The next morning arrived, and we left the inn as planned. Given that everything had been arranged beforehand, we had prepared to depart early.

Winter was still biting cold, but the sky was clear. The rain that had fallen for days seemed like a distant memory, as if it had been nothing more than an illusion.

“Damn, that’s high,” I muttered as I walked, glancing up at the towering mountain ahead. Each step made me sigh heavily. This place was ridiculous.

How could Hanam have a mountain like this? Every time I saw it, it left me speechless.

In my previous life, I had passed out halfway up the mountain from exhaustion.

“Idiot.”

I could’ve taken a break, but I was too worried about what others would think, and in the end, I ended up making a fool of myself.

Even thinking about it now sent shivers down my spine—it was one of the most embarrassing memories of my life. One of the many reasons I was glad to have a second chance.

“By the way.”

As we climbed the mountain, Dang So-yeol, who was following behind, started talking.

“This mountain was supposedly created during the Blood Demon War.”

She wiped some sweat from her forehead as she explained, clearly having noticed the look of confusion on my face, wondering why such a damn mountain existed.

“The mountain was created?” I asked.

“Yes! It’s said to have been formed during a battle with the King of Fists.”

“…What?”

Hearing her explanation made me frown. It was absurd.

The "King of Fists" she was referring to was none other than Yeon Il-chun, also known as the "Golden Iron Fist King." So, according to this story, the mountain was the result of a battle between Yeon Il-chun and the Blood Demon.

Not a natural disaster but a battle that formed a mountain? What kind of nonsense was that?

‘A human natural disaster?’

How could a human create a mountain this huge in the middle of a fight?

‘…Well.’

Despite my initial disbelief, I couldn’t help but think that, at my current level, I might be able to make a small hill myself.

But this mountain? It was on a whole other scale. This was like Mount Tai.

‘Still, that’s not the main issue.’

Whether it was just a wild rumor or an exaggerated tale wasn’t important.

What was really bothering me while climbing this mountain wasn’t my stamina.

‘So many damn people staring.’

The countless stares we were attracting were making me uncomfortable.

The path up the mountain was long and wide, with many others walking alongside us, all aiming to reach their destination in time.

Most of them were Hugi Jisu, promising young martial artists. In fact, they were all Hugi Jisu.

The only exceptions were those accompanying the heirs of various noble families. Other than that, the path was filled with young martial artists.

Our group, in particular, seemed to be drawing more attention than anyone else.

I could hear whispers as we passed by.

"Isn’t that the Poison Phoenix? Is that her?"

"Is the one next to her Seolbong?"

"Wow… she’s stunning."

Most of the comments were in admiration, and unsurprisingly, there wasn’t much talk about Namgung Bia. She had her veil on, concealing her face and presence, which helped her blend into the background.

‘Good, at least she’s putting that veil to use.’

I had been wondering why she wasn’t using it more often.

“…”

Clearly, Namgung Bia found the large crowds overwhelming and had chosen to conceal herself. It made things a bit easier for me, but not entirely.

"Who’s that guy in front, though? Who is he, and why is he—"

"The one at the back?"

"No, the scary-looking one up front."

"There are two guys, but why focus on the one in front?"

"Well, the one behind is handsome."

"Ah, got it."

These bastards...

I shot a sharp glare at the group whispering behind us, and they quickly fell silent, startled.

The "handsome guy in the back" they were talking about was Gu Juleop.

Even out here, people were discriminating based on looks. Life really was all about appearances, after all.

Damn it.

‘At least they don’t seem to recognize who I am.’

This was probably thanks to the fact that I hadn’t done anything particularly notable since the Yongbongjihoe event. Even then…

‘I made sure to keep my face covered.’

Just like Namgung Bia, I had made a point of concealing my identity. Of course, I couldn’t completely hide my presence, but I had suppressed it enough that only those really paying attention would remember me.

‘Still, there’s something odd about it.’

A few days ago, when I had intervened between Jinryong and Yeongpoong during that incident…

-That face…! He’s Jinryong!

There had been someone who recognized me. At the time, I brushed it off, but it had been bothering me.

‘Who could it have been?’

I couldn’t figure out who it was, and the unease still lingered.

It wasn’t a coincidence.

I had taken precautions to ensure that no one could recognize me easily.

