Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Drip.

Tea spilled from the table, pooling on the floor.

Above it, droplets of blood fell one by one.

The room, devoid of light, was pitch black, illuminated only by heavy breathing and faint groans.

“Guh...

uuugh...

ugh...

” The groans belonged to Bumdong, the commander of the Flying Dragon Division.

Collapsed on the floor, he bled profusely from his hands and mouth.

“Ugh...

guh...

” His eyes brimmed with terror and disbelief.

His body trembled uncontrollably, as if seized by overwhelming fear.

Before him, someone bent their knees.

The owner of glowing, azure eyes.

Gu Yangcheon’s brilliant blue gaze pierced through the darkness as he locked eyes with Bumdong.

Although his expression was obscured by the shadows, Bumdong could feel it.

Gu Yangcheon was smiling at him.

Crack.

“Urk—!

” Grabbing Bumdong by the hair, Gu Yangcheon forced him upright.

“You know what’s funny about being falsely accused?

Until it happens to you, you don’t get how infuriating it really is.

” “Huff...

huff...

” Bumdong tried to speak, but his mouth had been ripped to shreds, rendering coherent speech impossible.

“They said I did something I didn’t do.

Denying it wasn’t enough—they wouldn’t believe me.

Then they had the audacity to demand proof.

” The smile on Gu Yangcheon’s face deepened.

At that moment, Bumdong felt his breath seize.

Rumble—!

An overwhelming bloodlust filled the room, suffocating everything within.

“You piece of shit.

” Gu Yangcheon’s pupils slit vertically like those of a predator.

“Why the hell should I have to prove my innocence?

” “Grrk...

th-that’s...

” “If I didn’t do it, then I didn’t do it.

Why should I have to prove it?

” Bumdong tried to respond, enduring his agony, but— Thud!

Boom!

“Guh-hahk!

” Gu Yangcheon smashed Bumdong’s head into the ground without waiting for an answer.

“Why the hell should I have to do that, you bastard?

” “Gugh...

ugh...

” “Investigation rights?

Don’t give me that bullshit.

Go ahead, bring them here.

Let’s see what difference they make.

” Investigation rights issued by the Martial Alliance.

But even if Bumdong brought them, what would change?

“They’re useless trash that can’t do a damn thing against the Nine Great Sects or the Four Great Clans.

” The power of investigation rights depended entirely on the target.

If a direct descendant of the Namgung or Moyong families caused trouble, those rights would be nothing more than scraps of paper.

Such was the Martial Alliance’s strength: a justice that shifted based on one’s status.

It was a truly absurd system.

“But you think you can use them against me?

” Maybe he could.

After all, the Gu family wasn’t considered equal to the Nine Great Sects or the Four Great Clans.

But still.

“Bring them here.

I’ll show you what they’re worth.

” Whatever the case, it wouldn’t matter.

“Go on.

Bring them if you dare.

” His voice, low and growling, carried his rising fury, leaking waves of energy.

Whirrrr.

The energy whipped through the room, causing the furniture to rattle violently.

“Guh...

ugh...

” The crushing pressure began to erode Bumdong’s consciousness.

“P-please...

st-stop...

” Desperately, he clung to Gu Yangcheon’s pant leg, pleading.

It was humiliating, but he had no choice.

If this continued, he would die.

Bumdong knew it instinctively.

‘This monster...

what the hell is he?

’ He’d known before that Gu Yangcheon was skilled, but this was far beyond what he’d expected.

Rumors had circulated that the "Little Lord of the Underworld" had reached Hwagyeong before even reaching his prime.

No one had believed it.

Who could?

Such a prodigy had never existed in history.

The youngest Hwagyeong officially recognized by the Alliance was the Divine Dragon of Shaolin.

But now, seeing Gu Yangcheon with his own eyes...

‘Was he hiding his strength...?

’ Even as he was crushed, Bumdong’s mind raced.

Why would someone like Gu Yangcheon, with such immense power, choose to keep it concealed?

The Divine Dragon had been publicly acknowledged as a Hwagyeong master about a year ago.

If Gu Yangcheon had truly reached Hwagyeong as the rumors suggested, he should have revealed himself long before now.

But even now, he remained in the shadows.

Why?

Just as Bumdong’s thoughts spiraled into confusion— “Impressive.

” “...!

” Gu Yangcheon’s voice startled him, sending shivers down his spine.

“Even in this state, you’re still thinking.

You must be feeling confident, huh?

” “T-that’s not—!

” Crunch—!

“Aaaaagh!

” Bumdong’s left pinky bent unnaturally, a sharp pain shooting through him.

“Urgh...

” Quivering from the pain, Bumdong struggled to keep his composure.

Gu Yangcheon’s voice was calm, chillingly so, as he continued.

“You were like this before, too.

” That calm tone made his words all the more horrifying.

“Even when others were dying, you kept scheming.

Back then, I thought you were just trying to find a way to survive.

