1105 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 1105: The Childhood Friend of the World's Greatest The conqueror of Anhui and its ruler. Part of the Four Supreme Families, and arguably the most preeminent when it comes to power and influence. The Namgung family. Every matter within Anhui, including the dealings of various merchant guilds, even down to the branches of the Martial Alliance itself, had to tread carefully around the Namgung family's presence. Without their approval, nothing could be properly accomplished. Such was the stature held by the Namgung family. It was said to be one of the largest families in Zhongyuan. The current patriarch of this lineage—known as the head of the family—was Namgung Jehwi. He stood before the gates of Anhui, letting out a weary sigh. “......Is it as the report states?” Namgung Jehwi uttered softly, prompting a response from the elderly man beside him, Chunghwan. “Yes, indeed. The carriage will arrive shortly, so there's no need to fret too much.” “Huu......” Despite Chunghwan's words, Namgung Jehwi's expression remained tense. How could he not worry? 'To think she would disappear just like that.' He had been startled by the sudden visit, and was troubled by the absence of Namgung Jin. But as soon as news broke that Namgung Jin was returning to the family, Miss Hyun vanished. ‘…I knew she was one for action.’ Calling her a tomboy would be an understatement. Reputed as Anhui's most beautiful, she was known for her striking appearance, yet equally for her fiery temperament. Had he underestimated that? Or had he relied too much on the Namgung family's reputation? Namgung Jehwi hadn't anticipated such a move from Miss Hyun. ‘It's not easy.’ Should he consider it a blessing that his child had made such an impression? Or. ‘Should I reprimand her?’ For acting within Anhui, ignoring the orders of the family head, a reprimand was certainly in order. It would make the Namgung family's authority crystal clear. ‘It's not easy.’ Namgung Jehwi couldn’t do that easily. Despite Anhui lying under Namgung's influence, the Sunho Merchant Guild, Hyun Sohyeon's family, couldn't be disregarded. In terms of influence, it held the top position within Anhui and was also conspicuously growing within Zhongyuan. For this reason, the engagement with Namgung Jin was arranged. ‘...That son of mine.’ His son had defiantly joined the Martial Alliance, disliking the engagement. Although it was necessary to gain experience in the Martial Alliance as descendants of the sect were inclined to do, the timing was critical. This period called for him to remain and stabilize his position. ‘He needs to secure the position of Young Family Head soon.’ Namgung Jin had to become the Young Family Head, unlike his sibling. ‘For that, he needs to increase his strength as quickly as possible.’ The current juncture lacked the necessary footing. Despite the rising prestige of the family, Namgung Jehwi's personal standing was lacking. ‘He lacks strength.’ He didn't have the backing of martial talent. He had barely ascended to the role of patriarch, but as a martial family, the lack of personal power made his position tenuous. Thus, he placed his hopes on Namgung Jin. ‘He has the full package of mind, energy, and body.’ Although Namgung Jin's sibling seemed more gifted in terms of talent and openly expressed dissatisfaction with the family, Namgung Jin was the appropriate choice for patriarch due to his thinking and loyalty to Namgung. Hence, aligning with the Sunho Merchant Guild to gather strength swiftly was essential. ‘Why on earth.’ Why would Namgung Jin wander about at such a crucial time? Namgung Jehwi couldn’t comprehend it. Namgung Jin should well understand the importance of this period. “Huff...” Upon their arrival, both Hyun Sohyeon and Namgung Jin would need a stern talking to. As he resolved himself to this, “Family Head, the carriage approaches.” From a distance beyond the city gates, something large approached. A grand carriage, and upon seeing its emblem, Namgung Jehwi recognized it immediately. ‘Baekhwa Merchants.’ They were increasing their influence alongside the Sunho Merchant Guild in Zhongyuan. Namgung Jehwi wasn’t surprised. He had already heard the news. ‘The Baekhwa Merchants are sponsoring the Blue Dragon Corps.' Unlike supporting the entire Martial Alliance, they were providing personal support to the Blue Dragon Corps alone. This was an unprecedented move. Given the merchant guild's need to maintain neutrality, this was impermissible behavior traditionally. The Sect Leader allowing this was equally unusual. ‘What could it mean?’ Despite their attempts to forge a direct connection with the Namgung family, the Sunho Merchant Guild hadn't dared such a thing. Why were the Baekhwa Merchants acting this way? Namgung Jin found it truly baffling. At that moment. Whinny—!!! The carriage finally stopped before the city gate. * * * “You may disembark now.” I shook off the stiffness as I rose from the cramped interior of the carriage. Just as it started to feel unbearably tight, we had finally arrived. “Oh, get out already.” “...Uh, okay.” I practically shoved Doyun out of the doorway, eager for space. As I stepped outside, the weather was fortunately pleasant. “Huu.” Creak. As I stretched and worked out the stiffness in my body, my bones creaked. It wasn’t a bad sensation. As I continued to loosen up and looked back— “Are you coming out?” “…….” Namgung Jin sat cornered inside, lost in contemplation. “What are you doing?” Why wear such a distressed expression? “Jinlang, it's time to get out,” said Hyun Sohyeon warmly. Yet, Namgung Jin didn’t budge. “Jinlang, staying like this won't change the Family Head’s attitude.” “…….” “People say it's better to get it over with. Let's go.” “…….” “Having me by your side might help a bit.” “…….” “Jinlang.” “…….” “Jinlang?” “…….” “Sigh.” On receiving no answer, Hyun Sohyeon sighed. Just as I thought she’d given up on him coming out— “Why don’t you ever listen until it’s too late.” Hyun Sohyeon's face shifted before she scowled fiercely. In that instant. Thud-! “Ugh!?” She kicked Namgung Jin in the side, sending him toppling out. Reeling from the impact, Namgung Jin rolled onto the ground. “Ergh...!” He clutched his side, gasping in pain. ‘...She really went full-force on him?’ I watched closely as Namgung Jin reeled from the hit, visibly winded. It wasn't just a simple hit—Hyun Sohyeon had used her ki to deliver a powerful strike. Namgung Jin was evidently in pain, groaning as he tried to collect himself. "Oh my, are you alright, Jinlang?" Hyun Sohyeon feigned concern as she approached, appearing as if she was caring for him, yet not so subtly pressing on the spot she'd struck. His expression twisted in agony, making it clear that her touch intensified the pain. “Wow…” I couldn't help but express my admiration, albeit a bit warily. There was no denying it—she was truly devilish. While part of me found some small satisfaction in seeing Namgung Jin get what he deserved, I couldn't help but feel a tad sorry for him being punished so thoroughly. Of course, that didn't really concern me, and I dismissed it from my mind. Leaving them to sort themselves out, I continued forward. I saw that Father and our group had already exited the carriage. 'Mother didn’t come out,' I noted. She remained inside the carriage, hidden from view, her presence blending seamlessly with surrounding energy. After a brief glance in her direction, I turned my attention forward. Before Father stood a white-haired man. ‘Is that the current head of the Namgung family?’ He appeared somewhat older than middle age, though being a martial artist likely made him older than he looked. He wasn’t particularly large in stature. His level of martial arts... 'He hasn't reached the Heaven Stage.' For someone titled the head of one of the Four Supreme Families, his strength seemed somewhat lacking—he was at the Mature Peak stage but hadn't yet crossed into the Heaven Stage. ‘And his body...’ There was an unsettling quality to the energy flowing from his body. What is that? The curiosity gnawed at me, urging me to probe deeper. “Namgung here. I am the family head, Namgung Jehwi,” he introduced himself, facing Father. “I am Gu Cheol Woon, Vice Leader of the Blue Dragon Corps,” Father responded. “Ah, the famous Rising Dragon. I've often heard the tales. Indeed...” Namgung Jehwi scrutinized Father closely. “The rumors do not seem to be exaggerated. It's an honor to meet someone as promising as yourself.” “You honor me. It is this junior's privilege to meet the Namgung family head.” They exchanged pleasantries with a slight bow of respect. Namgung Jehwi didn't underestimate Father. Given that Father had risen to a vice-leader position within the Martial Alliance's Sword Corps, he deserved respect. “Thank you for traveling such a distance. Next, I suppose…” Namgung Jehwi's gaze drifted. It landed near me, but specifically… “Uh…” ...on Namgung Jin and Hyun Sohyeon, who was still struggling. Sigh. Namgung Jehwi sighed softly. “...It seems I should take those two back to the family first, if you don't mind?” “We will follow.” “Thank you.” Acknowledging Father's agreement, Namgung Jehwi turned and headed into Anhui Castle. We began to move after them as well. As I entered the once glorious Anhui castle, I kept my focus trained on Namgung Jehwi. ‘Hmm.’ I narrowed my eyes. What was that discordant sensation? I couldn't shake it from my mind. ‘Just a bit more.’ I heightened my ki perception subtly, ensuring not to draw attention, and directed it toward Namgung Jehwi. Thunk—! The ki brushed across Namgung Jehwi. “...” Just then, Father's gaze briefly flickered toward me. Panic rising, I feared he might have noticed, but fortunately, he didn’t seem to have detected anything. And then— ‘Ah.’ With the alien sensation now identified, I furrowed my brow. ‘...Unbelievable.’ The discordant energy emanating from Namgung Jehwi was unmistakable. It was, ‘...Blood energy?’ The aura of a Blood Demon. That was the energy I sensed from Namgung Jehwi.