What Is This Hobo-Like (1)

The medical room within the Murim Alliance.

The room was filled with many people due the injuries that occurred in the tournament.

Ugh!

And among those wounded, Namgung Cheonjun gasped for breath as he opened his eyes.

Huff huff!

His breathing was rough and Namgung Cheonjuns body was drenched in sweat.

As if he just experienced the most horrifying nightmare in his life.

Namgung Cheonjun, who woke up while panting, immediately lifted up the blanket and checked his lower body area.

W-Was it a dream?

Everything he had experienced, it all felt like a dream to him.

Especially at the end; The chilling sensation he felt in his lower body right before he lost consciousness.

It was a nightmare.

But thankfully, it seemed like it wasnt real.

Are you okay?

Namgung Cheonjuns head turned quickly after hearing a voice.

Next to him was the Snow Phoenix, Moyong Hi-ah.

Lady Moyong?

Namgung Cheonjun fixed his mask which nearly cracked just now.

He then felt pain in all parts of his body.

Ugh

His body ached as though he had been beaten like a drum.

Namgung Cheonjun then realized the truth.

That the duel wasnt a dream.

That he, the next Lord of the Namgung Clan

Was defeated.

Impossible!

He immediately mustered his Qi along with his anger,

The searing pain in Namgung Cheonjuns body forced him to flinch.

Ughh!

Young Master!?

As a result of the duel, his abdomen throbbed painfully, joining the chorus of aches that encompassed his entire body.

The counterattacks that landed on him after deflecting all his sword strikes.

His Qi, which he had condensed, ended up scattering away,

And his abdomen, the center of his Qi flow, was left to bear the brunt of the pain.

Thanks to that, his body, which had writhed on the floor, was having a seizure and his abdomen was screaming in pain.

How humiliating!

His resentment for Gu Yangcheon only increased.

What kind of trick did he use this time?

Even if it wasnt a trick, it was already a kick in the balls for Namgung Cheonjun to lose to such a bastard.

I seeYou will only be satisfied after bothering me for all eternity.

He resented him, to the point that he wanted to kill him.

What do I do what do I need to do in order to-

!

Namgung Cheonjuns thoughts were abruptly interrupted as his shoulders began to tremble.

It was because of the two eyes that bore down on him at the last moment.

The fiery red eyes that looked like they could set the world ablaze.

Namgung Cheonjun curled up involuntarily, clutching his shoulders.

Hoohaa!

It was fear.

The emotion that made him breathless was undoubtedly fear.

The blood relative of the almighty Namgung Clan, Namgung Cheonjun, was fearful of that young boy.

This this is!

Inside those eyes, that seemed to set the world ablaze

Namgung Cheonjun saw the darkness that seemed to have no end.

Yes, just like the ones Peng Woojin had-, no, perhaps, it was even deeper.

Young Master Namgungwhat is wrong-

Slap!

Right before Moyong Hi-ahs hand touched him, Namgung Cheonjun fiercely slapped her hand away.

D-Do not touch me.

Namgung Cheonjun knew that Moyong Hi-ah wanted something from him.

He wasnt sure what that something was.

And it was harder for him to guess since she wasnt making an effort to conceal her intentions.

But Namgung Cheonjun remained guarded behind his mask.

As he had a good chance of gaining many things if he had Moyong Hi-ah next to him, given her noble lineage.

Moreover, it looked like she shared a similar interest, leading him to believe it wouldnt harm either of them.

However, Namgung Cheonjun couldnt keep up his fake persona in this current situation.

It was because of the fact that he was humiliated and defeated in front of his beloved sister.

Additionally, his opponent was the very same person who took his sister away from him.

And lastly, the fact that he felt fear in the presence of such a bastard infuriated him.

How I was even said to be the chosen one.

Yes, it must have been because I didnt have the chance to use my new power fully.

Thats the only reason why I lost to him.

Namgung Cheonjuns shoulders continued to tremble, but he managed to regain some of his composure.