” Gu Yangcheon’s hand left Bumdong’s pinky and moved to his ring finger.

“But that doesn’t seem to be it.

What was it, I wonder?

Do you know, Commander?

” “W-what are you talking about...

” Crack.

His ring finger shattered.

“Guh!

” Just as Bumdong was about to scream— Clap.

Gu Yangcheon clamped a hand over his mouth.

“This isn’t a topic worth discussing.

So shut up.

If you scream, the next thing I break won’t be your fingers—it’ll be your neck.

” To drive the point home, his other hand rested on Bumdong’s throat.

“Nod if you understand.

” “...

” Trembling, Bumdong gave a small, fearful nod.

Only then did Gu Yangcheon’s hand leave his mouth.

Smack!

“...!!

” A stinging slap sent Bumdong’s head snapping to the side, his cheek flushing crimson.

Despite the pain, Bumdong didn’t scream.

He simply endured the blood dripping from his face, staring at Gu Yangcheon.

Seeing this, Gu Yangcheon smirked and nodded.

“You’re obedient.

I like that.

” “...

” “I’ll overlook what you said earlier because of it.

” Gu Yangcheon slowly rose from his crouched position.

“I was planning to tear you apart and burn the pieces to ash, but unfortunately, you’re still useful.

” His voice was dry, his words chilling.

And Bumdong could tell—he meant every word.

Those azure eyes brimmed with unrestrained killing intent.

‘This...

this can’t be...

’ Was this truly the gaze of a mere youth barely past twenty?

Was he truly a descendant of a righteous family?

‘He’s a monster.

’ Bumdong was certain of it.

‘This man is a monster.

’ Gu Yangcheon wasn’t human.

He was a beast, a monster with overwhelming power.

No one else could do this—not even in the heart of Henan, to a commander of the Martial Alliance.

Creeaak.

Gu Yangcheon dragged a chair across the floor, setting it down in front of Bumdong before sitting with one leg crossed over the other.

His gaze bore down on Bumdong.

Those glowing blue eyes with slit pupils seemed to pierce straight through him.

Even without looking directly, Bumdong felt as though his head would involuntarily lower.

To avoid meeting that gaze.

Gu Yangcheon chuckled softly.

“Well then, let’s set aside our animosity and have a pleasant conversation.

I have a proposition for you, Commander.

” His tone shifted.

The change made Bumdong instinctively swallow hard.

‘...

Set aside animosity?

’ It was impossible to believe.

Gu Yangcheon’s eyes made it clear—he still intended to kill him.

“I know speaking must be painful, so keep your mouth shut.

I’ll make it easier for you to answer.

” “...

” “Earlier, when I asked if you understood, what would you have said?

” Nod.

“Good.

Then let’s start with the first proposal.

” Gu Yangcheon smiled coldly as he spoke to Bumdong.

“First: don’t tell anyone about what happened here today.

” “...

” “I don’t care if you say you tripped, fell down some stairs, or got into a fight somewhere.

Just don’t talk about this.

Our esteemed Commander here is good at keeping secrets, isn’t that right?

” Despite his shredded mouth, crushed hands, and broken fingers, Gu Yangcheon expected him to pass off his injuries as a mere accident.

A ridiculous proposition for someone of Bumdong’s martial prowess, but Bumdong wasn’t in a position to argue.

“Second: stop sending your lackeys to snoop around.

Should I start cutting off heads and sending them back before you take me seriously?

” “...!

” Bumdong’s eyes widened at the remark.

He’d recently dispatched men to observe Gu Yangcheon and his companions.

Had he noticed?

“I won’t ask you to stop concerning yourself with me entirely—that would be too petty of me.

Let’s just keep it to this level, alright?

Surely you can manage that much?

” “...

” What did he mean by “this level”?

Bumdong couldn’t comprehend a word Gu Yangcheon was saying.

Having come this far, there was no turning back.

Now that Gu Yangcheon knew, and Bumdong had witnessed his terrifying strength and ruthlessness, retreat wasn’t an option.

“If you refuse, feel free to shake your head.

But if you do...

” Gu Yangcheon leaned in slightly, his smile unrelenting.

“Then I’ll kill you, your subordinates outside, and anyone else you hold dear.

Don’t worry about the evidence—I’m very good at making it disappear.

” Only then did Bumdong realize.

Enough time had passed that the Flying Dragon Division should have already arrived to support him.

But they hadn’t.

They should’ve been here long ago.

‘...

No way.

’ It could only mean one thing: something had happened.

Bumdong’s eyes trembled violently.

What was going on?

As his doubts and fears suffocated him, Gu Yangcheon added another chilling remark.

“If you’re still having trouble deciding, should I throw in your daughter in Honam as well?

” “...!!

” Bumdong’s breathing hitched and faltered.

His daughter’s presence in Honam was a well-kept secret, known to only a few within the Alliance’s upper echelon.

