[{"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-176":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},1240202,1667,"Chapter 175: Pieces (1)","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-176",176,"\u003Cp>Pieces (1)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was Moyong Hi-ah, who seemed to want something from me, or the world that had stopped\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was happening now was far more confusing than both of those combined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fish is talking?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fish was talking to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way the fish spoke with perfect pronunciation with its fish mouth could not be any weirder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You fucking idiot.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On top of that, his words were rather harsh as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You should respond if someone is talking to you, how could you have no respect even at your age.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it talking to me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Who else is here besides you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I mean, there are a lot of people here, its just that they were all frozen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that wasnt the important thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell is this thing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Are ya blind? Cant you tell just by looking?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was able to tell by its appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fish that had lived hundreds of years, and an expensive white fish that was being called the treasure of Shaolin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The White Fish of Purity was it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was something like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I made a dumbfounded expression, the fish continued to speak, moving its little fish mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ugh, your shocked expression is as ugly as ever, I cant believe you were reincarnated with such a stupidly fierce face]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What in the world is it even saying?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This weird situation was one thing, but now my face was also being insulted by some fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I spoke in confusion, the fish started wiggling its whiskers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed that the fishs expression changed as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was, as if, it was looking at me in mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hah! Shincheol you idiot, do you really want to fool around even in this situation?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shincheol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didnt need to think twice to know who the fish was referring to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Shincheol was the name that belonged to the old man sleeping rent free inside my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem is, why does that fish think that I am Elder Shin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also the time that seemed to have frozen, was that caused by the fish as well?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They said it was a treasure\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasnt even an object. How was this a treasure? Its more like a demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I responded to the fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I think you may be mistaken, but Im not Shincheol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[This idiotic shitstain. You probably know better that we dont have much time, so why the fuck are you acting like this?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like it has no intention of listening to me\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing my response, the fishs whisker suddenly stretched out towards me and rubbed my cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tried to grab the whisker because of the uncomfortable sensation, but the whisker dodged my grasp and returned to its original spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whisker wigged a bit after it went back, the fish then spoke with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You made sure to not hold back on building that body, huh. Not only did you overcome the wall, you even started making a strong foundation in order to reach the Transcendence Realm.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold sweat flowed down my back, as I heard the fishs words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because it was exactly as the fish said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was preparing myself so that I could go from the Peak Realm to the Fusion Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My martial art capabilities had reached a new level when I overcame my wall, and my Qi and body were in the process of becoming one so that I could transcend into a higher realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just like how going from First-Rate to the Peak Realm was a grave deal for martial artists, going from the Peak Realm to the Fusion Realm was even harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because even at my current level, I assumed it would take at least a few years for me to reach that level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that fish could tell immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The fact that you were able to reach that level with a little boys body is the first proof, and as for the second proof]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A drop of water spattered to my cheek as the fish splashed in the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Are you really, trying to fool me when you have that thick plum flower scent on you, you fucking idiot?!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it because of the Taoist Qi inside my body?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Taoist Qi that had entered my body along with Elder Shin from Mount Huas treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was so dense that it even affected my Flame Qi and changed the color of my destructive flame arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Elder Shin had said that the Taoist Qi I had was even denser than the Taoist Qi that Yung Pung had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem was, the fish wouldnt mistake me for elder Shin just because it felt some Taoist Qi from me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And most importantly, Elder Shin was a dead person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hoo, lets end the tomfoolery here. Im happy that things have turned out the way we had hoped, but I really dont have that much time left.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Im going to say this again, but Im not who you are thinking o-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I spoke again trying to prove him wrong, the fish scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldnt believe I was able to see that fishs expression so clearly even with that dumb face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Fine, if youre going to remain stubborn, I have no choice but to do this even though I didnt plan to.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it trying to do something?