Childhood Friend of the Zenith

"Yura.

"A gentle, tender voice.

The old man, as always, looked at the young man with a smile.

"Yura.

"Hearing his name called, the young man opened his eyes but couldn’t bring himself to lift his bowed head.

He didn’t feel he had the right to do so.

"Yura.

It’s all right.

"It’s not all right.

The young man said this, though his voice failed to come out.

‘Master….

’I am not all right at all.

Thinking this, the young man lowered his head even further.

He knew it was all an illusion.

He was aware that even the words were a product of his own imagination.

"It’s all right.

"It was a voice he could no longer hear.

A voice he had no right to attempt to hear.

The young man repeated this to himself endlessly.

"Yura.

"The voice continued to echo in his ears.

The young man, as if unable to bear it, covered his ears.

"Yura… Yura…"The sound pierced through the silence, burrowing into his body.

The once-kind voice began to change, becoming strangely unfamiliar with each repetition.

This was not new.

It was something he had endured countless times, yet it never became easier.

It was only terrifying.

"Yur… a… Yura…"Something tightened around his neck.

The cold sensation caused the young man to open his eyes before he realized it.

No matter how much he didn’t want to, he couldn’t stop them from opening.

What he saw in his line of sight next—"Yur… aaa…"A bloodied old man, his face twisted in pain as he stared at him.

And the countless eyes glaring at him from every direction.

The scene before him caused the young man to clench his teeth and tremble violently.

He tried to look away, but the old man grabbed his neck and forced him to meet his gaze.

And then—"Why… why…""Why did you kill this master…!

"The old man uttered the one truth the young man least wanted to remember.

“Gah…!

”Gasping for air, he shot up.

“Hah… hah… hah…”His trembling body was drenched in sweat.

His back was soaked with cold sweat, and his hair clung damply to his scalp.

“Ha… ha… ggh…”The young man gripped his shoulder with one hand.

It was an attempt to steady his shaking body.

Of course, it didn’t stop the trembling.

After shaking uncontrollably for a long while, the young man finally seemed to regain his senses and began to look around.

His expression was one of confusion.

At that moment—“Why are you suddenly acting like a lunatic?

”The unexpected voice made the young man turn his gaze.

Not far away, someone was sitting on a rock, looking at him.

They held a dumpling in one hand.

“…”Looking at them, the young man instinctively touched his chin.

A sharp pain shot through it.

As he carefully touched the area, he felt a distinct swelling.

The pain triggered his memories, and they all came flooding back.

The things he had done, and the moment this person had subdued him.

“…”The young man shifted his amber-colored eyes to the individual before him.

They appeared barely older than him, just past the threshold of adulthood, with sharp eyes that carried an unsettlingly different blue hue.

Seeing them, the young man asked,“…Who are you?

”His question caused a slight reaction in the other’s eyebrows.

It was a peculiar expression—half a frown, half surprise.

Watching the faint change, the young man tried to steady his breathing.

‘This place….

’He exhaled and surveyed his surroundings.

Dense forest and rocks came into view.

It seemed to be a distance away from the place he’d been.

Did this person bring him here?

Having reached that conclusion, the young man asked,“…Are you from the Alliance?

” “Hah?

”Hearing the question, the other scoffed, their tone dripping with disdain.

“So you’re aware you’ve done something to get the Alliance chasing you?

” “…”At those words, the young man lowered his gaze.

He knew it all too well.

Footsteps approached.

Lowering his head further, he felt the person close in until they were right in front of him.

“What’s with this guy?

Earlier, you charged at me like you were ready to kill, and now you’re like this?

”The hostility that had been brimming during their earlier encounter now seemed entirely out of place.

“…I’m sorry.

”The young man offered an apology.

Again.

He had lost control of his desires and gone mad with rage.

And now, as always, he was offering an apology he had no right to give and would never be forgiven for.

“…Hmm.

”The response to his apology was unusually distinct.

