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Childhood Friend of the Zenith-Chapter 152: Friendly Martial Arts Competition (5)
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โ Friendly Martial Arts Competition (5) โ
Snip.
Snip.
โ Aghhhhh!
A terrifying scream pierced the air, followed by an eerie echo.
Strewn across the ground were bits of flesh that had just been cut, bathed in blood.
He prayed that he dodged the worst, but reality didnโt listen to him.
It only continued to chase after him.
โ H, Help m-
Snip!
The one who tried to run away had his neck sliced off.
Blood splattered everywhere, but not a drop of blood got on the killerโs clothes.
It looked as if the killer dodged every drop of blood.
A hidden observer, who was watching this unfold with trembling shoulders, turned in the opposite direction and started to run.
His legs didnโt listen to him as he was in immense fear, but he forced them to move.
โI-I need to let the main palace knowโฆ!โ
That a monster appeared.
And that a change in the plan was necessary.
โHow did he know?โ
The man couldnโt comprehend.
He did hear that a branch in Shaanxi had been destroyed a few months ago.
But that was because Ya Hyeoljeok acted recklessly against the leaderโs orders.
It was said that he got killed because of his dumb actions.
He even lost a valuable asset in the process.
What a dumbass he was. The man thought, recalling Ya Hyeoljeok.
This place wasnโt like Shaanxi.
No martial artists were captured and they meticulously erased any traces, as Shaolin and the Murim Alliance were close to this place.
Even the Harmonic Sword and the Chief Abbot of Shaolin, both of whom were capable of reading Heavenly Qi, couldnโt find this place.
โBut thenโฆ!โ
What in the world was that monster then?
โHow did it find out about us and attack?โ
Moreover, it was by itself at that.
Crack.
The man clenched his teeth as he put strength into his legs.
He recalled how his branch manager had his neck cut off just earlier.
He witnessed with his own two eyes how a martial artist, who had reached the Peak Realm, had his neck cut off in one blow.
โA swordโฆ Did the monster even wield a sword?โ
The man couldnโt remember.
His memories became foggy due to the immense fear he felt.
All he did was run.
After all, he thought that he needed to let his leader know.
โJust a little moreโฆ!โ
He wasnโt far from the escape route.
Once he made it there, he could-
Snip.
Thudโฆ! Rollโฆ
The man, after frantically running to escape, had his head sliced off and his body collapsed on the ground.
The last survivor of that branch had been killed, just like that.
Stepโฆ
The sound of footsteps echoed rather loudly in the branch hideout that was now only filled with silence.
The killer had not a scratch on them and looked completely clean even after slaughtering tens of martial artists.
Corpses were strewn across the ground, as if they were violently cut by a sword, but the killer, who had caused this mayhem, wasnโt even holding a sword in her hand.
โIโm sorry.โ
In the empty space, a weak voice echoed in the cave.
Who was the apology for?
The person, all by her lonesome, continued to speak.
โFor borrowing your body without permission and making you do these things with your hands.โ
The one who she was speaking to couldnโt hear her.
As that person was forcefully put to sleep by the woman to shield her from witnessing such horrors.
โโฆIโm really sorry, but just a little more.โ
She couldnโt stay for that long anyway.
This was almost the last time that she could use this childโs body.
She also knew that her actions would bring forth that time sooner.
But even so, she had to do it.
It was too late to atone for her sins.
And what she failed to do in her past life, this child would do it.
So in order to do that, she wanted to, at leastโฆAt the very leastโฆ
Clean up some of the pebbles on that personโs path.
She wondered whether her efforts would make any difference, but she pressed on regardless.
โIโll do this even if itโs the last thing I must do.โ
Which was why she was here right now. The girl escaped the darkness and went back into the light without anyone noticing.
Her footsteps were fast. Faster than anyone.
โSeol-Ah!โ
The streets of Hanam were bright, even at night.
The bustling crowds provided a sense of comfort to Hongwa as she mingled among them.
โWhere were you!โ
Hongwa quickly headed toward Wi Seol-Ah and hugged her.
