[{"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-338":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},1240314,1667,"Chapter 338: Confrontation (2)","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-338",338,"\u003Cp>Students here were at most Peak Realm level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not that, they were merely First and Second-rate martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dark King and Great King said that they would take care of the ones who posed the threat, which were the Sword Queen and the Qinghai Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With those two out of the way, the Palace Lord’s only task was to locate the Poison Phoenix and bring her along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black aura prepared by the Great King began engulfing the Qi around the mountains and started to change its landscape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of power is that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Palace wondered, watching as the blackness slowly swallowed the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt somewhat like his own power, yet distinct from the energy his ‘Heaven’ had blessed him with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems like that aura is doing something to the place, though.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Palace believed that this was an extremely dangerous mission, considering who they might be going against.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the Great King had told him not to worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like that black aura similar to a Formation was doing something to solve that issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which means,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All that remained was to capture all the  Academy instructors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This part was going to be taken care of by the Great King’s underlings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Lord of the Black Palace felt that this was a very thick and nasty aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Dragon Army…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were once an army of Unorthodox martial artists, all of whom had died long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said that they were all killed by the Sword Venerable, who went by the title Wind Sword back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet somehow, not only was the Great King alive, but so was his Black Dragon Army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord watched briefly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is not my concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head away slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no time to dwell on such matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His only goal was to finish his mission and return to his heaven as fast as he could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did this only to repay his debt to the Great King and because he’d heard the Dark King would be coming as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he was a bit curious himself as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He briefly knew what the Great King’s goal was, but he was a little curious about why he wanted the Poison Phoenix of Tang Clan. However, he never asked outright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the black Formation spread fully across the sky,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let us go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The figure beside the Palace Lord spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord, however, frowned at those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do not give me orders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clicking his tongue, he jumped off the cliff, leaping toward the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sharpened his senses as he moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Fusion Realm senses instantly spread, covering nearly the entire mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was rough with his Qi control, so the Sword Queen and the Qinghai Sword would have noticed right away if they were here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, they weren’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they were around, they wouldn’t be in a position to move freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, the Palace Lord continued to expand his senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I found it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he expected, he was able to find his target easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the trees, he spotted a glint of dark green hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her faint Poison Qi let him know that she was a blood relative of the Tang Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t at a very high level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was to the point that he could kill her in an instant if he so wanted to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Palace Lord’s body rode alongside the wind and disappeared in the form of an aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In mere moments, he reached his target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just before extending his hand, he paused to consider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he tell me not to harm her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I believe he said it was fine as long as she was alive. But just in case…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was concerned about the Young Prodigy that was next to the Poison Phoenix.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her appearance and attire identified her instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like she was the blood relative of the Peng Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d been briefed on whom to be wary of, but she wasn’t among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it might be better for me to kill her if I want to have the easiest time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Tang Clan girl scanned her surroundings, the Palace Lord silently formed a sharp spike from his aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He planned to shoot it right at her head to kill her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a slight motion of his hand, his sharp aura shot unerringly toward Peng Ah-hee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Death would likely reach her before she could react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the Palace Lord had that thought,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah-hee!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something unexpected happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his surprise, the Poison Phoenix darted in front of the Young Prodigy beside her, despite his belief she wouldn’t notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord swiftly redirected his hand, shifting the attack and sparing his target’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“S…Soyeol!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hghhh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison Phoenix, however, sustained a severe wound on her arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Ah-hee, though panicked by the sudden attack, quickly moved to stop Tang Soyeol’s bleeding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the scene unfold,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord appeared in front of Tang Soyeol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Girl.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing his deep, resonant voice, Peng Ah-hee looked up at the Palace Lord in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did you know? Someone at your level shouldn’t have been able to notice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Soyeol turned, meeting the Palace Lord’s gaze after hearing his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…W-Who are you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is no need for you to know that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her pupils were filled with fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She seemed to realize instantly just how vast the gap was between her and the Palace Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spark of curiosity lit within the Palace Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did she notice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was, at best, a First-rate martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you the Poison Phoenix of the Tang Clan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Soyeol swallowed nervously at his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t ask twice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord formed another sharp spike with his aura, this time aiming it at Peng Ah-hee instead of Tang Soyeol. He figured it would be a more efficient approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Ah-hee flinched instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Soyeol quickly spoke up in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you… already know? I’m not sure why such a superior senior like you is doing this to us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You sure know how to run your mouth. Is it because you are from a noble clan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A superior senior, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like many in the Orthodox Faction, she had a silver tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For that reason, the Palace Lord found it irksome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord stepped toward Tang Soyeol, as if he’d heard enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Ah-hee moved to shield Tang Soyeol, stepping in front of her, though it was futile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t have too much time, so I hope you don’t fight back. I hate when things get in my way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the black spike appeared around the Palace Lord once more, Peng Ah-hee stepped in front of Tang Soyeol, ready to take the blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How heartwarming their friendship was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it would turn cold once she died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the Palace Lord was about to get rid of Peng Ah-hee and take Tang Soyeol