642 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The Immortal's Childhood Friend - Chapter 642: Northern Rabbit ‘That idiot, seriously.’ Wuheok—no. To be precise, it was the guy in Wuheok's body that came to mind. How many times is he going to let his body get possessed? Damn, even I'm getting tired of saving him. ‘If he's going to let it happen again, might as well not interfere next time.’ It's truly ludicrous. After all the effort spent rescuing him, he lets another unknown entity possess him. ‘Doesn't seem like that guy's a genius, after all.’ A once-in-a-lifetime genius. The prodigy of the Wudang sect, spanning generations. In his past life, had he not thrown away his life needlessly, Wuheok would have surely contended for the title of Sword King in the future. Seeing his actions, doubt about his talents began to creep in. At this rate, he's just offering his body up saying, ‘Use it at your leisure!’ ‘Moreover.’ I frowned at the sight of the possessed body. ‘Who the heck possessed him this time?’ For a moment, I wondered if it might be Mang. The one presumed dead, but actually alive, possibly returning through Wuheok’s body this time as well. That thought crossed my mind, but... ‘No.’ I shook my head firmly. That wasn’t Mang. ‘He's beyond comparison.’ The being before me was vastly superior, to the point it felt disrespectful to even compare it to Mang. A shiver ran down my fingertips. It was an indescribable sensation. My body instinctively braced for impact. Instinct was warning me. This was something dangerous. ‘Damn it.’ Feeling this, even the corners of my mouth trembled. It was a feeling I hadn't experienced even while facing Mang or the white-tier beast that seemed like Mang’s true essence. It was sharp, terrifyingly so. To the point it evoked fear. Could this be the work of a craftsman from beyond the heavens who honed their skills for eons, crafting a master sword? The figure before me was akin to a blade sharpened to perfection. Is this an impression one can have upon encountering a human? Even while thinking it’s absurd, it's the only impression that came to mind. ‘I can't sense anything specific.’ There wasn't any particular aura to note. That made it even more unsettling. ‘Meaning this is purely due to its presence.’ A martial artist’s presence stems from a vessel forged through years of rigorous training. The quantity of qi, the level of external techniques, the depth of internal arts—all these accumulate to manifest as presence. So, what about this being? “…Huuu….” After managing to regulate my breathing for a few seconds, I forced my racing heart to calm down, and slightly twitched my fingertips. Could I win? My primal instincts urged me to attack immediately, like a beast tempted to pounce. But my instinct was colder than expected. Nothing is visible. Nothing can be seen. I could only barely perceive a sense as thin as a hair, allowing me to barely keep my footing stable. Another few seconds of a silent confrontation. “Hm.” The thing wearing Wuheok’s guise spoke. Its low breath drew a frown from me. Although its face was expressionless, somehow, it appeared as if it was grinning. “You have good intuition. I commend you. That hesitation saved you, and it will continue to save you.” “...” A shiver ran down my spine. Although it might seem like arrogant rhetoric, that statement sent chills down my back. When discussing life and death, it was clear. He genuinely believed what he said. Funnily enough, I also viewed those words as truth. Without lifting my furrowed gaze, I asked him. “Who are you?” His gaze narrowed in response to my question. Wuheok, in his natural naive and slack state, doesn't usually look this way. This expression, in particular, felt all the more infuriating. “Will you know if I tell you? I am merely a relic of the past.” “Then get out of that body. I doubt the owner gave you permission to invade it.” For some reason, my growling words made the man chuckle softly. “Impressive. Also amusing. It's been a long time since someone used such vulgar language with me.” At that moment. The man slightly moved his right arm, causing me to unconsciously step back. My body responded on its own to the eerie energy. Planning something? Remaining cautious, I watched him stop moving and speak. “Under normal circumstances, I’d punish you. Yet strangely, I find myself missing that tone and would rather not.” “What kind of nonsense are you spouting? Speak clearly.” If I understood my opponent, perhaps I’d hold my tongue. But this mouth of mine couldn’t be controlled. Knowing my boundaries, my mouth wouldn’t adhere. Damn personality, seems like it won't change. Even while barking with my life on the line, the opponent remained unchanged in demeanor. “You resemble him. Do you not? No, you do. How nostalgic. That foolish fellow remarkably so.” “What….” What is he talking about? I tried to speak again, filled with questions. But my lips wouldn’t easily part. Thanks to noticing my surroundings belatedly. “…Damn it.” Maybe it's because I was talking while on edge. It was only now that I noticed the anomalies around me. Time had stopped. Paejeon, who had been about to confront me, remained frozen in place. Sungyul also stood stiff, mid-motion while unsheathing his sword at his waist. The black lion, poised to protect Gung-ju, was in the same state, clutching its stance. The flowing cinders turned into lanterns in midair. The spectral fox, which had been flickering like a candle, became a solid afterimage. At such a