Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The elderly woman, her white hair disheveled, stared at me as though she couldn’t believe her eyes.

Others, who were on the verge of dashing forward, froze in place, their faces similarly dumbfounded.

Yeoseon, who had been so calm and composed moments earlier, now looked visibly rattled.

“How...

how did you...?

” I tilted my head as if genuinely confused.

“What do you mean ‘how’?

” “You said to cross the line and tap your shoulder.

So, I did.

” I did exactly as instructed—nothing more, nothing less.

It was such a simple matter when you thought about it.

‘Of course, I did use a few tricks.

’ I glanced around briefly, taking in the surroundings once more.

This entire place was a formation—I’d known that the moment I stepped through the entrance.

‘The air feels wrong.

’ The difference in the flow of energy was immediately noticeable.

The very act of breathing in and out felt strange, distorted somehow.

There was no need to activate my Heart’s Eye to understand.

‘This is a formation.

’ The subtle irregularities, the twisted flow of energy—everything pointed to a carefully constructed array.

The moment I recognized it, the purpose was obvious.

‘This is a test.

’ It wasn’t just a resting area.

It was an elaborate trial, woven into the very ground we stood on.

And Yeoseon, the old hag standing before me, was its creator.

As I surveyed the surroundings earlier, I’d noticed the intricate nodes that made up the formation: The wall, etched with faint markings.

The lone pine tree standing in the middle of the otherwise uniform forest.

The flower on the western edge, strangely conspicuous.

All of these were anchors—critical points that held the formation together.

And Yeoseon herself was the key, her Qi circulating through those nodes to sustain the formation.

‘Impressive.

’ It was delicate and precise, exactly what you’d expect from the Murim Alliance’s most renowned formation master.

If this had been my past self, I’d probably have been as helpless as the others standing here.

‘But now, things are a little different.

’ With my Heart’s Eye, I could see the formation.

With my heightened senses, I could feel its flow.

If I could see it and feel it...

‘Then breaking through is easy.

’ Seeing the path laid out before me, I simply stepped through.

Yeoseon, still clearly shaken, stammered as she looked at me.

“How could you...?

So quickly...?

” It had only taken a few seconds—far too little time for her to process what had happened.

The deep wrinkles on her face furrowed even further.

But her reaction didn’t concern me.

“So, does this mean I’ve passed?

” I asked again, my tone casual.

Yeoseon glanced around, as though trying to verify whether the formation was still intact.

Of course, it was.

‘I didn’t break anything.

’ I hadn’t destroyed the formation.

I’d simply bypassed it.

If I’d wanted to, I could’ve shattered it entirely...

‘But why would I do that?

’ There was no point in ruining her hard work.

Breaking the formation would’ve only created unnecessary trouble.

Yeoseon must’ve realized this, as her expression turned even more conflicted.

“...

This...

this is....

” She seemed at a loss for words, clearly still grappling with what had just happened.

“Look, you can be surprised later.

For now, can you just tell me if I passed?

” She hesitated briefly before finally responding.

“...

You...

pass.

” Her voice was reluctant, but it didn’t matter.

A faint smile tugged at my lips as I turned to look at the other participants.

More specifically, at one very obvious figure in the crowd—Peng Zhou, the Blade King.

Our eyes met.

He wasn’t even trying to hide his displeasure.

His face practically radiated irritation.

‘You’re going to have a rough time, old man.

’ I doubted Peng Zhou would fail this test.

If he couldn’t slip through the formation like I had, then he’d simply tear through it with brute force.

But that came with its own problems.

Yeoseon had said this was a first-come, first-served test.

If Peng Zhou shattered the formation, the path would open for everyone else at once.

In that case, the real challenge would be speed.

Could he break the formation and rush through before anyone else?

‘It’s going to be a mess.

’ It was bound to devolve into chaos—a frantic free-for-all.

If Peng Zhou was smart, he’d avoid brute-forcing his way through until absolutely necessary.

A battle of wits and reflexes.

‘Honestly, I’d love to stick around and watch.

’ The thought of them all tripping over themselves in a desperate scramble was almost too entertaining to pass up.

But unfortunately, I didn’t have the luxury of staying.

With a sigh of regret, I turned back to Yeoseon.

“Well then, can I go now?

” Her shoulders slumped, as though all the fight had drained out of her.

“...

Yes.

