791 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions --- Chapter 791: Childhood Friend of the Zenith Whoooosh-!! The barrier (gimak / 기막) trembled fiercely. It was partly due to an inability to properly adjust one’s Qi (기), but largely because the elder’s words were shockingly profound. “What do you mean by that?” I glared at the elder with furrowed brows. Had time been reversed? The elder certainly asked me that question. ‘What is this?’ My mind, which had gone cold, raced quickly. How could he know to ask me such a thing? Could it be? ‘…Is that elder a regressor too?’ I was already aware that there were other regressors apart from myself. Whether it meant they had reversed time or arrived from another world, I could not be sure. It wasn't strange for there to be another figure who had returned before me. Thus, I eyed the elder with a heightened sense of caution. Could the founder of the Baekhwa Trading Company (백화상단) really be a regressor? While I was deep in thought, staring at him. Clink-. The elder set down the teacup he had been holding and continued speaking shortly afterward. “I overheard it somewhere. The deeds of young master (Il Gongja / 일공자) are so monumental for someone of your age, I thought perhaps…” “…” “Judging by young master’s reaction, it seems my joke was a bit too severe. I apologize.” “…A joke… was it?” “Hmm?” The elder gave me a peculiar look, nodding slightly. “Then, did you really reverse time?” “No. That could never be. Absolutely not.” Hahaha. I laughed, waving my hands dismissively. “It was such an absurd notion that I was momentarily thrown. Reversing time... it's an impossible concept.” As I spoke, concealing my anxiety, the elder quietly observed me. ‘Is he suspicious?’ It was certainly troubling. Was he probing because he knew something, or did my reaction seem suspicious enough for him to doubt me? It was difficult to discern. ‘Damn it.’ At times like this, I recalled how Noya or others around had criticized my poor acting skills. If I had known and reacted in advance, it would be different. When he suddenly brought up something related to regression, my mind went blank. No matter how much I tried to feign innocence, it seemed too late. While I was pondering in such turmoil. “I don't think it’s an unreasonable occurrence.” “Pardon?” The elder spoke to me calmly. “Young master. When you live as a merchant, you see many people.” Pretending to listen attentively, I kept my thoughts spinning. “I’ve met those who claim they are from another world. Some even say this body isn’t theirs, claiming they were the Celestial Sword in a previous life. You encounter all kinds of characters.” “Aren't they just lunatics?” Other worlds, not their own bodies, what kind of crazed nonsense is that? ‘They don’t seem in their right mind?’ The utterances were preposterous. “Do you believe that…?” “I don't.” “However.” “But I also don’t think it’s entirely untrue.” “Pardon?” “The world is full of things even more implausible than that. I am not perfect enough to have certainty, so I cannot say for sure that it's all false.” “…” His calm words carried an unidentifiable thorn. “Young master.” “…Yes.” “Though it began as a joke, it matters not to me what your circumstances are.” “…” Cold sweat trickled down my back. How could one describe this feeling? Though it wasn't cold, it felt as if a chill was sweeping in from somewhere. The prickliness felt as if thousands of sharp daggers were aimed at me from every direction. He knows everything. That elder knows everything about me. It was as if that sensation pierced through the crown of my head. ‘Tsk….’ I had felt something similar when confronting Mok Yeon (묵연), but this seemed far more intense. What should I do? A thought crossed my mind, but there weren’t many options anyway. “I’m not sure what circumstances you are referring to… but first, why have you summoned me?” “I couldn’t care less about that. What is the reason for calling me here?” At times like this, it was important to press forward without any finesse. I wasn’t confident enough to act completely oblivious, and it was not a rational suspicion, to begin with. So I spoke with my eyes slightly narrowed. As the elder quietly watched, he soon reacted. “Ah, yes. The reason. Indeed… the reason.” The elder nodded several times, as if he had briefly forgotten. “Apologies. I have developed a habit of forgetting things as I grow older.” “…” “Right, I did call upon young master.” What is this? Is he senile? It felt as if the conversation kept drifting somewhere else. “…Why did I summon you?” “…” Is he truly senile? After a brief, vacant gaze into the air, the elder’s eyes widened. “Ah, I remember….” “…Ah, I see. That’s a