Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Time passed, and the sun gradually dipped below the horizon.

Lights began to flicker on one by one in Hanam, preparing to embrace the night.

Under normal circumstances, people would have already started packing up their stalls or returning home, yet the streets were packed with crowds.

It had been this way ever since the Martial Tournament began, but today, the crowd seemed even larger.

Especially near the Murim Alliance.

Beyond the spectator stands where the tournament was being held, throngs of people had gathered.

And there was only one reason for this.

“It’s almost time, isn’t it?

” “That’s right.

The Divine Dragon’s match will begin shortly.

” “Ah...

If only I could get a closer look.

” It was the Divine Dragon’s duel.

The crowd had gathered to witness it.

It was almost hard to believe that so many people had come just to watch a single martial artist’s match.

But considering the rumors that had spread throughout Hanam, the reason became clear.

The Divine Dragon—hope of Shaolin and the peak of the Six Dragons and Three Peaks.

He had proven his worth in his duel against the Crescent Moon Sword.

He °• N ? v ? l i g h t •° demonstrated what it meant to be the youngest to reach Hwagyeong.

And he had shown, without question, just how great his value was.

Barely in his early twenties.

A young man just transitioning from boyhood to adulthood, yet his presence was already monumental.

Because of this, another title had emerged for the Divine Dragon.

The Future Supreme Martial Artist.

Or perhaps the one destined to become the Supreme Martial Artist.

At least in Zhongyuan—or in Hanam, to be exact—the Divine Dragon’s value was undeniable.

He was already regarded as a future legend, destined to reach the top.

His worth alone was enough to draw such an enormous crowd.

“Is the Divine Dragon really that amazing?

” When a man in the crowd raised a skeptical question, the person next to him responded eagerly.

“What?

Haven’t you heard, Mr.

Jang?

” “I’ve heard, that’s why I’m asking.

I mean, can you really trust rumors...?

” “I’ll tell you with confidence—the rumors actually understate the truth.

” “Come on...

That can’t be right.

They said he used the Divine Fist.

Is a mere rising star even capable of such a feat?

” Divine Fist.

A technique regarded as one of Shaolin’s most treasured martial arts.

It was said that a single strike could obliterate everything within a hundred paces, hence its name.

Even within Shaolin, only a handful could wield it.

The idea that a mere rising star had used it was hard to believe.

“Hah.

” At Jang’s skepticism, Cheon, the innkeeper of the Boundless Tavern, let out a mocking laugh.

“This is why I can’t talk to people who haven’t seen the Martial Tournament firsthand.

” “Ugh, so watching one match makes you an expert now?

” “Of course!

Especially when you can’t even believe he used the Divine Fist.

” “Can’t even?!

” Jang’s eyes widened at Cheon’s remark.

“How can you downplay the Divine Fist like that?

” “Anyone who watched the tournament would say the same.

” With that, Cheon leaned closer to Jang.

“Don’t be shocked—aside from the Divine Fist, the Divine Dragon even used the Yellow Radiant Armor.

” “...

What?

Yellow Radiant Armor?!

” Jang practically jumped in surprise.

“What’s that?

” “...

” “...

No, really, I don’t know—” As Jang grew embarrassed, Cheon cleared his throat.

“How disappointing.

Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of Shaolin’s Yellow Radiant Armor?

” “I’m not from Shaolin!

How am I supposed to know all their techniques?

” The Divine Fist was well-known, but the Yellow Radiant Armor?

Jang racked his brain but couldn’t recall anything.

And that was no surprise.

If only a few in Shaolin could use the Divine Fist, even fewer could wield the Yellow Radiant Armor.

It was a secret art said to be attainable only through enlightenment at the peak of one’s cultivation.

An armor of golden light embodying the teachings of Buddhism.

It was called the Indestructible Armor of Enlightenment.

An undefeated martial art.

That was Shaolin’s Yellow Radiant Armor.

“...

And you’re saying the Divine Dragon used that?

” A technique wielded by the Divine Dragon at such a young age.

That was why he was hailed as a future Supreme Martial Artist.

“If the rumors are true...

no wonder the crowd is this large.

” “They’re hoping he’ll show it again in today’s match.

” When the Divine Dragon had donned that golden armor, he had shone brighter than anyone.

Currently, there were only a handful of martial artists in Shaolin capable of using the Yellow Radiant Armor.

No, perhaps even fewer than that.

Given how rare it was to witness Shaolin’s techniques, it was no surprise people had gathered in anticipation.

“Now that you’ve explained it, I’m definitely excited.

