[{"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-201":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},1240227,1667,"Chapter 200: Marble of Celestial Captivation (3)","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-201",201,"\u003Cp>Marble of Celestial Captivation (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days had passed since Gu Yangcheons imprisonment, and it had been two days since the Second Elders visit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon had entered the prison of his own accord, without even needing any coercion from the guards, leaving the Second elder feeling quite perplexed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The butlers lack of intervention only further deepened his suspicions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder felt frustrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its not as if the child would act without good reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While it might have been different in the past, he didnt believe that the current Gu Yangcheon would act recklessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm They did say that they felt something strange about the mansion\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite being unable to investigate personally due to his current condition, he had received information about an unusual energy surrounding Gu Sunmoons mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something definitely seemed to be amiss, given that he was informed about it, even though he had been incapacitated until recently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon must have known about this matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder sincerely hoped this was the case, not wanting to further question the childs methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That brat claimed to have good reasons for his actions, so\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He definitely took action based on prior knowledge\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, through the examination of the First Elders corpse, they discovered that the First Elder, despite being a martial artist at the Fusion Realm, had only a few years left to live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recalled his few encounters with the First Elder, astonished by his skill in maintaining secrecy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder grunted as he tended to his beard with one hand, the other being wrapped in bandages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He addressed the two older men before him, his tone apathetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What purpose does this meeting serve?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elders averted their eyes at his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were familiar faces from decades past, though their relations were anything but amicable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If my memory serves me right, it has hardly been a month since our last gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only two remaining Elders of the Gu Clan, aside from him; the Third and Fourth among the elders, were sitting in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They werent individuals of much importance, as their roles had long since diminished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was to the point that they deemed it unnecessary to appear, unless summoned by the Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahem\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A forced cough from the Third Elder preceded the Fourth Elders words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, Id like to express our delight in you having regained consciousness, Second Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Much obliged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let us proceed then. We have convened to discuss the Young Masters transgression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Transgression, is it\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elders brow furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is your concern?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The First Elder is dead. That, is our concern, Second Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder suppressed a laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since when have you shown any concern for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, it is a heavy concern for us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then should we not discuss how to address this situation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Discuss, huh? Very well, let us discuss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pinch-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder pinched his chin in contemplation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze appeared focused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his indomitable physique, present despite the strain from his lingering injuries, suggested otherwise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, can I inquire about something first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You may.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this really the proper time for such discourse?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words made the other elders flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, it was not their guilt that troubled them, but rather the palpable fury emanating out of the Second Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An Elder has returned gravely wounded, the clans eldest daughter has been abducted, and yet you wish to discuss this paltry affair?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, the lord is not even present currently Oh, were you perchance waiting for this moment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second Elder!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder chuckled with unbridled amusement at the Third Elders exclamation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do not raise your voice. Do you really intend to do so, when even I am not doing so?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What are you even implying? Even if he is of direct descent, he assaulted an elder\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that not what makes it remarkable?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Third Elder was flabbergasted, thinking that he might have misheard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elders comment was bold enough to elicit such a reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the man himself carried on, as if it was none of his concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if his body was in the process of being destroyed, the First Elder was no pushover. Yet, Gu Yangcheon had bested him. A feat unprecedented at his age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder had yet to know the extent of the First Elders injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless, it was true that Gu Yangcheon had triumphed and killed the First Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A historic achievement, especially so for someone his age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elders however, interpreted this differently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Third Elder having been affronted, retorted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your favoritism towards the Young Master is common knowledge, but your words just now\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder cut off the Third Elder, his voice filled with mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That is why I question this assembly. You know my stance, so why even convene?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were you attempting to coerce me? Or did you hope to silence the child through me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ryoon! You dare!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chuckle escaped the Second Elder, soon turning into roaring laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued to laugh, finding this situation utterly hilarious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abruptly, he ceased his laughter, addressing the elders, after a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you afraid?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps, youre nervous?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder knew the actual reason for the meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had gathered out of fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What? Are you fearful of that childs potential retaliation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mind your words, Second Elder. What are you trying to convey!