As a member of the intelligence division, Bumdong had long since erased any trace of personal information.

Yet Gu Yangcheon had unearthed it effortlessly and laid it bare before him.

“Wh...

how...

” Bumdong tried to feign ignorance, but— “It must be expensive to keep her in school at the academy in Honam.

You can’t afford to waste time here, can you?

She’s seven now, isn’t she?

” “...

” Crunch.

The level of detail left Bumdong no choice but to clench his fists in helpless fury.

“How...

How do you...

” “How I know isn’t important.

What matters is you, Commander.

” “How...

can a supposed righteous man...

threaten my family?

” Snap.

Gu Yangcheon ignored the outburst and flicked his fingers, igniting a wave of blue flames that filled the room.

The oppressive darkness lifted, revealing the surroundings in sharp clarity.

“Righteous?

What a joke.

” As if disgusted, Gu Yangcheon nonchalantly dug his pinky into his ear.

“If you want to fight bastards, you can’t stay clean yourself.

You’ve got to be an even bigger bastard.

” His gaze shifted back to Bumdong.

The room was now bright, but the intensity of his piercing blue eyes made it feel darker.

“Let’s keep this simple.

Nod if you agree.

Shake your head if you don’t.

” “...

” In the light, Gu Yangcheon’s grin was clearer, more unsettling.

“I’ll count to five.

If you don’t answer by then, I’ll assume it’s a no.

” Raising his hand, he began to fold his fingers slowly.

“One...

Five.

” “I-I’ll do it!!

” Bumdong hastily nodded, panic-stricken as Gu Yangcheon skipped straight from one to five.

Gu Yangcheon’s expression turned satisfied.

“Good choice.

You save yourself, your subordinates, and your daughter.

A very wise decision.

” “...

” Gu Yangcheon rose from his chair and walked toward the door, leaving Bumdong behind.

Bumdong watched him, bewildered.

Was it over just like that?

No restrictive measures, no binding oaths, just a warning?

He couldn’t believe it and stared at Gu Yangcheon in disbelief.

“I’m too lazy to see you off, so show yourself out.

” Gu Yangcheon casually opened the door.

Creeeeak.

As the door swung open, the scene outside came into view.

“...!!

” Bumdong’s eyes widened in shock.

Nearly a dozen figures lay sprawled across the field outside the quarters.

Each wore white martial robes embroidered with crimson—members of the Flying Dragon Division.

“...

What...

what is this?

” Those who should have been stationed in a distant ambush lay defeated right at his doorstep.

As Bumdong’s voice quivered with disbelief, he noticed someone standing among the fallen.

A petite woman with short hair.

At a glance, her gender might’ve been unclear, but her features and figure confirmed she was female.

She held a staff larger than herself, idly watching a butterfly flit about.

As the butterfly’s movements led her gaze toward the building, she noticed Gu Yangcheon and broke into a bright smile.

“Ohhh!!

” Like a puppy rushing to its owner, she ran toward Gu Yangcheon.

“I did everything you told me to!!

” Her exuberance was met with Gu Yangcheon’s calm question.

“Did you kill them all?

” An unsettling question to use as a greeting.

Her response was even more bizarre.

“Nope!

I was going to, but the cult leader told me not to!

” “Good job.

” “I did well?

I did, didn’t I?

If I did well, I deserve a reward!

What should I ask for?

Ooh, I know!

” She chattered excitedly to herself, but— “Okay then!

” “Hm?

” “Now you’ll finally mate wi—” Boom!

Before she could finish, Gu Yangcheon slammed his fist into her head.

With a sharp sound, her small frame staggered.

Thud.

She collapsed unconscious, felled in a single strike.

...

Was she dead?

For a moment, Bumdong thought so, but the slight twitching of her body reassured him otherwise.

“Tch.

This is why I didn’t want to bring her along.

Just seeing her pisses me off.

” Gu Yangcheon waved a hand irritably.

“Nahi.

” “Yes, Master.

” “Take her away.

Gag her, tie her up, and throw her in a corner until I’m gone.

” “Understood.

” At his command, another woman emerged, dragging the unconscious figure away.

Gu Yangcheon sighed deeply and turned to face Bumdong.

“What are you waiting for?

” “...?

” “Are you planning to just stand there forever?

” Bumdong was confused until Gu Yangcheon gestured toward the fallen members of the Flying Dragon Division.

“I need to eat.

Take your men and get out.

” Bumdong hesitated, staring at the group of unconscious martial artists.

At least nine of them.

Was he really expected to carry them all away?

Seeing his reluctance, Gu Yangcheon spoke again.

“Or should I make you leave this world instead?

” “...

” “That’d be easier, honestly.

” Gu Yangcheon scowled as he spoke, his tone °• N ? v ? l i g h t •° filled with disdain.

Realizing he had no choice, Bumdong scrambled to gather his injured subordinates despite his own grievous wounds.