Chapter 306: Why Is That Here? (1)
by Afuhfuihgs
The path leading to the Hall Master’s room of the Divine Dragon Hall is located behind the dormitories of the Hall disciples.
The person known as the Hall Master.
Is a recognized master within the Martial Alliance.
This means that as the strongest martial artist in the Divine Dragon Hall,
In the event of a dangerous situation,
It was intended to protect the Hall disciples most swiftly.
‘Going around in circles for this.’
Conversely, the instructors’ quarters are on the opposite side,
So to get to the Hall Master’s room from there, one had to take a detour.
‘…If it was going to be like this, they should have just said the Hall Master summoned me from the start.’
Why did I even go to Cheolhwan-o?
Isn’t the route all messed up?
Crackle.
The sound of fallen leaves being stepped on tickles my ears.
As I walked, grumbling, I realized I was already almost there.
If there’s any benefit to the current timing,
Excluding lunchtime,
It’s that by responding to the Hall Master’s summons, I could skip one subsequent training session.
After all, unless it’s highly specialized theory,
I’ve experienced most of it in actual combat, so most of what I could learn now would be meaningless.
‘Are there no guards?’
What’s surprising is that no other Kunlun martial artist is standing guard for the Hall Master.
Well, if one is at the level of the Azure Sea Sword Master,
There wouldn’t be any need for guards.
Right now, at the Divine Dragon Hall, piercing through the Azure Sea Sword Master’s aura field
The only person who could enter the Hall Master’s room
Would be, at best, the Sword Empress.
This means that
The moment I stepped onto the path leading up,
It was no different than entering his aura field.
‘The fact that the Hall Master summoned me separately…’
Is there some other reason?’
Thinking such thoughts, I moved my feet.
I’ll find out when I see him anyway.
I slowly entered the building.
It seemed a bit larger than its apparent size. Several large rooms were visible.
Just as I wondered which door to open,
Creak.
The door opened from the inside, and I came face-to-face with someone.
“Huh?”
“Ah!”
A woman with brown hair that had a golden sheen.
The very person who had been bothering my thoughts lately.
It was Wi Seol-ah.
“Why are you coming out from here?”
Without realizing it, my voice came out a little too loud.
Wi Seol-ah also had a surprised look, as if she hadn’t expected to meet me here.
Similarly, I had to be quite surprised inwardly.
‘I didn’t sense any presence inside.’
Setting aside the presence of the Azure Sea Sword Master,
I didn’t even sense Wi Seol-ah’s presence, which had reappeared.
This means
‘There’s something around that’s blurring the aura field.’
Is it the Azure Sea Sword Master’s power?
That wouldn’t be it.
As far as I know, he doesn’t possess such power.
I knew more about the Azure Sea Sword Master than expected. Though I didn’t know much about his martial arts.
I even knew titles he hadn’t yet acquired.
‘Then, is it the power of a demonic creature?’
This possibility is the highest.
I don’t know what kind of demonic creature it is, but it seems quite effective.
“You….”
“The… Hall Master summoned me briefly.”
“The Hall Master?”
The Azure Sea Sword Master summoned Wi Seol-ah?
‘Is it because of the Sword Master?’
Since Wi Seol-ah is a descendant of the Sword Master, the Azure Sea Sword Master might have summoned her separately.
I don’t know if that was the case,
However, judging by Wi Seol-ah’s reaction,
It didn’t seem like it.
Embarrassment? Something like that was clearly visible on her face.
Why would she be embarrassed looking at me?
“…You.”
As I called out suspiciously,
Wi Seol-ah’s shoulders flinched.
“Did you cause some trouble?”
“…!”
Wi Seol-ah seemed to have hit the nail on the head with my words.
She lowered her head completely.
It seemed my words were correct.
‘Wi Seol-ah caused trouble and got summoned by the Hall Master?’
Not ending with the instructors,
I was simply curious about the reason it escalated to the Hall Master.
