The Youngest Son of the Nanyang Jin Family - Chapter 33

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Youngest Son of the Nakhyang Jin Family — Chapter 33

Gu Gunbaek stares at me intently.
His eyes burn with unmistakable desire.
The determination to possess me at any cost radiates from his gaze.
Just as it had when he sought to claim Chu Hyeongi in the past.
Without thinking, I let out an incredulous laugh and shook my head.
Surely this absurd situation cannot be unfolding before me.

“Krhrhrhh, you are truly exceptional. If I were to teach you with earnest intent, in merely a decade you would be worthy of challenging my position. But by then, you would have become a legendary slaughterer. Are you asking me to nurture such a monster now?”

I gathered my thoughts.
Memories from the past—a time that no longer exists. The gaze, the light in Gu Gunbaek’s eyes, the very expression on his face as he looked upon me.
Even now, recalling it vividly, every detail remained crystalline in my mind.
Undoubtedly, his choice back then had fallen upon Chu Hyeongi, not me.
Certainly, considering martial compatibility alone, Chu Hyeongi would have been the better fit, yet the fact that one of the Ten Greatest Masters of the realm had not chosen me left me with a bitter sense of self-reproach.
But it was precisely because of this rejection that I clenched my teeth all the harder.
I harbored a poisonous resolve to grow stronger, reviewing the martial arts I had learned countless times, seeking out my own shortcomings, and forging my own path forward.
This is why I stand where I do now.
I smiled faintly and regarded Gu Gunbaek.
“I refuse.”
“What? You refuse?”
Gu Gunbaek had not anticipated such a response, and his expression twisted in genuine bewilderment.
The Green Forest Sect members shared his shock.
Their mouths hung agape, disbelief written plainly across their faces.
“I didn’t mishear you, did I? You truly said you refuse?”
“Yes, I refuse.”
“But why?”
“It simply does not appeal to me.”
“I am the Green Forest King! The Green Forest King! Do you not comprehend?”
“I do not.”
“This fool truly kicks away his own fortune.”
At his words about kicking away fortune, I smiled bitterly.
Gu Gunbaek’s assessment was undoubtedly correct.
Had I known nothing of my past, becoming his disciple would have been the optimal choice.
But I am not that person anymore.
The memories and experiences of my former life have taken root as a sturdy foundation, and this alone sets my starting point apart from all others.
To now accept Gu Gunbaek’s teachings and build new foundations would be to dismantle everything I have painstakingly cultivated.
Moreover, I cannot afford to grow strong alone.
Chu Hyeongi, always at my side.
His growth was equally important to me.
“That unconscious man over there, sir. I think he might actually be well-suited to you. What do you say?”
“You have a feast right before your eyes, yet you choose to eat plain rice with water?”
“For someone with nothing, even that becomes a feast.”
“Look at this brat. Are you really not interested in becoming my disciple? Or is this some kind of revenge for the beating?”
“It’s simply because I have nothing.”
“Ha… You’re truly a funny one, aren’t you?”
Gu Gunbaek regarded me with an expression of utter disbelief. While I hadn’t revealed that I was one of the Ten Elders, I had demonstrated power befitting that rank.
It was also true that anyone with sense could not help but follow such strength.
That’s why he couldn’t comprehend my refusal.
“If you nurture him well, he won’t bring shame to your name, sir.”
