Chapter 680

Just moments ago, the air had been filled with idle chatter and whispers. Now, silence enveloped the surroundings.

No, not silence—attention.

I could feel the weight of countless gazes bearing down on me.

‘Damn it.’

This was the exact situation I’d wanted to avoid. I came here on the first day to escape this nonsense, and now it was all ruined.

‘That bastard.’

My expression darkened as I glared at the source of this mess.

A young man with jet-black hair and piercing black eyes stood out among the crowd. His sharp features and well-proportioned figure were unusual, especially for someone from “that” family.

People used to say he was a genetic anomaly, and they were right.

In the Peng family, known for their burly and rugged martial artists, Peng Woojin’s refined appearance was nothing short of an aberration.

‘Peng Woojin.’

The scion of the Peng family.

The former Divine Dragon.

‘No, I suppose I should call him The Blessed Blade now.’

I’d heard he earned a new nickname after resolving some major incident, though the details escaped me. I wasn’t particularly interested in such things.

The problem now was that this Blessed Blade was striding toward me with a radiant smile.

“It’s been so long!”

“…”

“How long has it been? Three, four years? Doesn’t that sound about right, Lord Gu?”

Damn it.

His booming voice drowned out every other sound, effectively silencing the crowd.

The whispers stopped, replaced by a hushed murmur as the spectators began to piece things together.

“The Blessed Blade… isn’t he the heir to the Peng family?”

“To think we’d see the scion of a noble family on the first day. What incredible luck!”

“But who was he speaking to just now? Does anyone know?”

“He said something about Sanseo Gu… wait a moment—”

The murmurs transformed into shouts as someone finally connected the dots.

“The Little Lord of the Underworld! It’s him!”

Damn it all.

“The young man from the Gu family… that must be The Little Lord of the Underworld!”

“The Little Lord of the Underworld? Isn’t that the one who stopped the massacre at Shinryong Pass?”

“That youth is the Little Lord of the Underworld?”

The commotion only grew louder as martial artists and spectators alike turned their attention toward me.

Not just bystanders, but even those in line for the tournament registration were now staring.

‘Is my nickname really that well-known?’

I thought it had faded into obscurity. Guess I was wrong.

If obscure nicknames like Suncheon Radiant Sword or Forest-Trembling Fist could draw this kind of reaction, it made sense mine still held weight.

“That’s him? The Little Lord of the Underworld?”

“He doesn’t look all that strong… wait, no, his face does.”

“Not just strong—it’s terrifying. Like, really terrifying.”

“What’s wrong with his eyes?”

“Hey, who said that last part?”

I snarled, my voice cutting through the crowd. Startled, the onlookers quickly dispersed.

‘I’ll remember that face.’

Grinding my teeth, I sighed and turned my glare toward the one responsible for all this.

“Hahaha.”

Peng Woojin chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.

That bastard. I didn’t like him from the moment we first met, but now he’d gone and pulled this stunt.

Forcing the corners of my mouth up, I tried to muster a smile.

“Eek!”

“Such a terrifying smile!”

‘Damn it.’

The attempt backfired, so I gave up and reverted to my usual expression.

“Lord Peng.”

“It’s truly wonderful to see you. Who would’ve thought we’d meet here?”

“Are you participating in the tournament, Lord Peng?”

“Indeed! When I heard about this grand event, I couldn’t resist. How could I miss such a festival?”

Peng Woojin, competing in the tournament?

‘I didn’t think he’d be interested in something like this.’

A festival he couldn’t resist, huh?

‘Then again, considering how he joined the Nine Dragons Assembly to become a Swordmaster, it’s not surprising.’

This man wasn’t normal. That much was clear from the start.

As the scion of the Peng family, him participating in the tournament seemed almost inevitable.

But—

‘The problem is that he’s a scion.’

A scion of a noble family is essentially the future head of their clan.

‘If a scion shows any sign of weakness, it reflects poorly on the entire clan.’

It wasn’t just about individual strength; their capability—or lack thereof—could impact the family’s reputation.

If Peng Woojin was participating so brazenly, it meant he was confident in his abilities.

Either that, or he was like me in my past life and didn’t give a damn about appearances.

Given his personality, it could easily be the latter.

