648 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Chapter 648: Confrontation** There's not much that could be called an impressive memory. It was around the time when his younger sister fled to Zhongyuan, and he appeared in that distant land to bring her back. Questions followed. Why did the palace lord, who should have remained in the palace as per the pact, venture all the way to Zhongyuan? A rather young Yu Cheon couldn't comprehend it at the time. Much later. Only when he realized that it was a father's love for his daughter did he come to understand the former palace lord's actions. Even so, Yu Cheon couldn't have made the same choice. After all, he was closer to being a palace lord than a father. Back then, Zhongyuan was hot. Was it summer? The scorching weather let Yu Cheon experience various new sensations. He didn't have to wear thick fur clothing, and the cold seeping into his body felt slightly alleviated. It was truly a mysterious spectacle. Could it be said that he briefly felt a lost sense of romance? Although the former palace lord's expression remained grim, the then youthful Yu Cheon was undoubtedly feeling excited. A new land. Intense heat. People who seemed slightly more relaxed. All of it felt like a wondrous experience to Yu Cheon. At least. Until he met him. Boom--!! Boom-!! A tremendous wave surged from Mount Tai in the distance. The current ruler of Zhongyuan was said to be an old man known as the Sword Master. The emperor of the North Sea was now facing him with strength. He wasn't officially visiting Zhongyuan; a clash occurred, and so a battle had to be fought. At that moment. Yu Cheon was facing another man. [Greetings to the North Sea's young master.] A man with black hair and crimson eyes. Someone of a similar age to himself. Donning a light blue cloak as proof of his affiliation, the man stood with arms crossed, looking at Yu Cheon. Yu Cheon, too, met the man's gaze. It wasn't long before he introduced himself to Yu Cheon. [I am Gu Cheolwoon, a master dragon of the Martial Alliance.] Suspicion arose naturally. For some reason, the chill within him turned into hostility. He couldn't feel anything from his opponent, yet his instincts were roused. Boom---!!! A loud explosion echoed from the northern Mount Tai. Hearing this, Yu Cheon frowned and spoke, [Step aside.] His father, the palace lord, and the current leader were in the midst of combat. Within that, Yu Cheon had his own task. To eradicate the clan that took his sister and bring her back. That was the command Yu Cheon received. In response to Yu Cheon's determination, Gu Cheolwoon said, [That won't be possible.] His calm demeanor was evident. [Your sister has already become part of the Moyong Clan. By the leader's command, I must protect them. Hence, I cannot let you pass.] [Dare you stand in my way? Is that what you're saying?] Amused by Gu Cheolwoon's stance, Yu Cheon chuckled. [I have no interest in the commands of your so-called alliance. We deal with matters by the laws of the North Sea.] [I'm not familiar with the laws of the North Sea.] [So? Are you saying we should follow your orders?] [No. As outsiders, you have no need to adhere to the laws of Zhongyuan.] Rumble---!!! The wind pressure steadily intensified. Yu Cheon's furrowed expression outwardly showed his growing impatience. [It's merely about fulfilling our respective roles.] Gu Cheolwoon looked intently at Yu Cheon with slightly narrowed eyes. [I cannot move aside. If there's something you wish to retrieve, feel free to try.] [What?] Feel free to try and take it. The look on Gu Cheolwoon's face made it clear he believed Yu Cheon couldn't get past him. It was a haughty and weighty statement. His tone was increasingly grating on Yu Cheon's nerves. [Do you really think that old Sword Master can defeat the palace lord?] [Hmm?] Gu Cheolwoon tilted his head at Yu Cheon's remark, a look of incomprehension on his face. Observing that expression, Yu Cheon became certain of one thing. These people truly knew nothing. [No matter how great the practitioners of Zhongyuan are, they're merely human. You cannot defeat us.] Reflecting now, it was an embarrassing way to