849 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 849: My Childhood Friend, The World's Greatest "Gu Young Master!" The Poison King cried out, his eyes widening like lanterns. It was all due to the sudden collapse of Gu Yangcheon. But collapsing was not the only issue. "Kuhuek…!" Thud! Gu Yangcheon, lying facedown, was spewing blood from his mouth. The blood was so dark it appeared almost black. "Damn…!" It was clearly a troubling condition. The Poison King grimaced as he examined Gu Yangcheon. "Gu Young Master. Are you okay…?" He cut his words short. His gaze had caught the state of Gu Yangcheon's body. Upon confirming it, he bit his lip. 'This is serious.' Just a moment ago, everything seemed intact, albeit with a slight tremor. Now, however, the situation was dire. His energy was wildly unstable. The rampant energy felt as though it might shatter his meridians. It was recklessly violent, beyond control. If not controlled, it seemed intent on destroying everything. "Kuuhuh… Heok…!!" Gu Yangcheon, too, groaned silently with a blood-soaked face, clearly in torment. Imagining the pain his body endured from the energy's rampage was surreal. It might feel like thousands of thorns were dancing within his meridians. Yet, even seeing Gu Yangcheon in such turmoil, the Poison King could do nothing. Such out-of-control energy was not easily meddled with. A wrong touch could lead to a Qi deviation. If the energy couldn't be controlled, it might not only harm the other but himself as well. Leaving it to calm down was also not an option. 'At this rate, his energy might explode in no time.' Meddling might lead to Qi deviation. Leaving it unchecked poses a risk of his body exploding from the energy. Despair seemed inevitable no matter what. 'Damn it.' There was no time. No time to properly think about this. In fact, the mere act of pondering wasn’t even helpful because there was ultimately only one course of action. He had to intervene. Somehow, he needed to control that energy. The problem was… 'Do I have the confidence to meddle with this energy and control it?' The Poison King lacked confidence in himself for such an undertaking. Attempting it might drag him into Qi deviation as well. That was Gu Hari's certainty. Should he then leave it as it is? Would it be better to fetch a physician from outside instead? Logic dictated this to the Poison King. "Do not move." Despite such thoughts, the Poison King’s hands were already reaching toward Gu Yangcheon. He had to save him. For his daughter's sake. If not for that, then at least for the future of the current martial world. He could not allow such a talented young man to fade before his eyes, no matter his personal feelings toward him. The choice made by Tang Tenki, not the Poison King but the human being, was clear. He would first try to calm the energy. With that intention, Tang Tenki approached Gu Yangcheon. Whoosh! “…!?” Tang Tenki had to pause his steps instantly. Gu Yangcheon, previously groaning motionlessly, had raised his hand toward the approaching Tang Tenki. "Gu Young Master…? How come…." "Do not… come near…. Haaah!" He coughed up blood despite speaking to stop him. It was undeniably risky, yet he insisted on stopping any approach. Could it be? ‘Is he planning to die like this?’ Was he hoping to leave everything as is to avoid tangling himself should he interfere? The chilling thought prompted Tang Tenki to move faster. "Don't harbor strange ideas and stay put! I am the Poison King. I’m not someone to falter at mere things like this.” Despite feeling a tremor of unease, Tang Tenki ignored it. Now was the time to muster even nonexistent confidence. "Just trust me and stay still. I will definitely save you." Ignoring Gu Yangcheon’s words, Tang Tenki moved again. "Agh…! Just stay put…! Haaah!" Gu Yangcheon shouted, spitting blood in the recoil. "What…?" Startled by Gu Yangcheon's persistence, Tang Tenki watched. But then a more astonishing event happened forthwith. Pook! "Heek!?" Suddenly, Gu Yangcheon spread all five fingers and thrust them into his own chest. Gush! Blood trickled down, soaking his clothes and pooling on the floor. The sudden action left the Poison King speechless. In that moment, Sssssssssss---!! "Kuueeeeeee!" Energy began to move from the point where his hand was embedded. “Incredible…” Witnessing this, the Poison King couldn't help but let out a breath of disbelief. Whatever Gu Yangcheon was doing seemed insane, yet astoundingly, it affected the energy. His hand directly touching his own Qi, Gu Yangcheon began to control the rampant energy. Usually, energy that began to rampage like that was beyond one’s control. It was impossible even to try to contain it. 