Chapter 267

Chapter 267
### Chapter 267. A Face So Damned Missed (2)

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“What are you?”
“……”
“I asked what you are, you son of a bitch!”
The moment I saw the fierce glare of Ya-yul-jae, who had turned around, the realization hit me.
‘Dammit……’
The current Ya-yul-jae had no idea who I was. And
“Answer me, you bastard! Why did you grab someone who was just minding their own business!”
……The Ya-yul-jae of my past life possessed a truly foul personality.
“……Don’t tell me Jang Sik-yeong sent you?”
Ya-yul-jae shifted his hand to the hilt of his sword, ready to draw the blade at any moment. Even in this life, his temperament seemed largely unchanged from before.
‘What should I do……’
I could not exactly explain to him that I had returned to the past, but I couldn’t just walk away after calling his name either. If it came to a fight, I wouldn’t lose, but wouldn’t that draw unnecessary suspicion toward me?
“Why is there no answer! Are you a mute!? If you’re a mute, how did you call me!”
Without considering my situation of being unable to speak, Ya-yul-jae immediately prepared for a clash. Truly, every single one of those fellows from the So-jeong-dae possessed a temper that was……
‘Sigh……’
Just as I was debating whether or not I should use the Lone Walk Under Heaven (Cheon-ha-dok-haeng-sin) to flee.
“So-un-Jin?”
From behind Ya-yul-jae, a boy with messy, spiky hair poked his head out. He looked somewhat familiar…….
“So-un-Jin, what the hell are you doing here!”
It was none other than Ya-yul-geuk. At that moment, my brain spun rapidly.
“Th……at’s right! Ya-yul-geuk! I-I was calling for you.”
“结构……”
Ya-yul-geuk tilted his head as if he couldn’t comprehend the reason. I pretended to be ignorant and questioned the fellow.
“I…… I called you, but this other gentleman responded instead……. Ahem, who might this person be?”
“……”
Ya-yul-geuk, who did not erase his suspicious gaze, answered bluntly.
“What business is it of yours?”
Truly, this rude little brat…… He’ll only come to his senses after being worked like a dog all day back at the Academy, tsk. While I was forming a plan for Ya-yul-geuk’s rehabilitation.
“If you are So-un-Jin…… are you not the Young Hero Black Flame Dragon?”
The answer came from Ya-yul-jae’s side. And
“To think I would meet you like this!”
The gentleman who had been ready to commit a silencing murder just a moment ago, thinking I was one of Jang Sik-yeong’s subordinates, suddenly performed a Po-gwon and bowed his head.
Eh? What is this?
“I have heard much about you. I am called Ya-yul-jae, the older brother of Geuk.”
His way of speaking changed suddenly too. It was quite difficult to adapt.
“Ah, I…… see. I thought you looked somewhat familiar for some reason.”
“I also feel quite moved to meet the Young Hero Black Flame Dragon in this way.”
“Pardon? Yo-Young Hero?”
My head tilted. What is with this guy? This isn’t the Ya-yul-jae I know…….
“I’ve heard much from Geuk. That there is a friend who helps him a lot with Academy life.”
dishonesty with himself. I heard many rumors that your chivalry is great, and it seems they were not lies after all.”
Since he said I was friends with this hissing little brat, it felt a bit like I was getting goosebumps. Well, the fellow seemed to feel similarly, as he was trying to shut Ya-yul-jae’s mouth by any means necessary. It wouldn’t be bad to act the part of a chivalrous Academy Representative. I hung a benevolent smile across my face and returned the Po-gwon.
“Don’t mention it. It is naturally…… naturally something I should do.”
Certainly, Ya-yul-jae’s impression was quite different compared to the appearance I saw in my past life. A sharp side could be glimpsed, but it didn’t feel like he was filled with venom, and he even laughed occasionally when looking at his hissing younger brother. Was his past-life personality formed after Ya-yul-geuk died? Good grief, this is incredibly awkward.
“It seems this fellow also follows Young Hero Jin quite a lot. I look forward to your continued care.”
“It’s not like that! Shut your mouth!”
On the other hand, Ya-yul-geuk’s face turned deep red as if it would burst. Ho-oh, I can’t just let this pass. I looked at Ya-yul-geuk with a profound gaze.
“I see. To think Geuk had such thoughts……! I shall have to look after him even more from now on.”
In my words, Ya-yul-geuk’s face went beyond red and turned a dark, deathly shade. This is quite a sight to see, isn’t it? So I’m saying don’t recklessly crawl all over me, you brat. After giving the little wildcat a smile, I asked Ya-yul-jae.
“May I ask what kind of work you do, Great Hero?”
“Great Hero, you say……. Hahaha.”
Ya-yul-jae, who had suppressed Ya-yul-geuk with pressure points as the boy was about to explode and pounce on me, scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
“I am not such a grand person. I merely earn a modest living by the blade.”
“Is that so? Still, I heard the studies of the Yu-un-mun are not shallow.”
