724 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Best in the World Friend Chapter 724 > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive "Why leave out the betrayal of the Ami Sect?" Gwon Seon's reaction to such words was intensely fierce. Her eyes widened and her breathing quickened, the pounding of her heart palpable. Everything was interconnected, leading to a singular result. Noticing this reaction, a smirk crept onto my lips. 'I was honestly just testing the waters.' It became almost a certainty. A slithering discomfort rose within. As I felt it, I began to organize my thoughts. This is the conclusion I reached. Squeeze-! I tightened my grip on Gwon Seon's cheek. Grrrr... A brief pained groan escaped her. "Most of what you're saying isn't even true." Is the reason why the Ami Sect is searching for Bong Soon to clear the unjust charges against the Sword Empress? How pretty that sounds. The former Sword Empress may have had her reasons for leaving the Ami Sect to act independently, but even so, if she was of the sect, they should clear her name if it's unjust. It's a pleasing thought, indeed. However, there's an issue. "If that were the case, it should have been done much sooner." Why is it only now that they're stepping forward? "It's been at least twenty years since the war ended." A long time has passed since the end of the Great War of Politics. Yet, during that time, what has the Ami Sect done? "Nothing." Nothing at all. Was it not a false accusation about her being a part of the demonic faction and starting the war? If they knew, they should have done something. "This old fool. Saying they could take action only because P...No, Pi Yeon Yeon came out is just an excuse." They should have said they did something earlier. "Oh, there was something, after all." Over the past decades, something occurred within the Ami Sect. I knew about it. 'Once it was said that it was related to Bong Soon, I looked into it.' It wasn't even such a secret. It was something easily discovered with a bit of searching. However, linking it with the current situation created quite the contradiction. "The sect has been considerably active these past twenty years. It's not as if their sponsors from the merchant guild increased." “…!” Gwon Seon's body visibly trembled upon hearing my words. Seeing this, I continued speaking. "Now the protector of Sichuan...but they weren't before, were they?" The Ami Sect took responsibility for Sichuan only after Dangmun stepped down. Until then, Dangmun occupied most of the territory. The influence was vastly different. Most of Sichuan was held by Dangmun. Their foothold grew due to support from the merchant guild and their own family's ventures. The Dongmun's position was truly at its peak. Even the demonic faction incidents occurring all over Sichuan were handled by Dangmun, indicating that the Ami Sect was relatively restrained during those times. However— "There were many reconstructions. Expanding land, holding numerous festivals." Where did they possibly get the money for that? It’s not that a great sect is ever short on money, but compared to their standing, it was an excessive expenditure. "Where did they get such money?" It's a mystery. "Well? Where did it come from?" Furthermore, the Ami Sect rarely attended the major events organized by the alliance. Though occasionally young talents made appearances at the Yongbong meeting, they never achieved notable results. Yet, the number of disciples grew. While an increase in disciples reflects the sect's prestige, it inherently demands higher management costs. 'Despite not forming significant relations with the alliance and lacking substantial merchant guild support, the sect not only maintained its position but even expanded.' How was that possible? Was their sect overflowing with money? Perhaps so. 'Maybe they secretly discovered a hidden treasure.' Wealth can indeed vary depending on circumstances. Moreover, the reason they hadn't acted on the Sword Empress matter until now might be that— They recently discovered Bong Soon's existence and only recently realized the false accusation. Yet— "That's not it." Crunch. I do not believe in such miraculous circumstances. "Ugh…ugh..." "They probably long knew it was a false accusation. Maybe they found out when the war ended. Or perhaps even before then. That's not important. What matters is knowing they’ve been aware." The circumstances regarding the Sword Empress were likely known to the Ami Sect. Thus— "Even knowing, they've kept quiet. Likely because they made separate arrangements." The reason the Ami Sect could maintain its status as the Nine Great Sects, despite being overwhelmed by Dangmun, was— "What did they receive from the alliance?" “…!!” "They probably received something, whether money or promises for the future, or at least