909 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

"Where have you been?" As morning transitioned to noon, the question was directed at the Heavenly Demon who appeared belatedly. "Taking a walk." I smirked at the simple reply. "So, you spent the entire day walking?" "Yes." "Really? Where exactly did you go?" "Nearby." "Wow, such a fantastic answer." At this rate, it would be better if she simply said she didn't want to answer. I almost sighed but resisted with difficulty. 'It doesn't matter anyway.' Regardless of where she went, or even if she disappeared entirely, it had nothing to do with me. In fact, disappearing might be better for her. So, it was strange that I even cared at all. "Tch." Clicking my tongue briefly, I began to move. As I moved, the Heavenly Demon quietly followed. I considered telling her to buzz off but decided to ignore her with effort. While walking, I looked up at the sky. The crimson sky was still strange. Additionally... 'Hmm...' Judging by the position of the sun, it was noon. But something felt odd. 'The time seems strange.' It felt like noon had passed a long time ago, and the sun should have been setting by now, yet it was still shining brightly. 'Is it just an illusion?' Perhaps it was just my perception that time was flowing slowly, but somehow it seemed unlikely. 'A day here is different from Zhongyuan.' That seemed to be the right outlook. It made me wonder how that could be, but then again... 'The very concept of time is different here, so there's no point in fretting about it.' Probing into every little detail seemed pointless given the bizarre situation I was in. - Hup! - Hup hup! The sounds of shouts that had been heard since morning were still audible. It signified that the enthusiasm hadn't diminished even though so much time had passed. Glancing at them slightly, I continued my walk. 'Martial artists, huh.' Those wielding wooden swords and exuding intense energy. Although they looked different, their essence was that of martial artists. Entities from another world. Yet, they employed martial arts from Zhongyuan. The unique dissonance was indescribable. Was it due to prejudice? Or... 'Is it something I can't accept?' I scratched my neck. An incomprehensible emotion brushed past me. As I tried to push the thought aside and quickened my pace... "Greetings." Someone appeared in front of me, blocking my way. I wasn't particularly flustered. After all, I knew someone had been watching me. "Yes." Despite my curt reply, the woman didn't erase the smile on her face. My gaze inadvertently moved to her ears. She was like Gu Bong, possessing animal ears and a tail. The difference was, he was more like a wolf or a dog. She seemed closer to a cat. While observing this, I asked, "Who are you?" "I am Seol Yeong, who is responsible for the education of the third generation disciples." Another first-generation disciple. I squinted my eyes unconsciously. My perception had been influenced since the recent brawl with Gu Bong—rather, since I thoroughly beat him. Seeing this, Seol Yeong urgently waved her hands. "Oh, I'm different from that idiot Gu Bong, so no need to worry." Perhaps having heard something already, Seol Yeong began to explain. "Our senior brother is usually quite jealous and lacking in tact. I knew he would cause trouble, you know?" Nodding repeatedly as if she agreed, I almost laughed unawares. It seemed she, too, had endured many difficulties. "Of all things to mess with... If someone ends up lying around like that, I have to take care of all the remaining issues." "Should I apologize?" "Oh, I'm not blaming you, esteemed guest. It's just that guy is a bit frustrating. I'm not even sure why he chooses to live like that." Her expression seemed genuinely frustrated. Seeing this, it was clear she hadn't come to pick a fight. "So, if you're not here to accuse me, what is your purpose in approaching me?" If she wasn't here to accuse me, she probably wasn't just here to complain either. What was her purpose? Asking to get to the point, Seol Yeong's eyes grew slightly wider. "I've heard stories, but it's true." "What stories?" "Do Dong called you a spitting image of the Chief." "...Who is that damn person?" Which bastard carelessly says such heinous things? I'm going to bring him here and break his limbs. "Uh... The person at the gate of Seong's residence. Do you remember?" "Oh." Was she referring to that little old man? I remembered his description. So his name was Do Dong, huh? 