726 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The First Friend of the World's Greatest Martial Artist Chapter 726 - Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive -Yul-ah. There was something my master once told me. -As you live, there will be times when it feels like the world is relentless only towards you. He was both a parent and a friend to me. He was my friend and everything, often seating the young me on his lap and telling me such things. Whoosh. His hand, rough yet gentle, stroked my hair. -Every time that happens, remember one thing. His voice was dry but soft. -Even if the world is harsh on you, know that it's not your fault, Yul. He said those words as if to console young Sung Yul, who had been bullied and in tears. Although young Sung Yul nodded upon hearing it, even after much time had passed, he couldn't fully understand. Is it really not my fault? The world grows darker. Murderous thoughts pop up indiscriminately and are uncontrollable regardless of how much I recite and internalize the enlightenment I learned in the sect. I want to kill. I want to kill everything I see. I don't know why it has to be like this. I don't even know why I'm becoming like this. Yet, it felt like I had to do it. It felt like that was my reason for being born. Around the time when I couldn't hold it in and bit my master's hand with all my might, My master would always pat my back with the same expression. It's okay. You can endure it. You can do it. Those words made me try to endure. I replaced biting my master's hand with my own. On days when enduring was just too difficult, I retreated into the darkness beneath the covers. And that's how I lived. A cursed life. I managed to endure, thinking only of my master who accepted someone like me. My master was my sanctuary. A fence that embraced and protected me. I could endure because my master was there, and I could live because my master was there. But then. 'What should I do now?' Now that my master is gone, how am I supposed to live? That was the thought that came to mind the first time I killed someone. Blood soaked onto the blade. Sung Yul stared at the one he had slain with his sword. The body lay ravaged and brutally slain. It was said to be a man who had violated a woman from a neighboring village and fled. "…" What did I feel at that moment? Swooosh. That day, rain fell from the sky. It poured so heavily that it caused floods in some areas. There I was, watching as the blood flowed away with the rain and the life ebbed out of the body. The guilt of having killed as a disciple of the sect. The fear of having ultimately taken a human life. Saying those feelings didn't exist would be a lie, but what I swallowed up all those heavy emotions and what truly remained was, In the end, exhilaration. "Hoo… Hoo." It was overwhelming. The sight of a dying human was so dazzling. Even amidst the rain, the smell of blood lingered thickly, and the scent was far too intoxicating. How could it be so beautiful? I became addicted to killing in an instant. The moment I realized that, "Ugh…!!" Sung Yul collapsed and started retching. "Gah…!" He couldn't stand his hideous self. The self that marveled at the death of a person. It felt hardly human. Feeling like a monster, he couldn't bear it. "Sob… sob…." Swallowing his tears, Sung Yul raised his sword. The very sword that had mindlessly cut down that man. This time, that sword turned towards Sung Yul's own throat. If it's going to be like this, I'll just die. It would be better to die and disappear. With that in mind, just as he was about to cut his own neck, -Yul-ah. "…" At the faint sound of his master's voice, Sung Yul froze. -It's alright. Memories of the master who spoke those words to him resurfaced. The face of the old man who smiled even at the end came to mind. -So live on. Sung Yul couldn't bring the sword to his neck. "…Ah…." Would there be any meaning to this life that merely lingers on? The self that would ultimately become a monster. Could he really be worthy of being human? "Please…." If someone knew, let them give me the answer. Back then, Sung Yul prayed as such in the rain. "Jin Im-seok." "…" At the voice, Sung Yul opened his tightly closed eyes. A vast and flat space came into view. An expansive, square-shaped area surrounded by countless spectators. Thump-! Realizing this, Sung Yul's heart pounded loudly. Vermin. The crowd surrounding him seemed like insects. He wanted to crush them all and drench the world in blood. As those thoughts emerged, he immediately grasped his chest. 