“I was hoping to see you, Lord Gu. It’s truly a delight to meet here.”

“You flatter me.”

“How could I not? Your presence lights up this dreary world!”

His words, which bordered on sycophantic, stirred the crowd again.

“Lights up the world? Isn’t that a bit much for one man to say to another?”

“I heard the Blessed Blade isn’t engaged. Could it be…?”

“You idiots! No!”

Shouting to dispel the absurd misunderstanding, I felt a chill run down my spine.

Who the hell comes up with this nonsense?

Peng Woojin tilted his head curiously.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Just some nonsense I overheard.”

Waving a hand dismissively, I turned to the receptionist, signaling them to hurry up.

They seemed to get the message and quickly handed me a small token adorned with a gemstone.

“This… about the token—”

“I know how it works. That’ll be all.”

“Ah, but—”

Ignoring their explanation, I pocketed the token.

“This is a new system the Alliance just introduced. You should—”

“I’m aware. It’s for identity verification, isn’t it?”

To prove my point, I channeled Qi into the gemstone.

The gem emitted a faint glow, which was mirrored by a similar stone on the desk.

“See?”

“Ah, yes… you’re correct.”

The token was a new invention, designed to confirm identities more reliably.

‘Something that wasn’t supposed to exist for another year or two.’

Its premature appearance was likely due to the Wudang Sword Saint’s influence as the current leader of the Martial Alliance.

Wudang sect was renowned for crafting such tools.

‘Time to get out of here before something else happens.’

I turned to leave, eager to escape before more chaos erupted.

“Well then, Lord Peng. It was nice seeing you. Until next time.”

With a curt farewell, I strode quickly toward the exit.

But—

Grab.

Peng Woojin caught me by the sleeve.

“Lord Gu, where are you off to? Surely, this is a fateful reunion!”

“I have pressing matters—”

I tried to pull away, but his grip didn’t budge.

‘Huh?’

There was significant strength in his grasp.

If I used more force, I could break free, but he wasn’t exerting his full strength either.

‘Interesting.’

I could sense something peculiar in his demeanor.

‘Just like Gu Heebi, this man…’

It seemed Peng Woojin had made progress in his cultivation.

Previously, he had been a seasoned peak-stage martial artist, but now he felt far beyond that level.

Had he reached Hwagyeong?

The thought made me chuckle dryly.

‘It’s like everyone and their dog is reaching it these days.’

If true, it was absurd.

Hwagyeong wasn’t something one could simply stumble upon—it was a realm that even the most talented martial artists might not achieve after a lifetime of training.

Yet, somehow, every other person I encountered seemed to be at that level.

The faster I grew stronger in this life, the faster everyone else seemed to improve as well.

‘How unfair.’

Here I was, working myself to the bone, seizing every opportunity and fortuitous encounter, while these so-called geniuses made it look easy.

“Haa…”

With a sigh, I put a bit of strength into my arm.

Thunk.

Despite the odd resistance, I easily broke free from his grip.

“Oh…?”

Peng Woojin let out a brief exclamation of surprise, as if he hadn’t expected me to break free so easily.

“I’m glad to see you again, but I have matters to attend to,” I said curtly.

“It’s lunchtime. Why don’t we share a meal together?” he suggested.

I frowned instinctively.

‘Lunch? With this guy?’

We weren’t particularly close, and the idea of eating alone with another man was unappealing.

‘I’d rather skip the meal entirely.’

I started to walk away.

“No, thank y—”

“There’s a famous dumpling house nearby. You should try it.”

“…Dumplings?”

I paused, turning to look at him.

Did he just say dumplings?

‘Wait, snap out of it.’

I shook my head, trying to dispel the temptation. No matter how much I loved dumplings, this wasn’t the time for them.

“Sorry, but I’ll have to pass—”

“Dumplings are served!”

“…What?”

Before I could finish declining, I realized I was already sitting inside a teahouse.

“…Seriously?”

Had my body betrayed me and followed him inside, drawn by the lure of dumplings?

As if that wasn’t bad enough—

“You seem to like them. That’s good to see.”

“Damn it.”

My hand was already reaching for a dumpling.

And when I bit into it—

It was ridiculously delicious.

‘Of all places, it had to be here.’

