Chapter 681: Dragon Dragon Dragon (Dragon Dragon Figurine)

A dining table where men gathered, without any alcohol.

It was a sight that evoked truly peculiar impressions.

Perhaps because it was strange? I could feel the people around glancing sneakily this way.

Ignoring the glances, I took a sip of the tea placed before me.

‘It probably wouldn’t be because of that.’

The reason for drawing attention wasn’t because there was no alcohol.

“Isn’t that fellow a Bi-seongdo?”

“Even without that, there were rumors just recently about seeing a Bi-seongdo in the Alliance. That talk turned out to be true.”

“He’s certainly very handsome.”

It was also because of Peng Woojin, who was quietly using his chopsticks in front of me.

“Then, is the person next to him that So-yeomra?”

“So-yeomra? What do you mean, suddenly So-yeomra?”

It was also because of me, who was eating dumplings together with him.

“I heard there was a young man the Bi-seongdo acted familiar with. They say it was no less than So-yeomra.”

“Is that person next to him So-yeomra? I can’t see his face well…”

“No, the one next to him.”

“The one next to that? If it’s the one next… Gasp!”

“When they said the extremely fierce-looking young man was So-yeomra, I wondered how true it was… It really is like that.”

What is?

What is like that?

I wanted to go find him and confront him immediately, but I held back. I’d gotten used to this kind of treatment by now.

To get used to this crap… it was truly incredibly sad.

“That’s right. The young man who was once called the youngest Hwa-gyeong… Of course, in the end…”

I couldn’t hear the rest of their words. But I could easily guess what they said.

They must have said it was a lie, or a baseless rumor, something like that.

I didn’t feel any particular emotions.

In the first place, I hadn’t denied or affirmed anything, and actually, a time like this when the rumors had faded was better for me.

The problem is.

“Hey, your chopsticks are trembling.”

“…!”

The guy next to me is probably reacting even worse than I am.

“What’s wrong?”

“…It’s nothing…”

The guy pulled his Pi-pungui, which he was wearing, down deeper, perhaps in case his face was revealed.

“If you’re going to be that scared, why bother coming out to eat?”

“Hoho, please don’t push him too hard.”

Cutting me off, Peng Woojin casually moved his hand.

He brought the dumplings in front of the monk.

“Young Master Gu, how much this person must have wanted to eat them to come here. I fully understand.”

“Thank…”

“How delicious must they be to come here, even going against reason? Not anyone! No one among those seen so far would have done such a thing. Doesn’t this prove that this place’s dumplings are from an amazing restaurant?”

“…”

“…”

I see. It was indirect criticism.

It was sophisticated indirect criticism that I hadn’t even dared to think of.

‘…This guy.’

There’s something to learn here?

I felt like I could take something like this.

I don’t know if he meant it sincerely or not. Because Peng Woojin’s expression was sincerity itself.

He tilted his head, looking at the monk who was trembling while holding his chopsticks.

“How come you’re not eating? You can eat as much as you want.”

“Th-thank… Thank you.”

The monk guy, even while trembling, picked up a dumpling with his chopsticks and shoved it into his mouth.

As soon as I saw that, I said.

“You’re eating that. Can you still eat that, even in this situation?”

“Gulp…”

Hearing my words, the guy almost spat it out for a moment, but he forcefully swallowed it and started eating.

Seeing this, I felt like I could tell exactly what state this guy was in.

‘Since I’ve been found out anyway, I’ll just eat it.’

Since I’ve been found out anyway, I’ll eat it one way or another.

That attitude was fully felt.

Does he want to eat them that badly? What is it about these damn dumplings…

‘…It’s not really my place to say, though.’

Looking at the monk who was diligently eating dumplings-no, Shinryong-I moved my chopsticks too.

It was to pick up and eat a dumpling.

Tak.

“Hm?”

“…Hm?”

Chopsticks collided with chopsticks. Now that I saw it, of all things, there was exactly one dumpling left.

Confirming this, I said to Shinryong.

“Put it down gently. I’ve given you leeway until now.”

Hearing my words, Shinryong continued.

“…Donor. Since this is something bestowed by the Bi-seongdo donor, it doesn’t seem quite right for you, the donor, to yield.”

“Oh really?”

Look at this guy?

“If you’ve eaten diligently until now, you should give up at least one. Is it acceptable for a monk to be greedy? You shouldn’t covet material desires.”