'Phew.' It's alright. He calmed his breathing and recalled, He is behind me. So it's alright. Sung Yul repeatedly reassured himself, cooling his mind. "Jin Im-seok. Are you alright?" He nodded at the referee's inquiry. "We are about to begin. Are you truly alright?" A question to verify his condition. The answer had been predetermined before he even came up. "Yes. No problem." "I see." With that, the referee's gaze shifted to the opposite side. It landed on the person standing directly in front of Sung Yul. Someone dressed in black from head to toe. 'Was it Bi Seong-do?' Pae-wu-jin of the Paeng family. Known as Bi Seong-do Pae-wu-jin. He was certainly referred to as such. "Paeng Wu-jin." "We are ready as well. Long ago, in fact." "…Understood. Then, we'll proceed with the duel." At the referee's words, Paeng Wu-jin flashed a grin. Seeing that smile, Sung Yul felt a peculiar sensation. 'What is this?' It's something indescribable. An inexplicable, eerie feeling. You could say it naturally made him cautious. As he furrowed his brows at this mysterious vibe, "Are you Jin Gong-ja?" Before the duel began, Paeng Wu-jin spoke to Sung Yul. "Yes." Jin Im-seok—a name still unfamiliar. However, because he was told to do so, Sung Yul merely nodded. "It seemed you were quite close with Gu Gong-ja." "…Yes?" Our? There was something odd in the tone, but Sung Yul did not bother pointing it out. "What do you think?" "What are you referring to?" "They say a friend's friend is also a friend. Since I have a deep rapport with Gu Gong-ja, how about you and I also deepen our rapport?" "…" What is he suddenly talking about? Confronted with the unexpected situation, Sung Yul couldn't find the words to respond. To think he would say such things right before a duel—could it be that he's mocking me? That thought briefly crossed his mind, but Sung Yul decided not to delve too deeply. ‘There’s something important at stake.’ He had something to gain from this duel. He couldn't afford to be swayed by trivial matters. Srrrng. Before speaking, Sung Yul first drew his sword. At this action, Paeng Wu-jin, who was smiling, hesitated slightly. “First, I must apologize.” “Oh... a rejection? That's quite disappointing.” “Rather than a rejection, let me clarify. I am not a friend of Gu Gong-ja.” "Hmm?" He and I cannot be described as friends. “I'm simply following his lead. It’s not a relationship that can be called friendship.” Following his lead doesn’t mean marrying his path or anything profound. It literally means just following. “Also.” Sung Yul tightened his grip on his sword. “While I appreciate Paeng Gong-ja's words... forming a bond might make me hesitate at the tip of my sword, so I must respectfully decline.” He did not want to miss his mark. He had to win this duel by all means. “Hmm.” Paeng Wu-jin made a sound of regret but maintained his smile after Sung Yul's response. “Truly a shame. Though incomparable to Gu Gong-ja... you also possess quite a captivating color.” Color? Does he mean my attire, eyes, or perhaps my hair? Sung Yul briefly wondered, but Paeng Wu-jin continued speaking. “I fully understand your reasoning. That’s why it's even more regrettable.” A bond could indeed make it difficult to bring the sword down. Paeng Wu-jin understood that sentiment well. “It’s for that very reason I sought to form a bond.” “…?” Sung Yul frowned as he was taken aback by the statement. “Prepare.” The referee announced. Sung Yul heightened his focus immediately. He must not let his guard down. Sung Yul resolved not to underestimate Paeng Wu-jin. Before ascending to the stage, Gu Yangcheon had firmly told him. -Do everything you can. Otherwise, you'll find yourself dead at my hands when you come down. A chilling warning that sent shivers down his spine even as he recalled it. The warning had made it clear. Paeng Wu-jin is a formidable opponent, one who requires all of his attention. “Phew.” Tension. Alertness. Focus. Slowly, Sung Yul's senses awakened, his body humming with energy. In regulated breaths, he gathered energy, concentrating every sense onto Paeng Wu-jin. He wouldn’t lose. He would win, no matter what. To finally hear his master's stories once more. Thus, with his resolve firmed up, the referee slowly spoke. “The duel. Begin.” Sak-! The referee's hand dropped to signal the start. Sung Yul immediately sprung towards Paeng Wu-jin— “I apologize in advance.” Boom-! “Ugh!” Thud. ‘Huh?’ With a sudden impact, Sung Yul’s knees hit the ground. What is happening? His vision blurred as he barely propped himself on the floor. Drip-drip. Splat-! The blood soaked the ground. It was his own blood. Sung Yul hastily clamped his mouth shut with his hand. Beyond his fading sight, Sung Yul realized. ‘Did I lose consciousness for a moment...?’ Even if it was under a second, it was undoubtedly a blackout. What happened? Sung Yul lifted his stiffened gaze to meet Paeng Wu-jin’s. Paeng Wu-jin, who had been several steps away, was now right in front of him. What did he hit me with? A punch or the flat of his sword? Whatever it had been, it certainly attacked him. Then— “Typically.” Paeng Wu-jin's voice was directed at him. “I am not fond of this sort of thing.” “…What…?” “Trying to teach something to the incompetent is mostly pointless, and it’s not easy to showcase much with my own interests involved.” With an expression as though displeased, Paeng Wu-jin scratched his cheek. “But.” “…!” Sung Yul swiftly moved back. Crash--!! Even as he spoke, Paeng Wu-jin slashed at the spot where Sung Yul had been standing. The heavy blow made Sung Yul swallow nervously. Had he not dodged, his chest would have been deeply cut. “As someone I care for asked, and unlike other fools, you aren’t incompetent. Let's have a go, then.” Boom-! Paeng Wu-jin struck the ground with his sword's flat. The resulting impact altered the atmosphere. The sword began to turn black. “If there’s one thing I wish for from Jin Gong-ja… I sincerely request.” Vrooooom---! An enormous blade resonance. At the sound, Sung Yul bit his lip. What was he saying? The cryptic words confused Sung Yul, but he couldn’t question them now. “I hope you can bring me some joy.” Immediately after finishing his sentence, Paeng Wu-jin charged at Sung Yul, smiling broadly. Crash-! “Ugh!” Intercepting Paeng Wu-jin’s sword with his own, Sung Yul let out a brief groan. Only then did he understand. The unfathomable feeling he sensed from Paeng Wu-jin. He identified what it truly was. Fear. Sung Yul's instincts were afraid of Paeng Wu-jin. Swooooosh-! He quickly enveloped his sword with energy. Although he managed to fend off Paeng Wu-jin’s forceful attacks, merely clashing with him felt like it was driving him to the brink of insanity. Boom! Boom! Boom-!! It felt as though he were being battered with a blunt weapon. Although he managed to block everything, it felt like his arm would detach any moment. Creak-! “…!” The path of his intersecting sword warped and diverted. Thud-! The disrupted path created a wide opening in his upper body. Even as Sung Yul hurriedly gathered energy for defense, Crack-! Paeng Wu-jin struck him with the flat of his blade. The instant impact shattered his defenses. Such overwhelming strength. Whack-!! “…Gah!” The sword's flat impacted Sung Yul's torso directly. He could vividly feel his bones rattle. Whoosh-! The impact sent Sung Yul flying, rolling across the ground. Each roll left bloody traces on the battleground from the blood he spilled. “Ugh…” Finally coming to a stop, Sung Yul clutched his chest, breathing heavily. His ribs felt cracked, pain spiking with every breath. Despite this, Sung Yul knew he had to move. Paeng Wu-jin showed no signs of letting up, continually attacking. As he narrowly dodged the barrage of sword waves, Sung Yul had a realization. ‘Strong…’ Strong. He realized it in just a few exchanges. This opponent was beyond imagination. Though different from when he dueled Gu Yangcheon, the conclusion was the same. ‘I… can’t win.’ The end was undeniable. No matter what he tried, victory felt out of reach. The overwhelming gap sapped his fighting spirit. Was that perhaps why? Why Gu Yangcheon had placed such a wager? He must have known Sung Yul couldn't win, which is why he said what he did. If so, it was cruel. Kwahang-! The force of the blow sent Sung Yul's lower body crumbling. His legs trembled. Even though he blocked with both hands, this was the result. It felt like he'd been struck by a boulder. “One more strike.” Paeng Wu-jin's voice. Despite the fierce power, his calm warning made Sung Yul bite his lip. Knowing it was coming, he still couldn't avoid it. The moment he heard the words, the descending sword was already upon him. Kwaaaaang---!!! A much greater impact struck down onto his sword. “Kugh…!!!” Thunk-! Like before, Sung Yul's knee hit the ground. His sword fell with it. ‘Ah…’ It was over. Staring at his sword, Sung Yul felt it was something he couldn't change. Clatter-! Sung Yul's sword fell to the ground. His bowed head, now kneeling, had no strength left in its limbs. His muscles trembled silently, screaming in pain. ‘...’ As he looked down at the ground, his vision began to blur. Not hearing his master's stories was gut-wrenching, but there was nothing he could do. ‘I can't win.’ He couldn't do it. It was impossible from the start. Just as Sung Yul was about to surrender. [Hey.] “…!” He flinched. The familiar voice made Sung Yul's eyes snap open. [What are you doing?] A telepathic message. Sung Yul immediately turned his head to look backwards. Amid the gathered spectators and waiting participants, he found the eyes watching him. [What the hell are you doing, you idiot?] With savage eyes and a rough scolding, the youth’s voice was harsh. The intense blue eyes alone were enough to instill fear. [What have you done to warrant giving up?] “...” Under the barrage of scolding, Sung Yul bit his lip. Normally, he would have quietly acquiesced. […What am I supposed to do?] For the first time, Sung Yul snapped back at Gu Yangcheon. It was a sign of his own frustration. [What do you mean what. Do it properly. Don't give up.] [I can’t win.] [Can’t win? What did you do to make that conclusion?] […I’ve used all my strength. I can’t beat him…] [Ha.] Gu Yangcheon chuckled as if Sung Yul’s words were absurd. [Used it all, my ass. You still seem to have plenty of strength left.] [No…! I assure you…] [A guy who’s supposedly used all his strength has enough left to communicate with me. Is that what you call spent?] […!] Gu Yangcheon's pointed criticism sealed Sung Yul’s lips. [Did you really try everything? You haven't done anything. After a few hits, you just tucked your tail and started whining.] He clenched his fists. He wanted to argue but found he had no words. [Stop acting like a child. Don’t convince yourself you've done everything when you've barely tried. That's really pathetic.] [What do you even know…] [I don’t know, so show me, you idiot! You've got plenty left. Stop making excuses and pick up your sword.] The irritable tone inexplicably riled him up. He felt like giving up entirely, but then— [If you don’t hurry, you’ll end up getting beaten by me, not Paeng Wu-jin. Got it!?] Faced with the vehement shout, Sung Yul finally grabbed his sword again. As he moved, his muscles twitchingly protested. His body truly was at its limit. “Ugh…” He tried to stagger forward, but it wasn’t easy. Paeng Wu-jin merely waited with a relaxed expression, as if encouraging him to try more. [True surrender is when you’ve really done everything you could.] Even as Sung Yul shakily got to his feet, Gu Yangcheon kept talking. [Ending it without having done anything isn’t surrender, it’s escape.] What difference does it make? Sung Yul didn’t understand. [Do it right.] “...” [You know it too. There’s still something you can do.] Something he could do. Those words made Sung Yul focus. Indeed, there was something he hadn’t done yet, as Gu Yangcheon said. Something he hadn’t done out of fear. As Sung Yul closed his eyes calmly, a lock appeared in his mind's eye. A worn, cracked lock. A mere touch would break it. The lock barred the gate behind it, but its decrepit state let a dreadful aura seep out. He shouldn’t open it. Opening it would unleash the monster inside to devour him. Knowing this, he resisted opening it. “...” He took a deep breath as he gazed upon the lock. He didn’t know. What did Gu Yangcheon know to say such things? He didn’t understand. For Sung Yul, it was only the lock that was visible. That cursed piece restraining him. The thought that he mustn’t touch it lingered heavily in his mind, yet— [Don’t be scared.] Hearing Gu Yangcheon’s voice, [It’ll be okay.] “...” Sung Yul unknowingly reached for the lock. Tsk. Crack-! With a light touch, the lock shattered. Creeeeak-! The lock keeping the door sealed broke open. In that instant, Whoooosh---!!! The energy contained within engulfed Sung Yul.