Childhood Friend of the Zenith

It had already been two months since the Sacheonhaeng (Sichuan Journey) had begun.

Starting from Hanam, the convoy led by the Poison King was crossing the mountains.

They were only halfway to reaching Sichuan.

Now, we stood before a wide river, the largest one I had seen since my reincarnation.

This river was called the Suryonggang (Water Dragon River).

It is said that this river was once a vast plain, only a few centuries ago.

However, during the Blood Demon War, a rampaging White-Rank demonic beast created this artificial river.

When I first heard that a demonic beast could create a river, I found it hard to believe.

But remembering the Mist Forest, where the headquarters of the Black Night Palace once stood, I realized that the power of a White-Rank demonic beast could not only alter the landscape but also change the ecosystem itself.

‘How could anyone defeat such a creature on their own?

’The thought of those who had slain such monsters made me shudder.

The one who had slain Murong (Mist Dragon), which covered the entire region in a deathly hallucinogenic fog, was none other than Shin Noya.

And the one who had slain Suryong (Water Dragon), which had turned this plain into a vast river, was Dok Jeolcheon.

Dok Jeolcheon, one of the five heroes who had stopped the Blood Demon, was revered within the Tang clan, for it was he who transformed the Tang clan from an unorthodox sect into one of the righteous factions.

‘Terrifying individuals.

’Though the Blood Demon had vanished and the world was now only plagued by Blue-Rank demonic beasts, in the near future, the Red-Rank demonic beasts would reappear with the Descent of Cheonma.

When that time came, chaos would surely break loose.

Red-Rank demonic beasts were creatures that even a perfectly skilled martial artist of the Peak Realm could not defeat alone.

If Red-Rank beasts were that fearsome, what could one say about the individuals who had single-handedly defeated White-Rank beasts?

‘The more I think about it, the more I believe they must have been stronger than the Three Masters, not weaker.

’I had thought of Shin Noya as nothing more than a grumpy old man, but the more I learned about him, the more incredible he seemed.

Even the current Plum Blossom Patriarch in Mount Hua was respected second only to Shin Noya himself.

‘So… when will you finally show yourself again?

How long are you planning to sleep?

’Ever since Noya had helped me at the Shinryonggwan, he had disappeared, presumably back into his slumber.

The beast within me had also become quieter, appearing less frequently.

…Tsk.

Although I had longed for control of my own body, for some reason, I still felt a lingering unease.

As I was contemplating the river and lost in my thoughts, someone approached me.

“Gongja-nim.

”It was Moyong Hee-ah.

“We… we need to get going soon.

”“Oh.

I’ll head up now.

”Moyong Hee-ah, who had come to tell me it was time to leave, flinched when she saw Tang Deok standing behind me.

It seemed she still hadn’t gotten used to his towering figure.

Or perhaps it was his menacing face that startled her—after all, Tang Deok’s expression was just as fierce as mine.

“By the way.

”“Yes?

”“Where’s your aunt?

”“Ah… Aunt has already boarded the boat.

”“…”I rubbed my forehead in frustration.

Not only had I learned about the whereabouts of my bodyguard from someone else, but the fact that my supposed protector had boarded the boat while I was still outside… it was absurd.

Ridiculous, really.

Moyong Hee-ah’s expression wasn’t great either, clearly aware of how inappropriate the situation was.

She spoke up apologetically.

“I’m sorry… my aunt….

”“It’s not your fault, so don’t worry about it.

”“…Yes.

”Even though I told her it was fine, her expression didn’t brighten.

Well, I couldn’t blame her.

If I had a family member who acted like that, I’d be too embarrassed to show my face as well.

I ruffled her hair gently.

“Go on ahead.

I’ll be there soon.

”“…Okay.

”Moyong Hee-ah smiled faintly and headed toward the boat.

That’s right—the boat.

I had to board it.

We needed to cross the Suryonggang.

Hmm.

The last time I traveled from Shanxi to Sichuan, I hadn’t taken a boat, but now, for some reason, it seemed we had to.

I guess there’s no other choice.

This was the route the Poison King had chosen, and it was indeed the fastest path, but I couldn’t help feeling uneasy about boats.

Turning slightly, I looked at Tang Deok and asked.

“Hey.

”“…”Tang Deok’s gaze shifted toward me.

He didn’t respond.

He couldn’t, since I hadn’t given him permission to speak.

“Where are the men you’ve stationed?

Answer me.

”As I gave the command, Tang Deok’s lips trembled as he finally spoke.

“…At the first point… after we set off….

”“So, about an hour after we depart?

Are they still hiding?

”“…Yes.

”“Already in position, huh?

You’ve certainly been thorough.

”A grin spread across my face at Tang Deok’s response.

Tang Deok’s shoulders shook slightly in response to my smile.

It seemed that he had anticipated us crossing the Suryonggang.

He had sent his men ahead to set up an ambush on all sides, planning to strike as soon as we were in the middle of the river.

He must have been confident in his ability to fight on the water.

‘Monsters roam these waters, and yet his men are already in position.

Does he have some trick up his sleeve?

