721 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Title: The World’s Greatest Martial Artist’s Childhood Friend Chapter 721 - Northern Hare** One day, during training, Father spoke. "There are those known as the Seven Sages and Three Fists in the Central Plains." The heat was intense. For something said in such a sweltering atmosphere, it seemed rather puzzling to hear. "Out of nowhere?" I remarked on the abruptness, but Father, unfazed, continued as if it were nothing. This happened quite often when I trained with Father. He'd share unasked-for information. Sometimes, it felt a bit verbose. Still, I never rebuked him as to why. How to put it... "They were powerful figures from decades ago, notable during the war against the demonic sects." For some reason, I didn't mind these moments too much. "The Plum Blossom Immortal of Mount Hua, the Sword Saint of Wudang, the Fist Emperor of Zhejiang, and the now deceased Azure Sea Sword were among them." He mentioned several others. I sensed something peculiar. He used honorary titles for figures like the Plum Blossom Immortal and Azure Sea Sword but spoke with a more informal tone regarding other members of the Seven Sages and Three Fists. "Their strength is formidable. Each one akin to an entire sect." "I see." "If you ever encounter them, be cautious. Their minds are as deep and sharp as their strength." Forgive me, Master. Your son is no slouch in this area either. I barely held back from saying that. "So, are they stronger than you, Father?" I said this as a jest. I knew well enough they were no match for him. Yet, Father looked at me quietly and then replied, "It might tickle." The nonchalant remark was chillingly genuine. Nevertheless. Perhaps because of the encounter now... The memory from that time suddenly surfaced. I cleared the daydream away and focused ahead. In front of me sat an elegantly aged old woman. She was one of the Seven Sages and Three Fists, part of the Three Fists faction. The Lunar Fist Immortal. One of the top ten martial artists of the Central Plains. A member of the Three Fists among the Seven Sages and Three Fists. This was her true identity. She was said to be over eighty, having lived through the era of war with the demonic sects. Also, she was the leader of the Emei Sect, one of the Nine Grand Sects. A heroine representing the Central Plains. Her martial arts were characterized by hefty punches that embodied the unspoken style of her sect. "A fist technique from those thin arms?" Even though she had surpassed eighty, her unbowed back alone was remarkable. Her slender arms lacked visible muscle but undoubtedly held power. An old woman with poise. Appearing like a wealthy merchant grandmother. Something along those lines. "Hmm..." Watching the old woman, I quietly swallowed a sigh. A frail body, skin and bones, sipping tea delicately... seemed like a powerless old woman. "But merely on the surface. She's not weak inside." She was by no means a feeble character. Do you know what is most untrustworthy in the Central Plains? Women and the elderly. Many young men, with their brains entwined with their nether regions, were akin to beasts. The slightly smarter ones would use this to manipulate through beauty. Even in the Martial Alliance and other families, there's a reason why beautiful attendants linger. "The Guga clan is comparatively decent in this regard." But here, too, it’s the same rotten core. It's the same danger whether it's the righteous or demonic sects. Hence, it became second nature to approach women cautiously. "In a past life, I would burn them alive if they dared cross me." A beautiful woman approaching with intent? Nothing more perilous and alarm-worthy. Not trustable. And shouldn't be trusted. "They all met their end by the Demonic Swordswoman before getting close." Even though several attempts from both allies and opposing factions were made. The Demonic Swordswoman often cut down any approaching women, which reduced the frequency. In any case, in the Central Plains, women, especially beautiful ones, are to be wary of. As for the elderly, it's simple. "The older they get, the stronger they are." A martial artist's mental prowess is grounded in years of refinement. Since replenishing internal energy relies on breathing, the value of the years lived equates to strength. Some say a martial artist's peak physically comes post-forty, but internal energy growth goes hand in hand with years. Oh, of course, one can replenish through fortuitous encounters and mystical herbs... "But that merely increases quantity. Improving quality is another matter." Even with the same internal energy, the meaning contained within differs. Lives lived become insights which imbue energy. Energy that elevates a martial artist's worth above all. "...That's why the top ten martial artists and Triumvirate Masters are so powerful." Among the current powerful figures, the relatively younger ones, like the Six Pillars, rely on influence. In contrast, the top ten martial artists and Triumvirate Masters claim their positions solely through strength. There are thirteen in total. The youngest among them, aged past sixty, reveals the intimidating nature of old age in the Central Plains. "But this Fist Immortal grandmother possesses both attributes." A beauty from her youth paired with a wealth of life experience. An inherently dangerous potential, both singularly present in her. Moreover. "Powerful." The Lunar Fist Immortal was