The shaman candidates came here through different means.
They came to the Dragon Palace through the entrance near China.
That entrance is managed by Hwangryong, and although it’s also triggered through teleportation, it is said to be more stable than the path that we took.
Considering the shock that I received during travel, I thought it would’ve been better if we used that entrance.
Unfortunately for me, we can’t.
Because I wasn’t a shaman candidate.
‘Passing through that road was also a part of the shaman test.’
The entrance can only be used by the Dragon Clan and the candidates chosen by the Dragon King.
This is to prevent a situation in which someone violates the will of the Dragon King and sends a candidate to the palace in their stead.
Even though there was such a test, the Black Screen sent a fake candidate.
‘The fake must be out of action by now and lying at the entrance.’
Why did they try when they knew it was not going to work?
I thought it was strange when I first encountered the shaman scenario in PMH, but I understood it better when I found out that there was a traitor among the shamans.
It was even more convincing now that I know that Yoohwang is a traitor for sure.
It seemed pointless, but the action would pay off.
‘At this rate, the test for the shaman candidates will be shaken, and the selection will be postponed.’
It is often unsavory during the exam, and the Dragon Clan having doubts about the candidates wouldn’t help.
In PMH, the test for the legitimate candidates was invalidated and all the candidates were eliminated.
The test was nullified and no new shaman arose.
As a bonus, the most powerful candidate Yoon Yeorang was also successfully removed.
‘That means Yoohwang didn’t have to retire and had more time as a shaman.’
And while Yoohwang in PMH remained as a shaman, Yeom Junyeol was killed and they even took the order from the Dragon King, hitting the Dragon Clan and the Red Lion at the back of their heads, destroying their main opposing forces.
What the shamans did after the successful betrayal wasn’t shown in PMH.
Although it didn’t come out for sure, I presume that the conditions for achieving their purpose have reached what they want.
“Have you checked where you’ll stay? I’m sorry to bother our guests.”
In front of the Yellow Dragon Palace, Hwangryong was waiting for us.
Behind him were the three shaman candidates, and among them was Yoon Yeorang.
The other two candidates looked nervous and were stumbling because of motion sickness, while Yoon Yeorang was looking around the palace with a curious face.
‘So she’s supposed to be the most powerful shaman candidate.’
I told the tigers about her, so they must be paying her most attention compared to the other candidates.
But even if I hadn’t told them in advance, I think their eyes would have been caught by Yoon Yeorang who looked the most energetic.
Yong Jegun also showed interest in the candidates.
“It’s okay. I wanted to see the candidates’ faces.”
“I was talking to the guests, not to you, Yong Jegun.”
Hwangryong laughed when Yong Jegun answered freely on behalf of the guests.
The two of them wearing similar blindfold designs made them look like brothers.
Considering their origin, it’s difficult to say that they’re brothers even though they’re both dragons.
Their relationship might be similar to Baekho-gun and Eunho.
“Looking at Unryong’s (Cloud Dragon) expression, you must’ve been quite naughty even while on the way. Do you enjoy having guests so much?”
“Yeah, I like it.”
Hwanryong’s minion, Unryong, threw a piece of cloud at Yong Jegun.
Because it didn’t have energy waves, the cloud thrown by Unryong was nothing short of fluffy, making Yong Jegun laugh.
The atmosphere calmed down when Hwangryong chatted with Yong Jegun.
It seems that the candidates were also relieved.
Was it intentional?
Hwangryong seems to know how to use Yong Jegun well.
As the candidates regained stability, Hwangryong spoke again.
“As Cheongryong suggested, this year’s selection test will take a long time. The new shaman will take the name “Yoohwang,” and she has been with the Dragon Clan for a long time. Cheongryong said he wanted to be careful because we must choose a replacement for a long-standing shaman. I agree with him.”
Cheongryong gave such a reason as to why the candidates were called a week late.
Everything that was said was true, so the shamans wouldn’t doubt it if they heard that.
I wonder if it’s really going to work out easily.
‘I don’t know when Yoohwang’s betrayal started, but she hid it until the moment she put the last dagger in OMH. She must’ve had a huge courage.’
Hwangryong stood between us guests and the candidates.
“There will be a lot of occasions when you’ll meet each other during your stay, so I’ll introduce you now.”
Hwangryong introduced us one by one.
When my turn came, Yoon Yeorang recognized me and looked surprised.
Yoon Yeorang once asked Kim Yuri for help when she got lost during Eungwang High’s entrance exam.
I considered the possibility that she’d forget me because she talked more to Kim Yuri than me, but I guess she remembered.
Yoon Yeorang immediately talked to me after Hwangryong introduced everyone.
“Hello, you’re Euishin oppa from Eungwang High, right? You showed me the way when I was lost. I may be bad at directions, but I don’t forget people’s faces, especially my seniors!”
“Yeah, that’s right. You’re calling me sunbae so I assume you passed the exams.”
“Yes! I’ll call you sunbaenim instead of oppa from now on. Oh, I should’ve called when I heard that I passed, but it slipped my mind after I got my light skill. I’ll make sure to call Yuri unnie later too.”
