Childhood Friend of the Zenith Novel MTL - Chapter 1105

Chapter 1105

The Lord of Anhui.

One of the Four Great Families, and by some measures of power and influence, the foremost among them.

The illustrious Namgung family.

Within Anhui, all affairs—including those of the guilds and even the local branch of the Martial Alliance—must be conducted with the Namgung family in mind.

Without their approval, no significant undertaking could proceed.

Such was the standing of the Namgung family.

The greatest clan in all of Zhongyuan, without a hint of exaggeration.

And the man who led this family, the one recognized as its master.

Namgung Jeohwi.

He stood before the gates of Anhui and let out a weary sigh.

«…It is as I anticipated, is it not?»

At Namgung Jeohwi’s quiet words, the elderly general beside him answered.

«Indeed. The carriage should be here soon. There is no cause for excessive concern.»

«Sigh…»

Even with the general’s reassurance, the worry did not leave Namgung Jeohwi’s face.

How could he not be anxious?

‘Could it truly have vanished just like that?’

Its sudden arrival had been shocking enough. He had been troubled by Namgung Jin’s delay. But the very moment he heard his son was finally returning to the family, the Young Master had disappeared.

‘…She was said to be headstrong.’

This was far beyond mere willfulness.

Though renowned for her beauty and hailed as the finest in Anhui, she was equally famous for her fierce and volatile nature.

Had she failed to recognize the situation?

Or had she placed too much faith in the prestige of the Namgung name?

Namgung Jeohwi had never anticipated the Young Master would behave in such a manner.

‘This will not be simple.’

Should he be grateful his son was so fond of her?

Or…

‘Should I reprimand him?’

Should he punish him for acting without the family head’s consent right here in Anhui? Under normal circumstances, anger would be the appropriate response.

That would have been a clear demonstration of the Namgung family’s authority.

‘But it is not so straightforward.’

For Namgung Jeohwi, it was not an option.

No matter how much Anhui was under Namgung control, he could not afford to disregard the Seonho Guild, which belonged to Hyun Soyeon’s family.

In terms of influence, it was the leading guild in Anhui and had also been expanding its reach across Zhongyuan at a remarkable pace.

That was precisely why the engagement with Namgung Jin had been arranged.

‘…Jin.’

His son had despised the engagement and abruptly joined the Alliance.

It was customary for scions of the righteous sects to gain some experience within the Martial Alliance.

But given the timing, it would have been better to postpone his duties, especially now.

‘The position of junior family head must be secured soon.’

Namgung Jin needed to be established as the heir. Unlike his younger sibling.

‘To do that, he must build his power base quickly.’

His influence was lacking.

Despite the family’s growing strength, the personal authority Namgung Jeohwi held was fragile.

‘My own power is insufficient.’

His martial talent had not been exceptional. He had attained the position of family head, but his prowess as a martial artist was lacking, making his grip on leadership tenuous.

That was why he had pinned his hopes on Namgung Jin.

‘His mind is sharp.’

In terms of raw talent, his dissatisfied younger brother seemed more gifted.

But when considering the mindset of a leader and the loyalty he showed to the Namgung family, Namgung Jin was the one who must succeed.

This was why a swift alliance with the Seonho Guild to consolidate power was so critical.

‘…Why?’

Why would Namgung Jin choose to leave at a time like this?

Namgung Jeohwi could not comprehend it. Namgung Jin knew perfectly well how crucial this moment was.

«Sigh…»

When he arrived, Namgung Jeohwi would have to speak sternly to both Hyun Soyeon and his son. That was the decision he had reached.

«My Lord, the carriage approaches.»

Something was moving toward the city gate in the distance.

It was a large carriage, and as Namgung Jeohwi saw the emblem painted on its side, he immediately knew who it belonged to.

‘The Baekhwa Guild.’

One of the guilds that had been growing its influence in Zhongyuan alongside the Seonho Guild.

He was not surprised. He had already received the news.

‘The Baekhwa Guild was supporting the Azure Dragon Division.’

They had offered private support not to the entire Martial Alliance, but specifically to the Azure Dragon Division.

This was highly unusual.

For a guild that professed neutrality, such an action should not have been taken.

It was strange the Sword Master had permitted it.

‘What is the meaning of this?’

Even the Seonho Guild, which sought a direct connection with the Namgung family, had not gone so far.

What possible reason could they have?

Namgung Jeohwi found it deeply puzzling.

At that moment.

Hiiing—!!!

The carriage came to a halt just outside the city gate.

********

«You may disembark now.»

At the coachman’s words, I rose from the cramped confines of the carriage. The already narrow space felt even more constricted as I straightened up.

We had finally arrived.

«Ah, get out quickly.»

«…Ah, yes.»

I almost shoved Do Yun out the door. He stood up, looking utterly drained, and stepped outside. The weather, at least, was agreeable.