It was possible that someone who had surpassed the pinnacle of martial arts could have pierced through my barrier and seen my face, but…

A martial artist of that caliber wouldn’t have hidden in a crowd and screamed, "It’s Jinryong!" like some fool.

Besides…

‘I couldn’t sense them.’

Whoever it was had escaped without my sensing them, which was another red flag.

‘Looks like I’ll have to stay on guard.’

I had initially planned to let it go, but the situation was starting to feel more serious.

This was exactly what I had been concerned about.

‘The problem with becoming well-known is that you attract all kinds of nuisances.’

That was the case in every situation. I had expected it, but…

‘It’s happening faster than I thought.’

Who could it be?

Or, more importantly, where could they be?

Never mind. If I really want to know, I’ll just have to hunt them down.

And once I catch them, I’ll get my answers.

That’s one thing I’ve always been good at.

As I pondered, I rubbed my lips, lost in thought.

“Are you alright?” a voice interrupted my thoughts.

It was Moyong Hia, walking next to me.

“Am I alright?”

“Your expression… it looks familiar.”

“Familiar?”

Did I really make this kind of face often?

“Oh, no, I mean, it’s a face I make quite often.”

“Huh?”

What does that mean?

Seeing my confusion, Moyong Hia clarified.

“It’s the look I get when I’m thinking, ‘If I catch them, I’ll show them what hell is like.’”

“…Huh?”

Her description was so accurate that I was momentarily at a loss for words.

Seeing my dumbfounded expression, Moyong Hia smiled.

“Your expressions are always so easy to read, Gongja-nim.”

“…I’ve been told that a lot lately.”

I used to think I was good at hiding my emotions, but ever since my return, that hadn’t been the case.

Why?

Was I getting too used to the peace?

“I really should work on that.”

“You don’t need to.”

“Why not?”

“Because I like you better this way.”

“…”

The way she said it so casually left me speechless for a moment. I glanced at her face.

‘…She’s blushing?’

It was rare, but I could see a faint blush on Moyong Hia’s usually composed face. It seemed like she hadn’t meant to say that out loud.

“The apples are ripe, huh? All red,” I teased.

“Ugh…”

Her cold demeanor broke at my playful remark.

Seeing her like that made her seem surprisingly cute…

‘Cute?’

Damn it.

Was I losing my mind from climbing this mountain?

‘I’m not even tired, though.’

With all the training I had been through, there was no way something like this could exhaust me. Maybe I was just in a weird mood today.

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the cool breeze against my face. Somehow, it helped clear my head a little.

__________________

 

The Shinryongwan was located at the top of the mountain, but we weren’t heading there just yet. Our destination was a bit lower.

To enter Shinryongwan, one had to go through the famed entrance exam. It was clear that only those with exceptional talent would be accepted. Even though the entrants were all prodigies from prestigious martial arts families, they still had to be filtered through this test.

Those who passed the exam would not only be considered exceptional among their peers but would also gain recognition as some of the best. For those who valued honor and reputation, this was a golden opportunity. Entering Shinryongwan would help them build connections and enhance their status. It was less about the education and more about the name.

That said, the institution’s education standards were still top-tier, as befit its reputation as the best swordsmanship academy. Most prestigious martial arts families, however, didn’t need such an institution; they had their own masters and elders to teach them.

“Gu Yangcheon from the Gu family. Verification complete. You’re assigned to Group 2.”

The exam was conducted by members of the Murim Alliance, as the academy was part of their territory. After confirming my identity, I was assigned to Group 2. One of the people checking the documents gave me a sideways glance as if to say, "Is this really the guy?"

I sighed internally. It looked like I’d be getting a lot of those looks for a while. At this point, it was more tedious than irritating.

‘Looks like the others aren’t here yet,’ I thought. The other figures, like Jamryong (Sleeping Dragon) and Geomryong (Sword Dragon), were nowhere to be seen. They were probably scheduled for tomorrow since the martial sects had their own exams. Today was for those affiliated with prestigious families.

Given how many prodigies from all over the nation had gathered, one day wouldn’t be enough for everyone to take the test.

‘Group 2, huh.’

I could tell that the groups had been separated by rank. Mo Yong-hia, Dang So-yeol, and Namgung Bia had all been placed in Group 1. So why was I placed in Group 2? It wasn’t that I felt insulted or anything, but the Gu family wasn’t exactly insignificant either. Group 2 wasn’t necessarily inferior, but I was surprised by the placement.

