[{"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-298":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},1240124,1667,"Chapter 298: Zhuge Jihee (3)","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-298",298,"\u003Cp>“Brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bibi turned towards the presence she felt and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person who had left her after telling her he’d be right back only returned now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bibi had considered looking for him herself since he took so long…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he finally has returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Bibi was a bit shocked when she saw Bi Eejin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? What’s the matter, brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin seemed a bit off since he returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you get injured, perhaps?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin appeared somewhat uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He got injured?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that even possible?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bibi’s expression changed instantly, swept by shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who had been perfectly fine after falling off a cliff, returned in such an exhausted state— how could she not be surprised?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Did you… run into a red Demon or something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin smirked at Bibi’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where would we encounter such a thing in our current generation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But, if that’s not the case… This shouldn’t be possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bibi poked Bi Eejin’s body a few times, fascinated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Stop pressing on it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does it hurt? Does it also hurt here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin sighed, gently pushing aside the fascinated Bibi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red Demon, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was somewhat similar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was a red Demon or Gu Yangcheon, they were similar in the fact that they were both red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was as violently fierce as a Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to him, one of his arms broke and a rib was shattered from the first blow he took.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How long has it been ever since I’ve been injured like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin had taken great care of his body, worried it might break since becoming weaker after his youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, this only proves my theory that only he can do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin became more certain after fighting against him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His close combat technique was poor compared to his talent and level, and setting aside that he seemed to be hiding something, Gu Yangcheon had instinctive sense in him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, he did seem to be reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to realize immediately that thinking through his attack was pointless, charging in as if willing to trade a part of his body for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it’s understandable for him to be arrogant if he’s that skilled at his age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin didn’t know the records, but it was possible that Gu Yangcheon is the youngest person ever to reach the Peak Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, it wasn’t just that he was the youngest to reach such a level—even among much older prodigies, there were no martial artists who could compete with Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite this, Bi Eejin didn’t see the slightest bit of arrogance in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he sought for improvement, fully aware of his weakness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite Bi Eejin hiding his strength, each movement from Gu Yangcheon was cautious despite appearing reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if he instinctively knew that Bi Eejin was stronger than him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s also clever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few exchanges, Gu Yangcheon realized that Bi Eejin had no intention to harm his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of this, he charged in even more recklessly, knowing he’d have no way to escape if his arm or leg was caught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…What a monstrous bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made him shudder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Gu Yangcheon was injured and couldn’t afford to damage his precious body, so Bi Eejin had to restrain himself as much as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, he only overpowered Gu Yangcheon after sacrificing his arm and chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like seeing his younger self.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He used to fight like that when he sparred against others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if there was no tomorrow, ready to die at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How satisfying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After fighting him, Bi Eejin concluded that Gu Yangcheon hadn’t undergone Eternal Youth as he had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was sure of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear just by observing him. The bastard’s body was a masterpiece of craftsmanship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a body wouldn’t have been possible if he had gone through the same ordeal as Bi Eejin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was why he couldn’t afford to let him go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I must prepare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had made a promise, so he had to set a date for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t go in his current state, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the matter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that I think of it, I forgot to deliver it to him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin pulled a letter from his pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a letter meant for Gu Yangcheon, but he had completely forgotten about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I must be getting old; I keep forgetting things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin had thought that his memory had improved after becoming younger, but that didn’t exactly seem to be the case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dirt raccoon from the Beggar’s Sect had given him the letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin had captured the raccoon and used him to his advantage after learning he had been snooping around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I considered burying him somewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought about getting rid of him, but instead had him running errands, as the raccoon proved more competent than expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t bad either, obedient and quick to follow orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he worked hard, Bi Eejin accepted a request from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wonder what’s written in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Out of curiosity, Bi Eejin opened the letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t care about the fact that he shouldn’t read someone else’s letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-To Great Expert, True Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The letter began respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-You bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the tone shattered with the second line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin frowned his eyes a little after thinking he misread it for a moment, but that wasn’t the case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Do you know what kind of state I’m in right now…? You bastard. You should come save me if you feel even a shred of guilt! I even sent a letter…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Rotten bastard… I’m the fool for thinking I could gain wealth and honor! For fuck’s sake, do you know what happens when a beggar holds a grudge in the dead of winter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-What do you mean what happens for fucks sake… I’ll be hungry! You bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I’ll remember this. No matter what, I will…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin crumpled the letter and threw it far away after reading some of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good thing I didn’t deliver it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might’ve been bad if he did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin nodded after convincing himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it? What did you throw away?