Chapter 688: A Gentlemanly Madman.

“What on earth have you been doing?”

These were the words I asked Paejon, whom I encountered right after finishing my training late one evening.

Hearing my question, Paejon scrunched up his face sharply.

“Is that the first thing you ask your master, whom you haven’t seen in days?”

“Well, I figured you’d show up eventually.”

I had also wished he’d come later, if possible.

About seven days and nights to half a month…?

I thought that amount of time would be perfect. Unfortunately, Paejon came back far too quickly. And how.

“However, I didn’t expect you to arrive so noisily.”

Very noisily, indeed.

“Do you know Hanam was noisy all day today?”

“Isn’t Hanam originally a noisy town?”

True.

Since this was the most developed town in the Central Plains, it was true that it was noisy all day, but…

‘The problem is, it was much hotter than usual today.’

I looked at Paejon.

I recalled the stories I’d heard until my ears grew scabs today.

“Are you really going to participate?”

Tu Ryong (Fighting Dragon) Bi Ui-jin is participating in the martial arts tournament.

Talk about this had spread widely throughout the streets of Hanam.

During the day, it was all about me, but the moment this news broke, it all disappeared as if swept away by a current.

Yuk Ryong Sam Bong is participating in the martial arts tournament.

This wasn’t actually a very important matter.

Poison Phoenix (Poisoned Staff) Tang Soyeol was already said to be participating, and Sin Ryong (Divine Dragon) was also expected to compete.

However, the reason it was noisy that Tu Ryong, the least well-known among the Yuk Ryong Sam Bong, was participating was none other than this:

• Tu Ryong was revealed to be the direct disciple of Paejon, one of the Three Venerables.

Paejon’s disciple, one of the Three Venerables, was officially recognized.

With just that one piece of news, the noise had been loud all day today.

However, the world wouldn’t know.

‘That the disciple in question is Paejon himself…’

I looked at the person in front of me, eating the dumplings I bought.

Although he seemed unconcerned by my question, I knew that wasn’t entirely the case.

“Why? Is there something wrong with me participating?”

“It feels like you’re coming to wreck the place where the kids are playing.”

“Ha.”

Paejon burst out laughing, as if finding it absurd.

“Disciple. Do you think you’re any different?”

“I’m just a brat, aren’t I?”

“Look at how shameless you are.”

He sighed deeply, holding a dumpling.

Watching Paejon, I asked.

“Elder.”

“Yes.”

“By any chance, were these the words you were trying to say last time?”

The other day, when I encountered Sin Ryong.

You said you had something to say in the inn back then.

Was that perhaps this?

As I asked with that intention.

“Correct.”

Paejon affirmed.

It seemed that was indeed what he intended to say back then.

You intended to say you were really going to participate in the martial arts tournament?

Finding it absurd, I asked.

“Why are you trying to participate?”

“Doesn’t it look fun?”

“You don’t like things like that.”

He’s the type who treats them like children’s make-believe games and never engages in fake fights.

Even sparring was done both to teach me and to vent his frustration.

Why would a person who extremely detests fighting weaklings, even at a festival, participate in a martial arts tournament?

“Sometimes, things like this are necessary.”

“…Perhaps.”

“Yes.”

“You aren’t going just to legally beat me up, are you…?”

Whoosh-!

I turned my head and dodged the knuckle-rap.

After dodging, I was shocked.

‘This crazy old geezer?’

Paejon’s swung hand was infused with Qi energy.

“You dodged?”

“Were you planning to smash my head?”

“You wouldn’t die even if you got hit anyway.”

“…Why do you say such a chilling thing?”

As you say, my head might crack a bit if hit, but I wouldn’t die, yet it’s absurd for my master to say such a thing.

“If you’re going to beat me, this is how you do it.”

“Were you trying to hit me to show me that?”

“It was easy to understand, wasn’t it?”

“…Yes, it’s really easy.”

It’s so easy it’s infuriating.

“Furthermore.”

As I scowled deeply, Paejon calmly continued.

“Originally, I intended just to test the waters by participating, but since I’m doing it anyway, I thought it would be convenient if my name spread a bit, so I used this method. What’s wrong with that? I’m using what’s mine.”

