Childhood Friend of the Zenith – 571 (Part 2)



571 (Part 2)

“Effort… I will try my best.”

Hearing Je-gal Hyuk’s response I had to soothe my disappointment.

‘It seems like it’s really tough for him.’

The fact that he didn’t say it would definitely work and only mentioned trying was a clear sign of how difficult it was.

But.

‘What can I do about it?’

I had to use every means at my disposal.

This was not the time to be picky.

“For now this is all I have to say… Ah right.”

Just as I was about to wrap up I realized there was something I needed to ask Je-gal Hyuk.

“Can you tell me where your grandfather is?”

“Pardon? My grandfather?”

When I asked about Shin-ui Je-gal Hyuk’s eyes widened slightly.

Then he asked me.

“Did you get hurt hyung?”

Since the only reason I was looking for Shin-ui was that it didn’t take long for me to figure out the answer.

I had to put on an awkward expression upon hearing the question.

“A little. It’s not a serious injury but it would be troublesome if I leave it like this.”

“When you say you’re a little hurt it’s usually not just a little is it?”

“When have I ever said I was seriously hurt?”

“Last time you did isolated training to test your new power and… shortly after your organs burst…”

“Enough already… just tell me.”

As I was about to bring up that painful story I hurriedly changed the subject.

It was an embarrassing dark history.

‘I was foolish back then.’

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I didn’t realize how rough and violent the power I wanted to check was.

At that Je-gal Hyuk made a face that showed he wasn’t pleased and said to me.

“Grandfather… is currently in Henan.”

“Henan?”

Out of the blue Henan.

“Until just before I left I heard he was with the Moyong Clan.”

I had heard he was temporarily in Liaoning on the request of Baek Cheon-gyeom but now he was in Henan?

‘Well that’s convenient.’

I had to head to Henan anyway.

If that’s the case it seemed I could meet Shin-ui a bit earlier.

The question was why Shin-ui was in Henan.

Je-gal Hyuk immediately provided the answer to that.

“He said someone would be coming so he’s waiting there.”

“Your grandfather is waiting…?”

Upon hearing Je-gal Hyuk’s words I frowned slightly.

Shin-ui was the kind of person who could curse and act nonchalantly even at the call of the current Alliance Leader.

What kind of person could possibly warrant that old man to go out of his way to wait?

‘…It’s a relief he’s in Henan.’

Whatever it was.

It was a good thing since I had to meet him anyway. I had to think that way.

With that thought I waved my hand dismissively.

“Anyway. I think we’re done talking here so let’s disperse.”

I had already mentioned the main point and heard everything I needed to so it seemed fine to scatter now.

I wondered if I had gathered everyone just to say something so simple.

‘But I had to check on their conditions too.’

I needed to confirm the physical state of those gathered one by one.

Whether the demonic qi was well contained. Whether they were plotting something unnecessary. That was the purpose.

Fortunately it seemed there were no issues yet.

The moment I spoke the presence around me began to vanish in an instant.

When I closed my eyes and opened them again only three people remained in the space.

Me Seong-yul and Je-gal Hyuk.

Confirming that I looked at Je-gal Hyuk and asked.

“Why?”

Je-gal Hyuk being an ordinary person would naturally be slow to leave.

But there was a reason I asked him this.

His gaze seemed to suggest he had something to ask me.

“I still have something to ask.”

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“Go ahead.”

“Why did you pull the schedule forward to three months later? What are you planning to do?”

The plan had originally been set for half a year.

He was asking why I had hastily moved it to three months later.

“Hmm.”

Hearing the question I pondered for a moment.

I was unsure how to respond.

It was true that things had gone awry and time had become somewhat tight.

‘But that’s not the whole reason.’

There was another reason behind it.

Je-gal Hyuk must have sensed that which is why he was asking.

My contemplation didn’t last long.

It wasn’t that I was struggling to find an answer; I just had to choose one among many possible responses so it didn’t take much time.

“Well it’s not that significant of a reason… just.”

I looked at Je-gal Hyuk and said.

“Since I’m at it as a villain I thought I’d try being a hero too.”

“…?”

At my nonchalant response a question mark appeared on Je-gal Hyuk’s face.

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

As spring was nearing its end and the time to part with the flowers approached.

On a high mountain path created in Henan there was someone climbing it.

Thud…! Thud…!

On the beautifully decorated mountain path.

The appearance of the climber was in stark contrast to the scenery.

The young man who seemed to be in his twenties was carrying a large iron rod that was bigger than his own body as he ascended the steep slope.

With every step he took sweat dripped down and his breath became increasingly ragged.

Yet the young man continued to walk steadily looking toward the end of the uphill.

Despite his exhausted appearance he did not stop.

After a long while of walking he finally reached the summit.

At the end of the mountain path stood a massive ancient tree.

Only upon arriving there could the young man carefully set the iron rod down on the ground.

Boom.

However.

The young man could not rest.

He had to immediately take a stance and pay his respects without a moment to catch his breath.

“I greet the Abbot.”

He bowed with his palms together.

It was directed toward the old man standing next to the ancient tree.

“Chuckle…”

The old man Shaolin Abbot Cheon-an smiled as he looked at the young man.

“You’ve worked hard.”

“No I haven’t.”

Cheon-an slowly took in the sight of the young man who responded.

Just by looking at him it felt like a heroic spirit was emanating.

It hadn’t been long since he had passed his youth.

Yet that young boy had already stepped into a realm far beyond the ordinary.

A masterpiece born from Shaolin.

The youngest to achieve enlightenment.

The greatest divine dragon in history.

That was the title the era bestowed upon the young man.

And.

‘A hope to lead the Central Plains.’

Cheon-an gazed at the young man in that light.

A spark and hope to confront the unknown calamities that would come. He was certain that boy would become that. Cheon-an was convinced of it.

Cheon-an spoke to the young man.

“A great festival will be held in Henan soon.”

At the mention of Shin-an the young man’s shoulders trembled slightly.

The grand festival being held in Henan.

That must refer to the Divine Dragon Martial Arts Festival held by the Alliance.

“I believe you will do well. Can I look forward to it?”

Cheon-an asked the young man as he looked at him.

“Yes Abbot.”

The young man answered without hesitation.

“I will do my best to ensure that I do not tarnish the name of Shaolin…”

The golden eyes of the young man shimmered as he spoke.

“I will give it my all.”

Seeing that Cheon-an smiled faintly.