Star

I remembered the time when Peng Woojin appeared in Gu Clan a few months ago.

The man exuded an unmistakable aura that screamed his blood ties to the Peng Clan and had stubbornly insisted on participating in the Nine Dragons tournament.

Furthermore, Peng Woojin was already a Young Lord by then.

So why did he try to become a swordsman of the Gu Clan?

Was it because He wasnt having fun?

It had been something like that.

After all, Peng Woojin said it himself.

That he ran away from his home since the Peng Clan was lame for him. Then, he tried to join the Gu Clan as a swordsman, which was utterly nonsensical.

And while causing such a ruckus, he was knocked out by the Second Elder in a single blow.

Every memory I had of him left me on the brink of madness.

I asked Peng Woojin.

Why are you here again? Young Lord Peng.

Hmm? Is this a place where I shouldnt be?

Peng Woojin responded.

His laid-back tone of speaking was the same as ever.

Not necessarily, but

Then its okay!

I barely spoke to him, but my head already started to hurt.

This always happened whenever I spoke to people of his kind.

Since the guy who always followed me around in my past life was also like him.

I started to think while looking at Peng Woojins bright smile.

The Heavenly Dragon.

This was a title that Peng Woojin had held before becoming the Young Lord of the Peng Clan.

He relinquished this title upon his ascension as the Young Lord.

It was a title given to the most talented young prodigy.

And it was the symbol of a star with the most dazzling radiance.

Didnt he put that title down a little too early?

Peng Woojin was still technically a young prodigy age-wise.

If I were in his shoes, Id have hesitated to let go of such a title.

Young Lord Peng.

Oh! Whats up?

Did you run away from home again?

I asked, just in case. Since his track record was quite insane.

To my question, Peng Woojin made a dumbfounded look on his face, then burst into hearty laughter.

Do you think Im some kind of a troublemaker?

Arent you?

What kind of a person would come to the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament after running away from home?

There could be some people who run away from home because they find it dull and hope to come here.

What kind of maniac would do that

Pardon?

What is this maniac saying?

He seemed like he had forgotten all about his past actions.

Peng Woojin smiled after seeing my incredulous look.

Just kidding!

Ah shit, I already wanted to go home after just a brief conversation with him.

Dont worry. After all, I am here on business with the Murim Alliance this time.

I began to think after hearing Peng Woojin.

Business, huh?

Did the Murim Alliance need Peng Woojin for something?

Even if that was true, was it that important of a task, for him to come all the way to Hanam for it?

I stared at Peng Woojin with a fixed gaze and Peng Woojin responded while slightly avoiding my eyes.

How could I not come out when I have an excuse like this one.

Responded? Nah, it was more like he confessed.

Im not breaking any rule, though.

No one said a thing, Young Lord Peng.

He always seemed quite desperate to leave his clan.

What did he become the Young Lord for anyway if he was going to be like this?

Not that I should be talking

Every household definitely had their own issues to deal with.

Though no clan seemed to have as many as mine.

By the way, did you come alone?

Hmm? No.

After responding, he pointed towards his back.

Behind him, stood Namgung Cheonjun, who seemed to be glaring at me.

You came with Nam the Lightning Dragon?

I almost said Namgung bastard just now. Why is that guy standing over there, anyway?

Should I say its a coincidence? It just turned out that way.

A coincidence that the Young Lord and the soon-to-be Young Lord of the Four Noble Clans were traveling together, huh?

For some reason, I felt that that wasnt really the case.

Then did that mean Namgung Cheonjun arriving here earlier had something to do with Peng Woojin?

Oh, if you are asking about my sister, she will take a few days to arrive.

I wasnt really asking about Peng Ah-hee

But Peng Ah-hee was arriving later on her own?

To answer my curiosity, Peng Woojin spoke with a slightly shaky voice.

We originally planned to come here together at a later time, but I wanted to get here as soon as possible, so I ditched her. She might be angry at me for that, but it should be fine.

At this point, I couldnt help but wonder if Peng Woojins biggest hobby was trying to piss off Peng Ah-hee.

Last time, I saw her beat him like a dog. Was he really going to be okay? I highly doubt that.

Thats that.

I dont think you should ignore such a thing so easily

Do you still have the wood I gave you last time?

This man just ignored me like it was nothing.

The wood he mentioned

I believe Peng Woojin was talking about the black wooden insignia that he gave me last time.

He said that Id get the same treatment as Peng Woojin if I went to the Peng Clan with it.

The insignia that felt very burdensome to possess.

Peng Woojin then continued to speak in disappointment.

I told you that you should visit one time, man.

It hasnt even been a year, Young Lord

But it had been almost a year since then.

I had to travel non-stop, so I had no time to go to the Peng Clan.

Even if I did have time, I doubt that I wouldve gone there.

U-Um.

Gu Jeolyub sneakily joined our conversation.

Are you, perhaps, the Heavenly Dragon, Young Lord Peng Woojin?

