375 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The World's Best Martial Artist's Childhood Friend - Chapter 376 > Northern Rabbit – Web Novel Archive “Huh…!” I abruptly came to my senses, my eyes snapping open. ‘So, I lost consciousness after all?’ Clutching my throbbing head, I forced myself to catch my breath. It felt like just a moment had passed, but who knows what might have happened during that time. Unsteady, I managed to stand upright. That's when I realized I had been sleeping with my head resting on something. Curious about what served as my pillow, I turned my head to find out. “…Huh?” “...” I was met with a fierce and intimidating gaze. I had been sleeping on my father's shoulder. “...” “...” I shared a long, silent moment, eyes locked with my father. ‘Damn it.’ That was the only thought swirling in my head. To make matters worse, it seemed I had drooled in my sleep, a trace faintly visible on his shoulder. My father watched me silently, without a word. What is this? Was he expecting me to bow my head? Being scolded by someone's gaze... so this is what it's like. I could feel my eyes trembling severely, a sensation noticeable even to myself. Was the shiver running down my spine a chill? It almost certainly was. “I’m sorry….” Before I could try to make any excuses, I blurted out the apology that had to come first. Never had I imagined I would sleep on my father’s shoulder. Surprisingly, my father didn’t seem inclined to chastise me as he turned his head away without a word. ‘This brat...’ I grit my teeth in frustration. I quickly turned to check the spot where Blood Demon had been just moments ago, only to find emptiness. The Blood Demon wasn't the only one gone—along with him, the league leader and all the members of the Martial Alliance who were on the podium had vanished as well. …Which means? I shifted my gaze around the assembly hall. “...” It dawned on me then. The meeting had ended some time ago. Everyone was already making their way outside. In other words, I had slept through the entire conference. ‘I'm doomed. Totally doomed.’ Even as a scion of a renowned family, I had fallen asleep leaning on my father’s shoulder while the league leader and elders debated, even drooling, only to wake up after everything had wrapped up. Cold sweat emerged on my skin, and I couldn't help but be mindful of my father’s reaction. Despite everyone else leaving, my father remained there, perhaps because I had been asleep. I couldn't be sure if that was the reason; my father didn’t seem the type for such consideration. “…Yangcheon.” A familiar voice broke through my haze, and I turned to face it. There stood Cheoljiseon, looking quite stricken. “…Why… are you like this?” “Why… am I what?” Even amidst my embarrassment, I was struck by the accusatory look in Cheoljiseon's eyes, filled with blame. “Why, what happened?” “...” Cheoljiseon seemed to stagger as if his soul had left his body. What was going on with him? “…Do you know how the meeting went?” “No idea?” “Of course you wouldn’t! You were asleep…!” “Yes… Right.” I sheepishly admitted as much, unable to deny it since I had indeed been asleep. For Cheoljiseon to be this upset with me, something significant must have transpired. I was just about to ask what had happened when— *Creak.* My father rose to his feet. At that movement, I involuntarily flinched. “It’s over. Let’s go.” “…Yes, okay.” It was Cheoljiseon, not me, who reacted to Father’s words. Why was he responding first? I watched as he quickly stood up, then asked him, “What… are you doing?” Had something happened between him and my father while I was asleep? I knew my father wasn’t the type to lash out at people indiscriminately. “…Let’s go. He’s already said to go, hasn't he?” Cheoljiseon urged me to get up, even lightly tapping my shoulder as he did. Seriously, what was going on? Still feeling bewildered, I got to my feet, realizing it was best to leave the hall given the situation. Outside the hall, other family members and martial artists were already gathering. In that throng, I spotted Lady Mi and Gu Huibi. And among them, 'Who’s that?' I noticed a familiar face, albeit one I couldn’t immediately place. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be none other than the leader of the Wudang Sect, known famously as the Wudang Sword Saint. My father moved toward him without hesitation. Sensing my father’s approach, the Wudang Sword Saint turned his piercing gaze in our direction. Though not physically imposing, his eyes held a sharpness like no other. "It's been a while." "Have you been well, Master Gu?" "Yes." Watching their cordial exchange, I slowly approached them. Naturally, I had to pay my respects as well. “It’s an honor to meet the head of Wudang.” The Wudang Sword Saint directed his gaze at me. “This is my son.” “Ah, so this young one is the one they call Soeomra.” “…I’m undeserving of such a title…” I hesitated, trailing off as I disliked such pretentious labels. What irked me most was Gu Huibi's barely contained laughter at my discomfort. ‘…Just wait, you crazy sister.’ I knew the moniker she would earn eventually, and I'd tease her mercilessly later on, based on this very memory. “I had heard you were remarkably talented. Seeing you now, it’s clear to me. Master Gu, you are blessed with an exceptional child.” “You flatter me.” “Far from it, your son even surpasses the tales.” With those words, the Wudang Sword Saint turned to ask me a question. “I hear you and our Hyuk are close.” “Ah, yes… That's correct.” By "Hyuk," he meant Young Dragon. Pleased with my response, the Wudang Sword Saint nodded. “Friends are precious in life. Please take good care of our Hyuk; he's more lacking than he might appear.” “Yes.” I had to suppress a wry smile at his words. It was quite the contrast to how he treated me in my past life. Back then, what was it he had said? We can only understand each other if we're on the same level. In my previous life, the elder who criticized me for not being on the same level as the Young Dragon was this very man. And yet, now he asks me to look after him. It was a moment that provoked a flurry of thoughts. With a gentle smile, the Wudang Sword Saint turned his gaze back to Lady Mi. It seemed the two had business to discuss. “Well then... I hope for a favorable response.” “Yes. I will consider it positively.” After Lady Mi's reply, the Wudang Sword Saint nodded courteously and moved toward the exit with his fellow sect members. From the looks of it, they were negotiating some kind of deal with the Baihua Merchant Guild. ‘Wudang engaging in transactions with the Baihua Merchant Guild.’ I couldn’t fathom why Dao practitioners like Wudang would be involved with a merchant guild. "Yangcheon." "Yes?" As I pondered, Lady Mi suddenly posed an unexpected question. "Aren't you feeling hungry?" Hungry...? "Well, I'm alright." I wasn't especially hungry. Even if I were, missing a few meals wouldn't pose a problem for me. Lady Mi nodded slightly at my reply. Was she really just asking if I was hungry? Just as I was pondering the real intent of her question, Lady Mi turned to address my father. "Are you going with us to pick up Yeonseo?" She was referring to fetching Gu Yeonseo, who was staying at an inn. Though her tone sounded like she was seeking my father’s opinion, the atmosphere suggested that not going wasn’t an option. Sensing this, Father nodded in agreement. I noted this atypical response from Father as Lady Mi turned to me. "Afterwards, we're planning to rent the inn for a meal together." "Renting the inn for a meal?" "Yes." It seemed excessive to rent an entire inn just for a meal, but given the significant wealth wielded by the Baihua Merchant Guild and Lady Mi’s status as its head, it wasn’t surprising. My discomfort was the real issue. ‘That's going to be awkward.’ As much as I valued comfort while eating, family meals were always the most uncomfortable occasions for me. While I was considering these things, Lady Mi's gaze sharpened as she looked at me. "This time, I hope everyone attends." Dire tension filled the air, warning me against any idea of skipping out. Though she was merely a regular citizen, the aura Lady Mi projected was undeniably potent. For that reason... “…Understood.” In the end, I had no choice but to nod in agreement. Seemingly satisfied, Lady Mi turned on her heel and moved toward the exit. Watching her leave, I mentally sent a message to my father, who was preparing to follow her. - Patriarch. Father halted at my telepathic call. Though he didn’t turn to face me, I could sense him waiting for my next words. - After the meal, would you spare me some time? With many questions I had for Father, I decided not to hesitate. - I have questions about Mother I'd like to ask the Patriarch. “...” At the mention of Mother, Father slightly turned his head to meet my eyes. I still couldn't decipher the emotions in their depths. His gaze remained just as calm and inscrutable. After observing me quietly, Father sent his acknowledgment. - Alright. Satisfied with his reply, he resumed walking toward Lady Mi. Only after receiving his agreement, I released the breath I had been holding. Why I was so tense over simply asking for some time was beyond me. I was nearly sweating from the anxiety. “Hah...” Honestly, dealing with this was more taxing than facing someone in combat. It was exhausting just as much, if not more. ‘Anyway… that’s handled… What’s next?’ Having settled things with Father, only one task remained. I turned to Cheoljiseon standing awkwardly nearby. “Hey.” “Huh…?” “Now, spill it.” “Uh?” “The meeting.” I had missed the entire content because I'd been asleep, drooling. “What happened?” I needed to hear from Cheoljiseon about what transpired during the meeting.