369 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Title: The Greatest Martial Artist's Childhood Friend - Chapter 370: Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive** Moyong Tae, the Blade Master of Baekcheon. In the past, a formidable figure who vied for the title of Sword King against Namgung Jin, the current Azure Sky Sword King. While he wasn't the only one who competed for the title, the mere fact that the martial artist Moyong Tae was considered exceptional is undeniable. Presently, he is perceived as the weakest among the heads of the Four Great Families. This is partly due to matters related to Moyong Hee-ah and the family's focus on the commercial side over martial prominence. He is a person who leans closer to being a family head, and even more so, a father than a martial artist. That's the Moyong Tae I know. Up to this point, there’s nothing problematic about it. Even if Blade Master Baekcheon focuses on endeavors other than the martial path, What does it pertain to me? The current issue is, Why is this person here now? That’s the question. A firm grip. The pressure of Moyong Tae’s hand on my shoulder intensifies. “...” His glance, as I look up subtly, is as fierce as it can get. If he truly had reached the realm of Divine Sword, my head might've been severed on the spot. ‘This is troubling….’ What should I call this situation? Although the answer had already presented itself. ‘Whatever it is, it's screwed.' I doubt a more concise answer exists. “Patriarch?” Moyong Hee-ah, standing before me with astonished eyes, addresses Moyong Tae. In response, Moyong Tae shifts his fierce gaze from me to Moyong Hee-ah. And just like that, his expression transforms. Immediately, his gaze changes from one that seemed to picture my death multiple times over to an utterly gentle and soft one as he looks at Moyong Hee-ah. “Have you been well?” “How… did you find us…” “You’re not hurt anywhere?” Though Moyong Hee-ah appears quite flustered, Moyong Tae is busy examining her for injuries nonetheless. “Have you eaten? No, knowing you, you must have kept your meals regular as I advised.” “...” Grip. Even in this exchange, the pressure in his hand grows stronger. It’s starting to ache. Seeing Moyong Tae, Moyong Hee-ah inquires, “…Ah, there are still seven weeks until the assembly. How come you arrived now?” “How could I, as a father, remain oblivious to how my daughter is faring?” Moyong Tae's words brought about an unexpected freshness. It is a usual sentiment expressed by ordinary fathers, but given Moyong Tae's position, such sentiment is quite rare to express. Realizing something in his words, Moyong Hee-ah widens her eyes as she asks, “So, did you come alone?” “It seems the elders and the Sword Brigade might be a bit delayed.” In other words, he came alone. The head of such a prominent family came without his escort or attendants. No wonder the patriarch of a reputable family appeared a bit off. ‘Does this mean he abandoned all pretense?’ In many ways, he was an extraordinary person. Moyong Hee-ah seemed to be most taken aback by this, her brows knitting into a frown as a result. “How could you do that? There are people’s perceptions and the family’s dignity to consider…!” Moyong Tae, wearing a peculiar expression, responds to Moyong Hee-ah’s somewhat reproachful words. “That dignity is not more important than my child.” At his casual assertion, Moyong Hee-ah hesitates, closing her mouth. Ah, she’s weak to this kind of sentiment. Seeing her, Moyong Tae chuckles lightly, “And besides.” He shifts his gaze back towards me, “How could dignity matter when it’s unknown what rogue my precious daughter has been ensnared by…." “...” Sweat trickles down. It’s certain this man has caught on to who I am. Or perhaps not catching on would be stranger. The conversation prior flashes through my mind. - Has a fiancée but woos another woman. - Plans to break off his engagement to see another woman. - Turns out there’s yet another woman besides his daughter. “...” I initially thought there’s a madman like that in the world. Turns out it was me. Turns out that was me. ‘…So it’s me.’ The threatening remarks that Moyong Tae had uttered flash before me. Was it about crushing my limbs or something? I recall nodding in agreement that those words were spot on. ‘Hmm…’ With that recollection, I nodded inwardly and pondered. This damn fool. Dug his own grave nicely, didn’t I? ‘Could these memories sprouting now be the lights of my life flashing before my eyes?’ Possibly. Even at the moment of my previous life’s death, I didn’t see them, so why are they flooding now? “So. Young warrior, I have yet to receive an answer to my query.” “That is….” “What is your name, young warrior?” Despite observing certainty in his eyes, he asks once more, possibly to ensure the kill. Quite the thorough character. What should I do? Seems I can’t avoid answering. ‘…Should I use Ku Jeul-yeob’s name?’ The first name that came to mind was Ku Jeul-yeob. In situations like this, that was the name I always pawned. It was the same with Namgung Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol. It was a name easy to use in a pinch, but ‘I doubt he’d believe it.’ Given that the name Ku Jeul-yeob was also starting to become known, using it had become quite difficult. In the end, I found myself in a situation where I had no choice but to reveal my name. “…I am.” The thought of what if he truly draws his sword after hearing my name crossed my mind. For the deadly intent pressing against my back was no fabrication. This wasn’t a matter of winning or losing. The problem lay in Blade Master Baekcheon, Moyong Hee-ah’s father, pointing his sword at me. Given the chance, I wanted to avoid conflict. Suppressing a sigh that was on the verge of spilling, I swallowed once before speaking. “Greetings to the Patriarch of the Moyong family…. I am of the Ku fam—” “Dad.” At the crucial moment of revealing my name, Moyong Hee-ah rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Moyong Tae's. Wait... Why did her form of address change all of a sudden? Dad? “Let’s not do this here…. Let’s first find your lodging. You must be tired, right?” “Daughter, sorry but your father has yet something to say to this wretched fellow….” The tip of Moyong Tae's finger points at me. I definitely heard him change my address from “young warrior” to “wretched fellow.” This was undeniably a perilous situation... "Eeeing!" ...Huh? The unexpected, shrill sound caused my eyes to widen in disbelief. Did I hear wrong? It seemed to have come from Moyong Hee-ah’s direction. Just to verify that the sound was no illusion, Moyong Hee-ah followed up with another remark. "Aiying… Dad… Hee-ah wants something to eat…! Can we not just leave for now?" Pfft. I saw Peng Ah-hee, who had been watching with keen interest, spraying water from her mouth in surprise. Was the chill running down my spine just a shiver? Undoubtedly, it was. What was that cooing voice? '...' I couldn't conjure a single thought. I was already bewildered by the fact that 'that' Moyong Hee-ah could produce such a voice. And why was her manner of speech like that? Am I still witnessing a replay of my life? Have I gone beyond that to hallucination? Otherwise, such a state was incomprehensible. As Moyong Hee-ah twisted and turned while speaking, The atmosphere quickly turned frosty. How could it turn from near explosion to icy cold in an instant? It was astounding. Glancing swiftly at Moyong Hee-ah’s direction, I observed her ears turning crimson as if they were about to burst. She seemed mightily embarrassed by her own actions. 'Indeed. Had I done that to my own father, I would've bitten my tongue and died on the spot.' Moreover, While I could guess Moyong Hee-ah's intent, I thought there was no way someone like Blade Master Baekcheon would let that kind of coquetry slide just like that. "Ha ha. Is that so? If our daughter wants something, then that takes precedence." But I was wrong. The sharp, intimidating man, who seemed like he could tear me apart at any moment, vanished, leaving behind a beaming and doting father. Seeing that reaction, Moyong Hee-ah quickly pulled Blade Master Baekcheon along, leading him out. He didn’t seem opposed to it, for his steps began to subtly follow hers. Just as their thudding footsteps echoed as they left the inn, I heard a voice by my ear. -I'll see you later. “...” It was Blade Master Baekcheon’s voice projection. The resoluteness in his tone implied he wouldn't give up easily. Why did it sound like he said, 'Prepare yourself and wait for me'? Surely, it must be a misunderstanding? ‘…Misunderstanding, my foot.’ No sense in denying it. I believed Moyong Hee-ah had saved me with all her might. Otherwise, why else would she… ‘With that “Eeeing” and “Aiying”…’ That calm and rational Moyong Hee-ah wouldn’t have said it just for fun. She must have made quite a resolve to do it, I reckoned. What do I do now? Even if Moyong Hee-ah managed to take Blade Master Baekcheon away for now, Surely, he'd be back. Should I really run away? 'It's not like I could run away.' Where could I flee to? I had to attend the assembly here in seven weeks anyway. Agonizing over what my best course of action should be, “I say, Soyeol.” I overheard the conversation from the group sitting at the dining table watching everything unfold. “Yes?” Tang Soyeol replied to Peng Ah-hee, still seemingly in shock from what had transpired. Observing Tang Soyeol's lingering shock, Peng Ah-hee asked with a very serious expression, “…If later in front of Miss Moyong…” “Yes.” “If I tease her with 'Miss Eeeing'... will I get in trouble?” “...” Her query turned the atmosphere cold once again. Would teasing her be troublesome? ‘I think she'd perish before me in that case.’ It was clear that if Peng Ah-hee called Moyong Hee-ah 'Miss Eeeing' in front of her, she’d likely meet an unfortunate end. Let alone "Miss Eeeing." The mere sound of it... Pfft. The sound coincided with my swift head turn. Amidst everyone barely restraining their laughter, someone could no longer hold it in. When I looked back, strangely, everyone maintained unchanged expressions. But I could sense other members casting peculiar glances towards one particular individual. The one pretending not to notice, turning her head away, was Namgung Bi-ah. ****************** Several days passed since that particular storm at the inn. For days, I remained on high alert, spending nights in intense vigilance. Due to the thought that an assassin might strike at any moment. Although it sounded preposterous, Based on Blade Master Baekcheon’s gaze back then, it seemed more than plausible. However, my concerns proved baseless, as no such incident occurred. After Moyong Hee-ah and Blade Master Baekcheon left the inn that day, There was no sign of them for several days. Both of them. ‘Could it be that… Moyong Hee-ah is holding him back?’ Using that ‘Eeeing’ or ‘Aiying’ tactic again…? ‘If that’s the case, it’s a considerable effort.’ Thinking back on it, I nodded in understanding. A newfound appreciation for Moyong Hee-ah settled over me. Yet, pondering further, I wondered, ‘Does Moyong Hee-ah always use such speech at home?’ It was something I’d been mulling over extensively. For some reason, the natural manner in which Moyong Hee-ah delivered those words seemed oddly familiar, As if envisioning her speaking in such tones and voices at her home wasn’t sheer fantasy. ‘No way.’ I instantly dismissed the thought. Surely, the esteemed Moyong Hee-ah wouldn’t do that. “Have your musings concluded?” “…Yes.” As I took a breath, someone approached me with a question. It was Páezon. He often appeared while I was training, like now. I wasn’t sure what he usually did outside these moments. Currently, I was practicing fists in a cave, as always. Páezon observed my condition before flashing a grin and inquiring, “How are you managing?” “Not well. I feel like dying.” Managing, my ass. Today alone, I nearly fainted from pain over five times. Still, Páezon merely chuckled, seemingly pleased. "…I’m just throwing punches around. Is this truly alright?” A fundamental inquiry. I had already realized the depth of the Twin Heavenly Dance’s heart technique. Feeling the continuous, tangible strength growth at this stage was indeed an absurdly efficient outcome. Yet, I still couldn’t comprehend why I was instructed to simply dig into a cave with this. What exactly was the intention behind it? Paejon regarded me with a peculiarly knowing gaze upon hearing my question. "Seems like you still don’t grasp the magnitude of what you’re achieving." "Pardon?" "You yourself said it’s painful, did you not?" "Well, that’s just how it feels…." "Do you think an ordinary person could endure that pain while continuing to punch endlessly?" "..." "I was sure from day one—you must become my disciple." It wasn’t just about mastering the core technique. He must have been referring to my persistence in punching the cave wall as soon as I learned it. "Is that really all it takes?" "One day, maybe. Two days, it’ll be difficult. Beyond that, no sane person can withstand it." His words made sense. The core of the Twin Heavenly Dance. The pain inflicted by the Two-fold Martial Art was beyond imagination. Still, by enduring that pain, one could become significantly stronger. Pain, in comparison, was preferable to the helplessness and self-reproach born from worthlessness. Judging by my expression, it was clear I still didn’t fully understand, Paejon simply chuckled. "Though your stubbornness is worrying, it's quite reassuring from a teaching perspective." "You call me stubborn, that’s a bit much…" "What I mean is, I’m looking forward to it. Hurry and finish up, so I can teach you how to throw a true punch." Hearing that, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of hopelessness. "All this just to learn to throw a punch?" "Yes, you’re enduring it for that very reason." It seemed ludicrous. Even so, I continued hurling my fists forward. "My child." Continuing the repetitive motion, Paejon’s call made me halt and turn. "It’s about time for you to head out, isn’t it?" "..." His words made me grimace. I was half-considering pretending to forget and just skipping it, but Paejon had pointed it out directly. "Yeah, I should head out." With a deep sigh, I donned the outer garment I had tossed into a corner of the cave. The reason was simple. Today was the day of the Orthodox Gathering. And attendance was semi-forcibly required for me. Most likely, Blade Master Baekcheon would be there. Along with him, all the heads of the Four Great Families, including Moyong Tae. Thinking of this, I swallowed hard. It all promised to be quite the chaotic affair. I asked Paejon, "Are you attending as well?" Given Paejon’s unique position as part of the Bi family lineage, I wondered if he might attend too, but Paejon grinned and replied, "Why would I?" "..." It was the most infuriating expression in the world.