932 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

I had returned to the Mount Hua Sect, bringing along Gu Bong and the Heavenly Demon. There wasn't much reason to stay any longer since things had worked out better than expected, and there was nowhere else to go at the moment. Anyway, I'd be revisiting soon even if it wasn’t now. *Clack.* I felt the object in my pocket make a slight clicking sound. It was something the leader from a certain Black Clan had given me. He mentioned it would make accessing the Night Palace much more convenient. This alone was a significant gain. It also indicated that they were willing to listen to me. ‘The important thing is I managed to secure the first key step.’ I crafted a foundation using Gu Bong. I had suspected there might be connections between him and the nobles. As expected, there was some backstory to Gu Bong. ‘Leaving that aside,’ The unexpected element here was the leader of that clan—an individual from the so-called White Clan. Compared to the previous figure called Baekwol, he was worlds apart. ‘Strong.’ His method of hiding his presence and obscuring visions with illusions was formidable, but when I confronted him directly, he was much stronger than I anticipated. ‘I couldn't see his true strength.’ I couldn't gauge the extent of his power because he concealed it so well. This indicated he was a very formidable existence. His gaze, which fixated intently upon me, and the aura he exuded were anything but ordinary. What would have happened if I had fought to the death right there? “Hmmm….” Even imagining it, I couldn't quite grasp the outcome. That meant I wasn't sure if I would win or lose. ‘Definitely different from that Baek-what’s-his-name.’ With him, I thought I could manage come nightfall. But this one seemed dangerous even before sunset. That just signifies that— ‘When nighttime arrives?’ If he becomes stronger at night, the likelihood of defeat increases. ‘Hmm…’ I frowned. What should I do? This question lingered as I started to become immersed in thought. As I was about to delve into my musings, “…And who said you could settle here like this? Leave at once!” A tortoise appeared before me, frowning as it spoke. Hearing this, I clicked my tongue in displeasure and responded. “I came as a guest. Why do you insist on driving me away before I've even had a sip?” “There’s a sign right at the door saying we don’t accept guests. Who barged in, anyway?” The tortoise held its cane, looking incredulous. Thwack-! “Ouch!” My head was struck squarely, and I instinctively rubbed the sore spot. “I’m not running a business, you scoundrel. Leave quickly.” “Then why did you serve me tea?” I asked, pointing to the steaming cup on the table. They told me to leave yet served me tea. The tortoise looked at me with a baffled expression. “Who was it that threatened to wreak havoc if they didn’t get any tea?” “Well, you still offered it, didn’t you? Last time, you just threw me out.” I recalled how I was swept out with the cane on previous occasions. If you don't want me here, just do that again. As I said this, the tortoise frowned at me. “That was—” He stopped mid-sentence. I watched him, curious about why he halted, but all he did was maintain a dissatisfied look without uttering another word. What now? ‘So, can I stay or not?’ Was he one of those gruff but kind-hearted types who grumbled while still providing care? ‘Who knows. I don't think he is, but...’ Though it didn’t seem like it, that was the situation. There wasn’t any other reason for him to act like this. “Sigh.” The tortoise let out a deep, heavily fatigued sigh. “…If you don't have any reason for being here, finish your tea and leave.” “Eh.” I smiled brightly and replied. “If I had no reason, why would I come? I’m not even particularly fond of tea.” The tortoise furrowed his wrinkled brows even more. “Then what have you come for?” He inquired about my purpose, to which I downed the tea in one gulp and replied, “Elder, there’s something I’d like to attempt. I’d like to ask you about—” “No.” “…I wasn’t finished talking.” “There is nothing I will teach you.” “...” His immediate refusal caught me off guard. The tortoise was quick to pick up on things. He must have instantly noticed what I was about to ask. ‘Well, this is awkward.’ With a sheepish smile, I continued. “Come on… Don't reject me right away.” “Even if it were anyone else, with you it’s impossible.” “Why though?” “Because I choose not to.” I wanted to learn some spells, yet the tortoise refused, adamantly waving his nearly fingerless hands in defiance. “Oh, Elder.” “Don’t grovel with that ungainly face of yours. It’s even more annoying.” “...” That was kind of harsh? This one stung a bit. I clamped my mouth shut, and the tortoise glanced at me sideways. And then he said, “You should not tread into that realm.” By that realm, did he mean magic? Was he saying that I should not delve into magic? “Why?” I asked because I couldn’t comprehend. The tortoise thumped the table and said, “To you, this world might be incredibly gracious, but I cannot bear the disasters that would ensue.” “What are you talking about?” Looking at him, wishing for clarity, I met his eyes as he tilted his head. “From before, it’s been baffling.” “What is?” “Clearly, you shouldn’t be this dense at your level, so why do you seem so… dull?” “…What?” Why is this old man openly insulting me like this? “How can you call someone stupid to their face?” “Well… Strange, really… Considering that level… Ah, perhaps.” The tortoise stared at me, seeming genuinely puzzled. Then suddenly, Woooooo—. I noticed the tortoise's eyes, obscured by his brows, light up. And then, Saaaaaa—!! “…!” An inexplicable sensation suddenly swept over my body. Thud-! My heart pounded, and energy surged through me without restraint. The unusual sensation that seemed to invade my entire being was suddenly suppressed, wrapping around and blocking its entry. Only then did the strange sensory perception start to dissipate. "Hmm." "What did you just do?" I could tell the tortoise had done something, but I wasn't sure what it was exactly. When I asked, he still wore that furrowed expression as he spoke to me. "I see now." His expression indicated a realization of some sort. "So that's why." "Why all of a sudden? Why are you figuring things out on your own?" "It’s not just contained, but also being concealed." "I mean..." Asking about what he meant would've been nice. Sharing insights would surely be better than muttering cryptically, right? Just when I was starting to think this way, he suddenly said, "Let me ask you one thing." "...What is it?" The tortoise looked directly at me and asked, "Do you have any connection to the master of this place?" "…" Out of nowhere? The unexpected question narrowed my eyes. His sudden inquiry about my mother took me by surprise. "…Yes, there is some connection." I answered, albeit hesitantly. At that, the tortoise nodded knowingly. “…That’s it, then.” "And what exactly is? Why don't you share what you're figuring out?" "What do you wish to know?" "Pardon?" "You mentioned wanting to ask something." "Will you tell me?" "Yes." Just moments ago, it seemed he wouldn't reveal anything, but now? What changed so abruptly that he's prepared to share? I scrutinized the tortoise, sensing something was amiss. "However." He raised one finger. I wasn’t sure if it was indeed a finger, but it seemed so. "There’s one condition." Hearing about a condition piqued my interest, making my ears perk up. Observing this, the tortoise spoke. "Pardon?" Upon hearing his condition, a puzzled expression spread across my face. ***************** "So, the tortoise agreed to it?" After finishing my conversation with the tortoise, I sought out Shin Noya. For some inexplicable reason, I found him tending to crops behind his quarters. His attire was that of a farmer, displaying an unexpected seriousness. "...What are you doing?" I asked, my curiosity piqued; he looked at me in response. In his hands was a sickle, not a sword. "Can't you see?" "Well, it’s obvious, which is why I’m asking." Who couldn’t tell he was farming? The inquiry was on why he was doing it now. In response to my query, Shin Noya straightened his back and spoke. "It’s the season to prepare. Once you dive in, it becomes enjoyable. Would you like to try?" "…No." I don’t have the leisure for such things. Carefully stepping around the field, I approached Noya and spoke. "Anyway... So if it’s possible, I’m thinking about learning." "Hmm... Is that so?" Noya chuckled lightly at my words. I went on to ask him. "Do you think it’s alright?" "Hm?" At my question, Noya tilted his head in curiosity. "Why ask me that?" "The tortoise elder seemed quite reluctant about it." He didn’t seem keen on teaching me anything related to magic. Especially as he looked at me, there was evident reluctance, almost like my existence itself was bothersome. In such a scenario... "When he found out about my mother, he agreed to teach." "...About your mother?" "Yes. Although it wasn’t explicit… he asked if there was a connection, and I said there was." "And then he consented? Even with that peculiar condition?" "Yes." "Hmm." Noya nodded, seeming to come to a realization. "So you accepted his offer, then." "It wasn't anything odd, and it's not as if I have the luxury to be picky." It’s crucial to seize the opportunity to learn. Opportunities to delve into this field were exceedingly rare. ‘The more I see, the more certain I become.’ Experiencing magic and feeling its alien power reinforced my belief: this is the right path. It was clear. ‘Magic is essential.’ To forge a link with the martial arts I currently pursue, magic is necessary. It requires a more nuanced and potent force than what I currently possess. Therefore, ‘I need the tortoise’s assistance.’ He would likely know the direction I want and aim to go towards. That's why I was so eager to learn from him. "Then what’s the worry? Go for it." Noya suggested, implying that knowing everything wouldn’t be an issue. That was true, and yet... "...It feels like there's a potential issue." "It won’t be without one." Noya spoke with calm acceptance. "So then." "However, is it a path you view as incorrect?" "..." I couldn't answer. "The path is yours to decide. No matter what lies at the end. If you wish to proceed, then do so." As he spoke, Noya chuckled softly, seemingly amused. "Have I not always told you to trust yourself?" "...If it were as easy as saying it, I wouldn’t be living like this." "It’s not easy. But." Noya put down the sickle and lightly patted my shoulder. "You can do it, kid." "…" His inexplicable faith was clearly reassuring. So, I grinned awkwardly. I felt a bit foolish for asking such needless questions. Or perhaps I felt a sense of relief hearing Noya’s response. Realizing I trusted this old man quite a bit without consciously acknowledging it made me a tad embarrassed. I was trying to brush off this discomfort when he mentioned, "Ah, speaking of which, that girl came injured. Is she doing alright?" "…You mean the Heavenly Demon?" I frowned at the mention of the Heavenly Demon. She was currently with Seol Yeong, the first disciple, receiving treatment. I hadn't known that she also handled healing duties. "Yes, she fought with someone that was monitoring us." "Hmm…." I referred to 'us' rather than just 'me.' "Don’t worry about her. It’s probably nothing serious." How badly could the Heavenly Demon have been injured? She would heal quickly if left alone. That was the intention behind my words, at which Shin Noya chuckled. "It’s amusing to hear someone who worries more than anyone say that." "I’m not worried." "Is that so?" "It really isn’t." Wishing she’d just drop dead, how could I be expected to worry about her? I said this with a fully furrowed brow, and Noya nodded, albeit with a peculiar expression. "Sure, if you say so." "...As for the Heavenly Demon, well, that’s one thing. But it’s rather unsettling to feel like someone is constantly watching us. Do you have any insight into this?" Last time, Shin Noya had hinted that he knew something, so I raised the question. “I’m aware. There aren’t many who can do something like that.” As expected, Noya seemed to know, which was a relief. There was indeed some information available. “And if someone was observing, then it must be Yalang.” “Yalang?” It was a term I’d heard before. Was Yalang the name of the one who had been watching? I focused and listened closely as Noya elaborated. “Yes, Yalang. Among the generals your mother keeps by her side, Yalang is one of them.” Noya resumed swinging the sickle, the satisfying sound of grass being cut tickling my ears. And then Noya's words struck me. “Your mother has acknowledged Yalang as her own daughter.” “…What?” Hearing this, my entire body froze. --- **2** Martial Arts, **3 Comments 3.1 / 80** **UltraM 2024.09.29 06:30 Report** So, three sisters? Doesn't seem like a younger sibling. **0** **Yeon Woo 2024.10.29 06:05 Report** Huh? A general and a daughter? **0** **Dung-Eating Retriever 6 days ago Report** Feels like there's going to be a major breakthrough before returning to the martial world, but the buildup is really slow. **0** *Only logged-in members can post comments.* **Weekly Best** - Adults - BL/GL - +401 6★ Heroes Left Unattended Become Obsessed. - +2092 How to Live as a Wizard at Magic School - +693 Liberated Slaves Become Obsessed - +294 It's So Easy, I'm the Only One Struggling with the Apocalypse - +1425 Drug-Taking Genius Magician - +216 My Skill Tooltips Are Weird - +717 Double Agent in the Heavenly Demon Sect - +158 Genius Predator in a Ruined World - +479 Became a Necromancer in a Zombie World - +14910 Childhood Friend of the World’s Number One - +511 Infinite Evolution Hunter - +2512 Ranked Number 1 with 10 Trillion Assets - +1513 Misunderstood as a Genius Strategist - +1414 Became a Goddess of the New World - +4915 Life is Easy When You're Handsome - +3416 Dr. Maeng Wants Big Ears. - +2817 Dark Fantasy Normalization - +9018 Reforming the Villainess of the Academy - +6319 I Want to Be a VTuber - +6220 The King of the Afterlife is Tired **New Posts** - More + **New [Martial Arts] Request for "Incense Orchid—Youngest Son of the Silver Sea Merchant Group!"** - Requesting the latest chapters available in PUB or TXT format! 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