746 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**The World's Greatest Friend Episode 746: North Rabbit - Web Novel Archive** Before the commencement of the Eighth Battle, following the conclusion of the Sixteenth. Amidst the now-reduced group of eight, I quietly examined the wooden panel. The outcome of the recent contest was not vastly different from what I had anticipated. Both the Tao King and Biseong have advanced. And so did Tang Soyeol and I. Those who had hidden their skills had also moved up—meaning, only those of considerable strength remained. Additionally, it hinted that the end of the martial tournament was drawing near. The tournament had only seven days and nights left, at most. Regardless of how much longer it could be dragged out, this was the moment we had left. “Hmm.” Where there were once numerous brackets on the match board, only four remained. After today, just two to three matches would be left. In essence, we should have had more time, but here I was, contemplating deeply as I looked at the board. **- Peng Zhou of the Hebei Peng Family vs. Ouyang Tian of the Shanxi Gu Family.** The inscription clearly stated who my opponent was, leaving me to give a wry smile. “Well, well.” One thing could be acknowledged from that. That this martial arts tournament had quite a few unexpected turns for me. ‘Fighting already?’ I did not expect to face the Tao King before the Eighth Battle. It was an unforeseen event, even for me; I had planned to go against him in the very last possible match. Despite the Tao King’s current weakened state, I never imagined he would use such a good card this early in the tournament. ‘I thought I’d face him in the finals.’ Lightly stroking a chin that has yet to sprout a beard, I mused about the situation. ‘Hmm.’ Currently, my standing is quite significant. This isn’t a boast; it’s genuinely reflective of reality. The murmurs and crowds outside were greater than even during the recent tournament. This, in turn, indicated that expectations surrounding me had significantly risen. Furthermore… ‘Thanks to Mo Yonghee's swift actions, my value has increased even more.’ Right after the leader of the Zhangyuan Trading Group passed by, Madam Mi, upon hearing the report from Mo Yonghee, acted immediately. The method was spreading word of mouth. [The Zhangyuan Trading Group leader personally discussed sponsorship with So Yeom-Ra.] The simple knowledge of that fact cut off the stream of merchants who had been flocking around. Given that the wealthiest group in the Central Plains had made an appearance, it suggested that my worth was significant enough to not engage without a similar level of importance. Thus, the traders ceased their insistence and likely began discussing other matters. The presence of the Zhangyuan Trading Group had made it daunting to approach, but it only underscored that I was perceived as having substantial potential. Moreover, ‘The fact that Baek Hwa Trading had been sponsoring such a martial artist in advance.’ As a result, Baek Hwa Trading had been leveraging it as indirect advertising. Such swift actions indeed yield considerable profits. ‘Fast, indeed.’ Both Mo Yonghee and Madam Mi were exceptionally quick in their responses. I heard that following the event, an appointment was requested to meet the Zhangyuan Trading Group leader? ‘I heard a letter arrived yesterday.’ The conditions shown back then were already remarkable. The Zhangyuan Trading Group leader spoke of presenting even better conditions. Thinking of him, I displayed an enigmatic expression. ‘While there is the martial arts tournament today, it was right to decline the meeting.’ It seemed I made the right choice. ‘No matter what conditions he brought...’ It was best to refuse now. Although surely the conditions he brought were extraordinary. ‘After today…’ My value would soar even higher, and his conditions would consequently have a different significance. Thus, it likely constituted a sound refusal. Nonetheless, I found myself curious. ‘Will he bring even more altered conditions? Or perhaps give up?’ Feeling my interest pique, I discreetly hid a smile with my hand as the corners of my lips inadvertently rose. ‘Regardless of Meng’s thoughts…’ The unexpected turn of events had its positives. Thanks to that, my tasks could proceed more swiftly. Flicking my hands, I lightly stretched my body. Then, I looked up at the sky. A clear, sunny sky greeted me. The sight of sparse clouds appeared rather beautiful. Catching this, I grinned widely. ‘Just perfect.’ A day that feels prime for causing a ruckus. Today somehow feels like such a day. ****************** “Waaah---!!!” - Gyuchunmun Myungcheon. Wins! As the Eighth Battle commenced, some time had passed. The fervor of the martial arts tournament was intensifying, and in turn, so was the enthusiasm from the audience. Naturally so. The level had significantly elevated compared to the previous tournaments. ‘…Not bad.’ Even I was somewhat surprised. The winner just now was Myungcheon from the Gyuchunmun. An individual from a sect I was hearing for the first time, but quite high caliber. ‘Easily within the top hundred masters.’ The opponent was Kim Sun-gyeol of the Kim Sun Family. Known for his twin swordsmanship prowess, yet Myungcheon seized the victory against such a martial artist. A victory achieved by a razor-thin margin. If either had faltered even a little, the result would have been a defeat. Having witnessed a proper match after a long while, it didn’t feel bad at all. ‘Surely, at this level, the quality is excellent.’ The first match was clean, making it easy to watch. Particularly so, given it involved martial artists of profound strength. - Yoreong Gun’s Gungangseok versus Cheonghae Domain’s Mook Seoljin! Match begins! The second match ensued. *Boom--!!* Incredible force spread across, causing the energy to brush against my cheek as I pondered. This martial arts tournament had deviated from many expectations. The champions or the perceived strong were mostly eliminated, leaving the spotlight for those previously unknown. The emergence of new masters was a development eagerly welcomed in the Central Plains, igniting the fervor further. I, too, entranced by the enticing matches, watched. “Are you enjoying it?” A heavy voice rang next to me. Turning my head, I saw a gruff-looking man. It was the Tao King. “Seems like you’re enjoying yourself.” I didn’t expect him to initiate conversation. Upon observing the Tao King quietly, I replied nonchalantly. “Yes, it’s quite entertaining.” “…Indeed.” The issue might have been that I didn’t show proper regard upon seeing him. The Tao King's scowl deepened. But then, he quickly adjusted his expression and continued speaking to me. “Born of a noble family, yet it seems your education was lacking.” He was openly criticizing me. Well... “I suppose so.” “What?” I replied with a bright smile to his trivial comment. “It would have been great if I had received better education, being from a noble family. It's a shame I didn't.” The Tao King's face instantly crumpled as he comprehended the meaning behind my words, particularly since I wasn’t the only one of noble birth here. This guy was amusing. He reacted quite strongly just because I provoked him a little. “You insolent…” “Master Peng, the more I see, the more intriguing you become.” I cut him off when he was about to burst into anger and continued speaking. “You know you won't get a pleasant response from me, yet why do you keep coming to get provoked? Is that your preference?” “…!” Initially, I meant to deal with him moderately, but by now, I'm genuinely curious why he keeps picking fights whenever he sees me. Oh, maybe… “Do you fancy me? If that's the case, as I told your son, I’m sorry, but I’m into women.” “You brat—!” Huff—! The Tao King finally couldn't hold back his rage any longer and unleashed his aura. Though, he only tried to unleash it. Crack—! “…!!” The very moment the Tao King began to emanate his energy, my own surged forth, suppressing him entirely. As his aura was swiftly overpowered, the Tao King’s eyes widened in evident shock. Seeing his disconcerted appearance, I lightly patted his shoulder. “Calm down a little. You’re no spring chicken... While it's admirable to be so full of energy at your age, continuing this way would be problematic.” I spoke to him kindly, but his expression showed no signs of softening. What to do…? At this rate, I might have to beat him. I really might. ‘I’m trying to be patient for Peng Arya's sake. Why does he keep this up?’ Truthfully, under different circumstances, I would have already dealt with him. However, I had some remorse left concerning his daughter. ‘Beating someone in front of their child doesn’t seem right.’ Peng Wujin was watching silently, unable to turn away, so I was holding back. ‘But why exactly is he acting like this?’ I wondered why the Tao King seemed particularly antagonistic towards me. ‘He holds a grudge from being beaten by that cheap-shot Shally. But why take it out on me?’ It's understandable for him to be angry, given the ridicule and scorn he faced throughout the Central Plains. But still. ‘Why is he targeting me?’ Every time he sees me, he yaps like a dog, and it's starting to really bother me. ‘Hmm….’ Thinking back, he had been like this from the start. Initially, I assumed it was due to our broken engagement, but by now, it seemed there was more to it than just that. Then, why? Why is he so eager to antagonize me? While pondering this chain of questions, he suddenly spoke. “Those eyes.” The Tao King ground his teeth as he continued speaking. “Those damnable eyes, just like your father's, so damned similar.” “...” Suddenly, my father was brought into the conversation. Upon hearing this, I tilted my head slightly. “…!” The Tao King flinched momentarily as he observed me. Watching him, I composed my breathing. I almost made a huge mistake. ‘I was about to kill him.’ For a moment, I nearly gouged out the Tao King’s eyes. Whew. I managed to hold back. Why bring up my father so suddenly? I was seriously about to lose it. ‘That was close.’ I almost let my anger ruin all the plans. As I calmed my racing heart. ‘Hmm.’ I realized there was something peculiar in the way the Tao King spoke of my father. There was a lot of emotion laced in his tone when mentioning my father. Thus, I asked. “Master Peng, may I ask you a question?” There was no malice in my inquiry. “Did my father ever beat you in the past?” It was a purely curious question. But perhaps that was the problem. Kreeeak—!! A ferocious murderous aura erupted from the Tao King's body. “What did you just say…?” “Uh… wait... Just a moment?” “What did you just say.” Oh, I think he’s genuinely angry. It was an unexpected killing intent. It was startling how thick it was. Wow… this seems like... ‘Did I touch something I shouldn’t have?’ I might have made a mistake. Thus, I sheepishly apologized to him. “My apologies. I really didn’t mean to imply that. Ha ha ha. We all fight with friends when we’re young, right? Ah, perhaps you weren’t friends…? Then I’m even more sorry.” I offered a heartfelt apology for dredging up uncomfortable memories. Yes, this warranted an apology. Despite my sincere apology, though... “You truly resemble your father.” The Tao King seemed utterly incapable of containing his fury. Under ordinary circumstances, that would have sounded like a compliment, but I could discern that it was meant as an insult. “Those all-knowing glances, the pitying gaze, are eerily similar.” His voice, as if grinding his teeth, exuded resentment sharp enough to make my skin crawl. “You people... you really intend to mock me for generations to come.” Huff. Huff. His breathing was hot and harsh. He seemed to be doing everything he could to suppress his anger. “Just watch, Gu Cheol-un's son. Let's see if you can still hold that look when you face me in the arena. Just watch and see.” After saying that, the Tao King finally turned his back and walked away. Why did he keep mentioning the eyes? Did he have a problem with his own? As I watched the Tao King walk away, I felt a sudden urge to ask my father. ‘Just how did you beat him?’ What did he do to leave someone in that state? Knowing my father's personality, he wouldn’t have acted without reason... but to leave the man in such a broken state, it might have been a bit much. ‘…I’ll have to be more careful with people now.’ From this, I realized. If I’m going to throw punches, I need to be prudent. Doing it wrong can leave a person utterly ruined. Maybe now, I should either strike with caution… or, ensure there are no repercussions by finishing the job entirely. As I resolved myself with a nod, I looked beyond the departing Tao King to another figure standing in the distance. Peng Wujin stood there, staring directly at his father. His expression caught my attention. ‘...’ I almost instinctively paused at that moment. It was unsettling. Peng Wujin's eyes, fixated on the Tao King, revealed nothing. They were vacant, filled with a distant emptiness. There wasn’t a single emotion in those dark pupils. It was hard to believe he looked at his own parent with such eyes. What could warrant such a gaze? Both Peng Wujin and I locked eyes. He grinned. The hollow look vanished, replaced by a smile as he waved at me, almost as if we shared camaraderie. ‘...’ Did he forget how his father just glared at me with murderous intent? His inexplicable cheerfulness irked me. Hah. ‘The Peng Family is doomed.’ Be it the master or the young master, none seemed sane. ‘Sigh.’ Their household seemed to be in as much disarray as any other troubled family. I couldn't help but feel an odd sense of kinship and shook my head slightly. Then, I gazed somewhere else. It was a distance imperceptible to the naked eye or even sensory perception. Yet I knew something—or someone—was there. Thrum! Bound through my heart, demonic energy signaled its presence. ‘I had intended to deal with this later...’ Experiencing the current situation made me realize there was no need to delay. Steeping my intent into the demonic energy, I sent out a vibration. Even if it's not perfectly clear due to the manner of transmission, those who were attuned would understand. With this, the preparations were complete. Now, all that remained was to wait. It might take some time, but not too long. Moreover, ‘I won’t be bored in the meantime.’ I smiled as I watched the Tao King’s retreating back. Luckily, a little distraction was right in front of me to pass the time.