“Out of the nine dumplings, the Bi-seonggeom donor ate three, and you, the donor, ate three, so this one is indeed this humble monk’s dumpling.”

“Were you counting that, you cheapskate?”

When were they watching that one by one?

As I looked at Shinryong with a dumbfounded expression, the corner of his mouth was slightly raised.

Could it mean he won? Seeing that, I said in a dejected voice.

“In the first place, is it even true that a monk is eating dumplings here? Especially ones containing meat?”

“…!”

As I brought up the most fundamental point, Shinryong flinched and shook his body.

He himself seemed to feel a pang of conscience.

This was the moment.

Hwik-!

“Whoa!”

While Shinryong was hesitating, I quickly put the last dumpling into my mouth.

Then Shinryong put on a devastated expression, like the sky was falling.

No matter how I looked at it, it wasn’t the kind of expression a monk guy would make.

‘What on earth is in these dumplings.’

No, in the first place, what is meat that Daoists and monks are causing this fuss over it?

‘Let’s say Woo Hyuk is understandable.’

Even if we overlook that, because that bastard is always a weird guy.

‘What about this guy?’

I couldn’t understand the guy in front of me at all.

What on earth is this guy doing, acting like this here?

‘Why of all places, it’s here again.’

Just like the first time I saw him, this is where our second meeting is too.

I think we met while eating dumplings back then too. And this time, it was dumplings again.

‘…The monk learned about the taste of meat.’

As Peng Woojin said, this place’s dumplings seemed to be delicious.

“Please give me one more plate of dumplings here.”

“Yes-!”

Seeing the empty plate, Shinryong’s expression brightened as Peng Woojin placed an order.

“Did you come starving?”

“…No.”

“You say no, but it’s not no?”

As I nitpicked, Shinryong didn’t reply to my words any further.

He seemed to be thinking of just ignoring me and eating.

At that sight, I held back a chuckle and took a sip of tea.

As I was watching his actions without saying anything.

“So, that young man is So-yeomra, is that it?”

“They say he was once famous, being called Jinryong… I don’t know why there are no rumors nowadays. Even…”

The man who was speaking paused for a moment and then continued.

“Didn’t they also say he was called the youngest Hwa-gyeong?”

Jolt.

At those words, the monk eating dumplings trembled.

“Tsk! You fellow. Do you believe that baseless rumor?”

“No, that’s what the rumor was. Such a big rumor spread, yet he seems too quiet…”

The whispering sounds tickled my ears.

They thought they were speaking quietly, but their developed ki sense couldn’t be fooled.

“It seems like it’s because there’s no activity.”

“Even for that… something…”

I tried to listen subtly, wondering what they were going to say.

Woong-!

“Hm?”

I felt energy surrounding me.

It was a Ki barrier.

But the energy contained within was unusual.

It was energy that felt very pure and clean.

‘If it’s this kind of energy.’

I immediately looked beside me.

“What are you doing?”

“…”

The Ki barrier was created by Shinryong.

Perhaps he made it so outside sounds couldn’t be heard.

“What is this?”

I asked, waving my hand through the air.

The whispering sounds would be audible to Peng Woojin and Shinryong too, but…

Adding a Ki barrier to my words…

“Well, are you considering me?”

“It’s not like that…”

Shinryong avoided the answer, looking away as well.

I don’t know what he’s thinking.

As I nodded my head and looked at him.

“So… Young Master Gu.”

Peng Woojin, who was beside me, suddenly spoke to me.

“Why aren’t you visiting the main family estate?”

“…Suddenly?”

What kind of dog-shitty talk is this? The out-of-the-blue conversation made me frown.

“Didn’t I give you the token too? Please visit without fail.”

“Ah.”

Only then did it come to mind.

Thinking about it, I did receive something.

‘It was a black wooden token.’

They clearly said that if I went to the Peng family with it, I would receive good treatment.

Several years had already passed since I received it, but I had never gone to the Peng family even once.

“I didn’t particularly have a reason to go. I was also busy.”

It was a time of being pushed around here and there, rushing about, and even saving myself was difficult.

Could I have gone anywhere to relax comfortably within that time?

I truly had no time to go.

You could see it that way.

‘Anyway, even if I had time, I wouldn’t have gone.’

For what purpose would I go visit the Peng family?

