ground shook.

It was the shock caused by Cheol Hwan-o stomping on the ground.

Because of that, one of the attacking young martial artists lost balance and their stance crumbled.

Cheol Hwan-o didn’t miss this chance and swung his hand.

Kung!

“Kkeuak!”

As Cheol Hwan-o’s massive palm pushed the young martial artist.

The young martial artist floated up and flew into another young martial artist, colliding with them.

The cooperative formation among the young martial artists, which was almost non-existent, collapsed.

Even though several people were facing one person.

The battlefield was a chaotic mess.

Cheol Hwan-o being a strong martial artist was one thing.

But looking at the situation, there was a lot of crudeness.

And Cheol Hwan-o had known for a long time that this situation would occur.

Rather, it would be more accurate to say he proceeded knowing this would happen.

Casually deflecting the surrounding onslaught like flowing water.

Cheol Hwan-o rolled his eyes.

‘The ones whose bearing is visible are four.’

Amidst the numerous auras of inner energy.

There were four individuals who felt particularly refined.

That was the number Cheol Hwan-o recognized.

‘But, as expected, they are still at the level of young martial artists.’

Of course.

Even for Cheol Hwan-o.

Facing over a dozen young martial artists ranging from second-rate to first-rate simultaneously was impossible.

However.

Dealing with those who have no experience cooperating as a group is a different story.

Because their movements don’t sync, there are particularly many openings.

If you identify such an opening and just nudge it.

The tower collapses with a ‘wareureu’.

A clumsily built tower is prone to collapse even from a small shock.

Look now.

Their formations don’t align, so it’s a complete mess.

In such a situation.

One young martial artist breaks through that gap and flies in.

It’s a big guy with black hair.

It was a face Cheol Hwan-o remembered.

‘Pae U-cheol.’

A different light flickered in Cheol Hwan-o’s eyes.

That guy was one of the four he was keeping an eye on.

Amidst the chaotic situation.

Pae U-cheol, who broke through as if using the situation.

Had come right up to Cheol Hwan-o’s face.

Using his firmly planted lower body as a lever.

Pae U-cheol’s waist springs back.

The moment his heavy fist contained inner energy.

Pae U-cheol threw his punch. A clean movement, at a considerable level.

However.

“What a shame.”

This was Pae U-cheol’s mistake.

To an opponent with such a vast difference in level.

To charge head-on in a situation where no other comrade can help.

Excitement and fervor must have gotten the better of him, failing to properly assess the situation.

Kwak!

“!”

The inner energy imbued in Pae U-cheol’s fist shatters with a single hand gesture.

Until the energy in his fist broke and scattered.

Pae U-cheol couldn’t see how Cheol Hwan-o moved.

And immediately.

Kung-!

“Keuhuk!”

An impact landed on Pae U-cheol’s abdomen.

It was Cheol Hwan-o’s single blow, and right after the impact, his inner energy erupted, creating a ripple.

Pae U-cheol couldn’t endure it and had to fly quite a distance back, rolling on the ground.

The instructor played the role of the monster.

Not long after the monster hunt began, where the young martial artists cooperated to catch the monster.

Half of the young martial artists who started together were lying on the ground.

Those barely maintaining their stance were sweating cold sweat.

Their gazes wavered.

They seemed unable to comprehend how this could happen.

Seeing that, Cheol Hwan-o had to suppress a small laugh inwardly.

‘The look of hatchlings.’

It must be a new experience.

They haven’t properly experienced the Central Plains.

Moreover, these are people who probably didn’t think much about the existence of monsters.

Meanwhile, Pae U-cheol, who had flown quite a distance.

Was seen getting up, clutching his abdomen.

“Tweh!”

Spitting roughly on the ground, it seems his eyes weren’t dead yet.

‘A rough fellow.’

It wasn’t bad.

As the saying goes, a martial artist should be like that.

However, from an instructor’s perspective, the arrogance these guys possess.

It’s best to curb it early on.

‘You can’t live in the world like that.’

The young martial artists who come to Dragon Hall.

Are those raised with immense affection in a birdcage.

They must have outstanding talent, and endless support from their clans or sects.

Most of them are chicks who think the whole world belongs to them.

I had to break that from the very beginning.

That was Cheol Hwan-o’s way.

