1096 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Chapter 1096: Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive** Having already mastered the Two-Arts Absolute Martial Technique, I found myself at a loss for words in response to the statements made by the Martial Tyrant. His gaze was more resolute than anyone else's, filled with certainty. ‘How?’ How did he know? It was understandable for him to recognize my Swordsmanship; I admitted my mistake there, so it wasn't surprising if he found out. But this was different. ‘Where?’ Where did he pick up on it? I might have used the Flaming Wheel Technique a few times since arriving in this era, so if Father noticed it, it would be conceivable to understand. But— ‘How did the Martial Tyrant know?’ The Two-Arts Absolute Martial Technique is different. I have never once used it since coming to this era. Not even once. ‘The Flaming Wheel Technique is more effective for practical use.’ The Martial Tyrant's skills were meant to combat humans and were inefficient against demons. Moreover— ‘I was especially careful knowing the Martial Tyrant was present.’ The Martial Tyrant in this era wasn't merely the one I knew, but the original. In other words— ‘A warrior in his prime.’ Not the weakened version experiencing old age, but from the time when he was called a monster among the Three Sovereigns. I was all the more cautious because of this. I hid the Two-Arts Absolute Martial Technique deep within me, ensuring it wouldn’t surface. ‘And yet he noticed?’ The fact that he noticed baffles me. ‘No, baffling doesn't even begin to cover it.’ What should I do about this situation? Despite pondering this, I already knew the answer. “I don't know what you're talking about.” I feigned ignorance, pretending not to understand. “I don't quite grasp what you mean, elder—.” At that moment— Kuaaah—!!! “……!” I turned my head. Quad-deuk-!! The Martial Tyrant's fist grazed my head. It was fast. ‘This crazy old man.’ I scowled. That attack was genuine. If I hadn't dodged, my head would have been crushed by the force. And yet— Fwoosh-! The attack didn't end there. The Martial Tyrant continued his onslaught with incredible speed. I dodged here and there, gritting my teeth. ‘Ha.’ He’s serious? The Martial Tyrant was genuinely trying to take me down. Even though he wasn't using his full strength, evading while concealing my power was difficult. Twitch-! “……!” My eyes moved. I focused on the Martial Tyrant's left hand. The air around it was distorting. I knew what he intended to use. The Void Fist. Crash. The ground shattered under his foot. Twisting his waist, the Martial Tyrant unleashed a powerful strike. Kwaaaa—!!! The shockwave from his fist engulfed the area. The Void Fist turned into a tempest, sweeping all around. However, it caused no direct damage. It grazed past my side. I evaded and fixed my arm to my side. Thus, the attack didn't hit me but merely swept the front. Yet— Wooong. My eyes caught what followed. ‘The Void Fist was a feint.’ It was a decoy. The Void Fist aimed to block my movements and approach. Chiiik-!! Heat radiated from the Martial Tyrant's body. This was— ‘Skybreaker.’ I clenched my teeth. I could feel the strong grip emanating from his body. Bang-! “Ugh!” My view changed abruptly. With a dull thud, my body was pushed backward. My torso was hit in the solar plexus, sending me reeling back. ‘I missed it.’ My instinctively activated clairvoyance caught the Martial Tyrant’s movement, but I was too late to react. And then— Saaah-! ‘Ha.’ As the distance widened, my clairvoyance projected numerous potential paths before my eyes. Countless possibilities. Seeing them, I bit my lip. The Martial Tyrant had already moved. He was right in front of me. ‘No choice then.’ Clink. A sensation of something shifting within my body passed over me. Fwooshhh—!!! I released the energy I had been restraining. Smash. I blocked the fist the Martial Tyrant was about to throw. “Oh.” The Martial Tyrant's eyes widened at my action. “This damn old man, seriously.” Annoyance surged inside me. Fwoosh. Heat surged through my body. The released energy surged forth, drastically increasing my reaction speed. “Why the hell is he like this?” Whether he was an old Martial Tyrant or a young one— This aggravating personality annoyed me every time I saw it. Crunch. I tightened my grip on his wrist and pulled slightly. The Martial Tyrant lost his balance and leaned toward me. Watching this, I concentrated power into my hand. The heat transformed, invigorating my entire body. Skybreaker. I channeled the energy through my body and concentrated it in my palm. A sphere of grey inner energy formed. “Hmm?” The Martial Tyrant’s expression grimaced as he saw it. It must have been because it was a martial technique he had never seen before. Of course, that was it. It wasn't something the present Martial Tyrant was familiar with; it was a technique developed and innovated by the younger Martial Tyrant I knew. Heaven Shatterer (破天). I shattered the heavens I had created with my hand. Kwachik-!! Kuaaaaahhhh—!!!!! The Heaven