Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The first day of the main tournament had come to an end, and night had fallen.

After the events wrapped up, we headed to an inn, which was unusually crowded.

“Wow...

I’m not even sure we’ll find a seat.

” It wasn’t usually this busy, but with the tournament, the number of patrons had multiplied significantly.

“Didn’t Lady Moyong reserve a table for us?

I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Tang So-yeol said with a smile.

That was true.

Since Moyong Hee-ah was the one who invited us, she must have secured a spot.

She disliked dealing with crowded spaces and would’ve ensured we had a place to sit.

As I glanced at Tang So-yeol, who had spoken so casually, I found myself smiling as well.

“You seem to be in a good mood.

” “Huh?

Hehe...

” Was winning really that satisfying?

Tang So-yeol’s smile was brighter than usual.

Her movements were light and carefree—it was clear she was in high spirits.

‘...

She was terrifying back on the stage, though.

’ The look in her eyes as she battered Oil Sword, carefully controlling her strength, was intimidating even to me.

It reminded me of how the Poison Empress in my past life used to slaughter enemies from the unorthodox sects and the demonic cult.

Even though the era had changed, that expression of hers hadn’t.

Moreover— ‘She’s gotten much stronger.

’ Tang So-yeol was far more powerful than I had anticipated.

I’d thought she might have touched the Peak Level, but it seemed she had fully crossed into it.

‘She didn’t even use her family’s martial arts.

’ No poison arts, no hidden weapon techniques.

The martial arts passed down to the Tang Clan’s bloodline weren’t even part of her arsenal this time.

What she used was...

‘The ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) power of the Shadow King.

’ It was the same power I’d witnessed from the Shadow King before.

Creating that black veil that altered the perception of the space within—just looking at it felt unsettling.

The issue was— ‘It’s hard to even call it a martial art.

’ The Shadow King’s power came from his draconic lineage, granting him supernatural authority.

If that’s the case, does it mean Tang So-yeol used the Shadow King’s authority?

Tang So-yeol was human; she shouldn’t have been able to wield such power.

How had she managed it?

While the Shadow King’s ability was far more refined, the important point was that she had used it at all.

‘Hmm.

’ From what I observed, it didn’t feel like she was wielding authority directly.

Nor was it martial arts.

That left only one possibility— ‘Sorcery.

’ Tang So-yeol must have used the Shadow King’s authority through sorcery.

That seemed to be the most plausible explanation.

Since it wasn’t pure authority, the effects weren’t as strong.

And because it wasn’t martial arts, the technique and energy flow were fundamentally different.

It was undoubtedly sorcery.

‘Using sorcery to replicate authority...

’ If sorcery truly originated from draconic powers, then this theory aligns perfectly.

“Young master?

” As I was lost in thought, Tang So-yeol called out to me, snapping me back to reality.

“Oh, sorry.

I got caught up thinking about something.

” “Are you very tired?

” “No, not at all.

” What would I have to be tired about?

My duel ended in a single strike.

“If anything, you should be the tired one.

” She’d spent the entire match pummeling Oil Sword, so her fatigue must’ve been much greater than mine.

“I’m not that tired either.

If anything, I feel refreshed.

” “...

Oh...

um...

” Had she worked out some pent-up frustration while beating Oil Sword?

Her expression was as serene and content as she claimed.

Seeing her like that, I felt a smirk tug at my lips.

“Ugh...

” A groan came from behind us.

It was Bong Soon.

Frowning, I turned to ask, “What’s your problem now?

” “...

It wasn’t fun...

” Her answer, accompanied by a sigh, wasn’t surprising.

‘To be fair, her match was a bit dull.

’ While Tang So-yeol and I faced opponents at the Peak Level, Bong Soon’s opponent had barely surpassed the Peak Boundary.

She defeated them so easily that it could hardly be called a duel.

Since then, she’d been sulking.

“If you won, be happy about it.

Anyone watching you would think you lost.

” “I...

I want to fight someone strong...!

” “You’ll get your chance next time.

Stop whining—it’s annoying.

” “...

Hmph...

” At my words, Bong Soon’s spirits visibly sank.

Clicking my tongue, I turned away, only to see someone shaking his head at me.

“Good grief, you’re completely crushing her spirit.

” It was the black-haired Disowned Prince, Paejon.

“Can’t you show her a bit of kindness?

” “Kindness?

To her?

Never happening.

” Not only was I naturally unsympathetic, but I also couldn’t afford to coddle Bong Soon.

“By the way...

what’s the deal with you, Elder—uh, I mean, Gongja-nim?

” I caught myself mid-sentence, mindful of the crowd around us.

“Hm?

What do you mean?

” “When did you arrive?

If you were here, you could’ve said something.

” Paejon, like me, had participated in the first round of the main tournament.

I hadn’t seen or heard from him, so I assumed he wasn’t competing.

But as we were about to leave, I overheard murmurs about Two Dragons making waves.

It was then I saw Paejon descending from the stage.

“What was there to say?

Nothing worth mentioning happened.

” He had a point.

I sighed before asking, “Are you seriously aiming for the championship?

” “Who knows?

