690 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Childhood Friend of the Greatest Warrior in the World, Chapter 690: Northern Hare - Web Novel Archive Humans possess a multitude of emotions. Typically referred to as the five desires and seven emotions (오욕칠정). These five desires and seven emotions are considered fundamental to human nature, and completely transcending them is said to lead one to enlightenment... Honestly, I have no clue about reaching such a state. I never had any interest in that sort of thing. 'What's important here is.' Whether it's lust, the desire of the flesh. Greed, the craving for wealth. Or the hunger for fame, the thirst for honor. All of these are obtainable only by living life. Therefore, isn't the most vital desire ultimately the desire to survive? The longing to continue living. The deep-seated wish not to perish. Perhaps that is the most important yearning for humans. I pondered this while observing the kneeling middle-aged man. For this man was the evidence. Maeng Hogukwon, Hwangbo Yeolwi. He was a martial artist of the huageong rank, having ascended into the ranks of the top hundred masters in the Central Plains and known for delivering a weighted blow with impeccable timing. As the head of the Hwangbo family, he possessed neither lack nor any extraordinary traits. He was just the head of a reputable family. An individual who displayed that level of standing. "The Shaolin have made contact with you, I heard." He had now become a demon, fallen to depravity. Upon my words, Maeng Hogukwon cautiously continued. "...Yes. They attempted to approach our family a few months ago." "For what reason?" "To request an invitation to the forthcoming martial arts festival and an official letter of congratulations from the family head." "An official letter of congratulations, huh..." I nodded slightly at Maeng Hogukwon's words. 'An invitation was only natural.' It was a festival painstakingly crafted by the alliance. Inviting the illustrious Hwangbo family was indeed expected. 'But demanding an official letter of congratulations...' I touched my chin, pondering as my eyes narrowed. 'Does this mean the Sword Master wants to solidify his position a bit more?' Given that the Sword Master had less influence compared to previous alliance leaders, perhaps he was trying to cement his position further. If other noble families or distinguished sects sent official letters of congratulations, it indicated their support for the Sword Master. 'That might be one intention.' What was intriguing, however, 'Was that Shaolin personally moved.' The fact that Shaolin directly attempted contact with the Hwangbo family to deliver such messages was perplexing. It wasn't a member of the alliance or even a martial sect under the Sword Master, like the Wudang, that moved. But out of nowhere, Shaolin sought out a noble family to convey the alliance's wishes. That's where the oddness arose. 'Are they trying to show their commitment?' Shaolin's participation in alliance matters meant that they were demonstrating, through actions, their full support for the Martial Alliance. 'This also signifies their determination to actively engage.' Shaolin's leader, Cheonjon, known for foresight and understanding human nature, had declared his support for the current Martial Alliance. "There weren't any other contacts made?" "...None have been reported." "Tsk." I clicked my tongue after hearing this. 'This isn't much different from what I heard before.' It's not substantially different from the information I received through Nahi before. And that's the issue. 'I really thought there'd be something more.' Information coming in from Shandong had already been relayed to me through Nahi. I was hoping for something different from back then. But that didn’t seem to be the case. "Understood for now." Suppressing my disappointment, I spoke, and Maeng Hogukwon bowed his head even deeper. I looked at him intently. 'His energy seems much more stable.' This robust martial artist appears no different outwardly. This stability reflects equally in his inner energy. Being a martial artist who achieved huageong through a martial lineage, his internal condition seemed full of stability. Yet. There was a subtle instability visible if you looked closely. You'd have to scrutinize to notice. As I carefully observed Maeng Hogukwon’s qi, I gave a slight nod. 'Not bad.' Initially unstable to the point of being shattered, it seems he had recovered and reached a state of stability now. "You look well. It's a good sight." "It's all thanks to the blessings you've bestowed, Master." Upon hearing these words, I narrowed my eyes. 'It seems he has almost fully absorbed the Poisonous Heavenly Pill.' From the increased and solidified energy, it seems confirmed. 