You may leave.

” She sounded tired—defeated, even.

Taking her words as confirmation, I turned and began walking away without a second glance.

I could feel Peng Zhou’s gaze burning into my back.

For a moment, I was tempted to turn around and give him a mocking smile.

But no.

That would be too petty.

‘Don’t worry, old man.

We’ll meet again soon enough.

’ There’d be plenty of time for that later.

****************** As the twilight receded and the moon rose into the sky, the preliminaries of the Divine Dragon Martial Tournament concluded for the day.

Seven martial artists gathered in the conference room set up within the Alliance.

Each of them wore robes embroidered with distinctive patterns, symbolizing their positions as the leaders of their respective divisions in the Alliance.

In short, everyone present was a Daeju of the Alliance.

“Let us begin the meeting.

” The man seated at the head of the table spoke.

It was Jang Seongmyeong, the Cheongryong Daeju (Blue Dragon Division Leader), considered the strongest among them after the Sword Emperor, the Suho Daeju.

“First, the Ilryong Daeju was dispatched to Hubei immediately after the preliminaries due to an unforeseen issue.

” At Jang Seongmyeong's words, someone reacted.

A man with twin swords strapped at his waist—Dongcheon, the Geumryong Daeju (Golden Dragon Division Leader), also known as Ssangeui Hwangeom—spoke with a puzzled tone.

“Hubei, you say?

Suddenly...?

” “Yes.

It was urgent enough that even the Mengju approved the dispatch.

Someone will need to temporarily handle the Ilryong Daeju’s duties.

” “I’ll take care of it.

” At that, Song Yu, the Jeokryong Daeju (Red Dragon Division Leader), raised his hand.

Seeing this, Jang Seongmyeong nodded.

“Then, it is confirmed that the Jeokryong Daeju will assume the Ilryong Daeju’s duties.

Let us now proceed with the current reports.

” Shrrrk.

At his words, the Daeju retrieved letters from within their robes.

These contained detailed information regarding the day’s preliminaries.

“First, let us discuss the Green Gate.

Biryong Daeju.

” “...

Yes.

” “Was there anyone notable in the first round?

” “As expected, Mua Geom and Cheonghae Tugeom stood out.

However, unexpectedly, a newcomer called Bitan Yuchang made a strong impression.

” “Bitan Yuchang...

That’s a name I’ve heard before.

” He was a rising martial artist from Hebei who had gained a reputation wielding a single spear.

“What was his level of skill?

” “He seemed to have reached the peak of Jeoljeong (Mastery).

” “And yet he is still far from forty, correct?

His potential is remarkable.

Can we gather more information?

” “I’ll send a command to reach out to the Beggar’s Sect for further details.

” “Understood.

Next, regarding the Blue Gate...

” Jang Seongmyeong paused, his brow twitching ever so slightly.

“...

The successor of the Sword Sovereign.

” Indeed, there was something noteworthy about the Blue Gate’s results.

“Cheollyong Daeju.

” “Yes.

” At Jang Seongmyeong’s call, the one responsible for the Blue Gate, Eunrang Geom (Hidden Wave Sword), the Cheollyong Daeju, replied in a subdued voice.

“What did you observe?

” It was a question loaded with implications.

The Heavenly Sword, or rather, Sword Sovereign Wi Hyogun, the most revered martial artist of the previous generation and former ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) Mengju, who came closest to the pinnacle of the martial world, had a recognized successor.

And that successor had voluntarily appeared at the Martial Alliance.

This was already a sensitive issue—what would they have displayed during the preliminaries?

When asked, Eunrang Geom hesitated and couldn’t answer immediately.

“...

That is...

” His lips parted reluctantly, as if there was little he could say.

“Eunrang Geom?

” Jang Seongmyeong asked again, a hint of concern in his tone.

Only then did Eunrang Geom carefully open his mouth.

“The Sword Sovereign’s successor...

appeared to have reached Singgeom Habil (Sword and Mind as One).

” “...!

” “What did you say?

” The others reacted strongly to the Cheollyong Daeju’s words.

“Singgeom Habil?

What nonsense is this?

” “Eunrang Geom, are you certain?

” Some spoke harshly, especially those who were swordsmen themselves.

It was understandable.

Singgeom Habil was the aspiration of every swordmaster, the state needed to wield the Simgeom (Heart Sword).