” Paejon flashed a sly grin, his smile as unnerving as ever.

“I’ll think about it, depending on the situation.

” “...

” In other words, he had no intention of backing down.

Suppressing a sigh, I mulled over my options.

‘This is going to be a headache.

’ If fate had it that I’d face Paejon in the arena, there’d be no holding back.

I had only one question to solve.

‘How do I beat him?

’ Defeating Paejon wasn’t optional.

As I racked my brain for strategies— “...

Hey, isn’t that So Yeomra and the Poison Phoenix?

” “It really is So Yeomra.

” The murmurs of onlookers reached my ears.

“In person, he looks even younger.

” “Is that young man truly Peak Level?

” “They say he’s close with the Poison Phoenix, and seeing them together confirms it.

” “And the other two with them...

” The tone of their voices was noticeably different from just days ago.

Their words were laced with curiosity and intrigue, especially about Tang So-yeol.

“She’s stunning in person.

” “To think such a delicate-looking woman could do that to Oil Sword...

” “Regardless of the Tang Clan’s sins, she’s a remarkable individual.

” Although there was plenty of chatter about me defeating Pung-something, Tang So-yeol was clearly the center of attention.

Her debut had left a strong impression.

“A young woman under twenty at Peak Level...

and she’s already among the Hundred Masters?

” “Since the New Dragon, she’s the greatest rising star.

” “...

If only she weren’t a member of the Tang Clan.

Still, I must admit...

” “Though there are rumors she used some kind of sorcery...

” I withdrew my senses.

I’d heard enough.

‘She’ll likely earn a new title soon.

’ Defeating a Peak Level martial artist like Oil Sword in front of so many people meant Tang So-yeol couldn’t be dismissed as just another rising talent.

By the end of the tournament, she’d undoubtedly have a new nickname.

As we climbed the stairs under countless watchful gazes, I couldn’t help but feel that things had deviated from our original plans.

Still, Tang So-yeol’s growth felt far more rewarding than any strategic success.

For reasons I couldn’t quite explain, it just felt...

right.

****************** Climbing up to the fourth floor of the inn, the atmosphere shifted.

Unlike the bustling first and second floors, this level was noticeably quieter.

Only those meeting specific conditions were allowed access to the third and fourth floors, which explained the reduced number of patrons.

As soon as we reached the fourth floor, a staff member guided us to our destination.

“Oh, over here!

” Moyong Hee-ah waved her delicate hand to signal us.

Sitting beside her was Wi Seol-ah, who greeted me with a warm smile the moment we arrived.

“You could’ve started eating without us.

” “We just got here,” Moyong Hee-ah replied smoothly.

“Don’t lie.

There’s no way you’d arrive exactly on time.

You’ve definitely been here for a while.

” “...

” Faced with the truth, Moyong Hee-ah momentarily closed her mouth.

Namgung Bi-ah wasn’t present.

Though she was well enough to move, she had mentioned needing more rest.

'Woo Hyuk and the young lady aren’t here either.

' I didn’t give it much thought.

Whatever they were up to, it wasn’t my concern.

Shortly after sitting down, dishes began arriving at the table.

It was clear that Moyong Hee-ah had pre-ordered everything, as none of us had placed any orders.

“You seemed quite busy today.

Are you okay?

” Moyong Hee-ah asked with a subtle smile.

I let out a short laugh.

“Looks like you’ve already heard everything.

” “Well, it was a noisy day.

Congratulations to you as well, Miss Tang.

” “Oh...

Thank you,” Tang So-yeol replied with a hint of embarrassment.

Considering the sheer number of spectators today, especially compared to the preliminaries, it wasn’t surprising that Moyong Hee-ah was already up to date.

“Don’t you think you went a bit overboard?

” “Hmm?

What do you mean?

” “I mean, you don’t seem like the type who wants to stand out too much,” she said, referring to my duel with Forest Tempest Fist.

The subtle show of strength I displayed during that fight had already caused enough buzz for the day.

Though Tang So-yeol’s match had drawn some of the attention away, Moyong Hee-ah seemed a little concerned.

“It’s fine.

It’s not like I was trying to avoid standing out entirely.

” I had simply been waiting for the right time to show myself.

Besides, “I was going to have to reveal myself eventually.

” Even if the timing hadn’t been perfect, concealing my abilities indefinitely would have become increasingly difficult.

Today’s circumstances had aligned conveniently.

“I see...

” Hearing my response, Moyong Hee-ah nodded thoughtfully, though her expression suggested she was lost in deeper contemplation.

She would likely arrive at her own conclusions, so I left her to it.

While she mulled over things, I reached for a dumpling on my plate.

As I chewed, a faint gurgle signaled my empty cup being filled.

Wi Seol-ah, sitting nearby, was carefully pouring water into my glass.

Interestingly, Tang So-yeol appeared to have intended to do the same but hesitated just a moment too long.

“...

Thanks.

” “It’s nothing.

” After filling my glass, Wi Seol-ah went on to fill Tang So-yeol’s and then her own.

Notably, she skipped Moyong Hee-ah, Pejon, and Bong Soon.

