Chapter 380: Well Done.

I’m being crushed by his presence.

I felt like I finally understood the meaning behind those words.

I’m suffocating from the heat radiating from Gu Cheolun’s core.

The crickets singing in the forest fell silent. The wild animals wandering nearby had already fled.

Pasasasak.

Even though it was spring, the lingering effects of winter remained. As the heat spread, the surroundings felt like they were sizzling.

In a situation where even breathing in and out became difficult.

Moyong Tae struggled to speak, looking at his opponent.

“…Hoyeop.”

Calling out his nickname, Gu Cheolun’s gaze turned towards Moyong Tae.

Deep crimson eyes and gradually reddening hair.

And an ever-growing presence.

Moyong Tae swallowed his shock as he looked at Gu Cheolun.

‘Was Hoyeop this strong?’

Hoyeop was known to be past his prime. Yet, such a presence…

‘Did he live hiding his strength?’

The rumor in the Central Plains was that the tiger who once commanded the past had grown weak after his prime. If he had lived hiding his strength, though the reason was unknown.

Moyong Tae thought it plausible, recalling Gu Cheolun. Any martial artist of Gu Cheolun’s generation couldn’t possibly not know of the glory he once possessed.

He was a disciple of the latter period, chosen as the strongest among the Divine Dragons of history. And the youngest commander of the Divine Dragon Unit, the foremost sword unit of the Alliance. The Alliance Leader at the time, the Sword Saint, had even declared that Hoyeop would be the greatest under heaven in the future.

The Greatest Under Heaven (天下第一人). It was a name any martial artist in the Central Plains would have dreamed of. And for the Sword Saint, known to be the closest to that title, to have declared it. People thought Hoyeop would become that in the future.

When the Divine Dragon Unit was annihilated, the Sword Saint left his position as Alliance Leader. Before Hoyeop took over the Gu family’s headship and retreated to Shanxi.

As time passed.

With several generational changes, Hoyeop’s name gradually began to fade. Hoyeop, who had reigned as a figure of terror for the unorthodox sects, was now starting to be called merely the head of the Gu family in Shanxi.

Around the time his own son, Sword Phoenix, began making a name for himself. He couldn’t recover his worsened physical condition due to the Demonic Mirror incident. It was around the time rumors circulated that his prime had completely passed.

After Gu Cheolun stepped down from his commander position. Since he hadn’t shown any martial prowess, except for the occasional suppression of Demonic Mirror breaches in Shanxi, those rumors likely spread further.

But.

‘…It’s all baseless rumors.’

Moyong Tae, facing the current Gu Cheolun, was convinced. That the rumors spread throughout the Central Plains were false. The Gu Cheolun right before his eyes was no mere participant at the lower end of the Central Plains’ Hundred Great Masters.

Moyong Tae, the White Heaven Sword Master, was a martial artist of the Hwa-gyeong realm. Furthermore, he was a figure whose name was listed among the Hundred Great Masters. Such Moyong Tae was now certain of defeat, looking at Gu Cheolun. Gu Cheolun’s radiating heat and presence alone sealed his defeat.

A being like this, at the lower end of the Hundred Great Masters like himself?

‘That’s absurd.’

Geugeugeuk-!

“…!”

Under the increasingly intensifying pressure. Moyong Tae clutched his chest, which felt like it was being squeezed.

“White Heaven Sword Master.”

“…Huk… Heok…”

Gu Cheolun began to approach Moyong Tae, who was sweating cold sweat.

“I asked what you were doing.”

From his deep voice, a thick anger could be felt. Even though the voice was steady with no variation in pitch. The energy contained within it was expressing his rage.

“Are you not going to answer?”

“…Heu…”

It wasn’t that he wouldn’t answer, but that he couldn’t. Gu Cheolun slowly reached out his hand as if he had no interest in Moyong Tae’s situation. As Gu Cheolun’s massive hand approached, Moyong Tae felt death drawing near.

Just as Gu Cheolun’s hand was about to cover Moyong Tae’s face.

“…Father.”

Utuk.

At Gu Yangcheon’s voice, Gu Cheolun’s body froze. Then, he turned his head towards Gu Yangcheon. The word ‘Father’ directed at Gu Cheolun was a title Gu Yangcheon hadn’t used in nearly ten years.

In that frozen moment, Gu Yangcheon approached Gu Cheolun and said this.

“I am alright.”

It seemed Gu Yangcheon was also struggling to breathe from the heat. Although his breathing seemed labored, Gu Yangcheon continued speaking.

“The Moyong Gaju-nim was merely giving me a lesson. Please clear up this misunderstanding.”

“…”

Hearing this, Gu Cheolun watched Gu Yangcheon quietly. Although Gu Yangcheon found those crimson eyes rather intimidating, this time, he didn’t avoid Gu Cheolun’s gaze.

A few seconds passed like that.

Seuk.