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ha! If youre going to even try pretending, do it after youve wiped that look from your eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before becoming elders, they had been renowned martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This applied to both the First Elder and himself as well. Thus seeing them in such a sorry state made the Second Elder feel nauseous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its as though Im witnessing the ruin of my comrades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were individuals who had fought alongside him in the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder struggled to find a more fitting word than corrupt to describe their current state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated to use that word against them, but he wasnt able to come up with a better alternative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I acknowledge that the Young Master possesses remarkable talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its not just remarkable; Yangcheon is a prodigy gifted by the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, I recognize his extraordinary abilities, but thats a separate matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A separate matter? Separate from what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should a young member of the clan misbehave, we must correct their behavior before its too late. Especially for him, since he is poised to become the Young Lord of the clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They appeared to be well aware that Gu Yangcheon would inevitably become the clans next Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anticipating Gu Yangcheons growing strength, and the danger from their eventual conflict in interests, they provided this excuse as a preemptive measure to handle him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their aim being to prevent any future interference with their affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder found their actions pathetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dont you dare disguise your shitty intentions with sophistry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wha?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You mentioned before its too late. It was a clever choice of words, but Too late for what exactly? The return of the lord? Or his ascent to even further heights?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second Elder Do you not realize the danger of seeing him in such a light?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do I appear to be someone solely motivated by self-interest? If that were to be the case, I would have never even bothered to engage with the two of you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How disgusting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder was repulsed by this sight of them, as if rust was corroding a once-sharp blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a tragedy this is.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having spent much of his time overseeing battlefield beyond the clans borders, he remained oblivious to its internal affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The First Elder shouldnt have been his sole concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fact that the Second Elder now deeply regretted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I care not for your machinations. However\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His unhealed body struggled to fully contain the surging Qi within, but the Second Elder had priorities more pressing than pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi emanated from his body, taking form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do not overstep your boundaries. If you do, it shall not be Yangcheon, but me who acts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that warning, the Second Elder departed from the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder continued his stride, while rubbing his aching chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its still a bit difficult as of now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the Immortal Healer had warned, his recovery was a slow and painful process, making even simple tasks a struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sigh\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond his exhausted body, his concern lay with the overwhelming thoughts filling his mind, gnawing at his conscience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He found himself helpless in the face of his broken body, unable to take any action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though the child is in danger, I\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond his shameful defeat at the hands of the Black Palace Lord, the Second Elder was haunted by the guilt of failing to protect Gu Huibi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder refrained from joining the Lord to offer support, despite his strong desire to do so; it was because he was well aware that his current condition would just be a burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His activities were currently limited to waiting for his body to heal completely and assisting Gu Yangcheon during this period.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder had few options at his disposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, Second Elder\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned around at the sound of a voice, swiftly erasing his intense expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, its my dear Ryunghwa\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than the Lords youngest daughter, Gu Ryunghwa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you feeling okay?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course! You know, this old man is always hale and hearty. Besides, are you eating well? You look far too thin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He replied with a smile, but Gu Ryunghwas eyes welled with tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze fixated on the Second Elders injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ha! Why is this little girl on the verge of tears? Dont worry, this old man is truly fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a gentle soul, a stark contrast to the infamous Gu Clans tough exterior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like Gu Huibi, the clans children were known for their feisty exteriors, but they actually had soft hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this in mind, the Second Elder inquired further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ryunghwa, why are you here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He inquired, as she was currently in Gu Yangcheons residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Umm Sisters invited me for a meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sisters?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing Gu Ryunghwas reply, the Second Elder ventured into Gu Yangcheons home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had his reasons for being there, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon entering, the scene in Gu Yangcheons home puzzled him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it should have been quiet, as its owner was absent, the atmosphere was bustling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A girl immediately stood and greeted him with great respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I greet the Flaming Fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was she from the Tang Clan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl had a cute appearance with dark green hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She definitely looks to be from the Tang Clans lineage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why is she here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surely, she should have her own lodging, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, it appeared otherwise, judging by her familiarity with the place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if she had already spent a long time here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh! Its Grandpa Gu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who dashed towards him from a distance was Wi Seol-Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by her hat, it appeared she was in the midst of cooking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes are still puffy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ahs eyes remained red and swollen, like the last time he saw her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was likely due to Gu Yangcheons imprisonment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hope hes unaware of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered what expression the Sword Venerable would make, seeing his granddaughter in this state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his granddaughter crying, even the Second Elder would give that guy a piece of his mind, if he was in the Sword Venerables shoes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>..OoofEven I cant stop that senior, so I wonder what might happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only hope that the Sword Venerable remained oblivious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where is your grandpa?