Chapter 155

Hyeok Ryeonho looked at Sunwoo Baek and Jang Woon with a sly grin. “Well, well. The road ahead is wide open for you two now, isn’t it? You’re the first to achieve complete unification of the High Divisions in Mushincheon. You think Central’s just going to sit back and watch?” “Of course not. They’re probably already scrambling to snatch us up.” “I bet someone’s already reached out to their families.” “They probably won’t touch Jang Woon, though. His father’s already with the Guardian Hall. If anyone tries, the Guardian Hall Lord won’t stay quiet.” Hyeok Ryeonho turned to Sunwoo Baek. “You decided where you’re going next?” “No, not yet.” In truth, Sunwoo Baek had already decided. He was going wherever Yeon Woo Jin was going. No matter where that might be, he’d made up his mind to follow. Jang Woon was no different. Wherever Yeon Woo Jin went, that was where he belonged too. The two were not only Woo Jin’s closest friends—they were also his most loyal subordinates. “Anyway, I’m going to impose on you for a while.” “Mind if we train with you?” At their question, Sunwoo Baek turned to Jang Woon. Jang Woon replied, “We should probably ask our guys first. If they say no, we’ve got a decent place lined up. You can train there.” “Thanks.” **** After parting ways with Hyeok Ryeonho and Jang Soncheonki, Sunwoo Baek and Jang Woon headed to Yeon Woo Jin’s quarters. “They came to see you?” “Yeah. Asked if they could start training with us from tomorrow.” “Let them. I’m not needed anymore for training anyway. The underclassmen finished their Yugayeokgeunjin training. There’s nothing left to hide.” “Alright.” Yeon Woo Jin looked at the two of them. “What is it? You still got something to say?” “It’s just... where are you going after graduation?” “Me?” “Yeah. We kind of need to know so we can figure out what we’re doing.” Yeon Woo Jin let out a small laugh. “You planning to follow me?” “Yup!” Both answered in unison. Yeon Woo Jin looked at them. Their first meetings came to mind. Jang Woon had made a good impression from the start, while his relationship with Sunwoo Baek had started off rocky. But now, they were his irreplaceable friends. He wanted them by his side even after graduation. After a short pause, Yeon Woo Jin finally spoke. “I’m thinking... of heading out to Zhongyuan.” “Zhongyuan?” “Yeah. I plan to return the martial arts manuals the Mushincheon has been keeping from the Zhongyuan sects.” “The Celestial Lord agreed to that?” “Of course. I wouldn’t do it without my grandfather’s approval.” “I see. Then we’ll go with you.” “Yeah! If we’re with you, we’ll be a huge help.” Jang Woon and Sunwoo Baek looked at Yeon Woo Jin with sincere eyes. “Well, I suppose traveling alone would be a bit dull.” At Yeon Woo Jin’s answer, the two beamed. “But if we say we’re going with you, you think the others will just sit still?” “Not a chance. They’ll all want to follow.” “What should we do? We can’t take everyone with us.” Jang Woon sounded worried, but Yeon Woo Jin smiled and said, “Bang Woon and Jo Deok are heads of their schools now, so they can’t leave. Gong Yacheon’s a vice head too, so he’s out.” “Then the rest?” “For now, keep it a secret. If they find out later, just blame me.” “Okay. Got it.” “So you’re leaving for Zhongyuan as soon as we graduate?” “That’s the plan.” “Alright. Then we’ll be ready.” Yeon Woo Jin smiled. Having Jang Woon and Sunwoo Baek with him would make his journey through Zhongyuan all the more enjoyable. “I should go see my grandfather.” **** Yeon Woo Jin had gone to see Yeon Cheon Baek, but found Sama Cheon there as well. “Oh? You’re here too, Master.” “Heh heh, yes. Come in.” Yeon Cheon Baek welcomed him warmly beside him. “What brings you here, Woo Jin?” “I had something to discuss. Actually, it’s perfect that both of you are here.” “What is it?” “It’s about what I’ll be doing after graduation.” “So, you’ve decided?” “Do you remember what I told you before? About the martial arts manuals from the Zhongyuan sects?” “I remember. You said you wanted to return them.” “That’s right. I’m planning to do just that after graduation.” “What? You’re going to personally go around and return them?” “Yes.” At that, Sama Cheon cut