Childhood Friend of the Zenith

An unexpected event occurred as they traversed the forest.

"Haa… Hah…"They had stopped for the night along the forest trail leading to Hanam, setting up camp near the heart of the woods.

Behind the red-flagged carriage, a little deeper into the forest—"Hoo…"Near a gravel-strewn creek where the water flowed gently, a woman knelt on one knee.

Clatter--!

She used her sword as a crutch, barely managing to stay upright.

"Haa… Hoo…"The golden-haired woman gasped for air, wiping the sweat from her brow.

Her vision was blurred, her body trembling with exhaustion, and she looked as if she could collapse at any moment.

It wasn’t just appearances—she knew.

Her body had already reached its limit.

It wouldn’t be surprising if she fell unconscious right then and there.

But she couldn’t.

At least, not in front of the person standing before her.

"Urgh…"She let out a strained groan as she forced herself to stand.

Her entire body ached.

Since embarking on this journey—which hardly qualified as a proper journey—this had been her constant state.

Still, she had no regrets.

It was all of her own choosing.

"Huff…"Suppressing her ragged breathing, the woman clasped her trembling hands together and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you… for your guidance.

""Hmm.

"The golden-haired woman, Wi Seol-ah, addressed her words to the man before her, who nodded in acknowledgment.

The gravel ground was already in ruins, scarred by long, jagged sword marks.

The earth bore signs of a violent storm, with only one exception—the area where the man stood.

It was as if that spot alone had been untouched by the chaos.

Wi Seol-ah swallowed hard as she gazed at it.

"…I didn’t even come close.

"No matter how tirelessly she swung her sword, she hadn’t even grazed him, let alone forced him to take a single step back.

The gap between their levels was staggering.

Vrrr...

Her sword, still embedded in the ground, hummed faintly.

Though she had already retracted her qi, the blade continued to vibrate, a testament to her mastery as a swordswoman.

Yet, against her opponent, even that mastery was meaningless.

"It would be unworthy to call this guidance.

You must have gained nothing from it," the man said in a low, steady voice.

Wi Seol-ah swallowed hard.

"I… I apologize.

""There’s no need for apologies.

It was merely an observation.

"Crunch.

Stepping over the gravel, the towering man, Gu Cheolwoon, approached her slowly.

"There’s no point in continuing this exchange.

You understand that as well, don’t you?

"Wi Seol-ah bit her lip at his words.

The difference in their abilities was insurmountable.

There was nothing more to gain from their sparring.

Gu Cheolwoon’s blunt yet clear assessment made her sigh inwardly.

"Thank you.

I’ve already gained much from you, Master Gu.

"Acknowledging the truth was her choice.

Gu Cheolwoon nodded at her words, then spoke again.

"I don’t know what you think, but if you seek a higher path, you may need to seek out your grandfather.

"At this, Wi Seol-ah’s gaze wavered.

Her grandfather.

She hesitated, unable to respond immediately to Gu Cheolwoon’s suggestion.

"Hmm.

"Seeing her reaction, Gu Cheolwoon showed no particular emotion.

He resumed walking, seemingly indifferent.

He hadn’t spoken to elicit a response but merely to offer advice.

Whether she acted on it or not was entirely up to her.

As Gu Cheolwoon continued walking, he glanced around.

The forest was quiet and still.

It had been roughly ten days since they’d begun their journey.

How far were they now from their destination?

Not far.

At most, they had seven days left to travel.

"Hanam, is it?

"As he considered their destination, Gu Cheolwoon pulled a letter from his robe.

It was a missive from the Martial Alliance, detailing an upcoming grand event scheduled for a few months later.

The Divine Dragon Martial Festival.

A grand gathering of martial artists hosted by the Alliance.

Though Gu Cheolwoon’s expression remained calm as he read the letter, a flicker of heat danced in his eyes.

Was he suddenly interested in the festival?

Of course not.

For Gu Cheolwoon, such things were meaningless.

It was merely—"I wonder...

"He thought of his only son.

"What kind of figure will he show?

"Gu Cheolwoon’s thoughts lingered on his son when—"Master Gu.

"The voice drew his attention.

Ahead stood a petite woman with slightly upturned eyes—Gu Yeonseo, the second daughter of the Sanseo branch family.

Hesitant and soft-spoken, she addressed Gu Cheolwoon.