Ya-yul-jae shook his head politely.
“That is all a thing of the past. Still, I consider it a relief that this fellow Geuk seems to have discovered some new path recently.”
Then, he performed another Po-gwon.
“I heard you were of great help in his enlightenment. It must not have been easy to share…… I offer my thanks to you once again.”
“……”
Originally, it was a path Ya-yul-jae had found for himself, but Ya-yul-jae, who had no way of knowing my circumstances, felt as if he had received a gift of the enlightenment he had found after much suffering.
“No. I merely delivered it.”
“……Hmm? Delivered it?”
I nodded slowly. While thinking of the Ya-yul-jae of my past life, who must have suffered more than anyone.
“Yes. Because the original owner would have wanted it to be that way.”
Ya-yul-jae tilted his head. They were stories he wouldn’t understand even if I explained them. I quickly changed the subject.
“Do you plan to continue living as a wanderer (nang-in) in the future?”
“Ah, actually, that work is not going well either, so I am in the middle of looking for a place to settle down.”
“If it is a place to settle down……”
“I heard the Moolim Alliance is recruiting low-level warriors this time, so I am thinking of applying there.”
In the end, is it turning out like this? Certainly, the incidents that had occurred thus far followed a different trajectory than my past life, but the resulting outcome had not changed much. I urged him with a sense of unnecessary anxiety.
“Have you perhaps not thought of trying some other work? Like commerce……”
“What do you mean by that……”
The character for ‘river’ (川) formed between Ya-yul-jae’s brows as he frowned. I spoke while being prepared to hear curses from him.
“It is because I know that the work of a low-level warrior in the Moolim Alliance is not easy.”
“……”
However, contrary to my expectations, he did not immediately spit out curses or draw his sword.
“I am grateful for your concern, but as a disciple of the Yu-un-mun, I have the confidence to break through any difficulty.”
And in that moment, I realized it. He had no intention of leaving the Jianghu he was a part of. He thought of the revival of the Yu-un-mun, had never once abandoned his life as a martial artist, and would continue to be that way. Just as he had not regretted it until the moment of his death in my past life.
“I see……”
“Ah…… I am sorry. I got excited for no reason……”
I bowed his head respectfully.
“Not at all. I was the one who said something rude.”
Even if it wasn’t the Moolim Alliance, he wouldn’t eventually escape the Jianghu. Just as he did in my past life, the man before my eyes would work endlessly for the revival of the Yu-un-mun. And eventually. He would set foot into the Great War between the Orthodox and Demonic (Jeong-ma-dae-jeon).
‘If it’s going to turn out that way anyway……’
If he cannot escape the Jianghu, it would be best for him to be by my side.
“If you pass, I recommend you apply for the White Wolf Pavilion (Baek-rang-gak).”
“The White Wolf Pavilion?”
“Yes. I heard many outstanding people are assigned there.”
“Hmm…… is that so?”
“Yes.”
Hoping that he would end up in the So-jeong-dae of the White Wolf Pavilion just like in my past life, and sincerely wishing that we could meet again. I turned my body and returned to my group.

“Sob sob, I’m trash.”
“That’s right, the certain Geum-pyo-Lee is trash.”
At Eun-ho-Lee’s words, Geum-pyo-Lee glared sharply at the fellow.
“Why does this bastard keep changing my surname!”
“Do you really plan to keep the Lee surname even after receiving a ‘Mu’ evaluation?”
“It was a mistake! A mistake, I tell you! I can just overturn it in the practical evaluation!”
However, Eun-ho-Lee did not back down either.
“As if someone who loses to his younger brother Dong-ryong every time could possibly……”
“You bastard! Do you want to die!”
“Yes, yes, I am indeed a Lee, but the certain Geum-pyo-Lee has no surname……”
Clatter.
While a chaotic scene unfolded with Geum-pyo-Lee pouncing on Eun-ho-Lee and Dong-ryong-Lee trying to stop them. Nam Hwa-seong, who had been wearing a sulky expression for the past few days, suddenly blurted out.
“Why did you bring me along?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m asking why you brought a spy along to a place where you’re gathered with your companions.”
Truly, for such a large fellow to pout his lips like that is nothing short of disgusting. I gave a smirk toward the fellow.
“If a spy stays alone in the representative team, he’ll steal secrets. That’s why I brought you.”
“Dammit……”
Nam Hwa-seong drained his wine cup in one gulp and roughly wiped his lips. After filling his empty cup again and about to drain it in one go, Nam Hwa-seong suddenly snapped his head toward me.
“I don’t know what the hell I’m doing either.”
After hesitating for a moment like that, Nam Hwa-seong emptied his cup again and asked me with smoldering eyes.
“Let me ask one thing. If I become your person…… will you protect my sect?”
“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
“I am serious, So-un-Jin. If I follow you around…… can you protect the status of our Sam-won-mun within the 108 Peaks? That’s what I’m asking.”
