Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Everlasting Cold Iron.

Before the rise of demonic artifacts, it had been the primary material for crafting divine weapons.

Unlike other metals, its durability was overwhelming.

It was so hard that only master artisans dared to attempt forging it.

Centuries ago— During the era when the Magyeong Gate opened, spewing demonic beasts into the world, a time known as the Era of Despair began.

Even back then, Everlasting Cold Iron was exceedingly rare.

Yet survival demanded its use.

Clans and sects alike were forced to dig up whatever Cold Iron they had and craft weapons out of it.

Why?

Because for martial artists of lower cultivation, defeating a demon beast required Cold Iron.

Moreover, by the time dozens of prestigious clans had vanished trying to hoard the precious material, people learned their lesson.

That era was ruthless.

It was a time when survival meant grasping at whatever you could, clawing and thrashing with all your might.

And this underscored the power of the Everlasting Cold Iron.

It elevated weaker martial artists to a higher level.

That’s how exceptional and indestructible the steel was.

The Steel Qi, which manifested at the Pinnacle Stage or higher— Without reaching that level, even scratching the Cold Iron was impossible.

That was common knowledge.

Thud—!

“....

” Song Yu, the Red Dragon Unit Captain of the Murim Alliance, was rendered speechless by the unfolding scene.

Fragments of Everlasting Cold Iron lay scattered on the ground.

Turning to look at the pillar, he saw its surface marred by various marks— Remnants of the efforts of over a hundred martial artists.

But one mark stood out more than the rest.

It was the imprint of a human hand.

It looked as if someone had gripped the iron and tore it apart.

Song Yu, who had witnessed this with his own eyes, still couldn’t comprehend what had just happened.

‘What...

just happened?

’ This was Everlasting Cold Iron.

Without wrapping one’s Qi around it and striking with all their might, it was indestructible.

‘Even if it’s mixed with other metals...

’ Song Yu turned to glance at the mark left by Blade King Peng Zhou.

It was long and deep.

If one were to compare, Peng Zhou’s mark was far larger.

But it wasn’t just about size.

Song Yu had seen the Blade King swing with full force.

Had that blow struck a person directly, there wouldn’t have been bones left to bury.

In truth, Song Yu didn’t know if he himself could stand against Peng Zhou at full power.

Peng Zhou was that formidable—a master who wielded overwhelming, domineering techniques.

Leaving a mark like that wasn’t surprising.

Song Yu himself, as a master archer, couldn’t leave a mark like that with his techniques.

However— ‘What is this?

’ The hole in the Cold Iron.

It was smaller, but far more shocking.

‘...

He tore the iron apart?

With his bare hands?

’ Peng Zhou had needed to concentrate his breathing, gather his Qi, and explode it in a single moment.

That was the strategy required to damage the Cold Iron.

But now— ‘There was no preparation.

’ Even Peng Zhou, a master of Hwagyeong, had to prepare his strike.

But this young man...

He had simply stretched out his hand, touched the Cold Iron, and ripped it apart.

There had been no visible buildup of energy, no preparatory motion.

If one exaggerated, it looked as effortless as smashing tofu.

‘Is that even possible?

’ A fundamental question arose in Song Yu’s mind.

Could Cold Iron, which required Steel Qi to damage, simply be torn apart like that?

He thought about it.

‘If it were me...

could I do it?

’ Song Yu immediately concluded: No.

Even though he was also at Hwagyeong, his expertise was not in external martial arts.

He could imbue an arrow with Qi and lodge it into the surface of Cold Iron— But ripping it apart barehanded?

Impossible.

Then what about others?

‘Could someone else manage it?

’ Perhaps martial artists with exceptional strength or specialized physical techniques?

He wasn’t certain.

No matter how he thought about it, the scene before him defied understanding.

‘What kind of method did he use?

’ Song Yu couldn’t do it.

He doubted others could either.

To simply reach out, touch the Cold Iron, and tear it apart— How strong would one have to be to achieve that?

As he pondered, a thought flashed through his mind.

‘The Sword Emperor...

could he do it?

’ One of the Ten Great Masters of Zhongyuan.

A member of the Seven Swords and Three Fists, and the current strongest swordmaster of Hanan.

Perhaps someone of the Sword Emperor’s caliber could achieve this.

‘Which means...

’ Did that imply this young man was on the same level?

It was absurd.

But as murmurs broke out among the watching martial artists, Song Yu realized he wasn’t the only one stunned.

“What just happened?

” “Did he...

tear it apart?

” “Are you joking?

He ripped apart the Everlasting Cold Iron?!

” The silence shattered.

Behind his mask, Song Yu swallowed dryly.

Then— “Excuse me.

” “...!

” The young man’s voice jolted Song Yu.

He held out the chunk of Cold Iron in his hand and asked nonchalantly, “So, did I pass or not?

” “...

Well.

” “I didn’t break any rules.

” “...

” That was true.

He hadn’t.

The rule was clear: One attempt only.

Once you touched the Cold Iron, it was over.

But he had pushed his hand into it while maintaining contact.

