378 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The phrase "people can transform just by how they present themselves" came to mind the moment I laid eyes on Baekcheon Sword Master, who appeared out of nowhere. When he wore rags, he gave off an aura of an enigmatic yet charming middle-aged man. Now, just by donning neat clothes and adopting a slightly composed demeanor, he's an entirely different person. It was truly fascinating. 'But that's not the issue here.' This was not the time to be preoccupied with someone's appearance. What mattered was why he was here at this particular time. Baekcheon Sword Master, Moyong Tae, was exuding a menacing aura as he looked at me. Sensing this, I asked him. “…Lord Moyong, why are you here?” “I came out for a night walk.” I stood dumbfounded by his response. While emitting such a threatening aura? Moyong Tae’s current appearance was far from someone who would be simply out for a stroll. ‘Could he really intend to kill me?’ The thought crossed my mind, but I dismissed it as improbable. Surely, the head of a prestigious family wouldn't appear alone like this to attempt an assassination. Moyong Tae would know better than anyone the consequences of creating such a stir in Hanam. After contemplating the situation, I bowed politely towards Moyong Tae. “…I understand. It was an honor to meet you, Lord Moyong. I hope you enjoy your walk.” I decided to make my exit. But as I turned to leave, whoosh—a breeze swept past my face. Swish—! A savage sound echoed as the air passed, and trees behind me were cut and fell. “You there.” “…?” Moyong Tae called to me, and I turned my head. In his hand was an unsheathed sword, and he was looking at me, his presence amplified by a blend of subtle intent and qi. Faced with this, all I could do was swallow my anxiety. “I have yet to receive an answer.” “…What… answer do you seek?” “Your name. I asked if you could tell me your name, and you have not answered.” My name? ‘He already knows it, doesn’t he?’ It seemed unnecessary, yet the question felt sincere. Perhaps his earlier sword strike was genuine, too? Regardless of his intentions, the chilling atmosphere did not ease. ‘This is not good,’ I thought. What was the best way to handle this situation? ‘Father?’ Father was due to arrive soon. That would resolve the situation, but the awkwardness would remain. As I pondered these matters, Moyong Tae spoke once more. “If you choose not to answer, that is acceptable.” He slowly sheathed his sword. What was this? Just moments ago, he seemed poised to cut me down, yet now he intended to leave so easily? In an instant, the blade was fully hidden within its sheath, and watching this, I asked, “If I don’t give you an answer, what will happen?” Moyong Tae’s sharp gaze fell upon me. His intent felt serious. “I will simply leave.” His reply sent mixed feelings through me. Was this a good resolution? As that thought crossed my mind, he continued, “Of course, I will take my daughter with me.” “…!” “The agreement made with your family will remain intact, so there will be no issues. The contract established in Sanseo will also stand; there’s no need to worry.” “Then… what about your daughter’s illness?” The reason Moyong’s family had offered so much assistance and why Moyong Hee Ah had been with me all this time was to treat her illness, which was still ongoing. Taking her away would mean ceasing that treatment. Noticing my concern, Moyong Tae responded coolly, “That is a matter for our family to address. You need not concern yourself.” “…” He was right. It was an internal matter of the Moyong family, and I, as an outsider, should not meddle. Yet a sense of unease lingered, pricking at my chest, and it felt unsettlingly dirty. “So, I ask you one last time. Your name—will you tell it to me?” “What happens if I do tell you?” “… ” The thought that revealing or not revealing my name could be such a significant choice made me curious as to why it mattered so much to Moyong Tae. He placed his hand on his sword hilt once more and spoke, “I don’t like you.” “…” Instead of an answer, he openly expressed his dislike. “I imagine you understand why.” “…Yes.” “Yet, if my daughter wishes for it so ardently and if you are indeed her only hope, I am willing to endure it.” “If that’s the case—” “But,” Swoosh. The sword that had returned to its sheath was drawn once more, scattering intent around us. Confronted by this energy, my body tingled with a resonating shiver. Baekcheon Sword Master Moyong Tae. Though known as the least exceptional among the heads of the renowned Four Great Families in terms of martial arts, his title as Lord of the Baekcheon Sword is no falsehood. ‘The aura alone is enough to cut.’ The sharp aura that emanated from him was enough to comprehend why he once vied for the name of Sword King. “To someone who cannot even boldly state their own name, I entrust nothing.” “…” “As for whether it concerns my daughter’s happiness, I cannot acknowledge it.” His presence swelled, and there was no point in feigning ignorance. At this juncture, if I utter my name, Baekcheon Sword Master would certainly point his sword at me. Whether it was a form of a test or a genuine intent to severely discipline me, I couldn't say. However, the words Moyong Tae spoke to me were weighing heavily on my mind. “To someone who cannot even state their own name confidently, I cannot entrust anything.” The truth was, I had never taken responsibility for Moyong Hee Ah, nor intended to. If ever I did, it was in a past life, long forgotten except by me. I take pride in having done nothing to provoke Baekcheon Sword Master’s current coercion. So why did I feel so uneasy? Was it because I didn’t want Moyong Hee Ah to leave? Why? Because she had feelings for me? Because, unlike in my past life, our relationship was improving? Or perhaps because I needed her intelligence and willingness to help me? “...” An inner turmoil boiled within me. I sought an answer, but found nothing resonating. The reason was simple. I was already aware of the answer but was resisting it. “For the last time, I ask you,” Moyong Tae asked, pointing his sword at me. I was fully aware. Revealing my name here would be detrimental. The moment I spoke it, a commitment regarding Moyong Hee Ah would be inevitable. And I may very well have to engage in combat with Baekcheon Sword Master. No, this man was definitely going to fight. His intent was clear in his eyes. To think I had to duel with a lunatic willing to aim his sword at a junior who hadn’t lived even half his years—it felt absurd. I wanted to avoid unnecessary fights. Especially when I wasn’t entirely sure of my current state physically. There were abundant reasons against giving my name and just as many for not needing to disclose it. “What is your name?” he insisted. “...” Yet only a feeble reason overshadowed all others: the selfish desire not to let Moyong Hee Ah leave. That foolish greed crushed all logical reasoning. Therefore, when the head of the Moyong family spoke in this manner, my choice was clear from the very start. Taking a deep breath, I spoke slowly, my body relaxing with each exhalation as I assumed a respectful martial salute. “…I’m the kin of the Sanseo Gu family, greeting the head of the Moyong family.” Moyong Tae’s eyes quivered at my words. “My name is Gu Yangcheon. But more notably…” Observing the faint trembling at the tip of his sword, I summoned my inner energy. Heat surged through me, spreading from my middle energy center to my upper one, making my head feel ablaze. “I am known as So Yeomla.” A moniker awkward to utter, to the point that my ears turned red as soon as it left my lips. “...” Moyong Tae’s eyes widened like lanterns at my revelation. Acknowledging my presence demonstrated all the way to the upper energy center, Moyong Tae could tell what level I had reached. I continued, addressing Moyong Tae directly. “If it pleases you, Lord Moyong.” Even without needing a mirror, I knew my eyes were glowing a deep red as hot breath escaped my mouth. Feeling the turbulent heat coursing through me. “I humbly request your guidance in a duel.” I requested a friendly match with Moyong Tae. Yet he said nothing in response. Instead, he simply adjusted the angle of his sword slightly to face me more directly. And then— Thwoom! A dense aura began to emanate from Moyong Tae. He took his stance, and flames flickered along his body. The rings of Guyeom Firewheel Gong had reached a state where one more had appeared at the peak of fiery mastery. He wove the rings. As my body shimmered with a vibrant crimson blaze, I sprang forward, launching myself at Moyong Tae first.