Chapter 309: The Sinister Iron Yet-to-Come. (Part 1) - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 305: Who Dares to Bully Us? (5) The reason Cheol Ji Seon was heading towards her destination was simple. She really just wanted to have a meal together. That was all there was to it. ‘Is he doing okay?’ Although she wondered why she had to bother worrying about some guy. She'd been quite busy the past few days, so she hadn't given it much thought. But now that Cheol Ji Seon was the main reason she had to come to Shinryong Hall, she had to continue paying attention. Their relationship was fairly amicable. Wouldn’t it be alright as friends? He didn’t seem particularly dissatisfied either. She helped him pass the exam, didn’t she? Got him a nice place to stay. Even became his friend. Looking back, she'd done everything for him. This should be more than enough! Everything was proceeding according to plan. If there was anything slightly bothering her, it was the uncertainty about what the others were up to. The different groups were part of it, and their separation by weapon type meant they rarely crossed paths. Occasionally, she’d see them during meals. Dang So Yeol wore a dying expression, while Nam Gung Bi sometimes approached looking exhausted, sniffing around. As for Wi Seol Ah, she occasionally crossed paths with them in the past few days, but she didn’t seem to go out of her way to approach. Her eyes suggested she wanted to come and talk, leaving one to wonder why she didn’t. Next time, Cheol Ji Seon thought she might directly ask, why make things so worrisome, after all. In any case, it seemed everyone had their reasons. Especially Mo Yong Hee, who appeared to be the busiest among them. The rumors suggested as much. He certainly had a knack for stirring up the situation. ‘Was it downstairs?’ She moved onward. Even while walking down the corridor, she could feel the eyes of the juniors around her. It seemed her face was becoming widely known amongst them. In the midst of that, however, “Why are you staring!” Why is this guy acting like this... Walking behind was Pae Woo Cheol, glaring at those casting glances this way, growling as if grinding his teeth. Why was he acting like this? Why follow at all? ‘...Oh, for crying out loud.’ She thought she had quieted him down after their first meeting. From the moment she defeated Instructor Cheol Hwan-oh, Pae Woo Cheol's attitude towards her became peculiar. Did she perhaps hit him too hard? No, it’s not as if it was her first time dealing with someone. She wasn’t one to make such a blunder. She’d certainly handled him discreetly. “Look at your eyes? Got a problem with our big sister?” “...Obviously, they're dissatisfied with you, so please keep quiet. It's embarrassing.” This isn't even small-town riffraff. Is he really from a righteous sect? Isn’t he from the demonic sect...? Even worse, Pae Woo Cheol had a rather rugged appearance. “Oh, go away. Why are you following me?” “As your younger brother, shouldn't I follow where the big sister goes?” “Uh, that’s not it, so don’t follow.” I really wish he'd just leave. Should I just beat him up and drop him off at his residence? Yes, that’d probably be easier. Just as she was resolving herself to that idea, unfortunately, they arrived at their intended destination. “See you later....” - Do you have a sister? As she was about to step into the place where Cheol Ji Seon was, a voice echoed from within. Curious, she peeked inside. Cheol Ji Seon was engaged in conversation with someone she didn’t recognize. ‘By the look of things, it doesn’t seem like a pleasant situation.’ Certainly didn’t appear to be a friendly atmosphere. ‘People like that are always around, aren’t they?’ There’s always someone who’d want to trample on what seems weak. It’s a universal truth. In this case, it appeared Cheol Ji Seon was caught by such a person. For someone called a martial artist, Cheol Ji Seon had a relatively small build, and her level of skill was rather low. To those pretending to be strong, she was an appealing target. I know, because I was once in her position. However, one difference between us was that, while I relentlessly fought to the death regardless, Cheol Ji Seon didn't seem to share that fighting spirit. I continued to observe the situation. I believed it was not yet time to intervene. However, the problem arose immediately. - Does your sister look like you? That’d be nice. I like having many concubines. - Considering my worth, this is a chance of a lifetime for you. The unrestrained words were enough to make my blood boil just hearing them. Had I been in her shoes, I would have ripped out his tongue and burned it before his eyes. ‘Does she plan to endure this?’ Even if Cheol Ji Seon was soft-hearted and weak, bearing this... ‘...What?’ While observing the situation, I was internally shocked by Cheol Ji Seon’s actions. Without anyone noticing, only visible to my eyes alone, beneath the table, the tips of Cheol Ji Seon’s fingers started moving. As if looking for something to grasp. A slow yet distinct movement. Seeing that, I moved my body immediately. There were two reasons why I suddenly moved. Firstly, if Cheol Ji Seon used that power recklessly here, it was clear it would leave the surroundings in ruins. Secondly, ‘I’m certain it’s him.’ I hadn’t been fully confident, about Cheol Ji Seon’s identity, until now, but seeing this, there was no doubt left. She was indeed the one I’d been searching for. That's why I moved at once. There was no hesitation. I dashed forward with raised qi, kicking the chest of the bloke hurling abusive words at Cheol Ji Seon. Cheol Ji Seon couldn’t comprehend the situation. ‘What just happened?’ It all unfolded too suddenly. Ku Yang Cheon, who appeared out of nowhere, had turned the place into chaos. The guy he kicked flew to the corner, spitting ragged breaths, disoriented. “...Kuh...ugh...!” With a cough, blood trickled down from his nose. “What...what is...!” Even the victim failed to grasp the situation. Finally regaining consciousness, he looked up and yelled at the one who attacked him. “How dare you treat me like this...! You’re not afraid of retribution?!” “Why is it that people like you always have the same lines? Do you pre-write these retorts or what?” “You bastard...! Do you know who I am...!” “Who are you, then?” As Gu Yang Cheon approached close enough to speak, Jin I Seok's words momentarily got stuck in his throat. "Who are you, exactly?" His voice was icy cold. He hadn’t flared his qi. He wasn't exuding any killing intent. He was simply speaking while staring at him, yet it felt as if the atmosphere around Gu Yang Cheon had turned cold. “...I am Jin I Seok of the Great Taesan Clan...” “Ah, the Taesan Clan.” Upon hearing this, Gu Yang Cheon clapped his hands as if he understood. Despite this reaction, Jin I Seok attempted to compose himself as he spoke, “Well, now that you know, you should...” “So, where exactly is that, punk?” Smack! “Gah!” With no regard whatsoever, Gu Yang Cheon struck Jin I Seok's head with his palm. The companions who seemed to belong to Jin I Seok started to move. Either trying to stop Gu Yang Cheon or rescue Jin I Seok; “Don’t move.” But someone stepped forward to block them. ‘Who’s that?’ It was a man with an imposing physique. The man with black hair twisted his features into a fierce scowl as he blocked them. Curious about who this was, one of Jin I Seok’s companions exclaimed in surprise, “...Pae Woo Cheol...?” “What... Pae Woo Cheol, you say?” The man was a well-known junior disciple even to Cheol Ji Seon. Although not as dominant as the Tang Sect that ruled Sichuan, in his own right, the Pae family was known, and Pae Woo Cheol, a blood relative of this family, with outstanding physical abilities and talent, was a promising junior disciple. “If you interfere while my boss is taking care of business, you'll die.” Pae Woo Cheol growled fiercely, and Jin I Seok’s companions shrank back. “Still, are you calling Pae Woo Cheol ‘boss’?” “Then, could that man possibly be...” Notorious for his ferocity, rumors circulated that Pae Woo Cheol had immediately folded his tail upon entering Shinryong Hall. The person reputed to have tamed and used him as a subordinate was already famous throughout Zhongyuan. "Oh, for goodness’ sake... Can you just go back to your residence?" The man in question grimaced as he shoved Pae Woo Cheol away, but Pae Woo Cheol wouldn’t budge. Jin I