I recognized the flavor immediately. This was one of my favorite dumpling spots in Hanam.

Whenever I had no appetite, Moyong Hee-ah would bring dumplings from this place.

And when I had the time, I would come here myself.

Peng Woojin had chosen this place.

“I’ve been here a few times. The dumplings are excellent,” he said, chewing thoughtfully.

Damn him. As much as I disliked him, I had to admit—he had good taste in dumplings.

“Yes, they’re good,” I admitted begrudgingly.

“If you like, I’ll have some packed for you when you leave. A small token of appreciation.”

“Then I’ll take ten, please.”

“…That’s more than I expected.”

Peng Woojin gave me a wry smile. For someone as wealthy as him, it seemed odd to fuss over dumplings.

‘I was being considerate by only asking for ten.’

If I’d been alone, I would’ve ordered twenty to go.

“Would you care for some wine?”

“No, I don’t drink.”

“Oh, that’s unexpected.”

“Do I look like someone who enjoys drinking?”

“Not particularly. It’s just rare to hear someone outright refuse it.”

“I don’t see the point in ruining my taste buds for something that doesn’t even taste good.”

That had always been my stance, even in my previous life.

I only drank when it was unavoidable—if Cheonma offered it, or when the situation absolutely called for it.

“Let’s just enjoy the meal, then.”

“You’re free to drink if you want.”

“I don’t enjoy drinking either.”

“…Then why offer?”

“I was going to match your pace if you did. But since you don’t, it’s refreshing. We even share the same tastes!”

“That’s honestly disgusting.”

His comment was so off-putting it nearly ruined my appetite. Scowling, I popped another dumpling into my mouth.

“By the way, isn’t Dormant Dragon with you? I heard you usually travel together.”

“Is that a rumor?”

“Not a rumor, exactly, but something I’ve heard.”

What a convoluted way to phrase it.

“I was hoping to see him, but it seems he’s not around. That’s a shame.”

Peng Woojin’s expression showed genuine disappointment.

I mulled over his words.

‘Come to think of it, they are acquaintances.’

I vaguely remembered hearing that Peng Woojin and Woo Hyuk knew each other. I wasn’t sure how close they were, though.

“Then again, being a Daoist, he probably doesn’t eat dumplings. Even if I called for him, it’d be pointless.”

“…”

From the sound of it, they weren’t very close.

‘If he doesn’t know that Woo Hyuk eats meat, they’re not close at all.’

Despite being a Daoist, Woo Hyuk had no issue devouring all kinds of delicacies.

Considering how his mentor, Goeseon, behaved, it was no surprise.

‘Seriously, everyone around me is abnormal.’

Just thinking about the people I associated with was enough to give me a headache.

This world seemed designed to drive someone as normal as me insane.

I bit into another dumpling, shaking my head as if to clear my thoughts.

“He could eat dumplings if I called for him. It’s not a big deal.”

“…Hmm?”

Even Peng Woojin seemed taken aback by my comment.

If even someone like him found it strange, then Woo Hyuk and Goeseon really were oddities for casually defying expectations.

“Even monks eat meat these days. Why wouldn’t a Daoist eat dumplings?”

A faint clatter echoed from a corner of the room.

Someone who had been quietly eating froze at my words.

The sound drew Peng Woojin’s attention.

“…I was trying to pretend I didn’t notice,” he muttered, looking sheepish.

Clearly, he had seen the person but decided to ignore them.

I, however, had no intention of doing so.

“If anything, acknowledging them makes things less awkward. It’s a form of courtesy.”

“…You think so?”

Peng Woojin raised an eyebrow, as if learning something new.

“I’ll remember that for next time. Thank you for the advice.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Feigning indifference, I waved a hand dismissively, then turned to address the corner.

“Don’t bother pretending. Just come out.”

“...Cough!”

The person coughed loudly, clearly caught off guard.

Eventually, a young man turned toward us, his golden eyes shining under a cloak.

The sheen of oil around his lips betrayed how eagerly he’d been eating moments before.

Seeing him, I couldn’t suppress a smirk.

“Fancy meeting you again.”

“...”

The youngest Hwagyeong in history, the pride of Shaolin, and one of the most promising talents of this generation—

The Divine Dragon, Yu Yeon, scowled deeply at my greeting.