Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The cloudless sky was clearer than ever, yet the day was vividly heating up as if to declare the arrival of summer..

This year’s weather was much more boiling hot than last year’s, as if last year’s heat was a joke.

It was to the point that cracking an egg on a sword actually fried the egg instantly.

I got in serious trouble for actually trying that in the Abyss.

I believe it was with the Water Dragon’s sword.

It happened to be a hot day, and having obtained a demon's egg, I suggested we fry it.

But of course we were caught, and got in serious trouble.

-You fucker, that’s why I said to not do it.

-...I never thought I’d get caught. I need to change my ways, so I don’t get caught next time.

-It’s not about changing ways for not getting caught; just stop doing it at all.

-Why are you throwing a fit when you enjoyed the egg too?

That was the conversation we had.

I believe it was either Moyong Hi-ah or Wi Seol-Ah.

One of them lectured me for nearly an hour, scolding me like a maniac for using their sword to fry an egg.

I wasn’t the one who actually did it, so I don’t know why I got scolded too.

It was probably because I didn’t stop him.

But how could I stop that crazy fucker?

“…It’s hot…”

When I turned my head towards the whining voice next to me, Namgung Bi-ah was sprawled out, soaked in sweat and looking exhausted.

“Are you ok- …You probably aren’t.”

I was about to ask if she was okay, but it was clear she wasn't, so I just kept my mouth shut.

Even as a Peak Realm Martial Artist who could somewhat ignore weather with the help of her Qi, the heat still seemed too much for her.

Though it doesn’t affect me.

Martial Artists from Gu Clan, carrying inherent heat within their body were indifferent to the cold or heat.

It’s hard to feel the heat when the heat contained in the body is already too strong.

While watching Namgung Bi-ah struggling, I gestured with my hand.

“If you feel that hot, how about moving to Moyong’s Clan carriage?”

“I don’t want to.”

I made such an offer to her since there is no way she would feel hot next to Moyong Hi-ah, But She declined.

It really seemed like they didn’t get along.

She’ll only feel the heat next to me though,

Do they not like each other because of how similar they are?

Putting aside their personality, Namgung Bi-ah and Moyong Hi-ah had somewhat a similar atmosphere.

Maybe they hate each other because of that.

That could be possible.

I also feel weirdly angry when I meet someone similar to me.

Oh, is that because I have a shitty personality?

Thud!

“I believe we’ll arrive in a few minutes.”

Those words came from Gu Jeolyub, who was leading the horse.

“You now even know how to predict the time of arrival. You’ve become an expert at this.”

“Haha!”

Gu Jeolyub laughed out loud cheerfully after my comment.

…Why are you happy?

He made a shitty expression last time when I complimented him about him getting better at using his sword, but now he’s happy getting a compliment about being good at leading the horse, which didn’t make sense.

Not long after, we were in Shanxi, specifically within the Gu Clan’s territory as Gu Jeolyub mentioned earlier, and I saw those from the clan wave their hands after they confirmed that it was the carriage of their blood relatives.

To this, I gently waved my hand as well.

I wonder why they are waving to me.

I waved back too, but didn’t know the reason behind their behavior.

Those people resented me and cursed at me in my previous life, but now they were doing this in the present as if that never happened.

Though I did deserve to be cursed at, in my past life.

I held no resentment for those who resented me.

I was no different to Demons in their eyes after all.

After lightly waving, I drew the blinds closed again.

Because, I felt a bit exhausted from recalling a bitter memory.

…I should take a nap when I get home.

It might’ve been because I lacked sleep recently.

Not recently but, ever since the past year up until now, I didn’t have a memory of me sleeping for longer than 4 hours.

A lot of Qi may flow inside my body.

But I’m sure fatigue has been building up due to me running endlessly without a break.

This wouldn’t be healed just by eating a lot or by doing a light Qi meditation.

As I was about to tell myself that I would rest,

Sssk

I flinched in reaction to something cold suddenly touching me.

“…What are you doing?”

When checking, I realized it was Namgung Bi-ah’s hand.

Despite the hot weather, her hand was surprisingly cold.

In response to my question, Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head and said,

“…You look… tired.”

“I am, but what’s this hand for?”

“My hand is cold.”

“I know that. It’s very cold.”

“…Touching a cold thing makes you feel better when feeling heated.”

She then began to gently rub my cheek.

Though her hand quickly warmed up from my body's heat, Namgung Bi-ah kept fondling my cheek with no intention to stop.

