Childhood Friend of the Zenith

A messenger had gone to the Gu family.

I swallowed hard at Nahi’s words.

‘What should I do…?

’Cold sweat ran down my back.

This was something I hadn’t anticipated at all.

In a way, the Poison King’s actions were the most proper course for a head of a clan.

A blood relative from another family who had come as a guest was harmed within his own clan.

Informing the guest’s family about the incident was his duty as head of the clan.

‘He really followed through on this.

’In most cases, people try to cover up incidents like these.

Allowing enmity to grow between clans is inherently problematic and could even damage the standing of the Tang Clan.

Handling things quietly is what one would normally expect.

Yet here the Poison King had chosen to handle it openly, leaving me unsettled.

‘Is he really someone who would act so honorably?

’I didn’t think so.

Honestly, I still don’t believe it.

While it’s clear the Poison King is a far cleaner figure than I initially thought, it’s difficult to see him as a head unaffected by worldly concerns.

Which means…‘Could there be some hidden motive?

’I don’t know yet.

And I was hoping this wouldn’t become a bigger issue.

‘…Hopefully, it’ll be fine.

’Surely he also included the news that I’m unharmed despite the poisoning.

He must have.

Besides…‘Even if my father sees this, it shouldn’t lead to anything drastic.

’It had to be that way.

Anything else would be troublesome.

I’ve already caused enough incidents since my return, so if this adds to the pile, who knows what might happen.

So… though I earnestly hoped nothing would come of it…I would come to realize, just a few days later, that this was a world without gods who listened to such prayers.

********************There are several prefectures in Sichuan, but the most notable areas are ultimately defined by their proximity to the Tang Clan.

Even if it’s not the Tang Clan itself, the prominent Pae Clan in Sichuan, and other renowned clans and sects, all lie nearby.

In a world dominated by the Magyeong Gate, being close to the major clans is advantageous.

One can enter their protective sphere by paying support fees.

Particularly, the Tang Clan, which manages commerce as skillfully as the Moyong Clan, has ensured that the prefectures in Sichuan are as vast and well-maintained as those in Henan, where the Martial Alliance resides.

"Brother!

"Just as we arrived at the prefecture and entered the streets, a large man greeted me enthusiastically.

It was Paeh Woo-cheol, whom I hadn’t seen in a while.

"Long time no see.

" "Hahaha!

Have you been well?

"With a bright grin on his fierce face, Paeh Woo-cheol attempted to pull me into a hug.

I subtly shifted aside and pushed Cheol Ji-seon, who was standing nearby, into his arms instead.

"Ugh!?

Wa—wait…!

"Thrown suddenly, Cheol Ji-seon ended up wrapped in Paeh Woo-cheol’s arms without even a chance to react.

Sorry, but I’m not one for hugging other men.

Amusingly, Paeh Woo-cheol didn’t seem to mind and continued embracing Cheol Ji-seon.

"Brother Ji-seon, have you been well too?

" "Ack…!

Wa—wait…!

"Despite Cheol Ji-seon’s distressed cries, Paeh Woo-cheol didn’t seem to hear him.

"Is it alright to just leave them like that?

"Woo-hyuk, who had finally returned after two days of wandering around lost, commented as he watched the scene.

"Leave them be.

They look happy, don’t they?

" "Happy…?

"Cheol Ji-seon was on the verge of fainting from Paeh Woo-cheol’s grip, but to me, even that looked like a kind of happiness.

If not, well, whatever.

As I sniffed slightly, Woo-hyuk gave me an odd look.

"Why?

" "Are you alright?

" "What about?

" "You were poisoned, weren’t you?

" "Oh.

"How did he know?

I chuckled at Woo-hyuk’s words, wondering how he had heard about it.

"I was just a bit hungry.

" "You were hungry, so you ate more poison?

" "It tasted pretty good.

" "…"Woo-hyuk looked at me as if I’d lost my mind.

To be honest, the taste wasn’t all that bad.

‘Ah, this isn’t good.

’I suddenly remembered how Tang So-yeol used to hand me poison tea and I’d say it tasted good.

Perhaps I’d developed such a resistance to poison that I was getting used to it.

Best to act like nothing’s wrong for now.

"Did you handle everything well?

" "Hmm….

"I asked if he had a good conversation with the Hermit, and Woo-hyuk hesitated slightly.

