Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 660

The air remained still, faint currents swirling amidst the silence.

Sharp blades extended in every direction, forming an unstable and seemingly clumsy web, yet undeniably…

"Mental Sword (??)."

It was a manifestation of the Unity of Mind and Sword, a hallmark of the Mental Sword technique.

What was previously invisible now appeared clear as day.
Had it been earlier, one might have questioned if such a thing even existed, but now, it was all too vivid.

The inn was brimming with unseen blades.

A faint breeze carried the fragrance of flowers.
As I took in the scent and raised my head, I saw a woman standing before me.

Her golden hair gleamed, cascading past her waist, and her eyes bore a resemblance to his.

Even though her crimson martial attire seemed somewhat mismatched, her dazzling features left no room for criticism.

The sight of her obliterated the thought I’d entertained moments earlier while looking at Biyeonhwa—“Well, at least she’s tolerable.”

Her beauty was overwhelming.
The face that had once been impossibly stunning in her youth had fully blossomed into a vision of perfection as she matured.

“She’s like a flower.”

A beautiful flower that seemed to embody eternal springtime.
A flower that could capture the gaze of everyone present had bloomed in this place.

I glanced around, observing the surroundings.
Every gaze that had been sneaking glances at Biyeonhwa earlier was now entirely stolen away.

The people in the inn were all staring, captivated and lost in thought.
Her sharp eyes, often soft and endearing, now exuded displeasure and intensity.

To me, even that expression seemed insignificant, but the same likely couldn’t be said for Biyeonhwa standing beside her.

I took a slight step back from Biyeonhwa, who had been holding me.
The overwhelming aura emanating around us visibly weakened.

“Huk… huk…!”

Finally able to breathe, Biyeonhwa gasped for air, her breaths harsh and ragged.
Watching her struggle, I withdrew my hand, which had been about to seize her throat.

“That was close.”

I almost lost control and killed her. It was fortunate I managed to restrain myself.
Her very presence made me feel disgusted to the point where I could barely endure it.

I subtly waved my hand behind her back.

Fwoosh—

A sharp burst of energy swept through the inn, unnoticed by the others.
It was better to dispel such intense energy than to leave it lingering.

After directing it outside through the window, I turned to the trembling Biyeonhwa.

“It seems my guest has arrived. I won’t be seeing you off, but thank you for the company.”

I said with a grin, prompting Biyeonhwa to leap to her feet and dash out of the inn like an arrow released from its bow.
Her hurried retreat amused me to the point that I let out an involuntary laugh.

“To think I’d live to see her in such a state.”

She was one of those I had regretted not killing in my past life, though she wasn’t someone I had particularly dwelled on.
After all, she had already met a gruesome end without my involvement.

“How exactly did it happen again? I heard she was captured by the Green King.”

In that case, there was no need to consider her further.

Among the deranged individuals of the Demonic Cult, the Green King’s followers were a den of lunatics who tore apart men, women, and children alike.
And a beautiful woman from a righteous sect falling into their hands?
The thought of her fate was not one I wished to entertain.

Even though Biyeonhwa had left, everyone’s gaze remained fixed in this direction.

It was as if her abrupt departure had no bearing on their attention.
Seeing this, I let out a deep sigh.

The intensity seemed to have worsened.
Pondering this, I turned my gaze to the woman looking at me.

The golden-haired beauty. It was Wi Seol-ah.

“…It’s been a little under a year since I last saw her.”

I recalled leaving the Gu household around that time, so it must have been approximately that long.
It truly hadn’t been much time, yet…

“How did she grow so much in such a short time?”

In that brief period, Wi Seol-ah had become even more radiant.
Her features and figure had matured noticeably since I last saw her.

“Did she get taller?”

It seemed as though her height had increased compared to her previous life.
Perhaps she had been eating well. At the very least, she appeared to be doing fine, which was good to see, but…

“Do you remember what I told you to do before I left?”

“….”

Wi Seol-ah hesitated, averting her gaze.

Whoosh.

At the same time, I felt a faint surge of energy.
The energy subtly enveloped Wi Seol-ah, causing her presence to diminish significantly.

She had suppressed her presence on her own.

“Huh…?”
“Oh…!”

Disappointed murmurs echoed around us.
Confusion mingled with the unspoken desire to see her more.
It was astonishing how her mere presence could evoke such emotions.