Technically, he hadn’t broken the rule.

At this point, one could argue there was a flaw in the rules themselves.

‘But who here ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) could object?

’ If anyone wanted to challenge it, they were free to try doing the same.

But who could?

“Number one hundred and two.

” “Yes?

” Song Yu’s voice faltered as he hesitated before asking, “What is your name?

” “Hm?

” The young man tilted his head at the sudden question but answered casually.

“I’m Gu Yangcheon, of the Gu family from Shanxi.

” “...!

” At his answer, murmurs spread through the crowd.

“Gu Yangcheon?

Gu Yangcheon...?

” “So Yeomra.

” “So Yeomra?

You mean the Little Lord of the Underworld?

” “The young hero of the Divine Dragon Pavilion?

That Gu Yangcheon?

” As the crowd buzzed with shock, Song Yu had a different reaction.

‘So it’s him.

’ He had heard of Gu Yangcheon before.

As a Captain of the Murim Alliance, Song Yu had access to information, though not to the same extent as the intelligence-focused Flying Dragon Unit.

But even he had heard about So Yeomra.

‘He’s one of the individuals the Alliance and Shaolin are watching closely.

’ Gu Yangcheon wasn’t originally part of the prestigious Five Dragons and Three Peaks, but unforeseen circumstances had earned him that position.

The Murim Alliance had intentionally suppressed rumors about him.

Despite winning the Yongbongjihoe and preventing the Divine Dragon Pavilion incident, his reputation remained muted.

This was due to the Alliance colluding with the Beggar’s Sect to contain the rumors.

‘Was that really necessary?

’ Song Yu found the Alliance’s actions distasteful.

He didn’t care about politics, but suppressing a promising young talent felt wrong.

Watching someone’s rising light be deliberately stifled was a bitter sight.

Still— ‘The Alliance must have its reasons.

’ As those tasked with protecting Zhongyuan, they must have a justification.

That’s what Song Yu told himself.

‘So this is So Yeomra...

Gu Yangcheon.

’ What should he say?

Ignoring the growing chatter around him, Song Yu quietly bit his lip as he observed Gu Yangcheon.

‘I can’t see it.

’ That was the reason.

Song Yu couldn’t see anything from Gu Yangcheon.

He had spent his entire life shooting arrows and striking targets.

He prided himself on being able to observe and understand anyone, regardless of their level.

Yet, as Song Yu watched Gu Yangcheon, an inexplicable feeling made him furrow his brows.

A choking pressure gripped his neck.

A stifling frustration rose within him.

Uncomfortable sensations began to dominate Song Yu.

‘This feeling...

’ The tips of his toes tingled.

Goosebumps rose across his skin as his instincts as a sniper screamed at him.

The figure before him was a predator.

A fierce beast baring its fangs.

Shiver.

“...!

” A chill spread across his body, and before he realized it, Song Yu had taken a step back.

Fortunately, the movement had been so brief that it likely went unnoticed.

But then— ‘Did he...

smile?

’ If Song Yu wasn’t mistaken, Gu Yangcheon had smiled at him.

Had he seen through him?

That tingling sensation returned, leaving Song Yu at a loss for words.

“Examiner.

So, what’s the result?

” Gu Yangcheon’s voice broke the silence, snapping Song Yu out of his thoughts.

“...

You pass.

” He managed to utter the words.

Gu Yangcheon simply nodded, then glanced off to the side and let out a faint chuckle.

“Eek!

” Somewhere among the participants, someone let out a startled gasp.

Who was he looking at?

Before the question could linger, Gu Yangcheon casually dropped the chunk of Cold Iron to the ground with a dull thud and began walking away.

As he moved, the murmuring crowd fell silent once more.

It was as though Gu Yangcheon reveled in the quiet.

There wasn’t the slightest tension in his posture.

The fact that he had just followed the Blade King.

The fact that hundreds of eyes had been watching his every move.

None of it seemed to concern him as he strolled forward with an unhurried calm.

Watching his back, a thought flashed through Song Yu’s mind.

‘A needle in a pouch.

’ The Alliance had tried to keep him hidden, but he was like a needle poking through a cloth pouch—impossible to conceal.

In that brief moment— With only a few light movements—Song Yu understood.

This man was a needle.

Too sharp to be held back.

No matter what tried to contain him, he would pierce through.

If even Song Yu could see this— ‘Does the Alliance truly not know?

’ Or were they pretending not to know?

It was a thought that lingered for a brief moment after Gu Yangcheon disappeared from view.

A strange unease rose within him, but Song Yu quickly shook his head, dispelling the thought.

‘Do not doubt the Alliance.

’ Uphold righteousness and integrity.

From the moment he decided to place chivalry at the tip of his arrow, Song Yu had vowed as much.

The Murim Alliance, which valued justice above all, must have its reasons.

Recalling his vow, Song Yu turned back to the task at hand.

“Next.

Number one hundred and three.

” The examination had to continue.

Whether it was the Blade King or So Yeomra, he still had a job to do.

