Chapter 293: Do You Have a Master? (2)
It was the third day since the entrance exam began.
Numerous people who initially came to take the exam were eliminated in droves after two rounds.
Still, hundreds of people remained.
Was the difficulty of the exam low?
It was not.
It was simply because the number of late-stage experts in this era was overwhelmingly large.
Even so.
'You can't even take the exam at the Divine Dragon Pavilion without a letter of recommendation.'
Prestigious families and renowned sects.
Or without the word of an instructor or a high-ranking figure of the Alliance.
Recalling that it was impossible to even take the Divine Dragon Pavilion's entrance exam without that.
One could say that this era was teeming with late-stage experts.
Even if there are many, it should be a reasonable amount.
How many are piled up?
'So isn't that why they make a fuss about shooting stars and whatnot?'
Since it was an era with an unprecedented number of late-stage experts.
Proportionally, more geniuses and mediocrities were born.
And there were those who broke through such competitors to be called geniuses.
So they probably named and elevated them as the Generation of Shooting Stars or whatever.
A truly futile act.
'Anyway.'
No matter how much those many geniuses gather and pile up.
They won't be able to do anything about a single Heavenly Demon.
'My life at the Divine Dragon Pavilion will end in half a year, or at most within a year.'
Considering the training period is three years.
It meant reducing it by more than half.
I had already thought of a method.
Of course, that was assuming I finished everything I had planned at the Divine Dragon Pavilion within that time.
At the very least.
It shouldn't exceed one year.
'The appearance of the Heavenly Demon is a story three to five years from now.'
But with so many things having gone awry.
The Heavenly Demon could appear suddenly.
It was important to use my time sparingly.
'The most comforting and best method would be.'
If the entity I faced at the Black Night Palace.
Was truly the future Heavenly Demon.
'...It would be over if I just find and kill him.'
It would prevent the future blood catastrophe.
And it would also solve all the disasters that would occur as a result at once.
'I can't find him.'
Even though I was steadily gathering information and searching.
I couldn't find any stories about him anywhere.
To put it bluntly, if he was really hiding in the Demonic Realm.
How would I find him?
Therefore, I couldn't just spend time looking for the Heavenly Demon of this era.
It was a situation where I had to catch both.
'So, I need to get what I need from the Divine Dragon Pavilion quickly and bolt.'
As I was rubbing my throbbing forehead.
A voice was heard from afar.
-The exam will now begin, so please gather around.
It was the start of the final exam.
For a moment, I was curious about what the other kids were doing.
But I thought they would do well on their own.
Even if I didn't try to look, I'd find out eventually, so I decided to ignore it for now.
That was what the third exam was about.
If my prediction was correct.
Sure enough.
While preparing to take the exam.
An instructor.
Specifically, Geomhu, came over and handed me a differently colored sash.
Since I knew what it was the moment I saw it.
I tried to receive the sash without asking the reason.
"Thank..."
Tug.
It didn't budge as if it was fixed in place.
"Hmm?
Since a soft cloth sash couldn't have hardened stiffly.
I naturally looked up at Geomhu.
"...Instructor?"
"What is it?"
"Shouldn't you give it to me?"
Geomhu was gripping it tightly and not letting go.
Why is she doing this?
At my questioning look, Geomhu smiled her characteristic fragrant smile and said.
"My, I'm sorry. I used too much strength the day before yesterday... My body just won't move well..."
"..."
No way.
Is this person holding a grudge right now?
'Because of that thing I detonated last time?'
Of course, it did prick my scarce conscience.
The surroundings were wrecked because of it.
Not to mention the exam taking place right now.
It was being held a little further away from the original location.
Because it had become such a mess that it was impossible there.
'Who told you to casually prod me.'
If Geomhu hadn't uselessly prodded me onto the exam stage.
I was planning to just pass moderately.
The one who actually provoked my temper was Geomhu.
I just complied with that.
And.
Though it was excessive, I did it fully expecting Geomhu to block it.
Of course, because I didn't completely trust it.
I adjusted it even at the cost of sustaining some internal injuries.
'If I knew she would block it that well, I should have just let it rip.' If there was anything different from my expectations.
Geomhu's inner energy was much stronger than I expected.
Even though she said she was tired herself.
It seemed her injuries were only the size of a rat's dropping.