“I know that already. The boy was born with divine talent.”
“You knew?”
“It would be stranger not to know, In-seok.”
Gu Gunbaek smacked his lips and gazed at the fallen Chu Hyeongi, who remained motionless in unconsciousness. After staring intently at him for a moment, he turned his gaze back to me.
There was lingering regret in his eyes.
But when I too remained silent, offering no further words, he finally released a long sigh and moved his hand lightly.
“Hack!”
It was then that Chu Hyeongi, who had shown no sign of movement, opened his eyes.
He gasped sharply, then glanced around in panic. Realizing he was no longer in the village, his eyes widened as he scrambled to his feet.
But the pain coursing through his entire body made him wince, and he collapsed back down.
“Ugh! I’m dying!”
“Are you alright?”
“Oh no… Young Master, I’m dying.”
“You took such a beating, yet this much is actually impressive.”
Chu Hyeongi moved cautiously, his expression tearful as he looked at me. Clearly, Gu Gunbaek had held back somewhat, or else there was no telling when he would have regained consciousness.
Then.
Gu Gunbaek’s massive hand seized Chu Hyeongi’s head, forcibly turning it to meet his gaze.
“Everyone else, get out of here. I have something to discuss with this one.”
Gu Gunbaek’s voice rang out as he waved his other hand dismissively, as if shooing flies. Having been rejected once before his subordinates, he didn’t want them to witness a second refusal.
I turned my back and walked away.
I caught the pleading look in Chu Hyeongi’s eyes and expression, but I ignored it lightly.
Eventually, I moved away slowly.
There was nowhere to go anyway.
This was the Nok-rim Headquarters.
No matter where I went, I couldn’t escape their gaze, so I had to sit quietly in a secluded corner and pass the time.
Yet my gaze remained fixed on Chu Hyeongi and Gu Gunbaek in the distance.
I could see Gu Gunbaek gripping Chu Hyeongi by the collar and growling menacingly, while Chu Hyeongi trembled in fear.
“The past has changed.”
I took in the situation before me and steadied my breathing.
Ordinarily, Gu Gunbaek would pay me no mind whatsoever.
To be precise, while he was an intriguing prospect, I had judged him unsuitable as a disciple and refused him—yet now I had made a markedly different choice.
I had already suspected that the past could change.
Had it not been so, I could never have eliminated Hong Gu-hyeon, much less the Ten Elders, and Chaeseoha would have slipped from my grasp as well.
Then why this transformation in Gu Gunbaek?
There was something I could discern.
Though my murderous intent toward those wretches still burned fierce and undiminished, the circumstances were now starkly different from the past, when nothing else had been visible beyond that singular rage.
The necessity to save both clan and people seemed to have exerted considerable influence.
Because of this, his killing intent had been suppressed.
It was an undeniable fact.
In any case, it could be called a favorable outcome.
While I entertained such thoughts, the conversation apparently concluded, and Gu Gunbaek forced Chu Hyeongi—whose complexion had turned ashen with terror—to his knees, then pressed his head repeatedly into the earth, compelling him to perform a full kowtow.
While Chu Hyeongi, trembling with fear and wearing a pitiful expression, sought my aid with desperate eyes, Gu Gunbaek appeared immensely satisfied and burst into hearty laughter.
Witnessing this, I felt the corners of my mouth rise.
With this, I had secured the most formidable piece in my hand.