'I'll see about that next time.' I wasn't planning to let it slide. "Haha..." Realizing she had perhaps said something amiss, Seol Yeong laughed awkwardly. Seeing her, I furrowed my brows. No way I could relax my face after hearing those words. "So, what's your business?" My tone naturally became more unrefined. Not that it hadn't been already, but what little politeness there had been vanished. "Well... It's no big deal, but... After you won over Gu Bong so handily, I wanted to..." "Yes? Do you want me to fight you too?" "No? Not at all! I don't like fighting." "…" Was she implying Gu Bong liked getting hit or something? I didn't particularly want to know. "Then what..." "Oh, um. It's just..." Seol Yeong cautiously began to explain. "As it happens, I've been educating my disciples and thought it would be nice to introduce something new to them, like a bit of a fresh experience." "And so?" "Because they've only trained here every day, they lack diverse experiences... So I was hoping you could show them a glimpse of a new world." Hearing her out, I realized what she was implying. In essence... "You want me to become a spectacle before your disciples?" "More of a martial arts demonstration than a spectacle?" "No thanks." I moved past Seol Yeong promptly. I was busy enough as it was; the idea was ludicrous. "Ah—! Wait a moment!" Seol Yeong followed in pursuit. "But can't you do it just once for the growing sprouts?" "No, not even once." "But surely... with your broad heart, can't you consider it?" "My heart isn't broad. It's narrow and very narrow." "Oh, come on! You're just thinking it's narrow, that's all. It can be as broad as you want it to be, you know." "..." I stopped walking and looked at Seol Yeong. "Ugh." Seol Yeong flinched upon seeing my face. My expression was probably filled with annoyance. "Why do you keep pestering me? I already said no." "Hahaha…" "You think I'm an easy target? I'm someone who doesn't get called kind." "Yes. You do indeed look like it." "What?" "J-Just kidding. Hahaha…" What is with this crazy person? I've hardly encountered a personality like hers. Considering how much I've refused, one would think she'd give up by now. Yet, she's relentlessly persistent. How should I handle this? 'Should I hit her?' Should I just beat her up and send her away? That thought crossed my mind. "I'm not fond of being hit." Seol Yeong said, as if she could read my mind like a ghost. "…Can you read minds too?" "No, it was just a feeling... Was it correct?" "You have quick intuition." "Thank you. I get that often." "So, would you know how I might react if you keep pushing it?" "..." Seol Yeong took a step back subtly. She definitely seemed to possess some quick wits, as she claimed. Yet, it didn't seem like she'd back off easily. I couldn't really send her away by force, so I sighed and opted for another approach. "No matter how much you ask, I can't do it on my own accord. Get permission first." "Permission?" "Yes. If you get a nod from the old man you call the general master, I might…." "Oh, I've already obtained that." "...What?" I furrowed my eyebrows. What did you say? "You've got it?" "Yes, of course, I asked the general master first." "...What did that crazy old man say?" "He said to do as I please." "…" I naturally pinched the bridge of my nose. Isn't that one crazy old man? Despite saying he'd be busy again and leaving for a short while, when did he give the permission for this? Feeling suspicious, I asked Seol Yeong. "…Are you lying?" Are you just saying whatever to persuade me? Although I asked... "Oh, he did say you'd respond like that." "…" "And he told me exactly how to reply." "…What did he say?" "Seeing as all you do is sleep, eat, and defecate, just do some work without any backtalk, you rotten brat." "…" "That's what he said to tell you... and..." Seol Yeong seemed sheepish, realizing the words might have been a bit too harsh. '...Dammit.' It was undeniably Noya's words. "Sigh…" A sigh escaped from me. I'm already overwhelmed with a mountain of things to worry about. I'm stressed enough trying to find a way back to Zhongyuan, and now they want me to assist in disciple training? ‘Are you insane?’ Telling me to stay put and then conveniently making me do these things? "...This old man." Anger surged within me. I almost wanted to flip it and head out. While entertaining such thoughts momentarily. "Ah." A thought crossed my mind. "Esteemed guest?" "Let's go." "What?" "Let's go. I'll do it." "All of a sudden?" "Yes." Seol Yeong looked taken aback, watching me accept abruptly after refusing tirelessly. But I was serious. I even found myself smiling slightly, making Seol Yeong's eyes quiver a bit. "This will be fun. Let's give it a try." “…Uh, e-excuse me?" Seol Yeong was growing more perplexed, but I was genuine. ‘You’re dead.’ You dare to assign me such a task? A rising heat engulfed me. As I had mentioned to Seol Yeong earlier. ‘I’ll make you regret it.’ My generosity was indeed extremely narrow and rather petty. ************* I followed Seol Yeong to the place where shouts of exertion had been resounding from morning till evening. "Instructor!" As soon as Seol Yeong appeared, those who had been swinging wooden swords instantly paused and approached us with bright expressions. "Did you have lunch?" "Yes!" Their response was boisterous. The age range visibly varied. Some appeared to be in their early teens, while others seemed just over the threshold of adulthood. Seol Yeong cast a smile at them before turning her gaze to me. "Greet him, everyone. He is a revered guest brought in by the general master." "Hello!" Their attire resembled the martial outfits I'd seen at the Zhongyuan's Huashan Sect. 'Did they model it after that?' Noya seemed to have recreated it through memories she hadn’t forgotten. How did he manage to replicate even such details? '…It seems she spent those hundred-some years quite productively.' What little concern I had vanished. Apparently, there was no need for it. After glancing at each of the third-generation disciples, I spoke to Seol Yeong. "Uh, Seol… Seol Lady?" Caught momentarily trying to figure out what to call her, Seol Yeong smiled softly. "Just call me Seol Yeong. The general master said you’re a guest, anyway." "Alright, Seol Yeong." "I didn't mean you had to drop formal speech too…." "Your instructor requested that I show you something. Said it might help with your training." Ignoring her words lightly, I moved forward. While walking, I glanced back surreptitiously. I was about to check where the Heavenly Demon had gone, but she had already settled under a nearby tree, sitting in the shade. Confirming this, I turned my gaze back to the disciples. Then. Whoosh. Azure flames enveloped my hand. "Wooow…" "Ooh…" The fire spread calmly, covering my body from my hands. As the flame engulfed my entire body, their reactions brightened. "Wow…" Seol Yeong was no different. She, too, looked at my flames with fascination. It was as if they were seeing something like this for the first time. As for me, I thought their appearance was more intriguing. With a light chuckle, I watched their reactions and spoke. "Well, this is the sort of thing I can show you." "If I wanted to, I could make it much more dazzling, but I won't mention that." Snap. The flames vanished all at once. The spectators, filled with a sense of wistfulness, clearly wanted to see more, but internally, I thought. 'Don't worry, you'll get your fill.' With a swift brush of my hand on my chest, like dusting off some dirt, I deliberately diverted their attention. "Instead of just showing you this, I think it might be more beneficial to do something a bit more efficient." "Efficient?" I smiled at Seol Yeong's inquiry. "Yes, if it's training anyway, wouldn't it be better to have you experience it first-hand rather than just to see it?" "Pardon…? By that, you mean…?" "Shall we have a guided sparring session?" "Esteemed guest, that's..." Just as Seol Yeong began to react with surprise— "Haha…" A sarcastic laugh sounded from somewhere. I turned to see a particularly large fellow among the group. Meeting his eyes, I saw he seemed displeased with something. Good. 'Indeed.' No matter how different the world, there's always someone like him, and I hoped for such a person to be there. I addressed him while looking. "Why are you laughing?" The direct question made him flinch in surprise. However, perhaps due to a bit of pride, he soon stepped forward through the crowd. As he approached, his stature seemed even more massive. Taller than my father or Elder Il Jang. Nearly like a bear... or is he a bear? 'Now that I noticed… the ears…' They resembled that of a bear. "Ah-! Brother…!" "He's at it again…!" As soon as he stepped forward, murmurs of complaints arose from the third-generation disciples. Looking at it, he seemed like the hot-tempered type. Yet— "I apologize." Out of nowhere, he suddenly extended an apology to me. Did I fail? I pondered briefly, thinking it was a bit disappointing. "I was puzzled by the esteemed guest's words which led to the reaction." Fortunately, I had not failed. "Puzzled? About what?" "It seemed questionable whether there was enough merit for a guided spar." "Oh." I was impressed. This guy had the guts to say it outright. "Doung! You…!" Seol Yeong tried to intervene hastily. I stopped her with a hand gesture. Based on what I felt— 'They don't seem to know I've completely destroyed the likes of Gu Bong.' I suspected as much, given their response. If they knew, at least this wouldn't be how they'd react. I asked cheerfully, looking at the one called Doung. "Merit? I don't seem like I have any?" "To think that you do…." His eyes scanned me from top to bottom. "I am not particularly convinced." "Hmm." I've heard I'm a bit rugged-looking, but I am considered youthful for my age. Even if I wasn't, I'm inherently young. This occasionally leads to such treatment. Every time, it's refreshingly entertaining. 