Childhood Friend of the Zenith Novel MTL - Chapter 887

Chapter 887

On a Bitter Winter’s Day

As winter’s chill began to deepen, the Martial Alliance’s headquarters in Hanam was as bustling as always.

Some of this activity was due to the changing season, but most of it was a direct result of recent unsettling developments.

“The appearances of demonic beasts are becoming more frequent in the northern reaches of Mount Tai.”

“I’ve heard the same. They say green-ranked beasts are practically nonexistent there now.”

Once, green-ranked beasts had been the primary guardians of Mount Tai, but their numbers had sharply declined. They had almost completely disappeared, with blue-ranked beasts now making up the majority and red-ranked beasts emerging on occasion.

Because of this, herbalists were forbidden from entering the region, and the schedules of the Sword Squads had become overwhelmingly demanding.

“This is unendurable. Without a single day of rest, it’s becoming too much to bear.”

Their faces were etched with deep fatigue. Even their brief periods of rest were insufficient, only worsening their exhaustion.

This strain was compounded by the current lack of leadership within the Sword Squads.

“When is the Azure Dragon Division due to return?”

“It’s been under fifteen days since they departed for Sichuan. It will probably be some time yet.”

“If it will be longer, are we speaking of months?”

“Most likely.”

A heavy sigh followed. The situation was unavoidable.

In the absence of the Azure Dragon Division, tasks had accumulated. The other Sword Squads were also compelled to move quickly, particularly as the actions of the Sectarian Factions grew more concerning.

This only exacerbated the already critical shortage of personnel.

“Still, once Ilcheon Sword returns, things should get better, right?”

“Naturally, but…”

The man scratching his chin added with uncertainty, “There have been some odd rumors circulating recently.”

“What sort of rumors?”

“That Ilcheon Sword has conspired with the Demonic Cult.”

“What?”

Hearing this, one of the squad members scowled.

“What kind of nonsense is that?”

It was too absurd to be believed.

“Ilcheon Sword, working with the Demonic Cult? That’s impossible.”

“I think so too. It’s just a rumor I’ve heard in passing.”

“It’s a completely ludicrous story.”

Ilcheon Sword was renowned for his righteous character, a reputation he had upheld both during the Great War of Righteousness and in his daily conduct.

He was already anticipated to soon join the ranks of the Top Ten Experts and was potentially a future candidate for Martial Alliance Leader.

The idea of such a man conspiring with the Demonic Cult was pure foolishness.

“Aren’t rumors always like that?”

“It’s ridiculous just to hear it. I can only imagine how hard the Azure Dragon Division or Ilcheon Sword himself would laugh.”

The members who had remained at the headquarters would find it especially hilarious.

“Rumors always get distorted and exaggerated as they are passed around.”

The man grinned slightly as he added, “It’s the same with those stories about the Heavenly Demon.”

“Ah, that foolishness?”

Mention of the “Heavenly Demon” brought a nod of recognition from the squad member.

“You mean the nonsense about him being able to command and summon demonic beasts?”

Of all the recent rumors, this was the most absurd.

The Heavenly Demon (천마), the mysterious leader of the Demonic Cult, was rumored to have appeared in Sichuan. It was said he raised his hand to the sky, causing the Magyeong Gate to tear open in the air and unleash hordes of demonic beasts.

“Preposterous.”

There was a limit to credulity, and this rumor had crossed it.

No matter how enigmatic the Heavenly Demon was, he was still human.

How could a human not only tame demonic beasts but also summon them by opening a gate?

“If that’s true, I’ll burn my own hands.”

“Exactly.”

“Exactly? It’s an impossibility.”

Yet, a subtle undercurrent of anxiety persisted in their voices.

The Heavenly Demon had become an object of dread.

This was only natural.

He was a bizarre entity who seemed to have fallen from the heavens. The Demonic Cult itself was an unprecedented organization that had made a spectacular entrance.

He had calmly appeared at the Wudang Sect, the very core of the Martial Alliance, killed an elder, and vanished without a trace.

Not long after, incidents began occurring throughout Hanam.

The Jegal Clan initiated a rebellion, sparking conflicts with white-ranked beasts.

The Heavenly Demon had been present then, too.

Even with one of the Three Supremes, the Heavenly Presence, and numerous Top Ten Experts like the Sword Saint and Plum Blossom Immortal on the scene, the Heavenly Demon had revealed himself and escaped unharmed.

Now, with another major incident, questions were inevitable.

“Just how powerful is the Heavenly Demon?”

How high had his prowess reached?

This was the question on everyone’s mind in Zhongyuan.

He was a monster that even the Heavenly Presence had been unable to restrain.

This suggested he might have ascended to the level of the Three Supremes.

And perhaps even beyond that…

“The emergence of white-ranked beasts…”

The memory of the demonic beasts that attacked Hanam resurfaced, amplifying their unease.

If the Heavenly Demon could indeed summon and control demonic beasts, did that mean…?

“No, it’s impossible.”

A fleeting thought crossed their minds.