While Pejon and Bong Soon seemed indifferent, I caught Moyong Hee-ah’s eyebrow twitch subtly.

Was there some kind of tension between them?

A subtle undercurrent of rivalry seemed to linger in the air.

“...

So, your match is tomorrow, right?

” I asked, shifting the focus to Wi Seol-ah.

“Yes!

That’s right.

I’ll be fighting tomorrow.

” Wi Seol-ah would be competing in the second round of the main matches, alongside Seong Yul.

‘Hmm.

’ The second day was likely to be the most critical of the tournament.

Most of the higher-profile fighters were scheduled for that round.

It wasn’t a coincidence.

The tournament organizers had surely planned this arrangement in advance.

“Well, do your best.

” “I will!

I’ll win for sure!

” Wi Seol-ah declared with a radiant smile.

Amused by her determination, I picked up a piece of food from my plate and handed it to her.

‘...

But why is she so eager to win?

’ I wasn’t sure what was driving her motivation, but her cheerful demeanor made it easy to let the matter slide.

It had been a while since we all shared a meal together.

Between training and dealing with various matters, finding the time hadn’t been easy.

‘It would’ve been nice if Namgung Bi-ah were here.

’ Her absence was a slight disappointment.

Perhaps I’d bring some food back for her later.

With that thought, I enjoyed the rest of the peaceful meal.

****************** A day had passed.

After finishing my morning training, I was walking toward the arena.

Today marked the second round of the martial arts tournament, and I had a reason to be outside.

Walking amidst the bustling crowd, I glanced behind me.

“You okay?

” “...

Yeah.

” Trailing behind me was Namgung Bi-ah, her face covered with a veil.

It had been a long time since we walked together like this.

“If it’s uncomfortable, let me know.

” “...

If I do?

” “Then I’ll carry you—piggyback or bridal style, your choice.

” “...

Uncomfortable....

” “I’m joking.

” “....

” Namgung Bi-ah’s lips twitched into a rare frown at my teasing.

Finding it amusing, I gently tugged her wrist forward.

She hadn’t been able to come out yesterday, but since she said she could move today, I decided to bring her along.

Initially, I had hoped to bring Moyong Hee-ah and Tang So-yeol as well, but both had prior commitments.

That left just the two of us.

Our destination was none other than the tournament arena.

Heading straight to the spectator seats, I noticed the crowd was far denser than yesterday.

The first round was already packed, but today’s second round had left not a single gap in the audience.

“So many people....

” Namgung Bi-ah muttered, drawing closer to me as the crowd pressed around us.

Guiding her carefully, I made my way through the throng to our designated seats.

I had managed to secure reserved seats in advance.

When I asked Moyong Hee-ah about it yesterday, she had effortlessly obtained them for me.

When I questioned how she managed to get reservations a month after they had already sold out, she simply replied: “Do you really need to know?

” Her ominous tone made it clear I didn’t.

In any case, we had the seats, and that was all that mattered.

After navigating through the masses, we finally found our spot and sat down.

The seats weren’t the best, though.

The front rows were occupied by high-ranking officials from sects and prominent merchants.

Moyong Hee-ah had offered to secure those for me, but I turned her down.

“That’d be too much attention.

” A modest spot suited me just fine.

Seated now, I stared silently at the empty stage.

The murmurs of the crowd filled the air around me, but I paid no attention.

My eyes were fixed solely on the arena.

Perhaps noticing my focus, Namgung Bi-ah softly asked, “...

Are you worried about Seol-ah?

” “What?

” I blinked and turned to meet her calm gaze.

“Why would you say that?

” “...

Because that’s why you came today...

isn’t it?

” “....

” I couldn’t deny it.

Honestly, what other reason could I have had?

With a sheepish grin, I admitted, “You’re not wrong, but it’s not because I’m worried.

” “...

Then why?

” “Not worry—anticipation.

” Yes, anticipation.

Sure, there was some concern about Wi Seol-ah stepping onto the arena alone.

But at its core, it wasn’t about fear.

It was the excitement of seeing how she—and Tang So-yeol, too—had changed from their past lives.

To witness them spread their wings and soar independently.

That’s what I wanted to see.

“....

” Namgung Bi-ah watched me for a moment before gently placing her hand on my head, stroking my hair.

“What are you doing?

” “...

Nothing.

” It felt odd, but I didn’t bother stopping her.

We waited a little longer until an attendant approached and handed us several documents.

They were small sheets—condensed versions of today’s match lineup.

Unfolding one, I scanned the names.

‘Seong Yul...

looks like he’s matched well.

Yeong Pung’s here too?

’ Yeong Pung, the most promising talent of Mount Hua and its Sword Dragon, was listed.

Several other Mount Hua disciples were included as well.

I spotted Peng Woo-jin and the Poison King among the names.

Then, finally...

“...

Huh?

” I froze at a particular name on the list.

Shaolin’s Yu Yeon versus Shanxi’s Wi Seol-ah.

“...

Hah.

” The laugh escaped me before I knew it.

Staring at the name, I frowned sharply.

“These bastards....

” I could already feel the handiwork of the Martial Alliance’s scheming.