Chapter 306

The path to the Gwanju’s Office at the Heavenly Dragon Academy is located behind the accommodation of the Guando Students.

Gwanju is a person who is recognized as a renowned martial artist by the Murim Alliance. As he is the strongest warrior in the Heavenly Dragon Academy, his role is to protect the Guando Students quickly in dangerous situations.

‘Why am I going around like this?’

Conversely, the instructors were on the opposite side, so one had to take a detour to reach the Gwanju’s Office from there.

‘If that’s the case, why didn’t Gwanju call me directly?’

Why did I go to Cheol Hwan-o? My route is all messed up.

Crunch.

The sound of crushed leaves tickled my ears. Muttering under my breath, I walked and soon arrived almost there.

If there was any benefit to the current time, it was that since it was not lunchtime, I could skip one training session after responding to Gwanju’s call.

In any case, since most of the theories I’ve already deeply studied aren’t practical in real combat, what I might learn now would be meaningless.

‘Is there no escort?’

The only surprising thing was that no other Kunlun Sect martial artist was serving as an escort for Gwanju.

Indeed, if someone has reached the level of Cheonghae Ilgeom, there would be no need for an escort.

Now, in the Heavenly Dragon Academy, the only human capable of entering the Gwanju’s Office through Cheonghae Ilgeom’s aura is likely the Sword Demon.

This means that the moment I stepped onto the path leading up, I was already within his aura.

‘That Gwanju called me separately.’

Could there be another reason?

As I moved, thinking this, I slowly entered the building. It seemed larger than its size suggested. Several spacious rooms were visible.

When I wondered which door to open, the door inside suddenly opened with a creak, and I encountered someone.

“Ah?”

“Ah!”

A woman with brown hair shimmering gold.

She was the person who had recently caught my attention.

It was Wi Seol-ah.

“Why are you here?”

I couldn’t help but speak louder than intended.

Wi Seol-ah looked surprised, as if she hadn’t expected to meet me here. Similarly, I was quite shocked inside.

‘I didn’t sense her presence.’

Even assuming that I couldn’t sense Cheonghae Ilgeom’s aura, I should have sensed Wi Seol-ah’s presence again.

This must mean…

‘There is something that obscures the aura around me.’

Could it be the power of Cheonghae Ilgeom?

Probably not.

At least, from what I knew, he didn’t possess such power.

I realized I knew more about Cheonghae Ilgeom than I thought, even though I wasn’t familiar with his martial arts techniques.

I even knew his nickname, which he hadn’t yet acquired.

‘Then, it must be the power of a Noble Item.’

This was the most plausible explanation. Although I didn’t know what kind of Noble Item it was, it seemed to be highly effective.

“You…”

“Young Lady Wi Seol-ah was called by Lord Gwanju for a moment.”

“Called by Gwanju?”

Cheonghae Ilgeom called Wi Seol-ah?

‘Might it be because of the Sword Lord Hall?’

Since Wi Seol-ah is the heir of the Sword Demon, it’s possible that Cheonghae Ilgeom called her specifically.

However, judging from her reaction, it didn’t seem so.

Shame? Her face clearly showed some embarrassment.

“Why are you embarrassed?”

When I asked suspiciously, Wi Seol-ah’s shoulder trembled.

“What happened?”

Wi Seol-ah lowered her head, seemingly hit by my words.

‘Wi Seol-ah got into trouble and was called by Gwanju?’

I was curious why she was called by Gwanju, not just by the instructor.

Actually, the fact that Wi Seol-ah caused trouble was even more puzzling.

“What trouble did you cause…”

Just as I was about to ask Wi Seol-ah what happened, the door opened by itself with a creak.

Whoosh!

A gust of wind blew from inside the room.

It was clear that the qi was thickly mixed with the wind.

“Stop coming in.”

A heavy voice echoed like a hammer hitting my head. Even just hearing the voice made my whole body resonate.

‘So Cheonghae Ilgeom’s level is higher than I expected.’

I had underestimated him, thinking he was lower than Plum Blossom.

Indeed, the leader of the Gu Clan wouldn’t be weak.

“Wait outside.”

“Outside?”

“Yes, I have something to say, so wait there.”

After setting up a barrier to prevent escape, I stepped into the room before Wi Seol-ah could say anything.

At the gap between the entrance and the room,

the moment my foot touched the threshold,

whoosh!