What was that careful voice of his? This was the first time I heard Gu Jeolyub being so hesitant.

Peng Woojin looked at Gu Jeolyub and nodded.

Yes, though I no longer go by the name Heavenly Dragon

I-I am Gu Jeolyub Is it possible for me to shake your hand?

Hmm?

After hearing Gu Jeolyubs introduction, Peng Woojins gaze naturally shifted towards me.

Is he perhaps your older brother?

Nope. Our clan only has one son.

Makes sense, you guys arent alike at all! This guy is handsome unlike-

I dont know what words are going to come out next but please refrain from it.

I was kidding once again.

While laughing, Peng Woojin grabbed Gu Jeolyubs hand.

Then, Gu Jeolyub made a happy face as if he had just gotten a big present.

Whats with him, seriously?

For me, this was a little embarrassing.

Muyeon, whos with us, probably shared my sentiments -

Never mind, he also seemed jealous of Gu Jeolyub. Was he insane?

Did the Heavenly Dragon mean that much to people?

I saw it in my past life too, but it always felt new each time.

[Brat, arent you the one who cares too little about something like this?]

That could be possible.

I was too full of myself and I hated it whenever I heard about Dragons or Phoenixes.

So I tried my best not to look into any of their abilities in the past.

Though now, I was able to see them everywhere.

Hes strong.

Peng Woojins physique didnt match the typical appearance of the Peng Clan, which was known for being big and destructive.

Instead, he looked slim and had a body that looked flexible.

Yet, I could sense the incredible power he possessed.

Hes well over the Peak Realm, huh?

My instinct was telling me that.

It seemed like I wasnt the only one sizing him up, as Peng Woojin spoke while locking eyes with me.

I knew that you would get stronger.

His sparkly black eyes were full of interest.

After hearing him, I gave a fake smile.

No one ever thinks of me that way. How unique of you.

Indeed, I wonder why no one thought of you that way. Im more fascinated by that actually.

Im more fascinated by how certain you seem, Young Lord Peng.

People call me strange all the time, but my feeling wasnt wrong, see? The proof is standing right in front of my eyes.

Like how I observed the rank of his Martial Arts Realm, he too seemed like he saw something from me.

Even though I was doing a pretty decent job at hiding my strength.

He was able to see through me either due to extensive experience or an innate instinct.

For me, it was obviously the former and for Peng Woojin, Id have to assume it was the latter.

To put it simply, it was the difference in natural talents.

A skill that could only be achieved after going through many experiences

Was easily achieved from birth for those born with this unfair natural talent.

The past me died while walking in the shadows of their talent

But I had to put aside all of those thoughts for now.

Its the same this time around too.

I burnt the jealousy that lingered in my body with flames.

I was only going to look forward.

If I wasnt good enough, I just had to work harder.

That was the only way I could overcome and handle whatever challenges lay ahead.

[Thats a good mindset you have.]

You are complimenting me for once.

[I will when I have to. Is there anyone worse than someone trying to criticize a martial artist striving for improvement? ]

Why are you trying to act cool all of a sudden? Its sending shivers down my spine.

[Haha, you rotting piece of Do I have to show you my Plum Blossom Sword Art using only my words for you to shut up?]

Though I responded impudently due to me feeling embarrassed, what Elder Shin said was truly touching.

Elder Shin probably noticed that too.

Oh, I heard that you were engaged. Now you are family with my Namgung guy there, right?

Peng Woojin spoke with a smile and pointed toward Namgung Cheonjun who was standing behind him. Namgung Cheonjun flinched slightly.

After seeing him like that, I responded.

Not yet exactly.

Eh, Id say you are family if you are engaged.

Then what about back when I was engaged with the Peng Cla-

Oh, it is fate that we met early, so how about a duel?

Why bother speaking to me if you arent going to listen to me you piece of

Seeing Peng Woojin so eager

I let out a sigh and denied Peng Woojins request.

Its a little difficult right now.

A duel all of a sudden? Does he think hes Namgung Bi-ah?

When I rejected his offer, Peng Woojins mouth turned downward in disappointment.

I didnt get why all the dudes I met never failed to ask for a duel.

Youd think that one would be more subdued after becoming the Young Lord.

I let out a fake cough after being reminded of what I did as a Young Lord in the past.

I wasnt one to judge him.

Let us do it next time. I dont think Im ready yet.

Yet.

After Peng Woojin realized what meaning that one word held, he started to laugh.

This is why I like you.

I frowned after hearing those creepy words from Peng Woojin.

This was only our second meeting, so why was he making me so uncomfortable?

Young Lord Peng Im going to say it again, but I like women.

I told you not to worry I like women too?

Why the question mark at the end!

Is he not going to get rid of that question mark? I swear Im going to kill him.

Peng Woojin laughed loudly as I growled at him.

Namgung Cheonjun, who had been observing, came towards us and spoke to Peng Woojin.

