940 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Translation of Novel Chapter 940** --- After meeting with the Heavenly Demon, I took a leisurely walk. It wasn't as if I suggested walking; it was more like she had followed suit as I wandered. We still didn’t exchange words. I had never been on speaking terms with the Heavenly Demon. What conversation could I possibly have with her anyway? At best, it would entail complaints or curses. The fact that I wasn't even doing that spoke volumes about my current patience. That's what I told myself. And that's what needed to be done. I wandered for quite some time. Although the distance covered wasn’t significant, the time lapsed considerably. This was because I maintained a short stride while observing my surroundings. As always, the streets here have an uncanny resemblance to the halls of the Huashan sect. ‘It feels like it was copied exactly.’ It’s probably not just presumptive; it is. Calm yet vibrant. The streets were filled with the cheerful sounds of people talking. At every glimpse, I pondered. ‘How much must he have yearned for it.’ How much did Shin Noya yearn for this street and its scenery? How deep was his longing to make it manifest? These thoughts crossed my mind from time to time. I couldn't find the words to describe if this was pathetic. Although it just slightly annoyed me. Whether this annoyance was directed at myself or someone else, I couldn’t tell. If I dissected it, it was likely self-directed annoyance. “...” The fact that Shin Noya found himself in this situation was largely due to me. “Tsk.” Clicking my tongue, I surveyed the street further. Today was more about observing but also about verifying something I missed previously. ‘It was somewhere around here.’ When I last roamed around, it was definitely in this vicinity. Since the Huashan sect itself isn’t incredibly vast, finding it shouldn’t be too difficult. Strangely, it remained elusive. “Hmm.” With narrow eyes, I turned to look behind me. “Hey. You…” Just as I was about to question the Heavenly Demon. Upon seeing her, I had to furrow my brow. “…What’s that?” “Hmm?” At my question, the Heavenly Demon glanced at the item in her hand. It was a skewer. After staring at it quietly, she extended it towards me. “Want some?” “...” As if I asked for it. I was so taken aback that words failed me. ‘When did she even grab that?’ I distinctly recalled seeing her empty-handed just moments ago. Somehow, she managed to snatch a skewer within those fleeting moments. “…Hey.” “Hmm.” “Did you pay for that?” When asked if she paid for it, the Heavenly Demon tilted her head in puzzlement. “Pay?” “...” Judging from her reaction, she clearly didn't pay. It was giving me a headache. “They just told me to take it.” “…Sure, I suppose they would.” This place is somewhat aware that Shin Noya brought the Heavenly Demon and me here. It seems Shin Noya holds considerable influence here. Probably, that’s why they offered food just like that. “Return it immediately.” I didn’t want to just accept things like that. I took out money from my pocket and handed it to her. For the record, the money was confiscated from Gu Bong. Honestly, if it were in Shansy, I’d just take it without a second thought, but this was Shin Noya’s domain. I didn’t want to cause unnecessary trouble. With the money clutched in her hand, she obediently nodded and ran back. As I watched, it didn’t take long for her to approach a vendor. She likely got it from there. “…Sigh.” As I stood there quietly, a sigh escaped me. The reason being. ‘...Is she really the Heavenly Demon?’ That silly being—is she really the Heavenly Demon? The thought crossed my mind. Regarding the face, she was indeed the Heavenly Demon. Body-wise, it was unmistakably her. Yet her actions were baffling. ‘Something is certainly… odd about this?’ She lacked any gravitas, with nary any solemnity in her voice or demeanor. To the extent that it was akin to how Wi Seol Ah behaved in her younger days—could this really be the Heavenly Demon I once knew? The more I looked, the less it made sense. ‘Is it possible she’s been swapped somewhere along the line?’ At first, I thought it was just because not much time had passed since her emergence. Perhaps, after experiencing something, she would become the Heavenly Demon I was familiar with. That’s how I thought of it. ‘But, not much time remains now.’ At most two years. The time will soon align with when the original Heavenly Demon appeared. Yet. ‘If she’s still like this now….’ Will time passing really make her the Heavenly Demon I knew? It’s uncertain. ‘Or would that, instead, be a good thing?’ If she's indeed not, it would actually be a blessing for me. With the whole Blood Demon affair giving me enough of a headache, wouldn't it be a relief if what I thought of as the biggest burden, the Heavenly Demon, had dismantled itself? Of course, if it occurred, it’d naturally be a welcome thing. ‘If dismantled, why did it happen?’ If the Heavenly Demon of the previous life differs from her current state. What could be the reason for this disparity? Upon reflection, the answer seemed simple. ‘It must be because of me.’ What’s there to say? Most anomalies stemmed from my actions. ‘Then, what started the problem?’ Predicting the problem encompassed countless possibilities, but pinpointing the cause here wasn't easy. I had meddled too much. “...” Consequently, I shook my head while thoughts circled my mind. ‘Whatever I realize now, it's hard to truly know.’ Even if known, there's no turning back time to restore that Heavenly Demon…. “…Hmm?” Mid-thought, I widened my eyes. “What?” What on earth was I just contemplating? “Turn it back? Turn back what?” Am I insane? If that Heavenly Demon wouldn’t exist, that's the best-case scenario, so why would I think of reverting it? “Seriously, am I losing it?” Was that thrashing from Noya last time enough to fracture my skull? What was I even thinking? It was something only conceivable in a state of madness. “…Is it perhaps because of these regressions weighing heavily on me?” Maybe that was it. Or at least, I liked to believe so. Due to the words of the turtle, I was plagued with the question of what the Heavenly Demon expected of me by initiating my regression. That's likely why I had such thoughts earlier. Otherwise, it would make no sense at all. Why would I, who have no reason to long for the past Heavenly Demon, be curious about her? ‘She is one of the factors that drove my life to ruins.’ The primary reason was me. The Heavenly Demon, if I were to rank them, was the second most influential being. “…Whew.” Just as I sighed and tried to sort through my thoughts, “There you are.” The Heavenly Demon, returning after paying for the skewer, approached. She looked at me with a clear, untroubled expression. Her violet eyes and pale skin caught my gaze, causing my brow to involuntarily knit. I reached out and pinched her nose. “…???” Caught off guard by this unexpected action, her eyes widened even more. The amusing part was that she didn’t resist at all. Why stand still then? “What's your true identity?” I asked, perplexed by all these confusing circumstances. “...” She didn’t respond, simply fixing her characteristic gaze on me. Annoyed by that, I clicked my tongue and released my hold on her nose. “Enough. What are we even doing?” This isn’t the time to be going on like this with her. I ruffled my hair in frustration. Meanwhile, my fingers still shook uncontrollably. Brushing it off, I started walking again. Then. "Guest?" A voice that was both unfamiliar and familiar came from behind. Turning around, I saw a woman with white hair and cat-like ears. It was Seol Yeong, known as the First Disciple. "I called out, just in case. It indeed is you? But what brings you here…?" "You, what about you?" "Oh, well." In response to my question, Seol Yeong showed the items she was carrying. In the basket were neat fabrics and needles. "I had to buy some fabric and get some needles repaired at the forge." "Ah, I see. Huh?" I belatedly reacted upon hearing her words. "Why?" "You’re going to the forge?" "Oh, yes." I nodded along with Seol Yeong's response. This was perfect timing. That was precisely where I was planning to go. “I need to go there too. Could you lead the way?” I cheerfully asked Seol Yeong. “Oh? Ah… sure. Please, follow me.” Seol Yeong agreed, albeit with a slightly reluctant expression. ****************** Following Seol Yeong, we arrived at the forge. As anticipated, it wasn't far from where I had been earlier. Clang—!! Clang clang—!! The sound of hammering iron and the somewhat metallic smell permeated the place. Given that my senses of smell and hearing were heightened, it felt even more vivid. "Well, look who's here." As soon as we set foot inside the forge, someone noticed us and approached. It was a short-statured old man, akin to the doorman from earlier. “Isn’t it Seol Yeong?” “Good to see you. How have you been?” Seol Yeong smiled and greeted him warmly. It seemed like they knew each other well. "Along with fixing some needles, I was thinking of getting a few more. Is that alright?” “Oh, absolutely.” The old man laughed heartily at Seol Yeong's words. He then turned to me, squinting the wrinkles beside his eyes. "And who might this be?" "Oh, this is…. A guest that our head brought." "Hmm. I see." Hearing Shin Noya’s mention led to immediate comprehension as he nodded. I was genuinely curious about what kind of person Shin Noya was here, and what he might have done for everyone to react this way. While I was curious, the small old man approached me. "Pleasure to meet you. I'm Myung Song, the one in charge of this forge." Offering his introduction, Myung Song extended his hand. "Oh, yes. I am…." Upon hearing, I also extended mine. It seemed like he wanted to exchange a light handshake. Since I had business here too, it wouldn’t hurt to maintain good relations. There seemed to be something on his hand, but it wasn’t severe enough to be concerning, so I casually grasped Myung Song’s hand. At that moment. “Gu Yang….” Fizzzz---!!! “…Kuuh!?” I felt immense pain and withdrew my hand quickly. Startled, I looked at my palm, noticing the skin bubbling and sizzling. “…Is this crazy?” Suddenly, what kind of predicament is this? As I turned back to Myung Song, trying to comprehend the situation. “…Huh…?” Contrarily, Myung Song was more surprised. No, it was less surprise and more…. “…Dragon…?” Fear and resentment seemed the accurate expression. Not only that. “What? Dragon?” “A dragon?! What does that mean…!” Everyone inside the forge immediately turned their eyes toward me upon hearing Myung Song's words. All of them, without exception. “Hm….” Staring at them, a thought occurred. It seemed like something dire began from the start. **Chapter 940: The Childhood Friend of the World's Greatest** After meeting with the Heavenly Demon, we strolled around the town. There was no specific talk of taking a walk; it just ended up that way with her following my lead. No conversation passed between us. I wasn't on speaking terms with the Heavenly Demon for quite some time now. What is there to speak of anyway? At best, it would just be venting grievances or spouting curses. The fact that I refrained from doing so was a testament to my patience. At least that’s what I thought. And that’s what needed to be. We walked for a considerable time. Distance-wise, it wasn't that far, but it took quite a while. I had kept a short stride, observing the surroundings meticulously. As always, this street is eerily reminiscent of the Huashan Sect’s halls. ‘It feels like it's been brought over entirely.’ It probably isn’t just an impression but rather the truth. Serene yet lively. The street was filled with laughter and the sounds of voices. Every time I witnessed it, I pondered. ‘How much must he have yearned for it.’ How much had Shin Noya longed for this street and its scenery? How profound was his yearning to recreate it here? These reflections struck me at random moments. It felt almost pitiful, those words hard to pin down. It just irritated me somewhat. Whether this irritation was self-directed or toward someone else, I wasn’t sure. If I were to probe, it might just be self-directed annoyance. “...” The fact that Shin Noya ended up in such a situation was almost certainly my fault. “Tsk.” Clicking my tongue, I took a deeper look at the street. Today was not only about observing but also to verify something I couldn't the last time. ‘I believe it was somewhere around here.’ When I wandered here last, it was definitely in this vicinity. With the Huashan Sect not being immensely vast, locating it shouldn’t be taxing. Strangely, it wasn’t easily visible. “Hmm.” Squinting my eyes, I glanced back. “Hey. You...” Just as I was about to query the Heavenly Demon, an unexpected sight made me furrow my brow at her. “…What's that?” “Hmm?” At my query, the Heavenly Demon glanced down at her item. It was a skewer. After quietly observing it, she extended the skewer toward me. “Do you want one?” “...” How absurd. I hadn’t even asked for it. ‘When did she even pick that up?’ I was sure I saw her empty-handed just moments ago. Somehow, she had acquired a skewer unnoticed. “…Hey.” “Hmm.” “Did you pay for that?” Pressed on whether she paid, the Heavenly Demon tilted her head cluelessly. “Pay?” “...” Her reaction indicated she hadn’t paid. This was turning into a headache. “They just told me to take it.” “…Sure, they would say that.” This place has some awareness that the Heavenly Demon and I were brought by Shin Noya. Shin Noya's standing here didn’t seem trivial either. Probably the reason they freely gave food. “Return it immediately.” I wasn’t inclined to take things so easily. I fetched money from my pocket and handed it over to her. The money, for the record, was something I extracted from Gu Bong. Honestly, if this was Shansy, I might have just accepted it without fuss, but this was Shin Noya's territory. I preferred not to cause undue harm. Taking the money, the Heavenly Demon, without a word, nodded and dashed off. Before long, as I observed, she approached a vendor. Apparently, she got it from there. “…Sigh.” Watching over this, an involuntary sigh came forth. The reason being. ‘…Is she truly the Heavenly Demon?’ Could that foolish being genuinely be the Heavenly Demon? It raised such doubts in my mind. Face-wise, indeed, she was the Heavenly Demon. Body-wise, it was undeniably her. Yet those actions puzzled me. ‘Seriously… Looks quite odd, doesn't it?’ She bore no semblance of dignity, with not a grain of solemnity in her voice or deeds. To the point of comparing her to the younger Wi Seol Ah—it begged the question, was this the Heavenly Demon I was once aware of? It perplexed me more the longer I contemplated it. ‘Could she have been switched out somewhere?’ Initially, I pondered it was due to her brief emergence. Perhaps following some transformative experience, she might become the Heavenly Demon I knew. Such was my expectation. ‘But, not much time remains now.’ At utmost, two years. It wouldn’t be long before it aligned with the time the original Heavenly Demon appeared. Yet. ‘If she remains like this now….’ Will enough time passing indeed make her the Heavenly Demon I once knew? It was a question wrapped in uncertainty. ‘Or would that, ironically, be fortunate?’ If not, it might actually be a relief. With the whole Blood Demon affair keeping my mind troubled, what I perceived as the greatest burden—the Heavenly Demon—might resolve itself naturally, would it not? Reflecting on that alone should naturally bode well. ‘If collapsed, why would that be?’ If the Heavenly Demon of my previous and current life were different. What reason could account for it? Upon pondering, the answer appeared rather straightforward. ‘It must be due to me.’ Honestly, most anomalies stemmed from my actions. ‘Then, where did it start going awry?’ Predicting the issue entailed numerous possibilities, but pinpointing its origin was no simple task. Too much had been instigated by me. “...” Thus, shaking off the arising speculation from my mind, I abandoned the train of thought. ‘Contemplating now won’t lead to any insight.’ Even if known, reversing to that former Heavenly Demon wasn’t an attainable prospect…. “…Hmm?” I widened my eyes mid-thought. “What?” What on earth was I just pondering? “Why would I think of reversing it?” Have I lost it? If that particular Heavenly Demon wouldn’t exist, wouldn't that be fortunate, so why entertain thoughts of reversal? “Am I truly losing my mind?” Could it have been the impact from Noya last time enough to fracture my skull? What on earth was I even thinking? To think along such lines—even in madness—it shouldn’t happen. “…Are these repeated regressions weighing heavily on me?” Perhaps so. Indeed, I hoped for so.