753 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Greatest Under Heaven's Childhood Friend Chapter 753: Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archives Swoosh!! Boom!! A massive fist, swirling with energy, descends rapidly. The compressed strike plummets swiftly, striking the ground. Crash! Roar---!!! The earth erupts, scattering debris in every direction as the unleashed energy explodes, generating a whirlwind. An overwhelming vortex. Within it, a terrifying destructive force becomes clearly visible. And yet. Boom! Boom boom!! The impacts continue to reverberate with a ceaseless roar, as if the devastation was far from over. Crack! Crash!! Only upon the continuation of actions are the sounds finally heard. A speed surpassing that of sound. That was the realm of speed the two displayed. Flap! A golden robe flutters as the massive figure crouches. At the toes of the one lowering his stance, golden energy surges up. Fierce Tiger Combat Strike. Growl--!!! Utilizing the rebound, a fist swings out, and the projected energy takes on the shape of tigers, charging aggressively at the opponent. “Tch!” Witnessing this, the old man fiercely swings his blunt weapon to shatter the tigers, but he cannot block them all and has to endure the impact. Boom! The body, struck by the energy, trembles and falls from the air. Seeing this, the man, Hwangbo Yeolwi of the Tiger Fist, swiftly leaps toward the falling elder. Squeeze! Once again, energy coalesces around the clenched fist. Fierce Tiger Series Strike. The fist, entwining the image of a tiger, rapidly approaches the elder. Dodging is impossible. The elder observes this, gritting his teeth tightly. Whisk--! With just one hand. Only the index and middle fingers extended together in an unusual movement. At that moment. Boom---!! Hwangbo Yeolwi's fist lands directly, the heavy destructive force bursting outward. “Hm!” Staring at his swung fist, Hwangbo Yeolwi knits his brow in dissatisfaction. Something feels amiss. Understandably so. “What exactly are you?” At the sound, Hwangbo Yeolwi turns behind him. There stands the elder he had just attacked, speaking to him. In other words, the elder wasn't struck by the attack. “What on earth are you?” The elder, with disbelief etched on his face, asks Hwangbo Yeolwi the question again. “I am the head of the Hwangbo family….” “That's not what I'm asking.” The prior introduction had already sufficed to convey that. He wasn't asking to hear parroted responses again. “How can you see me?” His expression was one of incredulity. How on earth could this person see him? The elder was filled with questions about this matter. Even as he spoke, he swept his hand over his chest. Buzz. A minuscule energy, indiscernible to others. Confirming this only deepens the mystery. ‘The spell was definitely intact.’ Before departure, it was a spell inscribed over seven days and nights on his body. Ordinarily, it should've lasted at least a double time and been undetectable unless someone was inside the pavilion. What on earth is this person? ‘Why... how could he be staring at me directly?’ It was an incomprehensible circumstance. Moreover, others who couldn't believe the situation were present as well. “Was the head of the Hwangbo family that strong...?” “That strike just now... what on earth.” Those were the ones witnessing the battle unfold within the hall. The battle had begun abruptly. It seemed the head of the Hwangbo family wasn't originally located in the pavilion but had intervened to block the attack. Everyone had to widen their eyes at the Hwangbo family master's displayed martial prowess. “Was the Tiger Fist ever that powerful?” “It was rumored he was in frail health, but... was that all lies?” “What frail health... it seems he's achieved tremendous enlightenment over the past few years.” Everyone knew the martial arts of the Hwangbo family were destructive. Due to its strain, the warriors of the Hwangbo family typically retired earlier than average. Many assumed Hwangbo Yeolwi, who had not appeared for several years, was no different. “Now, this appearance...” Those rumors appeared to be entirely untrue. Hwangbo Yeolwi was displaying a much more formidable form. Those watching were all aware of their strength. Each move from Hwangbo Yeolwi carried immense power. He seemed twice as strong as what he had shown in the past. “Phew.” Hwangbo Yeolwi took a breath. He didn’t bother answering the question of how he could see the elder. All he did was prepare his body for the task at hand. Squeeze. He casually extended his clenched fist, focusing his gaze sharply. His entire body felt light. The surging energy was enough to heat his body, and contrary to the heavy energy, his feet felt incredibly light. He could extend himself as far as he wanted. The force erupted more powerfully than desired. It felt like breaking through a barrier. As if his prime had returned once more. Being able to do what he previously couldn't, how splendid was this? Hwangbo