[{"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-150":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},1240176,1667,"Chapter 149: Friendly Martial Arts Competition (2)","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-150",150,"\u003Cp>༺ Friendly Martial Arts Competition (2) ༻\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flinch-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qi coursing through my body suddenly jolted, as if it had just experienced a sudden spasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But why?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Picking a group may have been random for everyone, but they could definitely make their own matchups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was what made it harder for me to understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That they went out of their way to make Tang Soyeol and Jang Seonyeon go against each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is it really all a coincidence?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep down, I knew it wasn’t, but I clung to a glimmer of hope that it might be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My opponent… Is that person from earlier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While listening to Tang Soyeol, I checked on her expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t seem too concerned about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fair enough, since I was the only one who knew his true nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think he’s strong? He looks pretty weak from the outside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was able to feel that, back when we shook hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He probably is, as he is the Alliance Leader’s son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was all I could tell her for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chilly weather seemed to seep into my mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Soyeol smiled at my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by her appearance, rather than being worried…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked like she was getting fired up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I don’t think she’s letting her guard down though.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remained cautious as she didn’t know what her opponent was capable of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was already nerve-racking because she couldn’t fully read her opponent’s power, which meant that he was a formidable foe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Tang Soyeol’s eyes remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above all else, she embodied the spirit of a martial artist representing her clan with her youth coming second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maturity-wise, she was already better than most talented but foolish martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘She was also one of the only few who still holds onto her convictions.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In my memories, that was what the Poison Queen reminded me of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She faced hundreds of demonic humans alone, sacrificing herself so her blood relatives and clan members could escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of that, Tang Soyeol was one of the few people I considered a hero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I don’t get it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did she make that decision?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And why did she say those words in her last moments?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why doesn’t she resent me?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was what I was curious about when it came to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I continued to stare at Tang Soyeol, she turned her head toward me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is going to take a long time till we meet since we are in different groups, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Most likely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After staring into my eyes for a moment, Tang Soyeol spoke in a soft voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Gu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I responded, Tang Soyeol spoke with an embarrassed smile on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we happen to face each other in the arena, would you do me a favor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was taken aback by her sudden request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was way too random of her, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So suddenly…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A bit greedy of me, right? After all, I’m asking you for a favor if we meet, but I’m not even sure if I’m going to win.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it you want to ask?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not much, but…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a fake cough and spoke while avoiding direct eye contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wish that you… change your tone when talking to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I wondered what I just heard, Tang Soyeol started to fumble with her words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No… It’s…! It’s just that Young Master Gu… speaks to Sis Bi-ah like a friend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded like she was giving an excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And I feel like… I’ve spent a good amount of time with you too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had only been a few months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it was even less than that if I considered the time it took for us to be able to communicate face to face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lady Tang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-Yeah?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know that I’m younger than you, right…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked a little hurt by my comment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, did I mess up?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…But you still speak comfortably to Sis Bi-ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Wait, how do I explain that?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, I didn’t really have to explain to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, I didn’t have any special relationship with Tang Soyeol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Tang Soyeol was bringing this up despite knowing that, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why does she even like me?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike Wi Seol-Ah or Namgung Bi-ah, I couldn’t recall a single memory of doing anything special with Tang Soyeol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But despite that, this girl had feelings for me and I knew that she constantly displayed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t really do anything back for her,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I-Is it not possible after all?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Soyeol asked me in an anxious voice, worrying that she would be rejected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though she hadn’t shown this level of emotion regarding the upcoming duel, she was now worried about the possibility of rejection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After staring at Tang Soyeol for a bit, I responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You really don’t have to make a condition for something like thi- “\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was going to say it was fine, but Tang Soyeol cut me off abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a very strict tone at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That loses its meaning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you- “\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It sounds like I lost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was she on about?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at her, utterly puzzled, but Tang Soyeol’s resolute gaze remained unwavering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, there was a hint of relief in her expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To prove that, Tang Soyeol continued to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But that means I wasn’t rejected, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Uh, yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t know why everyone was obsessed with the way I spoke to them, but it wasn’t a difficult request after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wondered if I shouldn’t let her, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My hesitation made me feel rather uncool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Soyeol just continued to smile, seemingly oblivious to my inner thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll definitely win my battles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Soyeol’s eyes became more fired up after hearing my response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, contrastingly, mine darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Jang Seonyeon.