Brother Peng, its time for us to leave.

Oh, already?

Peng Woojin scratched the back of his head after hearing Namgung Cheonjun. It seemed like he didnt want to go yet.

I guess I cant do anything about it, huh? Let us see each other next time Young Master Gu! We shall meet again very soon.

No, you really dont have to bother.

Next time Ill bring my little sibling along!

Just why?

Why bother when she and I had a rather uncomfortable relationship?

Did this guy forget that I broke the engagement between my clan and the Peng Clan?

Peng Woojin, not noticing my bothered expression, gave me a farewell and walked away in disappointment.

During that, I felt Namgung Cheonjun looking at me.

Jealousy.

Our eyes locked, and I saw a plethora of familiar emotions in his gaze.

People with eyes like his were always bound to cause some trouble.

I was like that in the past and so were many others.

Not good.

What is?

Gu Jeolyub asked after hearing me.

Compared to when he was forced to come to the training area, his eyes seemed like they were filled with curiosity now.

Nothing. By the way, you seemed very happy earlier.

Pardon?

Did you like Young Lord Pengs hands that much?

Hes the Heavenly Dragon, though.

He was the Heavenly Dragon, to be exact.

After hearing Gu Jeolyub, Muyeon also agreed while nodding slightly.

That stupid title! I swear, Ill get it myself if its really all that.

Lets just train.

My original goal was to train in the first place, so whether it was Peng, Namgung, or whatever, I was just gonna train now.

Also, bringing Gu Jeolyub here turned out to be a brilliant choice.

Since watching him roll around on the ground, pretending to train, relieved my stress.

******************

In the carriage that went to the Murim Alliance after leaving Bacheonmaru.

In the peaceful silence, Namgung Cheonjun called Peng Woojin who was only looking outside the window.

Brother Peng.

Peng Woojins eyes shifted after hearing Namgung Cheonjuns voice.

But he didnt turn his head.

May I ask how you got to know Young Master Gu?

Peng Woojins expression changed as soon as he separated from Gu Yangcheon.

Just like back when he was heading to Hanam, his face bore an emotionless mask that made him look devoid of any feelings.

And Namgung Cheonjun couldnt help but feel a little horrified by that hollow expression of his.

Why are you curious about that.

Unlike his cheerful voice when he was talking to Gu Yangcheon, only a cold voice responded to Namgung Cheonjun.

I saw a different side of you.

Young Master Namgung.

Yes, Brother Peng.

Do you wish to become a star?

Namgung Cheonjun froze after suddenly hearing such a question.

He couldnt understand what Peng Woojin meant.

What are you

Do you think that you could make yourself shine?

Namgung Cheonjun thought to himself after hearing Peng Woojin.

That he was already shining.

Which was why he was called the Lightning Dragon and garnered praises from so many other young prodigies.

However, he couldnt say that out loud.

As Peng Woojins expression resembled a knife.

And Peng Woojin continued to speak without waiting for Namgung Cheonjuns response.

I admire those who shine on their own. Seeing stars shine brings an excitement that Ive never known, so how could I not welcome such a thing?

Young Master Gu, that boy is exactly that. Hes just like a raging fire that shines very brightly, so how could I dislike someone like him?

Namgung Cheonjun couldnt understand.

He did not understand how Gu Yangcheon was the one shining.

When he was just a bastard with a nasty personality.

He could be talented,

But that was it.

After what happened that day, Namgung Cheonjun was confined to his clan as punishment

But thanks to that, Namgung Cheonjun was able to experience a huge growth.

Namgung Cheonjun knew that hed easily beat Gu Yangcheon if he used Qi.

Which was why he was eager to participate in this Dragons and Phoenixes tournament.

So that I can see Gu Yangcheon defeated in a humiliated manner and thatd mean that my sister would

Regarding the Lord of Heaven.

As Namgung Cheonjun was thinking of his desires,

He snapped out of his thoughts after hearing Peng Woojin.

For some reason, Peng Woojins obsidian-like eyes looked terrifying to Namgung Cheonjun.

I have no idea what exactly he expects from me, but do not get your hopes up. As I, too, do not have high hopes for you.

Clench.

After hearing Peng Woojins cold words, Namgung Cheonjun clenched his fist.

As he moved, the blue bracelet on Namgung Cheonjuns wrist waved along.

Namgung Cheonjun had received this bracelet from the Lord of Heaven himself just before departing for Hanam.

Understood.

Also.

Peng Woojin, who had been gazing out the window, now fixed his eyes on Namgung Cheonjun.

After locking eyes with Namgung Cheonjun, Peng Woojin spoke in a frigid tone.

Call me by the correct title. I am not your brother.

Peng Woojins tone and expressions were completely different from back when he told Gu Yangcheon to call him Bro.

After hearing Peng Woojins chilling words, Namgung Cheonjun sealed his lips and nodded.

Once again, silence enveloped the carriage as it journeyed toward the Murim Alliance.

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