636 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 636: White. Whoosh-! Surrounded by flames, he rose into the air. The cold air brushed against his cheeks as he surveyed the sky gradually darkening above him. 'The snow has stopped.' Though it had turned to rain, nothing more fell from the sky. ‘Thanks to that, my visibility has improved.’ The blizzard that had once clouded his vision had cleared up, and he felt a slight relief. However, ‘The cold has intensified.’ The North Sea's frigid wind seemed to have gained strength. The reason was likely... He glanced down at the place he had jumped from. 'The destruction of the Ice Barrier...' The barrier, which had been holding back the severe cold, had shattered. That was probably the cause. ‘The reason it existed in the first place was repulsive.’ It had been there to provide the Blood Clan with a justification to forcibly draw life force. The Ice Barrier was meant to sustain their life force, and now it was gone. Perhaps it was better broken, but still... ‘The impact is immediate.’ With its disappearance, the North Sea was already feeling the effects. It seemed the barrier had indeed served its purpose, as the cold slowly creeped back into the North Sea. Moreover, the pace was alarmingly quick. ‘If it's already noticeable at this speed...’ The entire North Sea might soon be frozen solid. ‘Tsk.’ Damn it. Nothing ever goes smoothly. Anyway. "My life has always been like this." Though now it's more of a wyrmlife than a life. He chuckled. Amid this infuriating situation, he tried to ease his irritation with laughter. ‘Now’s not the time to think of such things.’ He knew it was just a form of escapism. "What’s going on-!" "We’re under attack!" "Report to the General immediately--!" The noises came from below, where his destruction had finally caught the attention of the palace forces. ‘No, they’ve only just realized.’ It was a severely delayed response. No reinforcements had arrived while the palace was being wrecked, and now they were finally aware. ‘It’s the result of powers transferring to me.’ The power once surrounding the palace had vanished, leading to this realization. ‘…Hm.’ He frowned, feeling the new engravings inscribed on his soul. The powers that had flowed from Mang were twofold. Now he held only one of them. He had given the rejuvenation ability to Woo Hyuk. ‘...’ Thinking about it made him frown again. Was it because he regretted it? Partly, yes. How could he not feel regret? It was a rejuvenation power, after all. The ability to heal despite being battered or stabbed was certainly precious. But that wasn’t the only reason. The real issue lay in what he had discovered during this process. That he could transfer powers to someone else. That was the most significant problem. It was something else altogether, ‘...like what Cheonma used to do.’ In the past, it resembled what Cheonma did with his demonic subordinates. Bestowing abilities under the guise of "blessings." Famously, his own Madocheon Absorption Technique was one such ability. The early demonic beings had similar abilities. ‘In hindsight, it’s strange.’ Not only did Cheonma induce demonification, but he also bestowed mysterious powers in the name of blessings. Until now, he had glossed over it simply because Cheonma was such an enigmatic entity. It couldn't help but be strange. Just what was Cheonma, and how was he capable of such feats? Could those ceremonies that Cheonma performed be, perhaps... ‘Did they feel similar to transferring powers like I did?’ If so, it would mean Cheonma held numerous powers in his grasp. Leaving aside that mystery, another remained. ‘...How did he transfer them?’ If it was indeed a power, how was it transferred? Powers typically required one to be a semi-dragon or dragon to acquire them. Yet abilities, it seemed, could be passed down by Cheonma as blessings. ‘So should I consider powers and abilities as different?’ Even if they feel similar, perhaps they were utterly different entities. ‘Then, how am I able to transfer powers?’ He encountered another perplexing problem. When transferring the rejuvenation power to save Woo Hyuk, he discovered a few truths. First: ‘When transferring powers, I use demonic energy.’ The rejuvenation power needed another transfer to save Woo Hyuk. Recalling this, he tried injecting it once more. This act was based on memories of Cheonma bestowing blessings. Ever since he could convert others into demons, he had always wondered about it. The idea that perhaps, gradually, he was gaining the abilities she had. If true, it was no coincidence. For it felt as though fate was steering him to take Cheonma's place. ‘...Setting aside this relationship between powers and abilities.’ The second revelation: ‘I can corrupt dragons into demons.’ Thanks to Mang's consumption, Woo Hyuk's body had undoubtedly become a dragon’s. It seemed this state persisted even after Mang’s departure. In this form, he was able to... ‘Turn him into a demon.’ He injected demonic energy, corrupting him. Then, he imbued the power within, and fortunately, it worked, albeit uneasily. The discomfort stemmed from this: ‘Demonic energy is needed to inject power, and corruption is an inevitable consequence.’ Furthermore, The reason he could transfer this power: ‘...is due to the Madocheon Absorption Technique.’ The Madocheon Absorption Technique stored within him, Cheonma's ability. This is what allowed him to corrupt the recipient and transfer powers. While the act of seizing power was born from greed, The act of granting it to another utilized the Madocheon Absorption Technique. ‘What kind of absurdity is this?’ No longer limited to siphoning energy from magic stones as in his past life. Not only transforming others into demons but also transferring powers because of this technique. ‘...This is truly.’ The power that Cheonma wielded, was it not exactly this? It was an incomprehensible situation. If it was always possible, he wouldn’t know, but it was something he couldn’t do in his past life. Based on my observations, here's the hypothesis: ‘Whether using the Madocheon Absorption Technique to transfer powers or not.’ I ponder if I was able to transfer the power because the recipient was a dragon. Or perhaps, it was possible only because the recipient was a demon before becoming a dragon. And also, ‘…the relationship between the Madocheon Absorption Technique and my power.’ There are definite similarities and connections between Greed and the Madocheon Absorption Technique. ‘Could this be related to Cheonma?’ I voiced this as a question, but in truth, it was a certainty. How could it not be? With events progressing this far, it was impossible not to know. Cheonma was the one who sent me back in time, the Madocheon Absorption Technique came from Cheonma. She was entangled in every step of the process. Therefore, everything I’m experiencing is inevitably connected to her. Grit--! I clenched my teeth. ‘…Even knowing this plainly.’ I encountered Cheonma in the back alleys of Hanam. Recalling that meeting, my head started to throb. ‘Even knowing Cheonma was in Hanam, I came here.’ Why did I do that? In hindsight, it's a mystery. The being I resented so much. After my return, she was the one I was most wary of and tried to fend off, second only to Jang Seonyeon. Yet instead of focusing on Cheonma, I ended up in the North Sea. What was the reason for that? Was it simply because something significant happened to Namgung Bia? While that’s a considerable factor, undeniably significant, If asked whether that alone caused me to divert everything to come to the North Sea, ‘That's vague.’ There was awareness of Cheonma’s presence and incidents in Hanam itself. Reflecting on the excuse of Namgung Bia, my reasons for coming to the North Sea seemed flimsy. No matter the excuses or rationalizations, the essence didn't change. I simply... ‘Wanted to escape from Cheonma.’ Or perhaps... ‘… Couldn’t meet Cheonma.’ There seemed to be an inexplicable emotion suggesting neither to think of nor to seek her. That's likely why I fled to the North Sea. ‘Why?’ I questioned myself. ‘Why did you run?’ Understanding fear is one thing. She is undoubtedly a figure to be feared. However, the flight makes no sense. It's not a tactical retreat. It's merely running away out of hesitation. That's what baffles me. Why did I act like that? And moreover, ‘Why am I only now realizing how strange this is?’ A wave of incomprehensible discomfort rose within me. There was only one way to resolve this vexation. ‘I must face her.’ Meeting Cheonma. That became the decided conclusion. Perhaps, it was something I should have done from the beginning. “Phew.” I let out a sigh. Mixed with my breath, the cold air formed a white mist. With my decision made, my mind felt slightly clearer. I let the thought settle and enveloped myself with energy. Flames surged--! A ring of fire encircled my waist. Embracing its heat, I propelled myself forward. Boom-! The air shook with a tremendous noise as I shot forward. I accelerated. As I did, I felt a tightening sensation in my chest. Feeling the fatigue, I grimaced. ‘I'm running low on energy.’ The battle had been fierce. Moreover, I recklessly spent my energy without conserving it, and now my resources were nearly depleted. Especially with my body being injured. ‘If I had known this, I should’ve used it before transferring.’ Before I gave the power to Woo Hyuk outright, I should have used it a bit myself. A belated regret passed through me. ‘Should I take it back?’ With the healing somewhat managed, I pondered if I might retrieve it, yet quickly dismissed the thought. Retrieving it would mean, ‘Woo Hyuk would die.’ Stealing powers from a dragon results in its death. In fact, that was one condition and effect imposed by my greed. Taking back what I had given Woo Hyuk was impossible. ‘Anyway, it’s a power that’s great yet strange.’ Against dragons, it works with overwhelming effect. With this irrational power, I can either engage in physical combat or martial arts alone. However, ‘There’s nothing else.’ If I am weak, the power is ultimately useless. Winning is a precondition for stealing. Victory is necessary for killing, too. It might look impressive at first glance but might be just a paper tiger. Despite that feeling, ‘Still, better to have it than not.’ Ultimately, since my foe to slay is a dragon, Greed is the most vital thing I could possess. Knowing that, I yearned to return to the Middle Kingdom immediately. ‘Tsk.’ Yet the impossibility of doing so annoyed me. ‘…I have done everything here after all.’ I had found Namgung Bia, Furthermore, dealing with Woo Hyuk was nearly complete, making it appear I was free to leave. And since Bing Gung Ju refused treatment, My reason to stay had evaporated, yet... ‘Nonetheless.’ I frowned at the energy emanating from ahead of me. With all this about Cheonma, the Madocheon, and Greed, the most urgent issue was right before me. ‘Nothing comes easily.’ This thought lingered as I sensed the aura. When was it? Perhaps around the time right after transferring the power to Woo Hyuk. Ssss--! The speed increased, and the icy wind grazed past. Contained within this wind was definitely something. Aura. The distant aura rode the wind, sweeping over me. ‘You’ve got to be kidding.’ The intensity felt was ridiculous. It was far stronger than when I faced Yoo Seon or confronted Mang disguised as Woo Hyuk. This fierce aura left me questioning once more. Why was such an aura suddenly apparent? The source of the aura was another issue. Of all places, ‘It's the hideout.’ The aura emanated from the hideout where Namgung Bia and Tang So Yeol were, along with others. ‘Damn it.’ Instinctively, I knew. This was fallout from Mang’s disappearance, and undoubtedly, he had instigated something. ‘What exactly has he done?’ Pushing forward at top speed for several minutes, something within my sensory perception began to take shape. ‘What is this?’ Feeling the presence for the first time, I contemplated. Was I sensing it wrongly? Such thoughts flashed involuntarily. But no error existed, it was accurate. The immense presence was unmistakable. ‘…Is this for real?’ What I sensed was incomparable in magnitude. This wasn’t about the quantity of energy. The sheer size was the first thing that hit him. He'd never felt such enormity before. An odd sensation arose, questioning if such a magnitude was truly possible within the physical realm. Whatever it was, it now registered in his senses. With a whoosh-! He landed gracefully, gazing downwards. And then... “Huh.” His eyes widened in response to the unfolding scene. -Krraaaahhhh-! -Retreat! -Protect the Master--!! Where there had been a cave, now a massive hole gaped in the earth. Above it... -Kyaaaahhh--!!! An enormous beast was rampaging, demolishing everything around it. “…This is insane.” It was a monster. However, it was no ordinary monster. If a