"Dinner is ready… I was wondering if you’d join us.

"Her timid demeanor was met with a simple nod from Gu Cheolwoon.

"I’ll be there shortly.

""Oh!

Yes, sir!

"Gu Yeonseo’s face lit up with relief at his response.

Seeing her reaction, Gu Cheolwoon felt a mix of emotions.

Among them, self-reproach loomed largest.

And yet—"It’s almost time.

"Time was catching up to him.

Though he had tried to delay it, Gu Cheolwoon couldn’t stop the inevitable march of time.

The moment was drawing closer.

"He has come of age.

"The time to pass on the position of heir to his son was rapidly approaching.

"It won’t be easy.

"Nothing ever was.

The responsibilities he bore, the burdens he had accumulated—they made every step heavy.

These thoughts filled his mind as—Whoosh.

A warm breeze rustled past him, a reminder that summer still lingered.

As Gu Cheolwoon felt the breeze and prepared to take another step—Vrrrr!

He froze.

A vibration emanated from his chest.

Reaching into his robes, Gu Cheolwoon retrieved a small, yellow pouch.

With uncharacteristic urgency, he tore it open.

Rip!

The fabric shredded like paper, revealing a glowing red gemstone that floated into the air.

Gu Cheolwoon’s brow furrowed as he recognized it.

The Jewel of Gwisah.

One of the eight treasures of the Gu family, it was an item he had given to his wife, Mi Horan.

The jewel possessed two powers.

The first was its ability to respond to another matching jewel when infused with energy.

And, as Gu Cheolwoon had instructed Mi Horan to use it only in dire situations, he knew—"If it’s glowing...

"His grip tightened around the jewel.

Crack!

The gravel beneath his feet trembled faintly.

The situation had clearly taken a sudden and dire turn.

Gu Cheolwoon’s body radiated heat as he contemplated his next move.

Fortunately, the jewel possessed a second power.

Snap!

He crushed it in his hand.

Whoosh!

In an instant, his body was engulfed in flames.

"Oh, Master Gu!

And—huh?

"Gu Yeonseo, who had turned to speak to him again, stopped abruptly.

Where Gu Cheolwoon had been standing, there was now only empty space.

******************Grrrrr...

The monster's guttural growl reverberated through the surroundings as its massive body wavered and dropped to its knees.

Boom!

The impact of its fall shook the ground.

Its left shoulder down to half its torso and most of its jaw had been obliterated, leaving the creature sprawled on the ground.

Despite the combined efforts of three martial artists at the level of Hwagyeong and another at the peak of Jeolgyeong, who had struggled to even dent the beast’s barrier, it now lay felled with unsettling ease.

Karr...

krrk...!!

The monster’s agonized wails filled the air as it writhed in pain.

Paejon Bi-ju, standing nearby, let out a dry chuckle as he observed it.

"Heh.

Persistent bastard.

"Despite losing half its upper body—an injury that would normally be fatal—the beast still clung to life, its vitality bordering on the absurd.

But what was truly remarkable wasn’t the monster.

"More impressive than that grotesque creature...

"Paejon shifted his gaze to the figure beside him, the one responsible for reducing the monster to such a pitiful state.

A man strode forward, his boots crunching over the debris-laden ground.

He wasn’t particularly tall, standing just over eight cheok (around 6.

5 feet), but his broad shoulders and commanding presence were undeniable.

His crimson robe, adorned with golden trim, billowed slightly in the wind.

Whoosh...

Heat radiated from his right shoulder, where his arm glowed faintly with a fiery hue.

Even his hair, turning a deep red, seemed to smolder as if ablaze.

"Hah.

"Bi-ju chuckled in disbelief, his body betraying him despite the amused expression on his face.

His forearms were covered in goosebumps, and cold sweat trickled down his back.

Just standing near this man made Bi-ju’s body instinctively wary.

That was the feeling he evoked.

"Those with that surname...

"Bi-ju thought to himself, suppressing a shiver.

"...

they truly walk a different path.

"The man walking past him was no ordinary warrior.

He was a monster in his own right—one who had likely surpassed Cheonoecheon, the realm of transcendence.

"Even if I were at my prime, I couldn’t predict the outcome of a fight with him.

"Though Bi-ju’s heyday still seemed superior at first glance, the gap was deceptive.

This man’s abilities had transcended conventional understanding.

