Childhood Friend of the Zenith
Chapter Summary
The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect, himself a swordsman of the highest caliber, already understood what had cut him. One of the swords flying through the air adjusted its angle and returned to his grasp. ’The swords surged toward Namgung Bi-ah, and the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect leapt forward.
Heart Sword (Simgeom).
A pinnacle skill in swordsmanship.
Only an extremely small number of martial artists who have reached the Hwagyeong realm can grasp its essence.
The unity of sword and self—called the "Oneness of Sword and Soul" by many swordsmen—is a dream for all who walk the martial path.
It’s an absolute power that can only be understood by reaching that state.
"…You wretched…"The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect clutched his chest, a low groan escaping his lips.
He had been struck.
Blood flowed freely, soaking through his martial robes.
What struck him?
Sword energy?
No.
The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect, himself a swordsman of the highest caliber, already understood what had cut him.
"How could someone like you wield the Heart Sword…!
"It was the Heart Sword.
There was no mistaking it.
The sensation confirmed it beyond doubt.
Such an attack was impossible without wielding the Heart Sword.
"Urgh.
"Blood spilled from his mouth, splattering onto the ground.
The wound was deep.
If he hadn't reacted in that brief moment, he might have died instantly.
"…Tch.
"With a grimace of pain, the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect looked straight ahead.
He stared at the accursed woman who had brought him to this state.
Swords lay scattered on the ground.
Despite being imbued with sword energy, none were embedded into the floor.
This space could not be broken, no matter how much force was used.
Yet, the attack had landed.
Though the space itself remained unharmed, it had left its mark on its target.
The woman, too, wasn’t unscathed.
Blood flowed from the tears in her martial robe, staining her white neck with crimson.
It was clear she had abandoned defense to deliver her attack.
Even so, despite her state, which made merely standing seem arduous, she…"Are you… smiling?
"She was beaming, as if she found the current situation delightful.
"Ha… ha…"The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect let out a dry laugh as he witnessed it.
"Truly… you're a demon.
"This was a battle of life and death.
And yet, against someone of his caliber, she was reveling in it.
This was madness.
A flicker of fear crept into the mind of the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect.
But he quickly erased it.
"…Do not grow overconfident.
"Straightening his posture despite the pain, the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect forced himself to stand.
The wound still throbbed, but he had already stopped the bleeding by controlling his internal energy.
"Do you think landing one successful attack means victory is within your grasp?
"A hum echoed through the air.
The swords scattered on the ground floated upward and returned to the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect.
They began to orbit around him in a protective formation.
"Failing to cut my throat with that strike… That was your downfall.
"With a sharp glare, the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect extended a finger.
At that moment, the swords shot toward Namgung Bi-ah at tremendous speed.
Lines of light streaked through the air as the swords flew.
"...
"The swords moved with elegance yet deadly precision.
Their aura was sharp, weighty, and a testament to the strength of their wielder.
Each sword posed a mortal threat.
"...
"Namgung Bi-ah, however, simply observed the approaching swords in silence, a faint smile on her lips.
Then, she began to move.
Her movements were graceful, almost languid, as if she were swaying in a gentle breeze.
The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect furrowed his brows as he watched.
Her actions were smooth, like silk fluttering in the wind.
Her elegance was captivating, and with her striking appearance, it was a sight of unparalleled beauty.
‘What is she doing?
’It made no sense in this situation.
What was the use of graceful movements in a life-and-death struggle?
A warrior dancing amidst blood and chaos could only be seen as a display of madness.
‘Has she gone insane?
’Perhaps she had lost hope after failing her final strike.
But just as the thought crossed his mind—Swish!
"…!
"The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect’s eyes widened at the sight before him.
There was something in those seemingly purposeless movements.
The swords under his control continued to slice through the air.
Their speed was faster than sound, their numbers overwhelming.
Swish!
Swish!
"You…!
"Yet, no matter how many swords targeted her, Namgung Bi-ah’s robe remained untouched.
Her footsteps made no sound.
Her movements, so soft and delicate, evaded every strike.
She seemed as light as a feather.
A mere gust of wind could have blown her away.
And yet, she maintained that precarious balance as she moved.
‘What is this?
’The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect could not help but marvel.
Her movements defied comprehension.
They were actions no martial artist would ever take.
She had stepped entirely outside the bounds of conventional martial arts.
Her figure was otherworldly, leaving the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect staring in disbelief.
‘This…’What was this?
His trembling eyes fixed on Namgung Bi-ah as she continued to evade the onslaught of swords.
It didn’t seem like she was dodging.
It was as if the swords were deliberately avoiding her.
The scene felt so natural, yet so unnaturally deliberate.
One sword missed.
Then another.
Namgung Bi-ah, unshaken, continued walking through the flurry of blades.