’The Suryonggang was notorious for being infested with water-dwelling monsters, particularly dragon-like creatures, making it a place few dared to traverse.

This was precisely why the Poison King had chosen this route.

It was the fastest path to Sichuan, and the likelihood of a human ambush was incredibly low.

As for the monsters, someone of the Poison King’s caliber had plenty of ways to deal with them, whether through artifacts or other means, so he likely considered the route safe.

It seemed that Tang Deok had counted on this, planning to launch an ambush on the river, knowing that the Poison King would be vulnerable while crossing the water, with so much to protect.

Thinking it through, another question arose in my mind.

‘How did he know?

’How did Tang Deok know that we would be crossing the Suryonggang?

I had only learned about it a few days ago myself.

And then—‘There’s also something strange about that artifact.

’The artifact that Tang Deok’s subordinate had carried was now in my possession.

When I asked about it, Tang Deok explained that it was an artifact used to suppress one’s presence by channeling internal energy.

It was a triggered artifact, which meant it could be activated to produce an effect.

Artifacts of this caliber were incredibly valuable.

It was strange for a mere bandit like Tang Deok to possess such an item.

Something was definitely off.

“Hey.

”“…”I decided to ask directly.

“The spy you planted in the Tang clan.

Who is it?

”“…!

”Tang Deok’s eyes widened at the question.

Seeing his reaction, I was sure of it.

That bastard really had planted a spy.

I had been wondering how he had come up with such a plan, but now it was clear—he had informants inside the Tang clan.

Up until now, he had been keeping it hidden, refusing to answer any unasked questions.

“Who is it?

Speak.

”Now that I knew, there was no point in hiding it any longer.

“…Ugh….

”Tang Deok was clearly trying to resist the compulsion to answer, but the power I had bound deep within his heart would not allow him to disobey.

After a short wait, Tang Deok finally opened his mouth.

“Oh….

”When I heard the name, I couldn’t help but let out a low whistle.

Tang Deok had just revealed the name of someone completely unexpected.

It made me wonder just how shocked that person had been when Tang Deok, as my new bodyguard, had entered the scene.

Suppressing the chuckle rising in my chest, I took a step forward.

It seemed there was one more person on that boat I needed to kill.

******************The departure began after roughly half a day of preparations.

They had to lock away the prisoners in the hold, and since the journey would take between four to seven days and nights, the ship needed to be stocked with enough provisions, which caused the delay.

However, thanks to the thorough preparations, once the ship set sail, the journey itself was relatively comfortable.

“Wow…”Wi Seol-ah marveled at the sight of the river, standing by the railing.

Her reaction was so obvious that I couldn’t help but ask.

“What’s so amazing?

”“The ship is moving on the water!

”“Well, it’s a boat, of course, it moves.

”“Wow…”Was this her first time on a boat?

Come to think of it, I couldn’t recall ever taking Wi Seol-ah on a boat before.

Maybe that’s why she was so fascinated.

I figured I’d have to take her on boats more often in the future.

Seeing her enjoy the scenery with such a bright smile made me smile as well.

Beside Wi Seol-ah stood Moyong Hee-ah, looking somewhat dazed, her complexion a little off.

“What’s wrong with you?

”“…I don’t feel so good.

”“Seasick?

”“…A little.

”Moyong Hee-ah’s response made me tilt my head.

Though her martial prowess was not at the highest level, she was still a martial artist of some skill.

Seasickness seemed unusual.

Noticing my confusion, she cleared her throat a few times and explained.

“Last time… I got really seasick.

Ever since then, I’ve been like this.

”“How bad was it that you’re still getting seasick?

”“…I’d rather not talk about it.

”From the look on her face, it was clearly a memory she wanted to forget, so I didn’t press further.

Glancing around the ship, I noticed the following.

Cheol Ji-seon had gone to the cabin, complaining about his seasickness, and Jamryong (the Sleeping Dragon) had gone to sleep.

It seemed like those who couldn’t train on the boat were taking the opportunity to rest.

As for me, I could continue my inner cultivation while walking around, so I was doing just fine.

Though I did feel a bit disappointed that I couldn’t do any physical training.

‘And Namgung Bi-ah…’She was nowhere to be seen.

Probably asleep somewhere, most likely in my cabin.

I had half given up on trying to stop her from using my cabin by now.

It didn’t matter anyway since I wasn’t sleeping much due to my training.

At the moment, it was better that no one was around.

‘It should be soon.

’We were nearing the position Tang Deok had mentioned.

That meant there were people lying in wait to attack this ship.

I had purposely refrained from ordering Tang Deok to stop the ambush.

In fact, this wasn’t a bad situation.

If I helped repel the attack, it would give me a good pretext to make a request of the Poison King.

Besides, without Tang Deok leading them, the Green Forest Bandits’ attack wouldn’t be much of a threat.

Though I did keep in mind the possibility that, without Tang Deok, they might not attack at all.

In any case, I’d use the opportunity to deal with the spy within the Tang clan as well.

Crack.

I stretched my body lightly.

Hmm…I could still feel the aftereffects of the battle with Tang Deok lingering in my body.