“Did he summon that white-ranked beast, too?”

The recollection of the white-ranked beast that had materialized as if from nowhere overlapped with the current rumors.

“No, it can’t be.”

The squad member shook his head.

It must not be true.

The concept of a human wielding such power was inconceivable.

If it were true, could he even be considered human anymore?

The prospect of such a being initiating a war was too horrifying to contemplate.

“Haa…”

The squad member let out a deep sigh, trying to clear his mind. The very idea was unbelievable, and the rumors about the demonic beasts had to be unfounded.

No, they needed to be unfounded.

“Anyway, setting the Azure Dragon Division aside, what about the Star Dragon Division?”

Attempting to change the subject, he brought up another topic.

“The Star Dragon Division?”

“Yes, they went to Sichuan as well, didn’t they?”

“I haven’t heard much, but since they went with the Azure Dragon Division, they should be fine.”

“That’s true, but…”

The squad member leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret.

“You know about the recent incident, right?”

“Incident? Ah, you mean the one involving Strategist Muk Yeon?”

“Yes, that one.”

It was a story everyone was talking about. Tiger Warrior, the head of the Shanxi Gu family, had forced his way into the main camp. He had sought out Muk Yeon while he was working and assaulted him.

It was said the Sword Emperor, who was guarding Muk Yeon, had confronted Tiger Warrior and subdued him.

Tiger Warrior was now imprisoned in the underground cells.

“Doesn’t this create complications for the Star King as well?”

“Almost certainly.”

Tiger Warrior was, after all, the father of the current Star King.

The Star King was hailed as a hero in Hanam for repelling the attack and even slaying a white-ranked beast, earning widespread praise and acclaim.

Because of this, he had become the youngest martial artist to hold a King-Rank title and was seen as the most promising candidate among the younger generation to claim the title of “Strongest Under Heaven.”

But now…

“Why would the head of the Gu family do such a thing?”

“Who can say.”

What had driven Tiger Warrior to such an act?

Even if he wished to hinder his son’s rise, this was an extreme measure.

“Tiger Warrior, though not widely known nowadays, was a famous martial artist in his time, wasn’t he?”

“Famous? Without a doubt. If you had seen him handling Sectarian Faction members during the last war, you’d know it was more than just fame.”

“…Was he that fearsome?”

“Absolutely. He was like a demon given human form.”

It was little wonder the Sectarian Factions had given him a different name.

Although he had lived a reclusive life in Shanxi, he had once been a martial artist of significant repute.

“That’s what makes it so confusing.”

Why had he suddenly erupted in such a way?

Many were questioning his motives.

“The trial is scheduled in two days, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is.”

“If the verdict is unfavorable, what will happen to the Star King?”

“It’s hard to say, but it could cause serious problems for him.”

The Star King was a pillar of the Martial Alliance, one of the Eight Pillars.

For the father of such a figure to commit a crime against the Alliance was certain to impact his position.

“Even if Strategist Muk Yeon thinks highly of the Star King, can he overlook this?”

“Even for a man of his generosity, this is asking too much.”

“I agree.”

“And with the trial in two days, the Star King likely won’t make it back in time.”

The Star King was still in Sichuan. Even if he had received word of the incident, the journey back would take until winter.

“Whatever the outcome, these continual disturbances are disquieting.”

“Everyone feels the same—it’s like the calm before a storm.”

A Premonition of Chaos

It felt as if something was about to erupt. The sensation was universal.

The emergence of the Heavenly Demon and the rapidly shifting behavior of the demonic beasts made it obvious: the situation was growing more unstable by the day.

And then:

“I hear the Sectarian Factions have also been active lately.”

This was according to intelligence gathered by the Flying Dragon Division. Between the Demonic Cult, the Sectarian Factions, and the demonic beasts, nothing about the current climate felt normal.

“With everything happening like this, it’s difficult not to feel apprehensive.”

“What is there to worry about? As long as the Martial Alliance stands, we have nothing to fear.”

“Haha…”

The squad member offered a strained laugh. The person he was speaking to, belonging to an older generation, seemed to possess an almost unwavering faith in the Martial Alliance.

People of that age often did. However, confidence in the Alliance had significantly weakened in recent years, especially among the residents of Hanam.

“Yes… I suppose you’re right.”

Uncertain of what else to say, the squad member simply nodded while wiping perspiration from his brow.

“Phew… It’s unusually hot today.”

The weather was unseasonably warm.

“It really is, why is it so hot…”

Their voices trailed off as they looked at each other.

Hot?

The realization dawned on them: something was amiss.

The season was early winter. That very morning, the air had been cold enough to see their breath. Yet now, it was stifling, hot enough to induce sweating.

“…Why is it so hot?”

The heat was oppressive, reminiscent of the peak of summer.

And it was intensifying. Something was clearly wrong. Furthermore—

‘…It feels heavy.’

The air felt dense, as if a weight were pressing on their shoulders. Breathing became more labored, and the combination of intense heat and pressure made them frown.

