Childhood Friend of the Zenith
Chapter 363: Gathering of the Orthodox Faction (4)

If someone asked what holds the Murim Alliance and the Orthodox Faction together, most would say it’s their righteousness and justice, but I firmly say that is bullshit.

In reality, anyone could join the Orthodox Faction if they simply desired to.

In truth, it was fame and power that upheld the Orthodox Faction.

The true foundation of the Orthodox Faction’s authority lay in the network of merchant associations spread across the nation and the martial artists who protected its citizens.

With the existence of the Gate of Demons in this era, the reputation of martial artists only continued to soar.

The world may have been peaceful right now after people learned how to deal with Demons, but it would still be dangerous for ordinary citizens if there weren’t any martial artists around.

Martial artists not only received donations from the people they protected, but those with enough fame could even wield authority over certain areas.

These groups, affiliated with the Orthodox Faction, operated in specific regions, keeping Demons at bay and functioning under treaties with the Murim Alliance.

They were also known as noble clans and Sects.

Over time, they built their fame and honed their martial arts, even developing their own Divine Arts.

With their established reputation and influence, they could rightfully be called rulers of their regions.

They were assigned to manage the Gate of Demons that appeared in their regions.

These clans and sects held their positions over time by taking responsibility for their region’s safety.

Among the numerous clans and sects, a select few held the most influence and were regarded as the pillars of the Orthodox Faction.

They were known as the Four Noble Clans of the Central Plains.

Namgung Clan of Anhui.

Moyong Clan of Liaoning.

Peng Clan of Hebei.

And the Tang Clan of Sichuan.

These noble clans had existed long before the Gate of Demons appeared, and they currently held the most influence as the pillars of the Orthodox Faction.

Though of course, it wasn’t only their backgrounds that made them the pillars of Orthodox Faction for a very long period of time.

Each of the martial artists of their blood was extremely talented.

Their histories spoke for themselves.

The Sword King title belonged to Namgung Clan and Moyong Clan.

That lineage was interrupted by the Sword Emperor, though that was an exceptional case.

Titles related to Dao basically belonged to the Peng Clan.

Poison arts obviously belonged to the Tang Clan.

And it remained that way today.

The Lord of Namgung Clan was known as the Sword King, while the Moyong Clan expanded their influence through vast merchant networks, though they were less formidable in martial arts.

The Lord of the Peng Clan inherited the Dao King title, and as always, the Tang Clan held the title of Poison King.

Despite the passing of time, their influence remained dominant, allowing them to hold their place as the Four Noble Clans.

However…

You’re telling me that all of those guys are gathering in Henan?

I couldn’t help but frown at Peng Ah-hee’s words.

Was she joking around?

But it didn’t feel like she was lying to me.

Snap, snap.

I turned toward the source of the strange sound and saw Moyong Hi-ah biting her lips, looking visibly anxious.

Judging by her reaction, it seemed they were indeed coming.

After a glance at Moyong Hi-ah, I turned back to Peng Ah-hee.

“What do you mean? Why are the Lords coming here?”

“The reinforcements from the Alliance just arrived.”

“Well I know that too- “

Just as I was about to respond, I realized why Peng Ah-hee had said that.

The arrival of the Murim Alliance’s reinforcements meant that other clans had also been notified.

I turned around.

The crowd’s expressions revealed a mix of emotions, but the most prominent was relief.

With their clans and sects notified, they knew help was on the way.

…Considering how the reinforcements arrived now, it likely means that the message was sent at least yesterday.

It must have been sent as soon as the black barrier vanished.

The Heavenly Dragon Academy had been ambushed, resulting in the deaths of noble clan and sect descendants.

The Murim Alliance was responsible for overseeing the Academy.

It was known as the Central Plain’s most prestigious educational institution.

Yet such a horrifying incident occurred there.

Many would try to place blame on the Alliance, and they knew this too.

They will likely call a meeting.

The gathering of the Orthodox Faction.

It was a meeting that gathered key figures to discuss what action should be taken.

Even without considering that their blood relatives had been harmed, this meeting was crucial as it would determine the Alliance’s fate.

For that reason,

The highest-ranking individuals will likely come, too.

They understood the weight of their influence simply by showing up here.

There was a problem, though.

This is happening faster than I expected.

I’d anticipated this after Moyong Hi-ah mentioned it before, but it was unfolding much sooner than I’d hoped.

I knew it would happen eventually, but I hadn’t expected everyone here to already know about it.

