371 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: "The World's Number One's Childhood Friend - Chapter 372: Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive" --- "I'm Goo Cheol-un." With the simple utterance of his name, the waiting room was suddenly suffocated. It was just his name, yet the effect was palpable. Was there some trick in his voice? No. Was he using some technique to oppress the air? Again, no. It was simply the raw presence of the man that made those around feel crushed. As soon as he took the main seat and introduced himself, the room was immediately filled with murmurs. - Goo Cheol-un, isn’t he... a hero among us? - A hero? If he's the hero, then he must be the head of the Sanseo family? He was once known by the epithet of the Divine Dragon from his days as a leader of the Murim Alliance's now-disbanded Divine Dragon Unit. Currently, he serves as the head of the Sanseo family. In the past, he was counted among the top one hundred martial artists of the Central Plains, but those were past achievements. These days, people considered him as having weakened considerably. Furthermore, a new epithet had emerged, more recognized than even his previous title of hero. Throughout Hanam and even the entire Central Plains, the name was spreading – Little Yama, Gu Yang-cheon. He brought an end to the incident at Shinryong Pavilion, which was the reason and essence of this righteous assembly. He had received a new epithet, evolved beyond his former identity. This man was the father of the Little Yama. Until recently, he was more widely known as the father of Geombong, but now he is more renowned as the parent of Little Yama. And those who were even slightly acquainted with Goo Cheol-un would often say upon hearing of Little Yama: - Like father, like son. If a tiger gives birth, how could it be a dog? It was only natural for a monster to birth another monster. Though now referred to as a toothless tiger or a lingering remnant hiding within the mountains of Shanxi, those who remembered Goo Cheol-un in his prime could not dismiss him so easily. Even now, just look around. There were many overwhelmed just by the presence of Goo Cheol-un. He hadn't employed some technique or made any specific action. It was merely self-awareness overshadowed by the memory of his presence. As silence descended following Goo Cheol-un's introduction, Tang Cheon-gi was the first to speak. "It's been a long time." It had been several decades since Tang Cheon-gi last faced Goo Cheol-un. With that, even Murong Tai, who wore an unsatisfied expression, cautiously paid his respects. "...Pleasure to meet you." Naturally, Murong Tai didn't particularly like Goo Cheol-un. He never had. Being of similar age, they often ran into each other during their younger days, and Murong Tai had once faced him when he was known as the White Dragon. They had a meeting at the summit of Yongbong back then, a memory Murong Tai had already tried to erase from his mind. The reason was simple: he had suffered an embarrassingly crushing defeat. Moreover, there was a time when his own sister had chased after Goo Cheol-un, declaring her admiration, making Murong Tai even more uncomfortable with him. If not for the fact that he was listening to his precious daughter, who had something to say, he would have exploded. He had no intention of forgiving the scoundrel known as Little Yama. 'If it were just the daughter, I might have let it go.' Rumor had it that women were flocking around him in droves. It made Murong Tai's blood boil to the top of his head, yet he managed to suppress it. There were truths that could only be revealed face to face. After actually meeting the scoundrel, Murong Tai momentarily reconsidered. The reason was simple enough. Looking at him, it made no sense that women would flock to such a person. Although Little Yama was not ugly, he wasn't particularly handsome either, with fierce eyes characteristic of his family lineage that made him intimidating. Even his clever and precious daughter claimed to like this severe-looking man? 'Something's off.' Murong Tai thought. The reason his daughter clung obsessively to such a wretched man was simple. His daughter possessed a congenital illness that only Little Yama could cure. Though how it came to be was unclear, this fact was verified even by the elders of the Mourong family and the physicians sent along with them. Hence, he endured. The thought of leaving his daughter in the care of a man around her age. The fact that in the process, his daughter seemed to have developed feelings for him. He could bear it all. If it meant his daughter's survival, if she claimed to be happy, he would endure anything. His daughter was everything to Murong Tai, who had lost his wife. But then... 'Leaving my daughter while having another woman around?' Just the thought made his teeth grit in frustration. Murong Tai distinctly remembered the scene at the dining table where Murong Hee-ah stayed. 'It was filled with women.' Women as beautiful as his own daughter. From Murong Tai’s perspective, believing his daughter to be peerless, calling them on the same level was a high compliment indeed. Those women sent longing glances the moment Little Yama entered the inn. Among those women, one stood out to Murong Tai. A woman with azure hair and bright blue eyes. Judging by her martial attire and aura alone, Murong Tai could tell she was a member of the Namgung family bloodline. And, as far as Murong Tai knew, the Namgung family's direct descendants had only one daughter. She was known as the Sword Dance and was as beautiful as her title suggested, but that mattered not to Murong Tai. The fact that Little Yama's fiancée was indeed the Sword Dance, and contrary to his daughter's claims, they seemed to be getting along just fine, was troubling. This could only mean one thing. 