1156 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Frontline. It was a location relatively close to Shanxi, known for the unusual proliferation of demon gateways. For this reason, the Murim Alliance designated it a high-risk area on their own accord. They set up a branch of their alliance near the frontline, enlisting the help of affiliated sects and clans to take turns defending it. Among these, the clans and sects situated in Shanxi were heavily invested due to their proximity. Naturally, this included the Gu family. The issue, however, was not merely about an agreement with the alliance. 'The Gu family's deployment to the frontline is not solely a matter of their pact with the alliance.' The Gu family's secret on the frontline. The reason for the Gu family’s unwavering presence across generations was the eggs beneath the array formation. Eggs. Or... 'Seeds.' I recalled how the creature, Kurungi, referred to them as seeds. It had called the eggs seeds. Overseeing and protecting those at the frontline would be one of the Gu family’s responsibilities... 'An anomaly?' I delved into the reasons presented as a confidential mission regarding my dispatch to the frontline. 'An anomaly at the frontline?' They wanted me to check for an anomaly there, news that made me furrow my brows. 'What is this?' What on earth could this mean? I tried to recall the circumstances. The frontline at this time... Recalling the records of the frontline. 'Nothing seems missing.' At least from what I knew, it was a period known for having no major incidents... 'Ah.' Then it hit me. 'Could it be that?' There was one incident that could be associated with that period. 'The frontline at this time... It’s that, isn’t it.' It wasn’t a time when the alliance had full control and minimized risks. 'A period when the unorthodox faction was also in play.' It was when the suppression of the unorthodox faction wasn’t completely finished, leading to occasional incidents while they lingered at the frontline. Among those, if I were to pick one highlight... 'The emergence of the Four Great Demonic Emperors.' The Four Great Demonic Emperors. They were masters of the unorthodox faction, known to hold positions akin to the kings of orthodox sects. In my time, their activities were sparse, leading to their gradual fading into obscurity... 'But now.' In this period, they would likely hold a terrifying reputation in terms of both fame and infamy. If it were an affair related to the frontline, then it would be... 'The emergence of the Spear Emperor.' The Spear Emperor, one of the Four Great Demonic Emperors. His outbreak at the frontline is a famous anecdote. Is that event from this period? I’m not sure. While it’s a notable incident, I hadn’t paid enough attention to remember its specific timing. 'Hmm...' I wondered about any connection this anomaly could have. 'Better to keep it in mind, just in case.' I decided to keep it in my thoughts. With a rustle. I tucked the letter I had been holding back into my bosom. I couldn’t help but wonder if Father hadn’t seen this. 'It’s not just any other matter; it’s about the frontline.' Given the Gu family's intricate connection, it would be odd if Father hadn’t found it suspicious. '...I don't know.' Considering Father's personality, there was a possibility he really hadn't read the letter, making it hard to be certain. Moreover. 'Why did they give it to me?' The fact that this task was given to me, a person of interest, was a puzzling part. 'What could their intention be?' I was curious about what Qinglongdazhu or Sword Master’s intent might be. Creak. I decided to get up from my chair. “I've been told to wait, but...” I couldn’t just linger here indefinitely. So, I decided to head outside. Specifically. 'To where Jin Yeonryeong is.' I decided to visit where my grandmother was. * * * Finding the place wasn't difficult. There was only one infirmary in the Gu family. In proportion to the size of the clan, it was not a particularly big space or building. A place where the lights still burned bright, while elsewhere the fires had died down. I made my way to where the medical monks were, moving slowly. However. '...Hmm.' I noticed the gatekeeper. Come to think of it, getting in wasn't going to be straightforward. 'I’m not officially acknowledged as a blood relative.' Though our blood is connected, I’m not listed as a blood relative formally. So, getting through lawfully was not an option. I'd momentarily forgotten this. '...Should I go back?' I could sneak in if I wanted, but then... 'Grandfather is inside, too.' That old man could easily catch me. Not that anything would likely happen if he did. 'It’s uncomfortable.' It was uncomfortable now. Especially since this subtle difference kept holding me back. '...Just how strong is he?' Grandfather was strong. It was apparent from our brief encounter. Though I couldn’t be sure to what extent— 'Perhaps he’s reached transcendence.' The information he once shared with me. Gu's Fiery Lotus technique would only reach mastery if one became a minor head. Based on that statement... 