She didn’t even glance at the swords flying past her.
‘That’s…!
’At last, the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect recognized her state.
She was in the realm of complete selflessness—Muahjigyeong.
‘…To achieve such a state while fighting me!
’In the midst of their battle, amidst the chaos of swords and wounds, she had entered Transcendent Selflessness.
‘Even if she enjoys fighting, this is sheer recklessness.
’Grinding his teeth, the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect extended his hand.
One of the swords flying through the air adjusted its angle and returned to his grasp.
As soon as he held the sword, a surge of energy much more intense than before coursed through it.
His injuries were excruciating, but such matters no longer concerned him.
‘I’ll kill her.
’Whether she was a Star King or a lover of battles, it no longer mattered.
He would simply end her.
Anything less would shatter his pride.
What could Transcendent Selflessness or the Heart Sword possibly accomplish?
Such techniques were meaningless.
In the end, the one standing victorious would be him.
‘I had hoped to avoid using it, but…’Perhaps he would have to.
A faint unease whispered in the back of his mind, but he dismissed it.
The swords moved even faster, the energy from his dantian erupting like a storm.
At this level of output, the battle would last less than half a quarter of an hour.
But that was enough.
‘That’s all I need.
’The swords surged toward Namgung Bi-ah, and the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect leapt forward.
A flash of light streaked through the air.
Every blade aimed at Namgung Bi-ah, yet she continued forward without hesitation.
A sword grazed her shoulder, tearing her robe and drawing blood.
Still, she did not stop.
The distance between them closed.
Another sword approached, forcing Namgung Bi-ah to twist her body to evade.
But this was a feint.
The adjusted angle made it harder to dodge, and a third sword flew directly at her.
Namgung Bi-ah swung her sword.
Crack!
Her blade, imbued with lightning energy, split the air and deflected the incoming sword.
Clang!
The deflected sword rolled across the ground.
In that moment, the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect reached her.
Three swords had drawn her attention, allowing him to close the gap at full speed.
Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze shifted subtly as she registered his presence.
Seeing her expression, the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect adjusted his speed.
Slash!
A faint cut appeared on the tip of her nose—a graze from the Heart Sword.
Though he had not yet fully mastered the Heart Sword, he could sense it.
He had successfully evaded it.
Finally, he had reached her.
The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect smiled as he raised his sword.
"I told you.
"His blade descended.
"From the moment you failed to cut my throat, it was over for you.
"A strike she couldn’t block.
His sword aimed for her pale neck.
But—Clang!
"…!
"The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect’s sword was deflected.
Someone had intervened, striking his blade away.
His gaze lowered.
The first thing he saw was golden hair.
The next was dazzling golden eyes, burning like flames.
"You…!
"Recognizing the figure, the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect swallowed his shock.
At that moment—Thud!
Thud, thud!
"Gah!
"Dozens of golden swords made of pure energy pierced the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect’s chest.
He was sent flying, slamming into a wall before collapsing to the ground.
Wi Seol-ah turned urgently.
"Unni!
"Namgung Bi-ah had collapsed to her knees.
Her breathing was labored, exhaustion finally catching up to her.
"Haa… Haa…""Unni, are you okay?
I’m sorry… I lost control for a moment….
"Wi Seol-ah’s tear-filled eyes searched Namgung Bi-ah’s face as she reached out to comfort her.
Namgung Bi-ah raised a hand and gently patted Wi Seol-ah’s shoulder.
"I’m… fine.
""But…!
""…I’m fine… That was fun.
""…What?
"Namgung Bi-ah's expression genuinely conveyed enjoyment, as if she truly found the situation exhilarating.
"You’ve lost too much blood.
Let me stop the bleeding first.
""…Alright…"Before she could even finish speaking, Wi Seol-ah placed her hand on Namgung Bi-ah’s back and poured her internal energy into her.
She managed to stop the bleeding.
However, the pain and exhaustion had already piled up to their limits.
Though Namgung Bi-ah had barely regained her composure, it was clear that the current state of affairs was due to Wi Seol-ah’s inability to contribute to the fight.
Wi Seol-ah bit her lip repeatedly, consumed by guilt.
"I’m sorry, Unni.
First, we need to get out of here quickly—""Cough!
"The sound of coughing from the direction of the wall made Wi Seol-ah’s expression harden instantly.
"…Stay here for a moment.
I’ll take care of it.
"Drawing her sword, Wi Seol-ah moved.
"Heh… heh heh…"The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect was slumped on the floor, his back against the wall.
Blood dripped from his lips as he laughed bitterly, gazing at the swords embedded in his chest.
"…How foolish of me to forget about you, even briefly.
I should have killed you first.
"He had been aware of the other woman from the beginning.
Yet, blinded by arrogance, he made a critical mistake.
