Childhood Friend of the Zenith Chapter 658

The initial conversation revolved around business matters, not the current issue at hand.

I summarized the events that took place in the Northern Sea, sharing only what I could and leaving out what couldn’t be disclosed. I organized the details and conveyed them to Moyong Hee-ah as clearly as possible.

Of course, this task should have fallen to Yuri, not .

Rustle.

The sound of paper being handled filled the room as Moyong Hee-ah read through the prepared letter.

For a while, the only noise was the soft brushing of the parchnt against her fingertips.

Eventually, Moyong Hee-ah spoke.

“I’ve read the account.”

Her eyes remained fixed on the letter as she continued.

“First, allow to express my sympathies for what transpired in the Northern Sea.”

“Thank you…”

Yuri responded, though tension was evident in her voice.

It couldn’t be helped.

When dealing with soone like Moyong Hee-ah, few could maintain their composure.

With a light thud, Moyong Hee-ah set the letter down and looked directly at Yuri.

“However, putting that aside, I have many questions for you as the acting representative of the palace. Shall we begin?”

“…Yes.”

Now, the real discussion began.

“Thank you for understanding. To start, let’s address the terms of the agreent made prior to the mission.”

Her voice lowered slightly, but the pressure it carried was anything but mild.

“As per the contract, completing the mission was supposed to secure exclusive trade rights with the Northern Sea. Is that agreent still valid?”

“…It is valid.”

Yuri nodded, and Moyong Hee-ah acknowledged the response with a slight tilt of her head.

“In that case, the promise to comnce trade within three months of the mission’s conclusion—does that still hold?”

‘Hmm?’

Her words caught my attention, and I raised an eyebrow.

‘Was that part of the contract?’

I knew they had secured exclusive trade rights, but it seed they had even nailed down a tiline. Moyong Hee-ah’s ticulousness was truly impressive.

Yuri’s expression darkened at the question.

“…Regarding that, it may be difficult to et the tiline due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Trading within three months—it was clear that this clause, while agreed upon, was no longer feasible given the current state of affairs.

‘Of course.’

It was an obvious outco. The war wasn’t over yet; it was still ongoing.

From the looks of things, victory and resolution weren’t far off, but even then, three months would be cutting it far too close.

Rebuilding the Ice Palace, recruiting manpower, and stabilizing the region would take at least a year.

Starting trade within three months? It was laughable.

“I see.”

Moyong Hee-ah nodded lightly. She had likely anticipated this answer after reading the letter.

“Then, in your opinion, when do you think trade can realistically comnce?”

“Not until this ti next year at the earliest…”

“Please be precise. That’s the sa vague answer you gave when the contract was signed.”

“…”

Despite their similar ages, the difference in deanor was stark.

Pressed by Moyong Hee-ah’s unyielding presence, Yuri seed visibly flustered.

“By next fall, at the latest.”

The tiline shifted from sumr to fall—a reasonable adjustnt.

However…

“That ans the tiline has been extended by several months.”

Her tone was neutral, but her words left no room for excuses.

“While I sympathize with the Northern Sea’s circumstances, the fact remains that the contract terms have been breached. Instead of nullifying the agreent outright, I propose we renegotiate the terms. Do you agree?”

Before Yuri could respond, another docunt was already on the table.

‘When did she prepare that?’

It was clear this wasn’t sothing she’d whipped up on the spot. The state of the paper and ink suggested it had been prepared days in advance.

‘So she anticipated this from the start.’

Moyong Hee-ah had foreseen the impossibility of eting the three-month tiline and had already prepared to and the contract.

‘Terrifying.’

If nothing else, I was now more certain than ever: never let Moyong Hee-ah find a reason to pick a fight.

While renegotiating wasn’t a simple matter, Yuri seed to try everything she could as the discussion dragged on.

Eventually…

“Thank you. Then we’ll consider this matter settled for now.”

“…Yes, thank you…”

By the ti the conversation ended, Yuri looked utterly drained, her face pale and exhausted. Moyong Hee-ah, in contrast, appeared as composed as she had been at the start.

Even as an observer, I felt a cold sweat run down my back.

Her ability to corner soone with words was enough to leave speechless.

“The accommodations for the princess have been prepared. The guards who accompanied you will be taken there as well.”