Seeing Nam Hwa-seong wear a more serious expression than ever before, it seemed something had happened.
“Why should I?”
“What?”
“Why do I have to look after the status of your sect?”
In the first place, the reason I did not take a side in the Orthodox Society, the White Path Society, or the 12 Peaks was to take a step back from insignificant political fights. Not promising a rosy future to the Academy Representative Team was for the same reason.
“……”
Nam Hwa-seong, who had been wearing a stiff expression, curled one side of his mouth up.
“Right, it’s not something you’re responsible for.”
As Nam Hwa-seong was about to drain his wine cup again, I continued my words.
“Instead, I will tell you how you must protect your sect.”
His action of trying to swallow the wine came to a dead stop.
“What?”
“I will tell you how your sect can avoid being destroyed in the coming war, and if you are in danger, I will fight alongside you.”
“……”
A sudden silence settled over the noisy drinking party. The executive members, including Il-gak, as well as my companions and junior disciples, all stopped talking and were listening to the conversation between me and Nam Hwa-seong.
“What does that mean……”
As if he couldn’t grasp the situation, Nam Hwa-seong asked me with a dazed expression, and I answered clearly.
“That is as far as I can promise. Take care of your own success or the status of your sect yourselves. I have neither the ability nor the intention to do such things for you.”
“……”
Nam Hwa-seong, seemingly still unable to grasp the situation, stared blankly at my face for a long time while fiddling with his wine cup. It was Il-gak who asked a question in his stead.
“Almsgiver Jin…… do you believe a war will break out?”
I nodded my head readily.
“Why do you think there won’t be a war?”
dishonesty with himself. I heard many rumors that your chivalry is great, and it seems they were not lies after all.”
“But, the Blood Cult is already……”
“Is the enemy only the Blood Cult?”
“……”
“The Moolim Alliance is spending a golden age more brilliant than ever before. But that doesn’t mean there are no enemies.”
I raised my head and looked at each of my companions one by one.
“When this golden age ends, a great chaos will surge, and the Jianghu will be trapped in the flames of a great war.”
dishonesty with himself. I heard many rumors that your chivalry is great, and it seems they were not lies after all.”
“……”
While everyone was pondering who the ‘enemy’ I mentioned was regarding the future I spoke of in fragments. Nam Hwa-seong, seemingly having finished his decision, opened his mouth.
“So-un-Jin, will you really fight for the Sam-won-mun?”
I nodded my head.
“The sect of a comrade and subordinate is soon my own sect.”
“Comrade and subordinate……”
Nam Hwa-seong, who repeated my words, drained his wine cup in one breath.
“Kuuu…… So-un-Jin, there is something you need to know.”
“What is it?”
“I met Cheol Sun-jik a while ago. But…… it seemed like those fellows from the 12 Peaks were plotting something.”
Cheol Sun-jik, it was finally about time for him to start moving.

The Schemer (Mo-sa) Cheol Sun-jik. That was his nickname in my past life. Although he had a different title, people called him The Schemer. Because no one could easily match him when it came to machinations and plots. During the war, he clinched the most victories with the least amount of damage.
Considering that most of the people belonging to his unit were from the 12 Peaks, it wasn’t just because his skills were good or his strategy and tactics were great. In the first place, the Demonic Cult was not an opponent against whom strategy and tactics worked properly. Then where lay the reason he was able to obtain numerous victories?
He always fought against the weakest units. When it came time for his unit to face a strong enemy, he used all sorts of means to pass the enemy off to another unit.
‘Well, I suppose that can also be considered a talent in its own way.’
In the first place, the one I had picked as the target to be most wary of before entering the Murim Academy was none other than Cheol Sun-jik. Because the place that suffered the most damage due to Cheol Sun-jik’s unit in my past life was the White Wolf Pavilion. Perhaps my ill-fated relationship with him had continued from my past life.
‘That fellow has endured for a long time too.’
Considering the relationship that had continued since the entrance exam, from Cheol Sun-jik’s perspective, it was no different from having waited a long time. I too had received a strong feeling that it was time for him to move for his own purposes. Sure enough.
“Representative, the Academy students want to arrange a dialogue with the Representative.”
“A dialogue?”
I tilted my head at a story I had not heard in my past life. Jang U-jae continued the report with a worried expression.
“Yes. They say they want to discuss the future direction of the Academy.”
“All the Academy students?”
“No. There are people who represent the Academy students separately.”
“……”
Jang U-jae also found it absurd, as he answered with a sneer.
“They called themselves the ‘Academy Councilors’ (Hak-gwan-ui-won).”
The moment I heard the word ‘Councilor,’ a word I had never heard of before, a face came to mind.
“Is Cheol Sun-jik among them?”
“Eh? How did you know that……”
How could I not know? While there is an Academy Representative clearly in place, the idea of newly electing people to represent the Academy students in the meantime……
“Hah, this fellow, I can hear the sound of his brain working from all the way here.”
Because no one but that human Cheol Sun-jik could have done it.