429 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Greatest Under the Heavens' Childhood Friend - Chapter 430: Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive <Chapter 430> Senseless (Part 2) Death. At the mention of a word feeling both familiar and distant, Gu Yangchen furrows his brows. "What on earth do you mean...?" It was a statement too abrupt to comprehend. To speak of imminent death all of a sudden? With wide eyes, Gu Yangchen continues to gaze at Shin Ui, who calmly elaborates. "Every human possesses a vessel, as you must be aware." "...Yes." Every human has their own vessel. It could be described as the framework that holds one's energy, or the source of the presence each individual carries. So why was Shin Ui bringing up the topic of vessels? Gu Yangchen waited for what came next with slightly dulled eyes. "Your vessel has reached its limit." The chill of realization settled over him at Shin Ui’s words. "...Do you mean..." "The ability to manipulate multiple energies simultaneously and the vessel reaching its limit are two separate issues." Even if the risk of energy clashing and exploding was resolved, the overflow or the breaking of the vessel that contains the energy was a different matter altogether. The question lingered. “I don’t recall ever hearing such things from you before.” Despite having undergone several examinations by Shin Ui, he had never heard about this before. Hearing Gu Yangchen's words, Shin Ui let out a series of exasperated sighs. “It was never expected that you would go on to absorb more energies. Do you think it's common sense for a person to stuff their vessel to its limit?” “...” “Your vessel isn't small compared to others. Yet, it’s filled to the brim, near overflowing. Can you not fathom what that means?” Once the vessel overflows, the uncontained energy will burst forth from inside. Even if it doesn’t overflow, it indicates the potential for the vessel to shatter, wreaking havoc at any moment. “Is there no solution?” “As I have mentioned before, the quickest way is to shut down your energy core.” The fastest and arguably safest method was still to seal off his energy core. “…That’s not an option.” It was as good as death. There were too many pending matters at hand. For Gu Yangchen, destroying his energy core and becoming an ordinary person was an inconceivable choice. “Is there no other way?” Gu Yangchen's query made Shin Ui frown deeply. He was reproaching the foolishness of cherishing martial abilities to this extent. To Shin Ui, martial artists had always been like that. ‘Fools who prioritize power over their own lives.’ One must stay alive to protect their cherished ones. Living is necessary to promise a future. Yet these people were no different from fireflies drawn to the flame. Shin Ui felt sheer frustration, ignorant of Gu Yangchen’s detailed situation. Could he truly prioritize martial power over life? Reflecting on the martial artists who perished in such ways, Shin Ui merely furrowed his brow. “If that’s unbearable, there are two alternatives.” Yet, he proceeded to propose solutions. At the very least, it was part of a physician's duty, he thought. So there are alternatives. As Gu Yangchen straightened his expression to accept the words. “Stop increasing the amount of energy. If you maintain your current status, you may live out your life fully if luck permits.” “...” That implied... He was to cease training and abstain from further increasing his internal energy. Even without training, he was to abandon considering enhancing his energy. Were those words directed at maintaining his current status and simply living? Maybe, it was reasonable advice. After addressing the discomfort felt in his incomplete ultimate state, he was in a relatively intact condition. Considering the martial warriors of the Central Plains amounted only to the thousand level, even maintaining his current state allowed him to live with dignity. But…. ‘That too, is meaningless.’ More than anyone, he understood that was not viable. Seeing Gu Yangchen’s troubled expression, Shin Ui let out a deep sigh. He understood that even this option wouldn’t be viable. “You are no different from other fools. Can you not abandon martial power?” “…I apologize.” Shin Ui wouldn’t know. Gu Yangchen was ever ready to abandon martial arts. If desired, he would obliterate his energy core and live as an ordinary person without hesitation. ‘But then who would save them?’ It was something that needed to be done. It wasn’t the grand notion of saving the world. He simply needed to protect those around him. That was the purpose of his martial arts. Thus, he could not forsake further progress. “Is there no... other way?” Previously there was mention of one last method. Could that be the only hope? As Gu Yangchen lingered in unease, Shin Ui let out a sigh and finally began to speak. “While it may not be a treatment, extending the period is feasible.” “By that, do you mean...?” “It means reducing the risk to some extent through medication. But it’s not a cure. It’s something even beyond my abilities.” “...” Gu Yangchen fell into thought, digesting Shin Ui’s words. Observing him, Shin Ui noticed a peculiar air about their entire conversation. After finishing his thoughts, Gu Yangchen touched his lips with his fingers and asked Shin Ui. "Is this medication something only you can produce?” “Yes. I’m the only person in the Central Plains who can make it.” That was expected. Having never heard of such a medication that can hold an about-to-break vessel, Gu Yangchen thought. It was somewhat hopeful news, yet there was something crucial. “Are you willing to provide me with it?” Did Shin Ui have any intention to make the medicine for Gu Yangchen? “No. I have no intention of doing so.” On this matter, Shin Ui was resolutely clear. “All it would do is extend the period. And for you, who refuse to resort to any other reasonable methods, I shall do nothing.” “...” Listening to Shin Ui’s voice tinged with anger, Gu Yangchen merely continued to observe him. Shin Ui felt a strange and subtle gaze in those eyes. “Shin Ui.” In the midst of the stifling atmosphere, Gu Yangchen asked. "If extending my life with that is possible, how much longer would it last?" Even at this point, Shin Ui felt an increasing anger towards Gu Yangchen for merely asking such questions. “Even if the medicine works exceptionally well, you won’t live past forty. If