funds to endure." An unease began to swell in Gwon Seon's eyes, wrapped in subtle fear. "The head of a great sect, receiving payment and keeping silent like that." I had to be cautious. If I misjudged my strength, I could crush Gwon Seon's head. "I." A slight tremor resonated in my voice. "This is why I despise you lot. You despicable creatures." Crumple-crumple-crunch. Vibrations erupted from my toes, causing cracks in the training hall. "It's impossible to like you. Disgusting creatures." Maybe it's because I've been trying hard to live well after coming back, but I've grown patience. Even now, see how I'm sparing this senile elder. "Ugh...ugh...gulp." Trickle. Under the hand covering her mouth, blood began to seep. It was Gwon Seon's blood. Despite my growing fervor, my mind was colder than ever. "Now, let's sort this out." The Ami Sect, who kept their silence and gorged on wealth. What's the reason for finally appearing? Was it really because of Bong Soon? No. They only discovered Bong Soon when they reached Hanam. So until then, they truly did not know. Why then step forward? Such things become clear when you connect the dots. The reason the Ami Sect resurfaced isn't anything else. The reason being— "Because Dangmun has fallen." The fall of Dangmun due to an incident. That must be the reason. As Dangmun fell, their status declined. Gradually, the standing of the Ami Sect rose. The number of times they managed the demonic incidents increased with it. Consequently, the frequency and amounts of the sponsorship from the merchant guilds likely increased. So what happens then? 'What's the outcome? People get full of themselves.' That's how it goes for anyone. When humans receive more than they can handle, they forget themselves. They forget how they used to live. I was all too familiar with these situations and didn't find them particularly strange. 'Because that's how humans are.' My expectations of humanity are essentially nonexistent. It’s their intrinsic nature, so it's only natural. The problem is— 'I just dislike those who deny it even though they're aware.' Those who think they're exempt. When I see such people, it makes me want to burn them alive. Just like this moment. "So, is that why they've made their appearance?" Why has the Ami Sect appeared in Hanam? "Did regaining some strength suddenly make past mistakes resurface?" This is a warning to Mu Alimmaeng. They haven't forgotten the actions Mu Alimmaeng took. Isn't it laughable? I know Ami Sect attempted to pull some tricks on those participating in the martial festival. I'm not sure what their intention was, but ultimately, there's only one thing that matters. "Did you want to emerge to the surface because you got too full of yourself?" I swung my hand, sending Gwon Seon flying away. Thud! Roll! Gwon Seon's frail body rolled across the ground. “Cough…cough…” Thud! I brought her down, stomping on her with my foot. “Ugh... ugh…” "Worse than insects. Old one, even with age, you haven't become an adult." Indeed, Gwon Seon never matured. That's why... 'That's why her disciples can treat her with such disrespect.' Gwon Seon was oblivious to what was happening. Oh, but naturally, I have no intent to enlighten her about it. Any lingering pity I had? Gone. Gone are all the words of respect. Respect for adults is limited to those who are 'adults.' In my eyes, Gwon Seon was not one. What remained for me was nothing but contempt and disdain. "What do you want?" "Uh…what are you…" "What are you planning to do by finding Pi Yeon Yeon?" Crack. “Ughhhh!” I pressed down with my foot, a nasty crack sounded. Gwon Seon's chest started caving in. "What benefit does her existence bring to your people?" She contemplates. And thinks. My mind, chilled, worked swiftly. It wouldn't be long until I reached a conclusion. Despite knowing this, I thought— "It doesn’t matter." By now, it was pointless. I removed my foot and extended my hand. Gwon Seon's prone body lifted, her neck caught in my grasp. “Ugh…ha…” "I think the verification is sufficient." There's no need to see more. "To me, you’re not human." That was the judgment I made of Gwon Seon. No further observation seemed necessary. "What…what are you talking about?" Gwon Seon writhed slightly, unable to comprehend my words. Her eyes were filled with confusion and bewilderment. "Do you… do you intend to harm me?" “Oh dear. Such frightening words.” I chuckled. "I doubt the Grand Master of Ami Pa would come to see me without informing someone. If I were to kill you here, it would only become more troublesome." For now, it's just a nuisance. Who knows what might happen if this continues? "Besides, I shouldn’t kill such an esteemed figure, right?" With those words, I focused my strength on my heart. Thump! My heart pounded loudly as my demonic energy spread throughout my body. Swoosh--!! Heat filled my eyes. Seeing this, Gwon Seon's eyes widened. "Wha-what…grkk!" She began to speak in shock, but her body froze. It was inevitable; a profound energy was seeping into her at this moment. “Ugh… grrr!!” Gwon Seon's body began to tremble violently. I looked at her calmly. 