[{"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-170":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},1240196,1667,"Chapter 169: Black Flame Demon Emperor (1)","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-170",170,"\u003Cp>༺ Black Flame Demon Emperor (1) ༻\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountain, known as Mount Tai and home to the Wudang, was engulfed in flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dark-hued flames devoured everything in their path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Ughh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the inferno, a man knelt, blood pouring from his wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sight of the grievous injury on his chest alone conveyed the severity of the situation he was in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-You… bitch…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were accompanied by splatters of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before him stood a woman, enveloped in a golden aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Sword Saint, Wi Seol-Ah, stared at the man with an icy gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cold corpses littered around her and the relentless flames, seemingly immune to the rain, all felt like a curse to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-You are just a mere girl… but you dare to…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Silence! How dare a loathsome demonic human like you speak!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Members of the Murim Alliance, standing behind Wi Seol-Ah, retorted vehemently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man, with a quick glance, could discern dozens of people behind her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant that there were still dozens of Murim Alliance insects left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This fact filled him with disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I could’ve annihilated them all.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But my plans were ruined by that one little girl.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-You pathetic insects, you wouldn’t even be able to make a sound if you were low in numbers… how dare you address this Sword Demon in such a…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the man prepared to raise his sword again, blood dripping down his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Shut your mouth, Sword Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon the ashen Mount Tai, a colossal presence descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial artists’ Qi quivered and their breaths caught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the flames that had been consuming the mountain disappeared along with the owner’s voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Cughh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Demon couldn’t withstand the pressure that stomped him and proceeded to vomit blood once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After barely managing to regain his composure, the Sword Demon lifted his head up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And upon looking up, he saw a man with eyes aglow in blue light, looking down on the Sword Demon, his gaze devoid of emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Demon, trembling in fear, forced his frozen tongue to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-M-My Lord…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Your tongue speaks too much for a loser. Will you be satisfied if I incinerate you with my own hands?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-N…No…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were only two demonic humans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there were at the very least dozens of people from the Murim Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the difference in numbers should’ve been more than enough to kill the two demonic humans, yet the people of Murim Alliance couldn’t easily act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the sheer presence of the man that stood near the Sword Demon was enough to hold back dozens of fighters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Sigh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah let out a sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her exhaustion was palpable from her battles with the demonic humans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The primary reason for the Murim Alliance’s hesitation to attack was probably Wi Seol-Ah’s own fatigue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-You must be tired. You should have let go of the ones you couldn’t save from the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Don’t you dare to speak to Master, you mere demonic-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one man from the group prepared to shout, Wi Seol-Ah raised her hand to stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Causing further conflict here was something they couldn’t afford, especially with her weakened state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t know if she was capable of saving everyone here while fighting back against that man in her current state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, there was one thing she wanted to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah asked the man with sharp eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…What will you do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Hmm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Just the fact that you spoke up implies you have a good reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-You’re overestimating me. I’m not some great person who needs a reason to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man took a step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blaze!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his slight movement, the Murim Alliance drew their swords, ready to defend themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Preparing themselves, so that just in case anything were to happen, they could at least ensure Wi Seol-Ah’s safe escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing their touching determination, the man sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-How amusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with a mocking tone, a sinister aura emanated from behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blaaze!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flames, once on the verge of consuming everything, started to change,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It took on the same hue as the chilling energy within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dark black hue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the flames grew even more, someone spoke out with a quivering voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-B-Black Flame Demon Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had it heard the man?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flames that were hovering in the air, suddenly charged towards the one who had spoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, Wi Seol-Ah’s sword screamed in golden light, slicing through the black flames and saving her crew member.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-A…Ahh!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man collapsed to his knees, letting out a pitiful cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Observing this, the man spoke apathetically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I personally detest that title quite a bit. Mention it again, and I’ll tear your throat out right here. So you might want to be cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a motion of the Black Flame Demon Emperor’s hand, the flames gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The absurdly huge amount of Qi gathering into a single spot to form a sphere was horrifying to look at.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone knew what would happen if such a thing was aimed right at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides the Young Sword Saint, everyone would die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite this situation, Wi Seol-Ah only continued to look at the man with the same eyes as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man spoke when their eyes met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-You still have the same boring expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-What do you want?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man showed confusion after hearing Wi Seol-Ah’s question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-What do you mean by that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-What do I need to do for you to let them leave in peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-M-Master!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Wi Seol-Ah, members of the Alliance behind her, all looked at her with shocked expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because what the Young Sword Saint was doing, was basically begging for their lives to a demonic human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Master, how could you say such a thing to a traitor trash like him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Agreed. Master, I think it’d be better for you to run away instead while we try to stop him-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slaaam!