Bi-ju clenched his fist, suppressing the competitive spirit that surged within him.

The sight of such strength stoked a primal urge to challenge it.

"Why is he here?

"The man was none other than Gu Cheolwoon.

Known as the Guardian of Sanseo, he was a silent force acknowledged by even the Martial Alliance.

A transcendent figure, a friend’s son, and a father to a disciple.

But most of all...

"...

a man who may have reached true transcendence.

"Gu Cheolwoon finally stopped walking, coming to stand beside Bi-ju.

Whoosh...

The heat radiating from Gu Cheolwoon dried the air.

The usual chill that lingered around the area had been replaced with an oppressive warmth.

"That was...

a rather inconvenient method you used," Gu Cheolwoon remarked, his voice low and resonant.

Bi-ju smiled faintly, knowing exactly what Gu Cheolwoon was referring to.

"So you caught on.

"Gu Cheolwoon didn’t bother looking at Bi-ju, keeping his gaze fixed ahead.

Bi-ju spoke again.

"You took your time appearing.

I admit I was...

somewhat rude.

My apologies.

"Bi-ju had known that Gu Cheolwoon had been watching the entire time, though he wasn’t sure exactly when he’d arrived.

So he had staged a provocation, claiming he’d hold off the monster while the others fled.

Naturally, he hadn’t meant it.

Bi-ju had no intention of dying.

Predictably, his obstinate disciple had reacted with indignation, and that reaction had been enough to draw out the man watching from the shadows.

"...

Father?

"Gu Yangcheon’s voice, tinged with confusion, broke the tense atmosphere.

He sounded stunned, as if struggling to comprehend his father’s sudden appearance.

Gu Cheolwoon didn’t respond.

His eyes remained fixed on the monster ahead.

Grrrrrr...

The beast stirred, its missing flesh and bone regenerating with grotesque speed.

Slowly but surely, its body was restored.

Screeeeeaaach--!!

In mere seconds, the monster had completely healed, its previously obliterated form now whole again.

Its regeneration speed was monstrous.

Fully restored, the creature lunged at Gu Cheolwoon.

Boom!

Crash!

It charged with terrifying speed, its razor-sharp claws aiming directly for him.

But—Fwoosh!

A brief burst of heat flared—Boom!

Splatter!

Krrrk--!?

—and the monster’s arm, along with part of its torso, exploded before it could land the strike.

The remnants of its flesh sizzled, blackened and charred.

Despite the catastrophic injury, the creature began regenerating once more.

Gu Cheolwoon didn’t even flinch.

He clenched his fist, his massive hand emanating a faint glow.

Whoosh!

With a simple, unrefined motion, he swung his fist.

BOOM!!

Screeeeeaaaach!!!

The shockwave from the strike rippled outward, and the beast staggered as its regenerating side was obliterated again.

"What the hell...

"Gu Yangcheon muttered, his voice laced with disbelief.

It had taken all his strength, employing the metaphysical power of Sim-sang, just to break the monster’s barrier.

Yet Gu Cheolwoon shattered it effortlessly with each strike.

Crunch!

Boom!

Screeeeeach...

Krrrrraaaah--!!

The monster flailed desperately, unable to mount a proper counterattack against Gu Cheolwoon’s relentless onslaught.

Boom!

Screeeach--!

The size disparity was comical.

The monster was at least ten times larger than Gu Cheolwoon, yet it reeled with every punch, as if its immense bulk was irrelevant.

Perhaps it had weakened after the earlier battle?

"No...

that’s not it.

"Gu Yangcheon dismissed the thought.

The monster’s regenerative power and strength were as potent as ever.

It was simple.

"...

Its barrier can’t keep up.

"Every time Gu Cheolwoon struck, the monster’s barrier shattered.

It would barely begin to repair itself before another strike destroyed it again.

This wasn’t a fight.

It was pure, overwhelming violence.

Gu Cheolwoon’s attacks weren’t merely powerful—they carried a force that transcended physical strength.

"Is...

is every one of his strikes imbued with Sim-sang?

"It wasn’t just his fists or his techniques.

Every motion, every strike seemed to contain metaphysical energy.

And yet, amidst his growing awe, a question lingered in Gu Yangcheon’s mind.

"...

Why is Father here?

"Gu Cheolwoon, who should have been far away in Sanseo, was here, effortlessly dismantling the monster before them.

