Childhood Friend of the Zenith-Chapter 496

A renowned martial artist from Wudang, known as the strangest of them all. He was a disciple of the current head of Wudang and was consistently counted among Wudang’s greatest experts.

More than a decade ago, he defeated Hyeok Eochun, the Dual-Blade Swordsman of the Simao Sect.

Just like the Sword Queen, he single-handedly blocked a major demonic gate that appeared in a civilian area.

Due to such feats, there was once a time he almost contended with Namgung Jin, the current Sword King, for the vacant position of Sword King.

However, due to his increasingly strange behavior, he ultimately never earned the title. The Hermit despised helping others, and despite being a Daoist, he indulged in meat and alcohol.

Unlike Wudang’s philosophy of tranquil flow, he was wild and unpredictable.

He would laugh heartily, only to suddenly draw his sword and slaughter his opponent without any clear reason.

Later, it was revealed that the man he killed had been a notorious lecher terrorizing village women, silencing the controversy.

But even after that incident, he frequently caused unexplained commotions, leading to rumors that Wudang grew tired of him and sent him away.

Possessing both exceptional martial power and skill, he rescued the impoverished, displaying chivalry, yet often acted crudely, unbecoming of a Daoist.

Thus, people called him the “Strange Hermit.”

Yet...

For the Wudang Hermit—or rather, Namgung Hyung—this reputation felt a bit unjust.

The main reason he ended up with such an ill reputation was, in large part, the cantankerous old spirit housed within his blade.

Namgung Hyung faced many life hardships, but the most significant was the day he finally seized Thunder Fang.

"I found it."

An unknown staff at the center of the Namgung family's storage.

Namgung Hyung’s life changed completely at that moment.

"You... You are the one destined to revive the Namgung clan."

He remembered the voice that pierced his ears, worn and exhausted, as he grasped the staff with blood-stained hands.

When Namgung Hyung, his voice rough, asked who was speaking,

Thunder Fang replied.

"I am Namgung Myung."

"I don’t care who you are; as long as you carry Namgung’s blood, it makes no difference."

Namgung Myung.

As Namgung Hyung raised his head at the familiar name, Thunder Fang, resting atop the table, began to emit light.

"Take it."

"Grasp Thunder Fang, and carry my will. Then..."

"Revive the fallen Namgung."

Young Namgung Hyung could not comprehend the meaning of those words.

The Namgung family, a key pillar among the Four Great Houses, was still regarded as a prestigious clan.

What had fallen, and what was left to revive?

Though he couldn’t understand Namgung Myung’s words,

He still took hold of Thunder Fang.

The reason was simple.

Grasping Thunder Fang made him feel he could escape this terrifying and repulsive household.

Swept away by an inexplicable feeling, Namgung Hyung seized Thunder Fang.

Fortunately,

He managed to escape the Namgung family.

But...

That wasn’t entirely in line with Namgung Myung’s true intention.

As noon arrived, right on schedule,

Namgung Hyung was, as always, swinging his sword, sitting on a rock, filling his empty stomach.

As he shoved a handful of rice balls into his mouth,

"How long do you intend to remain stubborn?"

A cold voice rang in Namgung Hyung’s ears.

This, too, had become part of his daily routine.

"Isn’t this enough?"

Namgung Hyung delayed his answer, finishing the rest of his rice and washing it down with water.

Only after swallowing his third rice ball did he feel slightly full.

As he was about to enjoy a moment of peace,

"Though I didn’t like what your grandfather proposed, I don’t think it’s a bad idea."

"...Haah..."

Though he tried to ignore it, he eventually had to respond.

As a spirit, it seemed tireless.

"It doesn’t seem like I’m the one being stubborn."

"My descendant."

"Old man, how long will you be so stubborn? I’ve told you from the start; I have no intention of returning to that family."

"How can a Namgung bloodline refuse to return to Namgung?"

"If I get annoyed, I leave. What’s the big deal? Will the family crumble without me?"

"Yes, that’s why I’m saying this."

Namgung Myung’s firm tone made Namgung Hyung chuckle wryly.

"Old man. If the family would fall without me, then let it fall."

"You insolent child...!"

"It seems my grandfather’s words have gotten under your skin. Give up. If I intended to yield to that talk, I would’ve given in long ago."

He recalled his grandfather, Cheonjon, visiting.

Return to Namgung, and he would even be granted the head position?

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Thinking of his half-brother, who had clawed for that position, made him smirk.

"A position that could vanish with a mere gesture from Grandfather, what does it even mean?"

He had no interest. Even if a sword were at his throat, he wouldn’t return to Namgung.

The problem was that Wudang, too, was making a fuss about his return, and with Cheonjon involved, it was just a bother.

“It’s time to move.”

It had been a year since he settled in Sichuan.

He thought he’d been quietly hiding, unnoticed.

How did they find him?

"My disciple wouldn’t have leaked it."

He doubted Woo-hyuk would spread word about him.

"In any case, it’s troublesome."

He’d planned to stay here for a few more years, but with Cheonjon’s visit, it seemed he had to relocate.

Where to this time?

“Perhaps North Sea?”

Not a bad choice. A place he’d always wanted to visit—the frozen land untouched by factions.

It was a perfect place for a tranquil retreat.

"My descendant."

As he pondered his plans, Namgung Myung spoke.

Namgung Hyung responded with a slight snort.

“As we first agreed, I will complete your sword and return it to Namgung. Isn’t that why I practice day and night?”

