787 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Tale of the Strongest Under the Heavens: Chapter 787 - Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive Some might say this: What is left for me to fear at this point? The Ten Grand Masters. If we are to evaluate it, I rank among the top, too. If faced purely as a martial artist, there are roughly ten hidden masters above me. Unless it's a triad level, I am confident I can escape without dying regardless of the situation. Thus, one might think there's not much left for me to fear. ‘...But strength isn't everything when it comes to fear.’ While strategies can be crushed with greater strength, there are certainly things that cannot be. Humans have memories. Memories so deeply ingrained that they become nightmares or lasting imprints. To me, that would be my father. Of course, even by force, I can't see a way to defeat him yet. Anyway... The point is, fear isn't solely about power for humans. And for me, that includes my father and our family. To be exact, ‘One could say that's all there is to it.’ There were aspects I didn't acknowledge before but have started to recognize now. I am still entrenched in memories. Becoming a dragon has somewhat mitigated these fears. My resolve when facing Gu Hee Bi without fear was likely because of this. However, to say I'm entirely free would be an overstatement. I've simply found it easier to endure. It's more accurate to say so. No, I am certain of it. Knowing this, I quickly planned to escape. With my hastily packed belongings, I thought of hiding somewhere for the time being. Just as I was about to make my move, BANG—!! The door abruptly swung open from outside my quarters. At the same time, “Hahahahaha---!!” The old man's boisterous laughter forced my body to tremble. “Ah, who have we here—! Isn't it our Star King's grandson! Hahahaha-! You look mighty fine!” “...” Damn it. It seems I'm too late. ****************** It was during my youth. Around thirteen in my previous life, I guess. I had committed a rather grave mistake, one that Elder Il Jang, not my father, was the first to discover. In that era, nobody could surpass me in mischief, and predictably, I felt only irritation, not guilt. It was behind our home, in the rear mountain. I was dragged there by Elder Il Jang. The scene was a vast field laid out before us. Not meticulously managed but not unpleasant to the eye. [My dear grandson. Do you know why?] Gazing at the sight, Elder Il Jang asked me. [How am I supposed to know if nothing was said? And besides, I'm not your grandson.] I responded, frowning heavily. Thinking back now, it's an insufferably juvenile response. ‘Or is it? I might still reply the same way now.’ Differences to note are perhaps just the intensity of the malice I bore back then. Always was I growling. It was a time when I allowed no one to come close. Therefore, I did not appreciate Elder Il Jang's persistent probing. [Is that so? That's quite unfortunate. Hahaha-!] Nonetheless, Elder Il Jang simply laughed, unaffected by my mood. Back then too. [Why did you bring me here? Untie me now.] Bound tightly in rope. Nowadays, I could effortlessly untie myself, but back then, I was a mere helpless child. Despite my cries, expressing discomfort and dissatisfaction, Elder Il Jang paid no mind, staring at the field ahead. […Damn it. Untie this now!?] Unable to suppress my anger, I cursed. It was only then that Elder Il Jang looked my way. His laughter remained unchanged. Yet. Even then, I should have realized. That anger was subtly mixed within his laughter. [Yangcheon.] [Let me go now-!] [Why did you do it?] [Untie me now!? Or I'll kill everyone…!] [Why did you do it, Yangcheon.] […Dammit…! What did I do!?] [That child almost died.] At Elder Il Jang's words, I fell silent. His words were the reason I was dragged to the mountain. Yes, back then I had nearly killed someone. The victim was probably my attendant. Though the memory is hazy, I think it was a lady slightly older than me. She was struck by a porcelain piece I threw, collapsing, and could have died if not treated properly. [Why did you do it?] [...] Elder Il Jang demanded an explanation. Why did I do it? I knew the reason. The meal she brought was unsatisfactory. That was purely it. I caused a commotion over that. Hence the incident. Honestly, I was glad she survived. [The child regained consciousness after treatment. However, she can no longer serve as your attendant. Likely, won't work for our family anymore.] My family compensated with more money than