Childhood Friend of the Zenith-Chapter 521

TL Notes: In this chapter, the author begins to actively use the name Namgung Hyeong instead of Hermit. I did not go against the original))

____________________________

Namgung Hyeong had several oaths that he was bound to uphold.

"Learn the true swordsmanship of the Namgung family and pass it on to the Namgung household."

This was the most important promise he had made with Namgung Myung.

When Namgung Hyeong first heard these words as a child, they were difficult to comprehend.

What was the "true swordsmanship" of the Namgung family?

Wasn’t he already learning the family’s swordsmanship?

Did that mean what he was learning now was fake?

Such questions crossed his mind.

However, he wasn’t in a position to refuse, so Namgung Hyeong accepted Namgung Myung’s words.

And before long, he realized the truth.

‘…It was real.’

The current swordsmanship of the Namgung family was, in fact, fake.

The swordsmanship Namgung Myung taught was so authentic that its very essence made it obvious.

The teaching methods might have been unorthodox and infuriating, but…

The swordsmanship was undeniably real.

At first glance, the differences were subtle.

The sword paths didn’t seem dramatically different, and any variations appeared to be minor adjustments in breathing, slight movements, or how one positioned their gaze.

Seemingly insignificant details.

Yet these small differences accumulated into a vast chasm.

A world of difference.

That phrase truly fit.

The gap was so immense, it was like comparing the heavens to the earth.

‘How can there be such a difference?’

Even though the techniques shared the same sword paths and internal cultivation principles, they were worlds apart.

No—could they even be considered the same sword paths at all?

The underlying intention behind each move was so vastly different. Calling them the same would be misleading.

The Namgung family’s current swordsmanship was trash.

Namgung Myung’s constant refrain had been undeniable, even to Namgung Hyeong.

Compared to the swordsmanship Namgung Myung taught, the family’s current style was indeed trash.

"That’s why you must learn this sword and rebuild the Namgung family."

This was another of Namgung Myung’s oft-repeated declarations.

By now, Namgung Hyeong had become a Taoist and learned the martial arts of Wudang.

The Namgung family’s techniques? At best, they were first-class skills, barely worth abandoning to gain something better.

Of course, saying it was one thing—abandoning and rebuilding had taken over ten years.

But it didn’t matter.

It was still better than clinging to the remnants of the Namgung family’s swordsmanship.

Namgung Myung still hoped Namgung Hyeong would return to the family, but that was impossible.

While learning Wudang’s martial arts, Namgung Hyeong also practiced the Namgung swordsmanship.

Even so, his days were relentlessly busy.

The Namgung sword could not incorporate internal energy, so mastering it meant learning its forms at best.

But Namgung Hyeong knew that just passing on this swordsmanship would revolutionize the family.

It was worth that much.

‘The old man is too greedy.’

Namgung Myung, unsatisfied with a mere intermediate level of mastery, continued to push him to learn more.

When would that old man finally be satisfied?

Leaving aside the sword’s value, it was still a grueling ordeal for Namgung Hyeong.

‘I should have been more careful when making the agreement.’

Until Namgung Myung was satisfied with his skill…

That damned condition had been the problem.

Which was why Namgung Hyeong saw Namgung Bi-ah as a better option.

‘…This child is the answer.’

He truly believed so.

At their first meeting, he had no particular thoughts about her.

Namgung Hyeong’s attention had been entirely focused on Gu Yangcheon.

His niece? What a laughable concept.

From the moment he left the Namgung family, such relationships had lost their meaning.

Even if they shared the same hair and eye color, Namgung Hyeong felt no attachment to Namgung Bi-ah.

Likely, she felt the same.

Her striking beauty and exceptional martial achievements for her age were undeniable, but…

‘My disciple is better.’

When it came to martial arts, Woo-hyuk was superior—or so he had thought until he saw Namgung Bi-ah wield her sword.

“Heh…”

Namgung Hyeong still remembered it vividly.

Under the sunlight, Namgung Bi-ah swung her sword with unwavering focus, unaware of his presence.

It was, unmistakably, the Namgung family’s swordsmanship.

Swordsmanship that lacked any internal energy.

‘How is this possible?’

Do you understand what this means?

The Namgung swordsmanship without internal energy.

To Namgung Hyeong, this was a groundbreaking revelation.

The Namgung sword couldn’t function without internal energy.

Its forms would break down, losing their inherent power. That was why internal energy was essential.

And yet—

‘She didn’t use it.’

Namgung Bi-ah’s sword lacked internal energy.

It resembled…

‘…The original Namgung swordsmanship.’

The true Namgung swordsmanship that Namgung Myung had forced him to learn again.

Namgung Bi-ah’s swordsmanship was undoubtedly that.

‘It’s not entirely the same.’

It wasn’t identical to what Namgung Hyeong had learned.

There were differences, subtle though they were.

But were they wrong? He couldn’t be certain.

‘How did she manage it?’

Namgung Bi-ah had discovered the true path of the Namgung swordsmanship herself.

