Childhood Friend of the Zenith-Chapter 523

Starting with a dazzling blade that sparkled like a gem.

The translucent blade, resembling a concentrated aura of qi, exuded a peculiar atmosphere.

But that wasn’t all.

‘This...’

Not only did the surrounding air heat up, but the fiery energy within me also felt amplified.

‘Impressive.’

It was astonishing. Not just a surge of vitality, but an enhancement of energy itself.

‘It feels similar to when I used Blood Qi before.’

Although now united with the Blood Qi and having undergone transformation, it was reminiscent of when I wielded Blood Qi as a mortal human.

Thinking back, I couldn’t help but reevaluate Thunder Fang.

‘It’s far more extraordinary than I thought.’

Initially, I assumed it merely amplified lightning qi, but to think it could enhance both the body and qi to this extent was beyond expectation.

“How is that… even possible?”

A startled voice interrupted my thoughts.

It was the voice of the Hermit.

His widened eyes as he stared at the activated Thunder Fang in my hand reflected sheer disbelief.

‘Can the Hermit use this?’

The question crossed my mind. Having abandoned the Namgung family’s martial arts for the Wudang Sect, could the Hermit still wield Thunder Fang? If he could, there would be no treasure more valuable than this.

‘...It’s even better than Gui Jeong.’

[What did you just say, brat?]

At my comparison, Shin Noya’s voice flared with indignation.

Yet, it was true.

Gui Jeong, with its attribute of being indestructible, was incredible.

But compared to the effects of Thunder Fang?

‘In terms of combat utility, this is overwhelmingly superior.’

Of course, I wouldn’t be able to fully utilize Thunder Fang since I didn’t rely on swords. However, excluding that, it was undoubtedly an extraordinary artifact.

‘The problem is, it consumes qi like a madman.’

Perhaps because the blade itself was forged from qi, the consumption rate was enormous.

I, with my abundant reserves of qi, could sustain it for a few hours.

‘But for others, it wouldn’t last long.’

In fact, using it as a sword aura required mastery at the peak level; otherwise, it risked touching innate energy.

As I continued observing Thunder Fang with interest—

[You insolent brat…!!]

Namgung Myung’s furious roar echoed in my ears.

[How… how is it possible for you to summon the sword spirit?!]

‘…You shouldn’t be yelling at me about this. I’m just as surprised, to be honest.’

I simply infused qi, and it responded so well that I gave it more. Then, suddenly—poof!—it activated. What was I supposed to do about that?

‘I didn’t expect it to work either.’

As someone unrelated to lightning qi, I never imagined I could wield Thunder Fang.

Ssshh—.

I swung the blade lightly.

‘…Wow.’

In that moment, even I couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

The feeling was different.

It was incomparably lighter than an ordinary steel sword, and the sensation of cutting through the air was entirely unique.

Was this the essence of a legendary sword? Perhaps this explained why swordsmen were so obsessed with acquiring exceptional blades.

‘Not that sword spirits are common to begin with.’

While I was immersed in testing its feel—

[Put it down immediately, you insolent fool!]

Namgung Myung’s persistent outbursts rang in my ears, but I let his words drift past me without much thought.

‘Bear with me a little longer. It’s not like using it will wear it out.’

[…You insolent whelp! This blade can only be wielded by the bloodline of the Namgung family!]

That much I understood, but—

‘I’m still able to wield it, am I not?’

If Thunder Fang was working in my hands, what did that mean? I clearly wasn’t part of the Namgung bloodline.

Moreover, the energy emanating from the blade wasn’t lightning qi.

It was unmistakably fiery energy.

The sword, filled with my aura, bore no relation to lightning qi.

Why could I wield it?

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Perhaps it was a question I should have considered earlier when I first picked it up. But now wasn’t the time for that.

“Are you… done?”

“…Oh, yeah. I think I’m almost done.”

Namgung Bi-ah, with her usual expression, asked me this while observing Thunder Fang, showing little interest in the marvel it represented.

‘…She’s not surprised?’

A blade like this emerged from a simple rod. Meanwhile, the Hermit looked like his eyes were about to pop out.

‘Well, that’s just how she is.’

Wooong—!

Each light swing of the blade emitted a hum. The vibrations were immense.

Even at a glance, its might was overwhelming.