undeniably strong. It was observable at a glance. Frail on the outside but brimming with substance inside. "Of the current top ten, two are said to be nearing the power of the Triumvirate Masters." The Plum Blossom Immortal of Mount Hua and the Sword Emperor of the Martial Alliance. Having confronted those two, I was certain. "This grandmother lacks nothing." Not implying she's on par with the Triumvirate Masters. Lunar Fist is certainly not inferior to the Sword Emperor. "Comprehensive." The energy contained in her small frame is baffling. A vessel so sturdy. "Without a gap." Even as she sits sipping tea, there’s no visible opening. Would a sudden attack be effective? A lingering question arises. Yes, a question. When contemplating a sneak attack, the very fact doubt exists indicates the old woman's considerable strength. Though caution roots from me. "Hmm." Not an easy undertaking. As I was contemplating these thoughts, the old woman, Lunar Fist Immortal, spoke up. "Thank you for accommodating this unanticipated meeting." Hearing this, I couldn't help but lift the corners of my mouth into a smile. "You are the Grandmaster of the Emei Sect, after all. It's only right to make time." "Indeed." Savoring her composed tone, I asked my question. "Then... what brings the Grandmaster down personally to see me?" How surprised I had been since morning. The sheer number of people milling around my vicinity, asking about Tu-ryong, was already unexpected. And amidst all that, when word came that the Emei Sect's Grandmaster herself sought me out, could I not be startled? "Not just an elder, but the Grandmaster herself." A figure barely glimpsed even in prestigious circles. With someone of such stature visiting, curiosity alone warranted a meeting. Gulp. Tap. The sound of drinking tea, followed by the gentle placing of a teacup on the table, reached us both. At that moment. Huuuu. An incomprehensible energy filled the room. A qi barrier. It seemed Lunar Fist Immortal had cast a protective energy field. Thud. Huuuu-! The instant I realized this, I responded by unleashing my own energy from within. It swallowed up her barrier and quickly enveloped the entire room. "Huh?" Lunar Fist Immortal let out a breath of surprise. Apparently, she hadn't anticipated that her barrier would be countered. "I'm sorry. However, this is my room, after all. Shouldn't I be the one setting the boundaries here?" How dare someone try to exert their energy in my domain. I had no intention of allowing that. The expression of the woman accompanying the Grandmaster hardened at my audacity. Seems she was the Grandmaster's escort. "You insolent... How dare you...!" Clang-! Outraged by my demeanor, she instantly reached for her sword. Swish-! But already, the blade was at her throat. Sung-yul, who had been silently observing, had drawn his sword with breathtaking speed. Quick. His speed was no joke. I inwardly chuckled at the sight. 'He's so close.' At the peak of mastery, a hair's breadth away from breaking through to enlightenment. Sung-yul's barrier was before him, barely needing a nudge to overcome it. "...Gah..." The escort's face paled with fear at being so swiftly overpowered. Clearly, she hadn't expected Sung-yul to be faster than herself. The atmosphere turned tense. I looked at Sung-yul and gave my command. "Sheathe it." "Yes." At my directive, Sung-yul immediately withdrew his blade. The subdued escort scowled, a mere semblance of control. "A pity." "What?" The escort's gaze snapped toward me. I met it, speaking deliberately. "If you'd drawn your sword again, I'd have sliced it — arm and all." "...!" A deeply insulting remark. One with any pride would have instinctively reached for their weapon. But before she could act on her anger, she was stopped. Thunk-! The motion halted as Lunar Fist's extended hand kept the escort from drawing her blade. "Grandmaster..." Slap-! The sound echoed in the room. The escort's head snapped sharply to the side. 'Oh.' I marveled at the sight. Lunar Fist didn't move, yet the escort had been slapped. 'Did she use energy? Or perhaps...' Was it a mental fist strike? Regrettably, I hadn't concentrated enough to ascertain which. 'Probably not mental, though.' If it had been a mental strike, the escort's head wouldn't have merely turned; it would have shattered. "There will be no second chance. Mind your conduct." "...My apologies..." At Lunar Fist's reprimand, the escort wilted like a beaten dog. I watched the scene with intrigue. "I apologize for the child's impudence," said the Lunar Fist Immortal. "Indeed, it was quite impudent. But since it's the Grandmaster, I’ll overlook it this time." "…" Lunar Fist's brow furrowed slightly at my words, but that was of no consequence. "So, what business compels you to cast a barrier?" "Hahaha…" Perhaps my attitude was the issue. Lunar Fist chuckled briefly and replied. "Intriguing." Her tone felt subtly different. A change in her manner of speaking. "What is?" "I could tell at a glance... yet, why don't you." Her eyes narrowed. "Why don't you hide your strength?" "Hmm?" My head tilted at her comment. It was as if I didn't grasp her meaning. "Why hide it? They'll find out eventually." "…" I couldn't fully gauge Lunar Fist's realm. Even so, I had an inkling. In other words, 'The feeling is mutual.' Lunar Fist could see through me too. Hiding it would only be as conspicuous. Besides, I no longer intended to hide. That time had come. All it required were the right circumstances and determination. At this stage, why hide anything more? 