She had identified and corrected the flaws within what she had been taught.

That wasn’t mere talent—it was a brilliance that made him question his own judgment.

‘How blind I’ve been.’

To have judged her solely by her martial achievements…

Namgung Bi-ah’s talent was far beyond what he had anticipated.

Which was why Namgung Hyeong had asked without hesitation:

“Dear niece, have you thought about becoming the head of the family?”

It was her.

The one destined to inherit the mad ancestor’s will, continue his legacy, and wield the sword.

Her potential far surpassed his own.

He had found the one to carry on the Namgung name.

Of course, he hadn’t expected her to accept easily.

After all, what kind of response could he expect from someone whose estranged uncle suddenly said, “Want to take over the Namgung family?”

“I’ll do it.”

But she had agreed.

Why?

Namgung Hyeong was left dumbfounded.

“…You’ll do it?”

She nodded.

“Ah, well… Sure. That’s… good.”

Her agreement was so effortless it left him flustered.

What had convinced her so quickly?

‘Could it have been when I showed her the sword?’

Hoping to persuade her, he had demonstrated the Namgung swordsmanship.

Her gaze had been fervent, almost blazing, as she watched.

Just as he had once been, Namgung Bi-ah seemed to have found a lifeline.

Watching her, Namgung Hyeong was convinced.

They each had something the other needed.

Things would be much simpler now.

Just as he was relieved by how smoothly everything was proceeding, one important fact came to mind.

“Oh, by the way, niece.”

“…?”

Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head, her sharp eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Her intensity was intimidating, though he appreciated it.

“Well, it won’t be possible right away.”

“Why…?”

“Your uncle has to go somewhere far.”

“…Where…?”

“The Northern Sea.”

And there was the biggest issue.

Namgung Hyeong had to go to the Northern Sea.

It was a journey he had always intended to take.

Now, after assessing Woo-hyuk’s progress and taking advantage of the mad ancestor’s absence, it felt like the right time.

This wasn’t just for himself; it was for his disciple and Namgung Myung.

So—

“I’m sorry to bring this up, but let’s put this discussion on hold until I get back.”

He tried to speak with an awkward smile, but—

“…I’ll go with you.”

Namgung Bi-ah’s words made him pause.

“What did you say?”

“…I’ll go. I’ll go with you.”

Even as he mentioned the Northern Sea, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes burned with determination.

The drowsy, quiet girl he had known was gone, replaced by a martial artist’s resolute gaze.

‘Hmm.’

Seeing this, Namgung Hyeong came to a realization.

There wasn’t a single sane person in the Namgung family.

His niece was no exception.

No matter how urgent her desire to learn martial arts, the fact that she was willing to follow him to the Northern Sea was proof.

‘Well.’

Not that he minded.

It worked in his favor.

“If that’s what you want, niece, then I’ll agree.”

“…”

“We’ll probably depart—”

“…Wait…”

Just as he was about to explain the schedule, Namgung Bi-ah interrupted.

“I still… haven’t gotten permission…”

“Ah.”

Her words reminded him of something he had overlooked.

She still needed permission.

Taking her to the Northern Sea would require approval.

“But niece, do you really think your father will allow this?”

Even if her father was unreliable, there was no way he would approve of his estranged half-brother taking his daughter to the Northern Sea.

‘She’s unexpectedly diligent about family matters.’

Namgung Bi-ah didn’t seem like someone who would care about such formalities, but now he wasn’t so sure.

“…It’s not my father.”

Namgung Bi-ah corrected him. She wasn’t referring to the Sword King.

“If it’s not him, then who…?”

Confused, Namgung Hyeong asked, and Namgung Bi-ah pointed somewhere.

Toward—

“Huh?”

Gu Yangcheon’s quarters.

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

And so, it had come to this.

‘…Hmm.’

Namgung Hyeong observed Gu Yangcheon from a distance, deep in thought.

‘He’s more resistant than I expected.’

He had assumed it would be enough to deliver a simple message while retrieving Thunder Fang, but Gu Yangcheon’s reaction was more serious than he had anticipated.

When his niece declared her intent to go to the Northern Sea, he had seen the wavering in Gu Yangcheon’s eyes.

‘He didn’t seem like the type for that.’

Gu Yangcheon’s first impression had been of someone sly and impudent.

Yet, despite that, he exuded a dry and calm demeanor. Namgung Hyeong hadn’t expected him to crumble so completely at his niece’s words.

‘Are they that close?’

He had heard they were engaged, but it didn’t seem like a particularly affectionate relationship.

Judging by appearances, it was likely a political arrangement. He had been certain of it.

“Our dear niece seems to be quite cherished, doesn’t she?”

“…”

Namgung Hyeong smirked as he spoke, but Namgung Bi-ah’s expression didn’t change.

Outwardly, she appeared indifferent.

‘Hah.’

But Namgung Hyeong could see it—the faint flush creeping over her ears.

She was embarrassed, after all.

He considered whistling teasingly when—

“…Is now the time for jokes?”