“How long are you going to do this for?”

“…I don’t know?”

Namgung Bi-ah put on a puzzled look in response to my question.

If you don’t know, then who does?

Fine, touch it as much as you want…

This was not the first time Namgung Bi-ah had acted oddly; having become accustomed to her since my past life, I had long since resigned myself to just accepting her behavior.

As I lay there, my cheek captive to Namgung Bi-ah’s touch, staring blankly at the carriage ceiling,

Already,

“We’ve arrived.”

The carriage had reached the Gu Clan.

********************

As I stepped out of the carriage, trying to shake off the dizziness from the long ride, someone greeted me as if they had been waiting.

“It seems like you grew a little. Not bad.”

“…You also seem like you grew a little for some reason.”

“Really? It seems like I’m growing again since I’ve been eating well recently.”

“You’re joking right?”

He was well over 70 years old, so what did he mean that he grew more.

…Did he?

I doubted it, but looking at his body, part of me wondered if he actually had grown.

“Anyway… Do I have to call you the First Elder from now on?”

“Call me whatever you want, that’s not that important after all.”

The old man, laughing heartily, was Gu Ryoon, the former Second Elder of the Gu Clan, now ascended to be the First Elder.

The Second Elder was promoted to the First Elder because it was empty, but he himself said that he didn’t want to do any additional work, saying he didn’t feel like working more in his old age.

Then is the Fourth Elder spot empty?

I had heard that the current Captain of the First Army was supposed to take that spot after retirement, but the Captain also said that he didn’t want such a position, so I didn’t know what was going to happen.

“Hmm.”

The First Elder, who had been talking nonstop, suddenly fell silent and sized me up from head to toe.

“…You’ve changed a lot in a short amount of time again.”

…He really is sharp.

Well, I’ve eaten a shit ton of things, so I should change.

If I had to briefly compare myself to me from a year ago, I had much more possession of Qi, and my body’s capacity has increased greatly as well.

It meant now I was no longer a weakling who gets tired just from breathing flames a few times.

Though I’m still not ready for the wall.

I’ve trained enough to the point that I could overcome my wall if given a chance.

So, I should reach the Fusion Realm within the next three years at the latest.

If not, then it’s too late.

Progress must be steady yet swift

because this goddamned world moves much faster than I prefer.

As I stood there, filled with frustrating thoughts, the First Elder approached and asked,

“How long do you plan to stay here this time before you leave again?”

“…Why do you always assume I’ll be leaving? This is my home too, you know.”

“You always go places… so I thought that you’d be going somewhere again. Haha!”

I wonder how many of those trips were decisions made by me.

Moreover, I caused trouble wherever I went.

…Despite that thought, I have to go somewhere again.

I was going to go to Namgung Clan this time, so wouldn’t it be less likely that I run into some trouble?

I just hope that there aren’t any weirdos.

But considering that the household had no normal members, that might be wishful thinking.

…I’ll try to stay as quiet as possible and then return.

I felt like I’ve always told this to myself, but I was sincere every time.

I should stop causing trouble.

It’s already at a point where it’s out of my control now.

“Whatever it is,”

As I was trying to wrap my head around the complex situation.

Tap.

The First Elder's firm hand landed on my shoulder.

“Welcome back. Great work.”

“…Well, yeah.”

It couldn’t be any more awkward when I heard him say those words with a bright smile.

"What are you planning to do now?"

“I don’t have anything to do as of now…”

Moyong Hi-ah left as soon as she arrived in Shanxi, saying she had some business.

I would have to assume that it was the business that they have with Tang Clan.

Though thanks to that, things have changed around here.

I noticed the increase in activity in Shanxi as soon as I returned.

Just because the Moyong Clan’s business came into Shanxi, it made the streets busier.

What was it they said? They are selling items not even available in Henan and Liaoning.

Rich households were already known for going crazy over rare items such as those, so this was a massive financial improvement for Shanxi.

Even though it’s not my money.

But whatever it was, I’m sure it’s a good thing.

Moyong Hi-ah seemed more active than before, perhaps energized by having more time after her condition was cured.

I even noticed it a little back in the frontlines.

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Maybe it’s more than I felt?

Even now, she was going to a bunch of places as soon as she arrived, saying that she has business to take care of.

In contrast, Namgung Bi-ah had gone to sleep, claiming she was sleepy.

“I think I’ll go take a nap too.”

