Childhood Friend of the Zenith
chapter-232

Following Gu Jeolyub through the forest path, Bi Yeonsum arrived at the center point.

Unlike the entrance, where no presence could be felt, he finally sensed a strong presence as he reached the center.

It's dense.

His response was brief, yet weighty.

The Qi in the surroundings was concentrated and dense, making it unnoticeable from the the entrance of the frontlines, where the Murim Alliance's camp was located.

Bi Yeonsum carefully followed Gu Jeolyub, and soon noticed someone standing guard in the distance.

Though not clearly visible, the guard wore the same attire as Gu Jeolyub, suggesting they were from the same clan.

“Stop.”

The guard commanded, pointing his sword at Gu Jeolyub.

In response, Gu Jeolyub raised both hands, signaling that he had no intention of fighting.

Bi Yeonsum followed suit, lifting his hands alongside Gu Jeolyub.

After confirming this, the guard approached Gu Jeolyub with measured steps.

Step.

“…!”

Bi Yeonsum flinched as he felt the sharp Qi emanating from the guard.

It was far denser than he had expected.

What is this…!

Bi Yeonsum realized that the martial artist before him had overcome the wall, indicating that he was a Peak Realm martial artist.

A Peak Realm martial artist…?

What is this nonsense?

How can a Peak Realm martial artist serve as a mere guard?

All Bi Yeonsum could do was gulp repeatedly, his body soaked with sweat as he faced the guard's Combat Qi.

The sharp Qi circled around him, scrutinizing his every move.

What precise control of Qi…

His Qi control was unbelievable.

The martial artist drew his sword and glanced at Bi Yeonsum, assessing whether he posed a threat.

However, Bi Yeonsum couldn't help but question the need for such strict precautions if Gu Jeolyub truly belonged to this affiliation.

Moreover, Gu Jeolyub revealed his face without a mask.

After a long pause…

“…Butterfly.”

Gu Jeolyub spoke in a low voice, shattering the silence and making Bi Yeonsum shiver.

It seemed random and out of place, but Bi Yeonsum felt he understood the reason behind Gu Jeolyub's words.

Is it a code?

It certainly seemed like one.

The opposing martial artist must have already asked for it.

Though I never heard him…

Did they communicate telepathically?

Bi Yeonsum believed that to be the case.

“Hmm…”

The martial artist nodded and lowered his Combat Qi, confirming Gu Jeolyub's to be correct.

Only after the oppressive Qi that had filled the surroundings dissipated could Bi Yeonsum breathe comfortably again.

Pff.

Was that the starting point?

The martial artist's serious expression transformed into a smile upon seeing Gu Jeolyub.

However, Gu Jeolyub frowned, clearly displeased.

“…Stop laughing.”

“Haha! How could I not laugh?”

“Ungh…”

“It's already been three people in this month alone.”

“…I know as well.”

What does he mean by three people?

Perhaps, it was the number of individuals that had been saved by the Sword of Heroic Flame?

As Bi Yeonsum had such a suspicion, the martial artist asked a question to Gu Jeolyub.

“Will you be okay?”

In response, Gu Jeolyub let out a deep sigh.

All the worries and stress of the world seemed to be held in that sigh of his.

“…I won't be.”

“Yet you continue to bring in more people.”

“...”

Gu Jeolyub glanced at Bi Yeonsum upon hearing these words.

“…I can't afford to leave them be, after all.”

The martial artist smiled once again, seemingly pleased with Gu Jeolyub's reluctant response.

Bi Yeonsum thought to himself after witnessing the recent events.

There was something different about the martial artist standing before him, something that set him apart from other Peak Realm martial artists he had encountered before.

Unlike their usual arrogance upon reaching such a level, he instead seemed to be filled with humility and kindness.

He feels completely different from when he displayed his killing intent earlier.

Bi Yeonsum wondered how someone could undergo such a sudden transformation, becoming a seemingly different person.

Just as these thoughts swirled in Bi Yeonsum's mind, Gu Jeolyub asked with a discerning look on his face.

“…What is the Young Master doing right now?”