'That scoundrel has no intention of breaking his engagement. He's just toying with my daughter.' A grating sound echoed as Murong Tai's muscles tensed. Had the table been anything but stone, it might have shattered under his grip. 'Was he mocking me then as well?' He remembered the first time they met, when Little Yama had confidently led the way after Murong Tai asked for directions. Murong Tai, oblivious at the time, realized that every word exchanged was directed at him. Yet, Little Yama agreed and even encouraged the notion of breaking his limbs. 'He was mocking me all along, knowing everything.' Murong Tai doubted Little Yama was unaware. The subtle nuances were hard to miss for anyone with even a bit of intuition. It was clear as day. The scoundrel was insulting him. Reason whispered that this might be a preconceived notion, but Murong Tai’s patience was thin. He never had any fondness for that family's mannerisms. ‘Once this assembly is over.’ Murong Tai planned to confront Little Yama after the event concluded. His daughter consistently pleaded for him to refrain, insisting she could handle things herself, but he couldn't suppress his paternal instincts. He did not intend to kill. While he badly wanted to, he intended to uphold this boundary. He simply aimed to teach the reckless brat a lesson, as a 'senior'. Though the process might prove harsh. While Murong Tai simmered internally, biding his time, a voice interrupted. "Since we're all gathered here by chance, I’ve heard a rumor." It was someone Murong Tai detested even more than Goo Cheol-un or Little Yama — the Poison King, Peng Zhou. "I mean no offense with the Goo family head present, but I’ve heard your son is quite impressive lately." As expected, it was about Little Yama. “Aren’t you fortunate to have such an exceptional son?” Peng Zhou laughed, but Goo Cheol-un turned his gaze towards him — his eyes, cold as ever. “It’s solely the child's accomplishment,” Goo Cheol-un replied stoically, his voice betraying little emotion. Was it dissatisfaction with Goo Cheol-un's response? Peng Zhou’s eyebrow twitched slightly, and refusing to yield, he continued speaking. “No matter how impressive the child, isn’t it thanks to the support from behind?” Hearing this, Tang Cheon-gi and Murong Tai began to grasp Peng Zhou's intention. Though Little Yama was widely known now, it was Peng Uzhen, the young head of the Peng family, who was previously known as the finest of the youngest generation. Peng Zhou was likely attempting a backhanded compliment, praising the Gu family and extracting prestige for his own clan. Usually, such remarks would invite mutual acknowledgment, but Goo Cheol-un’s response was different. “Our family contributed nothing. It was solely the child’s doing. Neither I nor the family provided any specific support.” He was firm. To such an extent that it was questionable how he could sever ties so easily. This situation could be embarrassing for Peng Zhou. Sure enough, his expression twisted slightly. Tang Cheon-gi, the Poison King of the Tang Clan, sighed inwardly at this exchange. That accursed bear hasn’t changed a bit even with age. Though now the head of the Peng family, he occasionally displayed such ignorance. ‘He wasn’t always this dull.’ Past encounters made one wonder if his brain was indeed muscle-bound, yet that seemed to have worsened lately. It seemed this dynamic shifted with the emergence of Peng Uw Jin as a noticeable talent. Regardless, leaving Peng Zhou to his devices could lead to unpredictable consequences. Just as Tang Cheon-gi gathered his breath to speak, Peng Zhou opened his mouth again. “While it’s commendable if that’s true... it seems strange. I recall things being different before.” The mood shifted at his words. It alluded to the infamous broken engagement between the Gu and Peng families. “As time passes, youth's foolishness fades. Consider it fortunate that your child grew well.” Everyone aware recognized the event where Little Yama had blurted insults leading to the engagement's dissolution. “Regrettably, it seems he is doing well with other young ladies now. Quite the sight to behold.” At this point, the ones reacting weren’t just Goo Cheol-un. Tang Cheon-gi and Murong Tai, who were listening, felt Peng Zhou was crossing the line. The rumors surrounding Little Yama included his affinity for women, earning him the label of a libertine. It was said he kept many beautiful young ladies around him. Unfortunately for Peng Zhou, those very ladies included the daughters of Tang Cheon-gi and Murong Tai. Peng Zhou had unwittingly provoked an issue everyone was pretending didn’t exist. “Men, by nature, attract women when they are capable... it’s testament to your child’s prowess,” Peng Zhou smirked. “How about you stop there, Peng family head.” Murong Tai could no longer hold back. “Are you prepared to face the consequences if you continue?” “What consequences? I don’t think I’ve said anything out of line.” His insolent grin unsettled Murong Tai, and he struggled to suppress the nausea rising within him. Peng Zhou turned his gaze to Murong Tai. “Oh, right. Your daughter from the Murong family is Xuefeng? I