Despite coming here as soon as I could after receiving news of Mi Hyoran arriving, I was informed I'd need to wait about two hours, as she was currently in a meeting with my father.

I happened to think about taking a nap too.

I wonder when was the last time I took a nap.

Ever since I regressed, I hadn’t really had a proper rest.

I planned to go inside and rest since it looked like everyone went to do their own thing.

“Rest huh, not a bad idea. Resting is important for a martial artist, after all.”

“Weren’t you the one that said ‘A martial artist should spend less time sleeping and more time on training!?’

“...I only said that back then because you used to skip training to run off.”

Makes sense…

It was understandable for him to say such a thing back then.

Meanwhile, the First Elder seemed to have something on his mind, as he kept staring intently at me.

“Do you have something you want to say?”

“Hmm, nothing. I shouldn’t say it now since you said you wanted to rest. So I’ll say it later.”

“Huh…?”

What was that unsettling comment?

Each time the First Elder spoke like that, he typically left me with some problem, which made me very nervous.

“Just tell me now.”

“This old man will come to you later. Rest well, okay?”

“…No, just tell me no… Where are you going?! Hey!”

After only giving his ambiguous response, the First Elder quickly leaped away and disappeared.

Why is a man with no work running away as if he’s busy!

“…Fucking…!”

In the end, the First Elder vanished, leaving me stricken with anxiety. Alas, I had no choice but to return home, my mind seething with anger.

It’s been a while since we last met, but that old man was the same as ever.

…Whatever. I’ll just sleep for now.

I told my servant to wake me up after a couple of hours.

It was difficult for me to fall into a deep sleep, so I would wake up soon anyway, but I did it just in case.

I closed my eyes shortly after, and I slowly circulated my Qi around.

It was to make myself fall asleep faster.

Thanks to this, I was able to fall asleep with my body becoming loose.

I didn’t dream at all while I slept.

It’s actually for the best.

I would only have nightmares anyway.

Because of that, I didn’t want to have any dreams.

Then.

-Ah, wait…! I’ll wake him up right away!

-Leave him be. No need to wake him up with him looking that tired.

-But…!

Who was that?

Oh, was it my servant?

I think I literally just closed my eyes though.

Did two hours pass already?

-I’ll let him know directly later, so don’t worry about it.

To the voice that kept tickling my ear, I lifted up my body in the end.

When I got up, the person with the voice continued to speak with a surprised reaction.

“Oh no, it seems I've awoken you.”

“…Is it time already ?”

“Yes, unfortunately, it’s time.”

“Then I should get ready before I… Hmm?”

It wasn’t a familiar voice.

It didn’t sound like Hongwa… so was it Gu Huibi?

I looked up wondering who it was,

“…Huh?”

There stood a person I hadn’t expected at all.

“I wonder how many years it’s been. I believe it has been around 5.”

She was dressed neatly, her hair tied up.

Her face showed some signs of aging, but she still had a graceful demeanor.

Her peculiar appearance that looked similar to Gu Huibi and Gu Yeonseo made her give off such an atmosphere, and because of that, she had an elegant, but also resilient aura.

I knew who she was, but I also knew that she wasn’t a person that should be in my room.

“…Lady Mi?”

She was the legal wife of the Lord, and the current Lady of Gu Clan.

The Lady of White Flowers, Mi Hyoran.

It was her.

“It has been a while.”

It still didn’t feel real despite already having mumbled my words.

I cringed my eyes due to still feeling sleepy, but because nothing changed, I nodded my head and spoke.

“So it’s a dream.”

I’ve had nightmares every time I dreamed, so it was probably the same this time.

“I’m having a crazy dream such as this because of me lacking sleep.”

After muttering to myself, I fell back asleep. When I woke up, realizing something was off, about fifteen minutes had passed.

******************

Step.

A man handsome as a statue slowly walked through a passage.

The sword hung on his belt stood upright, and he showed the elegance of a young noble with each step he took.

As the young man passed by, a servant working nearby greeted him with a wide smile.

“Hello, Young Master…!”

“Hello, thank you for your work. Have you eaten yet?”

“Yes…!”

“You must work after a good meal. If you fall, then our clan falls with it.”

“A-Ah…! Thank you…!”

The young man continued to walk pass by,

-Jeez, how can he speak so gently too? He is perfect.

-I know, right? That’s why they call him the miracle of the Taeryung Clan...!

The servants whispered cheerfully, but the bright smile on the young man’s face from earlier disappeared, and only an expressionless stiff face remained.