relief.” “Yes, indeed. I intended to ask something.” “Yes…. I’m listening.” What is he going to ask this time? Unlike before, I braced myself with tension as I awaited his words. Then. “It’s nothing significant. Young master.” “Yes, sir.” “Do you have any intention of becoming the Family Head (Gaju / 가주)?” “…” Once again, the elder asked an unexpected question. “…Do you mean suddenly?” “Yes.” “That’s quite out of the blue.” Would I consider becoming the Family Head? Hearing that question caused me to unknowingly tilt my head. “Why do you wish to know that?” The tone of my voice naturally took on a sarcastic edge, clearly reflecting my discomfort. Why had he summoned me just to ask that? Since earlier, only out-of-the-blue questions had been asked, so my irritation was reaching its peak. “I don’t understand why the old sage is asking me this.” Also, having requested the barrier (gimak / 기막) to be set up, only to now ask such a trifling thing. "A Family Head. Well." Would I become the Family Head of the Gu Family (Gu Ga / 구가)? I hadn’t thought deeply about it. Understandably so. “That’s not for me to decide. The choice belongs to the Family Head.” To be exact, it’s in the hands of my father and the elders. No matter how much I despised it. It wasn’t something I could alter. Even if I didn’t want to, or if another sister desired it, the choice regarding that matter was only to be made by my father, the Family Head. It’s not something I had any control over. ‘Perhaps, just running away is my only option.’ To flee the household in rebellion against taking on the role. Translated and Implemented Instructions --- That much, I can manage. After all, I had done things in my previous life with that intention. However. "I don't understand why the elder is so curious about this." Why is this elder interested in such matters? Especially someone I've never even met in my previous life. 'Could it actually be because of his grandchildren?' The one secured to inherit the position of Family Head (Sogaju / 소가주). Maybe it's because that person has started to extend his influence, and it's bothering him so much that he has come this far. That seemed like the most plausible reason. He must be displeased. To think that a child of a concubine, not even his own blood, would surpass the children of the wife and ascend to the position of Family Head. If that's why he's here, I have little to say. "What effect does me becoming the Family Head have on the elder?" "Effect...? There isn’t nothing. After all, my daughter is involved." As I suspected. Is it truly because of Madam Mi (부인) and Gu Heebi (구희비) with Gu Yeonseo (구연서)? "If that's the issue, I have nothing more to say. As I've already mentioned…." "Then, if you are told to become the Family Head, would you accept it?" "…" Would I do it if told to become the Family Head? His question made me furrow my brow. "…Well, who knows." I'm supposed to take over the position of Sogaju. As for Family Head…. "That, too, isn't really for me to decide. It's not a position I can easily acquire if I want it, nor can I avoid it if I don't want it." "…" Did that answer his question? The elder's gaze remained fixed, unchanged. Was that not the answer he wanted? "Young master." "Yes, elder." "Do you know what it means to be the Family Head of the Gu Family (Gu Ga / 구가)?" “…Pardon?” "Before that, do you know the true meaning of Gu Ga?" "I suppose it means something like a household where everyone is together, right?" What grand significance could a family name actually hold, other than simply being there? The same goes for families like Namgung or Moyong. I understand they don't particularly fixate on such meanings. "Is it really such an important part?" "It seems, from your response, that you don’t know." "You’re saying I don’t know?" The meaning of the Gu Family and the significance of the Family Head. Are they saying I don't know that? 'I can't believe this.' I was so dumbfounded I almost laughed. What do they presume to know? What could an old man, who has experienced nothing, possibly understand? "Then, do you, elder, know? The meaning of our family, that is." "I know more than young master, at least." "Then, tell me. What exactly is it that you know, elder?" What could he know to make him act so arrogantly? It was an absurd situation. So please, go ahead and say it. I’m even laying out the ground for you. "Ahem. The Gu Family…" Bang-! Just as the elder was about to speak, the closed door swung open, and someone entered. With a harsh noise, it was Madam Mi (미 부인) who walked in. 