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I enhanced my senses just in case it tried to attack me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wondered if I should be cautious of a fish, but it was more of a demon that had lived for hundreds of years rather than a fish, so I had to be sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unlike my expectations, no attacks came from the fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of attacking me, the fish looked at me with a determined expression and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[This happened when we were young, but Im sure you remember. Back then, you were chasing after the Moyong Clans daughter ]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suddenly felt a kicking sensation from my insides as I heard the fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I couldnt help but frown as that kicking sensation turned into extreme pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like something was rampaging inside my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this perhaps\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that energy-devouring monster trying to go on a rampage again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You asked her out for three whole days and nights, yet she ended up with Myung in the end-]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the fish tried to finish its words,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You rotting piece of! Wont you shut up!?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar voice appeared inside my head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uh?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Eh?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Huh.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a few moments, everything was silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an attempt to break the silence, an old man who seemed to have a very rude personality\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[This works?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin, whispered spiritlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Light of Might, Cheolyoung, was known as the greatest martial artist in the entire history of Shaolin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had reached the highest realm of martial arts and was one of the Five Masters that had stopped the Blood Demons Blood Disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheolyoung could be accredited to having the most influence in forming what was todays glorious Shaolin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And such a great person\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puff puff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that fish right there?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at the white fish puffing its mouth with a dumbfounded expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way it swam and its white colored scales made it look extremely noble and elegant, but that didnt mean that the usual dumb look of a fish had gone away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didnt think it was a lie though.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than Elder Shin who had said it, so it must be true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin looked at the fish for a while, then finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Cheolyoung, how the hell did you become like this?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was shocked enough that the old man suddenly appeared out of nowhere when he had been sleeping this whole time, but I didnt even have the chance to ask him why he had woken up so late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because Elder Shin was busy talking to that fish more accurately, the Light of Might right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I want to ask that as well, Shincheol.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fishs carefree tone was gone, now sounding far more serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Why are you in such a state right now?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Probably the same reason as you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That fish was being called the treasure of Shaolin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did that mean that just like how Elder Shin had been sleeping inside Mount Huas treasure, Cheolyoung was sleeping inside Shaolins treasure as well?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm. It is quite convincing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin was like this, so it was understandable that Cheolyoung was also in a similar state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I first needed an explanation as to why a hero of the past had their soul trapped inside a treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin last time had said that he didnt know why, but there was a chance that Cheolyoung knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this what Elder Shin was hoping for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought about back when Elder Shin asked me to go to Shaolin no matter what if I ever went to Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did Elder Shin hope that I would come across a situation just like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as I expected, Elder Shin asked Cheolyoung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Cheolyoung, do you know the reason why both of us are left in todays world in this current state of ours?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was the reason why Elder Shin was left in the present day and how did it happen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You, why are you asking that question?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Because I dont know the answer to it.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Cheolyoung.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Light of Might remained silent for a moment even though he had been talking a lot just earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A palpable silence hung in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no sound in a world where time itself had stopped, thus it was extremely silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin couldnt endure the silence, so he urged Cheolyoung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Cheolyoung, why wont you ans-]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[That child, are you not him?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The child Im looking at right now, Im asking if thats not you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a strange question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did he mean when he asked if I wasnt Elder Shin?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin also seemed like he couldnt understand, so he asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What kind of nonsense is that? What do you mean if Im not this child?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheolyoung still continued to maintain his silence despite Elder Shins questioning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It only stared into my eyes while puffing its fish mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Cheolyoung.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin called his name as he realized that something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not long after, I heard a lamenting voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I see. So it didnt happen after all.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Shouldnt you explain clearly, so that I can understand what you are talking about?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Shincheol.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Speak.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wiggling whiskers sunk deep underneath the lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like Cheolyoungs atmosphere right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You said that you have no memory.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yes, I I dont remember anything. So I need you to tell me everything.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The death of the Blood Demon\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had happened to him after that\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And why he was left in todays world as a spirit\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin couldnt remember anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin wanted Cheolyoung to solve his doubts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Do you know why?