“It wasn’t this bad before.”

She seemed to have grown even more mesmerizing than when I had last seen her.

“Perhaps her cultivation has advanced?”

It felt as though she had not yet reached the realm of enlightenment before I left.

“Sit down for now.”

“….”

At my words, Wi Seol-ah, having suppressed her presence, cautiously took the seat across from me.
Her expression bore a trace of annoyance, which made me chuckle.

“It’s been a while.”

“…Yes.”

Her tone carried a hint of sharpness, which only amused me further.
I raised my hand.

“Ah, yes, sir!”

The innkeeper approached, looking bewildered.
Moyong Hee-ah had once suggested opening an eccentric inn with some of her wealth, and indeed, this place was peculiar.

“To think they’d dress the innkeeper in silk robes.”

Even for an innkeeper, he was surprisingly well-groomed, almost to the point where I wondered if he had been hired from a brothel.

However, even this innkeeper couldn’t keep his eyes off Wi Seol-ah, which made me frown.

“Huk…!”

Finally, he hastily averted his gaze.

“Three large plum teas, please.”

“Th-three, sir? Are you expecting more company?”

“No, she’ll drink them all. Three should be enough, right?”

“….”

Wi Seol-ah nodded, though she seemed a bit off. Normally, she would have downed five cups easily, so agreeing to three was unusual.

“…Ah?”

The innkeeper looked puzzled but quickly headed to the kitchen to fulfill the order.
I cleared away Biyeonhwa’s tea from the table.

The lingering unpleasant fragrance still irritated me, so I used a bit of energy to dispel it before turning my attention to Wi Seol-ah, who remained silent.

“It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“Yes….”

“And food?”

“I haven’t eaten yet….”

“Really? Then should we grab something? I saw some street stalls selling skewered chicken outside.”

“Uh, I’d…!”

She brightened momentarily before catching herself and changing her expression.

“…I won’t eat.”

Her voice betrayed a hint of regret, making me chuckle.
Her consistency brought me relief and laughter.

Tap, tap.

I patted the seat beside me.

“Come here.”

“….”

“Quickly.”

At my words, Wi Seol-ah, with a slightly pouty expression, got up and plopped down beside me.
I reached out to stroke her hair.

Wi Seol-ah didn’t resist my touch.

“How did you get here?”

“…I walked.”

Her curt reply made me pinch her lips.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Mmff…!”

“Do you know how startled I was?”

The moment I felt her energy, my breath caught in my throat.
It was an energy that shouldn’t have been present here.

I had nearly rushed outside but restrained myself as her presence drew closer.

“How did you come here?”

“….”

She gently tapped my hand, prompting me to release her lips.

“…The family head… asked me to come along, so I came with him.”

“Hm?”

Her words made my eyes widen.

“You came with my father?”

Was my father in Hahnam?
I was genuinely shocked to hear this.

“…Why?”

I couldn’t fathom why he would come.

Normally, he wouldn’t step foot in Hahnam without a compelling reason.
Had the Martial Alliance invited the Gu family? Even if they had, he would likely refuse outright.
And yet, he’d arrived in time for the tournament?

“….”

It was baffling.

The timing implied he must have set out some time ago.

“So, even when I saw him in the North Sea, he wasn’t heading for Mount Shan?”

This meant he had been called elsewhere during his journey.

And what’s more, he’d brought Wi Seol-ah along?

“Why on earth would he come here?”

It wasn’t like my father to suddenly side with the Martial Alliance.

“Your tea is ready.”

At that moment, the innkeeper arrived with the plum teas.
I handed one to Wi Seol-ah as I asked, “Then, where is Father now?”

If he’d just arrived, I assumed he must have headed to the trading company straight away.

“The family head hasn’t arrived yet.”

“Huh?”

"He mentioned he had some business to attend to on the way and would be delayed by a few days. That’s why I arrived first."

"Business?"

Business on the way? Suddenly, I recalled that Madam Mi had also mentioned she’d be away for a few days.
Could it be related?

‘…He’s not someone who would end up in trouble anywhere, so I’m not particularly worried, but…’

It was subtly nagging at me.

‘Anyway.’

Shaking off the thought, I turned my gaze to Wi Seol-ah.
She was quietly sipping her plum tea, so I lightly pinched her cheek.
Even as she enjoyed her drink, her usual slight frown remained. Watching this, I smiled and asked,

"What’s bothering you?"