sight, my eyes sharpened. Time had ceased. It was a scene as marvelous as the martial prowess I'd witnessed in my father, but one I'd seen a few times before. Right now, more than the situation, the meaning behind it demanded focus. “…Who are you?” I promptly changed my tone. Hearing this, the man chuckled. “Quick response. Moreover, it seems you already know the answer.” “...” It cut like a dagger. Indeed, the moment I saw the situation, I realized who I was facing. Had it been merely once or twice, I might not have. But in terms of numbers, I’d encountered this more than a handful of times, and through this, recognized the adversary. I merely wished it wasn’t true. If my suspicion was correct, then not only was it odd for this being to inhabit Wuheok’s body, but seeing it here, in such an unexpected manner, was unforeseen. ‘I had momentarily forgotten that this is the North Sea.’ I had momentarily forgotten that Wuheok was in the North Sea. Even if I knew, I wouldn’t have expected to see him. ‘Because the time isn’t right.’ There are too many variables to deal with it now. I intended to postpone any action for the future. ‘Didn’t expect him to appear himself.’ Of all things, in the body of my idiot friend. Should I perhaps bow in respect? In the brief hesitation, the other spoke first. “Even if you know the truth, there are still things that need to be said.” In the frozen world, the man took a step forward. Crunch. Watching him crush the snow beneath his steps, a shivering sensation crept over my body. “There’s no need to remember it for long. I’ve long abandoned any attachment to a name.” Walking with hands behind his back, he radiated an aura of domination. It was the most overwhelming presence I had encountered. “Though there were many titles. My origin follows a family name, and thus I shall express it accordingly.” The man standing before me, eyes sharp as blades, said. “I am Namgung Myung.” “...” “Pleased to meet you.” Namgung Myung, the Thunderous Sword of Heaven. A hero of Namgung, who unleashed lightning from his sword to dominate even the skies. “Descendant of that wretched bastard.” He appeared before me. ****************** Not long before. While Gu Yangcheon was engaged in a deadly battle with a white-tier beast. In the corridors of the Ice Palace, leading to the room of the Palace Lord. Whistling. The wind rushed in through the broken walls. In that corridor, a young man walked on. He wore a somewhat awkward expression. ‘It’s quiet.’ Unusually quiet. Though the sound of the wind and the cacophony from outside filled the air. Yet, the young man's words hinted at something different. ‘Why is it so quiet?’ The noises that were always present were absent. It was an anomaly. Though it was something he had longed for, it only left him with questions. ‘Is it because of that friend?’ Whenever his friend, who had come to the North Sea, was around, the noises subsided, but they returned when the distance increased. Given that, he should have been able to hear them faintly by now. Yet, he heard nothing. He couldn’t comprehend it. Despite these thoughts, the young man continued forward and eventually stopped at his destination. A chilling breeze brushed against his cheek. He could only swallow as he looked ahead. A gruesome corpse lay before him. Drained of all its vitality, the body was long since devoid of any moisture, losing its original form. Unable even to close its eyes, the body lay dead, pitiable. The young man leaned forward and gently closed the eyes of the woman. “....” There were no words to offer. This was all that remained. Was he relieved? The young man, Wuheok, asked himself. But he couldn’t utter the answer aloud. -Listen to me. Then, I’ll save the child you hold dear. The curse said to be on the bloodline. The extreme threat it posed. It was both a menace and a desire. Where did it go wrong? Perhaps coming here had been a mistake. Or maybe, being born on this land was the mistake. Ah, yes. That must have been the problem. It was a truth he had never denied from birth until now. Even when cast aside by his family. When his father, unable to handle the child, tried to kill him using a false pretext. When he barely managed to slip away to the central plains, never forgetting those moments. That was his life. Having lived, returned to this land, how laughable it was. His father, afraid of his competence, hid his ambitions and sought him out. Calling him by the name abandoned in childhood, his behavior was grotesque. It was then he realized. He had detached himself emotionally. Thus, when his father was killed, he merely stared with a blank expression. ‘Isn’t this called home?’ A place deeply cherished, longed for. To Wuheok, this was hell. An eternally frozen hell that would never thaw. In one corner of this hell, Wuheok turned his back on the woman who had died. Why she was obsessed with him. What emotions drove her to such desperation. He still didn’t understand, yet he didn’t want to look at her any longer. His emotions cooled like the weather. Wuheok felt this unfamiliar sensation and tried to reignite his emotions. He couldn’t let his feelings die. Even if he didn’t understand the reason, they should survive. Lifelessness as dry as this was also unsightly. Wuheok rose again and looked back. The chilling air remained, but behind him lingered something translucent. A familiar face. Of course, it was the face of his master. Though the person was different. [Finished your greetings?] The middle-aged man spoke, and