Chapter 17 Change (2)

Chapter 17 Change (2)

Nevertheless, Gu Yang Jie did not look down on him.

“Master of the Guest Hall, do you desire it?”

“Huh?”

Guo Yun Pai, who had momentarily looked dazed as if struck by an unexpected blow, swallowed hard.

“No, no! As a senior of Huashan, how could I covet a disciple’s belongings?”

Yet, his eyes kept stealing glances at the jade pendant, betraying his inner thoughts.

A peculiar smile appeared on Gu Yangjie’s face.

“If the Guest Hall Master desires it, well…”

“Well, what?”

“I’ll allow you to touch it once or twice a day.”

At those words, Guo Yunpai bellowed louder than necessary.

“You bastard! How dare you mock your elders!”

As Guo Yunpai snorted indignantly, Song Mu laughed until he nearly choked.

“Heh heh, so even the Guo family scoundrel fell victim to this little rascal.”

“Fell victim to what?!”

“What else? You’re being led around by that scoundrel.”

“Led around? What nonsense!”

Gwak Un-pae stubbornly denied it to the end, but he was already caught up in it.

If things had gone as planned, he should have gone to find Ha Jin-ak, who had returned to the sect.

He wasn’t in a position to stand here watching the spectacle and thinking, ‘That guy looks delicious.’

“…I suppose you’re right.”

Just as Gwak Un-pae lowered his head, Jo Hoon, who had been watching silently beside him, spoke up.

“Senior Brother Gu Yang, is that sword any good?”

“Of course!”

-Those two elders couldn’t resist it either.

Jo Hoon’s face broke into a broad grin at the naturally flowing telepathic message.

He was immensely proud that his senior brother, Gu Yangji, had returned having performed brilliantly not only at the Golden Ring Conference but also in this recent Nine Dragons Tournament.

Especially lately, with food becoming plentiful, his appetite had grown considerably.

Knowing this was all thanks to Gu Yangji made Cho Hun respect him even more.

Gu Yangji glanced at the plump flesh on Cho Hun’s side and chuckled softly.

“Now you look like a kid. Short and stocky, with some meat on your bones.”

“You’re teasing me?!”

“Teasing? Not at all. I’m just glad to see you eating well and thriving.”

At least he wouldn’t face hardship due to an underdeveloped physique or lacking stamina.

Gu Yangji pinched both of Zhao Hun’s cheeks with his fingers.

“Ow!”

“Actually, you might need to lose a bit of weight?”

When Jo Hoon shot him a sulky look at that, the surrounding cultivators chuckled heartily.

A child’s innocence was always a joy to witness from the sidelines.

But Gu Yangjeok’s feelings were slightly different.

‘……This is how much I love him.’

A bitter smile sank into Gu Yangji’s face.

The memory of his previous life was still vivid—far from treating him well, he had killed him humiliatingly, relying on his physical superiority.

The only thing he could do for Jo Hoon right now was this.

Help him eat well, live well, and guide him onto the right path.

That was enough.

‘So you’re trying to master the Plum Blossom Sword now?’

Gu Yangjeok watched Jo Hun struggling with the manual, then chuckled softly.

At that moment.

A unfamiliar voice came from behind him.

“Master Gu Yang.”

At those words, Gu Yangjeok turned his head.

‘……He’s here.’

He knew who it was even before turning his head.

Age at death: thirty-two.

One who reached the pinnacle of skill before even reaching thirty, marked as the next absolute master, yet met a death shrouded in mystery before his talent could fully bloom.

A feigned warmth spread across Gu Yangjeok’s face.

“Senior Brother.”

Hwa Unjeokha Sword (火雲赤霞劍), Ha Jinak.

He stood before Gu Yangjeok.

He hadn’t returned in his previous life, but here he was, at this very moment.

Yet not a trace of caution appeared on Gu Yangjeok’s face.

After all, since he himself had stepped into the Nine Dragons Tournament, things would unfold differently than in his past life.

Where there is cause, there is effect.

Even if they were Daoists who studied the Dao Jing, they weren’t wooden puppets.

Rather, precisely because of that, curiosity would naturally arise in the being known as Gu Yangjeok.

Even though he had resolved the Golden Ring Sect’s corruption, he bore the sin of harming innocent civilians. And despite achieving an overwhelming victory in the Nine Dragons War, there was no denying he had severely underestimated the late-stage cultivation levels of the minor sects.

