1088 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Best Under Heaven's Childhood Friend Chapter 1088 > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive I've thought about it at least once, if not several times. If we trace it back, it started when I realized my father was much stronger than anyone knew, a figure far more powerful than even the Three Lords. There was a time when I wondered about my father's youth. Isn't it strange? Publicly, he was only known to be among the top hundred masters of the Central Plains, nothing more. The revelation that he could easily defeat the Three Lords was a shock of its own kind. When was it? It was likely around the time when he confronted the Heavenly Demon in my past life. The only one who could inflict fatal wounds on the Heavenly Demon, who even the Three Lords couldn't handle. Perhaps that had a significant impact on his battle with the Divine Sword as well. I always held a question about my father. How could someone so powerful go unnoticed? Moreover, if he was indeed that formidable, 'What was he like around my age?' What was my father, who is so strong now, like in his younger days? This question constantly lingered in my mind. Today, that question was finally answered. Fwoooooosh---!!! 'Wow.' A blazing red flame. Unlike my altered blue flame, its distinct and heavy red hue was exquisite. A true inferno, honed to perfection, embodying the essence of the Gu family’s flame. As I watched the flame twist as if it were about to engulf my body, I couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. '...This is no joke.' The quality of heat is one thing. But the fighting spirit and the precise control contained within were beyond words. Fwoosh. My father’s flames swirled with enormous compression and rotation. Sure, I could manage something similar, but... ‘The level is different.’ My father was in the realm of Hwagyeong. In terms of age, he shouldn’t be much older than me, yet it made no sense. ‘At that level, how does his control compare to mine?’ While I seemed better in precise maneuvers, his fire’s compression was superior. The density was incomprehensible. With flames condensed to this degree, the heat’s intensity must be incredible. While I was busy expressing amazement... “How audacious.” My father spoke. His voice pulled me back to reality, and I flinched, seeing his face twist. His brows furrowed, and his eyes gleamed with a chilling determination. I was daunted. It was very similar to my father’s expression when he was angry. No, it wasn’t just similar, he genuinely seemed enraged! “Try to make me retreat?” Fwoooooosh---!!! The flames roared. The encircling fire moved in response. “If you wish.” With those words from my father, my body reacted. I tensed up unknowingly. Knowing that if I fought, I would definitely win, given my father was in a lower realm than me. Still, I couldn’t help but feel intimidated. Such was the presence my father held. The flames would come flying. Just as I braced myself to respond. Stop. I halted my hand. Though the flames swiftly enveloped me, I remained still, knowing, Despite everything, There was someone who would stop it. “Tsk tsk. This is a bit much, isn't it?” Swish-! With a sly remark, something sliced through. It was none other than the flames, split diagonally, extinguishing as they unraveled from my body. And then, “There are many eyes watching, isn’t it a bit excessive?” Swish. The Blue Flame Sword Master intervened, standing between my father and me. “Calm down, both of you. It’s not just the two of you here. Especially.” Tap. The Sword Master tapped my father’s forehead with his finger. “Vice Master. Joining in is fine, but shouldn’t you curb your temper?” “......” “What? Do you feel you'll only be satisfied by half-killing a newcomer like last year?” ...Half-killing? I thought I misheard. But. “I apologize.” At the Sword Master's words, my father offered an apology with seeming indifference. By then, my father's fiery aura had already dissipated entirely. “Hmmm.” Only then did the Sword Master sheathe his sword back to his belt. He then turned his gaze towards me. “Baek Yangcheon.” “Yes.” As I responded to his call, he erased the smile he had carried and said, “You have. From the first moment I saw you, you have consistently surpassed my expectations. Perhaps that's why the Overlord took a liking to you.” “Should I take that as a compliment?” “Does it seem like a compliment?” A sharp qi brushed my back. “While that’s not what I intend, acting unpredictably in this Martial Alliance is not exactly favorable. However, you behaving so recklessly does not align well with your worth and potential.” Rumble. The Sword Master's qi enveloped the unconscious Namgung Jin, causing his body to slowly float into the air and then fly towards the Blue Dragon members nearby. "Take him to the medical unit." "Sir." They promptly took the bleeding Namgung Jin away. “To put it simply, it means you should curb your temper a bit. If you can’t, I would allow you to go elsewhere.” Implicitly suggesting I would be sent away if I didn’t listen. Hearing that, I chuckled. “You find this amusing?” The Sword Master’s expression frowned at my reaction. “Ah, I apologize. It was unintentional.” “Did the words of the Sword Master displease you?” “No. I will try