Cheol Hwan-o is someone who has served as an instructor at Dragon Hall several times.

He probably started around the time he passed thirty.

Although he hadn’t served as an instructor for the past few years.

He returned because a ‘job’ came up.

If you’re going to do it, do it properly.

That was Cheol Hwan-o’s resolve.

‘This batch is of good quality.’

Feeling the tingling in his fist, Cheol Hwan-o thought.

It’s a batch called the Generation of Shooting Stars, particularly having many ordinary talents and geniuses.

As if proving that, the young martial artists under his charge were also on the outstanding side.

‘…And, that guy was there too.’

The inner energy mixed with the air, filling the surroundings.

In the gaps of the heat disappearing into the wind.

Beyond the young martial artists groaning from exhaustion.

Cheol Hwan-o sends his gaze towards someone.

While going through this process.

To the guy who remained still, observing without moving at all.

‘True Dragon (Jinryong) Gu Yangcheon.’

The last dragon of the Six Dragons, Three Peaks.

A young martial artist watching the situation from afar as if finding it interesting.

His age is likely among the youngest in this squad, or even in the entire Dragon Hall.

Cheol Hwan-o, even while dealing with the other young martial artists.

He was directing his sense of ki towards Gu Yangcheon.

‘Why is that?’

Questions pile up.

Why is Gu Yangcheon staying still?

‘Was the display he showed earlier just reckless bravado?’

Cheol Hwan-o, just before the first training session.

Recalls the words Gu Yangcheon said to him.

-Can’t I do it alone?

The young martial artist who arrogantly provoked him.

It was a very obvious provocation, but.

Perhaps because it came from a young martial artist who hadn’t even lived half his life.

He almost lost his reason and took the bait.

Still, he endured.

Cheol Hwan-o was an instructor.

Because he couldn’t fall for such a provocation.

However.

‘I intended to teach him a lesson.’

Cheol Hwan-o, being human, couldn’t just let it slide.

He intended to make Gu Yangcheon an example in this training.

Even that arrogant young martial artist of the Six Dragons, Three Peaks.

He had to show that they were helpless against an instructor.

So that the other disciples could properly come to their senses.

And.

‘I heard the Young Master has been associating with the True Dragon recently.’

Cheol Hwan-o, upon receiving the position of Blue Dragon Unit Leader. The instructor position he had left.

The reason he returned again.

Cheol Ji-seon.

‘What might the Young Master be thinking?’

I heard he passed the third trial together with the True Dragon.

The image of his young master, who said he wouldn’t accept Cheol Hwan-o’s help, flashes by.

Although he came in as an instructor.

Unfortunately, Cheol Hwan-o couldn’t provide help in that manner.

Cheol Ji-seon’s passing was a fortunate thing.

‘What is that guy thinking?’

Separately from that.

Cheol Hwan-o still hasn’t been able to figure out what kind of person this young martial artist named Gu Yangcheon is.

To the extent of being recorded.

A genius who reached the peak at a young age.

The boy called the biggest star among the pouring shooting stars.

Is just silently.

Observing his falling comrades.

Is he perhaps scared by the unexpected strength?

That wouldn’t be it.

From Cheol Hwan-o’s perspective, Gu Yangcheon didn’t give off that feeling.

‘He said he reached the peak.’

When he first observed the disciples.

He remembers the moment he directed his gaze at Gu Yangcheon.

‘I couldn’t see it.’

It means his level wasn’t readable.

When his presence and fighting spirit filled the room.

He also remembers Gu Yangcheon appearing unfazed.

‘Is it really the same level as me?’

He himself is a perfected peak.

The level called the end of the peak.

Cheol Hwan-o was looking towards the Flower Realm.

This happened five years ago.

Not all peaks are the same.

Even so.

‘…A hatchling who hasn’t even passed twenty is at the same level as me.’

Moreover, he even issued a provocation saying he could win alone.

‘You must have seen me as very low.’

His fighting spirit rises little by little.

As the other young martial artists start to shrink back from that energy.

“Gu Yangcheon.”

Cheol Hwan-o calls out to Gu Yangcheon.

“Yes.”

Gu Yangcheon, who had been watching as if still interested.

Soon answers the instructor lightly.

“Why are you just watching the other disciples?”

“Is that not allowed?”