“Did I find the wrong person?

”Hearing this, the young man lifted his head.

The clear blue eyes looking down at him were unsettlingly sharp.

“This isn’t like you.

This makes things irritating.

”The young man’s eyes widened slightly at those words.

“You… you know who I am?

” “I thought I did.

Now, I’m not so sure.

What’s with this act?

” “…What do you mean?

” “You’re supposed to be obsessed with killing.

Why do you look like that now?

” “…”The young man bit his lip after hearing the words.

It seemed this individual knew about his condition.

If that was the case...

‘Is this the end?

’The young man could sense the conclusion of his life approaching.

This person knew he was the Heavenly Killing Star and had even identified themselves as someone sent to capture him.

He had no intention of fleeing, nor would he be able to if he tried.

The young man already understood the overwhelming difference in strength between them.

‘I couldn’t even scratch him.

’It had been a crushing defeat.

Even if he had been in perfect condition, the gap would have remained insurmountable.

That was the extent of their disparity.

‘…Perhaps it’s for the best.

’A faint smile crept onto the young man’s face.

Yes, perhaps this was for the best.

Living had become exhausting.

As time passed, his madness only deepened, and his cursed body hungered ever more for death—others’ deaths.

It craved and craved again.

An insatiable appetite, like a bottomless pit that could never be filled.

He ceaselessly sought to take lives, which ultimately led to the death of his master—a man who had been like a father to him.

‘At least it’s a small comfort.

’Some semblance of sanity had returned to him, however faint.

It allowed him to die with full awareness of his sins.

Satisfied with this, the young man closed his eyes, readying himself.

But then—“Look at your face.

What the hell are you doing?

”The person, Gu Yangcheon, spoke with a tone of disbelief.

As if the situation wasn’t confusing enough, the Sword Demon—that bastard—now looked like someone who had suddenly resigned to his fate.

‘What the hell is this?

’The more he observed, the less sense it made.

Among the countless absurd situations Gu Yangcheon had faced since his return, this moment would easily rank in the top three.

‘What is this guy?

’This calm, subdued young man was someone entirely unknown to him.

‘He’s definitely the Sword Demon, right?

’His appearance, the energy he emitted, and the techniques he had displayed all aligned with the Sword Demon Gu Yangcheon knew.

But the demeanor before him now was entirely opposite.

Who was the Sword Demon?

The leader of the Magyo’s assassination corps, the Specter Blade Division.

A man so consumed by bloodlust that his very existence was intertwined with the act of killing.

His personality was, of course, infamously twisted.

Violent and cruel, he had been notorious for his savage nature.

‘What the hell is this guy?

’The Sword Demon Gu Yangcheon saw now couldn’t have been further from that image.

Sitting with his eyes closed and kneeling, his demeanor was calm and unwavering.

Gone was the rampaging demon from the inn; in his place stood a tranquil young man.

A sage.

Yes.

What Gu Yangcheon saw was the air of a martial artist from a prestigious sect, often described as having the presence of a sage.

With his eyes closed, seemingly resigned to everything, the young man exuded serenity.

Watching this, Gu Yangcheon scratched the back of his head in irritation.

‘Should I just go with the original plan?

’The plan had been to capture the Sword Demon, who had just begun his activities, and turn him into a demonized tool.

He would then be used until he broke and discarded.

That had been the strategy regarding the Sword Demon in the broader scheme of things happening in Guangdong.

But now, the situation felt slightly off.

‘It’s not like this demeanor is an issue, but…’The real problem wasn’t the Sword Demon’s current state, but the difference between his behavior during their encounter at the inn and now.

If his suspicions were correct...

Gu Yangcheon needed to learn more about this Sword Demon.

“Hey.

”He called out to the young man, who opened his previously closed eyes to look at him.

The same dull amber eyes as before.

“I’ve got a question for you.