'On the contrary.' I'd already hidden everything worth concealing. What remains exposed isn't worth disguising. Silence stretched out between us. After a moment, it was Lunar Fist who broke it again. "Is that so." Her nod implied some form of understanding. "Not the Divine Dragon or Twin Dragons. I've been looking in the wrong places. The truth was right here." "I'll take that as a compliment. So, Grandmaster, and I ask for the third time—why have you come?" "Noble Gu." "Yes?" "I've heard that a woman named Pi Yeonyon is by your side. Is that correct?" Thankfully, we got straight to the point. It was precisely the situation I had anticipated. "Ah, you mean Miss Pi." I nodded as if recalling. Pi Yeonyon. A martial artist born of the Seoan-Pi family. That's the alias of Bongsun. This confirms that the Emei Sect is seeking her. So, what should I do about it? This too had been foreseen long ago. "Yes, she is a lady I am sponsoring." "Sponsoring?" Curiosity clouded Lunar Fist's eyes. "I chanced upon her during a visit to Seoan. She had remarkable talent but lacked support, so I took on the role." Speaking fluidly, I continued to weigh my options. 'The intent is toward Bongsun.' Here, the question is. 'Is it because of her unique qualities… or is it Bongsun herself they seek?' The moment remained ambiguous. Then, "Do you happen to know?" Lunar Fist Immortal inquired of me. "Pi Yeonyon. Do you know what kind of being she is?" 'Ah.' Hearing this, I internally smirked. I had hoped we’d get to the core of the matter quickly, and here it was—direct and substantial. Perfect. Now I must respond in kind. "Yes, I am aware." "...!" The firmness in my answer made Lunar Fist's eyes widen. How amusing—maybe she hadn’t expected such a direct response. "You know...?" "Yes. Well... more or less." "What is it that you know—" "Conversely, does the Grandmaster know?" "...!" "About Miss Pi Yeonyon. What does the Grandmaster know?" Two consecutive questions that sealed Lunar Fist’s lips. ‘Now, how will you proceed?’ I wondered what thoughts were racing through her mind. She was probably mulling over this quite a bit. This conclusion was inevitable from the moment I confirmed my knowledge. Knowing. What is it I might know? Is it the same as what she knows? Or is there something different about Pi Yeonyon? These questions would inevitably arise, but she couldn’t ask easily. The potential downside of sharing information indiscriminately silences her, too. ‘She won’t prematurely spill information without certainty.’ If what I know differs from what she knows, the losing party would be Lunar Fist. This situation was set up just so. "Ha... Truly, you are like a snake," she said, apparently grasping the situation. I laughed in response to her remark. "Thank you for the compliment." "Moreover, you're bold. You are well aware that you stand before the Emei Sect's Grandmaster. Do you not fear the consequences?" "I hear that often... But I guess it's a worthwhile demeanor since I'm still alive. Others seemed to like it." Arrogant, cheeky, unpleasant, conceited—I’d heard it all, but I hadn’t been punished yet. Threaten me—they ended up dead. Displeased with me—they were crushed. Click. I poured more tea into the emptied cup. "Would you care for another cup?" "...Yes." As I refilled Lunar Fist's cup, I seized the moment. "Since you asked me first, may I ask one thing?" I was not concerned about not having received an answer yet. "Is the Emei Sect's interest in Miss Pi herself, or something she possesses?" "..." A direct question. Instantly, the air in the room grew heavy. Creak... The table began to shake rapidly. "...You." A dense aura brushed my cheek. Lunar Fist’s presence intensified. "This is troubling." Feeling it, I let out a soft sigh. Why is there such disruptive behavior in someone else's home? Whoooosh---!!! Bracing myself, I unleashed my own energy to counteract. I suppressed Lunar Fist's presence and began slowly tearing through the tension. Perhaps not expecting both the aura and presence to be restrained, Lunar Fist’s eyes widened further. I spoke to her, watching her reaction. "The elderly seem to be flexing their muscles. Are you in a hurry to ascend to the afterlife?" Trying to crush me with force just because I poked a little—badly aged individuals really are the problem. Or perhaps it’s the Central Plains itself that’s the issue? In my view, it was both. Regardless, the violence required the good-natured me to always suffer. How could I live with the injustice? Lunar Fist's energy grew heavier, and my suppressive force increased in response. Crack. The ceiling creaked ominously. This building seemed on the verge of collapsing. If it did fall, Mrs. Mi might get upset. According to Mo Yong-hee, this place was among Mrs. Mi’s cherished spots. Recalling this, I sighed inwardly. "How about we take it easy?" Adjusting my force slightly, I addressed Lunar Fist. "After all, Grandmaster, aren’t you here because you’re curious about something regarding me?" "..." Lunar Fist’s expression turned icy. She didn’t respond, but the killing aura mixed with her presence. Ah, this old lady is quite ill-tempered. 'How tiresome.' With little choice, I had to propose, "Shall we have a match, then? Keep it clean?" "...What?" "The loser answers the winner's questions. What do you say?" Despite speaking with a grin, Lunar Fist’s face twisted in displeasure.