No, even before that, the fact that Wi Seol-ah caused trouble was more baffling.
“What kind of trouble did you cause….”
Just as I was about to ask Wi Seol-ah what happened,
Creak.
The closed door opened on its own with a sound,
Whoosh!
Wind blew from inside the door.
I knew instantly.
That the wind was thick with demonic energy.
-Come in now.
A heavy telepathic message struck my head.
Just hearing the voice,
I felt a resonance throughout my entire body.
To this extent just from hearing a telepathic message.
‘The Azure Sea Sword Master’s level seems higher than I expected.’
I had underestimated him, thinking he’d be lower than Maehwaseon.
Right, the sect leader of one of the Nine Great Sects couldn’t possibly be weak.
“You, wait outside.”
“…Outside?”
“Yes, I have something to say, so make sure you wait.”
After making sure she couldn’t run away,
Before Wi Seol-ah could say anything, I stepped into the room.
The gap connecting the entrance and the room.
The moment my toes touched that gap.
Vwoom-!
“…!”
I felt a massive energy envelop me.
The quality of the air felt different from outside the door.
The overwhelming energy naturally made cold sweat run down my back.
‘This old geezer.’
I moved forward, trying hard to ignore that heaviness.
The air wasn’t so heavy that I couldn’t breathe,
Nor was the reason for the cold sweat that it was unbearably difficult.
‘Is he planning to kill someone?’
The demonic energy spread throughout the room right now.
It showed how deadly a weapon it could become with just a gesture from the Azure Sea Sword Master.
Feeling the chilling energy, I took a step forward.
Walking neither too fast nor too slow,
Before I knew it, I saw the figure sitting before me.
An old man with snow-white hair and a frail, small body,
But how sharp a sword he possessed within that small body
Was difficult to gauge at my current level.
The old man had his eyes closed,
But he was definitely looking at me.
“You are quite something.”
As I got close,
The old man’s lips parted.
“There were so many rumors, I was curious about what kind of outstanding child you might be.”
There are many ways to introduce the old man,
And whichever you choose, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
Called one of the Ten Great Masters of the Central Plains.
One of the Seven Iron Rods and Three Books,
Or a master called one of the Five Great Sword Masters.
The sect leader of the great Kunlun Sect, situated in Azure Sea.
And.
“Actually, the rumors seem quite inadequate.”
Later known as the Azure Sea Demonic Sword,
A figure who became the Demon Star’s subordinate.
Was smiling at me.
The Azure Sea Sword Master.
Or.
The Azure Sea Demonic Sword.
In the era of the Blood Calamity, those were the only two titles the old man was known by.
It was around the time the Demon Star first appeared in the Central Plains.
Among those who didn’t know how powerful the Demon Star was,
The forces of the righteous sects were overwhelmingly superior.
Even with an unknown individual rising to sweep through the Central Plains,
It was a time when there was no reason to fear.
Just because one person was outstanding,
They thought he couldn’t possibly sweep through the vast Central Plains martial world.
And indeed, it was close to impossible.
However.
Even among such people,
There certainly existed those who received power from the Demon Star and became demonic cultivators,
People collectively called such individuals
The First Demonic Cultivators (Tae-ma-in).
The first demonic cultivators who foolishly succumbed to desire and fell under the Demon Star.
There are always those who are stained by greed and make wrong choices.
However, did they actually make foolish choices?
Yes. They were foolish.
Ultimately, the Demon Star was killed by the Divine Sword, and the Demonic Cult’s Blood Calamity ended in failure.
Their choice was undeniably a failure.
However, around the time the Demon Star’s might began to be known, the position held by the First Demonic Cultivators was different.
The first demonic cultivators.
Meaning, they were the Demon Star’s first subordinates.
Perhaps it held great significance for the Demon Star as well,
Among the countless demonic cultivators who would later multiply,
They were granted the strongest powers.
For example,
Yes.
The Demonic Absorption Technique.
That could be cited as an example.