‘Oh, right. Those guys.’

It occurred to that Yuri’s guards had been left behind when we ca here.

I had left them because dealing with them was too much of a hassle, but it seed Moyong Hee-ah had taken good care of them.

‘That ans Yuri will be here until at least next fall.’

From the palace’s perspective, this was likely a strategic retreat for her safety. But in reality, it was no different from being held hostage.

The trading company now had every reason to keep her until the contract was fulfilled, ensuring the palace’s cooperation.

With a faint smile, Moyong Hee-ah pointed this out.

“…Thank you.”

Having nothing left to say, Yuri nodded wearily as the conversation ended.

She followed an attendant out of the room, her steps heavy.

I nudged Woo Hyuk to follow her. Without a word, he complied.

“Excuse .”

Woo Hyuk’s polite bow was ignored by Moyong Hee-ah, who didn’t even glance his way.

Her dismissive attitude was sharp enough to cut, leaving no room for further comnts.

Once they left, silence filled the room.

The seconds stretched on, each mont heavier than the last.

Finally,

“Hoo…”

Moyong Hee-ah let out a soft sigh, the tension in the room easing slightly.

Her previously rigid expression relaxed as she turned to .

“Did you have a good trip?”

“…Sort of?”

“Judging by this, it doesn’t seem like it.”

She gestured to the letter, her tone pointed.

Whatever the palace had written clearly didn’t reflect well on .

The thought made feel an uncharacteristic bead of sweat on my brow.

Was my unease that obvious? Moyong Hee-ah’s lips curled into a faint smile as she observed .

“It’s fine. I never expected you to go anywhere and co back without causing trouble.”

“…That sounds like an insult.”

“It is. It’s not a complint.”

“…Right. Got it.”

Her bluntness left scratching my head awkwardly.

“Where’s Madam Mi?”

“The leader is away on business for a few days. She should return by tomorrow.”

Business, huh? It made sense given the timing.

‘The martial tournant is coming up.’

The busiest ti for the trading company wasn’t during the festival itself, but the preparation leading up to it.

“Also, there’s been so recent rumors keeping her busy.”

“Rumors?”

I frowned, sensing the weight in her words.

It was sothing I had overheard earlier during my conversation with Bumdong.

“The visit from the Daeju of the Martial Alliance seems to be tied to the issue. Did sothing happen?”

“Ah…”

Moyong Hee-ah hesitated briefly before delving into the topic.

“A new organization called the Magyo (Demonic Cult) has recently been causing quite a stir in Zhongyuan.”

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but smirk.

‘It seems they’re doing well.’

The plan I had set in motion was progressing faster than expected, but it wasn’t bad news.

“They say it was founded by an unknown master called the Cheonma. They’ve been attacking both righteous factions and unorthodox sects indiscriminately.”

This, too, was expected.

In fact, I had instructed them to spread rumors to this effect, so the delay in their circulation almost felt surprising.

So far, everything was proceeding smoothly.

But then—

“They say the identity of this Cheonma (Heavenly Demon) is rumored to be one of the Three Revered Masters, Paejon (Defeated Master).”

‘…What?’

That was unexpected.

This developnt was definitely not part of my plans.

Where did this rumor even co from?

Before I could contemplate it further—

“Hm?”

A curious voice rose from behind .

“...”

I felt a piercing gaze lock onto , forcing to swallow dryly.

‘…I think I’ve really screwed up this ti.’

No doubt about it.

That person—he had started to suspect imdiately. No hesitation, no deliberation. He zeroed in on without a second thought.

Co on, I might be guilty, but shouldn’t he at least mull it over a little?

‘Damn it, who started this?’

Where did this rumor originate?

This wasn’t sothing that should have leaked—at least not yet.

Who was responsible?

‘Could it be Pil-Duma?’

He was the most likely suspect, but I doubted it.

The old man wasn’t foolish enough to spread such rumors recklessly.

So then, who?

‘I have no idea.’

I didn’t know, and there was no ti to think about it now.

“Master Gu?”

“Paejon… That doesn’t sound likely.”

Feigning ignorance was my best bet for now.

Moyong Hee-ah nodded as if she agreed with my assessnt.

“Yes, I think so too.”