'Damn.' I had thought it unlikely for anyone to come in, so I had only set up the barrier (gimak / 기막) and hadn't sealed it. It turned out that was an issue. With a heightened expression, Madam Mi stepped into the barrier. "Lady Mi…?" “What do you think you’re doing?” Even before I could ask what was happening, Madam Mi approached the elder with a chilling voice. The elder shifted his gaze to look at Madam Mi. “Patriarch. What do you think you’re doing? Interrupting while I’m having a conversation. Isn’t that a bit over the line?” “Hold on….” "It’s not I who crossed the line, it's you." “…” My mouth clamped shut of its own accord. Had there ever been another time when Madam Mi’s voice emanated such immense anger? Probably the first time seeing such a thing. “Do you not realize how presumptuous you’re being?” “Is it a mistake to try and inform someone of what they don’t know?” “It's a mistake to inform them of something they don’t need to know yet.” "You’re wrong. The mistake is not knowing what one ought to know. Those responsible for this situation are the true culprits.” “You’re not in a position to judge that. It’s just unnecessary meddling.” A harsh exchange of words, with neither side yielding an inch. It was too fierce to be considered simply a father-daughter conversation. After several more exchanges. "Again I say, Patriarch, I am still talking to the young master here. So, could you please step out?" As the elder spoke to Madam Mi, she immediately turned to look at me. "Young master." “Yes? Yes….” “I’m sorry. Though I appreciate your visit today, it seems best to see you another time. This conversation with him looks like it will take some time.” “Well…. It seems like I should hear that too—” “I’m asking.” “Yes….” I moved without looking back. Not because she asked. But because, contrary to Madam Mi’s polite demeanor, her eyes were fiercely intimidating. Even if I wanted to hear more, it seemed I wouldn’t be able to. '…' Why exactly is the Gu Family (Gu Ga / 구가) called that? And, what is the position that the Family Head holds truly? Does that elder really know about that? A question rises in my mind, but I can’t hear the answer now. '…Tsk.' I considered remaining stubbornly seated but chose otherwise. Hoo-! Retreating the Qi that had been lingering around me, I walked out, leaving Madam Mi behind. “...Then, I’ll see you next time.” No response followed. Concealing my discomfort, I grabbed the door. Creak—Clack-! The door closed once more. Shortly after Gu Yangcheon (구양천) left. “Mujin.” Mi Horan (미효란) called softly for someone. Immediately, energy spread out from the center of the room. Hoo-! The barrier (gimak / 기막) was reestablished once more. The wind formed by the Qi brushed past Madam Mi. Her well-maintained hair fluttered, and her eyes, infused with cold energy, locked onto the elder. “What do you think you’re doing?” “Do you wish to repeat everything we've just discussed?” The elder spoke while scanning the surroundings. "It seems you’ve set up a Cheongyuseok (청어석)." Cheongyuseok. A mystical item installed in the room that allowed one to hear what transpired within. Translated and Implemented Instructions --- The range was narrow, making eavesdropping attempts limited, and identifying the mystical item was not difficult, so it was seldom used. "Yes. Because I don't know what kind of nonsense you might spout." "It seems you’ve grown more cunning in our time apart, Patriarch. Or perhaps..." The elder's colorless eyes turned towards Mi Horan (미효란). "That child has become that precious to you?" "…" Her tone shifted, and Mi Horan’s brows knit even further upon hearing this. "Just enough to treat the father you've met after dozens of years so coldly." The word 'father' caused Mi Horan's frown to deepen beyond measure. "Are you now thinking of playing the role of a father? It’s far too late for that." The anger on her face was unmistakable. Seeing that, a faint smile curled on the elder's lips. "It’s been a while since I've seen you this angry." "Don't change the subject." "Are you so afraid of having that child know the truth? Even though you know he will find out eventually." The young man she briefly met, the bloodline of the Gu Family, and the only son of the Family Head. She recalled Gu Yangcheon (구양천), who had been causing a stir in Central Plains (Jungwon / 중원) lately. "It’s unnecessary." "And so, is that what brought you here, to say these things? After decades of absence, this is what you’ve come for?" "It was a bonus, really. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have talked to me." "Don't make excuses. It wasn’t me who refused to talk and left on my own whims." Upon hearing this response, Mi Horan raised her voice. "You’re still as self-centered as ever. How dare you speak of matters that do not concern you, not being the Family Head?" Bang-! Mi Horan’s slender hand slammed the wooden table. Swish. A cup overturned, spilling tea onto the floor. The flowing tea soon dripped to the ground, soaking into the fabric beneath. Despite witnessing this, the elder's demeanor remained unchanged. "Being self-centered is inherent, isn’t that something you cannot help?" "Is that supposed to be an explanation...?!" "And you did the same. You ignored a father like me and chose a stone-hearted man from the Gu family." "…" A stone-hearted man from the Gu family. At that phrase, words caught in Mi Horan's throat. "I clearly said it. He's a storm. No one can bow before him, and to fulfill his destined role, he will eventually abandon even you. It was evident from the monstrous woman masquerading by his side." Mi Horan's arm, resting on the floor, trembled momentarily. "My brilliant daughter. You once said he'd eventually overcome everything." "…That was—" "How do you see it now? Did he overcome everything as you wished?" "…" "It’s laughable. He overcame nothing. Instead, he birthed a vessel willing to contain a storm like himself. Truly astonishing. Was it to have him continue his legacy? If that were the case…." "Watch your tongue." The elder’s eyebrows twitched at the suppressed tone of her voice. "No one in this world has the right to insult him or the boy in front of me." Swish. Mi Horan’s hand fell from the table. Drip—! Something dropped onto the ground soaked with tea. It was a drop of blood fallen from Mi Horan's hand. Judging from the wound on her hand, she must have struck the table quite forcefully, but. "That applies to you, too." Mi Horan added with a serpent's hiss in her voice, seemingly unfazed by pain. "…Haha." At her words, the elder suddenly chuckled. However. "You remain as stubborn as ever." In an instant, the laughter faded away. "Clinging to the delusion that you could remain by his side, you still haven't let it go." "…" "Why do you still not understand, my daughter? That is something people like us cannot achieve." Creak. Mi Horan clenched her injured hand tightly. With each squeeze, the blood dripped more intensely. "I told you to leave it behind if you decide to go, but you still couldn't abandon it." "Not once have I thought it impossible, and even with time, that won’t change—" "How much of that time do you think is left?" "…" Mi Horan's breath hitched at the elder's words. "Do you still think there’s time remaining?" "…You." "Seeing his grown-up child, I knew." A presence that had swelled beyond concealment, much like his father. Many would deem it unreasonable. How did someone of that age harness such power? How did they reach this far? Numerous people would wonder. But not the elder. Perhaps it was obvious. "The time is running out." In order to inherit the legacy, they had to be born as unreasonable beings. "You, more than anyone, are aware of this." Such was the nature of those born into the Gu family. "To become a vessel, to accept the sin, thus abandoning human emotions and leaving only a commitment to uphold the law." When that happens. "Daughter, do you still think he would remain the one you wish to be by the side of?" "…" Mi Horan could not utter any answer in response to the elder's words. "Do not harbor illusions. By that time, he will no longer be the one you knew. In fact, he may not even be considered human." Only the vessel would remain. What do you expect to be contained within it? "The more that child prepares, the sooner the time will come…. Or perhaps." The elder softly uttered as he glanced at the door through which Gu Yangcheon had exited. "…It might already be prepared." In the elder’s eyes, despite saying so, a shade of guilt seemed to linger. ***************** Suuuu. In the heart of a cave where the breeze seeped in. The tranquil space felt utterly dark. Nothing was visible. Nothing could be seen. In such an environment. Translated and Implemented Instructions --- Clang. Clang. Short sounds echoed intermittently, seemingly determined to disturb the silence. Deep within the confines of the space. That's where the noise originated. What was the sound for? The question didn’t linger long. At the epicenter of the sound, within an impenetrable darkness, a disturbance appeared. Fwoosh—! A spark ignited. Despite its small size, the spark erupted instantly, casting light in all directions. As the surroundings brightened, the interior became visible. It became clear why the sound was occurring. To one side of the space, there was an enormous door. A door so large it was almost impossible to gauge its size. One had to wonder how such a door could exist within this space. Between the immense doors, proportionately large chains encompassed the door like a band. Clang-! The sound