1084 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The Greatest Martial Artist's Childhood Friend, Chapter 1084: Northern Rabbit There wasn't much to account for on the first day at the martial sect. There was no training scheduled, and we were expected to go through an adjustment period of around seven days. As such, there wasn’t much structured into the schedule. Still without assigned accommodations, I had, essentially, just completed the official process of joining the sect. Even the distribution of the Azure Dragon Unit's martial attire was scheduled for three days later. During this interim period, we were to be regarded as mere hatchlings, expected to make brief appearances. This was especially the case on the first day. A welcoming banquet was hosted under the command of Lord Cheongyeol to celebrate the arrival of the newcomers. Naturally, all the new recruits were required to attend as a group. And unless any of the other members had specific duties, attendance was mandatory for everyone else. "Ahahaha—!!" Loud laughter resonated from the heart of the bustling banquet hall. In this lively atmosphere, I found myself watching the senior tables with a somewhat distorted expression. "Ahahahahaha—!!!!" Everything was good. The banquet was fine, and everything else associated with it was fine. ‘…Who the heck is that person?’ With an expression as though I had bitten into something unpleasant, I had to stare at someone. An old man was engaged in an intimate conversation with the Lord of the Swords, seated at the head table. Upon observing him, I was rendered speechless. "I never thought we'd be graced with your presence, esteemed elder," said the Lord of the Swords with a smile, to which the old man responded with a slight grin. "It’s good to see such a radiant face after so long." "I, too, have grown old. Your words alone are a blessing." They seemed to share a good rapport, as the elder conversed casually with the swordmaster. Perhaps due to his presence, not just my fellow recruits, but even the other attendees, dared not breathe too loudly. It was no wonder. This elder was one of the paramount figures of the martial world. His title was "Lord of Conquest." This damn old man had made an unexpected visit here. * * * As the swordmaster and Lord of Conquest exchanged pleasantries, "…Why is the Lord of Conquest here?" "It really is him, isn't it?" Everyone who attended the banquet was busy staring at the old man. It was only natural. He was one of the three leaders of the orthodox sects of the martial world. Just three. How often does one get a chance to see, up close, a martial artist hailed as the pinnacle and the peak? He was a rare gem of a person, not easily encountered anywhere. ‘Why is he here, though?’ What on earth was such a distinguished person doing at the Azure Dragon Unit’s banquet? I simply couldn't wrap my mind around it. ‘I’m seriously shocked.’ The moment I opened the door, I was so taken aback; finding him seated at the head table was like turning to stone. The Lord of the Swords mentioned that this venerable guest had come to congratulate the new recruits. ‘That’s absurd.’ It was an utterly unbelievable excuse. As if I didn’t know the personality of the Lord of Conquest. That gentleman was not the type to partake in such a thing. He cared for nothing else but martial arts. He lived only for the ideal achievement of his martial skills, that old man. ‘Congratulate? That’s absurd.’ Congratulate, my foot. The reason he came was obvious. ‘Because of me.’ He came to see me. ‘I thought I could avoid this, but…’ Was the Lord of Conquest not planning to give up? Of course, I knew better than anyone that he wasn't someone who would give up easily. ‘I didn’t think he’d go this far.’ Who would have guessed he'd just insert himself right into a banquet? In the midst of this uncomfortable atmosphere when I was about to nibble on some food— "Baek, fellow recruit." Doyoon, who had been munching on something next to me, called out to me. Without responding verbally, I simply glanced in his direction. “…The Lord of Conquest is here." "I can see that." "He must be here to see you, right?" "…." I couldn't deny it. No one in this place believed for a second the ridiculous notion that he came to congratulate the new recruits. The rumor had already spread widely. By now, the entire martial world was buzzing with the news that the Lord of Conquest intended to take me as a disciple. Now his presence had become self-evident. Because everyone was aware, I occasionally sensed people sneaking glances at me after looking at the Lord of Conquest. But I ignored that, too. ‘Haa.’ This is a mess. This is a huge, intricate mess. Why on earth is that person making things so difficult? Tsk. I clicked my tongue shortly and looked toward the Lord of Conquest at that moment. “…!” He was also looking at me. Our eyes met and my body stiffened slightly. At that moment— Heh. Suddenly, the Lord of Conquest smiled at me. What is up with that irritating smile? It was incredibly unsettling. From what I know of that old man’s nature, he only made that kind of face when he had something sly up his sleeve. What is it? Why is he like that? What’s going on with him? As anxiety peaked— “You.” The Lord of Conquest suddenly pointed at someone and spoke. It wasn’t me. “Yes? Yes, esteemed elder….” To my surprise, his finger was directed at So Yi. She was sitting nearby with the lower-ranked recruits when she was startled by his call. The Lord of Conquest glanced over at her with a fleeting look. To an outsider, it might seem as though he was ogling a pretty woman. ‘He was just assessing.’ The old man was merely confirming if she was someone worth acknowledging. "You’re the one." “Yes…?” "You are the disciple that the old man with the Plum Blossom Sword took in during his twilight years, correct?" “…Ah." Upon hearing this, So Yi widened her eyes and nodded. "Yes, I am called So Yi…." “Hmmm.” He had a peculiar reaction, then offered her a smiling nod. “You’re quite capable. The old man found himself a commendable disciple in his later years.” “…! Thank you…!” So Yi beamed with joy at the Lord of Conquest’s praise. “Oh….” “Wow….” Though many of the men around were struck by her beauty and couldn’t help but marvel, Indeed, she was quite pretty. Of course, from my perspective, it was a rather unremarkable part of the situation. So I was about to continue eating my food. “Excuse me, esteemed elder.” Someone suddenly approached the Lord of Conquest to speak to him. Curious, I glanced up to see who it was. ‘Oh no.’ It was the Sword Emperor—no, Nam Gung Jin, the Dragon of the Sword himself. He casually approached the Lord of Conquest and started a conversation. To which the Lord of Conquest turned his gaze upon the Sword Dragon. “Hmm.” Upon seeing Nam Gung Jin, he slightly furrowed his brows. “You are….” “I am Nam Gung Jin of the Nam Gung family. I’ve heard much about you from my grandfather.” “……” At the mention of his grandfather, the Lord of Conquest narrowed his keen eyes, scrutinizing Nam Gung Jin. "So, you are the grandson of the Heavenly Sage." Heavenly Sage. Right, Nam Gung Jin was indeed his grandson. It was a fact I momentarily forgot. "Yes, that's correct. If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I was hoping I could have the honor of pouring you a drink..." "Not necessary." His interest waned, and the lack of enthusiasm was evident in the eyes of the Lord of Conquest. "But..." "The Heavenly Sage doesn't seem to have the best of fortunes," he remarked. "...!" This was a stark contrast to the praise he had for So Yi. Nam Gung Jin's face visibly cracked at this opposite assessment. "Leave. I don't particularly enjoy drinking what others pour for me." "...Understood." Nam Gung Jin withdrew with a wounded expression. Watching him, I felt a need to scratch my cheek. ‘…This isn’t all that straightforward, is it?’ It was like peering into the unbecoming aspects of that renowned swordmaster's youth. Hardly a pleasant experience. Since the person involved was far from ordinary, it left me feeling somewhat uneasy. The problem here was— "So then." Amidst this situation, the Lord of Conquest called out to me. "You, come over and pour me a drink." "…Excuse me?" He pointed at me with a serious expression, and I couldn't help but grimace. "Didn't you hear me?" "No, I heard you well. It's just that your request seemed so peculiar." "Why? I'm merely asking you to pour a drink." "But you just said you didn't drink what others pour." "That's right." "Then why...?" "You aren't just anyone." "What…?" What on earth did he mean by that? "The alcohol poured by one's disciple carries a different essence, don’t you think?" With a smile, the Lord of Conquest uttered this outrageous statement. Those nearby audibly gasped, and I couldn’t help but let out an incredulous laugh. "Why? Are you displeased?" I sighed and replied. "Yes." "…!" The room was shocked once more. To blatantly refuse the proposal of none other than the Lord of the martial world, the very Lord of Conquest. "I’m not particularly fond of serving others drinks." "Hah." With that chuckle, the table shook slightly under his imposing presence. My body trembled a bit. Did I overstep my boundaries? A flicker of fear crossed my mind, wondering if the Lord of Conquest was going to do something reckless. "It’s refreshing. You’re indeed an amusing fellow." That sentiment brought an end to his overbearing aura, leaving it to dissipate. The Lord of Conquest rose from his spot at the table. "Yes, that makes it interesting. It wouldn't be fun if you came over so easily." "Well... I had no intentions of acquiescing." "Having seen your face now, it's fine. I shall return another time." "What do you mean return? Please, don't come agai… Ah, damn." Before I could even finish, the Lord of Conquest vanished. Just like that, in a flash. With his disappearance, the banquet hall was left in stunned silence. He had literally departed just like that. Everyone was too dumbfounded to utter a word. Meanwhile, the Lord of Swords was suppressing laughter, clearly amused. I couldn’t help but think that even he wasn't quite normal. While I stood there, dumbstruck, staring at the place where the Lord of Conquest had been— I felt an intent gaze on my back. I turned my head, curious to see who might be observing me so intently. "……." As expected, the individual glaring at me as if trying to bore a hole through me was none other than Nam Gung Jin, still livid from his encounter with the Lord of Conquest. ‘Ah.’ Seeing that expression, I was certain. This must indeed be the father of Nam Gung Trash... no, Nam Gung Cheon Jun. Moreover, upon noticing his eyes blazing with a fierce blue heat, a thought crossed my mind. ‘…This is going to be troublesome, isn’t it?’ It felt as if something was bound to happen in the near future.