748 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**The World's Greatest Martial Artist's Childhood Friend: Chapter 748 - Northern Rabbit** When did I first feel the wall? I can't recall. Not because it never existed, but because there were far too many. Such was his life. A life of confronting one endless wall after another. While it's often said that the life of a martial artist is meant to be this way, to Peng Zhou, it was a disgrace. Why must so many walls stand before me? It would have been understandable if they were seniors in rank, yet the obstacles laid out were his peers. The first wall he encountered was the Sword Dragon. The grandchild of Namgung Jeolcheon, the current head of the Namgung family, and a strong candidate for the position of Young Master within the family. Since they were of similar age, Peng Zhou was frequently compared to him. After meeting the Sword Dragon, Peng Zhou never once managed to seize victory against him. Besides him were others like the White Dragon and the Little Dragon. Poison Dragon and Sword Phoenix. And also, White Phoenix, among others. Among these outstanding successors, Peng Zhou was known as the Murlong. But even so, Peng Zhou’s status remained the same. The lowest. Despite receiving countless support and sponsorship from various families, he barely managed to hold his ground. Such was the talent Peng Zhou possessed. An ambiguous talent that was neither here nor there. Far from being a genius, yet above being a dullard. He occupied the very position that typical individuals hold. While some might have been content with that, Peng Zhou was not among the ordinary. ‘I am…. the son of the Dao King.’ Peng Zhou’s father, the head of the Peng family and the current Dao King, was known as a formidable martial artist with a steadfast nature and exceptional skills. As the owner of one of the Four Great Families, he was a figure with considerable standing. Yet his son, Peng Zhou, was often deemed lacking in comparison. “A dog's son in a tiger’s den.” A phrase used for a child who falls short of their father, quite fitting for Peng Zhou. To him, it was a hellish label. Insufficient talent within his bloodline. Talent that failed to resemble the family head. Lagging behind peers who transformed each day. This increasingly became a noose around Peng Zhou’s neck, causing him to sink deeper into self-consciousness. As time flowed ceaselessly, reaching a limit, an incident occurred. At the Dragon Phoenix Assembly, which convenes periodically. A narrative intertwined with this year’s martial arts tournament. The Alliance announced their intention to select the Divine Dragon during this tournament. The Divine Dragon, representing the greatest of the new generation in the martial world today, also symbolized the future leaders of the martial realm. As a result, more attention and crowds than usual converged. Many wondered. Who would become the Divine Dragon? The Namgung family's Sword Dragon? Or perhaps the Murong family's White Dragon? Maybe the Little Dragon or the Tang family’s Poison Dragon? Despite countless debates, there were certain common points. First, the certainty that the Divine Dragon would come from among the Dragons and Phoenixes, and notably, the Murlong was not mentioned. This depicted the high standing of the current Dragons and Phoenixes and the position of the Murlong among them. When Peng Zhou first heard this, his rage was uncontrollable, culminating in endless outbursts. Yet soon, something even more infuriating occurred. The birth of the Divine Dragon. Coinciding with the end of the martial arts tournament, the Divine Dragon emerged as planned. Astoundingly, the person was not from the recognized Dragons or Phoenixes. The Gu family of Shanxi. A family affiliated with the orthodox sects, positioned at the fringe ends of the renowned clans. A family scarcely known, almost devoid of notable figures. Yet from such a place, the Divine Dragon emerged. A scion of the Shanxi Gu family. Divine Dragon (Shenlong) Gu Chulyun. For the first time appearing at the Dragon Phoenix Assembly, the youth defeated all the Dragons and Phoenixes to claim the title of Divine Dragon. And that fact alone became the breaking point for Peng Zhou. -What nonsense-! The long-suppressed rage inside him erupted. -How did someone like you become the Divine Dragon-! The night following the martial arts tournament, as everyone prepared to return home. -Nonsense… how on earth could someone like you…!! Peng Zhou sought out Gu Chulyun late at night, his face flushed with alcohol. Despite a high tolerance, he had consumed enough to be thoroughly inebriated. Because it felt unbearable to endure without. Gu Chulyun merely watched Peng Zhou’s drunken arrival with an unyielding gaze. -So it was you. And as if realizing something, he continued. -That’s who you were. -What…? -It took me a moment to remember. At this, Peng Zhou let out a breathless laugh. The incidents at the inn from the past. Was he saying he had forgotten despite those events? -Haha… ha…? Peng Zhou’s lips turned upwards. Why him? Someone he couldn’t even dare to compete with. Why did it have to be this wretch? Not from the Four Great Families nor the Nine Schools. An unknown mongrel had suddenly appeared and taken everything away. He thought of killing him. If it was impossible here, then back in his family’s domain. He desired to deal with that guy, somehow. -He became the Divine Dragon…? It happened in an instant. For that fellow to soar and reach heights far beyond his, it took mere days. A position he had wished for throughout his life. For that guy to snatch it away took just that amount of time. -It’s absurd. He recognized the strength. He experienced firsthand the might that led to such a state at the inn. Peng Zhou knew how strong he was, but he could not believe it. That the one who ignored and trampled over him became the Divine Dragon? It was unacceptable. -I see... so that's it. And thus, he uttered what should not have been spoken. -Did you say it was the Gu family of Shanxi? What kind of trickery did you pull? -Hmm? Gu Chulyun tilted his head at the mention of his family. -It can’t be that you rose through honest means. Surely, there must have been some scheming behind the scenes. Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense. With his vision blurred from the alcohol-induced haze. Even with his vision blurred, Peng Zhou continued to speak as he gazed at Gu Chulyun's glaring red eyes. “What kind of dark arts did you use?! How could something like this happen in a nameless, insignificant family like yours?” Yes, it had to be sorcery. Nothing else made sense. “You said you were the child of the family head. What trick did your father use? Or was it you? If so, tell me. What must one do…” Suddenly. The mocking words from Peng Zhou's lips came to an abrupt halt. “Ugh.” A single cry. Along with it, Peng Zhou felt his body tilt. Whoosh—! Thud. His vision dropped sharply as one knee hit the ground. What was happening? As he struggled to comprehend. Smack—! His head turned. What was this? After the shock, the pain surged in. His cheek felt like it was tearing apart. It dawned on him then. He had been slapped. “You bastard—!!” As Peng Wujin, full of fury, tried to lunge with his body. Smack—! His head turned the other way again. “Ugh…!” Smack—! Slap! Smack—! The sound echoed repeatedly. Each time, Peng Zhou's head shook violently. “Gugh.” Blood dripped from his nose and mouth, pooling on the ground. Even as his cheeks burned, Peng Zhou swallowed the blood and lifted his head. “Are you done barking?” Before him stood Gu Chulyun, eyes still red and glaring down. The same gaze as at the inn, but under the night, it was even more vivid. Blood trickled from his mouth, soaking his chest. At that moment, Peng Zhou felt all his drunkenness evaporate. “This…!” But his anger did not subside. Such a humiliating state. Peng Zhou, unable to accept what had happened to him, tried to rise again. Clutch—! “Ugh!?” He couldn't succeed, as Gu Chulyun's large hand stopped him. Squeak—! “Ughhh…!” Peng Zhou's large frame was lifted by Gu Chulyun’s grip. He struggled, but it was the same as at the inn. He was subdued with ease, uselessly. Then. “For you, it's a lucky thing.” Gu Chulyun spoke to Peng Zhou. “I was told not to kill anyone else in Hanam, so I can't kill you. That’s fortunate for you.” As soon as those words hit, chills ran down his spine. The menace contained in each word pierced Peng Zhou's eyes, nose, and mouth. “So it is a disappointment for me. If not for that, I wouldn’t have had to listen to useless barks at night.” “Let… let go of me… I am… the son of the Peng family….” Somehow, Peng Zhou tried to speak, forcing words through his lips. “I told you before, I don’t care.” Gu Chulyun had no intention of listening. Crush. “Ghh…” His mouth was pried open. This can’t be? A bad premonition flashed across Peng Zhou’s mind. “If you're missing a molar, let me even it out for you.” The premonition quickly became reality. Crunch—! “Ugh!” The remaining molar was yanked out. Shriek—!!! Just like before. The gap was filled again. He screamed in agony at the sharp pain. Right after, Peng Zhou's body crumpled to the ground. Gu Chulyun had released his grip. In unbearable pain, as Peng Zhou was about to writhe. Bang—! “Argh—!” Gu Chulyun kicked the broken leg again, stomping it down. “Don’t move. If I apply more pressure, you’ll never use it again.” “Grr… ughhh… rhhh… please….” “The son of the Dao King, Peng Zhou.” “…!!” Hearing the name, Peng Zhou’s eyes widened. Gu Chulyun had just uttered his name. He was sure Gu Chulyun didn’t know who he was? “You…? How do you know my name… Did you know and still do this to me?” Was he saying he knew Peng Zhou was of the Peng family and still did this? “Are you not afraid of the Peng family!” Even as Peng Zhou shouted, Gu Chulyun’s expression did not change. “Do you think that name will protect you?” It was simply indifferent. “If you truly believe that, go ahead.” Lowering his towering frame to meet Peng Zhou's eyes. “I have nothing to fear. If you can, try and bring it.” “…” Tremble… tremble... tremble. Peng Zhou clutched his arm. He wished to hide the arm that was shaking uncontrollably. Watching the arm intently, Gu Chulyun stood back up and turned his back. And he spoke to Peng Zhou. “From now, I’ll turn around. I’ll give you the chance to ambush me.” “What… what are you saying?” “Do it if you truly want to. But know, there will be no next time.” As if not understanding, Peng Zhou questioned back. Gu Chulyun spoke no more. Step. As if intending to keep his word, he walked away slowly. Watching Gu Chulyun’s back, Peng Zhou’s heart started to race. An ambush? In this situation? As he thought this, Peng Zhou's hands were already gripping his weapon. The enemy’s back, seemingly dismissive of the situation. And the mouth, throbbing in pain as if it would rip apart. This was the one who pulled out two molars and humiliated him. Could he cut him down now? Could he kill this man? Clank. Tightening his grip on the hilt. After suffering such disgrace, should he remain silent? No, he couldn’t. Resolving thus, he prepared to draw his sword. Standstill—! “... Crack.” Peng Zhou couldn’t move. Those piercing red eyes flashed in his mind. The image of being strangled, the force crushing him. All remained starkly across his body. Grinding his teeth. He had to draw it. Draw and swing the sword at him. But. “Ugh… ugh… damn it….” Peng Zhou couldn’t move in the end, releasing the grip on his weapon. Fear paralyzed him from acting. Then. “That’s a shame. You could have gained a cause. Your pettiness saved you.” From afar, came Gu Chulyun’s voice. Whoosh—! Something rolled in front of Peng Zhou. The last molar that Gu Chulyun had extracted. "Take it with you. It's distasteful for me to carry. If we meet again, I hope you won’t bark without thinking." Trembling. Even as he listened, Peng Zhou couldn’t utter a single word. Until Gu Chulyun’s figure vanished from sight. Peng Zhou stayed there, enduring the pain. A memory like that. A relentless nightmare that he could never forget. The eyes that looked down on him then. The pride trampled beyond recognition, something he could never erase from his life. Why? “Aghhhh!” Why is he now suffering at the hands of not the man himself, but the man’s child? A thought that struck Peng Zhou as he hung suspended in midair.