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheolyoung puffed its mouth to respond to Elder Shins question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yes, I do, I know very well.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Then-]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[But I cannot tell you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin became angry for a moment after hearing Cheolyoung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Are you making fun of me right now?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I wish that was the case, but with you in your current state, I cannot say anything.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What does that- ]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[After hundreds of years of waiting, I have finally met you, but sadly one cannot learn anything if they dont find out by themselves.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it a mistake?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked like the beautiful scales of the fish had lost some of their colors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During their conversation, I only remained silent and just continued to listen to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did I not have a chance to interrupt, it was also because I was able to feel Elder Shins emotions way too clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So I couldnt just interrupt their conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Are you going to keep on saying random things?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[How much do you remember?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin thought for a moment hearing Cheolyoungs question, then he responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The last fight against the Blood Demon. Thats the last thing I remember.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheolyoung, having heard Elder Shin, laughed listlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[If thats the case, then that means you truly know nothing.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the fish kept on giving the same response, Elder Shin couldnt hold it in, in the end, and shouted at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You rotting piece of! If you are going to respond, then at least give me a proper response!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite Elder Shins outburst, Cheolyoungs reaction remained the same. Apathetic and impassive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheolyoungs spirit had been like that ever since Elder Shin had appeared in the form of a spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin, who couldnt deal with his reaction, clenched his mouth and asked a different question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[One thing, I need you to answer just one thing properly.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheolyoung gave no response, yet Elder Shin continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Did the Blood Demon die?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, it felt like a breeze flew by as Elder Shin asked the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That couldnt be possible since everything around me had stopped, yet I had felt such a sensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheolyoung, flinching his whiskers, responded this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hoo, fortunately, it seems I am able to answer this one. However, it seems like you already know the answer to this question, dont you?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suddenly felt my dantian waver at Cheolyoungs words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This must have meant that Elder Shin was shaken by his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as Cheolyoung continued\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It didnt die.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Taoist Qi that was sleeping inside me, suddenly went extremely wild.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tried to calm down the rampaging Taoist Qi, but Elder Shin, who couldnt seem to hear me, continued to pour out his emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even in the midst of all this, I was extremely shocked at Cheolyoungs revelation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could I not be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blood Demon didnt die?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blood Demon was a being that had tried to paint the world with blood hundreds of years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said that the Five Heroes of the Central Plains had killed the Blood Demon in their final fight, but\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blood Demon never died?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait, the way Cheolyoung spoke made it sound like the Blood Demon was still alive\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For such a long period of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ha, judging by your reaction, it seems like you dont even remember what happened in the last moment.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Explain clearly. What happened that day.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You already got the answer you wanted, the Blood Demon is still alive and on this very land.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Thats not possible, the history clearly stated-]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You still believe in history? Even though youve been tricked by it so many times?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Shin became silent at Cheolyoungs barrage of sharp words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Well, technically its not wrong. The Blood Demon definitely stopped its breath in that fight.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Then!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[However, the bastard didnt die.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like the breeze behind me had become slightly stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the cold breeze of winter, it was one that held dense heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The bastard had tied itself to this land, even in its death.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Explain it in a way that I could-]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fish with white scales slowly swam towards us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if it was trying to meet its eyes with Elder Shins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And from the fishs puffing mouth, a resolute voice spoke out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The Blood Demon is dreaming of resurrection, Divine Sword of Mount Hua.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if an earthquake had occurred, my dantian went wild at Cheolyoungs words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>TL\u002FN:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Check out my new novel: I Am This Murims Crazy Bitch! Its also a Murim novel, so if you love CFZ youll love it as well! A lot of fighting, a lot of action, and our favorite, Young Master\u002FLady Bitchslapping \u002Fseries\u002Fi-am-this-murims-crazy-bitch\u002F\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dominus\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can rate\u002Freview this serieshere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>dvnd htr vlbl n gntl.m\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>llutrtn n ur drd drd.gg\u002Fgntl\u003C\u002Fp>",2640,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","50f482abf6f286147ce9ea1ec3e1dee1602ae0a3e397c48cb0591c7f8020ed31","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-177","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-175",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]