What in the world was happening?

Suddenly:

“Over there—!”

Someone in the camp shouted, pointing toward the sky. All eyes followed the direction of the gesture.

At the center of the brilliant, glowing sun, something was visible.

What was it?

The question was short-lived.

*Fwoosh—!!*

It was flame. A flame tinged with a blue hue.

Blue fire burned at the heart of the sun, initially no larger than a candle’s flame.

But then—

‘It’s getting bigger…?’

The flame began to expand.

Watching it, they realized the truth.

It wasn’t growing.

It was approaching.

As it drew closer, its apparent size increased. The moment they understood this—

*BOOOOM—!!!!*

The flame crashed into the earth.

*KRAAASH—!!!*

The blue flame detonated on impact, erupting into a colossal pillar of fire that shot toward the sky.

The sheer majesty of the blazing column caused their bodies to tremble involuntarily.

*BOOOOM—!!!*

“Ugh!”

“Argh—!!”

The blistering heat and concussive force hurled nearby individuals through the air. The sudden violence prompted other martial artists to rush out of nearby structures.

“What is this—?!”

“An attack…? Prepare the defensive formations!”

Their faces were tight with tension.

This was clearly no ordinary event. Was it the Sectarian Factions? Or perhaps… the Demonic Cult?

Anxiety flickered across every face.

“Stand back.”

A grave voice cut through the tension. Accompanying the words, a figure landed softly on the ground.

As his feet touched the earth, the suffocating heat seemed to lessen marginally.

“Sir Guardian—!”

The elderly man was none other than the Sword Emperor, regarded as the martial artist among the Top Ten Experts closest to the level of the Three Supremes.

The Guardian of the Alliance drew his sword and confronted the flames.

A tremendous aura emanated from the old man, spreading outward from his feet and dominating the surrounding atmosphere.

*Whooosh—!*

The Sword Emperor’s qi took tangible form, commanding the very air.

The sight left the onlookers in awe.

“Such masterful control of qi…”

The old man’s power was not only exquisitely refined but also formidable and unyielding.

The Guardian of the Alliance, the Sword Emperor, was the embodiment of his title and reputation—a protector of the Martial Alliance, steadfast under any circumstances.

His presence lived up to his legend perfectly.

*KRAAAASH—!!!*

But the flames resisted the Sword Emperor’s aura. They did not retreat.

In fact, they seemed to grow more violent, as if attempting to consume the Sword Emperor’s energy.

His brow furrowed deeply.

“What is the meaning of this?”

He spoke in a low, measured tone. At that moment—

*BOOOOM—!!!*

Within the raging inferno, a shape began to materialize.

The fire started to coalesce into a structure, slowly assuming a human form.

And then—

“What do you mean, ‘what is the meaning of this’?”

The figure emerging from the flames spoke.

*Flap!*

The robes draped over his shoulders fluttered in the waves of heat.

White robes adorned with intricate blue patterns.

His martial uniform identified him as a member of the Martial Alliance.

But he was no ordinary member. Those robes…

“A Division Leader…”

The white robe embroidered with blue was a distinctive symbol. Only eight individuals within the Alliance were permitted to wear it.

Among them, only one was capable of commanding such flames.

“The Star King?”

“The Star Dragon Division Leader?”

“Why is someone who should be in Sichuan here…?”

As the others stared in stunned confusion—

“That’s what I’d like to know,” Gu Yangcheon said, his eyes locked on the Sword Emperor.

“You always seem to be one step ahead of me. I’d prefer to reduce this all to ashes, but I’ll ask first.”

*Whoooosh—!*

The massive pillar of fire dissolved, breaking apart into countless smaller orbs of light.

The floating spheres of fire hovered for an instant before being drawn back into Gu Yangcheon’s body, flowing into his back.

They resembled vast wings or a waterfall of flame being absorbed into his being.

Whatever it was, the sight was profoundly awe-inspiring.

The air, which the Sword Emperor had barely managed to stabilize, once again grew thick and oppressive.

The overwhelming heat returned as Gu Yangcheon addressed the Sword Emperor.

“Where is my father?”

“…”

The Sword Emperor frowned at the question.

“Star Dragon Division Leader.”

“I don’t have the patience for this. My mood is far from ideal at the moment.”

*Whoosh.* Flames coiled from Gu Yangcheon’s fingertips up to his elbows.

Even a glance revealed his turbulent qi, surging like a powerful tide.

“Do you know where he is?”

Faced with his openly threatening demeanor, the Sword Emperor’s eyes narrowed further.

“What if I refuse to tell you?”

“…”

At those words, Gu Yangcheon’s gaze turned dangerously icy.

“In that case…”

*Crackle.*

The flames on his hand spread, engulfing his entire body.

No, it wasn’t merely that his body was covered in fire—it was as if his very essence had become flame.

“I’ll just have to force it out of you.”

*Fwoooosh—!!!*

The fire erupted, roaring with immense power.

*KRAAAASH—!!!*

On that autumn day, summer had violently arrived.