719 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The World's Greatest Martial Artist's Childhood Friend, Chapter 719 > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive A grand pavilion was situated to the left of the martial arts arena. Designed to offer a panoramic view of the competition stage, it was a place set aside by the alliance where influential figures from the central plains gathered, led by the alliance leader. “Whew...” Among them was the head of the Guangdong Baek family, Baek Yu-jeok, known as Heo-eul-geum, who let out a sigh. At the same time, he brushed his arm. His skin tingled, making it impossible to remain still. “…I have no words.” There was nothing he could say. The situation warranted it. Looking at that, what words could possibly emerge? Bang---!!! A whirlwind swept through. A massive gale force, like a storm. It roamed wildly, as if it would engulf everything around. Crack--!! Sounds of things breaking echoed from all directions. Just witnessing it made one's body tense. His inner energy was activating his body without restraint. ‘...It’s all made of energy.’ The wind wasn’t a natural occurrence. It was a calamity made solely of inner energy. Rough and ferocious. How could someone emanate such a savage force? As Baek Yu-jeok tried to suppress his trembling and pondered over his question. “Ha ha. Isn't it quite impressive?” “…!” A voice came from beside him. Baek Yu-jeok flinched at the sight. The old man speaking to him was not a simple figure. The head of the Mount Hua Sect and one of the top ten warriors of the central plains. Chil-cheol-sam-gwon's very own. It was Below Blossom Immortal, Dohwa. He spoke to Baek Yu-jeok. In an attempt to pay respects, Baek Yu-jeok started to bow. “…Greetings to the head of Mount Hua….” “I’m not here to receive such greetings, so there’s no need, Master Baek.” Dohwa gently stopped Baek Yu-jeok’s bow. Baek Yu-jeok was startled to learn that Dohwa knew who he was. “You know me…?” “How could I not? I had several conversations with your father. He was a very kind-hearted individual. Seeing that Master Baek has grown so well, it somehow fills me with pride.” Even though he had only brushed by him a few times as a child, following his father, Dohwa remembered Baek Yu-jeok. “Just thought we could have a chat. If it’s uncomfortable….” “No…! I would never.” “Keukkeuk.” In the serious atmosphere, there was a faint scent of flowers in the air. Immortal indeed. He was indeed worthy of being the most respected head of the Mount Hua Sect since the great Cloud Sword of Mount Hua era…. “Oh my, that foolish lad. He promised to behave but now look at him causing a fuss…. Tsk tsk.” …Huh? “I won the bet, so he’ll have to buy the drinks. Keukeke.” “…Head Master…?” “Oh, apologies. I got carried away seeing a familiar face, ha ha ha.” Did he hear wrong? Baek Yu-jeok thought as he nodded. Surely. Someone as close to an immortal as Dohwa wouldn’t call someone a fool or make such statements. He must be hearing things due to witnessing something too shocking. Baek Yu-jeok decided to think that way. ‘...Is this shock?’ Yes, it’s a shock. Such a moment was unforgettable for a lifetime. Baek Yu-jeok was still rubbing his chilled arms. And it wasn’t just Baek Yu-jeok. Most people gathered here were in the same situation. “Did they say Bei family?” “From the Seo’an Bei family?” “Has anyone ascertained age, marital status…?” Though they appeared silent, investigations were swiftly underway. These individuals, a hundred of a hundred were top-tier figures, and with pale blue complexions, they were martial artists like Baek Yu-jeok. Everyone was frozen like stone. As if they saw something they shouldn’t have, their faces were marked with shock. It was understandable. That was both shocking and catastrophic. Every martial artist would think the same. ‘…Soemra and Dokkwon. And there were Geomryong and Shinryong. Also, Seomwol Sword.’ Post-Qijisu or martial artists of post-Qijisu level. When it was announced that these figures would participate in the martial arts festival, no one anticipated such a spectacle. Post-Qijisu is still post-Qijisu. While they might stand out in the Dragon and Phoenix assembly, this martial arts festival, hosted by the alliance, was different. It was expected that martial artists in their prime— that is, those at their peak in their thirties or forties—would be participating. While the post-Qijisu generation might lead the future of the central plains— these were the pillars of the current central plains. It was thought that no matter how hard one tried, those who haven’t yet even reached their thirties would not topple such a mountain. It was undoubtedly judged that way. Shattering sounds were heard. What lay before them was hard to express. Oh. That’s