Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The path leading away from the inn toward Wudang.

The climb up the mountain didn’t take very long.

As Yu Baek had mentioned, we were receiving exceptionally courteous treatment on the way up.

"Exceptionally courteous," huh?

Well, it was just a carriage, after all.

A carriage bearing the emblem of Wudang.

Even though it was just this, it was more than sufficient for now.

At the very least, it gave the impression of being treated with respect.

But there was one problem.

"How exactly did you manage it...?

"In the enclosed space, my younger sister’s voice was annoyingly loud.

Frowning slightly at Gu Ryeonghwa’s words, I responded:"What do you mean, ‘how’?

I just did it.

" "No…!

Don’t joke around with me!

"No matter how much she thought about it, Gu Ryeonghwa seemed unable to believe me, pressing on with her questions.

"That was Ji Cheol, the Righteous Dragon Sword, wasn’t it?

" "…The what now?

"Her words made me tilt my head in confusion.

Righteous Dragon Sword…?

That loudmouth Ji Cheol, who had dared to strut around despite his lack of qualifications.

Judging by Gu Ryeonghwa’s reaction, he seemed to have been somewhat famous.

"Well, of course.

"He had already surpassed the age of thirty and reached a refined peak in his abilities.

By Zhongyuan's standards, it was only natural for him to have a nickname.

"I guess I’ve just been surrounded by monsters for so long that I forgot.

"I had unconsciously been underestimating him.

"Brother, if you weren’t careful, he could have hit you, you know?

" "Hit me?

Him?

Keep dreaming.

"Thud!

"Ah, ow…!

"Her constant pestering earned her a flick to the forehead.

"Hit me?

As if.

"If Ji Cheol was a second-generation disciple at that level, then it seemed likely he would eventually lead Wudang.

"But even so, he couldn’t even beat Yeongpung.

"Compared to Yeongpung, the youngest of Mount Hua’s three greatest disciples, Ji Cheol was weaker.

Not to mention…"Even Woo Hyuk could probably defeat him.

"Even Woo Hyuk, the Hidden Dragon of Wudang’s three greatest disciples, wouldn’t fall short against Ji Cheol.

Of course, it’s worth noting that both Yeongpung and Woo Hyuk were extraordinary talents in their own right, which made Ji Cheol a remarkable figure in comparison.

It’s just that…"That’s about as far as he goes.

"He didn’t leave much of an impression.

Regardless of his skill or talent, he was just… that.

"Maybe I should’ve gone harder on him.

"I couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful in hindsight.

If I’d known, I could’ve pushed him further.

"That old man could’ve stepped in earlier if he was going to.

"Honestly, it would’ve been easier if Yu Baek, that sly elder, had intervened sooner.

"Always testing the waters, that one.

"He had been so fixated on observing me that I ended up being a bit rougher than necessary.

"Tsk.

"Still, I had learned quite a bit from the encounter, so I couldn’t complain too much.

Yes, what I learned…As I ascended Wudang Mountain, I reviewed the information I’d gathered.

It wasn’t exactly invaluable, but…"Something is going on in Wudang.

"At the very least, that much was clear.

Both Ji Cheol and Yu Baek’s demeanor had made that obvious.

There was some kind of trouble brewing in Wudang.

Anyone could see that.

"I don’t know exactly what the problem is, but it must be something significant.

"Ji Cheol’s heated attitude had revealed more than he probably intended.

His manner of treating a scheduled visit from Mount Hua, brimming with arrogance and self-importance, said it all.

"Still, it doesn’t feel like it was just an attempt at posturing.

"It was likely that, after establishing dominance, they intended to take some sort of action.

That’s probably why even an elder had covertly approached to observe the situation.

Which means…"Everything that just happened was a planned event.

"It must have been an order from someone higher up.

"If Wudang is wary of outsiders, especially someone like me who can come and go freely, then…"It likely means something has happened to make them wary of strangers.

"What could it be?

"Was there some kind of incident in Wudang around this time?

I couldn’t remember.

Not clearly, anyway.

"The problem with memories from my past life is that they’re not very useful anymore.

"Most of the events I remembered had been twisted or altered in some way.

Which means…"I’ll just have to figure it out myself.

"In any case, I would find out once I got there.

"I’ve already made enough of a commotion.

"I had deliberately pressured Ji Cheol in front of Yu Baek for this very reason.

The idea was simple:"Explain yourselves.

It’s only polite.

"That was the intent behind my actions.

"If they’re bringing me to Wudang now, it means they’ve decided to accept that.

"I had given them both the justification and the reason.

Now, Wudang was left with only two choices:"Send Mount Hua back with a grudge for their rudeness, or…""Explain the situation properly and ask for ‘courteous’ understanding.

"I was certain Wudang would choose the latter.

"Wudang’s current position isn’t strong enough to make enemies.