Gu Cheolun retracted the hand he was about to use to grab Moyong Tae and straightened his body.

“Huk.”

Only then could Moyong Tae finally release his held breath. Thanks to the presence and heat that had been constricting him vanishing in an instant.

Watching Moyong Tae catching his breath, Gu Cheolun opened his mouth.

“White Heaven Sword Master.”

At the call, Moyong Tae wiped away the flowing cold sweat and looked up.

“Is what he said true?”

“…”

He pondered how he should answer. He wondered if it was right to accept Gu Yangcheon’s help here, but if he answered according to his pride, he couldn’t know how Gu Cheolun would react. He doubted Gu Cheolun would kill him, but Gu Cheolun’s actions just now were no different.

Recalling that far, Moyong Tae shut his eyes tightly and gave his answer.

“…That’s right.”

“…”

Hearing Moyong Tae’s answer, Gu Cheolun wore a strange expression and took a step back. It felt as if he were creating space to make it easier for Moyong Tae to get up.

And then.

“I apologize. It seems I made a mistake due to not properly grasping the situation.”

He offered his apology to Moyong Tae in a calm voice. The important thing was that his voice didn’t sound apologetic at all. Given the situation, he must have known too. That Gu Yangcheon was shielding Moyong Tae. Nevertheless, offering an apology meant he chose to let it slide. Moyong Tae, knowing this, subtly bit his lip and got up.

“…I also bear fault for acting in a way that could cause misunderstanding. Please do not dwell on it.”

“I thank you for your understanding.”

A fake apology and thanks to maintain appearances were exchanged. Moyong Tae cast his gaze towards Gu Yangcheon, who was behind Gu Cheolun. Gu Yangcheon was looking at Moyong Tae with a subtle expression. Just as he wondered what kind of expression it was.

‘-…I apologize. I assume you are not pleased, so if you wish, I will formally visit you next time.’

‘…’

Gu Yangcheon’s telepathic message brushed past Moyong Tae’s ear. The words about visiting formally next time. Did he say that knowing how Moyong Tae would react when he visited? Moyong Tae still didn’t like Gu Yangcheon, but looking at the situation, it wasn’t the time to reprimand him.

‘-It’s fine.’

‘-…! ‘

Gu Yangcheon’s eyes widened upon hearing Moyong Tae’s telepathic message. Because Moyong Tae’s tone had completely shifted to a condescending one. He wondered if he should see that negatively, but somehow, Gu Yangcheon didn’t dislike Moyong Tae’s condescending tone that much.

‘-There’s no need for you to visit.’

‘-But….’

‘-I will visit next time.’

‘-…’

Did that mean he intended to fight to kill next time? Just as Gu Yangcheon’s lips were about to tremble.

‘-Next time, I’ll bring my daughter, so be prepared.’

‘-…’

‘-I’m telling you this in case you misunderstand, but I haven’t acknowledged you.’

‘-Yes.’

‘-And I never will.’

‘-Understood.’

The mention of bringing Moyong Xi’a meant he wouldn’t resort to bloodshed like this time, at least. Had he let it slide a little? As he thought that, Moyong Tae clasped his hands in a fist and bow towards Gu Cheolun.

“…As it is late, if you permit, I shall take my leave.”

“Very well.”

“Even if it was unexpected, regarding the trouble I caused your child, I will visit again personally to offer my apologies once more.”

Gu Cheolun nodded upon hearing Moyong Tae’s words. Confirming this, Moyong Tae let out a tired sigh and disappeared.

Once a considerable distance had opened up and Moyong Tae’s presence could no longer be felt.

Huung-

Gu Yangcheon felt invisible barriers being erected around them. They were surely barriers set up by Gu Cheolun.

“…”

Gu Yangcheon looked back and forth between the barriers and Gu Cheolun, wearing an ambiguous expression. Gu Yangcheon, scratching the back of his head for a moment.

“Gaju-nim.”

He finally asked Gu Cheolun a question.

“Yes.”

“Why did you do that?”

A question filled with doubt. Just before Gu Cheolun could speak his intentions to Gu Yangcheon, Gu Yangcheon added.

“You were already watching everything, weren’t you?”

At Gu Yangcheon’s words, Gu Cheolun’s eyes widened slightly.

---

Father had been watching all along. I am certain of it.

“Why did you go out of your way to pressure the Moyong Family Head?”

The conversation I was having with the Moyong Family Head. Even the duel that started with me asking him to teach me a move. Father must have been watching everything from the very beginning. As proof, Father looked at me with slightly surprised eyes and said.

“How did you know?”

It meant he was right. And the reason I, who couldn’t even sense his presence, was certain of this was none other than this.

“I thought you, Gaju-nim, would do something like that.”

“…”

“Because at the very least, if you made a promise, you wouldn’t be late or forget.”

I had wanted to discuss my parents, and we had agreed to meet here after finishing our meal. I hadn’t thought Father would be late; if anything, he would have arrived early. And that prediction was correct.