While I couldn’t replicate the Thunder God’s Descent technique used by the Demon Sword Queen, even this was more than enough.

‘Should I not use it?’

For a moment, the thought of sheathing Thunder Fang and using Gui Jeong instead crossed my mind.

But—

“…”

Sliding the blade, I pointed it at Namgung Bi-ah, dismissing the thought.

Now wasn’t the time for hesitation.

The blade, brimming with fiery energy, was fixed on her. After briefly examining it, she looked back at me and spoke.

“I’m coming.”

Just as I was about to respond—

Shiiing—!

“…!”

Without waiting for my answer, Namgung Bi-ah launched herself forward.

Fast.

She moved so quickly that only a faint afterimage remained.

In an instant, she closed the distance. Her low stance and the angle of her sword spoke volumes.

‘She’s going for an upward slash.’

As soon as the thought crossed my mind, her blade rose sharply.

There wasn’t enough time to step back. I twisted my body, narrowly evading to the side.

The moment I dodged, her blade adjusted its trajectory, following my movements.

‘Hah.’

So, this is how it’s going to be?

Changing direction mid-swing wasn’t easy. This could only mean—

‘She anticipated how I would evade?’

That had to be it.

Raising my blade, I intercepted her attack. The moment Thunder Fang met her sword—

Clang—!

“…!”

A resounding chime echoed as her blade rebounded.

I hadn’t done anything. The sword itself released a repulsive force, deflecting her attack.

Seeing this, I chuckled dryly.

‘This thing is insane.’

The blade itself had a repulsive force?

‘I definitely felt my qi being used.’

During the deflection, I sensed my energy being drained.

Thunder Fang had autonomously drawn upon my qi to defend itself.

‘So, this is one of the Five Great Swords?’

The more I observed, the more regret I felt that this wasn’t a gauntlet. If it were, I’d have stolen it without hesitation.

With Namgung Bi-ah’s movement briefly disrupted by the repulsion, I didn’t miss the opportunity.

A half-step forward.

Closing the gap further, I moved my arm.

Sshhk—! Thunder Fang shot forward, aiming for her chest.

A simple thrust. Straightforward yet swift, tied to my level of mastery.

Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze locked onto the tip of the blade.

And then—

Fwoooom—!

“…Hah.”

An overwhelming aura surged from her body.

It was the Supreme King Sword Form, the secret art of the Namgung family.

Its sheer force weighed down on me. Could Namgung Bi-ah truly wield this much power?

‘She’s vastly different from before.’

The first time I met her after regressing, she had displayed the Supreme King Sword Form as if to declare her lineage. Compared to then, this version was far heavier.

Its oppressive presence befitted its name, enough to intimidate anyone of equal or slightly higher skill.

But—

Her Supreme King Sword Form was incomplete.

Boom—!

Releasing my fiery energy to counter, her aura began to crumble.

Her qi shattered like glass. Namgung Bi-ah’s delicate brow furrowed.

‘Still not there yet.’

Comparing her current form to the Demon Sword Queen’s overwhelming display of the Supreme King Sword Form in my past life, she still had a long way to go.

The Supreme King Sword Form, which intertwined presence and killing intent to crush everything, would always falter against a superior presence.

It was a flaw I had discovered while clashing with the Demon Sword Queen in my previous life.

Overwhelm her presence by recklessly pouring out qi. A crude yet effective method.

One that only someone with excessive qi reserves, like myself, could employ.

The thrust aimed at Namgung Bi-ah continued without pause.

The only issue was—

‘A brief opening appeared.’

While breaking through the Supreme King Sword Form, a gap had emerged.

Namgung Bi-ah didn’t miss it.

Creak—!

Taking advantage, she twisted her body, deflecting the thrust with the back of her blade.

Rumble—! Thunder Fang responded with another burst of repulsive force.

Namgung Bi-ah endured and successfully redirected the attack.

‘Hmm.’

The deflected blade sliced through empty air. Her decision wasn’t bad, but—

I spun and swung my leg.

Thwack—!

“Ugh…!”

Struck square in the chest, Namgung Bi-ah staggered backward.

“Cough…”

She stumbled a few steps before dropping to one knee, gasping for breath.

Looking at her, I spoke.

“Is that all you’ve got?”

