675 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The Best Under Heaven's Childhood Friend - Chapter 675: North Rabbit --- Walking towards the designated location, a middle-aged man dressed in the Meng Association's martial attire greeted me. "It's been a while." It was Bumdong, whom I had met last time. "Yes, it has been a while." Receiving his greeting with a reluctant face, Bumdong chuckled. "I apologize for coming so suddenly." He didn't seem sorry at all. "Indeed, and you arrived right at my mealtime. I was already hungry." I did not bother with courteous remarks like 'it's alright.' Because, frankly, it wasn't alright. "I felt I didn't introduce myself properly last time, so I've come to do so now." "Couldn’t you have come later? Why now of all times…?" "I am Bumdong of the Flying Dragon Squad under the Meng Association. So-ryeom-ra So-hyeop." "…" Stifling my rising irritation, I changed my expression. It had been a long time since I heard that moniker. 'Well, look at that?' So Bumdong had come. It seemed he had uncovered some information. 'So they figured out who I am. Is that it?' Well, seven days and nights should have been more than enough time. Considering the capabilities of their intelligence network… 'They probably know more than just my identity.' I couldn’t help but be a little curious about his purpose for coming. Creak. I pulled out a chair and sat down. Then I spoke to Bumdong. "I am Gu Yangcheon of the Gu family." "Finally, I hear your real name. The alias Pa Jeol-yeop you used initially took some time to track down." I couldn’t help but chuckle at Bumdong's words. 'This man has no intention of hiding anything, huh?' Pa Jeol-yeop was the fake name I used when Bi-hyeon-hwa approached me. Yet, Bumdong mentioned it so openly. He had no intention of hiding the fact that he had investigated me behind my back. "I was surprised. I never expected the young master to be So-ryeom-ra So-hyeop." Silently, I watched him, prompting him to continue. "I had heard tales of a rising martial prodigy who stirred the martial world…. But honestly, I didn’t believe them." "Why not? Was it too far-fetched?" "Precisely. The youngest to reach such an advanced stage… defeating a great demon alone. It sounded unbelievable." Half of it was true, and half wasn’t. "But seeing you in person, you seem even more remarkable." "Why do you keep spouting such flattering yet irritating compliments?" "I heard you’re just over twenty…. To have surpassed me at your age…." Bumdong seemed to swallow words he decided not to say. "Purely out of curiosity, I wonder if you are an elder who has undergone the art of rejuvenation?" "…" I almost spat out the tea I was sipping. "At your age, achieving such a level is hard to comprehend, you see." "Surely the squad leader is aware of the drawbacks of the Rejuvenation Art?" "Yes, I am." Rejuvenation sounds like a blessing for a martial artist to regain youthful vitality at the cost of weakened acu-nodes and diminished potential. Without multiple transformations and reinventions, one could never regain their former power. "Knowing such side effects, what kind of foolhardy martial artist would do such a thing?" "Indeed." "Only a truly idiotic fool. An utterly stupid, pathetic jellyfish of a human being would…." "Alright, alright, you can stop." "If such a person indeed exists, they'd be both foolish and deficient." "…" Bumdong cleared his throat in mild embarrassment at my biting sarcasm. Watching him, I finally asked the question. "Why have you come to see me?" Clink. Setting down the teacup, I posed the question. "If you've already gathered information, why not do a bit more investigating first? What brings you here now?" "Haha." Bumdong laughed. For some reason, that laugh felt like it was tickling something inside me in an irritating way. "Indeed, ongoing investigations are crucial. Not just about So-hyeop and the Baekhwa Merchant Group… At this point, we're continuously examining several related issues." "But why?" "There arose a matter that required me to meet you in person, So-hyeop." To unabashedly admit investigating me, yet still visiting for a separate matter? What could it be, I wondered as I looked at Bumdong. "Recently, some peculiar events have been occurring around you, So-hyeop. Are you aware of them?" "That's intriguing. I'm all ears." Around me? "The first one concerns a woman who approached you, So-hyeop." "Hmm." I had to widen my eyes a bit at Bumdong’s revelation. I was genuinely surprised. "I didn’t expect you to be so upfront about it." It seemed he was talking about Bi-hyeon-hwa. To think he would just bluntly bring it up. "I was certain that So-hyeop would already be aware. That became clear as we compiled the information. It's remarkable. It must not have been easy for someone your age to resist." Admittedly, Bi-hyeon-hwa was indeed beautiful. Bumdong was right. Most young men would lose their minds over someone like her. However. 