The demonic art ingrained in my body, too,
Even if it was forcibly implanted regardless of my will,
It’s because I was one of the earliest, if not the first, demonic cultivators to fall,
That I assumed the Demon Star must have given me such a powerful demonic art.
And.
The old man before me was also
One of the primordial demonic cultivators, just like me.
‘The Azure Sea Demonic Sword.’
Not long after the Demon Star appeared,
I heard the story that the Kunlun Sect Leader had fallen into becoming a demonic cultivator.
The fall of a master who was thought to be on the side of the righteous sects more than anyone else
Was enough to cause significant shock to the righteous sects at the time,
And the Kunlun Sect immediately
Appointed one of the elders as the new sect leader,
Claiming the Azure Sea Sword Master’s fall was unrelated to them and attempting damage control,
But the public’s perception was not favorable.
It was the fall of the Azure Sea Sword Master, of all people.
I don’t know why he fell.
After I became a demonic cultivator,
And achieved rapid growth,
By the time I had gained some standing,
The Azure Sea Demonic Sword had already been decapitated by the Sword Master.
If I recall anything,
It’s that the Azure Sea Demonic Sword wasn’t particularly consumed by madness for a demonic cultivator,
And that he pitied me for becoming a demonic cultivator.
That’s all the memory I have.
I roughly know what martial arts the Azure Sea Demonic Sword used,
And how he fought,
But it wasn’t important information.
“…Greetings, Hall Master-nim.”
“Welcome, welcome. You must have had a hard time getting here.”
“Not at all.”
As I replied,
A cup of tea was already placed before me.
When did he prepare it?
“I saw you about ten days ago. This is the second time.”
“Yes.”
Once when introducing the top and second-ranked disciples.
And once now.
The Azure Sea Demonic Sword chuckled as he looked at me.
“Ho-hyeop raised his child remarkably well. Truly an exceptional talent.”
“Thank you.”
“Kekeke!”
The Azure Sea Sword Master laughed, seemingly pleased.
“Indeed.”
Then, suddenly.
Whoooosh….
I felt the demonic energy filling the room begin to move.
“Are you feeling it?”
“Yes, I’m feeling it quite well.”
Slowly, and yet heavily.
The demonic energy filling the large room
Was endlessly threatening.
Enough to drench my back with sweat from the tension.
“How amusing… to feel this. Even the second-generation disciples found it difficult to sense.”
“I’m starting to feel suffocated. Could you please stop?”
…I can’t even drink my tea, you old geezer.
Why did you even make it if you were going to do this?
As I carefully spoke,
I felt the surrounding demonic energy become gentler.
“My apologies. Curiosity got the better of me, and I seem to have overdone it.”
“No, it’s alright.”
Though it wasn’t alright at all.
Even I couldn’t lash out at the Hall Master, so I had to endure it.
Why is it that lately, everyone I meet seems to want to test me?
This is why I should have been more moderate.
Just because I acted out a little, rumors spread, and now everyone I meet is doing something to me.
Would it kill them to just leave me alone?
This land of ours, being moderately strong is always a problem.
As I suppressed my irritation,
The Azure Sea Sword Master spoke to me.
“So, do you have any idea why I summoned you?”
“Yes.”
I had already heard from Cheolhwan-o on the way, so of course I knew.
As I gave my answer, the Azure Sea Sword Master’s expression turned a bit serious.
It seemed he was about to get to the main point.
“You’re at an age where passion runs high, and I understand being passionate, but your actions were excessive.”
“I apologize.”
“And this was shortly after you enrolled.”
“…”
Certainly, less than a month after the Divine Dragon Hall opened,
There probably wasn’t anyone else causing such a ruckus like me.
‘Oh, is this more dangerous than I thought?’
I might even get expelled if things go wrong?
Being summoned directly by the Hall Master put me in a rather awkward position.
Even if it wasn’t against the rules, if the Hall Master didn’t approve, I could still be kicked out.
‘…Sigh.’
Ah, is this a bit dangerous?