He should have slit her throat with his blade from the start.
"…What a pity…"The words spilled from his mouth, but Wi Seol-ah did not respond.
She simply rushed toward him, intent on severing his neck.
The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect, as if resigned to his fate, reached into his sleeve and pulled something out.
"This precious thing… To think I’d have to use it now.
"Seeing the object, Wi Seol-ah quickened her pace.
But the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect had already placed it in his mouth.
Crunch.
The transformation was immediate.
Clang!
"…Huh?
"The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect grabbed Wi Seol-ah’s incoming sword with his bare hand.
Startled, she let out an involuntary gasp.
Boom!
"Ugh!
"A force struck her abdomen, sending her flying.
She skidded across the ground, her feet dragging to slow the impact.
Though she managed to mitigate the worst of it, the pain in her stomach forced her to clutch her abdomen.
"…Ugh…"She had anticipated the attack and gathered defensive energy in her abdomen, but even that couldn’t fully absorb the impact.
"Haaa…"Wi Seol-ah steadied her breathing and adjusted her stance.
By then, Namgung Bi-ah had also risen to her feet.
Both women turned their gazes to the anomaly that was now the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect.
"…Unni.
""…Yeah.
"Wi Seol-ah gently ran her hand down Namgung Bi-ah’s arm.
A shiver ran through her body.
The presence she felt was overwhelming.
"…Heh…"The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect slowly rose.
His transformation was already underway.
His unnaturally dark hair had turned stark white.
His already tall frame had grown even larger, surpassing eight feet in height.
His once slender swordsman’s physique now bulged with grotesque muscles, as if on the verge of bursting.
Even more unnerving were the scales sprouting across his skin and the golden hue overtaking his eyes.
"…"Namgung Bi-ah immediately glanced at Wi Seol-ah.
Wi Seol-ah swallowed dryly.
[Haaa…]The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect let out a low sigh.
[Ahhh…]The sound of his voice made Namgung Bi-ah frown.
The energy imbued in his words felt like it pierced her lungs.
He was dangerous.
Whatever he had become, the current Master of the Celestial Stream Sect was a threat.
[Do you know what this is?
]His voice seemed to echo throughout the entire space.
[This was something even the Star King… no, not even the Star King would consider using.
A treasure too valuable for even that bastard.
And yet, to think I’ve used it on the likes of you.
]It was a shame.
A profound shame, yet the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect could smile.
The sheer exhilaration and superiority he now felt were intoxicating.
[But I suppose it doesn’t matter anymore.
You lowly…]As he trailed off, his gaze shifted to Wi Seol-ah.
He tilted his head in confusion.
[Hmm?
]"…"While the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect stared intently at Wi Seol-ah, lost in thought—"…Unni.
"Wi Seol-ah called to Namgung Bi-ah, signaling her.
At the same time, Wi Seol-ah gathered her suppressed energy.
Her innate energy began to stir.
If Namgung Bi-ah drew Thunder Fang, perhaps they had a chance.
With that hope, Wi Seol-ah steadied herself, but Namgung Bi-ah placed a hand on her shoulder.
"…No.
""What?
But… then…"Wi Seol-ah stopped mid-sentence.
There was no alternative.
"It’s okay.
"Namgung Bi-ah spoke with calm assurance, her voice filled with trust.
Wi Seol-ah followed her gaze toward the sealed door.
Just then, the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect seemed to realize something as he stared at Wi Seol-ah.
[Ah, I see now.
You are… no, you must be…]Crack.
[Hmm?
]The sound interrupted him.
He turned his head toward the door behind him.
The only thing there was the sealed metal door.
But why was there noise coming from it?
Craaaack—[What?
]The source of the sound was clear.
The metal door was being bent and torn apart from the outside.
Impossible.
[That door… is supposed to be unbreakable!
]This underground space was designed to be impenetrable.
No one could open or destroy it.
The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
Yet, the door quickly lost its shape, twisting and distorting—Boom!
With a deafening crash, the entire metal door was torn away.
And then—Something flew toward the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect.
It wasn’t until it was inches from his face that he realized what it was.
A fist.
Smash!
Boom!
The punch sent the Master of the Celestial Stream Sect crashing face-first into the ground.
"Urgh…!
"He let out a groan of pain, but it was cut short.
A foot now hovered over his face.
[Wait—!
]Crunch!
The foot stomped down on his head, cracking the ground beneath it like a spiderweb.
The supposedly unbreakable floor shattered with ease.
"Ugh… ugh…"The Master of the Celestial Stream Sect trembled beneath the crushing weight.
Above him stood a young man with violet eyes.
Gu Yangcheon.
"…What the hell is this monstrous freak?
"Despite his actions, Gu Yangcheon’s voice was filled with confusion.