It wouldn’t be a particularly good relationship, and they would likely be holding a grudge against me, which wouldn’t be enough.

“Later, if I really have time, I will go.”

“Hmm… I’ll be counting on it.”

“Don’t count on it too much…”

I feel like I’m going crazy from the burden.

Why on earth is this guy obsessed with me?

“…So, Young Master Peng, do you really intend to participate in the Bi-mu-je?”

Feeling annoyed, I tried hard to change the subject.

“Hm? Of course. I already applied!”

As he said that, Peng Woojin showed me the wooden token.

It was proof that he had properly submitted the application, and it was the same token I possessed. Seeing that, I continued my question.

“Why?”

“It’s not strange for a righteous sect martial artist to participate in a Bi-mu-je held by the Alliance.”

It was a true statement, so I had nothing particular to refute.

Because it wasn’t a strange thing, just as Peng Woojin said.

“Especially since they boast it’s being held as an all-time best. How much I look forward to it!”

The all-time best Bi-mu-je.

This is the phrase the Murim Alliance mentioned together when holding the Bi-mu-je this time.

‘This too isn’t a lie.’

Just looking at the scale of the Bi-mu-je they intend to hold or the rewards prepared for it, it truly was an all-time best.

Starting with the Great Rejuvenation Pill, directly prepared by Shaolin.

Including the precious item, the Golden Heaven Self-Dragon Sword, one of the Five Great Swords of Zhongyuan, which the Alliance had kept until now.

Besides that, there was martial attire made of rare silk sold by the Moyong Family, support from merchant guilds established by the Murim Alliance for the next three years, and so on.

There were various rewards enough to widen one’s eyes just hearing about them, but.

‘The most important thing martial artists here look at is…’

Probably the strongest unit in the history of the Murim Alliance, which disappeared in the past.

It must be related to the Divine Dragon Corps.

That place was where all the masters symbolizing the righteous sects had passed through, and it was like a symbol.

Although its fame had disappeared by now, the Murim Alliance announced the revival of the Divine Dragon Corps again, starting with this Bi-mu-je.

Talk about this was included in the Bi-mu-je rewards.

‘Didn’t they say that martial artists who achieved excellent results in the Bi-mu-je would be allowed to belong to the Divine Dragon Corps?’

I don’t know how many they would select, but that’s the fact mentioned by the Alliance.

Therefore, to put it another way, it’s safe to say this Bi-mu-je is ultimately for the establishment of the Divine Dragon Corps.

The Divine Dragon Corps, called the symbol of the righteous sects and the sword of the Murim Alliance.

Martial artists who live and die by fame and honor would surely covet it.

That’s understandable because.

‘Because they said that generation after generation, the leader of the Divine Dragon Corps became the number one person under heaven.’

I don’t know about now, but the fact from the distant past was like that.

Perhaps it was when this kind of talk didn’t continue…

‘Was it around the time the Sword Saint was the Alliance Leader?’

The Sword Saint once had a record of leading the Divine Dragon Corps.

Afterwards, he rose to the position of Alliance Leader, but even if called the number one sword under heaven, he was not the number one person under heaven.

Eventually, the Divine Dragon Corps went through the process of disbandment.

Ultimately, it was safe to say this kind of talk had disappeared.

However.

‘Still, martial artists won’t care, right?’

The Divine Dragon Corps leader becomes the number one person under heaven.

Martial artists will rush in like moths to a flame to inherit the legacy contained in that story.

Because currently, martial artists of Zhongyuan are probably those kinds of guys.

“So, does it mean you, Young Master Peng, are also interested in that story?”

Stroking the teacup, I asked Peng Woojin. To this, Peng Woojin replied with a smile.

“That’s right. Didn’t you apply for the Bi-mu-je because you have the same feeling?”

“Hmm.”

To the question, I let out a low sound for a moment.

First of all, honestly, I don’t have much interest in the Great Rejuvenation Pill or the precious sword.

The Great Rejuvenation Pill?

My foundations are already overflowing, and I still had the Poisonous Heaven Pill.

Moreover, since I possess the original recipe, what use is a Great Rejuvenation Pill?

I’m even assimilating the energy of Bingjing.

If we talk about foundations, I’m no longer lacking.

Although more is better, I’m not even sure myself what will happen if it increases further from here.

‘Let’s forget about the pills, then what about the Five Great Swords of Zhongyuan?’