That was correct.

Even if it were said that Bi Ui-jin is Paejon’s disciple, no one would deny it.

Tu Ryong was also Paejon.

Whether Bi Ui-jin or Bi Ju, both were born of Seoan Bi, so the justification was sufficient.

However.

“Why would someone like you, who doesn’t like such things, try to spread your name…?”

Paejon was a person who remained quiet even in his past life, until war broke out.

If he hadn’t said he became younger through ‘Banro Hwandong’, others probably would never have known until they died.

What on earth did he do that for, for convenience?

The moment I was about to voice my question.

“There’s no better way to quell needless rumors than this.”

“…!”

At Paejon’s words, I swallowed hard.

At the same time, I looked at Paejon with slightly widened eyes.

Could those words mean…

‘Is it because of the rumors spread throughout the Central Plains?’

The organization called the Demonic Cult, which suddenly appeared in the Central Plains.

By this point, the rumor that its leader, Cheonma, was Paejon had spread, albeit thinly.

The rumor hadn’t spread that widely yet.

Due to the perception that the Three Venerables wouldn’t be involved in such matters, it was being dismissed as baseless gossip.

Even that was somewhat bothersome at this point.

‘Could it be.’

Did Paejon step up like this because of that?

If so, for what purpose?

Is it because such misunderstandings bother him?

‘No. He’s not the type to care about things like that.’

Paejon would scoff at trivial rumors, but he wouldn’t have acted for that reason.

If not, then why?

If I were to find a reason like that, there was one bothersome thing.

‘…Is it me?’

Because of me.

It would be the case that Paejon thought I was involved with the Demonic Cult and therefore acted to quell the rumors himself.

If Tu Ryong actually became Paejon’s disciple and Paejon was training him, it would be convenient for suppressing the current rumors.

I could think of something like that as a reason, but…

‘That… that wouldn’t be the case.’

It couldn’t be.

Paejon wouldn’t have acted for me.

He seemed suspicious when he heard the information last time, but he wouldn’t have taken this action out of mere suspicion.

That person couldn’t have done that.

I wanted to believe that.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No…”

“You silly boy.”

Paejon chuckled at my reaction.

“Anyway, know that I’m participating.”

“…Alright.”

The martial arts tournament with Paejon.

‘Will it be alright?’

I was already in the process of identifying the participants one by one.

If Paejon joins, will there be problems with the plan?

‘I guess I’ll have to see.’

It seemed like it would depend on the situation.

Fortunately, it didn’t seem like there would be a big difference.

“…Now I can openly beat you up. Khulkhulkhul.”

I ignored the sound that reached me quietly.

Letting out a small sigh, I asked Paejon a question on a sudden thought.

“Ah, Elder.”

“Yes?”

“I’m asking just in case.”

Taking a moment to catch my breath, I continued.

“Do you know about my grandfather?”

“Hmm?”

Hearing the question, Paejon tilted his head.

It seemed strange to ask about my grandfather out of the blue, but from my perspective, it was a question with a reason.

‘Paejon is close with Elder Il and Am Wang. And Am Wang mentioned my grandfather…’

So, wouldn’t Paejon also know about my grandfather?

That was the intention behind my question, but…

“Well…”

Paejon gave an ambiguous answer regarding this.

“Should I say I know this…? It makes me wonder.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means exactly what it says. However, why are you asking this?”

“I was just suddenly curious.”

Since I couldn’t explain the details, I decided to vaguely imply it.

“Didn’t your father tell you?”

“Yes.”

My father never told me any stories about my grandfather.

At least, that’s how I remember it.

My father had been the head of the Gu family since I was born, and it was the same in my past life.

“Hmm…”

Hearing my words, Paejon seemed to fall into thought.

He seemed to be thinking about how to answer.

‘Is it something that requires so much thought?’

I just wanted to hear what kind of person he was, but it seemed like something was bothering him-

“If I had to say… He probably resembled you half and half.”

“What?”

I expressed doubt at the unexpected answer. What resembled what, suddenly?

“He was a guy mixed half and half – your father and you.”