"Even if their headmaster had become the Leader of the Martial Alliance, Mount Hua was one of the Nine Great Sects, with significant historical importance.

For Wudang to pick a fight with Mount Hua first?

"They’ve become a bit foolish, but they’re not that stupid.

"While Wudang had been growing rapidly, their position was still not secure enough.

In Zhongyuan’s delicate social landscape, Wudang wouldn’t dare make such a mistake.

Moreover.

“They’ve already made one mistake, haven’t they?

”They had been caught trying something foolish and were now desperately trying to cover their tracks.

However, I didn’t think they would do anything else as reckless.

“Anyway.

”I turned my gaze forward and spoke.

“Relax your expression a bit, will you?

” “…”The person I addressed was Yeongpung.

Hearing my words, Yeongpung gave an awkward smile.

“Why do you look like someone just died?

” “It’s nothing.

I’m just feeling a bit nauseous…” “At your level, if you’re getting motion sickness, it must be a terminal illness.

You know that, right?

” “…” “This carriage is so steady.

How could you possibly feel nauseous?

”He should try riding in a carriage driven by the White Lotus Sword.

Ah, that would show him what real motion sickness feels like.

Since he hadn’t experienced that, I couldn’t trust Yeongpung’s words about feeling ill.

“Did you do something wrong?

Why are you looking so sour?

” “That’s not it.

It’s just… I feel sorry toward you, Gu Sohyeop.

” “What are you sorry for?

I’m the one who crashed into him.

” “…” “If anyone should be apologizing, it’s me.

Why are you, the dojang, acting like this?

”To be honest, I didn’t feel sorry at all.

If anything, I was annoyed that I hadn’t hit harder.

“Though I did set things up so I can use it later.

”Regardless, there was no reason for Yeongpung to feel like this.

“Just blame me instead.

Ask why an outsider is meddling and causing trouble.

Go ahead and say that.

” At my blunt suggestion, Yeongpung flinched, visibly startled.

“No, how could I dare to say such a thing?

” “I’m saying you should.

That’s the right thing to do.

” “What… does that mean?

” “You said it yourself.

You’re the successor of the Mount Hua Celestial Sword.

” “…!

”I brought up Yeongpung’s earlier statement.

“I don’t know why you think that way.

But if you truly are—or even if you aren’t—”If Yeongpung truly claimed to be the successor of Shin Noya…“Then stand tall.

If you’re from Mount Hua, you should be nothing but proud.

” “…”At the very least, Shin Noya would have been.

No, perhaps Shin Noya would have outright drawn his sword and cut Ji Cheol down the moment Mount Hua was disrespected.

As for me, since I wasn’t really a disciple of Mount Hua, I had simply held back.

But Yeongpung was different.

It might have been his first time in such a situation, and he had seemed flustered, but… Even then, he should not have lost his composure.

“If the dojang faltered there, it would have been no different from Mount Hua retreating.

” “…Gu Sohyeop.

” “The fact that you’re the dojang means as much.

And the seal on the letter from Master Plum Blossom carries that same weight.

” “…”Yeongpung fell silent at my words, his expression turning pained.

He looked like he was about to say something to me.

“I’m sor—” “Don’t apologize.

”I cut him off before he could finish.

“Don’t say sorry.

Don’t say thank you, either.

At least not right now, as the dojang.

”Without realizing it, my voice carried a hint of irritation.

Why?

“Why do you think?

”It was obvious, even if I tried to ignore it.

“Just resolve not to let it happen again.

That’s enough.

” “…Understood.

”His earlier words lingered in my mind.

Yeongpung’s claim of being the successor to the Mount Hua Celestial Sword wouldn’t leave me.

Whether it was true or not… Seeing him so dispirited reminded me of Shin Noya in that state, and it irritated me.

“Don’t create situations where you have to bow your head.

And never bow your head when you shouldn’t.

”That’s how Shin Noya would have lived.

That’s how I intended to live.

So…If you claim to be his successor, you should live that way, too.

That was the meaning behind my words.

Not that Yeongpung could understand that, of course.

Afterward, I closed my eyes, calming my breath.

The awkward silence in the carriage lasted for a while.

“We’ve arrived.

”The announcement snapped my eyes open.

I immediately dispelled the energy barrier I had set up in the carriage.

As I felt the flow of energy return to my dantian, I let out a sigh.

“Tiring.

”Even before stepping out, I could feel numerous eyes watching me and ears straining to hear.

Sensing the bothersome attention, a thought crossed my mind.

If I’m going to burn something down, where should I start?

“If possible…”I’d like to burn it all from the roots.

With that thought, I stepped out, burdened with contemplation.

******************"You must have had a hard journey to get here.

"Upon arriving at Wudang, the first place we visited was Yu Baek’s residence.