Screeeeech--!!!

The beast let out a piercing wail as it flailed its claws.

Crunch!

Gu Cheolwoon shattered them.

Whoosh!

Its massive tail whipped toward him.

Boom!

Gu Cheolwoon’s fist met it mid-swing, twisting it in an unnatural direction.

This pattern of destruction and regeneration repeated itself endlessly.

Krrrrraaaaah---!!!

The mindless beast, driven purely by instinct, refused to relent.

With its mangled limbs, it lunged forward, baring its fangs at Gu Cheolwoon.

Crunch!

Gu Cheolwoon didn’t dodge.

Instead, he extended his hand and seized the monster’s gaping maw.

Grind!

The beast's immense strength caused Gu Cheolwoon’s body to skid back slightly, the sheer force testing his limits.

"Hmph.

"With a short, sharp breath, he tightened his grip.

Rippp—!

Screeeeech--!!

The creature’s jaw was torn apart in a grotesque spray of flesh and ichor.

Howling in agony, the monster thrashed violently.

Gu Cheolwoon leapt into the air, his fist drawn back, and delivered a devastating punch.

Thud!

The strike burrowed into the monster's torso.

BOOM!

A surge of qi erupted from his fist, sending the monster hurtling backward.

Its enormous body flew through the air before crashing into the ground with a thunderous impact.

BOOM!

The resulting shockwave unleashed a storm of snow and debris.

Gu Yangcheon could only stare, speechless.

"Just now…"What had he just witnessed?

He was stunned, disoriented.

The desperate situation, which had seemed utterly hopeless, had been overturned in an instant.

But more than anything else—"...

Was Father always this strong?

"His gaze locked onto Gu Cheolwoon’s back.

The man who had effortlessly flung a White-Rank monster around like a toy now seemed even larger and more imposing.

Gu Yangcheon had always known his father was stronger than the rumors suggested.

"Ranked in the lower tiers of the Hundred Great Masters of the Orthodox Faction?

"That notion was laughable.

If his father truly ranked so low, the Heavenly Demon War would have ended in the Martial Alliance's favor long ago.

No, Gu Cheolwoon wasn’t merely strong.

He had surpassed that measure long ago.

After all—"He defeated Cheonjon.

"One of the three great elders, Cheonjon, had been bested by Gu Cheolwoon during their encounter beneath the Tang Clan.

"Granted, Cheonjon wasn’t in peak condition at the time…"But a victory was a victory.

It meant his father could match—or even surpass—the great elders of the martial world.

And not just that.

"He’s the one who inflicted a critical wound on the Heavenly Demon.

"Even though the aftermath had left Gu Cheolwoon weakened and tainted by demonic energy, he had pushed the Heavenly Demon to the brink of death.

"How strong is he really?

"Gu Yangcheon recalled what Noya had once said: the world now bore a curse, and the walls to higher realms were thicker and lower than in the past.

In such a world, just how high had Gu Cheolwoon climbed?

What realm had he reached?

"Could I ever reach that height?

"Gu Yangcheon wondered.

Before he could dwell further, his father’s deep voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Yangcheon.

"Gu Yangcheon flinched instinctively.

"Y-yes?

""How is your body?

""I-it’s fine.

"That wasn’t entirely true.

The wound on his chest had been hastily cauterized with qi, and his vessel’s energy was utterly depleted from using the Flame Jade Spear multiple times.

Still, he couldn’t admit that.

Feigning weakness in front of his father was unthinkable.

"I see.

"Gu Cheolwoon gave a slight nod, accepting his answer without question.

The silence that followed felt heavy.

"…I should ask why he’s here.

"Gu Yangcheon wanted to question his father’s sudden appearance but hesitated.

It wasn’t for any significant reason.

"…It’s just been a while since I’ve seen him.

"Since his failed attempt at refining the Flame Jade Spear had left him severely injured, Gu Cheolwoon had scolded him harshly.

After that, they hadn’t met directly.

While messages had been relayed through intermediaries, it had been a long time since they’d spoken face-to-face.

Not that Gu Yangcheon had avoided him intentionally—"…No, I definitely avoided him.

"He corrected himself mid-thought.

Truthfully, he had avoided his father to some extent, which made the current situation awkward.

As the uncomfortable silence stretched on, it was Gu Cheolwoon who broke it.

"Yangcheon.

""Yes?