“…”

She wasn’t ready yet. Her decisions weren’t bad, but that was it.

The reason was simple.

“There were countless moments you could have ended it. You know that, right?”

“…Yes…”

From the first swing.

When her blade had been repelled by the sword’s inherent force.

Had I not been holding a weapon, it could have ended there.

The performance of Thunder Fang was indeed exceptional, but for someone like me, reliant on martial arts rather than swords, it was a limitation rather than a strength.

My body and training were inherently incompatible with swordsmanship.

That was a deliberate choice in my training, so I couldn’t complain now.

“…If this is all you’re going to show me, I can’t let you go.”

“…”

Slowly, Namgung Bi-ah rose to her feet.

Even after taking such a kick, leaving her qi in disarray and her breathing unstable, she stood.

She steadied her breath a few times, her expression returning to its usual calm demeanor.

Shrrng.

Her sword pointed toward me once more.

"Again... please."

"..."

Her blade remained unwavering. Her gaze, too, was resolute.

Namgung Bi-ah clearly understood. She must have realized in our last exchange that she couldn't reach me, yet she still intended to try.

"Why? Why do you insist on doing this?"

"..."

"Can’t you stay? Just… don’t go, okay?"

As I spoke, I found myself uttering pitiful words I hadn’t intended.

Words I never planned to say tumbled out unbidden.

"You said you wouldn’t leave me."

She had told me so herself, that she wouldn’t leave my side.

"…You were the one who said that."

I knew this was an obsession. I understood it was possessiveness.

But I couldn’t let go.

It was dangerous—this attachment terrified me. It was why I had kept my distance, ensuring that no one would grow too significant to me. Preparing myself for the bloodbath that would inevitably come.

So that, no matter what, I could throw myself into danger without hesitation.

So that I wouldn’t have a single thought of wanting to survive.

That was how I had wanted things to be.

But now I realized it was already too late.

Hearing my words, Namgung Bi-ah steadied her stance and spoke.

"I won’t leave. Not ever."

"Then even now…"

"To stay, I have to go."

Such a contradictory statement.

I bit my lip and gripped Thunder Fang tightly.

"Fine. If you insist on going, then so be it. But no matter how much I think about it, I don’t want to let you go."

"..."

"Remember our agreement. Prove yourself to me, and then I’ll let you go."

Was this the effect of my transformation?

The thought of something precious to me vanishing stirred a deep unease. I wanted to protect it at all costs.

That feeling began to coil around me.

Thwack!

Once again, Namgung Bi-ah launched herself at me. Her movement was identical to before.

I frowned as I watched her.

‘What is she trying to do?’

If it’s the same as before, it won’t work.

Just as that thought crossed my mind—

Woooong!

A sound resonated from Namgung Bi-ah’s sword. It was the Sword Cry.

A particularly clear and intense Sword Cry. This meant her level of mastery was extraordinarily high.

The Sword Cry rang out as her sword began to tremble.

A path unfolded.

It was the Namgung family’s swordsmanship.

Familiar with the style, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment.

But then—

[...Huh...]

Namgung Myung let out a gasp, tinged with astonishment.

Just moments ago, he was shouting at me to release Thunder Fang, but now his reaction was one of awe.

[How… How is that girl doing this?]

The sword path flowed seamlessly.

Why was Namgung Myung reacting like this?

‘Is this…?’

Watching the gradually extending path, I came to understand.

This was—

‘The Demon Sword Queen’s blade.’

Her sword dance under the moonlight.

It was eerily similar to that.

The perfected sword, free from all of the Namgung family’s flaws, one that had reached true completion.

Though it lacked the finesse of the Demon Sword Queen’s skill, and its rough edges showed faintly—

This was unmistakably her blade.

‘When did she…?’

Dodging the sword path, I swallowed my astonishment.

When had she acquired this?

‘Did she learn it from the Sword King?’

I recalled the condition imposed by the Sword King when revealing the Namgung family’s techniques—to teach Namgung Bi-ah if she achieved enlightenment.

Could it have been that?

‘No…’

The timing didn’t fit.

Her meeting with the Sword King in Hanam had lasted only a few days.

That wasn’t nearly enough time to learn this.

Which meant Namgung Bi-ah must have discovered this on her own.

‘Impressive.’

When had she trained to reach such a level?

