Chapter 94

There was no information whatsoever about Yeon Woo Jin. How could one possibly evaluate someone in such a situation? The only information he had was that Heo So had lost to him, had become his subordinate, and that Yeon Woo Jin possessed abilities far beyond mere Sky-Stepping or Air Walk... He was a monster. More information had come in than expected. Not much, but the information was certain. Hwang Sung was convinced. The man before him was a future absolute ruler who would dominate the world. Heo So was right. He wasn't just some hidden dragon. He was a celestial dragon that gazed down upon lowly humans from the heavens. Hwang Sung’s mouth opened. “Everyone I have ever seen... in front of you, they are nothing but fireflies under the sun.” At Hwang Sung’s words, Yeon Woo Jin spoke. “I need you, Hwang Sung. Will you join me?” “Huh?” Why would he need him? As he pondered over that, Heo So’s words suddenly came to mind. Unifying all the martial academies. It seemed that Yeon Woo Jin needed information about the academies he was familiar with. Bowing his head, Hwang Sung said, “If you need information about talented individuals, I can provide it anytime.” Yeon Woo Jin shook his head and said, “I said I don’t want information. I want you, Hwang Sung.” “My martial arts are weak, and the only thing I know how to do is manage talented children.” “And where else would I find someone as important as that?” Someone who told him he was important. There had been no one /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ like that. Hwang Sung’s heart trembled. Was this how people felt when they chose their lord? Hwang Sung looked up at Yeon Woo Jin. The first thought that crossed his mind when their eyes met was this: ‘I want to follow him on his path...’ Without realizing it, that thought emerged, and Hwang Sung became aware. “If my insignificant strength is of any use... I will give it to you.” “What do you mean insignificant? I plan to use you as a crucial asset, Hwang Sung.” At Yeon Woo Jin’s words, Hwang Sung’s pupils shook. They say that a man gives his life for the one who recognizes him. Hwang Sung thought, ‘This man... he’s the one I was meant to serve. My life so far has been to lead me to him.’ Hwang Sung prostrated himself before Yeon Woo Jin and shouted, “This humble servant, Hwang Sung! Though unworthy, I vow to dedicate my life to my lord!” Yeon Woo Jin lifted the prostrated Hwang Sung, grasped both of his hands firmly, and said, “I look forward to working with you.” Yeon Woo Jin’s bright smile was so dazzling that Hwang Sung could hardly look at him. “With all my strength, I will serve you.” **** Military advisor Sima Cheon entered the Celestial Lord’s office carrying a stack of documents. Upon seeing the pile of documents, Yeon Cheon Baek, the Celestial Lord of Mushincheon, finally erupted. “Hey! Are you trying to kill me by sucking me dry?” “Haha. What are you talking about? I simply brought you the things that you, the Celestial Lord, should be handling.” “These are things you could easily handle yourself!” “How could I dare to handle the Celestial Lord’s work on my own? You’re saying dangerous things.” “Just speak like usual. No one’s here.” “These are all things you should handle yourself.” “Agh! I really should hand over the position of Celestial Lord already. Have the candidates for the Lesser Celestial Lord been selected?” “Well, it’s as expected.” “The Five Great Noble Families?” “Yeah. No one outside of them registered as candidates. They must have exerted some pressure on the sects, openly or covertly.” “Of course. So, is the final decision going to be made among those bastards?” “Probably?” “Something feels lacking.” “What, are you disappointed because Woo Jin isn’t included?” “Our Woo Jin said he doesn’t want to do it.” “But if he said he wanted to do it, would you let him?” “If Woo Jin said he wanted to, I’d give it to him right away, no need for any selection process.” “And how would you handle the backlash?” “With me backing him, who cares about backlash? Anyone with complaints, I’d just chew them up and spit them out.” Yeon Cheon Baek clenched