Suppressing his emotions, Song Yu called the next number.

But for some reason, no one stepped forward.

“Did you not hear?

” There was no way they hadn’t heard him.

The area was completely silent—how could they not?

“One hundred and three.

” When Song Yu repeated the number, someone finally stepped out.

A man emerged, his face pale and lifeless.

“...

Y-Yes.

” After the chaos caused by the Blade King and So Yeomra, every gaze now fell on this man.

‘Will he show something too?

’ Hopeful anticipation filled their eyes.

“Huaaaagh!

” The man let out a strained cry and swung his sword with all his might— Clang.

But he couldn’t even leave a scratch on the Cold Iron.

“Disqualified.

” ****************** Right after the first preliminary round ended.

I moved toward the designated area for the successful candidates.

The distance wasn’t too far.

Since the forest had been completely cleared, it was easy to spot.

A building.

It was a moderately-sized structure made of wood, neither large nor small.

At the end of the path, it stood there as if beckoning us forward.

Walking toward the destination, I reflected on the events just moments ago.

‘Song Yu, the Deadly Bow (冥弓)...

’ Song Yu, Captain of the Red Dragon Unit.

A rare martial artist who wielded a bow, and even rarer—one who had ascended to Hwagyeong.

It was my first time encountering him in person.

‘Not bad.

’ From my perspective, he was a capable man.

His cultivation level was stable.

‘His instincts were sharp too.

’ Song Yu had tried to probe me cautiously, but sensing the edge, he didn’t push deeper and retreated.

Had he stepped further in, I’d have startled him just for fun, but he was perceptive enough to stop.

It showed that he hadn’t let his guard down.

The rumors were true—he was the Murim Alliance’s finest sniper.

‘Not that it matters since he’s a member of the Alliance.

We won’t cross paths again anyway.

’ Other than that— ‘It was decent for showmanship, but I wonder how this will play out.

’ I thought back to how I’d torn apart the Cold Iron.

‘I overdid it a little, but judging by the reactions, it turned out better than expected.

’ Originally, I’d planned to strike it hard enough to leave a mark and move on.

But the Blade King had made such a fuss before me, and the fool behind me kept provoking me, so I’d gotten carried away.

Because of that, I ended up burning through a significant amount of Qi.

‘It wasn’t something I could do casually.

’ Even mixed with other metals, it was still Everlasting Cold Iron.

How else could I break it without taking a stance or building momentum?

‘Simple.

You just use brute force and pour in an absurd amount of Qi.

’ It was a straightforward answer.

The problem was that I’d used nearly half of my total Qi to pull it off, but in the end, it worked.

The only thing that stung a little— ‘...

was seeing the Cold Iron I sold being wasted on something like this.

’ Did they really buy such an expensive material just for this nonsense?

If they were going to waste it like that, they might as well have donated it to me.

Damn it.

“Haah.

” I let out a sigh and clicked my tongue lightly.

It was truly infuriating.

Even the test itself.

‘If the first round was this simple, what are they planning for the second?

’ They’d mentioned there would be two preliminary rounds today.

Since the first one had ended quickly, it seemed manageable.

‘Which means they’ve prepared something to wrap up the second round quickly too.

’ That ruled out the possibility of martial artists brawling with each other.

‘Ridiculous.

’ How could they hold a martial arts tournament with such pointless tests?

A bi-mu-je was supposed to be about combat—clashing fists and blades.

What was the point of this nonsense?

What exactly were they trying to accomplish here?

It was nothing but an annoyance.

‘But what can I do?

If they tell me to jump, I jump.

’ Since I’d agreed to participate, I had to follow along.

Of course, if they pushed me too far, I might break something else, but that was a problem for later.

Stop.

I halted my steps.

Lost in my thoughts, I’d already reached the building.

Creak.

Without hesitation, I grabbed the door and pushed it open.

At that moment— Vrrrm—!

‘Hm?

’ Sensing something unusual, I darted my eyes around quickly.

I scanned my surroundings in an instant.

‘Hmm.

’ Nodding slightly, I stepped inside and closed the door behind me.

‘Well, well.

’ At the same time, I pressed a hand over my mouth, forcing down the corners of my lips.

I barely managed to suppress the laugh threatening to escape.

‘So this is the second test?

’ Fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—I figured out what the second round was about.

And in addition— ‘This is good.

’ This test, too, looked like the perfect opportunity for me to wreak some havoc.

****************** At the same time, as Gu Yangcheon entered the building— Fwoosh—!!

Sparks ignited in the distant sky.

The location was so far away that not even Gu Yangcheon’s heightened senses could detect it.

The countless flames gathered and coalesced, slowly forming the shape of a person.

Before long, the flames became a figure that opened its eyes.

Suspended in the air, the figure’s gaze fell downward.

It was fixed on Gu Yangcheon, who had just entered the building.

Eyes filled with fiery light stared intently at the young man with black hair.

Then the figure’s wrinkled lips curved into a small smile as it spoke in a calm voice.

“There.

” The old man laughed softly.

“It’s you.

” At last, he had found him.