[{"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-161":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},1240187,1667,"Chapter 160: The Thing I Wished To Show You (4)","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-161",161,"\u003Cp>༺ The Thing I Wished To Show You (4) ༻\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finally managing to fix her posture, Namgung Bi-ah thought as such in utter bewilderment. What was going on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood trickled down her mouth once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah wore a rare frown on her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like she lost control of her Qi due to the overwhelming impact on her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…I couldn’t see it…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever the attack was, Namgung Bi-ah couldn’t comprehend how Jang Seonyeon had managed to land a blow on her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her first priority was to regain control of her Qi before pondering any further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah covered her nose before she could wipe the blood off her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because she smelled a horrible stench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even just earlier, she was barely able to smell any stench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like always, she looked around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To see if he was near her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the spectators, Namgung Bi-ah quickly spotted Tang Soyeol, Wi Seol-Ah, and the person she had been thinking about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he was staring at Jang Seonyeon with wide eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if he was very shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…He’s here… but then why?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was near her…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at this distance, the stench should not have been so potent…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But then why…? Why can I smell the stench?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where are you looking?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah moved her body instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with the sensation of something slashing her cheek, blood spattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The sword…!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah immediately tried to regain control of her Qi to prepare the Master of Swords again…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ring-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jang Seonyeon was faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah, who was in close proximity to the sword resonance, began to experience pain coursing through her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Master of Swords then collapsed and the Qi she had been charging dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in that moment, when she became vulnerable…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon seized the opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slam!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with the impact she felt around her abdomen, Namgung Bi-ah’s body was sent flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although she had successfully defended against the attack by barely managing to channel her Qi, it still had an impact on her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spatter!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She barely managed to get back to her feet after faltering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And blood continued to trickle from her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After gaining some distance, Namgung Bi-ah had to calm her Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…It’s strange…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was much faster than at the beginning of the fight and his blows were heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost as if he had just become a different person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jang Seonyeon she had faced earlier definitely had threatening attacks, but he didn’t seem talented enough to use his attack to its fullest potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant that he still lacked experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to other people Namgung Bi-ah faced, he was definitely talented, but when compared to other talented people she faced, he didn’t really stand out either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But what about now?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt completely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His martial strength felt like it had ascended to a whole new realm compared to before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I do feel sorry for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon stared at Namgung Bi-ah as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perplexed, Namgung Bi-ah furrowed her brow, prompting Jang Seonyeon to explain further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not used to it yet, so I didn’t want to use it if possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ring…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword continued to resonate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Namgung Bi-ah, it sounded like a roar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did he mean by not being used to it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His attack?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was there something else he was referring to?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon smiled as he stared at the confused Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I never imagined I would use it in this fight, but it happened.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Jang Seonyeon took a step forward, Namgung Bi-ah quickly called forth the Master of Swords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon’s expression shifted to surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Your body must be in excruciating pain. That is very respectable, Lady Namgung.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah couldn’t shake off a chilling feeling as Jang Seonyeon addressed her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, her body wasn’t in a good condition as Jang Seonyeon said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, she was shaking while her Master of Swords barely managed to maintain itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was also probably because of the stench she was now smelling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…I feel like I’m going to puke.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It dawned on her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That the stench wasn’t coming from Jang Seonyeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, it felt like the same stench that had dissipated after Gu Yangcheon’s appearance was all coming back to her once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Why…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t explain why she felt this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made her world feel sick and dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was stepping back into the hell she had once lived whole life in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She covered her nose, but the stench didn’t go away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pain was excruciating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was this so painful?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She lived with it her whole life, but it now felt more challenging than she remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…I want to run away.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to flee right this instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wondered if the stench would go away if she ran into his arms since he wasn’t too far away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pain had driven her to consider such desperate measures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even so…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah summoned her resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn’t said those words to him just to show him a lacking performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Believe in me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t say that to him for no reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t like his eyes looking at her with worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the incident at Mount Hua, this had been a recurring thought in Namgung Bi-ah’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I hate my incompetence.