899 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Petals dance gracefully in the air. As they float softly, a scent of plum blossoms wafts deeply into my nostrils. It's both fragrant and tranquil. I hesitate to describe a fragrance as tranquil, but that's exactly how it feels to me. Under the moonlight, the flower petals gradually increase in number. They sway leisurely in the breeze, painting a picture of pure beauty. '...There's no wind.' Oddly enough, the air is calm, devoid of any breeze. My gaze fixes on the owner of these plum blossoms, staring in astonishment. 'How?' How on earth? Why, indeed? '...That old man?' Could he be here? But more importantly... 'Why... why can I see him?' Why is he visible to my eyes? That's what I find truly baffling. The form I shouldn't be able to see. Yet, it's clearly visible, leaving me dumbfounded as I keep my eyes on the old man. “Tsk, tsk.” The old man clucks his tongue, casting a scornful glance my way. “Foolish boy. You're just as unsightly as ever, even after all these years.” “...” His familiar insults make me frown. Looking at the distinctive white martial robe he wears, adorned with plum blossom embroidery, I speak. “Shin Noya.” White hair and beard flowing from an ever-sharp gaze that I can't imagine in his youth; Shin Noya is before me. The hero of the Central Plains, the Hidden Sword of Mount Hua, Shin Cheol. Summoned, the fluttering robe of Noya descends from the sky. I wondered what he was standing on, and now I see—a small plum petal beneath his feet had borne his weight. Shin Noya gently lands on solid ground. In that precise moment, petals bloom profusely around the old man's feet. Whhooooosh---!!! Caught in an unfamiliar breeze, my hair flutters. The pressure I feel is solely from his aura. In terms of strength, it resembles a gentle breeze. The moving leaves, defying the stillness, are animated even more vividly by this aura. My eyes are momentarily stolen by the enchanting petals. Even amidst such a scene, it remains captivating enough to draw one's attention. Yet, I manage to redirect my gaze back to Noya and speak. “Noya… How.” [Stranger.] Just as I am about to ask a question, a creature introducing itself as a leader interrupts me. [Why do you interfere with sacred proceedings?] The leader's words divert Noya's attention. “Indeed, who dares to disturb an old man’s sleep with such noise?” [This is the command of my master.] “Of course. So why else would you, slow to move your heavy bottom, venture out at night? Or perhaps,” Noya replies with a sarcastic smile, “is it because the night grants you courage?” [...] Puhuhuhuhu. The creature snorts, glowing embers spewing forth, clearly aggravated by Noya's words. [Stranger, surely you made an agreement with the master?] Thud!! The creature drives its axe into the ground, causing a cloud of dust to erupt. [The promise not to interfere with his deeds.] Despite the fierce reaction, Noya doesn't even blink. “Yes, I did.” He simply loosens his hands, previously clasped behind his back. “But didn't I append some words to that agreement?” [Words?] “Yes, words.” Whhooosh---. The surrounding dust, mingling with floating petals, shifts rapidly. “I also agreed not to interfere. Therefore, do not provoke me unnecessarily. I’m sure I said that?” [This is incomprehensible.] The leader's small eyes narrow. [Stranger, we have never provoked you.] “No. You have.” Swish-! “…!” Suddenly, a sensation wraps around my arm. The binding on my left arm unfurls and flies toward Noya. As it travels, the originally blue-hued object shifts to a dark red—a color it naturally possesses. The object, once in Noya's grasp, consolidates and transforms into the shape of a sword. Upon seizing this weapon, Noya points its tip toward the leader. “Do you see, even with the sword drawn, nothing happens.” [...] “Does it seem to you like I’ve broken any terms?” The leader’s breath grows increasingly heavy as they fixate on the sword’s tip. [It is incomprehensible.] Thunk. They wrench out the axe embedded in the ground. Simultaneously, the leader's tense muscles ripple with another wave of power. [But I understand now, stranger.] “Speak.” [You are obstructing the master’s intent. Thus, you shall be dealt with.] “Hm.” At that, Noya chuckles. “By the likes of you?” [Kuhuhuhu-!] The leader charges forward. ****************** Boom-! Kwang-!! K-r-r-rip-!! The unfolding battle keeps my eyes locked. Axes and swords clash, sending sparks scattered like embers into the air. Residue from their friction. Pressure waves ripple outward with each blow’s encounter. The axe cleaves through the sky once more. Kuwoong---!!! Upon impact, the ground fractures, and cracks spider out from the center. The sheer destructive power sets one’s hair on end. Yet somehow, this is no full-strength assault, as the leader immediately retrieves the axe to strike again. 