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing important. Just… stop poking already.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does it hurt? Brother, does it also hurt here? So it does hurt? It hu- Kyaghh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Bibi’s teasing only stopped after Bi Eejin gave her a good bonk on the head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Angh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Bibi sat on the ground rubbing her head,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that I think about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something crossed Bi Eejin’s mind as he crumpled the letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did Gu Yangcheon send a dirt raccoon to research about me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin had meant to ask but forgot this too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll ask him later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was plenty of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All he had was time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A futile period, he couldn’t even perfect his martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the matter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you going to enter the Academy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin tilted his head, puzzled by Bibi’s question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered what she was suddenly talking about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You told me you’d return home after the exam and wouldn’t actually attend the Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did I say that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. You said you wouldn’t even if I die…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might have said something like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had intended to return home after deliberately failing the exam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, he wouldn’t have stayed long if the True Dragon hadn’t piqued his interest—but that had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine as I have a reason to stay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bibi reacted in shock after hearing Bi Eejin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn’t expected her brother to say that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin responded with a slight smile, then rubbed his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Tsk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must have struck extremely hard, because Bi Eejin felt pain in his chest as soon as he smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed his recovery would take longer than he had expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A little while later,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few arrows soared into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flaming arrows streaked through the air,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exploded, leaving brief trails.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young prodigies exhaled in relief as they saw the flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flames erupting against the sunset signaled the exam’s end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some sighed in relief, others screamed in frustration, but whichever it was, the results didn’t change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third stage of the exam to enter the Heavenly Dragon Academy concluded with the setting sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************Beneath a night shrouded in dark clouds, above the harsh tides, an isolated island could be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The island was notorious, rumored to be cursed, and avoided by locals due to the violent tides that surrounded it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The island was infested with demons, and fierce guards with powerful Qi patrolled its grounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At its center stood a massive building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man walked, his steps echoing in the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked through the dark path that didn’t have a single light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking for a while,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He halted before a door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He carefully opened the door and entered, seeing an old man sitting with his eyes closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Great King.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man slowly opened his eyes at the sound of the man’s voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had faded ominous pupils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We lost the presence of the one he sent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man didn’t show much of a reaction despite hearing the man’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man felt uneasy at the old man’s lack of response but dared not show it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man had always been this way, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man then shifted the conversation to another topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…According to another report, we’ve confirmed that the Sword Emperor’s descendant is heading to the Heavenly Dragon Academy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then, the old man’s eyes glowed as he showed a reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His demeanor was markedly different from before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that bastard didn’t lie after all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man was reminded of someone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young snake who schemed behind his father’s back, without the clan’s knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave a helping hand as he saw darkness from the young boy, but he was more useful than he expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hyogun, you fool. You should’ve erased all traces if you wanted to stay hidden.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chuckle. The old man chuckled with his dry voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man didn’t know what the old man found so funny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed, time is nearly upon us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man stood up as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the old man rose, his small, frail appearance gave way to a massive, imposing figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Heavenly Dragon Academy huh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gathering place for the children of noble clans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A very fitting place for this Black Dragon to resurrect in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the old man lifted his body,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Combat Qi and killing intent erupted, spreading throughout the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qi was so intense it shook the entire building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man could only groan in pain, struggling to block his nose and mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man addressed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mentioned the blood relative of the Poison King is also there, correct?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes… He is said to be called the Poison Phoenix.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Poison Phoenix. How nice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ten Thousand Poisons Immunity that hadn’t appeared from Tang Clan for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s still young, but it wouldn’t be bad to ‘collect’ him before he matures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, a chance had been given.