"It wouldn't be strange at all if you were to die and return as a corpse."
The students began to murmur at Gyepllyang's words. He waited for the noise to die down before continuing.
"That's how dangerous it is this time. And you must sign a consent form stating that you will not hold the academy or the Alliance responsible in any way, even if you die during this real-world mission. Therefore, be very careful when you sign up."
At that, Song Wongyo, who was sitting in the back, raised the corners of his mouth and said, "Is this not a subjugation expedition to protect justice? If students like us, who pursue the righteous path, turn away because we fear for our lives, what face will we have to hold our heads high? I'm sure every student in our class will participate. Isn't that right, everyone?"
"Of course, Song-hyeong!"
"Well said!"
They all nodded their heads vigorously in agreement. However, Song Wongyo's words were aimed squarely at Namgung Cheon. If Namgung Cheon didn't join the Dabie Mountains expedition, the plan Jo Gangmin had gone to the trouble of setting up could all be for nothing. Hadn't he swallowed his pride and begged Jo Gangmin for revenge after suffering that humiliating defeat at Namgung Cheon's hands last night?
He couldn't let such a golden opportunity just vanish.
"Of course, I understand your sincerity. But I'm saying this because there may be those who think differently."
Gyepllyang's gaze turned pointedly toward Namgung Cheon. It was as if he were mocking him, 'A bastard son of the Great Killing Star like you will naturally back out,' or perhaps it was a look of pressure, 'After I've said all this, you're still going to back out?'
Of course, Namgung Cheon had no intention of backing out. He had just been wondering how he could get to the Dabie Mountains, and now an opportunity like this had rolled right into his lap. If anything, he should be thanking them.
'In my past life and now, the public enemies of the Murim, scattered all over the Jianghu, are always helping me out.'
Well, judging by Song Wongyo's expression, it seemed he had some other scheme prepared, but he didn't much care about that. It was just child's play, wasn't it? Compared to his past life, where he'd crossed the line between life and death with a blade at his neck, the obvious pranks of these brats were a trivial amusement.
More than that, he was just happy to be able to go to the Dabie Mountains at the perfect time, as if it had been waiting for him.
This is why they say a guy who's meant to succeed, will.
Namgung Cheon, as if to show him, gave Song Wongyo a wide grin. As if he didn't like that smile, Song Wongyo just snorted coldly and looked away.
'Tsk, tsk. So negative and petty.'
Look at me. No matter what plots these brats cook up in the Dabie Mountains, am I not smiling brightly with a magnanimous attitude? People should always be this bright and positive.
At lunchtime, Namgung Cheon ate with an endlessly positive heart. Today's lunch was Ori-baeksuk (White Duck Soup). It was a dish that held a special meaning for him.
It was the food he had eaten when he first met Namgung Seon.
In short, seeing the Ori-baeksuk reminded him of his first meeting with her, how they had bared their fangs and growled at each other, not knowing they would fall in love.
'We fought to the death, pointing our blades at each other, and she slashed my cheek.'
Namgung Cheon, lost in the sudden memory, unconsciously stroked his cheek and smirked. His body was different now, so there was no way a scar would be left. The scar on his face was gone, but the dregs in his heart remained.
'Ah, thinking about it again, I'm getting a little pissed.'
To think she would wield her sword to kill, with such a pretty face, on their first meeting. And after all the passes he'd made at her, she'd just ignored them!
Feeling a sudden surge of negativity, Namgung Cheon struggled to shake off the painful(?) memory and focused only on the tender texture of the Ori-baeksuk.
Just then, he heard the dining students begin to murmur. He turned his head and saw a young man with a somewhat cute face and a small build entering with a much larger man. The stark contrast between the two made them stand out even more.
They were Jo Gangmin and Gwak Cheolju.
Several female students, upon seeing Jo Gangmin, began to whisper, their eyes shining. Most were exclamations of how "cute," "cool," or "handsome" he was.
Namgung Cheon harbored some doubt as to whether "cute and cool" could coexist, but he paid it no further mind. He figured it was similar to how men attached all sorts of flowery words to pretty women.