Are they in a hurry?

Were they trying to deal with the situation as soon as possible?

As I was conflicted in my thoughts,

“Is it really okay?”

Peng Ah-hee spoke up again.

“What is?”

“I’m asking if you’ll be okay.”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you not just hear? All the Lords are gathering.”

“What’s the problem with that?”

Peng Ah-hee looked at me, speechless, as if she couldn’t believe my question.

Why was she reacting like that?

Considering how bad the incident was, it wasn’t strange for Lords of the Four Noble Clans to gather, let alone the Ten Sect Alliance.

It was likely that Lords from other noble clans were coming as well.

With so many master martial artists gathering here, it was possible I might see most of the Hundred Masters of the Central Plains, or whatever they were called.

One thing, however, bothered me.

Will Father come as well?

He may have been a loner who spent most of his time in Gu Clan, I was sure he’d received the message, as the Gu Clan was still considered a noble clan.

But I doubt he’ll come.

I didn’t believe Father would act over a situation like this.

It had taken Gu Huibi’s capture to get him to leave the clan.

Would he really come for an incident that I was involved in?

I doubted he would.

That was the Father I knew.

But he’d probably send someone else in his place.

I predicted that the Captain of the First Army, who would soon become the Fourth Elder, was going to come.

Even if not right now, I’ll have to see Father eventually.

No matter how much I thought about it, only Father knew what had happened to my mother, and he was the only one I could turn to for advice.

It was the same in my past life.

Only Father had a deeper understanding and greater knowledge of the martial arts I practiced.

Given my current instability, Father was ultimately the only one who could help me.

Even if it made me uncomfortable, I’d have to visit him.

The mere thought of it made me feel nauseous.

Regretting my decision to force down breakfast this morning,

“What do you mean what’s the problem… are you really that dumb?”

Peng Ah-hee spoke up again.

“Are you trying to pick a fight?”

“Are you unaware of your surroundings?”

“Hmm?”

I glanced around after hearing her.

I noticed the girls glancing around nervously.

Why were they all acting this way just because their fathers were coming?

“And so what?”

“They’re all girls who have been following you around.”

“…”

Her words left me speechless.

Caught off guard, I quickly set up a sound barrier.

“Why bring that up out of nowhere?”

“Oh? So you’re not denying it. I guess you knew all along, huh?”

Listening to Peng Ah-hee’s words sent a wave of dizziness through me.

“I’m asking why you’re even bringing that up—“

“I’m asking if you’ll be okay after all the Lords arrive in this situation.”

“…Huh?”

“If they see their precious daughters chasing after one man… will you really be safe?”

“…”

How should I put this?

It felt like I’d just heard something both terrifying and true.

Her words made me start thinking about the girls.

Tang Soyeol’s father was the Lord of Tang Clan.

The Poison King was known to have the softest nature in the history of the Tang Clan’s Lords, and the Moyong Clan’s Lord also cherished his daughter.

Recalling how far the Tang Clan’s Lord had gone for the Poison Queen in my past life,

…Hmm.

A sudden surge of survival instinct kicked in.

Before the Poison Queen earned her title and perfected her Ten Thousand Poisons Immunity, it was the Poison King who held the title of master of poison and daggers.

If he saw Tang Soyeol’s current state right now,

…I might have to be careful with what I eat from now on.

A chill ran down my spine.

I was especially nervous because, unlike my past life, I hadn’t developed any immunity to poison.

…Perhaps I should start now?

Moyong Clan’s Lord was also a problem.

In fact, he was an even bigger problem.

When I glanced at Moyong Hi-ah, our eyes met.

She quickly looked away.

Hey, you’re the last person who should be avoiding me right now…!

What do I do about the White Heavenly Sword?

The Poison King was one issue, but the bigger problem was the mess Moyong Hi-ah had created.

What did she tell him again?

I believe she told him that I was planning to break off my engagement with the Namgung Clan to be with her.

Because of that, Moyong Hi-ah managed to convince her father to bring more support and business to the Gu Clan.

Oh, wonderful…

Seriously.

I don’t think I have a way out of that one.

Moyong Clan had already established several businesses in Shanxi, making the area much livelier.

If the Gu Clan suddenly formed a business alliance with the Moyong Clan because of that,

Then I’m fucked.

That meant I wouldn’t have any excuse.

I had no intention of breaking my current engagement, after all.

But this isn’t my fault.