Namgung Cheonjun believed that he was just a little shell-shocked.

Previously, they had told him to not use the new power until he had complete mastery over it.

Not that it was something I could command at will.

Namgung Cheonjun tried to use it many times, sensing a different energy within him, but he couldnt control it.

Just like now

Huh?

Namgung Cheonjuns body, which had been shaking for what seemed like an eternity, finally stopped.

It was because he felt something incredibly strange.

W-Where did it go?

Namgung Cheonjun couldnt feel the energy that previously resided within him.

Where where the hell did it go!

Moyong Hi-ah continued to watch Namgung Cheonjun but withdrew her hand.

Sigh.

She erased the concern from her face, returning to her usual cold and impassive demeanor.

He wasnt always like this.

He had always been a bit arrogant, but he used to exude confidence and self-respect.

Even last year, he looked fine when he came to the banquet.

But why did he have to change so drastically this year

I cant believe he changed this much, especially when I had decided to approach him this year.

Do I have to describe this as him being ruined? I cant really describe it any other way.

There is no way to cure it now.

Just pray for a miracle to happen.

Or maybe you should burn away the cold Qi inside your body

Moyong Hi-ah pushed aside the memories she hated to be reminded of.

Then she channeled Qi through her body.

Only then did it feel like the cold went away.

Burn it away? How.

Its not like a disease or an object that can be merely burnt away.

She was suddenly reminded of the boy who summoned engulfing flames, but quickly dismissed the thought.

As she knew fully well that Flame Arts couldnt burn away her condition.

Those words had likely been said out of frustration.

Despite knowing that, Moyong Hi-ah couldnt help but feel drained.

She knew that she didnt have much time left.

Which was more of the reason why she needed help from the Namgung Clan.

To be more accurate, she needed assistance from the Lord of Heaven.

Her father wanted to gain many things for the clan while risking much, but that wasnt her desired path.

To her, that seemed like a last resort.

She didnt want to see her clan falling into ruin.

I still should be fine.

She reassured herself, trying to banish any uncertainty.

Moyong Hi-ah made another attempt in reaching out to Namgung Cheonjun, but stopped midway.

It was because someone appeared.

Im glad that you are in a finer state than I expected.

!

The man, who appeared in a black uniform, was the young lord of the Peng Clan.

Peng Woojin.

He spoke to Namgung Cheonjun after suddenly appearing.

Young Master Namgung, if you are feeling fine, how about we have a conversation?

He looked like a kind person with that smile on his face.

However, Moyong Hi-ah couldnt shake her unease.

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

Rumors were akin to storms.

They swept through anything and everything, without any intention of stopping,

So while it was unnerving not to know where they would end up, it was also marvelous.

For those experiencing it for the first time, it could be quite unsettling.

But personally, I didnt feel much.

I heard that the Lightning Dragon lost, yeah?

I heard that he lost to a young boy much younger than him.

Who? Perhaps, its the blood relative of the Taeryung Clan that beat the Poison Phoenix?

You idiot, its been a while since the rumor spread, yet you are still saying something like that?

I mean, you could just tell me if I dont know. Whats with the insult?

If youre mad, maybe you should buy some info from the Beggars Sect too.

The defeat of the Lightning Dragon, Namgung Cheonjun, had a far more significant impact than when the Poison Phoenix, Tang Soyeol, lost her first fight.

It made sense, as this match was part of the quarterfinals and the arena was packed with even more spectators.

Which meant that there were naturally more eyes and mouths.

As a result

All eyes were on me as soon as I descended into the arena.

Like, does it really make sense that he beat the Lightning Dragon? Its the Lightning Dragon we are talking about! The one from the Namgung Clan.

So that doesnt make sense for you, but the Poison Phoenix losing in the first round does?

But thats the Taeryung Clan. Hes the son of the Alliance Leader.

Do you know who the Lightning Dragons opponent was?

Hmm? Who was it?