โSis was worriedโฆ!โ
โOofโฆ sorryโฆโ
โIf you keep worrying Sis like thisโฆ Iโm not going to help you next time.โ
โHnghโฆโ
โI get that itโs for your Grandpa Wiโฆโ
โSorry, Sisโฆ this wonโt happen next time. I got lost.โ
Hongwa couldnโt bring herself to scold Wi Seol-Ah after looking at her sobbing face, so she let out a sigh.
โโฆYou did all the things I asked you to, right?โ
โNo!โ
โWhaat?โ
โHowever! I donโt think we need to!โ
โโฆNo, never mind. Letโs go. Brother Muyeon is probably so worried that his face will be flooded with sweat, even in this winterโฆโ
โKay!โ
As Hongwa pulled her away, Wi Seol-Ahโs gaze remained fixed on the distant palace of the Murim Alliance.
She didnโt lie.
As she genuinely believed she didnโt need to do anything more.
โAfter he obtains everything from thisโฆโ
After you receive all those things you desireโฆ
She could finally do it then, after that happened.
When Wi Seol-Ah looked at the snow, she was reminded of Jang Seonyeon.
This time, he wouldnโt kill that bastard.
To be more accurate, he couldnโt.
Which was why she had to do it herself.
She would shoulder all the burdens from his past life and then disappear.
โApologize to him? I probably canโt even do that.โ
She wanted to say it to him someday.
If she ever got a chance.
If she could meet him once more.
She wished to look into his eyes and convey her feelingsโฆ
โBut I know that I donโt deserve it. I do not even dare to hope for that.โ
She let out a sigh in the chilly breeze.
โHe wonโt want to meet me like this.โ
And this child wouldnโt want it either.
She was just a trace of her burden.
Which was why she couldnโt and didnโt dare to bear any hope.
Wi Seol-Ah looked back at Hongwa again.
Her hands were cold from waiting for her for so long, and her ears became red as well.
Sss.
The only thing she could offer as an apology was to share some warmth.
โHmm?โ
Hongwa looked toward Wi Seol-Ah after noticing something strange. freewebno vel.co m
โSeol-Ah.โ
โYeah?โ
โUmโฆ Did you do something?โ
โHuhโฆ? Do what?โ
When Wi Seol-Ah replied with sparkly eyes, Hongwa tilted her head in confusion and looked forward again.
The winter evening passed quietly, as if nothing happened.
****************
Some time had passed since the new bracket was announced earlier in the day.
It provided enough time for the fighters, who had just competed in the tournament, to rest and grab a bite to eat.
As I was idling away, Tang Soyeol, who came out from the medical room, spoke to me.
โYoung Master Guโฆ Iโm sorry I couldnโt come to cheer you on during your fight earlier.โ
โItโs fine, so stop making that expression.โ
When I responded bluntly, Tang Soyeolโs shoulders flinched slightly.
She had been showing that reaction whenever I spoke informally to her.
โWhatโs up with her?โ
She was the one who asked me to speak comfortably to her, yet she wasnโt doing it herself.
I said that she could, but she rejected doing so, saying that it would feel like cheating or whatever.
What did she mean by cheatingโฆ?
I could never fully grasp her reasoning.
I continued to munch on dumplings to fill my stomach.
Beside Tang Soyeol and Namgung Bi-ah, there was another guest who had come to visit me.
Actually, it was that guest who brought these dumplings for me.
The guest then spoke with a hint of disbelief.
โโฆI really thought it was just a coincidence, but you really charmed a girl?โ
โWhy are you insulting me as soon as you get here?โ
โIโm complimenting you, you dummy.โ
It was a girl with short black hair.
It was Peng Ah-hee, who stopped me back at the banquet.
โI came all the way here just to check on you, yet youโre talking like thisโฆโ ๐ป๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ธ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐โด๐๐ฆ๐.๐ธโด๐
โYeah, why did you come anyway?โ
โI told you. I came here to watch.โ
Peng Ah-heeโs sudden appearance in my barracks, with dumplings in hand, left me utterly bewildered.
After all, she came so randomly.
And with dumplings at that.
โYou said that you werenโt even gonna participate in the tournament.โ
โYouโre speaking informally again.โ
โMadam.โ
โโฆUh, never mind, just donโt.โ
She spoke with a hint of disdain.