“What does that mean…”

“Yes, to put it another way.”

As if realizing, Paejon said, clapping his hands- Slap!

“A gentlemanly madman.”

“…?”

“He was exactly that kind of person.”

He seemed satisfied even after saying it himself, but…

‘…What does that mean.’

It was a story I couldn’t understand at all.

Calling him a gentlemanly madman after saying half and half means…

‘Does it mean Father is the madman because I’m the more gentlemanly one? But that’s not right; Father doesn’t give off that vibe.’

As I was racking my brain, Paejon continued.

“If you’re more curious, go ask your father or Am Wang instead of me.”

“You mean Am Wang?”

“That’s right. He’ll know better than I do.”

“…”

I touched my lips at his words, which hadn’t resolved any of my questions.

Father still hadn’t arrived, and Am Wang hadn’t returned either.

That means, in the end…

‘I’ll have to go find Gu Huibi.’

Ultimately, I have to go find and ask.

No other conclusion remained.

‘Right, it’s pointless to postpone it anyway.’

Turning my gaze, I looked towards the drawer.

More precisely, I looked at the broken precious artifact hidden inside the drawer: Gui Sa’s Jade.

It was the precious artifact Father gave to Madam Mi.

‘I have to see her because of that, if nothing else.’

Since I wanted to fix the broken artifact, Gu Huibi was inevitable.

No, Cheonma, whom Gu Huibi has with her.

I had to find her, and then find one person through Cheonma.

‘…Cheonma probably knows.’

The old man who handled the overall organization of the Demonic Cult.

Also.

‘The person who artificially created precious artifacts.’

Tae Jeol-gwi, the Mechanist.

Cheonma would know where he is.

---

Time flowed, and the sun rose high in the sky.

Currently, the streets of Hanam were bustling with countless crowds, leaving no gaps visible.

“Everyone! Be careful!”

“Don’t come too far forward! You could get hit by a horse!”

That was natural.

Even on the wide street, countless people were coming and going, but controlling it made it narrow, so many people had no choice but to crowd together.

It was a sight that made my breath catch just looking at it.

That crowds could gather like that, without a single empty spot…

‘If it were me, I’d go crazy from the stuffiness.’

Just looking at it made me feel like running out immediately, yet…

The people actually on the street had faces full of anticipation.

The reason was none other than…

“They’re coming!”

“Where? Where are they?”

“It’s the Emei Sect!”

Because you could see the martial artists entering from the entrance of Hanam Province.

From the entrance, the horses slowed down, pulling the carriages as they entered.

Seeing the fluttering flags, I nodded.

‘Is it the Emei Sect…’

I knew. It was natural since it’s a famous place.

The Emei Sect, one of the Nine Schools.

It’s one of the prestigious sects based in Sichuan.

‘It’s not a place I have any particular memories of being involved with.’

In my past life, I heard the news that Geom Ma (Sword Demon) killed the sect leader of Emei during the process of conquering Sichuan.

Thanks to that, although they weren’t annihilated, they seemed to have reached a similar level of ruin.

I didn’t have many other memories.

Shall I say I didn’t consider them very important?

The Emei Sect passed by, receiving the crowd’s attention.

Others entering could also be seen following them.

“Plum blossoms-! It’s the Hua San Sect!”

My gaze naturally turned at the shout.

‘Hmm.’

This time, it wasn’t carriages but purely people.

Familiar martial arts uniforms caught my eye.

A subtle plum blossom fragrance mixed in the breeze.

Plum blossom embroidery could be seen embedded on the pure white robes.

It was indeed the Hua San Sect, called the Guardian of Shaanxi.

I smiled slightly as I watched them.

“It’s been a while.”

Dozens of people entered with calm steps, without horses or carriages.

At the front walked an elderly man with a benevolent appearance.

“It’s Mae Hwa Seon!”

“Woooah-“

The old man’s identity was none other than the sect leader of Hua San, one of the Ten Great Masters of the Central Plains.

Mae Hwa Seon (Plum Blossom Immortal).

‘I never expected him to come in person.’

Just like at the previous orthodox sect meeting, I thought Mae Hwa Seon wouldn’t appear in Hanam this time either.

