740 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The World's Greatest Companion, Chapter 740 - Northern Rabbit Splat. The faint sound of small waves brought my attention to the surroundings. Splat... Splat... Though the sound was clear, there was no discernable difference in the surroundings. The space, filled with black ink-like darkness, only allowed faint visibility just ahead, with the rest shrouded in dense shadow. Where could this place be? What’s happening outside? Such questions briefly crossed my mind, but I didn’t dwell on them. From my experiences, I’ve learned that there are things you simply can’t understand, no matter how hard you think about them. As always, I only needed to focus on the situation in front of me. Holding that thought, I made eye contact with the old man. “Hey.” His appearance was astonishingly fierce. That was my immediate thought upon seeing him. An elder in pristine white attire embroidered with plum blossoms on the chest. Just looking at him, sitting there cross-legged with his chin resting on his hand, exuded a commanding presence. His scrutinizing gaze was marked by intense, dark reddish-violet eyes. Thump. Just looking at him made my heart race. Thump. Thump. It wasn't an emotional reaction, but a resonance caused by the energy within me. The energy within my body, known as "Noya," was harmonizing with "that person." This meant... ‘Is he Noya?’ Was the old man before me the Noya I knew? I was pondering this question as the old man started speaking, conveying his own curiosity. [How odd.] The old man expressed his own doubts and addressed me. [Who are you, youngster? And why do you have that with you?] He was referring to the Taoist energy of Noya within me. The old man seemed quite puzzled upon sensing it. [What is your true identity?] Identity. Hearing his question, I chuckled softly. “That’s what I’d like to ask you.” I spoke with Noya’s voice, maintaining his demeanor. Given that I carried Noya’s energy, it was highly likely the old man was the divine Noya. But, oddly enough, I didn’t believe he was Noya. [You’re wondering who I am?] The old man too cracked a smile in response to my question. Wow, his smile was menacing. His face truly gave the impression of a foul temperament. [After all the effort you put into finding and summoning me, you claim you don’t know who I am?] “I didn’t search that diligently. I just called out because you’ve been on my mind, and here you are, appearing hastily.” [Ha Ha.] Laughter accompanied the fall of a plum blossom leaf. An odd sight in the dark space. A tiny leaf settled atop the water with a gentle touch. Buzz. A ripple spread outward like a vibration. [I am the 8th head of the Great Hwasan Sect.] Before I knew it, the old man had descended from the rock and stood before me. [I am Hwasan’s Sacred Sword, Shin Cheol.] Seeing his dark reddish-violet eyes so close made my skin tense involuntarily. A sense of alertness crept over my body. [Is my introduction sufficient?] “...” His declaration was as I suspected. The old man introduced himself as Shin Cheol, which seemed to match the evidence before me. Yet, why did I keep feeling otherwise? “Hm.” Why did this old man not feel like the divine Noya to me? [Now, tell me. Youngster, who are you that would go to such lengths to find me? And also...] His finger pointed at my chest. [Why do you harbor my energy within you?] Thud. The tip of the old man's finger touched my chest. Then— Whoosh. The energy inside me surged, expanding through my meridians. It felt like petals blooming, a sensation both refreshing and warm, tempting me to let it be. But instead, I clenched down, seizing the dispersing energy and forcing it back into my heart. [Ha.] The old man let out a chuckle at my actions. I didn’t pay his reaction any mind. “I received this energy from its rightful owner.” [Hmm?] “The old man in question was ill-tempered and talked excessively.” I brushed the spot the old man touched with my hand a few times. [Nonsense. I've never bestowed such energy upon someone like you.] The old man furrowed his brows at my words, as though what I said was preposterous, prompting me to clarify. “Yes, I didn’t claim you had given it to me. I said I received it from the rightful owner of this energy.” [So, that energy is my energy—] “It isn’t.” I interrupted, my expression firm. “I’ve told you already. This energy isn’t yours.” Swiiiish—! […!] The old man’s eyes widened, staring at me in surprise. The reason was clear: something had enveloped my hand that halted his inquiry. Guijeong. The treasured sword of Hwasan, the beloved weapon of divine Noya, was now grasped firmly in my left hand. [How could you…?] “I’m curious too. Just who are you?” Everything about him— His appearance, his voice, the aura he emanated— Even my own Taoist energy within me seemed to point to him being the divine Noya. “Why are you masquerading as Noya?” I clung