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he cautiously inquired about the Sword Venerable, Wi Seol-Ah pointed to a distant mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He went to gather vegetables! He said spring brings delicious harvests!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, I see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image of the Sword Venerable, renowned for his awe-inspiring swordsmanship capable of piercing the heavens, wielding a sickle and digging through the dirt, struck the Second Elder as rather peculiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, Ill go fetch Sis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder wished to continue the conversation, but Wi Seol-Ah hurriedly entered Gu Yangcheons room, as if she had just remembered something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Sis! Wake uup! Grandpa Gu is here!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sis?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Wi Seol-Ahs voice reverberated, there were noises of commotion within Gu Yangcheons room, followed by the emergence of someone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A stunning lady with bluish-white hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder recognized her immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You are\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I greet the Flaming Fist. I am Namgung Bi-ah of the Namgung Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah extended her salutation with articulate pronunciation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, soft voices from the sidelines murmured, Why is Sis speaking like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, right. You must be Yangcheons bride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah accepted the title without hesitation, even though it should have been embarrassing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder had playfully mentioned it, but her reaction made him feel a bit awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, Sis, you arent. Not yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah pouted and prodded Namgung Bi-ahs hip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right, were you perhaps sleeping?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like that though.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although she stood upright, her disheveled hair and tired eyes revealed that she had indeed been resting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sis couldnt sleep well these past few days. Thats why she went into the Young Masters- Umphh\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah began to explain but was promptly silenced by Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a unique child\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder marveled at her. He couldnt help but wonder if she was so exhausted that shed fallen asleep in Gu Yangcheons room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought about scolding her, however, he decided not to mention it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didnt appear to be ill-intentioned, and he wasnt in a position to address it, given his current condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandpa Gu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah approached the Second Elder and posed a careful question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>UmmWhen is when is the Young Master coming out?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her cautious inquiry weighed on the Second Elders conscience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her question cast a momentary silence over everyone present, including Namgung Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yangcheon, that brat, he certainly has a way with the ladies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each of their feelings toward him were unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasnt just the Sword Venerables granddaughter but also the daughters of the Namgung and Tang Clans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder was pleased that Gu Yangcheon had so many admirers, but he couldnt help but wonder what had endeared him to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hell be out soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Really?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the only response he could offer in his present condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon himself had stated that hed be released soon, and the Second Elder had faith in his word, for reasons unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Im so happy\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-Ah smiled, her relief palpable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder was struck by something remarkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gone was her baby fat and chubby cheeks. Wi Seol-Ah had grown into a more beautiful and refined young woman than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shes grown a bit taller, and her face has changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked like she was slowly transforming into a lady. The Second Elder wondered whether Gu Yangcheon had noticed this change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he suspected that Gu Yangcheon was likely oblivious, focusing on trivial matters instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you havent eaten yet, would you like to join us?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah kindly extended the invitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ryunghwa had mentioned she came here for a meal, and the Second Elder was appreciative of the offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, he had to decline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you for the offer, but I have some business to attend to, so I cannot join you for a meal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the disappointed faces of the girls behind, Hongwa appeared as if she had been waiting, handing over a bundle of food wrapped in cloth to the Second Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the meal he and Gu Yangcheon were supposed to share.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An elder shouldnt be running such errands, especially given his condition, but the Second Elder insisted on handling it himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take care, everyone. Theres no need to see me off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spotting the girls following him outside to send him off, the Second Elder stopped them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that I think about it, I didnt get to ask why they were gathered there in the first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had too much on his mind, and the important question slipped his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, the Second Elder ventured to the clans basement, checked in with the guards, and descended to where Gu Yangcheon was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he walked following the torches\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spotted Gu Yangcheon from far away wait, shouldnt he be unable to do that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon, who should have been confined to a cage, was inexplicably outside it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He appeared somewhat bewildered and met the Second Elders gaze when he noticed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Second Elder asked Gu Yangcheon as he made an expression of getting caught red handed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What are you doing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he glanced repeatedly between the basket the Second Elder was holding and the Second Elder himself, Gu Yangcheon responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This isnt an escape attempt, so dont misunderstand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had an awkward expression on his face.\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>",2841,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","9d58f5a52689aadb50de28652da7e16776c118d58397793f4d1872b37dd7845e","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-202","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-200",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]