Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The atmosphere in the inn grew cold.

For several seconds, silence hung in the air.

The Wudang disciples standing in the back widened their eyes, while Gu Ryeonghwa nervously wiped away sweat, still covering her mouth.

Crrrkk—!

Ji Cheol pushed his chair back with a loud scrape as he stood up.

“What did you just say?

”The twisted expression on Ji Cheol’s face made it clear how furious he was.

Rattle!

The cup on the table trembled violently.

The vibration came from the energy Ji Cheol was emitting.

I glanced at him, observing his power.

‘His level seems about the same as Yeongpung’s.

’Judging by his age, likely somewhere between thirty and forty, he was undoubtedly a remarkable martial artist.

While Yeongpung was an unusual exception, reaching that level at such an age made Ji Cheol an extraordinary talent.

‘And because of that…’His eyes brimmed with arrogance and pride.

That typical aura of someone raised in a prestigious sect and hailed as a prodigy.

‘It makes me want to rip those eyes out.

’Suppressing the impulse, I decided now wasn’t the time for that.

“What did you say just now?

”His expression made it look like he was ready to draw his sword at any moment.

Smiling lightly, I responded.

“Oh my, are you angry?

”Grit.

Ji Cheol ground his teeth audibly and snapped back.

“Did you just call a disciple of Wudang a member of a demonic sect?

” “If that’s not the case, why are you so angry?

”Bang!

Ji Cheol slammed the table with enough force to make it shake.

“This insolent wretch dares…!

”Hssss…As Ji Cheol’s voice grew louder, I subtly released a flow of energy, directing it sideways.

“…!

”Yeongpung glanced at me, startled.

He must have realized I had restrained his energy.

‘Stay still.

’I could feel the sharp edge of Yeongpung’s energy rising as Ji Cheol revealed his hostility.

If left unchecked, Yeongpung would charge forward without hesitation.

I had to stop him.

‘Using force here would be messy.

’Especially with so many eyes watching.

If I wanted, I could remove all those prying eyes, but some restraint was necessary.

For the sake of the few friends I had still rolling around in the northern seas.

“This is Wudang’s territory!

How dare you act so insolently here!

” “I wouldn’t know about that.

But it’s not your territory, is it?

” “What did you say?

”While Wudang managed this area and provided protection, making them the de facto authority here,“Unless you are Wudang itself, you can’t claim it as your own, can you?

” “…!

” “I understand your love for your sect, but just because a single leaf clings to an old tree doesn’t make it the tree itself.

”The words were laced with a subtle but biting rebuke: Don’t overstep your bounds.

Perhaps it was those words that set him off.

Ji Cheol moved, reaching for something—his hand drifting toward his sword.

Clink.

As Ji Cheol reached for his weapon, I sensed movements around me.

Yeongpung was gathering his Qi.

Seong Yul’s hand gripped his sword hilt.

The two of them, whom I expected to hesitate, were surprisingly quick to act.

However—‘Can you two just stay still for once?

’Fighting here would lead to nothing but disaster.

Before things could escalate, I pulled out the letter I had tucked in my sleeve and placed it on the table.

Pause.

Ji Cheol froze at my sudden action.

He must have recognized what the letter was.

For all his arrogance, at least he had working eyes.

“Huh?

”Even Yeongpung made a confused noise upon seeing it.

Of course, he would.

That letter originally belonged to him.

“When did you…?

”Yeongpung patted his clothes, bewildered, but I ignored him and addressed Ji Cheol.

“Do you know what this is?

”“…”“You seem to recognize it, so I won’t bother explaining further.

”The letter was a formal document stating that Mount Hua had come to reclaim a treasured artifact.

The most significant part, however, was the seal embedded on the letter.

A delicate plum blossom emblem at the bottom.

Its meaning was unambiguous.

The direct seal of the sect leader.

This letter was sent directly from the sect leader of Mount Hua.

Do you know what that implies?

“We are here as representatives of the sect leader.

Ji Cheol.