* * *
The following morning, the Nok-rim Headquarters was in an uproar from the earliest hours. It seemed none of them had any intention of going out to banditry, for the entire Green Forest Sect had gathered in one place.
Even a rough count suggested easily over two hundred souls.
They stood blocking the entrance as though determined to prevent someone from leaving, their posture one of protest.
The source of this commotion was none other than Gu Gunbaek.
He had suddenly summoned the Green Forest Sect and declared his intention to leave the mountain—how could anyone readily accept such a thing?
Moreover, Gu Gunbaek was the Nok-rim King.
Facing the worst possible scenario of losing their pillar, the Green Forest disciples had no choice but to react with intensity.
“…But you’re leaving? Are you not our king?”
“Tired of this bandit nonsense. Think I’ll try being a master for a while.”
“Then what are we supposed to do?”
“Not my problem.”
“Huh?”
The Green Forest disciples were taken aback by his brazen attitude—hardly words befitting a leader of an organization.
Yet Gu Gunbaek, wearing an expression of utter indifference, picked his nose and muttered on.
“Get out of the way, you lot. Unless you want to get hit.”
“You’re abandoning us—where exactly are you going?”
“That bastard’s place. The Jin Family or whatever it is.”
“What about the Green Forest?!”
“Not my concern.”
“You are the king who leads the Chilsipichae! How can you be so irresponsible?!”
One of the Green Forest disciples protested vehemently, his voice rising in fury.
In that instant, Gu Gunbaek’s cold gaze turned toward him.
A mere glance was enough to crush a person’s spirit.
That was Gu Gunbaek.
Whoosh—
Yet perhaps some shred of conscience remained, for he exhaled a short breath as if contemplating something.
Then, he casually turned his gaze toward the countless Green Forest Sect members. To his eyes, they all looked equally unremarkable, so he spent considerable time deliberating.
Suddenly, someone caught his attention, and his eyes gleamed.
His finger pointed toward a man.
“You—become the Green Forest King.”
“Pardon?!”
The one suddenly appointed was a middle-aged man.
Judging by the massive broadsword he wielded, he was primarily a blade user, and though not particularly tall, his build and musculature were quite impressive.
His fierce, intimidating visage certainly contributed to the impression.
“You’re competent enough, so take the position. If you encounter anything you can’t handle, send word to my residence.”
“… So I’m to become the Green Forest King…?”
“That’s right.”
It was quintessentially Gu Gunbaek to casually hand over such a position—one commanding the immense power to lead the Green Forest, a pillar of the Martial Arts Sects.
The reason he chose this particular man was likely because among those whose skills differed by mere margins, this one possessed overwhelmingly superior musculature.
Simply because he appeared sturdier than the others.
“Listen well, all of you. From now on, this man is the Green Forest King. If you’re dissatisfied, fight him for the position.”
“…!”
“Huh?!”
“So continue living well off the land. I’m leaving.”
With words that amounted to mere notification, Gu Gunbaek waved his hand. In that instant, wind swept forth, naturally pushing aside those blocking the path.
With the way now clear, we departed the Mountain Stronghold without difficulty.
Gu Gunbaek showed not the slightest hesitation.
Having found something far more entertaining than the Green Forest King’s seat he’d occupied for amusement, he would indulge in this new diversion until boredom set in, then seek yet another source of entertainment and depart.
We descended the mountain without any lingering attachment.
Gu Gunbaek, leading at the front, whistled merrily with an expression of leisure, but Chu Hyeongi beside me looked positively ghastly.
“Master… Young Master.”
“What is it?”
“Shouldn’t we escape?”
“I heard that, you fool. Do you think your master’s ears are broken?”
“Eek?!”
At those words, Chu Hyeongi trembled and lowered his head. The thought of having to learn martial arts from such an uncouth man made the future seem utterly bleak.
Though he sent pleading glances with a pitiful expression, there was nothing I could do, so I simply patted his shoulder lightly instead.
“Don’t miss the opportunity to grow stronger.”
“Ah, well….”
“Is that what you should be saying? Turning down the chance to become this man’s disciple!”
“I believe we are not well-suited to one another, sir.”
“Hahahaha! Where in this world would you find someone suited to you, you cunning wretch?”
“Why would I be a con artist?”
“You deliberately brought that bastard here. To show off to me.”
“…!”
At those words, Chu Hyeongi flinched and looked toward me.
I shook my head in denial, reading the question in his eyes—whether those words were true.
“How could that be? I didn’t even know who the Nok-rim King was.”
“Hehehehe, Yon-seok. Don’t underestimate me. Now that I think about it, something felt off from the moment we first met. You knew, didn’t you? Who I am.”
As Gu Gunbaek spoke, he stopped in his tracks.
His eyes smiled, yet the gaze fixed upon me was sharp and piercing.
Like someone who could see through everything.
Though he appeared to pursue only amusement and think of nothing else, he possessed a keen edge in such matters.
This was what they called a beast’s instinct.
I smiled at the eyes urging me to answer and bowed respectfully.
“Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Jin Cheon-u, Young Master of the Nakhyang Jin Family. It is an honor to meet the Palace Master of the Southern Savage Palace.”
“Hehehehe. You cunning bastard.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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