680 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Chapter 680: North Rabbit - Web Novel Archive** Just moments ago, the air was filled with a cacophony of chatter around me. Yet, suddenly, the world fell silent. Well, the noise might have died, but the number of curious eyes certainly hadn’t. It felt as though countless stares had built up and were now bearing down on me. ‘Damn it.’ I was facing the kind of unfortunate scenario I had wanted to avoid at all costs. I came on the first day specifically to evade this kind of situation, but apparently, I messed it all up. ‘That bastard.’ I glared at the troublesome figure who had orchestrated this mess. I saw a handsome young man with black hair and eyes. Remarkable, considering that in that particular family, usually known for their brutish figures, he had a lean physique and striking features. Someone once said he was a mutation. And they weren’t wrong. For such an appearance to emerge from the rough and eccentric warriors of the Peng family was indeed a deviation. ‘Pang Woojin.’ He was the Young Lord of the Peng family. The previous Divine Dragon, Pang Woojin. ‘Or should I call him the Grand Saint Sword now?’ What was it again? I heard that Pang Woojin solved some incident and thus earned a new nickname. The details escape me. It wasn’t something I paid much attention to. The problem now was that this Grand Saint Sword was approaching me with an exuberant smile. “It’s been a while!” “...” “It feels like three or four years since we last met. Isn’t that right, old friend?” Damn it. His voice was so loud it drowned out all other noise around us. The general chatter ceased, but now a quiet murmur began. “Grand Saint Sword? Isn’t he the Young Lord of the Peng family?” “To see the heir of a renowned family on the first day—I’m certainly lucky.” “But who is he addressing so familiarly? Does anyone know?” “From what the Grand Saint Sword just said, it seems he mentioned the Shanxi Gu family…” The speculative whispers quickly changed angle. “The Shanxi Gu family is known for their heroics, but… ah!” One of the men seemed to realize something as he looked at me and exclaimed. “Little Yama!” Damn it. “If it’s a young man from the Gu clan, then it must be Little Yama!” “Little Yama? You mean…” “The young hero who thwarted the murder at the Sacred Dragon Pavilion?” “That young man is Little Yama?” All at once, the multitude of gazes that had been fixated on Pang Woojin shifted toward me as if recalling a half-forgotten tale. Not just common folk, even those registering for the martial arts tournament were staring. Was my nickname really that famous? I figured the rumors had died down since I hadn't heard any for a while. ‘Well, if idiotic nicknames like Flash-whatever and Wind-whatever are famous, I suppose this makes sense.’ In a world where even unheard-of nicknames were recognized, I suppose it was possible. “Is he really… Little Yama?” “He doesn’t look all that strong… Wait, maybe his face does look strong.” “Not just strong. It’s intimidating. Quite a lot, actually.” “Why does he have such eyes?” “Hey! Who said that last bit?” I growled, which startled the onlookers into dispersing. Commenting on someone’s face like that… just you wait. ‘I’ve memorized your face.’ Grinding my teeth, I sighed and turned to the one responsible for this situation. “Hahaha.” He let out his signature laugh, evidently amused. I never liked him from our first meeting, and now he’s managed to land me in deep trouble. I forced a smile with difficulty, attempting to lift the corners of my mouth. “Aaah!” “What a terrifying smile…!” ‘Damn it.’ Trying to smile only made it worse. I decided to stick with my usual demeanor. “Master Peng.” “It’s truly a delight to meet you again. I didn’t expect to see you here.” “Are you also participating in the martial arts tournament, Master Peng?” “Yes. With such a grand festival happening, I couldn’t resist joining.” Who would have thought Pang Woojin would participate in the martial arts tournament? ‘I thought he wouldn’t be interested in something like this.’ He couldn’t resist a festival, he says? ‘Well, considering our first encounter, I suppose his strange behavior isn’t too unusual.’ The heir of a prestigious family showing up to join the Nine Dragon Society’s sword training was unexpected. That alone made it clear this guy wasn’t ordinary. Moreover, Pang Woojin being a martial artist, participating in the tournament should have been expected. However. ‘The issue is that he’s the Young Lord.’ Being the Young Lord of a family means he’s destined to be the next family head. ‘Thus, if a Young Lord shows weakness, it strikes at the very core of the family’s prestige.’ A family head’s reputation is paramount, and the same goes for a Young Lord. As the future face of the family, a Young Lord’s competence—or, perhaps, incompetence—greatly impacts the family’s standing. ‘For him to come out so boldly, he must be confident.’ Or perhaps, like my past self, he might not care about such appearances. Knowing him, that wouldn’t be surprising. “I was eagerly hoping to see you again, old friend, and now that you’re here, it’s truly delightful.” “Why the eagerness?” “How could I not be eager? Seeing you brightens the world!” Pang Woojin’s near-worshipful words stirred murmurs among those around us. “…Eagerness? Isn’t that an odd thing to say between men?” “I heard the Grand Saint Sword isn’t engaged. Could it be…?” “What are these idiots saying!? No way!” The absurd misunderstanding forced a shout from my lips. Who were they trying to pair together, just from that one comment! As I raised my voice, Pang Woojin tilted his head in a slight puzzlement at my reaction. “What’s the matter?” “Nothing. Just some nonsense in the background.” I spoke to Pang Woojin while gesturing behind me, signaling the registrar to hurry and give me what I needed. The registrar quickly caught on and handed something to me. A badge adorned with a small gem was placed in my hand. It was a token of completed registration. “Ah, about the explanation of the badge…” “I know what it is.” “What?” I ignored the explanation and slipped the badge into my pocket. “But the badge is newly introduced by the League, so it would be wise…” “I understand. It’s for identity verification, isn’t it?” I demonstrated as I concentrated on the gemstone embedded in the badge. A faint light emanated from it. At the same time, the gemstone on the desk also began to glow. "Does that do it?" "Ah, yes, yes." The gem in the badge was linked to the one on the desk. This was an item created by the League to ensure accurate verification of one's identity. ‘The fact that this item, which would typically appear one or two years later, is already available…’ This was likely a change brought by the Wudang Sword Sage becoming the League Master. Most items like this are crafted in Wudang, after all. ‘I need to wrap this up quickly and get out of here.’ With that thought, I decided to escape before the conversation dragged on. "Well then, Master Peng, it was a pleasure to meet you. Until next time." I offered a hasty goodbye to Pang Woojin, intending to slip away swiftly. Suddenly— Snatch! Pang Woojin grabbed me as I tried to pass by. "Where are you going, Gu Young Master? It's fate that we meet again like this!" "But I have some business to attend—" I tried to shake off the bothersome hand and escape. ‘Hmm?’ The grip on my sleeve was steadfast and unyielding. It was quite strong. I could have forcefully broken free, but I hadn’t applied all my strength yet. ‘Intriguing.’ I sensed something off. ‘Just like Gu Hee-bi, this guy too...’ It seemed Pang Woojin had advanced considerably. Though he was already a consummate mastery, the current aura he emitted was beyond that. Could he have reached the Flowering State? The thought triggered a chuckle from within. ‘Seems like everyone and their dog is achieving it.’ If true, it's rather absurd. Reaching the Flowering State isn’t easily accomplished; even a talented martial artist might spend a lifetime training without achieving it. Yet, everyone I meet seems to be at that level. The stronger I become in this life, the more it feels like others are rapidly improving as well. ‘This is ridiculously unfair.’ Here I am, training intensely and seizing every opportunity, clawing my way up. Damn these so-called geniuses. I sighed and exerted a bit more strength. Pop! Despite the odd sensation, I easily broke his grip. “Ah…” Pang Woojin let out a short exclamation. He didn’t expect me to break free so effortlessly. "I'm glad to see you again, but I do have things to attend to." "It's just about lunchtime. Why not have a meal with me?" The mere mention of eating made me wince. ‘A meal, he says...’ Why would I have lunch alone with a man I’m not even familiar with? ‘I'd rather not eat and spare myself the discomfort.’ I was about to walk away when— “No, thank you—” “There’s a famous dumpling place nearby. Surely you’d enjoy dining there with me.” "...Dumplings?" I paused and looked at Pang Woojin. ...Dumplings? ‘Snap out of it.’ I quickly pushed aside the temptation and shook my head. No matter how much I liked dumplings, this was unacceptable. “Sorry, but I'll have to pass on the meal…” “Dumplings are ready!” “…Huh?” Just as I was about to refuse, I realized I was already inside a guesthouse. "…" Had my body ignored my words and followed its own impulse, merely drawn by the lure of dumplings? This was absurd. What’s more. “Seems you found it to your liking. Good for you.” “Damn it.” My hand was already picking up and eating a dumpling. Tasty. Delightfully tasty. ‘Of all places, this had to be it.’ With each bite, I realized I recognized this place. How could I not? This is one of my favorite eateries in Hanam. When I lost my appetite, Morphia often bought from here for me, and I would come alone to dine when time allowed. So naturally, Pang Woojin’s choice of venue couldn't have been more apt. “I’ve visited several times. The flavor here is exemplary.” Despite my displeasure with him, at least he had good taste in food. I had to admit, it was slightly endearing. “Yes, the taste is indeed good.” “If you like it, allow me to wrap some up for you. It’s the least I can do for you.” “Then please, pack ten for me.” “…That’s more than I anticipated.” Pang Woojin's expression turned wry at the number. He had the means, so what was the issue over something trivial like this? ‘Even with the offer, I’ve actually cut down by half.’ If I were alone, ten would be nothing. I’d likely pack twenty instead. Calling out for ten was purely out of consideration. “Would you care for some wine?” “No, I don’t care much for alcohol.” “Oh, that’s rather unexpected.” Really? “Do I seem like someone who enjoys drinking?” “Not exactly, but hearing someone outright refuse it is refreshing.” “I prefer not to spoil my palate with something that tastes so unremarkable.” It had been the same in my past life. Although I’d occasionally feel inclined to drink, it was never for enjoyment. I only drank when the Celestial Demon insisted or when abstaining wasn’t an option, but rarely on my own. “Then let’s enjoy our meal.” “You’re free to drink if you’d like, Master Peng.” “I’m not fond of it either.” Huh? “Then why did you suggest it…” “If you drank, I’d have matched with a glass. But since you don’t, I find it agreeable. Perhaps even our taste buds are alike?” “That's a truly dreadful thought.” That was the most appetite-killing comment I’d ever heard. I grimaced deeply while taking another bite of the dumplings when Pang Woojin posed a question to me. “Is the latent dragon not around? I heard you traveled with him.” “Is there such a rumor?” “It’s not a rumor per se, but something I’ve just heard.” Not a rumor, but heard it? What kind of nonsense is that? “I thought I might catch a glimpse of him too, but that’s a pity.” There was genuine disappointment in Pang Woojin’s expression. I pondered this. ‘Come to think of it, they were said to know each other.’ I vaguely remember hearing as much. I wasn’t sure how close they were, but I had heard Pang Woojin and Woo Hyuk knew of each other. “After all, as a hermit, he likely wouldn’t be able to enjoy dumplings. Inviting him would only be a reminder of what he’s missing.” “...” Judging by his words, it didn’t seem like they were particularly close. ‘Seeing as he doesn’t know the guy enjoys meat, it must be so.’ Woo Hyuk, despite being a Taoist, had no qualms about indulging in all sorts of delicacies. Seeing Go Seon partake in such practices, it was likely he learned from his master. ‘…No matter how I look at it, the people around me are far from normal.’ Thinking about my so-called friends gave me a headache. It truly was a world where a normal person like me couldn't survive with sound mind. I needed to stay alert. Otherwise, I might end up just as eccentric as they were. With that resolve, I nodded to myself. Taking another bite of my dumpling as I did so. "Why not invite him? A Taoist can enjoy some dumplings too." "...Hmm?" Even Pang Woojin found my suggestion odd, considering his expression shifted subtly. Right, even Pang Woojin seemed to find the idea of a Taoist eating meat strange. Which only confirmed that Woo Hyuk and Go Seon were, indeed, quite peculiar individuals. Moreover. "If even monks are indulging in meat these days, what’s the fuss about a Taoist doing the same?" Seated at a table nearby, a figure was eating their meal in much the same manner. Thunk! As my words drifted through the room, someone who had been quietly eating in the corner suddenly twitched. Pang Woojin’s head turned in their direction as well, a sheepish grin creeping onto his face. "Ah, well… I was trying to feign ignorance." Pang Woojin seemed determined to pretend not to notice. But I wasn’t inclined to do the same. Seeing that, how could I resist poking a bit of fun? "It's often best to acknowledge such things. It's a form of consideration." "...Is that so?" My words made Pang Woojin widen his eyes, as if I’d revealed something unknown to him. "Next time I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for the wisdom." "Think nothing of it." I waved my hand as if it were no big deal, then redirected my gaze. "No need to pretend you didn’t hear. Why not come over?" “...Ahem… cough!” A loud coughing sound erupted, as if someone had accidentally choked. Following my invitation, a young man reluctantly turned his head toward us. Apparently engrossed in his meal, his lips glistened with oil, and beneath an attempt to hide under a cloak, golden eyes stared out. Seeing him, I couldn’t hold back a soft chuckle. "We meet again?" “...” Shenlong Yoo Yeon, touted as Shaolin’s brightest hope and the youngest prodigy at the flowering stage, grimaced visibly at my words.