She must have worked tirelessly.

With no one to guide her, she must have struggled through endless confusion as she forged her own path.

Wondering, endlessly, if she was headed in the right direction.

And yet, she had found her way to this point.

‘Was I the one who failed to see her?’

It dawned on me that I hadn’t truly noticed Namgung Bi-ah’s efforts.

Feeling the depth of her martial arts, I finally understood.

Her unwavering resolve.

"..."

I could feel it.

Martial arts don’t lie.

Her emotions for me, maddeningly clear, were conveyed without deception.

Bang!

"Ugh…!"

I parried her blade, throwing her off balance.

As I prepared to swing Thunder Fang again—

Crack! Lightning qi burst forth from Namgung Bi-ah’s body, surging toward me.

Even as her stance faltered, she refused to stop attacking.

I stepped back, widening the distance between us, and waved my hand.

Whoosh!

Flames erupted, swallowing the lightning qi entirely.

I rolled my eyes.

The lightning qi had been weaker than expected—a larger-than-necessary attack meant to deceive.

Spreading my senses, I caught something.

Instantly, I swung my sword to the left.

Clang!

As I expected, Namgung Bi-ah had slipped in from the left for a surprise attack.

Her strikes grew sharper.

Was she growing during the fight?

No.

She was revealing her strength gradually.

She wanted to show me.

How hard she had worked.

So that I would acknowledge her.

That pure, heartfelt intention weighed on me.

Was it shame?

Was I embarrassed by the possessiveness that dictated my actions?

Maybe.

Shing! Shrrng!

Lightning qi coursed along her blade, accelerating her strikes.

Whoosh!

"…!"

Using the Supreme King Sword Form, she intensified her attacks, binding me with its oppressive force while pressing me with her lightning-infused swordsmanship.

The mix of feints and cunning in her attacks was astonishing for someone so young.

The tarnished masterpiece of the Namgung family.

The legacy of the Demon Sword Queen was apparent in her movements.

"…You’ve worked hard."

The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes widened as she continued her assault, surprised by what I had said.

"…Yes."

She responded with a smile.

It was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen from her.

Her desire to perfect this sword—

I could feel it.

And it wasn’t just the sword.

As our auras clashed, her emotions resonated, communicating with mine in a way that words couldn’t.

Martial arts don’t lie.

Too honest, too revealing.

And now I could feel it—

Every one of her actions was imbued with me.

‘Why?’

My feelings for her seemed inevitable.

She had died for me once, and even now, she remained by my side.

It wasn’t strange for me to feel something for her, even if I couldn’t give her all of my heart.

I had to admit it.

There was a place for her in my heart.

But—

‘Why do you…?’

Why did she harbor such feelings for me?

Our blades met.

Sparks flew.

In the brief moment that my vision was obscured by the flames, she spoke.

"I… too…"

What was she trying to say?

Just as I had grasped her emotions through her martial arts, had she grasped something of mine?

Whatever it was, I didn’t want to hear it.

Lightning qi gathered, amplifying her presence. But the Supreme King Sword Form didn’t falter.

For some reason, Namgung Bi-ah’s strength seemed to grow.

She was drawing out her power.

Whoosh!

The Gu Flame Wheel Technique began spinning within me, its flames roaring as my presence grew.

The light of Thunder Fang intensified, pushing back against the Supreme King Sword Form.

Namgung Bi-ah’s swordsmanship remained intact, but her movements slowed as she strained under the pressure.

I saw an opening.

I swung Thunder Fang toward it.

The motion was crude, far from elegant, but fast—hardly worthy of being called swordsmanship.

But it was enough to exploit the gap.

I swung without hesitation.

And then—

"I… love you, too."

Namgung Bi-ah’s voice reached me.

I bit my lip.

Of all emotions, she had to reveal the one I least wanted to confront.

Embarrassment over being exposed was pushed aside as I focused on my attack.

The blade didn’t waver.

It struck true.

Clang!

The full force of Thunder Fang cleaved through her sword, shattering it in two.

That should have been the end.

Just as I came to that conclusion—

Swish.

Namgung Bi-ah’s hand wrapped around mine.

"What…?"

My eyes widened as realization struck.

I had overlooked it. Distracted by her words, I hadn’t noticed that she had partially let go of her sword.