'The pain would be unbearable.' Especially now, when Gu Yangcheon was facing such circumstances. Imagining the level of pain he might be enduring was mind-boggling. ‘He's managing to control it himself?’ In that state, Gu Yangcheon was actively controlling his energy. One could vaguely perceive the magnitude of his struggle from just the blood vessels standing out on his body. Pain aside, even more so was the control. 'What kind of phenomenal control is this….' It was almost incomprehensible and impossible to believe. "Ku…huuu…." Drenched in sweat mixed with blood, Gu Yangcheon remained unmoved despite such agony, focusing on control. Watching the gradually stabilizing energy, Tang Tenki was left speechless, as if he had seen a ghost. After another half incense time had passed. "Huuu… huu…." His breathing steady, Gu Yangcheon showed signs of weariness, his body trembling in exhaustion. Finally, Tang Tenki, who had watched all along, could release a trembling sigh himself. ‘He's really achieved it.’ He truly pulled it off. Whatever the principle behind his method, the rampage had thankfully ceased. Tang Tenki spoke gently to the trembling Gu Yangcheon. “…What on earth happened? Why is this happening all of a sudden…?” He cautiously approached and asked. Then, “…My arm.” Gu Yangcheon whispered very softly. “What did you say?” Tang Tenki strained his ears to hear better. When he did, he could make out the faint words. “…Damn it….” “…Huh?” “So damn strong. Damn bastard.” Gu Yangcheon unexpectedly uttered a string of harsh curses. Thud. He fell unconscious onto the pool of blood he himself had spilled. “…What?” Tang Tenki was momentarily stunned but quickly responded. “Gu Young Master…! Pull yourself together!” He immediately lifted Gu Yangcheon and dashed out of the building. Sure, the precious fermentation room made by the Tang family was now a bloody mess, but Tang Tenki couldn’t care less about that. ***************** In the forest near Sichuan, A location somewhat distant from the branch of the Murim Alliance. The sun was setting, and the forest was becoming darker. In no time, the moon would be rising. During this twilight, two women strolled through the forest. At a glance, neither of them was ordinary. Both were strikingly beautiful, and neither their attire nor demeanor suggested anything common about them. One of them, with blonde hair that shone faintly as if illuminating the darkening forest, turned to the other beside her. "Sister." “…Hmm?” “Do you know the way here?” Upon Wi Seol-ah’s question, Namgung Bia shook her head. "No." “....” At Namgung Bia’s confident response, Wi Seol-ah also nodded. This confirmed her suspicion. “It seems we’re lost.” “Yeah.” “This isn’t the location mentioned in the information, is it?” “…Hmm…?” “…Let me check again.” It seemed asking had been pointless. Wi Seol-ah reached for the note. It was something Gu Yangcheon had organized and passed on to them. He had specifically instructed them to begin the investigation with that. "…" As Wi Seol-ah inspected the note, she frowned. Namgung Bia noticed Wi Seol-ah’s reaction and asked. “…Why…what’s wrong?” “…The thing is.” Wi Seol-ah bit her lip slightly and spoke to Namgung Bia. “…I still don’t quite get it.” "..." She had confidently thought she'd understand it at a glance, but she didn’t. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Wi Seol-ah scratched her cheek, prompting Namgung Bia to pat her hair gently. “It’s okay….” “…You’re right. We’ll find a way somehow. Let’s keep our spirits up.” “…Mhm….” The problem was initially sending both out together. At least one of them should have been someone capable of conducting the task. Nevertheless, they knew why Gu Yangcheon had paired them. “…After all….” Wi Seol-ah murmured softly, to which Namgung Bia gave a slight nod. He had a subtly possessive nature. Apparently, he didn't want them around other men extensively. Though it was somewhat cowardly, they decided to overlook it. While intensely