to my disbelief. My instincts told me so. This old man was not the divine Noya I knew. I trusted those instincts without a shred of doubt. […Ah.] My certainty seemed to baffle the old man, as his face twisted into an incredulous expression. At the same time— Shrrrp–!! A dark reddish bandage formed in the old man’s hand, gradually shaping into a sword. Guijeong. The very Guijeong, colored in dark red, which I had held moments before. [This is truly perplexing.] Holding Guijeong over his shoulder, the old man resumed speaking as he looked me over. [Youngster, you are not my successor, yet you possess what I had arranged. This weapon was only recently handed to this child, yet you, what are you? Could you be someone who accessed the Void first…? No, that wouldn’t escape my notice.] Void. Was he referring to the artifact in Shaanxi, the one discovered by Yeongpung? That same artifact Yeongpung described feeling energies from within. [I cannot comprehend. Just who are you.] “Ask your successor about me.” I knew he seemed unable to converse with Yeongpung separately. But hey, that’s their issue. “I’m also unable to converse with the old man who could give me answers.” At this juncture, the person I had questions for had stepped away to assist me. “If you truly are Hwasan’s Sacred Sword, why are you, a supposed dead man, here?” [What a laughable question.] The old man's response was without hesitation. [There is unfinished business that compelled me to rely on my successor, and for that, I feel sorry... It was something unavoidable.] “Unfinished business… Could it be related to the Blood Demon?” [-!] Upon hearing my words, the old man's expression twisted in discomfort. [...How do you know about that?] “Hmm.” It seemed I hit the mark. ‘That means…’ This old man knows something about the Blood Demon. It was peculiar. ‘Noya didn’t know.’ That person had lost most of his memories and didn’t know much. To the point that he was deemed useless aside from being a noisy specter. Of course, he regained some clarity towards the end. Before that, he didn’t even remember how he died. Considering that… ‘…Wait, is this one the real deal?’ For a moment, I felt a jolt of realization. If I go by what I'm feeling, this one might be more useful. ‘Should I switch then?’ If both are similar, it might not matter if I switch them… -What the hell, you bastard? “...” I swiftly turned my head. There shouldn’t be anyone, yet I heard someone cursing faintly. Chills ran down my spine. ‘Just kidding. It’s a joke.’ Wow, it seems I can’t even joke around without getting scared. I chuckled inwardly and turned my attention back. Whether the being in front of me is real or fake doesn’t concern me. To me, what I perceive as real is genuine. And to me, the man standing ahead was fake. That sufficed for me. [I asked how you came to know that.] “I heard it from around.” I’d heard it so many times, my ears almost burned from it. [You heard it…?] “Yes. I even heard it from the Flame Spirit of Shaolin.” The Huangabulyeong at Shaolin had mentioned it. “I heard it from the Poison Master of Sichuan as well.” Tang Jemon in Sichuan had mentioned it too. “In North Sea, the Lightning Sword also told me about it.” Namgungmyung, who was guarding the Ice Palace, had talked about it as well. “And moreover...” I listed out those who tormented me in the past one by one. Ah, let's exclude Tang Jemon. He, after all, aided me rather than causing trouble. “I also heard it from Yeon Il-cheon.” Mentioning Yeon Il-cheon elicited a pronounced reaction from the old man. [...] I could see the anger etching itself onto his features. So, I decided to deliver a final blow. “Oh, and the Lightning Sword mentioned that I am the reincarnation of Hwasan’s Sacred Sword.” [What?] As I casually rubbed my ear, the old man’s face contorted dramatically. “And that’s precisely why… I have trouble believing you.” [Don’t utter such nonsense.] He seemed genuinely angry, glaring at me fiercely. [There’s no way my reincarnation could be as ugly as you.] “…What the fuck?” [Youngster, you shouldn’t be so reckless with your words.] “This old man has quite a vulgar way with words, huh?” My mood soured significantly. Damn, what is this shitty feeling? As I ground my teeth, glaring at the old man, [Indeed, it seemed odd from the start.] He continued, as if having realized something. [Back at Wudang, I thought it strange when Guijeong wouldn’t respond, but now, combining that with your recent nonsense, it’s clear.] His voice was filled with certainty. Had he truly realized something? [You’re one of the Blood Demon’s agents, aren’t you?] “Come on.” Realizing? My foot. [Things seemed to unfold differently than predicted. So it was that guy’s ploy after all.] “I get the feeling that you wouldn’t believe me even if I denied it, right?” [If that truly is the case, it was a mistake.] “Right, as if you’d believe me.” Judging by his state, it was