1160 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

One of the three supreme figures of the martial world, Paejon, challenged Gu Seong Yeol to a duel. And he did so in front of everyone. The guests at the banquet were left frozen like stone upon hearing this. “…….” In response, Gu Seong Yeol silently observed Paejon. Despite the stare, Paejon remained unfazed. “This dull banquet isn’t to your liking or mine. Even if I came because of my disciple, it's been a while since we last met, so we should make the most of it.” “…….” He was essentially suggesting that they have a fight because the banquet was boring. What kind of barbaric conversation was this? To suggest a fight just because they happened to meet the head of a clan. While everyone was awkwardly chuckling in disbelief, “…….” Gu Seong Yeol shifted his gaze from Paejon to Jin Yeon Ryeong. Seeing his gaze, Jin Yeon Ryeong widened her eyes slightly, then smiled softly and nodded. Witnessing this, Gu Seong Yeol spoke to Paejon. “Let’s step outside.” Did he just seek Jin Yeon Ryeong’s permission regarding the duel? “……ha.” Paejon chuckled at this gesture. “Just as I wondered who could make a man out of you. It’s her.” Paejon looked at Jin Yeon Ryeong with disbelief. “She’s exceedingly lovely.” Gu Seong Yeol blocked his view with his words. “Don’t look at her carelessly.” “……haha.” As I grimaced at this unsettling exchange, Paejon wore a similar expression and spoke. “You’ve somehow become repulsive. This will make beating you all the sweeter.” With those words, Gu Seong Yeol and Paejon stood up. As the two were heading out, Gu Seong Yeol looked back and said, “I apologize for leaving early. Please enjoy the banquet.” “…….” With that, the clan head and Paejon left the banquet prematurely. Everyone was left with bewildered expressions, myself included. 'What just happened?' As I pondered the sudden turn of events, -Follow us. Paejon's voice transmitted to my mind. -I'll show you something interesting. “…….” Those words prompted me to quietly stand up. At that moment, Swish. “……!” My eyes met with someone who stood up simultaneously. It was my father. “…….” “…….” It seemed like he received a similar message. * * * I followed the direction given by Paejon, heading north since I had a rough idea of the location. While walking, I spoke to the person beside me. It was my father. “Are you heading there because of Clan Leader Gu’s words?” Since I moved due to Paejon’s transmission, I assumed my father did as well, but, “…….” My father walked silently without a response. “Vice Master?” I repeated, but again there was no reaction. That’s when I realized my father was intentionally ignoring me. Resolute in this understanding, I blocked his path. “Vice Master.” “…….” My father looked at me, his sharp gaze piercing through. Honestly, I was intimidated. Regardless of my superior skills and strength, the innate fear embedded within me remained. I was still frightened of my father’s eyes. “What is it?” The heavy question caught in my throat. The words I was about to speak recoiled, but I forced them out. “Why are you acting this way?” “What do you mean?” “You’re childishly ignoring someone.” “……Childishly?” My straightforward accusation seemed to irritate him as my father's eyes grew sharper. Ah, damn. My father certainly retained the temper of the Gu clan. His displeased expression was frighteningly intimidating. “Exactly. Ignoring someone’s words is something only children do.” “…….” “Are you upset that I'm claimed as your brother?” Gu Seong Yeol had attested that I was his son. This meant I was an illegitimate child and my father’s half-brother. ‘What a mess.’ Another illegitimate situation, but for now, I let it go. Things had escalated already. I was simply displeased with my father’s current attitude. “Do you think I wanted this? I apologize for keeping it secret.” “Who said that?” “Huh?” “Who told you I'm angry about this?” “……Aren’t you?” I assumed he was upset about me being identified as his half-brother and for keeping it a secret. Curious, I asked again. “You’re mistaken.” My father spoke with a serious tone. “From the beginning, I didn’t believe it.” “What are you saying?” “Baek Yang Cheon.” “Yes.” “I don’t believe you’re my brother.” “……!” Hearing this, I widened my eyes. What’s he talking about? He doesn’t believe it? “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Even if the clan leader said so, I don’t believe it.” “……Why?” “I wonder.” My father began to speak as he walked past me. “I don’t know. That’s why I’m going to find out now.” “…….” “You are not my brother. That’s my conviction. However, without sufficient reason, I will now seek it out.” My father was resolute. He was unwavering in his conviction that I wasn’t his brother. How could he be so sure? His determination was puzzling, even to himself. He didn’t know the reason, but he was convinced. Now, he intended to find that reason. ‘……What’s with this crazy resolve?’ How strong must his conviction about himself be to act like this? It was bewildering, but that wasn’t the immediate concern. Whoosh—!!! My father departed like a meteor, shrouded in flames, soaring swiftly. “Goodness……” He’s exceptionally fast. I scratched my cheek awkwardly, steeling myself. Buzz—!! ‘I’ll have to follow earnestly.’ Lacking the ability to summon flames, time was against me. There was no choice but to relentlessly pursue. * * * After exerting energy to sprint for a while, Thud-! Thud--!! Thud-thud--!!! I felt rough tremors beneath my feet. ‘What is that?’ With curiosity, I glanced ahead. Thud--!! Thud-thud-!!! It shook. Though I couldn’t hear a sound, I felt the vibrations. I let out a dry laugh at the sensation. 'The sound isn't hearable, but the vibration is?' How far off must the source of these tremors be? 'What are they doing?' With curiosity piqued, I steadied my nerves. Zap-! As I felt the strength in my thighs, I launched myself forward, pushing against the ground with a resounding impact. Boom--!!! The scenery changes in an instant. Increasing my speed, I dashed for quite a while. Thud-! Roar—!! Finally, the faint sound began to grow louder, quickly turning into a deafening roar. Kuaaa—!!! It became a constant thunderclap assaulting my ears. 'What's going on?' What could be causing such a massive noise, and at such a distance? 'At this rate, I’ll soon be leaving the Mountains of the Western Edge...' I was almost out of the mountainous region. It was close to the front lines. What were they doing that required coming this far? As such questions began to form, Whoooosh—!!! “……!” A blinding light in front of me forced me to stop in my tracks. A pillar of fire. A blazing column filled my entire view. I recognized it at once. It was the flame of the Guyeomhwarungong. But... 'It's extraordinarily vast.' The energy it radiated and the fiery power filling such a wide area were overwhelming. 'It's similar to my own method.' To be precise, it reminded me of the style I used in my past life. A method relying on overwhelming innate energy. A simple yet formidable approach, facing foes with pure energy levels alone. ‘…Impressive.’ Turning away slightly from the flames, I acknowledged that closer proximity might affect even me. Though finding a safe distance, my eyes remained fixed on the flame with a sense of wonder. 'Though it's a method I don't use anymore.' Ever since meeting Shin Noya and Paejon, my technique altered to something different. Compression and rotation. A method that increased the flame's intensity. From then on, I refrained from such reckless outbursts. ‘If perhaps…’ If, maybe. If I had continued to master martial arts in that style and reached a pinnacle... ‘Would it have looked like that?’ I marveled at the scene, considering the possibilities. At that moment, “Hahaha.” Laughter echoed from within the flames. Instantly, Boom!! Kuaaa—!!! A loud explosion pierced a hole in the flames, and the intense air pressure brushed against my cheek. "Your reactions are quite sluggish. I told you to come quickly." Inside the newly formed opening, Paejon stood with arms crossed behind his back. “Consider how you might grow stronger if you’re this slow, do you not?” “…….” Paejon clicked his tongue at me but soon looked elsewhere. Floating mid-air was Gu Seong Yeol gazing down at Paejon. But... ‘…What is that?’ His appearance seemed strange. Yet not cloaked in flame, his hair swayed, and his eyes glimmered a deep red-orange, unlike the intense crimson flames I'd expect. An unfamiliar guise with an almost familiar presence. What does this scene represent? As the mystery deepened, "Disciple." Paejon’s voice cut through to me. "Instead of looking over there, it’s better to focus here." My gaze shifted back. Creak—!! “……!” As I turned to Paejon, I heard something cracking. Was it the ground? No. ‘…What is that?’ The empty sky. Cracks began forming in the air around Paejon. As my eyes widened at the bizarre phenomenon, Paejon unfolded his arms. “Now. The ones meant to see this have arrived. Let's show them properly, shall we?” “…….” Hearing this, Gu Seong Yeol slowly gathered flames into his palms. With that scene, Paejon... “Watch closely. This is how one shatters a sky you’ve yet to witness.” With a crazed smile, he unleashed his energy. And under its assault. The sky began to break.