[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-childhood-friend-of-the-zenith":3,"chapter-childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-139":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Childhood Friend of the Zenith",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1240165,1667,"Chapter 138: Star","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-139",139,"\u003Cp>༺ Star ༻\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remembered the time when Peng Woojin appeared in Gu Clan a few months ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man exuded an unmistakable aura that screamed his blood ties to the Peng Clan and had stubbornly insisted on participating in the Nine Dragons tournament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, Peng Woojin was already a Young Lord by then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So why did he try to become a swordsman of the Gu Clan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Was it because ‘He wasn’t having fun’?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been something like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Peng Woojin said it himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That he ran away from his home since the Peng Clan was lame for him. Then, he tried to join the Gu Clan as a swordsman, which was utterly nonsensical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And while causing such a ruckus, he was knocked out by the Second Elder in a single blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every memory I had of him left me on the brink of madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Why are you here again? Young Lord Peng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm? Is this a place where I shouldn’t be?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His laid-back tone of speaking was the same as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not necessarily, but…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then it’s okay!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I barely spoke to him, but my head already started to hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This always happened whenever I spoke to people of his kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the guy who always followed me around in my past life was also like him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I started to think while looking at Peng Woojin’s bright smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavenly Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a title that Peng Woojin had held before becoming the Young Lord of the Peng Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He relinquished this title upon his ascension as the Young Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a title given to the most talented young prodigy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it was the symbol of a star with the most dazzling radiance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Didn’t he put that title down a little too early?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin was still technically a young prodigy age-wise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I were in his shoes, I’d have hesitated to let go of such a title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Lord Peng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! What’s up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you run away from home again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked, just in case. Since his track record was quite insane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To my question, Peng Woojin made a dumbfounded look on his face, then burst into hearty laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think I’m some kind of a troublemaker?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aren’t you…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of a person would come to the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament after running away from home?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There could be some people who run away from home because they find it dull and hope to come here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of maniac would do that…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Pardon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is this maniac saying?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed like he had forgotten all about his past actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin smiled after seeing my incredulous look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just kidding!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah shit, I already wanted to go home after just a brief conversation with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry. After all, I am here on business with the Murim Alliance this time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I began to think after hearing Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Business, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did the Murim Alliance need Peng Woojin for something?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if that was true, was it that important of a task, for him to come all the way to Hanam for it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at Peng Woojin with a fixed gaze and Peng Woojin responded while slightly avoiding my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…How could I not come out when I have an excuse like this one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Responded? Nah, it was more like he confessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’m not breaking any rule, though.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one said a thing, Young Lord Peng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He always seemed quite desperate to leave his clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did he become the Young Lord for anyway if he was going to be like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not that I should be talking…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every household definitely had their own issues to deal with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though no clan seemed to have as many as mine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, did you come alone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm? No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After responding, he pointed towards his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, stood Namgung Cheonjun, who seemed to be glaring at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You came with Nam… the Lightning Dragon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I almost said Namgung bastard just now. Why is that guy standing over there, anyway?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Should I say it’s a coincidence? It just turned out that way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A coincidence that the Young Lord and the soon-to-be Young Lord of the Four Noble Clans were traveling together, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, I felt that that wasn’t really the case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then did that mean Namgung Cheonjun arriving here earlier had something to do with Peng Woojin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, if you are asking about my sister, she will take a few days to arrive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t really asking about Peng Ah-hee…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Peng Ah-hee was arriving later on her own?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To answer my curiosity, Peng Woojin spoke with a slightly shaky voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…We originally planned to come here together at a later time, but I wanted to get here as soon as possible, so I ditched her. She might be angry at me for that, but it should be fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, I couldn’t help but wonder if Peng Woojin’s biggest hobby was trying to piss off Peng Ah-hee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last time, I saw her beat him like a dog. Was he really going to be okay? I highly doubt that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t think you should ignore such a thing so easily…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you still have the wood I gave you last time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man just ignored me like it was nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The wood he mentioned …’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I believe Peng Woojin was talking about the black wooden insignia that he gave me last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said that I’d get the same treatment as Peng Woojin if I went to the Peng Clan with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The insignia that felt very burdensome to possess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin then continued to speak in disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told you that you should visit one time, man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It hasn’t even been a year, Young Lord…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it had been almost a year since then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to travel non-stop, so I had no time to go to the Peng Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if I did have time, I doubt that I would’ve gone there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“U-Um.