Yeolwi felt like exploding with power right away, but he endured with all his might. Because that was not the command given to him. -That person is… the head of the Hwangbo family? -Why did the family head suddenly… -Who is he fighting against? I can’t see anyone…? Voices could be heard. These were the spectators who had not escaped yet. They looked at Hwangbo Yeolwi with anxiety-filled expressions. That person had told him. Those currently watching would serve as excellent witnesses in the future. Moreover, he would be able to obtain what he desired through that. With that in mind, Hwangbo Yeolwi simply took a step forward. Thud! A brief leap. When his body closed in on the elder, the sound belatedly followed. Tiger Rending Advance Kick. Swoosh--!! The leg, massed with energy, extended toward the elder. The elder raised his blunt weapon to defend. Boom--!! The weapon couldn't absorb all the impact. Failing to defend, the elder's body was flung, bouncing off the ground. Thud! Crack! “Ugh!” He barely supported himself, clutching the ground. Had he been a moment slower, the impact would've pierced his very entrails. ‘This...’ The elder's wrinkled forehead knotted deeply. An unforeseen problem. The head of the Hwangbo family seeing through the spell was troublesome enough, but the fact that he was a daunting adversary added to the issue. '...There's still time before the spell is complete.' The elder gazed upward. The lines in the sky were sharper now and seemed poised to connect fully soon, yet there was still some time remaining. Grasping this situation, he gritted his teeth. Could he withstand until then? 'The commotion has started. This will surely hasten the arrival of the other lords, sooner than calculated.' He had tangled the spell to buy time before the other lords could arrive. Originally, everything should have proceeded without a hitch. 'Things have gone awry due to his arrival.' He knew the head of the Hwangbo family was in Hanam, just like many others present here. However, he hadn't anticipated that he would rush here and engage him. Moreover. 'He's incredibly strong.' Far above the level he had estimated. He thought Hwangbo Yeolwi would barely be past the initial stage of the Hwagyeong (Flower Realm). His body had weakened with age, so that seemed a reasonable assumption. 'But this...' Once he confronted him directly, he realized Hwangbo Yeolwi's abilities were far beyond what he'd imagined. This was a situation. 'He should have been contained within the pavilion.' How could the head of the Hwangbo family wield such power? It was an incredibly puzzling matter, though now was not the time for such considerations. For now. 'Escaping might be the best option.' It hurt his pride, seeing his meticulously laid plans unravel. To think that one singular foe could cause so much disruption was almost laughable. 'I can't afford to let pride mess things up.' More important matters were at stake than his ego. Instead of managing the unforeseen, he would make his escape. Initially, he had only intended to deliver a message and leave, so this move aligned with his plan. So once more, he brought his index and middle fingers together, preparing to perform a technique. “Hm!” Boom!! "...What!" Hwangbo Yeolwi lunged, shattering the ground beneath him, as if refusing to be struck twice. He was fast. At that speed, he would reach him before the spell could take effect. “Tch!” As the elder quickly raised his blunt weapon to defend himself, ready to counter. [That's enough.] "...!" "...!!" Stopped-! Whoosh---!!! Hwangbo Yeolwi's fist halted just inches from the elder's face. The contained energy exploded, swirling around the area. -Aaaah-! Several people screamed as the wind mixed with debris assaulted them. Having halted suddenly, Hwangbo Yeolwi began to break out in a cold sweat. What was going on? Even though it was clearly a peculiar situation, those inside the chamber were more focused on the void above than Hwangbo Yeolwi himself. "...There's something... something up there." "Who could it be? Is it reinforcements arriving?" Their attention was drawn toward the center of the empty sky. There, something was hovering. Wooooo---!! The first visible sign was a dark, scorched sphere. Beneath eerie lines and thick clouds. A cryptic sphere hovered in the air, and below it, like the elder, someone else floated, gradually becoming visible. Yet again, dressed in black. Standing with hands behind his back, the black cloak billowed quietly, much like the elder, but those observing found their faces freezing. "What is... what is that?" It was different. On a whole different level. Thump-! Thump-! Their hearts pounded heavily. An intense presence was palpable. Just gazing at it caused their hairs to stand on end. An undeniable instinct kicked in. It explained why Hwangbo Yeolwi, holding his fist extended, was frozen stiff. Could it be due to that unknown figure? Despite showcasing such formidable martial skills moments ago, Hwangbo