Gu Clan of Shanxi. The little brother of that famous Sword Phoenix.

Oh.

Wait, why did that convince you?

What did that crazy woman do, for them to be convinced like that

I briefly heard that she burned not only the arena stage, but also half of the banquet hall.

There were even stories about her burning off the hairs of people who bothered her, as well as other similar tales that were just as scary.

The unsettling part was that I had a gut feeling Gu Huibi had really done those things.

With her personality, it makes more than enough sense.

My head ached.

It was beyond absurd that merely being the younger brother of Gu Huibi, could convince everyone of what I just did.

You were so cool, Young Master Gu!

When I returned to the barrack after the duel, Tang Soyeol welcomed me as if she had been waiting.

You watched all of that?

Of course! I watched every single bit without missing a moment!

She looked so bright while she waved her hands around, as if she was bragging about how hard she watched my fight.

Despite her early loss in the first round, Tang Soyeol was in high spirits. However, her hands were red, a bit paradoxical considering her heated demeanor.

It was most likely from watching the duel in this cold weather.

I contemplated warming up the air with my Qi.

Hmm.

But I decided against it.

I was more concerned about the new energy twitching inside my abdomen.

This pig of a bastard

The energy I absorbed from Namgung Cheonjun.

To be more precise, the energy that chose to be absorbed was the problem.

At least get permission from me if youre going to take it Why is it that devouring is the first thing you do?

Especially because this wasnt Demonic Qi this time.

Thats the problem.

Pissing Dragon no, the Lightning Dragon containing such an energy was a problem as well.

But the bigger issue was that I had been able to absorb such energy.

How? How was I able to absorb this energy?

Tang Soyeol kept speaking to me, but I only responded briefly as I was busy scrutinizing my body.

It is certainly similar.

The energy I absorbed from Namgung Cheonjun resembled the energy I felt from Wi Seol-Ah in my past life.

It was more akin to Taoist Qi than ordinary Qi, but it wasnt quite the same as Taoist Qi either.

Although it was hard to say that they were the same

One thing I knew was that it was not Demonic Qi.

Instead, it felt like the opposite of it.

The problem is that my body is absorbing such energy while savoring it.

Just like how Demonic Qi was purified in my body, my Flame Qi was devouring up the new energy that entered my abdomen.

It appeared to be receiving a similar treatment as Demonic Qi.

Tap.

Hmm?

As I was trapped in my thoughts, someone placed their hand on my shoulder.

It was Namgung Bi-ah.

Whats wrong?

When I asked her what was wrong, she slightly frowned her expression as if she was mad about something.

What was up with her

Did I ignore her by accident or something?

However, that didnt make sense either. Namgung Bi-ah was usually the one who spaced out and it took multiple calls to get her attention.

As I was standing in confusion, Tang Soyeol approached me and whispered in my ear.

Young Master Gu

Hmm?

Um, in a little bit, Siss duel is about to Ubff

Tang Soyeol, who was delivering this information, was pushed away. Namgung Bi-ah was the one who shoved Tang Soyeol aside.

Tang Soyeol, who was pushed away suddenly, spoke to Namgung Bi-ah while frowning.

Sis! Do you know how unfair youre being!?

No.

Im trying to help you! You should let this pass!

Even so no.

Ugh!!

What were these two doing?

As I watched the current situation with confusion, Tang Soyeol let out a fake cough and started to speak.

Since you are done, its Siss turn for her fight.

Oh.

Maybe she wants you to cheer for her?

I glanced at Namgung Bi-ah after hearing Tang Soyeol.

Namgung Bi-ah wasnt looking my way though. More accurately, it looked like she was intentionally avoiding eye contact.

I noticed her slightly reddened ears and couldnt suppress a smirk.

So thats what you wanted?

No

Yeah, right.

I thought she didnt really care about such things, but I guess she did a bit on the inside.

Even though I literally just beat her little brother up.

I began to wonder if all older sisters were like this.

