Childhood Friend of the Zenith
Chapter Summary
Gu Yangcheon turned away from the path to the village and headed back toward Shin Noya. Though there were other matters to attend to, this situation had suddenly become more urgent. "Shin Noya narrowed his eyes as he noticed Gu Yangcheon approach again.
Gu Yangcheon turned away from the path to the village and headed back toward Shin Noya.
Though there were other matters to attend to, this situation had suddenly become more urgent.
"Hm?
"Shin Noya narrowed his eyes as he noticed Gu Yangcheon approach again.
"Didn’t you run away earlier?
"He was standing with Seol Yeong, the cat-like human, as they cleaned up the unconscious disciples.
Well, to be precise, Seol Yeong was doing the cleaning while Shin Noya stood idly by.
"It wasn’t running away.
It was a tactical retreat.
""A creative excuse, I see.
"Shin Noya laughed as if amused.
At least he wasn’t trying to hit him again.
"So, after such a grand retreat, why have you returned?
Weren’t you in the middle of something?
""Yes, I was.
But…"Gu Yangcheon glanced at Cheonma, annoyed.
His original errand in the village was interrupted because of her.
"I heard something strange and decided I should confirm it first.
""Hm?
"Shin Noya tilted his head at the comment, prompting Gu Yangcheon to continue.
"This one wandered outside yesterday and said she saw something unusual.
"Shin Noya turned his gaze to Cheonma.
"Unusual, how?
"Instead of letting her answer, Gu Yangcheon stepped in.
"She claims someone was watching her before disappearing.
It seemed suspicious.
""Someone was watching her and then vanished?
"Shin Noya frowned deeply, clearly taking the situation seriously.
"Where exactly?
""She said it was outside this place.
""…Outside?
""Yes.
"Hearing this, Shin Noya and Seol Yeong exchanged glances, as if they both realized something.
"Did you see their appearance?
"Shin Noya asked the question with deliberate intent.
‘So, he has a specific suspect in mind,’ Gu Yangcheon thought, catching the implication.
He answered bluntly.
"Brown hair, wearing a black mask.
""…!
""Ah…"Seol Yeong’s eyes widened, while Shin Noya exhaled sharply.
"Sect leader…"Seol Yeong cautiously addressed Shin Noya, who nodded grimly.
"It’s Yarang.
""Yarang?
"Gu Yangcheon’s ears perked up.
Shin Noya seemed to recognize the name immediately.
"Noya, what is Yarang?
"Gu Yangcheon pressed for clarification, and Shin Noya straightened up as he began to explain.
"There exists a woman who is said to be everywhere at once—her eyes and ears sharper than anyone’s.
""Could you say that in a way I’d actually understand?
""Hmm.
"Shin Noya stroked his beard thoughtfully before elaborating.
"She goes by many names, but the one she speaks of herself is Yarang.
To be specific…"His expression shifted, his tone carrying a note of irritation.
"She’s known as the 'Eyes of the Abyssal Chasm.
'"*********Having heard Shin Noya’s explanation, Gu Yangcheon soon found himself following him somewhere.
It wasn’t far, and it happened to align with where Gu Yangcheon had originally intended to go—the village bustling with people near the Mount Hua Sect.
Though he didn’t mind returning to the area, he couldn’t help but wonder, Why here?
‘Why did he suddenly decide to bring me back here?
’Even so, Gu Yangcheon kept quiet and followed.
After walking for about an hour, Shin Noya finally stopped.
"…What’s this place?
"Looking around, Gu Yangcheon frowned.
It wasn’t what he expected.
"A teahouse?
"In front of them was a teahouse exuding a fragrant aroma.
Though unassuming at first glance, it had a certain charm to its structure.
Even someone like Gu Yangcheon, who had no appreciation for aesthetics, found it oddly pleasing.
"Yes, let’s go in.
""…Seriously?
This is where you brought me?
""No.
"Ignoring Gu Yangcheon’s skepticism, Shin Noya entered the building.
Gu Yangcheon hesitated for a moment before following.
Creaaak.
The door opened with a characteristic sound, and they stepped inside.
‘Hm?
’Something felt off.
The interior was clean and elegant, filled with the soothing scent of tea.
The tables and decor radiated warmth, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
But—‘Why does it feel so vast?
’The inside was unnaturally spacious, far larger than what the exterior of the building should allow.
‘What is this strange sensation?
’Gu Yangcheon glanced at Cheonma, who was also looking around in curiosity, her expression mirroring his own sense of unease.
"Noya, what exactly is this place…"Before he could finish his question—"Turtle.
"Shin Noya called out with an irritated expression, staring into empty space.
"There’s a problem.
Come out immediately.
""Who are you talking to, Noya?
"Gu Yangcheon raised his senses, searching for any presence other than their own.
But he detected nothing.
Yet Shin Noya ignored him and continued shouting into the void.
"Turtle!
"His voice grew louder, but there was still no response.
"Are you playing games at a time like this?
"Shin Noya narrowed his eyes, reaching out with his hand.
Sssshh—"…!
"The sword at Gu Yangcheon’s side suddenly flew into Shin Noya’s grasp, transforming into its blade form.
‘That bastard.
’It infuriated Gu Yangcheon how the sword always responded to its previous owner.
Oblivious or indifferent to Gu Yangcheon’s anger, Shin Noya raised his aura.
RUMBLE…!
"…!!
"The oppressive pressure was overwhelming.
Gu Yangcheon’s body instinctively recoiled, his energy flaring defensively against the crushing force.
It was a primal reaction, beyond conscious control.
