Childhood Friend of the Zenith – 371 (Part 2)



371 (Part 2)

It was Peng Woo-jin.

In this context Peng Zhou was trying to elevate So Yeom-ra and Gu Ga indicating a petty political maneuver to gain a foothold for the Peng Clan.

Normally one would empathize with such words and find mutual benefits but Gu Cheol-woon looked at Peng Zhou and offered a different response.

“The family has done nothing. It was all the child’s own achievements. Neither I nor the clan has particularly helped that child.”

It was resolute.

One might wonder how he could cut off the conversation so decisively.

At this point it must have been somewhat embarrassing for Peng Zhou.

As expected Peng Zhou’s expression twisted slightly.

The head of the Tang Clan.

The tyrant Tang Cheon-gi sighed inwardly at the sight.

That damned bear cub even with age still looks like that.

Now that they had all become Clan Heads he was giving them a courtesy but he often displayed that empty-headedness.

“I don’t remember him being that level before.”

Even in the past one might have thought his brain was filled with muscle.

Recently it felt like it had worsened.

Could it be that he had swapped talents and brains with Woo?

No more precisely it might have been since the moment Peng Woo-jin Peng Zhou’s child began to stand out.

Whatever it was it was uncertain what he might do if this continued.

Just as Tang Cheon-gi was about to take a breath and speak.

Peng Zhou spoke again.

“If you say that it’s something to congratulate… but it’s strange. I’m sure it wasn’t like this before.”

Thud.

The atmosphere sank sharply with Peng Zhou’s words.

That meant he was referring to the story of the Peng Clan and Gu Ga’s engagement that had been called off.

“As time passes childish behavior tends to fade away. I think it’s fortunate. Your child has grown well.”

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It was a story known to all who were aware.

The incident where So Yeom-ra had verbally abused the daughter of the Peng Clan leading to the broken engagement.

“I wonder if he has greatly regretted that mistake. It seems he is doing well with another daughter now. It’s nice to see.”

Twitch.

The one who reacted to Peng Zhou’s words was not Gu Cheol-woon.

It was Tang Cheon-gi and Mo Yong-tae who were listening to the conversation.

At this point Peng Zhou was gradually crossing the line.

And rightly so. Among the rumors about So Yeom-ra the term “lecher” was always attached.

It was said that he was a hero and a lecher often seen with many beautiful women around him.

And those women happened to include the daughters of Tang Cheon-gi and Mo Yong-tae who were present.

Peng Zhou had scratched at a part that everyone was trying hard to ignore.

“Originally the more capable a man is the more women flock to him… That means your child is quite remarkable…”

“Peng Clan Head. How about stopping there?”

Unable to hold back Mo Yong-tae interjected.

“When you speak beyond that do you have the confidence to handle the consequences?”

“What could I not handle? I don’t think I’ve said anything out of line.”

Seeing him smile while speaking something nauseating churned within Mo Yong-tae. Observing this Peng Zhou spoke to Mo Yong-tae.

“Oh speaking of which Mo Yong Clan Head’s daughter is Seol-bong right? I’ve heard she’s quite an impressive friend.”

“Peng Clan Head.”

“Indeed it seems people should associate with those of the same caliber. Seol-bong is also an impressive friend just like So Yeom-ra isn’t she?”

As soon as Peng Zhou finished speaking Mo Yong-tae’s eyes sharpened.

“The head of the Tang Clan is the same… How unfortunate. If I hadn’t missed that friend back then by now…”

Just as Mo Yong-tae enraged by Peng Zhou crossing the line was about to rise.

“Enough noise.”

Kuuuu…

With a lightly thrown voice those around had to stop in their tracks.

It was an incredibly chilling and heavy voice.

Hearing this Peng Zhou stiffened for a moment before asking the one who spoke.

“…What did you say?”

The one who spoke was Gu Cheol-woon.

Ignoring Peng Zhou’s question Gu Cheol-woon took a sip from the cup in front of him.

Seeing this attitude Peng Zhou’s voice rose slightly.

“I asked what you just said.”

The growling tone made Gu Cheol-woon shift his gaze back to Peng Zhou.

And he said.

“I said it’s noisy.”

“Are you talking to me?”

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“The only one making noise here is you. Is there anyone else?”

His calm demeanor as if questioning why such a thing was being asked was impressive.

“Gu Clan Head…!”

