Childhood Friend of the Zenith

"…Are you sure about this?

"Right after hearing all of Tang Jemoon’s requests, this was the first thing I said—a genuine question asking if she was really certain about it.

It was something I couldn’t help but ask.

No matter how I looked at it, it was hard to believe that such a request would come from Tang Jemoon herself.

But despite my doubts, Tang Jemoon simply held a sorrowful gaze, not retracting her words.

"Is it possible?

"In response to her question, I lightly pinched my lip with my thumb.

Was this really possible?

‘I don’t know.

’Honestly, it was hard to give a definite answer.

I couldn’t easily imagine how I’d handle this without it affecting me.

But then.

‘Hmm.

’Even as I pondered, the truth was, my answer was already clear.

"This isn’t something I can just run away from.

"Tang Jemoon let out a faint, bitter smile at my response.

Likely because I’d hit the mark.

She knew that I wouldn’t be able to refuse.

That was probably why…'She must have brought up Tang So-yeol.

'Because if it involved her, she knew I wouldn’t be able to say no.

And that was…'Something I couldn’t deny.

'It was a request I couldn’t refuse.

"I’ll try my best.

"Whether it worked or not, I would at least try.

This was the only answer I could give for now.

Fortunately, Tang Jemoon seemed somewhat satisfied with my response, giving me a slight nod.

"Thank you, Hoo-in.

""There’s no need to thank me.

After all…"It felt like I was just doing this for compensation, so a thank-you wasn’t necessary.

Besides, it was clear that this matter was deeply troubling for her.

‘I’m not thrilled about it either.

’To be exact, it wasn’t just unpleasant—it was downright miserable.

'The problem is… how am I supposed to deal with the Poison King?

'Since this was related to the Tang Clan, I had no idea how to approach the Poison King about it.

And that’s only if he wasn’t involved in this matter.

Even though the Poison King was as corrupt as they come…I sincerely hoped he wasn’t tied up in something like this.

'After all, it involves his daughter.

I have to hope he’s not.

'But if, despite everything, it turned out he was involved…Crack.

I tilted my head slightly as I thought.

'Then he’ll have to die.

'A chill settled over my heart as I solidified my decision inwardly.

If the Poison King crossed me, he’d die.

I made up my mind.

And as I steadied myself…"Hoo-in.

"Tang Jemoon called out to me.

"Yes, senior?

""I’ve already passed on any information you might want to Shin Noya.

""What?

"I widened my eyes at that.

'Information I’d want to know?

'It wasn’t that I didn’t understand what she meant, but there was so much that I wondered what she might have shared.

'Is this for real, Noya?

'I called to Noya urgently in my mind.

"Hmph.

"Still harboring a grudge from our earlier quarrel, his response was rather strange.

…Such a stubborn old man.

At least he wasn’t denying it, so it seemed he did hear something.

I was wondering just what information he’d picked up.

"And also…"Tang Jemoon continued, as though there was more she needed to say.

"I’ve prepared a small gift for you, Hoo-in.

""A gift…?

""Yes, a gift.

"What could she have prepared?

Anytime someone offered me a gift, it never ended up being something decent, so I felt a bit uneasy.

Whether she sensed my discomfort or not, Tang Jemoon went on.

"Originally, this should have been given to Shin Noya… or one of the others.

"She laughed as she spoke.

"But as things are now, you’re the rightful recipient.

She would want you to have it as well.

""She?

"At my question, Tang Jemoon’s hand reached toward me.

Swish.

"…!?

"Tang Jemoon’s translucent fingers slipped through my chest, penetrating me.

It was a sudden strike.

There was no pain.

I didn’t even feel her touch.

Was it because of her ethereal body?

"Sen…"I tried to ask Tang Jemoon what she was doing, but…"May blessings follow you wherever you go.

"Tang Jemoon simply smiled and cut off my words.

And then—Boom!

"…!

"I felt my world flip, and everything went dark.

******************The unconscious body of Gu Yangcheon went limp and began to collapse.

Just before he hit the ground—Thud!

Grrr.

A small juvenile dragon darted forward, catching Gu Yangcheon.

Seeing this, Tang Jemoon took a step back and looked at her hand immediately.

Ssss…She could see that her once-translucent hand had grown even fainter.

It was a sign that the end was approaching.

Tang Jemoon was fully aware of this, yet she didn’t mourn.

She simply accepted it.

It had been a long life with little left to regret, and she believed that even if she hadn’t achieved everything she desired, accomplishing just a small part was enough.

However…"Shin Noya.

"There was still a tiny bit of regret left behind for that purpose.

"You’re there, aren’t you?

"[What is it?

]In response to Tang Jemoon’s call, the voice of an old man sounded, somewhat sulky.

At that unimpressive tone, Tang Jemoon chuckled softly.

"Are you still sulking?

"[Sulking?

Who’s sulking?

Do I seem that petty?

]Tang Jemoon couldn’t bring herself to deny it.

"Please, let go of that grudge.

I didn’t mean it.

"[I’m fine, I tell you!