heard she’s quite remarkable.” “Peng family head.” “It seems one must be of the same caliber to associate with others. Xuefeng too, like Little Yama, is exceptional, which might be why she thrives in his presence.” As Peng Zhou spoke, Murong Tai's eyes sharpened dramatically. "The Poisonous Bee of the Tang Clan is another matter... Truly a shame. If I hadn't missed that opportunity back then..." Just as Peng Zhou crossed the line, a furious Murong Tai was about to stand up. "Enough." A soft, yet heavily imposing voice halted everyone in their tracks. It was so chilling and weighty that listeners froze instinctively. Peng Zhou momentarily stiffened, then asked the speaker. "...What did you just say?" The speaker was none other than Goo Cheol-un. He ignored Peng Zhou's query, casually sipping his tea. Seeing this, Peng Zhou's voice rose. "I asked what you just said." His tone was low, growling almost, when Goo Cheol-un finally directed his gaze, eyes as cold as steel, at Peng Zhou. “I said, ‘enough.’” “Are you speaking to me?” “You're the only disruptive presence here. Is there someone else?” Calm and collected, he replied as if wondering why the question had even been asked. “Goo family head...!” Peng Zhou tried to rise, a scowl forming on his face. Or at least, he tried to. Thud—! "...!" However, Peng Zhou couldn't stand. Goo Cheol-un had placed a firm hand on his shoulder, keeping him down. “What the...?” Peng Zhou was visibly startled. While Goo Cheol-un was stout, he was no match for Peng Zhou's build. The Peng family was known across the Central Plains for their physical might. Yet here was Goo Cheol-un, effortlessly holding Peng Zhou down. Goo Cheol-un addressed the perplexed Peng Zhou. "Peng Zhou." “…!” "Have you forgotten the words I spoke to you back then?" Goo Cheol-un's expression remained unchanged, his voice steady, though the way he addressed Peng Zhou shifted. “What is the meaning of this...?!” -I told you to stop howling thoughtlessly like a dog. I was clear, was I not? “…!” It was telepathy. Goo Cheol-un was sending these thoughts directly to Peng Zhou. -Even with age, you haven't rid yourself of that pitiful habit. “…You...!” Peng Zhou struggled, attempting to rise. Yet the strength pinning his shoulder was too great, rendering him immobile. How could this be? The rumors said the former prime had long passed for the hero. -Do you wish to experience that same shame from the past as the head of your clan? Goo Cheol-un’s words sparked memories for Peng Zhou. He recalled the day he had foolishly sought out Goo Cheol-un, mocking his title of Divine Dragon despite being of obscure lineage. On that day, Peng Zhou had spoken scornfully of Goo Cheol-un’s grandfather. In response, Goo Cheol-un had not bothered with words. He had taught with actions. He had shown what a true wall meant. He had taught him what happens when the tongue wags unwisely. The molars extracted from Peng Zhou's mouth never grew back. Even though teeth could usually regenerate, Goo Cheol-un had sealed the exposed nerve endings with fire. This was back when both were just over twenty. It remained Peng Zhou's most humiliating memory. The grinding of his teeth reverberated as Peng Zhou fought against his shame. He tried and failed to rise, bound by Goo Cheol-un's unyielding grip. The pressure only intensified. -Peng Zhou. “Grrr….” The telepathic message carried an undercurrent of menace. Outwardly, his emotions were unreadable, but that still voice was laced with intent. Spoken only so that Peng Zhou could hear. -Do not take upon yourself burdens beyond your capacity. Have you still not learned this? Where did such profound and dark emotions stem from? As Peng Zhou finally reached his breaking point, attempting to draw an energy blade in his other hand— -If you draw that here, -The Peng family head will become your son from this moment. Goo Cheol-un’s words caused Peng Zhou to freeze. The implication was clear; if he acted, Goo Cheol-un would slay him then and there. -Is that your desire? “...” Thoughts flashed through his mind. Did Goo Cheol-un truly think he’d go unpunished, even if he killed Peng Zhou right here in the heart of the Murim Alliance? What nonsense. This thought caused Peng Zhou to grind his non-existent molars again. He realized that the thought alone, assuming he would lose, meant he was already conceding defeat. Simmering fury. Unyielding pride. Past regrets tugging at his mind. Many forces urged Peng Zhou to rise, yet in the end, he chose against it. “...” Surrendering to reality, he released the tension from his body. Rejecting resistance, his strength faded away. Seeing this, Goo Cheol-un withdrew his hand from Peng Zhou’s shoulder. As though nothing had occurred, Goo Cheol-un took another sip of tea, yet onlookers Murong Tai and Tang Cheon-gi sensed something significant had unfolded. After all, Peng Zhou's expression was marred with humiliation. As the room pondered how to mend the sudden cold tension— Creaaak. The entrance door swung open to reveal another entrant. A distinguished middle-aged man with blue martial garb and silvery hair. He was the last of the Four Noble Families. Namgung Jin, the Azure Sky Sword King of the Namgung family. "Looks like I'm the last to—" Namgung Jin paused mid-sentence, noticing the odd atmosphere and frowning. Clearly, something was amiss. Observing the room, Namgung Jin remarked. "Well, now. It feels as if someone got a stern talking to." His comment was intended humorously. Yet no one dared refute it.