‘This is insane…’The sheer weight of Shin Noya’s aura was unlike anything Gu Yangcheon had ever experienced.
Just being near it felt like his body might collapse.
"This is your last warning.
If you don’t show yourself by the time I count to three, I’ll tear this place apart.
"Shin Noya’s voice was razor-sharp, his intent clear.
Blossoms of plum energy scattered around him, carrying an uncharacteristically violent edge.
"Three…"The sword in his hand trembled.
"One…"Just as Shin Noya was about to swing—"I can’t understand you.
"A new voice rang out from somewhere nearby.
"How does three suddenly become one?
Did you never learn how to count?
""You’ve shown yourself.
"Shin Noya smirked as his aura dissipated.
‘Is this the Turtle he mentioned?
’Gu Yangcheon turned toward the source of the voice, curious about the nickname.
‘...
It really is a turtle.
’Gu Yangcheon immediately understood.
It really was a turtle—or, to be more precise, a turtle-like humanoid.
‘At this point, nothing surprises me anymore.
’Wolves, cats, dogs—he’d seen them all.
What could possibly shock him now?
"And why, pray tell, are you causing such a commotion all of a sudden?
"The old man referred to as the Turtle spoke in a dry, raspy voice, glaring at Shin Noya.
"Shouldn’t you have come out when I called you nicely the first time?
""And would I have come out if you didn’t make such a scene?
""I was already on my way when the door opened, you rude bastard.
Do you know how hard it is for these old knees to move… nghh…"The Turtle dragged over a chair and sat down heavily.
‘…What the hell?
’Gu Yangcheon blinked.
Had there always been a chair there?
He was sure it wasn’t there a moment ago.
"Ah, my back…"The Turtle groaned as he settled in, then turned to Shin Noya.
"So, what brings you here so suddenly, you damned brat?
""I thought you’d at least offer tea since it’s been so long.
You’re far too stingy.
""Tea is only for proper guests.
I don’t waste it on delinquents like you.
""Oh…"Gu Yangcheon couldn’t help but let out an admiring sound.
The comment resonated with him deeply.
Referring to Shin Noya as a delinquent felt profoundly satisfying.
"…""Ahem.
"The glare from Shin Noya made it clear that Gu Yangcheon’s approval had been too audible, but he pretended not to notice.
"I don’t need tea.
I didn’t come here for that.
""Then why are you here?
"The Turtle’s tone suggested he’d much rather Shin Noya leave, but the latter showed no signs of complying.
"You know why I’m here, don’t you?
""I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Old age has dulled my hearing lately…""Three—""Wait, wait!
I heard you just fine this time.
"The Turtle hurriedly interrupted before Shin Noya could unleash more chaos, muttering curses under his breath.
"You miserable bastard," he added with a glare.
Shin Noya smirked, clearly enjoying himself.
"It’s time to work, Turtle.
You’ve rested enough.
Now move.
"At these words, the Turtle’s wrinkles deepened.
"Didn’t we agree on this before, Sect Leader?
I only work once every three months.
It hasn’t even been a month yet.
This is a breach of contract.
""That’s what we agreed, yes.
But Turtle, you’re aware, aren’t you?
"Shin Noya planted Eternal Bind into the ground like a walking stick.
"With the barrier damaged, you’re the only one who can fix it.
If it’s left as is, it won’t just be my problem—it’ll become yours too.
"‘Barrier?
’What barrier was he talking about?
Gu Yangcheon was about to ask when Shin Noya spoke again.
"Yarang noticed.
"The Turtle tilted his head slowly, considering this.
"If there’s an issue, we need to relocate before it’s too late.
""…Hmm.
"The Turtle made a thoughtful face, though the slowness of his movements was almost aggravating to watch.
"Turtle.
""It’s still a breach of contract.
So, I have a condition.
"Shin Noya frowned at the response.
"A condition…?
""Indeed.
While you’re correct that the issue could affect me, it’s not entirely my problem, is it?
You know that as well, Sect Leader…""…"Shin Noya said nothing, implicitly agreeing with the Turtle’s point.
"So, I have a demand.
""Let’s hear it.
""Allow me to sell plum tea in the village for a year.
"‘Huh?
’Gu Yangcheon blinked.
Plum tea?
Out of nowhere?
‘Oh, right.
This is a teahouse.
’It wasn’t an entirely unreasonable request, given the setting.
Still, it felt oddly specific.
Shin Noya’s reaction made it even stranger.
"Of course!
You were scheming this all along, weren’t you?
"Shin Noya looked genuinely frustrated.
Why was he so worked up over plum tea?
"That’s my price.
I won’t budge.
"The Turtle’s resolve was clear.
Shin Noya, visibly torn, deliberated before finally responding.
"A year is excessive.
Three months.
""Such a trivial offer for a breach of contract.
Nine months.
""The quantity alone makes that unfeasible.
The most I can offer is six months.
""Hmm.
"The Turtle tilted his head side to side, as if weighing the offer carefully.
"Six months… six months, huh…"After a long pause, he finally nodded.
"Very well.
Six months it is.
""Ugh…""It was a good deal, Sect Leader.
"Looking satisfied, the Turtle rose from his seat.
Shin Noya, on the other hand, clenched his fist in what looked like defeat.
"Dammit…""…"Gu Yangcheon could only stare in disbelief at the bizarre exchange.
At that moment, the Turtle suddenly paused and turned to him.
"Ah, that reminds me.
"Pointing at Gu Yangcheon with his staff, he asked,"What is that monster?
""…"The old Turtle had just called him a monster, with absolutely no regard for tact.