Chapter 52

When a powerful newcomer arrives, most people become wary. But Yeon Woo Jin wasn’t most people. He was actually pleased. To him, Jang Man-un was nothing more than a new piece for his personal game board. In fact, it was Jang Man-un who’d made a mistake by choosing the wrong academy. It wasn’t hard to guess. The underclassman First at Black Tiger Academy, where Jang Man-un came from, was a prodigy. He must have struggled desperately to surpass that genius, only to fall into despair. His transfer to Baekyeong probably had more to do with running away. He was probably thinking something like: “I’ll become the top of Baekyeong and take control of the entire southern region.” “Then I’ll etch my name into history as the greatest of the south.” And while I’m at it, I’ll avenge my half-brother’s humiliation. Well, technically it wasn’t about avenging his brother—but restoring the honor of his sect. But did he know? Did he realize that this place housed a monster among monsters—someone who could devour even the Martial God Sect whole? Yeon Woo Jin had the bloodline of the Martial God Sect Leader himself. His backing was absolute. The only question was whether the Martial God Sect Leader actually considered him family. If he truly treasured Yeon Woo Jin, he would’ve placed him in Zhongcheon, not Baekyeong. Hell, he would’ve named him as heir. But Yeon Woo Jin was neither. That raised questions in Gong Ya-cheon’s mind. Yeon Woo Jin’s powers weren’t human. There was no telling how many abilities he had yet to reveal. There’s no way the Martial God Sect Leader didn’t recognize someone this exceptional. And yet, he was left here? There could only be one explanation: The Martial God Sect Leader didn’t know about Yeon Woo Jin’s abilities. There’s no other way to make sense of it. This deduction came from what Yeon Woo Jin had said while wiping everyone’s memories: That he found attention bothersome. If that was his personality, then of course he wouldn’t want to be the heir of the Martial God Sect. So he hid his strength. And the Sect Leader, unaware of just how exceptional his bloodline was, left him here. But that didn’t mean the influence of the Martial God Sect Leader was gone. Just the fact that he was of that bloodline made Yeon Woo Jin one of the most elite talents in existence. Most sects would fall to their knees just hearing his name. Even the Five Peak Immortal Houses wouldn’t dare treat him carelessly. As Gong Ya-cheon sat there deep in thought, his expression serious, Yeon Woo Jin chuckled. He could tell he was being analyzed. “Analyzing me, are you?” Gong Ya-cheon flinched at Yeon Woo Jin’s voice. “No need to be so startled. You can tell me your analysis tonight over dinner.” “T-That’s...” He was stuck. How was he supposed to tell the guy to his face that the Sect Leader probably didn’t recognize him as family and just dumped him here? “I’m looking forward to hearing it. How you assessed me.” Gong Ya-cheon began to panic. He’d have to come up with an explanation that wouldn’t offend Yeon Woo Jin. Noticing Gong Ya-cheon’s trembling pupils, Yeon Woo Jin smirked. “Why? Not a flattering analysis?” Gong Ya-cheon jumped again. “You need to work on your stillness. If your face and body give everything away like that, what kind of strategist are you supposed to be?” Gong Ya-cheon felt indignant. He prided himself on his emotional control. He was sure no one could read him. But Yeon Woo Jin was an exception. The moment he stood in front of him, everything fell apart. But that wasn’t the issue right now. He needed to figure out a way to report his analysis without offending Yeon Woo Jin. And so, Gong Ya-cheon began racking his brain. Yeon Woo Jin, watching Gong Ya-cheon’s expressions shift second by second, was thoroughly entertained. **** First day of transfer. Jang Man-un spent it carefully surveying the atmosphere of Baekyeong Martial Academy. Unlike Black Tiger, the students here all wore bright, cheerful expressions. And strangely enough, Jang Man-un found the mood... comforting. “Not bad.” After all, this would be the academy he would soon dominate. In that regard, the relaxed atmosphere suited him just