Her gaze shifted slightly—toward the person seated behind .

Did she realize Paejon was here? No, that didn’t seem to be the case.

‘She’s probably just looking at Bi Eujin because he’s a mber of the Bi family.’

Bi Eujin, a descendant of the Western Bi family, which traced its lineage back to Paejon.

With soone like him here, it wasn’t a topic she could freely comnt on.

“…It’s unthinkable that one of the Three Revered Masters of the righteous factions would do such a thing.”

“Indeed, that wouldn’t happen.”

For the first ti since entering, Paejon chuckled softly and spoke.

“That great individual would never stoop to such deeds…”

Calling himself “that great individual” nearly made grimace, but I held it in.

“Do you know why such a rumor might have spread?”

This question, directed at Moyong Hee-ah, ca from Paejon.

“There’s speculation that soone deliberately spread this information, but…”

Her tone suggested she didn’t think that was the case.

So, if it wasn’t deliberate, then what?

As I mulled over this, Moyong Hee-ah continued,

“…It’s said that when this Cheonma killed a Wudang elder, the martial technique used bore a striking resemblance to the unique techniques of Paejon.”

“…”

“This hasn’t been confird yet, but they are investigating based on reports that the Cheonma demonstrated an aura on par with one of the Three Revered Masters.”

I nodded along.

‘I see. So that’s what it is.’

‘This is my fault. Damn it.’

It seed my recklessness had left behind traces that caused this issue.

‘What a ss.’

I thought the Tua Pacheonmu technique was nondescript enough to go unnoticed, but it appeared soone had seen it.

Either another elder had been present, or they had found so kind of evidence.

‘This is bad.’

I suppressed the cold sweat running down my back and tried to think.

Was the leak itself a problem? Not really.

‘I don’t care.’

After all, my identity wasn’t exposed.

The real issue was…

‘I can’t let him find out.’

I absolutely could not let Paejon discover the truth.

‘His gaze is burning through .’

I could already feel Paejon’s intense stare drilling into . Turning to et it would be the end.

What should I do?

I pondered briefly before coming to a conclusion.

‘No choice.’

When it cos to situations like this, there’s only one solution.

‘Run.’

I stood abruptly.

“Master Gu?”

“Sothing urgent ca up. I’ll see you later.”

“What? Suddenly? Mas—!”

Moyong Hee-ah’s startled voice followed , but I had already vanished.

“…Huh?”

She stood there, stunned by the sudden turn of events.

“He really just left? After all this ti?”

Clenching her fists tightly, Moyong Hee-ah ground her teeth in frustration.

“We weren’t even done talking…!”

She hadn’t even touched on the matter of the Sword Peak. What could possibly be so urgent?

As she tried to calm her simring anger,

“Well, I’ll take my leave too. See you later!”

Tang So-yeol, who had been quietly watching from the sidelines, quickly bowed to Moyong Hee-ah and darted out of the room.

That irritated her even more.

“…The next ti I see either of them, they won’t get off lightly.”

Moyong Hee-ah vowed silently as she steadied her breathing.

Then, she realized sothing.

She was now alone in the room with a particularly unsettling individual.

“…”

Straightening her posture awkwardly, she turned her attention to the young man seated before her.

Dark hair, dark eyes, and a calm yet subtly unsettling presence.

‘Bi Eujin.’

A descendant of Paejon.

Though part of the sa martial community, she’d never had a conversation with him.

She assud he was rely an associate of Gu Yangcheon, given how often they were seen together.

But Moyong Hee-ah found him deeply unsettling.

‘…There’s sothing strange about him.’

He didn’t seem to actively distance himself, yet he exuded a sense of indifference.

His disinterest in everything made his dark eyes even more unnerving.

Her instincts warned her: Do not treat this man carelessly.

Suppressing her discomfort, Moyong Hee-ah studied Bi Eujin.

‘Why isn’t he leaving?’

Though everyone else had left, Bi Eujin remained seated, showing no intention of following.

As her curiosity grew,

“I have sothing to say.”

Bi Eujin broke the silence.

“Your na is Seolbong, correct?”

“…Yes, that’s correct, Master Bi.”

Bi Eujin smiled—a gentle smile that sohow sent a chill down her spine.