"…Nothing at all."

"Then why are you making that face when it’s been so long since we last met?"

I teased her playfully, which made her expression sharpen just a bit more.

"Exactly… It’s been so long…"

She trailed off, turning her head sharply as if unable to finish her sentence.

‘Hmm.’

This seemed like something that would linger.
Wi Seol-ah rarely got deeply upset, but it appeared this time, it had hit her hard.
Awkwardly, I scratched my cheek.

"Well, at least you’re not hurt anywhere, right?"

"…No."

"You seem to have lost some weight. Are you eating properly?"

"Yes…."

"I can see you’ve gotten prettier, though."
"…!"

"You should probably put on a little weight, though."

She’d grown excessively beautiful.
If it attracted too much attention, I’d have to find a way to manage it somehow.

But…

"..."

"Hm?"

Was it my imagination, or did her ears seem a little red?

What was this? Why?

‘Why does it feel like she’s a little less upset now?’

I hadn’t done anything, but for some reason, it seemed like her mood had improved. Was it because of the plum tea?
Could it be that tasty things were the solution after all?

"Should I order you some more snacks?"

Thinking I might have found the answer, I asked her.
Though this was an inn, it served more snacks than alcohol—a deliberate strategy of Moyong Hee-ah, who’d realized women tended to spend more money here.

But…

"Ah, no. It’s fine. I don’t need anything else."

"…Huh?"

Wi Seol-ah refusing snacks was unheard of. It was shocking.
At first, I wondered if she was still upset, but her lips had curved slightly upward.
It was clear—Wi Seol-ah was in a good mood.

The reason, however, eluded me.

"Oh… Alright."

Her body swayed slightly as she drank her tea, taking small sips as if it were hot, her movements light and cheerful.
Watching her quietly enjoy her tea, I finally asked,

"So, why aren’t you asking?"

"Asking what?"

Wi Seol-ah blinked at me with wide eyes, her expression full of confusion.

"That woman earlier. Why aren’t you asking who she was?"

"Oh."

Oh?
Had she already forgotten, despite being furious earlier?

"It’s fine now."

Her response made me tilt my head in confusion.

"It’s fine?"

"Yes. It’s fine now. I doubt I’ll ever see her again."

"…What?"

Wi Seol-ah nodded, her indifference plain.
She didn’t seem to care at all.

Moments ago, she’d looked like she might kill someone, and now she wasn’t even curious about why that person had approached me?
While it would’ve been bothersome to explain, her lack of curiosity left me feeling oddly disappointed.

And, somehow…

‘…When did she finish all of it?’

I could’ve sworn she was still on her first cup, yet the three cups of plum tea I had given her were now empty.
We hadn’t even exchanged many words, and she had already finished them.
The tea must’ve been scorching hot—how did she drink it so quickly?

Impressed yet nostalgic, I reached out to gently stroke Wi Seol-ah’s hair.

As I carefully patted her head, I noticed something—a hair ornament I had given her.
Namgung Bi-ah had one as well, and Wi Seol-ah too.
I couldn’t understand why they cherished such cheap trinkets.

‘I’ll have to find something better next time.’

As I pondered this, Wi Seol-ah, who had finished her tea, looked at me.
Her shining eyes met mine.

"Oh, that’s right, Young Master."

"Hm?"

Wi Seol-ah spoke as if she’d remembered something she had forgotten.

"I missed you."

"…"

"I don’t think I mentioned that yet."

I flinched involuntarily, my body stiffening.
It made it even harder to respond.

"…Oh, me too."

With difficulty, I managed to stammer out a response. I had to say something.
Wi Seol-ah smiled brightly at my reply, and seeing that, I thought:

‘I really need to find something to give her.’

Her smile was disturbingly beautiful.
At this rate, it wouldn’t be others falling for her charms—I might succumb first.

   ******************
   

The back alleys of Hahnam.

While countless people roamed the city, the fastest route to the Martial Alliance remained desolate, even during the day.

This was partly due to an incident that had occurred here just over a month ago. Additionally, the Alliance had restricted public access to this area.

With Martial Alliance guards occasionally patrolling, it was an area ordinary people typically avoided.
Yet, in a corner of one such alley:

Crunch…!

A woman briskly bit her nails, her steps quick and hurried.
Her beautiful face was twisted with a mix of fear and fury.