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the cold breeze…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I only continued to think about his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Bi Clan of the West Coast and Bi Yeonsum, who was Young Lord of that clan, had a goal here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To spread his clan’s name no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was from a small clan, so nothing much was known about them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clan was also facing a decline due to the decreasing population within it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During that, his father, who was the Lord of the clan, ran away after being in mass debt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a result, his grandfather, who had hoped for a quiet retirement, had to step in hastily as the new Lord of the clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Bi Yeonsum thought to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That he couldn’t just let this continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That he had to restore his clan’s honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His clan belonged in a rural area, so the location wasn’t ideal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it was rare for anyone remarkable to pass by this location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As such, he had to make it so that more people would come to his clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was exactly why Bi Yeonsum came to Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As stated before, he had to draw more people to his clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in order to do that, he had to make the presence of a remarkable martial artist known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the best way to do that was coming to the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yeonsum.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yes, grandfather.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m sorry I left you with such a burden…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No… I’m just happy that I could be of help.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sorrowful expression on his face, his grandfather handed Bi Yeonsum a letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A recommendation letter for the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament that he barely managed to get his hands on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonseon was confident in his own ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I can just distinguish myself in the tournament.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He firmly believed that hard work always paid off. And when he watched some of the earlier duels in the tournament, there wasn’t anyone more talented than him so far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it was just a friendly duel, the reward from winning had incredible value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could show the world that he was the greatest young prodigy of this year’s tournament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he would receive a title from the Alliance Leader himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, there were other extraneous rewards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I just win…!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both the reward and title sounded nice, but the most important thing to him was the fame he would get.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it was all for none other than his clan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third Group, Ninth Seat, ready.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing the judge’s voice, Bi Yeonsum came into the arena as if he was just waiting for this moment to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he went onto the stage, he realized that it was much larger than it appeared from below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, he started to feel excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The judge’s emotionless face and the chill in the air added to the atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only his first fight, and he had a long journey ahead to reach the top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘My opponent is…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonsum nervously glanced at his opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side stood a menacing boy who looked too intimidating to lock eyes with for too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s from the Gu Clan of Shanxi, right?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy who became the talk of the tournament after defeating a blood relative of the Hwangbo Clan with a single blow yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I heard he’s the disciple of the Dishonored Venerable too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a rumor had undoubtedly spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did the Dishonored Venerable give him a recommendation letter, but the content inside mentioned that, as his disciple, he should receive good treatment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonsum looked at Gu Yangcheon enviously without himself realizing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that boy really the disciple of a Heavenly Venerable?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘When someone is trying his god damned best to save his dying clan …!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Father has abandoned us, the clan is at its lowest, and I’m dealing with all the clan’s problems at such a young age.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But that young brat is probably just waiting for his bright future to come, unlike me.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his jealousy grew, Bi Yeonsum shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Wake up, that’s not what I came here for.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Whether it is the Dishonored Venerable’s disciple or a blood relative of a noble clan, all I have to do is win.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victory would solve everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The judge scanned both sides to ensure they were ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonsum maintained his calm and stable breathing as he pulled out his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, his opponent didn’t even get into a combat stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What is he doing?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonsum frowned at the appearance of his opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he felt like he was getting looked down upon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘You really want to show off that your clan is all that, huh?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonsum was already in a sour mood because of the blatant discrimination at the Dragons and Phoenixes tournament’s gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he held himself back, knowing that his grandfather worked hard to get this chance for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll teach him that living with such arrogance can bring harm to his life.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly infused his Qi into his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The judge’s eye widened slightly after seeing the faint aura forming around the sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this meant that he had gone beyond Second-rate and was now a First-rate martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Bi Yeonsum noticed such a reaction, his mouth slightly formed a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was that, unlike the judge, his opponent remained expressionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Does he not even understand what this means?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonsum wasn’t entirely sure what happened yesterday when Gu Yangcheon defeated Hwangbo Cheolwi because he couldn’t see it clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But considering the rumors about him, at the very least, he should know what this indicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is he still looking down on me?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When such a thought passed his mind, Bi Yeonsum clenched his teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be looked down upon by a young brat like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonsum roused more Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to teach that little brat a lesson, no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It feels like the world is in your hands, right?