Had she intended to abandon her weapon from the start?

What was she planning?

There was no time to think.

Smack!

Namgung Bi-ah’s fist struck my wrist.

Already unsteady from wielding unfamiliar swordsmanship, my balance tipped.

Focused entirely on her blade, I couldn’t adjust in time.

Her strike wasn’t particularly strong, but it was enough to loosen my grip.

And in that moment—

"You…!"

Before I could react, Namgung Bi-ah seized Thunder Fang from my hand.

The energy dissipated as it left me, the blade reverting to its dormant state, leaving only the handle.

She shouldn’t be able to use it.

No matter how much she wanted Thunder Fang, it would be useless to her if she couldn’t activate it.

This had to be a mistake.

But then—

Whoosh!

"What…?"

Thunder Fang, now in her hands, began to glow, radiating brilliantly.

Boom!

Like thunder crashing through her body, Namgung Bi-ah’s form was enveloped in light.

The gem emitted an even more radiant blade than before.

Lightning qi erupted, wrapping her in a veil of white electricity.

And then—

Ssshhk.

The tip of Thunder Fang stopped just short of my neck.

"..."

Silence filled the air.

In the stillness, Namgung Bi-ah spoke.

"I… won."

"..."

She smiled, her expression mirroring the Demon Sword Queen from my past life.

Seeing that smile, I couldn’t help but laugh as well.

"Haha…"

In the years to come, I would come to realize something.

I would never be able to defeat Namgung Bi-ah.

Not in martial arts, but in something else entirely.

Accepting that truth, I closed my eyes in surrender.

Despite the turmoil within, there was nothing more I could do.

"Fine… You’ve won…?"

I reluctantly began to speak.

But then something stopped me.

Surprised, I opened my eyes—

Only to find Namgung Bi-ah kissing me.

It lasted only a few seconds, yet it left me frozen, as if turned to stone.

A fleeting, unexpected kiss.

As I stood there, dumbfounded, Namgung Bi-ah stepped back, creating distance.

"I’m not going anywhere… so don’t worry."

She said this with a radiant smile.

And, like the fool I was, I couldn’t respond.

…Even after the moment had passed, my body refused to move.

******************

“Oh my! Oh my! Look at that! Kids these days really don’t care about people watching, do they? Oh my goodness!”

Watching the unexpected kiss in the middle of a sparring match, the White Lotus Sword bounced with excitement, swatting the Hermit on the shoulder with considerable force.

“…That hurts, elder sister.”

“Oh my goodness! Look at her smile! How could anyone be so beautiful?”

“I said, it hurts…”

The Hermit’s complaints fell on deaf ears as the White Lotus Sword was fully absorbed in her delight. She seemed utterly charmed by the display of youthful romance.

“…This is something else.”

The Hermit sighed repeatedly, his reaction very different from the White Lotus Sword’s enthusiasm.

He began to understand why Gu Yangcheon had been so hypersensitive.

“It seems there’s been a misunderstanding….”

Gu Yangcheon seemed to think that his niece and he were about to leave for the North Sea right away.

“Even if we go, it wouldn’t be until next year. What a situation.”

He had only just assessed the circumstances. For now, heading to the North Sea was impossible.

The current situation didn’t allow for it. Even if it would take some time, his plan had always been to teach his niece the sword after completing his own tasks.

The real issue seemed to be that his niece had firmly decided to follow him.

It wasn’t as though they were leaving immediately.

His agreement had been more about acknowledging her determination, with the understanding that this would happen much later.

Yet Gu Yangcheon appeared to have interpreted it differently.

Or perhaps, this misunderstanding had been intentional all along.

The Hermit wiped a bead of sweat from his brow as he glanced at his niece.

Before arriving at Gu Yangcheon’s residence, his niece had said something.

“Don’t… don’t tell him anything, please.”

“Hmm?”

“I’ll… explain later.”

She had asked him to keep the timing of their departure for the North Sea vague.

At the time, the Hermit hadn’t understood why Namgung Bi-ah wanted him to stay quiet about it.

Now, observing the current scene, he couldn’t help but feel slightly exasperated.

“…She’s far craftier than I expected.”

Namgung Bi-ah wasn’t as naive as she seemed.

In fact, she might just be sharper than anyone realized.