'Feeding him three of them should've been enough.' The Poisonous Heavenly Pill, said to rival Shaolin's great elixir. I gave him three of those for a reason. 'He needed at least that much.' Maeng Hogukwon’s body was utterly deteriorated. This was also why he fell to depravity at my hands. Rumors had spread about Hwangbo’s head's failing health, and he hadn’t appeared in public for years. Living in seclusion like a mouse, he started showing himself once again about a year ago. Contrary to the rumors, he appeared remarkably healthy. As a result, the slightly unstable Hwangbo family regained its sturdy position. But discussing that requires starting with the rumors, which were true. In reality, Maeng Hogukwon was dying back then. ‘That was due to the Hwangbo family’s unique trait.’ Lineage. This special martial art, which only direct descendants could practice, had its issues. Due to the characteristics of the Hwangbo family's martial arts focusing on intense external training and tyrannical techniques, vitality started to degrade as one aged. In this process, some would suffer from external deterioration where the body starts to collapse and their lives edge toward the end. That was the chink in his armor. 'A longing for life.' Fall to depravity. And I will save you. That was the condition I presented to Maeng Hogukwon. The gradually dying Maeng Hogukwon readily accepted. With demonic transformation, he would gain regenerative powers. Moreover, the Poisonous Heavenly Pills would heal his shattered energy. Even though he had to go through several other processes, the decisive reason Maeng Hogukwon became a demon was ultimately. -I will elevate the Hwangbo family to the Four Great Families. Promising to raise the Hwangbo family to join the prestigious ranks of the Four Great Families. His very desire and aspiration were swayed. The primal desire for survival. Along with the aspiration for honor he held as the head of a family. I delved into that void, and Maeng Hogukwon fell into depravity as a demon much easier than I anticipated. ‘The Hwangbo family has always been on the sidelines up till now.’ It was a prestigious family, close to the Four Great Families but falling short. That was the perception of the Hwangbo family. This was undoubtedly due to the karma of past generations of the Hwangbo family heads. To end such a streak in his generation. And to become the greatest head of the Hwangbo family in its history. That must have been Maeng Hogukwon’s greatest desire. I promised to restore his health and help him achieve that. It was then that Maeng Hogukwon grasped my hand. 'I merely exploited that gap.' While it seemed like an extensive expenditure, In acquiring such a valuable pawn, it wasn’t too much. 'The Poisonous Heavenly Pills can always be made again.' I already have the formula. And based on that, production was currently underway. Of course, the Tang Clan was overseeing the manufacturing. Very discreetly, at that. 'According to the successor of the Tang Clan... it shouldn't take more than this year to see results, he said.' Given that it was lost centuries ago, I wasn’t expecting to recreate the original completely. If it simply emerges, that alone wouldn’t be a bad outcome. "What about the other requests?" "The branch family's issues have been resolved as you instructed." The branch family of the Hwangbo clan. It refers to the issue about Mukwon. "Though they haven't received the direct lineage martial arts, we've minimized the unfair treatment they’ve suffered until now..." I've made certain adjustments so that he can live more comfortably. "Furthermore." Maeng Hogukwon continued, a glint in his eyes. "We’ve prepared to convene the council of elders to nominate Young Lord Hwangbo Cheol-wi as the head, as you ordered." Hwangbo Cheol-wi. This refers to Hwang Bo Cheol-wi. 'I mentioned it someday in the past.' How I planned to remove the useless eldest scion, Hwangbo Cheuk, and make Hwangbo Cheol-wi the head. Preparation was underway for that. "Not bad. You've worked hard." I slightly lifted the corners of my lips. Not bad. It seemed the plans were progressing steadily. So I told Maeng Hogukwon. "Prepare for what's remaining as well. The time will soon come." "...!" "Isn't it time to rise? Into the Four Great Families, I mean." The time should arrive after the martial arts festival ends. Or perhaps, 'During the martial arts festival.' Though it would depend on the circumstances, the fundamental timing was likely then. Time to prepare a solid foundation. "...I dedicate this insignificant life entirely to you, Master." Maeng Hogukwon bowed his head nearly to the ground. I looked at him with eyes tinged with a cold shade. Indeed, you should dedicate your life. 'That’s why I use you.' There’s no issue with the plan. If there’s an anomaly, it’s only why Shaolin has involved themselves. 