'The ones around me are overwhelmingly prettier.' Having been exposed to such, not only did I build immunity but I was thoroughly covered from head to toe. "How did you know? That she was connected to the Meng Association?" "I didn't particularly think of her as connected to Meng. She just seemed suspicious, so I kept my distance." While I had already known and toyed with it, that part was naturally a secret. "But is there a problem with that woman?" She left like she was fleeing, so I didn’t bother to hold onto her. Was there an issue after all? Upon hearing my question, Bumdong just stared at me. Then he mumbled. "…So that's how you're going to play it." He suddenly murmured some nonsense to himself. "It doesn’t matter." "What are you talking about? Why speak alone? Let's be in the know together." Is he losing his mind…? "The second issue is… Meng's people have been disappearing one by one." This was news to me. "Disappearing?" "Yes. Particularly…." Bumdong narrowed his eyes at me. His gaze was becoming more unendurable. Seeing those eyes, I sighed and addressed Bumdong. "Are you suspecting me?" "Not suspecting, just keeping an eye on you." "That's still suspicion." I was dumbfounded. I wondered if I was being suspected of something I hadn't even touched, rather than for deeds I actually committed. Ridiculous. 'Furthermore, there wasn't really any report about such incidents.' Could it be that others are responsible for this? But there hasn’t been any report indicating so. "So you're saying you came to suspect me?" I asked. "Not exactly. Partly, I came to formally introduce myself... Although soon enough, the Meng Association will issue an investigative mandate." 'Investigative mandate?' The mention from Bumdong caused my brow to twitch. "Besides the circumstantial evidence being collected." Circumstances? What circumstances could he be referring to? As I pondered this, Bumdong continued. "So-ryeom-ra, your attitude towards me previously could also potentially be an issue." His words made my eyebrows twitch. 'Ah, I see.' I had spared him before, and it seemed he wanted to hold a grudge for it. "Therefore, before the investigative mandate is enforced... perhaps it would be wise for you to voluntarily visit the Meng Association for questioning." "And for what? I didn’t do anything, and yet you want me to go to the Meng and quietly undergo an interrogation?" "If the mandate is enforced, it will become troublesome for both sides, wouldn't it be easier to handle it this way?" "Wow..." I couldn’t help but express my incredulity at Bumdong's approach, though not in admiration of his methods. 'This bastard hasn’t changed at all.' He attempted to showcase his thorough knowledge of my affairs, flaunting the investigative authority and circumstance that the Meng Association wielded. It was all a power play. No matter how strong martial artists were, they were tethered to the martial realm under the Meng Association’s authority. If they stepped out of line, the Meng had the power to create real trouble for them. Bumdong had employed such tactics in my past life, using these methods to subjugate and control. 'Ridiculous.' Of course, it wouldn't work on me. "I'm not going anywhere." Creak—! I spoke as I rose to my feet. "If you're looking to accuse me, at least gather some evidence first. You're handling things terribly. I couldn't even eat my meal because I was told a guest had arrived. Maybe I should sprinkle some salt to cleanse this air." Though it was a rare occurrence for a leader to personally come, there was no need to exert any more effort on this nonsensical meeting. I would have been more than happy to let them come to me naturally. Why would they choose to expedite their own ruin? 'There are still uses; I can't strike yet.' This irritating provocation needed to be tolerated, for now. As mentioned, it was necessary to hold back. Bumdong was intended for use at the decisive moment... "You seem to have many women around you." Suddenly, I halted. I did not turn my head, but I left my ears open to listen. "I count four. Three from notable families... oh, one is no longer in that category so we exclude her." His words were revolting enough to make my ears sting. Should I turn my head now? No, hold back. Turning now might lead to unintended violence. I coaxed my patience, but... "Even the descendants of the former Meng leader seem to be among them." "...Hah." In the end, I couldn’t help but turn my head. "So what?" "Nothing significant… just that you seem quite close with these young ladies." "I mean, seriously." Dragging the chair back to the desk, I leaned closer to Bumdong. "So what of it?" "Hahaha." Meeting his gaze, Bumdong laughed. "No particular meaning. Merely, it seems So-ryeom-ra is under some misconceptions." "What misconceptions do you believe I have?" "So-ryeom-ra, do you think those upholding justice in the Meng