1121 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Unmatched Hero's Childhood Friend A landscape shrouded in white. The hues of the mysterious portal standing atop the hill had changed—or rather, had already changed without notice. While everyone was taken aback at the sight, Namgung Jeohwi called out immediately, "Leader!" A nearby man dashed over hurriedly in response to his shout. "What in the world is happening, Leader Changcheon?" Changcheon, the leader of the Namgung family’s elite sword squad, urgently knelt down before Namgung Jeohwi. "I'm terribly sorry. I will promptly assess the situation." "Assess, you say? Meaning this wasn't noticed during yesterday’s patrol?" Considering the portal's presence on the hill, Namgung family's warriors had been stationed in advance for surveillance. If there was any change, it should have been reported immediately. "Yes, indeed. Until yesterday, it was definitely still retaining its red glow." An ominous statement. It implied that something had occurred in that brief period. 'What on earth is happening?' Not only were others shocked, but even I, who was observing, was taken aback. What is this thing? 'A white portal?' It's something I've never seen before in my life. I've never heard of anything like this. A white portal in the realm of demons? 'Of all times...' According to central records, apart from the occurrences during the Blood Demon War, there’s no record of a white portal appearing. Even during my active years, the red portal was the limit. Although I've seen white demons... 'I've never seen such a portal.' The portal itself has never manifested before. And for it to mutate into a white portal? This means... 'White demons might appear.' The portal's transformation into a white color signifies that white demons could emerge from within. 'Damn it.' I bit my lip. Even a red portal was problematic, but now a major portal has turned white. ‘Is this somehow my fault as well?’ It must be. Most anomalies occurring in this era are likely my doing. The issue is... 'Why?' Why has it come to this extent? What is a white portal? ‘I’ve never encountered one myself.’ How has the difficulty escalated so abruptly? I could feel the growing unease among those around me. "...A white one?" "It's not red, it's white. Does that mean white demons are emerging?" "But why... Why now?" Anxiety filled the air. Shadows were cast upon everyone's faces. Naturally so, as even the red portal was enough to make them tense and fearful. Now it's white. "Damn it... How are we supposed to handle this—!" "This... This is..." As everyone was ensnared in chaos, a massive sound and pressure surged through the air. A gentle heat permeated the sudden gust. The rush of energy meant it was emitted by none other than— ‘Father?’ It was Father. Father stood, his robe fluttering as he unleashed a formidable aura. "Calm yourselves." With a weighted command, he swiftly brought the surroundings under control. With his commanding presence, he scanned the area with red eyes before fixing his gaze on Namgung Jeohwi. Even Namgung Jeohwi flinched at his glance. "Ah..." Momentarily startled, he quickly regained composure and pronounced, "We will assess the situation. Everyone, maintain order and act according to the commands. Leaders, fulfill your responsibilities." "Understood!" The formation was established immediately as a perimeter was secured. Even amid uncertainty, the gathered elite responded swiftly, befitting a renowned family, not a gathering of misfits. Soon, several temporary tents were erected, personnel were positioned accordingly, but due to the summit's limited space, only a few came up. The remainder were likely spread across the mountain, waiting for future battles. Once all were assembled, Namgung Jeohwi called a meeting. "Vice Leader of the Azure Dragon Squad." "Yes." Father responded to Namgung Jeohwi's inquiry. "How do you perceive this situation?" Mixing a sigh into his question, Namgung Jeohwi asked, to which Father replied with an impassive expression. "It seems a white portal has indeed manifested." "......" He stated this stark reality without a hint of emotion. His words planted seeds of concern on the faces of everyone in the tent—the clan heads, the squad leaders, and even us. "A white one... Verily..." Namgung Jeohwi exclaimed in perplexity. Beside him, Soi slightly furrowed her brows and commented, "We’ve been told no such event has occurred since the Blood Demon War... How could this be?" "The very moment a red portal appeared, witnessing a white one isn't far-fetched." "......" Father abruptly interrupted Soi's words. Indeed, we had already confirmed the existence of a red portal. What is strange about a white one appearing here? It is simply a catastrophe that has unfolded. "The crucial matter is our response. If white demons indeed emerge from within, nobody knows what will ensue." Red demons, known for their massive size and incomparable power to blue demons. Moreover, they were known to have the ability to summon subordinate demons. The confirmation of this in Hanam meant... "White demons too... could be exactly as described in the records?" White demons were heralded as utter calamities. Creatures that could alter the natural world around them merely by being present. Capable of turning a snowstorm into summer or integrating wide rivers into arid battlegrounds. Such were the white demons known in Zhongyuan. Indeed... 