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a thought she had never entertained before in her life, but it had started to creep in lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembered back then when she had been utterly useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could only watch his back with a broken arm while unable to do anything herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hated herself for making him worry about her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His worry and care were a source of happiness for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Happiness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the first emotion Namgung Bi-ah understood fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was happy when next to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was able to sleep well and breathe easily near him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She liked going on a slow walk while enjoying the view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She only learned this later, but she learned that she liked such a thing only thanks to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because when she closed her eyes, she no longer envisioned nightmares but warm, comforting thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah decided that this was happiness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was why she couldn’t give it up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t want to be next to him while remaining so incompetent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Can I really become a helpful person to him, if I can’t even live without him?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah didn’t think so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn’t want such a useless person next to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was even more of a reason why she couldn’t become such a person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah had to show that she was a person capable of standing up for herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon uttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because Namgung Bi-ah’s sword was pointing at him once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you not have any intention of forfeiting?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would’ve preferred for her to forfeit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t want to use his power any further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, he didn’t even expect that he would use it in such a pathetic tournament like this one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I didn’t even think I would use it against the Lightning Dragon.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But I can’t believe there are two people who broke my expectations.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon felt a little annoyed as it felt like Peng Woojin’s sarcastic remarks were becoming true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his hand tighter around his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside his hardened body, his Qi and the newfound energy combined to create an explosive force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon took a look at Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face was stained with blood and her hair was messed up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, after rolling on the ground a few times, there was dust on her skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite her disarray, Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes seemed calm and determined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if he was looking at the Poison Phoenix once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The green haired girl was like that too. Jang Seonyeon couldn’t understand why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why wouldn’t they fall in despair?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why wouldn’t they just run away?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did they refuse to feel fear while standing in front of an unscalable wall?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s annoying.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon became annoyed every time he faced an opponent who clung to their martial artist’s pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to maintain their dignity as the Orthodox Faction when the faction had already been rotting away couldn’t seem more sickening than it already was to Jang Seonyeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘You still dream of something without realizing the reality?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What will you achieve by doing that?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How disgusting.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t saying that to them, but himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He longed to stand above thousands, so he couldn’t afford to delude himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just felt jealous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they looked more impressive than him, who chose a different path after being crushed by the wall that stood in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Don’t rot away.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He put aside his futile thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to remember that he was the chosen one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon approached Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If she won’t give up, then I’ll just make her.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t used to his own increased speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nevertheless, he swung his sword. Lightning Qi formed a barrier to defend his attack, but Jang Seonyeon’s sword broke through the Qi barrier as if it was cutting paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A loud clashing sound echoed when the two swords met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a clean sound, but the resulting Qi explosion was anything but.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shock wave radiated everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah couldn’t withstand the impact and began to tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon, who had no intention of relenting, didn’t stop his attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang! Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body, now fueled by the energy, moved faster and became more destructive, and his sword resonance ensnared his opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A little faster.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he got more used to the energy, Jang Seonyeon became faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same would apply to his power as well. The sound of his sword clashing through the wind getting rougher was proof of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why won’t it reach her?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slam-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he stomped the ground, a Qi wave pushed out forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ring!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword resonated along with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clklklk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his sword, which was clashing with hers, showed its fierce fangs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even so…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon’s sword still couldn’t reach Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…How?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said this out loud without realizing it himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon couldn’t understand this strange situation unfolding before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He possessed not just speed over her, but power as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There is no way that I’d be pushed back with me using the energy, but then why can’t I break through?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his attempts to break through with swift strikes, Namgung Bi-ah managed to block each one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ring…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon widened his eyes after hearing a sudden sound. It was a clear sword resonance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly checked his sword, but the sound wasn’t coming from his weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ring…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a faint yet clear and precise sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no mistake. This was coming from Namgung Bi-ah’s sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Sword Resonance?