“Ah! I believe he has gone out hunting. I saw him leave after briefing the captain.”

A faint glimmer of relief crossed Gu Jeolyub's expression upon hearing his response.

“Phew… that puts my mind at ease.”

Though It was but a whisper, Bi Yeonsum's keen ears caught Gu Jeolyub's subsequent words.

-He'll beat me up less if he sweats there.

The words, coupled with Gu Jeolyub's nodding, carried a sense of incredulity.

It left Bi Yeonsum curious as to why Gu Jeolyub had been trembling since earlier.

Just as he was about to ask him, he heard a voice.

“Brother.”

The martial artist standing guard spoke to Bi Yeonsum, causing a wave of nervousness to wash over him.

It was a Peak Realm martial artist after all.

However, contrary to Bi Yeonsum's apprehensive expectations, the voice carried a tone of kindness.

“If it isn't rude, may I ask for your name?”

“Ah! I-I am Bi Yeonsum of Bi Seon Clan.”

“I see.”

It was only natural that the martial artist was unfamiliar with the Bi Seon Clan.

How would anyone know about a small clan hidden away in the mountains of the countryside?

Regardless of whether or not the martial artist knew about his clan, he addressed Bi Yeonsum with a kind smile.

“I am Muyeon.”

Bi Yeonsum couldn't help but envy his confidence and his incomprehensible manner of goodwill.

“Nice to meet you, Brother Bi.”

“…Y-Yes! Nice to meet you as well.”

As Muyeon extended his hand, Bi Yeonsum cautiously reached out, uncertain of the proper etiquette when it came to handshakes.

Even then he was uncertain on using both hands or just one.

Observing the exchange, Gu Jeolyub interjected.

“How much longer until your shift ends?”

“Not much time is left. Do you want to ask something of me?”

“Ah, it's nothing major… I was wondering if we could have a spar later.”

Muyeon grinned at the response.

“I'm fine with that, but are you sure you'll be able to handle it?”

“I wanted to ask about that matter as well… Would it be possible for you to stand by my side later…?”

Muyeon nodded, maintaining his smile, as if affirming his agreement.

Was it an implication of affirmation?

Gu Jeolyub looked impressed, his trust in Muyeon unwavering.

“That won't be possible.”

“...”

Silently, yet firmly, Muyeon responded with a serious countenance.

After all, he too valued self preservation.

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

The camp set up inside the forest was surprisingly well-maintained.

Bi Yeonsum couldn't help but wonder how it could be so well-maintained, especially considering its location in the center of the frontlines.

It's quite different.

Compared to the tense and cold atmosphere of the Murim Alliance camp, this place was different.

Unlike the Murim Alliance, where no one trusted each other, this place had a more natural and welcoming feel. It was firm, yet not oppressive.

Bi Yeonsum couldn't quite figure out why he noticed these differences.

As he continued walking, Bi Yeonsum noticed Gu Jeolyub, who was walking ahead of him, suddenly come to a stop.

In front of them stood what seemed to be the largest tent in this camp. It presumably belonged to the person in charge.

Carefully entering the tent, Bi Yeonsum found it empty.

The person must have stepped out.

Just as he was wondering what to do, Gu Jeolyub spoke up.

“…The captain isn't here. Wait here for a moment.”

“Excuse me?”

Bi Yeonsum was understandably confused.

Gu Jeolyub may have saved him, but it was extremely strange to leave him alone when they barely knew each other, aside from their affiliation with the Murim Alliance.

How can he trust me? Who knows what I may do while he's gone?

How could he just leave him alone in a place like this?

However, Gu Jeolyub didn't seem to worry at all about Bi Yeonsum's concerns. Instead, he just brought a chair over and gestured for Bi Yeonsum to sit down..

“Please have a seat. I'll be back… not right away? Anyways, I'll be back.”

“Huh…? How about we go together…!”

“No.”

Gu Jeolyub firmly rejected the idea.

“…I'd rather not show an unsightly spectacle to an outsider.”

“Ah… I see.”

As someone in need of help, Bi Yeonsum didn't have much say in the matter.

