641 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**The World's Greatest Martial Artist's Childhood Friend - Chapter 641: Thunder Sky One Sword** Shhhh... As the sudden chaos subsides, only the chill lingers in the air. Standing alone with a dazed expression, he quietly murmured to himself. "Was it a dream?" Could it have been just a dream? The thought crossed his mind, improbable as it seemed. "..." Judging by the scene before him, it was anything but a dream. Something had swept through, leaving the ground broken and reduced to ashes. Feeling the residual heat, he broke into a cold sweat. 'I missed it.' He had intended to witness the force that had struck, but he had been forced to shut his eyes against the blinding light. It was a regret that would haunt him for a lifetime. 'I should have seen it.' He should have witnessed everything and etched it into his memory. Stupidly, he had shut his eyes. Damn it. Grinding his teeth, he surveyed his surroundings. The chaos around him was one thing, but understanding what had just occurred was a priority. Especially his father suddenly appearing and then disappearing in the middle of a conversation—it was puzzling. 'Furthermore...' He was about to hear something regarding his mother. Why did he vanish at that precise moment? "Why on earth?" He wondered where his father had gone after leaving him hanging with his curiosity piqued. No, how did he even appear in the first place? Just like the wind, his father appeared and disappeared, leaving questions in his wake. Crack-! "Huh?" Feeling an unusual sensation in his chest, he reached inside and pulled something out. "Huh?" His eyes widened at the sight. It was a bead. The red jade bead given to him by Lady Mi, which he had checked earlier. Although it wasn’t strange to see an item he'd inspected before, there was something off with the bead. "It's broken?" Somehow, the bead had shattered. Furthermore, its color had faded, leaving it transparent. The thought that crossed his mind was inevitable. "…I'm screwed." This situation was far more terrifying than encountering a Level White beast. The problem wasn't merely the broken bead—it was the fact that it had been given by none other than Lady Mi. "What should I say…?" How was he supposed to explain to her that the bead was broken? Absorbed in such thoughts, he suddenly realized the bead held another mystery. "...Hmm?" As he fiddled with the broken bead, something dawned on him. 'It's hot.' The bead was uncomfortably warm. 'Is it because of my body?' It couldn't be. Despite his innate mastery over the fire arts that raised his body's temperature, simply carrying something shouldn’t render it hot. Moreover,... 'I can feel an energy.' The bead was infused with an energy distinct from its heat. Was it my own energy? For a moment, he thought so, but quickly dismissed the notion. This energy was unmistakably... 'Father's energy.' It was closer to his father’s energy than his own. ...which meant, unbelievably... "Could it be because of this thing?" Could the reason his father appeared in the Northern Sea be related to this bead? As implausible as it sounded, he could think of no other explanation. Especially considering what Lady Mi had said when she handed him the bead. "…She said to use it when in danger." She had insisted he use it in times of peril. Moreover, Lady Mi had mentioned the bead itself was a gift from his father. Nodding as he examined the broken bead, he spoke. "This thing." Indeed, it must be this thing. It seemed the reason his father could appear in the Northern Sea was linked to this bead. 'I knew it was an artifact…' Given it was from Lady Mi. He had naturally assumed it was an artifact. 'But to think it possessed such power.' To bring someone from afar. To think an artifact like this existed in the world. '...Then again, considering there are maniacs who open demon portals with their bare hands, it’s not entirely surprising.' He recalled Cheol Ji-seon, struggling with the errands entrusted to him, and his mood lifted. With a slightly settled heart, he scrutinized the bead. 'How did I use it?' Despite knowing it was an artifact, he had never intended to use it. Lady Mi had instructed him to use it during peril, but never explained how to activate it. How did it get used? While contemplating, a possibility came to mind. 'Was it my energy?' He hadn’t grabbed the bead directly but used his spatial manipulation abilities. He recalled that the bead had gleamed slightly then. Which meant... 'If I imbued the bead with energy, it activated.' Thinking along those lines made the activation method seem simpler. It must have been the cause of the occurrence. 