”Looking directly at him, Gu Yangcheon asked:“Are you affiliated with the Kunlun Sect?

” “…!

”The young man’s eyes widened in shock, as if he’d been struck.

“Tch.

”Seeing his reaction, Gu Yangcheon clicked his tongue.

That response was as good as confirmation.

‘The Sword Demon is from the Kunlun Sect?

’It was entirely unexpected.

And yet it made sense.

‘…His swordsmanship didn’t show any traces of it.

’In his previous life, the Sword Demon’s sword techniques bore no resemblance to those of Kunlun.

There was no sign of the refined energy characteristic of Kunlun’s martial arts.

Nor did it exhibit the unique flow of Kunlun’s swordsmanship.

That he now displayed those traits meant one thing.

‘He erased those traces intentionally.

’The Sword Demon had deliberately rid himself of Kunlun’s influence.

Whether or not it should have been possible was irrelevant—he had done it, and that was the result.

‘If this guy really is the Sword Demon.

’That wasn’t the only question in Gu Yangcheon’s mind.

He watched the young man, still shaken, and continued speaking.

“Why is a sage from Kunlun wandering all the way to Guangdong?

” “…” “To my knowledge, Kunlun doesn’t teach its disciples to go around killing people.

”The young man clenched his fist tightly.

“…Kunlun has nothing to do with this.

It’s my fault.

”Hearing this, Gu Yangcheon narrowed his eyes.

“So, you’re admitting it was you who’s been killing people around here?

” “…Yes.

”Gu Yangcheon nodded slightly at his response.

The shabby clothing and his unwillingness to acknowledge his ties to Kunlun made the situation clear.

“You ran away, didn’t you?

” “…” “Am I wrong?

”Gu Yangcheon chuckled as he spoke, watching the young man lower his head further.

“…That’s not it.

” “If it’s not, then what is it?

” “It’s just… Kunlun is not a place I belong.

”Not a place he belonged.

The young man genuinely believed that.

Hearing this, Gu Yangcheon responded in a calm tone.

“Is that what your master told you?

”The unexpected question caused the young man to snap his head up.

“What…!

” “You were mumbling in your sleep earlier.

Must be missing your master a lot, huh?

”Had he really made sounds during his nightmare?

The young man clenched his fists in embarrassment, trembling as he did.

Gu Yangcheon, observing him, thought to himself.

‘It seems my assumptions were right.

’Not only was the Sword Demon a Kunlun sage, but—‘He’s the disciple of the Blue Sea Lone Sword?

’The Blue Sea Lone Sword, a former head of the Kunlun Sect, now deceased.

Gu Yangcheon had encountered the man briefly at the Shinryong Gate.

It hadn’t been a long relationship, but the man had left an impression on him.

And that same Blue Sea Lone Sword...

‘Had secretly been raising the Heavenly Killing Star?

’If this young man truly was the Blue Sea Lone Sword’s disciple, it was shocking.

No other person in Kunlun possessed both the strength and influence to raise someone with such a cursed constitution.

‘Tch.

’The thought made Gu Yangcheon click his tongue instinctively.

‘Of all people…’The fact that the Blue Sea Lone Sword was connected to the Sword Demon complicated matters.

Which begged the question:‘Could this have anything to do with why the Blue Sea Lone Sword went to the Demonic Cult in my past life?

’It was hard to say.

The Blue Sea Lone Sword had been one of the early demonic figures to join the cult shortly after the Heavenly Demon founded it.

The Sword Demon, on the other hand, entered the cult only after the Blue Sea Lone Sword’s death.

‘There’s no way to know for sure now.

’In the current timeline, events had already diverged drastically, and the Blue Sea Lone Sword was long dead.

He was said to have died while preventing the Crimson Magyeong Gate from going berserk.

‘That didn’t happen in my past life.

’Not only had no such event occurred in Qinghai, but the Crimson Magyeong Gate hadn’t emerged during this time at all.

