1075 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: "First Among Friends, Chapter 1075 - Northern Rabbit" A shiver ran through me as I looked at the grand old man. His stark black hair contrasted sharply with his age, and he wore a somber robe. His face was etched with a lengthy scar running across his cheek, adding to his lethargic expression. The muscles on his body seemed ready to burst at any moment, overflowing with strength. His physique could easily rival that of a renowned leader or a seasoned master. No, perhaps he was even larger. ‘But, is that old man really the Conqueror?’ He introduced himself as Paejon (敗尊), a title he earned by firmly holding on to his martial convictions despite facing countless defeats. The true honor of a warrior who, despite having the authority to use ‘Pae (覇)’ for dominion, chose ‘Pae (敗)’ for defeat, showcasing both humility and strength. Moreover, he was a mentor who had a profound impact on my life. ‘Wow.’ I couldn't help but be impressed inwardly. There was something he once told me. What was it? “He claimed that if he still had his past life's body, he would have become the greatest in the world.” It was an arrogant statement, but now I believe that Paejon was speaking the truth. ‘…With a body like that, anyone would lament daily.’ Currently, the rejuvenated Paejon's body looks frail and delicate. His face gives a gentle impression, and his body mirrors my own before its transformation. In martial terms, it’s a much more petite build than usual, with a subtly muscular body. I recall Paejon constantly lamenting his past life’s physique from such a body. Now, I understand. Even if I had such a body, I would have lamented just as much. "…Paejon is really here?" "The Conqueror of the West himself?" The gathered warriors were buzzing with excitement. The top of the martial world, the Heaven of the Orthodox faction, and one of the three revered Masters. It was a surprise to encounter him in such a place. And I was no exception to this feeling. '…Why is he even here?' I never imagined I'd meet Paejon before his rejuvenation period. Is this another destined encounter here? Or just a coincidence? As I pondered over it, "What…" Paejon spoke in a nonchalant tone while observing the warriors. "I simply showed my face, so I have nothing particular to say. Just do what you can." There was no hint of interest in his voice. Why did he bother coming here with such an expression? "Then, I'll…." Paejon's expression twisted as he was about to turn away. And then. ‘Huh?’ Our eyes met. At first, I wondered if it was a mistake. Of all the people here, why would he be looking at me? That's what I thought, but… ‘No, he's definitely looking at me.’ Paejon was unmistakeably looking directly at me. His onyx-black eyes bore into mine. I quickly checked within myself. ‘I’ve hidden my presence.’ I made sure my inner energy was suppressed, erasing my presence completely. Even Paejon shouldn't be able to determine my level of martial arts. This meant that I had truly reached the realm of the three great masters. I took pride in this, but… ‘…This isn't the time to feel proud. Anyway,’ Ultimately, Paejon should not be able to identify my level. At most, he might sense me to be at an expert level or peak condition. ‘Why is he staring at me?’ While puzzling over his gaze, "Um." Paejon uttered a sound. Suddenly. "What!" "Heek!?" He appeared right before my eyes. 'Fast.' I almost reacted instinctively. His speed was astonishing. Paejon suddenly approached me and reached out, grabbing my bicep abruptly. He wasn’t squeezing hard; it was more of a gentle grab. I was alarmed, thinking his energy might invade, but it wasn’t the case. He simply kept feeling my bicep repeatedly. "…What?" I looked at Paejon in confusion, and he asked. “What’s your name?” “Pardon?” “Your name, what is it?” “Koo... I mean, it’s Baek Yang-cheon." “Hmm, is that so?” "Um... Elder, did I do something wrong…?" “No, it’s not that.” He broke into a grin. “Hmm…” “...Elder?” “This is quite an unexpected discovery.” “Pardon?” “Baek Yang-cheon, you said?” “…Yes.” A sense of unease flickered through me. This old man's reaction is troubling. It's familiar, but from where? As I strained to recall, it hit me where I’d experienced this before. This... ‘When I first met him.’ When I first met Paejon after regressing. His expression and the glint in his eyes were the same as now. ‘Oh crap.’ This can only mean one thing… ‘No way…’ I tried dismissing the troubling thought. “Yes? You…” Paejon smiled and said, “Become my disciple.” With Paejon's words, the surrounding atmosphere froze, as if it was mid-winter. Oh. ‘Damn it.’ The unexpected scenario happened. I never thought I’d hear those words from him again. “A disciple…?” “Did Paejon just say disciple?” “…To that young man?” The stares were uncomfortable. I didn't want to attract attention like this if possible. ‘Are you out of your mind?’ I never thought Paejon would pull off something like this. I was taken aback, eyes wide open. “Elder… what do you mean by that all of a sudden…?” I had to defuse the situation somehow. Why was all of this suddenly directed at me? It was absurd. “You heard me right, didn’t you?” Even with my apparent surprise, Paejon didn’t erase his smile and questioned. “A disciple. I’m asking you to be my disciple.” “…” His eyes were fierce. The earlier weary look had vanished, replaced with a determination not to let me slip away. I held back a sigh. This was madness. "…I’m sorry." I began with an apology, and the surrounding reactions grew more intense. “He declined?” “…Rejecting to be Paejon’s disciple?” When the renowned Paejon offered to take me as his disciple, everyone around us reacted with shock as I outright declined. ‘Would you accept it?’ For me, with my current situation, accepting would be even more complicated. After all, ‘I’m already his disciple.’ I was already Paejon’s disciple, which would make accepting again here unbelievably problematic. It was clear that the option of accepting his offer was off the table. “Why?” Paejon asked, genuinely puzzled. This man’s reactions were just as consistent as they were back then. “I’ve already learned martial arts and I have a master,” I replied firmly. “A master…? Hmm. Whoever your master is, they can’t possibly surpass me,” he said, arrogance dripping from his words, casually dismissing anyone else’s master. It was outrageous how he spoke of my master. The Paejon before me seemed even more peculiar than the one I knew. “Well, my master isn’t one to be underestimated anywhere,” I countered confidently. “More than me?” Paejon laughed quietly. The mere thought seemed amusing to him. “Yes,” I said, standing my ground. “Ha.” Satisfied with my confident response, Paejon let out a chuckle. “A bold one, I see.” With those words, he turned away. “I am busy now, but I’ll see you later.” See me later? I wanted to protest that it wasn’t necessary, but he cut me off. “...As I said, I—” “I’ll see you later.” And with that, Paejon vanished before I could even finish my sentence. Once Paejon was gone, I was left under the weight of the piercing stares from the crowd. ‘Ah, damn it.’ Now, there was nothing left but the unending barrage of curious and judgmental eyes. What should I do in this situation? Fortunately, I had experienced this madness before and knew the best solution. ‘Just ignore it.’ That was the best approach I knew. * * * The door creaked loudly open, slamming against the wall. "Whoa!! Just a moment—!!" The massive old man, Paejon, barged down the hallway with force, throwing open doors as he went. Those present inside quickly attempted to block his path. Yet, none could truly stop him. It was beyond their ability. In this world, only two known individuals could halt the old man. Bang-!!! Another door opened and slammed shut repeatedly. Paejon eventually arrived at his destination, bursting through with an exclamation. “Senior!” His voice thundered into the room, filled with urgency. A fierce whoosh – CRASH!!! A sudden impact came towards Paejon, who deflected it with his hand. Drip. A trickle of blood glided down his hand, indicating that he hadn’t fully blocked the attack. Yet, he paid no mind to it. “A rather fierce greeting.” He chuckled, shaking off his hand dismissively. The source of the attack, seated at a desk, lifted his head slowly. Chill. Meeting his gaze sent shivers down Paejon’s spine. “Viju.” The voice seemed to press down on the very space itself. “I believe I mentioned – if you decide to visit, at least inform me in advance.” “It was a matter of urgency,” Paejon replied. “Urgency, you say…?” Buzz. Paejon’s lower danjeon began to seethe. An ominous aura emanated from somewhere unseen. It was a strong presence. “Do you truly believe that the leader of the main alliance can be so easily interrupted simply because it is urgent?” The leader. The current chief of the Martial Alliance and the closest existence to being the world's greatest. Sword Sovereign (검존) glared at Paejon with palpable hostility. Paejon managed a sheepish smile under that intense gaze. “I apologize for the intrusion. Still, since I completed the task you requested, might you overlook this?” “....” At Paejon’s words, Sword Sovereign gradually withdrew his intimidating presence. “Since you asked me to do a favor, I made it a point to observe the young warriors.” With such a clear purpose, and having traveled to Hanam, Paejon tried to mix fists with the Sword Sovereign. Sword Sovereign had suggested Paejon integrate himself by showing up during the day of the Martial Alliance entrance test if he were interested in sparring. Paejon went through this trouble, so Sword Sovereign finally retracted his energy. “…So, have you come to ask for a duel now?” “Ah, originally, yes.” Paejon’s grin slightly grew. “But it seems a new purpose has emerged.” “A purpose?” “So, as I was saying… Oh.” As Paejon started explaining, he glanced to the side. Being in such a rush, he hadn’t noticed the youth standing in front of the desk. “There was already an appointment.” Following Paejon's remark, the individual before the desk turned around. “Hm?” The moment Paejon met his eyes, his expression twisted in surprise. The young man was a striking handsome figure wearing the Martial Alliance's attire, his frame nearly matching Paejon’s. Though not yet in his thirties, judging by his youthful appearance. A young man indeed. ‘What's with those eyes?’ The gaze in the young man's eyes elicited a reaction from Paejon’s core. As if looking into the eyes of the Sword Sovereign. Dark, cold eyes. And yet, paradoxically, filled with an immense intensity. “You. What’s your name?” The very question he had posed to the young man he had met earlier. The fiery-eyed youth before him responded. “It’s an honor to meet you, Paejon.” The words rolled out with weight and formality. His sturdy voice matched his manly visage. “Second-in-command of the Blue Dragon Unit, I am Koo Ga’s Goo Cheol-woon.” Upon hearing the name, Paejon’s eyebrows twitched. “Embarrassingly, I am called the Divine Dragon.” Divine Dragon Goo Cheol-woon. He was precisely the reason Paejon had ventured to Hanam.