Though it was said to be an ideal rather than a skill based on physical levels, those who achieved it were at least masters of Jeoljeong (Mastery).

And yet— “She has only just passed her Yakgwan (the age of twenty).

Do you think that makes any sense?

” “Eunrang Geom must be exhausted.

Otherwise, how could he say such absurdities?

” “Even if she is the Sword Sovereign’s successor...

Singgeom Habil—” “Enough.

” The rising commotion was quelled by Jang Seongmyeong’s calm, low voice.

A sudden wave of Naegi (Qi) dispersed the heated atmosphere.

With narrowed eyes, Jang Seongmyeong turned back to Eunrang Geom and asked firmly.

“Eunrang Geom, is this certain?

” “Yes, Cheongryong Daeju.

I saw it with my own eyes.

As a fellow swordmaster, how could I not recognize it?

She was already beyond my ability to assess.

” “...

Hah.

” “That can’t be...

” The room stirred at Eunrang Geom’s resolute words.

If even a master like him found it difficult to gauge her level, it was unsettling.

For a woman barely past twenty to receive such praise—it was beyond strange.

“Another monster has been born...

” “To think the Sword Sovereign created such a figure...

” The swordsmen’s expressions were complicated.

Before them was a dazzling possibility, yet their faces reflected an inexplicable jealousy.

For martial artists of the Orthodox Faction who had walked this path for decades, their reactions seemed warped.

‘Tsk.

’ Song Yu clicked his tongue behind his mask as he observed.

Under normal circumstances, such a prodigy would have been celebrated.

But after what he experienced earlier that day, this scene felt uncomfortably twisted.

‘What are they doing?

’ Instead of congratulating an exceptional junior, they were consumed by petty jealousy.

Song Yu had to suppress the growing discomfort in his chest.

“...

The information from the Blue Gate is valuable.

I’ll keep it in mind.

” Jang Seongmyeong nodded, jotting down notes—likely related to the Sword Sovereign’s successor.

Unlike before, however, he refrained from passing it along to the Biryong Daeju.

“Next, Geumryong Daeju?

” The Golden Gate had been overseen by the Geumryong Daeju.

“Two stood out in the first round: Maepa Jeongseolgeom (Obscure Wave True Sword) and Pungnim Witan-gwon (Wind Forest Encircling Fist).

” “Both are familiar titles.

” The first was Maepa Jeongseolgeom, a renowned martial artist from Sichuan.

The other was said to be a Gwon-su (fist master) from the Do-moon lineage, active in Shaanxi.

Moreover— "Not just those two.

Biseongdo was there as well.

" "Biseongdo...

" Biseongdo—Pang Woojin, the son of Dowang Pang Zhou and the previous Divine Dragon.

He, too, was part of the Red Gate.

"Judging by the way he left a mark with a single strike, Biseongdo appears to have reached quite a level of mastery as well.

" "That’s no surprise.

He’s been like that from the start.

" It was no exaggeration to call him a Divine Dragon.

A Divine Dragon represented the pinnacle martial artist of their generation.

If not for that Shaolin monster, his prominence would have shone even brighter.

The Red Gate appeared to have fewer surprises overall.

Jang Seongmyeong gave a brief response before moving on.

"Lastly, the White Gate...

" Jang Seongmyeong turned to look at Song Yu this time.

"Jeokryong Daeju.

" "Yes.

" "How was it?

The Dowang’s form?

" "...

" Everyone in the room knew that Dowang had been assigned to the White Gate.

When asked, Song Yu replied in his usual calm voice.

"He seemed even stronger than before.

" "Is that so?

It seems he hasn’t been neglecting his training.

There’s no need to examine Dowang any further...

How about the rest?

" "Biseong Eunwoldo and Seoncheon Mugwanggeom appear to have surpassed the reported levels of mastery.

" "More specifically?

" "Biseong Eunwoldo seems close to reaching the peak of Jeoljeong.

As for Seoncheon Mugwanggeom, I estimate they’ll reach Hwagyeong within ten years.

" "Ha.

" Jang Seongmyeong let out a small exclamation of admiration at Song Yu’s assessment.

"That’s not bad at all.

" Reaching Hwagyeong in ten years?

That meant they were just on the brink of breaking through that wall.

Smiling, Jang Seongmyeong commented.

"I hope they achieve good results in this tournament.