speak. At that time, he believed the world belonged to him. He regrets it. Had he understood the world a bit more, he might not have left such memories. [Soon, the palace lord will defeat that old man and come here. When that happens, your end will follow. It's best if you step aside before then.] [Hmm.] Despite Yu Cheon's words, Gu Cheolwoon continued to tilt his head. His bewilderment was apparent. After pondering a few times, Gu Cheolwoon eventually spoke to Yu Cheon as if he couldn't discern the issue. [I ask you this: Are you that weak?] [What?] [Why do you think you won't be able to get past me until the palace lord arrives?] […!] Yu Cheon's breath hitched at Gu Cheolwoon's unexpected retort. Why indeed? Why was he waiting for the palace lord to arrive? Yu Cheon's body tensed, while Gu Cheolwoon continued speaking, seemingly unconcerned. [Also, there seems to be another misconception. One that must be corrected.] Boom-!! Boom-!! The terrain continued to crumble under the battle of the titans. Gu Cheolwoon cast his gaze towards that direction and said, [Even if the leader is defeated, you won't get what you desire.] [...What did you say...?] [As long as I stand here with my eyes open, your steps end here.] [...] Faced with such casual words, Yu Cheon was momentarily speechless. He couldn't comprehend what he just heard. [...What did you say?] [You seem quite deaf.] Gu Cheolwoon's brow furrowed slightly at Yu Cheon's reaction. [I don't particularly enjoy repeating myself....] Swiftly. Gu Cheolwoon unfolded his arms. Yu Cheon noticed the empty hands. At that moment. [You will not pass this place. If you don't want to die, leave now....] [...!] [Is that easier to understand?] [You...!] As Yu Cheon attempted to stir the icy energy within him in response to Gu Cheolwoon's words, flames erupted around Gu Cheolwoon's body with a whoosh—! The surrounding heat intensified to an extreme level. The flames were fiercely crimson. It appeared more like blood burning rather than mere firelight. In reaction, Yu Cheon instinctively raised his head. [The sky…!] The once-blue sky gradually turned a deep red. In that bewildering scene, Yu Cheon was momentarily dazed. [What are you doing?] Gu Cheolwoon's voice pierced through his thoughts. [Aren't you coming?] When Yu Cheon returned his gaze to the voice, [Then I suppose I'll come to you.] Gu Cheolwoon's large hand was already approaching Yu Cheon's face. Just as Yu Cheon prepared to dodge, Smack-!! With an indiscernible sound, Yu Cheon's consciousness slowly began to resurface. Slap-! Smack-!! -…Aren't you hitting him too hard? -This is the best way to wake someone up, no doubt about it. Voices reached him. Whose could they be? -What if you break his jaw? -Not my issue. -Hmm? -It wasn't me. Who knows if he had cavities to begin with. -My student. -Yes? -You’re truly insane. -Must be thanks to having such a good master… Just kidding. Please remove your hands. The rather fierce conversation gradually brought Yu Cheon to consciousness. It wasn't the voices that woke him. It was the inexplicable pain on his face. “Kugh….” Yu Cheon groaned in pain as he opened his eyes. “Oh, he’s awake. See? Told you it works. Why don’t you ever believe what I say?” “…Why does this even work?” Hearing a startled voice from the front, Yu Cheon looked there. Someone was looking down at him, holding their hand up slightly. Through blurry vision, features started coming into focus. Dark hair, faint blue eyes, and a sharp gaze as if freshly carved. Looking at that, Yu Cheon spoke. “…Gu Cheolwoon?” “Eh?” The face of the person named uneasily crumpled at the mention of that name. “Seems like you're still not in your right mind. Should I… no, give you another tap?” “Changing words doesn’t soften their meaning, you know.” Next to him, another young man of similar age, who seemed to have a more harmless demeanor, intervened. Yu Cheon forced his fading consciousness to remain and slowly sat up. “But,” he groaned as he did so. His body condition was far from good. It hadn’t been great to begin with, but it wasn’t supposed to be this painful. His entire body ached terribly. “You should move slowly. I suspect