1074 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Province of Hanam. This bustling center is home to the headquarters of the Martial Alliance and the famous Shaolin, one of the Nine Schools, making it the epitome of martial arts orthodoxy. Being densely populated with people and martial artists, it was often deemed the safest place by the public. Hence, it was considered the heart and root of the righteous sects, symbolizing peace itself. Travelers flooded this place every day, but today their numbers seemed unusually large. A martial artist stationed at the gate sighed as the crowd gathered. “...There are way too many people.” Hearing his complaint, a senior beside him patted his shoulder. “Well, we can’t help it. It's just the timing.” “I know, but I’m puzzled why my duty had to fall exactly on this day.” His exhaustion was evident, having not had a moment's rest since early morning. “It’s not like it's the first time. It happens every year. Does it bother you that much?” “...This year isn't like the usual, though.” “...True enough.” The senior nodded, glancing at the crowd in front. Indeed, it was different. Annually, the Alliance's recruitment exam took place, drawing countless people to Hanam. But this year, the influx was extreme. The reason was clear. "…It's all because of the legendary Dragon." Recent news had been stirring the entire Central Plains, including Hanam. The legendary Dragon (神龍). An exceptional figure, touted as the greatest among the current generation. The Dragon had been directly appointed by the Martial Alliance and was expected to become a major leader in the future of the Central Plains. While each generation had its own Dragon, making this one traditionally not as significant— “…But this is extraordinary.” This Dragon was different. Though the Dragon was customarily held in special regard, this time it was on a whole new level. "Of all places, who would've thought such a figure would emerge not from the Four Great Families or the Nine Schools but from an obscure minor family?" “Calling it minor isn’t quite right—they are a famed family.” A renowned clan, indeed, though not widely known. “I’ve never heard of it before. Shanxi’s Gu Family? I didn’t even know such a place existed.” “True…” It seemed they were from Gu Family in Shanxi. This Dragon hailed from there, a name unfamiliar to most. Though technically a renowned family and part of the orthodox sects, they had barely participated in major sect festivals like the Gathering of Rising Dragons. “That such a Dragon would suddenly emerge from such an unknown family…” A family little known, hardly participating. Yet this Dragon outshone the monstrous prodigies active in the Four Great Families and the Nine Schools. Having decisively defeated the prodigies known as the Five Dragons of the young generation at the Gathering of Rising Dragons, his power had been undeniable. As always, people were captivated by the appearance of a sudden genius. The fact that he was unparalleled even compared to other prodigies kept people talking. The aftermath was this. “Please calm down! Form an orderly line, everyone!” “Don’t push! Rushing won’t get you inside any quicker!” The alliance members shouted themselves hoarse. They aimed to contain the surging crowd. Most of these people were drawn by the examination for alliance entry. And it was safe to say it was largely due to the Dragon. The Dragon had caught everyone’s attention upon his emergence. And in a short few years, he had been inducted into the Qinglong Corps, rising swiftly to become the youngest deputy leader. That was an extraordinary record. As if resonating with such feats, countless martial artists suddenly desired to join the alliance. “Damn it…!” Grinding his teeth, an alliance member was seething with frustration. No matter how hard they worked, the chaos persisted. “Next…!!” They received people one after another. Faced with work this monotonous, even hunting a demon might seem preferable. As they struggled to receive people one by one, “Next.” Someone approached the alliance member at the front. They naturally pulled out a letter. Unfolding it, the alliance member asked, “…Name.” “Baek Yangcheon.” Hearing the name, the alliance member checked the identity on the letter. 'Guangdong Baek Family.' A familiar family. Not particularly famous, but associated with the righteous sects. Nothing seemed amiss with the registered identity. But— ‘Did the Baek Family have a prodigy?’ This part was unclear. Perhaps an illegitimate child. Nodding, the gatekeeper raised his head, then— “…!” He flinched involuntarily upon seeing the individual’s face. ‘…What is this?’ The young man appeared inexplicably fierce. His fair skin and decent build suggested he had an appearance of sorts. Yet, this young man looked inexplicably fierce, beyond words. “Uh… Um…” Momentarily lost for words, the alliance member caught his breath and spoke. “…What is the purpose of your visit?” At the query, the fierce-looking young man replied. “Ah.” Baek Yangcheon. Rather, “I’m here to take the Martial Alliance’s entrance exam.” Gu Yangcheon said. * * * Having passed through the crowd, I made my way inside. Moving slowly through the bustling throngs. ‘I’ve managed to get in.’ As I surveyed my surroundings while walking, I released the power within me. Sssss. Something moved and faded away. An illusion crafted with the power of disguise vanished. ZGVPdDc2cnQxMFU0bVlrbnZITXlVc1dXRDZZL1pKRzBDSVBhaUV6dGhBWHpBbWF4Z2tQcWI2aDFGU0cxQys3Kw I used this power to fabricate a letter of identity. It allowed me to create the identity of Baek Yangcheon effortlessly. With such power, concealing my identity was simple. ‘The question is,’ Was this the right decision? ‘…Is this really what I should be doing?’ Was infiltrating this mysterious place and taking the alliance's entrance exam really wise? As those thoughts flitted across my mind, I quickly shook my head. “No. This is the only way.” In any case, there was no alternative. “It seems like this is exactly what I’m supposed to do.” The timing and situation led to an unmistakable conclusion. What was my role in this world? The answer was clear. “Though I wonder why now…” It wasn’t the time to question it. The conclusion was singular. “…I must meet him.” Why this era? Moreover, what must I do here? The answer to that lay solely in one place. I had to meet him. “Father.” It meant meeting Gu Cheolwoon, the current being known as the Dragon of this era. “Even being dropped here on the day of the alliance's entrance exams…” Even after checking the timing, the path I needed to take was reasonably deducible. Understanding where I needed to go was easy enough. This is the conclusion I reached. After walking for quite some time, I arrived in front of a massive building. This place wasn’t too different from the future, so finding it wasn’t a hassle. “Are you here for the entrance examination?” “That’s correct.” I handed over the letter using my power, just like earlier, when the question was asked by the member of the Martial Alliance. “Go on in.” Once again, I passed with ease. Inside the building was a significant crowd. “They’re all martial artists.” Given that they came to enter the main headquarters, it was clear they were all martial artists. “Of course, during this period, perceptions were favorable.” In the period known as the peak of the Martial Alliance, revered as a symbol of peace and absolute honor, this kind of crowd wasn’t out of the ordinary. “Hm.” I looked around. In my hand was a wooden token. It bore a number indicating my place in line. Apparently, the examination procedures hadn’t changed much from then to now. After examining the crowd for a while, news came that the test would soon begin. “We will begin the examination shortly.” “Participants, please prepare and wait!” The atmosphere rapidly shifted with this announcement. The martial artists' fervor surged as they prepared for the examination. “Oh boy.” I chuckled at the long-missed spirited energy flowing among the martial artists. Yes, this was the essence of martial competition. Having fought in recent times, this energy had dulled a bit. “…I wonder what the examination entails?” The alliance's entrance exam. During my time, there wasn’t even a formal exam. As a young prodigy from the Gu Family, my role was all but determined under a pact with the alliance. “They actually had exams back then.” In this era, it seemed they directly tested candidates to recruit members. “What sort of test is it?” Even being here to take the test felt out of place, but my curiosity held me in check, so I followed along with some interest. I moved as directed. I arrived at the front of an arena. “Oh, here.” A familiar location. It was the main stage where martial competitions like the Gathering of Rising Dragons were held in the past. As I recalled the past and noted the familiarity, murmurs arose around me. “Wait a minute. Is that person…” “Oh my!” Every eye was fixed on the figure on the martial stage ahead. Naturally, my gaze followed. “Huh?” Someone stood atop the stage. I narrowed my eyes, observing him. Judging by the reactions, he seemed to be a renowned figure. “Who is he?” I had no idea. He was an elderly man with an imposing physique. Even compared to Tang Deok, who had a solid build, this man did not falter. Though his hands were clasped behind his back and his expression radiated reluctance. “…What on earth?” His aura was incredibly intense. Who was this person? “How could I not know a martial artist like him?” Despite masking my presence to avoid revealing my true level, the faint sense I garnered was telling enough. “You must have had a tough journey coming here.” He was a formidable warrior, among the strongest martial artists I had known. I narrowed my eyes, trying to recall if there had been another existence as significant, when— Thump. Suddenly, my heart began to race. More precisely, the martial arts energy within my heart responded. This was… “Resonance.” It was resonance. Involuntarily, my martial arts energy reacted. Particularly the martial art that was reacting— “How can this be…?” It was the Art of Heavenly Crushing. With the resonance coursing vehemently, my eyes widened. “Oh, could it be?” I glanced at the towering elder with a gaze full of astonishment. “Oh, I was just passing by and decided to help boost morale,” the man said, speaking in an uninterested tone. “They call me Pajeon the Overlord.” This elder’s true identity was Pajeon, the Overlord. He was none other than Pajeon before he achieved his youthful transformation.