'Although I hid my aura on purpose.' But since he wasn't aware of that, I let it slide. "So. You think I look too weak to teach?" "Not exactly that... But..." "So, you mean to say I should stop strutting around and just impress with my flames?" "I didn't exactly say that…" "Great. Merit, huh. That's a good point." I loosened my wrists slightly. A crack echoed unusually loud. "Esteemed guest... Please wait…" Seol Yeong approached swiftly, sensing something awry. I said to her, "You said the general master gave permission, right? Told me to earn my keep. That's what I'm doing, so please stay silent." "But…." "Don’t worry. Nothing unexpected will happen." "..." Seol Yeong swallowed hard and backed away at my reassurance. "Merit. How shall I show you what I have…." After pondering briefly, I spoke to the one called Doung. "Sounds good. How about a wager?" "…A wager?" "If you can touch even the hem of my clothes during the match… I'll ask the general master to grant you one wish of your choosing." "…!" Doung's eyes widened. The moment I mentioned Noya, their attentions shifted noticeably. It seemed the old man had more influence than I anticipated. "What do you think?" "…Are you claiming that's possible?" "Hey. Why think like that already?" I waved my hand with a nonchalant air. "Those are worries for when you manage to touch me. But that won’t happen." "…!" I teased his pride, and Doung's face contorted. Watching his expression, I asked. "Do you accept?" Doung didn't reply verbally but instead took a formal stance with his hands. "The third-generation disciple of Huashan. I am Doung." The casual tone he had used earlier vanished, replaced with a respectful demeanor. I looked at him curiously. From his attitude, I could sense the beliefs imparted by Noya. "From Shanxi, Gu Yangcheon." So for this part, I matched his formality. Once the formalities concluded, Doung immediately placed his hand on his sword. "Do not regret this." As Doung acted, the third-generation disciples quickly distanced themselves. Standing in place, I watched his physique. He had sturdy muscles. The moment he adopted his stance, his muscles responded—the inferior limbs were especially firm, comparable to Tang Deok's in terms of muscle quality. 'The third-generation disciples here are exceptionally capable.' In Zhongyuan, disciples of this level were barely second-rate or at best first-rate. From what I saw initially, excluding Yeong Pung, they were all roughly alike. 'This place is incredibly different.' Even Gu Bong, whom I met yesterday, seemed stronger than those in Zhongyuan. This is... 'Is it due to Noya's teaching, or perhaps…' Maybe it’s because they aren't merely human. Thinking about this, I flexed my fingers. "Adopt a proper stance." Doung addressed me, turning it into a suggestion. I laughed at his words. "If necessary." "..." His thick brows twitched at my response. I spoke before things began. "Ah, just so you know—" Doung paused for a moment. "Yesterday, there was a guy who underestimated me and got beaten up. Don't understimate me. Take it seriously and assess the situation." "..." He grimaced but didn’t respond verbally, merely tightening his grip on the sword’s hilt. Seeing this, I glanced towards Seol Yeong. Understanding my glance, Seol Yeong hurriedly shouted. "Ah…! Begin the spar." Her hand rose and— "Begin." My fingers pointed downward. With a sharp press. Clang- The sword was about to be unsheathed when– Click. "...Huh?" For some reason, the blade wouldn't come out. It wouldn't budge as if something was obstructing it. What's happening? Doung was visibly flustered. "I told you." "...!" By the time he hastily raised his head, my body, previously standing afar, had already reached him. With my hand, I firmly pressed down on the end of his sword's hilt to prevent the sword from being drawn. Then, just like that, "Don't worry." Crunch-! "Guh!?" I pressed down on his knee joint, forcing his upper body to bend forward. "Didn’t I tell you there’s no need to worry?" As his guard fell apart, I drove my fist straight into his face. Bang-!! "Ugh." With a short grunt, his large body collapsed to the ground. Thud. His massive form fell helplessly to the floor, and I stepped aside. Amidst the dust rising, the sparring session ended just like that. "…" "Uh…?" The spectators wore blank expressions. It seemed they hadn't even comprehended what just happened. A discomforting silence persisted. Meanwhile… "..." Seol Yeong was looking at me, her face showing utter astonishment. -You said nothing would happen. Her large eyes indicated that things had gone terribly wrong. I simply replied with a look. -Did you really believe that? "...No!" "Alright." Ignoring Seol Yeong’s attempt to protest, I turned to the next third-generation disciples and said. "Next." Naturally, no one stepped forward. Of course, it wasn’t like I would just stay put if no one volunteered.