'Moreover, it appears there’s a time limit...' [Time's up.] His father's words right before vanishing. From that, it seemed that rather than a complete transfer, there was a time constraint. 'Additionally, the bead’s being broken...' Could it be meant for one-time use? Or rather... 'Was it the limit of its use?' That was uncertain. What was clear was... 'Ultimately, this artifact can’t be used anymore.' He instinctively realized this. The artifact's power was exhausted. In reality, with its appearance alone, one could easily deduce that. Seeing it fragmented and bleached in color, it was obviously spent. 'Hmm.' That was somewhat disappointing. 'A very useful item...' The ability to reach someone just by infusing energy. Even if it wasn’t complete transport, there was no comparable device. With this alone... 'I could prevent situations like this from happening.' Just that assurance would have been comforting. There were already too many concerns on his mind. Reducing the most worrisome one would have been valuable. Gathering the remains of the bead, he tucked it back into his pocket. The artifact was spent. Though lament seemed pointless, considering there was a silver lining. 'I happen to know one person who can overturn that rule.' Someone who could not only repair broken artifacts but also create 'artificial' ones. "Though I was planning to visit anyway..." He now had a justified reason to seek that person's help. The fortunate part was that finding him wouldn't be too difficult. 'Just as well.' The Heavenly Demon (천마). I had confirmed she was in Hanyang. The person I was seeking would undoubtedly be by her side. As I was revising my plans at this thought— “Master!” A voice interrupted, snapping my attention back to the present. ‘Ah. Right.’ I’d almost forgotten about this amid the sudden chaos. The natural disaster my father had wrought. The charred remains of the beast lay before me, turned to ash. Its impressive regeneration was nowhere to be found, indicating it was truly dead. 'I suppose it would be too much if it hadn't died.' The body was horribly burnt. If it had risen even in that state, it would have been beyond absurd. Near the corpse of this formidable white-grade beast, the Black Lion, who served as the master's guard, approached cautiously. “Master…!!” The Black Lion reached out with trembling hands, hesitating to touch the creature's remains. Seeing this, I approached and spoke to him. "Wasn't it just moments ago you were gleefully swinging your sword? What's holding you back now?" “…!” The Black Lion flinched at my words. He gave no reply. I half-expected him to lash out, but he didn't. Wondering at his behavior, I noticed someone sidling up beside me. It was Paejon. He looked at me and spoke. "I always knew you lacked empathy, but I didn’t expect it to be this bad." Tsk, tsk. Paejon clicked his tongue continuously, clearly displeased with my words. “…I didn't include empathy in your training, but perhaps it's something we should ponder." “Come on, empathy training at my age? That’s just...Ouch!” He landed a solid smack on the back of my head, almost making my eyeballs pop out. I knew he meant for me to be more mindful of my words, but I still couldn’t quite understand. Perhaps sensing my disgruntlement, Paejon sighed slightly. “Disciple.” “Yes?” “When born human, it's important to cultivate some empathy.” “I understand that, but even the elder speaking doesn’t demonstrate much, does he?” “...” I said this expecting a hit, yet was left unscathed. Even Paejon seemed momentarily taken aback, his gaze shifting to me. “…Anyway.” Seeing he intended to let it slide, I decided to stay quiet as well. “Where did your father disappear to?” “…Not sure… Probably Shansi.” “…What? Shansi?” To say someone who was in the Northern Sea moments ago was now in Shansi? Paejon looked at me with confusion, but I didn’t bother explaining. “Anyway, that’s how it is.” “…Master….” The Black Lion continued to gaze intently at the beast’s remains. Paejon and the approaching Seongyul didn’t look too pleased with the situation either. A mix of smoke, burnt odor, and solemnity hung heavily in the air. Goodness. “He isn't dead yet, so why the...” Thunk. "Hmm?" I stopped midsentence, something registering in my mind. Everyone around me had turned to stare. Did I misspeak again? I didn’t think so. "Why are you all staring?" Even the Black Lion, who hadn’t shifted his gaze until now, was looking at me. He asked with urgency. “…Just now, what did you say?” “What?” “You said it’s not dead. What do you mean by that?” Tilting my head, I realized belatedly. ‘Ah, so that’s what the issue was.’ I wondered why they reacted as they did—it seemed they didn’t know. 