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought in mind, the old man issued an order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Inform the Palace Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ordered the man to deliver words to the person who hid somewhere in this island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell him that commission is separate from paying the rent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Under…stood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the man hurriedly left, the old man chuckled once more, then walked to the window and gazed up at the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night sky remained heavy with dark clouds, though slivers of moonlight pierced through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scarred part of his body throbbed as he stared at the moon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It always felt this way on nights when the moon was visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was why he always kept his eyes closed during night time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man could never forget the swordplay he had witnessed that night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rubbed the scar that still ached to this day despite decades of time passing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chuckle…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When would this pain finally leave him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it wouldn’t be much longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man didn’t move again until the dark clouds fully obscured the moon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************I made it back to the inn to rest shortly after the exam ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m disgustedly tired.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body was extremely exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only was I injured, but I also fought against the Dishonored Venerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I limped back to the inn, Muyeon, who had been waiting, offered me a helping hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him, I couldn’t help but look surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Muyeon, did you not go back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muyeon answered with a slight smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will be returning tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You could’ve left today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I felt I needed to stay until you finished your exam…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you think I might fail? Why worry about that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I passed the exam, I wouldn’t be allowed an escort, and I knew Muyeon had matters to attend to back in the clan, concerning Gu Sunmoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It honestly was Muyeon being stubborn for him to come to Henan as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I told him not to come in the first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he’s leaving tomorrow huh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing him, I made a suggestion to Muyeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How about you take that dumbass with you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muyeon laughed awkwardly as I pointed in a particular direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My finger was pointing to Gu Jeolyub.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jeolyub flinched and stood up when he realized I was pointing at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I passed the exam, you know…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said it was close.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It wouldn’t have been… if a certain someone didn’t take my bands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jeolyub’s voice was tinged with frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to him, he barely managed to get the band right before the arrow was shot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was honestly close and I was glad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t able to go back to him to return the bands because my body was thrashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I originally was going to return the bands to him, but I couldn’t because of the state I was in, so I was happy that he wasn’t disqualified and passed with his own strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had failed like that, even I would’ve felt a bit bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, Gu Yeonseo passed as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I think he went to her room right away and fell asleep as soon as he returned because of how exhausted he was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quick glance told me they weren’t in the best shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moyong Hi-ah’s usual polished appearance was gone, leaving her looking haggard, while Tang Soyeol, usually so cheerful, was dozing off with her forehead resting on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s wrong with them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were so confident that they were going to pass the exam, but they seemed strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did something happen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something must have happened for them to be this exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only person who seemed fine was Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the others were visibly drained, Namgung Bi-ah quietly sipped her tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked the same as usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only difference was that she wasn’t sleeping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Wi Seol-Ah. Did she not come?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed Wi Seol-Ah had gone to her own inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was expected, but I still felt a strange sense of disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who… is this…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muyeon pointed to the figure behind my back and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I forgot about this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pulled the bastard who was shivering behind my back towards me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of this bastard, I had to work extra hard to get more bands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Say hi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon trembled even more under the weight of everyone’s gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How do I even introduce him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of thought, I spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He;s a new friend of mine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That should do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I said it casually,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Friend…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You made a friend…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crew’s eyes all changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They especially stared at Cheol Jiseon with curious eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did he end up…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunate…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes seemed to be saying such words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jeolyub’s eyes were the most intense of all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at Cheol Jiseon with wide, almost pitying eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t saying anything, but his eyes said it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Run away…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I saw Cheol Jiseon roll his eyes around when his eyes met with Gu Jeolyub’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell…? Why is everyone reacting like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was rather offended.\u003C\u002Fp>",2710,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","6f96a5b056de85d5375ab048eb7ede2f19cfee50bd97a2c7ea04b6e83660fb2f","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-299","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-297",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]