Chapter 133

As soon as she smiled, the student who had been glaring at Sohyang sharply snapped his eyes upward. “You're smiling? You’re seriously smiling right now? Why? Are you just dying over how pretty I am or something?” “Huh? Oh—no, that’s not it! I-I was just explaining—!” “Hmph!” He stormed off in a huff, like a sulky woman, and the other man chased after him in a panic. “What the hell? Are they seriously dating each other?” “Right? I thought that was just a rumor. Oh my, oh my.” “Guess it’s my fault for being so beautiful I make even men jealous. Ugh.” “......” And there she went again. The maid was used to it by now and let it slide. “But seriously, where are we supposed to find him? Why is this place so empty?” “I know, right? I think we came too late.” Just then, someone came strolling toward them, hands clasped behind his back. “Oh? There’s someone over there.” “Yeah. Let’s ask him.” The man walking over was Bang Woon. “Hello!” Seeing the woman greet him first, Bang Woon tilted his head in confusion and returned the greeting. Such a beautiful woman... saying hello to him first? His face flushed as he returned the bow. --> “O-oh, hi. Hello.” “Would you happen to know where I can find someone named Sunwoo Baek?” At the mention of Sunwoo Baek, Bang Woon’s expression soured slightly. So she was another one of the women who came looking for him. “And why are you asking?” “I’m just curious what kind of man he is. The first man in Mushincheon’s history to unify all the Senior Academies. Who wouldn’t be curious?” “I see. Well, unfortunately, Woo Baek isn’t here right now. And it won’t be easy to meet him. Too many women like you keep coming to see him, so he’s been sneaking around to avoid attention.” Sohyang smiled at that and replied playfully. “Wouldn’t it be more of a loss for him not to see my face?” “...What?” What the hell is with this woman? “You called him by name so casually—you must be close. Could you pass on a message for me?” “What message?” “That the most beautiful woman in all of the Central Lands is waiting for him.” Unbelievable. Sure, she was gorgeous—but saying something like that out loud herself? There was definitely something off about her. He was still trying to figure out how to respond when he saw someone approaching with slumped shoulders and a defeated expression—Jang Woon. “What’s up with you?” Jang Woon glanced at Sohyang and grumbled. “Because of that young lady... Yeonhwa got mad at me.” “Why?” “She got angry because I answered her question with a smile.” “Huh? Is that worth getting mad over?” “I don’t know. I’m going crazy here. How do I fix this?” “Just leave her alone—she’ll come around.” “Are you nuts? If I do that, it’ll just get worse.” “Women... I don’t get them.” “Me neither.” Sohyang cut into their conversation. “I can help you. But in return, could you take me to Sunwoo Baek?” “And how exactly are you going to help?” “A woman understands a woman’s heart. You were talking about the one you argued with earlier, right?” “Yeah.” “Wasn’t that a man?” “No. She’s just disguised as one.” “Really? I thought her face looked too delicate.” “She’s not just delicate—she’s the most beautiful woman in the world!” Jang Woon’s declaration made Sohyang stare at him in disbelief. “What are you even saying? The most beautiful woman in the world is standing right here in front of you!” “What nonsense is that? My woman is the most beautiful in the world!” As they bickered, Bang Woon shook his head. They were both clearly insane. Just then, he spotted Seong Yeonhwa in the distance, watching all of this with a faint smile. Her anger seemed to have long passed. Apparently, she'd only pretended to head home and circled back to keep an eye on things. And now here he was, clueless that she was watching, loudly arguing that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Whatever the case, at least her mood looked improved. Meanwhile, Sohyang was trembling with fury, her pride wounded. “What a joke! Are his eyes broken or something? Who is this guy anyway?” “He’s Baekyeong’s second-ranked student—Jang Woon.” “What? This guy is the Thunderbolt Gentleman