"...."

“If you expect anything more, leave. The family will happily take it back.”

Namgung Myung stopped vibrating, and Namgung Hyung sighed internally.

He understood Namgung Myung’s intentions and appreciated his help.

But embodying and carrying out those intentions wasn’t something he desired.

Trying to change the topic, Namgung Hyung spoke.

"By the way, will you ever tell me what happened last time?"

“…What are you talking about?”

"Last time, when that young monster showed up."

The young monster referred to the one his disciple brought along as a friend.

Namgung Hyung was quite pleased with the nickname he’d come up with.

What else could he be but a monster?

Namgung Hyung truly believed his disciple would shake the world. His disciple had talent and learned quickly, seemingly destined for greatness.

Despite his laziness and love for sleep, he thought it was a talent that would eventually surpass it.

"Beyond his league, truly."

They called him So-yeomra.

But this little monster was leagues apart from his disciple.

Complete, or nearly so, as a warrior.

A lazy, disrespectful presence.

But Namgung Hyung saw the hidden blade within.

A blade so keen, it felt as if it would cut everything around him the moment it was unsheathed.

Indeed.

“A monster’s child would be no less a monster.”

Seeing So-yeomra, a young boy of the Gu family, he recalled their family head.

The sight of him alone was enough to send shivers down his spine.

How could he forget that moment when the earth and sky seemed to burn?

The long red hair like flames and his blazing red eyes.

With Hyeok Eochun, the Dual-Blade Swordsman of Simao, in his grasp, he turned to Namgung Hyung.

“You beat me to it.”

With that, he vanished into flames. The moment was fleeting, but Namgung Hyung couldn’t forget it.

He knew he couldn’t win.

Facing Hyeok Eochun’s last struggle with ease, the overwhelming presence around him was unforgettable.

[That kid’s strength isn’t just his own.]

Namgung Myung’s cold tone reached him.

[With a greater monster attached, it’s no wonder he’s strong.]

Namgung Hyung’s face grew curious.

It seemed he understood what Namgung Myung hinted at.

"Will you not share that story either?"

The day So-yeomra appeared.

Namgung Hyung was shocked that he could hear Namgung Myung’s voice.

No one had ever been able to hear Namgung Myung’s voice before.

The problem was, it seemed So-yeomra, too, had something akin to Namgung Myung, yet Namgung Hyung couldn’t hear it.

Even…

[You don’t need to know.]

Namgung Myung avoided the topic.

As if reluctant to tell Namgung Hyung.

Namgung Hyung spoke in frustration.

"At least hide your emotions when you speak. It’s distracting."

[...]

Embarrassment.

It was the first time Namgung Hyung sensed something different in Namgung Myung’s usually composed tone.

"I have no idea what has you so ashamed."

[Who’s ashamed?]

“You’re the one acting like a caught thief.”

[Quiet.]

Seeing he didn’t deny it, there must’ve been something there.

Though tempted to probe further, Namgung Hyung restrained himself.

After all, he’d summoned someone who could answer instead.

Just then.

A faint, approaching presence appeared.

Seeing its speed, it was a warrior, and one of them was Woo-hyuk.

But…

"Three?"

Two other presences besides Woo-hyuk’s.

One with a strong presence like So-yeomra’s.

Who was the third?

As Namgung Hyung increased his energy to check,

A tingling sensation washed over him.

“…!”

It was an aura he couldn’t ignore.

After a few moments,

"Master."

From afar, Woo-hyuk landed lightly on the ground. He was carrying what seemed to be a boar on his back.

It seemed he brought it as a gift—such a thoughtful kid.

While Namgung Hyung looked at the boar, his gaze landed on someone else.

A fierce young man—So-yeomra.

And beside him…

With white, clear skin and striking features.

“…I see.”

Namgung Hyung immediately recognized who she was.

"So you’re my niece."

She was likely his half-brother’s daughter.

The one now called the Sword Dance Maiden, engaged to So-yeomra.

Seeing her, Namgung Hyung stood.

Namgung Bi-ah slightly widened her eyes upon seeing him.

"…?"

"It seems my brother raised you well; your aura is sharp."

"…Brother?"

At his words, Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head.

Namgung Hyung chuckled at her reaction.

He could tell they hadn’t told her about him.

Typical.

Yet, he bore her no ill will, so he managed a smile.

"There's no need for a warm greeting… I am—"

Just as he was about to introduce himself,

"My descendant."

Namgung Myung’s voice echoed.

"Old man?"

"Draw your sword."

"Eh? What’s…?"

Sssrrk.

"What…?"

As Namgung Myung spoke, Namgung Hyung’s hand moved.

It wasn’t his will.

It was dangerous.

He instinctively tightened his grip to resist.

Clang.

“…!”

The sword didn’t budge. He’d intended to draw it.

Namgung Hyung hadn’t stopped himself; he, too, was shocked.

The reason was simple.

Someone held the sheath firmly in place.

Namgung Hyung was stunned.

This meant he hadn’t sensed their approach.

And they had anticipated his draw, blocking him before he could.

He looked at the person with wide eyes.

And was shocked.

The face he saw as he met his gaze.

“…Now.”

The voice reached his ears.

As if struggling to contain his anger.

"What were you trying to do?"

Blue eyes glowing amidst an intense aura.

At that moment, So-yeomra, who was a spitting image of the red-haired man, began to slowly intensify his aura.