in. “W-Wait! What are you saying? Return the manuals?!” When Sama Cheon asked, looking completely baffled, Yeon Cheon Baek explained. “Oh, this kid here says he feels sorry for the sects in Zhongyuan and wants to return the manuals. So I said yes.” “Why?! If you give those back, won’t they grow stronger?” “Exactly. That’s the point.” “What?!” “Honestly, our Woo Jin’s too strong, isn’t he? He’s even stronger than me. And I’ve had no worthy opponents in ages—even I’m bored. So imagine how he feels. He probably wants to give them those manuals, let them grow stronger, and then go crush them. Isn’t that right, Woo Jin?” Yeon Cheon Baek asked with a proud smile, and Yeon Woo Jin nodded awkwardly. “Y-Yeah, I guess so?” “See? Told you. Our Woo Jin’s always planning ahead. Always investing in the future.” Sama Cheon was speechless. Giving away the manuals... for that reason? Yeon Woo Jin added, “The originals will stay here. I’ll only return the copies.” At first, he had intended to keep the originals and hand over the copies. But after giving it more thought, he realized something. To Yeon Cheon Baek, a copy written by Yeon Woo Jin himself was far more precious than any original. So Yeon Cheon Baek had told him to keep the copies and hand over the originals instead. He said the ones transcribed by Woo Jin were the real treasures. “But those manuals aren’t supposed to be seen by anyone else. How could there be copies?” “I’ve already made them all.” “What?” “Want to see one?” Sama Cheon nodded. “I figured you might, so I brought one with me.” “This is... the Imperial Sword Form from the Namgung Clan?” “That’s right.” Chalak— Sama Cheon opened the manual and began to read. What caught his eye first was the beautiful handwriting. It was striking, crystal clear. Yeon Cheon Baek, moved by the script, said, “Woo Jin! I know I said it before, but just give me the originals.” “Huh? Oh... yes, sir.” “This is a treasure. A real treasure, infused with Woo Jin’s every stroke. There’s no way we’re giving this away! I’ll say it again—return that stinking, moldy original instead. This copy goes straight to the Infinite Archives! No—wait! I’m keeping it in my room!” Sama Cheon nodded in agreement. “This one’s definitely easier to read and understand. I think it makes more sense for Mushincheon to keep this, and return the original.” “Right? Hahaha. The boy knows true value when he sees it.” Ignoring Yeon Cheon Baek’s doting bluster, Sama Cheon added, “Handing over the original will leave a deeper impression on those Zhongyuan bastards too.” He wasn’t wrong. “Yes. Then I’ll leave all the copies I’ve worked on so far in Mushincheon.” “Khahaha! Excellent! Wonderful! Martial manuals handwritten by our Woo Jin himself! These will be protected as Mushincheon’s treasures for generations!” Yeon Cheon Baek was so overjoyed he actually teared up. His affection for Yeon Woo Jin seemed to only deepen with time. Then, Yeon Cheon Baek reached into his robe and handed something over. “If anyone ever dares to look down on you, show them this.” Sama Cheon recoiled in shock. “Hey, you crazy old man! That’s the Martial God Token!” It was the identity plaque of the Lord of Mushincheon. “He’s going to inherit it anyway. I’m just giving it to him early. Besides, my face is all the ID I need.” Sama Cheon groaned, pressing a hand to his forehead. “Unbelievable. I swear, you’re going to drive me insane.” Yeon Woo Jin grinned. “If I pull # Nоvеlight # this out, people in Zhongyuan will recognize it?” “Of course! That token is me! Show it proudly! Tell them you’re Yeon Cheon Baek’s grandson!” “Yes, I’ll definitely do that!” “Ahaha! Oh, my sweet boy! You’re just too precious. You know you’re the reason I’m still alive, right?” “Yes! And I’m alive thanks to you, Grandpa.” “Khahahaha! Cheon, did you hear that?! Woo Jin said I’m the reason he lives!” “Yeah, yeah. I heard it. I heard it loud and clear. This is getting depressing.” “Why don’t you go talk to your own grandson?” “Screw off.” Still rubbing his forehead, Sama Cheon turned to Woo Jin. “Sigh... You’re not going alone, are you?” “No, I have companions.” “Jang Woon and Sunwoo Baek, right?” “Yes, sir. You know me well.” “I figured you’d take