to curb my temper as requested. However.” There’s also what I don’t like. “I can’t hold back if someone attacks first. But other than that, I’ll listen well.” “......” Namgung Jin had provoked first, leading me to retaliate. That’s the implication in my statement. Even if unsaid, the Sword Master would know. There’s no way a person of his caliber wouldn’t be aware of Namgung Jin’s actions. He likely just watched to see how I’d react. “Hm.” I watched for the Sword Master's response. In truth, this reaction of mine was unusual. How could someone so lowly openly declare they couldn’t stand being provoked first? From others’ perspectives, such a statement would suffice to label me as a lunatic. “Fine, I’ll acknowledge it up to that point.” “But, Sir!?” The Blue Flame Sword Master nodded in understanding at my words, as if he accepted the reasoning, although others were visibly shocked by his reaction. 'As expected.' I had anticipated that he would respond this way. The reason was simple. 'He has an affinity for talented individuals.' His gaze was one that identified potential. This was evident just by looking at the people surrounding him. He had three who were called dragons and phoenixes. And beyond that, 'Even the new recruits he selected are extraordinary.' They might seem weak for now, but the energy within them and their physical characteristics were remarkable. Judging by the atmosphere in the brigade, I could deduce the Sword Master's nature. He enjoyed populating his unit with talented individuals. He simply liked people with talent for what they were, and such individuals could often get away with certain levels of impoliteness or arrogance. That was my impression of the Sword Master. And to such a master, someone like me would hold significant value. Hence, I had orchestrated an incident to lay the groundwork for legitimacy to cause a bit of trouble. 'An excuse to cause some ruckus if needed.' I had taught them a lesson that I wouldn’t tolerate being bitten first. So as to avoid unnecessary hassles. I wasn’t sure how far this would solve the problem, but it didn’t matter. The important thing was the Sword Master’s permission and reaction. “It got a bit rough, but since it was entertaining, I suppose it’s not too bad. Alright, let’s wrap this up and move on.” “Ah, but Master...” Other members hesitated, eager to address the Sword Master's unusual leniency. “Why? Is there another issue? Haven’t they promised to listen well?” “Well, Namgung’s condition and the attitude towards the Vice Master...” “So what?” “Pardon?” “Namgung lost because he was weak, and as for the Vice Master, I’ve already given a warning, have I not?” “No, but—” “That’s enough. I said it’s over, didn’t I?” “...” The Sword Master’s smile, though friendly, was clearly a final warning to everyone. Sensing the newly settled calm, the Sword Master clapped his hands. Clap-! “Now, it seems resolved, so let’s get back to what we were doing.” By the time he gave voice to these words, he was already back at the seat he originally occupied. Only then did I turn to look at my father again. My father met my gaze in silence, his eyes a bright shade of red. After exchanging a brief look, he was the first to move. Step. He moved slowly back to his original place, and watching him, I too turned away. ‘Ah.’ Only one thought occurred to me. ‘He’s truly terrifying.’ Even back then, my father was frightening. Enduring the overwhelming pressure took every ounce of effort. * * * As the blue sky turned a shade of evening red, with the passage of time, the gathered crowd dispersed, leaving only those with tasks at hand, as the sword brigade scattered. Squeeeak. A massive figure began to walk slowly. A man with jet-black hair and crimson eyes. It was Goo Cheol-un, Vice Master of the Blue Dragon Brigade, once known as the Divine Dragon. “......” He walked with a stoic expression until he reached a certain location. It was the private quarters allocated to the Vice Master. “You’ve returned.” “Yes.” In response to the attendant inside, Goo Cheol-un nodded. “Shall I prepare your meal?” “Please leave it at the door again this time.” “Understood. And the amount...” “The same as last time, please. I’ll bring back the bowls used for the previous meal.” “Ah, Vice Master, I can clear them for you...” “It’s fine.” “Alright.” The attendant quickly departed upon hearing his words, leaving Goo Cheol-un to watch them briefly. “......Hmm.” Letting out a slight sigh, he opened the door in front of him. Creak. Inside was a dimly lit room, a silent space devoid of any presence. Within, the remnants of an eaten meal were clearly evident. The number of dishes was unusual for someone who dined alone. “......” Goo Cheol-un stared at them, and then began to sort them out as if accustomed to the task. Then, “Come out now.” In a deep voice, he spoke. At that moment, twin lights appeared in the seemingly empty space. They were faint, like what one would call ghost lights, and began to form a shape, glowing in a vivid shade of purple. Before long, “Hehe.” A woman emerged. She had white hair and eyes in a purple hue, an exquisitely beautiful woman. With a smile, she looked at Goo Cheol-un and said brightly, “You’re here?” Displaying such confidence, “Haa...” Goo Cheol-un let out a heavy sigh, looking particularly weary.