699 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 699 of *Heaven’s Greatest Fighter’s Childhood Friend*: The Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archives “You said you met Grandfather...?” This is what Gu Heebi said to me from her room. “Yes.” “How...?” “He came to find me.” I responded nonchalantly to her astonished inquiry. My ribs still ached. I should have held back a bit more. “Really, all of a sudden?” “Yes, suddenly.” Despite her disbelief and continued questioning, my answer remained the same. “Please, stop asking. I was surprised too.” Even I couldn’t have predicted that that man... Actually, is he even human? In any case, I hadn’t expected that old man, my grandfather, to come looking for me. Thanks to him, my ribs were bruised, and my mood was ruined. ‘Damn these family ties.’ The Gu family members are all out of their minds. They only care about themselves. How can a sane person like me live peacefully in a place like this? ‘I really should just run away.’ Just when I think I might grow attached, I realize I can’t, making this a truly frustrating family. “So....” Trying to calm my frustration, I looked at Gu Heebi and asked. “Nuna, what are you doing right now?” “Hm?” Gu Heebi tilted her head at my question. “Can’t you see? I’m cooking.” “...” If anyone else had asked, they’d think it was obvious. ‘I’m asking because it’s unbelievable.’ Gu Heebi was cooking rice. Casually dressed, she prepared a few side dishes and arranged them on the table. How should I describe this nightmarish sight? Honestly, I have no idea. “...You know how to cook?” “Just a bit now.” I was dumbfounded by her nonchalant answer, and she laughed at my expression. “Living with a child, I just ended up learning.” “...Why do you sound like a mother?” “Oh, does it suit me?” “No, not at all.” Although it oddly seemed to suit her a little, admitting that didn’t sit right with me. So while I was observing Gu Heebi’s strange behavior. Thud. Something was placed on a dish before me without my noticing. What could this be? I couldn’t tell. It looked like food, but... “What... is this?” Not understanding, I turned to the person who gave it to me. Sitting naturally beside me was the Heavenly Demon. The Heavenly Demon quietly placed one thing after another in front of me. “W-what is... What is this?” “Something to eat.” “I can see that. I mean, why are you giving it to me?” “It’s tasty. Something you like.” “...” I wondered what kind of absurd situation this was. No, I was too late to understand it. Too exhausted to question further, I just grabbed the food and put it in my mouth. ‘...Hm?’ I was a bit surprised after tasting it. It was better than I had expected. And then. ‘I actually ate it.’ I was shocked at how naturally I had consumed food in the presence of the Heavenly Demon. ‘No matter how immune I am to poison...’ I was being too careless. Or perhaps it was because it was the Heavenly Demon. ‘She wouldn’t resort to something like poison.’ She wasn’t the type to use such trivial methods. If she didn’t like something, she’d simply handle it directly with her own hands. Maybe I wasn’t worried about something so trivial because of that. Or perhaps, it was because of Gu Heebi’s presence. I didn’t know. I didn’t know, so I took another bite. “Is it good?” Gu Heebi asked. “It’s okay.” “Really?” Gu Heebi smiled broadly and glanced at the Heavenly Demon. “Yeon Ah, he says it’s okay.” “Mm.” “...Hm?” “Oh, Yeon Ah made this.” “...?” I widened my eyes and looked at the Heavenly Demon. What kind of nonsense was this? “You’re saying... she made this?” “Yes, she did a great job, didn’t she? Surprisingly, she’s quite handy.” As if praising her, Gu Heebi stroked the Heavenly Demon’s hair. The Heavenly Demon didn’t resist and let her do so. Meanwhile, I was unable to shake off the shock. ‘The Heavenly Demon cooked?’ That Heavenly Demon? It was one of the most shocking things I’ve experienced in my lifetime. And she did it quite well. That was even more dumbfounding. ‘I don’t even know how to react anymore.’ I felt exhausted just thinking about it all one by one. I laid down the chopsticks I was holding. Before doing anything else, I decided to get to the point. That seemed to be the best course of action. “Nuna.” “Yes?” “What happened between you and Grandfather?” “...” When I abruptly brought up the main topic, Gu Heebi paused momentarily. I stared intently at her. “Why did that old man leave her with you? What happened?” “...Well....” I asked once more. I wouldn’t let her change the subject and insisted on getting an answer. Gu Heebi knew this, so she seemed somewhat embarrassed. Finally, Gu Heebi, who had been silent, cautiously spoke to me. “It was probably... around the time my sword corps was disbanding.” The sword corps of the Gu family, which Gu Heebi had led. It’s currently temporarily disbanded due to the tangled circumstances. The exact reason was likely due to internal conflicts around the leadership of the Gu Sen’s clan. Because of this, Gu Heebi took a break. And she left, albeit belatedly, to experience the martial world of Central Plains. Timing-wise, it was nearly two years ago. “It wasn’t a particularly unique day. It was like any other day while traveling.” On a spring day when flowers were blooming. While walking in Qinghai, Gu Heebi unexpectedly ran into Grandfather. “You must take this. It’s for the clan.” The Heavenly Demon, who seemed unconscious, was in Grandfather’s arms. Grandfather left the Heavenly Demon with Gu Heebi. “...You just accepted it like that?” Taking something just like that without question, it's almost naive. Looking at her with eyes that questioned why, Gu Heebi protested slightly. “Grandfather said it was for the family. What choice did I have?” Even if Gu Heebi was known for her wild behavior, if Grandfather, who was believed dead and was a past head of the family, said it was for the clan, she couldn’t refuse. However. “You just believed that? What if he was an impostor?” Even with all that said, I still couldn't understand. What had led her to trust him so easily? I asked, voicing my skepticism. “How could you be sure the person you met was Grandfather?” “...” I was at a loss for words at Gu Heebi’s response. It implied she realized it the same way I did. ‘The Resonance of the Gu Flame Technique.’ With that alone, you could identify whether someone was of the same bloodline. “Still, you should have been cautious if such flames handed you something…” “What flames are you talking about?” “What?” I paused at Gu Heebi’s question. Did she not understand? ‘This is odd.’ With a sense of something strange, I inquired further. “Nuna, do you remember what Grandfather looked like?” “His appearance?” “Wasn’t he engulfed in flames or something like that?” “Did you eat something bad? Nothing like that exists in this world.” “...” She looked at me with a gaze that said I was foolish. “Really… Grandfather didn’t appear that way?” “He was perfectly normal. He had white hair and a robust physique. The current head resembles him quite a bit.” “...” The more she explained, the more I frowned. Her straightforward description confirmed that she indeed saw our grandfather in a human form. ‘What is this?’ That’s where the confusion lay. I clearly saw something made of flames, but Gu Heebi saw a human form. ‘He said my perception was off because I hadn’t stabilized my position yet.’ But Gu Heebi saw him as a human? ‘What is going on?’ How could this be possible? It felt strangely out of place. No, more than that... “What’s the reason?” So why did she leave the Heavenly Demon with Gu Heebi? When I asked about this, Gu Heebi looked at me as if I asked a silly question and answered naturally. “I don’t know.” “…What did you say?” “How would I know? He just asked me to take care of her for a while.” “...” I was getting dizzy. “Honestly, you’re no help.” It was driving me crazy. “Do you want me to slap some sense into you?” “No... I’m not at an age to be getting slapped, so let’s skip that part.” I cut her off and shifted to another topic. “Then why are you staying in a place like this? You could have informed Mrs. Mi.” Why did they come all the way to Ha Nam and choose to stay in this shabby place? That’s what I was asking. “Of course, I talked to her.” “And?” “I talked to her, but why do you think we’re here... Mother refused, that’s why we’re here.” “...” Her answer was flawless. Indeed. Since permission wasn’t granted, they’d be here. “And aside from that.” Gu Heebi glanced subtly at the Heavenly Demon and spoke. “The child wanted to stay here.” The Heavenly Demon? Did she choose this location herself? Why? While pondering that, I asked something else. “Then does the sudden increase in your martial arts level have nothing to do with Grandfather?” “Ah.” Gu Heebi hadn’t reached a certain level. For her to have touched the Flower Realm was remarkable, but if Grandfather hadn’t contributed... How did she manage to rise to that level? That’s what I was curious about. “While raising the child, I realized some things. Once I noticed them, it just happened.” “...” “Isn’t it amazing?” Yes, it’s really amazing. It was the most baffling answer I'd heard today. ‘Gaining enlightenment while raising a child...?’ Enlightenment isn’t just some household name. If mothers achieved enlightenment just from raising children, wouldn’t all mothers be extraordinary beings? ‘Or am I just misunderstanding because I don’t have a mother?’ Looking at Mrs. Mi, even though she might not know martial arts, her presence felt strong, so maybe there’s some truth to that— “...Crazy.” I regained my senses amidst my ridiculous thoughts. In the end, Gu Heebi didn’t have any useful information. “Then what about you?” “Hm?” What about the Heavenly Demon? “How did you end up captured?” “...” How did she fall into Grandfather’s hands? As far as I knew, she disappeared along with the Moonlit Palace Lord. The Heavenly Demon seemed to ponder seriously and then nonchalantly answered. “I don’t know.” She was the same. “I awoke, and it was just like that.” “...” Feeling a surge of irritation from such a response, I had to first consider if she was telling the truth. Wasn't it odd, with too many strange parts? “But why didn’t you escape?” She found herself in Gu Heebi’s care when she realized she was caught. Why not try to escape upon realizing that? It was the biggest question that arose after hearing her answer. “You could easily escape.” The Heavenly Demon is strong. Regardless of the power she wielded, I was sure, witnessing the divine sword she had at her side when confronting Grandfather earlier. ‘Strong.’ Quite so. Perhaps even stronger than I am now. Even if she seemed different in some way, her potential danger didn’t change. With her history of bloodshed in the past life and being a mysterious powerhouse, it only added to her danger. Moreover. ‘She’s connected to the Blood Demon.’ The Heavenly Demon has ties to him. Which means... ‘Wi Seol Ah...’ The thought of her also being connected filled my mind. My mouth tasted bitter instantly. I swallowed hard. So why didn’t the Heavenly Demon escape? Amidst pondering this... “It didn’t matter.” The Heavenly Demon looked at me and muttered quietly. “It didn’t matter?” “Mm. I actually liked it. Because I could see.” Her words, emotionless as they were, carried so much sentiment. What was it she was glad to see? The outside world? Gu Heebi? Or something else altogether? I didn’t know. Frankly, I didn’t care. Her feelings weren’t what mattered now. “Then, do you not know where Taejeolgui is?” “...” At the mention of Taejeolgui, the expression in the Heavenly Demon’s eyes shifted. “Taejeolgui?” “Yes, Taejeolgui.” A strategist who crafted mechanisms for the Demonic Sect. Also. A craftsman who created supernatural devices. I needed him for future plans, and I believed the Heavenly Demon would know his whereabouts. Of course. ‘I can’t be sure if she’ll tell me or not.’ As expected, even if she knew, she wouldn't readily share the information. If she refused, it would deepen the suspicion around the Heavenly Demon, and I had a set of approaches ready for such an outcome. That was how it was supposed to go. “He’s in Xinjiang.” “Yeah, as expected, she’s not going to tell me... What did you say?” I froze as the Heavenly Demon unemotionally informed me. ‘Xinjiang?’ Is Taejeolgui located in Xinjiang? Again? Is Xinjiang some kind of lair? Everyone seems to be gathering there. Could she be lying? Even leaving that aside... “Xinjiang... Xin... Why did you tell me that?” Asking why she would divulge this so easily, I noticed a flicker of emotion on the Heavenly Demon’s face. It was clear. She looked at me incredulously. “Because you asked.” “...” Right. I did ask. But why answer so easily? “Ah... Ahh...” Exhausted, I rubbed my face mid-sentence. Nothing made sense. I didn’t want to think anymore. ‘So annoying. Should I just destroy everything?’ I felt as if my old personality might resurface. Realizing this, I got up. “I’m leaving...” “Hm? Younger brother?” When I spoke, both Gu Heebi and the Heavenly Demon widened their eyes. Ignoring them, I headed outside. “The meal was good.” It wasn’t just lip service; it really was satisfying. Surprisingly filling. “Are you leaving already?” “Yes.” Gu Heebi expressed disappointment, but I was already moving. Staying any longer might drive me insane. Having asked all my questions, I intended to return to my room for now. Closing the door behind me, I stepped outside. Even though the night sky was starry, it didn’t feel beautiful to me. It meant my mind was too cluttered to appreciate such a sight. ‘What could be in Xinjiang?’ Why were both Namgung Myeong and Grandfather telling me to go there? ‘Honestly, I was going to ignore it.’ I didn’t heed their summons. If they wanted something done, they could handle it. Xinjiang wasn’t in my plans, but now... ‘If what the Heavenly Demon says is true, I might have to go.’ If Taejeolgui truly was in Xinjiang, the plan would change slightly. To confirm that, I needed to verify the truth in her words first, yet... ‘...Not now...’ At this moment, I felt too exhausted to do anything. I was beyond weary. I decided to return to my room. Resolving to a short leap, I prepared to move when— “Goodbye.” A voice behind me caused my legs to pause. The Heavenly Demon, having followed me outside, was waving her hand. “...” I observed silently. I didn’t react or say anything. Just remained still. Merely watched the Heavenly Demon. The entity that evoked a desire for vengeance waved at me. The bitterness from it left a bad taste. Yet the Heavenly Demon continued to speak, focusing solely on her words. “Come again.” Her eyes, a deep violet, were truly focused on me. Could that woman really be the Heavenly Demon? The thought seemed absurd. Then— “If possible, come when the leaves have turned.” I couldn’t resist speaking up any longer. “…Why the autumn leaves?” Why autumn leaves? There was something about those words that inexplicably rubbed me the wrong way. “They’re beautiful then. I like it.” “You’re saying you like autumn foliage?” “No.” “What?” “You like them.” “…?” I frowned at the Heavenly Demon’s words. What was she talking about? ‘That I like autumn leaves?’ I didn’t particularly dislike them, but did I really enjoy them? How did she even know something I wasn’t consciously aware of? “So visit then.” “...” Despite my skeptical demeanor, the Heavenly Demon ended her words there. Finished with her message, she turned back inside. I stared at the spot where she had been as if possessed. Somehow, my gaze lingered. After a momentary pause, “Click.” I left with a sense of discomfort. Whoosh—! Hovering in midair, I momentarily felt the night’s breeze. The night sky, upon which my eyes fell, was bright. Yet the sight of the stars seemed too narrow for my troubled heart. That was how the night felt. ****************** A day had passed. As dawn broke and the sun rose, I too got out of bed. Naturally, I awoke in the bedding of my own room. “...Sigh.” I sat up with a heavily furrowed brow. The reason was simple. I hadn’t slept well. My sleep barely lasted an hour or two, and even that was restless. “Another night of weird dreams.” It was due to the nightmares I’d been having frequently. Waking up irritated, yet not able to recall the dream—it was really bothersome. While sleep deprivation didn’t make my body tired, it left me in a foul mood. I ran a hand over my ribs and felt a dull ache. “Phew.” But it was better than yesterday. After some rest, my body had begun healing. ‘I’ll need to focus on leg training today.’ It seemed wise to leave the upper body alone for a while. I clicked my tongue in annoyance at the touch of disappointment. Knock. Knock. There was a knock from outside. “Young Master. Have you risen?” It was an unfamiliar voice. Who could it be? “Who is it?” “It is Baek Yeon, the servant.” “Oh.” The introduction triggered my memory. She was one of the recent additions to the Gu family’s servants. “What brings you here?” Crack. Loosening my neck, I asked. “The White Blossom Chief instructed me to prepare tea if you awoke... I wonder if you require it.” Mrs. Mi prepared tea in the morning? And at dawn, no less? “Bring it in.” A strange feeling settled in. Despite that, I allowed it. With my permission, the door opened, and the servant entered. Thud. The moment her feet stepped into my room— ‘Hm.’ Peering at the servant, something caught my eye. Simultaneously, a sweet fragrance wafted to my nose. It was a familiar scent, piquing my interest. Noticing this, the servant promptly continued with her explanation. “It’s plum tea sent by Elder Maehwasun to Lady Baekhwa.” The scent was the same as the tea I once drank when I visited the Mount Hua Sect. The servant carefully placed the tea down, and without hesitation, I reached for it. “Oh! Please be careful, the tea is hot...!” The servant tried to warn me, but I had already grasped the cup and, naturally, felt no discomfort. Raising the cup, I took a sip. “…Hmm.” As soon as I tasted it, I nodded. Just as expected. ‘It’s poison.’ The plum tea had poison mixed into it.