433 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The World's Greatest Friend - Chapter 434: The Northern Hare Chapter 434: Deliver the Message Dok Jeol Cheon, Tang Je Mun. One of the five heroes who thwarted the blood calamity of the Blood Demon. A revered figure who transformed the Tang family, once regarded as part of the unorthodox sects, into a respected righteous faction and helped establish the Martial Alliance. I’ve heard about this person several times from Shin Noya. From what I gathered, he was called a madman among madmen. '...But he's not a madman. This is an elder.’ With astonishment, I examined Tang Je Mun's appearance. Long hair cascading down to the waist. Soft, flowing green hair that radiated a hue more beautiful than Tang So Ryeol or the Poison King. I finally realized where I had seen such a hair color before. ‘It’s similar to the color of a lake.’ It almost gives the illusion that it sparkles. Her eyes, which seem dreamlike as if they're slightly closed, held pupils that gleamed like gems. Though she bore a slight resemblance to Tang So Ryeol at a glance, the femininity and maturity around her were far more profound. Especially her chest was…. '...' Though not as large as Namgung Bi-ah’s, it seemed quite an inconvenience for martial arts. Is this woman truly Tang Je Mun? Or could she be Tang Je Mun's younger sister or perhaps an elder sister? If not, then…. ‘Could Tang Je Mun have been a woman all along?’ It's not unusual for a hero to be a woman, but still.... While I was pondering this with a bewildered expression, the self-proclaimed Tang Je Mun approached me. Shaa— The Red Water Snake beside me growled with hostility at her approach. What’s got into him now? Tang Je Mun, noticing the Red Water Snake's reaction, tilted her head curiously and said, “[Interesting. You have a spirit creature with you.]” “A spirit creature... you say?” It sounded familiar, but my memory was failing me. “[Who exactly are you?]” “...” “[You’re not Shin Cheol, yet I sense his energy from you.]” Smiling wryly at Tang Je Mun’s words, I began to glean some insight into the nature of this place. ‘So this place is also...’ A preparation, no doubt, left for Noya. As Bul Yeong mentioned, and as Yeon Il Cheon had confirmed. Even Tang’s Poison Lake served a purpose for Shin Noya, it seemed. With Tang Je Mun being here, that much was certain. “I have... a connection with Shin Cheol Do-in.” “[Are you his successor?]” Successor, she says. With the Mount Hua Sect alive and well, could I really claim that title? “Yes.” I knew hesitating here would only lead to scolding from Shin Noya later, accusing me of pretending ignorance after all his care. “I am indeed his successor.” So I no longer hesitated. [...] Hearing my confession, Tang Je Mun’s expression darkened slightly. Why was that? Why such a face? “[…Then Shin Cheol really did not revive.]” “Ah.” So her disappointment lay there. Every encounter with past heroes was marked by lament or despair upon learning this fact. That Shin Noya hadn't revived. It was evidently of great importance to them. “[I have a question for the successor.]” “Do you believe me to be his successor?” The ease with which she accepted that title from me left me more startled than assured. Tang Je Mun looked at me curiously as I posed the question. “[Isn't that so?]” “No, it's true, but...” Swoosh. As I hesitated, Tang Je Mun suddenly stepped closer, pointing a finger at my chest. “[You carry an ominous aura.]” “...” Her sudden statement took my breath away, a chill grazing my neck. In the past, Yeon Il Cheon had uttered similar words in the Sikhyo Monastery. -You are a disaster. He had definitely said that to me. Over time, it had become an unsettling thought in my mind, that perhaps it might be true. “[Such an overwhelming presence within you, it's burdensome to confront.]” “...” “[But.]” Tang Je Mun's fingertip edged closer, ultimately giving my chest a solid poke. No tangible sensation was felt in reality. “[Within you, I feel Shin Cheol.]” “…!” “[That's enough for me. You are indeed his successor.]” “You assume I obtained this through unjust means.” “[If you did, he would have been angry. Shin Cheol was that kind of person.]” It was a conviction spoken with utmost certainty. I gazed into her eyes. In those resplendent green eyes were emotions deeper than I anticipated. So profound and solid, it dawned on me how Tang Je Mun viewed Shin Noya. ‘This elder, never having experienced romance, seems oddly invested.’ After witnessing such a passionate spirit displayed towards me, my plan was to confront Shin Noya about this once he awoke—to question him on everything. Lost in such thoughts, Tang Je Mun called out to me once more. “[Successor.]” “Yes, senior.” “[…Have you ever met Shin Cheol?]” “...” Her voice was cautious. In it, I detected an amalgam of anxiety and anticipation. “I have.” Tang Je Mun’s eyes sparkled briefly. “And he’s with me even now.” “[That… is?]” Tang Je Mun exhibited the brightest expression I had seen so far, yet gazing at her left me with a strange sense of guilt. ‘Even at such a moment, he refuses to wake?’ Shin Noya was to blame. When I encountered Yeon Il Cheon previously, he had risen, albeit temporarily. Why remain silent now? Seeing Tang Je Mun’s anticipation building, I sighed and briefly recounted my encounter with Shin Noya in the past. [...] Upon conclusion. Only regret remained in Tang Je Mun’s eyes. Hearing that I absorbed Shin Noya while battling precious creatures, traveling with him for several years thereafter. The knowledge that Shin Noya existed filled her with warmth, but learning he had been inactive for nearly a year awakened profound disappointment in Tang Je Mun. “[Is that why you showed no surprise upon seeing me?]” "…Yes." After encountering so many, I had developed a sense of anticipation regarding such matters. ‘The most surprising part is that Tang Je Mun turned out to be a woman.’ And such a delicate and graceful figure at that—I never would have guessed. Tang Je Mun still appeared visibly disappointed, her eyes half-lidded and somber. Though I considered leaving her be, time was not on my side; there were things I needed to ask her. “The King of Golden Iron Fists called me a disaster.” At my words, a flicker of interest sparked in Tang Je Mun’s eyes. “[You mean Yeon Il Cheon.]” ‘Oh?’ I might have imagined it, but Tang Je Mun's eyes seemed to reflect a subtle hostility when Yeon Il Cheon was mentioned. “Yes, he called me a disaster.” And I nearly died because of it. Thinking back to that moment still sent shivers down my spine. Without Shin Noya’s intervention, I might not have survived. “Do you perhaps share that belief, senior?” I pondered quite a bit before asking this question. If Tang Je Mun decided to react as Yeon Il Cheon had, attempting to kill me, I would be in deep trouble. Yet, despite my concerns, I asked because I trusted the sentiment she held for Shin Noya. If I truly am a successor, surely she would spare me. Tang Je Mun addressed my concern directly. “[What did Shin Cheol say about it?]” How had Shin Cheol answered that question? Recalling Shin Noya’s words... "…He told me to believe in myself, not in what others say." That was precisely what he had expressed. Upon hearing this, Tang Je Mun's lips curved into a faint smile. “[That sounds just like Shin Cheol.]” She seemed pleased with the response. “[Indeed, he would have replied just that way.]” “What is your view on the matter, senior?” “[Well...]” My question pointed at Tang Je Mun’s own opinion, as opposed to Shin Noya’s previous answer. Tang Je Mun looked at me, her eyes suddenly cool. And then she said, “[If it were up to me, I would likely have replied the same as Yeon Il Cheon.]” “…!” The icy tone made me draw back involuntarily. She was an 'apparition'—a memory, yet even so, how could Yeon Il Cheon and Tang Je Mun possess this intimidating aura? As a precaution, I began to survey my surroundings. “[But…]” Tang Je Mun quickly dispelled the chill with her next words. “[If Shin Cheol said so, then it must be true.]” Though comforted by her words, my feelings were mixed with others. Shin Noya resided in every exchange. I couldn’t fathom how deeply her emotions must’ve run to prompt such devotion. “You seem to trust Noya a lot.” [...] There was no response to this. Tang Je Mun merely kept her gaze fixed on my chest. It was as if she were searching for Shin Noya within me. “Senior…?” My call prompted Tang Je Mun to turn and head toward a certain direction. It was into the darkness from which she had emerged, yet now clear, revealing a small platform. ‘That’s…’ Upon the platform lay a fist-sized stone, its pristine white surface emitting a gentle glow. I widened my eyes at the sight. ‘A White Mana Stone.’ A White Mana Stone, supposedly held by grade-level monsters. The item I sought so earnestly was right there. “[As the successor knows, I am but a remnant soul left by Tang Je Mun.]” I was captivated by the Mana Stone as Tang Je Mun gently spoke. “[One of the measures left for Shin Cheol…. My remaining regrets and unfulfilled desires, that's what I am.]” “Regrets and... unfulfilled desires.” Her words stirred an unidentifiable question within me. Putting aside the regrets and unfulfilled desires. While it was clear this was Tang Je Mun’s sanctum, why had she prepared a White Mana Stone? A Mana Stone was useless to most ordinary people. Despite being packed with power, it wasn’t like spiritual pills or internal cores that one could directly absorb. Preparing a White Mana Stone for Shin Noya was somewhat of an oddity. About to pose my question to Tang Je Mun, I was interrupted. “[Successor.]” Tang Je Mun called out to me first. “Yes?” “To obtain the Dok Cheon Pill, you must first pass a trial.” “Pardon?” “[This too was prepared for Shin Cheol, but if you are indeed his successor…]” “W-wait a moment.” “[What is it?]” I thought I misheard something. “…Did you just say Dok Cheon Pill?” Indeed, that’s what she had called it: a Dok Cheon Pill. Tang Je Mun regarded my query with a slight tilt of her head. “[Yes. Would you not have known?]” She gestured with her fingers to somewhere off to the side, causing my gaze to follow. Only then did I notice the dish next to the White Mana Stone, atop which several rounded pills lay. …Why hadn't I noticed them earlier? ‘Are all those...’ Dok Cheon Pills? Gulp— Unconsciously, I swallowed dryly. What was the Dok Cheon Pill? A now-lost elixir once manufactured by the Tang family, unequaled even by the famed Great Pill of Shaolin in Zhongyuan. ‘And there are so many of them piled up…?’ Easily more than ten. Noticing my peculiar reaction, Tang Je Mun queried. “[Could it be that you, as the successor, do not require…]” “No, I absolutely need them. I came here precisely for this.” “[I see.]” Acknowledging my firm declaration, Tang Je Mun nodded knowingly. Indeed, I had come this far to obtain those. I had to acquire them no matter what. A White Mana Stone? Whatever it may be. Is it edible? “I'm ready to take the trial at once.” I came placing my life on the line for the Dok Cheon Pills. Thus, no test could deter me. Shaa…. The Red Water Snake looked at me with a whimper, perhaps unaware, but I simply glared it down and slipped it back into my sleeve.