” “See?

I knew you’d feel that way.

” “But still, he has to actually show it for us to see it, right?

” As much as people wanted to witness it, there was one concern.

It wasn’t a power that could simply be displayed on command.

“Besides, I heard the Divine Dragon is still injured.

” The previous match.

It had reportedly been an intense battle.

And given the Divine Dragon’s growing fame, his opponent had also become widely known.

The Crescent Moon Sword, Wi Seol-ah.

One of the Three Pillars.

Specifically, the successor of the Sword Pillar.

She had proven her status in the duel by holding her own against the Divine Dragon, even injuring him before her eventual defeat.

Her Moonlight Dance Sword technique was distinctive and widely renowned.

It was all but certain that she was the heir of the Sword Pillar.

And considering how she had matched the Divine Dragon’s overwhelming strength...

“The future of Zhongyuan certainly looks bright.

” Cheon’s proud expression was met with a nod from Jang.

“...

It does seem that way.

And given the appearance of the Crescent Moon Sword, perhaps even the Sword Pillar might reappear.

” “Hm?

Why bring up the Sword Pillar now?

” “Well...

the present doesn’t seem that bright.

If the Sword Pillar were to return, I’d feel a bit more reassured.

” “Not bright?

This is the brightest time we’ve had in years!

” Cheon’s words earned a wry smile from Jang.

Bright?

Was it really bright?

‘We’re barely holding back the crimson beasts...

What’s so bright about that?

’ It might be true that people were happy due to the grand festival, but calling this era bright was a lie.

It was an age of crisis, and Jang knew it well.

“With the Sword Saint protecting us, what’s there to worry about?

Just enjoy the moment.

” “...

You’re right.

” There was no point voicing his concerns.

Maybe he was wrong after all.

So, he simply nodded and changed the topic.

“By the way, who is the Divine Dragon’s opponent?

” When Jang asked, Cheon replied with an odd expression.

“Well...

I heard it’s someone from the Gu family.

” “Gu family?

You mean the Gu Clan of Shanxi?

” “Exactly.

A clan of heroes.

” “Then...

not Gu Beom, surely?

Oh.

” Jang suddenly recalled something.

Either on the first or second day, someone from the Gu family had defeated a martial artist in Hwagyeong with a single strike.

And his title was— “So Yeomra.

” The Little Lord of the Underworld, Gu Yangcheon.

Jang also knew of him.

A young martial artist who had suppressed a great incident several years ago.

Though he had earned widespread fame, he had remained inactive in recent years.

‘Now that I think about it...

’ Gu Yangcheon, the Little Lord of the Underworld.

When he first stirred up Zhongyuan, there was another rumor attached to him.

“Wasn’t he also called the youngest to reach Hwagyeong back then?

” When Jang voiced his thought, Cheon burst into laughter.

“Ah, that?

That’s ancient gossip.

And besides, it was nonsense.

” “Nonsense?

” “Of course.

If it wasn’t, why would the Alliance officially declare the Divine Dragon as the youngest Hwagyeong?

” “...

Hmm.

” It made sense.

“Jang, you’re more naïve than I thought.

” “I just mentioned it because it crossed my mind.

” But did it really matter?

The important thing was— “...

If he defeated a martial artist in Hwagyeong, doesn’t that mean Gu Yangcheon has also reached that level?

” “Well, you could interpret it that way...

but there’s been a lot of debate about that.

” “What do you mean?

” “They say the opponent he defeated had only recently entered Hwagyeong.

There are also claims that he let his guard down, leading to the defeat.

” Jang showed a curious expression at Cheon’s response.

Could it really be possible?

A martial artist who had reached Hwagyeong—letting their guard down?

And in the middle of a duel?

‘...

Does that even make sense?

’ Jang thought, but he kept his doubts to himself.

Rather than negligence, it seemed more plausible to think— ‘Gu Yangcheon was simply too strong for them to react...

Isn’t that the more logical explanation?

’ He couldn’t shake the fundamental question.

But that, too, was left unspoken.

Even if the rumors about Gu Yangcheon seemed strange— ‘I’ll find out soon enough.

’ It wouldn’t take long to see the truth firsthand.

Jang was not the type to believe anything easily unless he saw it with his own eyes.

-Waaaahhhh!

Suddenly, cheers erupted.

Jang turned his head toward the distant arena.

Someone was stepping onto the stage.

‘That young man....

’ A youth with sculpted features, radiating a benevolent and warm aura that made it clear he was from Shaolin.

Divine Dragon!

Divine Dragon!