Shatterer fragmented, storming around us. It was a wild and ferocious display of energy. The friction of the energy repeatedly destroyed all the trees and rocks in the vicinity. Crrrrrack—. Eventually, as the tumultuous grey energy of the Heaven Shatterer subsided momentarily— The area was already in chaos. The terrain had become an old ruin. “Aha.” The Martial Tyrant chuckled with not even a speck of dust on him. “Interesting.” Yet, only his lips were smiling, while his eyes were not. “What was that technique you just used?” “Heaven Shatterer.” “Heaven Shatterer, huh. The name is quite intense.” “Isn’t it? Honestly, it’s a rather lackluster name.” Whoever named it really did a poor job. As I was thinking that and voicing it— “Could I assume you’ve given up on hiding it with such a display?” “…….” The Martial Tyrant spoke to me. He wasn’t wrong. I had blatantly used the Two-Arts Absolute Martial Technique. So I decided to ask straightforwardly as well. “How did you know?” “What do you mean?” “That I’ve learned the Two-Arts Absolute Martial Technique. I was sure I concealed it well.” “Hahaha.” The Martial Tyrant laughed, as if finding my words incredulous. “Isn't it obvious?” “What is?” “Did you think that no matter how well you concealed it, I wouldn't recognize what I created myself? I am Bishu, the Martial Tyrant.” “......” His words were arrogant and forceful. Yet, the nickname and reputation accompanying him validated the truth behind his statements. ‘This is insane.’ In short, it meant he realized it the moment he touched it. Or perhaps— ‘From the moment he saw me.’ It's possible he noticed it right from our very first encounter. Whether it’s one or the other, it’s undeniable that the Martial Tyrant is an extraordinary being. ‘Is this a mistake?’ Unaware of the extent of the Martial Tyrant's keen perception—that's surely a blunder on my part, if it can even be called that. ‘Damn it.’ If that’s considered a mistake, it’s incredibly unfair. How could this possibly be a blunder? ‘Ha.’ Trying to suppress my disbelief, I ground my forehead in frustration. Then— “I'll ask again.” The Martial Tyrant’s deep voice echoed. “Who are you? How on earth did you master that?” “......” “Spare me the nonsense. I doubt it will be of any help. Furthermore—” Boom---!!! “......!” A tingling sensation shot through me. An overwhelming presence erupted from the Martial Tyrant, a presence not felt until now. The air surrounding him was crushed under the immense pressure. ‘Ha.’ What is that absurd level of force? He’s merely releasing energy, yet cold sweat trickled down my back. Despite believing I reached the same realm, what on earth is that? Moreover— ‘He claimed he hasn’t reached transcendence.’ It was none other than himself who stated— He never achieved mastery of the Two-Arts Absolute Martial Technique and thus could not break through to the supreme realm. Unlike the other Three Sovereigns, he hadn't reached transcendence. ‘And yet he’s this powerful?’ Despite having a lower realm than mine, his presence and pressure are overwhelmingly formidable. Tension tightened my senses and heightened my blood flow. “There will be no second time. If you refuse to answer—I will break you.” It was a blatant threat. Moreover, I could tell he was utterly serious. I bit my lip. I rolled my eyes around, surveying the surroundings. Beyond the chaos lay something covered up. The Qi Barrier. The Martial Tyrant had erected a Qi Barrier around us. It kept sound and energy from escaping. I realized he set it up right after reaching this place with me. In other words— ‘Even with such a Qi Barrier, he exerts this much strength.’ It reminded me of how vast the Martial Tyrant's capabilities were. ‘Can I win?’ If I fought the Martial Tyrant now, could I win? Perhaps if I gave everything I have. If I unleashed everything within me, I might have a chance against him. Not just the Flaming Wheel Technique— ‘Heavenly Demon Divine Art.’ The power of chaos I created. Perhaps using that could make it possible. However— ‘......If I go that far now.’ The Qi Barrier wouldn’t hold. It would escalate into a true life-and-death duel with the Martial Tyrant. He was dead serious right now. “Haah.” I let out a sigh. “If you won’t speak, fine. I’ll respect that.” The Martial Tyrant moved. “So, young one. I expect you to respect me as well.” He was about to clench his fist and lunge at me as he wished. The Two-Arts Absolute Martial Technique enveloped his entire body. A life-and-death battle with one of the Three Sovereigns? Even when facing my mentor? ‘Truthfully, I am a bit tempted.’ A worthy opponent to unleash my elevated level upon. That temptation alone was somewhat alluring. ‘But not now.’ Now wasn’t the right time. Boom! The Martial Tyrant’s fist rushed towards me. I didn’t dodge, just looked it straight in the eye. “I am your disciple.” His fist halted just in front of my nose. Gazing at the massive fist before me, “What?” The Martial Tyrant spoke, disbelief evident in his voice. I met his eyes and said, “I have come back from the future.” I chose to confront him head-on.