It was only fair to blame Moyong Hi-ah since she caused this without consulting me, but I couldn’t say anything with her staying silent, aware of her own guilt.

What was she thinking…

I didn’t know why Moyong Hi-ah had done this, but I supposed it was partially my fault as well.

I felt this especially when I considered that she wasn’t the type to make promises she couldn’t keep.

…What should I do?

I wondered if the Lords of the noble clans would really take action against me because of their daughters,

…No, the real problem is that I feel like they actually would.

The whole situation was a mess.

As usual, one problem seemed to lead right into another.

I’d often thought about it, but it really felt like I was living life on the highest difficulty setting.

I don’t even know anymore.

I wondered if the meeting would really happen, but judging by the girls’ reactions, it seemed they knew something.

People of the Alliance were coming and going, and there seemed to be people who were clueless, but they were from low-ranking clans and Sects.

Even now, there’s still a division in ranks? It’s exhausting, honestly.

The Murim Alliance still didn’t seem to get it.

I didn’t understand why the supposed heart of the Orthodox Faction acted this way.

If I could’ve, I would’ve gotten rid of them all.

“Oh, right.”

“What now?”

“My father will likely dislike you too.”

“…”

I frowned at Peng Ah-hee’s remark.

What nonsense was she spouting now?

“…Do you like me too? Sorry, but I- “

“Do you want to die…? And why am I being rejected when I didn’t even ask you out?”

Her sharp tone carried a hint of killing intent.

That was a violent reaction to such a simple question.

“It would’ve annoyed me even if a handsome guy said it… but you look like a mantis-“

Peng Ah-hee was about to continue, but stopped abruptly, sensing the chilly atmosphere around her.

All the other girls, who had previously looked exhausted, were now radiating a cold, sharp aura.

Namgung Bi-ah, stifling a yawn, spoke to Peng Ah-hee.

“…Mantis?”

“…N-No, I, um…”

Namgung Bi-ah didn’t say it outright, but her tone made it clear she was annoyed by Peng Ah-hee’s remark.

Peng Ah-hee flinched after noticing that herself.

Namgung Bi-ah said nothing more.

Instead, she fixed Peng Ah-hee with a cold, piercing gaze.

After a moment, Peng Ah-hee’s face twisted into an awkward expression.

“…I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

After Peng Ah-hee’s apology, Namgung Bi-ah and the other two girls turned their heads away.

I clicked my tongue at the sight.

…These girls.

I should be the one getting the apology.

Why were they the ones receiving and accepting the apology?

I didn’t even get an apology myself yet.

“So… why does the Lord of Peng Clan not like me?”

He doesn’t even have a reason to ha- …Oh, perhaps he does.

I forgot about it, but I did break off my engagement with Peng Ah-hee.

It had been because of my big mouth.

It would be strange if Peng Clan’s Lord liked me after that.

It wouldn’t be surprising if he hated me for it, but Peng Ah-hee spoke as if that wasn’t the reason.

“It’s not because of the engagement.”

“It’s not?”

“No.”

Then what was it? Was there something else?

Peng Ah-hee spoke, running a hand through her short hair.

“My father. He can be quite jealous.”

“Jealous?”

“Yes.”

After Peng Ah-hee said those words,

“Jealous.”

For some reason, a bitter expression crossed her face.

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

After our brief conversation, I made my way to a secluded part of the forest.

I ensured that the girls were eating their meals and checked that Tang Soyeol and Namgung Bi-ah were recovering well.

It was a relief.

I even thought about bringing them a Marble of Qi.

I still knew of a few places with medicinal herbs that I hadn’t yet visited.

I considered bringing a few for them, but it seemed unnecessary since they were being well cared for.

One thing that concerned me was the scar that would remain on Tang Soyeol’s thigh.

That detail troubled me.

Tang Soyeol smiled brightly, insisting it didn’t bother her, but I still felt concerned.

The meeting… It’ll briefly be a few months later.

Judging by the clans’ distances, the meeting was likely going to open at the start of summer.

So, about two months from now.

The biggest issue was that I couldn’t leave until someone from my clan arrived.

If a student was ambushed after leaving on their own, it would only bring more trouble for the Murim Alliance.

That meant that I had to stay here for a few months.

Tsk.

When I asked Gu Jeolyub about it, he told me that they had already been informed by the Alliance.

He said he hadn’t been able to tell me earlier since I was always wandering around.

But it wasn’t too important of an information.

