[{"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-198":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},1240224,1667,"Chapter 197: Know Your Place (5)","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-198",198,"\u003Cp>Know Your Place (5)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sky-blue-like flames swirled around the body and light was brought down upon the once-shrouded darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind this, the after effect of the sword strike that the First Elder unleashed still continued to further crumble everything in its path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the environment that was being destroyed, a slight tremor ran through my shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That really would have killed me even if it only skimmed me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of that, I had to bring this out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didnt want to use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the blue flames that were surrounding my body gave me a headache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was due to the energy that the Blood Demon gave to me, and the mysterious power that Jang Seonyeon used.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I decided to call this Blood Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blood Qi elevated both body and martial prowess to unparalleled heights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This power that was somewhat similar to Demonic Qi made my flames turn blue and more destructive, and my body was also enhanced just like my flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disparity in my strength with the mere utilization of this energy was staggering, marking it as an extraordinary force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, as great as it was, there was a clear consequence to using this power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The use of this energy rapidly depleted the Qi residing in my dantian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite my Qi being largely untouched when I engulfed the surroundings in flames, the introduction of this mysterious power accelerated its drainage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How is this even worth the price?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it was only thanks to this power that I was able to turn the situation around, but it wasnt so welcoming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldve been dangerous if I didnt use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, there was once a time when I told myself I would never use Demonic Qi, but after realizing that I couldnt afford to be picky with things, I decided to just use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, an energy that belonged to evil never felt clean to use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was especially more the case if I didnt know what the energy even was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to hide it as best as I could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because it changed the color of my flames completely, I couldnt afford to use this power wherever I wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slam-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as I retrieved all my flames, my body started to feel recoil, so I had to clench my teeth to not let my pain show, being cautious of my expression changing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fuck me it hurts like hell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the trip on the way home, to learn more about the energy, I used it a few times during training, but because this was my first time using it in a real battle, I failed to think about the recoil that comes after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even so, this was a bit too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I thought I got used to pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body might have not been the case, but I thought that my mental strength was very hard to break at least.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But still, this was way too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I thought, I cant use this often.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might have been fine if it only ended with a mild recoil, but if I got this much pain every time I used this power, then my body could be permanently damaged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, I had to conceal the slight tremor in my arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nevertheless, the experience illuminated the potency of this power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might not make me as powerful as a Fusion Realm martial artist, but\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it didnt make me powerful enough to reach a whole new level, it still came remarkably close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew this just by thinking of Jang Seonyeon showing the power of a Peak Realm martial artist when he was only a first-rate martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then if I used this power at a higher stage, would I get the same boost?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought crossed my mind, but I promptly dismissed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a thing wouldnt happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, no one could cheat their way to reaching a whole new realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cough! Huff\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splatter-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A splatter accompanied the sight of blood emerging from the First Elders mouth as he knelt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Concealing my trembling hand, I directed my gaze at the First Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man, his hair disheveled and body battered, looked up at me with shaky pupils in a way that made him look utterly pathetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the downfall of a Master who used to be one of the strongest of the Gu Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So seeing him like that wasnt the most welcoming feeling, even if he had swung his sword at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hughh\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a weak sound came from the First Elders mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because all his teeth were pulled out and shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the things you caused are probably recorded in that basement of yours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hughh No\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldnt understand him easily because of his pronunciation, but I knew what the First Elder was feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you still going to try and struggle so pathetically? I suggest you dont.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How How are you! Why is it that you!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I know, I wonder why it ended up like this. How unfortunate for you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remarked callously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if I lived my life lazily as the First Elder expected, this old man was already bound to meet his end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This situation was only brought upon early because of the First Elders desperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After watching the First Elder practically throw up his emotions, I responded coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Sunmoons Head, Gu Changjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I declared, causing the First Elders eyes to shake heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because you collaborated with outsiders, caused harm to our clan, and attempted to harm the clans bloodline, you will be relieved of your position as an Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What makes you think you bastard has any power to remove me from anything!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why wouldnt I? Do you think itll change if I go get the Young Lord position right now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if I couldnt, the outcome would remain unaffected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the First Elder was aware of this as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Father saw what happened here after returning, wouldnt the First Elder be punished for it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are so many things that I did for the clan up until now! How dare a lazy brat like you try to remove me from my position!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like he said, the things the First Elder did for the clan werent small.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been leading Gu Sunmoon for decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Sunmoon existed as the Sword of the Gu Clan and they definitely played a big role in securing peace for Shanxi, but\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, that doesnt justify crossing the line you shouldnt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What do you know?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do I have to know? Im not curious about your sob story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its a position he couldnt reach because he wasnt from the main clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how hard he tried, he could never reach it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I dont know what story he hides in his past, but\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is no point of me knowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I dont know what kind of life the First Elder lived, but that was his own life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever decision he makes, it means that the old man is also responsible for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After my body finally stopped shaking because of the recoil, I reached my hand out and grabbed the First Elders neck right away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The First Elder gathered his Qi while faltering his body to resist, but he coughed out blood right away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like the First Elders body wasnt listening to his command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let go! Bastard! Even if you are the Lords son, you wont be able to do anything to me. There are clear rules in the clan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wonder why you did all this despite knowing the rules of our clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I put more strength into my hand grabbing his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to kill the First Elder here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if I left him alive here, the possibility of the First Elder surviving after Father returned to the clan was close to none, but\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw my flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the First Elder saw me use Blood Qi in order for me to dodge his attack and counterattack, I couldnt afford to let him live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very least, you wont die that painfully like last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In my past life, Father killed the First Elder slowly, burning him alive, but I didnt want to use this power any longer just because of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after, right as I was about to break his neck by putting more strength into my hand\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young Master!