745 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 745: The Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive Silently. I opened my eyes. The sudden flood of light dazzled my vision. Perhaps it was because I had been in a dimly lit space, the brightness felt even more intense. “Master Gu…!” A voice reached my ears. My body immediately recognized the situation. I found myself holding the wrist of Yeongpung, who was right in front of me. Yeongpung looked at me with trembling eyes. “...” What just happened? I paused to recall the recent events. In my other hand, I noticed I still held the holy spear. Ah, that's right. I was using this to threaten Yeongpung… No, the old man inside Yeongpung. My head felt dizzy. Returning to the real world was good, but there seemed to be some backlash, making my body feel a bit stiff. Whirl-! I quickly circulated my energy through my body while retrieving the spear. This was to assess my condition. ‘Hmm.’ In just a few breaths, I gathered my energy at my heart, promptly assessing my physical state. ‘…As expected.’ It was as I suspected. My physical body was in the same state as before entering the mental space. The damage sustained there hadn't followed me back here. It was fortunate, yet expected. “Phew.” I let out a steady breath. I lacked the energy to survey my surroundings further. My cluttered thoughts felt heavy. “…What.” Yeongpung looked confused as I abruptly retrieved the spear. Swish-! Thud-! “Ugh…?” Before he could continue his reaction, I swung my hand, striking Yeongpung on the jaw. Yeongpung, his jaw slightly turned, collapsed with a thud. Whoosh-!! The plum blossoms lingering in the air burst forth instantly. The caster had lost consciousness, no doubt. Sssss—. The energy slowly dissipated. I loosely supported the collapsed Yeongpung. ‘…I feel a bit sorry.’ Yeongpung lay limp. I smiled wryly at the sight. Originally, I intended to entertain him a bit more. Though I could have ended it in a single strike, it was a gesture for the changed Yeongpung. Knowing his target was me, it wasn't sympathy for a genius, but a sense of responsibility for his actions. I intended to let him gain a little bit more. That was my initial intention. ‘Things have become bothersome.’ The situation had changed to one that couldn't be prolonged. As I watched over the fallen Yeongpung for a moment. “Sa, Sanseo Division Gu Yangcheon wins!” The referee announced the end of the duel. Waaaah---!! Cheers erupted immediately. The continuous cries filled the air. Even with the cheers I had vaguely wished for, my expression was far from pleased. I never could enjoy such moments fully, as my circumstances never seemed to cooperate. And this time was no different. ****************** After a brief yet extensive conversation with the old man. I faced a choice. That was to absorb him. Even though he was a soul, the old man was part of the energy linked to Yeongpung, and I assumed I could absorb him with the Demonic Absorption Skill. It wouldn’t be different from when I absorbed the divine sword. If I did so, my energy would increase, benefiting me. Also, being a significant figure, if the soul remained, it might aid me as much as Shin No-ya once did…. However, I chose not to. It wasn’t out of necessity for more energy. It was partly out of respect for the Shin No-ya I had been with from the start. The fundamental reason was my suspicion. ‘If the old man indeed existed before Yeon Il-cheon returned.’ His presence in my current world didn't make sense by itself. This had to be someone's intention or necessity. That would explain why there are two identical souls, two Shin No-yas. Tap. Tap. Tap. The tapping of my fingers on my knee increased. 'Who could it be?' Whoever could create such a situation in a world that might have vanished long ago. It was unlikely to be a human…. I thought of countless possibilities, but none seemed to fit. Then what was the intention beyond mere existence? ‘It’s hard to dismiss it as mere coincidence or accident.’ It would be convenient if it were just a miracle or coincidence, but I had to assume and calculate otherwise. Tight. I stopped my tapping fingers and examined my left arm. It was the arm where the divine link was bound. So, what would happen to this divine link? Suddenly, that issue came to mind. Having two links was one thing. ‘…Is this truly No-ya’s divine link?’ If the link came from another world.... then this is the real one, and the other…? “Damn it….” I ended up swearing under my breath. It was a situation with endless permutations. In any case. These are the reasons I didn’t absorb the old man. Uncertain origins and reasons. Given that the Blood Demon might be involved, bringing the old man was problematic. Moreover. ‘…I need to discuss this with No-ya.’ It was something I needed to consult Shin No-ya about. At other times, I might have disregarded the old man’s opinion and taken immediate action, but…. This time, it didn’t seem feasible. ‘The issue is how to go see that old man….’ My head throbbed. It's been a year or two since Shin No-ya disappeared with Kkeureungi. He left, saying he would return soon, yet he hadn't. Damn it. I should’ve stopped him if I knew this would happen. “Sigh….” A sigh escaped me. Was it truly right to let him go? In retrospect, it seemed like it wasn't. “…Why lament when it’s too late?” An exercise in futility. What’s done is done. Given the complications, I needed to start untangling the situation. To do that. ‘I need to deal with what's in front of me first.’ Another world, No-ya, the Blood Demon. To address them, I had to finish what was right in front of me first. As soon as I concluded that. “…Have you finished your thoughts?” A tired voice sounded from in front of me. I looked up to see Cheol Jiseon staring at me with furrowed brows. “What’s with that look? It’s quite fierce, our Jiseon.” “Is that something you should be saying?” "…What's that supposed to mean?" Cheoljiseon, pretending not to notice, took a sip from his cup when I casually clenched my fist. Cheoljiseon has grown a lot. Now he can even retort? I thought about giving him a smack but refrained since hitting him too hard might cause more trouble than it's worth. Noticing my restraint, Cheoljiseon eventually spoke again. “…Why have you been making that face since earlier?” “It's about contemplating parallel worlds and my messed-up life.” “…I don't understand a single word.” “Well, maybe you should've studied more.” “How does this relate to studying…? And, for the record, I did study.” I chuckled at Cheoljiseon’s indignant response. Indeed, Cheoljiseon had good grades back at Shinryong Pavilion. It’s just that. “I was at the top of my class. You weren't.” “...” I was simply better. As I threw in a comment about past achievements, Cheoljiseon's mouth shut tight. It seemed he had nothing to say in return. His expression turned a bit sour, so I waved it off lightly. “Don’t mind it. It's just something that's been bothering me.” “When you say something bothers you, it usually means something big.” “…When have I ever—” I stopped halfway through my sentence. Indeed, it did seem that way. When I felt something off about the Sichuan branch, it turned out the head was secretly dealing with the evil sects, forcing me to eliminate the crazed Muryeong faction and erase all traces—or the time things felt off in Gwangju and there were people mass-producing flash bombs for a massacre. It was like my bad luck was evident in the incidents that occurred over the years. “...Ahem.” I awkwardly clinked glasses with him. Continuing the conversation would only be disadvantageous. Slurp. I sipped tea to quench my throat. I was drinking barley tea, while Cheoljiseon was having alcohol. I learned that Cheoljiseon was quite a drinker. “So.” After sharing a few more cups, Cheoljiseon's cheeks turned slightly red from the alcohol, and he started speaking. “What do you plan to do now?” “Hmm….” This was the reason I had met with Cheoljiseon separately today. Inside the quiet room of the inn. The surroundings that should have been bustling were silent. It was inevitable. I had rented the entire room through Moyong-hia, and had set up a barrier around it. Recently, I'd attracted a lot of attention, so I had to prepare for such things. “You heard that Dang Gongja's journey to Nasong is over, right? He’s likely being tortured right now.” “I’m aware. Nahi already mentioned everything.” “What exactly are you thinking?” Cheoljiseon, slightly intoxicated. Perhaps he chose to drink to make the conversation flow more smoothly with me. “Yangcheon, why are you going so far with this?” “With what?” “Knowing full well that he would be tortured, why did you let it happen?” Dang Deok is currently held captive and being tortured in the underground of the Murim Alliance. Could it be that Cheoljiseon found this troubling? As I watched his reaction, a smile inadvertently spread across my face. “You seem quite upset, Cheoljiseon.” “Is this the time for such remarks…?” “Would you prefer I stop smiling and throw a fit?” Sensing my discomfort, perhaps, Cheoljiseon’s eyebrows twitched slightly. “As I said before, everything is part of the plan.” “It’s precisely that plan I don’t understand. Why go this far…?” “You already know everything, don’t you?” “...” Cutting him off mid-sentence, Cheoljiseon’s expression crumpled. It wasn’t just because I interrupted. What bothered him was the fact that he already knew. “If you already know, then why keep asking?” “You…” “So tell me, is there a better situation than this?” Clatter. I refilled my empty teacup. I continued speaking as I did. “Soon, the head of the Hwangbo family will make a move.” Once Dang Deok's capture became known. “And he'll go to the leader to report it.” I’d informed no one else but Nahi. - We received intel from the Intelligence Division. - Apparently, the armada intends to attack the Alliance to rescue the convict captured by the demonic sects. As soon as now. At the latest, by tomorrow. That news will reach the Murim Alliance. “Was Hwangbo’s role just that?” Cheoljiseon asked with widened eyes. I shook my head at that. “No way. Would I use such a precious card for just that? I intended to use it since we have the chance.” It was a statement treating people