Wuheok bowed his head. “…Thank you for your consideration.” At Wuheok’s greeting, the man's hair stirred slightly. [How are things with the girl? A romance, perhaps?] Was that the case? Wuheok gave a slight smile at the question. “Not at all. If anything, she is an enemy.” [Hmm.] No further comment came. Why treat an enemy this way. Not even a necessary question. There was no interest. The man’s expression was indifferent, but Wuheok found comfort in it. He asked softly. “How should I address you, Senior?” His voice tinged with tension. Understandable. Anyone in the central plains who realized who he was would react this way. Ah, maybe not one person. That mad dog, though a friend, wasn’t normal. [Titles aren't important. As long as you keep basic courtesy, any is fine.] “Then, I’ll call you Thunder Deity Senior.” Upon the unhesitating response, the man’s brow twitched. [A needless embellishment.] Sure, he’d been called that, but there were many other titles more prevalent. Though I knowingly referred to him as a "divinity," it was clear I was just buttering him up. [Let's put aside the frivolous remarks and get to the main point.] “I’m all ears.” I responded while observing him with curiosity. ‘He looks just like...’ He resembled my master, Guiseon, almost too much. Being a descendant, it's natural to bear resemblance, but... ‘They look too much alike.’ It was almost as if they were twins. A sudden wave of nostalgia hit me. Perhaps it was because I was reminded of Guiseon. Wuheok smiled wryly. ‘To think I'd meet him here...’ When I heard the introduction about this man in the underground, I was utterly shocked. How could I not be? The hero of the Namgung family who saved the world in the distant past. Who would have thought he'd be resting in the North Sea? Even seeing it with my own eyes, it was hard to believe. ‘A remnant of will?’ Does something like that really exist? From a Wudang disciple's perspective, it was truly fascinating. It was a bit regrettable, confronting such a remnant myself. ‘I am not worthy.’ There are two Namgung lineage heirs in the North Sea. One has abandoned the family name to settle in Wudang but could become head if desired. And the other might become the first female head of the Namgung family. ‘But achieving Sword Queen might be quicker.’ She is more than worthy of achieving that position. I haven't faced the current Sword Queen directly, but I'm sure of it. Wuheok was confident. It wouldn’t take long. Her natural talent as a swordswoman and her skills are as vast as the snow piles in the North Sea. Anyhow, facing the greatest figure of the Namgung family in this situation fills me with unease. It’s quite regrettable. The fact that I'm here and that neither my master nor my fellow disciple is here is such a lost opportunity. [What do you seek from me?] “…!” Wu Heok flinched at the remnant’s question. It seemed I had been staring at him for too long. “My apologies. You resemble someone I know, and I couldn’t help it.” [Hmm.] The remnant nodded at Wuheok's explanation and continued speaking. [Is it the Namgung family?] “Yes… That's correct.” It seemed he thought so since I noted the resemblance. [I see.] However, his reaction beyond that point was indifferent. Even after hearing that the Namgung family still exists today, he didn’t show much interest. There wasn’t a hint of interest, which seemed somewhat peculiar. His response was too cold to be that of an ancestor. Suppressing the discomfort, Wuheok asked. “…So, what is the main point you wished to discuss, Senior?” Namgung Myung's remnant continued expressionlessly in response to Wu Heok's question. [An impending calamity will soon befall the world.] Skipping over any pretense, he moved straight to the heart of the matter. The words were chilling despite his blunt tone. Hearing this, Wuheok’s eyes widened. “Calamity… what do you mean?” A calamity, out of nowhere. What could this mean? Such an abrupt statement made it even harder to comprehend. However, Namgung Myung showed no regard for Wuheok's reaction. [There’s not much time left. The broken seal is proof of that.] “Senior, what exactly…?” Wuheok, filled with dismay, tried to interject. Again, Namgung Myung wouldn’t allow it. [Though much is twisted, it’s not too late to set things right, so I have a request for you, with fortune as collateral.] “A request?” [Indeed.] His eyes, sharp as a blade. They looked as if holding the vast sea or the boundless sky as Namgung Myung gazed at Wu Heok. [Become my inheritor.] “...!” Wuheok’s breath momentarily halted. [For the sake of the world, take up the sword. Then I shall bestow everything left in this land in my name to you.] As I listened, a shiver ran down my spine. Namgung Myung, lowering his gaze, continued. [It’s unfortunate you aren’t from the main family. But such is fate. Consider it your destiny.] “I’m sorry.” [Very well, first focus on the mental arts within your body. Hmm?] Speaking as if it were a given, Namgung Myung suddenly paused. His expression shifted slightly, as if he had misheard something. [What did you just say?] “Uh…” Faced with the repeated question, Wuheok, somewhat bemused, repeated his answer. “I’m sorry…. I don’t think I can.” [...?] Silence ensued. An awkward discomfort settled into the still air. Wuheok, feeling uneasy, glanced at Namgung Myung, who seemed to ponder whether he had heard right. After about thirty seconds, once he seemed to have concluded his thoughts, Namgung Myung asked Wuheok. […Why?] Seemingly unable to understand.