681 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The World’s Greatest Fighter’s Childhood Friend Chapter 681 – North Rabbit A table void of alcohol surrounded by gathered men. It was a truly peculiar sight, one that evoked strange feelings. Perhaps it was the oddity of the situation that made those around us occasionally glance our way. I disregarded the wandering gazes and took a sip of the tea before me. 'It’s probably not because of that.' It wasn’t merely the absence of alcohol that caught their attention. "Isn't that fellow the unofficial Feudal Lord?" "There were whispers that a Feudal Lord was seen at the clan council just before. So that rumor was true." "He certainly is handsome." Part of the reason for the attention was due to Paeng Woojin’s neat chopstick handling. “And the one next to him must be that So Yeom Ra?” “So Yeom Ra? What do you mean, suddenly bringing up So Yeom Ra.” It was also because of me, sitting there eating dumplings. "They say there's a young man that the Feudal Lord is familiar with. And it turns out to be So Yeom Ra.” “That fellow next to him is So Yeom Ra? I can barely see his face…” "No, it’s the one alongside him." "Alongside? If you mean that one... gasp!" “I heard tales of a fierce-looking youth being called So Yeom Ra, but... that’s true indeed.” What about it? What’s so true? I wanted to confront them immediately but restrained myself. I’d grown accustomed to this kind of treatment now. It was truly pitiful that I had become used to such things. “Yes, indeed. There was a time when they called him the youngest Flower Realm… Though, of course, eventually...” I couldn’t catch the latter part of the conversation. But it wasn’t difficult to infer what was likely said. Probably something about it being false or a baseless rumor. It didn’t stir much emotion in me. I hadn’t denied or confirmed anything initially, and, in fact, I preferred this fading of rumors. The real issue was— “Hey, your chopsticks are trembling.” “…!” The reaction of the person beside me was more severe, wasn’t it? “What’s wrong?” “...It’s nothing...” To avoid being recognized, he pulled his hat lower, hiding his face even further. “If you’re going to be so nervous, why did you even come out to eat?” “Hoho, don’t be too harsh.” Paeng Woojin intercepted my words with a subtle hand gesture, pushing the dumplings closer to the monk. “Noble Young Master, for someone to come all this way because they craved these dumplings speaks volumes. I can understand fully.” “Thank you…” “To go against the norm just for a taste… It certifies that these dumplings must be extraordinary beyond belief, doesn’t it?” “...” “...” Ah, so it was a subtle jab. It was a skillful form of irony that I hadn’t even considered. ‘…This man.’ There’s a point to learn here, isn’t there? Perhaps I could adopt some of these techniques myself. I couldn’t tell whether he meant it seriously or not. However, Paeng Woojin’s expression seemed nothing but genuine. He looked quizzically at the monk whose hands shook nervously on the chopsticks. “Why aren’t you eating? Please, do help yourself.” “Th-Thank you… Thank you.” The monk, despite trembling, picked up a dumpling with his chopsticks and pushed it hastily into his mouth. Seeing this, I remarked. “You’re actually eating that. Even in this situation, you can still swallow it?” “Gulp...” He nearly spit it out but managed to choke it down. Watching this, I could tell exactly what state this guy was in. ‘Might as well eat since you’ve been discovered.’ If he was already caught, he seemed determined to eat as much as possible. One couldn’t help but feel just how much he wanted to eat those dumplings. ‘…It’s not like I’m in a position to judge, though.’ As I observed the monk voraciously devour dumplings — or rather, Shin Ryong — I, too, started moving my chopsticks. With the intent of grabbing a dumpling to eat. Clink. “Hmm?” “…Um?” Chopsticks met chopsticks. There was only one dumpling left, as it turned out. Noticing this, I addressed Shin Ryong. “Put it down quietly. I’ve let you have enough until now.” Hearing this, Shin Ryong responded. “…Benefactor. Since the dumplings were offered by the Feudal Lord, it seems incorrect to assume they were entirely yours to give.” “Oh ho?” This guy, huh? “If you’ve eaten your fill, shouldn’t you yield at least one? Isn’t it excessive greed for a monk to indulge? You shouldn’t covet earthly desires.” “Out of nine dumplings, the Feudal Lord had three, and so did the Benefactor. It seems this is merely my dumpling.” “Were you seriously counting?” When did he manage to track each one? Staring at Shin Ryong in disbelief, I noticed the slightest smirk form on his lips. Could it be, he thinks he’s won? Witnessing this, I spoke with a voice tinged with resignation. “Is a monk even allowed to eat dumplings here? Ones with meat, at that?” “…!” Bringing up such a fundamental issue, Shin Ryong winced, clearly feeling a pang of conscience. Now's my chance. Snatch-! “Ah!” Seizing the moment of hesitation, I swiftly popped the last dumpling into my mouth. Shin Ryong’s expression was that of utter dismay, as though the sky had fallen. Such a face was not one a monk should display. ‘What on earth do these dumplings hold?’ Or rather, how significant is the meat that it drives even monks and hermits to such lengths? 'Well, in Woo Hyuk’s case…' With his usual odd behavior, perhaps it's understandable. ‘But what about this one?’ The person in front of me remained a mystery. What was he doing here, of all places? 'It’s precisely here, as if by fate.' Just like our first encounter, the second was also within this very place. We’d met over dumplings that time as well. And now, yet again, dumplings. ‘…He knows the taste of meat despite being a monk.’ As Paeng Woojin suggested, it seems the dumplings here are indeed something special. “One more plate of dumplings, please.” “Comin’ right up—!” Watching the empty plate, Paeng Woojin put in an order, to which Shin Ryong’s face brightened instantly. “Did you come here starving?” “…Not quite.” “It sure doesn’t look like it.” As I playfully goaded him, Shin Ryong refrained from responding further. He appeared resolved to ignore me and simply continue eating. Watching him elicits a chuckle, and I take another sip of tea. As I’m quietly observing him— “So, that young man is indeed So Yeom Ra?” "He was once famous as Jin Ryong... but I wonder why there haven't been any rumors lately. Even..." The man paused for a moment before continuing. "They also called him the youngest Flower Realm." Twitch. The monk's hand trembled as he was eating his dumplings at that statement. "Oh, come now! Do you believe such nonsense?" "It's just that the rumor was like that. It was such a widespread tale, but things have gone quiet, it seems..." The whispered conversation tickled my ears. Even though they thought they were speaking quietly, they couldn’t deceive my heightened senses. “Perhaps it’s because he hasn’t been active.” "For something like that... there's still..." I was curious about where the conversation was heading and tried to eavesdrop when suddenly— Wooong-! “Hmm?” I sensed the energy enveloping the area. It was a barrier. However, the energy it held was extraordinary. Pure and refined, it was a presence that couldn’t be ignored. 'With energy like this...' I immediately glanced to my side. “What are you doing?” “...” The barrier was created by Shin Ryong. He seemed to have put it up to prevent outside noise from reaching us. “Why are you doing this?” I waved my hand in the air as I questioned. The murmuring around us would likely have reached even Paeng Woojin and Shin Ryong's ears. The fact that he bothered to cloak our conversation suggested— “Are you being thoughtful?” “That is not the case…” Shin Ryong avoided answering directly, turning his gaze away. I had no idea what was going through his mind. With a slight tilt of my head, I continued to look at him. “So… Noble Young Master.” Suddenly, Paeng Woojin, who was sitting beside me, spoke up. “Why have you not visited the main house?” “…Out of the blue?” What kind of nonsense is this? The unexpected question made me frown. “Did I not even give you the token? I earnestly asked you to visit.” “Oh.” Now I remembered. Indeed, he'd given me something once. ‘It was a black wooden token, wasn’t it?’ He had told me that if I went to the Paeng family with that token, I would be warmly welcomed. Years had passed since I received it, but I had never once ventured to the Paeng household. “I haven’t had any reason to go. Plus, I've been busy.” It had been a time of being pushed around, barely holding myself together. There was no time to leisurely go anywhere. That was my earnest thought. ‘Even if I had time, I wouldn’t have gone.’ Why would I bother visiting the Paeng family? There wasn’t any favorable relationship to boast about, and if anything, they probably harbored some resentment towards me. “I’ll go if I ever get some true free time.” “Hmph… I’ll hold you to that.” “Don’t hold your breath…” It was suffocatingly burdensome. Why did this guy keep insisting on clinging to me? “…So, Paeng Gongja, do you really intend to participate in the martial competition?” Feeling irritated, I deliberately changed the subject. “Hmm? Naturally. I’ve already submitted my application.” As he spoke, Paeng Woojin pulled out a token to show me. It was evidence of his registered participation and was identical to the token I possessed. Seeing this, I continued my questioning. “Why participate?” “There’s nothing strange about a practitioner from the orthodox sect competing in a tournament hosted by the alliance, is there?” It was a valid point, and I found no reason to refute it. Paeng Woojin’s reasoning was sound. “Moreover, they’re touting it as being unprecedented. How could anyone not be excited?” An unprecedented martial competition. It was a description the martial alliance used when announcing the tournament. ‘It’s not a lie.’ Judging by the scale and the prizes prepared for the tournament, it truly was unprecedented. From the grand elixir crafted by Shaolin— To the precious relic, the Golden Celestial Dragon Sword, one of the Five Great Swords of the Central Plains safeguarded by the alliance. Additionally, battlesuits made from rare silk sold by the Murong family and potential support from the alliance’s trade guild for three years were on offer. Such enticing words would certainly pique the interest of many. 'However, what martial artists likely find most important…' Is probably the mention of the legendary elite unit said to have vanished long ago – the Divine Dragon Squad. The Divine Dragon Squad was a symbolic force where only the most elite practitioners from the orthodox sects were chosen. Its reputation and fame had faded over the years, but with this tournament, the martial alliance announced the rebirth of the Divine Dragon Squad. The tournament’s rewards included references to this. ‘Didn’t they say that a martial artist who performs exceptionally well in the tournament would be inducted into the Divine Dragon Squad?’ While the number of recruits was unknown, the alliance stated this much. In essence, the martial tournament could be seen as the initiation of the Divine Dragon Squad. The Divine Dragon Squad was known as the sword of the alliance and the emblem of righteousness. For practitioners who lived and died for honor, it was an opportunity too tempting to pass up. It was no wonder. ‘Throughout history, the leader of the Divine Dragon Squad often became the greatest under heaven.’ That was the tradition passed down from long ago. Perhaps such stories ceased to continue when… ‘Was it around the time when the Sword Sage became the leader of the alliance?’ The Sword Sage had once led the Divine Dragon Squad. He later ascended to the position of alliance leader, but though known as the best swordsman under heaven, he wasn’t the greatest overall. In the end, the Divine Dragon Squad was dissolved. Ultimately, such tales seemingly vanished. Yet— ‘Still, martial artists won’t care.’ The leader of the Divine Dragon Squad becomes the greatest under heaven. To achieve that legacy, martial artists would flock like moths to a flame. That’s just the nature of martial artists in the Central Plains today. “So, Paeng Gongja, you’re interested because of that as well?” I asked while fiddling with the teacup. Paeng Woojin smiled and answered. “Indeed. Didn’t Gu Gongja also register for similar reasons?” “Hmm.” I hummed thoughtfully. To be honest, I wasn’t really interested in the grand elixir or the prized sword. A grand elixir? I already had more than enough, and I still had the Poison Cyanide Elixir as well. I even possessed the original formula, so what use was the grand elixir to me? I was already absorbing the essence of ice crystal energy at this point. In terms of internal energy, I no longer had any deficiencies. More is often seen as better, but I've reached a point where I’m not sure what increasing it further would bring. ‘Forget about the grand elixir, then what about the Five Great Swords of the Central Plains?’ That, too, is meaningless. I already have a sword of that caliber on my left arm. Moreover, I’m not really into swords, so I have no interest. Even if it were gauntlets, it’d be the same. I’m not interested in rare items themselves. Whether it’s silk clothes or support from the trading guild, those aren’t my focus either. Which leaves only one thing. ‘The Divine Dragon Squad.’ Thinking of this, I turned to Paeng Woojin with a smile. “Indeed, I’m not uninterested.” That’s the only thing I need. Participating in this martial competition was only for that purpose. ‘Yes.’ Only the Divine Dragon Squad. To be more precise— ‘I need a mask.’ A very heavy and large mask. One that is so grand and vast it can hide my identity completely. Reflecting on my own words, Paeng Woojin showed an enigmatic expression. “Hmm. I see.” Even while responding, his expression gave away no hint of his true thoughts. Since my first encounter with Paeng Woojin, he always had those eyes. An air of lightness accompanied by unreadable intentions beneath. Unlike the open-hearted and cheerful Paeng Ah Hee, he was of a very different breed. Even his father, the Head of the Paeng family, seemed transparent in a more negative sense. ‘That's probably why I’m inclined to be wary of him.’ He draws a line in every impression. That’s what Paeng Woojin was like to me. “...” “...” Perhaps because the conversation ended. An odd silence filled the air. An uncomfortable stillness where no one dared to speak. I was contemplating whether to speak up when— “Your food is here!” The waiter arrived with the dumplings we ordered, breaking the tense atmosphere. “Oh!” Paeng Woojin regained his usual smile at the sight of the dumplings. “Well, let’s dig in.” Following his words, chopsticks reached toward the food. The conversation subsided as we focused on our meal once more. In the midst of enjoying the meal, I felt a particularly unsettling gaze. Thinking it could be Paeng Woojin, I checked, but it was not him. It was Shin Ryong. He kept casting furtive, uneasy glances my way. And for some reason, his gaze lingered until we finished eating. ****************** After wrapping up our meal, we stepped outside, looking satisfied. It was just past noon, during a bright and sunny day. I nodded, looking up at the sun sitting high in the sky. ‘I should be able to train this afternoon.’ The timing wasn’t bad. I could focus on my training today. I had been feeling a lack lately, so this was fortunate. “It was truly delicious. Without a doubt, this is the best place in Hanam,” Paeng Woojin said as he followed me outside. He must have settled the bill since he emerged shortly after. Shin Ryong followed behind him, and Paeng Woojin commented. “I said it was on me, so why did you pay?” “…It was only right that I should pay.” It seemed that Shin Ryong paid his share despite the offer. Though he could have just accepted a meal, he insisted on paying. ‘I suppose it doesn’t matter, seeing as Shaolin is likely well-off.’ It wasn't a place to be concerned about a meal of dumplings. Holding the title of the greatest Buddhist school meant he might be receiving some pocket money from various places. ‘Considering how they teach detachment, there’s no place greedier than Shaolin.’ Not only were they subtly involved in all sorts of businesses, they had firmly planted themselves in the Hanam region, making them quite unique. “Was it delicious?” I asked Shin Ryong as he approached. He gave a slight cough. His eyes indicated satisfaction. It must have been good. “I’m glad everyone enjoyed it,” Paeng Woojin said, somehow finding a toothpick to pick his teeth as he walked. “Now that we’ve eaten, what do you plan to do, Gu Gongja? If you don’t have plans, we could go for a stroll…” “I’m heading back for training.” “I see. I can’t interfere with your training.” I thought he’d insist, but he simply nodded when I mentioned