“…!”

A massive energy enveloped me.

The air felt different from outside.

The overwhelming aura made me break out in a cold sweat.

‘This old man…’

Despite the heaviness, I managed to move forward.

It wasn’t so heavy that it suffocated me, and the cold sweat wasn’t due to unbearable difficulty.

‘Does he plan to capture someone?’

The qi spread throughout the room.

From the way Cheonghae Ilgeom could make a weapon so cruel with just a gesture, I could tell how ruthless he could be.

Feeling a chill, I walked steadily.

Not too fast, not too slow.

Before I knew it, I saw the figure sitting in front of me.

An old man with white hair and a small, thin body.

I couldn’t gauge how sharp a blade he could wield in that tiny body.

Though the old man had his eyes closed, he was clearly looking at me.

“Remarkable.”

Almost close enough, the old man’s lips parted.

“I was curious how remarkable an individual could be, given all the rumors.”

There were many ways to introduce the old man, none of which would be insignificant.

He was known as one of the Ten Great Masters of the Central Plains,

one of the Seven Iron Three Books,

and a high-ranking martial artist of the Five Major Inspectors.

He was also the leader of the Great Kunlun Sect stationed in Cheonghae.

“And the rumors are trivial.”

The person who would later be known as the Cheonghae Ma Sword,

who became a part of the Heavenly Horse’s retinue,

was smiling at me.

***

***

Cheonghae Ilgeom.

Or.

Cheonghae Ma Sword.

In the era of Bloody Calamity, these were the only aliases used to address the old man.

When the Heavenly Horse first appeared in the Central Plains,

when people didn’t know how powerful the Heavenly Horse was,

the forces of the Justice Faction were overwhelmingly strong.

Back then, there was no reason to fear an unknown individual who wanted to sweep across the Central Plains.

One person alone couldn’t dominate the vast world of martial arts in the Central Plains.

It was nearly impossible.

But,

even among such people,

there were indeed those who received authority from the Heavenly Horse and became demonic humans.

And people collectively referred to them as…

The one called Tamain (Great Demon Person).

Foolishly indulged in desire, the first demons who entered under the Heavenly Horse.

Those who made wrong choices due to greed were always present.

But, did they really make foolish choices?

Yes, they were foolish.

As a result, the Heavenly Horse was killed by the Divine Sword, and the Demonic Cult’s Bloody Calamity ended in failure.

Their choice was undoubtedly a failure.

However, at the time when the strength of the Heavenly Horse began to be known, the position of Tamain was not like that.

The first demon.

In other words, the first retainer of the Heavenly Horse.

It seemed to have been significant even for the Heavenly Horse.

Among the countless demons that would later arise,

they were given the strongest authority.

For example.

Yes.

The Magic Absorption Heavenly Sword.

I could use this as an example.

Even the demonic techniques embedded in my body,

even if it was forced upon me regardless of my will,

since I was close to being the first corrupted demon,

I thought the Heavenly Horse would have given such powerful demonic techniques.

And.

The old man in front of me,

was also one of the first demons.

‘The Blue Sea Demon Sword.’

Not long after the Heavenly Horse appeared,

I heard that the Kunlun Sect’s Long Story’s Master had fallen into the ranks of demons.

The corruption of a high-ranking martial artist who was thought to be on the side of the Justice Faction

caused a great shock to the Justice Faction at the time.

The Kunlun Sect immediately

promoted one of their Elders to become the new Long Story’s Master

and claimed that the fall of the Blue Sea One Sword had nothing to do with them.

But public opinion was not favorable.

Not just anyone, but the fall of the Blue Sea One Sword.

I don’t know why he fell.

After I became a demon,

as I rapidly grew stronger,

by the time I gained some standing,

the Blue Sea Demon Sword was already dead at the hands of the Sword Lord Hall.

If I remember correctly,

the Blue Sea Demon Sword did not seem to be overly mad when he became a demon.

He felt sorry for what had happened to me.

That’s all I remember.

I roughly knew what martial arts the Blue Sea Demon Sword used

and how he fought,

but it wasn’t important information.

“…I see you, Lord Gwanju.”

“Come in, it must have been tough coming here.”

“No, it wasn’t.”

While I was speaking,

a cup of tea was already placed before me.

When did it get cold?

“Reported about ten days ago. This is the second time.”

“Yes.”

Once when introducing the top two,

and now again.