right. Speechless. That's how it could be articulated. When the king of the martial arts, Dongwang, was about to display his prowess, the martial artists in the pavilion harbored little expectation. Though there was anticipation due to the clash between powerful martial artists— as Dongwang’s opponent was a post-Qijisu, they judged that he wouldn’t show his full strength. It was believed it would end anticlimactically. Everyone believed that. “...” They were left speechless by the actual situation unfolding. Dongwang was helpless against the post-Qijisu. The unimaginable occurred. Helplessness wasn’t the right word. Humiliation, Dongwang was humiliated. Every move was blocked, even his breathing was controlled. Not a single movement could proceed without the opponent's permission. Is there anything more humiliating for a martial artist? Moreover, if such a thing was done by someone much junior. ‘It equates to social annihilation.’ Especially since the owner of the Peng family suffered such humiliation…. Baek Yu-jeok turned his head to look behind him. It was where the leaders of large trading groups had gathered. “…In this situation, we’ll have to adjust the ratios.” “It would be wise to send separate messages to the Hebei branch, too.” “How... should Chief Jincheon handle this incident…?” As expected, discussions were already underway. As martial artists value strength and reputation— so do the heads of trading groups. The reputation of a martial artist is vital to these leaders as well. If it falters, the money they invested is at risk. ‘Chilling.’ Baek Yu-jeok suspected he now understood why family leaders refrained from participating in the martial arts festival. At that moment. “A real mess has been made.” Another figure appeared. An elderly man with a stooped back stood there. The elderly man who appeared was dressed in shabby clothes, emitting a rather unpleasant odor. To put it kindly, it was more than bad—it was foul. Yet, despite the stench, Baek Yu-jeok couldn’t outwardly show any disgust. ‘…This is peculiar.’ Who else could make an appearance in the prestigious pavilion prepared by the alliance in such a state? To Baek Yu-jeok’s knowledge, there was only one possible figure. ‘The Beggars’ Union Leader.’ He was the leader of all beggars throughout the central plains, known as the eyes and ears of the alliance. Wu Bongchwise Gye, Baek Do. That old man must undoubtedly be him. As the old man approached, Do Hwa's eyebrows subtly twitched. “Baek Do, you reek more than usual today. Did you crawl out of a latrine?” “Pfft, did you expect a beggar to smell like roses? Is that how you greet someone after so long?” “I meant wash up a bit.” “A beggar washing? Get real. If there’s no water to drink, where would I find water to bathe?” “Is the river poison now? The world is practically waterlogged.” “The flower scent is driving me mad, so you should probably wash yourself, Dohwa. What’s with telling a beggar to bathe?” “...” What kind of conversation was this? Baek Yu-jeok could only ponder silently if this was a typical exchange between two leaders of the Nine Great Sects. After a few more rough exchanges, the two old men shifted their gazes. Their attention turned back to the arena constantly whipped by the gale. “Why tell him to keep quiet if he’s going to do all of that?” Wu Bongchwise Gye murmured while clicking his tongue. “He said if he’s defied, he’d slaughter all the beggars. He’s causing unnecessary fuss.” “I’m more amazed you actually stayed quiet after hearing that.” “Ha. When it comes to him, one must heed what he says.” Truly, if he says he’ll kill, he would indeed wipe out all the beggars. The Mountain Beast of Shanxi may adhere to principles over emotions, but he was no monster. Even with his fangs missing, his nature hadn’t changed. In terms of danger, he was even more dangerous. If displeased, he could not be contained. With a flick of his mind, he could transition to the Demonic Ways. Wu Bongchwise Gye was acutely aware of this fact. “Thanks to that, I might get summoned by the alliance leader. That’s the problem.” Wu Bongchwise Gye subtly glanced away. At the center of the pavilion stood the alliance leader, the Sword Sage, and the Sword Emperor. The Sword Sage, while observing the martial arts competition, was also glaring at Wu Bongchwise Gye. He seemed keen to engage in conversation. “Cough.” Wu Bongchwise Gye quietly swallowed back his cough from the intense gaze. “What a nuisance.” It looked like the alliance leader had figured something out. He momentarily considered evading the spotlight, but realized that wasn’t an option. If it were just the Sword Sage, perhaps he might have managed— but the Sword Emperor was scrutinizing the union leader too. Facing such gazes, Wu Bongchwise Gye whispered softly. “Dohwa.” “Yes?” “You’re my friend, right?” “Heh, of course not.” “You’re heartless. Didn’t even hesitate.” Dohwa chuckled, and Wu Bongchwise Gye shook his head in dismay. Indeed, he had no expectations from these guys. ‘Tsk.’ All he hoped for was that no further trouble would occur. He simply hoped for that. Whoosh-... The fierce gusts of wind gradually calmed down. What had raged so intensely was now subsiding suddenly. The fact that the wind was entirely controlled by a single person’s will now became apparent. As the energy dissipated into the void and the dense dust settled, the concealed arena was fully revealed. “...” “…What is this…!” The martial artists in the pavilion swallowed hard at the spectacle before them. It was in shambles, like a desolate wasteland. The arena, crafted with iron for durability, no longer retained its original structure. It was a sight so grim that it was hard to believe a single human could create it. Oddly, there were precisely two intact spaces in this wreckage. One was where Tuyong stood. While he executed his martial arts, he didn’t seem to have moved at all. The platform he stood on remained undisturbed. And the other— was the platform where Dowang was. Just a few steps from Tuyong’s position. “…Gasp… Huff… Gasp.” There he sat, collapsed. His weapon was nowhere to be seen, and cold sweat gushed from him. The astounding part was that Dowang’s body bore no injuries. Despite the surroundings being ravaged to the point of losing its original form, the same martial arts didn’t harm Dowang. How does one interpret this nonsensical situation? It was as if he had tasted death— his face was pale, dripping with fear and sweat. His resolve was long gone. Survival instincts surpassed rage, and far from comprehending the situation, he couldn’t even gather his scattered thoughts. Such an overpowering spectacle it was. Baek Yu-jeok felt certain. ‘…Dowang lost.’ This was Dowang's defeat. The world could see it. One of the Six Seats, Dowang. He lost to a post-Qijisu of the Bei family. Silence permeated among the martial artists seated in the pavilion. The leaders of trading firms were busy checking if they had a branch in Seo’an. Determining how many children the Bei Master had, and investigating whether Tuyong had a woman. They were striving to gather information. Yukryong Sambong. Among them, Tuyong had the least recognition. Yet the value he held skyrocketed. And this wasn’t just the speculation of the trading firm leaders. Almost every martial artist present likely pondered the same thing. If it were me. Or if it were someone else here. ‘Could I have beaten Tuyong?’ Could I have defeated that delicate-looking young master? A confident answer eluded them. A monster beyond words stood there. While Shinryong and the Seomwol Sword were astonishing— Tuyong escalated to inducing oblivion. Just watching him felt like encountering inner demons. Words were inadequate. Only questions arose. Why didn’t Tuyong properly attack Dowang? Why did he leave him so intact? Was it mercy? Was it the reckless compassion of youth? If so, there was no martial etiquette. While mulling over these thoughts. “Could it be?” “Hahaha.” The two old masters from the Nine Great Sects reacted. Wu Bongchwise Gye slightly parted his lips, expressing surprise. Meanwhile, Dohwa laughed leisurely. Why were they reacting that way? Baek Yu-jeok was about to squint his eyes in suspicion when— “Hm.” Tuyong looked at Dowang before turning his head elsewhere. At first, it was towards the audience. As he glanced there, Tuyong smiled faintly. For reasons unknown, Baek Yu-seok felt the need to shrink back at that smile. An inexplicable fear washed over him. Who was he looking at with that smile? As the question lingered, Tuyong turned his gaze to the referee. The referee hadn’t dared to step onto the arena and was looking up at him from below. Tuyong spoke as he looked at him. “I forfeit.” ‘What?’ Was it an auditory hallucination? Hearing the strange words, Baek Yu-seok froze like a stone. But it was no hallucination. The referee wore the same expression as Baek Yu-seok. “I forfeit,” Tuyong reiterated. Only then did everyone listening share the same expression. In that moment— “Oh dear, that madman… What are we going to do with him?” “…Has his body gotten younger, affecting even his brain? Ha ha. He’s become like Guryeon.” “…Dohwa, isn’t that a bit harsh?” Wu Bongchwise Gye and Dohwa conversed, stunned. Yet, their words didn’t reach Baek Yu-seok or the other martial artists nearby. The shock was too overwhelming. Tuyong, having defeated Dowang, had forfeited. Dowang, who lost to Tuyong, had won. It was a victory that would be etched into the history of the central plains as the most humiliating victory ever.