I don’t even remember what you said…]"Was it because I called you a ‘narrow-minded, clueless virgin swordsman’?

"[…]At Tang Jemoon’s words, Gu Yangcheon’s body trembled slightly.

It seemed Shin Noya, inside him, had reacted.

[W-who…who…?

]"I understand.

"Before Shin Noya could explode, Tang Jemoon cut him off.

"I understand that you couldn’t recognize my feelings… that you ultimately couldn’t choose Lady Moyong.

I understand it all.

"[…]"Shin Noya, your convictions were always most important to you.

"His narrow focus and lack of perception were indeed frustrating and irksome from the viewpoint of a woman in love.

But if one understood where Shin Noya’s gaze had been focused, they wouldn’t have blamed him.

"Because you’re a hero.

"A warrior who saw nothing but his goal of saving the world.

A hero whose conviction was to plant a radiant plum tree upon peaceful soil.

Shin Noya lived solely for that purpose.

Tang Jemoon knew that even if he had seen a woman before him, he would not have embraced her.

If she had approached him in her original body, under the name Tang Jehui, would the result have been different?

No, Tang Jemoon was certain.

In the end, Shin Noya would not have chosen anything.

Thus, she made the choice to approach him in her true body for a brief moment.

Or to remain by his side as a man.

That was the only option Tang Jemoon had.

"I wanted to say it, but…"Even knowing that, she had always wanted to tell him.

That she was a woman.

That she was a beautiful woman.

And—That she loved him.

She wanted to open her lips and sing these words, to ask him to hold her, touch her, and let her sleep beside him.

But she held back.

She had to hold back.

She longed to see Shin Noya as he treated her kindly and was famished for it, but—"I held back because you’re that kind of person.

"It was precisely because Shin Noya was like that that she loved him.

Though his words were rough, he never hesitated to give his life to protect those around him.

If death awaited, he was the first to step forward.

Shin Noya chose his ideals and longing to save the world over the life of an ordinary person.

That was why Tang Jemoon could love him.

"So, it’s all right.

"She smiled.

"Don’t feel guilty.

I’m all right.

"[…Jemoon.

]Hearing Shin Noya’s voice, Tang Jemoon nodded.

This was the end.

She could feel it for certain.

She looked down at her feet.

Her translucent body was slowly disappearing from there up.

Seeing this, Tang Jemoon closed her eyes.

"I have to go on ahead.

"She spoke calmly.

"Do you think… our friends are waiting?

"[They should be.

Every one of those damned fools, but they’re not the type to leave anyone behind.

]"That’s true.

"At Shin Noya’s light-hearted words, Tang Jemoon nodded.

"Shin Noya.

"[…Yes.

]She called to him, but then paused.

At first, she wanted to say she’d loved him, but she didn’t think she could say it.

It wasn’t…It wasn’t something to say now.

Then, what should she say now?

She pondered deeply.

After much thought, she realized there was only one thing she wanted to say.

For a long time, even far before this moment, there had been one wish she’d held onto.

One thing she’d dreamed of all this time.

Tang Jemoon finally whispered it aloud.

"…Can you…hold me just once?

"[…]She was cautious in her plea.

Her heart longed to tell him how lonely she’d been, how much she’d missed him, to beg him to just hold her.

But those words wouldn’t come out that way.

So she just asked, hoping he’d understand.

"I just said it on a whim.

"As she awkwardly tried to retract her request—Swish.

"…!

"A strange warmth surrounded her.

Someone embraced her and gently stroked her back.

Tang Jemoon opened her eyes, but there was no one before her.

Since Shin Noya had entered Gu Yangcheon’s body, he couldn’t appear physically.

Putting this strange phenomenon aside—"You did well.

"At the voice whispering in her ear, Tang Jemoon closed her eyes again, fearing her tears might fall if she didn’t.

"Go ahead.

I’ll catch up soon.

""…Shin Noya?

""I might take a bit of time.

I’m not that strong, so it may be a while.

""…""Just wait a little longer.

We’ll talk about what we couldn’t there.

"The hand that had been rubbing her back now shifted to gently stroke her hair.

"You’ve done well…""…Yes.

"Such simple words.

And yet, they soothed her heart.

Those words alone gave her peace.

That was his power.

The man who would always keep his word, no matter the cost.

She said nothing more.

And so…Ssss…Tang Jemoon’s entire body dispersed and vanished into the air.

The fragments of her body shimmered as they drifted, like butterflies gracefully ascending into the sky.

[…]After Tang Jemoon had departed,only the faint breathing of the unconscious Gu Yangcheon remained in the empty hall.

[…Ah.

]In that quiet space, an old man held his breath.

Struggling to make no sound.

And so the silence continued until Gu Yangcheon awoke.

******************lash—My eyes opened on their own, triggered by a strange sensation.

When I finally came to my senses, the first thing I realized was that I was underwater.

"Urk…?

"Opening my eyes underwater took me by complete surprise.

Wasn’t I just in the hall?

How did I even lose consciousness?

Where was Tang Jemoon?

Where was this place?

