638 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**My Childhood Friend, the World's Greatest Martial Artist - Chapter 638: Northern Rabbit** **Chapter 638: Endless Night (백야)** *Roarrr--!!!* I propelled myself forward, piercing through the coarse roar. Despite its massive build that resembled a looming hill, the creature moved with surprising swiftness. **Crack!** Its clawed hand struck the ground, digging deep. Its sharp talons shredded the earth like slicing through tofu. I narrowly dodged, approaching the creature. My target was its outstretched wrist. With it right before me, I twisted my waist, swinging a powerful punch. **Boom!** My fist connected directly with the beast’s wrist. A loud noise erupted as its hand was repelled. However... **Growl-!** ‘Damn.’ Judging by its reaction, the creature wasn’t really affected. The attack had surely been executed. But instead of breaking or delivering a decisive blow, it merely deflected. **Screeaaach!!** Irritated by the hit, the monster charged at me. Facing such a colossal beast suddenly coming at me was slightly intimidating. Even so, I studied its movements. ‘Judging by its reckless charge, it must lack reason.’ It has no consciousness. If this entity were the corporeal form of Màng, I expected at least a notable reaction. But right now, it behaved purely like a wild beast. **Fwoosh!!** Watching it close in, I gathered my energy. Raising my heat as if to incinerate everything, I spewed flames forth. **Whoosh!!** **Graaar--!!** The flames clung to its body, but the creature seemed unfazed, continuing its charge. **Snap!** Just as it lunged at me with an open maw, ready to devour. **Whoosh! Crash!** **Arrrgh-!!** Its head was abruptly snapped to the side, its body shaking violently. Paejon had intercepted and struck its head, deflecting its attack. “Haha.” Paejon chuckled at the sight of the staggering beast. “It’s quite the sturdy one.” Apparently, Paejon sensed it too. "It’s enveloped in something mysterious." "Seems so." Just like the scarlet beast. This creature appeared wrapped in something as well. Which might explain why our attacks were not effective. The problem is... ‘I can’t see it.’ While the scarlet beast showed even the slightest vulnerability, this one displayed none. ‘What kind of creature is this?’ **Crunch!** Debris scattered wildly as it rampaged. I dodged relentlessly, assessing the beast. ‘A strategy?’ What could be the method to bring it down? I had to keep contemplating this. If the attacks failed to penetrate its defenses, exerting more force would be a loss. Eventually, I’d tire first and be devoured. **Graaar--!!** The intense energy made me grimace. ‘A Hundred-Level Beast?’ Its sheer existence made sense given its catastrophic power. ‘If that’s truly the main body of Màng...’ Could it be simply categorized as a Hundred-Level Beast? From the onset... “Is that the true form?” Could that be the actual form of Màng’s main body? However, no matter how you looked at it... “It’s just a monster...” The third pure-blooded dragon. That’s how Màng introduced himself. He claimed to be a dragon like me. ‘But, what kind of abomination is this?’ **Swish!!** I twisted my body to evade the incoming claws. **Tear!** Though I couldn’t dodge completely, lightly scratching my torso. The damaged fabric tore, pain followed. ‘Tsk.’ Perhaps due to previous sword wounds, the pain was intense. My movements visibly slowed. **Growll!** The beast wasn’t about to miss this chance, swiftly swinging its claws again. Just as its talons drew near my face. **Flash!** Someone appeared, intercepting the beast’s claws. **Scrape!!** An audible scraping sound as the blade deflected its claws. The newcomer subtly parried and... **Bang!** Released a burst of sword aura, pushing the claws slightly away. Witnessing this, my eyes widened. "I’ll join you." A tall man with black hair and brown eyes. The martial artist who stood guard at the gate leading to the Palace Master. It was Black Lion. His sudden appearance caught me off guard. Another figure emerged, supporting me and letting me touch down to the ground. "Are you alright?" "...You." This time, it was Seong Yul. “I apologize for the delay assisting with the evacuation.” I wondered where he’d gone, only to see he’d been aiding people to safety. ‘...This guy?’ The one previously known as a murderer or sword demon in my past life, now here after aiding evacuation efforts. "I assumed you’d leave with them, what brings you back?" I questioned why he stayed instead of escaping. Seong Yul, with his usual expressionless face, replied. “Because you are here, Young Master.” “This guy's insane.” I answered without hesitation. Since when did he pledge loyalty to me? We’ve barely just met. His reasoning seemed absurd. “You promised to give my life purpose. Until then, I cannot allow you to die.” “When did I ever say that?” I never claimed such a thing. I merely told him to serve me if he was going to sacrifice his life anyway. ‘Crazy guy interpreted that just as he pleased.’ While exasperation was warranted, I refrained from showing it as I stood up. “And who’s that guy?” “Not sure. I don’t know.” Seong Yul shook his head, indicating nothing was discussed between them. ‘That guy, promising to protect the Palace Master, is collaborating against it?’ Perhaps, he hadn’t heard Paejon’s explanation yet? Given his proximity to the Palace Master, ignorance seemed unlikely. Then, could Paejon have lied? Considering the old man’s nature, it seemed possible. ‘But looking at his expression, doesn’t seem like it.’ The fierce concentration in Black Lion’s face suggested otherwise. It wasn’t in ignorance—he knew what he was doing. He looked so solemn, profoundly sorrowful. But he wielded his sword regardless. I wasn’t sure what had occurred. Nevertheless, it seemed Paejon’s account was roughly right. ‘The true form of Màng has consumed the Palace Master.’ While not certain, there was no time for deeper reflection now. **Graaarrr!!** The monster turned its gaze back toward us. **Screeaaach!!** It charged again. As I prepared to deflect and devise a strategy... —Relax your feet. Channel strength to your back. The telepathic message prompted an instinctual surge of energy. I could feel the energy concentrating in my back. In that instant. **Thud!** “What the--!?” The force struck me hard, sending me hurtling backward. Though taken by surprise, I gritted my teeth, clenching my fists tightly. I shot toward the monster at incredible speed. Before it could open its mouth, I struck it with a fist imbued with energy. **Smack!** “Grrk!!” As the creature's head reeled from the impact, its movements stuttered. “Well done.” The one who had kicked my back was none other than Paejon. He stepped on my airborne shoulder, leaping upward. In a single bound, he reached the creature’s crown, spreading his fingers as if to aim, targeting its head. Without hesitation, he balled his fingers into a fist, smashing down. **Boom!** **Screeeeech!!!** Despite the simplicity and brevity of the action, the destructive power was extraordinary—it was the first strike that truly staggered the creature. That’s when I saw it. **Crack!** A slight fracture appeared on its armor, leaving a gap. A rare opening had appeared. I couldn’t afford to let it slip, but it was too late to adjust my posture for an attack. As I deliberated over my next move. **Shuuush-!!** Something flew in my direction. “I apologize.” It was Seong Yul. What was he sorry for, I wondered, when suddenly... **Thunk-!** “You little--.” Effortlessly, Seong Yul stepped off my body like Paejon and soared higher. Spinning swiftly to gain momentum, he drove his sword into the opening. **Chop-!** **Screeeeaaach-!!** The beast thrashed violently, pained by the sword infused with energy. With both Paejon and Seong Yul airborne, they became easy targets for its retaliation. Seeing this, I projected energy from my hands, wrapping it around the two, and pulled them out of harm's way. **Fwoosh-!** The beast’s tail whipped through the space they had just vacated. It was a narrow escape. Without a chance to stabilize in mid-air, we landed on the ground, quickly getting back to assess the situation. **Grrrr...!** The beast growled while a trickle of blue blood dripped from its forehead. The attack had connected. However... ‘It’s not deep.’ The damage inflicted was shallow, despite the successful strike. **Hissss.** Even the breach in its armor was swiftly regenerated in a blink. ‘What a nightmare.’ Watching this, a cold sweat pricked my skin. The creature moved with both speed and force, not insurmountable to dodge, but... ‘Ultimately, I cannot finish it.’ Without finding a way to destroy that armor, defeating the creature was impossible. ‘Are all Hundred-Level Beasts like this?’ I didn’t know if it was unique to this one or if other Hundred-Level Beasts were similar. ‘I should’ve asked Noia about this.’ Shin Noia had combat experience with Hundred-Level Beasts, having taken one down alone. He might’ve provided valuable insights, but it was too late for that. Who could’ve anticipated the emergence of a Hundred-Level Beast? “Sigh...” I let out a deep sigh in the face of the grim situation. “Hmm.” Paejon, standing beside me, seemed caught in deep thought. After contemplating for a few seconds, he spoke up. “Disciple.” “Yes?” “Can you use the Heart Technique now?” “What?” I questioned Paejon, confused by his words. The Heart Technique...? “You mean Heart Fist?” “...?” Paejon’s brow furrowed slightly at my response. “You seriously named it that?” “Well, there’s Heart Sword, so why not Heart Fist?” “Hmm, alright, that’s beside the point. Can you use it?” Paejon wanted me to try the Heart Fist on the creature. I nodded in agreement to his inquiry. “I can use it about twice more.” “Try it.” Without hesitation, as soon as he finished speaking, I channeled power into my spirit. Energy wrapped around my hand. I unleashed it toward the beast. The energy emerging from my fist shot directly at the monster. **Whoosh-! Boom-!!** **Screeeeaaach--!!!** The creature convulsed violently from being hit by the energy. Witnessing this, my eyes widened. “What’s going on?” The monster’s reaction to the Heart Fist was peculiar. It hadn't seemed fazed when I attacked with other energy-infused strikes. Yet, it reacted significantly to the comparatively lighter Heart Fist. Furthermore... ‘The barrier broke.’ A much larger crack appeared compared to when Paejon struck. “Hmm... As expected.” Observing this, Paejon nodded as if his theory was confirmed. “It seems this method works.” I immediately turned to Paejon upon hearing his words. Did he mean... “Are you saying only attacks imbued with Heart Energy can shatter that?” “When I mixed in a hint of it earlier, the feeling was distinct. So, I decided to test the theory—and it seems I was right.” Heh. I let out a hollow laugh at his words. To break the barrier, one needed to reach the realm of Heart Energy? ‘This is truly maddening.’ The complexity was substantial, but at least we uncovered a method. “Then, we can use that to break it. Let’s move.” “To where?” “What do you mean to where? We have to take down that thing.” “As in, how?” “Eh?” I didn’t quite follow the conversation. Once a method was discovered, shouldn’t it just be a matter of employing it? That was what I thought when... “My student, who here besides you can accomplish that?” “…!” Paejon’s words pushed me to consider the issue. I scanned my surroundings. Seong Yul, maintaining a defensive stance, was a master at his peak, and Black Lion a skilled martial artist, yet neither seemed capable of utilizing Heart Energy. “Does that mean you, Master...?” “The strike earlier was my limit. My vessel has yet to be fully established.” Damn it. In other words... That meant I was the only one here capable of using Heart Fist to break the barrier. ‘…But I’m nearing my limit.’ I wasn’t in peak condition either. Having just had an altercation with Màng, my energy was running low, and Heart Fist was not a technique to be used extensively. Even with a method found in the recent encounter, I could only use Heart Fist once more. “This is really bad.” The situation was progressively getting worse. In the midst of figuring out a solution. “Five minutes, at most.” Paejon stepped forward, speaking. “That’s how long I estimate we can hold out.” “Master?” “Gather the others and open the passage.” “What nonsense are you saying right now?” What is he talking about? Unintentionally, a harsh word slipped out, yet Paejon remained unfazed. "Unfortunately, you're not allowed to die here." "And here I thought you wouldn't teach me how to run away—what's this supposed to be?" "Let's think of it as a tactical retreat." "Stop with the nonsense," I retorted. Paejon chuckled lightly. "Despite everything, I still belong to the righteous sect." I've never really seen him live that way, but technically, Paejon was affiliated with the righteous path. "I can't bear to see young ones like you perish here." "So, what, are you planning to die instead? We won't die." "Hmm. Seems a bit more like a mentor, don't you think?" "Why the sudden act of kindness? It's giving me chills." Though I growled my reply, Paejon's expression remained unchanged. Was he serious? ‘You declared you wanted to witness the pinnacle of martial arts, and now this?’ It didn't make sense. Why was he doing this? I ground my teeth, frustrated. Barely a few clashes in, and already Paejon was contemplating retreat. It was unacceptable to me. Paejon couldn't just abandon his conviction and back down. At least, Paejon should not give in. “...Don’t make me laugh.” Paejon dying here? Just to save me? Give me a break. **Fwoosh—!** I enveloped my hand with flames, building up the Flame Prison. Adding rotation and compression to it. “Oh ho.” Paejon’s eyes gleamed with interest at the sight of my martial arts. He seemed surprisingly intrigued for someone who just declared he’d die in my place. “Have you finally succeeded?” “…" I didn't answer. Focusing every ounce of concentration in my hands, I steadied my breath and addressed Paejon. “Thirty seconds. Hold them off for that long.” That would be enough time to invoke what I had planned. With a simple nod, Paejon let out a short chuckle. "Your stubbornness remains unchanged." I altered the shape of the spinning Flame Prison, overlaying it with the essence of my heart's intent. If heart energy truly worked, then this should, too. I wrapped the vessel with an essence to prevent the flame from scattering. It was all for this purpose, but in essence, it was still a skill borne of heart energy. Judging by its potential, it felt specifically designed to tackle Hundred-Level Beasts. By breaking the barrier with the heart’s intent, I could then infuse the flames inside. While I concentrated, igniting its core safely... **Roar—!!** Paejon was already grappling with the beast. Seong Yul moved alongside him, providing backup, and Black Lion tackled the challenge solo. They appeared to manage the struggle without undue pressure, yet... They were gradually getting overwhelmed. The barrier remained the prime issue. **Whirring—!!** A response vibrated at my fingertips. Thirty seconds had elapsed, and the Flame Prison Spear was complete. **Huuu…** I exhaled deeply. Among the spears I had crafted, this was by far the largest and most potent. Pouring my entire essence into it made it so. Gazing at the completed spear, I reassured myself. It should suffice. This should be enough to end it. Tensing one leg behind me, I assumed a throwing stance. “Here I go.” I murmured as I flexed my shoulder, It was a soft whisper, but for martial artists of their caliber, it would have echoed loudly enough. Reflecting this, the trio engaging the beast withdrew as I launched the spear with all my might. **Whoosh—!!** The spinning spear soared, **Grrrr—…!** Striking the beast’s barrier dead on. **Creaaaack—!** As anticipated, the heart energy surrounding the spear shattered its vessel. Once a gap formed, the spear penetrated, embedding itself in the creature’s flesh. **Screeeaaach—!!** **Fwoooosh—!! Boom!!** Once lodged, it expelled flames, detonating violently. It worked. Watching the beast engulfed in flames, I was swept by elation. However. **Screeeeaaach---!!!** My excitement quickly turned to a grimace. The creature thrashed, scattering the flames that clung to it in an instant. Once the flames dissipated... "...Damn." The skin may have burned slightly, but the damage was minimal. While a portion of its body was indeed pierced, it was visibly regenerating. I had aimed for its vital spot, hit it dead center, yet... The beast merely panted, showing no real signs of succumbing. “Dammit. Truly.” How is this even feasible? How on earth am I supposed to take it down? Do I really need to escape? Grinding my teeth in this dreadful situation, I was unaware. Rustle. That someone was approaching from behind. “Not bad.” “…!” The voice stunned me into stillness. It was weighty, profound, deeper than deep. A voice impossible on these desolate plains. As my exhausted knees buckled, I turned my head. Someone walked past me. In that brief moment. Rustle, a large hand gently ruffled my hair as it passed by. I didn’t ponder who it was. If there was a question, it was why he was present in such a place. “Fath--?” I began to call out in a startled voice. **Swish—.** A short, heat-laden breeze swept through. **Boom—!!!** A massive tremor radiated. When I turned to look toward the source of the tremor... “…!” Grrrr... The Hundred-Level Beast, which had resisted all our assaults, was... Ugh…! Half of its body severed, collapsing slowly to the ground.