examining the note, Wi Seol-ah suddenly looked up at the sky. “It’ll be night soon. Should we head back?” “…Yeah.” They had been instructed to return when dusk fell. The moon was already faintly visible, meaning it was time to head back. However…. “…Where should we go?” "…" Which direction to go, considering they were lost. Of course, since they were relatively near a mountain, if they decided to search diligently—they could, or at least Wi Seol-ah could find the way. Not to mention, Wi Seol-ah knew one of the fastest ways to discern direction. “Sister.” “Hmm.” “Where do you think we should go?” Wi Seol-ah inquired to Namgung Bia, who pondered the question and pointed to a direction. “…That way.” “Got it. Let’s go.” Wi Seol-ah took Namgung Bia’s wrist and led the way. It was the opposite direction that Namgung Bia had pointed out. Namgung Bia looked slightly dissatisfied with Wi Seol-ah’s decision, but it was the best approach. There was no better method. “Sister, we found our way using this method last time, remember?” In a similar situation before, they'd found the way using this unconventional method. Its effectiveness was undeniable. Believing that it would work again, they walked on. Though the night in the forest quickly deepened, both weren't intimidated by the dark. Additionally, Wi Seol-ah's eyes could detect light even in darkness, making it relatively easy to find the way. As the two walked for a little while longer, "…" "…" They abruptly halted and squinted. Then, almost as if predetermined, they exchanged glances. -Sister. It was Wi Seol-ah’s voice transmitted directly to her. -Do you sense something? -Mhm. Wi Seol-ah nodded after exchanging telepathic messages. Namgung Bia’s reaction and her own senses were aligned. There was indeed something ahead. Instantly, Namgung Bia leapt into the air. The moment she ascended, her presence vanished. It was a remarkable stealth technique. Suspended in the air, Namgung Bia surveyed the forest. -Ssssss…. "…" Namgung Bia covered her nose with displeasure. It was certain. There was something up ahead. The moment she realized it, she landed back on the ground and met Wi Seol-ah's eyes. Wi Seol-ah had already unsheathed her sword, readying herself. -Should we proceed? Namgung Bia shook her head. -…No, if we find anything…he instructed us to return immediately. -But, it seems like some kind of formation. If we don’t check it now, it might disappear later. -No. Namgung Bia was adamant. Nothing was more important than his command. Already, a few months back, she had been heavily reprimanded for taking the entrance test to the Murim Alliance. She had decided it was best to follow orders diligently for now, ensuring that when she caused significant trouble in the future, some of it might be overlooked. Wi Seol-ah pouted slightly at Namgung Bia’s demeanor but ultimately agreed by sheathing her sword. They'd confirmed that something was amiss, so they decided to head back. Just as the two prepared to move, […ain’t it so?] A distant voice reached their ears, prompting them to lower their breaths and heighten their senses. [Dojo Master. It seems Il Cheonggeom's behavior is somewhat questionable. Suddenly, contact has become difficult.] [Did Chief Mok have anything to say?] [No. He reported nothing unusual, but….] [Seems like you can’t trust the report, could you?] [Indeed….] [Heh… It doesn’t matter. They are all targets to be eliminated anyway.] [However….] [Even though the Star King might be involved, don’t concern yourself. I have something in mind….] Abruptly, the conversation ceased. The presences vanished along with the voices, implying there was indeed something happening ahead. Hearing this, Wi Seol-ah turned to look at Namgung Bia. "Sister…shouldn’t we check…huh?" She was about to ask if they should investigate when she realized Namgung Bia was not where she expected her to be. Surprised, Wi Seol-ah glanced ahead. “...” Namgung Bia had already drawn her sword and was rushing forward. --- 1 Martial Arts, 3 Comments 3.2 / 79 Saeri 2024.09.07 21:51 Report Mentioning the Star King... 0 hwawol72 2024.10.21 17:15 Report Why does Seol-ah seem more mature now? 0 Yeon Woo 2024.10.28 07:18 Report Tying two directionless pets together was bound to be a mess. 0 Only logged-in users can post comments. 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