«Whew.»

Crack.

My joints popped as I stretched. It wasn’t an unpleasant sensation. As my muscles relaxed, I glanced backward.

«Not coming out?»

«…»

There, huddled in the corner, was a young man lost in his thoughts. It was Namgung Jin.

«What are you doing?»

Why was he just standing there with that dazed expression?

«Namgung Jin. It is time to go.»

Hyun Soyeon spoke to him gently. Namgung Jin did not react.

«Namgung Jin. Delaying will not improve the family head’s disposition.»

«…»

«Would it not be better to get the scolding over with? Let us go.»

«…»

«It will be easier if I am with you.»

«…»

«Namgung Jin.»

«…»

«Namgung Jin?»

«…»

«Sigh.»

The continued silence drew a sigh from Hyun Soyeon. Just as it seemed she might leave him be, she gave up.

«Why is it you never listen to a word I say?»

Hyun Soyeon’s expression shifted into a scowl.

In that instant.

Thump-!

«Ugh!?»

Her foot connected with Namgung Jin’s side, sending him stumbling out of the carriage.

Shocked, Namgung Jin fell and rolled across the ground.

«Ugh…!»

It was a solid hit. He clutched his side, groaning in pain. Impressive.

‘…Did she actually just strike him for real?’

I had clearly seen the energy she channeled into that kick.

It wasn’t just a push; she had used her inner force to make it hurt.

It seemed to have worked, given how Namgung Jin was moaning.

«Are you alright, Jin?»

Hyun Soyeon approached him as if nothing had happened and began fussing over him.

«Oh my… why did you suddenly trip and fall like that?»

«Ugh… wait…»

She subtly grabbed the very spot she had kicked and shook it. The pain visibly flared, and Namgung Jin’s expression twisted further.

«Wow…»

I couldn’t help but be impressed. She truly was a devil.

While a part of me felt it was deserved karma for Namgung Jin, I also felt a twinge of sympathy for him.

Of course…

‘It has nothing to do with me.’

Since it wasn’t my problem, I ignored them and walked ahead. By the time I reached the front, my father and his entourage were already there.

‘Mother hasn’t come out yet.’

Naturally, my mother had not moved from inside the carriage. There was still no sign of her.

I glanced back at the carriage once more before turning my attention forward. An elderly man with white hair stood before my father.

‘Is that the current head of the Namgung family?’

He appeared to be in his fifties. As a martial artist, he was likely older.

His physical presence was not particularly imposing.

His martial level?

‘He has not yet reached Hwagyeong.’

For someone known as the head of one of the Four Great Families, he seemed rather weak. He was likely at his peak, but it was not the realm of Hwagyeong.

‘His body…’

There was a peculiar sensation emanating from the energy flowing within him.

What is this? Just as I focused my senses to identify it.

«I am Namgung Jeohwi. The head of the Namgung family.»

Namgung Jeohwi looked at my father as he spoke.

«I am Gu Cheolwoon, Deputy Commander of the Azure Dragon Division.»

«The Divine Dragon, I see. I have heard the tales. Certainly…»

Namgung Jeohwi looked my father over and then nodded.

«It seems the rumors are not unfounded. It is an honor to meet such a promising individual.»

«You are too generous. This junior pays his respects to the head of the Namgung family.»

My father finished with a polite bow. Namgung Jeohwi did not look down on him.

The Deputy Commander of a Sword Division in the Martial Alliance was a figure who commanded respect.

«I thank you for making the long journey. Now, first…»

Namgung Jeohwi’s gaze shifted elsewhere. Toward me. More specifically…

«Kkhhhh…»

It went to Namgung Jin and Hyun Soyeon, who were still entangled in their struggle.

Sigh.

Namgung Jeohwi let out a quiet, weary sigh.

«…It seems we must take those two to the family estate first. Would that be acceptable to you?»

«We will follow your lead.»

«Thank you.»

Upon hearing the response, Namgung Jeohwi turned and led the way into Anhui Castle.

We began to follow behind them.

As we entered the ancient walls of Anhui Castle.

My eyes remained fixed on Namgung Jeohwi’s back.

‘Hmm.’

I narrowed my eyes. Something was off. The strange sensation was persistent and hard to dismiss.

‘Just a little.’

I heightened my awareness slightly and, without drawing attention, directed a subtle pulse of energy toward Namgung Jeohwi.

Thwomp-!

The energy I released found its mark.

«…»

My father’s gaze flickered toward me for an instant. I started, worried he had sensed it, but fortunately, he seemed not to have noticed.

And then.

‘Ah.’

I frowned as I finally understood the source of the strange feeling.

‘…It’s the energy of the Blood Demon.’

The distinct energy of the Blood Demon.

That was what I was sensing from within Namgung Jeohwi.