660 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Chapter 660: Hold Your Hands** Amidst the silent air, a subtle current rippled through. Sharpened sword blades stretched out in all directions. Though they appeared unstable and somewhat immature, this was unmistakably... 'A Heart Sword.' The level of unity between mind and sword, part of the Heart Sword technique. What was once invisible now became visible. In the past, I would have doubted its existence, but now, it was strikingly clear. The inn was filled with countless sword blades. A gentle wind carried the scent of flowers. As I inhaled and lifted my gaze, a woman stood before me. Her radiant, golden hair cascaded down past her waist, and her eyes mirrored his. Despite wearing a red martial outfit that didn't quite suit her, her dazzling features made one overlook it all. Her mesmerizing appearance erased all thoughts of 'Well, at least she's worth looking at,' from my mind. Devotion to beauty. Even as a child, her face had been astonishingly beautiful, and as she matured into an adult, she fully blossomed. 'A flower.' A timelessly beautiful flower that seemed to always be in spring. A flower that captivated everyone's gaze bloomed here. I glanced around the surroundings. The stares that had been intermittently cast at Bi-Hyunhwa had long since shifted entirely toward her. Those in the inn were busy staring in a daze. Yet with those charming eyes, sharper than usual, she radiated her displeasure. Even that sight seemed trivial to my eyes, though likely not to Bi-Hyunhwa beside me. I subtly retreated from Bi-Hyunhwa, who had been gripping me. Doing so, the threatening aura slightly abated. “Haa... Huff...!” Only then, as if finally able to breathe, Bi-Hyunhwa let out harsh gasps. Seeing this, I withdrew my hand from reaching for her throat. 'That was close.' Thankfully, I nearly killed her in a moment of anger, but managed to hold back. I couldn't bear the disgusting sensation. Secretly, I flicked my hand at Bi-Hyunhwa. Whoosh-! A sharp breeze swept through the inn. Others likely didn't notice, but the intensity of the aura made it necessary to clear the space. Immediately after dispelling it out the window. To the trembling Bi-Hyunhwa I spoke. “It seems my guest has arrived. I won't be able to see you off. It was nice meeting you.” At my casual words, said with a smirk, Bi-Hyunhwa sprang up eagerly and dashed out of the inn. The sight was so amusing that I couldn't help but chuckle. 'Who would've thought I'd live to see her in such a state.' She was one of those I regretted not killing in my previous life, though not someone who occupied my thoughts overly. Because she was one who had met a miserable end regardless of my actions. 'What exactly happened at the end? I heard she was caught by Nokwang.' Then there's no need to think further. Nokwang's group, the Madmen of Makyō, were notorious for killing women and children alike without discretion. If such a beautiful woman from the righteous sect was captured there... The end she met wouldn't be something pleasant to imagine. Though Bi-Hyunhwa disappeared, people's attention remained fixed on this spot. Bi-Hyunhwa fleeing seemed otherwise inconsequential. Noting this, I sighed deeply. It seemed to have intensified in that short time. Reflecting on this, I turned my gaze to the woman watching me. The blonde beauty. Wi Seol-A. '...It seems like I saw her just under a year ago.' It was around the time I had left the Guga, so it must be around then. Certainly, it hasn't been that long since. 'How did she change so rapidly?' In that short time, Wi Seol-A's appearance had become even more radiant. Her face and physique had matured in my absence. 'Did she grow taller?' Somehow, she seemed a bit taller than in my past life. Perhaps because she's been eating well. Overall, it was good to see she appeared well off.... “You... Did you forget what I asked you to do before I left?” “...” I suddenly chided her, and Wi Seol-A flinched, diverting her gaze. Simultaneously, I sensed energy flowing. A subtle energy emanated from Wi Seol-A’s body. Thus, Wi Seol-A’s presence significantly diminished. Wi Seol-A herself was suppressing her presence. “Ah...?” “What...?” A disappointed murmur arose from the surroundings. An expression of confusion over what had occurred, coupled with a primal desire to see more. Just her presence alone stirred such emotions, it was as if she were a living opiate. ‘It wasn’t this extreme before.’ She seemed even more intense than before I left. ‘Perhaps she’s advanced in her cultivation, contributing to this.’ By the time I left, she hadn't reached this depth. “...Have a seat.” “...” At my words, the now subdued Wi Seol-A cautiously sat across from me. Spotting her slightly annoyed expression, I couldn't help but grin. “It’s been a while.” “...Yes.” Her voice held a slight edge, amusing me even more. I raised a hand. “Ah, y-yes!” Upon my call, the innkeeper approached, looking baffled. Moyong Hia had opened this peculiar inn with the idea of spending freely. Unquestionably, it was unique. ‘Who would've thought the innkeeper would be dressed in silk?’ On top of that, the innkeeper was distractingly good-looking. One might wonder if, by chance, one of the male companions had been brought along instead. Yet, even the innkeeper was unable to take his eyes off Wi Seol-A, causing me to frown. “Heok...!!” Only then did he hurriedly avert his eyes. “The largest serving of plum tea, three cups.” “T-three cups, you say? Will there not be another accompanying?” “No, she’s going to drink them all. Ah, three is enough, right?” “...” Wi Seol-A nodded. She must have been in quite a mood. Normally, she would have ordered five cups, but she settled for three this time. “...Ah?” The innkeeper looked puzzled, but as it was an order, hurried off to the kitchen. I cleared off Bi-Hyunhwa’s tea from the table in front. The irritating fragrance still lingered faintly. After dispersing some energy to erase it, I looked at the silent Wi Seol-A. “It’s been a while. Have you been well?” "Yeah..." "And have you eaten?" "Not yet..." "Really? How about we go get some food then? I saw some street vendors selling chicken skewers outside." "What, eat...!" Wi Seol-A's expression brightened momentarily at the suggestion, but she quickly caught herself and changed her expression. "...I don't want to." Her voice was laced with noticeable regret, and I couldn't help but laugh. She was the same as ever, and that made me feel relieved. Tap tap. I patted the seat next to me. "Come here." "..." "Come on." At my urging, Wi Seol-A stood up with a pout and came to sit beside me. I reached out and gently stroked her hair. Wi Seol-A didn't resist. "How did you get here?" "...I walked." Her curt answer made me briefly pinch her lips. "That's not what I meant." "Mm...!!" "Do you know how surprised I was?" The moment I first sensed the aura—my breath had practically halted. It was an aura that shouldn't have been felt here. I had been about to head outside at any moment, but sensing it approaching this way, I forced myself to stay put. "How did you come here?" "..." Tap tap. Wi Seol-A touched my hand, signaling for me to release her lips. Once I let go, she explained, "...The Family Head said I could come with him, so I accompanied him." "Hmm?" Her answer widened my eyes in surprise. 'She came with Father?' Could it be that Father was here in Hanam? That was quite unexpected. '...Why?' I couldn't fathom why things had unfolded this way. Of course, it wasn't an altogether surprising occurrence. Just outside, anyone could see that there were people from clans and sects normally absent from Hanam. The alliance was hosting a festival for the first time in years. Even though the peace had erupted into chaos with the rise of the Red Demons, it was a situation being swiftly managed. The alliance announcing this festival was saying, in essence... 'A testament that the world under their control remains untroubled.' And. With the shift towards a proper tournament and later the establishment of the New Dragon Platform for the first time in years, intertwining these events... The presence of revered clans and families at this festival signified a congratulatory gesture to the Wulin Alliance and... 'An indication of aligning with the alliance's aims.' It was a visible demonstration of their support for the Wulin Alliance. The timing drew all sorts of people, yet... 'Why would Father come here?' His presence in Hanam was inexplicably strange. In my previous life, he never came to Hanam without a compelling reason. Whether the alliance summoned the family or not, he seemed the type to refrain from coming, even if called upon. But now, he had arrived in time for the tournament? "..." I was at a loss. His arrival now implied that he had departed some time ago. Meaning... '...So, when I saw him in the North Sea, he hadn't planned to stay in Shanxi?' During the journey here, Father must have been summoned. His peculiar reaction earlier started to make sense, given this context. 'And he even brought along Wi Seol-A?' What could have brought him here? 