'If there had been just one redeeming feature.' Had there been the slightest decency, I wouldn't have resorted to this. As I thought this, I chuckled to myself. 'Maybe not.' This feels off. I knew from the start it would end this way. ‘The day of the martial festival, perhaps.’ A few days ago. Right after killing the Ami Sect practitioner who fled after encountering Bong Soon. If I was aware, I probably knew even back then. ‘That it would turn out like this.’ If there was an issue, it was that I had unnecessarily hoped. Hoped that maybe she wasn't entirely corrupt. That maybe there’d be someone intact. Such futile hopes. "I have so many issues. Growing younger makes me pointlessly sentimental." I found it amusing to think of how I had criticized Cheoljiseon. "But this is fortunate. Thanks to you, things are clearer." I erased any remaining expectations. And that made me smile. "I'll discard it well. Especially since you have many tasks awaiting you." What would be discarded? There was no need to say it. It was something understood without mentioning. I smiled and spoke to Gwon Seon. “Huh—ack!!” And then her eyes filled with darkness. ****************** Four days had passed since the conclusion of the third preliminary round. It's been that long since Tou Ryong destroyed the martial stage, causing delays. In due time, repairs were completed on the wrecked martial stage, and I heard news of the commencement of the fourth preliminary round. Since it was an unprecedented event, there were some changes made. The third preliminary round was not properly concluded. A few participants who should have competed at that time were now mixed into the fourth preliminary round. Though initially, there weren't many matches left, the addition of participants caused changes in the matchups. Most people weren't bothered by it. “Why does your expression look like that?” I had to suppress a laugh at the person who accompanied me. “What do you mean?” “It’s completely different from last time.” The person I referred to was Seong Yul. Last time, he was as tense as if he might die any moment, but now, he seemed rather at ease. The reason was probably— ‘Because the matchups changed.’ Seong Yul was initially supposed to face a practitioner from Kunlun. However, the change in matchups meant he was now facing a different opponent. Perhaps due to this, Seong Yul seemed much more composed. “…are you that relieved?” “What do you mean?” “…” I shook my head at Seong Yul's response. Honestly, such a feeble lie. What exactly is causing him so much discomfort? At this point, even if I wasn't curious, I'd start to wonder. Should I try to find out? Maybe all it takes is to push a bit until the truth comes out. I pondered briefly before dismissing the thought. 'This isn't the time to be overly relieved just because the matchups changed.' Seeing Seong Yul so carefree because of the change made me feel a twinge of pity. I shifted my gaze to the matchup list. -Jin Im Seok of the Gwangju Jin Clan vs. Paeng Woo Jin of the Hebei Paeng Clan. "Oh dear." Of all the times to face each other, why now? Looking at Seong Yul, who pretended to be nonchalant, I let out a sigh. 'He'll have to handle it himself.' For reference, the practitioner from the Kunlun Sect who was initially matched against Seong Yul ended up being paired with Tang So Yeol. Now only a few people remained. It's become normal to see familiar names facing off against each other. To prove that, familiar names appeared on the list: -Pi Yeon Yeon of the Western Safe Clan vs. Yeong Pung of the Mount Hua Sect. To my surprise, Bong Soon was matched against Yeong Pung. 'Who will win?' It sparked pure curiosity in me. In terms of compatibility, Bong Soon does have the advantage, but— 'You never know.' It's uncertain how much stronger Yeong Pung might have gotten since the last observation. This was an indeterminate factor. Among other names were renowned masters of the cultivation realm. And just as I noticed some individuals who seemed to conceal their strength— "Haha." I glanced at my own name at the bottom of the list and let out a dry laugh. "They bothered changing the matchups for this, huh?" Common sense would dictate that they'd add more matches, not rearrange existing ones. Yet now I understood, after seeing it. I sighed after checking the name of my opponent written next to mine. It was inevitable. The opponent, after all. -Gu Yangcheon of the Shanxi Gu Clan vs. Yoo Yeon of the Shaolin Temple. The Divine Dragon. My opponent was the hope of the Shaolin.