Namgung Cheonjuns complex feelings for his sister made him the real weird one, though.

Good luck.

Despite my short response, Namgung Bi-ah nodded her head, seemingly satisfied.

Her face was covered by her hair, but her reddened ears gave away her true feelings.

I didnt tell her to go win her fight.

After all, she would win even if I didnt tell her to.

I felt bad for Gu Jeolyub, who was her opponent, but there was little that could be done.

They were in different leagues.

I was reminded of Gu Jeolyubs sobbing face after seeing the bracket.

I did see them duel each other a few times during our trip.

Gu Jeolyub couldnt even touch Namgung Bi-ahs clothes back then.

And Gu Jeolyub probably fell in despair after seeing the bracket because he already knew that.

Though he would also gain some things from this.

It seemed like this trip wouldnt only benefit me.

Namgung Bi-ah might gain some things as well.

Whether in name or fame.

She did appear indifferent to such matters, though.

In my past life, some time after she earned the title of Demonic Sword

She asked me what that was when I addressed her by that title.

Namgung Bi-ah was someone who cared even less about the world than I did.

And in this life, with many things already changed, it seemed that Namgung Bi-ahs name would spread sooner rather than later.

I did happen to hear that there were people who served as her followers.

But thats just a false rumor, right?

That sounded a little scary.

What even was a follower, for fucks sake! if they did truly exist, I had to wonder what they even did.

Just the thought of it gave me goosebumps.

Young Masterrrr!

Someone rushed inside, through the barrack entrance.

It was Wi Seol-Ah, who I barely got to see today.

Hongwa entered after her and bowed her head to me.

We are back.

Youre late.

Im sorry its my fault.

Hongwa didnt even give an explanation for their tardiness.

In essence, it meant that she was willing to accept any punishment.

Not that I intended to punish her anyway.

They must have had good reasons for being late. I heard that Muyeon went along with them.

As such, if someone caused trouble, it would have to have been Wi Seol-Ah.

S-Sis did nothing wrong. Young Master I got lost and-

As expected, I gave Wi Seol-Ah a bonk on her head as she confessed.

Ough!

You were sent for errands, but you got lost?

Im sorryyyy

Judging by her expression, it seemed like she was genuinely remorseful that she had messed up.

Or maybe she wore such an expression because she felt guilty that Hongwa was getting in trouble because of her.

I sighed and withdrew the hand that had been poised for a second bonk, before starting to pat Wi Seol-Ahs head.

But that means nothing happened.

Yeah.

I wondered if I could really let this incident slide.

But when I looked at Wi Seol-Ahs face, I couldnt bring myself to scold her any further.

I felt this with even greater intensity when I considered the fact that I didnt know if I could even dare to lay my hands on this child.

Sisss!

When I let her go, Wi Seol-Ah ran into Namgung Bi-ahs arms.

Namgung Bi-ah who seemed to be used to such a reaction, hugged Wi Seol-Ah and brushed Wi Seol-Ahs hair.

They looked like sisters in a good relationship.

Wi Seol-Ah, who was rubbing her face in Namgung Bi-ahs arms, suddenly turned her head toward me as if she just remembered something.

Oh! Young Master!

Hmm?

Someone was waiting for you outside!

Who?

Someone was waiting for me? Who could it be? Was it Gu Jeolyub? Or Peng Ah-hee?

There wasnt anyone who would visit me at such a time.

Before I could dwell on it further, Wi Seol-Ah told me the answer.

However, her response wasnt something I expected.

A hobo man!

What?

I frowned after hearing Wi Seol-ah.

It sounded way too absurd.

I scolded her, telling her not to joke around,

Oh! Hello! I am Chuwong from the Beggars Sect! Woah woah I cant believe I get to meet a famous noble clans blood relative! What an honor this is for a poor man like me!

But just like Wi Seol-Ah said, a hobo really was waiting for me outside.

This really was an unsatisfactory situation.

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