evident things had gotten tangled. But having them tangled because my supposed reincarnation is me? That’s a load of crap. ‘Damn…’ A sigh escaped me naturally. It no longer mattered whether he was the real Noya or not. That was never the objective. “…Enough about that. Can you explain the circumstances that led you to remain here? And why you chose Yeongpung as your successor?” [What a jest. Having no trust in you, how could I decide to share that information?] “True, neither of us trusts each other.” I conceded. There was mutual mistrust to an absolute degree. That didn’t concern me either. A simple move. [Hmm?] I raised a fist, speaking to the old man. “However, you do have some questions for me, don’t you? It would make things easier if you clear them up.” I smiled broadly. “Let’s have a match.” [...] It was a tactic I’d used with the leader of the Ami Sect days ago. Though the situations were quite different... It was a universally applicable approach, thus its merit. “So, let’s agree to reveal it to the winner.” A clean way to resolve our differences. Debates would be futile and meaningless. When words don’t work, tangible actions were essential. The old man looked at me peculiarly after hearing this and suddenly laughed. [Ha ha.] He added while casually planting Guijeong into the ground. [Everything seems distasteful, yet this one aspect is to my liking.] As soon as that happened, chills ran down my spine. Oh… this is insane. ‘Wow, seems like I’m screwed?’ It had been ages since I felt such an instinct. Although no direct actions were taken, my survival instincts screamed at me. Such overwhelming presence from just that simple action. [Your self-assuredness in your own strength is commendable. Indeed, youngster, you are strong. However, if you believe in that and challenge me to a duel….] “Are you nuts?” [Hmm?] Noticing the increasing momentum, I interrupted him, shouting in clarification. “Of course, you’ll have to go easy on me.” [...What?] “You’re really going to go all out against a kid? That’d be disgraceful, wouldn’t it?” [...] “Whether you fight with your feet, use just one finger, hold your breath while closing your eyes, you should do something like that.” [...Don’t you think your examples are a bit absurd?] “So you’re really going to go at it sincerely? You think I’d willingly tell you anything if you won like that?” [...] “I’d be too aggrieved to say anything, no matter what.” The old man grimaced at my words, utterly dismayed. [...Youngster, you lack quite a bit of pride, don’t you?] “Yes. It’s no use even if I try to have any.” [That’s quite accurate.] The self-proclaimed Shin Noya nodded in understanding, acknowledging my point. [Nothing aids survival more than knowing your limits.] Even if he was a fake, he seemed somewhat reasonable. When I made similar comments to others, they usually just gave me a confused look. [Very well.] With a swift motion, Guijeong, which had been planted in the ground, lifted and spun back onto his shoulder. Despite performing the same action, a strange scent of plum blossoms filled the air. [I’ll respect your wish and set a condition.] Even his voice carried a fragrant undertone. Was this a form of battle readiness? [I’ll give you ten chances. That’s how much I’ll concede. If you manage to land just one blow on me during those attempts, I’ll acknowledge your victory—!?] Even before he finished stating his terms, I hurled my spear at him with all my might. Fwooosh—! Boom—!! The spear exploded upon impact with the old man, scattering the black ink-like darkness across the floor in all directions. Was this the result of concentrated energy exploding at close range? It was surprisingly powerful. Sensing the formidable skill I had created, I couldn’t help but feel some satisfaction. “Tsk.” Yet, I had to express regret as I surveyed the situation. “Ah, too bad. I thought that would work.” Right at the center of the explosion, the old man stood, scowling at me, his hand still firmly gripping Guijeong. My well-prepared surprise attack had failed. To think he bore no injuries at all. The old man assessed the situation before speaking to me. [Unbelievable... to be on the receiving end of tricks I used in my youth.] He merely dusted off his robes slightly. Despite the direct hit, that was the extent of the damage, showing the vast disparity in skill. As a fighter, I couldn’t help but feel a flush of admiration. I conveyed those sentiments to him. “Since I attacked before you finished speaking, this doesn't count, right? Looks like I still have ten chances left.” [...] A retort might have been expected to my cheeky remark, yet the old man only shook his head in exasperation, as if it wasn't worth engaging. After a few more shakes of his head, he looked at me and stated bluntly, [It seems…] And with those words, [Youngster, it appears you need a lesson.] Whoosh—! Suddenly, plum blossoms bloomed all around us.