fine. Especially Heo Wook, the class First, who didn’t seem to impose his authority on others—Jang Man-un liked that. He mentally marked Heo Wook for later. Sensing Jang Man-un’s gaze, Heo Wook approached. “I’m Heo Wook, First of this class. Where’re you from?” “The north. Black Tiger.” “W-What?! Seriously?” “Yeah.” “Why’d you come here from Black Tiger?” “Personal reasons. I’ll tell you later.” “O-Okay.” “But I’ve got a question too.” “Shoot.” “Is Seon Woo Baek really the underclassman First here?” At the question, Heo Wook flinched. “Wait, what? Is Seon Woo Baek not the First?” Something felt off in his reaction. “Y-Yeah. Woo Baek is the underclassman First.” “You hesitated. Is there someone else who’s actually in charge, and Seon Woo Baek’s just a figurehead?” “Of course not!” He denied it, but his eyes darted away. A textbook lie. “So Seon Woo Baek isn’t the real First. There’s someone else... Interesting.” That made him wonder—maybe it wasn’t Seon Woo Baek who defeated his half-brother, Jang Manseong, after all. “Can you introduce me to Seon Woo Baek?” “I’ll ask him.” “Thanks.” “Yeah.” As Heo Wook rushed off, Jang Man-un leaned back in thought. “So who is it? The one pulling Seon Woo Baek’s strings...” To get answers, he’d need to meet Seon Woo Baek first. **** “W-Woo Baek!” “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me some other academy just invaded?” “N-No, it’s not that. Do you know where today’s transfer student came from?” “Where?” “Black Tiger! The strongest academy in the north!” “Black Tiger? Why would anyone transfer from there?” “I don’t know, but it doesn’t seem like he came here with good intentions. He said he wants to meet you.” “Wait—what’s his name?” “Jang Man-un.” “So he’s Jang Manseong’s younger brother.” Hearing that, Jang Un added, “Sounds like you’re his target.” “Doesn’t it?” “He’s here for revenge. Why else would he single you out?” “Tch. My fame’s even reached the north now?” As Seon Woo Baek laughed at his own joke, Heo Wook scolded him. “This isn’t something to laugh about. He came from Black Tiger. He’s no pushover.” Jang Un thought for a moment and said, “I remember. Jang Man-un—ranked second among Black Tiger’s underclassmen.” “Second?” “Yeah. The First is a literal prodigy. Last I heard, he’s already at the Transcendent Level.” “What?! At our age? And not even in Zhongcheon?” “Exactly why he’s called a genius.” “So Man-un ran from him.” “And came here to take you down.” “It’s not just me. He’s probably aiming to take over Baekyeong entirely. That’d restore his brother’s pride and do wonders for his own reputation.” “What are you going to do?” “If the former Rank Two of Black Tiger wants to meet me, I should oblige.” “But he said something weird.” “Weird?” “Yeah. He asked if there was someone behind you, pulling the strings.” “And you said?” “I got a little startled, but I told him you were the First.” “You got startled?” “Yeah.” “Then he probably suspects I’m not actually the real First. That’s why he wants to meet me—to confirm if I’m really the one who beat his brother.” “But what now? You’re still not in peak condition.” Seon Woo Baek looked around. Jang Un asked, “You looking for Woo Jin?” “Yeah.” “Woo Jin took Gong Ya-cheon somewhere earlier. Looked like the two of them had something private to discuss.” “Yeah?” At the mention of a one-on-one conversation, Seon Woo Baek flinched. It triggered some memories from the past. “Well, he needs to experience it at least once. What kind of existence Woo Jin really is.” “Exactly. That’s how you become a true member of the family.” Seon Woo Baek looked at Heo Wook and said, “Let’s go. Is Jang Man-un in your class?” “Yeah.” “Woo Jin took Gong Ya-cheon somewhere earlier. Looked like the two of them had something private to discuss.” “Yeah?” **** “You asked to see me?” “Nice to meet you. I’m Jang Man-un. Since I transferred in, I figured it was only proper to greet the underclassman First who’ll be in the same tier as me.” “So what brings someone from Black Tiger all the way to a southern academy like this?” At Seon Woo Baek’s question, Jang Man-un smiled. “Good question. Why do you think?” “I think I already know.” “Oh