The Blue Sea Demon Sword smiled as he watched me.

“Tiger Warrior has raised his child remarkably well. Quite an outstanding one.”

“Thank you.”

“Hehe!”

The Blue Sea One Sword laughed happily.

“Yes.”

Suddenly,

I felt the Taoist energy in the room moving.

“Can you feel it?”

“Yes, I can feel it very well.”

Slowly, heavily,

the Taoist energy filling the large room

was overwhelmingly threatening.

The sweat flowing from the tension filled the back.

“How interesting… To be able to feel this. Even the third-generation disciples find it hard to sense.”

“It’s starting to suffocate. Could you stop?”

…This old man is saying he can’t drink tea anymore.

Why did he bother making me sit down then?

As I spoke carefully,

I felt the Taoist energy around us soften slightly.

“I’m sorry. My curiosity got the better of me. I overdid it.”

“It’s fine. No problem.”

Though it wasn’t fine at all,

I couldn’t bite the head off the Lord of Gwanju.

Why does everyone want to test something out whenever they see me these days?

I should have played it cool.

If I had acted a bit more confident, the rumors would have spread, and everyone would think I was doing something strange.

Why not just leave me alone?

This land is problematic no matter how you look at it.

Suppressing my annoyance,

the Blue Sea One Sword spoke to me.

“So, the reason I called you. Can you guess?”

“Yes.”

Since I had already heard it from Cheol Hwan-o, there was no way I wouldn’t know.

As I answered, the expression of the Blue Sea One Sword turned serious.

It seems we’re getting to the point.

“You’re young, so I understand your enthusiasm, but your actions were excessive.”

“I apologize.”

“Especially considering you haven’t been here for long.”

“… ”

Indeed, within a month of the opening of the Heavenly Dragon Academy,

it would be rare for someone to cause such trouble as I did.

‘Oh, this is more dangerous than I thought.’

There’s a chance I might be expelled.

Being directly called by the Lord of Gwanju made things quite awkward.

Even if it’s not against the rules, if it doesn’t align with the Lord’s thoughts, I could be expelled.

‘Sigh.’

This is dangerous.

This hadn’t crossed my mind.

What will I do if I’m expelled?

‘What will I do? I’ll just have to endure.’

All my plans would be ruined.

If I hadn’t come, it wouldn’t matter, but since I did, I need to follow through with the plan.

Should I kneel?

I could do that if necessary…

“Grrr…!”

As various thoughts raced through my mind,

the Blue Sea One Sword laughed at my expression.

“Your face is quite amusing.”

“…”

Was it too obvious?

As I was thinking about how to respond,

the Blue Sea One Sword continued.

“Don’t worry, nothing bad will happen to you.”

“Excuse me?”

“Given the situation, I have to scold you.”

“…”

“Considering your youth and the vigor of your blood, I think you lost control. I’ll let it slide this once.”

“…Thank you.”

Hearing that made me feel guilty.

Combined with my past life, I’m not that young.

If we consider that, it seems I’m just immature.

‘Am I?’

I couldn’t deny it.

Seeing someone act this way even after growing older,

it does seem immature.

Still, it’s a relief.

From the Blue Sea One Sword’s reaction, it doesn’t seem I’ll be expelled.

That’s enough for now.

“Originally, if the signs of disturbance in the entire academy were evident, you would have been expelled under the Lord’s order.”

Gulp.

A dry swallow.

“But I’ll overlook it as a favor.”

“Tha-thank you? A favor?”

Did I hear that right?

Coming from the mouth of the Lord of the Heavenly Dragon Academy, it’s unexpected.

“Yes, a favor.”

“May I ask what you mean?”

“Is it difficult to understand? I said I favor you.”

It’s a ridiculous statement.

How could he favor me when he barely knows me?

“I don’t understand why you would favor me.”

“Would you be unhappy even if I did?”

“Not exactly.”

It’s not that.

I’m scared.

How could an old man I barely know favor me? It’s unsettling.

Even worse, I don’t particularly like old people.

It wasn’t even worth feeling good about.

If someone said they found me attractive, it would be a level that requires suspicion instead.

“There should be a nominal punishment, so… Yes, just go behind your accommodation and sweep the floor.”

“…”

“A funny expression you have. It’s an expression I can’t understand at all.”

“Yes.”

“Would you like to know why I’m doing this if you insist?”