Still—"I hope you find peace.

"The words the Blue Sea Lone Sword had spoken in his lifetime still echoed faintly in Gu Yangcheon’s ears.

‘How troublesome.

’Of all people, the Sword Demon had to be entangled with the Blue Sea Lone Sword.

Part of Gu Yangcheon wanted to ignore all this and simply turn the Sword Demon into a tool of the Demonic Cult.

Whatever the Blue Sea Lone Sword’s intentions in taking him in, it ultimately didn’t matter.

But—“You’ve killed close to ten people just in this area alone.

”Some things were harder to brush off.

“I don’t know how you managed to get from Qinghai to here, but given the distance, you must’ve killed quite a few along the way too, right?

” “…” “Otherwise, there’s no way you’d reek of blood this much.

”The metallic stench of blood clung to the Sword Demon.

Whether he hadn’t bothered to wash properly or simply didn’t care to hide it, the smell was suffocating.

This young man had killed people.

And he had done so in ways brutal enough for the scent to seep into his very being.

“…That’s correct.

”The young man didn’t deny it.

The guilt written plainly on his face was irritating to Gu Yangcheon.

‘You shouldn’t even feel that.

’If this guilt was an act, Gu Yangcheon wished it were convincing.

He suppressed his thoughts and continued.

“The funny thing is, after looking into it, all the people you’ve killed in this area have criminal records.

” “…”With a flick of his wrist, Gu Yangcheon tossed a document at the young man’s feet.

It contained information on the victims of the recent serial killings.

“Rapists, arsonists—you’ve specifically chosen scum like that to kill, haven’t you?

” “…”The young man didn’t answer but gave a small nod.

“Why?

” “…I couldn’t bring myself to kill innocent people.

” “And killing guilty ones?

That’s fine?

” “No.

That too is a sin.

”The resolute response was surprising.

To Gu Yangcheon, killing scum wasn’t a sin.

He didn’t particularly value human life.

Those who deserved punishment should be punished.

Those who deserved death should die.

That was how the world worked.

“Then why did you do it?

” “…Because if I didn’t, innocent people might have died instead.

”Gu Yangcheon stayed silent for a moment before speaking again.

“By your hands?

”The young man clenched his fists tightly at the question.

“…Yes.

”Heavenly Killing Star.

Those cursed with such a fate were driven to live by taking lives.

Some called it an instinct.

Like eating or breathing, it was a natural compulsion for them.

Reading about it in history had been one thing; seeing it firsthand was even more unpleasant.

“So, you killed them for that reason?

” “…I’m sorry.

I’ll accept my punishment.

” “You’re apologizing to the wrong person.

What were you trying to do at the inn earlier?

Did those people do something wrong too?

” “…No.

”The young man’s trembling hands couldn’t be steadied.

He clasped them together, trying to suppress the shaking.

“I’m sorry… Please kill me.

I was wrong….

”He admitted it.

He had tried to kill them because he couldn’t overcome his instincts.

Was it true?

Was this admission of guilt sincere?

Had the same man who hunted only criminals now tried to kill the innocent, as he had at the inn?

Was this the first time?

Gu Yangcheon didn’t know.

And frankly—‘Not that I care.

’Whether he had killed people or not wasn’t a significant matter to Gu Yangcheon.

What mattered was something else entirely.

‘So, the Sword Demon wasn’t always a madman.

’Though he seemed on the verge of succumbing to his instincts, it was intriguing to discover he hadn’t always been this way.

‘If he were the Sword Demon I knew, I’d have turned him into a demonic tool and been done with it.

’But knowing this extra detail sparked Gu Yangcheon’s curiosity.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.

"Take it slow… that way you’ll have fewer regrets.

"The words left behind by his fiancée, who had ignored his advice and gone to the North Sea.

She’d told him to curb his impatience.

“She said she’d return this year.

”It had been two years since she’d left.

If her promise held, she should be back soon.

