389 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 390 - The Northern Rabbit Thud-! Thud! Heavy noises echoed incessantly from within the cave. The reverberations were so intense that they could be felt even outside, persisting for quite some time. Though the duration wasn’t particularly long in terms of time, experiencing these vibrations felt like an eternity in hell. Thud-! Thud! I was currently sparring with Paejon. How much time had passed since we started? It felt as though more than a full hour had gone by. Even in such a short time, I was already drenched in sweat. Considering my stamina, it shouldn’t have been surprising, but the extreme focus I required was draining me significantly. Moreover, ‘What kind of sparring is this…!’ Calling this a spar felt like an understatement. It was closer to torment masquerading as training. Although most spars with Paejon were like this, today felt especially harsh. Hoo-! Paejon's shoulder moved. There was no time to think about what to do. I had to act instinctively. I quickly pulled my head back. His fist whizzed past where my chin was a moment ago. It was an accurate strike aimed for my jaw. Just as I felt relieved for dodging it, his foot was already targeting my legs. It was clear he intended to disrupt my stance. I immediately threw myself to the side. Rolling to the ground was preferable to getting tripped by Paejon’s foot — that would have been the end. In such a manner, I continued to roll and tumble for a while. Driven by defiance, I tried to at least land a hit, only to have my face smashed against the wall. I was stronger and faster. Yet, I couldn't even graze his sleeve. What was the difference? Even as I got thrown around, I strained to pinpoint it. I still couldn’t see it. Not yet. So I had to keep trying. Dodging incoming punches and thrusting legs, I surveyed, not spending more than a second observing my opponent from head to toe. I needed to be even faster. I found it. Two openings revealed themselves. However. ‘This old man.’ The moment I confirmed the openings, I frowned. They were feints. That damn old man wouldn’t expose such openings so easily. It was frustrating that no other weaknesses were visible. He laid out traps and hid all the other escape routes. Stepping there meant doom. I knew that, yet my fist was already lunging forward. Stopping wasn’t an option; attempting something, anything, felt more right. There was no time for choices. I just had to move forward. I darted my hand toward the opening. Judging by the angle and speed, I should reach him before he could react. Just as my fist was about to hit Paejon’s side. Whoosh-! A strange sensation accompanied by a sudden inversion of my vision. Thud-! My body spun once and slammed into the ground. The shock coursed through my back, forcing out a breath. “Ha….” It ended like this, after all…. “…!” I tried to catch my breath, but I had to jerk my head aside to avoid a fist suddenly hurtling toward me. Immediately after, thud-! The fist struck the spot where my head had been with a bang. If I hadn't dodged, I would've been pulverized. The unexpected impact made me spring to my feet. As soon as I stood, I shouted at Paejon. “Isn't this over!? Why are you throwing punches all of a sudden? Trying to kill someone!” Paejon laughed at my incredulous tone and responded with a chuckle. “Oh, did I forget?” “Forget…? Elder, you’re laughing right now.” “It gets easier to laugh as you age.” Lies. He genuinely tried to smack me. The smile on Paejon’s face held a touch of regret. This old man genuinely seemed intent on wrecking my face. “…You're just venting your frustrations, aren't you?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Paejon played innocent, but it was clear. That man had pretended to brush it off with a laugh when my father found out I was his student. But as soon as the spar began, he was much more aggressive than usual. “My one eye is already sore. Are you trying to ruin the other one too?” “Isn't it better for symmetry if both were like that?” “Better, my… gah!” Paejon’s fist lightly clipped the back of my head. Though it seemed he didn't exert much force, my head was ringing. “Your tone is becoming more erratic. It wasn’t like this initially.” I started off polite enough. But after months of getting beaten, who could really remain courteous? I couldn’t, certainly. “Your eyes are full of complaints. From my point of view, I should be the one upset.” Paejon sighed deeply, referring to my father discovering I was learning his martial arts. Looking at me with disappointment, Paejon spoke. “All that trouble just because you couldn’t keep that hidden?” I didn’t have much of a response to this. “…It just happened... Somehow.” “‘Somehow’? I specifically told you not to use it before I approved.” “…Ugh.” “To think the disciple I took in turned out to be such a problem child….” “I felt like I had to use it, and I did it without realizing.” “Ha, then boy, shouldn’t you be using that energy you possess?” “...” I held my breath at Paejon’s words. He was referring to the demonic energy. During a past encounter with the Heavenly Demon, Paejon had also witnessed me becoming a demon, so he knew I harbored another power within. If I had used demonic energy, as Paejon suggested, perhaps things might have turned out better. “It’s just… I’d rather not use it if I can.” Using demonic energy was not something I wanted others to witness if I could