A voice of exasperation came from the side—it was the White Lotus Sword, Moyong Biyeon.

Namgung Hyeong had dragged her along after spotting her near Gu Yangcheon’s quarters, conveniently catching her when he needed her help.

“You lunatic. What are you thinking, saying you’ll go to the Northern Sea? All of a sudden?”

Clearly still reeling from his earlier declaration, Moyong Biyeon was incredulous.

“Can’t I take a little trip?”

“A trip? Don’t give me that nonsense. If you want to do something reckless, go alone! Why are you dragging me into it? I’m busy enough as it is!”

“Busy seducing men? Come on, lend a hand.”

“What kind of nonsense is that?!”

“Ha, you’re angrier than usual. Still nice to see you again, though. Cluck-cluck.”

“You little—!”

Clang!

Unable to hold back, Moyong Biyeon reached for her sword.

“Ice Palace Lord’s seal. You still have it, don’t you?”

“…!”

Namgung Hyeong’s words made Moyong Biyeon freeze.

Her expression turned to one of utter disbelief.

“…You—”

“It might not be that, of course. There could be another way. But doesn’t this mean…”

Namgung Hyeong’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“…that you’ve been to the Northern Sea before, sister?”

Shing—!

Moyong Biyeon drew her sword.

She pointed it at Namgung Hyeong’s neck, pressing close enough to leave a mark with just a little more pressure.

“…Where did you hear that?”

“There have been talks with the Northern Sea.”

“Stop spouting nonsense. How could someone like you—”

“Isn’t it all quite loud these days because of the Ice Crystal?”

“…!!”

Moyong Biyeon swallowed hard.

That was highly classified information.

Namgung Hyeong smirked as he took in her reaction.

“With a face like that, how do you expect to keep secrets? You haven’t changed, sister.”

“…Who the hell are you…”

“I just wanted to give you a little nudge. You see, I’m in a complicated situation myself.”

“Then you don’t need my help, do you?”

“There are… particular circumstances to consider. Haha.”

Moyong Biyeon gritted her teeth, struggling to respond to Namgung Hyeong’s calm deflection.

Creak.

“Oh! Someone’s coming out.”

At the sound of a door opening, Moyong Biyeon hastily sheathed her sword.

Turning toward the source of the sound, they saw Gu Yangcheon slowly stepping out, his expression grim.

Seeing him, Namgung Hyeong asked, “So, have you made up your mind?”

Gu Yangcheon raised his head at the question. His gaze was unreadable.

Without saying a word, he approached Namgung Bi-ah.

Namgung Bi-ah simply stared back at him.

As the distance between them closed, he stopped right in front of her and finally spoke.

“You want to go to the Northern Sea?”

“Yes.”

“It’s freezing there.”

“…I know….”

“Like hell you do. You’ve never been there.”

“…"

Gu Yangcheon sighed as he spoke, but Namgung Bi-ah remained resolute.

She calmly asked, meeting his eyes:

“What will it take… for you to let me go?”

Her voice carried a faint desperation, prompting Gu Yangcheon to exhale deeply before presenting the condition he had already decided on.

“…There’s one condition.”

“Okay.”

“Do you remember? Years ago, when you kept pestering me for a sparring match?”

It had been several years now.

Namgung Bi-ah had persistently begged him for a sparring match, but Gu Yangcheon had always refused.

The reason he brought it up now was simple.

“Let’s do it now. Sparring.”

“…!”

Namgung Hyeong raised an eyebrow at this.

It was absurd. Just as he was about to interject—

“Gu Young Master, that’s—”

“Alright.”

“Niece?”

Namgung Bi-ah accepted the condition without hesitation, leaving Namgung Hyeong wide-eyed.

Updat𝓮d fr𝙤m ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com.

It was an unreasonable demand, no matter how one looked at it.

Namgung Bi-ah might have been a genius, but in Namgung Hyeong’s eyes, Gu Yangcheon was in a different league.

He was far beyond the level of a late-stage martial artist.

Even among high-level masters, he wouldn’t be outclassed.

‘What is this?’

Surely his niece knew this.

Did she not really want to go to the Northern Sea? That was the only explanation he could think of.

Then—

“…What do I need to do?”

Namgung Bi-ah asked Gu Yangcheon directly.

She knew.

She knew Gu Yangcheon wouldn’t have made such an absurd demand without a reason.

Her unwavering faith made Gu Yangcheon smile faintly.

Had she argued or protested, it would’ve been easier for him to handle. But Namgung Bi-ah didn’t do that.

And that weighed on him.

Slowly—

“…Hmm?”

Gu Yangcheon pulled something out from his sleeve, and Namgung Hyeong frowned as he saw it.

It was Thunder Fang.

Why was he holding that now?

As the question formed in his mind, Gu Yangcheon addressed Namgung Bi-ah.

“Prove yourself to me. If you do, I’ll let you go.”

“…”

Hearing his words, Namgung Bi-ah—

“I understand.”

Shing.

Drew her sword without hesitation.