In a sense, Gu Yangjeok was like a mutant that had never before appeared in Huashan.

Therefore, even his senior brother, Ha Jin’ak, couldn’t help but take interest.

Having reached this conclusion, Gu Yangji asked, maintaining a gentle smile.

“What brings you here?”

“Naturally, it must be business concerning a fellow disciple who shares the same master.”

Gu Yangji harbored a quiet anticipation.

Up until now, Gu Yangjie had only known Ha Jin’ak by name and face.

And for good reason: as the disciple designated as the next Sect Leader, Ha Jin’ak needed to gain extensive experience.

He had to attend Hwasan Sect’s external social engagements, of course, and various other gatherings.

Consequently, even when he returned to Hwasan, he often only briefly met with essential people before leaving again.

But now he was meeting Gu Yang-jeok, who was considered a thorn in the side even within Huashan?

From Ha Jin-ak’s perspective, he was surely someone not worth meeting.

At least, that was the case until the Nine Dragons Tournament.

Gu Yang-jeok began to wonder what business Ha Jin-ak could possibly have.

‘Since he won the Nine Dragons Tournament, is he here to bestow some kind of reward? If so, I’d really like the Jasmine Pill.’

He grinned.

Seeing Gu Yangjie’s face lit up with a smile, Ha Jinak’s expression stiffened slightly.

“Master Gu Yang.”

“It must be the Jasmine Dan, right? Haha.”

As if he didn’t understand what Gu Yangjie was talking about, Ha Jinak’s brow furrowed.

Seeing this, Gu Yangjie snapped out of his reverie.

‘…No way, it can’t be?’

“Hoo, Gu Yangjeok, disciple of the Huashan Sect!”

At the deep, resonant voice, Gu Yangjeok instinctively snapped to attention and answered.

“E, yes!”

“As your senior brother, I felt it necessary to understand what kind of person my disciple has grown into.”

“Th-that… means?”

“I don’t know what you were hoping for, but I don’t think you handled this matter particularly well.”

Ha Jin-ak continued, his words laced with an icy chill.

“From what I’ve heard, you’re clearly talented and possess a level of martial arts skill beyond your years, correct?”

Was he planning to paint a golden image only to scratch it later?

Gu Yangji decided to answer honestly first.

“At least among those my age, I believe there is no one who can surpass me.”

“…Remarkable confidence.”

Ha Jin-ak’s face showed no particular trace of sarcasm as he said this.

Instead, he nodded slightly, acknowledging the strength Gu Yangji possessed.

“At least it doesn’t seem like arrogance.”

This was clearly a very good thing for Gu Yangji.

In the presence of the two elders and the cultivators, his senior brother Ha Jin’ak was effectively praising him highly.

The problem was, it didn’t end there.

“But then, possessing such power, why did you fail to act wisely and bring disgrace upon the Huashan Sect?”

“…… “

At those words, Gu Yangji paused what he was about to say.

It wasn’t because he feared Ha Jin’ak.

‘See this?’

Gu Yangji’s dimples deepened.

Because Ha Jin’ak, who had seemed intent on settling right and wrong here, had sent a different meaning.

-Bow here, and follow me.

-Why should I?

Ha Jin-ak’s eyebrows twitched at that telepathic message.

-I thought you were a bit cunning… Wasn’t that the case?

It was a phrase that could branch into countless meanings depending on how one interpreted it.

I acknowledge you. So let’s talk separately.

If that was the meaning, it would be fine… but Gu Yang-jeok wasn’t the type to trust people easily.

‘What on earth is he thinking?’

Especially Ha Jin-ak—he was someone Gu Yang-jeok had scarcely seen even in his past life.

This was their first direct conversation.

He had only ever sent him occasional looks of pity.

But now, his expression had shifted to one of slight surprise.

In truth, Ha Jin-ak was harboring this thought:

‘Who’d have thought the day would come when a disciple would hold his head high before me, heh heh.’

Even the legendary transformation known as ‘Hwanggol Taltae’ merely changed the physical form; it didn’t alter the person themselves.

Yet Gu Yangjeok had changed starting half a year ago.

Martial arts prowess.

His standing within Hwasan.

And even his judgment, no longer childish.

He had changed too much, even for a person.

“…Well, that’s probably how he’s thinking.”