help it. As I spoke hesitantly, Paejon clicked his tongue disapprovingly. “I won't meddle much regarding your personal matters. But try not to make anything unnecessary.” “…Yes.” Paejon didn’t probe further into my abilities. What mattered to him was likely whether I could learn the Tuapachonmu, nothing else. I didn't particularly want to recall those memories either. Back when Paejon was succumbing to the demonic energy... I was the one who extracted the demonic energy from his body. Had I not intervened, even with Paejon's extraordinary control over his inner qi, he wouldn't have lasted long. And amidst it all, what crossed my mind? I wondered if perhaps eliminating Paejon would be the simplest solution. It was truly disgusting. I’d like to think it was merely the influence of my demonic transformation back then. ‘But that too was me.’ That vile and repugnant thought was mine too. “You’re daydreaming again. Seems like you’re not fully warmed up.” “…No, I’m not.” Paejon seemed to have vaguely sensed my inner turmoil. Of course, it wasn't like Paejon could fix that aspect. It's not in his nature. “Enough chit-chat,” Paejon cut in with a tone that made me listen closely. "In the final moment, why did you make that choice?" Paejon was referring back to the sparring session. He was asking why I lunged, despite recognizing the feints he had intentionally shown. Why, indeed? “I didn’t see any other openings.” That was the sole reason. “So you chose the trap instead?” “Yes.” “Wouldn’t it have been better to choose a spot that didn’t seem like an opening at all?” “I thought the elder would anticipate that, so I tried to mislead you a little. It didn’t work, though.” “…Hmm.” My answer seemed to slightly irk Paejon, evident by his peculiar expression. “It’s not the wrong choice, but… Listen, young one.” “Yes.” “The greatest flaw in your approach is that you don’t consider the damage you might suffer.” The damage I might suffer... Just as I was pondering, Paejon continued. “Whether your arm shatters, your leg breaks, or even if you face death, your instinct is to charge forward regardless.” “Ah.” “While it’s admirable that you fear neither pain nor dread, you must reconsider this approach when it comes to real combat.” I found Paejon's words somewhat agreeable. As he mentioned, I did have a knack for rushing into things without contemplating the aftermath. Even in my previous life, the hidden dragon remarked how, if my body was still intact despite my reckless combat style, it must be divine intervention. “…For this aspect, yes. It’s fortunate that you’ve found a good teacher.” “Huh? A good teacher? Who’s supposed to teach me…?” “And let me be clear, do not use the Tuapachonmu in combat until you have my explicit permission.” Paejon, with a serious expression, reiterated his warning. “Is it because I haven’t fully mastered it?” “That’s one reason, but more importantly,” Paejon rested his gaze on me as he spoke. “Using it recklessly may severely damage your body.” “What…?” His words made my eyes widen; I hadn’t heard this before. Damage to my body? Seeing the confusion on my face, Paejon awkwardly began to explain further. “The pain you feel each time you use martial arts is because your body is altering to accommodate the martial skill.” This was something I'd begun to realize after I started learning the Tuapachonmu. One of the reasons I considered Paejon an extraordinary figure was because of this. The idea that one’s body could transform to match martial arts—in essence, forcefully undergoing a metamorphosis. Creating what is known as Cheonmu Jiche, or the Heavenly Martial Body. The inconceivable pain from this transformation would be unbearable for normal beings. But if you endure, the martial art holds immense worth, unmatched by any other. That someone like Paejon developed such martial arts on his own made it even more astonishing. “If, during the process, an unexpected shock or overuse occurs, well… you could say it creates slight issues…” “What kind of issues?” “It’s nothing major.” “Judging by your expression, elder, that doesn’t seem to be the case.” “Just minor things… like your heart stopping momentarily or your energy points getting tangled.” “...” What’s ‘minor’ about any of that? Listening to Paejon, I suddenly felt a chill. Those words implied that if things went wrong, it could lead to death or deviation. I couldn’t help but ask with incredulity. “Why am I only hearing about something this important now…?” “As I said, until my permission, refrain from using it in real combat.” “Had I known this, I wouldn’t have used it at all!” “Well, how was I to know you’d suddenly use it while brawling!” Paejon retorted incredulously, leaving me dumbfounded as well. Why hadn’t he told me something so crucial? This information suggested I might have died. ‘Did my father foresee this…?’ My father’s reason for striking me down with a single blow. I thought it was because using two conflicting energies seemed dangerous, but perhaps there was more to it. “Anyway... We got lucky this time, so we've gotten away with it…” “‘Anyway’?” “You must be truly careful next time.” Paejon nonchalantly tried to gloss over it, but I couldn't protest much since I’d caused some trouble myself. Feeling slightly aggrieved, I shot Paejon a surreptitious glare, which he caught, asking me something else. “When do you plan on departing for Sichuan?” For a moment, I worried he had caught onto my glare. “Well… I plan to leave in about seven days at the latest.” While I still needed to confirm the exact timing with those traveling with me, leaving in about a week was the plan. There were several matters to wrap up in Hanam before leaving. Moreover… “Will you manage?” I planned to complete Paejon’s current concern. Specifically, the matter of this cave where I was having a chat with Paejon. This place was designated for training in the Tuapachonmu. Paejon’s condition was that I must use the Tuapachonmu’s mind technique to break through this cave before my departure. “Seven days doesn’t give you much time, does it?” Though he spoke with concern, the smile on his lips betrayed that Paejon was enjoying this. Clearly, he wasn’t the kindest old man. “If things get hectic, I suppose I can cut down on sleep.” “You speak so nonchalantly, yet somehow it’s oddly reassuring.” “Is that a compliment or an insult…?” “How does it sound to you?” “Like an insult.” “Correct. You're quite perceptive.” That incorrigible old man. Hearing Paejon’s playful jibes, I stood up. It was time to stop resting and get back to work, as my schedule was far too packed. After regulating my breath exhausted by the spar, I began striking the cave's wall. Summoning the true essence of Tuapachonmu, I filled my body with its energy. Suddenly, pain shot through me intensely. The sensation of my body being squeezed and the internal turmoil felt like someone was carving me from the inside. It was still excruciatingly difficult to get used to. Noticing my condition, Paejon chuckled wryly. “You say it’s tough, yet your expression doesn’t change at all.” “What would change even if I showed my pain?” “You’re a remarkably tenacious lad. Ah, take that as a compliment.” “…It doesn’t feel quite as good as the last one.” With a deep sigh, I turned to face the cave and began pounding at it vigorously. Bang-! With each strike, the cave resounded with tremors, and Paejon turned his back on me. “Well then, endure the rest of your task.” I asked, watching Paejon begin to walk away. “Where are you going?” “Where else?” With a gruff reply, Paejon started towards the cave entrance. But as he glanced back at me, now engrossed in training, he muttered softly. “Your father wants a word. I suppose I should pay him a visit.” Wearing a face that screamed reluctant obligation, Paejon leaped out of the cave, soaring away. His destination was where Ho Hyup resided. ****************** Recently, in an unnamed mountain in Sichuan, strange rumors began to spread. There was talk of a monster in the mountain capable of human speech. Few believed such outlandish tales, but those who had encountered it knew the rumors were not unfounded. The creature, which emerged only at night, flaunted its rugged muscles and let out roars. Wherever it left, chaos and devastation remained in its wake. When guards ventured to verify these tales, returning from their search with ghostly expressions, they claimed there was no monster. Yet, the populace, witnessing their demeanor, was convinced otherwise. - They must have seen a terrifying beast and were frightened out of their wits! - Yes, why else would they look so shaken? Amidst these strange rumors, an unknown man perched upon a rock spent his time leisurely on the mountain. For some reason, he had discarded his upper garments, flaunting his impressive physique. His face, obscured by a thick beard and disheveled hair, hid his age. In one hand, he clutched a freshly cooked fish, which he hurriedly bit into, likely driven by hunger. His other hand held a letter, and while voraciously chewing, his eyes remained fixed on it. As he slowly progressed through the letter, his expression suddenly soured. “How long are you going to whine about fish, huh?” Complaining as though displeased with something, no one else was around him as he grumbled. “Do taoists only eat vegetation or what? Why didn’t you say something when I devoured that cow the other day? Ugh…” It seemed his words might have sparked an issue. A faint vibration emanated from something attached to his waist. Perceiving this, the man glanced into the empty air, bellowing as though he were addressing someone unseen. “Ah! Stop yelling! Who doesn't shout because they can’t? Seriously, you’ve got a rotten temper. Can we take it down a notch? Didn’t you say you’d stay quiet after the last incident of helping that village? Now you’re contradicting yourself.” The man continuously clicked his tongue and spoke to an object that vibrated more intensely with every word. Feeling irked, he eventually removed the object from his waist and cast it away. “Cool your head over there for a bit. I’ll fetch you later.” The item, now lying on the ground, vibrated wildly as if in anger. Observing this, the man snorted dismissively and resumed reading the letter. Ordinarily, the man would have been heated enough to bicker all day, but today, he didn’t feel the need. After all, it was a rare, pleasant occasion. After finishing the letter, he folded it neatly and jammed it into his waistband. Though the letter was short, its content was quite significant. He was in an exceedingly good mood—it was possibly his best in recent times. It was only natural. The man laughed heartily, muttering to himself. “It’s been a while since I’ll be seeing that face.” The letter’s content? It conveyed the news that his troublesome disciple was making a deliberate visit to this place.