Why was she getting mad at me when she was the one who told me to do it?
โI only came here for the banquet this time. I know that the lord of the clan wouldโve said something if I didnโt go. And Brother said heโs going too for business, so I followed him.โ
I could see the Lord of Peng Clan acting that way, considering his personality.
He reminded me of a man who looked like a huge bear with a fiery temperament.
โIt is quite fascinating how children like these came from that manโs face and personality.โ
Just a glance at his face was more than enough evidence to prove my point.
Peng Woojin and Peng Ah-hee were handsome and beautiful, but that man was completely different.
โIโd have to assume that the motherโs side is extremely beautiful.โ
And furthermore, Peng Ah-hee was the child of a concubine, which meant that both wives were beautiful.
โWhat are you staring at? Do I have something on my face?โ
โNah, nothing. So what do you want from me?โ
โIโm not here to see you. Iโm here to see a friend.โ
โA friend?โ
Peng Ah-heeโs gaze moved toward Tang Soyeol. Then Tang Soyeol started to cough while eating.
Seizing the moment, Peng Ah-hee continued.
โYouโre really doing a good job, huh?โ
โโฆCoughโฆ Ahemโฆโ
They knew each other?
Peng Ah-hee directed her attention to Tang Soyeol.
โDo you even have an appetite right now?โ
โโฆErrโฆ โ
โI heard that you lost your first fight?โ
โโฆYeah.โ
โWow~Greattttt Job. And you were so confident too.โ
Tang Soyeol then hid her face behind her green hair as she had no response.
She looked like she wanted to disappear into a mouse hole.
Peng Ah-hee then let out a sigh as she looked at Tang Soyeol.
โโฆAre you okay?โ
โYeahโฆ Iโm not hurt.โ
โYou look like you are, though.โ
โโฆโ
โIโm kidding. Your opponent must have been strong.โ
Tang Soyeol appeared on the verge of tears at Peng Ah-heeโs words.
Despite that, she continued to eat dumplings one by one.
โโฆWere you hungry?โ
โโฆYeah, porridge doesnโt taste too good, you know.โ
โThatโs why I brought it here for you.โ
โThanksโฆโ
Tang Soyeol made a sad expression as if she just had rain abruptly pouring on her.
Peng Ah-hee then shifted her attention to me.
โSheโs a nice girl even though she can be rude at times.โ
โA-Ah-hee!โ
I made a strange expression after hearing Peng Ah-heeโs words.
โRude? She was never rude to me though.โ
โWhat?โ
Peng Ah-hee showed even a bigger reaction after hearing my words.
But it was true that Tang Soyeol never displayed any rudeness toward me or my group.
Instead, she seemed caring and considerate.
Upon hearing that, Peng Ah-hee looked at Tang Soyeol with an astonished expression and spoke.
โYouโฆ you really did a good job faking it, huh?โ
โN-No! What do you mean faking it!โ
โYou unbelievable girlโฆ The world probably already knows what your personality is like already.โ
Tang Soyeol looked frustrated, but Peng Ah-hee didnโt change her expression.
I could tell from their interaction.
They really were close, huh?
โSoyeol, I always knew you had really weird tastes, but I never expected it to turn out like this.โ
โโฆWhat did I even do.โ
โWhatโs the point of telling you? You choseโฆ โ
Then Peng Ah-hee scrutinized my appearance from head to toe. I couldnโt help but feel very offended for some reasonโฆ
โYou. Be careful too.โ
โWith whatโฆ?โ
โBe careful when you sleep and donโt eat any presents that the Tang Clan sends you. The lord of that clan really loves Soyeol- โ
โHey!โ
Tang Soyeol, unable to hold back, shouted with great force.
Because of that, Namgung Bi-ah, who was sleeping in the back, woke up abruptly.
โOh my gosh!โ
Peng Ah-hee, who didnโt know Namgung Bi-ah was here, screamed in surprise.
The situation really turned into a mess.
โW-Why is that lady here?โ
โShe said sheโs sleepy.
The girl who had fought right after me in the tournament, was sleeping just like that because she claimed to be tired.