'The clan head could have also reached mastery.' The chances were high that the master of Gu's Fiery Lotus technique had reached transcendence. 'Much like Father.' The head of the Gu family has always been stronger than known. The reason being, likely, to safeguard the title of master. 'Hmm.' Should I turn back? I steadied my resolve. For now, Gu Sungyeol had instructed me to wait. 'There’s no need to concern myself with my grandmother.' Though a bit cold-hearted, there was no reason for me to worry about my present grandmother. With that in mind, just as I was about to turn back. “Are you leaving?” “...!” I froze at the voice that reached me. 'When did he...?' There stood the chief steward before me without my noticing. I failed to detect his approach. Also. 'Even now.' Even now, his presence wasn’t clearly discernible to me. I narrowed my eyes as I regarded him. The chief steward was another element of oddity I noticed since arriving here. His appearance was exactly as I remembered. Despite being several decades ago, he looked the same as the younger version I recalled, unchanged from that time. This was definitely... 'Not human.' He wasn’t human. The chief steward was neither a martial artist nor radiated any discernible aura. '...Hmm.' While I wordlessly watched him, the chief steward simply smiled and spoke to me. “It’s quite chilly out. Do come inside.” Going inside right now doesn't seem like a good idea. I was about to say that. “You have sufficient qualifications. Please, come in.” “...” His words sent a chill down my spine. ‘He knows.’ It seemed as if he was aware that I was part of this family’s bloodline. That's probably why he spoke of qualifications. “Who are you exactly?” “I am the chief steward of the Gu family.” “Do you know who I am...?” “I do not.” “Then why-” “Though I do not know, I can sense it. Young master, please, come in.” “...” The mention of the term 'young master' narrowed my eyes. It was a statement that accurately grasped my status. “...Who exactly are you? What are you?” How could you, like the clan leader, discern my identity? I asked. “I apologize.” The chief steward bowed his head. Simultaneously, the smile on his face grew more profound. Watching this sent shivers down my spine. “You are not yet qualified to know, young master.” “...” “I will inform the gatekeepers. You may enter freely.” With those parting words, the chief steward re-entered the infirmary. “...” I watched his slender back disappear from view and suppressed a sigh. ‘This family mess, truly...’ It's ridiculous. How much deeper do I have to dig into this family to uncover its secrets? ‘I was born wrong. No matter how you look at it.’ How much simpler would life have been if I were born into an ordinary family? It feels like my life is entangled with misfortune. “Ha.” With a hollow laugh, I lifted my feet. Fine, let’s go and see for myself. With that thought, I stepped inside the infirmary. As the chief steward had mentioned beforehand, The gatekeepers did not hinder my passage. * * * I entered. Crossing the deserted courtyard, I approached the room where the lights were on. From there, I could already sense the presence of people inside. Reaching for the door handle to open it. “...Is that something you can say?” I paused. It was Jin Yeonryeong’s voice. It seemed she had awakened. “Dear... it's not that.” I could hear Gu Seung-yeol’s voice at the same time. ‘Hmm.’ Judging by the atmosphere, things on this side seemed to be in turmoil too. ‘What should I do?’ Should I call it a misunderstanding? It really is a misunderstanding, isn’t it? ‘I’m not Grandfather’s son.’ Strictly speaking, I’m the son of my father, not of my grandfather. That was the reason the Bloodline Bead activated. ‘Ah, really, the elder...’ If Gu Lune hadn’t been involved, this wouldn’t have happened. That old man was quick-witted but always had a screw loose. ‘...Tsk.’ I don’t want this situation to escalate further; I need to manage it somehow. With that thought, as I was about to open the door... Swoosh- Sensing movement, I turned my head. ZGVPdDc2cnQxMFU0bVlrbnZITXlValJwbWxlaGgrTjRhVUltek0rY0YvTWNpdFNxdDYyWjFGbTNtY2s1cGtzTQ Boom!!! An intense heat grazed my nose. What? Dodging, I glanced to the side. There, I saw... “Move aside?” A woman with flowing black hair, her expression furrowed, looked bewildered as I dodged her attack and asked who I was. “Who are you?” “...And you are?” Attacking out of nowhere—it’s dangerous. ‘I almost killed her without meaning to.’ Judging by her level, she's just a bit beyond her peak. Had I counterattacked in surprise, it could have been lethal. Turning slightly and asking, she... Fwooosh-!! The woman continually summoned flames around her body. Yes, flames. Seeing this, I nodded slightly. ‘Gu’s Fiery Lotus Technique.’ The technique she was using was the Gu family’s Fiery Lotus Technique. This meant she was part of the Gu clan. ...Who is she? Just like with Jin Yeonryeong, she was someone I didn’t recognize. While I scrutinized her with a gaze full of questions. “Me?” Gesturing to herself with her fiery hand, she spoke. “I’m the daughter of this house.” What? As I widened my eyes in surprise. Boom!!! Flames erupted from her hand.