Seok, having barely grasped the situation, didn’t even bother wiping his bloody nose as his face drained of color. "Jin... Jin Long?” ..! .... .. Realizing only now who stood before him. Gu Yang Cheon, who had been yelling at Pae Woo Cheol, shifted his gaze back to Jin I Seok. “Shall we resume our conversation?” “Wh-why is Jin Long involved...” “Why are you suddenly acting nice? Just keep doing what you were before.” He spoke with a bright smile, though the look on his face suggested that disobedience would lead to certain doom. “What was your name again, Jin Seok?” “Jin... I Seok, sir...” “Alright, I Seok. How old are you?” “Why ask about that...” “Are you not going to answer?” “T-twenty.” “Twenty, huh. You've lived long enough.” Gu Yang Cheon remarked, grabbing Jin I Seok’s hand. Forcing it into a fist and covering it with his own. “So why don’t you act your age? Did you sleep through home training?” “Wh...what...” “Didn't you learn not to bully those weaker than you, you little punk?” At that moment, Gu Yang Cheon applied pressure to Jin I Seok's finger. Crack- A brutal sound echoed. “...!” Jin I Seok screamed silently in agony. “Even at twenty, you're busy harassing people? Why hang around the righteous sect if you’re like that? You'd fit right in with the demonic sect there.” “Kuh... eugh...” “Don’t complain, you’re left-handed anyway. That’s why I used your right. Considerate, right? I know.” In an instant, Cheol Ji Seon was labeled as someone lacking by Gu Yang Cheon’s words, but now was not the time to dwell on that. ‘How...how did this happen...’ Although she was grateful for Gu Yang Cheon’s heroic intervention, she did not anticipate him handling the situation so roughly. Such actions could spell trouble for Jin Long himself later. Cheol Ji Seon’s eyes darted around frantically. Pae Woo Cheol stood guard, while the others, seeing Jin I Seok being demolished by someone recognized as Jin Long, could only watch. Gu Yang Cheon’s brazen actions had suppressed everyone. “Kuh...w-why are you doing this...! What’s this to do with you?” Despite Jin I Seok’s cries of injustice, Gu Yang Cheon scoffed. “Why wouldn’t it be my business? She’s my friend.” Indicating Cheol Ji Seon with his finger. Those who heard all turned their gaze towards Cheol Ji Seon. ‘A friend of Jin Long?’ ‘Who is this person...?’ ‘The phrase “birds of a feather flock together” exists for a reason... does that mean...’ With a single statement, Gu Yang Cheon managed to tarnish Cheol Ji Seon's reputation in an instant. Realizing this made Cheol Ji Seon's head spin. Things were spiraling out of control. “So why did you mess with our buddy there?” “I didn’t know... I wasn’t aware.” “Claiming ignorance isn't an excuse, is it, Woo Seok?” At some point, Jin I Seok turned into Jin Woo Seok, but there wasn’t the atmosphere to correct it. “You shouldn’t have done it in the first place. Isn’t that right?” Regrets come when it’s far too late. Gu Yang Cheon’s expression seemed to suggest that as he squeezed Jin I Seok’s hand again. Feeling this, Jin I Seok began to tremble, tears welling up in his eyes. As the pain nearly drew another scream from him... “That should be enough.” A voice pierced through the tension. Clear and authoritative. “Continuing further won’t do you any good.” Through the confused juniors, someone approached. The owner of the voice was Jang Sun Yeon, known as Divine Saint. Realizing she had appeared, relief spread across the juniors' faces. Thankful Divine Saint intervened. "This isn’t Gu Gongja's zone, so wouldn’t it be wise to stop here?" Seeing Jang Sun Yeon approach, Pae Woo Cheol moved his bulk to intercept her. “Step aside.” Gu Yang Cheon, observing this, tossed Jin I Seok aside and stood up. In his wild eyes, there was a flash of qi. “Why are you interfering?” "As I mentioned, proceeding further would not benefit either of us," Jang Sun Yeon said. "Oh, did I phrase that wrong? Let me rephrase." "…Excuse me?" "Why are you only interfering now?" He bit out the words as if chewing on them. The audience's gaze shifted oddly at the subtle change in meaning from Gu Yang Cheon's initial statement to Jang Sun Yeon. The implication wasn’t clear. "What do you mean by that?" "You were probably