โI guess it makes sense, considering her opponent.โ
Her opponent, by the way, was Gu Jeolyub.
Thanks to that, Gu Jeolyub was probably somewhere sulking in a corner.
โBut why is she in your- โฆOh.โ
She cut herself off, seemingly realizing that I was engaged to Namgung Bi-ah.
Though that didnโt really justify her presence here right now.
โBut even soโฆ isnโt she not allowed here?โ
The reason she asked this was because I was up against Namgung Cheonjun next.
Namgung Bi-ah herself didnโt seem to care, but it was a different story for me.
I suggested to Namgung Bi-ah that she might want to return to her own barracks, given the attention we were attracting.
But when Namgung Bi-ah heard those words from me, she instantly furrowed her brows and laid down to sleep.
As if she was trying to express her rejection through her body.
Peng Ah-hee looked at Namgung Bi-ah, who remained silent, and tried to lighten the mood by chattering.
โUh, because of the relationships and allโฆ Itโs hard for you to cheer for one side, right?โ
โโฆIโm not cheering.โ
Namgung Bi-ah responded quietly to Peng Ah-hee.
โโฆThere is no need.โ
Her words might have sounded cold to some people.
After all, Peng Ah-hee shut up right away after hearing them.
But unlike her, I understood.
That there could have been a misunderstanding because of her lacking vocabulary, but I knew that she meant something like โHeโll be fine even if I donโt cheer for himโ.
โJeezโฆโ
This problem stemmed from her tendency to withhold her thoughts and only express some of it, but she seemed like she had no intention of fixing that.
Not that I cared about it at this point.
Amidst this somewhat awkward situation, a servant from outside spoke to me.
โYoung Master, the time isโฆ โ
โOh, Iโm coming now.โ
I knew it was almost my turn to compete, which was why I stopped eating and flowed my Qi around.
My body warmed up a little and the relaxation I had felt moments ago gave way to tension.
I was in perfect condition.
As I followed the servant to the arena, I noticed a clear difference compared to the last time.
The arena was much larger this time.
And looked much firmer as well. It seemed like they used expensive materials to build the stage so that fighters wouldnโt break anything.
It really did look like it wouldnโt break easily. โEasilyโ being the keyword.
I slowly ascended the arena.
Then, I began to hear people talking. It was astounding how many spectators there were despite the cold weather.
Why did everyone like watching fights so much?
โA kid? A kid like that has made it up to the top 8?โ
โHow did he? Did he get lucky with his matchups?โ
โI heard that Wudangโs young prodigy lost to that kidโฆ
โWudangโฆ. out of all the sects? No way, it must be a false rumor.โ
Among the spectators, there were other people who came to watch, not just the young prodigies I saw back in the banquet.
These were likely people who had donated to the Murim Alliance.
As ordinary folks werenโt allowed to watch the tournaments.
โGu Clan of Shanxiโฆ? Isnโt that the clan that belonged to the Tiger Warrior?โ
โWoahโฆ The Tiger Warrior had a male child?โ
โBut then why did no one know about it until nowโฆ Maybe heโs a collateral relative?โ
โYou idiot! A collateral relative wouldnโt have made it this far. Being the son of the Tiger Warrior also means that he is the young brother of the Sword Phoenix, so he must be incredibly talented.โ
โHmmโฆ Then thatโs more disappointing.โ
โWhat is?โ
โHe may be talented, but his opponent isโฆ you know, so his winning streak will likely end here. Iโm disappointed about that.โ
The men in the spectator seats commented after watching the young man who came up on the arena on the opposing side.
โEven if the kid has talent, it wonโt be enough against that young man.โ
A man with a sculpture-like appearance and white hair had entered the stage.
A blue uniform with gold embroidery.
His imposing presence, combined with a hint of cold Qi, left a strong impression on everyone.
The young man was from the most renowned sword clan of the Central Plains.
The center of the four noble clans of the Orthodox Faction.
The Lightning Dragon, Namgung Cheonjun of the Namgung Clan.
His eyes gleamed as they scanned the arena stage.
Chhk.
The sword he slowly drew from its sheath sparkled in the moonlight.
It was a sword provided by the Murim Alliance, but the way he held it made the sword itself appear exceptional.
