Childhood Friend of the Zenith – 555 (Part 2)



555 (Part 2)

“I wasn’t really a disciple of the Mount Hua Sect so I just endured it.

However Youngpung was different.

He seemed flustered as if it was the first time he was experiencing such a situation.

But even there he should have maintained his composure.

“If the seal has retreated it is no different from the Mount Hua Sect retreating.”

“…Master.”

“The meaning of it being a seal is just that and the seal on the letter given by Maehwa-seon signifies that.”

“…”

At my words Youngpung closed his mouth and made a painfully bitter expression.

Then he tried to speak to me.

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t apologize.”

I had to cut off Youngpung’s words.

“Expressions of gratitude or apologies. At least you shouldn’t say them now in front of the seal.”

I unknowingly infused my tone with irritation.

Why was that?

‘Why indeed.’

I pretended not to know but it was a well-known story.

“I won’t do that again. Just have that mindset. That’s enough.”

“…Yes.”

I was bothered by what he had said before.

The words of Youngpung who claimed to be the successor of the Hwasan Sword came to mind.

Whether it was true or not.

Seeing Youngpung so cowed it felt as if he was acting like a divine servant.

That irritated me.

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‘Don’t create situations where you have to bow your head. Bow only when necessary.’

If it were a divine servant that’s how it would be.

I would live that way.

So.

If you are to call yourself a successor then you should live that way too.

This statement carried such meaning.

Youngpung wouldn’t have a clue about this though.

Afterward I closed my eyes and took a moment to regulate my breathing. A brief uncomfortable silence passed in the carriage.

“We have arrived.”

At the sound I quickly opened my eyes.

Then I immediately retrieved the blanket I had spread out in the carriage.

I sighed feeling the energy returning to my qi center.

‘I’m tired.’

Even now I could feel many eyes watching and ears listening.

As I sensed those annoying gazes I thought.

If I were to burn something where should I start?

‘If possible.’

I’d like to burn it from the roots.

It was a moment filled with thoughts.

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

“Thank you for your hard work in coming here.”

Right after arriving at the Mugang the place we found was a residence with Yubaek.

“Normally I would want to let you rest comfortably but I can’t and I’m truly sorry.”

Yubaek said with a smile.

“And once again I apologize for the commotion caused by my foolish disciple earlier.”

Drip drip.

Tea water fell onto the table in front of us.

“I am Yubaek of Mugang. I hold the position of Elder. Furthermore I have come here in the capacity of the Mugang Sect Leader’s representative for this matter.”

Yubaek the elder of the Beoseong Sword introduced himself and our party spoke as if they had been waiting.

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

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

Once the introductions of the two were finished Yubaek’s gaze turned toward me.

Feeling that gaze I continued speaking.

“I am Gu Yangcheon of the Gu family. And over there is my escort.”

“…?”

Seongyul who had suddenly become my escort looked puzzled but he didn’t deny it.

Fortunately it seemed he had some awareness.

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Upon hearing my introduction Yubaek’s eyes sparkled.

“Though it is a matter of Mugang and Hwasan may I ask how Master is here?”

“Well it’s a family matter. But I’m also somewhat of a Hwasan person.”

“Is that so Master?”

“Yes. I don’t carry a plaque but I hold the honorary title of a disciple.”

Right after resolving matters in Hwasan.

Due to the pottery on my body it was a title I had received from the Sect Leader to prevent any issues.

As an outsider I couldn’t learn the martial arts of the Mount Hua Sect.

However it was a symbol that I had been recognized as someone who had bestowed grace upon them akin to a member of their sect.

That was the title of honorary disciple.

“…Oh…”

Upon hearing this Yubaek nodded briefly.

‘I didn’t expect to use this here.’

It had become easier to get involved in the matter. This was also a good thing.

Indeed having done something always leads to opportunities.

“…An honorary disciple it seems Hwasan has received great grace from Master.”

“Yes well… roughly.”

I didn’t want to explain in detail so I decided to gloss over it.

In the meantime Gu Ryeonghwa and Youngpung were looking at me with quite uncomfortable expressions.

They seemed to be questioning whether such an attitude was acceptable toward the Elder of Mugang.

‘What can be done about it?’

To me this was already quite respectful.

If I were to hide my true feelings from that sly old man it was my best effort.

‘It feels awful.’

In terms of actions and the sensations I felt.

He was truly a rat-like old man.

At that moment.

“Um Elder.”

Youngpung cautiously spoke to Yubaek.

“Please go ahead.”

“I heard that the Sword Master is currently at Mugang.”

“Oh that’s right. The Sword Master is indeed at Mugang now.”

Upon hearing Youngpung’s question I could see Gu Ryeonghwa’s expression brighten.

‘So the Sword Master is here after all.’

I had only heard about it and since he hadn’t come to greet us I wondered if he was not here.

Fortunately it seemed the Sword Master was indeed present.

“He is probably bringing the items right now.”

“The items you say…?”

“The items that the guests wish to retrieve.”

At Yubaek’s words Youngpung’s face lit up this time.

So the Sword Master is currently…

‘He’s bringing the Gyeongjeong isn’t he?’

Thinking that I slightly hid my left arm.

‘…He’s bringing that.’

Mugang possesses the Gyeongjeong.

When I had only heard about it I thought it was nonsense.

But now that the Sword Master was personally bringing it it felt somewhat real.

The problem here was.

‘Is it really there?’

I had no idea what was going on.

If the Gyeongjeong truly existed in Mugang.

What was this wrapped around my arm?

‘I came to confirm that.’

I couldn’t help but have doubts.

“Also there is a matter in the main text. I hope you can understand that we need to go through some procedures before retrieving the Gyeongjeong.”

At Yubaek’s words I asked.

I thought it was a good time.

“If there is a matter what is it?”

I was waiting for an explanation.

I had questions about why they were being so troublesome with an outsider.

I needed to hear the answers to those questions.

What reason could there be for Mugang to act this way toward an outsider?

As I asked with that question in mind.

Yubaek replied.

“It’s nothing much but a letter arrived at the main text recently.”

“A letter?”

“Yes.”

I wondered what kind of letter could warrant such a response.

“The letter didn’t contain much content but the sender was the problem.”

I listened intently to Yubaek’s words.

And then immediately after I had to hide my surprise at what Yubaek said.

“Pungun Gwidang (風雲鬼盜).”

“…!”

“He sent us a message.”

Even if it wasn’t now it was an alias of a very famous martial artist from the old Central Plains.

As Yubaek said just that name was enough to make one understand the entire situation.

Pungun Gwidang Nameless.

“He said he would take the symbol of Mugang within five days.”

In other words.

A figure known as the thief of rare treasures.

Also.

‘…Why is that old man’s name coming up here?’

It was also an alias of someone I knew.