Childhood Friend of the Zenith – 400



400

The words that I wanted to transcend the limits of humanity.

Hearing that my face filled with questions.

It was difficult to grasp what it truly meant.

“To take the first step you had to first reshape your vessel. This is the process you are experiencing.”

I was already feeling it.

That my body was gradually changing. Along with that my movements were also changing.

As Master Pae said there was an intense change accompanied by pain in my vessel.

How could I not label it as an artificial Body Reformation after witnessing this?

“After that the second step is the fusion of the mind and body.”

“Fusion of the mind and body…?”

“If you have prepared your vessel then you must now fully contain your mental energy within it.”

“That is…”

I recalled the state of ‘transcendence’ that Master Pae had mentioned last time.

He had clearly referred to it as the state where martial arts and the martial artist become one.

If it’s the fusion of the mind and body is it different from that?

“If you are thinking about the difference with transcendence then it is not different.”

“…!”

“It is rather something that was intentionally created so it cannot be otherwise. However since it was artificially elevated its value will undoubtedly be lower.”

Are you saying that Body Reformation is insufficient and that it artificially reaches a higher state?

‘How on earth did he create such martial arts?’

When I only heard the words I began to understand why Master Pae referred to his martial arts as something created to surpass the limits of humanity.

In other words it felt like martial arts wanted to touch the realm of the divine.

“Rather reaching a state of no-self can be seen as a double-edged sword.”

That is true.

The state of no-self is essentially a state of hyper-focus. There is no difference in losing control over the body.

Get notified for updates: https://discord.gg/93rmBjgP6B

Moreover since the flow of qi is also erratic if I were to be attacked incorrectly there was a risk of all my acupoints being twisted.

“However that is why I believe it is more correct.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

“It means that since all senses are entrusted to instinct it is rather a state suitable for using martial arts. Furthermore if it becomes possible to fully control the sensations of that time it would be even better.”

To perfectly control the state of no-self which is entrusted to instinct.

It was an absurd notion.

There is nothing better than that to attain enlightenment.

But why is it called a state of no-self?

It is a state where one forgets oneself and focuses solely on martial arts hence it is called no-self.

‘How can one control themselves in that state?’

I wanted to immediately refute Master Pae’s words with rational thoughts.

But conversely I also felt that it was precisely because of that ‘Master Pae’ that it could be made possible.

Moreover.

According to Master Pae’s words the sensations I experienced were the aftermath of the Two-Phase Heavenly Dance.

There was credibility in his recent words.

‘…So that sensation is…’

While the whole world felt hazy.

The only thing clear within it was the extending movements.

The sensations from that time which flowed in the direction I wanted without intention.

It felt like a significant joy as a martial artist.

“Your expression has changed.”

“…!”

“I understand what you are feeling but as Noona said do not think too hastily. Even if you do not wish for it since you have become my disciple you will reach that place.”

“Yes….”

At my response Master Pae burst into laughter.

“Didn’t you say once that you do not have much talent for martial arts?”

“…”

“Even then and now I do not quite agree with your words.”

Saying that Master Pae pointed with his hand behind my back.

As I turned my gaze following the tip of his finger.

I saw the wall that I had been crazily breaking through in a state of no-self.

No.

Where the wall should have been there was a gaping hole letting sunlight in.

“Do not belittle yourself. At least in terms of my martial arts you are exceptionally outstanding.”

Five days.

As a result of being holed up in the cave and dedicating myself to training through the night.

I was finally able to complete the task that Master Pae had set for me.

Join our discord and ping me to update more chapters. Discord: https://discord.gg/93rmBjgP6B

Immediately after confirming that I staggered and collapsed onto the ground.

The fatigue surged all at once into my already weary body.

Seeing me who looked like I could collapse at any moment Master Pae said.

“Congratulations. You can now learn the first punch.”

It seemed like something important was being said.

But at that moment Master Pae’s congratulations did not reach my ears.

Perhaps due to fatigue all I felt was a desire to lie down and sleep.

I quietly closed my eyes.

Just as I was about to fall asleep thinking I should rest a little.

Master Pae spoke to me.

“It’s about time we should go. Can you really afford to collapse like that?”

Hearing those words my eyes snapped open.

My exhausted body quickly rose disregarding its fatigue.

“…What time is it now….”

Thinking about it I realized I couldn’t afford to sleep like this.

Five days had passed and if it was now daytime with the sun up.

It meant it was the day to leave for Sichuan.

As I hurriedly asked Master Pae tilted his head.

“Well? Can’t you just run over there now?”

“…Ah.”

I had to tightly shut my eyes at Master Pae’s words.

That meant I had to go in this sweaty and dusty disheveled state.

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

When I hurriedly exited the cave and arrived at the place I had heard about beforehand.

As expected everyone except me was gathered there.

Seeing my father from a distance I hesitated for a moment and asked Master Pae.

-…Come to think of it how did your conversation with my father go?

-Oh?

-You said you met him last time.

-Ah.

Hearing my telepathy Master Pae finally nodded.

-I did meet him.

-What happened?

-What do you mean what happened? We just met.

-….

Is it really something that can be answered so simply? Looking at Master Pae with a face of disbelief he pouted his lips and spoke to me.

-Don’t worry too much; I received your father’s permission well.

-Permission?

-He was surprisingly nonchalant about it.

-….

That made me question. Did my father permit me to learn Master Pae’s martial arts?

-If he had said no it would have been a bit troublesome but thankfully he didn’t.

-Troublesome?

-After all it would be a bit difficult to do it by force right now.