Even if I deliberately reduced the destructive power and detonated it while controlling it.
This felt a bit unfair.
'Because of that, the surrounding gazes even became shitty.' From the surroundings every now and then.
The gazes that looked at that person as if asking if he was really a True Dragon.
Now I could feel other emotions mixed in.
Was it astonishment or admiration?
Or perhaps fear?
If not, it could be all three.
Whatever it was, it was equally annoying.
I put strength into pulling the sash Geomhu was holding.
Tug.
Perhaps Geomhu also loosened her grip then.
Only then could I gather the sash.
"...Could you at least give me an explanation?"
I asked Geomhu.
Even though I had an idea of what kind of exam it was.
It would be strange if I said I knew, so I had to ask.
"...For some reason, you're so cheeky I don't want to tell you."
"Honesty is a good look, but wouldn't it be a problem if you didn't tell me?"
Her being so bold was actually funny.
But that didn't mean I could laugh in Geomhu's face.
Geomhu let out a slight sigh.
And then carefully explained.
The sashes I received were a total of two.
Divided into red and yellow colors.
And. It wasn't just two colors.
They said a blue sash also existed.
Looking around.
Some had received blue and red.
And some had received yellow and blue.
The exam for this was simple.
Before sunset.
You just had to acquire the other colors you didn't have and possess all three sashes.
The other colored sashes, by the way.
Were tied to the bodies of demonic beasts released into the forest.
Meaning you just had to catch them and tear it off.
Since the Divine Dragon Pavilion was nominally a swordsmanship educational institution, the final exam was to face demonic beasts.
'Then it's not blue, but green grade.'
No matter how much Kunlun or the Martial Alliance it was.
They wouldn't have captured blue demonic beasts for an entrance exam.
At best, the probability of them being green demonic beasts was high.
Even if they had caught a blue demonic beast.
Releasing that among the late-stage experts was something that didn't make sense.
Ah, and of course.
'It means it's fine to snatch them from other guys too.'
There was no need to only get sashes from demonic beasts.
You could also attack other examinees and steal them.
It was an exam with that intention from the start.
'As for the other kids...' If we're talking about the guys tied to Group 8.
Gu Jeolyeop and Gu Yeonseo were about it, so let's count them out.
I was concerned about the kids who stayed in Group 1.
They would do well, of course.
'Is this why they divided the exam location into two?'
I wondered why they pointlessly divided the mountain.
Why use such a bothersome method?
'Wait, then did Paeng A-hui deliberately cross the mountain?' To tell me to be careful of the Jangga guy. Recalling Paeng A-hui who came from afar, I was a bit moved. Even though I didn't know why she used such a bothersome method. As I was shaking my leg and waiting for things to settle.
Finally, the instructor's shout was heard.
-This third exam will end at sunset.
-It will begin with an arrow being shot after half a gak.
As soon as the instructor's words ended.
Whoosh-!
The late-stage experts who had gathered around vanished without a trace, hiding their presence.
Starting after half a gak.
And the fact that an arrow would signal the start meant.
They should hide and prepare within the time on their own.
The remaining people, perhaps because they had survived up to the third exam.
Seemed to have understood well on their own from the instructor's words.
The reason they were hiding their bodies was simple.
Even if this exam was about adaptability to situations.
Or observing how one hunted demonic beasts.
In the end.
They each knew that attacking others to take it was faster than finding and catching demonic beasts.
'Everyone is quick.'
It seemed everyone realized what the third exam was really about.
I quietly watched that.
And slowly moved my steps into the forest.
Hwak-!
My body wrapped in heat.
Brushed past the trees at a fast speed.
Loading the power of my inner energy onto my toes.
Stomping the ground.
Hwuk!
Speed increased along with the heat contained in my body.
Click.
As the distance closed, a target was visible in the distance.
As soon as the target was in sight, the young man grabbed the hilt of the sword at his waist.
The target, sensing the presence, tried to increase its speed to flee.
But the difference in skill was too severe.
It was not at a level where it could escape once caught in sight.
Its back was visible.
The young man's eyes shone along with it.
Seeing its back meant.
.
....
.
'I'm in range.'
Since it had entered his radius.
Shweek-!
Reaching a certain distance, the young man immediately swung his sword.