”It signified that the sect leader himself could not act directly and had appointed us as his representatives instead.

Such seals were used sparingly, reserved for matters of utmost importance.

When I visited Mount Hua in the past, even the Plum Blossom Elders had treated me with respect because of this very seal.

And yet—“Is this how Wudang treats such individuals?

”Even Mount Hua’s revered elders had shown proper courtesy.

But this second-generation disciple thought it was acceptable to behave this way?

Was I supposed to find that amusing?

As I presented the seal and spoke, Ji Cheol’s brows furrowed.

His expression wasn’t one of anger—it was laced with faint traces of bewilderment.

“Let me ask you something, Ji Cheol.

Are you a representative of Wudang?

” “…That is…” “Personally, I hope you’re not.

Because if you are here as Wudang’s representative, this behavior is unacceptable.

”“…”I had delivered my point.

We were here as official representatives of the Mount Hua Sect Leader.

And you think you can treat us like this?

This implied one thing:‘Who do you think you are?

’That was the core of my words.

What could Ji Cheol possibly say in response to this?

I watched him intently, amusement flickering in my eyes.

His gaze was trembling noticeably now.

He must have realized it was time to choose his words very, very carefully.

‘Arrogance consumes people like this.

’For someone his age to have reached his level of mastery, Ji Cheol was undoubtedly a remarkable talent.

But when arrogance and pride devour the body during that process, this is what you get.

Of course, from my perspective, that was a good thing.

Dealing with fools like him was something I excelled at.

“Earlier, you seemed quite talkative.

What’s wrong?

Cat got your tongue?

”My words, a clear invitation for him to speak as he had before, made Ji Cheol bite his lip.

But silence couldn’t last too long.

I had already taken control of the situation.

Now, the only choices left for Ji Cheol were:‘Leap off the cliff I’ve created for him,’or abandon his hollow pride and back down.

I had laced the ground he stood on with sharp thorns—the gaze of others.

The disciples of Wudang standing around us were all watching him closely.

What options did he have?

From my point of view, none of them looked particularly good.

After a brief moment of frantic deliberation, Ji Cheol finally spoke.

“I never intended to disrespect our guests.

”He was retreating, if only slightly.

It seemed he’d come to his senses, but it was too late.

“As I mentioned earlier, the main sect is currently…” “Well, damn.

”Ji Cheol flinched at the sudden curse.

Cutting him off, I adopted a slightly sheepish expression.

“Ah, my apologies.

That just slipped out.

”Not that I meant it.

After pretending to apologize, I continued.

“So, wouldn’t it have been better to explain the situation first and then proceed?

Wudang’s Ji Cheol Dojang?

”“…”With those words, I firmly established his position as a representative of Wudang.

“You’re saying there’s an issue within the main sect, so you need to verify some things with us.

”Creak.

Leaning forward slightly, I closed the distance between us.

“Packaging that explanation nicely is what we usually call basic social etiquette, you moron.

”“…!

”“Even if we were in a weaker position, this attitude would be infuriating enough.

But do you know what the real problem is?

”I waved the letter in my hand before Ji Cheol’s face.

“The pretext was a reclamation.

But this looks more like a trade to me.

”Flinch.

I could sense Yeongpung stirring beside me, but I ignored him for now.

The letter, marked with the Plum Blossom Emblem of Mount Hua, contained a few simple words.

While Yeongpung had told me we were here to reclaim Mount Hua’s artifact,the letter also mentioned this:Mount Hua would return Wudang’s artifact.

The implication was clear—Mount Hua would return Wudang’s property in exchange for reclaiming its own.

“So if we’re here to ask for something, lowering ourselves a bit might make sense.

But this is a trade between two sects, isn’t it?

”When dealing with equals, things are different.

‘Ji Cheol might think Wudang stands above Mount Hua, and that’s understandable.

’With the leader of the Martial Alliance being Wudang’s sect leader and their territory so developed compared to Mount Hua’s quiet presence, it was natural for them to think they were superior.