yeah? Let’s hear it.” “Revenge. For your brother?” At that, Jang Man-un chuckled softly. “Not revenge. I just wanted to show that my sect isn’t as pathetic as people think. If the youngest can patch up the family’s disgrace, the blemish disappears.” “That sounds like you’re here to take my spot.” “It’s an appealing position, I won’t lie. Back in Black Tiger, it was never even a possibility. But here? I think it might be.” “From what I’m seeing, you’re going to have a hard time.” Their gazes clashed midair. The tension in their eyes was electric—like lightning could arc between them at any moment. Crack. The ground beneath Seon Woo Baek’s feet split. Jang Man-un was pressing him with a powerful aura. Seon Woo Baek responded with a relaxed smile, as if it were nothing. “That’s a pretty intense greeting.” Jang Man-un grinned as well. “I wondered if my brother lost to ❖ Nоvеlight ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеlight) someone else... but I guess not. You’re decent.” “You’re not bad yourself.” This time, it was Seon Woo Baek’s energy that began to surge from his body. “I’m not really built to just sit there and take hits.” Feeling the strength in Seon Woo Baek’s aura, Jang Man-un’s expression stiffened slightly. It was stronger than he expected. But then he smirked. “Looks like I’ve been underestimating the south. This might be fun after all.” “Should’ve found that fun in Black Tiger. Don’t come here trying to act tough.” “Yeah? Well, that place has a monster holding down the fort. Here? Just regular folks. That’s why this is fun.” “Is that so? Then I’d better not disappoint you.” “Exactly. I’m expecting a lot.” “Wanna go now?” “Feeling confident, are we?” The situation was one spark away from an explosion. Just then, Jang Un stepped between them. “Cut it out. You're scaring the others.” In the blink of an eye, he disrupted the tension between them. Seeing this, Jang Man-un’s expression twisted in surprise. Another expert, just like Seon Woo Baek. He was starting to understand why Black Shadow had lost to Baekyeong. “Damn... I didn’t expect this place to be such a fierce den after all.” At Jang Man-un’s words, both Jang Un and Seon Woo Baek chuckled quietly. This wasn’t a mere den of tigers—it was where a sleeping dragon resided, one that could devour the world at any moment. They couldn’t wait to see what face Jang Man-un would make once he met Yeon Woo Jin. Would he still act so smug then? “Since it’s your first day, I’ll let it slide. Once you’ve settled in, let’s do this properly.” At Seon Woo Baek’s words, Jang Man-un smirked. “Touched by your generosity. Sure. I only came to say hello anyway. Let’s have a real go next time.” **** Now alone with Yeon Woo Jin, Gong Ya-cheon was tense beyond belief. “Why so nervous? I’m not scary.” “Y-Yeah... Where is this place?” “Used to be called the Hundred Medicines Clinic. Now, it’s where my people train. Secret place for the underclassmen. You’re one of us now, so you should know it.” One of us. Hearing those words from Yeon Woo Jin made Gong Ya-cheon feel strangely warm inside. “From now on, if I tell you to gather, come here. Simple.” “Got it.” “Alright, let’s hear it. How did you analyze me?” Here it comes. Gong Ya-cheon swallowed hard and took a deep breath. “You don’t need to be that tense. Just relax.” How was he supposed to relax? “Okay, just... don’t take it the wrong way. I only had limited information, so this is purely a hypothesis based on what I observed.” “Sure, sure.” “I started with one question—why would someone with the blood of the Martial God Sect Leader be placed in a regular academy instead of Zhongcheon, or even be named successor?” “And your conclusion?” “That... you failed to meet your grandfather’s expectations, so your identity was hidden, and you were sent here as a result.” “And why’d you come to that conclusion?” “Because I overheard people calling you ‘Yeom Woo Jin’ instead of Yeon Woo Jin. That means your true identity is being concealed, right?” “Right. I’m hiding who I am. So your theory is that Grandpa was disappointed in me and dumped me in Baekyeong?” “Grandpa...?” “Yeah. The Martial God Sect Leader is my grandfather.”