Association wouldn’t engage in foolish acts?" I nodded slightly at his question. "If that is your thought, you’re right. The Meng Association upholds justice and doesn’t engage in unjust acts." Listening to him, I questioned further. "What exactly do you mean by foolish or unjust acts?" "It refers to unlawful conduct." "Ah, I see. Please, continue. You're saying the Meng wouldn’t engage in underhanded, unlawful acts, but?" "Yes, under the Meng banner, surely things are aboveboard. However... given that Meng's people have recently been disappearing, those uncooperative with the Meng sometimes face unfortunate incidents." "Unfortunate incidents?" "It involves family members being harmed... or cherished individuals suffering harm." As Bumdong continued, a cold fury began to settle in my eyes. How could these bastards not change? Perhaps it's easier to deal with them like this. "So?" "So, I say this out of concern. Given So-ryeom-ra's uncooperative stance... unfortunate things might happen to those important around you." "So what you're telling me is," I said, calmly setting down my teacup. From behind, I sensed a presence that only I could discern. "Stop causing a fuss and surrender quietly. If you continue this, we won’t spare those around you. Is that it?" "Heh, you've misunderstood. It's not the stance of the Meng Association, truly..." "You despicable bastards." "...What?" Bumdong's expression twisted at the curse that slipped from my lips. "So-ryeom-ra, what did you just—" "Don't bother asking. You scum." Apparently, my patience was insufficient. "People claiming righteousness, yet bearing no ethics. Demonic sects are open about their methods. But these assholes can’t seem to grasp even basic evolution?" Bumdong began to rise in response to my harsh words. No, he attempted to rise but— Grab—! Bam—! "Ugh—!!" I seized Bumdong's head and slammed it against the table. The teacup atop it spilled, with the liquid trickling down to the floor. Fortunately, the table remained intact. Thanks to the protective force I've wrapped around it beforehand. "What is this—!" Before he could shout further, my fist met his face. Crash—!! "Cough!" From the impact, Bumdong’s lips split, and several teeth scattered. "Already on edge and you're spewing nonsense? Threatening me with misfortune?" "Uhh... how... how dare you, against the Meng..." Unable to finish his words, I raised his head slightly and slammed it down again. Thud—! Thud, thud—! Repeating my actions, I whispered over my shoulder. "Nahi." "Yes, master." "...!!" Upon hearing Nahi's response, who had suddenly appeared behind me, Bumdong's eyes widened like saucers. "Close the door." "At your command." As soon as the words left my mouth, the windows and doors around us began to shut one by one. Whir—! Once everything was closed, a soundproof barrier enveloped the room, ensuring that no noise could escape. Boom—! Thud—! I continued slamming Bumdong's head against the table, stopping only when I had lost count somewhere past the number of my fingers. "Ugh..." In the silent room, the only sound was Bumdong's pained groans. Drip... drip... Blood trickled from Bumdong's mouth, staining the table. Watching this, I spoke to him. "I was willing to let this slide, you know. The timing isn't right yet." This was true. Bumdong still had his uses. At least until after the martial arts tournament, I needed to keep him in play. "Why do you keep provoking me? Making me want to kill you." "Ugh..." "What? I'm asking you, why?" "Huff... huff..." Eventually, through trembling lips, Bumdong managed to speak. "Do you think... you'll get away with this... after doing this to me? You've dared... to put the Meng's master in this condition...!" "Yes, yes. Master. Great master of the Meng." Tired of his bullshit, I gripped his face with my hand. The blood wetted my palm, but I paid it no mind. "I know. I know it's hard to let this slide. I'm well aware." I understood all too well what kind of organization the Meng was. Just as Bumdong said, the Meng dealt with internal matters decisively. Especially regarding someone of his standing, a leader. "But you know what?" I met his gaze directly. "The fact that I'm doing this anyway means I'm either not concerned about it... or I have a way to deal with it, don’t you think?" "...!" Bumdong's eyes shook for a moment. "So don't worry about me. I'll take care of myself." Now you should worry about yourself. That would be wise. Thinking this, I flashed him a serene smile. Thunk. At the same time, I grabbed the nearby glass of water. "Wha— ugh!?" Grabbing his cheek, I forced his mouth open and pushed the glass inside. Bumdong struggled to spit it out, but lacked the strength to do so. "Keep your eyes open. If you close them even once, you die." After giving this curt warning, I drew back my fist and struck Bumdong's face. Smash—! Crack! "AAAAHHHHHH!" The glass shattered to pieces inside Bumdong's mouth.