of Baekyeong?” “Huh? What gentleman?” “Thunderbolt Gentleman. It’s his nickname because he uses the Lightning Divine Art.” At Sohyang’s comment, Bang Woon chuckled and offered congratulations. “Congrats. You’ve got yourself a nickname now. You’re officially a martial artist.” Jang Woon turned to him. “Then what about Sunwoo Baek? What’s his nickname?” “Divine Fist of Heaven-Shaking Thunder.” Now that was a fitting nickname. Who even came up with these? Was there some sect out there that just [N O V E L I G H T] specialized in nicknames? It was oddly fascinating. “What about me? Do I have one?” “And you are?” “I’m Bang Woon.” “Oh! The Sky-Armored Young Hero.” Another fitting nickname. Bang Woon smiled in satisfaction. “What an honor to meet Baekyeong’s elite.” Sohyang’s compliment made Bang Woon flush again. “Get it together. She’s not interested in you.” Jang Woon’s words made Bang Woon snap. “Do you have to stab me where it hurts?” Then he leaned in and whispered to Jang Woon. —You should be worrying about your girl hiding behind that tree. —Huh? Jang Woon turned his head and heightened his senses—and sure enough, Seong Yeonhwa was peeking at him from behind a tree. She hadn’t gone home after all. Joy bloomed on his face. “Yeonhwa!” Like a puppy spotting its master, he bolted toward her, tail practically wagging. Bang Woon chuckled at the sight. How happy could one guy be? Then he turned to look at Sohyang—whose expression had twisted in frustration. She felt completely defeated. “Did I just lose to a girl in men’s clothing? Is that even possible?” “My lady...” Her maid approached, trying to soothe her. Just then, Sohyang’s expression shifted. “It’s fine. I guess his type is the more delicate, crossdressing kind. Maybe my beauty just doesn’t work on him. I am unmistakably feminine, after all.” “That’s right! You really are sharp as always, my lady.” Watching the maid flatter her like that, Bang Woon thought he might finally understand what had made this woman turn out the way she had. Then Sohyang looked back at him, eyes gleaming, and spoke in a wistful voice. “Is it really that hard to meet Master Sunwoo Baek?” Thump— Bang Woon’s face flushed again. Sohyang smirked inwardly. Of course. This is how normal men react. She grabbed his hand. “Please? It’s this maiden’s heartfelt wish.” “Y-Young Lady. C-could you let go of my hand, first...” “Please. Won’t you help me?” “W-well... Sunwoo Baek is... he’s...” Just as Bang Woon was about to spill the beans— A group of students ran past, shouting. “Hey! They said to gather an hour earlier today!” “What?” Bang Woon flinched, yanked his hand away from Sohyang, and spoke hastily. “I’m sorry, miss. Something urgent just came up. T-tomorrow! I’ll bring Sunwoo Baek here tomorrow. Goodbye!” Whoosh—! Leaving only those words behind, he bolted away like a man possessed. “...What was that?” “My lady, let’s just go home. He said he’ll bring Sunwoo Baek here tomorrow.” “Chu Yeon. That man shook off my hand. I didn’t even let go.” “And?” “What do you mean, and? How could he shake off my hand? Does that make any sense to you?” “Maybe he really had something urgent to do.” “Even when their fathers are on their deathbeds, men who’ve held my hand hesitate to let go. But that guy didn’t even pause. Just yanked his hand away without a second thought.” “Then it must’ve really been urgent.” “Ugh! Just wait. Tomorrow, I will make that man fall for me!” “Wait, not Sunwoo Baek?” “He said he’d bring Sunwoo Baek here tomorrow. Who cares! I’m hungry. You lead the way!” Pouting with her cheeks puffed out in frustration, Sohyang stomped off. Chu Yeon could only shake her head as she followed behind. **** “Oh ho. So you couldn’t complete your training?” “Y-yes, sir!” Ho Cheon had his forehead pressed to the ground, hands clasped behind his back. In front of him, Yeon Woo Jin squatted down. He had come to check the results of Ho Cheon’s training, only to find that the regimen he’d assigned hadn’t been completed. So he had the boy prostrate himself, then asked why. His father had personally shown up? Wait. That meant... He might come here today too. “You little—!” As