Divine Dragon!

The crowd roared, chanting his name as the energy in the air ignited.

While all eyes were on the Divine Dragon, Jang’s gaze shifted to the other side.

He was more interested in the Divine Dragon’s opponent.

‘Huh?

’ Jang frowned at the sight.

The opponent stood slouching, leaning to one side.

His expression twisted in irritation, digging into his ear as if the noise bothered him.

The youth had black hair tinged with a faint blue sheen— ‘...

He looks...

dangerous.

’ His very appearance made Jang flinch.

How could someone look so menacing?

Was this young man Gu Yangcheon?

‘Something’s off....

’ His first impression was anything but good.

And he wasn’t even trying to hide it.

Despite the countless eyes on him, he openly displayed a defiant and unruly demeanor.

Wasn’t he supposed to be from a righteous sect?

Jang felt a strange unease.

There was no discomfort in Gu Yangcheon’s posture—no awkwardness.

Perhaps it was because the behavior suited him so well?

It didn’t feel like youthful arrogance.

What was this feeling?

Jang turned to Cheon.

“Cheon.

” “Hmm?

Can it wait?

I’m busy watching.

” “Who do you think will win?

” “...

What?

” Cheon flinched and stared at Jang.

His expression shifted as if he had heard the most ridiculous question.

“Ha!

What kind of question is that?

” It was obvious.

“The Divine Dragon, of course.

” “...

You think so?

” “Are you saying the Divine Dragon might lose?

” “No one can predict the future.

” “Hah!

What nonsense.

How can a merchant be so clueless?

” Perhaps.

Jang nodded at Cheon’s words.

The entire world seemed convinced that the Divine Dragon would win.

And yet— Why couldn’t he take his eyes off that young man?

Gu Yangcheon.

Once famous but dismissed as a rumor.

Why did Jang feel so drawn to him?

Despite everything, Jang couldn’t shake the thought— For some reason, he had a gut feeling the Divine Dragon wouldn’t win.

Just as this thought crossed his mind— Yu Yeon of Shaolin versus Gu Yangcheon of Shanxi’s Gu Clan.

Begin the duel!

The announcement rang out, and— Wooooong—!!

“...!

” Jang immediately felt the atmosphere shift.

The air grew heavy and suffocating.

Hwaaaak—!!

“Ugh!

” The crowd shielded their eyes.

An intense golden light burst forth from the stage, radiating like the sun.

The stifling pressure slowly gave way to warmth.

Huuuuuuu— A gentle breeze swept over them.

It was warm, like an embrace.

Jang opened his eyes and— “What...?

” He swallowed hard as he looked at the stage.

“Hahaha!

Look at that!

That’s it!

” Cheon shouted excitedly.

Only then did Jang remember what he had said earlier.

The Yellow Radiant Armor.

Shaolin’s ultimate technique.

An overwhelming presence.

Golden armor enveloped the Divine Dragon, shimmering brilliantly.

“To see that from the very start...!!

He’s going all out, no matter who his opponent is!

” “...

” Jang couldn’t respond.

Was this truly the power of a human?

‘No wonder they call it indestructible.

’ Even without touching it, he could tell.

That armor couldn’t be broken by ordinary means.

No—it felt impossible to destroy it at all.

Waaahhhh—!!

The cheers only grew louder as the Divine Dragon activated the Yellow Radiant Armor.

A moment that would go down in history.

Everyone felt it.

The Divine Dragon stood at the center of history in the making.

The energy surged even higher.

‘...

This is....

’ Jang smiled bitterly.

‘Amazing.

’ The Divine Dragon truly lived up to his title as the most promising contender for Supreme Martial Artist.

But then— ‘Why can’t I stop looking at him?

’ Jang’s gaze returned to Gu Yangcheon.

Even in the face of such overwhelming light, Gu Yangcheon’s expression hadn’t changed.

Had he already given up?

Had he lost his fighting spirit at first glance?

His expression seemed indifferent.

Completely unfazed.

How could he be so calm?

Faced with such an overwhelming sight—how could he remain like that?

Jang’s doubts lingered, but not for long.

The duel began.

The Divine Dragon, clad in golden armor, charged at Gu Yangcheon.

Crack.

A brief, sharp sound followed.

“...

Huh?

” -Waaaahh—huh?

The cheers mixed with confusion.

It couldn’t be helped.

“What is that?

” “...

What?

” The indestructible golden armor— The armor that was said to be as indestructible as a diamond.

Gu Yangcheon reached out— And began tearing it apart with his bare hands.