715 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

# Chapter 715: The Northern Rabbit Cheol Jiseon paused for a moment after hearing the response. Having anticipated an agreement, he expected a reaction of some kind. He decided to wait. Tap tap. His fingertips lightly drummed on the table. What might Cheol Jiseon say? Would he ask why? Or perhaps inquire about any plans for escape. As he waited silently, Cheol Jiseon began to speak. “...Was there a reason you had to do it?” It was the former. He asked why rather than asking about the plan itself. Such a response was characteristic of Cheol Jiseon. It was a considerate question, even amidst a straightforward query like "why did you do it?" Of course, this wasn't a kind of conversation that matched well with me. “A reason... I did it because it was necessary.” “Necessary, you say?” “Yes, it was necessary.” Tangduk had to be captured by the Ma sect's name. Capture him around this time, and it would be just right. Especially if Illyong Daeju, known for his rash temperament, was the one to go. “Then, why did you send Nahii?” Cheol Jiseon asked, and I tilted my head. “What? Didn't you already know?” Last time, when I said I sent Nahii to Hubei, Cheol Jiseon reacted as if it was cruel. I assumed he had figured it out to some extent. “It was simply a guess. I didn't expect it to happen like this.” Hearing his worried words, I listened intently. What was his intention? I waited for what he would say next. In that moment. “No matter what, to a comrade—” “Haha.” I couldn't help but burst into laughter at Cheol Jiseon's words. He seemed to be laboring under some misconception. “Jiseon.” “...What?” “Who is a comrade?” “...!” His eyes widened at the somewhat cold statement. “...Yangcheon...? You...” “Don't be mistaken. They're not comrades.” “What does that mean?” “It means don't needlessly give your affection. Look, giving affection and lingering makes your vision blurry.” As I continued speaking, Cheol Jiseon's eyes trembled. Watching him, I took a sip of my tea. “Your goal and my goal. Because they overlap, we are together.” There are few I can truly call comrades. Cheol Jiseon was almost worthy, but even then, only just enough. “Jiseon.” “...” He didn’t respond to my calling, but it didn’t matter. "If you're dissatisfied, change the plan perfectly or go save him yourself." “...!” "If you can't do that, then keep your useless sense of justice to yourself. It's completely unnecessary right now.” Our path was clear. Even if my destination and Cheol Jiseon’s goal diverged slightly. Our paths were similar enough for him to remain by my side. “Just see what you need to see. I used them because it was necessary.” I popped a handful of dried snacks into my mouth. Even without alcohol, they went down smoothly. “...” Cheol Jiseon said nothing more. I didn't know if he had nothing to say or if he couldn't say anything. But I didn't care. ‘It's right that things go the way I want.’ No matter what Cheol Jiseon’s wishes were. No matter how others viewed it, it should only go according to my wishes. That way. ‘I’ll be able to bear the responsibility alone.’ Gulp. After finishing my tea, I stood up. I had heard everything I needed to. After getting a grasp of the surrounding news, it was time to return. ‘The bait is taken.' Now it was simply a matter of waiting. “I’m leaving first. Didn’t you say you’d see Hwangbo Gaju?” “Yes... Yeah.” “Alright, see you later.” Pat, pat. I tapped Cheol Jiseon lightly on the shoulder as I passed him and began to walk away. Even as I descended the stairs, I didn’t look back to see the expression Cheol Jiseon was making. --- Two days passed. The first main event occurred on the second day. And it’s been three days since then. The reason was straightforward. After the main event, they evaluated the conditions and worked to reduce fatigue. In other words, it was a rest period. Crack. Stretching lightly, I continued forward. ‘The internal injuries have healed.’ The major issue still remained, but. The most recent internal injuries had healed. That was enough. Whir. Feeling the breeze, I turned my head slightly. At summer’s end. The scent of autumn lingered in the air. Soon, the leaves would fall. ‘...’ It meant time was passing, which wasn’t entirely pleasing to me. ‘Am I in a rush?’ I ran my hand over my chest. Was I in a hurry? Yes. I was. How could I not be? I lived a life where sweat had to be wiped away daily. ‘Not easy.’ Even though it was a life of my own choosing, the suffocation remained. I chuckled softly. Right, laughing was all I could do. “Look over there...” “They’re...” At the voices drifting into my ears, I looked straight ahead. The streets of Hanam were still crowded. Although a few days had passed since the main event started, changes had already taken place. Most notably. “That’s Seomwol Sword... truly as beautiful as the rumors.” “How can someone be so beautiful?” Walking beside me was Wi Seol Ah. More people were beginning to recognize her. And not just a few, plenty. “I heard the duel was truly incredible?” “She looks younger than my daughter... Is she really a martial artist of Hwagyeong?” “They say the way she wields her sword reminds them of a young Sword Master.” The duel with Shin Ryong. Its impact was still palpable. Even before, attention was focused on her due to her face. Now, faint admiration had mixed in. “It's a pity... I wanted to see more.” Some lamented Wi Seol Ah's elimination as unfortunate. “Nothing can be done. Her opponent was no ordinary adversary. It was Shin Ryong of Shaolin.” Some had gained a proper perception of Shin Ryong’s status. ‘Tsk...’ I clicked my tongue inwardly. This situation played right into Shaolin's desires. ‘Is it a problem caused by trying too hard?’ The successor to the Sword Master was strong. Incredibly strong, even. However. ‘Shin Ryong was stronger.’ Because of that, things turned out even better than what Shaolin had hoped for. Shin Ryong's presence was now as imposing as the sky itself. To be expected, really. ‘Even I thought he was insane.’ There was a phrase I occasionally found myself thinking when looking at Wi Seol Ah or Namgoong Bi Ah. Those two seemed like beauty shaped into human form. I often thought that way, and when I saw him, Shin Ryong seemed like an embodiment of talent. ‘It's like talent made into a human form.’ Yeong Pung and Woo Hyuk. ‘The feeling I sometimes got from them was even more pronounced in him.’ He wasn't just in the realm of Hwagyeong; he was in the domain of Sim Sang. His martial art, Hwangag Geongram. The moment I saw it, I understood. ‘Its principle is similar to my sacred spear.’ It involves holding the energy without letting it dissipate by intensifying it with one's mental state. The level of difficulty was laughably high at first glance. ‘That's why it's not something just anyone can use.’ How many in Shaolin could even come close to using that? It requires at least reaching Hwagyeong. You probably wouldn't use more than five fingers to count those who could manage it. ‘And a young martial artist used such a difficult art.’ Therefore, it's only natural for there to be such enthusiasm. Yes, it's only natural. That's why I remain inactive. ‘It's appropriate, after all.’ A different appearance from my past life. I don't know what transpired, but the Shin Ryong of this era had surpassed that wall long ago. ‘I expected a situation like Yeong Pung’s.’ Yeong Pung was a frog in a well. I assumed Shin Ryong wouldn't be much different. ‘What changed?’ How did he break free? ‘Was there a figure to set as a goal?’ Someone who wouldn't allow arrogance. Could there have been such a person in Shaolin as well? It's a question, but I didn't know. While walking further, more murmurs reached my ears. “By the Seomwol Sword’s side… isn’t that the one known as the Poison Phoenix from the Tang clan?” Next to Wi Seol Ah was Tang So-yeol, and I could hear talk about her too. Incidentally, just as Wi Seol Ah had gained a nickname, Tang So-yeol’s nickname had changed. That new nickname was. “Hey, talk about the Poison Phoenix is old news.” “Yes, now it's...” “Poison Fist, isn’t it?” Grit. A sound of teeth gritting came from somewhere. It was from Tang So-yeol. “...Poison