Yeolwi remained rigid without so much as a twitch. At that moment. [The show was amusing enough to watch.] Sssssss. Slowly, the figure that had been suspended in the air descended groundward. As the distance closed, the figure's silhouette and appearance began to clear. "...Gah!" "That person...!!" Reactions erupted from various points as the figure's features became recognizable. A physique surpassing eight feet. Clad in black garb with long black hair and. A cracked, enigmatic mask. All features they had heard of somewhere before. Those watching, especially those recognising these traits, couldn't help but display intense expressions. "That... that person is..." The appearance matched the description of the mysterious assailant who had once attacked Wudang in the past. Beyond the white mask, a pair of glowing violet eyes. Commanding presence that seized everyone's attention, the figure looked directly at those within the chamber and spoke. [It was merely a performance.] Rumble---!!! As he spoke, vibrations echoed all around. Whether it was the result of his voice or something ongoing from before was unclear. Whoosh-! Suddenly, black energy erupted from the figure's shoulders into the sky. Clear enormity at even just a glance. The energy blended into the hovering black sphere, and then. Whosh---!! Using the sphere like a launch pad, it began forming a domain in all directions. In the space of mere seconds. In such a fleeting moment, an indeterminate darkness settled over the entire area. -Eeeek… -Wha... what is this...? Unfamiliar power emanated ominously. Shrouded in black mist and darkness, the area scared those present witless. Those who screamed to move aside or begged to be spared found their voices stifled. The overwhelming fear rendered them speechless. Thunk. His feet finally touched the ground. Exactly between Hwangbo Yeolwi and the elder. [I apologize for disrupting your wretched little celebration.] The energy within his voice was so powerful it made their ears buzz painfully. Slick. The figure unfolded his arms, one hand lowering. [Originally, I hadn't planned on intervening... but alas, a problem has arisen.] At that very moment. "...Aaargh!" Hwangbo Yeolwi, standing beside him, suddenly screamed and was flung backward. But he wasn't the only one. Boom! Bang! Crack-!! Propelled with such force, his large body smashed through the ground and rolled far away. “…Urgh!!” He continued to cough up blood. Thud! Finally, Hwangbo Yeolwi collapsed to the ground, his body convulsing a few times before going limp. It seemed he had lost consciousness. "...What is that...!!" Someone inside the barrier shouted in astonishment. "When... when did he even attack?" He couldn't hide the cold sweat dripping down his face. From what he saw, it seemed as if the man had only lowered his arms, yet Hwangbo Yeolwi fell so violently! "...I didn't see the moment he attacked." "It seemed like he was just standing still. How fast must he have been...?" "Who on earth is that person?" They had just been in shock at the prowess of the Hwangbo family head. The same head who had become a formidable master. Yet now, Hwangbo Yeolwi lay in such a miserable state. Moreover, they hadn't even seen the moment of the attack. Because of this, a sense of something surpassing mere astonishment filled the faces of the others. And then. '...Hmmm...' There was the man in the mask, Gu Yangcheon. He too was reviewing the situation, casting an unseen sidelong glance at Hwangbo Yeolwi lying prone. '...That old man.' Why, oh why. '...Why is he so good at acting?' It was a genuine question that arose in his mind. He had only instructed Hwangbo Yeolwi to pretend to faint convincingly, but who would have guessed he’d collapse with such a dramatic scream? It left Gu Yangcheon dumbfounded, his mouth agape. Thankfully, wearing a mask hid his expression; otherwise, his surprise would have been laid bare. "...Master...!" Beside him, the First Demon had eyes sparkling with admiration, as if overwhelmed by what he was seeing. Receiving such a look from an old man was the last thing he desired. In any case. Gu Yangcheon concealed his surprise and turned his gaze to the barrier. Every face within it was a spectacle of disbelief. Perhaps Hwangbo Yeolwi exceeded expectations far beyond what Gu Yangcheon had anticipated. The reactions were astounding. Yes, those were precisely the expressions Gu Yangcheon had hoped for. In truth, they might have even surpassed what he had wished for. Not that it mattered. Excess was always preferable to insufficiency. Thus, Gu Yangcheon spoke. [Greetings.] He finally said what he had longed to tell them. This marked the beginning of a plan meticulously devised over years. [I am.] On a day similar to today in his past life. [The sky of the Demonic Cult, which you shall fear and venerate.] There had been a curse uttered by a woman who tore through the skies above the Martial Alliance. [I am Cheonma.] It was identical to that proclamation.