406 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: "World's Best Friend - Chapter 407: Northern Rabbit" After a tumultuous storm and as evening settled in, I finished my meal. I placed my hand on the back of Moyong Hya in the empty carriage. It had been a long time since I last sent her energy. Ssshhh. Was it because it had been so long? "...Ugh." Moyong Hya's back twitched slightly. I recalled that she had described the sensation as unusual before. Once I had transferred a good amount of energy, I withdrew my hand. With the treatment complete, Moyong Hya finally released a breath she had been holding. "Haa..." Hearing that exhale, I spoke up. “It should only take a few more sessions.” “That’s true.” The coldness I felt inside Moyong Hya had significantly diminished from when we first started. At this rate, the treatment would be complete within half a year. 'And then.' Moyong Hya would be able to resume her martial training. It's already been two years, just by counting the years. Two years since Moyong Hya stopped training as a martial artist. Two years is a long time for a martial artist. Even when she had trained occasionally, it seemed to be only basic physical training. If it gets delayed any further, it would cause various issues. ‘Though Moyong Hya doesn’t seem to be overly concerned.’ She never seemed particularly interested in martial arts, but considering the Moyong family is a martial clan, Moyong Hya needed to resume her training. Especially with the upcoming bloodshed that needs to be addressed. As I looked at Moyong Hya’s back, I decided to ask something else first. “By the way... what’s the deal with your aunt?” “Oh.” When I asked about Baekryeongeom, Moyong Hya’s expression twisted slightly. “She became my bodyguard?” How surprised I was when she suddenly arrived, claiming to be my bodyguard. She said she got permission for it, but... No matter what she said, it was hard to understand. Regarding my doubt, Moyong Hya explained, a tad wearily. “I’m not sure myself... My aunt is always a bit... peculiar. Even the head of the family cannot do much about her.” "..." So, what Moyong Hya means is: Baekryeongeom is someone even her family has given up on. That’s what she’s saying. Unbelievable... 'And she got permission?’ When I asked from whom she got such permission, Baekryeongeom mentioned Lady Mi. I was taken aback once more. 'Why is Lady Mi suddenly involved?' The connection between Baekryeongeom and Lady Mi is surprising enough. The fact that Lady Mi granted permission for her to be my bodyguard was even stranger. Thinking about it forced a sigh from my lips. 'A so-called bodyguard...' At this juncture, I didn't particularly need a bodyguard. What kind of bodyguard would a martial artist like me, who has reached the peak, need? Unless you are the leader or master of a clan. Even when someone reached the peak, they typically didn't have a guard. And a bodyguard from Baekryeongeom, no less? I don't understand why a skilled martial artist from the Moyong family would be my bodyguard. Did Moyong Hya see the troubled expression on my face? She carefully spoke up. “I’m sorry...” Her apology made a slight smile cross my lips. “Why are you apologizing? It’s not your fault.” “Still...” The rare sight of Moyong Hya genuinely apologetic looked somewhat adorable... or rather, unimportant. “...It’s a bit troublesome, but it’s fine.” In actuality, it wasn’t fine at all, but I figured we would manage somehow. I wasn’t sure what had been discussed between Lady Mi and them leading to this, but it’s not entirely negative to have a renowned martial artist choosing to guard me. ‘Though it doesn’t seem favorable at all.’ I was trying hard to see it positively. Because: 'I shouldn't be concerned with this now.' There were more pressing matters needing resolution, leaving little time to ponder over Baekryeongeom. I glanced at the moon rising outside. From its position, I knew it was about time. With that realization, as if it was waiting, a voice whispered in my ear. - It’s time. Come. “...” With the weighty voice of the Dark King ringing in my ears, I stood up. Moyong Hya looked at me, puzzled by my sudden movement. “Sir?” “I need to go train, so I’ll leave first.” “Ah... can’t you stay a bit longer?” “Sorry, it’s urgent.” Leaving Moyong Hya who gazed at me with reluctance, I swiftly exited the carriage and moved away. My destination was the same forest where I encountered the Dark King the previous night. “...Tch.” As soon as I stepped into the forest, the same sensation as yesterday swept over me. My vision turned dark and my senses blurred in an instant. It remained an irritating feeling. Certainly, part of the aftereffects from reaching a state of no-mind, but it seemed to be the impact of the Dark King’s martial arts. It veiled sight and dulled senses. A martial art similar to a formation? ‘It feels akin to Jeokcheon.’ It felt similar to the secret techniques of the Gu family that I employed. Much akin to the feeling of Jeokcheon that dominated a certain territory with heat. The difference being, Jeokcheon aids me, whereas this martial art hinders the opponent. “...Phew.” Upon arrival at my destination, I exhaled deeply. The moment I arrived, I wavered several times, contemplating whether to just quit. Or perhaps, I should run away, but ultimately, I decided to face it. 'I need to do it even if it aggravates me.’ Even out of sheer frustration, I needed to see it through. What is the reason behind training so intense that it leaves one sleepless? Surely, the Tyrant wouldn't impose such meaningless tasks, albeit it was frustrating. ‘For someone ordinary, they wouldn’t last a day.’ To experience death so vividly, time and again. Had it been anyone else, their mind might have collapsed within a day. Choosing such bizarre training methods was beyond understanding. Even knowing this, why did I persist without expressing much discontent? ‘There wasn’t exactly any other method available.’ For now, I had to trust in it. Even if there was the slightest possibility. I needed to try as much as I could. That way, even a sliver of hope might emerge. Thinking this far, I stood still, straightening my posture. Then, I gathered my energy sense as much as possible. With my eyes open, I spoke. “Please take care of me.” I didn’t hear a response from the Dark King, but with that, my second night of death training began. ****************** Time passed like that. By the time I opened my eyes, night had passed and morning had come. Had so much time already gone by? Like yesterday, I felt my sense of time becoming increasingly distorted. “Haa…” Lying on the ground and looking up at the sky, I saw the sun rising slowly. I must have lost consciousness. How long had I been out? “…Sss.” I didn’t know. But at least I remembered one thing. Fifteen times. That was how many times I had died to the Dark King that night. Considering that the previous night I had died nine times, the count had increased. ‘What’s the problem?’ Was the Dark King upset with me or something? Somehow, it felt more dangerous than the day before. ‘…And yet, I didn’t even manage to graze them.’ The important part was that throughout those fifteen deaths, I didn’t even manage to catch a glimpse of the Dark King, let alone touch him. Looking at it this way, I had to change my thinking. ‘I have no chance.’ I realized this wasn’t something that could be solved in a day or two. I didn’t know if it was the illusion-like martial arts that darkened my surroundings, but even beyond that, the gap between us was too vast. The real problem was that the Dark King hadn’t experienced some sort of rejuvenation like the Vicious Master. ‘How am I supposed to handle this? Like a cursed old man.’ Naturally, I felt a sense of resentment towards the Vicious Master. I had no idea what I was meant to gain from this. Even if I grasped the meaning the Vicious Master intended. Could I ever hope to reach the Dark King? “Ha.” I shot up. Then I clenched and unclenched my fist, realizing something strange. ‘I feel refreshed.’ Despite having experienced a dozen or so deaths through the night, my body felt as if I had slept deeply. Had I gone mad from dying so much? Perhaps that’s why my body felt oddly refreshed. “…That can’t be right.” I quickly dismissed that thought after considering it. I knew that something like this wouldn’t break my mind. No matter what, my mind wouldn’t collapse or anything. Ever since returning from that demonic realm in a previous life, I was sure of it. I looked around. The Dark King, who must have been around somewhere, was nowhere to be seen. Much like yesterday, he must have disappeared as soon as morning arrived. Watching this, the thought that popped into my head was: “Should I eat something?” I decided I should at least fill my stomach. ****************** It was now the third day of our journey to Sichuan. We were told we’d depart from the valley later in the afternoon. It felt like the waiting period was quite long. It seemed there were some issues regarding the transport. Maybe they were being thorough. Though we were allowed to accompany the convoy, non-members of the Tang family couldn’t approach them. Guarding the vicinity was one thing, but being up close was impossible. ‘They seemed quite on edge.’ It felt like the Tang family members were boiling with an intense aura, uncharacteristic of a regular transport mission. Were they more focused because it was a request from the League? Of course, I didn’t bother asking about this. There was no need, and it was within the Tang family's domain, so as an outsider, it would be odd for me to meddle. I glanced at the Tang family warriors as I walked away. ‘Where are the others?’ Currently, I was looking for the rest of my group. I could have eaten alone, but I preferred eating together if possible. Perhaps it was because with everything going on lately, meals were a chance to catch a glimpse of each other? ‘Is that really such a trivial reason?’ Finding them for something so insignificant felt hard to understand for me, but no other reason came to mind. I suppose I just didn’t want to admit it. The simple reason of ‘wanting to see them’ was hard to acknowledge. ‘Tsk.’ I clicked my tongue slightly in frustration and continued scanning my surroundings. By now, Weseolah would usually pop up out of nowhere and greet me. Neither Weseolah nor Tang Soyul was in sight. ‘What’s going on?’ Namgung Bia might be sleeping in my carriage or taking a stroll somewhere. Yet, not seeing the two people who usually approached sneakily had me slightly frowning. Could something have happened to them? But that wasn’t all. ‘Something feels off.’ The number of people staying in the camp seemed unusually sparse. Not only the members from the Pa family, but the ones from the Pi family who often appeared were also absent. It felt as if they were all gathered somewhere. At this point, I decided I should extend my energy sense to check. ‘Ah… that’s tedious.’ Having gone through such a rough night, I wanted to let my energy rest a bit, if possible. With a touch of irritation, I spread my energy sense widely. Right away, I sensed a gathering of people not too far from here. But something was strange about it. “…This is strange.” It wasn’t just the presences that I picked up. Within my energy sense, I also detected intense fighting spirit. The moment I realized this, I moved swiftly. Had a battle broken out? If it was just the fighting spirit, I would have ignored it. But... I detected a faint mix of lightning energy. It was definitely Namgung Bia’s aura. Crack- I heard a sound from my body. Driven by instinct, my body shifted into combat mode on its own. Quickly closing the distance, I saw a gathering of people in the distance. I launched myself towards them. Bang-! Without bothering with aerial movement or descending gently, I slammed into the ground. Dust blasted in all directions, obscuring my vision, so I whipped up a gust to clear it. As I stared in the direction where the fighting spirit was boiling, I took in the situation at hand. “…What’s going on?” Amidst the spectators, a buzzing curiosity lingered. Clang-! The sound of clashing blades echoed as several flashes of light converged simultaneously. Different auras clashed within, like territorial squabbles. Namgung Bia’s lightning energy was there. So was Weseolah’s sword energy. And weaving its way in subtly was Tang Soyul's poison aura. At first, I wondered what the three of them were doing. A sparring match, perhaps? A spar wasn't unheard of, but what puzzled me was that the three energies weren’t targeting each other but something else entirely. Then it happened. Weseolah’s sword lunged forward, aimed at a target. The golden aura flickering at the tip of her blade was particularly vivid. Even amidst this, had Weseolah grown stronger? Her sword energy, tracing graceful arcs, appeared highly refined. However— Crreeak-! Clang-! “…!” Weseolah’s attack wavered as it was intercepted by a sword swing from someone else, sending her flying. Just as Weseolah was about to hit the ground, unable to counter the momentum, Namgung Bia appeared to aid her landing. “What the heck is this…?” Watching this, I couldn’t help but display a look of disbelief. It was astonishing to see Weseolah, Namgung Bia, and Tang Soyul teamed up. Even more surprising was the person effortlessly handling their combined assault. The woman, responding to Namgung Bia’s curious gaze, smiled serenely. “You’re doing better than expected, aren’t you? This sister is quite pleased.” The one absorbing their combined assault was none other than— Moyong Biyeon, the White Lotus Swordmaster.