But this time, for some reason, he left Shaanxi and came here.

Hearing the crowd’s cheers, Mae Hwa Seon waved his hand slightly.

Because of that, the cheers grew louder.

I was watching that scene through the inn window.

It was a room reserved in advance by the Baek Hwa Sang Dan (Hundred Flowers Trading Company), offering a bright, clear view of the street.

“It seems to be the time when everyone gathers.”

Wi Seol-ah and Tang Soyeol peeked their heads out the window after me.

“That’s right. It’s about time for them to come.”

It wasn’t just Emei and Hua San.

Most of the Nine Schools, perhaps all of them, would come, along with countless masters, including those called renowned families.

Gathering.

The main pillars of the orthodox sects were gathering in one place, and to witness this, several times more people than on the first day had gathered.

Their number was an overwhelmingly large crowd compared to any day I had seen before.

While watching those continuously entering, I asked Moyong Hi-ah.

“Is the Moyong Family coming too?”

The Moyong Family is indeed one of the Four Great Families, so I wondered if they would come to the martial arts tournament, which is why I asked.

She replied to this.

“No. I heard they wouldn’t particularly participate in the martial arts tournament.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Moreover, the Family Head is apparently not in a situation to come to Hanam.”

“Hmm…”

The head of the Moyong Family, Baek Cheon Geom Ju (Hundred Skies Sword Master), isn’t coming to Hanam?

‘That’s strange.’

I thought that guy would come, though.

As he is a person skilled in politics and business.

I expected Baek Cheon Geom Ju to definitely attend, if nothing else.

This was quite unexpected.

‘What could be more important than the martial arts tournament?’

Although the question arose, I shook my head and dismissed it.

There must be some reason.

‘Anyway, if even the Moyong Family is absent, it means only two of the Four Great Families are attending.’

There was news that the Peng Family and Namgung Family were attending.

The Tang Sect…

‘Tang Soyeol is participating, but… it’s somewhat ambiguous.’

Given the current situation, the Tang Sect’s position is problematic, so Dok Wang (Poison King) won’t be coming to Hanam.

In reality, it would be correct to assume only two of the Four Great Families are attending.

“Two places… The Nine Schools side, at least five…”

“Huh?”

“Nothing. I just had something to think about.”

The numbers seemed okay.

Organizing my thoughts, I looked out the window.

“Gui Dong Jin Geom of the Geum Family!”

“Next to him is Muk Seong Bi Ma Kwon! Does that mean the Muk Seong Sect is also participating?”

“Even Geum Cheol Dae Do has arrived!”

Not to mention sects and families, the nicknames of promising masters could also be heard.

As martial artists gathered in droves, even bets seemed to mix in the air.

It was a phenomenon that occurred due to the gathering of numerous masters.

Feeling this, I shifted my gaze.

‘They’ve come.’

The gathering powerhouses.

Seeing this, I couldn’t help but feel it.

‘Sin Ryong Mu Tu Je.’

The time to cause chaos at the venue officially prepared by the Martial Arts Alliance.

Had finally arrived.

---

Meanwhile, as Gu Yangcheon was cooling his temper while looking at the crowd.

Someone stood on a certain rooftop, looking down.

The numerous people were looking around, as if finding it fascinating.

The person with his hands behind his back observed the people and said, as if finding something so fascinating.

“There are many. Very many.”

Were they originally this many?

The old man tried to recall, but he couldn’t remember as it was something from a very long time ago.

Since he had forgotten long ago in the first place, it was natural that he couldn’t remember.

“There are so many, I feel like burning them all.”

The words spoken suddenly were utterly chilling.

It was even more so as he said them with an expressionless face.

Should I do that right now?

The impulse surged for a moment, but the old man didn’t move.

“…”

He recalled his purpose.

He hadn’t come here just to crush bugs.

“…Yes. There was a reason.”

The old man shook his head and slowly turned his back.

As he took a step, strangely, no footsteps were heard.

“Where should I go?”

Where should I go to meet his ‘grandson’?

While pondering this, the old man flashed his red eyes and then…

Fwoosh-!

In an instant, he became flames and disappeared.