[{"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-309":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},1240285,1667,"Chapter 309: CheolYang Cheol the Wicked (2)","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-309",309,"\u003Cp>-Zhuge Jinseon, I should call you that instead perhaps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice resonated clearly in Cheol Jiseon’s thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon clenched his fist at the memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t forget the smile of the Meteor Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did he know?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one was supposed to know that he was Zhuge Jinseon, not the Cheol Jiseon he pretended to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Instructor Cheol Hwanho knew the truth, and Cheol Jiseon was certain he wasn’t the kind to spill the secrets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just… just how?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a mystery how the Meteor Sword had learned his true identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, the Meteor Sword seemed to know even more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-H-How do you know about that…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Cheol Jiseon responded to him without being able to hide his shock,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Calm down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Meteor Sword pointed at him, chuckling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-How could you tell me to calm down right now…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I wouldn’t have looked for you if your name was all I knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his smile, a coldness lingered in the Meteor Sword’s expression as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon flinched at the sight, but he forced himself to remain calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-What are you talking about all of a sudden…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I know that you have a goal here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon gasped after hearing the Meteor Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-It must be a long journey to achieve your goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…What are you trying to say?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I will help you achieve that goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon frowned as soon as he heard the Meteor Sword’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know how the Meteor Sword found out about his identity or his goal, but his response was even stranger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…Do you even know what my goal is?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Meteor Sword truly knew his goal, he wouldn’t offer help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Zhuge Clan’s resurrection. Isn’t that what you seek for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Meteor Sword’s words hit Cheol Jiseon harder than he expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made no sense for the son of the Alliance Leader to say that—the Zhuge Clan’s history was a scar on the Murim Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…How… do you… know…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon panicked, but the Meteor Sword continued to smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-If you help me, then I will help you in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…What reason do you have for you to help me? What is it that you want from me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I have many reasons, but this is something only you can help me with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-What do you mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon wondered what the Meteor Sword could want from someone like him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just what did he want for him to make an approach in such a way?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Cheol Jiseon’s eyes wavered with uncertainty, the Meteor Sword responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Your ‘Power’, I would like to borrow it for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Crack.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon grinded his teeth at the Meteor Sword’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the thought that haunted him since.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did he… find out about that much?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had concealed this power for nearly a decade, ever since making a promise to his sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from his sister, only a handful—barely three people—knew his secret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, those people weren’t the type of people to spill his secrets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least that had to be the case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He prayed that would be the case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because if it wasn’t, then he wouldn’t be able to trust anyone anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What… What do I do from now on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had believed his plan was perfect, but now it felt as if everything was unraveling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where had it all gone wrong, and how could he begin to untangle this mess?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon clenched his eyes shut because of the overwhelming thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I just want to go back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What would happen if he refused the Meteor Sword’s offer?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t want to think about it, but he already knew the answer from the look in the Meteor Sword’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t even given the option of refusal in the first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sister…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought of his sister, waiting for him from somewhere far away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then was he able to calm down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was the Meteor Sword serious about offering his help?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, then how was he going to help?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as the Meteor Sword, he was still just a young prodigy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Does the son of the Alliance Leader really have that much power?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumors suggested he did, but the Meteor Sword Cheol Jiseon had encountered left him uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Even so, if I can’t help it, then I’ll just have to accept his-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap-! tap-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Cheol Jiseon was thinking in his mind with his eyes shut, someone tapped his shoulders a couple times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lost in thought, he hadn’t noticed someone standing right in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he nearly fell back in shock, the person before him reached out and steadied him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah…! T-Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems like I surprised you, I apologize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile seemed very refreshing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon flinched at the sight of his handsome face, wondering who this person was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This person is?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, recognition dawned on Cheol Jiseon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made sense—others around him were murmuring in surprise as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Isn’t that person from a different group? Why is he here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Wudang’s outfit and that face… He definitely is the Water Dragon, isn’t he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-The Water Dragon? The Water Dragon came here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The students around Cheol Jiseon all turned their gazes to the man before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That much was understandable due to how famous the man was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was one of the Six Dragons and the Three Phoenixes, a young swordsman who was considered Wudang Sect’s biggest hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the Water Dragon himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-Water Dragon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right. I am the infamous sleepyhead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon’s panicked response seemed to amuse the Water Dragon, who smiled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I called you many times but you didn’t respond, so I tapped you a couple times. I’m sorry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“N-No, it’s my fault… But what brought you here…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, it’s not anything special, but I visited you because-“\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did the famous Water Dragon come looking for him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill ran down Cheol Jiseon’s spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Does this person also?