A day had passed since we arrived in Hanam.

We had intentionally arrived earlier than planned to have some extra time. There were about three days left until the day we would enter Shinryongwan. Despite arriving early, there wasn’t much to do.

“Ugh…”

“Hold your posture! Can’t you stay straight?”

“Ugh…!”

A groan, almost like a scream, came from below in response to my words.

It was Gujeolyeop, who was diligently doing push-ups. By the way, I was sitting on his back.

“Keep your arms steady.”

“Ugh…!”

“You’re doing well. Let’s add a bit more weight.”

“No, wait…!”

Thud!

“Ugh!”

As soon as I increased the weight by releasing the technique, Gujeolyeop wobbled and collapsed onto the ground.

“Tsk, tsk. If you can’t even handle this, what kind of man are you?”

“…Most people wouldn’t be able to handle this…”

“Muyeon managed just fine.”

“…Ugh.”

At the mention of Muyeon, Gujeolyeop immediately reacted, but it seemed like he had no way to refute it.

Recently, Gujeolyeop had been paying more and more attention to Muyeon, and knowing the reason, I could only give him a strange look.

‘It’s probably because of the Guseon Sect.’

After the death of Guchangjun, although the current acting leaders, the First Sword Leader and the First Elder, were managing the sect, sooner or later a proper sect leader would have to be appointed.

The most likely candidates were Muyeon and Gujeolyeop.

They both grew up learning the techniques of the Guseon Sect, and both were exceptionally talented.

If the sect were to choose a new leader, those two were the most promising candidates.

Of course, there were other martial artists from the Guseon Sect, but in terms of potential and ability, none surpassed them.

‘Originally, Gujeolyeop would have had the best chance.’

But, considering the circumstances, that wasn’t the case anymore.

Gujeolyeop should have naturally taken the position of the sect’s heir, but with Guchangjun’s dishonorable death after rebelling against the sect, it had become more complicated for Gujeolyeop to claim the role.

‘Hmm…’

Even Gujeolyeop himself seemed to think that the position wouldn’t be rightfully his. He seemed eager to prove his worth with his own strength.

If that were the case…

‘It’s unfortunate that his rival is Muyeon.’

It was an awkward match.

In terms of talent, skills, and even temperament, Muyeon was still ahead.

‘Maybe that’s why he’s pushing himself so hard.’

If that’s the reason, I could at least offer some support.

After all, this could be my way of helping him out, even if it means putting him through the wringer a bit.

‘And it’s definitely not because I didn’t like what he said yesterday.’

No, it’s not because of that. I’m not that petty.

“Alright, since it’s already out there, how about a sparring match?”

“…What do you mean ‘it’s already out there’? That’s way too sudden.”

“Oh, you’re on board with it? That’s great.”

“…”

Gujeolyeop’s face twisted as if he had just bitten into something sour. This bastard…

Here I am trying to help him, and I also wanted to release some pent-up frustration. It’s a win-win.

Just as I grabbed Gujeolyeop by the neck, who was making a face like he’d rather die, and started dragging him toward the field, I suddenly sensed someone’s presence and stopped.

“I Gongja-nim?”

Gujeolyeop looked at me curiously, wondering why I’d suddenly stopped.

“Pardon me.”

The voice came from behind, and Gujeolyeop seemed to realize why I had stopped.

“You’re awake.”

Without bothering to turn around, I spoke to the person behind me.

“Yes, though I’m embarrassed to say it took me this long to come to my senses.”

“I didn’t think I hit you that hard.”

“Haha, I was just a bit exhausted from the journey…”

I glanced over my shoulder, and, as expected, it was Yeongpoong standing there.

“It’s been a while, Gu Sohyeop.”

“It has been. It’s been a long time.”

It had been about two years since I last saw him, when I visited the Hwasan Sect.

Yeongpoong had changed a lot since then. He had grown taller, and his once boyish appearance had given way to a well-built martial artist’s physique.

“Hm…”

The moment I saw Yeongpoong’s face, I couldn’t help but frown.

Still annoyingly handsome.

I thought about it before, but why do the talented ones always have to be good-looking as well? It’s irritating.

‘And…’

I glanced over Yeongpoong’s body and immediately noticed something.