“The purpose of training is monster hunting. Are you just going to watch your comrades fall?”

“The monsters I know can’t talk. That’s strange. You’re doing too well.”

Ppudeuk.

For a moment, his expression almost broke.

‘You have no manners.’

Heard he’s the younger brother of Sword Peak, looks like he’s exactly like him.

“Are you insulting the instructor now, disciple?”

“No. It’s just because it’s training. I’m being considerate.”

“Considerate?”

“Yes.”

Gu Yangcheon, who speaks, laughs.

As much as everyone around could tell it was mockery.

It was a laugh filled with such obvious emotion.

“If I join, the training becomes too easy.”

“…Ha.”

Still such a reaction?

Truly arrogant and haughty.

‘Everyone is like that at that age, but.’

Is it perhaps because he receives so much public attention now?

Moreover, with the epithet True Dragon.

Hearing that he’s the youngest peak.

It can’t be helped.

However, you picked the wrong opponent.

‘I must fix that bad manners now, beforehand.’

Half a year of being his instructor from now on.

I didn’t intend to fix it slowly during that time.

Finish it now. That way, it’ll be easier going forward.

“Disciple.”

“Yes, Instructor-nim.”

“Does the world seem like yours? Your actions are like a frog in a well.”

“Croak croak.”

“…”

“Was that a bit much? I apologize.”

Gu Yangcheon apologizes, which is rare, but it doesn’t reach Cheol Hwan-o.

It’s already too late.

“Disciple Gu Yangcheon.”

“Yes.”

“Since you have so much confidence, let’s make a bet with the instructor.”

“A bet?”

“Yes. A bet.”

“What kind of bet are you talking about?”

Gu Yangcheon, who had been silent, finally shows interest.

Cheol Hwan-o held up three fingers in response.

“I’ll give you three chances.”

“Oh?”

“Within that, if the disciple’s attack reaches the instructor. It’s the disciple’s victory.”

“Ah, wait a moment.”

“Why? If you’re scared now….”

“During that, do you also attack or counterattack?”

“…?”

I wondered what that meant.

I clearly said I’d give three chances, what is this?

Gu Yangcheon, seeing Cheol Hwan-o’s expression, speaks with a bit of relief.

“Ah, I apologize. I’ve experienced this kind of thing a lot…. I just asked to confirm.”

“…Right.”

It’s a strange reaction.

What kind of crazy bastard would say they’d give chances and then attack?

If there is one, it wouldn’t be a righteous path practitioner.

Who would do such dog-like things under the name of the righteous path?

While Cheol Hwan-o was thinking, Gu Yangcheon asks Cheol Hwan-o.

“I understand the conditions, but you said it’s a bet. If I succeed, what do I gain?”

“It won’t happen, but do you have something you wish for?”

“Hmm….”

The way he ponders is amusing.

Gu Yangcheon, after pondering for a moment, quickly found an answer and told Cheol Hwan-o.

“Then please excuse me from that morning training.”

“…Ha.”

Cheol Hwan-o, hearing this, had to let out a breath of disbelief.

A martial artist, and moreover, a disciple who entered Dragon Hall.

Is asking to be excused from training.

It was an utterly absurd situation.

“For the half year you’re in charge of this squad, could you excuse me just for that time?”

“…You really seem to see me as a joke.”

“It’s not exactly like that. Because you said it was a bet?”

“Fine. Then conversely, if this instructor wins….”

“Do anything. I will accept it all.”

Snap.

At Gu Yangcheon’s dismissive attitude.

In the end, Cheol Hwan-o felt like his reason was snapping a little.

That was an act of completely disregarding himself, the instructor.

‘Alright. If you’re rushing your fate that much, I, the instructor, will show you the world.’

Hu-uu!

Cheol Hwan-o’s body emits heavy fighting spirit.

Compared to the energy poured out while gathered for the young martial artists.

It was a different kind of heaviness.

At the fighting spirit emitted by a martial artist who reached the perfected peak.

Those lying on the ground exhausted.

The other young martial artists watching this vomit.

It was because the killing intent mixed with fighting spirit was too strong.

If it were an ordinary young martial artist.

They would have controlled it to some extent.

Due to Gu Yangcheon’s attitude, Cheol Hwan-o couldn’t stand it any longer.

I hope you feel it.

