1095 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The World's Greatest Martial Artist's Childhood Friend Chapter 1095 > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive *Sssrrreg.* A shiver of anticipation runs down my spine. I can feel it, an eerie sensation creeping up my backbone. With my body frozen in place, my eyes scan the scene laid out before me, swallowing hard at the daunting sight. Golden sword blades. Like a symbol of the Sword Master and the Sacred Sword, dozens of shimmering golden swords surround me. Each blade is aimed directly at my neck. It's the energy of the Three Masters. Master Pai said that reaching their level meant transcending everything else, except for oneself. Surely, the Sword Master has reached that level too. ‘…This is insane.’ Why on earth is such a figure pointing a sword at me? As I mentioned before, I have done nothing questionable. So, I judged there would be no problem. ‘What exactly are you?’ The Sword Master's words pierce through my back. What is his intention? My father stands beside the Sword Master, staring at me intently. The Sword Master sits at a table, glaring at me with icy eyes. “…What do you mean?” I questioned, meeting his fierce gaze head-on. Upon hearing my words, the Sword Master slightly smiles at me. “I hear you claim to be of the Baek family.” “Yes.” “There isn’t a single name corresponding to yours in the Baek family bloodline.” “…” I frowned. Ah, damn it. ‘They’ve already figured it out.’ They must have immediately verified it through covert channels. How did I become suspicious? ‘No matter how thorough the Martial Alliance is.’ I wouldn’t expect them to deeply investigate someone who just joined. It’s strange that they’ve figured it out this quickly. Then— “I don’t understand.” The Sword Master spoke. “If you wanted to hide your identity, you wouldn’t aim to be the top student… Why is that?” “…” Ah. Only after hearing that did I understand. The reason not just the Sword Master, but also the entire Martial Alliance sought to uncover my identity. ‘I attracted too much attention.’ It was because I drew too much attention to myself. Defeating the examiner and scoring perfect marks on the written test made me the top student. Naturally, they would want to investigate me thoroughly. I failed to consider this circumstance. “I’m not sure what you are implying.” I feigned ignorance. “I am of Baek family descent. My status was properly verified upon joining the alliance.” I had used the power of the network to bypass the verification process. At least during the alliance’s check, everything should have seemed in order. “The eyes and ears of the alliance are not so dull.” The Sword Master was firm. Additionally, the point of the sword approaches closer, touching my throat. “The Lord of the Baek clan’s letter should arrive soon. I'm inquiring beforehand for confirmation. What is your identity? Moreover.” Creak. The room shakes with the Sword Master’s energy. “The recent occurrence of the red beast. Is it your doing?” “Pardon…?” What on earth is he insinuating? While it might be correct, in reality, it was indeed because of me. The anomaly arose when I entered this world. That must be why the red beast appeared in the alliance. However, ‘That’s not what the Sword Master means.’ The Sword Master isn’t implying that. "No, it isn’t.” Though I immediately deny it. “Then, does that mean the previous claims were true?” “…” The Sword Master’s gleaming eyes probe for answers. A razor-sharp old man. ‘Tsk.’ What should I do about this? Is it possible to deny and move on? ‘It wasn't easy after all.’ Joining the alliance was the easy part. But now, how do I get through this moment? As expected, the crisis had come swiftly. “It’s unusual for someone of your caliber to only appear now, isn’t it?” An expert concealing their skills. The Sword Master views me as such an individual. Even without hiding my strength, it's natural that I am powerful. It’s odd that I belong neither to the current Dragons nor the Phoenixes. “Let me ask again.” Gradually, the Sword Master's voice carries a sticky, ominous energy. “Who are you?” Sss—!!! The blades quiver as they press against my neck. “…” I pondered. How should I break through this? If I deny it, will they let it pass? They said it could take a while for the Baek clan’s lord’s letter to arrive, so is it better to keep denying for now? ‘Shouldn't be.’ One look at the Sword Master’s eyes, and I know. No matter what I say, he won’t believe me. It seems impossible to fool him with acting skills alone. Then… ‘Should I just break through?’ Should I attempt an escape using force? It’s an option. But doing so would complicate future plans and trouble me. Still, it could be better than being captured right now. The issue is— ‘Can I break through?’ Can I escape from the Sword Master? ‘…’ How strong is the Sword Master now? He is often called the closest to the world’s greatest martial artist. As a symbol of the current righteous faction, his power must be formidable. ‘I’ve never fought him before.’ Even in my past life, I didn’t engage the Sword Master. I tried to avoid conflict if possible. So, it’s impossible to gauge his current state. ‘If I use my spiritual senses, I can roughly gauge it.’ But unsealing my spiritual senses means I am fully preparing for a fight. It’s an irreversible choice. ‘Hmm.’ Yet— *Whirring noise.