'They're not wrong.' From someone who has directly encountered them, I knew their words held truth. "So, does this mean our current strength is insufficient? Could reinforcement be necessary...?" "Calling for reinforcements is prudent, but whether that will truly aid us is questionable." "......" Soi fell silent. For her words were correct. If the white demons were indeed as feared as described. 'Warriors below the peak level are of little use.' They simply squandered their lives like dust. Silence swept across the group. Though they had never faced it directly, having encountered red demons before, they understood the severity of the situation. "Master Namgung." At that moment, Father addressed Namgung Jeohwi, who looked at him with anxious eyes. "Could we inquire with the Celestial again?" "...You mean my father?" "Yes." This was not a matter concerning just red demons, but white demons. This situation called for the might of the Celestial. "This isn’t just a problem for the Namgung family; it could pose a crisis for the entire Anhui region." "......" Despite Father's reasoning, Namgung Jeohwi hesitated, biting his lip. 'What is this?' Even in this situation, he's reluctant to speak? It seemed like an intolerable crisis. "Master." Father pressed once more with a frown, and Namgung Jeohwi clenched his teeth. "...I will dispatch a message immediately." Perhaps realizing there was no other choice, he moved to prepare the message again. 'At least that's some relief.' I was concerned they might underestimate the threat of the white demons, but they reacted appropriately, likely due to their knowledge and experience. 'But the concern remains...' There still was an issue regarding our military strength. 'If the Celestial were to come, it might be fine.' That is assuming the Celestial's power isn’t restrained. But currently, the Celestial might not be able to exert the force of his prime. 'Hm...' With this, the question lingered: 'Should I intervene?' While I pondered, tapping my waist with my fingers, Father suddenly called out, "Baek Yangcheon." "...Yes?" Surprised, I responded, feeling his piercing gaze upon me. "Do you know something?" "Uh...?" Caught off guard, I stammered. Did I know something? Why this sudden question? "I'm not sure. This is a first for me as well." What was his intent behind the question? Responding with a slightly trembling gaze, Father nodded. "I see. Understood." And he did not ask again. 'What’s going on?' What kind of reaction was that? I couldn’t comprehend it. Did he assume I had some knowledge? How? A chill crept up my spine at the thought. Had Father sensed something in me? Just as I was about to broach the topic— "Over there—," "Master—!!" Someone burst into the tent urgently. "Th-The portal is acting strange!" "What?" Another crisis had arisen. An utterly unfortunate event. * * * "Move with caution!" A multitude set out swiftly. Carts, laden with supplies, lined up to commence their journey. The sheer volume of people was staggering, a mountain of souls densely packed together. All were set on the path of evacuation. Their destination: the Wulin League's branch near Anhui. The sudden exodus painted anxiety and fear across their faces. Among them, Mi Hyo-ran advised a nearby woman, "Keep your veil on. Don’t take it off because it’s stifling." "Got it!" The white-haired woman smiled brightly, adjusting her veil, and Mi Hyo-ran nearly sighed in response. "Do you want one of these?" Beside them, an elegant beauty, Hyun So-yeon, offered a confection to the smiling woman. "I’d love one!" "Hahaha." Hyun So-yeon laughed warmly at her cute reaction, making Mi Hyo-ran frown. 'What is so amusing?' Even under these circumstances, how could one smile? She was baffled. 'Sigh.' How had she ended up in such a predicament? Obligated to follow such instructions. Feeling rather foolish about her situation, she thought: 'All of this...' It was because of that vile man. That lone, selfish man had even made her cry. She couldn’t recall ever feeling so embarrassed. And yet— 'Despite that, I’m still doing it?' Attending to someone else’s request, even if it meant caring for another woman. It was utterly laughable. "Sigh..." Mi Hyo-ran sighed deeply, extending her hand. Annoyed though she was, she knew what she had to do. "What are you doing? Quickly—" She reached out to restrain the unpredictable woman once more. "...Hmm?" Mi Hyo-ran paused when she noticed the woman staring intently behind them. "What’s wrong?" "There." At her finger's point, a gigantic mountain loomed. A place that was likely occupied by him. "Why are you looking there? That’s where—" At that moment— Kuaaaaaa---!!! "---!!!" "Eek!" "Guh!" The ground convulsed violently as an earthquake erupted. "What on earth—!" Mi Hyo-ran's instincts kicked in, and she quickly adjusted her stance. She moved to protect the woman but— "Huh...?" Mi Hyo-ran froze, eyes locked on the mountains beyond. "What is that...?" Above the summit, something unusual was occurring. "Clouds..." The clouds in the sky were swirling into a vortex. In an utterly bizarre manner.