751 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Heavenly Pavilion's Best Friend, Chapter 751: Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive I gazed upwards at the thick lines etched across the sky. "Wow." The bright crimson glow was immensely vivid. Simultaneously, the once-clear sky was gradually becoming enveloped by ominous clouds. Even at a glance, it was clear that this was not a natural phenomenon, as it felt astoundingly out of place. "I didn't expect it to be this grand." The spectacle was much more magnificent than anticipated. The air was filled with a powerful energy, resonating with a vast symphony. It was obvious to anyone that this was far from normal; the overwhelming sight was enough to make one feel dwarfed. They claimed to have prepared for ages, and it definitely showed. "Hmm." Six slowly emerging lines began to connect with each other, as though completing a specific sentence. As they linked, the once-clear sky began to darken. Rumble--!!! Vibrations shook not only the arena but also the surrounding area. "Wha-what's happening?!" "Aaaah!" Amidst the sudden tremors, screams erupted from all directions as people hurriedly attempted to flee in chaos. Meanwhile, I noticed members of the Meng clan coming out to assess the situation. Watching this unfold, my gaze moved upwards. It was directed toward the crimson barrier encircling the pavilion. Whoooosh--!! A force from below wrapped around the pavilion. It was a somewhat translucent crimson barrier. "Is that what Head Demon mentioned?" I recalled hearing about it when we were devising our plans. Mentioned as a power capable of binding formidable figures in Hanam if given enough time to be properly constructed — this seemed to be it. "What could be the mechanism?" I was curious about how it functioned, but unfortunately, this was not the time to delve into it. Crack--!!! Suddenly, a tremendous force directed my attention back to the pavilion. "Oh-ho." Exquisite swordsmanship met the barrier, with sword energy exploding against it, yet unable to pierce through, simply dissipating. "Impressive." The effect was unmistakably clear. It became evident how effective it was, to the point that even the most ferocious attacks could not penetrate it. "It's absorbing, not just blocking?" Indeed, the barrier absorbed the energy from the strikes. Then, it glowed even brighter, seemingly enhancing from the consumed force. "Hmmm." It seemed more akin to an array formation. Consuming energy to strengthen was certainly beneficial. "It can hold for sure." Even though it couldn't halt attacks perfectly, dismantling it would take some time. Of course, even then, "It should hold for at least thirty minutes." It was a mere guess, but I judged it could certainly hold for that duration. "Ah, I'm curious." What principle enables it to wield such power? If I could figure it out, it would undoubtedly be a useful ability in the future... "Tsk." It was frustrating that I couldn't go and verify it. Rumble-!! The tremors grew more intense, and sensing the rising tension among the spectators, they began to move hurriedly. "Run away!" "Yeonshin-ah! Where are you--!!" "Get out of my way!" "Uwaaaah." As the crowd, gathered in one place, began moving all at once, chaos erupted almost instantly, their screams filling the air. Swearing and cries blanketed the surrounding atmosphere. The suddenness of the situation left people in a panic, collapsing all order. Despite the efforts, "Stop, calm down! First…!" "Move! Get out of the way--!!" The martial artists of the Meng clan found themselves unable to contain the disorder, for they couldn't have anticipated this nor prepared contingency plans. As a result, dense confusion ensued. This was the scenario I had been waiting for. Surveying the scene, I turned my head. "Then, it's time to make my move." This side was gradually crumbling, signaling it was time for me to act as well. With that thought, my gaze landed on someone. Swoosh. I spotted someone supporting the fainted Sovereign of Swords amidst the fleeing crowd. There was only one person who would come to manage the situation like this. "Peng Woojin." The young master of the Peng family, Peng Woojin. He was supporting his father with an expressionless face. Then, our eyes met. As always, Peng Woojin smiled upon seeing me, but I couldn't return the smile. It was utterly inappropriate to grin while looking at someone's son after battering their father into such a state. Before I could say anything, "This has become rather troublesome." Peng Woojin approached, initiating a conversation with me. -Screams- -Please move...!! His calm tone seemed out of place amidst the chaotic environment. "I was hoping to face the young master someday soon... Hm. It's unfortunate." "Is that really what's important right now...?" His comments baffled me so much that I couldn't help but retort. In this messed-up situation, could that truly be the concern? Ah... Perhaps— "If it's about avenging the family head..." "That holds