typical scarlet monster was the size of a dwelling, this one was several times, perhaps dozens of times larger. Its exterior was covered in lustrous scales. The most crucial detail? “…White?” Its entire body was coated in a pristine white hue due to the scales. "Could it be...?" What that could mean was clear. This was the legendary beast, the leader of monsters that vanished centuries ago, originally designated as a 'dragon' and the apex predator among monsters. Known as a calamity-level entity, its mere appearance was said to alter the continent's landscapes. It was the White Monster (White Evil). ************************ At the moment when Gu Yangcheon was confronting the beast, “…Hmm.” Alone, Woo Hyuk was rising, clutching his throbbing head. “…It’s a literal wreck.” He chuckled softly as he observed the nearby chaos. “What in the world happened here?” He wondered what had occurred to cause such mayhem in part of the palace, but even as he questioned it, the culprit was no mystery. Sizzle. In the shattered walls, traces of something having melted were evident. He also sensed latent heat in the air. Given this, the perpetrator was obvious. “…Ha.” It was likely the work of his crazy friend. Woo Hyuk was certain. Probably because... ‘It’s because of me.’ He must have gone missing, dragged away. Recalling this, a bitter expression crossed Woo Hyuk’s face. ‘I drove him to reckless acts.’ His incompetence caused unnecessary troubles. That thought burdened him with guilt. But an unexpected realization arose. ‘Why did he go so far?’ Woo Hyuk couldn’t fathom why Gu Yangcheon felt compelled to act on his behalf. The sentiment was mutual, but Gu Yangcheon had even less reason to do so. They hadn't known each other since childhood. Things hadn’t progressed to a level where true friendship could develop between them. In reality, Woo Hyuk had imposingly labeled their bond as friendship. Gu Yangcheon seemed to accept this passively. Even recognizing this dynamic, ‘For what?’ Woo Hyuk couldn’t understand why Gu Yangcheon went to such lengths. Moreover, [Get here at your own pace.] Gu Yangcheon left him with this abrupt message before disappearing. Something urgent seemed to have happened, but Woo Hyuk couldn't ascertain it. He sighed deeply, surveying the wrecked palace. Without answers from Gu Yangcheon, Woo Hyuk couldn't understand the events that transpired. He sensed his body had undergone some transformation. His hair had inexplicably turned white, and he felt an excess of energy. How did this happen? He was only briefly mystified before thinking, ‘Regardless, I need to move.’ Staying put wouldn't reveal any answers. Woo Hyuk also needed to verify Yoo Seon's condition. Determined, he started to move, but from somewhere, [The seal has been broken.] He halted abruptly. A voice rang out. He turned his head, bewildered by the unfamiliar voice. ‘Where is this coming from?’ Where exactly was this voice emanating from? He scanned his surroundings with caution, when suddenly, [Curious. The timing shouldn’t have allowed for this.] The mysterious voice echoed persistently in Woo Hyuk's ears. “…Who are you?” In a tense voice, Woo Hyuk posed the question. [Hmm?] Finally, the presence reacted. [Can you hear my voice?] “Yes, I can.” It was strikingly clear. [Indeed? What a strange circumstance.] Its tone was lightly cold, with an underlying edge. Even casual discourse provoked a feeling like being cut by a blade. [You aren’t from the main family. A disciple from the Wu Tang Sect hears my voice?] The statement widened Woo Hyuk's eyes. How had this entity known about his Wu Tang lineage? However, [Never mind. This isn’t the time to delve into such details.] The voice, as if unfazed, declared this. Sssss--!! “…!” Suddenly, cold energy began to congeal before Woo Hyuk's eyes. Watching this, he quickly reached for his waist, but... ‘Damn it.’ His sword was missing. Crackle-! For some reason, lightning was intertwined with the gathering cold energy. As the energy coalesced, it began to form a shape. “…Ah?” Watching cautiously, Woo Hyuk’s expression froze. It was no wonder. The form materializing was an imitation of a human body, and when the face was fully formed, it was identical to... “Master…?” It resembled none other than his teacher, Nam Gung Hyung of the Wu Tang Sect.