'If they had known, they wouldn't be hesitating like this.' I rubbed my chest where my heart was. Thump! Thump! Two firm heartbeats. Something else resonated alongside them. Feeling this, I glanced at the beast reduced to ashes. Thump! Thump-thump! The beating grew stronger. The heart was communicating something. That something still lived. Swish. I raised my hand and gently made a slashing motion. Bam-!! Infused with my energy, a blast of wind erupted forth. The fierce gust struck the beast and— Crackling---!!! The charred remains crumbled away with the gale. “What are you doing—!!” The Black Lion roared at me, but— “Instead of getting angry, look closely.” Ignoring him, I pointed with my finger at what was ahead. Crackle... The remains scattered in the wind swiftly. It must have been some intense heat to have reduced that bizarre body to such a state. I wondered how hot it had been to do so, but regardless— “…!!” Once the ashes were blown away, the Black Lion seemed to finally see it too. Where the beast's body had been, now lay a human form on the ground. “Master-!!” The Ice Palace Master. The body of the one who had been consumed by ice energy and turned into a beast lay there. The Black Lion hurried forward to examine the master. “Good heavens…!” To his astonishment, the master's condition was pristine, without a single wound. Despite repeatedly having their body torn or crushed— With the beast’s flesh disintegrated, the master’s physical body remained unscathed. 'This is fascinating.' Even I hadn’t anticipated this outcome. However. 'Though uninjured, there are still problems.' Firstly, there were drastic changes to the skin. The scales had expanded to cover the entire face. While the resonance of the half-dragon state remained, the breathing was so shallow as to be barely noticeable. 'Is this the aftermath of being consumed by ice energy?' I was curious about what had transpired. Though seemingly unconscious, with such weak respiration and energy, it was uncertain whether recovery was possible. ‘Hmm.’ Watching the master led me to wonder if, like with Mo Yong-hia, I could use my heat to heal them? The thought crossed my mind briefly. 'But I feel no inclination.' Even if it were possible, the key question was— 'Why should I?' There was no compelling reason for me to do so. I had nothing to gain from the master. Exerting effort with my energy seemed hardly worth the trouble. Reflecting on it brought a chilling calmness over me. My interest waned. Contrastingly, the Black Lion propped up the master, urgently scanning the surroundings. “We must get... to a healer quickly...!” I tilted my head at the Black Lion’s display of loyalty. It was fascinating what drove such devotion. Especially as someone like me, who found such things meaningless. Moreover, ‘Taking him somewhere won’t necessarily yield any solutions.’ Though impressed by the Black Lion’s determination, harsh reality loomed. Yet, I refrained from criticizing or interfering. Not out of respect for the Black Lion. ‘I just find it tiresome now.’ Having lost my interest, even that felt like a hassle. That was all there was to it. I withdrew my gaze, contemplating. ‘Perhaps I should head back.’ Returning to where the group was assembled was necessary. Namgoong Bia and Dang Sohyeol, whom were injured, mattered much more than the master. I turned my attention to Seongyul. “Since you helped them escape, you probably know where they are…” I was about to inquire further, slowly preparing to move. Tap. Something felt off, drawing my attention back. Watching closely, my eyes widened in surprise. Standing there was someone who wasn't supposed to be with the Black Lion and the Ice Palace Master. "Gah!" The Black Lion noticed as well, moving with urgency but— “Stay still.” The voice froze the Black Lion in place. Though they stopped upon hearing the command, the Black Lion seemed as puzzled as to why he obeyed. The figure continued speaking to the Black Lion. “If you don’t want your lord dead, it’s best to stay put.” A cold, chilling tone. I hadn’t even sensed when they arrived. Moreover, He was someone I recognized. The Black Lion seemed to know him too, judging by the sudden frown on his face. His once black hair had turned white, his eyes a shimmering blue instead of black. Yet, his striking features were unchanged, making it impossible not to know him. The Black Lion addressed him. “Biyoegun…!!” Indeed, the person standing there was shockingly Uhyuk. For a moment, I wondered if this was Uhyuk returning on his own, as I had told him to do before. ‘No.’ The instant I saw him, I was certain. With my brows furrowed, I spoke to the figure. “…You.” The figure turned his eyes—those haunting blue eyes—toward me. Just by looking, chills ran down my spine. It felt as though I could be sliced by his gaze alone. Thus, I was sure. “Who are you?” This wasn’t Uhyuk.