And then, in his unsettling manner, he made an unexpected proposition.

“You seem to enjoy negotiations. How about making a deal with ? I can offer you a reward worth your while.”

“…What sort of deal? If it’s about the topic we just discussed…”

“Oh, no. That’s a trivial matter—I’ll handle it myself.”

“Pardon?”

So it wasn’t about Paejon? Then what was he after?

“I believe you’re soone trustworthy, so I have a favor to ask. I’d like you to find so information for .”

“…Information?”

“Nothing too complicated.”

Bi Eujin’s expression shifted slightly.

“I’d like you to find information about the King of Flas.”

Though his lips still smiled, his eyes did not.

And in that mont, Moyong Hee-ah felt a cold shiver run down her spine.

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

I left the trading company as if fleeing.

Though I quickened my pace to put distance between us, I couldn’t help but glance over my shoulder every so often.

‘…Why isn’t he following ?’

I fully expected Paejon to chase after and grab by the collar, but to my surprise, he didn’t follow.

That made it even scarier.

It felt as though he was silently saying, We’ll talk later.

‘Damn it.’

Who would’ve thought such rumors would spread? This was getting troubleso.

“…Tsk.”

Clicking my tongue, I shook my head. Whatever, I’ll just deny it if it cos up. What else could I do?

‘If I say it isn’t true, what can they do?’

I decided to keep things simple. The kind of attitude that says, Do what you will.

If worst cos to worst, I could just keep running for a few days.

Though that might only make things worse when I inevitably ran into him again.

Pat, pat.

Dusting myself off after the hurried escape, I surveyed my surroundings.

“Hm.”

There were more people than I had expected.

It seed the festival season was drawing near, with many arriving in preparation.

Among the crowd, I noticed an unusual number of martial artists.

‘And their skill levels are high.’

There were plenty of first-rate fighters, and occasionally I even spotted those at the peak level.

Most of them were likely here for the martial tournant.

‘Seems there’s a lot of interest in this year’s tournant.’

And understandably so.

It was the first tournant in several years, and the prizes on offer were extraordinary.

‘There will be rare swords and miraculous elixirs, but the real highlight is…’

‘The revival of the Divine Dragon Corps.’

The elite unit directly under the command of the Alliance Leader and a symbol of the Martial Alliance’s might.

The Divine Dragon Corps, which had disbanded due to certain events, was being reinstated with this tournant marking their return.

Not only was it a chance to reestablish their symbolic value, but it was also an honor to participate in such a historic mont.

For those who lived and died by reputation, the allure was undeniable.

And for , it was an opportunity of utmost importance.

It was crucial to my upcoming plans.

One way or another, I needed to leverage the Divine Dragon Corps.

‘There’s less than a month until the tournant. I should start preparing.’

It was irritating to have to get moving the mont I arrived, but there was no ti to hesitate.

I was about to head to Pil-Duma to check on a task I had entrusted to him when—

Thunk!

“Ah!”

Soone bumped into and fell to the ground.

I looked down to see a woman sprawled on the ground.

Naturally, I didn’t bother offering her a hand to help her up; I simply stared.

The woman scrambled to her feet and bowed deeply.

“I’m terribly sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going. Are you hurt?”

As she bowed, I caught a whiff of her perfu.

I wrinkled my nose instinctively.

The scent was overwhelming—a fragrance I couldn’t stand, even if others might not mind.

Through the veil covering her face, I caught a glimpse of her features.

My eyebrows twitched slightly.

‘Well, well.’

A smile crept onto my face as I recognized her.

She was undeniably beautiful.

If Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah were the kind of won everyone in a crowd of a hundred would stop to look at, this woman would draw the attention of at least ninety out of a hundred.

Her mature air, seductive eyes, and curvaceous figure would ignite desire in most n at a glance.

‘But still…’

Considering the exceptional won around , her level of beauty wasn’t enough to truly stand out.

What surprised wasn’t her looks.

‘Quick as ever. He sent her imdiately.’

This woman was known as Bihyeonhwa (Tragic Radiance).

She was an operative of the Martial Alliance’s investigative unit, infamous for using her beauty to extract information.

In other words, she was sent by the Martial Alliance.

And more specifically, by Bumdong.