them wherever you go.” Yeon Cheon Baek chimed in. “How about I set up a branch sect in Zhongyuan for you? Use that as your base while you distribute the manuals across the land.” “Huh? That actually sounds like a great idea.” “Any location in mind? I’ll make the arrangements.” “Anhwi Province.” “Anhwi? Why there?” “I’ve got close ties with the Namgung Clan.” “Ah! That makes sense. Then I’ll set it up near their territory.” “Thank you, Grandpa.” “You rascal. You’ll need to build your own force sooner or later anyway—use this chance to establish it. When the candidates for Minor Celestial Lord start showing up in the world, I want your faction strong enough to crush their pride.” “You think that’s all I’ll do? I might build something strong enough to rival Mushincheon itself. You’d better be ready.” “What? Khahahaha! That’s my grandson! A man with the heart of an ocean! Do whatever you want, Woo Jin! Hahaha!” He’d intended to leave quietly, but things were becoming far grander in scale. Still, Yeon Woo Jin was enjoying it. The thought of journeying beyond with his friends, just like back in the High Division days, made it all worthwhile. **** KU-KWAAAAANG—! “Uaaaagh!” “What the hell is wrong with you maniacs?!” “Calm down! We’re not enemies!” “This is training, not a real battle!” Hyeok Ryeonho and Jang Soncheonki screamed as they tried to fend off the relentless attacks from Sunwoo Baek and Jang Woon. Sunwoo Baek said evenly, “This is one of the reasons we got stronger. Train like it’s real combat.” “What?” “You... you train like this every day? Like you’re trying to kill each other?” “Yeah. Don’t worry about getting hurt. We’ve got good medicine.” Sunwoo Baek grinned. Hyeok Ryeonho stared in disbelief. “You two are seriously insane.” “So? You gonna train or not?” Hyeok Ryeonho looked at Jang Soncheonki. After a tense moment, Soncheonki hardened his expression and gave a firm nod. “Yeah! Let’s do it!” “Damn it! If this kind of madness made you that strong, there’s no other way.” The two glared at Sunwoo Baek and Jang Woon with grim determination. Sunwoo Baek and Jang Woon chuckled softly, taking their stances. “This time, we’re going all out!” “As if you weren’t already. Bring it!” Hyeok Ryeonho and Jang Soncheonki lay sprawled on the ground. “Urgh... Am I still alive?” “Don’t talk to me. I can’t even breathe.” “Same...” Sunwoo Baek and Jang Woon approached the wreckage of their bodies. “You alright?” “Do we look alright to you?!” Jang Woon smiled faintly and held out a pill. “Here. This’ll help.” The two hesitated briefly, then took the pills and popped them in their mouths. The moment the medicine touched their tongues, it melted like snow and slid down their throats. A wave of sharp, revitalizing energy surged through their bodies. In seconds, strength returned to their limbs. Stunned, the two sat up and examined themselves. “What... what is this?” “My stamina came back!” They stared at Sunwoo Baek and Jang Woon in astonishment. “What the hell was that?!” “You just gave us something this powerful?!” “It’s not some miracle elixir.” “It’s just a stamina recovery pill.” “What?!” “Just a stamina pill? This?! My strength came back instantly!” “Yeah! Even the enhancement pills from my clan don’t work this well!” Sunwoo Baek and Jang Woon winced. Come to think of it, the pills Woo Jin made were nearly on par with high-grade elixirs. They’d gotten so used to taking them, they’d forgotten how extraordinary they were. “W-Where did you get this?” “Uh? Well, that is...” “Does it matter? You’re just trying not to make us feel bad, huh? You guys really are something else.” “Right. A pill like that must be worth a fortune... We’ll definitely repay you later.” They’d completely misunderstood. Hyeok Ryeonho and Jang Soncheonki thought the pills were rare, precious treasures and that Sunwoo Baek and Jang Woon had played them off as “just stamina pills” to avoid making them feel guilty. “You really don’t have to. You’re our guests.” “Still... to treat us this well. Thanks.” “From today forward, I’ll consider you my true friends.” Watching the two speak with such heartfelt sincerity, Sunwoo Baek and Jang Woon quietly decided: They would never tell them the truth.