expected. A booming voice rang out. At the sound of it, Ho Cheon leapt to his feet in shock and sprinted to intercept his father. Yeon Woo Jin rubbed his forehead. He had assumed the house would be empty. “F-Father! Please calm down!” “What the hell are you doing? Who is this bastard that you’re bowing your head to him like that?” “T-that is...” How was he supposed to explain this? This was a nightmare. Ho Cheon glanced desperately at Yeon Woo Jin, pleading for help. “You should’ve told me your father was home.” “M-my apologies! I completely forgot!” At Ho Cheon’s response, Ho Gwang wore an utterly bewildered expression. “What is going on here? You’re using honorifics with him? Who the hell is he that you’re treating him with such formality and deference?” He glared at Yeon Woo Jin as he asked. “You. Speak for yourself. Who are you?” Yeon Woo Jin bowed respectfully. “Good day. My name is Yeon Woo Jin.” “Alright. That’s the name—now tell me who the hell you are.” “He is my liege, Father!” At that shout from Ho Cheon, Ho Gwang’s body froze. Then, very slowly, he turned his head toward his son. “W-what... did you just say?” “He is the lord I serve! Please show proper respect!” “What did you say? Lord? Respect?” “Yes, Father!” “Are you... are you insane? Do you even hear yourself right now?” “I’m perfectly sane.” “What?” “That man is the lord I have chosen to serve. Please watch your language, Father.” “You little lunatic.” Ho Gwang glared at his son, then turned to Yeon Woo Jin. What in the hell had this man done to his child? “You. Who the hell are you? I’ve never even heard that name before.” At that, Ho Cheon spoke up again. “Father! Please recall the name our liege just gave you!” “What? Liege? Damn it, you really have gone mad.” Ho Gwang was about to lose his mind. This was not what he had raised his son for. Who the hell was this guy that Ho Cheon would be begging him to “recall his name”? Yeon Woo Jin... He’d never heard of him before. ‘The Yeon family... I don’t recall any clan with that surname...’ No matter how hard he tried to remember, it wasn’t coming. Then, Ho Cheon sent him a voice transmission. —He’s the grandson of the Lord of Mushincheon, Father. “What?!” The moment he heard it, Ho Gwang’s eyes flew open in shock. Finally, the name triggered something in his mind. ‘T-the Lord of Mushincheon’s surname is... Yeon. Damn it!’ His mind snapped into clarity. Who had he just raised his voice to? ...But could it really be true? The moment doubt crept in— “Stand down.” Yeon Woo Jin’s voice cut through the air. Stand down? From what? Ho Gwang turned—and saw a familiar face. “S-Sword Master of Instant Kill?” The Sword Master’s blade was already right in front of his nose. “Hiik!” Ho Gwang stumbled backward in terror. When he saw the sword withdraw at just one word from Yeon Woo Jin, he finally understood without question— This young man truly bore the bloodline of the Lord of Mushincheon. Ho Gwang hurriedly bowed his head. “I-I had no idea who you were... I have committed an unforgivable offense!” “It’s alright. I’m not exactly a public figure. And besides, there are rumors that my grandfather has no living kin, right? Makes it even harder to recognize me.” Grandfather. He had referred to the Lord of Mushincheon as “Grandfather” so casually. “If it weren’t for the Young Lord’s command, your head would have already been separated from your shoulders.” Gulp— Ho Gwang was strong, but even he was no match for one of the Eight Immortals of Mushincheon—the Sword Master of Instant Kill. If that blade hadn’t been stopped, he’d already be on the road to the afterlife. “I’m sorry. Uncle Ho Seong gets overly worked up about anything involving me.” “N-no! It was all my fault!” “Now, shall we sit and talk peacefully?” “Y-yes, of course.” “I personally asked your son to become mine.” “Y-you did?” “I’m asking you to entrust him to me. I give you my word—as long as I become the next Lord of Mushincheon, your son’s position will never be a trivial one.” “W-what? The next... Lord of Mushincheon?” “Why not? Do you think I can’t?” Yeon Woo Jin flashed a smile. Ho Gwang’s pupils trembled.