655 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Heaven’s Number One Martial Artist’s Childhood Friend - Chapter 655 > North Rabbit - Web Novel Archive 〈 Chapter 655 〉 Plan. The night had passed, and it was now noontime. It was the moment I was supposed to say goodbye and depart for the Central Plains. Sensing that the time had come, I opened my eyes in the prepared chamber. Hoooo—. Letting out the breath I'd been holding, my vigor departed alongside the exhale. The internal energy that had been circulating settled and seeped into my heart. “Hmm.” It was an odd sensation. It felt somewhat similar to internal energy, yet distinctly different. It wasn’t exactly a bad feeling, just unfamiliar. Awkward would be a more accurate description. ‘Peculiar.’ It truly was a peculiar feeling. Just a few hours ago, I’d ventured underground with the palace master to acquire some spells. The palace master called it a ‘ring,’ and I too found the name fitting. A true ring was bound to my heart. Unlike the internal energy that gathers in the dantian, the ring was bound outside the heart, rotating slowly. Using the cultivation technique I obtained below, I created this ring, and to my surprise, the number of rings increased as I continued to understand it. The one ring had become two. ‘What makes the difference?’ Why would it become two overnight? All I’d done was breathe appropriately. ‘I don’t get it.’ I tilted my head in confusion and rose from my bed. At the same time, I grabbed a book that lay beside me. The book was about the spell the palace master had given me. Ah, to be precise, it wasn’t the initial cultivation manual I received, but a subsequent one. Initially, she had refused to part with it, but after I showed her that I had formed a ring, she gave it to me as a gift. ‘What did she say when she gave it?’ Something about it being an investment in radiant talent, if I recall correctly. Truly, it was an embarrassingly pretentious phrase. ‘Radiant talent, my foot.’ I chuckled at the absurd remark. ‘What’s the point of having talent if it's useless?’ Judging by the palace master’s reaction, I seemed to have some talent in spells, albeit unintentional. Even if I did have talent, it seemed utterly useless. I barely had enough time to focus on mastering martial arts, let alone diving into spellcraft. ‘I figured it might come in handy at some point, so I decided to learn it.’ I didn’t plan on deepening my understanding. It didn’t seem like it would help advance my level in martial arts, so it became a slightly troublesome aspect. ‘Though it’s not overly complicated, so I’ll learn it.’ I didn’t intend to focus intensely on it. There wasn’t the time or leisure to do so. ‘Finding someone to learn from is also an issue.’ As for martial arts, I had Patriarch’s guidance and occasionally received teachings from my father, so that was fine. Spells, however, remained quite vague. Had I decided to stay in the Ice Palace longer, the situation might have been different, but it was time to return to the Central Plains. ‘Should I ask Shini for advice then?’ If I were to seek guidance, that seemed to be the only option. Of all the people I knew, she was the only one who had mentioned spells. Rising with that in mind, I thought to myself. ‘Well then…’ I should return first, and then see what can be done. With that thought, I walked out the door. ****************** Taking slow steps, I arrived at the clearing behind the palace. Hooooo—! The wind swept past, making my hair flutter. The outside air remained cold, but there was a faint fragrance in it. The palace master had called it hope, to which I’d internally dismissed as nonsense. There was something emotional about the words, but as always, they didn’t resonate with me. What I could discern from those words was: ‘The cold is gradually subsiding.’ Being accustomed to heat, I could feel the difference distinctly. The harsh cold of the North Sea was gradually diminishing. The region’s inherent coldness was inevitable, but the curse-induced chill was now gone. Perhaps, not long from now, this place might witness the changing seasons. Looking at the trees, lifeless from the cold, a thought crossed my mind. ‘Will there be autumn foliage?’ Oddly enough, such thoughts arose whenever I thought about the seasons. Did I have a fondness for autumn? I didn’t think so in the past. Recently, thoughts of autumn frequently came to mind. “Young master—!” As I continued walking, a familiar voice reached my ears. In the distance, Dang Sohyeol was eagerly waving a hand. Seeing this, my steps unconsciously quickened. By the time I arrived, most of the group had already gathered. “So you managed to arrive on time today.” As soon as he saw me, Patriarch teasingly commented. At his remark, I let out a small laugh and replied. “Anyone would think I’m late every day.” If nothing else, my impatience kept me punctual. Or did it? “Hmm.” Patriarch scrutinized me closely after my half-hearted reply. Then, with a nod, he remarked. “You’ve changed again, I see.” “...” “Aren’t you past the age of rapid growth? Yet you keep changing.” His perception was irritatingly sharp. ‘Can he notice the rings I’ve formed?’ Having said what he wanted, the Patriarch seemed disinterested and redirected his gaze. Three days ago, after battling the hundred-tiered demon beast, I confessed something crucial to the Patriarch. It was regarding the Art of Demonic Absorption. I didn’t mention my regression or the Heavenly Demon, only that I could absorb energy from demon stones and the like, which accelerated my growth. I figured sharing this would somewhat placate his curiosity. Luckily, it seemed to work. When he heard it, he didn’t question where such a thing came from. Do you know what his first response was? [At least you won’t be struggling due to a lack of energy.] And then he asked: [So, how does it work?] ‘This madman….’ Would it kill him to first ask where I got it from? Instead, he was more interested in the mechanics, with a gleam in his eyes. It was truly bewildering. Though surprised, it seems he used this to rationalize my sudden changes. “Young master, have you eaten?” Dang Sohyeol approached quickly to ask. “Every time you see me, you talk about meals first, don’t you?” “It’s because you often neglect to eat properly. Have you eaten?” “...” I hadn’t eaten. Thus, I had no retort. “See?” “…I was planning to eat later,” I lied. "Avoiding my gaze again. You’re lying, aren’t you?” “...” Ugh. It wasn't easy dealing with this nagging. I needed an escape. My eyes shifted to Namgoong Bia, who stood idly by. Struggling with sleeplessness, she let out a wide yawn. A familiar sight. In the midst of yawning, she caught my eye and waved. It was such a common scene, yet for some reason, it brought a sense of reassurance. I hid my sigh and glanced around. I thought everyone had gathered, but there were still some missing. And then— ‘Here they come.’ Just as the thought crossed my mind, I sensed several people approaching from behind. Turning around, I saw a group walking towards us from the entrance. Among them was the palace master, and also— There was someone being dragged along as if by escorting guards. “Look at this mess.” No matter how many times I saw it, it was still displeasing. "Even though I hit him with some force, he’s completely healed without a trace." I had put quite a bit of effort into hitting him, yet he was entirely healed, both his face and body. That bothered me the most. If he limped a little, it would at least ease my mind. Tsk. With a click of my tongue, I straightened up. Even if annoying, I had to maintain some decorum. “Greetings to the palace master.” As the palace master approached, I bowed my head slightly. Unlike the past nights, her expression wasn’t as bright. "Did you have a pleasant night?” “Wouldn’t it be odd to ask that when you were present last night?” “…Don’t you find your response even stranger?” Is that so? On second thought, it did sound odd. But there was no one here to misunderstand, so it didn’t matter, did it? “…night?” “Night…?” Hearing the whispers of two women behind me, I hurriedly waved my hand. “Haha. I meant to say your assistance with my training.” The urgency made the palace master lightly glance behind me. “One would think you're more self-conscious than you seem.” “When have I ever looked conscious of such things?” “Hmm. I see.” Despite my answer, I could tell from her expression that she hadn’t really understood. -That aside. A voice resonated in my mind. It was the palace master’s voice transmission. -About the book I gave you, it’s best to read it once you have more than two rings. Hearing her explain further, my eyes widened. The palace master nodded in understanding and added more. -It is surprising, isn’t it? It must have been unexpected to hear of the additional rings. If you continue practicing, the number will increase someday, from one to two. Given your talent, it should take no more than half a year…. -I happened to form two before coming here, so it’s alright to read it now? -Damn it. -Pardon? What? -Palace master...? Did you just...? -Nothing. I happened to yawn without realizing it. But it didn’t sound like a yawn at all…? It sounded like a curse just now... ‘…Did I hear that wrong?’ I doubted the palace master would use such language. Yes, I must have misheard. Surely, that’s it. ‘It felt off while reading, and it must have been the ring difference.’ Needing such conditions just to read a single text seemed odd, but trusting the palace master’s words seemed best. -Thank you for the guidance. I’ll make good use of it. -…Please do. As we continued our exchange, the palace master's expression soured, but I ignored it. She was likely just tired from being out since the early hours, considering her health wasn’t the best. The palace master signaled behind her with a stern expression. That was when the warriors moved, bringing forth the one they had apprehended. Woo Hyuk, bound with shackles on his hands and feet, was brought forward. Our eyes met as he approached. “...” “...” We didn’t exchange many words. It was awkward since we were on opposing sides. I withdrew my gaze and examined the shackles. It was blatantly a show-off restraint. They weren’t even iron-clad, and Woo Hyuk could easily break free with a little effort. His internal energy wasn’t restrained either; it was as if he’d been left to escape. Seeing this, I glanced at the palace master. ‘Was she hoping for him to escape?’ It seemed possible. Perhaps the palace master wanted Woo Hyuk to flee. It would justify killing him more easily if he attempted to escape. ‘If it were me, I would have.’ If there was someone I needed to eliminate, I’d fabricate reasons if necessary. I had no doubt I’d employ such tactics. Especially since the palace master's gaze towards Woo Hyuk was extraordinarily cold, it was a plausible thought. “…We will hand over the criminal as mentioned according to our agreement.” Upon the palace master’s statement, the warriors began to unshackle Woo Hyuk. Clank—! Thud—! They hadn’t tied him too tightly, and it only took a few seconds to remove them. As I witnessed this, I focused on the palace master’s words. ‘Agreement.’ The palace master called our conversation an agreement, giving it weight. Woo Hyuk, labeled a criminal, was to be handed over to me. ‘An essential justification.’ Although Woo Hyuk’s roots were in the North Sea, he had lived in the Central Plains. The plan was to transport him there and deal with the criminal. It carried that meaning. Whether to convince the senior warriors, who were generals of the palace, or to justify it to herself, who could say. I merely nodded in acknowledgment. “Thank you.” My objective was fulfilled. The rest was of little concern to me. Throughout the exchange, Woo Hyuk lowered his head, eyes cast down. A pitiful sight indeed, yet a fate he had to bear. “So now, I hope you uphold the conditions the palace master mentioned.” With that, someone stepped forward. Unlike Woo Hyuk, her expression wasn’t pleasant. It was Yuri, who had become the Ice Palace's first daughter after Yoosun’s death. Yuri approached me slowly and extended a formal courtesy. “…Greetings, benefactor.” Her words issued forth, but her expression was strained. Though she was ostensibly being sent to the Central Plains for study, Yuri knew full well that it was to keep a weak daughter safe from the aftermath of war. ‘At least with a somewhat trustworthy relative.’ It seemed the palace master had her own reasons for such a choice. ‘…But still.’ In Yuri's downcast expression, there was a hint of something odd. Excitement? Somehow, her face seemed to carry that emotion. ‘…What is this?’ Why did she appear secretly happy? As I pondered the reason, my eyes naturally drifted to Woo Hyuk. ‘Could it be?’ Was she pleased because she’d be traveling with him? That shouldn’t be the case. Otherwise, it’d be a disaster beyond disaster for the family ties. I couldn’t imagine she’d view the man who nearly ruined her household positively. ‘Isn’t that a bit too much?’ As much as I wanted to dismiss it, I couldn’t help but wonder. ‘Is it the face? It must be the face.’ Looking at Woo Hyuk’s handsome features filled me with a damned sense of irritation. I couldn’t help but think that, at his level of attractiveness, anyone might understand why. Suppressing the curse words that threatened to spill out, I sighed. ‘Anyway… seeing the brat staying put means my threat worked.’ Despite initially refusing to leave, he complied without a word once I used Yuri as leverage. There was much to be said, but I decided to hold my tongue for now. ‘Alright. Let’s just get moving first and think later.’ As it seemed everyone was present, I was about to suggest we prepare to depart when— “But, Young Master Gu.” The palace master addressed me. “Yes?” “With everyone here, are we ready to depart?” “What… Oh.” I turned to look and realized what she meant. We had too many wounded. Namgoong Bia’s internal injuries hadn’t fully healed. Nor had Gwiseon’s. “If you wish, we can stay longer to ensure proper treatment.” “No, that won’t be necessary.” I declined the palace master’s considerate offer. While I wasn’t too concerned about Gwiseon, I was admittedly worried about Namgoong Bia. ‘It’d be better to return to the Central Plains and seek Shini’s help. Besides…’ I glanced at Woo Hyuk. ‘There are things to test.’ Considering what I needed to confirm, this seemed the best course of action. The palace master nodded understandingly at my decision. “Very well... then, about the carriage I prepared…” “That won’t be necessary either.” A carriage, at this point, would only frustrate me with its slowness. I raised my gaze to the sky. “Come down now.” As I spoke, there was a sudden tremor. Whooosh—! The sky darkened as something vast obscured the sun, casting a large shadow on the ground. I chuckled quietly at the display. ‘That damned creature.’ The spectacle was amusingly inappropriate. However— “What…?” “What is this—!” For others, such antics seemed to spell a crisis, creating a moment of confusion. Then, all of a sudden— Thud—!!! A colossal mass descended to the ground. The sheer impact sent some onlookers sprawling backward. I swiftly circulated my internal energy to dissipate the dust. ‘Damn it, I keep telling you to land gently.’ Despite my earlier warnings, its increased size only seemed to make it less manageable. I glared at the creature that had created this embarrassing situation. Grrrr…. The beast, now twice its original size, let out a grating growl. “S-Someone, help!” “M-Monster—!?” Its form was far larger than even our largest beasts, prompting the warriors to frantically draw their weapons. Seeing this, I swung my hand, striking its head. Boom—! Infusing my internal energy into the blow made it notably loud. Rumble—!!! The beast’s large head shook from the impact. “I’ve told you to appear quietly! Are you trying to embarrass me to death?” Grrrr…. “Cool? You think that was cool? Do you want to die, seriously?” I wondered whom this creature had taken after to be so aggravating. Cool? There’s nothing cool about this situation. Worse, its colossal size meant every move seemed to leech away my energy. ‘How unfair is it that just by moving, my own energy gets drained?’ It guzzled food like no tomorrow, refused to listen, and now it was sapping my energy too. ‘I might actually abandon it.’ Grrr…. Sensing my growing anger, the creature lowered its head as if it understood my thoughts. Despite causing frustration, it was astoundingly perceptive about such things. “Haha….” The palace master, observing the creature, let out a baffled laugh. “…You raise beasts?” She finally managed to comment. “I’m not raising it. It just decided to tag along.” Grrrr. “Stay put. You’ve got no reason to sulk.” Grrr…. Seemingly subdued, the creature’s expression turned meek. Dang Sohyeol couldn’t resist reaching out to pat it, while Gwiseon observed with interest. “You said there was no rush to depart, but… there was a reason.” Yuri, equally astonished, looked at the creature with wide eyes and turned to me in surprise. “…Did it get bigger than before?” “It’s still growing.” “I see…” Yet, isn’t it a bit too large now? Before she could voice that thought, Yuri clamped her mouth shut, realizing how pointless it would be to ask. There didn’t seem to be reason to linger any longer. With a face full of weariness, I gestured broadly. “…Everyone, climb on. Let’s finally head home.” At my words, the creature lowered its upper body. Hesitant at first, everyone began to climb onto its back. Though our numbers had increased, as I suspected, the enlarged and strengthened creature showed no signs of strain. -Young Master Gu. As I prepared to be the last one aboard, the palace master stopped me. I paused and turned to face her. And so. -Thank you for saving the North Sea. I feel guilty that I couldn’t do more in return. The sincerity in her words was apparent. Hearing her, a self-conscious laugh escaped me. Being called a savior was unsettling. ‘I never intended to save it.’ In reality, the results weren’t as noble as they seemed, and I ended up gaining more than I gave. Given that I exploited the situation to wrest Woo Hyuk away, what remained for me was guilt rather than pride. Surely, the palace master knew this. Yet, with a clear gaze, she continued speaking. -I hope your journey is without mishap. -…Thank you. -And please take good care of our first daughter. Those were words that likely held all his sincerity. -Yes, I will do my best. For something that could have been communicated verbally, he chose to use a voice transmission. Fathers, as it seems, are inscrutable beings. ‘Why not just say it out loud?’ If he had, I doubt Yuri would have minded. Thinking about it made me realize I wasn't all that different. Acknowledging this uncomfortable truth, I masked my uneasy feelings and faced forward. “…Let's go then.” As I spoke, energy flowed out from my heart, and the creature Ddarongi began to lift off the ground. Finally, we would be heading back. Reaching this point, the reality of it all began to sink in. Just then, Ddarongi asked me something. Grrrr. “How fast should we go?” Grrrr. Look at this guy. He seemed brimming with newfound confidence, as if growing bigger made him proud. With a grin, I replied. “As fast as you can. Let’s see how fast you really are...!” Whoooosh----!!!! Almost before I could finish speaking, a rush of wind hit us, and the scenery shifted rapidly. The challenge was half-heartedly issued, yet Ddarongi's speed far exceeded my expectations. Within just a few days, we returned to Hanam.