'What a madman.' This strength is no joke. Each blow could be a fatal threat. A defensive qi might barely withstand the first three strikes, but beyond that level, enduring it seems impossible. Such sheer, reckless power.... "Hmm." Yet, no strain flickers on Noya’s face as he faces down the axe. Clang-! Clang clang-!! He deftly parries the relentless axe with his sword, Gui Jeong. The air pressure sends the axe hurtling skyward. Witnessing this, I widen my eyes. To counter such force with an upward blow—unthinkable grip strength. [Kugh!] The leader attempts another forced swing down, but— Slaaash---!! [Kurrgh!!] Shin Noya cleaves through the leader’s chest with a sweeping sword strike. Blood splattered as it was flung across the sky. It wasn’t just a slash; it was a deep cut threatening to sever the leader's body in half. Sssshhh! “Ha.” Just as the body began to split, it rejoined itself. Witnessing this grotesque form, I gasped reflexively. [Graah...!! You insolent...!!] Apparently infuriated, the leader began channeling power into their axe. Fwoosh-! Flames roared to life around the axe, an intense burning aura that immediately betrayed its fiery potency. Fwooom---!! Air began to shimmer as it was sucked toward the axe. [All is according to the master's plan.] Kyaaaahhhh---!!! With those words, other creatures around bared their fangs. Were they planning to rush at Noya? They had been so quiet until now, it was unexpected. Grimacing, I summoned my own strength. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing. It was then that— "Stay out of this." Noya addressed me with a teasing voice. "The old man would like a bit of fun after all this time. What a bother." "…What?" "You rookie. Let this old geezer show off a little, will you? How clueless can you be? Tsk tsk." "..." What on earth is he on about? In this situation, how could he speak such nonsense? As I stared in bewilderment at Noya's back, he murmured quietly: "Full bloom (滿開)." Saaah... The hovering plum petals began to stir. That was the moment. The moment when the once beautiful petals unfolded into a scene of hell. Shwiiiiiiish---!!! The sky filled with plum petals, spiraling like a storm. The problem was— [Kyaaaah!!!] [Krrrr...!!] Swash—!! Those petals targeted the beasts. And so, as the petals burrowed in, the creatures began to shred apart. Unlike being erased without a trace with a fire technique, the petals did not disappear. Each petal acted as a blade, slicing through the beasts. Blood splattered as bones and flesh scattered across the ground. It took only seconds for the wailing creatures' lives to be extinguished. The once pristine field turned crimson with blood. The only clean places were where Noya and the leader stood, and the spot where I stood with the Heavenly Demon. Everywhere else was drenched in beast blood. Witnessing this, I couldn't help but gulp dryly. To conduct a massacre, yet keep certain places so pristine, meant his control was precise even amid chaos. I couldn't achieve that, even if controlling flame techniques was challenging. ‘Controlling compressed and rotating energy simultaneously is difficult, but….’ Splitting spiritual energy and controlling it so finely was sheer madness. These were plum petals formed of pure qi. To manipulate such delicate energies was an art beyond comprehension. It was as if— “Now it’s quieter.” Noya nodded approvingly, seemingly pleased within the newly crafted silence. [Kuhuhuuu---!!! Huuu!!] The leader seethed with anger, having lost their entire battalion in an instant. Veins bulged against bulging muscles as they charged at Noya once more, axe engulfed in flames. “Will you be alright? The night will soon end.” […!] Noya’s words made the leader freeze momentarily. ‘Night?’ I, too, glanced upward to the sky upon hearing those words. Sure enough, the sky showed signs of dawning light. “When the sun rises, you won’t even be able to dance your petty dramas before me. Will you still come?” [Krrrr...rrrr....] What was this? The hesitation in the leader's demeanor made me question if something about the daylight posed a problem. “Beast of the full moon, while I respect your devotion to your master, knowing your place is also crucial… what do you think?” [...] Noya seemed to imply that he would allow the leader to leave. [You’re the one who’s out of line, stranger.] The leader shook off their hesitation, gripping the axe more firmly. [My master ordered me to kill the vile dragon and return. That’s the only thing that matters, night or day.] “Hm.” [I'll kill you and then the dragon. That’s all there is to it.] “Is that so?” [Die-!] The leader swung the axe. Fire exploded forth, racing toward Noya. But. ‘Why…’ Why was Noya standing still? If this continued, Noya might be in danger. As I prepared to leap into action— […Kuhng!] Screeech-! Suddenly, the axe halted right before Noya. The abrupt stop released the energy and flames from the axe, exploding outward. Kuaaaaaa---!!! The intense heat made me wince instinctively. A bit further, and Noya’s head could have been split open. Why had the attack halted? As the question hovered in my mind— […Kuhuh...] The leader pulled back their axe, taking a step back. Watching this, Noya smirked. “Seems like you got a message to hurry back home, didn’t you?” [...] The leader didn’t respond. But by not denying it, they seemed to confirm Noya's words. “Don’t worry. I won’t hold you. Feel free to leave.” [Krrrr....] They let out a low growl at the tease, but that was all. Turning their back, the leader addressed Noya. [Stranger. You’re fortunate. Be thankful my master showed mercy.] “Indeed, indeed, make sure to express my gratitude.” [Krrrrrr.] The leader swung the axe lightly, splitting the air. Chiiiiik---!!! A portal like before opened at the axe's target. The leader walked into it. The portal began to close slowly. Before it sealed completely, the leader glanced back at us. [Dragon, next time, you die.] Scowling at the comment directed squarely at me, I retorted. “What the hell—I'll roast you, ya livestock!” […You—!] The leader attempted to say something in response to my outburst, but the magic portal had already closed and vanished. In the abruptly calm situation, it was Noya who reacted first. "Haha, still got that rotten mouth of yours, I see," Noya remarked with a sigh, casting a glance my way. Then, he released the coiled sword, Gui Jeong, from his hand, sending it spinning back towards me. Thwap-! Instinctively, I caught Gui Jeong. As if it had been awaiting my touch, the rope wound itself snugly around my hand once again. By then, its color had returned to its original blue. "It's not bad using it after a long time. It feels familiar," Noya commented with a hint of nostalgia. Watching him, I bit my lip. Where do I begin? There were so many questions. Should I start by asking why he's here? Or should I inquire about where exactly 'here' is? Perhaps ask how he's retaining his form? Maybe I should broadly ask what's going on? Countless queries swirled in my mind, but the first thing that escaped my lips was— “Why did you remain still?” My question pertained to the battle that had just occurred. “Hmm?” Noya looked at me, seemingly unsure of my meaning. “Just now. Why did you stay still? It clearly looked dangerous.” "Stay still? Who, me?" "Yes? Well, you did, Noya..." "Ah, tsk tsk." Noya clicked his tongue sharply at my words, looking at me with an expression of exasperation. “You youngling. How is it that your perception hasn’t improved with time?” He gestured skyward with his hand. Following the direction of his pointing, my gaze shifted upward. “What, the…!” Staring at the sky, I froze in place. Finally, I saw them. Three enormous swords piercing through the clouds and stars. Even at a glance, they exuded intense energy. All were swords formed purely of intent. It's overwhelming. Just the sight made my heart pound. Their presence was on a completely different scale from the spirit weapons I wield or those used by others. Something far more sublime and exalted resonated from them. “Did it seem dangerous?” At Noya's voice, my eyes returned to him. Shin Noya was still smiling. That smile, in fact— “To whom?” Was much like the tender amusement a grandparent might show toward a child.