400 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The web novel chapter titled "The World's Greatest Martial Artist's Childhood Friend - Chapter 401: Northern Rabbit" opens with a character's contemplative remark about wanting to surpass human limitations. This profound statement piques my curiosity and fills my mind with questions, as the true meaning behind it isn't immediately clear. “To begin such a journey, you must first reshape the vessel, which is the process you're currently experiencing,” the character explains. Indeed, I had been sensing a change—a transformation not only in my physical body but also in my movements, as if my entire being was undergoing a powerful metamorphosis filled with pain. The transformation was so intense that I had previously described it as an artificial rebirth. “The second step is the fusion of heart and body,” continues the character. “Heart and body…?” I echo back. “Once the vessel is ready, you must fully fill it with your innermost essence.” This brings to mind the concept of ‘transcendence’ that had been mentioned before, a state where martial skills and the martial artist become one. I wondered if this fusion of heart and body was different from what was described before. “If you’re contemplating the difference from transcendence, there is none.” “…!” “It was intentionally created with that in mind. However, its value is decidedly lower due to its artificial elevation.” The notion of artificially reaching a higher state beyond transformation was bewildering. I was beginning to understand why this martial art was developed to push beyond human limits and seemed to aspire to touch the divine. “Achieving a state akin to selflessness can indeed be a double-edged sword,” the character remarks. This was true. A state of selflessness, while often romanticized as an ultimate form of concentration, can lead to loss of control over one's body—a dangerous situation indeed. Any error in maintaining the flow could result in severe internal injuries. “However, it is therefore seen as a more proper state,” the character insists. “What do you mean?” “By entrusting all senses to instinct, it actually becomes the optimal state for using martial arts. Moreover, if you can perfectly control those senses during that state, nothing could be better.” Perfectly controlling a state of selflessness seemed like an impossibility. While such revelations are profound, achieving and controlling that state defies common sense. “I wanted to refute this immediately, but perhaps it was the ‘Master’ who made such a feat possible.” Moreover, listening to the character reveals that the sensations I had experienced were the aftermath of the "Tua-pach'un Technique," which suggests credibility in the statement. ‘So those sensations…’ In a blurred world, the only clarity was the motions I executed. Even without intention, the instinctual flow in the desired direction brought immense joy as a martial artist. “Your expression has changed.” “…!” “Though you might understand the feeling, as I’ve repeatedly said, do not rush. Since you’ve become my disciple, you will inevitably reach that state.” “Yes…” With my response, the character laughs heartily. “You once said you weren’t particularly talented in martial arts.” “...” “Even then, as now, I disagreed with your assessment.” With these words, the character gestures towards the wall behind me. Following the motion, I see the wall I had recklessly demolished in the state of selflessness, replaced by sunlight streaming in. “Don’t underestimate yourself. At least in my martial arts, you are exceptionally gifted.” After five days of relentless training in the cavern, unable to sleep, I finally managed to complete the task given by my master. As soon as it was confirmed, fatigue overwhelmed me, and I collapsed to the ground, my body utterly spent from the exertion. Seeing me on the verge of collapse, the master comments, “Congratulations. You can now learn the ‘Yikeun’ technique.” It seemed important, yet his congratulations were lost to me as I only felt the urge to sink into the weariness and sleep. With my eyes closing, intending to rest for just a moment, the master spoke again. “We need to leave soon. Are you alright with collapsing like that?” His words jolted me awake, disregarding my previous exhaustion, as I hurriedly straightened my back. “…Now… what time is it…?” A realization struck me that sleeping was impossible. Five days had passed, and since the sun was up, today was the day we were supposed to leave for Sichuan. With urgency, I inquired, and the master gave a slight head tilt. “Not sure? Can’t you just run there quickly?” “…Ah.” I had to close my eyes at his words, realizing what he meant: I had to go dressed in sweat-soaked, dusty, disheveled clothes. *** Rushing out of the cave and arriving at the predetermined location, as expected, everyone except for me was gathered there. Recognizing my father from a distance, I hesitated before turning to the master to ask. -…Thinking back, did you speak with my father? -Yes? -Yesterday, you mentioned meeting him. -Ah. The master nodded slowly in response to my telepathic question. -We met. -How did it go? -What do you want to hear? It was just a meeting. I looked at the master incredulously, wondering how he could answer so plainly. He pursed his lips and clarified. -Don’t worry too much. I have your father’s permission. -Permission? -Unlike expectations, he seemed quite unaffected by it. I was puzzled by this. Did my father really grant permission for me to learn the