Childhood Friend of the Zenith

There were more than a few things that were already established in the Heavenly Dragon Academy.

Since the place was filled with martial artists, the first floor of the building was used as a training ground.

Cafeterias capable of holding everyone in the Academy and it was also rumored to have confinement rooms, just in case.

Though some rumors also said that they were raising Demons in their basement for training purposes.

Well… that was not a rumor. It was the truth.

I did find the basement filled with Demons back in my past life.

And lastly, there was a large plain behind the Heavenly Dragon Academy building used for group training.

There were around ten to twenty people in each group, so the plain was big enough to accommodate everyone.

And that plain was now filled with the Qi of the martial artists occupying it.

And even though it was the middle of winter, the heat filling the area made it warm.

Swoosh!

I heard the endless sounds of people moving and clashing with each other.

A group of more than ten people were moving around without stopping.

And the Vice Captain of the Blue Dragon Army, the Orthodox Blue Fist Cheol Hwanho, was fighting all of them by himself.

Slam!

The ground trembled when Cheol Hwanho stomped on the ground.

Because of that, a Young Prodigy charging at him lost his balance as his stance broke.

Not missing the chance, Cheol Hwanho swung his fist…

Slam!

“Agh!”

The Young Prodigy was sent flying as soon as Cheol Hwanho’s giant palm hit him and he crashed into another Young Prodigy.

The chemistry they had barely managed to scrape up, crumbled.

And even though it was a group fighting against one person, it was a mess.

Cheol Hwanho was indeed a strong martial artist, but I could also see that they were lacking as I observed them.

Cheol Hwanho was probably aware that it would turn out this way from the start.

While deflecting attacks coming at him, Cheol Hwanho’s eyes darted around.

Only four have proper posture.

Only four people stood out.

At least that’s what Cheol Hwanho believed.

However, their level is only that of Young Prodigies.

Of course, even Cheol Hwanho wasn’t capable of fighting against dozens of Young Prodigies at the level of Second and First-rate all by himself.

However, fighting against those who had no experience working with each other was a different story.

They left a lot of openings as they couldn’t match their timings with each other.

And Cheol Hwanho was able to break their formations easily by taking advantage of those openings.

They were a mess.

Then, a Young Prodigy with a huge physique and black hair broke through and flew towards Cheol Hwanho.

He had a familiar face.

Pe Woocheol.

Cheol Hwanho was amused.

After all, he was one of the four members he found exceptional.

Taking advantage of his group’s movements, Pe Woocheol arrived right in front of Cheol Hwanho’s nose.

Using his lower body as a foundation, Pe Woocheol twisted his hips and charged his fist with Qi.

He then thrust it out at an impressive speed.

However…

“How unfortunate.”

That was Pe Woocheol’s mistake.

He charged at his opponent even though he was aware of the difference in their power levels.

He let his rage get the better of him as he failed to make the right judgment.

Crack!

“!”One simple movement of Cheol Hwannho’s hand was all it took for the Qi in Pe Woocheol’s fist scattered away immediately.

Pe Woocheol was unable to follow Cheol Hwanho’s movements.

And then…

Slam–!

“Uggh!”

He felt an impact on his stomach.

As soon as Cheol Hwanho’s attack made contact, Qi exploded and sent out an aftershock.

Unable to endure the pain, rolled on the ground after he was sent flying.

It hadn’t even been long since the instructor took on the role of a Demon and the Young Prodigies began hunting for the said Demon, but half of the group was already flat on the ground and those who were still standing had cold sweats running down their backs.

Their pupils quivered.

They didn’t believe that something like this was possible.

Cheol Hwanho couldn’t help but chuckle in his mind upon seeing their faces.

The look on their faces.

This was definitely a new experience for them.

They probably didn’t think that Demons could be this dangerous, nor did they experience anything like this in the Central Plains.

He then saw Pe Woocheol get back up while clutching his stomach.

“Ptooey.”

Judging by the manner he spat on the ground, it seemed like his spirit hadn’t died yet.

He is a tough one.

Not bad.

That was the attitude a martial artist should have.

However, it would be better in the long run if the instructors crushed their arrogance right at the start.

They can’t live in this world like that.