usual for an incident born within the bloodline. Later, she was provided support to sustain herself. This, I found out in my later years. [...So what?] With mocking disdain, I twisted my lips. [Well isn't that fortunate? Even got paid for not doing her job properly. Thanks to me.] Heh. I sneered as I spoke. Back then, I can't describe how ashamed and ugly I felt inside. Throwing the porcelain wasn't intentional. I was causing a ruckus as always, but the porcelain was heavier than expected. I lost control, and it flew in the wrong direction. That's how it happened. Frankly, I was relieved she survived, but... [Just an attendant missing. Why is it such a big deal?] Despite my genuine feelings, I voiced something different. [Had they performed their tasks well, I wouldn't have acted out. Those unfit to serve me... can just be replaced with someone better next time!] I shouted as if expelling the demons within me. Trying to cover my shame with louder and more ferocious cries. That was me back then. [Untie me right now—! I said untie me—!!] I wriggled and thrashed, but the ropes were so tight they didn't budge. [Ugh—!!] Eventually, I lost my balance and rolled on the ground. The surface, littered with pebbles, stung terribly. I was at risk of getting hurt. [Untie... untie me—!] Even in such a predicament, Elder Il Jang remained unchanged. [Just a mere servant.] The old man stroked his beard with a large hand, nodding thoughtfully. [Indeed. To you, she may just be a mere servant. Especially if she's of lowly birth. That is true.] The underlying aristocratic mindset. Our family belonged to the noble ranks, and regardless of appearances, a noble house is a noble house. Elder Il Jang held such beliefs to some extent. However, [But even if she's of insignificant birth, that doesn't give you the right to treat her carelessly.] With those words, Elder Il Jang looked at me and continued. [So, are you saying I should care about a mere servant?] [It's your choice whether you care or not. At least, don't create unnecessary trouble.] [Trouble?] [Yes, because of your thoughtless actions, our house had to spend excessive money on her. This is a burden on the family. What else could it be if not a detriment?] He wasn't concerned about the child's life, but rather about not causing unnecessary issues that would harm the family. That was the essence of Elder Il Jang's words. [...Ha?] I let out a bitter laugh at the somewhat outrageous statement. [Yangcheon, do you know why I brought you here?] [How would I know? Just untie me, you wretched old man—!] [It's simple. To punish you.] Punish me. At those words, my eyes flared open. [What punishment—! I did nothing wrong!! The worthless wench is the one who didn't do her job properly….] [I told you, didn't I? It's not about harming the child.] Elder Il Jang moved his strong arms and picked me up. Like a light object, I was lifted up. [If there’s something that angers you, not holding back can be a method, but Yangcheon, your tolerance is excessively low. Moreover, with your capricious temper, you cause trouble for those around you. That’s why you are being punished.] [What kind of nonsense is that! I'm of the Gu family's blood—! Why should I be punished?] As I recalled this, my ears grew hot. Of course, it's not because I was proud of my Gu family lineage. I said it because I needed to say something, anything to express my hollow words. Tools used to vent my emotions. It felt exactly like that. [Do you have any right to punish me? Why should I accept punishment—! Let go of me—! Untie me now—!] I kept shouting relentlessly, but... [I'm not interested in your thoughts. This is simply the punishment given by this old man, that's all.] And with those words, Elder Il Jang tossed me away. [Ugh!?] I flew a fair distance and landed on the ground with a thud, rolling over. Bound by ropes, I couldn't even stop with my own strength. Barely managing to stop, [Hmm...ugh...] I tilted my dizzy head to survey my surroundings. I arrived at the center of the field after rolling for quite a while. With the bright summer daytime, it was unusually hot, and the ground burned so intensely that my body felt like it was on fire. Back then, my mastery of Gu Fire Wheel Technique was just in its early stages, leaving me almost defenseless against heat. […What is this... this….] Why was I thrown here all of a sudden? While I was floundering in confusion, [I've been pondering what punishment to give you.] Elder Il Jang called out to me from afar. [I figured a simple approach would be