1303 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Wi Hyogun, known as the Sword Sovereign. He is known as the Golden-eyed Sword, currently regarded as the foremost sword master in the world. A figure who led the Martial Alliance to its peak, one of the renowned Three Venerable, collectively known as "Tianwai Tian." Furthermore. 'The strongest of the Three Venerables.' In later years, when Cheolhyun Buseon met his demise, he was considered closest to being the greatest in the world, recognized as an elderly master. '...Ridiculous talk indeed.' That's what I've heard, yet to me, it felt subtly peculiar. I've personally met Cheolhyun Buseon and even sparred with him briefly, therefore I understand. 'I felt the Sword Sovereign seemed stronger.' Even if Cheolhyun Buseon was the most renowned at present, based solely on the presence and aura of the Sword Sovereign, he appeared to be stronger. Of course. 'This is merely my intuition.' There are undoubtedly reasons for one being hailed as the greatest in the world. There might be something I'm unable to discern. Otherwise. 'It might just be because of Wi Seol-ah.' Wi Seol-ah, the granddaughter of the Sword Sovereign. Perhaps I hold him in higher regard because of her. No, that's likely a significant factor. "......" Even now, that's the case. 'It's overwhelming.' The old man standing before me, frail and diminutive in stature. Though slender and small, the aura emanating from him was grander than anyone else's. The golden energy in his hand, it seemed to have solidified like a sword, grasped tightly. 'Just now.' I managed to evade, yet seeing the sliced-off sleeve gave me a jolt of realization. 'He deliberately didn't strike.' I understood that the Sword Sovereign intentionally refrained from cutting me. As if issuing a warning. 'I didn't sense any presence at all.' When I first entered the space, I couldn't perceive any presence. I imagined someone must be standing guard, yet I didn't sense anyone; only then did I understand. 'If it's the Sword Sovereign.' It would be possible with that old man. Clenching my fist tightly, I heightened my focus as much as I could. Just when I was contemplating how to handle the situation. "It's been a while." The Sword Sovereign addressed me with a dry voice. "......Yes." "I had heard you were alive, but I didn't expect to see you like this." "I hope you have been well." "Heh..." The Sword Sovereign chuckled. In that laughter, the familiar essence of the Sword Sovereign, known to me as my former master, seemed to faintly disperse. "Well, I suppose... I've been alright..." But those moments pass quickly. "Though many things have happened." "......May I ask one question?" "Go ahead." "Why are you not an Apostle, Lord?" "......" The Sword Sovereign looked at me in silence. Indeed, he wasn't an Apostle. There were no horns or tail, nor was there the aura of an Apostle present. Merely a martial artist. Instead of being an Apostle of the Sword Sovereign, he stood here simply as a human and martial artist. Meaning. "It implies you're not abiding by the Sword Queen's orders, am I correct?" It implied he didn't necessarily move under direct orders. "That's correct." "......Why......" "There are matters that require it." A hint of guilt shimmered in the Sword Sovereign's eyes. "And also due to a trivial stubbornness." "Stubbornness, you say." "I didn't want you to be frightened when we met again, that sort of stubbornness." "......" When we meet again. Frightened. I pondered over those two words. 'It's not us he means.' I assessed the Sword Sovereign's state. The guilt in his eyes and the fact he intentionally didn't attack me came to mind. An understanding set in. "......So you have something to gain from the Sword Queen." "......" At my words, the Sword Sovereign's eyes slightly widened. "From the first time I saw you, I thought you were quite perceptive." "......It's just that while struggling to survive, it's the only skill I've developed." "A struggle, huh..." The Sword Sovereign's hand moved slightly as I spoke. "For someone so young, those words seem regretful. Yet, I can't say I'm surprised." At that moment. Buzz—!!! My instinctive perception caught something. "……!" Sparks flew. Shwoosh—!!! A sword mark appeared on the ground where I had been standing. I increased my speed to evade, then aimed my gaze back at the Sword Sovereign. However, he was no longer present in his previous spot. "Considering your age, you possess a level of insight far surpassing your years." The voice came from behind. As I turned at those words. Slick. "……." A sword was at my throat. "I've always wanted to ask you." The golden eyes fixed on me. "What exactly is your identity?" "……." "Your presence, your understanding, your gazing eyes—all seem out of place. The only other one like this I've seen in my life is the Divine Dragon." Hearing mention of my father, a flicker came over my eyes. "However, at least the Divine Dragon is obvious. Merely a genius bestowed by the heavens, that's what one thinks. But you—you're different." "Well, how do you perceive me?" "……Well, it's difficult to articulate with words. If I had to attempt it." Sssss. A scent lingered in the air. "Rather than someone descending from the heavens, you're an enigmatic anomaly that suddenly surged from the earth." "……." "A being, strange and inconsistent with logic. From my perspective, that's what it seemed." "Haha." I laughed at the Sword Sovereign's words. The blatant description was amusing. "This indeed..." His words were. "Strikingly accurate." Because I found myself agreeing with them. Ping-! With that, I flicked away the Sword Sovereign's sword. Coating my hand with combat energy, I swiftly parried, causing the sword to veer to the left. Though I felt a slight cut on my neck as it happened. Prick-! A thin line of blood flowed. It wasn't deep. Meaning it was negligible. "……." The Sword Sovereign showed no surprise. There was no need for it, I presumed. Shudder—! My senses went on high alert. ‘This is insane.’ Numerous swords. It felt as though dozens of sword tips aimed at me within my vicinity, yet this wasn't merely a manifestation of killing intent. This was. ‘Heart Sword.’ The Heart Sword. The power of the Sword Sovereign's inner world. Different from the vast and grand Heart Sword shown by Shin Noya. It was as if a single Heart Sword was split into many blades. Comprehending this, I enveloped my body with energy. Clenching my fist tightly, I surrounded it with the might of my spirit. The target wasn't the Sword Sovereign. "Hu!" With a forceful exhale, I directed a powerful punch at the ground. Boom—!!!! A deafening roar sounded as debris scattered, dust and stones shooting up and obscuring the view. "……." The Sword Sovereign frowned, hidden in the clouded vision. Just a moment. A golden line extended relentlessly. Swick. A short sound. With a flash, a storm erupted back. Boom—!!! A similar explosive sound to before. The underground was left in chaos, and the Sword Sovereign brushed off the dust as he looked ahead. "Well." He surveyed ahead with narrowed eyes. "You sure are quick." "Thank you." I had distanced myself, taking the Poison Phoenix with me. In that brief moment, I prioritized getting her to safety. "……Lord Baek……." The Poison Phoenix, cradled in my arms, looked at me with anxious eyes. "Don't worry. Everything's fine now…." "Leave me behind." "What?" My eyes widened at her words. What was she saying? "......Leave me behind?" "......Just leave me here. It's not going to work out like this. Just leave me to the Sword Sovereign." "What nonsense is this?" "……Pardon?" It was absurd. "If I was going to leave you, why would I come to rescue you in the first place? That would be pointless, unnecessary trouble." "But... you can't face the Sword Sovereign… No matter how formidable you are, Lord Baek…! It would be better to abandon me and save your own life." "Oh, be quiet. Stay here for a moment." Gently, I set the Poison Phoenix down. "Make your way up. Your younger sibling is searching frantically for you above." "……What does that mean…?" "Just go. Staying here is hazardous. Can't you see they're giving us a chance?" "……What?" I motioned towards the Sword Sovereign. He stood with his sword at the ready, merely watching us. "Heh…" He chuckled. I took it as an affirmation of my words. "……He could have stopped us if he wanted." The moment I was trying to rescue her, if the Sword Sovereign had decided to intervene, I might not have succeeded. Yet, since I managed to so easily— "The fact they're not attacking means they're letting you go for now. So, make your way up." "Indeed, you are wise, child of the Tang clan. Listen to his words." The Sword Sovereign smiled kindly. "Your neck could have been severed at my whim, any time." "……." At any moment, whether when I fled. Or the moment I appeared. The Sword Sovereign could have easily struck her down. Knowing this, I turned to the Poison Phoenix with frustration. "Go. I'll follow shortly. Should we both perish here? Having Young Mistress Tang here would be a hindrance to me." "……Ugh…." The Poison Phoenix bit her lip at my stern words. Yet, despite the harshness, she seemed to yield, addressing me with trembling hands. "……Alright… I understand." Reluctantly, she retreated. Her eyes clung to me, making it hard for her to look away, but finally, she began her ascent. I sighed deeply as I sensed her presence fade into the distance. "Should I thank you for your consideration?" I said to the Sword Sovereign, and he shook his head. "You needn't bother. I was merely satiating my curiosity." "……Curiosity?" "The Tang clan's child can be found anytime… but having her around would hinder your capabilities." His attempt at humor had faded as he wore a serious expression. "……." Letting the Poison Phoenix go enabled a true confrontation. A smug remark, understanding that she could be recaptured whenever deemed necessary. "I must note that the Dark King isn't here." "Aha. You know that much." Left with little to say. There was no choice now. Clench. 'There's only one way.' I channeled all my energy, expanding my vital points boldly, as I fixed my gaze on the Sword Sovereign. "Come then." At my challenge, the Sword Sovereign readied his sword. Seeing this, I immediately exerted strength into my legs and launched myself off the ground. Not towards him. But towards the stairs that the Poison Phoenix climbed. "……Hmm?" My chosen course was retreat. And I heard the sound of a brief, puzzled exclamation from the Sword Sovereign echoing in my ears at my unexpected choice.