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered if he knew about his identity and power too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought filled Cheol Jiseon with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But instead of confirming his fears, the Water Dragon said something completely unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d like to join the Cheolyang Cheol Clique. I hope that you accept me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Clique?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon couldn’t help but frown hearing the Water Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the first time he’s heard of such a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-What Clique?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was it not Cheolyang Cheol? Was it Yangcheol Cheol instead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yangyang? Yangcheol? What kind of monstrous words are those?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon’s confusion deepened, and the Water Dragon tilted his head in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Um, I’m not sure if I understand…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The True Dragon told me if I want to join his Clique, then I must go find his leader and get his approval.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hearing the familiar title, Cheol Jiseon had to hide his shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The True Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing ever went smoothly when that name was involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I… see. Then why did you come looking for me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon didn’t want to know what kind of mess the True Dragon stirred up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no idea what would happen if he got involved in any of his mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought in mind, he asked the Water Dragon, who responded,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm? I came to you because he told me to get your approval.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pardon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was he talking about?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why would he need my approval to join this Yangcheol or Cheolyang group?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-The True Dragon told me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I must go find his leader and get his approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Water Dragon’s words echoed in his mind, Cheol Jiseon felt his heart sink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No way, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A nightmare flashed through Cheol Jiseon’s mind, but he believed that such a thing didn’t happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even the True Dragon would be that crazy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least that had to be the case, Cheol Jiseon prayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cheol Jiseon’s hopes were shattered in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The True Dragon was far crazier than Cheol Jiseon had imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Mad Dog, Cheol Jiseon. I heard you were the leader of the group.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the Water Dragon speak in a calm tone,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could you please accept me in your clique?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as if the atmosphere around him froze entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if a snowstorm had swept through, leaving only icy stillness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Water Dragon’s eyes widened as he noticed Cheol Jiseon struggling to breathe, as if he were about to pass out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wake up, are you okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the Water Dragon fretted over Cheol Jiseon, the surrounding students broke the silence and began to murmur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though of course, they were talking about something completely different now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-He’s the leader…? The True Dragon wasn’t the leader then?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Actually… I heard earlier in the cafeteria where the Water Dragon and the True Dragon spoke to each other. I thought that it was a lie at first, but was it real after all? Ŕ�\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-The Mad Dog huh… He looks weak from outside, but he was a sleeping lion all along?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No! Not at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon shouted after hearing all of the nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did such nonsensical rumors spread, but Cheol Jiseon couldn’t fathom how everyone believed them so easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I-I’m not like tha- “\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-H-Hey! Jin Eesuk! Wake up! Why are you fainting all of a sudden!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Jin Eesuk fainted after the Mad Dog’s roar…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-So the true evil leader wasn’t the True Dragon… but the Mad Dog all along!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the student who picked on him in the past, ended up fainting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it wasn’t because of Cheol Jiseon’s roar, but instead, he was reminded of what the True Dragon did to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Jiseon felt completely at a loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as though his time at the Heavenly Dragon Academy was now utterly ruined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, are you going to accept me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing the Water Dragon urging him stubbornly, Cheol Jiseon responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Do as you wish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was devoid of spirit as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forgetting all about his encounter with the Meteor Sword, Cheol Jiseon spaced out for a while before suddenly speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“True Dragon… you bastard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the first time Cheol Jiseon cursed in his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong, brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woocheol, were you just thinking ill of me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think I would ever do such a thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pe Woocheol responded in astonishment hearing Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he speak ill of Gu Yangcheon with him standing right there?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn’t do such a thing even if it meant death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would instead hang himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really? It felt like someone was talking badly about me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon put on a confused expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m pretty good at spotting them, you know. There’s always so many people around that bad mouths me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is no one around.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right, I guess I must be mistaken.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was understandable. I was already used to people bad-mouthing me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they did, it didn’t bother me much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though of course, if I saw them for myself,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I would’ve folded them into a star.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hgh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pe Woocheol flinched, when I thought violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like he sensed something akin to killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“About the Water Dragon from earlier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I perked up at Pe Woocheol’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was suddenly talking about the Water Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why did you bother even mentioning Brother Jiseon earlier?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? Did it seem strange?