his teeth with a fierce expression, as if he had actually envisioned it. “If anyone touches Woo Jin, there’ll be hell to pay.” “Of course. Would you sit still if someone touched your disciple?” “Of course not. Anyone who lays a finger on Woo Jin, I’d grind them to the bone.” Sima Cheon’s face also hardened as he ground his teeth, as if imagining it. “Why do you get so worked up over my grandson’s affairs?” “He’s my disciple before he’s your grandson.” Yeon Cheon Baek snorted. Seeing Sima Cheon being so affectionate toward Yeon Woo Jin made him feel oddly pleased. “By the way, I wonder how our Woo Jin is doing at the martial academy.” “You have those kids you placed by Woo Jin’s side. Ask them.” “They’re already completely his people. No matter what I ask, they don’t give a proper answer.” “Seriously? If he’s already managed to fully subdue those three, that’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?” “Yeah.” “That just means he has great charisma.” “Hahaha. Exactly! After all, he’s my grandson.” “You don’t have charisma.” “What did you say? Then what do you call the thousands of Mushincheon warriors who follow me?” “They’re not following your charisma. They’re following your reputation and your overwhelming power.” Since it was the truth, there was nothing to refute. “If Woo Jin becomes the Celestial Lord, Mushincheon would be in good hands.” “That’s true. But that kid doesn’t want to do it.” “You want to make him do it?” “I’d give him anything. As I said, if he wants this position, I’d hand it to him right now.” “Oh, you doting grandfather.” “Hahaha. Call me that all you want. Ah... I miss Woo Jin. Our Woo Jin.” “Then go see him.” “He’s been so busy lately that I barely get to see his face. I... I’m busy because of you, too.” “How is it my fault? You’re the one who declared that anyone in Mushincheon could run for the Lesser Celestial Lord position, which is why it’s like this.” “No one dared to challenge the Five Great Noble Families.” “They practically control all the sects. You handed over the administrative rights to them because you were too lazy to handle it yourself. That’s why this mess happened.” “Do you expect me to manage over a hundred sects individually? You agreed to it because it reduced your workload.” Sima Cheon chuckled, and Yeon Cheon Baek joined in. “They’re all just ants before you anyway. With just one shout, they’d all prostrate themselves before you.” “True. Hahaha.” “Anyway, let’s call off the recruitment announcement.” “Sigh, I suppose so.” “No one’s going to apply anyway.” “Fine. Then, let’s wrap it up by the end of this month.” “Understood.” “Among the Five Great Noble Families, who’s the most promising?” “The eldest son of the Zhangsun Family is the most promising, but they’re all about the same, so it’s hard to say for sure.” “Oh? They’re all on par?” “Yes. They’re all going all out to get the position of Lesser Celestial Lord. Thanks to them, all the spiritual pills in the hall have been used up.” “At least their little dance will keep us entertained for a while.” “You’re the only one in the world who’d call the Five Great Noble Families’ battle a little dance.” “It’s amusing. Should I make it a condition that the final winner has to duel me?” “Are you insane? They’d all run away.” “Should I start raising challengers separately?” “What? Don’t go raising another group of demonic cultists like last time. Do you know how much trouble I went through cleaning up that mess?” “But it was fun. Do you understand the loneliness of an absolute ruler?” “If you’re lonely, go see Woo Jin.” “I will. Only seeing Woo Jin can ease this endless loneliness.” Just thinking about it made him smile. “That’s it. I’m going to see Woo Jin.” “Huh? Wait, I’m coming too.” “Are you planning to ruin a long-awaited reunion between grandfather and grandson?” “Anyone who hears you would think you haven’t seen him in years. It’s only been three days.” “Only? How is three days just ‘only’? To me, it felt like three years!” “Yeah, yeah. Go on, go.” “And take care of these documents yourself.” “What? Hey!” Yeon Cheon Baek was already gone. “I should just quit being a