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body froze after hearing the voice that came from behind me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the same applied to the First Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>NNo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing the individual who appeared from behind me, the First Elder let out a voice of despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didnt want to be seen like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I felt the same way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did he know?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning around with shocked eyes, I found Gu Jeolyub standing there, panting heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I told Muyeon to watch Gu Jeolyub before he did anything, so how did Gu Jeolyub manage to reach Gu Sunmoon?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But thats not the important thing right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grandfather was vomiting blood with his appearance in a mess and the one grabbing his neck was none other than me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huff Huff!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I noticed Gu Jeolyubs pupils shake heavily after seeing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And because he was panting, he couldnt even speak properly and was breathing heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Y-Young Master. W-What is this\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after, he called me with a shaky voice, unable to understand what was going on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tsk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To this, I turned my head around after clicking my tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a shitty situation this was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was also a situation that I preferred to avoid if it was possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kid.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sigh\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of Elder Shin calling my name urged me to make a decision, and I let out a deep sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was precisely why I preferred to stay out of peoples sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tightened my grip on the First Elders neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with a heavy sound, the light in the First Elders eyes began to fade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after, the First Elders body fell to the ground powerlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>G-Grandfather!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jeolyub rushed to his fallen grandfather.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His shaky voice and sobbing face bothered me quite a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jeolyub.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, putting aside that emotion of mine, I called Gu Jeolyub.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To my call, Gu Jeolyub raised his tear-filled eyes to meet mine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jeolyubs face was filled with a storm of emotions along with endless tears coming out of his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could decipher his feelings if I chose to, but I had no choice but to look away right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is removed from the position of Gu Sunmoons Head, so you will inherit that spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What-What are you saying right now? How did this happen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wont hear any objections.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young Mas!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jeolyub shouted back at me, but I only stared back at Gu Jeolyub calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When his eyes met with my own, Gu Jeolyub tried to draw his sword in anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you do that, I have no other choice but to kill you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing my words, Gu Jeolyubs body froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to since I was letting out a massive amount of killing intent on purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was likely unbearable for Gu Jeolyub right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why, just why!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even in this situation, Gu Jeolyub was trying his best to move his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was showing clearly that he couldnt understand the current situation and his emotions right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man, who hasnt even reached the age of twenty, was bound to do that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief contemplation, I delivered a light chop to Gu Jeolyubs neck, rendering him unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he fell without even being able to react, I moved to catch him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So you decided not to kill the child.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Did you come to like him more in that short amount of time you spent with him?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didnt give any response to Elder Shins question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after, I sensed numerous approaching presences from the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like the members of the main clan were finally arriving after learning about the current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I briefly put Gu Jeolyub on the ground and turned my back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[There is nothing scarier than showing mercy. You probably know better, that its better for both you and that child.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I wont be speaking any further since this is your choice, but you will regret it for sure.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I brushed my hair aside after hearing Elder Shin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were already so many things for me to regret, so adding one more to the list wouldnt change anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least thats what I decided to think for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be more accurate\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had no other choice but to think that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the basement of the Black Palace\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lady who had lost consciousness slowly opened her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gasp!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as she regained consciousness, the woman looked around her surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a dark room and there were iron bars in front of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room was filled with only silence, so much to the point it felt strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where am I?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lady, Gu Huibi, started to work her mind aching in pain, to try and remember what happened at the last moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, she had to learn why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why she was here, and where she was right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, her memory returned swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gu Huibi had to clench her teeth right after in anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because of the absurd power of the martial artist who intruded on the battlefield, as well as the disappointment in herself, who was powerless in front of such power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fuck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image of the Second Elder, valiantly fighting to protect her only to be fatally wounded by the enemy at the last moment, lingered in her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the memory of her losing consciousness right after that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a memory that made her feel incompetent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was also the appearance that she hated the most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a heavy heart, Gu Huibi turned her head to survey her surroundings carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where am I?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, she had to learn why all of this even happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, there was only one thing that she was able to learn by looking around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A prison?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was surrounded by iron bars, confined in a prison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Gu Huibi continued to look around with a confused expression\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How about you stay still? You are bothering me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice interrupted her thoughts, emanating from not too far away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Huibi, who had failed to notice their presence, immediately distanced herself upon hearing the voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ugh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Huibi grunted as she tried to move, only to fall to the floor due to her hands and feet being tied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Haha, I knew that would happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rough sound of steel scraping against the floor drew closer to Gu Huibi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the sound got closer, Gu Huibi tried to get into her battle stance while regulating her breath, but\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, her Qi did not answer her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Acupuncture?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by how her dantian felt fine, it seemed like there was acupuncture administered on her so that she couldnt use her power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the sound reached right in front of her nose, she saw the figure of a person after her eyes got used to the dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old man with a frail and abnormal-looking physique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body bore numerous torture marks\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And most noticeably, his eyes were wrapped around with cloth.\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>",2597,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","86af3e8c0c4d6d70d6674444ea484933798d8f18d1f97873d58bf4f66b274460","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-199","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-197",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]