But—‘The problem is showing it so blatantly.

’Thinking it was one thing, but speaking and acting on it in such an overt manner was another matter entirely.

If you couldn’t back your words with actions, that was the most pathetic thing of all.

And Ji Cheol clearly didn’t know his place.

Looking at Ji Cheol’s face, I spoke again.

“Let me ask you one more time.

”I glanced down at the table.

The teacup, which had been trembling violently earlier, had finally stopped moving.

Satisfied, I turned back and slowly walked toward Ji Cheol, stopping in front of him.

“Ji Cheol Dojang, do you understand that your behavior as Wudang’s representative has been disrespectful toward Mount Hua’s delegation?

”“I didn’t mean to—”Ji Cheol’s eyes widened as he tried to respond.

While his words said one thing, my gaze asked him something entirely different.

What are you going to do now?

I smiled slightly, loosening the tension in the air just enough.

Are you going to apologize and back down quietly?

Then, moving only my lips, I whispered so he could see:You pathetic idiot.

“…You insolent…!

”Clink.

Ji Cheol grabbed the hilt of his sword.

But he couldn’t draw it.

“Think carefully.

This is your last chance.

”“…!!

”Grip.

My hand stopped him from unsheathing his blade.

Ji Cheol, flustered, tried to put strength into his arms, but no matter how hard he struggled, the sword wouldn’t budge.

With one hand on his shoulder, I leaned closer and whispered into his ear.

“If you draw this sword…”My voice dropped to a chilling tone.

“You die here.

”Whoosh.

“Gah…!!

”Ji Cheol stumbled backward, cold sweat dripping down his forehead.

Perhaps I had let too much killing intent seep into my words.

Or maybe it wasn’t just that.

‘It’s not easy to control this.

’Rubbing my neck, I tried to shake off the lingering discomfort.

This wasn’t the first time I’d used it—Seong Yul had been a target before—but it was still tricky.

What did Amwang call it?

Dragon Speech (용언).

Dragon Speech.

The ability to imbue words with energy, overwhelming an opponent.

Unlike transmitting sound from a distance or briefly immobilizing someone with Qi, this was raw, vocal domination.

Amwang had once described it as power that crushes with sheer presence.

Though I didn’t fully understand it yet, it had clearly worked on Ji Cheol.

As I watched him, his face pale and drenched with sweat, I could see disbelief in his eyes.

“You… how dare someone like you—just a mere rising talent…” “Well, congratulations on being older than me.

I’m happy to still be young myself.

” “You’re so full of yourself, just because people praise you as something special!

”Ha.

I chuckled at his outburst.

“You’re laughing?

” “This is just so entertaining to me.

”How could it not be?

“People like you don’t even realize you’re doing the exact thing you accuse others of.

Watching that never gets old.

”Who exactly was drunk on the name of Wudang and puffed up with pride?

It certainly wasn’t me.

Ji Cheol’s face turned red, whether from embarrassment or fury.

At least he had enough self-awareness to feel shame.

“…You bastard… I won’t forgive this.

”Shing!

Unable to contain his anger, Ji Cheol finally drew his sword.

“You need to be taught a lesson, right here—” “So you drew it?

”Ji Cheol didn’t get to finish his sentence.

By the time he spoke, my hand was already on his throat.

“What did I just say?

”I tightened my grip slightly.

“I told you… if you drew that sword, you’d die.

”Ji Cheol seemed to realize the gravity of his situation, panicking as he tried to swing his sword.

But it wasn’t enough to stop me.

I was about to twist his neck and finish it.

“Let’s stop here.

”A voice interrupted, forcing me to pause.

I turned my head to see an elderly man approaching us, having appeared at some point without my noticing.

The Wudang disciples standing behind Ji Cheol looked visibly shocked, their expressions betraying their astonishment.

But the most striking reaction was Ji Cheol’s.

“E-Elder…!

”The elder, who had approached with calm, measured steps, didn’t even spare Ji Cheol a glance.