Gu Yangji watched Ha Jin’ak, who remained silent and unresponsive.

His gaze was like that of someone observing another person, filled with wonder. At times, it seemed to ask, “Have you finally come to your senses?”

It wasn’t exactly something to be offended by.

‘Other cultivators trust people too easily; that’s the problem. This is just normal.’

Through the telepathic transmission just now, Gu Yangjeok could see through Ha Jinak’s cunning to some extent.

‘Senior Brother, you were worthy. It was only in my past life that I was a foolish brat, so that’s why.’

While Ha Jinak’s character was somewhat rigid and stifling, he possessed a mind that compensated for it.

Perhaps that was precisely why… he ended up getting killed.

At least in Gu Yangji’s view, there was no one within the Huashan Sect as capable as Ha Jin’ak to lead it.

‘After Ha Jin’ak died, the problems started when Senior Brother became the new leader.’

He was too generous, unable to clearly draw boundaries.

This was the greatest flaw one could have when navigating and surviving in the martial world.

He was the ultimate sucker, deserving of the title ‘cash cow’.

Just as he hadn’t noticed a beggar approaching in Shangzhou, Yu Zhangming was fundamentally inclined to treat people with goodwill.

So how could he possibly suspect anyone?

He preferred someone like Ha Jin’ak – appropriately cold and cunning.

‘Still, I suppose I should try to tame him once.’

Gu Yangjeok twisted one side of his lip.

“Even so, Senior Brother, how well do you know me to demand the Chameon like this?”

“What? What did you say?”

“This is my personal weapon, obtained during the Nine Dragons War. I never imagined you’d come just to see this… It’s a bit unexpected.”

Gu Yangjeok’s eyebrow twitched violently as he spoke.

“I was thinking of giving it to Elder Gwak. But if you wish it, Senior Brother…”

He looked gaunt and pitiful, like a beggar in a slum being robbed of his last grain of rice.

Seeing this, Gwak Unpae clapped his hands loudly.

“Go! Even if you hold the position of Senior Brother, how could you… to a priest…”

“You misunderstand, Elder.”

Even at those words, Gwak Un-pae did not easily quell his anger.

He knew well the value that the True Spirit held, and it was precisely because he had, for a moment, harbored greed that this had happened.

Moreover, hadn’t Gu Yang-jeok, who possessed the True Spirit, offered it?

Now that an opportunity to obtain a fine weapon had arisen, Ha Jin-ak ceased to exist for Gwak Un-pae.

“Misunderstanding? What nonsense! I wondered why you were just quietly watching—were you tormenting the priest through telepathy?!”

At those words, Ha Jin-ak wore an awkward expression.

“Elder, this is Priest Gu Yang lying…”

“Go!”

Before Ha Jin-ak could finish speaking, the impatient sword filled his vision first.

Clang! Clang!

Only two people smiled during this process.

Gu Yang-jeok, slowly backing away to avoid the situation.

And Song Mok, who thought Ha Jin-ak wouldn’t do such a thing.

-Quite an amusing little game you’re playing.

To Song Muk’s telepathic message, Gu Yang Jie wittily retorted.

-Even if I’m punished, I won’t sit quietly and accept it. Don’t you know that better than anyone, Elder?

-But still, is it acceptable to leave the Grand Elder like that?

-Well, what of it? Ultimately, I’ll be the one to bear the responsibility. For now, I’ll just enjoy watching this.

Hearing this, Song Muk clutched his stomach and snorted.

Then a question arose in his mind.

‘Then why…’

Had he orchestrated the clash between Elder Gwak and Ha Jin-ak?

Sensing Song Muk’s gaze fixed on him, Gu Yangjeok called out to Jo Hun.

“Do you happen to have anything to chew on?”

“Would raisins suffice?”

“Of course.”

Crunch, crunch.

Chewing the raisins handed to him by Jo Hun, Gu Yangjeok began to watch the duel between Gwak Unpae and Ha Jinak.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Even as two of the top ten martial artists within the Huashan Sect clashed, Gu Yangjie’s face remained utterly impassive.

He had to know.

He needed to roughly calculate just how strong Ha Jin’e was, how powerful a martial artist would be required to eliminate him without a trace, and how many martial artists would be needed for the cleanup afterward.

This information was absolutely essential to prevent Ha Jin-ak’s death.

