Childhood Friend of the Zenith Novel MTL - Chapter 977

Chapter 977

“…What was that?”

Yusa repeated Shin Noya’s statement, his mind struggling to accept it.

“You—”

He had no option but to ask once more.

Because the words he had just heard were completely beyond belief.

Bloodline?

Did this fool just say bloodline?

“Explain yourself.”

As he spoke, a face surfaced in his memory.

That man.

The one who had disregarded his command and given one of his own.

The one who had crushed his pride and vanished, watching him with haughty disdain.

The one he had sworn to destroy the next time they crossed paths.

And yet—

“That bastard is…”

The Master’s own bloodline?

Yusa’s eyes remained wide with shock.

“Impossible.”

His initial skepticism began to warp into something more disturbing.

A new question took shape in his thoughts.

The reason his commands had failed against that man.

The reason the Master’s divine authority had no hold over him.

“Is it possible… because he is…?”

Because he was of the Master’s own blood?

“…No.”

The instant the idea emerged, Yusa shook his head.

That couldn’t be the reason.

Even if that man truly was the Master’s descendant, it wouldn’t clarify why commands had no effect.

Command wasn’t merely a skill.

It was the birthright of one’s very being.

The Master reigned above all, with the Generals beneath her.

Even if that man was her kin—

It wouldn’t place him above the Master herself.

Dismissing the idea as foolish, Yusa shot a venomous look at Shin Noya.

“Are you attempting to deceive me with wordplay again?”

“Do I seem like I have the leisure for games?”

“Oh? Then what is this absurdity?”

“…Hm.”

Faced with Yusa’s sharp reply, Shin Noya rubbed his cheek.

He had to concede that it did sound somewhat improbable.

“…This is preposterous.”

Yusa scowled, releasing a heavy sigh.

This scoundrel never changed.

It was exactly like before—

When the Master had unexpectedly named him as a new General.

Even now, Yusa loathed him.

At that time, no one had objected more fiercely than Yusa.

How could an outsider be granted the rank of General?

That day marked the first time he had ever openly defied the Master.

“…”

As the memory arose, Yusa bit his lip.

Was that the day?

Was that when he first lost favor—when his standing began to falter?

A peculiar feeling crept through his body.

It slid up from his feet, coiling around his spine and tightening at his throat.

It pushed against his lips, as if trying to break through.

“…So.”

Suppressing his emotions, Yusa finally spoke.

“If I accept your proposition—if I truly aspire to become the Master—wouldn’t that place me directly against that bastard?”

If he genuinely sought the throne—

Then that self-styled Cheonma would stand as his primary obstacle.

The one who claimed he would “change Mangye” was effectively his adversary.

Shin Noya tilted his head.

“What are you referring to?”

“What do you mean? Doesn’t that bastard also want to become the Master?”

If Yusa intended to claim the throne, then aligning with that man was impossible.

But rather than denying it, Shin Noya responded with a soft laugh.

“You’ve misunderstood something.”

“What?”

“That man… No, that being… has no interest in the throne.”

“What are you talking about?”

He wanted to change Mangye, yet didn’t wish to be Master?

It made no sense.

“Are you toying with me now?”

Just as Yusa’s eyes began to narrow, Shin Noya interrupted him.

“If you want answers, you must choose first.”

His tone was resolute.

“You can linger in doubt and cling to your present life… or you can ready yourself to seize the throne. The decision is yours.”

“……”

A choice.

To ally with them—

Or to remain in his role, performing his duties as a General.

If he chose to stay as a General—

He would have to report everything to the Master.

Doing so would allow him to halt these traitors before they acted.

More than that—

It would finally give him legitimate grounds to eliminate these intolerable vermin.

Shin Noya.

Mount Hua.

All of them.

But—

“If I make that choice…”

Would that man simply allow him to walk away?

Yusa knew full well what kind of monster he was facing.

He had seen it multiple times already.

Even among the strongest warriors of the Moonlit Night Tribe, Yusa considered himself elite—

And yet, he could only describe that man as a monster.

If he chose to remain, he would need to flee immediately and report to the Master.

But then—

“And if I choose them?”

If he turned against the Master—

If he accepted their offer—

Then what?

“Would they actually have a strategy?”

Was that man truly of the Master’s blood?

Did he genuinely not desire the throne for himself?

And above all—

“If I join them…”

Would he finally become the Master himself?

Thoughts churned in his head.

From a purely rational view, maintaining his current position was safer.

He could use this chance to consolidate his power.

“The leader… that brute… even that wretched girl Yarang… and that damned crow bastard as well.”

If he could ensure none of them could oppose him—

That would be his optimal path.