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure in the area intensified abruptly, forcing many to their knees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Wi Seol-Ah and the Sword Demon remained standing, the latter straining to endure the force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-If one more person interferes, everyone will die here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with the Black Flame’s words, Wi Seol-Ah put her sword back inside her scabbard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her, the man spoke to Wi Seol-Ah with a tone of him feeling absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Why do you think that I’ll let you all leave?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Because you wouldn’t be talking to me right here like this if that wasn’t your plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as simple as that – he could easily have killed everyone present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was what all demonic humans had done thus far and the one before her eyes was especially used to such acts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had annihilated Mount Hua completely by burning it down, and was a Master of the Demonic Cult that had erased the main forces of the Orthodox Faction all by himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Flame Demon Emperor, Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I thought that you would never lower your head to me, but I guess even the almighty Young Sword Saint doesn’t want to lose her life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with the man’s mockery, Wi Seol-Ah remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She only continued to look at the man standing under the rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her golden hair returned back to its original black color because her Qi had already been scattered away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing that remained was golden light in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who was watching her, erased the smile off his face and returned back to his expressionless visage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black flame spheres that were floating in the air, disappeared along with the wind after the man’s command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching that, the Sword Demon hurriedly shouted at the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Master…! Are you really planning on letting those insects liv-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pow!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the Sword Demon could finish, he was kicked in the chin by his Master, which made him lose consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when the pressuring power disappeared, the Murim Alliance members also started to stand up one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the middle of this, the man spoke to Wi Seol-Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-The Heaven of my cult…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heaven was used to refer to the Heavenly Demon for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Didn’t say anything about your lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demonic humans listened to all of the Heavenly Demon’s commands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because that was what was correct. After all, the Heavenly Demon—to them—was like a deity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it wasn’t any different for the superhuman called the Black Flame Demon Emperor either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-My orders only regarded the Sword Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man calmly started to move, slowly going towards Wi Seol-Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murim Alliance members quickly tried to move after seeing him, but they all stopped when the man looked at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah too had signaled them to stop, but they had stopped simply because they were defeated by fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-But that’s not a good reason for me to let you all live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing intent lingered inside his flaming eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many were bound to be powerless in front of a predator that had shown its fangs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Do you want to live?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, as he stood right in front of her nose, the man asked her as his eyes met with her golden eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Do you really want to let go of the little pride you have left, just to live?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had to live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because there was one thing she needed to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he said pride, was he referring to the fact that she was begging for her life to not just any demonic human, but an official enemy of the Alliance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wi Seol-Ah had no pride left in her to say that was the case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only reason why she wanted to keep her life was because she still had things to take care of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the man urged her, Wi Seol-Ah spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…I want to live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah spoke with an exhausted tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man smirked after seeing her, looking at her with a mocking gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Whether it’s the pride of the Orthodox Faction, or a new hope, it’s all just pointless words in the end since you too are just a person, yet the idiotic insects of the Alliance don’t realize this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man lifted up Wi Seol-Ah’s chin with his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with her head being lifted up, her hair that was covering her face was put aside; and now the man was able to see Wi Seol-Ah’s eyes clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eyes filled with Qi were still glowing brightly in a golden light, yet her eyes seemed empty as if that light had been erased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Foolish bitch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many people behind her tried to move after hearing the man’s harsh words, but they still couldn’t easily take a step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man didn’t care about them one bit and only continued to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-The Cult Leader will soon face the Sword Venerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When hearing The Sword Venerable being mentioned, Wi Seol-Ah clenched her fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man glanced at Wi Seol-Ah’s reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Once that happens, that powerless old man will be killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-How dare… a nasty guy from the Demonic Cult like you talk about the Sword Venerable like tha-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…What is it that you want?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones that had finally managed to overcome their fears and started to run towards the man, stopped after hearing Wi Seol-Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was more shocking because those words came from none other than the Young Sword Saint Wi Seol-Ah, the Sword Venerable’s granddaughter and his only disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s eyes brightened after seeing Wi Seol-Ah’s reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he spoke as if he was waiting for this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I wish for you to not go to that spot. I want you to stay here up until the Sword Venerable gets killed miserably by the Cult Leader’s hands, with you not being able to give him any support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For her to just wait for the death of a person that was her grandfather and master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was what the man wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-If you do that, then I’ll let you live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After he finished, Wi Seol-Ah who was clenching her first, slowly let go of her strength in her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-How could you be so cruel…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Master! We can’t let that happen… We will in your place-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I will do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah spoke in a calm tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-If that’s what you want, I will do that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Do you really want to keep your life by doing this? It seems like your eyes have already lost their spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I already gave you my answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke with a hopeless monotone voice, as if she had already given up everything, the man seemed to lose all interest and grabbed Wi Seol-Ah’s neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his act, everyone tried to charge at him with their swords, but they couldn’t get any closer to him with the flames standing in their way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nasty