As I prepared myself, Namgung Cheonjun spoke to me all of a sudden.
โA fool, you are.โ
I could hear his voice even though he spoke quietly, thanks to his use of Qi to enhance it.
The judge hadnโt come up to the arena yet.
Moreover, Namgung Cheonjun was speaking to me quietly so that the spectators couldnโt hear him.
โI could commend you for making it this far, but you are still foolish as ever.โ
โBrother-in-law, the way you speak to an older brother-in-law is quite rude, you know.โ
โYouโฆ!โ
Namgung Cheonjun almost raged out loud due to my taunt.
As expected, it seemed like he really hated me calling him, โBrother-in-lawโ. Why was he the one lashing out when he was the one who insulted me first?
I was tempted to make more fun of him.
Namgung Cheonjun, who seemed to have calmed down, spoke once again.
โDidnโt I say earlier? If you donโt want your big nose to get hurt, you should forfeit.โ
โMy nose isnโt that big. Itโs smaller than brother-in-lawโs, you know?โ
โโฆYour tongue still doesnโt know when to stop, and you still donโt seem to know your place either.โ
The way he held his sword changed a little.
He got into a more comfortable posture so that he could swing it whenever he wished.
Even so, it didnโt appear that he was taking the fight seriously. Why does each and every member of the noble clans always let their guard down without fail?
No wonder their clans fell into ruin in the future. How could they not when someone who was considered a blood relative acted this way?
Namgung Cheonjun, oblivious to my thoughts, only continued his words.
โDo you really think you won in that incident back in Sichuan?โ
โWhat incident? Oh, when brother-in-law got beat up by me and crawled on the floor?โ
โโฆIf usage of Qi had been allowed, I couldโve easily sliced your neck off.โ
I almost laughed out loud after hearing Namgung Cheonjun just now.
Oh, what should I do with him?
โBrother-in-law, you know something?โ
โYou bastard keepโฆ- โ
โIf the old man I know heard your words right now, he wouldโve lashed out.โ
Elder Shin might have tried to rip his ass in half if he heard Namgung Cheonjunโs words right now.
โAre you really a martial artist if you canโt do anything without Qi? If thatโs your mindset, you might as well pick up some random dude and tell him to be the Young Lord of Namgung Clan. Heโd do better than you.โ
โYou piece ofโฆ!โ
He tried to shout something, but the judge was making his way onto the arena.
Even the judge appeared different from those in earlier fights.
He looked like a strong judge who could always interfere to halt the fight if necessary.
Spectators, who had been talking while looking at Namgung Cheonjun and I, became silent when the judge arrived.
It was because they were concentrating on the exciting fight that was about to begin.
โQuarterfinals, Namgung Cheonjun of Namgung Clan vsโฆโ
Namgung Cheonjun infused his sword with Qi as soon as the judge called his name. The judge didnโt say anything about us having to show respect to each other.
Which suited me just fine.
โWoahโฆโ
I realized it after feeling the tingly sensation that passed by my cheek.
Namgung Cheonjunโs sword definitely contained Lightning Qi. It seemed like he didnโt just spend his time playing around.
โGu Yangcheon of Gu Clan.โ
I could accept the fact that he was practically brimming with confidence.
After all, it was true that Namgung Cheonjun was a genius as well.
It was just that there were too many others that stood in front of him.
I honestly didnโt really care about his arrogance.
Who was I to judge when he himself knew his own talent all too well, yet still wanted to boast about it?
Though, it would be nice for him to leave me alone and stop being so annoying.
Moreover, it would also be nice if he fixed the way he looked at Namgung Bi-ah.
I might be close-minded, but I was also somewhat understanding.
I was a crazy dog in my past life, but now I managed to restrain myself to some extent.
And this time, for sureโฆ
If Namgung Cheonjun had concealed that greed in his eyesโฆ
I wouldnโt have cared too much about this.
So you could say that itโs Namgung Cheonjunโs fault for failing to do so.
โBegin.โ
I heard the judgeโs voice.
At the same time,
โ Fiery Fangs of Beast
The giant flame that erupted from my fistโฆ
Enveloped half of the arena stage.
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