as tools. Perhaps due to my tone, Cheoljiseon’s face darkened a bit more. It didn’t matter. That was the intention behind my wording. “My expectations are in line with this. However, you never know. Hwangbo's words might only raise someone’s guard.” It sounds crazy for an actual attack, doesn't it? Especially here in Hanam. The center of power for the Orthodox faction. And with exceptional masters gathered here for the martial arts tournament. Would the demonic sect really dare to launch an attack knowing this? It might be dismissed as nonsense. Admittedly, the chances are slim. But it’s the head of the Hwangbo family mentioning it after all. With their name carries weight, the Alliance will move as I anticipate. Nothing's for certain. Thus, I planned to deploy one more method. “If Hwangbo delivers the news, there’ll be a time lag. Then, one more person will go.” The head of Emei will make a move. Originally not part of the plan. However, since the card is in hand, I’m thinking of using it. “Then how will the leader react?” The words simultaneously mentioned by Hwangbo and the head of Emei. Even if they didn’t know what information network they were using, I had prepared evidence and justification for it. “If you’re unaware, the guard level will increase significantly.” The grounds of a mysterious group called the Demonic Sects. That level of fear will skyrocket, causing two meanings out of the possibility of an attack on the Alliance. First, that the Demonic Sects might possess the power to strike Hanam directly. Second, that Dang Deok is valuable enough to the Demonic Sects. Listening thus far, Cheoljiseon asked: “…If you spread rumors about an imminent attack, won't there be a risk of halting the tournament?” A valid point. It was as if questioning whether I had considered that possibility. But. “They would never stop it. Why would they? Think of all the money invested.” Considering the purpose of this martial arts tournament, it was something that simply couldn’t be halted. The Shinryong Martial Tournament was orchestrated as a festival to mask the era's perils and to uphold the Murim Alliance as a symbol of peace. Would they end it just because a crisis arose? “The Sword Saint wouldn’t dare put an end to it.” Even if it wasn't the Sword Saint, it would be akin to severing one’s own head. For those of the righteous path who live and die by honor and reputation, that was unthinkable. Moreover. “There’s no safer situation than the tournament. They won't stop it.” With top-tier masters converged from all over the realm. This essentially meant Hanam was akin to a fortress consolidated with elite forces. Judging by information alone, several of the top ten martial artists were assembled. When else would Hanam be safer? The leader knew this was all thanks to the tournament. ‘He will strive to maintain this by any means necessary.’ For the sake of fame, safety, and even the eyes of the merchant guilds, the tournament had to continue. So, what could the leader do now? With information implying demonic sects wouldn't attack. Seeing Hanam as secure and knowing the cause. Then his choices were limited. ‘Strengthen the guard around the prisoner.’ Or alternatively, relocate the prisoner to the safest location. Surely, he’d make some strategic move. ‘It doesn’t matter which he chooses.’ Any action would be to my advantage. “So…” At that moment. Cheoljiseon responded after hearing everything up to this point. “…So… you captured Dang Gongja and subjected him to torture for this?” “Exactly. He was the most suitable candidate.” A body nearly impervious, resistant to pain. His lack of susceptibility to poison was problematic, yet his survival skills were tenacious. Corrupted by demonic energy, he kept secrets well. Where could I find a more fitting candidate? ‘I deliberately showed his face at Wudang for this reason. Naturally, he was to be used.’ When we attacked Wudang, Dang Deok was purposely exposed to people. All of it was for this very moment. The bait and the trap. With Dang Deok as the bait. The information is subtly dispersed around like breadcrumbs. A few days hence, when the members of the orthodoxy gathered around the trap. That was the pivotal moment. And now, only a few days were left. Cheoljiseon’s expression remained unresolved even after hearing the explanation. But that didn’t concern me. He was likely caught up on moral grounds. It didn’t matter. ‘The fact that you’re not refuting means you understand.’ Even if this isn’t the best method. It’s unquestionable that it’s the quickest. And that the outcome aligns with what he wishes for. A true contradiction. Or perhaps, entirely human. Feeling sympathy for Dang Deok's plight, yet ultimately agreeing with the decision. Whether due to fear of confronting me, or simply because it aligned with what he wished to achieve. The contradiction remained unchanged. Just as. ‘Does that make Cheoljiseon despicable, then? Not really.’ In the end, it didn’t matter to me anymore. What mattered was how far things had come. And once this was over, whether I reached the desired position or not. That was all that truly mattered to me.