-….

My expression crumpled at Master Pae’s casual mention of trying to resolve it by force.

What kind of ignorant statement is this…?

-Anyway since everything has been resolved don’t worry about it and just do what you need to do.

-…Understood.

I felt quite uneasy about it but since Master Pae said it was fine I decided to let it go for now.

As long as there were no problems I wouldn’t be too concerned.

What worried me more than that was.

‘What should I do about this appearance?’

I was worried about how I had come here without properly taking care of myself.

I hadn’t washed properly and I was drenched in sweat so my condition was far from good.

I had changed my clothes somewhat but there were still traces left making my appearance quite poor.

Honestly I usually didn’t care much about appearances.

But given the situation I had to present myself properly.

‘…Damn it.’

What kind of state of no-self leads to this?

I could somehow hide the smell using qi but I couldn’t hide my pitiful state.

As I approached with hesitant steps the gazes of those gathered turned toward me.

Among them I noticed a few unfamiliar faces.

Both were middle-aged men.

Just as I was trying to figure out who they were.

“I’m sorry for being late.”

Master Pae suddenly bowed to someone nearby.

It was the middle-aged man on the left and the man who received Master Pae’s greeting had a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

‘Ah.’

Seeing that I could figure it out.

That man was the Clan Head of the Bi Clan.

Given his ambiguous reaction Master Pae looked up at the man.

The man flinched and then forced a smile as he spoke to Master Pae.

“…Well just be careful next time…”

“Yes Father.”

If I hadn’t known the identity of the man I would have thought it was a strange reaction.

But knowing his identity the Clan Head looked somewhat pitiful.

‘What should I say about this?’

Even if it’s not an exaggeration Master Pae’s position is the highest in the Bi Clan.

Not only that but he had also disguised himself as his son and had to act like this.

That man’s feelings probably weren’t very good.

‘Then the other person…’

If one is the Clan Head of the Bi Clan.

Then the other middle-aged man must be the Clan Head of the Pa Clan.

‘That’s right. He looks just like Pa Woo-cheol.’

He was a man with a strong presence even larger than the already big Pa Woo-cheol.

If he is the Clan Head of the Pa Clan I vaguely knew who he was.

He was a martial artist who had reached the same level as my father in the Central Plains.

As I observed that man I also bowed my head to my father.

“…I’m sorry for being late.”

“Right.”

My father responded succinctly ending the conversation.

I thought he might have relaxed a bit after the last incident but it seemed his original personality hadn’t changed.

The only thing that changed was that one of his eyebrows slightly twitched as he looked at me.

It seemed my condition was not good in his eyes either.

Just as I was awkwardly smiling and about to step back.

“Yang Cheon.”

“…Yes?”

Madam Mi who was next to me suddenly approached and called me.

“I heard that training has been tough but this is an important gathering and your demeanor is somewhat lacking.”

“I… I’m sorry.”

I felt somewhat surprised by her words.

It was almost the first time Madam Mi had scolded me like this.

Strangely enough.

That scolding didn’t feel bad at all.

The moment I uttered my apology Madam Mi’s gentle hand brushed through my hair.

“Your hair has become quite damaged.”

“Madam Mi… right now my condition is not good so your hands will get dirty.”

I warned her not to touch me since I was covered in dust.

But Madam Mi with an indifferent expression continued to touch my hair here and there.

It seemed she was trying to make me look somewhat presentable.

But given my poor condition that wouldn’t be easy.

While she was trying to fix my hair Madam Mi continued to speak to me.

“I will send you some good medicine through someone so make sure to take it without skipping.”

“…Yes? Yes….”

“I’m sure the Clan Head of the Tang Clan will treat you well but if any problems arise go to the Baihua Trading Company in Sichuan… and also….”

“…”

How should I put it? It felt like her words were dragging on.

I could see a slight hint of fatigue beginning to settle in my father’s eyes as he listened.

Madam Mi seemed unconcerned about that and continued her speech.

“…Lastly….”

That statement was quite lengthy.

I felt like I had already heard the word “lastly” at least four times.

“Don’t get hurt.”

“…”

“It’s okay if you don’t keep what I said earlier but I hope you can keep this one.”

Madam Mi’s words strangely seeped into my heart.

“Yes….”

As I responded I let out a cough not knowing what kind of feeling this was.

What kind of feeling should I call this?

I didn’t know.

After Madam Mi finished speaking Master Pae approached me.

“Did the conversation go well?”

“Ah yes.”

“Haha. That’s a relief.”

Perhaps because there were many people Master Pae had returned to the tone he originally had as Bi Yu-jin.

Truly it was as if he had become a different person in terms of intonation and expression. How could he do that?

As I looked at Master Pae with admiration.

Suddenly I found my gaze drawn to a figure standing behind him.

The reason I unexpectedly glanced at the attendant was simple.

There were several attendants standing there.

“…?”

Among those attendants there was someone my gaze landed on.

‘Who is that?’

A plain-looking man with freckles all over his cheeks.

For some reason as I looked at him I felt an inexplicable vibration in my right arm.

Why?

What is it about that person that makes me feel this way? I was observing him closely when suddenly.

-You’re quite perceptive.

“…!”

Telepathy pierced into my ear.

Hearing that voice I had to suppress a forced breath.

The deep killing intent contained in the voice and the subtle feeling in my arm.

It was a sensation I had felt before.

I swallowed hard as I looked at that attendant.

There was no other choice.

The identity of that plain-looking attendant was.

-Not bad.

The master of the night known as the king of assassins.

He was the Dark King.