“So I’m curious. Why did you do that?”

In the midst of all that, why did Father intervene so late? He could have intervened anytime he wished. With the martial prowess Father had just displayed, it would have been enough.

‘Just how strong is he, really?’

Even now, having reached the Hwa-gyeong realm. I couldn’t sense how strong Father was. What I could be sure of was that Father was overwhelmingly stronger than the White Heaven Sword Master from just now. This was something I could know even through my past life. I hadn’t seen many instances where Father directly displayed his martial prowess. This is the second time in this life. The way he acted in the Black Night Palace, and the presence he showed just now. I’d only seen it twice at most, but even that was enough to be certain.

Father is strong. So strong that I can’t even begin to imagine.

“…I am curious about the reason you intervened late and pressured the White Heaven Sword Master.”

As soon as I asked, Father’s hair began returning to its original color. The residual heat lingering in the air was also being retracted. As I could finally catch my breath, Father spoke to me.

“It was simply something that needed to be done.”

“Something that needed to be done?”

“Yes.”

What did that mean?

“Originally, I had no intention of intervening.”

“Then why….”

“Because he intended to genuinely draw his sword against you.”

“…!”

“Do you need any further reason?”

It was because Moyong Tae intended to genuinely fight me. If it were just a matter of teaching a move, I would have let it slide, but it meant I intervened because he crossed the line.

“…Are you saying you truly intended to kill him?”

I remembered the heat pooling in Father’s hand. If it had covered the White Heaven Sword Master’s face, something quite terrible would have happened. But fortunately, regarding this question, Father slightly shook his head, denying it.

“I was merely securing justification. Even if you hadn’t stopped me, I would have chosen a similar method.”

“…”

Either to show his anger and smooth over the preceding events, or to secure various justifications so that the Moyong family would adopt a subservient stance. Did he mean he calculated this even while acting? Thinking that far, Father felt somewhat frightening.

“…I understand, but were you alright with it?”

“With what?”

“You must have lived hiding your strength. My question is whether it was okay to reveal it like this to the Moyong Family Head.”

If you’ve gone out of your way to hide your strength until now, there must be a reason. I wondered if it was okay to casually reveal your true power like this. Then Father replied, sounding puzzled.

“Third.”

“Yes.”

“You seem to be mistaken about something.”

“What?”

Father looked at me with his characteristic sharp gaze. He swept his hair back with his large hand and said to me.

“This Gaju-nim has never once hidden himself.”

“…!”

At Father’s words, I inwardly gasped.

‘He never hid it in the first place?’

“It was simply that there was no need to reveal it.”

“But the rumors….”

“Do you think what others say is that important?”

“No, it’s not.”

“This Gaju-nim thinks the same. This time, I simply used it where it needed to be used. It holds no further meaning.”

This was something I didn’t know. To think Father never even hid his strength in the first place. He merely neither denied nor confirmed the rumors widespread in the Central Plains. And the statement that he didn’t use his power because there was no need to. Was quite a shock to me.

‘…This is truly unexpected.’

This was a fact I truly didn’t know. Considering Father’s personality, it was plausible, but still. I never thought it would actually be true. As I was feeling a sense of emptiness.

“Third.”

Father called me.

“Yes. Gaju-nim.”

“You’ve crossed the wall.”

“…”

I swallowed hard at his sudden remark. Father was specifically referring to me having surpassed the Hwa-gyeong realm.

“…That’s correct.”

“When did you cross the wall?”

“A little over two months ago.”

“I see.”

Gu Cheolun nodded upon hearing my words. There was no reaction beyond that. My son reached the Hwa-gyeong realm before even turning twenty, and that was his only reaction. He’s truly a consistent person….

“You worked hard. Well done.”

“Yes. Thank you… Huh?”

My eyes widened at Father’s words, and I looked at him. When I looked at Father again, he wasn’t looking at me. Should I say his gaze was strangely averted?

“Gaju-nim…?”

“You said you wanted to ask this Gaju-nim something.”

“Ah. Yes.”

I intended to ask where he was looking, but Father steered the conversation back to the main topic. It seemed he meant for me not to ask. Only then did I swallow dryly. It must be because I recalled the reason I came here alone with Father. Right, there was a main point. I had to ask the question I wanted to ask, looking at Father.

“Gaju-nim.”

At my call, Father looked back at me. Facing the crimson eyes there, I opened my mouth.

“I heard my mother is alive.”

“…”

At my question, Father’s shoulders moved slightly. Observing that reaction, I continued speaking.

“…Gaju-nim, do you know where Mother is?”

“…”

After my carefully worded question, Father looked at me and remained silent for a long time. How did I know? Why am I suddenly asking this? Was he contemplating how to ask me those questions? As I thought that, I too was pondering my answer.

Father’s lips opened.

“Yes.”

“…!”

“I know.”

At Father’s answer, my heart began to pound rapidly.