best.] [What do you mean! Aren’t you going to untie me right now!?] [At your age, it's about time you start learning some self-reliance. Try to untie yourself.] [What the—?] [Then, I'll return in three days. Stay well until then.] [What?] With those words ending, Elder Il Jang turned and walked away. Watching him walk away, I shouted, bewildered. [Untie me—! No, take me back! What am I supposed to do here—!!] Bound completely. Under the scorching sun. At the peak of a mountain. By any measure, survival seemed distant. Three days until his return? That must be a lie, right? Even as I looked, unable to believe it, Elder Il Jang was already out of sight. [You damn— cursed old man! Come back immediately—!!] The shouted words echoed back at me. Truly, Elder Il Jang never returned then. Precisely three days later. While I was hiding from wild animals, slowly dying from severe thirst and hunger, Elder Il Jang lifted me from the bushes and said, [If the same situation arises again, it won’t be three days but seven weeks.] He said this with a smile, and I couldn't utter a word. I wanted to curse a lot, but unfortunately, I didn't even have the strength to do that. It was bordering more on abuse than punishment. How could a family's elder inflict such a thing on their own bloodline? I heard later that Elder Il Jang faced some consequences for this incident. While he didn't step down from his elder position, his standing fell behind other elders. Even for Elder Il Jang, treating me so harshly wasn't permissible, it seemed. Elder Il Jang surely knew this as well. Yet the old man didn't change his attitude toward punishing me, consequences or not. He punished me when I crossed lines. And he, too, would accept his punishment. I caused trouble. He'd come, punish me, and accept his own consequences. Thus the cycle repeated, and having experienced it countless times, I was eager to avoid Elder Il Jang. He often attempted to whisk me off for training or came to reprimand me after my mischief. Sometimes I found Elder Il Jang's punishments more overbearing than Gu Hee Bi. "You rascal—! You scoundrel—! Without ever reaching out, you sure know how to surprise this old man, hahaha---!!" That old man hadn't changed at all, even now. "…My head… my head is spinning." Elder Il Jang cheerfully tousled my hair with such force that my head bobbed back and forth. “Hahaha—!!! You seem to have grown quite a bit, haven't you? I had a feeling this would happen. Being your father's child, of course you'd grow taller eventually—it was about time!” “...” Thanks to my shedding, I had grown taller. Still, I was smaller compared to Elder Il Jang, who was nearly eight feet tall. Yet, Elder Il Jang seemed genuinely pleased just with that, laughing heartily. For some reason, this sight made my chest ache slightly. ‘...It's because of the shedding.’ If not for it, I would have been significantly shorter. Thinking about my hefty father made the pain worse. “Have you eaten?” “…I was about to, but I lost my appetite.” “Oh dear, you shouldn't skip meals, young man. You're at the age where you should eat to grow even more!” “...” And who caused this loss of appetite? Seeing Elder Il Jang patting my shoulder without knowing my inner turmoil made my insides twist more. ‘I couldn't escape after all.’ Damn it. I had planned to make a quick escape as soon as I heard the news. Regrettably, I didn't manage to do that. “This place is quite good.” The moment I decided to escape, Elder Il Jang appeared in my quarters as if he had sensed it, like a ghost. Thanks to that, I was stuck in such a situation. “I could see myself living here.” Elder Il Jang's words made me pull a face in horror. “What kind of scary talk is that? No thanks.” “What's there to dislike? Come, let's take a bath together after a long while, eh?” “That makes me even less inclined. What a creepy suggestion.” “You brat! Acting all grown-up now, trying to distance yourself. Oh.” Just as Elder Il Jang was babbling nonsense, he suddenly seemed to realize something and looked at me. Then, he started to smile. ‘…Oh shit.’ A smile that seemed laden with intent. I could predict what he'd say next. “So that's it. The great Star King wouldn't want to bathe with an old man like me, right? That makes sense.” ‘Damn it.’ As expected, he was bringing up my nickname. “Indeed. After all, the great Star King himself.” “…That's not what I meant.” “The outstanding and magnificent Star King wouldn't do such things with this mere old man.” “I told you, that's not it.” “The extraordinary, magnificent, great Star King wouldn't eat or bathe with...” “...” Realizing he wasn't listening at all, I covered my forehead with my hand. ‘This is exactly why…’ Seriously, this was precisely why I wanted to make a run for it. ‘Damn.’ Just looking at him, it was obvious he'd be teasing me all day long. And to think there was someone else besides Pae Joon who teased me relentlessly whenever he saw me. With one more person like that around, how can life be peaceful? ‘Hoo….’ I stifled a sigh and queried Elder Il Jang, who was still roasting me. “…So, why did you come here?” “Hmm? Well, the grand and illustrious..." “Ah, please stop with that.” Only when I spoke with a frown did Elder Il Jang cease his teasing, though he looked a tad disappointed. “I heard you weren’t planning to come. Why did you come all the way here?” There were members of our family who had already arrived in Hanam. However, there was no news of Elder Il Jang’s coming. He rarely left the family’s premises, let alone to visit somewhere like Hanam. He wouldn’t have come unless there was a major incident, like the Divine Dragon Hall incident a few years back. So, what was it this time that brought him here? When I asked with that perspective in mind, he replied, “Why else? I heard you, Yangcheon, were involved in a major event, so I came.” The answer left me stunned for a moment. “I heard there was a big fight. Is your body alright?” “…Ah.” Was it really because of me? “You don't seem injured, but I can't tell if you're hurt or not. If you've been injured, are you receiving proper treatment? I heard Shin Ui is around, but don't rely on him too much. He’s, in fact, a bit of a quack in some aspects.” “...” Words flowed unendingly. Although calling the best physician in the central region a quack caught my attention, even beyond that, “…I'm fine.” I felt incredibly awkward, knowing most of his words were out of concern. Did he really come all this way after hearing about what happened to me? ‘Shanxi and Hanam aren't that close.’ How many days had it been since the incident? If he came after hearing the news, he must have hurried over in a frenzy to make it in time. Surely, that’s how it would be, but regardless of his age, could an elderly man like Elder Il Jang rush over in such a manner? If that were indeed the case, a stirring sensation arose within me, brushing up against an uncomfortable feeling. “…Why did you come at your age? You should’ve just stayed home.” So I uttered words that didn't reflect my true feelings. “Haha. You could’ve just said that I went through hardships. You still have that way with words.” “It’s not like that.” “Sure, sure.” Softly. Nodding his head, Elder Il Jang patted my hair again. The rough touch was still uncomfortable, but I didn’t bother to resist. “Oh, right. I heard on the way, Yangcheon.” “Yes.” “I heard you've become the head of the League. Is that true?” “…It just sort of happened that way.” Even though I haven't fully assumed the role and caused quite a stir on my very first day. “Hmmm.” “Why do you ask?” The elder hummed deeply upon hearing my words. It was unexpected, making it seem like he wasn't asking just to tease. ‘…Perhaps.’ Had I created a problem by not consulting the family about taking this position? ‘Indeed.’ That was an issue. I had impulsively accepted the position, but there was an unresolved issue at hand. Accepting the chief position here could interfere with my receiving the position of young master upon returning to the family. That being the case, I should have discussed it separately with my father and the elders. ‘…I forgot.’ I had been so busy lately that it slipped my mind. Because of this, Elder Il Jang might express disapproval here and order me not to assume the chief position. ‘Having already gotten involved, I need to see this through to the end.’ Six months. My plan required six months of effort to accomplish everything. Now I pondered how to convince him. While I was engulfed in thoughts, Elder Il Jang carefully began to speak. "This has become quite the tricky situation." It seemed my assumptions were correct. "Well, you see... Elder Il Jang." "If it turns out like this... it will be discovered that this old man is banned from entering Hanam because of a ruckus I caused." "I have my reasons too... What did you say?" "Eh?" "Pardon?" I paused mid-sentence and stared at Elder Il Jang. A moment of silence passed. "Oh dear. What a slip of the tongue!" Thunk! Elder Il Jang tapped his head with his fist, pretending to be cute. "..." Honestly, it wasn't cute at all.