'There's no way he's suddenly planning to align with the Wulin Alliance now.' I couldn't quite decipher his motives. "Your tea is ready." Amid my musings, cups of plum tea were served in succession. I handed one to Wi Seol-A and asked, "So, where's Father now?" If they'd just arrived, he must have headed straight for the merchant guilds. That was my assumption as I inquired. "The Family Head hasn't arrived yet." "What?" "He mentioned having some matters to attend to and said he'd be a few days late, so I arrived first." "A matter?" Unexpected business on the way, perhaps? I suddenly recalled that Lady Mi was supposed to be absent for a few days too. Could it be related to her absence? '...Although he's not someone who'd get in trouble, there's no room for concern.' That thought lingered slightly in my mind. 'In any case.' Dismissing the thoughts, I looked back at Wi Seol-A. She was quietly sipping her plum tea, so I playfully pinched her cheek. Despite savoring the drink, her eyes remained slightly scrunched in a sulk, which made me smile as I asked, "What do you find displeasing?" "...Nothing bothered me." "Really? Even though you're making that face after seeing me for the first time in ages?" My teasing remark made Wi Seol-A's gaze momentarily sharper. "I know, right... It's been so long since we last met..." Unable to continue, she quickly turned her head away. 'Hmm.' This seemed like it was going to linger. Wi Seol-A usually didn't hold grudges deeply, but this time it seemed more serious. Awkwardly, I scratched my cheek. "So, no pains or aches, right?" "...Yeah." "Seems like you've lost a bit of weight though. Are you eating well?" "Yes..." "Well, you look even prettier, that's something." "...!" "You might need to put on a bit more weight." She's become exceedingly beautiful. Such beauty would draw too much attention, so I might need to consider some remedy. But then. "..." "Hm?" Was it my imagination, or did Wi Seol-A's ears look slightly red? Why is that? How come? 'Why does it seem like her sulking has somewhat eased?' I hadn't done anything, yet somehow it seemed that way. Was it the plum tea? Could good food really be the solution? "Should I order more yakgwa for you?" Thinking I was onto the right track, I asked Wi Seol-A. Although this was an inn, it was more known for its snacks than alcohol. Moyong Hia had designed it to cater to female customers who typically spent more money. But. "N-no, it's fine. I don't need it." "...Huh...?" Wi Seol-A declining yakgwa was shocking. I considered she might still be upset, but her lips were curved slightly upwards. There was no denying it. Wi Seol-A was in a good mood now. Yet, I couldn't fathom why. "Uh... alright then." The way she sipped her tea was gentle. Sipping cautiously, whether from the heat or otherwise, her demeanor seemed cheerful. Watching her silently drink her tea, I eventually asked. "So, why aren't you asking?" "Pardon?" Wi Seol-A widened her eyes in surprise at my question. Her expression conveyed confusion. "That woman from earlier. Aren't you curious who she is?" "Ah." Just "Ah"? Was she not furious just moments ago? "I'm over it now." I tilted my head, puzzled by her response. "You sure you're okay?" "Yes, I'm fine now. I don't think she's someone I'll ever see again." "Huh...?" Wi Seol-A nodded, genuinely appearing uninterested. Not long ago, it seemed she might actually kill someone. You'd think she'd at least ask why that person approached me, wouldn't you? Though I would have found explaining bothersome, the fact she didn't ask somehow left a tiny pang of disappointment. In the middle of this, I noticed... '...When did she drink all of that?' I'd only just given her the first cup. Somehow, all three cups of plum tea I'd given Wi Seol-A were empty. We hadn't even exchanged too many words—it seemed she'd finished them in no time. And they were scalding hot; how did she manage that? Astonished and a bit nostalgic, I reached out and gently patted Wi Seol-A's head. As I tenderly stroked her hair, something caught my eye. It was a hair ornament I'd given her as a gift. Both Namgung Bia and Wi Seol-A seemed to favor these inexpensive trinkets. 'I'll have to find something nicer later.' With that thought, Wi Seol-A turned to me, her eyes sparkling. "Ah, right. Sir." "Hm?" Wi Seol-A spoke as if she’d just remembered something. "I missed you." "..." "I thought I hadn’t told you yet." I flinched without realizing it. My body froze, making it harder to respond. "...Oh, me too." Awkwardly, I managed to reply. I had to say something. Wi Seol-A's face blossomed with a radiant smile. Looking at her, a thought crossed my mind. 