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He probably grew up arrogant due to his wealthy clan and prestigious master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was why Bi Yeonsum wanted to teach him a lesson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To show how pathetic a frog in a well really was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Start.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The judge’s abrupt call was extremely faint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was more than enough for all martial artists as they had enhanced hearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, Bi Yeonsum charged toward the boy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The basics he had built through relentless training began to shine in this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His legs remained steady and his eyes continued to look for an opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even after getting so close to him, the boy didn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he give up?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, I feel bad if that’s the case, but…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I have to continue to rise.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To a higher spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll make sure I don’t hurt you too much, though.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonsum’s sword swung towards the boy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword trajectory left a trace of his Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clean and precise strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonsum expected the fight to be over with this blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword, which had swiftly headed towards the boy, missed him entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy didn’t move an inch from where he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Bi Yeonsum’s sword didn’t shake one bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But why did I miss, then?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Let’s focus.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was in the middle of a duel and he did not have the leisure to get lost in his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonsum immediately launched another strike…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his vision collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy’s eyes appeared to rise in Bi Yeonsum’s perspective, while his own vision descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body wouldn’t listen even when he desperately tried to move it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he got closer to the ground, Bi Yeonsum realized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that the boy rose…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather, it was that his own body was collapsing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Yeonsum lost consciousness and rolled on the arena. But throughout this entire ordeal, Gu Yangcheon never once glanced at Bi Yeonsum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Er… Huuhh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This dumbfounded voice came from none other than the judge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the judge, who should always remain silent and maintain his demeanor, became shocked at what he had just seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It all happened in a blink of an eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duel was over in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, even the judge, who belonged to the Murim Alliance’s swordsmen, couldn’t clearly see how Gu Yangcheon overpowered Bi Yeonsum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can I leave now? I’m kinda in a hurry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Gu Yangcheon’s voice, the judge finally snapped out of his stupor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“V-Victory goes to Gu Yangcheon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the victor was announced, Gu Yangcheon left the fighting stage without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The arena, which should have been filled with heated cheering, was quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because many of the spectators, who had watched the fight, were left speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of eyes looked at Gu Yangcheon in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Gu Yangcheon moved hurriedly, seemingly unfazed by the attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His destination was none other than where the second group of the tournament was located.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t really hard for him to find his destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All he had to do was go to the arena with the largest crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Please.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hoped that nothing bad would happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I held onto this hope subconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breathless from my sprint, I saw a bluish-white hair in the middle of the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like Namgung Bi-ah went to search for Tang Soyeol as well after her duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a step closer but then came to a halt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I reached higher realms, it helped me gain better senses that told me many different things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It allowed me to hear more things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And to see things from a distance with greater clarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My shaky eyes went toward the arena stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip… drip…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood was staining the arena floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Soyeol was on one knee, blood trickling from her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t seem to have any visible injuries, but her Qi flow was disrupted, indicating internal damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swallowed dryly as I thought she was in danger, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whew…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Tang Soyeol spat out the blood in her mouth and got up once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She faltered midway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like her body wasn’t listening to her. But even so, Tang Soyeol didn’t give up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wiped away the blood near her mouth with her clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood smeared around her mouth as she couldn’t fully wipe it, but Tang Soyeol spoke without seeming to care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for waiting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A short thank you from her followed by a question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“May I go once again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with her Qi and body refusing to listen to her properly, Tang Soyeol’s voice remained steady from start to finish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the same for her eyes as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way she spoke while looking at her opponent…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather than the daughter of a prestigious household…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked infinitely closer to a martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned my head to look at Tang Soyeol’s opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was curious about what he looked like right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he making an arrogant expression or did he display some remorse?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I assumed it would be one of the two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, when I checked that bastard’s face, I couldn’t help but let out a confused noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Jang Seonyeon’s expression as he gazed at Tang Soyeol with his sword drawn…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looked like he was quite shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can rate\u002Freview this series here.\u003C\u002Fp>",2862,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","262f130a5f6655c81e7c09438fec025c63ab7fff5c43e4db65569bec4a078afd","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-151","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-149",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]