Instead, his attention was directed solely at me.

“I am Yu Baek of Wudang,” he introduced himself.

Hearing his introduction, I released my grip on Ji Cheol’s throat.

I lightly bowed in greeting and replied,“It’s an honor to meet you, Senior Bisungum (泌星劍).

” “Heh heh….

”This elder was none other than Bisungum Yu Baek, one of the Hundred Great Masters of Zhongyuan and a prominent figure representing Wudang.

He was a famous martial artist, someone even I recognized.

“…It’s kind of you to acknowledge me.

” “How could I not recognize someone of your stature?

”A little flattery to oil the tongue, and Yu Baek’s expression softened slightly.

“It seems one of my juniors has greatly disrespected our guests,” he said after surveying the situation and looking back at our group.

“I sincerely apologize.

”With that, Yu Baek bowed his head in apology.

“Please, for this old man’s sake, could you find it in yourself to forgive us?

”“Elder, why should someone like you apologize to this…!

”Ji Cheol, unable to read the room, interjected—but only for a moment.

Smack!

Yu Baek’s hand flew out, striking Ji Cheol’s cheek with enough force to send him flying.

Crash!

Ji Cheol toppled over a table and collapsed onto the ground.

“Guh…!

”Ji Cheol trembled, blood trickling from his lips as he lay there.

Yu Baek looked down at him and coldly remarked,“You disgraceful fool.

” “E-Elder…” “Keep your mouth shut.

Your punishment will be decided back at the main sect.

”The sharp tone of his voice made it clear he was furious.

But to me—‘Tsk.

’It all felt like an unnecessary display.

Yu Baek quickly smoothed out his expression, turning back to address us.

“I will ensure this child is properly disciplined.

For now, I humbly ask for your forgiveness.

”With those words, Yu Baek bowed his head once more.

Seeing one of Wudang’s most senior figures apologizing so earnestly made the disciples behind him visibly tremble.

I mulled it over briefly.

Should I push further?

I could escalate things if I wanted to.

With the right maneuvering, I could probably gain more leverage.

But—“Very well.

I accept your apology.

”I decided against it.

Not because I was moved by Yu Baek’s apology, but because pressing the matter further could shift public sentiment in Wudang’s favor.

When I accepted his apology, Yu Baek’s expression softened into a smile.

“Thank you for your understanding.

If you are willing, I have arranged for escorts outside to guide you to the main sect.

This time, I assure you, you will be treated with the utmost respect.

”“You mentioned there was some verification process earlier.

Is that still necessary?

”“Such formalities are typically required, but how could we impose such on esteemed guests?

Any necessary steps can be completed once we arrive at the main sect.

I ask for your understanding in this matter.

”The old man’s tongue was as smooth as silk.

His words essentially meant that the process was still necessary, but they wouldn’t enforce it here out of deference for us.

It also hinted that some checks might still occur at the main sect.

“Understood.

”Seeing no further opportunity to twist the situation in my favor, I nodded.

Picking up the letter from the table, I handed it back to Yeongpung.

He accepted it, but his expression was dazed, clearly overwhelmed by the entire situation.

Noticing his state, I asked with a smirk,“What’s wrong?

If you’re dissatisfied, should I push further?

” “N-No, that’s not it…!

I’m just… a bit shaken, that’s all.

”It seemed this was his first time dealing with something like this.

His confusion and discomfort were entertaining in their own way.

Tsk, tsk.

How does he plan to survive in such a harsh world with that attitude?

While most newcomers to the martial world were like this, seeing his naivety was particularly irksome.

In a world where ignorance meant getting trampled, one had to be thoroughly prepared to avoid being taken advantage of.

Casting a brief glance at the fallen Ji Cheol and the still-apologetic Yu Baek, I turned and led the group out of the inn.

I did regret not getting to pummel Ji Cheol a bit more.

But this was enough.

Yes, this would suffice.

