793 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The House of Guga has been the leading force in flammable techniques since its emergence in Zhongyuan long ago. The head of Guga and their direct lineage have always wielded the power of fire, utilizing techniques such as the Sammae Jinhwa to ignite flames. While at a glance, their martial arts might resemble I and Guga's, the foundations differ greatly. The Shanxi Guga has always been dominant, leading with fire techniques down through generations. However, not all Guga descendants can wield these fiery techniques. Only those born in the direct line, possessing the innate Gu Flame Wheel, can truly harness such power. Those from branch families often must adapt and learn other internal techniques. Despite differing in nature, these techniques share the commonality of heat manipulation—be it by enhancing physical capabilities through internal heat or applying it in swordplay. Some, through extensive training, rival the power of the direct lineage's core techniques. Notably, the former Elder Il Jang, Gu Changjun, exemplified this, as does the present elder, Gu's own Yama-fist wielder, Gu Ryun. With a resounding crash, the earth itself upheaved under the elder’s strike, the impact echoing the power and speed behind it. 'Wow,' I thought inwardly, dodging the elder's punches in awe. Despite his age, he remained remarkably vigorous. I've known that Elder Il Jang reached Huajing; how could I not? He likely achieved it before I was even born. The elder’s unique position was something only direct descendants typically held, with the exception of the head of Gu Sun Moon, who could rise to elder without being a direct line member. Yet, this elder defied tradition, achieving his status through sheer influence and strength. I saw steam emanating from the elder’s body, his skin turning crimson as the intense steam was expelled, altering the weight of the energy around us. The heaviness made me wince—a punch appeared suddenly in front of me. Pivoting my head, I swiftly dodged the assault and twisted my waist, using the kinetic energy to deliver a powerful kick to the elder’s abdomen. Though slightly pushed back by the impact, the elder displayed unexpected strength. I watched in disbelief as he grabbed and uprooted a nearby tree, wielding it with ease as if plucking a radish from the earth. ‘Crazy,’ I thought as the elder swung the colossal tree at me with incredible speed; clearly, it wasn't just raw strength but possibly imbued with internal energy. With evasion unlikely, I resolved to break it instead. Immediately, I channeled energy into my fist with the intent of shattering the tree in its path. Crunch—! The tree did break as expected. However, I noticed something unusual: it held no internal energy—realizing too late that it had been a diversion. ‘Damn it,’ I cursed inwardly. With surprising ease, the brittle wood sent me off-balance, and tree splinters whipped through the air. Then, through the gap, the elder’s familiar steam surged forward, and his massive, muscular frame followed shortly behind, delivering a ferocious punch. Already defensive positions shattered; avoiding the hit was impossible. I had no choice but to raise my arms to brace for impact. Thud—! Thump!! The blow carried more force than anticipated, propelling me backward. I struggled to steady myself, grinding against the ground to halt the momentum. “Hah,” I muttered, incredulously, at the pain radiating from my hands. “Isn't that going a bit too far?” I managed to ask, betting on disbelief, as the elder simply nodded, unperturbed. “What did you mean?” he inquired. “Well, I thought you’d take it easy, but you’re pretty serious?” My arms throbbed from the impact, which couldn’t have been half-hearted. ‘My protective inner energy got shattered,’ I mused, viewing the field I’d enveloped for defense decimated with just one punch. Honestly... “Calling it etiquette training—if I take this twice, I might not make it.” “Hmph.” Even his short steps sent vibrations through the ground. Though only I bore the brunt of his strikes, the elder’s dissatisfied expression suggested otherwise. What exactly was off? Studying Elder Il Jang, I noticed his frustration. “Yangcheon, I didn’t think you’d regard this old man lightly,” he chided, furrowing his brows. “What did I do?” I asked. “The old man is putting in this much effort. Aren’t you going to take it seriously?” “…” Oh no. Hearing his remark, I chuckled awkwardly. ‘As expected, I didn’t fool him?’ I had been trying to avoid direct confrontation, hoping he'd overlook it. It seemed he had seen through my intentions long ago and found it unsatisfactory. But... ‘I have no other choice.’ Frankly, I genuinely had no choice in the matter. ‘Who knows what could happen to Elder Il Jang if I miscalculate my strength?’ Currently, I hadn't refined my control over my intense energy. In my condition, initiating an attack could result in unforeseen consequences, even at my own detriment. Thus, I opted for evasive action rather than direct attack. Yet, the elder seemed considerably vexed by it, clicking his tongue disapprovingly. “You haven't matured much. How did you become as dried and wrinkled as an old squid?” he commented peevishly. “What was that?” “I’m asking what you find so worrying that makes you so hesitant.” “…” “Surely, you can't believe that this old man couldn’t withstand a pat from his own grandson, can you?” I had no answer. “If that’s it, you’re fretting over nothing.” With that, the familiar hissing of steam grew once again. The steam emanating from Elder Il Jang's body grew denser. "I am Gu Ryun, wielder of the Yama-fist," he declared. A surge of heat radiated outward, encompassing everything around us. "There’s a lot of talk about you becoming a king, being hailed as a hero, and all that nonsense, seems like your eyes have been clouded." Thud--!!! Soon, the elder’s presence grew as steam mixed with his inner energy, intensifying. "I am not too weak to tame a mischievous grandson or to discipline him." "No, that’s not it.... Ugh." Caught between a rock and a hard place. The elder seemed to have no intention of backing down. ‘I should probably just make a run for it if talking won't get through.’ The thought of fleeing resurfaced, as it always did when the elder sought a sparring match, something I often did in the past when I couldn't win. But this time, the situation was completely reversed. And I had no desire to engage in a battle where I couldn't control my power properly, risking harm. While trying to ignite a quick escape plan, Elder Il Jang seemed to see right through me. "Judging by your expression, it looks like you're planning to run again at the slightest chance." "..." Busted completely. “…That’s not it.” "Yangcheon." “Yes…." "Since when did you gain such maturity that you're now afraid of sparring with this old man?" "Aren't people not supposed to fight so recklessly?" "Haha." The elder chuckled at my response. "I saw a yellow dog on the way here yesterday." "A dog, suddenly?" "What do you think it would say if it saw you now?" "…How should I know?" "It'd probably tell you to quit your nonsense." "..." "Even a neighborhood mutt would say that from hearing your excuses." "What kind of..." "But frankly, as lacking as you might be, you’re my grandson, so what choice do I have? I must aid you." Interrupting his own words, Elder Il Jang rotated his neck, creating a creaking sound. "I'll provide a justification." "…A justification?" "Yes. If you beat this old man…. How about a gift?" A gift? The randomness of his words made me frown. "What is with this sudden talk of gifts?" "You know that cunning old man who sought you earlier." He seemed to be referring to the founding head of the Baehwa Trade. "You asked what he does." "…" "I'll tell you." “…!" Hearing Elder Il Jang's promise, my eyes widened. "And I'll reveal a secret of his to you as well." “…Don’t tell me. Are you going to mention that man's identity as the founding head of the Baehwa Trade, or some similar absurdity?" "Do you think this old man is that petty?" "..." "Answer." "…Of course, not." Thankfully, it wasn’t something I assumed. Anyway. "So, Yangcheon." Refocusing on Elder Il Jang's call, I nodded. "Despite providing a justification, do you still mean to ignore this old man?" Steadying my breathing, I gathered myself. "It seems there’s a misunderstanding." Wooo-! Gradually, power surged through my heart and coursed into my body. Heat rose, activating my physical form. I continued speaking as I directed my energy. "I’ve never once disregarded you, elder." Indeed, never, not once. Despite the few instances I muttered unkind words internally, I’ve never disregarded him. And this occasion was no different. ‘This is not about ignoring, if I had to label it—’ Concern. Though speaking it might be utterly embarrassing, it was the truth. It was purely out of concern for Elder Il Jang. "I can’t fathom why someone your age keeps seeking such hardships." "Huh? This kid, your words again…." He stopped short. Elder Il Jang’s eyes widened. Fssssss--!!! Releasing the pent-up power within my body. Opening up the previously confined energy, my strength burst forth. Saaa--!!! It spread out over my shoulders, flowing gracefully. As anticipated. ‘It's going beyond control.’ The amount exerted exceeded expectation. Though absorption was fast, it did not justify the overall efficiency. "…Hehah." Watching, Elder Il Jang chuckled hollowly. If I was startled, what must the elder be feeling? Clearly incredulous, his eyes betrayed disbelief. While looking at him, I asked. "Elder, do you perhaps wish to stop now?" "What?" Amused by my last inquiry, the elder’s smile deepened. "Quit your useless talk and bring it on. As I said before." His massive fist pointed towards me. "I am Gu Ryun, wielder of the Yama-fist." "…Indeed, so you are." Stubborn as ever. I sighed, continuing my words as I glanced at the unwavering elder. "Elder, I’ve told you before, controlling my power right now is really diffic-." Before I could finish, something appeared before me. Similar to earlier. It was the elder's fist. However. ‘Well then.’ Unlike before, Elder Il Jang's punch appeared significantly slower now. My perception sped up. Consequently, so did my bodily response. Whoosh-! Bang--!! The punch I dodged exploded in the air. I moved forward, grazing into Elder Il Jang’s space. "...Hmmph!" He hurriedly shifted his position. The punch had already been thrown, too late to retract. He attempted to block using his lower body, but by then, my fist was already connecting with him. Thump-. A brief sensation. It seemed insignificant. But then. Boom---!! "Ah…!?" The burst of force rocked Elder Il Jang’s body. Sweeping away with the pressure, it sent him flying. Watching the elder get tossed far away, I took a single step. Tick. My foot lifted off the ground, and I found myself behind the elder immediately. "Ha!!" Elder Il Jang gasped, astonished at my sudden appearance. Twisting his upper body, Elder Il Jang continued his offensive assault. Like before, his punches were powerful and quick, enhanced by his swollen muscles. However, I was slightly faster. Tap-! Tat-tap-! I lashed out with my hands, repelling his attacks like a whip. My trained instincts revealed every move the elder made, allowing me to parry and deflect with relative ease due to his speed. "Hahaha---!" rang the elder’s boisterous laughter. In such a situation, what could he find so exhilarating? Hiss---!!! Steam erupted, clouding my vision, an intentional move. With the steam composed of inner energy, it momentarily obscured my senses. Swoosh-! In that instant, when sight was lost, Elder Il Jang thrust his fist through the mist toward my face. His fist came extremely close, but— Clack-! “…!!” Regrettably for Elder Il Jang, his punch did not find its target, stopped by my firm grip around his wrist. The heat emanating from his flesh revealed the intense effort he put into confronting me seriously. "..." Feeling this, I clenched my fist. Thump-! The flame ring intertwined with my heart throbbed vigorously, and the immense energy surged into my hand. Flick. From the tips of my fingers, flames began to flicker. No further hesitation was needed. With energy gathered, releasing it was the next step. Buzz--. Along with the vibration, my fist was unleashed. It moved smoothly, as if someone guided it. What was this? A strange sense swept over my mind. This sensation. It was subtly different from usual. It felt like I was floating, like the motion was different than usual. Even the energy contained within was significantly different. I felt as if I was entranced by the energy. Was this enlightenment? Could it be that a sudden enlightenment came while clashing with the elder? I wasn't entirely sure what the enlightenment was about, but I could sense the difference. My instincts told me to remember this feeling. The sensation of floating while being natural, with a sense of being capable of achieving anything. Remember this. To do so, I had to capture it surely. I had to recall this sensation and perfectly conclude the action. I knew this better than anyone, but... "..." Instead, I altered the angle of my attacking hand, redirecting my fist. It bypassed Elder Il Jang's chest to find its way to the opening at his side. BOOM---!!! Immediately, flames erupted forth. Gu Flame Wheel. Cerulean flames burst out, sweeping the vicinity. They engulfed the area with a larger blaze than usual, marvelously not affecting the surroundings. They simply blazed. Watching the mesmerizing blue flames flicker, I steadied my breath. "..." I wasn't particularly out of breath. The inner energy had indeed dissipated rapidly, but not to a burdensome degree. Nevertheless, the reason for my labored breathing was none other than the realization. ‘I missed it.’ I missed something poised to come. That breath, that fleeting sensation. The moment of insight that came and went, replaced with a profound emptiness. ‘…Perhaps I shouldn’t have let it slip?’ Who knew when such a moment would arise again? Missing it seemed an enormous loss. Though I mulled over it, I acknowledged, ‘It couldn't be helped.’ There was no choice. After all, I couldn’t truly strike Elder Il Jang with a lethal blow. "Ah…." Reflecting upon this, I regained some composure. In hindsight, this wasn't the time to dwell on it. "Elder Il—" I hurriedly checked on Elder Il Jang. He was staring at me, wide-eyed and bewildered. ‘Oops.’ He appeared significantly stunned. Maybe it had been too much, even if he told me to go all out. Perhaps I had crossed a line. I grew tense, trying to gauge his mood when— "Ha-." "Huh?" "Hahahahaha--!!" “…?” Suddenly, a boisterous laugh escaped Elder Il Jang, and he exclaimed, "This boy! This boy!" As always, he began tussling my hair wildly. "Extraordinary—! Truly extraordinary—!!" "…Uh, wait…hold on…." Contrary to being shocked, he seemed utterly pleased. Why on earth was he reacting this way? Could it be that I accidentally struck him on the head? But, surely, I had dodged a direct hit…? Regardless, with my hair endlessly tousled, I felt the need to get Elder Il Jang to stop. "…Please, could you stop now?" "Well done." "..." "You’ve worked hard." Upon hearing his words, I froze. "This lad. Just how much effort have you put in to reach this point?" The words I intended to say stopped in my throat, my hand ceased retracting. Crackle. Crackle. Amidst the unextinguished blue flames, I was reminded of something long forgotten in the everyday occurrences. No matter how much I improved and ascended in rank, the reason I could never dismiss Elder Il Jang. “Well done. My precious grandson. I’m proud.” "..." In my life, he was the sole one who ever praised me. It came rushing back, why I had behaved the way I did. ****************** Shortly after handing over much of my hair. It didn’t take long for the situation to settle. “Hahahaha, this rascal-!!” Even then, Elder Il Jang couldn’t stop his fits of laughter. Apparently, my victory over him wasn't upsetting. In fact, it seemed he was genuinely pleased. For some reason, Elder Il Jang continued to hammer my back joyfully, and it was finally becoming too much. "…Any more, and my back might break." "Ah, right. This old man got carried away from joy." "What’s got you in such high spirits?" "Hmm?" Given the restrained power use and ultimate victory, I would think a person would find it irritating. "But how could I not be happy?" Elder Il Jang seemed vastly different from my line of thinking. "Knowing how much my grandson has grown. There’s nothing left but to be proud." Technically, I wasn't his grandson. I was about to voice this but decided against it, understanding this wasn’t the right time. “Yangcheon. What about you? How do you feel?” “What do you mean…?” "Doesn't moving your body clear your mind a bit?" "..." Clearing the mind? 'Well, I don't know.' The tangled thoughts weren't going anywhere, and just moving around wouldn't resolve everything. "But it does help." At least it's better than before—there was that much, indeed. As I nodded, feeling it wasn't entirely unpleasant, a thought suddenly crossed my mind. 'Wait a minute... hold on.' A realization struck. “…Elder.” “Yes?” “Just asking out of curiosity.” “Go on, speak your mind." “Did you do this on purpose?” I asked, meeting Elder Il Jang’s eyes. He had started this spar under the guise of discipline yet seemed delighted that I had grown stronger. Even now, all he asked was how I felt. Which implied... “…Was this all just to lift my spirits from the start…?” “I don’t understand what you mean.” "..." Though he responded with a mischievous smile, it only confirmed my suspicion. No wonder he suddenly challenged me to a fight. ‘This old man?’ Unbelievable. Why would someone his age employ such a crude method? I sighed, about to retort, when— “Elder….” “Oh, now that I think about it, we had a bet, didn’t we?” Elder Il Jang swiftly shifted the subject. “You won. So, I’ll keep my promise and tell you.” "..." A bet. It was the condition Elder Il Jang had set during our bout. If I were to win our match.... ‘He promised to reveal the identity and a secret of the founding head.’ I was indeed curious about it. What was it about this old man claiming to know something about Guga? What secret was he hiding? I wanted to know, but at the same time, I had my reservations. '...Given it's coming from Elder Il Jang, it's probably not that reliable.' Considering what we were discussing beforehand, it seemed prudent to wrap up this conversation first. "Right now, that's not what's important—" "That old man was originally from Guga. A direct descendant like you." Despite my objections, his words made me freeze in shock. “I beg your pardon?” This was an entirely unexpected, outrageous statement.