your body doesn’t respond well, you might barely exceed ten years.” Gu Yangchen seemed lost in thought for a moment, as if calculating something. Noticing this, Shin Ui added more to his explanation. “It’s futile to plan on extending your life with medicine while awaiting a cure. This medicine is…” “…Ten years at the very least, huh.” Shin Ui was about to elucidate the dangers involved, but Gu Yangchen, seemingly unfazed, spoke indifferently while looking at Shin Ui. --- -That amount of time is sufficient. “...” His dry voice and emotionless tone linger in the air. As the day wanes, a banquet celebrating the return of the Poison King buzzes in the plaza. Shin Ui sat alone on the porch of his quarters, pouring himself a drink. “And so...” Reflecting on his conversation with Gu Yangchen, Shin Ui pondered why he continued to feel an inexplicable unease about the young man. It took contemplating for a long while before he realized it. Or perhaps, he had known it from the start. ‘That boy hasn’t changed.’ It wasn’t that he had grown tense causing spikes. He was merely concealing it. He remembered the first time he encountered Gu Yangchen. Despite the ferocious demeanor, his eyes were devoid of life, reminiscent of the warriors who had taken their own lives during the Demon Realm incident. Gu Yangchen possessed those very same eyes. Recalling this, Shin Ui gulped down his drink. ‘You are…’ The realization dawned on Shin Ui that Gu Yangchen harbored no attachment to life. He should have realized it sooner. Even as the young man discussed his own death, there was no fear—just a complexity in organizing his affairs. The instability of his vessel suggested significant psychological stress, potentially causing him severe pain or headaches frequently. Yet, to Shin Ui, Gu Yangchen appeared remarkably calm amidst such circumstances. ‘It’s not calmness, merely weariness.’ His mind no longer wavered from pain, nor was there fear left in him to fear death. The moment Shin Ui met Gu Yangchen, brought by the Poison King, he understood immediately. Even if another martial artist wouldn’t directly perceive it, Shin Ui’s eyes saw differently. Gu Yangchen was in a state where death could come at any moment. The vague offer to inspect his wrist was a gesture understanding his tumultuous condition. His internal energy achieved harmony, although it was forced. Such artificial harmony eventually stirs disturbances, and even if he tightly grasped onto them, not much time was left. Did the young man realize this, truly? Shin Ui was left with questions. “...” Yet, upon hearing the possibility of delaying death by ten years, his apparent relief frightened Shin Ui deeply. It wasn’t joy from being able to survive. ‘What…’ What had destroyed the young man to such an extent? It was a demeanor too chilling for someone merely approaching adulthood. ‘What on earth are you planning?’ Shin Ui recalled Gu Yangchen who had left, disregarding the refusal to provide the medicine, only promising to return next time. Watching him depart, Shin Ui felt as though a heavy stone was placed in his heart. Witnessing someone with no attachment to life left such an impact on Shin Ui. “Eyy, tsk.” Even then, Shin Ui decided he wouldn’t go back on his word and provide the medicine. Manufacturing the medicine wasn’t straightforward, and acquiring the necessary ingredients wasn’t easy either. Moreover, the limited supply he had was meant for Uisella. And even if he could procure more, it wasn’t something he could give Gu Yangchen because once begun, it was not reversible. Attempting to destroy his energy core later would not secure survival, and if the medication was discontinued after starting it, pre-birth energy flow issues would ensue. As a healer, providing such a drug was unthinkable. It was a somewhat anticipated encounter; thus, being resolved like this left an unsettling and disturbing feeling. As Shin Ui continued to sip his drink... A door slid open, signaling someone’s entrance. Sensing the presence, Shin Ui snorted lightly. “Hmm, didn’t you say you wouldn’t come around for a while? And yet you crawl in here?” Despite the harsh tone, the visitor merely chuckled softly. “Finding you wasn’t easy. Seems you hide well.” A voice both heavy and subtly soft, belonging to an elderly man marked with wrinkles of age, yet with a straight posture and dignified composure indicative of a martial artist. “If the kid doesn’t want it, perhaps it’s time to reconsider your forceful approach?” The elder laughed, suppressing his ongoing mirth at Shin Ui's remark. “He may be well grown to be called a kid.” “What does age matter, anyway?” “If your care runs so deep, why haven’t you gone? It’s not as if I’m the only family you have.” “If I attempt visiting, who knows what you people will do? How could I risk seeing them?” Shin Ui's insightful remark received no immediate response, but the elder continued toward the porch. With a gentle flick of his hand, a wine bottle floated through the air and into the elder’s grasp. Although the sorcery was impressive, Shin Ui showed no sign of surprise. “Sitting alone and drinking seems unlike you. Has anything happened?” “Don’t worry about it. Just felt like drinking today.” “Hmm… very well.” As if disinterested beyond that point, the elder ceased his inquiries. Moving step by step towards Shin Ui, the elder's robe trailed elegantly behind him. Engraved clearly on the robe was the name Namgung (南宮). “Ah, then you’ve seen that child too.” “...” Shin Ui’s shoulders twitch slightly at the old man’s words. “You mean So Yeom-ra, yes? That’s what the child is called.” “If you wish to see them, then go ahead. The young girl from that household is with them too.” At Shin Ui’s suggestion, the old man chuckles and sits beside him. "It would be a bit premature to see them now… I’ll wait. After all, I’ll get to see them eventually; I may as well delay the pleasure." “You’re as peculiar as ever.” "Coming from you, that's quite amusing." The elder gave a laugh, shaking the bottle of liquor in his hand. Though it wasn’t the finest drink he normally preferred, it wasn’t bad to drink while gazing at the moon. As the sun sets, and the full moon rises in the night sky. A living history of the Namgung family and one of the supreme warriors of the orthodox martial world. The Tyrant of the South. Heavenly Lord Namgung Cheolcheon took a sip of his drink as he gazed intently at the moon.