He also intended to accurately capture the situation and use it to awaken the Hwasan Sect’s vigilance.

‘Simply saving Ha Jin-ak alone holds no meaning.’

If it were merely about rescuing the senior disciple, it would suffice to prevent him from going to dangerous places.

But Gu Yang-jeok believed the Hwasan Sect would never change through such methods.

Moreover, it wouldn’t reveal the true identity of the forces that had killed the senior brother in the past.

Therefore, there was only one way.

‘The mere fact that the senior brother, designated as the next sect leader, was ambushed in the martial world could push Huashan Sect to evolve further.’

After formulating his future plan, Gu Yangji pursed his lips. Song Mu casually averted his gaze.

* * *

A short while later.

Ha Jin’ak, who had followed Gu Yangji to a secluded spot, concealed his displeasure.

Gu Yangji had deliberately provoked Elder Gwak Unpae into fighting him.

This was the most crucial point.

The very act of attempting to deceive the Grand Elder of Huashan evoked a strong sense of unease in Ha Jin’ak.

‘The Gu Yangji I know doesn’t possess such ruthlessness.’

On the surface, he possessed a temperament unbecoming of a Taoist master, but it was merely the quills of a porcupine.

In terms of his human nature, delving into more fundamental aspects, Gu Yangjie was still just a young disciple.

A child who sighed over his own lack of talent, feeling uneasy with a peer like Yu Zhangming, a genius of unparalleled caliber.

Ha Jin-ak found it intriguing that this Gu Yang-jeok had deceived him and incited Elder Gwak Un-pae.

‘Was that truly coincidence, or…’

A peculiar smile played on Ha Jin-ak’s face.

Would this changed Gu Yang-jeok indeed bring positive change to the Huashan Sect?

It was necessary to observe Gu Yang-jeok’s actions more closely.

Having settled his thoughts, Ha Jin-ak asked Gu Yang-jeok, who was still bowing in apology.

“You have something you want to ask?”

Gu Yang-jeok cut straight to the point without beating around the bush.

“You know the four from Geonhyeonmun who participated in the Nine Dragons Battle were killed by Shaanxi Yiak, right? And that their brothers were killed by me – anyone in the Shaanxi martial world would know that too. “

Caught off guard by the sudden, direct question, Ha Jin-ak couldn’t come up with a clever reply.

”…Well, yes.”

After that, Ha Jin-ak clamped his mouth shut. Gu Yang-jeok’s gaze sharpened.

‘He knows something more.’

He had merely asked if he knew the news, yet Ha Jin-ak refused to answer at all. He was indeed a Hwasa Mountain cultivator, unable to hide his true feelings.

Moreover, to Gu Yang-jeok, deep sorrow was etched upon Ha Jin-ak’s face.

He couldn’t involve a late-stage cultivator in such matters.

Well, it was clearly a form of consideration.

‘I’ll pass on that.’

Gu Yangji’s next words made Ha Jin-ak’s eyes widen.

“Could it be the Black Dragon Sect?”

“……I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

Faced with Ha Jin-ak’s brazenness, Gu Yangji flashed a cheeky smile.

“Senior Brother, even if you say that, I’m already involved, aren’t I?”

Related party. Ha Jin-ak chewed on that word once, his expression hardening sharply.

“If you stay at Huashan, they won’t dare touch you lightly.”

“Is that really so?”

“……?”

As Ha Jin-ak narrowed his eyes, Gu Yang-jeok spoke plainly.

“They ambushed the carriage I was originally supposed to ride. Doesn’t that mean I was their original target?”

He hinted there might be other backers, then chuckled.

“Besides, no matter how wicked they are, they’re sworn brothers bound by the Three Evils. Even if I’m in Huashan, they’ll know the one they killed wasn’t me. They’ll come for me again.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“You’re going out again, aren’t you? Then, I…”

Ha Jin-ak shook his head firmly.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“If my guess is correct, the Black Dragon Sect is an even more wicked sect than you imagined. Against such people, how could I possibly push a fellow disciple with such a bright future ahead of him into danger?”

Hearing this, Gu Yangjeok decided to retract what he had just said.

“Senior Brother seems to be under a slight misapprehension.”

“……?”

“My martial prowess isn’t something that can be measured by comparing late-stage cultivators.”

Gu Yangji wore a provocative smile.

“If you’re not too busy, I’ll prove it right here and now.”