you have several broken bones.” “…Phew….” Yu Cheon looked at the speaker. He initially thought it was Gu Cheolwoon. But it wasn’t. “…Young Master Gu….” It was not the man himself, but his son. “Are you alright?” Gu Yangcheon, Gu Cheolwoon's son. Yu Cheon didn't respond to his inquiry. He had mistaken him. Their similar features, but something was distinctly different. That's why he had momentarily thought it was Gu Cheolwoon. “Can you tell me what happened?” “What…?” “I heard the palace lord was devoured by the Ice Spirit.” Devoured by the Ice Spirit? Yu Cheon’s mind raced back to the moments just before. Indeed, he was with the Ice Spirit. Right after Gu Yangcheon had left, it seemed he observed the Ice Spirit for a while. Why had he done that? He couldn't remember the reason. Yet, Yu Cheon had remained in place. After some time passed… the Ice Spirit began to glow…. And then. “Ugh….” Throbbing—! A sudden headache caused Yu Cheon to clutch his forehead. “Huff… huff.” Yu Cheon—or rather, the Ice Palace Lord—controlled his breathing as he endured the headache. Air seeped in through his nose and mouth. Sensing this, the palace lord’s eyes widened slightly. “…What is this?” The air felt odd. The constant sense of strangeness he normally experienced was absent. Or rather, its absence felt strange. “Ahem.” Noticing the palace lord's reaction, Gu Yangcheon coughed awkwardly. “Ahem... Ahem….” His eyes darted around as if something was pricking his conscience. “Well, there's no need to recall it. You don’t seem well, so let's get you treated first.” Gu Yangcheon, seemingly eager to change the subject, tried to support the palace lord. Watching this, Pae Jon shook his head incredulously. Before he could say anything, Gu Yangcheon quickly addressed him. “What are you doing? If your hands are free, why don’t you carry that brute… ah, I mean the Black Lion General?” “You beat him unconscious and now want me to carry him?” “Beat him? It was just a gentle incident, that’s all.” “One more incident like that and he’ll be in pieces.” “Isn't it natural to be wrecked after two incidents?” “...” His statement, oddly enough, made sense. With a sigh, Pae Jon turned around. After a brief glance back at Gu Yangcheon, he said, “By the end of today, explain everything.” “...” His tone was firm, prompting Gu Yangcheon to nod. Observing his reaction, Pae Jon started toward the Black Lion. “Hmm?” Someone was already carrying him. It was Seong Yul. “Should we leave now?” Pae Jon nodded in response to Seong Yul's expressionless inquiry. He had initiative and moved quickly without needing prompts. Judging by his behavior, he seemed to be the kind who silently fulfilled his duties without complaints. ‘With someone like that around, I wonder why my disciple is in such a state.’ The disciple he finally took under his wing late in life was stubborn, ill-tempered, and lacked respect for his master. It seemed he wasn’t destined for disciple luck. ‘…If only the talent he possessed was mediocre, I would’ve kicked him out immediately.’ Unfortunately, that disciple possessed tremendous talent. When he first encountered him, he found it odd how he seemed slow to grasp things despite his level. The boy, not even in his prime, had already reached the pinnacle, and soon touched upon enlightenment. For some reason, the Alliance seemed to have hidden this fact, and the boy himself appeared indifferent. It would not be an exaggeration to say he reached it at the youngest age in history. Despite being a prodigy of historic proportions, Gu Yangcheon lacked confidence and seemed to have little faith in himself. Similarly, his martial abilities didn't seem exceptionally high, which had puzzled Pae Jon before. However, what truly mattered was how much one could endure the pain and the potential of the body when training in the Cult of Apathy martial arts. And so, Pae Jon paid it little mind. Being a bit lacking wasn’t a concern. If something couldn't be done, you just make it possible. That mindset carried him through several years. Eventually, Pae Jon's opinion evolved. 