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t be doing anything strenuous in this condition.

But the timing was right.

This ship carried the Poison King, Head of the Pae clan, Baekryeongeom, as well as Paejon and Amwang.

The combined strength was more than enough to wipe out an entire martial sect or family.

In other words, the risk was low.

It was the perfect opportunity to put on a show.

While I was organizing my thoughts, someone approached from behind.

“Gongja-nim!

”A bright and clear voice called out.

Turning slightly, I saw Tang So-yeol standing there, smiling with a tray of snacks in her hands.

I frowned slightly at the sight.

“What’s that?

”I asked cautiously, and Tang So-yeol’s smile turned into a pout.

“I brought this for you… why are you reacting like that?

”“There’s no poison in it, is there?

”“There’s no poison!

Do you think I put poison in everything I eat?!

”“Don’t you?

”“No!

”Tang So-yeol yelled, clearly offended.

Wait, was I wrong?

I could’ve sworn I’d seen her ingesting poison on a regular basis.

I felt a bit embarrassed by my misunderstanding.

“If it’s not, then I’m sorry.

”“…Hmph.

”Tang So-yeol turned her head away, sulking.

I took one of the snacks and popped it into my mouth.

Surprisingly, there really was no poison this time.

What’s going on?

I looked at her curiously, and Tang So-yeol just gave me an exasperated look.

The funny part was that, seeing me eat safely, Wi Seol-ah quickly rushed over to grab a snack for herself.

Could it be…?

‘Did she use me to check for poison?

’Seriously?

Wow.

When did she become so sly?

I wasn’t upset, just amused.

Then, Tang So-yeol handed the snacks to Tang Deok, just as she had done with the others.

“You must be tired, please have some.

”“…!

”Tang Deok’s shoulders tensed at her cheerful words.

For Tang Deok, Tang So-yeol was a member of the family he most despised, so just seeing her must have been infuriating.

Seeing that, I quickly moved to separate Tang So-yeol from Tang Deok, thinking the situation was dangerous.

But then—Whoosh!

“…!

”I quickly turned my head toward the river.

Something felt off.

I leaped onto the railing for a better view.

“Gongja-nim…?

”Tang So-yeol and the others looked at me in confusion.

Not everyone was paying attention, though.

Wi Seol-ah was the exception.

She, too, widened her eyes and began scanning the river.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who sensed it.

‘What is that?

’My eyes searched the trembling waters.

The boat was still moving, and the river appeared the same as before, but…Something was definitely off.

Kugugung!

Splash!

Behind me, Woo-hyuk and Namgung Bi-ah appeared, with Cheol Ji-seon following behind, panting.

‘They felt it too?

’Other martial artists looked on, confused, but I kept my eyes on the river.

The presence was growing stronger.

By then, even the other martial artists started to notice something and began moving cautiously.

At first, I thought it might be the ambush I had been anticipating.

We were nearing the point where the attack should take place, so it wouldn’t have been surprising.

But—This didn’t feel like an ordinary human presence.

It wasn’t something a mere human could produce.

‘What is that…?

’As I focused more, I began to see it.

A shadow was forming beneath the boat.

A shadow roughly eight to nine cheok in size (around 2.

4 to 2.

7 meters).

The martial artists shouted in alarm as they spotted the shadow.

“It’s a demonic beast!

”Panic spread among the crew.

Normally, demonic beasts wouldn’t approach a Tang clan ship because the clan’s sacred relics kept them at bay.

This protection allowed the Tang clan ships to safely navigate the Suryonggang.

But the shadows gathering around us clearly belonged to Green-Rank and Blue-Rank demonic beasts, creatures that lived in the river.

The unexpected situation threw the crew into confusion.

However, it wasn’t a true crisis.

Even though they were Blue-Rank demonic beasts, and fighting on the river was dangerous, the martial artists on board were strong enough to handle them.

But—“…This is wrong.

”I couldn’t stop my eyes from trembling.

‘This isn’t just that.

’I bit my lip.

While the number of Blue-Rank demonic beasts was alarming, they weren’t the real issue.

The real problem was something else.

I could feel it more clearly now.

Something much larger was lurking beneath those demonic beasts.

Sensing this, I immediately drew out my internal energy.

Something was very wrong.

Otherwise, this wouldn’t be happening.

‘Why…?

’The shadow beneath the boat was becoming more distinct.

There, under the smaller demonic beasts, was something much, much larger, stirring.

The atmosphere aboard the ship changed drastically as others began to realize what was happening.

They had finally noticed the true threat.

The martial artists cried out in confusion, unsure of what they were facing.

But I knew.

That’s why it was all the more unbelievable.

Unlike the demonic beasts that roamed the land and sea now, these were the real monsters from centuries past.

Creatures that hadn’t been seen for centuries, and weren’t supposed to appear for another four or five years.

These were beasts that only those who had reached the Hwagyeong realm could hope to contend with.

Demonic beasts that emanated a Crimson-Rank aura from the Crimson Abyss Gate.

A colossal presence that hadn’t been felt on this land in centuries was now lurking beneath the waters.