Jo Gangmin scanned the cafeteria once, then approached Song Wongyo, who was sitting by the window.
"Song-hyeong, you seem to be enjoying your meal."
It was a statement that could be interpreted strangely, depending on how one heard it. But the other students were too busy staring at this young genius to pay any mind to his tone.
Except for one person.
"I-I'm just eating."
"Aigoo, it looks like you're eating very well. Is it that good? Good enough to die for?"
"No. I don't really have an appetite, to be honest."
As Song Wongyo put down his spoon, Jo Gangmin patted his shoulder and smiled.
"Aigoo, I'm joking. I just came because I wanted to eat the food here, too. Go on, finish your meal."
But just as Jo Gangmin had taken three or four steps, "Whoops!"
Suddenly losing his balance, Jo Gangmin stumbled and fell right toward Namgung Cheon. As he tried to catch himself, Jo Gangmin threw out his hand, and coincidentally, it struck Namgung Cheon's back.
Peok!
The impact sent Namgung Cheon lurching forward, upending his meal.
Wajangchang!
Namgung Cheon's front was soaked with the spilled soup, and the food from the bowl was scattered across the table and floor.
Jo Gangmin quickly righted himself and apologized profusely.
"Ah, goodness! I am so sorry! I was thinking about some new footwork I learned and my feet got tangled! I'm truly sorry!"
"Haa, they say even dogs aren't bothered when they eat."
"...Excuse me?"
Jo Gangmin's eyes went wide at the unexpected reaction. Usually, in a situation like this, one of two things happened. They knew he was picking a fight but were too intimidated to say anything, or they were idiots who didn't even realize he was picking a fight.
But this guy was openly showing his displeasure?
And his next words made even less sense.
"Well, today is a positive day. And really, that saying about dogs is gaesori (bullshit). Isn't it? The real battlefield that everyone in the Jianghu knows is the inn. This isn't an inn, but it has a similar feel. Come to think of it, does that make Jianghu-in who interrupt meals worse than dogs? The line between dogs and humans is always a difficult problem."
"Uhm, what are you talking about…?"
"Just think of it as me spouting more gaesori."
Just then, Gwak Cheolju, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward, his fist shooting out.
"Watch your tone!"
Shiiiit!
It was a movement as fast as lightning!
But surprisingly, Jo Gangmin was faster, lightly blocking the fist with the back of his hand. The movement was so quick that even the students watching let out quiet gasps of admiration.
"Cheolju, stop. Although I am his Seonbae at this academy, this man is older than me."
The cleverness of it—acting all understanding and considerate, while making sure everyone was reminded that he was the senior.
Excellent. Much praise. He's well-equipped with the qualities of a scumbag. If he just gets a little more hopelessly crooked, he could even become a Public Enemy.
Ah, but for a normal rising star, "Public Enemy" probably isn't a career goal, so that's a useless thought, isn't it?
It seemed that in his past life, he'd had a bit too much pride in taking on the entire Murim.
"Right, it's not like 'Public Enemy' is some grand title."
As he muttered to himself, Jo Gangmin looked even more confused and asked, "Uhm, what have you been talking about...?"
"Ah, it's nothing. Just an extension of the gaesori. But, as you said, I've lived a lot longer, so don't take my informal speech too personally."
Jo Gangmin, who had been staring blankly, broke into a wide smile.
"Now that I see you, Namgung-hyeong, you're quite an amusing person."
"That's right. I've been told I'm a lot of fun."
"Haha. So it seems. I apologize once again for what happened today."
"It's fine. But you're responsible for spilling it, so please clean it up. I'll be going, then."
Namgung Cheon gave a cool wave and walked away.
Jo Gangmin watched his retreating back for a moment, then let out a meaningful smirk.
'Namgung Cheon. Not bad.'
And from a corner, someone else was watching the two of them in silence. A student who wouldn't set down his enormous Daedo (Great Saber) even while eating. It was Paeng Suhyeok.
I endured it well.
Namgung Cheon patted his own shoulder, as if proud of himself. That had been a little dangerous.