The Young Prodigies who were attending the Academy were spoiled by their clans and Sects.

Not only were they talented, but they also had endless support back at their clans and Sects.

Because of that, most of the Young Prodigies believed that the world was theirs for the taking.

And it was the instructors’ job to crush that belief.

At least that was what Cheol Hwanho chose to do.

After all, Cheol Hwanho had some experience being an instructor at the Heavenly Dragon Academy since he started doing this after he turned 30.

Although he had taken a break for a few years, he decided to return as he had some ‘business’ to take care of.

And since he ended up coming here, Cheol Hwanho believed that he should at least do a proper job.

This batch is pretty decent.

Cheol Hwanho thought to himself as he continued facing them.

The Meteor Generation was indeed overflowing with prodigies and geniuses.

As if proving that statement, the Young Prodigies he was in charge of were all talented as well.

…And, there’s that bastard.

As Qi filled the surroundings and the wind scattered the heat, Cheol Hwanho looked past the struggling Young Prodigies.

He was staring at the bastard who simply spectated without moving even an inch.

The True Dragon, Gu Yangcheon.

The Last Dragon of the Six Dragons and the Three Phoenixes.

He was watching from afar as if this whole situation amused him.

His age was probably below the current group’s average, or even the entire Academy.

And even though he was fighting against Young Prodigies, Cheol Hwanho’s sharp senses were fixed on Gu Yangcheon.

Just why?

He wondered.

Why was Gu Yangcheon standing still?

Was what he said earlier just a bluff?

Cheol Hwanho thought about what Gu Yangcheon said to him before they started their first training

-Can I do it alone?

The Young Prodigy who taunted him arrogantly.

It was obviously a taunt, but Cheol Hwanho failed to keep himself together and almost accepted the challenge that came from a Young Prodigy who had barely lived half of the life he lived.

Even so, he held himself back.

Cheol Hwanho was an instructor, so he couldn’t allow such things to get to him.

However…

I want to teach him a lesson.

However, Cheol Hwanho still had his pride, so he wanted to teach Gu Yangcheon a lesson during this training exercise.

Seeing that even the Six Dragons and the Three Phoenixes couldn’t match against the instructors, the others would wake up from their delusions.

Also…

The Young Master has been getting along with the True Dragon as of late.

The reason Cheol Hwanho returned as an instructor even after being promoted to the Vice Captain of the Blue Dragon Army was because of Cheol Jiseon.

I wonder what the Young Master is thinking.

Thinking about how his Young Master passed the third part of the exam along with the True Dragon, he was reminded of his Young Master telling him that he didn’t need his assistance.

Even though Cheol Hwanho was here as an instructor, unfortunately, he was unable to support in any way, so he was glad that Cheol Jiseon managed to pass the exam.

I wonder what that bastard is up to.

Putting that aside, Cheol Hwanho still wasn’t sure about the type of person Gu Yangcheon was.

A genius who reached Peak Realm at a record-breaking age.

The biggest star of the Meteor Generation, was currently watching his group falling apart in silence.

Was he afraid of Cheol Hwanho’s unexpected strength?

That couldn’t be it.

Cheol Hwanho didn’t get such a feeling while observing Gu Yangcheon.

Peak Realm, huh?

He thought back to the moment when he first saw Gu Yangcheon while observing the group.

I couldn’t see anything.

He couldn’t get a read on his level.

And while the others struggled for breath when his Combat Qi and presence filled the room, Gu Yangcheon was unaffected.

Is he really on the same level as me?

Cheol Hwanho had reached the pinnacle of the Peak Realm five years ago and was one step away from reaching the Fusion Realm.

And just because someone was a Peak Realm martial artist, it didn’t mean that all of them were on the same level.

Even so,

…For a little chick who hasn't even reached the age of twenty to be at the same level as me.

Moreover, his earlier taunts implied that he could beat me all by himself.

I guess I must’ve looked pretty lacking.

As Cheol Hwanho’s Combat Qi rose, the other Young Prodigies curled up their bodies in fear.

“Gu Yangcheon.”

Cheol Hwanho called Gu Yangcheon.

“Yes.”