The sword qi containing inner energy cut through the air and shot toward the opponent.
Perhaps sensing the energy flying from behind.
The one in front urgently turned and took a defensive stance.
Pang-!
"Keugh!"
With the sound of inner energy bursting, his body flew into the air and rolled on the ground.
"Keueugh...!"
The martial artist rolled on the ground and groaned.
He didn't particularly sustain any wounds, but.
"Hoo..."
It was because the one chasing him had approached right before his eyes.
That was the end.
The man, confirming the wooden sword touching the tip of his nose.
Screamed as if crying out in despair.
"...How can you be so persistent...! You could just catch a demonic beast moderately and be done with it! Why are you chasing me like this!"
"I'm sorry. I got competitive without realizing it."
As the late-stage expert shouted in grievance as if wronged.
The very person who fired the sword qi.
Yeolhyeopgeom Gu Jeolyeop smiled awkwardly.
"Keugh... damn it...!"
He continuously spat out angry words.
But Gu Jeolyeop didn't mind it.
For the past few years, being in a position where he experienced even worse bullshit all day long.
This level of cursing was a cute level.
Tug-!
Untying the blue sash from the late-stage expert's arm, Gu Jeolyeop put it into his embrace.
The martial artist who had his sash stolen looked at Gu Jeolyeop pitifully.
But Gu Jeolyeop only forced a smile.
"There's still plenty of time, so you'll be fine."
"...That's not very comforting."
With that short conversation ending.
Gu Jeolyeop left to find a hiding place.
'I was lucky.'
He thought as he moved.
That he was really lucky.
To think the martial artist he encountered as soon as the exam started had a blue sash.
'The exam seems easier than I thought.'
It was a feeling of his self-esteem rising a little.
Actually, he didn't feel any particular difficulty while taking the exam.
Of course, the first exam.
And the second exam were the same.
Only then did Gu Jeolyeop realize that among the late-stage experts from these prestigious families and renowned sects.
He was at a level that was somewhat formidable.
'I... might be a bit strong.'
It was a feeling of his shoulders naturally shrugging.
Because he could tell that rolling around all this time wasn't in vain.
The martial artists around Gu Jeolyeop were.
People like Geommuhui, Seolbong... or Muyeon.
Even though they were growing, he hadn't properly felt it.
'The martial artist I just met... was definitely from the Chilseonmun.'
He was a descendant of a sect Gu Jeolyeop also knew.
Even if it wasn't at the level of the Nine Great Sects and One Faction, it was a renowned sect or a famous guardian place in that region.
'He was incredibly weak.'
It felt weak for a martial artist from such a place.
Honestly, everyone around him felt that way every time he took the exam.
Thinking about it now.
'Am I the strong one?'
It was probably because Gu Jeolyeop's level had risen too high.
If he were to compare himself with the late-stage experts nearby.
The corners of his mouth went up.
His self-esteem and pride, which had been abused all day and rolled around until hitting rock bottom.
Felt like they were rising again.
'If this is the case, should I also be grateful to the First Young Master?'
For his own growth.
Gu Jeolyeop knew that Gu Yangcheon's help was somewhat there.
Even though he rolled him and beat him up under the guise of sparring.
Because he knew that process was helpful.
However.
'No, that's not it.'
No matter what, he couldn't express gratitude to that demon-like human.
It would be better to express gratitude to the neighborhood mutt...
Crunch—
"...!"
The sound of stepping on fallen leaves was heard from behind.
Sensing the presence, Gu Jeolyeop immediately took a combat stance.
"...Huh?"
Turning his head in the direction where the presence was felt.
There.
'Damn it, they say if you talk about a tiger, it comes...'
"You look like you're in a good mood?"
The demon... no, Gu Yangcheon was standing there.
Hiding his flustered heart, Gu Jeolyeop asked.
"Why are you here, First Young Master...?"
"I'm taking the exam too, so I can be seen. Why? Got a problem?"
"Ah, no..."
I'm screwed.
Such an absolute thought crossed Gu Jeolyeop's mind.
To think he would meet that human in this kind of situation.
'No... is it right that we met?'
The possibility of it being a coincidence was higher.
Somehow, Gu Jeolyeop had a feeling that his meeting with Gu Yangcheon was not a coincidence.