This is something I hadn’t considered.
What if I get kicked out like this?
‘What do you mean, what if? I’ll just deal with it.’
All my plans would be ruined.
If I hadn’t come, fine, but since I’m here, I have to proceed according to plan.
Should I try kneeling?
Something like that? I can do that anytime if needed…
“Kekeke…!”
As a myriad of thoughts flashed through my mind,
The Azure Sea Sword Master, seeing my expression, chuckled.
“Your expression is quite something.”
“…”
Was it too obvious?
While I was contemplating how to speak,
The Azure Sea Sword Master continued.
“Don’t worry, nothing you’re worried about will happen.”
“Huh?”
“Given my position, I do have to scold you for some things, don’t I?”
“…”
“I’ll consider it as you being young and full of vigor, unable to control yourself. I intend to let it slide this once.”
“…Thank you.”
Hearing him say that made my conscience prickle quite a bit.
Considering my past life, I wasn’t exactly young.
If you put it that way, doesn’t it just sound like I’m immature?
‘…Is that right?’
I couldn’t exactly deny it,
Seeing as my temper is like this even now.
It seemed plausible.
Still, it’s a relief.
Judging by the Azure Sea Sword Master’s reaction, it seems I won’t be expelled.
That’s enough.
“Normally, seeing signs of disruption throughout the hall, I could have expelled you by the Hall Master’s decree, but…”
Gulp.
I swallowed dryly.
“I’ll let it slide due to my favoritism.”
“Th-what? Favoritism?”
Did I mishear?
It wasn’t a word I expected to hear from the Divine Dragon Hall Master, of all people.
“Yes, favoritism.”
“…May I ask what you mean?”
“Was that difficult to understand? I mean that I favor you.”
That’s absurd.
When have we even met for him to favor me like this?
I’m not even a disciple of the Kunlun Sect.
“…I don’t quite understand why you favor me.”
“Are you saying you don’t like it even though I’m offering?”
“It’s not that.”
It’s just that.
I’m scared.
How could I not be scared when an old man I barely know claims to favor me?
Besides, I don’t exactly give off the vibe that old people would find endearing.
If someone said they liked me, it would be grounds for suspicion.
“I still need to issue a nominal punishment…. Right. You can just go behind your dormitory and sweep the floor.”
“…”
“What an amusing expression. You look completely bewildered.”
“That’s right.”
“If you wish, I could tell you why?”
“Then please tell me….”
“However, if you want to know, then that favoritism I just mentioned is off the table, and we’ll proceed with the expulsion process….”
“Thank you for liking me. I will live up to your expectations.”
I cut him off before he could finish.
“You’re quick.”
“I hear that often.”
Yeah, if he likes me, that’s good.
What does the reason matter?
Perhaps pleased with my answer,
The Azure Sea Sword Master said with a smile.
“You don’t resemble your father much.”
“…That’s the first time I’ve heard that.”
At least facially, anyone would say I look like my father’s son.
This was the first time I’d ever heard the Azure Sea Sword Master say such a thing.
“Do you know my father well?”
“We weren’t strangers.”
Whenever I encountered major figures from sects or clans,
Talk about my father often came up.
Knowing that my father’s activities in the Central Plains weren’t brief,
I wondered if they had some acquaintance,
But it felt like something deeper.
As I pondered this question,
The Azure Sea Sword Master spoke to me.
“Today, I merely summoned you out of curiosity about the ‘True Dragon’ whose rumors are widespread in the Central Plains, so you may leave now.”
At his words, I inwardly tilted my head.
Is this it?
This is much anticlimactic than I expected.
However.
“I shall take my leave.”
“Yes. Let’s meet again next time.”
Without asking further, I quickly bowed and scurried away.
It was enough that I got off lightly compared to the trouble I caused.
It was best to escape quickly before any further comments could be made.
Creak.
After hastily closing the door behind me,
The Azure Sea Sword Master looked with his snow-white eyes at the door through which Gu Yangcheon had just left.