Gu Yangcheon, who was watching the spectacle with amusement, gave the instructor a soft reply.

“Why are you just watching?”

“Am I not allowed to?”

“The goal of this training is to hunt the Demon. Are you really going to just watch as your companions fall apart?”

“That’s strange, the Demons I’m familiar with aren’t capable of speaking. Yet, you seem to be way too good at it.”

Crack.

Cheol Hwanho’s expression almost cracked.

How disrespectful!

He was truly the Sword Phoenix's younger brother, huh.

“Are you mocking the instructor?”

“Not at all. I’m just being considerate as this is just training.”

“Considerate?”

“Yes.”

Gu Yangcheon smiled as he spoke.

Anyone would understand that his smile was blatantly mocking the others.

“The training would lose its purpose if I joined in.”

“…Ha.”

So, he was still behaving like that; arrogant and full of himself.

Well, people his age are usually like that.

Other than the fact that he was currently in the spotlight, he had the title of True Dragon and he was even said to be the youngest person to reach the Peak Realm, so his arrogance was understandable.

However, he chose the wrong opponent to mess with.

I must crush his arrogance.

He would only be his instructor for half a year.

Cheol Hwanho had no intention of taking his time to fix his arrogance.

He would crush it right now to make it easier for him.

“Student.”

“Yes, instructor.”

“Do you think that the world is yours? You look like a frog in a well right now.”

“Ribbit ribbit.”

“…”

“I guess I went too far with that one. I apologize.”

It was a rare sight to see Gu Yangcheon apologize, but it was too late.

“Student Gu Yangcheon.”

“Yes.”

“Seeing that you’re so confident, how about we make a bet?”

“A bet?”

“Yes, a bet.”

“What are we betting on?”

Gu Yangcheon finally started to show interest.

In response, Cheol Hwanho raised three of his fingers.

“I will give you three chances.”

“Oh?”

“If you manage to land an attack on me in those three chances, then it is your victory.”

“Oh wait.”

“What’s wrong? It’s too late for you to… “

“Are you going to attack or counter me during those three chances?”

“…?”

Cheol Hwanho wondered what Gu Yangcheon was talking about.

He clearly said that he was going to give him three chances.

After seeing Cheol Hwanho’s expression, Gu Yangcheon spoke after feeling relieved.

“Ah, sorry. I’ve been tricked too many times… so I needed confirmation.”

“…I see.”

That was a strange reason.

Did some crazy person counterattack after allowing him to attack first?

There is no way a crazy person like that exists.

If they did, they probably didn’t belong to the Orthodox Faction.

No one in the Orthodox Faction would do something that dirty.

As Cheol Hwanho was lost in his thoughts, Gu Yangcheon asked him another question.

“I’ve understood the conditions, but you said it was a bet, so… do I get anything if I win?”

“That won’t happen, but is there something you want?”

“Hmm…”

It was funny to see him thinking so hard about it.

After thinking for a while, Gu Yangcheon immediately gave Cheol Hwanho his answer.

“Then let me skip the morning training sessions.”

“…Ha.”

Cheol Hwanho was left speechless on hearing his answer.

A martial artist, and one who was attending the Academy at that, was asking to be excused from training?

It couldn’t get more absurd than this.

“Ok, how about you let me skip the training while you are in charge of us?”

“…You really are underestimating me, huh.”

“It’s nothing like that. But you are the one who suggested the bet, you know?”

“Fine. But if I win, then… “

“You can do whatever you want. I’ll accept it.”

Pause.

Seeing Gu Yangcheon cut him off without a care, Cheol Hwanho lost his temper.

And soon, his expression turned serious.

Gu Yangcheon was looking down on him.

Fine. If you want it that badly, I, your instructor, will show you what the world is like.

Swooosh!

Cheol Hwanho unleashed his heavy Combat Qi.

It was completely different from the Qi of the Young Prodigies.

Feeling the Qi of a martial artist who had reached the pinnacle of the Peak Realm, the Young Prodigies on the ground began vomiting as the Qi and killing intent was too much for them to handle.

This wouldn’t have happened if it were any other Young Prodigy, but seeing Gu Yancheon disrespect him so blatantly, Cheol Hwanho couldn’t hold himself back.