"Why?

" "No, nothing happened.

"He wore a look that suggested something had happened, but he claimed otherwise.

I wanted to press him for details, but I held back.

"By the way.

" "Hm?

" "You said you’d leave once you met the Master.

So, why are you still here?

" "…"Woo-hyuk flinched at my words.

Did he think I’d forgotten?

Not a chance.

He immediately moved ahead, whistling carefreely.

"Ah… I’m starving.

Should I eat some meat?

"And there he goes, with his nonsense again.

Another Taoist eating meat… really?

I sighed slightly at his ridiculous behavior and began walking alongside him.

I wasn’t planning on chasing him off, but his antics were a bit irritating.

Just as I was about to ignore it and keep walking.

"Oh, by the way, the Master asked to see you again.

" "Hm?

"I tilted my head at Woo-hyuk’s words.

The Hermit asked for me?

I recalled Namgung Myung kicking me out the last time, and I wondered what this was about.

‘It’s unlikely to be something Namgung Myung said… so did the Hermit personally request it?

’I couldn’t tell.

Why would the Hermit want to see me again?

Not that it mattered.

‘I was planning to go back anyway.

This gives me a good reason.

’I’d already been considering paying a visit soon, so being summoned first worked in my favor.

"When should I go?

" "…He didn’t specify, but knowing Master’s personality, it should be within about seven days.

" "That’s pretty laid-back.

" "Haha!

"Seeing Woo-hyuk’s laid-back smile, I was reminded of something I’d always wondered about.

"Come to think of it, how did you become his disciple?

"The idle genius of Wudang, the hidden dragon Woo-hyuk—how had he become the Hermit’s disciple?

I’d been curious about it, albeit indirectly.

"Hmm.

"Woo-hyuk thought for a moment, then answered with a slight smile.

"It’s nothing special… just.

"His smile seemed oddly refreshing, yet slightly nostalgic.

"Just two abandoned people getting along… it was something like that.

" "What are you talking about?

"He’s not making any sense again.

He didn’t seem particularly eager to explain, so I just walked on ahead.

Leaving Woo-hyuk behind, I headed towards the group of women gathered nearby.

Flinch.

As I approached, someone flinched—Tang So-yeol.

She had joined our group for the prefecture visit as promised, but ever since last time, she seemed a bit shy around me, almost avoiding my gaze.

Why…?

I put Tang So-yeol out of my mind for now and spoke to someone else walking ahead, observing the sights.

"Enjoying yourself?

" "Oh, yes!

"Wi Seol-ah responded with a bright smile.

She seemed much more mature than when I first met her, though certain parts of her remained unchanged.

‘Her appearance is growing more refined.

’Her looks were maturing, and the same chilly aura was settling in around her, much like in her past life as the Divine Sword.

However, her frequent smiles made the corners of her eyes curve slightly, giving her a softer appearance.

As I was gently brushing a hand over her golden hair, someone nearby spoke up.

"What’s going on?

"It was Moyong Hee-ah.

Seeing her after so long, I felt a bit pleased.

Keeping that feeling to myself, I asked Moyong Hee-ah.

"What?

" "That.

"Following Moyong Hee-ah’s gaze, I scanned the surroundings.

"Ah.

"I realized what she was referring to.

Hidden warriors scattered inconspicuously around us.

Not only on the rooftops but also mixed in with ordinary people in the crowd, masked warriors filled the area.

They were all from the Tang Clan.

They must have been deployed by the Poison King.

As I looked at them, I thought to myself.

‘Is this to protect me?

Or to keep an eye on me?

’It was probably both.

Since I’d been harmed within the Tang Clan, they likely had intentions to protect me.

But given the things I’d said, they probably also wanted to monitor my actions.

Turning away from them, I looked back at Moyong Hee-ah.

Staring too long would only raise questions.

"Don’t worry about it.

" "What on earth are you getting up to…"Moyong Hee-ah rubbed her temples, looking slightly exasperated.

"Hey, I was poisoned.

Shouldn’t you be more worried about that?

"When I was poisoned, Namgung Bi-ah, Wi Seol-ah, and Moyong Hee-ah were all there.

But none of them seemed particularly concerned.

Feeling a bit disappointed, I remarked, but Moyong Hee-ah responded calmly.