‘He’s crossed the wall.’

I hadn’t noticed it yesterday, but Yeongpoong had surpassed the boundary and reached the zenith.

Realizing that, I couldn’t help but laugh slightly.

‘It feels like anyone can cross the wall these days.’

In my case, it made sense due to my unusual circumstances, but these guys… they make it look so easy.

The zenith is a stage that most martial artists spend their entire lives striving to reach—a state where the inner energy synchronizes with the body and breaks through a shell.

It’s not something you can reach just by working hard or wanting it badly.

‘This is what geniuses are.’

Just a little push and they break through effortlessly. How could I not feel a bit bitter?

As far as I knew, Yeongpoong was younger than Namgung Bia by one or two years. Yet, in just two years, he had gone from the peak of first-rate to the zenith.

Given that he was already at the peak of first-rate before, it wasn’t entirely unexpected, but still…

“Haha…”

Yeongpoong seemed to notice my gaze and scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

I opened my mouth.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you… I owe it all to you, Gu Sohyeop.”

“What did I do?”

“I know that you helped me in more ways than I realized.”

“Hmm…”

I made a sour expression at his words. Helped him, huh?

If I helped him at all, it was probably by accident. Honestly, I just beat him up because he was getting on my nerves.

Still, they say that talented people can achieve enlightenment even after stumbling over a rock.

“I didn’t really do much.”

And honestly, I hadn’t. I really just beat him up.

Yeongpoong continued to smile and then spoke again, more seriously.

“I thought I was working hard, but seeing you reminds me that I still have a long way to go.”

“…”

That was a rather uncomfortable compliment. Moreover, it meant that Yeongpoong had somewhat gauged my level.

‘Impressive.’

As expected, Yeongpoong had become a remarkable martial artist.

“But why did you act the way you did yesterday?”

That aside, I still couldn’t understand what happened yesterday.

“…Ah.”

“I didn’t think you were the type to pick fights. Did you eat something weird?”

From what I heard, it was Yeongpoong who started the fight by drawing his sword first. Although no one was killed, causing a scene like that in the middle of the street was a problem.

When I asked, Yeongpoong gave a sheepish smile, as if acknowledging his mistake.

“…I let my greed get the better of me.”

“Greed?”

“Yes, after crossing the wall, I haven’t been able to calm down.”

I could somewhat understand his reasoning.

His body had become more energized after breaking through, and his fighting spirit had surged uncontrollably.

But still, it was his fault for not controlling himself. Starting a fight in the middle of a busy street was far from a good idea.

Realizing his mistake, Yeongpoong lowered his head slightly.

“Thank you again, Gu Sohyeop. I seem to be indebted to you once more.”

“You don’t need to thank me.”

I wasn’t the only one watching yesterday.

Given the timing of the Sword Queen’s arrival, she had likely been watching the entire thing. I’m not sure why she didn’t intervene, but it felt like there were other martial artists from the Kunlun Sect watching as well.

‘Wasn’t the current head of the Shinryongwan supposed to be the Clear Sea Sword?’

The Clear Sea Sword.

One of the top ten martial artists in Zhongyuan, part of the Seven Swords and Three Fists.

I’d heard that Kunlun was overseeing the Shinryongwan this time, so it made sense.

Though I had moved quickly yesterday, I wondered what would have happened if I hadn’t intervened.

‘They would have stopped it somehow.’

Even if I hadn’t acted, someone would have. I only knocked them out because I was pissed off. Just stopping the fight would have been enough.

“By the way, why is the Sword Queen here?”

“…Ah.”

At my question, Yeongpoong hesitated as if unsure how to answer.

Was it something he wasn’t supposed to talk about?

“She said she had business to attend to, so I accompanied her.”

‘Business, huh.’

Judging by his expression, it seemed like something he wasn’t supposed to share.

The Sword Queen had quickly taken Yeongpoong away after yesterday’s incident, so we hadn’t had much chance to talk.

“Did you come here alone, then?”

“No, I came with my senior brothers.”

I nodded at his reply.

That made sense. From what I knew, Yeongpoong had several peers around his age in the Kunlun Sect.

It wasn’t surprising that they would also be recommended for the Shinryongwan entrance.