She might already be on her way.

Thinking of this, Gu Yangcheon stood up.

“If there’s something bothering me, I should take it slow.

She said so.

”Muttering cryptic words, Gu Yangcheon caught the young man’s puzzled expression.

At that moment—“If you’ve got business, come out already.

”Gu Yangcheon’s sudden declaration was followed by the faint sound of movement nearby.

Moments later, figures emerged from the forest.

At the forefront was Seo Dong, the martial artist Gu Yangcheon had encountered the previous night.

Seo Dong immediately cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

“…We meet again, Great Hero.

” “Yes, good to see you.

Thanks to you, I found my man.

”At Gu Yangcheon’s words, Seo Dong’s gaze shifted to the kneeling young man.

Amber eyes, barely older than a youth—exactly as Gu Yangcheon had described.

Which meant—“…The serial killer.

”The culprit behind the recent chaos in Guangdong.

Ignoring Seo Dong’s reaction, Gu Yangcheon turned back to him.

“Do you have business with me?

I thought we wrapped things up last night.

”Seo Dong straightened, seemingly preparing to explain, but was interrupted by another figure stepping forward.

A middle-aged man of immense stature.

Seeing him, Gu Yangcheon’s expression darkened.

‘Strong.

’Unlike Seo Dong, whose strength was at the peak level, this man carried a weighty, commanding presence.

A master of Hwa-Kyung.

The man smiled faintly and offered a respectful gesture.

“It is an honor to meet you.

I am Wi Seok, in charge of the Guangdong branch of the Martial Alliance.

”Hearing the name, Gu Yangcheon nodded internally.

Judging by his level, he wasn’t likely to be a squad leader.

For someone of Hwa-Kyung to oversee an entire branch wasn’t unusual—it was fitting.

“Forgive me for meeting you so abruptly.

I had to come on short notice.

”Wi Seok’s polite words prompted a small nod from Gu Yangcheon.

For a brief moment, Wi Seok’s eyes flickered with curiosity.

“I’ve heard from my subordinates that you assisted in capturing a Crimson-Rank Beast?

” “I just dealt with it since I came across it.

” “…You happened to come across a Crimson-Rank Beast…”Wi Seok chuckled, shaking his head lightly.

“It’s not an easy feat, yet you accomplished it.

I wanted to extend my thanks.

” “I’ve received your gratitude.

What do you want?

”The meaning behind Gu Yangcheon’s blunt question was clear.

Get to the point.

Wi Seok, of course, understood.

“We are thankful for your help but need to confirm your identity.

The region has been unstable, and there’s also the matter of…”Wi Seok’s gaze shifted to the young man.

“…Your connection to the serial killings.

We’d like to discuss this further at the branch, if possible.

”Gu Yangcheon responded flatly,“So, you’re asking me to quietly come along so you can investigate me?

” “We’d like to escort you respectfully.

”It was a polite tone, but the meaning was clear.

If you refuse, we’ll take you by force.

Gu Yangcheon smirked.

“Hah.

Amusing.

”There was no falsehood in his laugh.

It wasn’t anger—it was genuine amusement.

Looking at Wi Seok, Gu Yangcheon thought to himself.

How could he not laugh?

…Looks like I cast my bait better than I thought.

The situation regarding the Sword Demon was unexpected, but everything else was going exactly as planned.

How could he not feel satisfied?

With that thought, Gu Yangcheon turned to Wi Seok and spoke.

“Then.

”At the same time—“Let’s see if you can take me with you.

”Clang!

The sound of swords being drawn echoed from all directions.

Seo Dong flinched at the sudden shift in atmosphere.

His instincts screamed danger as an invisible pressure weighed heavily in the air.

Wi Seok, however, remained unmoved, standing firm like a mountain.

The aura of a Hwa-Kyung master radiated from him as he met Gu Yangcheon’s icy gaze.

“This is unnecessary,” Wi Seok said calmly.