no significance. The head lost because he was destined to, so there's no ill-will towards you, young master." "..." Before I could finish, he promptly denied it. How could he lack such feelings? Though a question arose, Peng Woojin's tone contained no semblance of emotion, which was even more chilling. How could he display such detachment? In Peng Woojin's gaze, Pengzhou no longer existed. Even amidst this damned situation, he focused solely on me. "Because he deserved to lose." He momentarily looked at Pengzhou while speaking those words. During that fleeting glance, an emotion flickered by. A dark, piercing emotion. "Hmm." Those fleeting feelings disturbed me, but I decided not to dwell on them. There was no need. The affairs of the Peng family were not my concern. Additionally, Peng Woojin appeared to be focused on something else, as he continued speaking to me. "So, since it turned out this way... I do hope you will keep your promise." "Ah, yes... I'll try." While struggling to maintain a composed expression, I responded. "Young master--!" Someone landed swiftly from the sky next to me. It was Tang So-ryeol. "Are you alright...?" Tang So-ryeol approached hastily, looking visibly concerned. "With everything happening right now... you need to move outside immediately." The strange phenomenon in the air must have clued Tang So-ryeol in on the dire nature of the situation. "Hm." I pondered briefly on what to say but ultimately chose silence. At that moment, Peng Woojin interrupted. "Then, I'll be heading out first." Having supported Pengzhou, Peng Woojin steadied himself. Given the situation, the martial artists of the Peng family couldn't make their way here, so his priority seemed to be getting them to safety. As he began to step away, he paused to speak to Tang So-ryeol. "Soyeol, we'll see each other next time." Tang So-ryeol's expression shifted slightly at his words. While these two were supposed to be next in line to duel me, it was evident that the duel would not be happening under these circumstances. "Ah... yes." Tang So-ryeol nodded, and Peng Woojin leaped away. "Young master, we should leave as well...!" After they departed, Tang So-ryeol urged me. Meanwhile, my gaze was fixed on the pavilion. "Save the leader-!" "Clan head--!!" "Damn it, call for an array master!" "What is the Feng dragon doing--!!" Not only the Meng clan but also individuals garbed in various attires besieged the pavilion's barrier. All of them were exceptional martial artists or members of noble sects. They were gathered, driven by the urgency to rescue their leaders, sect heads, or mighty figures. Even members of the Murim Alliance surrounded the barrier, attempting to save their swordmaster. - Aaaaah! - A disaster-like occurrence had struck, yet the people remained without proper guidance. Those allied with the righteous sects were preoccupied with rescuing their superiors. Observing this, a thought surfaced. Is this truly chivalry? Does this truly embody the value of the righteous sects, rooted through centuries? If they can't withstand even this minor fracture, can such collapse really be deemed justice? I'm not sure. I've lived without knowing chivalry or justice, so I cannot pass judgment, but one thing became clear: 'If this is what defines justice or chivalry,' I didn't see the necessity for it. ****************** "The end is near... It's the end...." "Oh Lord--!" "Mommy...." The cries of distress and lamentation began to fill the streets of Hanam as I made my way alongside Tang So-ryeol. Rumble---!!! "Ahhh-!" "Dear...!!" The tremors continued relentlessly, and the sky had lost its azure hue, now overtaken by dark clouds. This change took place in less than thirty minutes. The streets, once vibrant with the energy of a martial arts tournament, had quickly descended into chaos. The unknown calamity cultivated fear, which now gripped everyone. As I watched, with Tang So-ryeol quickening their pace, I proposed, "We should return to the residence first, right?" Tang So-ryeol inquired, suggesting we regroup and guide our party. Though Tang So-ryeol’s suggestion was reasonable, my thoughts differed. "You go on ahead." "Pardon?" I couldn't just retreat. After laying this groundwork, running away would not do. "Go and take care of our companions. I have something I need to do." "Young master, what are you... in this situation?" "Yeah. Don't worry." I gently urged Tang So-ryeol forward with a slight smile. "Nothing will happen." "…" The decisive tone seemed to alter Tang So-ryeol's expression in a peculiar way. Had they figured something out? Or perhaps they had qisuestions they chose to keep to themselves. I couldn’t tell. However, "...Alright." Tang So-ryeol nodded at my words. "...Don't be late, okay? If you're late... I'll come looking for you." "I won't be. It won't take long." "I understand." With those words, Tang So-ryeol picked up speed, heading swiftly toward the residence. I watched Tang So-ryeol's small form vanish into the distance before halting. Then