354 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The World's Greatest Friend - Chapter 355: Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive The Iron Night Assassin Squad. Among the countless assassin squads in the martial world, it is renowned as the most dangerous and ruthless. Furthermore, it's famous for standing apart, neither belonging to any faction nor acknowledging any authority. The assassin squads of the martial world are implicitly tolerated. What does this mean? It means that they are clearly groups that take money in exchange for taking lives. Yet, the sects knowingly choose not to capture them, serving as a tacit acknowledgment of their existence. What's more. Even renowned clans, praised as noble families, nurture assassins and secretly form such groups within, utilizing them for their own purposes. This is a fact widely known, if not openly acknowledged. It is prevalent among even the pillars of orthodox sects known as the four great families. Take for instance the Tang Clan of Sichuan, hailed as rulers and overlords of Sichuan. Traditionally, known for dealing with poisons and metals, the Tang Clan was not regarded as an orthodox sect until several centuries ago. After the bloody carnage ended and the bloodthirsty demons vanished. People remembered the achievements of Tang Jemun, the family head, who had been one of the heroes. The decision was made to accept the Tang Clan into the orthodox sects. This followed the persuasion of Yeon Ilcheon, the first leader to rise to power in the Martial Alliance. And because Tang Jemun himself agreed to the accord. Thus, the Tang Clan continued to act as an orthodox sect within the Martial Alliance and became one of the celebrated four great families. However, it hasn't been long since they abandoned their traditional traits. Their martial arts, specialized in torture and assassination. And their unique physical characteristics honed over long years accordingly. The Tang Clan still harbors a rather ominous aura, unfitting for an orthodox sect. Even if they had shifted entirely to producing arms and weapons, there are widespread rumors that the facade might not reflect the inside reality. Are they just rumors, though? I know. I know how the inside operations of the Tang Clan are structured. In any case, it’s not just the Tang Clan from the four great families. While I’m unsure about the Moyong family, I’d bet even the Namgung family and Peng family utilize such means. Certainly, even lower-level families like the Hwangbo family do so. As for the Gu family, I’m not quite sure. They seem not to use assassins as far as I know, but with this chaotic household, I can never be certain. Even the very heart of orthodox sects, the Martial Alliance, employs assassination squads. In this context, the figure known as the King of Assassins of the Iron Night is a deity-like entity to them. The King of Assassins. An impeccable being to whom they could refer to as the ruler of the night, and no one would dare object. That is the Dark King (暗王). ‘Why would such a person come here?’ It's known that there’s no one in the martial world who knows the identity of the Dark King. No one knows his age. Whether the King is male or female. How tall, what their face looks like, or even what their voice sounds like. Even the martial arts they use remain unknown. ‘I’ve come to know all of this, though.’ I was bewildered. But even saying I knew was a stretch, as nothing was clear-cut. Gender, face, voice—all of these can be concealed if one chooses. If there’s anything minimally known about the Dark King, it’s this: The period of their activity spans decades, so they’re likely not young. That’s all anyone knows. Not only is the Dark King here, but it was unexpected for them to seek me through the Sword Empress. Moreover... ‘That moment when they intervened must have been the Dark King as well.’ At the moment when the martial artist known as the Black Dragon Sword underwent an inexplicable transformation. The being who appeared in an instant, cleaved them apart, and saved me, must also be the Dark King. Could it be they came here with a separate goal in mind? The moment I realized the Dark King’s true identity. The Dark King said to me. - Now that I've seen your face, it’s enough. You may leave. He seemed satisfied with my recognition and said as much. To this, I replied. - … You mere wanted to see my face? Then why summon me? Ah, this damn mouth of mine. My old personality, failing to abandon it, led me to speak without thinking. Should have processed it through my brain before speaking, why am I unable to do that? Only after it came out did I realize my words could be trouble. It was daunting. I should have been more cautious since I knew who he was. -... The Dark King gazed at me with slightly widened eyes. What should I say? Was it time for an apology? - Ha. The Dark King burst into laughter. - You speak just like your grandfather. - … Excuse me? Upon hearing this, I could only give a brief reaction. Grandfather? When people refer to someone that way to me, it’s usually clear whom they mean. - … Do you know Elder Il? Those involved with Elder Il, that old man, often utter such words. Which implies the Dark King is related to Elder Il? What on earth did Elder Il do in his prime across the martial world to befriend such individuals... - Elder Il? Whom do you mean? - Pardon? Isn’t it Senior Guryun you're referring to… - Guryun isn’t your grandfather. - Well, that’s what everyone usually says... Wait...? If the one the Dark King says I resemble isn’t Elder Il... - … If it’s not Elder Il, who do you mean I resemble? The answer I received from the Dark King, in a rather puzzled tone was. - Naturally, I mean your grandfather, what are you thinking? He was referring to the former head of the Gu family, who was reported to have passed away before I was born. ‘That means... the Dark King had acquaintance with my grandfather.’ Speaking casually, it suggested they were someone active around the same time. Although Elder Il was from that era as well. I had heard almost nothing about my grandfather, so it was quite a fresh revelation. My expression must have amused him as it changed in an odd way. With a slight chuckle, the Dark King said to me. - I will visit you again fairly soon. The King of Assassins claiming he would come to find me. What a strange statement to hear. Should I be anticipating a visit from the king of killers? Even the mere thought made me shiver... The situation is already a chaotic mess, what more could possibly erupt here? The cracking, shattering silence of the deserted night. In the training grounds, fractured and sunken in parts, I stood alone, loosening up. Wooong. Channeling my will, the energy swiftly ascended to my upper dantian. The speed was remarkably fast. A surge of vigour filled my exhausted body. Though, to be precise, I was merely suppressing my fatigue with internal energy and forcibly boosting my vitality. ‘I’ve certainly improved.’ The efficiency was quite remarkable. Reaching the realm of Hwa-gyeong (화경) heightened more than just the five senses. With my upper dantian opened and accessible, the efficiency of utilizing martial arts became maximized. This was the realm I reached in my past life, and where I dwelled the longest. Not only had my inner energy increased. But I could achieve better results with less energy. And the realm that allowed me to accomplish more was precisely Hwa-gyeong. For a swordsman, it meant being able to wield a sword even when it wasn’t in hand, floating it in mid-air. This is referred to as the art of sword mastery (馭劍術), but few used it beyond the Taoist Sect Leader. Despite reaching Hwa-gyeong, its efficiency remained extreme. Such is Hwa-gyeong. A realm where the impossible becomes possible. A few years back into this life. I reached the heights that previously required demonic energy. ‘Yet, it’s still incomplete.’ While I had reached Hwa-gyeong earlier due to the demonic realm. Upon returning to the present life, I lost everything I had accomplished then. I was lacking compared to that time. The disparity between the achieved realm and my current state could have been a problem, but it wouldn’t be a significant obstacle. ‘There’s always been that disparity, to begin with.’ After reincarnation, the body lost all from the past life. Having already experienced that initial, inexplicable emptiness, this was nothing new. What mattered was... ‘What should I do moving forward?’ I reached Hwa-gyeong. Though others might find it astonishing. ‘It’s not enough.’ From my perspective, it’s far from sufficient. Recalling the Heavenly Demon makes it even more evident. The Heavenly Demon is an overwhelming existence. Though I understood this from past-life memories, experiencing it again in this life confirmed it further. In my current state, I cannot defeat the Heavenly Demon. If he wished, I wouldn’t last even a moment against him. ‘So, what should I do?’ It feels daunting. I know little about the realms beyond Hwa-gyeong. Although records mention their existence, it’s uncertain how many have reached them. ‘The Three Supreme Ones... did any of them reach it?’ If anyone had, it might have been them, but even they were ultimately slain by the Heavenly Demon. In essence, I would need to reach the level of the sacred sword from my past. It was a troublesome issue. Achieving it isn’t as simple as it seems. Suddenly, I channelled the demonic energy within me. Feeling my heart pound rapidly all at once. A warm heat welled up from within my being. I felt the demonic energy binding around my heart, and opened my eyes. "This still seems to work." Though I couldn’t look at myself, surely my eyes were now tinged with violet. I was in a state of demonic transformation. I could feel the enhanced power in my current state without utilizing martial arts. I checked my physical condition one by one. Having been unable to properly assess after the battle, it was necessary to check now. Assess my body, understand how the energy is being applied internally. Evaluate my mental state as well. ‘The body seems strengthened, the energy is unexpectedly calm, and mentally there’s no issue.’ And the greatest gain during this demonic transformation was the ability to revert to human form. Surely this was significant, having accumulated numerous regrets when in demonic form. ‘If there’s anything concerning...’ I rolled up my sleeves immediately. Therein lay the anomaly I was experiencing. The crimson bandage wrapped around my left arm was stained black. And there was a strange mark on the right arm where nothing should have been. ‘What is this?’ It wasn’t large. Perhaps about the size of two finger joints. The trouble was its bizarre appearance. It was like... ‘...the skin of a reptile.’ The unpleasant kind found on lizards or serpents. This was a change absent in my past life. ‘Why did this happen?’ Seemingly a change brought on by becoming a demon in this life. Why did it occur? ‘Do you know anything?’ I inquired internally. Naturally, directing it towards the beast within. Hoping it might hold some knowledge. [Grumble…] However, it only replied with a weary tone of ignorance. The additional point of interest was... When performing demonic transformation, the beast exhibited fatigue for some reason. [Grumble…] ‘I understand. Just a little longer.’ The creature's irritated grumble urged me to revert quickly, but more checking was necessary. Observing the bandage tied around my left arm, I spoke another name. “Noya.” [...] Trying earnestly to call out yet, as expected, Noya offered no response. I needed to question what this bandage on my arm was, yet the spirit of Noya remained dormant. “Tch...” Clicking my tongue in disdain, I terminated the demonic transformation. As the heat coursing through my body dwindled, my flesh felt slightly heavier. Moreover, I detected unfamiliar aches around the dantian and my heart. While the pain wasn’t severe, it suggested... ‘I can’t continue using this indefinitely.’ Understanding its full impact would require further investigation. ‘What remains...’ Many matters still required attention. But the most significant was now rising to the forefront of my mind. “...Hasn’t woken yet.” Her fallen figure stirred thoughts of Wi Seol-a, who lost consciousness. Recalling her, my mouth involuntarily filled with saliva. A product of tension. If I felt such a mess in front of the Dark King, mere thoughts of her brought about involuntary tension. ‘How was it possible…’ Why was she here? Has she, like me, returned from the past? When? Since the very beginning? It couldn’t be. She would have run a blade through my neck long before asking about potatoes. From when? An enigma. And yet, I yearned to know. Right now, the most frustrating thing is that all I can do is wait for her to wake up. I looked up at the sky. The dark sky remained unchanged. Of course, it's only natural for the night to be dark, but that sky wasn't an ordinary darkness; that was the issue. ‘Why isn't it disappearing?’ The Black Dragon Sword was currently subdued and sealed. Most of his accomplices had been captured as well. Not that there were many survivors. I, myself, had taken down more than half of them. It seemed that the alliance’s reinforcements weren’t coming because of that barrier.... “Do you know how cruel this is?” “…!” Lost in thought while staring at the sky, I was startled by a voice from behind. I hadn’t sensed any presence at all. “How could you not even come to see me once?” How deeply lost in thought must I have been to not notice someone approaching? “…Ah.” At my short response, the eyebrows of the beautiful woman who had approached furrowed sharply. “Ah? Did you just say ‘ah’?” “No, I was busy… I was just about to go see you.” “You call that an excuse right now?” The woman scolding me in apparent anger was Moyong Hiya. Indeed…I hadn’t gone to see her. ‘I thought she’d manage well by herself, so I didn’t go.’ I’d heard she was alive. I'd also heard she wasn’t hurt and was managing just fine among the physicians. ‘Her?’ I had wondered why someone as calculating as her was there, but then felt some admiration. The problem was that I hadn’t visited. “...You’re really too much.” Seeing my response, Moyong Hiya looked at me with teary eyes, about to cry. Wow, I'm screwed. She’s about to cry.... That cold, rational Snow Peak was on the verge of tears in front of me. I must have done something wrong. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” “…I assume so. You didn’t purposely forget me. If you did, you wouldn’t be human.” “...” “From now on, will you answer with a nod?” I almost reacted on impulse to that remark. “I’m sorry….” “...” At my continued apologies, Moyong Hiya bit her lip. “…I didn’t always used to be like this, you know?” “Hm?” “Feeling like I’m melting away at such a silly, worthless apology makes my emotions seem so insignificant.” “...” “I came here thinking I’d curse you out when I saw you…. And even then, I’m the one who came looking for you first.” “…Ah… mi.” “Don’t apologize. It makes me more annoyed….” “Okay.” Is this the first time since returning? Seeing Moyong Hiya get this angry. In my past life, it felt like I saw it every day, every second. It brings a sort of nostalgia. “Are you smiling right now?” “It’s dark; you must have seen wrong.” “How could I missee Gu Young’s face?” “...” “Ah, it’s annoying, really.” She keeps kicking the ground, seeming dissatisfied with her own words. A clear battle between reason and emotion was occurring. “…Sigh, never mind…. This isn’t why I came to see you….” “To curse me out?” “There’s that…but….” Ah, right. Moyong Hiya stopped speaking mid-sentence and looked me up and down. “…Are you hurt anywhere?” “No.” “…I see.” Was that what she wanted to ask? “How about you?” “That sure took you long enough to ask. Can’t you tell by looking?” “...” I must have gotten that wrong. Watching my baffled expression, Moyong Hiya let out a deep sigh. “How did I end up falling for such an idiot….” “Idiot…” “Do you know what’s going to happen next, Young Master?” “...” Her words shut my mouth. “I thought you might have a sense of what’s going to happen, Young Master, which is why I came.” “…Oh, that?” Did she somehow realize I had returned from the past? I flinched for a moment. But that wasn’t it, apparently. “You have some idea, right?” “It’s not just an idea; it’s a certainty at this point.” At that, I started to grasp what Moyong Hiya was hinting at. “…If we get out of here alive and unharmed, they’ll definitely do it. This is a huge incident.” “Mm.” “An alliance meeting. They’ll definitely want to hold it.” The Nine Schools and Four Great Families. And the meeting of cliques influencing the Martial Alliance. A meeting that hadn’t been held for decades might be convened due to this incident. “In that case…. My father will come too, right?” “He likely will.” Given that the Moyong family is one of the Four Great Families, the head, known as the White Heaven Sword Master, will indeed come. “Before that happens.” Moyong Hiya lightly grabbed my sleeve and spoke. Why does she look so forlorn as she says this? Just as the thought crosses my mind. “Let’s run away.” “Huh?” Her suggestion was so unexpected, I blurted out a foolish response. “If we don’t, you’ll die, Young Master…!” What on earth was she talking about?