Recalling the face of the young man who had been talking with him until just moments ago.
‘He grew up well.’
Around the time I started heading towards the Hall Master’s building,
When I detected the True Dragon’s aura in my senses,
The Azure Sea Sword Master felt surprised once.
It was because the aura he felt was so pure.
Not only did he feel my aura upon entering the room,
But he even spoke while sensing that aura.
‘A child like that should have been in Kunlun.’
If that were the case,
The Kunlun Sect might undoubtedly have become the sect housing the greatest martial artist under heaven in the near future.
Is it regrettable?
It is.
But I was glad.
‘He doesn’t resemble his father.’
I recall Ho-hyeop.
The young hero who harbored righteousness and chivalry, expressing malice towards the unorthodox sects,
Was a person who knew no playfulness,
But his son, while perhaps resembling him in appearance, seemed different in disposition.
It’s better this way.
It will be better for him to live in the world.
‘Twice.’
-This is the second time.
The Azure Sea Sword Master’s words that this was the second time he saw Gu Yangcheon.
That was a lie.
To be precise, this was the third meeting.
It’s just that.
It’s a past that Gu Yangcheon doesn’t remember.
‘He was too young. It couldn’t be helped.’
He was a child who started taking his first steps following his mother’s hand,
So it was natural that Gu Yangcheon didn’t remember the Azure Sea Sword Master.
The Azure Sea Sword Master recalled a conversation he had with a certain woman in his mind.
-I do not need the sect leader’s favor.
-If my child has an opportunity next time, please show them some affection…. That would be enough.
It was so long ago,
And the only person who remembered it was the Azure Sea Sword Master now,
Yet, the Azure Sea Sword Master still remembered.
He took a sip of the still-warm tea.
Considering he made it himself with clumsy hands,
It wasn’t a bad taste.
I came out of the Hall Master’s room and stepped outside.
“Whoa, that was chilling.”
Feeling the winter wind blow, I finally felt my tension ease.
“…I should stop causing trouble now.”
It was something I’d done hastily without thinking, but
From now on, I needed to be more careful.
At the very least, I needed to endure until all my tasks were finished.
Of course.
‘…Will I be able to?’
I wasn’t confident about it.
The plans I had for the future weren’t small matters either,
So it seemed difficult to get away with things so smoothly.
“It’ll work out somehow.”
Since there was no other path I could take,
Worrying about it wouldn’t change the fact that I had to do it.
At least it’s fortunate that I got through this situation well.
‘Why on earth does he say he favors me?’
I can’t figure out the Azure Sea Sword Master’s intentions.
When did he even see me to favor me like this?
Did I somehow help the Kunlun Sect without my knowledge, maybe?
‘That’s not it.’
I had no involvement in this life,
And in my past life, I beat up Kunlun disciples, I never helped them.
That’s why I’m even more clueless.
‘I don’t know. What’s good is good.’
For now, I needed to prioritize something else over the Azure Sea Sword Master.
‘Where is she?’
I was currently looking for Wi Seol-ah.
I clearly told her to wait outside, so where could she be?
‘Did she run off, perhaps?’
Lately, it feels like Wi Seol-ah runs away whenever she sees me.
It was possible.
Of course, if she ran off this time too, I planned to find her wherever she was, even her dormitory, and catch her.
How old are we to be playing tag like this…
As soon as I thought that,
Fortunately, I found Wi Seol-ah not long after.
Wi Seol-ah was crouching in a nearby bush not far away, looking at something.
‘What is she doing?’
Is she watching ants on the ground?
She seemed so focused that she didn’t even notice me approaching.
After getting right behind her,
“Hey, what are you doing here….”
Just as I was about to speak,
‘Huh?’
I noticed something strange about Wi Seol-ah.
Wi Seol-ah was crouching and making unknown gestures in the air.
Where her hands moved,
I felt some inexplicable sense of strangeness.
‘Wait a minute.’
…Could that possibly be?
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