******************Right after Gu Yangcheon left the inn,Yu Baek stood silently, his gaze fixed on the entrance through which they had departed.

The gentle smile he had worn earlier was gone, replaced by a cold, calculating expression.

Ji Cheol, who had been sprawled on the floor, struggled to his feet and spoke hesitantly.

“…Elder…”Yu Baek turned his sharp gaze toward Ji Cheol.

The chilling intensity of that stare made Ji Cheol’s body tremble.

“…I’m sorry.

”Ji Cheol stammered, his voice shaking, but his apology did nothing to soften Yu Baek’s expression.

“Useless fool.

” “…” “You couldn’t even handle something this trivial, forcing me to step in personally.

”Hearing this, Ji Cheol clenched his fists in silent frustration.

“Elder… but they were far stronger than I anticipated…” “Are you making excuses?

” “No!

I wouldn’t dare…!

” “You were the one who said you could handle a mere rising talent.

Have you forgotten that?

”Desperate, Ji Cheol tried to defend himself.

“I underestimated them.

Please, just one more chance.

This time, I’ll make sure—” “There is no need.

” “…!

”Yu Baek’s firm words caused Ji Cheol’s expression to darken.

It was clear he believed his opportunity had been revoked.

But Yu Baek’s thoughts were elsewhere.

He hadn’t denied Ji Cheol another chance because he was punishing him.

‘He’s not up to the task.

’The simple truth was that Ji Cheol wasn’t qualified to deal with this.

That boy…Yu Baek recalled the face of the young man who had cornered Ji Cheol.

The one who had almost killed him, his hand gripping Ji Cheol’s neck.

So Yeomra, was it?

Just a few years ago, his name had shaken Zhongyuan.

Wasn’t he called the youngest to ever reach Hwagyeong?

Yu Baek had never believed such rumors before.

But now, things felt different.

Grip.

Yu Baek examined his hand, noticing that his palm was faintly damp with sweat.

“…”Had he been tense?

The great Bisungum Yu Baek?

Heh.

Suppressing the sharp emotion that bubbled up, Yu Baek steadied his thoughts.

He really would have killed him.

If Yu Baek hadn’t intervened, Gu Yangcheon would have killed Ji Cheol.

His gestures, his gaze—it all conveyed clear intent.

But what was most unsettling—He knew I was here.

Gu Yangcheon had been fully aware of Yu Baek’s presence the entire time.

He knew everything.

From the moment he entered this town, Gu Yangcheon had known Yu Baek was nearby.

And yet, he had acted as if to put on a show for him.

How terrifying.

With Wudang already dealing with internal issues, Yu Baek couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding.

Then—“Arrrgh!

”Ji Cheol’s sudden scream shattered the silence.

Startled, Yu Baek turned to look at him.

“What’s wrong with you all of a sudden…?

”It didn’t take long to figure it out.

Ji Cheol was clutching his shoulder in agony.

That shoulder…It was the same shoulder Gu Yangcheon had grabbed during their confrontation.

Recalling this, Yu Baek stepped closer to examine it.

“Hah.

”He let out a hollow sigh.

Ji Cheol’s shoulder was utterly shattered—its bones broken into fragments.

He did this in such a short time?

The precision and ferocity required to crush an opponent’s shoulder so thoroughly in the middle of a brief exchange were astounding.

But what puzzled Yu Baek was—Why is he reacting now?

Ji Cheol had been fine moments ago.

Why was he only now screaming in pain?

Yu Baek couldn’t understand it.

The one thing he was certain of, however, was this:“…This isn’t good.

”The arrival of these guests wasn’t going to end well for Wudang.

Especially not under the current circumstances.

Swish.

Ignoring Ji Cheol’s screams, Yu Baek rose to his feet and addressed one of the Wudang disciples nearby.

“Send a message to the sect leader immediately.

”The disciple, meeting Yu Baek’s icy gaze, flinched visibly.

Those cold eyes seemed to pierce straight through him.

“Inform them that something seems to be happening within the main sect.

”