Fist? How does that make sense?” Frowning severely at something, she didn't look threatening, probably because she still appeared so innocent. “Seol Ah gets Seomwol Sword, such a pretty nickname... and I get...!” “Poison anything rarely sounds nice.” “Exactly!” Tang So-yeol shouted in frustration at my poor attempt to console her. “...I didn’t even use poison in the duel. Why is reference to poison brought up?” “That’s something you should take up with your family.” As much as the Tang family had fallen, they were still synonymous with poison. It was something that couldn't be helped. “Even though I intentionally didn’t use poison… why….” “...” Intentionally, she says...? ‘Did she foresee her nickname changing?’ Probably not. Even if she had, destroying someone’s sword with her fist might have been a bit much. “With that fist of yours causing such havoc, no wonder your moniker isn't elegant.” “...But… I didn’t think that human would be so weak.” She said disturbingly indifferent things with a calm expression. The so-called apex master became a weakling in an instant. ‘Poison Fist...’ Small build, cute look. And yet, her nickname ended up being Poison Fist. It truly didn’t suit her. It made you think that way spontaneously. ‘But what can you do?’ What was done was done. Once a nickname is known, it rarely changes. To alter it, one had to cause a commotion or showcase something noteworthy. ‘Like what Wi Seol Ah and Tang So-yeol did.’ Poison Fist. Tang So-yeol pouted unhappily about it. Wi Seol Ah, on the other hand... “Sir, would you like some yakgwa? They're delicious...!” “...Thank you.” She didn’t seem particularly affected. Whether a nickname had been attached mattered little to her. Neither had she appeared saddened after losing the duel. If anything, she seemed a bit brighter than usual. Just as it was with Namgoong Bi Ah, Wi Seol Ah seemed to carry a similar aura. ‘Yes, it was like this in my past life too.’ Back then, shortly after she made significant achievements in the campaign against the evil sects. When it was revealed that Wi Seol Ah was both the disciple and granddaughter of the Sword Master, she was given the nickname "Young Sword Star." At the time, she scrunched her face in disapproval. ‘She said it was burdensome.’ She’d said once that the nickname was too heavy. So that’s what she thought. I once heard her say that. ‘So is this one lighter?’ Compared to Young Sword Star, Seomwol Sword does feel lighter. Is that why she doesn’t mind? ‘...If so, then good.’ There’s no trace of the expression from her past life. That’s enough for me. Plop. “Huh? Sir?” Without a word, I stroked Wi Seol Ah's hair. She gazed up curiously, but I ignored her, continuing to run my hand gently over her hair. “Hm?” Even with the slightly rough handling, her hair was so soft it didn't really tangle. “...Sir.” A somber voice reached me from below. It was Tang So-yeol. “...Why... Why do you only stroke Seol Ah’s hair?” “...Hm?” What was this now? “Is it because she’s the Seomwol Sword? Whereas I’m... I’m not touched because I'm clunky, dark, and heavy like some uncle's Poison Fist?" “...” What kind of inferiority complex was this? Just hearing it made my head ache. “Me... because I’m the Poison Fist...! Ugh!” Before it got worse, I started patting Tang So-yeol’s head too. Finally getting some peace and quiet. Walking along, patting their heads with both hands, I wondered what kind of situation this was. “...Look... It’s So Yeom Ra...” They began whispering again, this time about me. “So Yeom Ra is with the Poison Fist and Seomwol Sword...” “I thought it was just a rumor. It’s real.” “I heard he was a womanizer... He doesn’t even seem that handsome. How come?” “I heard he’s engaged to Namgoong's Sword Dance Fairy.” “What...? The famed beauty, that Sword Dance Fairy?” “And yet, he’s with women like this...” “What trash.” “What a scoundrel.” “He’s truly garbage. Probably can’t even be recycled.” ...Damn. Just hearing it makes my head ache. Why do I get stuck with such rumors? ‘I thought I handled things rather well?’ I had a proper duel with Uncle Pung and even confirmed some of the rumors spreading subtly. Why am I only associated with such nonsense? ‘How did I end up being labeled a womanizer?’ If I had been doing something to deserve it, it wouldn’t feel so unfair. Damn it. “Did... did he hear us?” “Phew, what a terrifying face.” “They say that’s the So Yeom Ra who burned the Sa sect alive...” “...” I sincerely wish they’d understand. I don’t only burn Sa sect members to ashes. “Hoo...” “Are you alright, sir?” “I’m fine.” I almost committed murder, but luckily I held back. Can’t just kill people in broad daylight on the street. Only if it were done stealthily, perhaps. I swallowed my irritation and continued walking. The destination was, of course, the Wulin Alliance. “Verification for all three of you has been processed. Please go ahead.” We completed our ID checks at the entrance and stepped inside. There were fewer people gathered compared to the first day. ‘About half?’ Not exactly, but a bit less than half. Some might have given up due to severe injuries over two days or withdrew due to exhaustion. It wouldn’t be exactly half. ‘So there might be a walkover?’ Not impossible. If the numbers didn’t line up perfectly, it would definitely happen. At that moment. “Oh.” Someone was waving at us from a distance. It was Paejon. Next to him was Seong Yul, who looked somewhat exhausted. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. “With both of them, it's a rather peculiar sight.” “Hmph.” Today marked the third day of the main tournament. With the first and second-day matches clearing some participants. They would be filtering even more over the two-day period. Once those rounds were complete, the semifinals would begin. ‘I’ll be fighting till I'm sick of it.’ Even imagining it makes me weary. It gave me the urge to go easy on myself. ‘Other guys are probably brimming with enthusiasm.’ I realize I'm quite an odd fellow. Being a martial artist but not particularly fond of dueling. While I was idly surveying the surroundings... “Why show up when you’re not participating today?” Paejon, lightly stretching his shoulders, asked me. That's right. I’m not participating today. I heard my schedule is for tomorrow. The reason I still came was... “It’s not solely due to Namgoong Bi Ah.” Tang So-yeol and Wi Seol Ah wanted to come out, and since Seong Yul was participating today, I thought I’d drop by. So I came to watch, killing two birds with one stone. Looking at Seong Yul, he was restlessly shifting like a dog wanting to relieve itself. “Hey, what’s wrong with you—” I halted my question when I realized what direction Seong Yul was looking. Over there, several martial artists—or should I say scholarly figures—were gathered. I focused on the garb they wore. White robes embroidered with wind patterns. A few years ago, they were the same clothes that the late Blue Sea One Sword once wore. This means. ‘Hmm.’ They were members of the Mount Kunlun sect, which Seong Yul once belonged to. I scrutinized them, then looked up. Towards the chart listing today’s match-ups. “...” As I silently scanned the roster, a few notable names caught my eye. Guangzhou Jin Clan’s Jin Im Seok versus Mount Kunlun’s Jo Cheon. ‘No wonder there was a fuss.’ Jin Im Seok was the false identity I made for Seong Yul. And his opponent today was from the Mount Kunlun sect. If it’s fate, perhaps I should call it fate. ‘He said nothing was wrong last time, and what a lie that was.’ When Seong Yul seemed troubled, I had asked if something was up. He unwaveringly insisted there was nothing wrong. But given his current state, something clearly had bothered him. ‘Tsk tsk.’ If he had mentioned it earlier, I could have done something for him. It left me feeling displeased. ‘And it seems it’s not just Seong Yul who is in trouble?’ With Seong Yul up against a Mount Kunlun figure, Judging by his demeanor, I might let him handle it himself, but what’s more concerning is the name I saw further down, below Seong Yul’s match. It was Paejon’s opponent. Hebei Paeng Clan's Paeng Jou versus Xi’an Flying Spears' Bi Eui Jin. “...” Paejon’s opponent was none other than a Martial Monarch.