How bothersome.

To be forced to be kind to those commoners.

The young man, Jang Seonyeon, touched his lips quietly, quickening his pace.

He only felt better after watching his desired scenery when he felt frustrated like this.

That was his one way of feeling better.

To see what he desires.

Or to do the thing he wants.

After Jang Seonyeon walked briskly, he arrived in front of a giant building.

The doors before him appeared to be twice his height.

Without hesitation, he reached out,

Creak.

Then he used all his might to open the door.

Swoosh!

When the door started to open, wind started blowing outwards.

Dense Qi could be felt within the wind.

…She’s gotten stronger.

Compared to the aura he felt last time, she was much more formidable now.

She would be different yesterday, and she would be different tomorrow.

She was growing at an abnormal rate.

She could dare to be called a monster.

All it took was one year.

Despite her training with a sword for not even a year, she had an unbelievable number of achievements under her belt.

I get that she’s the Sword Venerable’s disciple, but this is too cruel.

Slam!

After the door completely opened, Jang Seonyeon slowly walked inside the building,

Kwaaak-!

But he couldn’t walk any more after the first few steps.

It was because a sword wave was sent right to his feet.

The ground was still shining with light with the trace of her Sword Qi being left in it. Jang Seonyeon looked straight ahead with an awkward expression.

“Isn’t your greeting a bit too violent?”

He definitely didn’t speak quietly, but she still gave no response. It almost seemed as if she never heard him.

“I came here to listen to your voice… but you seem to be the same.”

Far away.

A little further away.

The girl putting her hair upwards after putting down her sword could be seen.

When Jang Seonyeon’s eyes met with the girl’s eyes, he gulped without himself realizing it.

How beautiful.

She was drenched in sweat due to her hard training, but the girl was blooming with beauty greater than anyone.

She looked completely different from the first time he met her.

As Jang Seonyeon cautiously took another step forward, the woman spoke,

“…Stop right there.”

He began to hear the girl’s voice.

In response to this, Jang Seonyeon happily started to speak.

“Will you speak only after I’ve gone this far?”

“I do not wish to look at you for a long time, so please tell me what you came here for.”

Her response was cold and sharp.

Her voice may have sounded soft and warm, but the emotions held within it were colder as ice.

“I still can’t understand.”

He couldn’t understand.

The reason why this girl hated him so much.

“I don’t get why you despise me so much, I don’t get it. Please tell me.”

No response came again,clearly indicating she wanted no further conversation.

In response to this, Jang Seonyeon let out a sigh, took a letter out and showed it to the girl.

“This letter is for you. Of course, I received one as well.”

He imbued the letter with Qi and sent it sailing towards her.

Clap.

The girl caught the letter and opened it to check its content.

“…”

Did she see something she didn’t expect?

After checking her expression, Jang Seonyeon slowly continued to speak to her.

“As much as you despise me, it can’t be helped. You are to go there in winter. The Sword Venerable has approved this as well, so don’t even think of running away.”

“…”

“Oh, you probably won’t run away.”

She frowned as if displeased by his words.

Even that frown seemed beautiful to him.

“He will also be there, so there’s no way you wouldn’t—”

Kwagk!

Before he could finish his sentence, a golden light of a vast sword wave swept the ground beside him.

It happened in an instant.

“Do not-”

The girl’s voice started to withhold killing intent.

Jang Seonyeon could feel the chills on his back from her intensifying killing intent.

“Do not speak any further.”

Smiling, he raised his hands in surrender..

Signaling that he will not be continuing.

“I’ll be leaving now since this is all. It was nice to see your face once again.”

As soon as he finished talking, Jang Seonyeon turned around and walked away.

His smile didn’t disappear as he walked away.

It’s nice to see that she’s fortified.

He didn’t know why she hated him so much, but he didn’t care.

That side of her isn’t bad either.

One was bound to desire more when what they wanted was harder to get, and Jang Seonyeon preferred it that way.

“…”

When the girl was left alone after Jang Seonyeon left, she quietly looked at the letter in her hand.

The content inside the letter wasn’t long and nothing was going to change the second time she read it, but the girl’s mind was filled with something else right now.

-‘He’ will come.

The words Jang Seonyeon spoke lingered around her ears and conflicted her mind.

With a face and voice that filled her head, the girl quietly spoke out loud as if she couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“…Young Master.”

As the girl spoke shortly, she for some reason had a very regretful face.

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