came from those chains. A sound produced by the chains as they shook—a sound of chains screaming in protest as they were forcibly spread apart. A door tightly shut, held by chains that shivered at the prospect of being opened any moment now. And there. Rumble—! A figure holding the chains and sweating profusely stood firm. A body remarkably large for a human. Covered in robust muscles, with dense scars littering the skin—echoes of past battles. A figure resembling a giant mountain to humans, yet small compared to the chains it grasped. This presence clutched the chains with all its might, holding firm. Sweat dripped down, indicating the difficulty of the task. Despite the trembling arms and bloodshot eyes, the man emitted not a single groan. “…” He merely poured more strength into the chains he held. A steadfast resolve to never let go. As the man clutched the chains tightly. Fwooosh—!!! Flames surged forth, forming tendrils that delved into the chains. Swish. The tendrils clung to the chains, stabilizing the trembling and securing them in place. The shaking chains tightened their grip on the door. The tremors ceased, and no more sound could be heard. “…” Only then did the man release his grip on the chains. Where he held tightly, blood had smeared thoroughly. The man's hand was a mangled mess, the flesh torn and damaged. Yet despite what must have been excruciating pain, his face remained expressionless. Toward this man, "Incredible, isn't it?" A red-eyed elder approached. “To think you’d withstand it.” As the elder spoke, the man turned his head slowly. “You’ve come.” A deep voice, heavy with fatigue, sounded amidst an otherwise stoic face. "How is it? Worth attempting?" “…” Listening to the question, the man turned his gaze back to the door. The door he had been holding with all his might was now immobile, engulfed in flames. "Don't regret it. Honestly, I didn’t expect you to withstand this much." "I do not find it unfortunate." "That's a relief." Cluck-cluck. The elder chuckled softly. The man looked at the elder, his gaze focusing not on his face but on his arm. A loose sleeve hung on his left arm. The elder stood sans the arm he once had. "Ah, this." The elder smiled as he noticed the gaze. "Something happened, and I left it behind. Why? Are you curious?" "I am not curious." "Quite cold-hearted." “…” Ignoring the elder's reaction, the man extended his hand. Hoo-! A robe lying on the ground was drawn into his grasp. He immediately clothed himself in the robe. A reaction devoid of emotion. The elder commented. "Your grandson is rather spirited." The tone seemed like playful banter. Halt. The words caused the man's head to move. Noticing this, the elder's eyes widened in mild surprise. "A more interesting expression than I expected." "Did you meet that child?" "Don't make such a frightening face. As a grandfather, I merely wished to see my grandson’s face." Rumble—!!! Despite the elder’s words, the interior of the cave vibrated intensely. The cause was the energy emitting from the man's physique. "What did you do?" "Hmm." The elder’s expression turned curious, seemingly intrigued by the reaction. "If I did do something, what would you consider?" Rumble…ruuumble… With that question, the vibrations ceased. No further reaction? It appeared so, yet this was a precursor. An omen felt just before calamity struck. "Cluck-cluck." The elder slightly raised his hand. "Terrifying. You might even come after your own father." “…” "Do not worry. Before he is your child, he is my cherished grandson, so I did nothing untoward. I only looked at his face, no need for such anger." Upon the elder's words, the man who had been watching him calmly seemed to relax, turning his head away. What would have happened without those words just now? What might that stubborn child have attempted against him? The elder found himself briefly curious about this but chose not to investigate further. That wasn't what was crucial now. "My son," The elder continued. "Do not forget. Before that time comes, you must place the child in the position of Sogaju. And before it’s too late…you must come to this place." "…I understand." "Indeed, you must understand." Fwoosh. Gradually, flames flickered upon the body of the man, Gu Cheolwoon (구철운). "For this is our legacy." “…” He chose not to respond. He merely entrusted himself to the flames. There was a place he must depart for immediately. Thus, as Gu Cheolwoon became one with the flames and vanished from the spot. In the now deserted space. The elder walked calmly. Approaching the massive door. Slowly standing before it, the elder spoke. "Truly sorrowful." Despite these words, the elder's expression revealed not a hint of emotion.