“Then tell me…”

“But, let’s pretend what I just said about favoritism didn’t happen and proceed with the dismissal…”

“Thank you for liking me. I will live up to that expectation.”

I cut him off before he finished his sentence.

“Quick.”

“It’s a common remark.”

Yes, if someone likes you, it’s better.

What does it matter if there’s a reason?

Seems my answer pleased him.

Cheonghae Ilgeom spoke with a smile.

“You don’t look much like your father.”

“…I’ve never heard that before.”

At least, anyone could tell I looked like my father’s son just by looking at my face.

Cheonghae Ilgeom’s words were at a level he had never heard before.

“We know each other well, don’t we?”

“I wouldn’t say we’re strangers.”

Whenever I encountered key figures from sects or clans, stories about my father often came up.

Knowing my father was active in the Central Plains for quite some time, I thought we might have met briefly.

But there was something deeper than that.

While I was pondering these thoughts, Cheonghae Ilgeom spoke to me.

“Today, I simply called you out because I was curious about the famous Jinryong in the Central Plains. You may leave now.”

He left me puzzled inside.

Is this all? It’s much more boring than expected.

But,

“I’ll take my leave now.”

“Alright. Let’s meet again next time.”

Without asking any further questions, I bowed and hurried away.

Considering how things went, this was already a fortunate outcome.

Before any aftermath could arise, it was best to leave quickly.

Drrrkk.

After hastily closing the door and leaving, Cheonghae Ilgeom looked at the door through which Gu Yangcheon had exited, his eyes filled with white hair and white eyes.

Recalling the young man’s face who had been talking to him just moments ago, he spoke.

‘You’ve grown well.’

Around the time he started heading towards Gwanju’s office,

At the point when he sensed Jinryong’s aura with his senses,

For the first time, Cheonghae Ilgeom felt a sense of surprise.

The aura he felt was incredibly pure.

Not only did he feel the aura when Jinryong entered the room, but he also heard a voice.

‘This child should have been in Kunlun.’

If that were the case,

Kunlun Sect might have become one of the schools affiliated with the Greatest King in the World in the near future.

Was he regretful?

Yes, he was.

But he was also glad.

‘You don’t look much like your father.’

Thinking back on Ho Hyang,

The young hero who displayed malice towards the evil in the Sapa while embodying righteousness and justice,

Though he was an earnest person who knew no playfulness,

His son seemed to have inherited neither his appearance nor his disposition.

That was better.

It was probably better for him to live in the world that way.

‘Twice.’

-This is the second time.

Cheonghae Ilgeom had said that this was the second time he had seen Gu Yangcheon.

But that was a lie.

In reality, it was their third meeting.

Only,

Gu Yangcheon had no memory of that past.

‘Too young, there’s nothing else to it.’

As a child who had just started walking with his mother’s help,

It was natural for Gu Yangcheon not to remember Cheonghae Ilgeom.

Cheonghae Ilgeom recalled a conversation with a certain woman from the past in his mind.

“The grace of Master Changmunin is unnecessary for me.”

“If I ever have a child, please show them some kindness if given the chance… That would be enough for me.”

It was such a long time ago,

And the only one who remembered was Cheonghae Ilgeom himself.

Yet, he still remembered.

He took another sip of the warm tea.

Not bad for a drink made with his clumsy hands.

After leaving Gwanju’s office and stepping outside,

“Man, that gave me the chills.”

Feeling the winter wind, I finally relaxed a bit.

“…Now, I need to stop causing trouble.”

Rushing things and acting without thinking led to a lot of mistakes, but now I needed to be careful.

At least until everything was settled, I had to endure.

Of course,

“…Will it work out?”

It wasn’t a sure thing.

Neither the plans ahead nor the small details were easy.

This situation didn’t seem likely to resolve smoothly.

“Things will work out somehow.”

Since there were no alternatives, worrying about it was pointless.

Fortunately, I managed to find Wi Seol-ah soon enough.

Wi Seol-ah was crouched down in a nearby grassy area, looking at something intently.

“What are you doing?”

She seemed so focused that she didn’t notice me approaching.

Approaching her closely,

“Hey, what are you doing here…”

Just as I was about to speak,

“Huh?”

I noticed something unusual about Wi Seol-ah.

Crouching and making unknown gestures in the air, her hand movements created an inexplicable sensation.

‘Stop.’

…Could it be?