‘…I’ll kill her. I’ll kill her.’

The woman was none other than Biyeonhwa.
Her rage surged uncontrollably, the blood vessels in her eyes visibly strained.

‘How dare she…!!’

Biyeonhwa’s fierce gaze flashed as she recalled the woman who had appeared so suddenly.

Not only had this woman stolen every gaze that had once been directed at Biyeonhwa, but she had also oppressed her so brazenly.

And then…

‘That face.’

That incomparably beautiful face that brought an overwhelming sense of defeat the moment she saw it.

The woman, whose name she didn’t even know, had plunged Biyeonhwa into despair, despite being hailed as the Flower of the Alliance and Hahnam’s Greatest Beauty.

‘And that worthless man is just as bad…!’

A man who had remained unaffected despite her efforts to seduce him.
At first, she had wondered why he acted so indifferent, but now she knew.

‘It was because of a woman like her?’

Was it that having a more dazzling flower nearby rendered her meaningless?

It was unacceptable.
She had thought he might be a decent martial artist and had considered extending her hand to him.
But not only had he rejected her advances, he had left her feeling utterly humiliated.

Biyeonhwa clenched her fists so tightly that they trembled.

‘I’ll kill her.’

She resolved to destroy the woman at any cost.
Even if it meant returning to the investigation bureau and surrendering her body to those old superiors, she was determined to deal with her.

Her mind replayed the sight of herself, terrified and fleeing pathetically.
She also recalled the inferiority she had felt upon seeing the other woman’s beauty.

It was unbearable.
She had to do something—anything.

‘That woman, at least.’

She didn’t care about the man.
Truthfully, he didn’t interest her at all. Men like him were abundant in the world, and there were certainly others with greater ability.

No, it was the woman she had to eliminate at all costs.
If she couldn’t kill her, then at the very least, she had to scar that perfect face.

That face had no place in this city.
There couldn’t be a flower more beautiful than herself in the places she resided.

‘I have to crush her.’

Before her radiance could spread, she had to trample it down.
That was the only thought in her mind.

Her half-unhinged state, driven by anger and inferiority, consumed her as she chewed her nails and walked.

As Biyeonhwa hurriedly made her way back to the Martial Alliance:

Drip.

The faint sound of a water droplet falling echoed from somewhere.

Drip, drip—!

Suddenly, someone appeared behind Biyeonhwa and swiftly struck her back.

"…Kuh!?"

Her body stiffened instantly.
It was a pressure point strike.

Despite being in a location just a few steps away from the Martial Alliance, with its patrols nearby, someone had dared to paralyze Biyeonhwa in this alley.

As her body froze, Biyeonhwa’s eyes darted around, panicked by the abruptness of the situation.

"Hmm."

A figure emerged from behind her, stepping into view.

But there was no sound of footsteps.
That silence made it all the more terrifying.

"…!!"

Biyeonhwa’s eyes widened as she identified the person before her.

The one who had struck her was a woman with long, light-green hair cascading down her back.

Her petite figure and cute features were unmistakable, and Biyeonhwa knew exactly who she was.

"Hello."

"…!"

The woman with light-green hair, Tang So-yeol, addressed Biyeonhwa.

Of course, Biyeonhwa couldn’t respond, but Tang So-yeol didn’t seem to mind.

"It’s been a while, sister."

Srrt.

Tang So-yeol’s fingertip brushed against Biyeonhwa’s neck.

Press.

Blood trickled faintly from the shallow scratch her nail left behind, and Biyeonhwa’s eyes filled with fear at the sensation.

Watching Biyeonhwa’s expression, Tang So-yeol spoke.

"Shall we have a little chat? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, sister."

"…"

"If you understand, move your eyes up and down. If you don’t want to, you can move them side to side instead."

Just as Biyeonhwa instinctively prepared to move her eyes side to side:

"But if your answer displeases me," Tang So-yeol added, "I’ll gouge out your eyes."

"…!"

"You get two chances. One eye for each wrong answer."

"…"

Her cute tone contrasted sharply with the cruelty of her words.
Immediately, Biyeonhwa’s eyes began moving up and down.

Seeing this, Tang So-yeol smiled.

"I’m glad. I was worried I might get blood on my clothes."

She stroked Biyeonhwa’s cheek gently, a grin spreading across her face.