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pe Woocheol scratched his cheek at my response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, it’s not that… I just wondered if it was really necessary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like Pe Woocheol struggled to understand why I bothered making another rumor about Cheol Jiseon, when I could have instead accepted or rejected the Water Dragon in that spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was impressed by him for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like he really was smarter than I expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It wasn’t planned, but it might make things easier for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creating a wild rumor about Cheol Jiseon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t necessary, but I felt that it was for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would prevent Cheol Jiseon from being picked on, and it would also spread his name a bit more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Water Dragon wouldn’t fall for it in the first place anyway.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pardon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Water Dragon won’t be fooled by what I said as a lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since we started talking to each other, the Water Dragon had a playful expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t even seem to believe me ever since the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no way my playful lie had fooled him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was a chance that he actually went to Cheol Jiseon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, he wouldn’t have actually done that, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…He might have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t be sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That bastard might have actually gone through with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t normal when it came to things like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he was never normal, to begin with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You are done for today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I told Pe Woocheol as I withdrew my Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Pe Woocheol fell right down on the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like he was at his limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d been supervising his training because he begged me to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was only every now and then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could do this much though.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a pretty amusing sight, especially since Pe Woocheol tried his best to keep up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Gu Jeolyub’s reaction was even funnier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that I think about it,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dishonored Venerable hasn’t visited me ever since then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might be in a different group and room, but I was sure he’d come if he wanted me as his disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like he was trying his best to keep quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the extent that even the Academy’s students didn’t know the Dragon Warrior was among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to be spending his time here hiding his presence as much as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the contrary, I heard a few things about the girl named Bibi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I heard she was called a woodpecker or something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t know much in detail though.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And about Gu Yeonseo…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah told me that Gu Yeonseo had been following her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t know what her intention was, but I should be able to leave them alone since Namgung Bi-ah said that it didn’t bother her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than Namgung Bi-ah, so she would be able to take care of it a-alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I left the exhausted Pe Woocheol on the floor and exited the training ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He will return once he has regained consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s what I told him after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s been around 15 days in the Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had almost completely adjusted to life here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I ran into Yung Pung a few times during training, but it was hard to approach him—he was always surrounded by others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it because he looks good?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his handsome face and kind nature, it was no surprise he attracted so many people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to him…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Others look at me as if I’m a beast of some sort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What can I do about it though?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll just live as I am, born this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I recalled what Tang Soyeol had said about Yung Pung and the Water Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-I feel sick if I look at them for too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Really?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Yes, it’s too much for me to handle physiologically, or physically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said the same when talking about Namgung Cheonjun and Jang Seonyeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like it made Tang Soyeol sick whenever he saw handsome guys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I also recalled Tang Soyeol nodding as she looked at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-As always… I feel refreshed whenever I look at you, Master Gu. You are the best. I think I could live forever just by staring at your face!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, I continued on my way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn’t be long before it was time for bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t long until it was time for me to go to bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was in a bit of a hurry, but there was somewhere I needed to go first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had someone to meet after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My destination was the familiar pathway from before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the path I found while trying to find the secret vault, and it was also the place I met the person I was going to meet right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I got closer, I felt the light scent of flowers pass by me along with the breeze of night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was certainly the scent of plum flowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was dense, but it also felt soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I arrived at my destination, keeping my presence hidden, I saw someone waiting for me in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry to keep you waiting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lady turned at my words, her long black hair flowing in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What should I call you? Instructor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lady smiled after hearing my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a unique yet beautiful smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It doesn’t matter. You can call me anything you want. More than that though, I’d like to hear why you called me in the middle of the night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lady was one of the masters who represented Mount Hua, and the current instructor of the Academy, the Sword Queen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled lightly at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll get straight into it. It’s not anything special, but I’d like to offer something to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Queen tilted her head after hearing my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had a purpose in coming to the Academy, and I needed to achieve it quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would you like to make a deal with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The secret vault that was in the basement of the Heavenly Dragon Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to find it before it was too late, and I needed the Sword Queen’s help to do so.\u003C\u002Fp>",2933,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","68f9b7bc374a90c3d480f6f45742b026c961a4e5411fb02ee00044503da4cd04","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-310","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-308",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]