" That would make recruiting them into the Alliance all the easier.

Of course, with their level of skill, good results were practically guaranteed, so he wasn’t particularly worried.

"Ah, by the way, Jeokryong Daeju.

" "Yes.

" "I heard the young lord of the Gu family was in the White Gate.

Is that correct?

" "...

" So Yeomra Gu Yangcheon.

At the mention of his name, Song Yu flinched without realizing it.

"How did he seem?

" The question immediately brought the scene from earlier to Song Yu’s mind.

The moment Gu Yangcheon had crushed Everlasting Cold Iron in his grasp.

Song Yu knew he had to report the most critical information.

Information about So Yeomra.

But— "...

" For some reason, his lips wouldn’t move.

Why?

He needed to say it.

"Jeokryong, what’s the matter?

" Jang Seongmyeong asked again, sensing something odd.

And yet, Song Yu still couldn’t bring himself to speak.

‘What’s wrong with me?

’ Why wasn’t he reporting it?

It wasn’t as if this would remain a secret for long.

There were too many witnesses, and Song Yu himself had seen it with his own eyes.

He knew all of this, and yet— "...

He was at an unexpected level of mastery.

" In the end, Song Yu couldn’t deliver a proper report.

Unexpected?

That didn’t even begin to describe it.

If anything, he should have reported that Gu Yangcheon might have reached Hwagyeong.

He should have mentioned it.

But he didn’t.

Why not?

He didn’t know.

"I see.

An unexpected level, you say...

I understand.

" Jang Seongmyeong showed no particular reaction.

"The total number of first-round qualifiers is 230.

That’s higher than expected...

" The estimate had been between 190 and 200.

That was the expected range for the first day.

But thirty more had qualified.

Still, it didn’t matter.

The second round would filter them out.

Shrrrk.

Jang Seongmyeong turned to the next page of the report.

The second round—this page listed the times it had taken participants to break through the formation set up by Bimapa.

"The fastest time for the Green Gate was two shijin...

" That matched the predictions Bimapa had made when setting up the formation.

But then— ‘Hmm?

’ Jang Seongmyeong’s brows twitched as he read the next line.

‘...

One gak?

’ The Blue Gate’s first qualifier had reportedly completed the formation in just one gak (fifteen minutes).

Who could that be?

Startled, he checked the name.

"Hm?

" [Blue Gate.

] [Gwangju Jinga Jin Imseok.

] It was a name he didn’t recognize.

‘Gwangju Jinga...

’ He knew the family, but not the name.

If they had qualified for the second round, they must be quite skilled, yet Eunrang Geom hadn’t mentioned them specifically.

Who were they?

Who could clear the formation in just one gak?

‘Could they be particularly adept at formations relative to their level?

’ That was a possibility.

Someone with lower martial skills but exceptional talent for formations.

‘Hmm.

’ It was odd, but the report didn’t lie.

‘I’ll mark it as a special note for now.

’ He decided he would inform the Biryong Daeju about it later.

Turning the page, he read about the Red Gate.

‘The Red Gate...

about half a shijin.

’ That was fast as well.

It seemed slow only in comparison to the one gak.

The first to escape was Biseongdo.

‘That makes sense.

’ Although his reputation had dimmed somewhat, Biseongdo had once been called a genius among geniuses.

There was no reason to doubt it.

‘Now for the Dowang’s side.

’ Did he even need to check?

Dowang would likely have been the fastest.

Confident, Jang Seongmyeong flipped the page.

“...?

” He froze upon seeing the White Gate’s time.

[White Gate Second Round Completion Time.

] [One second.

] [Sansogu Ga Gu Yangcheon.

] Was he seeing this wrong?

Jang Seongmyeong brought the paper closer and checked again.

“...

What is this...?

” The text hadn’t changed.

One second?

One second?

“Bimapa.

What is the meaning of this...?

” With a deeply furrowed brow, Jang Seongmyeong turned to look at the person responsible for the formation, Pungryong Daeju Bimapa.

“...

Bimapa?

” He froze at the sight of the elderly woman.

Pungryong Daeju Bimapa, the greatest formation master in Henan— “...

What went wrong?

How...

Why...?

It was installed perfectly.

Was there a flaw?

That can’t be...

It’s impossible...

” “...

” Her eyes were filled with disbelief and a creeping dread.