As such a thought flashed by and Gu Jeolyeop was wiping cold sweat.
Gu Yangcheon grinned and said.
"You took something good earlier, didn't you?"
'...Shit.'
At Gu Yangcheon's beaming words, Gu Jeolyeop had to swear inwardly.
"First Young Master... please don't do this."
"Your words are strange? If I don't do this, what are you going to do?"
"Aren't we like family?"
"Family my ass, is everyone with the same surname family? You only say family at times like this. When I try to train with you, you just run away."
"..."
If he did that kind of training every day, he would actually die.
How could he not?
As Gu Jeolyeop expressed his resentment inwardly.
Gu Yangcheon extended his hand with a neat motion and said.
"Bring it here."
In Gu Yangcheon's extended hand were the red sash and the yellow sash.
Seeing that, Gu Jeolyeop spat out all kinds of curses inwardly.
...
But there was no way out.
Because he knew what kind of situation he would face if he didn't give it.
'Strong my ass...'
When he couldn't even do anything about that demon.
What did he get stronger for?
His slowly rising self-esteem was trampled once again.
Gu Jeolyeop handed the blue sash to Gu Yangcheon with trembling hands.
It was an item he hadn't even held for a quarter of a gak.
"Keugh..."
He suppressed his voice as if feeling unjust.
But no one was going to listen.
Gu Yangcheon, taking the blue sash, quietly stared at Gu Jeolyeop.
As Gu Jeolyeop was wiping cold sweat at that subtle gaze.
"What are you doing?"
"Yes...?"
Gu Yangcheon spoke as if he couldn't believe it.
"Why are you giving me only one?"
"...What do you mean?"
"If you're going to give them, give me all three."
"Excuse me?"
The required sashes were three.
Gu Yangcheon had all three colors because of what just happened, so he shouldn't need any more?
When Gu Jeolyeop asked what he meant.
Gu Yangcheon grinned and said.
"Hand over all three."
"No...! You've already gathered them all, why are you doing this?"
Gu Jeolyeop expressed his aggrieved reaction to the fullest.
Saying why on earth he had to do that.
It was a highly inefficient statement.
But Gu Yangcheon spoke plainly.
"You've come all the way here. You should suffer a bit, Jeolyeop. They say that kind of suffering becomes flesh and blood, right? I'm absolutely not saying this because it looks fun to see you struggle."
"..."
Gu Jeolyeop had an expression like he'd bitten into shit.
The smile disappeared from Gu Yangcheon's face.
"If you don't want to get beaten, hand it over quickly. Three... two..."
Startled, Gu Jeolyeop quickly handed over all the sashes in his embrace and thought.
As expected.
This bastard is definitely a demon.
After snatching the sashes from Gu Jeolyeop, who was on the verge of crying.
I walked and thought.
'Anyway, if I let up on the kid a bit, he gets arrogant.'
Just because he beat one or two late-stage experts.
Gu Jeolyeop was immediately feeling proud just because he did a little well on the exam.
'Not even taking caution. And grinning from ear to ear.'
I happened to discover him too.
I followed him around for a bit.
It was good up until Gu Jeolyeop snatched the sash.
I originally didn't intend to take all of them either.
I was only going to take the blue sash.
'Not even being cautious.'
Even though I approached while deliberately revealing my presence.
Gu Jeolyeop didn't even notice my presence until I went right behind him.
Furthermore.
'He had an expression showing off.'
Wondering if he was actually a great guy?
The sight of him smiling like that wasn't good.
It's obvious even without looking.
Just because he got a nickname and was a bit bigger among the kids, he immediately got arrogant.
'Did I roll him that roughly?'
Or maybe I rolled him too much and he got used to it.
Whatever it was, I really didn't like the sight.
'He needs to suffer at times like this. To come to his senses.'
I put the sashes into my embrace and thought.
He would probably have to suffer a bit to gather all three again.
Of course, I didn't think he wouldn't be able to gather them until the end.
If he really is struggling, I would return the sashes.
'If that happens, I'll have that much more of a justification to roll him.'
That might not be bad either.
"That aside."
Since I had gathered three.
It felt like I just had to quietly pass the time now.
But there was one annoying thing left.
"Why are you following me...?"
I glanced to the side and spat out the words.
Right after the exam started.
Because there was someone who kept following me.