In short, the Alliance had sent messages to the clans and sects about the incident, and a meeting of the Orthodox Faction would take place soon.

More precisely, it would happen once the Qinghai Sword regained consciousness.

The Murim Alliance is one thing, but Kunlun Sect must be having a hard time as well.

No matter how the incident occurred, considering how Kunlun Sect was responsible for managing this year’s Heavenly Dragon Academy, they were bound to be blamed for not being able to prevent the ambush from happening.

In truth, even the Qinghai Sword had been defeated by his opponent.

…Tsk.

In a world where people loved tearing each other down, this was inevitable.

…Even though it’s going according to my plans, I’m not very fond of it.

I’d learned many things in this life that I hadn’t known in my past one, but I was progressing faster than I’d anticipated.

I’d aimed to reach the Fusion Realm around the age of twenty, but I’d achieved it a few years earlier than planned.

I also wanted to run away from the Heavenly Dragon Academy during this year, and this incident practically allowed me to do that exact thing.

I’m still concerned about Jang Seonyeon though.

Not a trace of him could be found, and I wasn’t able to ask the World Tree about it.

Everything was progressing better than I’d expected, but I felt more unsettled than at peace with all the things happening behind the scenes.

I think I started feeling this way after encountering the Heavenly Demon.

It’s impossible at this rate.

The fact that I reached Fusion Realm before I even fully grew up.

I couldn’t deny the pride I felt, even if only briefly.

I’d thought that progressing at this pace would be enough, that I’d even be able to take the Celestial Sword’s place someday.

However…

I was a fool for thinking that.

The encounter with the Heavenly Demon had reminded me of that.

It was way too slow. It was too slow for me to reach my goal.

Replace the Celestial Sword? Not at this rate I won’t.

It has to be faster.

Elder Shin said this to me.

To let go of my impatience and trust in myself.

I understood it in my heart more than my head after reaching the Fusion Realm.

But still…

How could I do such a thing, Elder Shin?

It was easier said than done.

And my current situation was only making it harder.

“This is frustrating.”

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that progressing at a slow pace wasn’t the answer.

If there was no shortcut, then I had to make one.

Rustle.

Just as I took a breath, I sensed a presence behind me.

I turned my gaze toward the source.

“So, you’re finally ready to talk?”

The voice was calm, neither too deep nor too high.

The figure before me was Bi Eejin, known to others as the Dragon Warrior.

But to me, he was the young man known as the Dishonored Venerable.

Should I even call him a young man?

He was realistically an old man.

Bi Eejin approached me while waving his hand.

I’d sensed his approach, so it came as no surprise.

To put it more accurately, I was the one that called him here.

“You could’ve just come to see me. Why lurk around watching from a distance?”

Since yesterday, I’ve noticed Bi Eejin intentionally hanging around nearby.

Considering his personality, he was likely intentionally showing his presence to send a signal to me.

If I had to think of a reason…

…He was probably telling me to come talk to him when I’m ready.

He was being considerate.

We did, after all, have a few things to discuss.

He’d witnessed my Demonification, and he’d likely noticed the shift in my martial arts from the influence of Demonic Qi.

“You seemed rather busy, so I waited for you, Young Expert.”

“…I thank you for your kindness.”

“It’s nothing. I didn’t come here for gratitude. So, I take it you have some time to talk now?”

“Yes, but before that.”

I considered how to explain things to him, what Bi Eejin might want from me, and whether I could answer all his questions, but ultimately, this seemed the most direct approach.

I clenched my fist and bowed respectfully as I spoke.

Bi Eejin’s eyes widened at my sudden show of respect.

“Young Expert, it isn’t necessary for you to- “

“…How could I not do that?”

Bi Eejin’s smile disappeared and his expression became serious. He looked as if he knew what I was going to say.

Swoosh-

A sudden chill ran down my spine, making my back feel as if it had turned to ice.

Yet I continued speaking.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to realize.”

At my words, Bi Eejin slowly ran a hand through his hair, brushing it back from his forehead.

By now, any trace of Bi Eejin’s usual expression had vanished.

He still looked like a young man, his skin smooth and unwrinkled, but his current expression was that of someone else entirely.

More precisely, it wasn’t Bi Eejin’s expression, but that of the man known as Bijuu.

After taking in his expression, I finished what I had to say.

“This lacking junior, greets the Dishonored Venerable.”

As the words left my mouth,

Swoooosh-!

An immense, overwhelming presence erupted from the Dishonored Venerable.

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