794 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 794 of "The World's Best Teacher's Childhood Friend" > The Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive The first leader of the Baekhwajeongwas a direct descendant of the Gu family. Because of Elder Il Jang's words, he had to stand there rigidly, filled with tension. No immediate reaction came to him easily. From the start, he couldn't fathom how to respond to such a bizarre statement. After stammering for a long while, he finally managed to speak. “What kind of nonsense is this?” “Why is it nonsense?” “…You actually call that a coherent statement?” Was it possible they genuinely didn't understand why it was absurd? ‘How is that even possible?’ If he was truly a direct descendant of the Gu family... wouldn't that make Mrs. Mi's relationship inappropriate? ‘Mrs. Mi is born of the Mi family.’ And yet, if the father, the first leader, was a descendant of the Gu family, their surnames wouldn't match. Of course. ‘Unless he was a son-in-law...’ Considering the broken family ties, it seemed likely he might have taken his mother’s surname. That much was understandable; the surname wasn’t crucial, after all. The important thing was: ‘Then how does the marriage fit into all of this?’ It implied that the two shared blood. Being direct relatives meant they weren't siblings of the father, implying a link through the grandfather’s line. Meaning. ‘Does that make them cousins?’ That suggests a rather close relationship. A situation that could arguably be considered familial. If, in that situation, the father married Mrs. Mi and even fathered a child.... ‘Is that really okay?’ From his perspective, it was a bit hard to comprehend. ‘…Somehow.’ As soon as he laid eyes on the first leader, he had a feeling that the old man was not very amiable. Was it because he was related to our family? Could it actually be why Mrs. Mi looked so cold, too? It seemed like this family couldn’t escape from its peculiar circumstances. Honestly, was there even any point in being surprised? ‘It’s already a messed up family anyway, what more is there to be shocked about?’ When had our family ever been truly upright? Even while thinking this, he couldn’t help but ponder. ‘…Wouldn’t not being surprised make me mad?’ He soon realized the contradiction. Seriously, does this make any sense? No matter how he tried to see it favorably, it was impossible to do so. As he pondered how to interpret it, casting his eyes around, “A very entertaining expression you have there.” “...” Elder Il Jang chuckled, finding it all too amusing and quite irksome. “You’re laughing at a time like this?” “With a face like that, it’s hard not to laugh. You’re quite the scoundrel.” What about my face? What’s so funny about it? Despite feeling deeply wounded, what mattered more was what Elder Il Jang said next. “While your thoughts might be obvious, it’s worth noting that it’s not as bad as you think, so don’t worry too much.” “Not as bad as I think?” “Yes.” “…How so?” How could it not be bad? He focused intently on the words, seeking clarification. “Well? I don’t think I have to go that far.” “...” Elder Il Jang grinned and then clammed up. For crying out loud. ‘Guess he’s got no plans to spill the beans.’ Unbelievable. I was naïve for a moment to believe him. Anyway... ‘Does that mean it’s true that the old man is from the Gu family?’ If Elder Il Jang's words were true, then the first leader was part of the Gu family. Perhaps an uncle to his grandfather, if you think about it. Thus, if he talked about the Gu family, it wouldn’t be entirely surprising. Except. ‘The fact that there was a living direct relative I didn’t know about.’ Despite being a relative, having never learned martial arts—or specifically, exhibiting no trace of such—remained bizarre in various respects, yet... ‘Do all those oddities somehow mean it's alright?’ Elder Il Jang seemed indifferent despite knowing all of this. Even with his laid-back nature, there must be a reason for such a composed reaction. ‘Right, if there had been any issues, the marriage wouldn’t have been possible from the start.’ The Gu family might not be a sound family, but they are a family, nonetheless. Particularly with the strength of the elder council being weak and his father’s standing being relatively strong. ‘For that, there would need to be ample justification for Father.’ This would have been impossible if Father had committed any serious misdeeds in his youth. Marrying the leader of the Baekhwajeong? No matter what advantages that provided. ‘That’s quite problematic.’ Marrying a direct relative was a rather complicated issue. Given that, having reached this state implies... ‘There must have been some good reason for it, as Elder Il Jang said.’ If not... ‘Perhaps few knew about it.’ There was also the possibility of lacking information. However. ‘Personally, I think it's the former.’ The former reason seemed more significant. With these thoughts, he turned to Elder Il Jang. “Elder.” “Yes.” “You do realize you’re sly, right?” “What did you say, brat?” Elder Il Jang looked at him with disbelief, while he could only sigh in response. ‘...Who’s really unbelievable here?’ Having reached this point, he could tell. Why Elder Il Jang was mentioning this. Was it solely because he lost a wager to let him know? That wasn't entirely it. The old man was one of the direct descendants of the Gu family. So, if he knew about the Gu family's secrets, it wasn't strange. Also... ‘...That side’s family is just as flawed, so try to understand.’ Elder Il Jang seemed to be explaining with the excuse of sharing a secret, asking for some understanding on his part. Regardless of what the first leader did, he was being told to empathize a little. ‘Hah.’ Indeed, the man seemed adept at creating these troublesome entanglements. ‘...But that aside.’ Whether it's the direct Gu lineage or not. While it was surprising, frankly, it didn’t matter much. ‘Whatever.’ As mentioned earlier, it was a known fact that my family was chaotic since the old days. If there's any difference that has emerged, ‘Mrs. Mi and I might share some blood.’ That slightly(?) narrowed the distance between them. That was about the extent of it. What's more important right now is ultimately, “So, do you know why that old man is looking for me?” “Ah—!” Why the old man was searching for him. Given Elder Il Jang’s explanation, it became even stranger. It certainly wasn’t to suddenly share Gu family secrets. ‘If that were the case, he should have met me in a past life.’ Suddenly showing up now didn’t provide a reason for seeking him out. As my presence grew and my name began spreading across the central plains, it reached even the ears of the first leader, possibly linking everything together. ‘If the first leader acted upon hearing this, there must be some connection.’ I needed to understand the connection between my rising status and the first leader’s actions in response to it. So, I asked Elder Il Jang about this matter. “Hmm.” “Why? Is this another question you're unwilling to answer?” “No, it’s not that, exactly.” Elder Il Jang stroked his beard repeatedly before answering. “It’s actually a question linked to the secret I was planning to tell you.” “…What?” A secret he planned to tell me. I wondered what that meant, and soon recalled. ‘Ah, right. There was that.’ In addition to revealing the first leader's identity, he had mentioned sharing another secret. And now, this secret was apparently tied to the current issue? With a growing sense of curiosity, “The reason that old man is calling you has to do with the secret.” “Yes.” “It's because he cherishes his daughter too much.” “What?” I frowned at Elder Il Jang’s words. What was he talking about? “That man... he's an incredible father when it comes to his daughter.” “…?” It was an answer that didn’t make any sense at all. **************** Afterwards, I returned to my quarters. There was more to discuss, but Elder Il Jang decided not to answer further and suddenly left, saying he had someone else to meet. He truly is like the wind, as always. I felt a tinge of jealousy. Living life on one’s own terms like that might be something to admire. Elder Il Jang said he’d occasionally drop by while staying at the Gu family quarters, but of course, I told him not to. Not that he would listen, but at least it was an attempt to avoid him. Returning to my lodgings, I sat alone in the room, lost in thought. The recent conversation with the first leader? The role held by the head of the Gu family? Or perhaps the mysteries surrounding the Heavenly Demon? These were not the thoughts occupying my mind. Of course, while these matters aren’t insignificant, what occupied my mind was something else entirely. 'What was that sensation earlier?' The sensation felt during my sparring with Elder Il Jang. The countless phenomena perceived within the buoyant sensation. I was trying to recall the fleeting feeling often referred to as enlightenment. Martial artists often say that if you don’t seize enlightenment when it comes, it becomes a lifelong regret. That’s how rare and significant it is. ‘…Hmm.’ I missed that. Why did that enlightenment come to me so suddenly? I wasn’t sure if it was truly enlightenment, but I believed it to be. No, I was certain. Instinctively, I was convinced. It was undoubtedly enlightenment. My thoughts and even my spirit were declaring it. That’s why it’s such a regret. 'If only I had grasped it.' What would have happened if I hadn’t let that enlightenment slip through my fingers? Would things not have changed? Wouldn't it have unveiled a new world deserving of the name enlightenment? While such a miracle seemed unlikely, it wasn’t entirely impossible. Why did the enlightenment come on suddenly in the first place? ‘I don’t know why.’ Even if enlightenment could arrive without prior warning, it shouldn’t come without reason. Especially achieving enlightenment during a sparring match? ‘It’s an unfamiliar experience.’ It was something I had practically never experienced before. Making a guess, ‘...Was it because of the White Stone?’ The White Stone I had hastily consumed. The increased senses and vitality from it. Was it possibly the cause? It might have been. In terms of looking for causes, there was nothing else to consider. ‘…What use is it now, though.’ As I said, it’s too late at this point. Even if I had tried to seize the enlightenment and swung properly, ‘Elder Il Jang likely would’ve been severely injured.’ Thinking of it like that, it wasn’t an enlightenment I could have gained anyway. So, this is merely a lament over what could have been. ‘Tsk.’ I clicked my tongue and gazed out the window. The sun was already setting. I hadn’t done a single planned task throughout the day, and now the day was ending. ‘This will make tomorrow a bit of a hassle.’ Once something gets tangled, it compounds rapidly and piles upon itself—such is my life. Though while it concerns me at times, “Something will work out….” Once it accumulates to a certain point, it all becomes bothersome. Things will work themselves out. If it's a problem I can't solve right now, my future self can handle it. For now, "Perhaps I should go see the kids." Thinking to address weariness and fatigue with something joyful, I resolved to leave my quarters and head out. Having vented my frustrations through the sparring match with Elder Il Jang, dispelling any lingering unease with happiness seemed fitting as I stirred myself to move. With a weary expression etched across my face, I stepped forward. Because I was exhausted, my focus was waning. Hence, I failed to notice. Woosh. There was an unexpected flicker of flames across my back as I moved. Additionally. “Speak up.” “Ugh…ugh….” Tomorrow, I would be. “Bark more, damn it.” Unbeknownst to me, I was about to wreck one of the members.