"Young Master, how could we believe that after seeing your performance?

" "…"Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah nodded in agreement.

Ouch—that stung.

Was I really that obvious?

[You were beyond obvious, you fool.

]The voice of Noya chimed in, as if summoned by my thoughts.

"I told you, I was actually poisoned…" "None of us think you swallowed it without a purpose.

Even if you seem reckless, you’re one of the most careful people we know.

Isn’t that right?

" "…"Damn it.

I couldn’t even come up with a response to Moyong Hee-ah’s words.

"You’re planning something again, aren’t you?

" "It’s nothing big…" "Which means it’s actually enormous.

" "Are you even listening to what I’m saying?

" "Yes.

"Moyong Hee-ah ran her fingers through her hair as she spoke.

"Seeing as you can’t explain properly, I’m guessing it’s dangerous.

" "…""And if I ask, you won’t tell me.

I know that well.

"Cold sweat ran down my back.

Each of her words struck with precision.

As always, it wasn’t wise to prolong conversations with Moyong Hee-ah.

Whatever I said, I knew she’d win in the end.

Reluctantly, I used Woo-hyuk’s method.

"By the way, where did the White Lotus Sword go?

" "I know you’re trying to change the subject.

I’ll let it slide just this once.

Aunt went out to meet someone.

""…Oh, thanks.

"I let out a cough and scratched the back of my head.

That didn’t work at all—damn it.

As I continued to walk somewhat awkwardly, Moyong Hee-ah, waving her fan subtly in my direction, asked.

"So, Young Master, where are we headed now?

"We’d been wandering for a while since entering the prefecture, so it was natural for her to ask.

Not only Moyong Hee-ah, but everyone seemed curious as their gazes turned to me.

Sensing this, I pointed straight ahead.

"We’re almost there.

It’s just up ahead.

""What’s up ahead… oh?

"Moyong Hee-ah looked up, letting out a short sound as she realized where we were heading.

In front of us was a large building—probably the second-largest structure in the prefecture.

The largest belonged to the trading group most deeply tied to the Tang Clan.

The second largest…"Baekhwa Trading Company…?

"It was the Sichuan branch of the Baekhwa Trading Company, managed by Lady Mi.

"So, when you said you had business… it was with Mother’s… I mean, Lady Mi’s trading company?

" "What was that?

"Her form of address just now sounded off.

Or was it my imagination?

Since it wasn’t an immediate concern, I decided to let it go for now.

"We’re not planning to stay here until dinner.

There are just a few things I need to handle.

"The reason for coming all the way to the Baekhwa Trading Company was, as I’d mentioned before, to sell some items I had stashed.

‘It’d be troublesome to sell them haphazardly.

’Considering the value and rarity of these items, selling them just anywhere could lead to complications.

If rumors spread, it would only become more of a hassle.

‘Imagine word gets out that Seol-ah’s been flaunting Night Pearls…’Such rumors could attract unwanted attention.

Not that I’m particularly worried about danger, but…‘It’s just annoying to have to deal with.

’Clearing them out individually would be a hassle.

And since I had used Lady Mi’s name previously, selling these Night Pearls to the Baekhwa Trading Company seemed like a fair trade to ease my conscience.

At least, that’s what I told myself to ease my conscience.

[So, whelp, are you saying you actually feel guilty?

] ‘Of course.

I’m human too, you know.

’ [No, you’re not anymore.

] ‘…’Damn it.

He’s really stabbing me in the back here.

After letting out a heavy sigh internally, I headed toward the trading company entrance.

"I’ll be right back, so wait here on the first floor.

It won’t take long.

"Leaving those words to my companions, I reached out to open the door of the trading company.

Creak.

"Hm?

"Before I could grab the doorknob, someone opened the door from the other side.

"Huh?

" "Oh?

"As the door opened, I came face to face with someone familiar.

An older man with a fierce look and a thin young man.

Seeing them, I exclaimed in surprise.

"The Divine Doctor?

"The people before me were the Divine Doctor and Je Gal-hyuk.

Just as I wondered why they were leaving the Baekhwa Trading Company…‘What’s this?

’I had to question the Divine Doctor as his gaze, initially on me, suddenly shifted to someone else.

Following his gaze, I turned around.

‘Huh?

’There, looking at the Divine Doctor with a frown, stood Cheol Ji-seon.