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jeolyub sneakily joined our conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you, perhaps, the Heavenly Dragon, Young Lord Peng Woojin?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was that careful voice of his? This was the first time I heard Gu Jeolyub being so hesitant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin looked at Gu Jeolyub and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, though I no longer go by the name Heavenly Dragon…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I-I am Gu Jeolyub… Is it possible for me to shake your hand?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Gu Jeolyub’s introduction, Peng Woojin’s gaze naturally shifted towards me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is he perhaps your older brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nope. Our clan only has one son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Makes sense, you guys aren’t alike at all! This guy is handsome unlike- “\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know what words are going to come out next but please refrain from it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was kidding once again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While laughing, Peng Woojin grabbed Gu Jeolyub’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Gu Jeolyub made a happy face as if he had just gotten a big present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What’s with him, seriously?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For me, this was a little embarrassing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muyeon, who’s with us, probably shared my sentiments -…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Never mind, he also seemed jealous of Gu Jeolyub. Was he insane?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did the Heavenly Dragon mean that much to people?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I saw it in my past life too, but it always felt new each time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Brat, aren’t you the one who cares too little about something like this?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That could be possible.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was too full of myself and I hated it whenever I heard about Dragons or Phoenixes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I tried my best not to look into any of their abilities in the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though now, I was able to see them everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s strong.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s physique didn’t match the typical appearance of the Peng Clan, which was known for being big and destructive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he looked slim and had a body that looked flexible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, I could sense the incredible power he possessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s well over the Peak Realm, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My instinct was telling me that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like I wasn’t the only one sizing him up, as Peng Woojin spoke while locking eyes with me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I knew that you would get stronger.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sparkly black eyes were full of interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing him, I gave a fake smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one ever thinks of me that way. How unique of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, I wonder why no one thought of you that way. I’m more fascinated by that actually.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m more fascinated by how certain you seem, Young Lord Peng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“People call me strange all the time, but my feeling wasn’t wrong, see? The proof is standing right in front of my eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like how I observed the rank of his Martial Arts Realm, he too seemed like he saw something from me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though I was doing a pretty decent job at hiding my strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was able to see through me either due to extensive experience or an innate instinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For me, it was obviously the former and for Peng Woojin, I’d have to assume it was the latter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To put it simply, it was the difference in natural talents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A skill that could only be achieved after going through many experiences…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was easily achieved from birth for those born with this unfair natural talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The past me died while walking in the shadows of their talent…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I had to put aside all of those thoughts for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s the same this time around too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I burnt the jealousy that lingered in my body with flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was only going to look forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I wasn’t good enough, I just had to work harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the only way I could overcome and handle whatever challenges lay ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[That’s a good mindset you have.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘You are complimenting me for once.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I will when I have to. Is there anyone worse than someone trying to criticize a martial artist striving for improvement? ]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why are you trying to act cool all of a sudden? It’s sending shivers down my spine.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Haha, you rotting piece of… Do I have to show you my Plum Blossom Sword Art using only my words for you to shut up…?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I responded impudently due to me feeling embarrassed, what Elder Shin said was truly touching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin probably noticed that too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, I heard that you were engaged. Now you are family with my Namgung guy there, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin spoke with a smile and pointed toward Namgung Cheonjun who was standing behind him. Namgung Cheonjun flinched slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing him like that, I responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not yet exactly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eh, I’d say you are family if you are engaged.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what about back when I was engaged with the Peng Cla- “\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, it is fate that we met early, so how about a duel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why bother speaking to me if you aren’t going to listen to me you piece of…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Peng Woojin so eager…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a sigh and denied Peng Woojin’s request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a little difficult right now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A duel all of a sudden? Does he think he’s Namgung Bi-ah?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I rejected his offer, Peng Woojin’s mouth turned downward in disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t get why all the dudes I met never failed to ask for a duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’d think that one would be more subdued after becoming the Young Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a fake cough after being reminded of what I did as a Young Lord in the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t one to judge him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let us do it next time. I don’t think I’m ready yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Peng Woojin realized what meaning that one word held, he started to laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is why I like you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I frowned after hearing those creepy words from Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was only our second meeting, so why was he making me so uncomfortable?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Lord Peng… I’m going to say it again, but I like women.