feeling that entered her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah knew instantly that this feeling was of her being shackled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She felt the sensation of her heart being grabbed by the energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This energy could’ve been easily stopped if she had tried to, but Wi Seol-Ah didn’t reject it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Because you threw away your pride, I’ll keep my promise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after Wi Seol-Ah felt the sensation of her heart being shackled, was she let go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And because of how the man was grabbing her with a good amount of force, a red hand mark was left on her white neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After staring at that mark for a bit, the man turned away from Wi Seol-Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Next time we meet, I hope that you still look powerless like that. It’ll be easier for me to kill you in that state after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right after he finished speaking, he disappeared after covering himself with flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Demon who had lost consciousness, also disappeared along with the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah then suddenly lost her balance, so the members of Murim Alliance hurriedly ran towards her to support her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Master…! Are you feeling okay?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Everyone, continue to stay on guard! There still may be an ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I’m sorry… If it weren’t for us, Master would’ve easily dealt with a demonic human like that…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was able to hear the voices of her members, but inside her ears, only silence remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the man had disappeared, the flames that were burning despite the rain, started to scatter away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While embracing the endless rain, Wi Seol-Ah finally managed to barely get up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Let’s go back… They should be waiting for us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…Master… We shouldn’t leave ye-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-It’s okay… The Black Flame Demon Emperor is not someone that would lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While knowing that believing in a demonic human’s words was extremely stupid and absurd, Wi Seol-Ah had to say those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was reminded of the word ‘Demon’ that was written on the backside of the man’s clothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emotion she had felt after finally facing the man she had wanted to kill so badly seemed more like resentment rather than a desire to kill; moreover, it resembled a feeling of yearning rather than hatred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew that this was extremely pathetic of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she couldn’t help but agree with the man when he called her a foolish bitch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…Let us go down. The Meteor Sword must be very worried about us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah clenched her teeth and frowned after hearing the name that was mentioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as she had her head down, no one was able to see her expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The war between the Murim Alliance and the Sword Demon’s army on Wudang’s mountain ended in the defeat of the Orthodox Faction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The survivors of Wudang had to feel the humiliation of running away to Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days after that day…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Venerable died at the hands of the Heavenly Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a late hour, with the moon hanging high in the sky…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah slowly opened her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She moved her body soundlessly, almost like a ghost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her soft, delicate hands, she brushed her fingertips over the two servants slumbering nearby, using acupuncture on them to ensure they wouldn’t wake easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah sighed softly and slipped out of the guesthouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s chambers were adjacent to the building, so she needed to be especially discreet to avoid detection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his current martial skills might make it difficult for him to notice her, she erred on the side of caution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the dark night, the moonlight failed to reach the ground, but faint glimmers of light began to form around her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because Wi Seol-Ah’s hair was changing its color.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Sorry, this is the last time.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She whispered to herself, though there was no response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was obvious, as the original owner of the body was most likely asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah started running, her steps light and swift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite her graceful movement, her young body moved at the speed of the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding buildings morphed in her wake, a testament to her incredible speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she sped along, Wi Seol-Ah’s forehead furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There’s not much time left.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy inside of her was running out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had been the agreement in the first place, so she already expected this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A little more.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a tiny bit more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was all Wi Seol-Ah wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to help clear the path for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was all she wanted if she was allowed to hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of a sudden, Wi Seol-Ah halted abruptly, having reached her destination at breakneck speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hanam, the residence of the Taeryung Clan that lay at the heart of the Murim Alliance, stood before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many martial artists guarded the building, but none of them detected Wi Seol-Ah’s presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her light footsteps, Wi Seol-Ah concealed herself within another building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t need to search for her target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she could sense his energy way too well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She only had a few more steps to reach her target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a medical room reserved for the bloodline of the Alliance Leader, so there were a lot more guards than outside, but they all lost consciousness and fell to the floor as Wi Seol-Ah approached them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly thereafter, she arrived at her target, the place where Jang Seonyeon was located.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah had waited a long time for this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She slowly began to strengthen her grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no need for a sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it had already been a very long time since she had reached a level where a sword was no longer required.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She continued forward, suppressing her killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This marked the conclusion of their ill-fated connection, as well as her final mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he obtained what he wanted in this place, she too had to fulfill her purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She intended to leave no trace behind, erasing every remnant of his presence from this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this determination, Wi Seol-Ah opened the door to confront the one she sought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sliide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she had expected, that bastard was in the silent room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Seonyeon, instead of being asleep, greeted her with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was waiting for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing him, Wi Seol-Ah swung her hand without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can rate\u002Freview this series here.\u003C\u002Fp>",3173,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","f609b9aac0ac04798f0223e3ef440555e39c1bc0918acee576544d7415d790b3","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-171","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-169",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]