I glanced sideways. - Maaa... Mommy.... A crying child caught my eye, being consoled by someone who seemed to be their mother. Everyone was stricken with terror. Some were running around in confusion, unsure of what to do, while others were paralyzed by fear. It reminded me of the scenes I used to witness often at the start of wars in my past life. The same expressions, the same atmosphere. The resemblance to those unwanted memories was uncanny. The difference being, 'This time, I created this mess.' That realization gnawed at my insides. What does it matter if these bugs die? Having undergone a transformation through adversity, a revolting sentiment crawled its way up my soul, simultaneously grazing against an overwhelming sense of disgust. I wanted to put an end to this at once. Suppressing the urge to vomit, I turned my head and steeled myself. I would not make excuses, for none were needed here. I would simply bear the weight of it all. As I steadied my breath with this resolve, - Listen, dogs of the Murim Alliance. - A voice started echoing throughout the city center. I lifted my head. Several figures hovered in mid-air. Not just one. Dozens. Numerous individuals filled the skies. - The day of reform has arrived. An aged, raspy voice propagated through the air. The energy in the resonance was profound and intense. "What is... going on?" "Who are they? What are they doing?" "What on earth is this...!!" With the arrival of these intimidating figures, the pandemonium intensified. Their appearance confirmed the unknown calamity was not a natural event, but a human-made one. The notion that humans committed this was, by its nature, far more terrifying. - We are here to punish the sins of the alliance. - The Murim Alliance, in their attempts to obscure their ugliness, neither mended the past nor corrected the distorted history. The elder's voice carried their long-suppressed grievance with an unmistakable clarity, requiring no further explanation. - Our lives were mired with relentless oppression and false curses. - The illusion of justice the Murim Alliance created transformed us into such. The punishment delivered was theirs, borne from enduring and surviving those times. - The vile alliance... - And now, the House of Jegal shall bear the weight of its burdens indefinitely. The elder uttered these words with a decisive motion of his hand. At that instant, Rumble---!!!! The tremors intensified, and all those suspended in the air, except for the old man, plummeted to the ground. - Aaaaah--!! - Please, spare us--!! The screams only grew louder. Even in this chaos, the members of the alliance were nowhere to be seen. A few appeared, but what difference could so few make? 'What are the division leaders doing?' From what I'd gathered, only about half were bound by the pavilion. So what on earth were the rest doing? It would be better if they didn't show up, but it was peculiar that they hadn’t emerged even under these circumstances. 'If I can't figure it out, I'll just have to see for myself.' As I assessed the situation, I leapt gently into the air. Though dire events loomed behind me, I turned my back without hesitation. There was a purpose that drove me. - Cease this at once-!! I had made separate preparations for this moment. Those launching the assault. Upon observing them, energy began radiating out from various locations. - Combat units, protect the civilians against the assault-!! A commanding roar echoed through the surroundings. Simultaneously, several others clad in dark-colored robes charged forward to confront the attack. Martial artists rallied together, their cries resounding as they moved to block the oncoming threat. People exclaimed with recognition, their eyes lighting up. - It's the Hwangbo clan! - The Hwangbo clan has arrived! Martial artists clad in yellow appeared en masse. Some halted in the surrounding streets, gesturing authoritatively. - Please remain calm! The Hwangbo family will protect you starting now! - Follow our guidance swiftly, please--!! - To all swordsmen, heed this! From now, prioritize civilian safety above all else! Protect them with your lives, with the spirit of righteousness! - Aye--!! The coordination of the clan brought a visible, albeit slight, sense of relief to many faces. A smirk crept onto my lips at this. Everything was proceeding according to plan. The chess pieces I had set were now moving one by one. No issues so far. However, the critical phase was now beginning. From here on, 'Discard what's expendable. Secure what's vital.' Amidst the chaos and uprising I had orchestrated, it was time to obtain what I sought. Boom--!! Crash--!! Shortly thereafter, the sound of explosions reached my ears. Ignoring it, I propelled myself forward. Simultaneously, I reached into my robe and retrieved an item. A familiar, cracked mask. Placing it on my face, I steeled my heart. Thump-! Dark energy surged through my meridians. Now, at long last. It was time for the Heavenly Demon to descend upon the layered chaos.