I had noticed who it was a long time ago.
Among those brats called late-stage experts.
The only human who could follow me like this.
In my view, there was only one.
Honestly, I did want to run away.
But it was impossible to escape from that person in my current state.
"Do you have some business..."
Kwak-!
When I asked why he was doing that.
Instantly, a booming sound erupted from beyond there.
It was the sound of inner energy bursting.
Something flew in rapidly.
'Fast.'
It was much faster than I thought.
A black object flew in.
In an instant, it snatched my neck and swept across the ground.
Kwung-!
"Keugh!"
I had to groan as I was swept across the ground.
It was heavy.
I had already brought up my inner energy in advance to counter something like this.
'This crazy bastard.'
The strength was much stronger than expected.
As I was rolling my eyes wondering what to do.
"I have something to ask."
The opponent who had instantly half-suppressed me asked.
Compared to the absurd strength.
The voice I heard was extremely calm.
I circulated my inner energy inward and met the opponent's eyes.
The pitch-black color was eerie.
Those damned eyes were still distant.
"You.
Paejon Biju.
Or Turyongbiuijin.
That was the identity of the person who ambushed me.
"What is your identity?"
"...That is... what..."
Attacking me out of nowhere. I could let it slide since it was an exam.
But wasn't the question too out of the blue?
"The power of that day was definitely not something a mere Peak-level martial artist could produce."
It seemed he was talking about the time I detonated the Flame Jade.
'Was that the problem?'
I did reveal too much power.
But that shouldn't have been that big of a problem.
"So I am curious. Whether that is truly an overwhelming talent. Or if there is another reason."
Crack.
Strength was applied to the hand gripping my neck.
He was serious.
This crazy person.
Seemed to be seriously thinking of breaking my neck.
'Is he a madman?'
This exam strictly prohibited killing.
Was I thinking too carelessly?
Well, someone like Paejon wouldn't care about that.
'Fuck.'
Kwak! I grabbed the wrist of Paejon that was gripping my neck.
And then.
Hwuk!
I pulled up the inner energy in my body.
Throb.
Pulling the energy up beyond a certain level, my injured dantian screamed in pain.
But if I hesitated like this, it would truly be a ruined situation.
'He was quiet for days.'
Even though it seemed he had some purpose with me.
He only kept watching after we met.
Did he deliberately wait for this moment?
That could be possible.
Gathering the heat in my body fully.
Kuuuk-
I condensed it to a single point.
"...!"
It seemed Paejon also noticed what I was trying to do.
But I was faster.
Kwaaa!
I detonated the heat outside my body.
It felt like the energy was draining out.
But I couldn't help it right now.
With the recoil, Paejon's body holding me flew away.
Kung!
A sound of something falling was heard from afar.
"Keugh.. keugh."
Only then could I hastily raise my body and steady my breath.
'They said his body was ruined from the Regression to Youth.'
How much had he recovered his body in the meantime?
The rushing pressure was no joke even if only for a moment.
Why is he pulling that bullshit suddenly?
Is this perhaps getting payback for picking on Gu Jeolyeop?
But that doesn't mean I can give up picking on him.
Rumble.
Because the wind pressure had slammed into the surroundings.
It was full of dirt and dust.
At best, I only managed to blow him away for a moment.
I rolled my eyes in all directions, looking for a place to escape.
I could tell for sure from getting caught just once.
In my internally injured state, I couldn't handle that person.
'I need to bolt.'
If it was going to be like this, I should have bolted earlier when he was following me.
I stayed foolishly and got hit hard.
When I gathered inner energy in my toes to quickly escape.
"Not bad."
"Damn..."
Paejon's voice came not from the direction he flew to.
But from right behind my back.
"This, I truly cannot miss."
Paejon had arrived behind me at some point.
'Was this how Gu Jeolyeop felt?'
It was quite terrifying.
To escape from Paejon.
Just as I was wondering if I had to use even my remaining strength.
"You."
Paejon asked me.
"Do you perhaps have a master?"
"...Excuse me?"
What?
Thinking I heard something strange, I examined Paejon unconsciously.
But the words that followed were even more absurd.
"If you don't, how about our Master? He is recruiting disciples right now." "..."
Maybe.
From the side effects of Regression to Youth.
Was there also senility?
I seriously thought so.