That too has no meaning.

A sword of that level is already wrapped around my left arm, not to mention.

In the first place, since I’m not even a sword user, I have no interest.

Even if fist armor appeared, that would have been the same.

The precious item itself was not a point of interest.

Whether it’s silk clothes or support from merchant guilds, of course, that wouldn’t be it either.

If so, only one thing remains.

‘The Divine Dragon Corps.’

Recalling this, I said to Peng Woojin, holding back a smile.

“Yes, I am not uninterested.”

What I need is only that.

I participated in the Bi-mu-je annoyingly for that.

‘Right.’

Only the Divine Dragon Corps.

Furthermore, to be precise.

‘I need a title.’

And a very heavy title at that.

I needed such a title-one so big, heavy, and wide that it could hide my entire self.

Peng Woojin put on a strange expression at the words I spoke, thinking so.

“Hmm. I see.”

It was an expression that gave no clue as to what he was thinking, even while replying.

Peng Woojin’s gaze had always been like that since the first time I saw him.

Eyes that, while putting on a fully lighthearted appearance, held unknowable inner thoughts.

It was markedly different from Peng Ahui, who looked honest and cheerful.

Even his father, the Peng Family Head, seemed transparent, even in a bad way.

‘Perhaps because of that, I unconsciously become wary.’

At that appearance, a line keeps being drawn.

That’s the kind of man Peng Woojin was, in my eyes.

“…”

“…”

Was it because the conversation ended?

An awkward silence flowed.

An uncomfortable silence where not a single person spoke.

Should I try to say something? The moment I was about to open my mouth after pondering for a moment.

“Food is here!”

The waiter came to the table, carrying the dumplings ordered earlier.

Thanks to that, the uncomfortable atmosphere was resolved.

“Oh!”

Seeing the dumplings, Peng Woojin put on his characteristic smile once again.

“They look delicious. Let’s all eat.”

Starting with Peng Woojin’s words, chopsticks reached out.

Forgetting the atmosphere from earlier for a moment, we continued eating.

While taking delicious bites, I felt a particularly uncomfortable gaze.

Wondering if it was Peng Woojin, I checked, but it wasn’t Peng Woojin.

It was Shinryong.

He was looking at me sneakily with some uncomfortable gaze.

For some reason, that gaze continued until we finished eating.

---

After the meal ended, I came outside with a satisfied look.

As for the time, it was just past noon, so it was still a bright daytime.

I nodded my head, looking at the sun well-risen in the center.

‘I can do afternoon training.’

The time is not bad.

With this much time, I felt like I could focus on today’s training.

I felt it was lacking even without that, so it was fortunate.

“It was very delicious. As expected, this place is the best in Hanam.”

Now that I’m outside, Peng Woojin came out afterwards.

He seems to have come after paying the bill.

Shinryong was following behind Peng Woojin, and looking at him, Peng Woojin said.

“Hey, I said I’d treat you, but why are you doing this?”

“…No. It was something I had to pay, of course.”

Hearing his words, Shinryong seems to have paid his share of the cost.

I could have just freeloaded, but he insisted on paying it.

‘It probably doesn’t matter, because Shaolin probably has a lot of money.’

It’s not a place that would be shaken by this kind of dumpling price.

If he’s the top disciple of that place, he probably receives pocket money from here and there and so on.

‘Looking at it this way, they say one must achieve desirelessness. Yet, there isn’t a place as greedy as Shaolin.’

Not to mention subtly doing all sorts of businesses, and since they are based in the land of Hanam, there wasn’t a place as alien as Shaolin.

“Was it delicious?”

As I asked Shinryong, who was coming down, he let out a short cough.

Looking at his eyes, he had satisfied eyes. It seems it was indeed delicious.

“It’s fortunate that everyone liked it.”

Peng Woojin walked over, picking at his white teeth, having found a toothpick at some point.

“Since we’ve finished eating, what are your plans now, Young Master Gu? If you have no plans afterwards, perhaps a walk somewhere…”

“I’ll go back and train.”

“…I see. I can’t interfere with your training again.”

I thought he’d be clingy, but honestly, when I said training, Peng Woojin nodded his head too.

“It was a very good occasion. I hope we can have such occasions often in the future.”

“…Yes, depending on the time.”

“Haha! What a cool reaction! That’s why I like it even more!”