At Gu Cheol-woon’s words Peng Zhou’s expression twisted in anger and he tried to rise.

No to be precise he tried to rise.

Thud-!

“…!”

However Peng Zhou ultimately could not rise.

Gu Cheol-woon had pressed down on Peng Zhou’s shoulder with his hand.

“What…?”

Peng Zhou reacted in surprise.

Gu Cheol-woon was of considerable size but still he was not as strong as Peng Zhou.

The Peng Clan was known throughout the Central Plains for their physical prowess.

Yet Gu Cheol-woon easily pinned down Peng Zhou.

Gu Cheol-woon spoke to Peng Zhou who was struggling to grasp the situation.

“Peng Zhou.”

“…!”

“Have you forgotten what I said before?”

Gu Cheol-woon’s expression was the same as usual and his voice remained unchanged but the way he addressed and spoke to Peng Zhou had changed.

“What is this…!”

– Didn’t I clearly tell you not to bark recklessly?

“…!”

It was telepathy.

Gu Cheol-woon was sending telepathy to Peng Zhou.

– You haven’t been able to change that trivial habit even with age.

“…You…”

Peng Zhou tried to rise somehow.

But the strength pressing down on his shoulder was too strong for him to get up.

What was happening?

He had heard that the martial world had long passed its prime and would not show that kind of appearance again.

– Do you want to experience the shame of the past again even after becoming Clan Head?

Gu Cheol-woon’s words brought back memories of the past.

The day he had gone to find Gu Cheol-woon being called a divine dragon despite being a mere branch of a minor clan.

That day Peng Zhou had spoken about Gu Cheol-woon’s grandfather in front of him.

Upon hearing the story Gu Cheol-woon had not offered any other response.

He simply showed him with his body.

He taught him what a wall was.

He showed him what happens when one speaks carelessly.

That day Peng Zhou’s molar was never to grow back.

Though teeth may not regrow Gu Cheol-woon had cauterized the hole left by the extracted molar with fire.

That was an event that occurred when both were just over twenty.

It was also one of the most shameful memories in Peng Zhou’s life.

Crack.

Unable to contain his anger Peng Zhou tried to rise but Gu Cheol-woon’s arm did not budge at all.

Instead the pressure he held only grew stronger.

– Peng Zhou.

“Ugh…”

He felt a killing intent in the telepathy.

The emotions he did not express outwardly were contained in that quiet voice.

So that no one else could hear only Peng Zhou could.

– Do not create burdens you cannot bear. Do you still not understand?

Where does such deep and dark emotion come from?

Just as Peng Zhou was about to draw his other hand with a blade aura.

– If you bring that out here.

– In that moment the Peng Clan Head will become your son.

At Gu Cheol-woon’s words Peng Zhou’s body stiffened.

The implication that the Clan Head would change meant that he would kill Peng Zhou right there.

– Is that what you want?

“…”

Thoughts flashed through his mind.

Does Gu Cheol-woon think it would be fine to boldly kill Peng Zhou within the Murim Alliance especially from within?

That couldn’t be the case.

As this thought crossed his mind Peng Zhou had to clench his nonexistent molars.

Wasn’t this already a thought that he would surely lose?

Boiling ambition.

Unyielding pride.

Even the distractions lingering in the past.

There were far too many things that could make Peng Zhou rise.

But in the end what Peng Zhou chose was not to stand up with pride.

“…”

Peng Zhou’s body gradually relaxed.

He refused to resist and let go of his strength.

Confirming this Gu Cheol-woon immediately withdrew his hand from Peng Zhou’s shoulder.

As if nothing had happened Gu Cheol-woon took another sip from his cup but.

Mo Yong-tae and Tang Cheon-gi who were watching could clearly guess that something had transpired in that brief moment.

And rightly so.

Because Peng Zhou’s expression looked incredibly humiliating.

When they wondered how to handle the suddenly cold atmosphere.

Creak.

The door at the entrance opened and someone entered.

A middle-aged man in a blue martial arts uniform with light blue hair.

He was none other than the last of the four great families.

The great Namgung Clan’s Changkcheon Sword King Namgung Jin.

“Oh I’m the last one to arrive…”

As soon as Namgung Jin entered he frowned at the strange atmosphere.

Something felt off in the air.

Confirming this Namgung Jin said.

“Well how should I put it? It feels like a spirit has been stirred up.”

Namgung Jin had mixed humor into his words.

Yet no one offered a denial to that.