Immediately, I recalled what had happened just before I blacked out—the moment when Tang Jemoon’s hand had pierced my chest.

‘And then I lost consciousness?

’That’s how it happened, but when I opened my eyes, I was here.

I scanned my surroundings, rolling my eyes around.

Why was I suddenly underwater?

‘Hold on… if this is underwater…’A chill ran down my spine as a thought crossed my mind, reminding me where I’d gone before entering the hall.

The Dokcheon Lake.

A vile lake of poisons formed from the Tang Clan’s treasure, its toxic water infamous.

It seemed I was, indeed, there.

‘Damn it…!

’The moment I was sure, I tried to move.

I needed to get out of this lake immediately.

Just as I was gathering my energy to propel myself out of the water—Shiiiiik—"…!

"Suddenly, a vibration started from within the water.

Swoooosh—‘What the—!?

’Waves began to surge from all directions, closing in on me.

And that wasn’t all.

Wooong—An unfamiliar force—the Mado Cheonheop Skill—activated on its own, without my intention.

Was this the cause?

The waves, which had been pushing toward me, suddenly changed.

‘What… What is this?

’The water began seeping into my body, transforming into energy.

Yet, it didn’t feel exactly like energy, nor did it convert into inner power as usual.

Instead of being stored in my core, it bypassed it, spreading throughout my entire body.

It reached even my blood vessels, muscles, and every fiber within me.

It was a strange feeling, not unpleasant, but unlike anything I’d experienced.

Boom—The energy was absorbed swiftly, entering me before I could even process what was happening.

By the time I regained full awareness—"Ptuh…"I spat out the remaining water from my mouth, surveying my surroundings.

All that remained was a dry, empty pit where the lake had once been.

There was no trace of water left.

"…Ah, shit.

"I swore roughly, staring at the scene.

"It’s ruined.

"The Dokcheon Lake, regarded as a treasured creature of the Tang Clan, had vanished.

To be more precise, I had absorbed every last drop of it.

"How…?

"How had things ended up like this?

How did this body of mine end up devouring an entire lake?

‘Don’t tell me… this is the “gift”?

’Tang Jemoon had said she’d leave me a gift.

Surely, it wasn’t this… It couldn’t be.

But if this really was what she meant—‘This isn’t a gift; it’s a curse.

’How was I supposed to handle this situation now?

I started grinding my teeth, convinced that all the old masters were nothing but bastards.

Just as I was feeling completely duped—Wooom.

"…Huh?

"Something surfaced in my mind.

It wasn’t my own memory.

This…?

‘Is this… a martial arts phrase?

’The words surfaced naturally, and they definitely seemed like something meant to channel martial arts.

‘What…’I was bewildered by this unexpected phrase, yet my body started to move, aligning with the technique on its own.

At that moment—Crack-crack-crack—"Urgh…!

"Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my body, and I let out a groan.

Crunch-crunch—The pain surged as though it was trying to take control of me.

‘…What the hell is this?

’And it wasn’t just pain; soon enough, I began to feel something else.

Ssss.

"…!

"My vision slowly began to lower.

At the same time, I could feel my body contracting.

"This…?

"Taken aback by the unfamiliar sensation, I looked at my hands.

Seeing them only confirmed it.

My body, having expanded and transformed, was now shrinking, my once-broadened arms returning to their previous slender shape.

Even my height was decreasing.

"…"Rolling my eyes, I tried to make sense of what was happening, while my mind supplied the answer.

It was something I’d seen before.

It hadn’t even been a day, so there was no way I’d forgotten it.

This was—‘The Qi Transformation Technique (氣體變易術)?

’The same technique that Tang Jemoon had used to change not only her body but even her gender.

And now, I was using it.

I didn’t understand how it worked; even knowing the incantation, I shouldn’t have been able to use martial arts like this.

Yet, as I willed it, my body responded.

At that realization, I thought—‘Is this the gift?

’Was this the gift Tang Jemoon had mentioned?

Realizing that, I instinctively nodded.

‘Of course.

’It was clear.

"I always believed in you, Lady.

"I had expected her to leave me an incredible gift, and Tang Jemoon hadn’t disappointed me.

It was good to have trusted her without a single doubt.

Tang Jemoon was divine.

"Hmm.

"As I nodded enthusiastically—Grr…From somewhere, I heard a sound of disdain.

I ignored it.

I didn’t care how Jeoksusa saw it.

‘…Tang Jemoon is divine.

’To me, Tang Jemoon was like a religion.

And of course—If she’d only given me the Qi Transformation Technique, I wouldn’t have reacted so strongly.

But the knowledge etched into my mind wasn’t limited to that.

There was something far more important lodged in my memory, and as I thought of it, my concerns vanished instantly.

‘With this… handling things should be easier.

’The complicated situation I’d been worried about solving had a ready-made answer.

Thinking of it, I laughed.

The reason for my joy was simple.

In addition to the incantation for the Qi Transformation Technique now in my mind—I also had the recipe for the Dokcheon Pill, the legendary elixir lost to the Tang Clan.