He wanted to show him that just because he was at the Peak Realm, it didn’t mean that he was at the same level as him. There was a whole new world above him.

“Come.”

Cheol Hwanho spoke with fiery eyes, but Gu Yangcheon remained still.

He simply stared at Cheol Hwanho with a strange look on his face.

“What’s wrong? Are you afraid, student?”

Even if Gu Yangcheon was a Peak Realm martial artist, they were on completely different levels.

It was obvious that he wouldn’t be able to move.

Seeing him like that, Cheol Hwanho began speaking with a smile on his face.

“If you admit your wrongdoings and apologize, I might just let you… “

“This much should be enough. It’s going to be close though.”

“…?”

Just as CHeol Hwanho was about to show him mercy, Gu Yangcheon cut him off.

Just as Cheol Hwanho was about to question him, Gu Yangcheon opened his palm and whispered softly.

“Flaming Sphere.”

“…!”

He knew what this was.

Most of the instructors spoke about it during the exams.

The Secret Art that turned the exam ground turned into a mess.

It was even said that even a Peak Realm martial artist wasn’t capable of doing what Gu Yangcheon did.

Is he going to?

Just as Cheol Hwanho started to wonder…

Blaaaze!

Flames shot outwards and swept the whole area in an instant.

Gu Yangcheon’s flames engulfed Cheol Hwanho’s Combat Qi and killing intent.

And where did it all go?

Right in Gu Yangcheon’s palm.

His flames stormed about before gathering into a single spot while sweeping someone else’s Qi.

This is absurd…!

Simply watching it made Cheol Hwanho feel tingly.

Only then did he realize that he was wrong.

Gu Yangcheon wasn’t at the beginner level of Peak Realm.

After all, he wouldn’t be able to discharge such a powerful Qi if he was.

Is he going to detonate it?

Cheol Hwanho had already forgotten about the bet.

If Gu Yangcheon really detonated that thing…

I won’t be able to block it like the Sword Queen.

And at his level, he wouldn’t be able to protect the Young Prodigies around him.

Seeing that he had to stop Gu Yangcheon, he circulated his Qi into his legs.

Slam–!

And as soon as the heavy impact hit the ground, Cheol Hwanho flew towards Gu Yangcheon.

He was extremely quick.

Even though it took him an instant to reach Gu Yangcheon, it felt like an eternity.

Can I even block that?

If it exploded, how big would the blast be?

What would be the damage if he blocked it?

And would Gu Yancheon be able to deal with the recoil if he deflected it?

Numerous questions ran through Cheol Hwanho’s mind, but he failed to reach conclusions.

He even thought about using his entire body to block that attack.

And just when he reached Gu Yangcheon, he thrust his fist.

His fist charged with powerful Qi was thrust out at an extreme speed and it shot towards his target…

Swish!

“…What!”

But his fist simply cut through the air.

Because Gu Yangcheon moved his body to dodge his attack.

Cheol Hwanho’s eyes opened wide.

He reacted to his attack?

That was his mistake. Cheol Hwanho was only able to afford to be surprised for an instant.

He didn’t have the time to be shocked.

And thus, he was the one who was unable to react on time.

As he tried to move hastily, his posture was messed up.

And because of that, his body became sluggish.

Gu Yangcheon didn’t let that opportunity pass by.

Raising the palm holding a red marble right up to Cheol Hwanho’s eyes…

Kwak–!

He clenched his fist.

As soon as Gu Yangcheon clenched his fist, an aftershock made Cheol Hwanho’s hair flutter.

“Egh!”

Expecting an explosion, Cheol Hwanho shut his eyes tight as he used his Qi to cover his surroundings to lessen the impact.

“…?”

But strangely enough, there was no explosion.

He expected to be engulfed in flames, but only a light wind blew around Cheol Hwanho.

Then.

He felt a small impact on his chest.

When Cheol Hwanho opened his eyes to see what it was, he saw Gu Yangcheon’s fist making contact with his chest.

And as soon as he saw that, Cheol Hwanho’s jaw dropped.

Seeing his reaction…

“The Demon, I caught it.”

Gu Yangcheon had a satisfied smile on his face.