“We’re simply asking for your cooperation.

There’s no need for hostilities.

”Gu Yangcheon’s lips curled into a smirk.

“Unnecessary, you say?

”His tone was sharp, carrying an edge that sent chills through the gathered martial artists.

Wi Seok’s expression didn’t falter, but the men behind him visibly tensed, gripping their weapons tighter.

“Your men are ready to strike at a moment’s notice, yet you talk of avoiding hostilities?

”Gu Yangcheon’s voice dropped, cold and laced with disdain.

“Don’t insult me.

”The tension in the air thickened, becoming almost tangible.

Wi Seok sighed softly, his grip on his sword tightening.

“I see there’s no reasoning with you.

”Gu Yangcheon’s smirk widened.

“You’re finally catching on.

”With a sudden burst of speed, Gu Yangcheon closed the distance between them in an instant, his movement so swift it left afterimages in its wake.

Boom!

A shockwave rippled through the clearing as their auras clashed.

Wi Seok’s sword flashed, meeting Gu Yangcheon’s attack with precision, but his brows furrowed.

‘Heavy!

’The force behind Gu Yangcheon’s strike was far beyond what he had anticipated.

Around them, the other martial artists hesitated, unsure whether to intervene or stay back.

“You’re not bad,” Gu Yangcheon said, his tone mocking.

“But you’re far from enough.

”Wi Seok gritted his teeth, pouring more energy into his stance as he deflected another strike.

“Underestimating me will be your mistake,” Wi Seok replied, his voice steady despite the pressure.

Gu Yangcheon laughed.

“Underestimating you?

Don’t flatter yourself.

”He pushed forward with relentless force, his movements fluid and precise, overwhelming Wi Seok with a series of strikes.

The Hwa-Kyung master found himself on the defensive, unable to find an opening to counter.

“Is this all the great Martial Alliance has to offer?

” Gu Yangcheon taunted, his voice dripping with derision.

Behind Wi Seok, Seo Dong and the others watched in stunned silence.

“This isn’t normal,” one of them muttered.

“That man… he’s not just some wandering martial artist.

”Seo Dong clenched his fists, frustration and fear warring within him.

Amid the chaos, the young man—still kneeling—watched the battle unfold with wide eyes.

His hands trembled, but this time it wasn’t from fear.

It was the instinct, the curse within him, clawing its way to the surface.

The desire to kill.

The scent of blood and battle ignited something deep within, making his body tense and his breathing grow heavier.

“No,” he whispered to himself, clutching his chest.

“Not now… not here…”But it was no use.

His golden eyes darkened, and his body began to move involuntarily.

The Heavenly Killing Star was awakening.

Gu Yangcheon, sensing the shift in the young man’s aura, glanced back briefly.

“Well, that’s inconvenient,” he muttered under his breath.

Wi Seok took the opportunity to launch a counterattack, his blade arcing toward Gu Yangcheon with deadly precision.

But Gu Yangcheon sidestepped effortlessly, his expression bored.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” he said, countering with a sharp strike that forced Wi Seok back several steps.

At the same moment, the young man let out a guttural growl, his body convulsing as the killing intent radiating from him surged uncontrollably.

“What the—?!

” Seo Dong shouted, stumbling back as the oppressive aura washed over him.

Wi Seok’s eyes narrowed, his attention shifting to the young man.

“Is this… the Heavenly Killing Star?

”Gu Yangcheon smirked.

“Looks like you’ve finally figured it out.

”Wi Seok’s expression darkened as he realized the gravity of the situation.

“This is worse than I thought.

”Gu Yangcheon laughed, a sound both mocking and amused.

“You have no idea.

”As the young man’s aura exploded outward, shaking the very ground beneath them, Gu Yangcheon stepped forward, his voice cutting through the chaos.

“Let’s see how long you can hold out.

”And with that, the battle resumed, the forest trembling under the weight of their clash.