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told you not to worry… I like women too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why the question mark at the end!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is he not going to get rid of that question mark? I swear I’m going to kill him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin laughed loudly as I growled at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Cheonjun, who had been observing, came towards us and spoke to Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Peng, it’s time for us to leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, already?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin scratched the back of his head after hearing Namgung Cheonjun. It seemed like he didn’t want to go yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I guess I can’t do anything about it, huh? Let us see each other next time Young Master Gu! We shall meet again very soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, you really don’t have to bother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Next time I’ll bring my little sibling along!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Just why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why bother when she and I had a rather uncomfortable relationship?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did this guy forget that I broke the engagement between my clan and the Peng Clan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin, not noticing my bothered expression, gave me a farewell and walked away in disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During that, I felt Namgung Cheonjun looking at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jealousy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our eyes locked, and I saw a plethora of familiar emotions in his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People with eyes like his were always bound to cause some trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was like that in the past and so were many others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jeolyub asked after hearing me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to when he was forced to come to the training area, his eyes seemed like they were filled with curiosity now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing. By the way, you seemed very happy earlier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pardon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you like Young Lord Peng’s hands that much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s… the Heavenly Dragon, though.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the Heavenly Dragon, to be exact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Gu Jeolyub, Muyeon also agreed while nodding slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That stupid title! I swear, I’ll get it myself if it’s really all that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s just train.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My original goal was to train in the first place, so whether it was Peng, Namgung, or whatever, I was just gonna train now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, bringing Gu Jeolyub here turned out to be a brilliant choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since watching him roll around on the ground, pretending to train, relieved my stress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the carriage that went to the Murim Alliance after leaving Bacheonmaru.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the peaceful silence, Namgung Cheonjun called Peng Woojin who was only looking outside the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Peng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s eyes shifted after hearing Namgung Cheonjun’s voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t turn his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“May I ask how you got to know Young Master Gu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s expression changed as soon as he separated from Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like back when he was heading to Hanam, his face bore an emotionless mask that made him look devoid of any feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Namgung Cheonjun couldn’t help but feel a little horrified by that hollow expression of his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you curious about that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike his cheerful voice when he was talking to Gu Yangcheon, only a cold voice responded to Namgung Cheonjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I saw a different side of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Namgung.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Brother Peng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you wish to become a star?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Cheonjun froze after suddenly hearing such a question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t understand what Peng Woojin meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think that you could make yourself shine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Cheonjun thought to himself after hearing Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That he was already shining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was why he was called the Lightning Dragon and garnered praises from so many other young prodigies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, he couldn’t say that out loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Peng Woojin’s expression resembled a knife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Peng Woojin continued to speak without waiting for Namgung Cheonjun’s response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I admire those who shine on their own. Seeing stars shine brings an excitement that I’ve never known, so how could I not welcome such a thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Gu, that boy is exactly that. He’s just like a raging fire that shines very brightly, so how could I dislike someone like him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Cheonjun couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not understand how Gu Yangcheon was the one shining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he was just a bastard with a nasty personality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He could be talented,’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After what happened that day, Namgung Cheonjun was confined to his clan as punishment…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But thanks to that, Namgung Cheonjun was able to experience a huge growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Cheonjun knew that he’d easily beat Gu Yangcheon if he used Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was why he was eager to participate in this Dragons and Phoenixes tournament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So that I can see Gu Yangcheon defeated in a humiliated manner and that’d mean that my sister would…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Regarding the Lord of Heaven.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Namgung Cheonjun was thinking of his desires,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He snapped out of his thoughts after hearing Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, Peng Woojin’s obsidian-like eyes looked terrifying to Namgung Cheonjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have no idea what exactly he expects from me, but do not get your hopes up. As I, too, do not have high hopes for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Peng Woojin’s cold words, Namgung Cheonjun clenched his fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he moved, the blue bracelet on Namgung Cheonjun’s wrist waved along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Cheonjun had received this bracelet from the Lord of Heaven himself just before departing for Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin, who had been gazing out the window, now fixed his eyes on Namgung Cheonjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After locking eyes with Namgung Cheonjun, Peng Woojin spoke in a frigid tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Call me by the correct title. I am not your brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s tone and expressions were completely different from back when he told Gu Yangcheon to call him ‘Bro’.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Peng Woojin’s chilling words, Namgung Cheonjun sealed his lips and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, silence enveloped the carriage as it journeyed toward the Murim Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can rate\u002Freview this series here.\u003C\u002Fp>",2945,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","417b33f4cc42e32545f9682c5cac9876c3247459dc8594012e69e5d94a02b99d","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-140","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-138",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]