Every single word really gives me goosebumps.

This bastard is doing it deliberately, right?

“Young Master Peng.”

“Yes, tell me anything.”

“As I said again, I like women. Moreover, I’m also engaged.”

“Huh? I know that.”

He had an expression as if asking why I was asking something so obvious.

On one hand, that appearance reassured me.

“That’s a relief… As expected, you’re also like that, right, Young Master Peng?”

“Perhaps the next time we meet will be at the Bi-mu-je. I’m really looking forward to that time…”

“Answer me.”

Fuck.

Why are you changing the subject exactly at this time?

As I took a step back with disgust, Peng Woojin laughed heartily seeing that.

“Hahaha. It’s a joke, just a joke.”

“Hahaha. Right?”

“Probably.”

“Shit…”

“Then, since everyone is busy, I’ll be going first. I myself am also a very busy person. Haha!”

The person who, just until a moment ago, was asking to go for a walk together now says they’re busy and leaves.

How should I take this?

For a moment, feeling exhausted, I had to cover my forehead with my hand.

“Not to mention Young Master Gu. Mon… It was nice meeting you too.”

I could see Peng Woojin trying to say ‘monk’ while looking at Shinryong, but holding back.

It’s probably because there’s a crowd nearby.

As Peng Woojin bowed his head and paid respects, Shinryong returned the respect with an awkward gesture.

Since he couldn’t receive it according to their customs, Shinryong seemed to only bow his head.

‘He’s doing all sorts of things.’

Watching this, I thought, what on earth is this spectacle?

“Then, I’ll really be going. It was truly nice meeting you. Truly, truly.”

“Yes. Please leave.”

As if pushing him away at the sight of him seeming a bit clingy, I sent him off, and only then did Peng Woojin take a step and disappear.

Surprisingly, he seemed to have no hesitation in leaving.

And so Peng Woojin flowed away and disappeared into the crowd.

I was left alone with Shinryong. Looking at him, I said.

“I’m going.”

After saying a few words, I took a step.

Because there was no talk to have with this guy for that long.

Just as I was about to walk away, thinking about the order of training upon returning.

“…Why didn’t you say anything?”

Suddenly, Shinryong’s voice was heard.

Turning my head, I looked at him.

“Are you talking to me?”

“…”

Although no answer was heard, Shinryong was clearly looking at me.

Seeing that, I asked again.

“What words?”

“The words other people said just before…”

“Huh?”

What is Shinryong trying to say?

As I was nodding my head because I couldn’t understand.

“Ah.”

Something flashing by in my mind did exist.

It seemed to mean the words the customers said earlier.

[So, that young man is So-yeomra, is that it.]

[Didn’t they also say he was called the youngest Hwa-gyeong?]

[It seems like it’s because there’s no activity.]

Those were all words they said.

Wondering if he meant this, I asked Shinryong.

“What should I have said there?”

I wonder if there was something to get involved in.

“Did I have to go and overturn the table?”

They talk about me there, enough to ruin my appetite.

So should I have overturned everything?

‘Really?’

It wasn’t much of an insult to hear.

At least by my standards.

But was it such a story for Shinryong?

Someone who serves Buddha doesn’t seem like they’d get angry over something like that, but.

‘The fact that he put up the Ki barrier too. Was something bothering him?’

Because something was bothersome in his own opinion.

I thought that might be why he’s acting like this even now.

“Don’t worry about it. What’s the big deal… Since the meal was also delicious, let’s just forget about it and go our separate ways.”

After saying that, I turned my gaze away again.

And then, just as I was about to walk towards my destination again.

“…That’s not it.”

At the words that followed again, I had to frown.

Annoyance was rising.

Why does this guy keep being bothersome, after eating the dumplings deliciously too?

With the rising emotion, I blurted out without turning my head.

“Ah, then what on earth…”

“The words that the youngest Hwa-gyeong is a baseless rumor.”

Abruptly.

“…Why didn’t you deny those words?”

Hearing his words, I looked at Shinryong again.

“Wow.”

The annoyance that had been rising until just now disappeared, and a wry smile was formed on my lips.

I also erased the thoughts I had been having while looking at Shinryong until just before.

“You.”

To this, I said, looking at Shinryong.

“You weren’t an idiot, as much as I thought.”

“…”

Hearing my words, Shinryong’s gaze changed fiercely.