watching the whole thing, weren’t you? So why wait until Woo Seok, or is it I Seok, got beaten down to step in?" "Gu Gongja." "You must have seen all of it from the start. How our... What was her name again?" "Cheol Ji Seon..." "Right, Ji Seon. Why didn’t you do anything while she was dealing with that bastard for days?" Gu Yang Cheon didn’t believe for a moment that Jang Sun Yeon had been unaware while Cheol Ji Seon was being harassed. The fact that Jang Sun Yeon had just stood by, pretending not to know, was something Gu Yang Cheon found hard to swallow. So he demanded answers. Why was Jang Sun Yeon only stepping in now, after everything was practically resolved? "Showing up late and trying to look cool—is that going to change anything? Idiot. If you wanted to help, you should have done something from the start. Why butt in when I’ve already dealt with everything?" "...I was merely waiting for you to handle it, Cheol Gongja." "Handle it, my ass. Aren’t you supposed to be her mentor or something? Waiting for her to overcome adversity? What bullshit. That’s a fancy excuse if I ever heard one." His words cut with a sarcastic edge. Raw and coarse language that made everyone grimace, but no one dared to dispute Gu Yang Cheon's point. He wasn’t wrong. "If you're going to pretend, at least do it properly. Don’t come up with flimsy justifications. Or wait, maybe..." Gu Yang Cheon leaned in closer to Jang Sun Yeon. Though Jang Sun Yeon tried to recoil, it was too late—Gu Yang Cheon had already gripped his shoulder tightly. “...Ack!” Gu Yang Cheon pulled him in, whispering softly enough for no one else to hear. "Is all this part of your plan too?" “...!” Jang Sun Yeon's eyes widened, shock splashed across his face. Seeing this reaction, Gu Yang Cheon merely maintained a neutral expression, as if he knew all along. “Since you seem to have your own agenda, should I share something interesting with you? It’s a story I haven’t told anyone.” Jang Sun Yeon struggled to free himself, but Gu Yang Cheon’s grip held fast. He had no choice but to listen. “You’re going to die here.” “...What did you say?” “Figured I’d let you know in advance.” Speaking nonchalantly, Gu Yang Cheon finally released Jang Sun Yeon, stepping back with a faint smirk. “Since you’ll take care of the aftermath, I guess I can leave in peace. Oh, by the way.” Pausing mid-sentence, Gu Yang Cheon turned to look at Jin I Seok. Startled under Gu Yang Cheon's gaze, Jin I Seok involuntarily trembled. “Touch our friend again, and you're dead.” “O-okay...!” "Next time, I’ll rip out your tongue and burn it." Having said his piece, Gu Yang Cheon approached Cheol Ji Seon, leaving the bloodied Jin I Seok behind. “Get up, let’s go get some lunch.” “Huh? Now?” “When else? Haven’t you eaten lunch?” "Um, I mean, not exactly." Was he seriously leaving all this chaos behind just like that? Cheol Ji Seon looked at Gu Yang Cheon incredulously, but he seemed unbothered. “He said he’d handle it, remember? Let’s go.” The “he” referred to Jang Sun Yeon. For a second, Cheol Ji Seon wondered if they were close. Though clearly, from the dynamic between the Divine Saint and Jin Long, they didn’t seem like friends at all. Opposite personalities, if anything. While Cheol Ji Seon hesitated, Gu Yang Cheon pulled her up and started dragging her along. “Woo Cheol, what’s for lunch today?” “I’m not sure.” "...Confident, aren’t you? I guess we’ll find out when we get there." After Gu Yang Cheon and his group departed, silence settled like the calm after a storm. Jin I Seok remained trembling and unable to disguise his fear, and his trousers showed a damp stain of shame. Only then did his companions hastily attend to him. “Your finger...! We need to get you to the infirmary...” “Shouldn’t we report to the instructor first?” “You’re right...” Boom! In the midst of their confusion, a loud crash reverberated. Alarmed, everyone turned to see... “Jang Gongja?” It was none other than Jang Sun Yeon. He had smashed his fist into the table, shattering it to pieces. Startled, they all watched him, but those observing Jang Sun Yeon had to gulp dryly. Despite being known for his serene demeanor, his face had twisted into something resembling a malicious demon.