That not all peaks are entirely the same.

That there are other worlds.

“Come.”

Cheol Hwan-o says, his eyes shining, but.

Gu Yangcheon was still just standing there.

Looking at Cheol Hwan-o with a strange expression.

“Why are you standing still, are you scared, disciple?”

Even if you’ve reached the peak.

The level must be different.

It’s natural that you can’t move like that.

Seeing that, Cheol Hwan-o says, slightly raising the corners of his mouth.

“Even now, if you acknowledge your mistake and apologize, I’m willing to let it slide….”

“…?”

Gu Yangcheon cuts off Cheol Hwan-o’s words, which he was trying to spare.

The moment he was about to ask Gu Yangcheon about this.

Gu Yangcheon, holding his palm upwards.

Quietly whispered to himself.

“Yeomok.”

“…!”

The posture and words heard.

It was a story widely spread among instructors during the last trial.

By the secret technique unfolded by the True Dragon of Gu Clan.

The words that the entire trial ground was swept away and became a mess.

And the story that it was a power that couldn’t be shown at the peak level.

‘No way.’

As soon as the ‘no way’ thought arose.

Hwareureureuk!

Flames suddenly shot out around him.

Sweeping the area and causing cracks.

Cheol Hwan-o’s fighting spirit and killing intent, emitted in all directions.

Are seen being swept away by the flames and sucked in.

Where to?

Right into Gu Yangcheon’s palm.

The crackling flames, riding the wind and swirling.

Sweeping even others’ inner energy, they were gathering into one place.

‘This is unbelievable…!’

An energy that makes one tingle just by looking.

Cheol Hwan-o finally realizes his thoughts were wrong.

That wasn’t just a peak level.

Because it wasn’t energy that could be emitted at that level.

‘Does he intend to detonate it?’

He had already forgotten the words about giving three chances.

If he really detonates that around now.

‘I can’t block it like Sword Empress.’

With Cheol Hwan-o’s level, he couldn’t protect the young martial artists.

Draws inner energy to his legs.

First, I must block that.

Kkwang-!

As dust exploded from the ground, along with a piercing sound.

Cheol Hwan-o dashes forward.

Swift speed.

Reaching Gu Yangcheon’s vicinity was instantaneous, but.

To Cheol Hwan-o, that time felt like eons.

‘Can I block it?’

What the range would be if it explodes.

How much the recoil would be if I block it directly.

If I forcefully block it right now.

How much damage Gu Yangcheon would take.

Countless calculations flash by, but.

There is no conclusion.

If it comes to it.

He intended to block it with his own body.

Approaching right in front of Gu Yangcheon.

Reached out his hand.

His arm, wrapped in qi, shot out with tremendous speed.

Reaching the desired position instantaneously, but.

Hwik!

“…What!”

Cheol Hwan-o’s hand just brushed past empty air.

Because Gu Yangcheon moved his body and dodged.

Cheol Hwan-o’s eyes flash.

Reacting to this speed?

Surprise lasts only a moment.

There wasn’t even time to be surprised now.

The one whose reaction was late this time was none other than Cheol Hwan-o.

Due to the hasty movement, his stance was slightly broken.

Because of that, it was a little late to twist his body.

Gu Yangcheon did not miss such an opening.

Immediately, his palm holding a red sphere.

Brought it right before Cheol Hwan-o’s eyes.

Kwak-!

Clenched his fist tightly just like that.

Simultaneously with clenching his fist.

Along with the felt air pressure, Cheol Hwan-o’s hair flutters.

“Heup!”

Cheol Hwan-o, expecting an explosion, tightly shut his eyes, drawing up his qi and enveloping the surroundings.

It was to reduce the explosion’s range, but.

“…?”

Strangely, the energy Cheol Hwan-o expected didn’t surge.

He expected flames covering his whole body to approach, but.

Only a cool breeze was blowing around Cheol Hwan-o.

Just then.

He felt a small touch on his chest.

Wondering what happened, he checked.

Gu Yangcheon was lightly touching the tip of his fist to Cheol Hwan-o’s chest.

At that sight, Cheol Hwan-o’s mouth gradually opens.

Gu Yangcheon, seeing Cheol Hwan-o’s face like that.

“I caught the monster.”

Saying that, he was smiling with satisfaction.