master’s martial arts? -If he had opposed, it might’ve been troublesome, but thankfully it’s all good. When I questioned what the Master meant by "it's troublesome," he casually mentioned that using force would be excessive at the moment. His offhand comment about resolving things by force left me visibly irritated. Such a blunt statement seemed unthinkable. "Anyway, since it's all settled, just focus on your tasks and don't worry about it," he advised. "Understood," I replied, albeit with lingering unease. Still, I decided to let it go since the Master assured me everything was fine. There was no need for further concern if the situation posed no real problems. More pressing at that moment was, 'How on earth do I manage this mess?' My current disheveled state was troubling, given the rush and lack of proper grooming. I hadn’t managed to clean up properly after intense training—my body was drenched in sweat, and my hastily changed clothes did little to conceal my disarray. Normally, I wasn't one to worry about appearances, but the occasion necessitated some composure. ‘This damned state of selflessness got me into this mess,’ I thought. Though I could mask the smell with my energy, I couldn't completely hide my haggard condition. With hesitant steps, I approached the gathered group, feeling their eyes on me. Among them were some unfamiliar faces—two of them were middle-aged men. I was about to try identifying them when the Master bowed to someone nearby. It was the unknown man standing to the left. The recipient of the Master’s greeting appeared startled, eyes shifting. ‘Ah,’ realization dawned. That must be the head of the Biga clan, a thought confirmed by the man’s uneasy reaction. The Master lifted his head, directly meeting the man’s gaze, prompting a nervous chuckle from him. “Oh, uh… yes. Be mindful next time.” “Yes, Father,” the Master replied. Had I not known who Bui's leader was, the reaction might have seemed strange. Understanding his situation, I couldn’t help feeling sympathetic. To have such a prominent figure playing the role of his own son in front of others must have been a complicated position. ‘And who might the other one be?’ If one was the head of the Biga clan, then surely the other must be the Pega clan's leader. The man bore a striking resemblance to Pae-ucheol, even more broadly built than him, an imposing figure I had only vaguely known. He was indeed a martial artist recognized alongside my father as one of the hundred elite practitioners of the central plains. Stealing glances at the figure, I inclined my head towards my father. “…Apologies for being late.” “Noted.” His curt response signaled the conversation's end, a return to his usual brevity despite the softening that occurred last time. Still, a momentary twitch of his eyebrow betrayed his recognition of my less-than-ideal state—seemingly unfit even in his eyes. Embarrassed, I laughed weakly, intending to retreat when— “Yangcheon.” “…Excuse me?” Lady Mi approached, calling me with a gentle voice. “I understand training can be arduous, but one must not neglect their appearance, especially in the presence of important guests.” “I apologize…” Her unexpected reprimand surprised me, as she had never directly corrected me before. Oddly enough, her gentle chiding was somehow comforting. As I murmured an apology, the lady’s hand touched my hair. “Your hair has become quite damaged.” “Lady Mi, given my condition now, your hands might get dirty,” I warned her, reluctant for her to touch my dusty hair. Nonetheless, she skillfully worked her fingers through my unkempt hair, attempting to restore some semblance of order, even though it seemed an impossible task given my state. She continued speaking lovingly, “I’ll send some good herbs your way; ensure that you take them without fail.” “…Yes, ma’am.” “Though I’m sure the leader of the Tang clan will look after you well, should any issues arise, seek out the Baihua Merchant Group in Sichuan…and also…” “...” The conversation seemed prolonged, filling the air as my father’s subtle exhaustion began to show. Nonetheless, Lady Mi continued without a break. “…Finally…” Had I just heard her say “finally” for the fourth time? Maybe it was just my imagination. “Do stay safe.” “...” “You don’t have to follow the other instructions to the letter but keeping this one would please me.” Her words left a lasting impression in my heart. “Yes…” I cleared my throat, overwhelmed by an indescribable feeling. After managing to escape Lady Mi’s attention, the Master approached me. “Was your conversation fruitful?” “Ah, yes.” “Haha, that’s wonderful news.” The crowd made the Master revert to using Bui-jin's original speech pattern, speaking with a different intonation and expression. His transformation was impressive, akin to adopting a different persona entirely. Observing with admiration, I was suddenly drawn to the group of attendants nearby, an unexpected movement catching my eye. Within those seemingly ordinary attendants was a freckle-faced man, whose presence triggered an inexplicable sensation in my right arm. ‘What is that?’ As I focused on him, a voice whispered in my ear, startling me. -You have a keen sense. “…!” It took effort to suppress the gasp at the familiar voice laced with subtle menace, the sensation akin to one I’d experienced before. I had to swallow hard as I stared at that attendant. There was no other choice. The person disguised as an ordinary attendant was none other than— "Impressive." —The Dark King, the master of the night, known as the king of assassins.