915 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

“What are you?” I asked as I looked at Gu Bong, who had suddenly appeared. “...” The guy didn’t answer my question and merely stood there, face swollen with bruises, eyes purple from the beating he'd received. The culprit was obvious, but that wasn’t what concerned me. ‘He’s already walking around?’ Gu Bong had recovered enough to be on his feet. That's what caught my attention. ‘I didn’t go easy on him.’ Of course, I couldn’t kill him, so I had to be cautious, but it wasn’t like I was gentle. I had used my fists to vent my frustration, leaving him pretty battered. ‘He's healing quite fast.’ Seeing him standing there as though nothing happened, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Why? Now that you're up, do you want to have another go?” I tilted my head as I spoke. “There won't be a second time. Next time, I'll kill you for real. Understand?” I warned him sincerely that there wouldn’t be any second chances after sparing him the first time. Gu Bong flinched at my words, nervously swallowing. “…I’m not here to fight.” He spoke defensively, as if to explain himself. Not here to fight? Then what for? “…I came to guide you as per the Grandmaster's orders.” “What?” I frowned at his statement. ‘Guide?’ Come to think of it, the old man did mention attaching a guide. But for it to be Gu Bong? “Has that old man really lost it?” I was dumbfounded. Of all people, he sends Gu Bong—the one who bore a grudge against me and got beaten up as a result—to be my guide? The old man must've lost his mind. Gu Bong flinched slightly at my words. I asked him, “What? Are you upset because I insulted the Grandmaster again?” “...” I taunted him, and Gu Bong bit his lip. Then, “I apologize.” He suddenly bowed his head and offered an apology. I regarded him with a blank expression. “What’s this?” What was wrong with this guy? Why was he acting up so unexpectedly? “…I let my emotions get the better of me and acted terribly towards you. I sincerely apologize.” “I see.” Watching him bowing his head, I tilted my head slightly. Maybe he just came to his senses and decided to apologize. ‘Did Noya do something to him?’ Nothing in life is ever smooth, so I thought maybe Shin Noya did something. That's why he was forcefully put in the role of guide. ‘But it doesn't seem like he's completely insincere either.’ Tsk. I sighed deeply, clicking my tongue. “Doesn’t really matter. I beat you up, after all.” If we're talking about terrible behavior, I did more damage than he ever did to me. So I didn’t mind accepting his apology. In fact, I had already let go of any resentment when I beat him up. So. “Just remember this one thing.” This was merely a warning. “As I said before, there won’t be a second time.” I spoke with an edge in my voice, and Gu Bong shivered visibly. “…I'll keep that in mind.” Hearing his response, I withdrew my killing intent. I then snorted and approached him as I asked, “So, what is it you're supposed to guide me on?” After sparing a glance at Gu Bong, I questioned what he was supposed to guide me through. He seemed startled upon hearing this. “What do you…?” “You said you’d guide me, right? What are you guiding me on?” “Have you not been informed of anything?” “Nah, just got kicked out without a word.” “...” Gu Bong looked flustered at my words. His expression told me everything I needed to know. ‘Seems like the old man really didn’t explain anything before kicking me out.’ Yes, it’s clear the old man is a bizarre one. “You do understand what’s happening, don't you?” “...” “Explain as we go. Since... it seems going back is no longer an option.” It didn’t look like I could return, so I figured it was best to follow wherever he took me. ****** I followed Gu Bong, accompanied by Cheonma. It was odd, taking a mountain path despite there being a clear trail. Though the path was rugged, it wasn’t much of a challenge given our stamina. Rustle. I moved aside a branch, clearing my way up the hill. All the while, Gu Bong continued to explain things to us without pausing. “We’re now on our way to collect food supplies, which happens every half-moon.” “Food supplies?” “Yes.” “Seems like there's some farming happening inside, so do you really need to go out and fetch supplies?” “For the most part, everything we need is inside, but getting spices or certain specific items is tough.” “True enough.” Thinking back on how we were surrounded by mountains, it did seem hard to procure everything right there. “But why are only the three of us going…?” If the goal was food supply procurement, which sounded like a trade mission, why were only three of us going? I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Moreover, we were going empty-handed without any vehicle to carry supplies back, which was puzzling. “You don’t need to worry about that. Although we say procurement, our main task is to provide escort.” “Escort?” “Yes. Escorting the disciples who have prepared the food supplies back safely.” “…Ah, I see.” I rubbed my temple and spoke. “So, throwing me out only to assign me the task of escorting those fetching food? That's it?” “…Indeed.” “What a load of nonsense.” It’s absurd. I was anxious about what grand task they’d give that required kicking me out, but this? “What about Seryeong, the first disciple? She mentioned that there aren’t any second disciples around because they’re all outside. Are they all doing this?” Gu Bong’s expression dimmed slightly at my question. “Not all of them. Only some disciples are handling this task. The others have more critical responsibilities.” “Hmm.” Well, it’s somewhat a relief they aren't all running food errands. As my thoughts wandered here, a notion surfaced. ‘Being kicked out was one thing, and being told to guard those fetching food was another.’ No matter Noya's intentions, I trusted that he wouldn't set me on a path that would cause me harm. The issue was... “Where exactly are you getting this food from?” If they can’t produce it internally and must source it elsewhere, where are they bringing these necessary supplies from? Just as I was pondering if there might be other villages or something around... “The Moonlit Palace.” “Moonlit Palace?” “A country situated to the north.” I couldn’t help but voice my surprise upon hearing Gu Bong’s words. ...There actually is another place? ‘Then again… Considering the vastness of this land, the idea that only Noya’s Huashan Sect exists here is laughable.’ I had never given it much thought. With so much to learn, other possibilities simply hadn't crossed my mind. ‘Indeed. There should logically be other places.’ In hindsight, it’s quite natural. It’s just that the only odd thing was Shin Noya establishing the Huashan Sect within the Man Gye. ‘Creating it is one thing, but... Who are the people gathered there?’ The assembly of various life forms at the Huashan Sect, the fact they had a protective barrier, and the conflicts with the so-called leader, Du Ryeong — what on earth had Shin Noya been doing here, and what kind of position was he in? Though these thoughts intrigued me, I brushed them aside for now. Ultimately. ‘We’re heading toward another faction, not the Huashan Sect, but another country within the Man Gye.’ - Go and see it for yourself. The notion bled into my mind, mixing with Noya’s parting words. Despite the circumstances, denying my curiosity would be a lie. *********** We walked for about half a day more after that. Truly, all we did was walk. There was no using our light footwork, nor did we run; it was just walking. Why not run, I asked in irritation, to which Gu Bong replied: - It was a rule set by the Grandmaster to prevent drawing unnecessary attention. He was referring to a rule set by none other than Shin Noya. Walking to another place as a rule felt strange, but I didn't question it. Upon reflection, I recalled Noya had also walked when he took us to the Huashan Sect. There must be some reason behind it. Surely, there’s an explanation. That’s the only way. Even this bothersome twitching ear would make sense. As I felt a gentle touch on my head, I furrowed my brow and looked at Cheonma. “…Hey.” “Hm?” “Who said you could touch me?” “Caught me.” “Caught you? You were plainly touching me; what’s up with that?” What nonsense. Reaching over to touch me while we’re walking together and expecting not to be noticed? “Stop it.” “Can I touch it a bit more since I’ve been caught?” “No.” “Got it.” Cheonma pulled back her hand with a regretful look. What’s up with her, seriously? “Sigh.” It’s annoyingly distracting. Both the tail and ears keep preoccupying my thoughts. Do I have to carry these for the next three days? I wanted to remove them immediately. Or rather, should I just tear them off now? Would it hurt if I tore them off with force? Would it be better that way? I was seriously contemplating this when— “We’ve arrived.” Gu Bong, who was ahead of us, announced, stopping my hand in its tracks. I focused my gaze forward in response. Still following the densely foliated mountain path, something beyond came into sight. “…Wow.” I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. Seeing the Huashan Sect constructed by Noya had made me think, ‘This is really vast,’ but... Looking at this, those thoughts didn’t even register. ‘This is insane.’ It was colossal. Completely incomparable to Noya’s Huashan Sect. ‘Could it be similar to Henan?’ So expansive and grand, it seemed comparable only to an entire prefecture like Henan. It indeed appeared as a nation of its own. That thought arose naturally. While I stood there, unable to suppress my admiration, “Honorable guest, I must remind you once again — this is something you must remember.” Gu Bong addressed me with evident concern. In response, I sighed as though exhausted with the repetition. “Yes, yes, keep your mouth shut, right? Don’t worry, I’ll stay completely silent.” Under no circumstance should I unnecessarily open my mouth. It was a phrase Gu Bong uttered incessantly throughout our journey. “I’m doing everything you’ve asked, even changed my clothes, see?” I had swapped my usual attire for the martial robes of the Huashan Sect. Cheonma too was dressed similarly. They said we wouldn’t be let in unless we wore these? Considering there’s no problem in changing clothes, it wasn’t much of a concern. I was obediently following everything instructed. “Please be cautious.” Yet, Gu Bong continued to stress his concerns. “Yes, I will.” “Truly…” “If you say it again, I’ll beat you?” “...” On the verge of irritation, I growled softly, causing Gu Bong to finally keep his mouth shut. Although he fell silent, his eyes were still filled with worry. I clenched my fist at the sight before Gu Bong turned and moved forward once more. After a short while, the gigantic fortress walls came into view, and countless people passing through the gates were visible. The scene wasn’t much different from the interior of the Huashan Sect. Like Gu Bong and Seoryeong, there were many beast-like beings with ears and tails. The difference, however… ‘It’s all them.’ Whereas the Huashan Sect harbored various other mysterious beings besides the beast men. There was none of that here. Taking all this in, I followed Gu Bong. He approached the guards standing by the entrance, brandishing spears. As Gu Bong approached, they reacted. With spears in hand, they scrutinized him. Gu Bong addressed these guards. “We’re here to request entry.” “Who are you?” “Huashan.” “Huashan?” At the mention of Huashan, the expressions of the sentinels changed. I squinted at their reaction. Their expression was unsettling to me. “Purpose?” “Food supplies procurement.” “Headcount.” “Three.” At Gu Bong’s words, the guards looked our way. They scanned Cheonma and I from head to toe. For reference, Cheonma had her head fully covered with a hood from the robe Gu Bong had provided. The sentry, having confirmed my ears and Cheonma’s flicking tail, spoke to Gu Bong. “Authorization.” At that, Gu Bong pulled something out from his clothes and showed it to them. The guard examined it closely and then nodded. “Enter.” “Thank you.” Gu Bong respectfully acknowledged them and proceeded inside. Luckily, it seemed we passed through without issue. As I was gradually making my way inside, suddenly— “Pfft.” A burst of laughter swept by. Simultaneously, as I entered, I heard one of the guards make a sound while looking at me. “Idiots.” It was undoubtedly directed towards me. What's up with these bastards? ‘Should I smack them?’ I clenched my fist instinctively.