'I should probably really find something special...' Her smile was annoyingly beautiful. If this kept up, I might end up entranced myself, like others caught in her allure. --- In the back alleys of Hanam. Despite many people roaming about, the fastest path to the Wulin Alliance was still quiet even during the day. A recent incident a little over a month ago played a part. The Alliance had blocked this path to the general public. Members of the sect patrolled the area occasionally, making it less frequented by ordinary folks. In one corner of such an alley... Shkaak...! A woman bit her nails repeatedly as she hurried along. Her expression twisted with a mix of fear and anger. '...I'm going to kill them. I will.' The woman was Bi-Hyunhwa. She couldn't contain her mounting fury, so much that her eyes were bloodshot. 'How dare they...!!' Remembering the woman who had appeared, Bi-Hyunhwa gritted her teeth. Not only had she stolen all the attention meant for Bi-Hyunhwa, but she also dared to oppress her without warning. Furthermore... 'That face.' Seeing that beautiful face had immediately triggered feelings of defeat. The woman, whose name remained unknown, had caused Bi-Hyunhwa, who was hailed as the Flower of the Alliance and the most beautiful in Hanam, immense despair. 'That man was just as bad...!' The one who remained unaffected by her allure. She wondered why he acted so unmoved. 'Was it because of a woman like her?' Was it that a more radiant flower rendered him indifferent? She didn't like it at all. She thought to offer him a hand because he seemed a decent martial artist, but he had the nerve to reject her advances and leave her feeling filthy. Her fists clenched tightly enough to tremble. 'I’ll kill them.' She would, no matter what. Even if she had to endure the lecherous old masters upon returning to her sect, she wanted to obliterate them. The image of her panicked, fleeing disgrace floated in her mind, along with the envy she’d felt. She couldn’t believe it. Thus, somehow... 'That woman, at least.' She didn't care about the man. Honestly, she wasn't interested. There were plenty of men in the world. Some surely more capable. Bi-Hyunhwa resolved to deal with the woman at any cost. If she couldn’t kill her, she’d scar that face profoundly. That face didn’t belong here. No more beautiful flowers should exist where she was. 'She must be crushed.' She must be crushed before her radiance spreads. This became her sole thought. Half-insane already. Suppressed emotions, chewing her nails in anger and inferiority, Bi-Hyunhwa pressed onward. Attempting to hurriedly return to the Wulin Alliance. Tuk. From somewhere, the sound of droplets hitting the ground echoed. Tuk tuk-! Out of nowhere, someone emerged and swiftly struck Bi-Hyunhwa's back. "...Ggk!?" Her body froze instantly. It was acupoint sealing. Some Alliance guards were on patrol nearby. Within a few steps, the Wulin Alliance itself lay closer. Amidst this gap, someone had sealed Bi-Hyunhwa's acupoint. As she began to panic over the sudden situation, her eyes wheeling wildly... "Hmm." Someone stepped in front of the immobilized Bi-Hyunhwa. Yet not a sound preceded her appearance. That silence was even more terrifying. “…!!” Bi-Hyunhwa's eyes widened as she saw who it was. The one who had sealed her was a woman with long, cyan hair cascading down her back. Small in stature, her features were cute, someone Bi-Hyunhwa recognized well. "Hello." "…!" The green-haired woman, Dang So-yeol, spoke to Bi-Hyunhwa. Naturally, Bi-Hyunhwa couldn't respond, though Dang So-yeol didn’t seem to mind. "It's been a while, sister." Shing. Dang So-yeol's fingertips lightly touched Bi-Hyunhwa's neck. Slight pressure. From where her nails grazed, a thin trail of blood trickled down, and Bi-Hyunhwa's eyes filled with terror. Observing this, Dang So-yeol spoke. “Shall we have a chat? There’s something I want to discuss with you, sister.” “...” “If you agree, move your eyes up and down. If not, side to side is fine too.” Just as Bi-Hyunhwa instinctively began to move her eyes sideways... “In return.” Dang So-yeol continued. “If I don’t like your answer, I’ll pluck out your eyeballs.” “…!” “You get two chances. One eyeball for each time.” “...” Despite her sweet tone, her words were deadly. Immediately, Bi-Hyunhwa’s eyes moved up and down in agreement. Seeing this, Dang So-yeol smiled and said, "Thank goodness. I was worried about getting blood on my clothes..." She gently caressed Bi-Hyunhwa's cheek with her hand, maintaining her smile.