"Normally, I’d want to let you rest comfortably, but unfortunately, that’s not possible.

I apologize for that.

"Yu Baek said this with a smile.

"And once again, I must apologize for the commotion caused earlier by my unworthy disciple.

"The sound of tea pouring filled the room as tea dripped into the cups on the table.

"I am Yu Baek of Wudang, an elder here.

And for this matter, I’ve come to you as a representative of Wudang’s sect leader.

"The Shining Star Sword, Yu Baek, introduced himself, prompting my companions to respond as though they’d been waiting for this moment.

"I am Gu Ryeonghwa, second-generation disciple of Mount Hua.

" "I am Yeongpung, third-generation disciple of Mount Hua.

"Once the two of them had introduced themselves, Yu Baek’s gaze shifted to me.

Feeling his eyes on me, I spoke up.

"I am Gu Yangcheon of the Gu family.

And that person over there is my bodyguard.

" "…?

"Seong Yul, now suddenly labeled a bodyguard, looked confused but didn’t bother to object.

Thankfully, he had some tact.

Hearing my introduction, Yu Baek’s eyes lit up slightly.

"This matter concerns Wudang and Mount Hua, so may I ask why Sohyeop is here?

" "Well, I am from the Gu family, but I’m also affiliated with Mount Hua in a way.

" "You are?

" "Yes.

I don’t carry a plaque, but I hold honorary membership.

"After resolving an issue in Mount Hua, the sect leader had given me this title, perhaps to prevent trouble stemming from the peculiar energy within me.

As an outsider, I couldn’t learn Mount Hua’s martial arts, but the honorary title symbolized their acknowledgment of me as one of their own due to the favor I had shown them.

"…I see…"Yu Baek nodded briefly, seemingly impressed.

“I didn’t expect to use this here, but it worked out well.

”This title made it easier to get involved in the matter, so it was a useful card to have.

Indeed, you never know when something might come in handy.

"An honorary member… Mount Hua must owe Sohyeop a great debt.

" "Well… something like that.

"Not wanting to delve into the details, I brushed it off lightly.

Meanwhile, I could feel Gu Ryeonghwa and Yeongpung glaring at me, their expressions uneasy.

Their faces seemed to question whether such an attitude was appropriate toward an elder of Wudang.

“What do you expect me to do?

”By my standards, I was being quite polite.

Hiding my real intentions while keeping a calm demeanor in front of that sly old man was already the best I could do.

“What a shady man.

”His demeanor and aura were as slippery as a rat’s.

At that moment—"Elder.

"Yeongpung cautiously addressed Yu Baek.

"What is it?

" "I heard that the Sword Queen is currently at Wudang.

" "Ah, yes, that’s correct.

The Sword Queen is here.

"Hearing this, Gu Ryeonghwa’s expression brightened noticeably.

“So the Sword Queen is here after all.

”I had only heard rumors and had doubted her presence since no one had come to greet us, but it seemed she was indeed here.

"She’s likely retrieving the item right now.

" "The item, you say…?

" "The item you’ve come to reclaim, of course.

"At Yu Baek’s words, it was now Yeongpung’s turn to look relieved.

So the Sword Queen was bringing it.

“The Eternal Bind, right?

”Thinking this, I subtly shifted my left arm.

“…So she’s really bringing it.

”Wudang possessing the Eternal Bind had sounded absurd when I first heard it.

But if the Sword Queen herself was bringing it, it seemed more plausible.

The problem was…“Does it really exist?

”The situation was baffling.

If Wudang truly had the Eternal Bind, then what exactly was the one wrapped around my arm?

“I came here to confirm that, but…”I couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

"Additionally, there is some business we must attend to before retrieving the Eternal Bind.

I ask for your understanding.

"Seizing the opportunity, I asked.

"If there is business to attend to, what kind of business is it?

"I had been waiting for this explanation.

The strange, cautious way they were handling things needed clarification.

Why was Wudang being so wary of outsiders?

What was the reason behind this overly guarded attitude?

Yu Baek answered.

"Not long ago, a letter arrived at Wudang.

" "A letter?

" "Yes.

"I wondered what kind of letter would prompt such behavior.

"The letter itself was brief, but the sender was the real issue.

"Yu Baek’s words piqued my interest.

The next thing he said forced me to suppress my surprise.

"The Ghost Thief of Storms and Clouds.

" "…!

" "He sent us a message.

"The Ghost Thief of Storms and Clouds, Mu Myeong.

Even if not as prominent now, his nickname was once widely known in Zhongyuan.

The mere mention of that name was enough to explain the situation.

Mu Myeong, the Ghost Thief of Storms and Clouds.

"He declared that within five days, he would take Wudang’s symbol.

"Known as the Ghostly Bandit, he was a man of infamous reputation.

And…“Why is that old man’s name coming up here?

”It was a nickname I was all too familiar with.