But—

Crack—!

His fist tightened violently.

Those words.

That infuriating voice.

It continued echoing in his head.

“So what?”

Was he truly content with that?

The question reverberated in his mind.

And without conscious thought, Yusa answered.

“…First.”

He let out a sharp breath.

His voice was heavy.

“I need to speak with him first.”

“Heh.”

A smirk spread across Shin Noya’s lips.

“As long as you wish.”

***

The midday sun was brilliant.

Under a sky tinged with deep crimson, Yahwol was uncharacteristically quiet.

The recent turmoil involving the Blue Faction and the death of the former White Faction Leader had left the city chilled and motionless.

People moved warily, their eyes scanning their surroundings with caution.

Some opted not to leave their houses at all.

Even Yahwol Fortress had closed half its gates, limiting access.

No one could depart.

No one could enter.

Such was the present condition of Yahwol.

And within this tense environment, in the back alley where the previous White Leader had been killed—

A small, run-down structure stood.

Inside, a group of people had assembled.

They wore identical attire—

White martial robes adorned with plum blossoms.

Swords hung at their hips as they turned toward a figure, their expressions slightly anxious.

“Sect Leader…! How did you get here…?”

At a disciple’s voice, the old man seated at the table gave a faint smile and waved a hand.

“I merely wished to see your faces again after so long. How have you all been?”

Shin Noya, leader of Mount Hua, looked over his disciples.

All were second-generation members of the sect.

“I heard Seol Yeong visited not long ago.”

“Yes, she did.”

“Anything else worth mentioning?”

One of the disciples hesitated, glancing at Shin Noya before answering.

“Lately… the mood in Yahwol has been tense.”

“It’s true. They’ve increased security after some unknown individual attacked a noble.”

“Really, what kind of madman would target a noble? It’s total disorder.”

Hearing this, Shin Noya couldn’t help but cough lightly.

Because he knew precisely who that madman was.

At that moment—

Creak—!

The door opened, and someone entered.

Startled, the disciples instinctively reached for their swords—

“Ah, damn it.”

—only to freeze at the sound of a familiar oath.

Shin Noya released a weary breath.

“He’s here.”

The lunatic had arrived.

“Damn, this is so tedious. Seriously. I need to get out of this nonsense.”

A voice thick with annoyance filled the space as a man barged in.

His manner was so offhand—so effortless—that for a second, the disciples were too stunned to respond.

“Uh…”

“That person…”

They were bewildered by the sudden entrance.

But soon, recognition set in.

They had encountered this man before—

The same one who had appeared during Gubong’s visit.

The same one with a fierce, piercing gaze—whose words were as sharp as his look.

The same one who had pummeled the White Leader’s son out of pure irritation.

“What are you all gawking at? Mind your own business.”

The young man who had just entered—

Gu Yangcheon waved a hand dismissively, as if swatting insects.

“……”

To any observer, it seemed as though he owned the place.

“Ugh, I’m exhausted.”

Gu Yangcheon trudged over and dropped into the seat opposite Shin Noya.

Meanwhile, Shin Noya had covered his face with his hands.

“Noya, what are you doing?”

“…Give me a moment. Don’t speak to me.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because I’m too ashamed to show my face.”

“…What are you talking about?”

Gu Yangcheon narrowed his eyes, completely confused.

Shin Noya, after a long sigh, finally looked up.

“Haaa…”

Gu Yangcheon observed him with a puzzled expression—

Then, unconcerned, he picked his nose and casually inquired—

“Did you finish what you needed to do?”

Shin Noya glanced at him.

“What about you?”

“…Well. It’s mostly done.”

“Same here.”

Mostly.

Not flawless, but acceptable.

They both offered identical responses—

And then immediately exchanged looks of mutual disappointment.

“For a younger man, you should have done better.”

“…You boasted about all your experience. What’s this ‘mostly’ nonsense? You’ve really let yourself go.”

“You impudent—”

“Hey, now! No fighting!”

Shin Noya began to stand, but Gu Yangcheon quickly raised his hands in mock surrender.

This insane old man always resorted to violence over the slightest provocation.

Really—

How was this person supposed to be a Taoist master?

Gu Yangcheon would never comprehend it.

“Tsk.”

Shin Noya clicked his tongue, settling back down before speaking again.

“What about that other matter you were looking into?”

“Oh, that?”

Gu Yangcheon nodded.

The thing he had gone to verify—

“Yeah. It seems even the Leader isn’t safe from demonic energy.”

The Moonlit Night Tribe.

Even their highest leaders could be corrupted by demonic energy.

That was what he had just confirmed.