To be bothered while he was eating, to have it be the Ori-baeksuk that was tied to his memories of Namgung Seon, and for that Ori-baeksuk to have been so delicious. That trifecta had nearly made him cross the line.
If he had, he would probably be the one bleeding right now.
'So that's the Sogaju of the Luoyang Jo Family?'
Recalling the description he'd heard from Yun Jongseung, it was almost certainly him.
'He must be on the verge of Jeoljeong (the Peak).'
He couldn't use his Chogyeon Pagongan since the man's back was to him. However, his body's survival instincts had kicked in at the brief surge of energy he'd felt. He had instantly focused Gongnyeok on his back and bent his body to mitigate the impact.
If he had taken that Iljang (palm strike) defenselessly, he'd have a hairline fracture in his bones right now and would be struggling to walk. And that was only a hairline fracture because he hadn't struck with his full power.
'The big guy next to him also seems to be near the Peak.'
If those two attacked together, I'd have no answer right now. Were they the ones behind Song Wongyo? Well, is it only them?
But, as always, I will find an answer this time, too.
Compared to his past life, where he was constantly overcoming crises of life and death while surrounded on all sides, this was nothing more than getting a nosebleed while picking his nose.
See? Thinking about it again, I'm so positive.
Well, sometimes I blame the world, curse out the gods, and feel the urge to slice up every bastard holding a sword, but…
Hm, that sounds like a real Great Killing Star, so I'll cancel that.
Anyway…
'This hurts a bit.'
Namgung Cheon took off his Jangsam and looked at his back in the Donggyeong (bronze mirror).
In the middle of his solid back, a crimson handprint was stamped like an ink seal.
'Aargh, look at that red mark.'
What? Feet got tangled thinking about footwork? Dammit, maybe I should have pretended my hand got "tangled" while practicing my swordsmanship. If I'd shoved the Byeokrageom into his gut, he'd be crying tears and giving a sincere apology by now...
No. Positive thoughts today. Right, I did well to endure. Even piss is more refreshing when you save it up. I'll just save it all up and repay it in one lump sum. See? I'm even diligent.
'Still, Jo Gangmin... not bad.'
As Song Wongyo turned the corner of the building, he sensed a sudden killing intent and quickly thrust out a palm.
Shiiik!
But a hand emerged from the darkness, executed a Geumnasul, and twisted Song Wongyo's wrist.
Udeuk!
"Kkuaaak!"
Before his scream could even fade, the opponent's hand shot out brutally.
Kung!
"Keok!"
Song Wongyo, choking as he was grabbed by the collar, finally recognized his attacker. "Y-you...?"
"Shut up. What happened with Namgung Cheon?"
"Wh-what are you talking… Keok!"
"Cowards like you wouldn't stop bothering Namgung Cheon unless something happened. Tell me. Why are you groveling to that bastard?"
"Wh-what do you mean…! Who's groveling to that Hogu... Keok!"
"Do you think I'm blind?"
As Paeng Suhyeok's aura went beyond Tugi (fighting spirit) and became Salgi (killing intent), Song Wongyo felt the hair on his head stand on end.
'W-was this guy always this strong?'
He was usually so quiet that he'd never noticed. But looking at him now, he was on a completely different level.
Having no choice, Song Wongyo confessed everything that had happened.
As he listened, Paeng Suhyeok's eyes turned impossibly cold.
"So… that pathetic trash lightly defeated you?"
"L-lightly isn't the word… it was a little difficult…"
"Shut up and get lost."
"O-okay. But, the fact that I lost to that Hogu bastard, please keep it a sec—Heek!"
Before Song Wongyo could finish, he saw Paeng Suhyeok's murderous gaze and fled.
Left alone, Paeng Suhyeok let out a somewhat cruel laugh.
"That Great Killing Star's bastard son... really got stronger, did he? Kuhahaha!"
That laugh, which bordered on madness, was laced with a thick, sticky killing intent.
Hearing the laughter from outside, Namgung Cheon glanced out the window.
"Hmm. The world has surprisingly many positive guys."
But that one... seems more like a positively crazy guy.
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