684 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: "The World’s Best Martial Artist’s Childhood Friend" Chapter 684 - North Rabbit A woman with light green hair smiled brightly, while the blonde woman beside her kept her head bowed for some reason. Looking at the suddenly appearing Tang So-Ryeol and Wi Seol-Ah, the observer slightly cocked their head. “What’s going on? Why are you here?” “We’re here to apply for the Martial Arts Tournament!” A natural answer. Meeting them here, it was obvious they intended to apply. However... "...Are you going to apply...?" "Yes." "You too?" "...Yes." I hadn’t thought these two would be interested in applying. They even seemed to have their wooden tokens in hand, perhaps having already registered. ‘…Were they interested in this kind of thing?’ Tang So-Ryeol, being from a prestigious family, often attended events like these without missing a beat. But it was unexpected that Wi Seol-Ah would want to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament. I thought she had little interest in these matters. Moreover... ‘I even made an effort to keep her uninterested.’ Despite my efforts to keep Wi Seol-Ah from attracting attention, she stepped into the tournament herself, leaving me bewildered. ‘Have I been too indifferent?’ With everything happening around me, I hadn’t been able to pay attention to Wi Seol-Ah’s interests. Perhaps that’s why I was unaware of her interest in the tournament. ‘Tsk…’ This was troublesome. I turned my gaze to scan the surroundings. Just yesterday, the vicinity of the registration desk was bustling to no end. "…Wow…." "Heavens…." Only deep admiration escaped from the crowd instead of the previous noise. Attention was drawn. Most eyes were fixated in this direction. ‘No.’ It would be more accurate to say they were fixed on Wi Seol-Ah. “She’s beautiful… How can someone be so beautiful?” Breath was held, mesmerized by her presence. That was the extent, even when her sense of presence was subdued. Tang So-Ryeol, having received some training from the Dark King, had nearly erased her inherent presence. The fact that one could perceive her presence was barely there, but Wi Seol-Ah was drawing attention even when suppressing her presence. Her beauty had fully bloomed, the extent of which was unexpectedly intense. In the end, I had to release some of my energy to envelop Wi Seol-Ah. Woooosh-! As her presence was masked slightly, a bit of her overwhelming presence subsided. I had used a considerable amount of energy, yet that was all it achieved. Clicking my tongue slightly, I spoke. “Where’s your face mask?” "It’s a bit hot to wear it." Wi Seol-Ah replied sheepishly. No, perhaps it wasn't sheepishness but a hint of dissatisfaction. Observing her, I quickly retorted. "The heat’s all in your head. If you’re hot at your level, that’s an ailment." “...” Her lips twitched, clearly not pleased. Why put on such a face when it’s out of concern? Still, after masking her presence, the reactions around her seemed to quell somewhat. “…You've applied already, right?” “Yes.” “Yes, we’re going to give it our best.” Why are you working so hard, anyway? Words that couldn’t be spoken were swallowed back down. Being martial artists themselves, they might naturally want to step into the tournament… Surely there wouldn’t be a major problem in going. Hopefully. ‘There will likely be some annoyances.’ I shifted my gaze back, recalling my thoughts. Stepped out of the inn and carefully spread my senses. Swoooooooo. I meticulously confirmed each sensation as it unfurled. ‘They’ve been watching us for a while.’ Immediately surrounding the registration desk were six martial artists from the Alliance. Ten others were concealing themselves, watching us closely. Among them, five appeared to belong to Wudang. ‘They’re already focused on us.’ I was aware they were positioned to intervene if an incident occurred. It was evident, however, that their gazes were directed at Wi Seol-Ah. Understandably so. “…You mean that lovely young lady is an heir to the Sword Master?” “Yes, I definitely heard it.” “There were rumors circulating even at the Mythical Dragon Pavilion… but to think she’s a woman.” News about Wi Seol-Ah was already spreading gradually. Even after masking her presence, it indicated that the timing was already late. It didn’t matter much at this point. ‘It’s a story that had to come out eventually.’ This was a story we expected as soon as Wi Seol-Ah took up the sword. Just delaying it until now was extraordinary. "Wait here a moment." Seeing this, I sighed slightly and carefully moved away. It was to resolve matters first. At that moment. "Leader, lea...!” Bongsooni, chasing after, tried to speak urgently, but I spoke first. "Use the proper title." If unnecessary talk spread here, it would indeed be troublesome. Correcting her, Bongsooni nodded her head several times. Did she understand? “Prince! What are those guys just now?!” "…" I chose to ignore the worry for now. She seemed to understand well enough. “They look like jewels! Can I bite them? I can, right?” “Why would you bite people?” “They look so precious! Cute! I want to bite!” Calling them precious… In one sense, it was a fitting description. It was only the following words that posed the issue. ‘That girl would actually bite if she could.’ Shaking my head, I pulled Bongsooni closer. Behind us, Seongyul followed. Eventually, we arrived at the registration desk. There seemed to be slightly more people here than yesterday. Reaching into my robe, I quietly activated my power. At that moment. Rustle-!! Two letters formed at my fingertips. I grabbed and pulled them out. “Take this and go register.” The forged letters were handed respectively to Bongsooni and Seongyul. “Okay!” Without any questions, Bongsooni took the letter and dashed to the registration desk. Holding onto his, Seongyul turned to Gu Yangcheon for clarification. "What is this…?" To Seongyul’s question, I nodded and replied. “Recommendation letters.” “…!” Without the Alliance's recommendation letter, one couldn’t apply for the Martial Arts Tournament, and both Bongsooni and Seongyul lacked such documents. Naturally for Bongsooni, and Seongyul was nearly in the state of a fugitive. Thus, I crafted imitation recommendation letters using my power and handed them to the two. “Go receive them quickly.” “...Understood.” Seongyul, looking like he had many more questions, eventually headed toward the registration desk. Watching him leave, I thought to myself. ‘The duration… at most half an hour.’ The recommendation letters weren’t large, but the densely packed text would not hold the power for long. Once he reached the front of the line, it should be over with and unlikely to be uncovered. Given that I had altered the names and affiliations, unless the Martial Alliance scrutinized them closely, they shouldn’t be discovered. ‘The Martial Arts Alliance isn’t known for their meticulousness.’ I was relying on their notoriously lax methods, and sure enough, before long, both Seongyul and Bongsooni returned with the wooden plaques in hand. They had successfully registered. “Master! They called me Pi Yeon-yeon!” Bongsooni came up to me, proudly holding her plaque, her voice bubbling with excitement. The fact that she had a name delighted her. “…Yes, you’re Pi Yeon-yeon for the time being.” Pi Yeon-yeon was a pseudonym I created for her. Pi is a real family name from the Xian region, one I arranged through Nahi to ensure safety. There would be no concerns about Bongsooni being identified by name. The potential issue, however, was— “Master Jin, you should also behave until further notice.” “…Understood.” The abrupt assignment of the role of Jin Im-seok from Gwangju Jin Clan to Seongyul posed more of a problem. Making playful remarks, I patted Seongyul’s shoulder, adding quietly, - The Kunlun sect folks will be here soon, so if you sense anything, stay low. “...” He nodded, wearing an uncomfortable expression. I wasn’t restricting him from going out. He didn’t have to participate in the tournament if he didn’t want to. Seongyul, however, was aware—if he did not participate, he couldn’t become useful. ‘If he plans to partake, I can offer some help.’ While I couldn’t promise that there wouldn’t be any trouble, I could ensure that issues wouldn’t escalate. He gripped his wooden plaque tightly, stowing it away in his robe, which brought a smile to my lips as I turned away. With the registration done, today’s key tasks seemed complete. ‘Next, I should reach out to Phildo Ma and lay the groundwork.’ It was time to start building some connections, requiring me to reorganize and make that contact. ‘Also, I need to discuss the sorcery matters with Shinyi.’ I thought today was somewhat relaxed, but as always, it was endlessly busy. Today was no different, it seemed. ‘The silver lining is that Bumdong hasn’t shown up since then.’ It was only a day since the incident with Bumdong. It felt unlikely anything had happened, but one never knew. Because Bumdong could act beyond my expectations, I’d drafted contingency plans. ‘I hope he doesn’t do anything foolish.’ Adding the Bumdong situation would complicate matters. Thus, I hoped he stayed out of trouble. It would be easier to use him and discard thereafter. Looking up at the sky, I mused. ‘Not quite leisurely, but enough time for a meal, perhaps?’ I could grab a meal with the group before the next schedule. Perhaps visit the dumpling shop I frequented with Pang Woojin? As I pondered this, returning to where Tang So-Ryeol and Wi Seol-Ah had been, something caught my attention. “Huh?” I squinted as I saw someone around them. ‘Who is that?’ A man was talking with Tang So-Ryeol. Approaching them slowly, murmurs reached my ears from the surroundings. “…It's the Oil Bomb Sword…!” “So the rumor about him joining the tournament was true.” “Is the Oil Bomb Sword really participating?” ‘Oil Bomb Sword?’ Those words were directed at the man speaking to Tang So-Ryeol. Everyone’s attention was fixed on him, making it clear who he was. Moreover, he was a famous figure. ‘Is that man the Oil Bomb Sword?’ Even I knew of this martial artist. Oil Bomb Sword, Baek Cheong-shin. A martial artist from the renowned Yo-Ryung Baek family and one of the top hundred experts in the central lands. Though he seemed younger than his forties, he clearly surpassed that age, given his prowess. He had a sly appearance but also a noble air, making him not unpleasant to look at. A handsome middle-aged man, perhaps. It seemed he knew full well about his appeal, despite his skills— ‘He had a bit of a reputation for being a womanizer.’ His abundance of stories involving women was one reason the Oil Bomb Sword was infamous. And now he was talking to those two…? Naturally, my brow furrowed as my pace slowed, opening my ears to the conversation. --- "Look over there, a top hundred expert!" “They said it’s the Oil Bomb Sword! A master like that here at the tournament?” "What luck… to see one of the hundred legends in person." “That’s not important. The fact such a legend is entering the tournament is what matters!" The endless comments from the surroundings. Listening to them, the man slightly lifted the corners of his mouth. “Praise me more, you uncultured folks. Yes, I am the Oil Bomb Sword.” Baek Cheong-jin, the Oil Bomb Sword. Struggling to keep a straight face, he relished the sound of admiration echoing around him. The words tickled his ears in a pleasing way. Baek was a man who exceptionally loved the praise of others. "You’re seeing someone you’d never encounter elsewhere. Naturally." Look more. And praise more. Such attention and admiration were his life’s essence. “They say the Oil Bomb Sword has reached flowering state. His aura certainly feels different.” “Many peak masters were around yesterday, but… the flowering state is in a league of its own.” “Indeed. No ordinary master can compare to someone of that caliber.” Again, words that pleased him. But amidst it, even Baek had to feel slightly annoyed. “To compare me to those mere peak-level ones. Tch.” How could they compare him with such trash? He was the real deal of the real. Comparing him to youngsters who hadn’t truly surpassed the wall was absurd. Tsk tsk. Even as annoyance slowly crept in, the Oil Bomb Sword had to maintain a broader smile without revealing his irritation. There was no alternative. Before him was something he liked almost as much as attention. Women. The Oil Bomb Sword had a fondness for women. Particularly young, beautiful women. To him, the two women before him were irresistible treasures. “I’ve heard the rumors, but words fail to describe it,” he said, eyeing over someone. The woman with light green hair, petite in size, was strikingly beautiful. One of the most stunning he’d come across recently. Yet... ‘The one behind her is on another level.’ Behind the green-haired woman was another, with golden locks, surpassing any beauty the Oil Bomb Sword had ever seen. The mere sight of her was mouthwatering. She was captivating enough to want to seize then and there. ‘Resist.’ The Oil Bomb Sword suppressed his rising emotions. He had to. She was poison. A stunningly lethal poison that could spell his end the moment he touched her. ‘They say she’s the heir of the Sword Master.’ The very thought of her origin sent shivers. To those aware, the Sword Master was a fearsome existence in the world of swordsmanship. As a swordsman who reached divine heights, to meddle with his heir was to court disaster. It was unfortunate. A maddening disappointment, the Oil Bomb Sword resisted his desires. However, there was someone else before him to focus on. “If I’m not mistaken, could you be the cherished one of the Tang Clan...?” “...” The woman’s brow furrowed at his words. Even that was beautiful. “Am I wrong?” “…No, a descendant of the Tang Clan greets you, senior.” Tang So-Ryeol bowed respectfully to the Oil Bomb Sword. Upon this, whispers erupted around them. “A daughter of the Tang Clan... So she’s the Poison Phoenix.” “Poison Phoenix? Wait, the Tang Clan?” Interest shifted toward Tang So-Ryeol, bringing a chill to those watching. “That reviled clan…” “Kidnapping children for experiments and getting expelled by the Great Families.” “How dare she show up here from such a disgraced lineage... Tsk tsk.” Attention diverted from her appearance or titles to her clan's infamy. With each comment, a shadow passed over Tang So-Ryeol’s face. The Oil Bomb Sword noted this change and awkwardly laughed. “Seems I’ve erred greatly. That wasn’t my intention at all….” “…No. It’s something I must come to terms with.” An inevitable truth. Though the backlash was stronger than anticipated, it wasn’t unforeseen. The Oil Bomb Sword, with his characteristic smug grin, continued to speak to Tang So-Ryeol. “To err so on a first meeting… I apologize. Though it may be insufficient…” He stepped closer to Tang So-Ryeol. “If the lady permits, perhaps we could dine at a fine place as a small apology. How about it?” The Oil Bomb Sword offered with a silky voice. “No thank you. Your intentions are more than enough,” Tang So-Ryeol declined his offer coolly, without hesitation. “...” Wrinkles formed at the corners of the Oil Bomb Sword’s eyes. Had she just refused him? Him? Tsk. ‘She has pride, it seems.’ A mere girl from a fallen clan, flaunting her pride without a grasp of her position. ‘She should be grateful a man like me showed interest.’ A foolish woman indeed. Aligning his thoughts, the Oil Bomb Sword deepened his smile. “Haha. Just intentions? As a man, I must insist. There's really no need to decline.” “I truly must decline. I wouldn’t want to impose on your time.” “Impose? Having a meal with a beautiful junior is no imposition. Do not worry and let’s simply...” Their exchange began to tire the Oil Bomb Sword. She was nothing but a pretty face. A posthumous embarrassment of a broken-down clan, daring to reject him raised his ire. The surrounding gazes started to shift uneasily. Prolonging this would only invite bothersome complications. Finally, unable to restrain his irritation and impatience, the Oil Bomb Sword reached out and seized Tang So-Ryeol’s wrist. “It’s really fine, just come along.” His words grew curt. His formalities had been met with defiance, necessitating a firmer approach. Her pale wrist felt cool and enticing, causing him to salivate. He wished to bed her immediately, but that would be problematic. Though she showed dissent now, dinner with him wouldn’t take long to change that. Every woman he had encountered so far had done the same. So he intended to lead her along. Yet. Squeeze. “…?” She wouldn’t budge. ‘What…?’ The Oil Bomb Sword turned to look at Tang So-Ryeol. Even as he exerted force, she stood firmly and looked back at him. Puzzlement. ‘Had I used too little strength?’ It was just dragging along one woman. Had it really been too little? But no, the effort seemed more than adequate. During his brief pause, to quell his discomfort— “…Haa…” A soft sigh sounded. From Tang So-Ryeol. ‘A sigh?’ She was sighing at him? Right before his face? Unable to believe it, the Oil Bomb Sword stared, just as Tang So-Ryeol softly whispered to him. “Senior.” “Mm…?” “Is your crotch attached to your brain? You don’t seem to understand words.” “Uh…?” His expression froze in dumbfounded confusion. What had she just said? His features twisted, disbelief etching into his face. It was baffling. How could he understand that? “Just now… what did you… No, was that the lady’s words…?” Trying to confirm, he was met only with Tang So-Ryeol’s gaze growing icier. “Since it seems you’re not understanding your place, let me make it clearer.” Tang So-Ryeol took a step closer to the dumbfounded Oil Bomb Sword. Then, with a voice as cold as ice, she whispered into his ear. “…You couldn’t have me even in your wildest dreams, so get lost. You filthy worm.” “…!” With Tang So-Ryeol’s words, the Oil Bomb Sword's face turned stone-like.