'That boy truly is a genius.' The certainty was there. Even if he was lacking in martial prowess, his control over his momentum was extraordinary, almost to an eerie degree. He might not yet be aware of it himself, but his level was astounding even to Pae Jon. Gu Yangcheon, it seemed, had no idea how difficult it was to both ignite and control such a massive flame. Fire techniques, as an outwardly explosive martial art, require innate talent even to begin learning. It's considered highly advanced due to the complex usage of one's internal energy. A high volume of energy doesn't mean you can release pressure freely; if mismanaged, one's energy center could be irreparably damaged. Yet Gu Yangcheon focused or controlled the firepower with ease. He even guided it smoothly without overstraining his body. Given that Gu Yangcheon had a surprisingly large amount of energy, it should have been more challenging. 'Yet he was unfazed.' Whether he used more or less, Gu Yangcheon faced no difficulties. Pae Jon felt an internal tremor watching Gu Yangcheon previously. Energy pouring in all directions, A vast amount no single human could withstand. And still... 'That boy controlled it without issue.' It was an awe-inspiring sight, albeit an irritating one to admit. With any slight mistake, the energy would have exploded, and even Pae Jon couldn't have stopped it. Yet Gu Yangcheon danced on that razor's edge, Toyed with the pressure as if danger were a joke, then united it all before engulfing it within himself. 'Madman.' Pae Jon recalled it with a chuckle. He was past eighty. To others, it was a long life; to him, barely enough to judge in hindsight. Throughout such a life, he thought none surpassed his martial skills. Even now, he believed in his significant talent. Until just decades ago, he might have claimed himself the greatest. But now, things were different. Just watching the martial prowess that Gu Cheolwoon once briefly displayed, along with what his apprentice showed, invited complex feelings. 'I can't understand his family.' A father and son sharing the same surname, and both being exceptional. It’s as if heaven and earth gifted that family. Beside confusion, there was rising anticipation. 'What would happen if the boy realizes his talent and time passes?' He found himself curious, yet he wouldn’t reveal it to him. '...If I told him, he'd get so full of himself and unbearable to watch.' While he disliked the sight of Yangcheon struggling with low self-esteem, He'd hate it more if the kid grew arrogant and boastful. 'He'll figure it out on his own soon enough, so it’s best to leave him as he is.' If his father, the great hero, knew and withheld this from him, then as a master, he need not interfere. 'But why hasn't his father, Gu Cheolwoon, said anything?' Given his level and as a father knowing his son best, it was puzzling why he hadn’t spoken up. 'Could it be...' As he mused, Pae Jon considered something. 'Does he not recognize it as talent because he assumes knowing it is natural?' He speculated, recalling Gu Cheolwoon’s martial prowess, but dismissed it with a shake of his head. 'There’s no way that would make sense.' Even he found the thought ludicrous. Pae Jon gave Seong Yul a pat on the shoulder and started to move. With no one left to hear him, he continued on toward the others. Suddenly, a shadow cast over him with a whoosh—! "Hmm?" A shadow large enough to obscure those around him, prompting Pae Jon to look up. Not just Pae Jon; even Seong Yul and Gu Yangcheon gazed toward the reason for the shadow. The difference was, Gu Yangcheon wore a deep frown. "That damned creature." Gu Yangcheon cursed, eyes skyward. "Doesn't come when called, but once it's all over, it finally shows up." Rumble. As if responding to his curses, a growl louder than any beast resounded from the presence above. Sharp and wild, yet massive in scale. A creature so large it blocked out the sky began to move. Its elongated, thick body squirmed. As it loomed closer, Gu Yangcheon's eyes narrowed. "What's this?" Something was amiss. Rumble—!! The ground shook with its roars. Gu Yangcheon watched and asked, "Why has it grown so large?" Name: Doldol-i. Age: Three years. His already sizable body was now twice as big compared to before.