'I should have Je Galhyuk clarify this part more definitively.' On our side, an exceptional strategist can uncover this, so I’ll trust him on this matter. Though whether that person will act according to my wishes remains uncertain. With these thoughts sorted out in my mind, "Yangcheonah." I heard a voice calling me from beside me. It was Cheol Ji-seon. I turned my gaze, and he handed me something he pulled from his robes. "...It's from the strategist." "Hmm?" Cheol Ji-seon looked somewhat uncomfortable, and upon seeing it, it was a letter from Je Galhyuk. 'Still hesitant, huh.' Just like Shin Ui, Cheol Ji-seon seemed to harbor ill feelings toward Je Galhyuk. Ever since he learned Je Galhyuk was Shin Ui’s grandson, despite sharing the same family name, something was amiss, indicating a problem. 'They’ll handle it themselves.' I had no intention of interfering. I’m too busy to spare attention for their matters. Sss. I unrolled the received letter. Inside were a few concise lines. Solutions to the information and orders I had requested. - Located the Dragon Lord’s child. Deployed as ordered. Seems they successfully found Beom Dong’s daughter. I had given orders to keep surveillance, so assigning personnel should have been completed. And, - Confirmed unusual activity within Wudang. 'Hmm?' There was peculiar information noted. - Appears to be secretly gathering demonic artifacts. 'Gathering demonic artifacts?' Wudang? If Je Galhyuk has written it, it must be accurate information. But I wondered what Wudang would need demonic artifacts for. 'What are they attempting to do?' It’s concerning. My instincts could sense it. 'They're up to something sinister.' Wudang was planning something nefarious. ‘Tch, particularly when the Dark King is absent.’ While sending someone to Wudang to procure information would typically be the swiftest approach. Considering what I’ve done before, and with the Sword Master residing in Henan, Wudang’s defenses would be more stringent than usual. The only one capable of bypassing them to gather information is currently only the Dark King. 'I’ve sent word for him to return, but it seems he’s busy with something on his side.' What should I do? I mulled over it briefly, my eyes gleaming. '...There is one possibility.' A way to gather information on Wudang. It might not be as definitive as the Dark King, but it's something. This part should be prepared for soon. 'Lastly.' The final line written on the letter. As I read it. Stiff-! The moment I saw it, I had to pause, frozen for a moment. "Heh. What have we here?" A chuckle escaped my lips. I couldn’t help it. The last line in Je Galhyuk’s letter read: - There is a substantial likelihood the Sword King will 'personally' attend the martial arts festival. Monitor closely. Information I never imagined would be true. And moreover, ‘Things are unexpectedly falling into place well, leaving me feeling uneasy.’ It was subtly something I had hoped for, though not openly. ****************** Right after concluding the matter and sending Maeng Hogukwon back. The place I went to was where Shin Ui was located. While seeking to meet Namgung Biah was one reason, it was more to meet someone who had arrived there. "It’s been a long time." A middle-aged man with a frigid demeanor and striking appearance. I nodded toward him, sensing an inexplicable aura of eeriness. "Yes. It’s been a while." The identity of this middle-aged man was the current Sword King. It was Namgung Jin, the head of the Namgung family and the Blue Sky Sword King. He was just coming out of Shin Ui's place, and it seemed like he was visiting Namgung Biah. "How have you been faring all this time?" The slight smile he directed at me was vaguely irritating. His expression bore a resemblance to Namgung Biah's, proving their kinship. Yet undeniably, there was something about him that instinctively urged me to keep my distance. "...Yes. I hope you've been well, as well." "Still sticking with such formal titles, I see." "..." What else was I supposed to call him? Although a few titles flitted across my mind, none were appropriate to say aloud. If I had to pick one, maybe a curse? But that was something I'd have to hold back. ‘The last time I saw him... was it a year ago?’ There was a time when I had business within the Namgung Family. That must have been the time, ‘Delivering a letter from Cheonjon.’ I didn't know what it contained, but I remember passing it on as I was leaving. ‘...I also made sure to prevent any unnecessary visits while at it.’ He was after Namgung Myung's sword, which the Namgung family had lost. And Namgung Jin was clinging to me over it. At the time, I laid out measures to handle the situation beforehand. I observed Namgung Jin momentarily and spoke. "Your training seems... to be going well." "It's good to hear that it appears that way." To my words, Namgung Jin laughed slightly. It wasn’t mere flattery. In reality, Namgung Jin's stage had become solidly established, unlike before. ‘The first time I saw him, his level was midway in the huageong rank.’ But in just three or four years, Namgung Jin has emerged as a complete huageong rank master. While he still seemed to fall short of being a Sword King, he was strong enough to be considered a master. ‘Could that small piece of information truly have been that useful?’ The first time, it was something given by Elder Shin. The second time, it was just a joke from me. The third time, I borrowed Cheonjon's insight. In exchange for writing a letter, I asked for a bit of help. ‘To achieve this much with just those three pieces of info.’ Ultimately, it suggests that Namgung Jin was inherently quite talented. Well, being Namgung Biah's father, it’s perhaps only natural, huh? "...I see you came from visiting your daughter?" I asked, remembering Namgung Biah suddenly. To which he replied, "Well, somewhat. It's the daughter indeed, but also..." Namgung Jin's eyes suddenly chilled. I wondered why that was. ‘Ah.’ I realized who else might be in there. ‘The Strange Immortal.’ Mu Dang Gwe Seon, Namgung Hyung. He was also present there. Their relationship was strained, which was evident by looking at Gwe Seon's current affiliation. Namgung Jin's expression changed briefly, but he promptly smiled again as he spoke to me. "By the way, I wonder how your master has been faring." He was inquiring about Cheonjon. Having received his letter, he knew Cheonjon was residing in Shanxi. "He should be doing well." Most likely, he was. ‘I hope this stays undisclosed if possible.’ Thinking of Cheonjon gave me a slight headache. The Three Perfected Ones, regarded as the pinnacle of the orthodox sects. What would happen if it were revealed that all three had once stayed in Shanxi? ‘It would probably look like a devil’s lair.’ It was obvious. Accomplishing what no other family had was noteworthy. "...He still seems unwilling to return to the family?" "You should ask him directly. That’s beyond what I know." "I would, but he regrettably doesn’t respond." After delivering the letter to the Namgung family, Cheonjon had refrained from any further contact. If anything came from the family, he’d send it back without even opening it. ‘And yet, they have not attempted a direct visit.’ Perhaps Cheonjon had put something in place to ensure they wouldn't come. “So, if it’s possible….” As Namgung Jin was about to say something more. “Before that.” I had matters I needed to address first. “I heard the eldest son is also here. Where might he be?” Nyoryong, Namgung Cheonjun. I had come here to find him. According to Namgung Biah, he was supposed to be here; having come together, it made sense he'd be present. "Ah?" Namgung Jin replied to my inquiry. "The eldest son did not accompany us. He had other matters to attend to and couldn't make it to Henan." "...What is that." His response was somewhat unexpected. ‘He didn’t make it?’ Namgung Biah had mentioned he was coming, so could he have fallen off midway? ‘This makes it slightly awkward.’ Namgung Cheonjun coming to Henan, especially a place where Namgung Biah was present, was significant. It went against the restriction I had set, and I intended to discern how it was possible. ‘If Namgung Cheonjun didn’t come.’ It became somewhat ambiguous to confirm. In such a case… ‘There’s also a chance he didn’t come due to the restriction.’ The possibility that even if he tried, it wasn't possible to come. ‘But there could also be another reason.’ The possibility that he could’ve come but didn’t arise. From what I sensed, the restriction seemed to still be in place, but this was uncertain. ‘I’ve got to clarify this.’ It seemed necessary to call Nahi for confirmation. ‘I should be handling it directly.’ But the martial arts festival was just two days away. Checking all of these might be too much. ‘Tch.’ It’s unfortunate, but unavoidable. Delay what needs to be delayed. With that decision, I bowed slightly to Namgung Jin. "Thank you for your words. I’ll come back to greet you later since it’s getting late." "It’s not that late of an hour, but... perhaps a brief spar..." Namgung Jin took the opportunity to subtle hint his desire for some teaching. However, "Apologies, but I have a prior commitment." That was out of the question. "I have plans today... I’ll formally visit you another time." Of course, I had no intention of visiting Namgung Jin. Ignoring Namgung Jin's disappointment, I returned to my quarters as if fleeing. I spent my time training and organizing the upcoming schedule. And so, two days passed by, and before I knew it, The day of the martial arts festival had arrived.