Yoon Yeornang continued talking to me in a friendly manner.
It would sound like an excuse to not contact people, but Yoon Yeorang must’ve been really busy.
‘She needs to study to handle her light skill. Besides the Dragon King must’ve been in contact with her already.’
On the other hand, while I was talking with Yoon Yeorang, Hwangryong, and Yong Jegun talked to the other candidates so they wouldn’t feel left out.
Kim Shinrok also joined the conversation while Jeokho watched from a distance.
By the end of the brief conversation, the seawater outside the palace shook.
——————
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Hwiii…!
The energy waves fluctuated so much that it made my skin sting.
Most of us reflexively raised energy waves to defend ourselves, but the shaman candidates, except for Yoon Yeorang, were flustered and could only breathe in.
When Hwangryong raised his hand, a yellow cloud rose and the surroundings were stabilized by his energy waves.
Swhooo…
As the energy wave current subsided, several shadows were seen over the clouds.
The one in front was Cheongryong.
“They’ve arrived.”
Behind Cheongryong were five people of the Dragon Clan and the Dragon King’s shamans.
That means seven dragons living in Korea, including Cheongryong and Yong Jegun, were here.
It wasn’t a large number, but it was considerable knowing that the Dragon Clan only has around 20 members.
‘Yeom Junyeol didn’t come, but if there are too many people ahead of the Lunar New Year, it would raise suspicions. This much is okay.’
Hwangryong welcomed Cheongryong and the Dragon King’s shamans.
“Welcome. I’ve been waiting for you.”
All those scheduled to come to the Dragon Palace have arrived.
***
Red Lion Team Building.
Yeom Junyeol returned home after his morning plans.
The Red Lion members and the remaining dragons gathered on the porch to welcome him.
“I’m home.”
“Welcome home, Junyeol-ah.”
“Thank you for coming out to greet me, Grandma. Did Uncle Cheongryong arrive at the Dragon Palace safely?”
“I guess so. They’ve just arrived. There’s no problem with their transfer process.”
Yeom Junyeol was relieved at Chokryong’s answer, but he also felt sorry.
The trip included Yong Jegun, who may soon ascend, and Jo Euishin, his teacher, and Junior.
‘I could’ve seen them off if I had come a little earlier.’
Yeom Junyeol wanted to come with them to the Dragon Palace, but he didn’t complain.
Many people were reluctant to let the flame dragon summoner go to the sea.
And when he heard that Jo Euishin would be coming to the Dragon Palace, he had a hunch that something would happen.
‘Jegun hyung said he wanted to take Euishin with him. That’s not unusual but… is that really it?’
If something happens, someone would get hurt to protect Yeom Junyeol.
Thinking like so, he completely gave up trying to come to the palace.
‘I should be strong enough to not cause worry if I want to go to the Dragon Palace.’
Yeom Junyeol recalled his training with Jo Euishin and Kim Shinrok.
Not to mention Kim Shinrok, but he was weaker than Jo Euishin.
As he fought in a team with him, the difference became more obvious.
Kim Shinrok was more persistent in eliminating him, the weaker of the two.
‘I can’t believe there’s such a difference even if Euishin and I used the same power.’
To be exact, Jo Euishin also used the power of the Tiger Clan, but only to stop Kim Shinrok.
Jo Euishin didn’t use the Tiger Clan’s combat abilities.
‘But I can use that power too, so it’s okay! If I practice a little more and handle it a little better, then…’
Yeom Junyeol hid his complicated feelings as he smiled and greeted the dragons.
“Junyeol-ah, you said you have another schedule in the afternoon, right?”
“Yes, I have a Hanbok photoshoot and holiday greetings to do for the Lunar New Year.”
Another reason why Yeom Junyeol couldn’t go to the Dragon Palace was his busy schedule.
Not long ago, Yeom Junyeol received a lot of birthday greetings and he wanted to reciprocate those who personally sent him gifts.
He also had several schedules before and after the new year.
He’s always very busy around this time of the year.
“Alright, you’ll have to have another bodyguard for that.”
“What? Won’t the ones in charge of it this morning be with me until the afternoon?”
“The busier you are, the more we should be careful about your safety.”
Although with much regret, the dragons followed Chokryong’s words.
Chokryong checked the candidates and Yeom Junyeol’s schedule but did not immediately choose people yet.
While he wondered about the sudden increase in carefulness, Yeom Junyeol didn’t point out anything.
‘Are they worried because a lot of dragons are going to the Dragon Palace?’
When Yeom Junyeol took a few steps away…
Someone quickly grabbed Yeom Junyeol’s arm.
It was Chokryong.
“Where are you going, Junyeol-ah?”
Yeom Junyeol was a little surprised, but he calmed down and answered softly.
“…I was going to invite my mother to have lunch with me.”
“I see. You are such a good son, Junyeol-ah.”
Chokryong spoke sweetly as usual, but he got the impression that she was nervous.
The sense of incompatibility that Yeom Junyeol tried to ignore only grew.
Chokryong spoke again.
“Let’s go meet her. Grandma will go with you.”
Chokryong’s words weren’t strange, but it felt as if he was being followed by a bodyguard even inside their building.
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