* I can’t just sit and wait for the sword to reach me. What should I do? ‘…What else can I do?’ The moment I had thought about it. ‘When did I ever take too long to decide?’ Decided. I’ll fight back. If I have no way out, the only option is to move forward. Escape first, then plan the next course of action. With that thought, I gather strength in my heart. No. I attempt to. *Bang-!!!* “Wait-!” “Hm?” At the moment when I was about to activate my power, the back door bursts open as someone enters. “That’s enough.” A figure with a stocky build and black robe stepped in, carrying a strong presence. ‘…Master Pai?’ It was indeed Master Pai. He barges through the Sword Master’s office doors straight away. “…Master Pai.” The Sword Master’s face twists at the sight. “What is the meaning of this?” The overwhelming hostility was entirely different from when he was threatening me. “Senior.” Despite the tension, Master Pai chuckles unconcernedly. "Sorry to cut in, but I have some business with this matter, too." "Business?" At this sudden claim, the Sword Master raises an eyebrow, puzzled. Master Pai points a large finger at me. "I'll vouch for this kid's identity." "...What?" "Excuse me?" What nonsense is this? The statement catches me off guard. Then— *Swishhh—!!!* The sword floating in the room hurtles toward Master Pai at high speed. Thwack! Master Pai catches the sword with one hand. Blood trickles from his hand, captured barehanded. "Oh, how terrifying." Though his words suggest fear, a smile still lingers on Master Pai's face. Contrarily, the Sword Master's face twists into an intimidating scowl. "Pai, what do you think you're doing?" "What do you mean? I've said it before. I'll take responsibility for this kid." "That's nonsense." *CRAAAAACK—!!!* Golden light invades. The energy from Sword Master Wi Hyogun fills the room. At the same time— "Hm." Rumble. Master Pai's aura pushes back against the force. The energies of two of the strongest in the land clash, causing friction. *Creak.* Rough noises echo from every corner of the leader's office. Wow, can we just leave it like this? It’s disturbingly precarious. "Don't make irresponsible remarks you can't back up. This child's identity is for the alliance to verify, not for you to interfere." "Why wouldn’t I be able to take responsibility? I'm saying this because I intend to take responsibility." "Taking responsibility for this child's identity? What if he's a spy from the demonic sect?" "That's my responsibility too. Just accept it, senior." "You little…!" He looks ready to draw his sword. Master Pai's eyes gleam in response. "If any trouble arises, I'll take care of that task you asked of me. How does that sound?" "...!" The Sword Master pauses at Master Pai's suggestion. "It's not a bad deal, is it? Plus, I promise he won't escape. Could there be a safer option?" "…" "I don't see why not." The Sword Master remains silent, glaring at Master Pai. The situation is taking a strange turn. 'What's happening?' How did this unfold? Suddenly, Master Pai intervenes to vouch for my identity? "…Pai, you damn..." Reaching this point, the Sword Master frowns deeply and speaks. "Is this what you've been waiting for?" "Hehe, hardly." Master Pai raises a cheeky grin. "Just happened to be lucky, that’s all." "…" *Shimmer.* The swords floating around me dissipate. And— "Whether it was luck or not, we'll see soon enough." The Sword Master retracts his gathered energy and speaks. "You better be responsible for your words. This is a matter even the alliance will watch closely." "Indeed. Words spoken must be kept." "Boy." The Sword Master's eyes land on me. "I'll be watching." "…" A warning tossed at me. Before I could even think of a response— "Great! Let's go! See you later!" "Ugh!?" Without warning, Master Pai grabs me by the scruff of my neck and drags me out. Before I could react, my vision flickers as he leaps straight out of the window. Thud! We land on solid ground, only to ascend back into the air. Master Pai swiftly traverses through the forest. When I finally regain my senses— "This should be far enough." We’ve reached the heart of a mountain range. Barely catching my breath after landing, I hear: "I saved you." Master Pai announces to me. "Doesn't it feel like I've become a benefactor, perhaps stirring a desire in you to become my disciple?" "What... no way…" I exhale a hollow laugh at his words. This guy, seriously. 'Did he pull this stunt to make me his disciple?' Is he insane enough to vouch for my identity just to take me under his wing? What if, like the Sword Master hinted, I'm connected to the demonic sect? Such a move could jeopardize his standing with the righteous sect. 'Though I knew he was a crazy man.' I was aware Master Pai ignored such concerns, but I didn't expect it to this extent. Baffled by the absurdity, I manage to speak— "Sorry, but..." I had no intention of becoming his disciple. No matter what happened, that's a given. "I'm not interested in becoming your disciple." "Is that so? Since you already resemble a disciple, it might not matter." "Excuse me? What's that supposed to..." "The Heavenly Displacement Technique. Aren't you already practicing it?" "...!" Chills ran through me. I thought I misheard. Speechless, I stared at Master Pai with trembling eyes. He had erased his smile and questioned me. "Isn't it true?" "…" I swallowed dryly. I thought it went unnoticed. 'But he already knows.' Master Pai was already aware.