training. “It was a pleasant gathering. I hope we can do this more often.” “Yes, perhaps sometime.” “Haha! Such a cold response. That’s why I like you more!” His words sent a chill down my spine. Is he doing this on purpose? “Paeng Gongja.” “Yes, what is it?” “I’ll remind you again, I like women. And I’m engaged.” “Hmm? But of course.” His expression was as if questioning the obvious. That was somewhat reassuring. “Thankfully... You’re the same, right, Paeng Gongja?” “When we meet again, it’s likely to be at the martial competition. I’m looking forward to…” “Answer me.” Damn it. Why change the subject now? I stepped back in frustration, making Paeng Woojin laugh heartily. “Hahaha. It was just a jest.” “Haha, yes, of course.” “Perhaps.” “Damn…” “Well, everyone seems busy, so I’ll take my leave. I am a rather occupied man, you see. Hahaha!” The same person suggesting a walk now claimed he was busy and left. How was I supposed to take that? I felt a sudden wave of exhaustion and massaged my forehead. “However, it was nice meeting you both. Monk… in particular, you.” It seemed he caught himself before fully addressing Shin Ryong as a monk because of the crowd around. Paeng Woojin bowed, and Shin Ryong awkwardly reciprocated. Unable to perform any specific ritualistic bow here, Shin Ryong simply nodded. ‘Seriously, this is ridiculous.’ Watching, I couldn’t help but question what this spectacle was about. “In that case, I shall truly be off. It was genuinely a pleasure. Truly." “Yes. Take care,” I said, ushering him away due to his lingering manner. Only then did Paeng Woojin finally depart. He didn’t seem hesitant to leave at all. Once he disappeared into the crowd, I turned to Shin Ryong, leaving us alone, and spoke. “Let’s go.” "..." I let out a brief word before setting off. There wasn’t much to discuss with this guy anyway. I mentally went over my training schedule as I began to walk away when— "…why did you remain silent back there?" Suddenly, Shin Ryong's voice reached my ears. I turned my head to look at him. "Are you talking to me?" "..." Though no verbal response came, Shin Ryong's gaze was fixed on me. I questioned him, trying to pinpoint his concern. "What do you mean?" "The remarks other people made earlier." "Hmm?" What was he trying to get at? The hint of confusion lingered as I tilted my head, trying to grasp his point. “Oh.” A spark of recollection flickered in my mind. Perhaps he was referring to the comments those patrons had made earlier. [So, that young man is So Yeom Ra, is it?] [They also said he was the youngest to reach the Flower Realm.] [Perhaps it’s because there’s been no activity lately.] These were the words of the guests. Was Shin Ryong referring to them? “What was there to say?” What was I supposed to do—march over and overturn their table? Just because talking about me at dinner leaves a bad taste. Was that really my cue to cause a scene? ‘Why bother?’ From what I heard, it wasn't even particularly derogatory. At least, not by my standards. But perhaps it was for Shin Ryong? Would someone who reveres Buddha really get worked up over something like that? ‘Especially since he set up a sound barrier. Maybe it bothered him for some reason.’ There might have been something about it that grated on him, so that's why he’s bringing it up now. "Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing major… Just forget about it and let's each go our own way since the meal was good." I said that and turned my gaze away. Then resumed my strides toward my destination. “...That’s not it.” The interruption forced a frown onto my face. Annoyance bubbling up inside me. Why is he being such a nuisance after all the dumplings he eagerly devoured? Not bothering to turn back, I let my rising emotions speak. "Then what on earth is it…." "The claim that the youngest Flower Realm achievement is a rumor." I froze. “…Why did you not deny that accusation, benefactor?” I turned to look at Shin Ryong again. "Wow." The irritation I felt moments ago faded, replaced by a wry smile on my lips. The thoughts I'd been having about Shin Ryong vanished. "You.” Glancing at Shin Ryong, I spoke. "You’re not as much of a fool as I thought.” “...” The look in Shin Ryong's eyes turned fierce at my remark.