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound that pierced his ears differed from the artificial sword resonance that Jang Seonyeon made himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather, it was true sword resonance, achievable only when a swordsman reached a certain realm and became one with their weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But why did she wait until now to display sword resonance?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Did she have something hidden?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But isn’t it way too late for her to use it now?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current Namgung Bi-ah looked like a mess after blocking numerous of his attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was bleeding from her nose and her hand since she couldn’t block all the impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, flames of determination still burned in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah actually looked calmer than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Jang Seonyeon couldn’t tolerate that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you still standing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Give up. There is nothing good for you to keep on fighting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No response came back from her. Instead, Namgung Bi-ah raised her sword once again after hearing Jang Seonyeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ring!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sword resonated even clearer than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded as if she was telling him that the fight was far from over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her determined stance, Jang Seonyeon clenched his teeth and mustered all his energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ring!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon’s sword echoed along with hers, but the quality of the sound was different compared to Namgung Bi-ah’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t like this one bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why won’t my sword make that sound? I should be far superior.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I am the chosen one, but then why?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…No miscellaneous thoughts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden voice startled Jang Seonyeon out of his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Namgung Bi-ah, speaking after a long silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Focus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon initially thought that she was addressing him…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Namgung Bi-ah was talking to herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ring!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah’s sword echo gradually grew louder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I can do it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if she was focusing on something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Jang Seonyeon finally noticed something about Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes seemed determined…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t him that Namgung Bi-ah was looking at.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, it looked like she was focusing on something else entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enlightenment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah was in the process of enlightenment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You dare…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is she using me to obtain enlightenment?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And in the middle of a duel, no less?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sssss!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A haze started to form on Jang Seonyeon’s shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light blue haze looked beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t expect that I’d have to go this far.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Meteor decided to call this Divine Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This power was bestowed only upon those chosen by heaven, making the name fitting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blue haze began to envelop Jang Seonyeon’s sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The haze looked beautiful, but the power inside was dense and destructive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do not regret it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘You caused all of this to happen.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon raised his sword and charged toward Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah, too, slowly began to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her light steps, her sword followed the flow of her Lightning Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There wasn’t much Qi put into her sword, nor was the Master of Swords active…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Namgung Bi-ah fearlessly charged at Jang Seonyeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the two swords clashed with each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light formed in an instant inside the arena. Only light, without any noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the light that filled the whole arena disappeared…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only silence remained on top of the arena stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their clash happened in an instant and the result was already evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The judge, after ensuring that the battle had reached its conclusion, raised the hand of the victor and shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Victory goes to Jang Seonyeon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon stood triumphant…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Namgung Bi-ah lay unconscious on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Woaaahhhh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spectators erupted in loud cheers, breaking the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jang Seonyeon remained motionless, lost in his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon suddenly felt a presence behind him and slowly turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he saw someone carrying Namgung Bi-ah who lost consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a boy with black hair wearing a red uniform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon appeared out of nowhere, catching Jang Seonyeon by surprise as he carried Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Jang Seonyeon saw Gu Yangcheon’s fierce eyes, he didn’t say anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Gu Yangcheon who broke the silence first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s with the sad face?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice held no emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon couldn’t grasp the meaning behind his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sad face?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What face was he making for him to say that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You seem to know that you did a shitty thing yourself, judging by that fucked up expression on your face right now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke harshly without any intention of showing respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, such words would provoke a response, but Jang Seonyeon found himself unable to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because his mouth didn’t move for some reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon, who stared at him, didn’t say anything further and proceeded to go down the arena stage while carrying Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the judge also left, Jang Seonyeon covered his face with his two hands, alone, in the middle of the cheering spectators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, he felt like he needed to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can rate\u002Freview this series here.\u003C\u002Fp>",2629,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","921325587ec05545a8b92bd2e4f5e115c4d4e913b4eae42f34993f6fad52591a","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-162","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-160",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]