""That technique you used—is it something you developed yourself?

""…?

"It took a moment for Gu Yangcheon to realize his father was referring to the Flame Jade Spear.

"He saw it, huh.

"So his father had witnessed his modified version of the technique.

"When did he start watching?

"Gu Yangcheon couldn’t be sure.

What mattered now was—"…Is he going to scold me?

"Despite his age, he found himself worrying about being reprimanded.

He had used a technique he wasn’t supposed to, and he braced himself for another lecture.

"Well done.

""…!

"To his surprise, Gu Cheolwoon’s words weren’t scolding but praise.

"Not bad at all.

"Hearing his father’s unexpected approval, Gu Yangcheon couldn’t help but grin.

Realizing his reaction, he quickly turned away and covered his mouth with his hand.

But it was no use.

The warmth rising in his chest was unmistakable—a childish, uncontainable joy.

Just as he tried to suppress it—Fwoosh!

"Huh?

"Gu Yangcheon’s attention snapped forward as he sensed a familiar energy.

There, in Gu Cheolwoon’s hand, was a Flame Jade.

But this wasn’t the crude, unstable version Gu Yangcheon had crafted.

This was denser, faster, and more refined.

"Did he make that to attack the monster?

"That thought crossed his mind as he observed the Flame Jade spinning faster.

Screeeech--!

The shape began to distort and transform.

"…!

"The energy intensified, the sheer pressure overwhelming.

Gu Yangcheon’s eyes widened in awe.

This was what the Flame Jade Spear was meant to be—a perfected form, fully controlled and stable.

Gu Cheolwoon inspected the spear in his hand, his voice calm yet firm.

"It’s a bit rough around the edges, but it’s a commendable effort with good results.

"He turned his gaze to Gu Yangcheon.

"Continue to improve.

"With that, Gu Cheolwoon dissolved the spear, its energy dissipating into the air.

Fwoosh!

As the energy faded, Gu Yangcheon asked in a trembling voice.

"H-how… how did you do that?

"The Flame Jade Spear was his own creation, a technique he had developed.

Even if Gu Cheolwoon surpassed him in every way, creating such a perfected version so easily was unthinkable.

Gu Cheolwoon looked at his son, his expression almost puzzled.

"You showed me, did you not?

""…From that?

"The crude, last-ditch attempt he had used against the monster?

Was that really all it took for his father to replicate—and perfect—it?

Gu Yangcheon’s expression twisted in disbelief.

Gu Cheolwoon, however, delivered the final blow with a nonchalant tone.

"Was that supposed to be difficult?

""…"Gu Yangcheon sighed inwardly.

"Damn this life.

"The sheer unfairness of innate talent left him reeling.

Before he could fully process his thoughts—Grrrr...

The sound of the monster stirring interrupted him.

"Damn thing.

"Despite everything it had endured, the monster was rising again.

"Is there no way to kill it?

"Its regeneration and vitality seemed endless.

The frustration was suffocating.

At that moment—Whoosh!

Gu Cheolwoon’s crimson robe flared in the wind as he spoke.

"You’ve shown me good work.

I’ll give you a reward.

""What?

"Gu Cheolwoon stepped forward, his boots crunching the snow beneath him.

Screeeeech--!!!

The monster roared in the distance, but Gu Cheolwoon continued walking, unperturbed.

"Yangcheon.

"His voice was firm, commanding.

"This is my order.

"Gu Yangcheon instinctively straightened at the tone.

"From now on, do not take your eyes off me for even a moment.

"The weight of his words pressed down on Gu Yangcheon as he watched his father’s back.

"And do not get lost in what you see.

This is what a Master…"Gu Cheolwoon paused mid-sentence, taking another step forward.

"What a father imparts to his son.

"Fwoosh...!

Heat radiated from Gu Cheolwoon’s feet.

The snow around him melted instantly.

Gu Yangcheon’s eyes widened.

"A… lesson?

"What was happening?

Before he could fully grasp the situation—Ssssshh—!

Blazing heat erupted, melting the surrounding snow.

A small spark ignited on Gu Cheolwoon’s back.

Click.

With a faint spark—BOOOOM--!!!

A massive conflagration engulfed the sky.

The ultimate technique.

"Nine Flames, Absolute Mountain Form.

"The heavens ignited with fire, dispelling the night and turning the world into a blazing white day.