“Please wait a little.”

Gu Jeolyub left the tent with those words. Left alone, Bi Yeonsum nervously sat down on the chair he had been provided, rolling his eyes at the situation while waiting for Gu Jeolyub's return.

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

Gu Jeolyub walked towards the backside of the forest after leaving Bi Yeonsum in the tent.

The person he was looking for was somewhere in this huge forest, but it wasn't going to take long for Gu Jeolyub to find him.

The sound of someone stepping on a tree branch passed by his ears.

The endless cries of grasshoppers disappeared, and the demons that were roaming around hid their presence.

Between all of these things, the only thing that filled the surroundings was heat.

The nasty heat that Gu Jeolyub felt by walking a little was definitely coming from 'him'.

Even Gu Jeolyub that produced similar heat had trouble breathing in this heat.

In response to this, Gu Jeolyub had no other choice but to intensify his Inner Qi.

The heat got denser as he walked further in.

The forest that wore a mask of a lively green forest also started to show its true appearance as he walked deeper into it.

Ssssss-!

In response to the toxic Qi that rushed to Gu Jeolyub at once, he further intensified his Inner Qi.

This wasn't a place anyone could endure if they couldn't properly resist such monstrous Qi.

As he intensified his Qi, he thought of the words that 'he' told him.

-If you don't want to die, then think of this whole forest as a demon.

That's what he told him.

Gu Jeolyub didn't know what he meant back then, but he felt like he understood a little now.

He meant how dangerous the forest was.

Though he himself who told him such words was wandering around the forest as if it was his home.

“…Sigh.”

Gu Jeolyub let out a sigh.

He saw the sky from far away turn slightly red as if the sun was setting.

However, it had just become a little over noon, so it was too soon for sunset.

Then, what was that?

“I can't comprehend his level no matter how many times I see it.”

That wasn't sunset.

If it was sunset, it wouldn't explain why only that part of the sky became red.

This meant that such a space was formed through heat and Fire Qi only.

An unimaginably tremendous amount of Qi and flame formed with martial arts had colored the sky into that unique color which filled the surroundings.

“...”

Gu Jeolyub smiled bitterly after seeing such a sight.

This past year, Gu Jeolyub's level went up immensely after rolling in the frontlines.

He started to fill his empty sword with his own meaning, and he had reached a point of making Sword Resonance when he gained natural control of his Qi.

Others said this to Gu Jeolyub after seeing this; that he had talent and he was for sure a genius.

He reached such a level in that short amount of time, so he had to have talent.

However, Gu Jeolyub couldn't only be happy with this reaction.

It was understandable for him to feel this way when considering the boy that was right in front of him.

It wasn't him that achieved the most growth this year, and it was him instead.

Moreover, he was also the one responsible for torturing Gu Jeolyub and making him roll around until he had reached such a level.

Gu Jeolyub felt annoyed as he couldn't talk back to him and had to roll around in dirt, but he was able to see clearly after some time that he was only able to reach this level only thanks to him.

Though Gu Jeolyub's personality changed a little due to all the violence and bullshit he had to deal with.

“…Gulp.”

Gu Jeolyub gulped as he got closer to his territory.

He knew from his past experience that it wouldn't do any good by going to him.

“…Should I just go back?”

He didn't think for long.

Yes, let's go back.

The situation can be dealt with after he returns.

There is no need for him to know about such a little thing.

Gu Jeolyub who firmly nodded his head, turned his feet around back towards where the tent was.

His walking speed of going back was twice as fast compared to his speed of coming here.

“Where are you going?”

Gu Jeolyub who tried to escape with quick steps stopped after hearing a voice from behind, then he started to shiver.

“Where are you going, I asked.”

After hearing his voice for the second time, Gu Jeolyub creakily turned his head around as if he was broken.

There was still a bit of distance left between them.

How and when did he come here?

What Gu Jeolyub saw after turning around, was the same fierce eyes that turned red from not being cooled down yet due to the heat, staring at Gu Jeolyub. Demon, no, Gu Yangcheon was standing there.