402 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The World's Best Martial Artist's Childhood Friend - Chapter 403 > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive Gu Jeol-yeop decided not to join this trip to Sichuan. Upon hearing about it, my immediate thought was: ‘This is probably because...’ Just as I had considered before, it seemed an issue had arisen within the Guseonmun sect. ‘Is it a problem with Mu-yeon?’ The sword leaders and others must have agreed to fully support Mu-yeon within Guseonmun. Having heard this, it seems Gu Jeol-yeop chose to return to his family home immediately. Sensing the meaning behind my words, Elder Il let out a soft sigh and spoke. “It was his own wish. The family head also approved it.” “Is that so.” Father probably wouldn’t care much about whatever choice Gu Jeol-yeop made. It’s just that I find it a bit unfortunate. ‘If he’s truly returning home like that.’ I wondered if this was really the right decision for Gu Jeol-yeop. Of course, even if he were to follow me around, I don’t believe it would be a better choice than that. ‘It's just a bit unsettling.’ What irked me was the lingering feeling of discomfort and the gloomy expression on his face. After looking at Gu Jeol-yeop’s face, I too turned my gaze away. ‘If that’s your choice, I won’t interfere.’ For now, Gu Jeol-yeop believed that returning to Guseonmun was the right decision, having come to that conclusion by himself. Therefore, I too would refrain from saying anything more about it. Had he come to me, asking what would be best to do, I might have offered different advice. But Gu Jeol-yeop did not. Perhaps because he was convinced that leaving now was the right thing to do. Upon seeing that, if there was any attachment that developed, my only wish would be for the future... I hope Gu Jeol-yeop doesn’t look back on this decision and harbor regret. ****************** After finishing all my farewells, I boarded the carriage. I was riding in a carriage provided by the Gu family, without any attendants following me. Considering the Tang sect's priority for a secure escort, having too many people could make it rather inconvenient. As for the Paega clan, they seemed to have reached an agreement with the Tang sect to bolster their guard services. ‘Regarding other matters…’ I shifted my gaze toward Paega's carriage. Cheol Ji-seon should currently be seated with Pae Woo-cheol. I needed to learn a bit more about him too. ‘The journey to the Tang sect took a bit longer due to the need for a secure escort.’ It was essential to identify whether any issues arose from changing our route slightly for a safer passage to Sichuan. There’s still so much to think about. Even after organizing and reorganizing, there remains a multitude of matters. It's as if a headache that had slightly subsided in recent days is creeping back in. Feeling worn out, I let out a small sigh as warmth filled my breath. Out of nowhere, a cool touch wrapped around my forehead. The owner of the hand was Namgoong Bia. When I slightly opened my eyes to look at her face, I was met with blue eyes filled with concern. She looked at me and asked. “…Are you okay?” Am I okay? What does she mean by that? I responded with a faint smile. “I’m fine. Really.” “...” “I probably smell right now, so keep your distance.” It implied that I hadn’t managed to clean up much and had boarded the carriage in a messy state. I thought about just walking outside, but Weseora and Namgoong Bia insisted otherwise. Though I could have managed, they were adamant. Anyhow, as I lightly pushed Namgoong Bia away, telling her not to touch because I was a mess, she instead reached out and pulled my head onto her lap. Softness ensued. It turned out to be Namgoong Bia’s lap. About to get up in the sudden turn of events, her voice calmed me down. “…You’re tired… it’s okay to sleep….” At Namgoong Bia’s words, I unconsciously relaxed. ‘How did she know I was tired?’ I had been regulating myself not to show any signs of reaching my physical limits, keeping my breath even. Perhaps because of my unkempt appearance, Namgoong Bia seemed to have sensed it. ‘…This is challenging.’ Lying on Namgoong Bia’s lap, being enveloped by comfort, the next thought was one of waste. Such a waste of time, to be sleeping now. In a situation where I should be using my time elsewhere, was it right to take a nap like this? ‘Speaking of which, what about Mo Yong Hia….’ The recent absence of contact from Mo Yong Hia was fortunately explained by a letter stating that she’d join the Sichuan journey later due to circumstances. She’d said she’d join a few days after departure. That brought to mind something strange. ‘Fortunately?’ Why did I feel grateful that Mo Yong Hia was joining the Sichuan journey? Was I out of my mind because I was tired? ‘…For now, it’s more important to think about the tasks in Sichuan.’ I had to make an effort to erase it and focus on something else. There were many reasons I deliberately chose Sichuan. Among them, aside from the matters of the White Horse Stone and Yeon-ga, there was one thing I was particularly concerned about. ‘Incidentally, a certain someone is there.’ For the future, I had always noted him—a member I considered for my own force to counter the bloodshed that might ensue. Conveniently, he had established himself in Sichuan. Normally, it would be 1-2 years before he would emerge, but I planned to find him a little earlier. ‘If my expectations aren’t wrong, it won’t be difficult to find him.’ If the information from my past life was accurate, He would be dwelling on the highest mountain in Sichuan, concealed from the world. The first step in establishing my power was this person. From my past life, a former demon—a being I wouldn’t feel anything for even if I made him fall into demonic ways. As his image flashed in my mind, I suddenly felt a gentle touch brushing my hair. Namgoong Bia? If not, perhaps it was Weseora sitting next to me. I couldn’t quite discern. Only that it felt peculiar how this light touch brought peace to my weary mind. Despite thinking that I should get up, My exhausted body didn't allow it, thus I decided to seek a brief repose. Just a short nap. That was the feeling. ****************** Guiwen Mountain of Sichuan. One of the towering peaks of Taishan, it is the largest mountain in Sichuan. Not only is the mountain massive, but its eerie atmosphere and unusually cold air give rise to the belief that it's haunted, earning it the nickname of the ghost-ridden mountain. The spooky appearance contributes to the numerous frightening rumors surrounding the mountain. Whispers of ghosts appearing if you ascend the mountain at night. Warnings that those who trek alone may never return alive. Guiwen Mountain's sinister reputation is quite widespread. Yet, people are unaware of one crucial fact. There are no ghosts on Guiwen Mountain. Though spirits might exist, rumors of ghosts appearing at night were nothing more than fabrications spread by those inhabiting the mountain. The statement that those who venture onto the mountain may not return is true, but it wasn't the work of ghosts, rather, it was the handiwork of people. These individuals silently settled in Taishan, ensuring to spread rumors to prevent others from coming. In the martial world, they were often referred to as the 'Green Forest'. As demon cults arose, along with monsters appearing across mountains and seas. Over time, the number of Green Forest settlements has significantly dwindled. Reports from certain areas claimed that banditry had been wiped out. Such statements weren't entirely false. In reality, encounters with bandits across the martial world are exceedingly rare, while many places have bolstered their defenses against monsters. The regions where the Green Forest could operate naturally shrank considerably. Given such circumstances, referring to those dwelling in Guiwen Mountain as the 'Last of the Green Forest' wasn't an exaggeration. Within an eerie dwelling amidst the mountain, Thud-thud-thud- In that chaotic room, a bottle rolled noisily on the floor. Bottles scattered haphazardly, attracting flies to the leftover food. Amidst the mess, a group of men, appearing unwashed for days, lay entwined, snoring loudly. Unlike the silent forest, the collective snoring threatened to resonate through the mountains. Suddenly, the door burst open as someone rushed inside. Bang-! “Chief!” A bearded man kicked open the door, yelling at the top of his lungs. The snorers stirred at the clamor, groaning and shifting about. “Ugh... My head…” “Water…! Water!” “Uugh-!” “Oh hell! Don’t puke here, you idiot!” “Get him out of here!” Caught in disarray, the man who first yelled scanned the room with an exasperated expression. “The chief? Where’s the chief?” “What’s up, it’s the rookie?” “Get the rookie to bring some water first.” Despite his urgent tone, the others ignored him, raising their voices in commotion. How much did they drink the night before? The entire room wreaked of alcohol. The man continued to inquire about the chief, but none provided an answer. Eventually, his frustration boiled over. “Damn it! Where is the chief?” His yell sliced through the noise; silence fell over the room in an instant. Sensing the shift, the man's heart skipped a beat. The gazes fixed upon him were unnerving. “…Hey, look at this punk?” “Did the rookie eat something funny? He’s got quite the voice. Did he just shout at us?” “Pfft.” Amidst their hangovers, the figures slowly rose, towering ominously. To his dismay, they were far bulkier when standing. Their heights almost brushing against the dwelling’s ceiling. Even their imposing figures, laced with an aura of menace, prompted the man to cautiously retreat. “No… Brothers... It’s not like that...” “Not, huh? Looks like some education has been lacking, since his tongue’s gone astray.” “Shall we freshen him up a bit?” A thick finger reached out toward him. Closing his eyes tightly, he braced for impending pain. He anticipated pain shortly, but curiously felt none. Finding it odd, he cracked his eyes open slightly. “…Huh?” The ones who had approached suddenly stood upright, as if nothing had occurred. Puzzled, the man frowned, wondering what caused the abrupt change. “…Well then.” A deep voice behind him jolted him rigid. Turning his stiff neck with much effort, he looked behind. Standing there was a ‘real’ figure, taller than any of the burly men before him. The massive, scar-riddled torso was bare, swelling with solid muscle. His body bore numerous deep scars, exuding an overwhelming presence. Beneath disheveled long hair, penetrating eyes, visible even at a glance, instilled fear. Locked in a staring contest, the man stammered out in a trembling voice. “C-chief…. Uggh!?” The so-called chief suddenly hoisted the man off the ground, gripping his neck. Watching a grown man lifted effortlessly by a large hand was an alien sight. “What’s caused this morning disturbance?” “T-that is… Ugh…” “If your news doesn't satisfy me, you’re dead. Understand?” The malicious intent woven into his voice gripped the man entirely. The menacing grin made the atmosphere chilling. Amidst that fearsome presence, the man managed to speak. “…Tang… Tang sect....” Upon hearing the word, the chief’s eyes widened slightly. Then— Thud-! “Argh!” The man, released from the grip, plummeted to the ground. Freed from the strangling grasp, he caught his breath in ragged gasps. “Haah… Haah…!” Barely regaining his composure, he was abruptly halted. Grit—the tension mounted once more. The chief knelt down to face the cowering man and asked, "What about the Tang sect? Speak." The man's entire body trembled, even his shoulders shaking, at the sight of the chief's broad smile as he asked the question. Exuding such an overwhelming aura, the man known as the chief was none other than the master of the last remaining Green Forest stronghold on Guiwen Mountain. In the distant future, he would become known as the Green King, serving under the Heavenly Demon.