military advisor or something. Ugh!” Grumbling, Sima Cheon began sorting through the documents. **** Yeon Cheon Baek, having dumped all the paperwork on Sima Cheon, made his way to Yeon Woo Jin’s residence with a carefree expression. When he arrived, the lights were off. He walked inside with a disappointed expression. There was no one in the residence. Where could he be at this hour? Yeon Cheon Baek called out to someone. “Muyeong.” A voice echoed from the air. “Yes, my lord!” “Find out where Woo Jin is.” “Yes, my lord!” Yeon Cheon Baek felt the presence disappear. He stretched out his hand. From a corner of the room, a teapot and teacup floated into the air and flew toward him. From another corner, water and tea leaves floated over and entered the teapot. The teapot then glowed red and began to boil. Sizzle— The tea quickly came to a boil, and Yeon Cheon Baek poured himself a cup and sipped it, waiting for news. A short while later. A figure dressed in red with a demon mask prostrated before Yeon Cheon Baek. “So, did you find him?” “Yes, my lord! The young master is currently at Baekyak Temple with the lowerclassmen of Baekyeong Martial Academy.” “Baekyak Temple? What is he doing there?” “It seems he is training with the children.” “Oh? Is that so? Where is Baekyak Temple?” “I shall guide you, my lord.” “All right, let’s go.” **** The moon was full and bright in the night sky. At Baekyak Temple, the loud shouts of training echoed without rest. Group leaders and their members were sweating profusely as they pushed themselves to the limit. No one was resting; everyone was pushing themselves to avoid falling behind. Watching the scene with a satisfied expression, Yeon Woo Jin sipped his tea. Beside him sat Ma Ryong, Chun Ho Seong, and Jeok Seong. “So, how long do you plan to keep hiding your strength from the Celestial Lord?” “Hiding what?” “Your strength, young master. Don’t you think it’s time to tell him?” “I agree. If he hears about it from someone else, he might feel deeply hurt.” “Hmm, really?” “Yes. If it’s the Celestial Lord, you should definitely tell him.” “If the young master doesn’t want the position of Lesser Celestial Lord, the Celestial Lord won’t force it upon you.” “That’s right. All the Celestial Lord wants is to spend his remaining days with the young master.” Yeon Woo Jin pondered for a moment at their persuasion, then nodded. “He would be hurt, wouldn’t he?” “Yes! Definitely.” Upon Yeon Woo Jin’s decision, the others smiled brightly and nodded. Then, they looked toward the training grounds and spoke. “The reason I haven’t told him so far is because I hadn’t yet made up my mind.” “What do you mean?” “My feelings about Mushincheon.” “Have you made up your mind now?” “Yes. After thinking about it, I realized I can’t leave this place anymore. Everyone I care about is here.” This was the decisive reason behind Yeon Woo Jin’s change of heart. Before, he had only his grandfather and Jeok Seong, so he had no attachment to Mushincheon and no desire for the Celestial Lord’s position. But now, it was different. “Does that mean... you plan to participate in the Lesser Celestial Lord competition?” “No. If I step in, would that be fair? No. It would render the entire competition meaningless. I plan to make Mushincheon mine in my own way.” At Yeon Woo Jin’s words, Chun Ho Seong, Ma Ryong, and Jeok Seong, who had been observing his actions all this time, smiled. Meanwhile, Heo So and Hwang Sung, who had just joined, looked shocked. They hadn’t yet seen Yeon Woo Jin’s true capabilities. As they continued to stare in shock, Chun Ho Seong’s voice echoed in their minds through a sound transmission. -Why are you so surprised? Our young master’s power has already reached the heavens. Since he has decided to claim Mushincheon, it’s already his. Then Ma Ryong’s voice came. -You want to know what the young master’s real power is? Buy me a drink later. I’ll tell you a hell of a story. Receiving these back-to-back sound transmissions, the two of them exchanged bewildered looks. Could it be that Yeon Woo Jin had powers beyond martial arts? Curiosity burned in their eyes as they nodded.