‘Well, it doesn’t matter.’

The grouping didn’t come with any special advantages, so I had no reason to be concerned. The only thing that bothered me slightly was the possibility that other members of the Gu family might cause trouble… but then I looked over at Gu Yeon-seo, who was spacing out with a vacant expression. I sighed inwardly. It seemed that the Sword Queen had indeed kept her promise and visited her during the night.

‘At least it seems like it worked, even if it wasn’t perfect.’

Rather than completely erasing the Heart Demon, it looked like she had managed to cover it with something else. For a swordsman, the best method was often to give them a goal, a person to follow, or to immerse them entirely in swordsmanship. It wasn’t a perfect solution, but for Gu Yeon-seo, it would suffice.

‘If this doesn’t work, I’ll have to try something else.’

But for now, it seemed that I wouldn’t need to resort to more drastic measures.

‘Will she pass, though?’

I wasn’t worried about Gu Jeol-yeop. He was prepared for this, but Gu Yeon-seo was a bit more uncertain. She was skilled, standing at the peak of the second-rate martial artists, but whether that was enough to get into Shinryongwan was another matter.

On the other hand, Gu Jeol-yeop was talented enough that unless he made a major mistake, he wouldn’t have trouble passing. If he failed, that would be a different problem altogether. I’ll beat the hell out of him if that happens, I thought with a smirk.

I glanced over at Gu Jeol-yeop, who suddenly shivered and stepped back as if sensing something.

“What?” I asked.

“…Nothing, I just had this weird feeling like I was about to get hit.”

“Hmm. You’ve got good instincts.”

“Huh?”

Gu Jeol-yeop looked shocked by my comment, which made me laugh to myself. Of course, it wasn’t a joke—I really would make sure to beat him up if he failed.

As I was teasing Gu Jeol-yeop, I sensed someone approaching. Who could it be? I wasn’t expecting anyone right now. I focused for a moment, and then…

‘Tch.’

I clicked my tongue in annoyance. Of course, it was that guy. I should’ve known.

“Long time no see,” he greeted me with a smile.

The same pale robes with black patterns, the same annoyingly perfect face. He’d clearly been training hard—his physique had improved since I last saw him.

“How have you been?”

“Fine.”

I bit back the urge to let my killing intent slip. If I lost control here, it wouldn’t just be me who would suffer—those around me would be caught up in it as well.

As much as I wanted to knock him down, I had to keep my cool. For now, I had to suppress my instincts and play nice.

I forced a smile as I addressed the man in front of me, Jang Seon-yeon, in the kindest way I could manage:

“You son of a bitch.”

"..."

That was the best I could do.

_______________

 

A faint flame flickered.

The energy she had intended to release over her shoulder scattered into the air. She had planned to draw her sword with precise force, but it didn't go as expected. The energy she had tried to contain within her strike dissipated.

Clank.

Her hand, reaching for her sword, suddenly froze in place. Someone had stopped her from drawing the blade.

The one who had intended to draw it, Wi Seol-ah, now turned her cold gaze toward the person who had blocked her.

"You’re more aggressive than I expected, miss."

A voice that was both quick and deliberate, yet also heavy, flowed from him.

Sensing an unfamiliar atmosphere, Wi Seol-ah instinctively heightened her guard.

The man, noticing her reaction, continued speaking.

"Well, if you're anything like your master, I should have expected as much." "..." "Whatever you were planning to do, I suggest you reconsider unless you don't mind not being able to return home."

The young man flashed a sharp smile, offering his warning.

How did he know?

As Jang Seon-yeon approached, Wi Seol-ah had been about to unsheathe her sword, intending to prevent him from getting any closer.

However...

When did he get here?

This young man had managed to approach her without her even realizing it.

He had concealed his presence. No one could have noticed.

Wi Seol-ah was no stranger to wielding a sword without showing killing intent—it was something she had mastered. Yet, this man had detected her moves. That alone made him unusual.

As she narrowed her gaze at the stranger, he spoke again.

"You seem curious about who I am."

With a faint, knowing smile, he introduced himself.

"Bi Eui-jin, of the Bi family."

Upon hearing his name, Wi Seol-ah’s expression shifted to one of surprise.