Childhood Friend of the Zenith – 553 (Part 1)



553 (Part 1)

**Chapter 554: Wudang**

It had been about four days since we started our journey together.

There had been occasional demonic beasts that popped up for hunting but nothing particularly dangerous.

We could have picked up the pace but there was no need to rush.

Not only was it unnecessary but there were also a few things I wanted to check out.

And so four days passed.

As we repeated our camping time flowed and we found ourselves facing a towering mountain.

“Wow….”

Guryunghwa expressed her amazement as if the sight was fascinating.

The mountain in front of us seemed to be extraordinary but I had to wear a bewildered expression while looking at it.

“Isn’t it strange for you to be surprised by a mountain?”

Guryunghwa being a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect should be accustomed to high mountains.

It was surprising that she was so astonished by Wudang Mountain.

At that remark Guryunghwa pouted her lips.

“…Not all mountains are the same.”

That was true but to me the mountain in front and the Mount Hua Sect mountain looked quite similar.

A mountain is a mountain after all.

I turned to Yeongpung who was beside me and asked “Where do we go from here?”

Upon hearing my question Yeongpung replied “I’ve already made contact so someone will be coming.”

“Hmm.”

After hearing that I looked back at the distance.

In the end it meant we had to wait until someone arrived.

“By the way Master Gu.”

“Yes.”

“I heard you have business here; is it alright for you to stay with us?”

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“Oh yes. Well… it’s not an urgent matter.”

That was true.

Knowing how the current situation was unfolding was more important than what was happening right now.

I lifted my head and gazed at the towering mountain.

This was a place where the sects representing this area were located.

‘Wudang.’

Wudang Sect.

This was one of the Nine Great Sects and the place where the current Murim Alliance leader the Wudang Sword Master was the Sect Leader.

Moreover.

‘I should have brought Woo-hyuk with me.’

This was the place where the only person I could call a friend belonged.

If there was something curious about it.

‘It’s quite different from my past life.’

The feeling of Wudang which I had visited in my previous life was significantly different.

This place was directly managed by the Wudang.

As far as I remembered it was a region directly overseen by the Nine Great Sects so it was relatively developed but.

‘It wasn’t like this.’

Now it had changed beyond comparison to my past life.

‘There are trading companies lined up.’

The increased number of inns and the bustling street vendors were evident.

People of all ages adults and children alike filled the streets.

‘It’s comparable to Henan.’

Currently Wudang Mountain had grown to the point where it could be compared to Henan where Shaolin and the Murim Alliance headquarters were located.

Recalling that my past life had not been much different from Mount Hua Sect this was a tremendous difference.

And.

The reason for such a difference was probably….

‘The Murim Alliance?’

The fact that the current Alliance Leader was the Sect Leader of Wudang was likely the reason.

‘No it must be a deeper reason than that.’

Originally becoming the Alliance Leader wouldn’t create such a significant difference.

This could be understood when comparing it to the previous Alliance Leader Nakgyeom.

Just because he sat in the Alliance Leader’s position didn’t mean that the region managed by the Zhang family which was his birthplace changed so drastically.

But how did Wudang change so much?

The reason was simple.

‘The times have changed.’

Just a few years ago it was a leisurely time claiming to be an era of peace.

This was disrupted by the emergence of the Red Demonic Beasts.

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As the cracks appeared changes began to occur leading to unease.

Even the so-called masters were at their peak.

Yet the Red Demonic Beasts could devour even those masters.

This meant they were on a different level compared to the Blue Demonic Beasts which could be easily hunted by even first-rate warriors.

As peace was shattered and unease arose.

What those people sought first was stability.

‘A sense of stability that can be found amidst the anxiety of not knowing when a demonic beast might strike.’

As I pondered I shifted my gaze to the crowd of people filling the streets.

Seeing that it was clear that the stability they chose was right here.

‘A place where the current Murim Alliance leader is the Sect Leader.’

The implication of that statement was an unspoken assurance of solid management.

This meant.

‘If something happens they will respond the quickest.’

Even if a demonic beast appeared they would likely handle it swiftly indicating a relatively safe environment.

Thanks to the intersection of these societal issues and the position of the Wudang Sword Master the current streets had become vibrant.

This was the reason I was observing.

‘In reality it’s not just here.’

Not only Wudang but also Huashan in Shaanxi.

I had heard that there were changes in regions with Kunlun and other prestigious families as well.

Especially this place had changed to an extent that seemed excessive.

‘A massive change has already begun.’

It was undeniable that a crisis had come and the world was starting to change.

As I looked at the bustling crowd I withdrew my gaze once more.

I didn’t want to stare at a background that wouldn’t last long anyway.

Moreover.

‘It’s not the time for sightseeing.’

I focused my gaze a little further away.

Amidst the throng of people I felt a murmur.

It seemed they had arrived.

The many people began to move quickly.

The space they created turned into a path.

From a distance I could see a group approaching along the road.

The sound of footsteps gathered and resonated.

The combined presence amplified subtly enveloping the air.

Flapping.

With every step the light blue robes fluttered.

The trained bodies and firm postures felt like a dense aura surrounding them.

Moreover their confident strides seemed to showcase their high pride.

– Wudang Sect…!

Someone whispered and the words echoed loudly.

Yes those approaching from afar were indeed them.

The descendants of the sect known as the Nine Great Sects.

‘Wudang Sect.’

After identifying their identity it wasn’t long before they arrived in front of us.

There were exactly ten of them.

Feeling their aura I could tell they were formidable masters.

‘All of them have surpassed the peak.’

I could see a few seasoned experts among them.

The situation seemed too extravagant to be merely a welcoming party.

As the crowd’s curious gazes lingered behind the man at the forefront stepped forward.

“Are you guests from the Mount Hua Sect?”

As soon as I heard his words Yeongpung moved.

He was about to perform a clasped hands greeting but I grabbed his arm to stop him.

Thud-!

“…!”

Yeongpung looked startled but I ignored him and continued speaking.

“That’s correct.”

“…I am Jicheol the second disciple of Wudang. I have come to welcome the guests on orders.”

Hearing Jicheol introduce himself I finally released Yeongpung’s arm.

“I am Yeongpung the third disciple of Mount Hua Sect.”

“I am Guryunghwa the second disciple of Mount Hua Sect.”

Once the two finished their introductions Jicheol turned his gaze to me.

His eyes seemed to ask “Who are you?”

“Oh I am Gu Yangcheon. This is my porter so please don’t mind him.”

“…!”