‘Whether they pass or not is another story, though.’

As I briefly lost myself in thought, Yeongpoong bowed his head once more.

“I wanted to thank you in person, so I came by for a brief visit.”

“There’s no need to go to such trouble. Your neck’s not hurting, is it?”

“…I’m fine.”

Judging by his expression, it seemed like it did hurt.

Maybe I hit him too hard when I knocked him out?

Ah, but now that he’s reached the zenith, he’ll heal quickly.

“By the way, how’s your sister doing?”

“You mean Gu Sago?”

“Yes.”

I was curious about how his sister was faring, especially since her master, the Sword Queen, was here. I wondered what Gu Ryeonghwa was up to.

“She’s always busy.”

“Busy?”

“Yes, even though her master isn’t around, she’s receiving a lot of attention from the other elders.”

From what Yeongpoong said, it seemed like she was doing well and getting plenty of support.

‘That’s a relief.’

I’d exchanged letters with her occasionally, but I still felt a bit guilty for leaving her unconscious after our last meeting. Gu Ryeonghwa still mentioned it at the end of every letter, so it had been on my mind.

Not that I could visit her in person anytime soon.

While I was lost in thought, Yeongpoong spoke up again.

“I’m glad I could greet you briefly.”

“You’re leaving already?”

“Yes, my senior brothers are waiting, so I can’t stay long.”

It seemed he had really come just to say hello.

As Yeongpoong prepared to leave, I suddenly remembered something and spoke up.

“Should I return it?”

These words referred to the item Yeongpoong had given me before we parted ways at the Hwasan Sect. I still had it with me since I expected to meet him again.

Yeongpoong looked surprised, as if he hadn’t expected me to remember. Then, regaining his composure, he shook his head slightly.

“I’d prefer if you held onto it for now.”

“…When should I give it back, then?”

I’m not exactly keen on holding onto another man’s belongings.

Understanding the meaning behind my words, Yeongpoong chuckled.

And in a sincere, straightforward tone, he replied.

“When I can stand as your equal, I’ll take it back then.”

“…Oh.”

His serious expression and words seemed genuine, but… it was pretty cheesy.

I’m not good with this kind of stuff, so it made me uncomfortable.

Whatever goal he had set for himself, why did it have to involve me?

“Well, that’s going to be tough.”

It was a realistic piece of advice.

But apparently, he found it encouraging, as his smile grew even wider.

“I expected you to say that.”

It seemed he had taken it in a different way, but if he’s happy, I suppose that’s fine.

“I’m glad we could meet again, Gu Sohyeop.”

“…Yes, I’m glad too.”

“I’ll come see you again later.”

“No need to go out of your way if you’re busy…”

He didn’t wait for my response and left after giving a final bow.

Come see me again, huh?

‘Well, we’re bound to run into each other eventually.’

Barring some major catastrophe, there was no way Yeongpoong wouldn’t be accepted into the Shinryongwan.

And I, of course, would be there as well.

So, we would meet again—whether it was Yeongpoong or Woo Hyeok.

After Yeongpoong left, and just as I was about to resume my activities, a voice came from below me.

“I Gongja-nim…”

“Hm?”

“…Could you, perhaps, get off now?”

“Oh, right.”

Realizing I was still using Gujeolyeop as a chair, I quickly stood up.

“Sorry, I got distracted.”

As I moved aside, Gujeolyeop grunted as he got to his feet.

Had he been stuck like that the entire time I was talking to Yeongpoong? The fact that Yeongpoong hadn’t even noticed seemed a bit odd.

Once I moved, Gujeolyeop finally managed to stand.

“…Ugh. Now can we go back…”

“Go back? No, we’re going to spar now.”

“…”

“What, are you pretending not to hear me? Come on.”

“…Foot.”

“What?”

“Nothing, it’s just… my foot hurts.”

“You can’t just cuss and then complain about your foot. Do you want to die?”

“I mean, why pretend you didn’t hear when you clearly heard… Ugh!”

Before he could finish, Gujeolyeop rolled across the ground from my kick.

This guy’s getting cheekier by the day.

I grabbed him and dragged him to the field where we started a pretty intense workout.