with him,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He halted abruptly, gazing into the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A familiar presence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sensed a guest approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered how she’d detected him; he’d concealed his presence to avoid interference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone was closing in, fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a sharp Lightning Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord redirected the spike meant for Peng Ah-hee toward the source of the Lightning Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pwoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he launched the spike, the approaching girl shoved her companion aside and deflected it with her sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a bad reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like she was at a level where she could afford to do such a thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then sent another attack, more powerful than the last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his heavy aura stabbed into the forest,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Craaaack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning Qi clashed with his attack, and a violent sound echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the impactful collision,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His attack was sliced apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was able to cut an attack from a Fusion Realm martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was truthfully impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, the one with the Lightning Qi emerged from the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…As I expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord spoke, checking her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I could’ve sworn I’ve felt this Qi before. It was none other than the blood relative of the Sword King.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The daughter of the Sword King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a girl he fought before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I presume you have some business with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the girl emerged, she tied back her white hair, pointed her sword at the Palace Lord, and cast a glance at Tang Soyeol, who struggled to catch her breath, leaning against a rock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while. I believe we’ve met before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face was familiar to him. Back in the main palace he’d intended to discard, she’d been wandering with the Flaming Demon’s child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you remember me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord, recalling the memory, asked Namgung Bi-ah. She nodded in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet you still raise your sword against me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a way, he felt mocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like he looked like a joke even to a young child like her, wielding her sword against him despite their vast difference in power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do I look like a joke to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or maybe it’s because I lost to the Flaming Demon that day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black aura started to pour out from the point of his feet, forming into a sharp shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt as though he was being looked down upon by a Young Prodigy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Even though I am the Lord of the Black Palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ominous smile spread across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mission was to capture the Poison Phoenix, but the Namgung Clan belonged to the Sword King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant that she was the daughter of the annoying man who knew how to run his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t bad at all for the Palace Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m in debt to the Sword King anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, the Palace Lord spoke to Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’d just walked away, pretending not to notice… you might have lived. How fooli- “\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Is it you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…The one responsible for putting that girl in that state…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Poison Phoenix? That’s right, I am the one- “\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flash of light appeared before the Palace Lord just as he responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah had unleashed her Lightning Qi, striking at him with her sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Craaack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord defended with his aura, observing Namgung Bi-ah closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Qi was far more powerful than he had expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This much power at such a young age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like he was right to be impressed by her earlier, because Namgung Bi-ah’s level was incomparable to other Young Prodigies at her age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang-! Craack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As her sword clashed with his aura, she angled her blade to avoid it on her next strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She adjusted her attack style after her sword was blocked by his aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her quick judgment impressed him, but the killing intent behind each strike was even more remarkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord felt that she was serious about killing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t the usual ferocity of a Young Prodigy, nor was it typical of an Orthodox Faction martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she closed the distance, a heavy aura bound the Palace Lord’s feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master of Swords, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the Namgung Clan’s Secret Art, taught only to its bloodline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said that this ability used a great amount of Qi and was extreme in difficulty, but this girl was using it way too casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her explosive Lightning Qi filled the air, and her sword remained calm and sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It impressed even the almighty Lord of the Black Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword King gave birth to an unbelievable child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was her level?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed well over Peak Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The precision of her Qi control made it clear she had broken through her limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like she had perfected Peak Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’s a monster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To reach a perfected form of Peak Realm in her early twenties, basically meant that she was a talent sent down by the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord thought to himself as he blocked her relentless swordplay with his aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I must get rid of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had already reached this level, he had no choice but to kill her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew that she would be a problem for him in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Claaang-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Lightning Qi multiplied itself once more to increase its numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qi in her sword was also firm and powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a Sword Force that was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She moved swiftly, yet her footsteps were silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It showed that she even perfected her movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dodging each surge of the Palace Lord’s aura, Namgung Bi-ah swung her sword with relentless precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a graze from his aura was dangerous, yet she showed no hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sliced through his aura and opened up a path for herself,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Craaack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She charged through it, her Lightning Qi blazing in her wake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She increased her speed with Qi then smoothly transitioned into swinging her sword, as if she was showing that all her training wasn’t for nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her movements were smooth, but her attack was sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, she sliced through his aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, a clear path was opened before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the opening, Namgung Bi-ah charged at him, her sword brimming with Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was aiming for his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You definitely are outstanding above others.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as her Lightning Qi-enhanced sword was about to make contact with the Palace Lord,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But that is where it ends.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden burst of aura struck Namgung Bi-ah’s flank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact sent Namgung Bi-ah flying, but she barely managed to land on her feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She fixed her posture and charged her Qi again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, she had no time to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord’s attack continued to rush at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even in that moment, you protected your stomach with your Qi. I am very shocked.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His attacks got harsher, as if his previous strike had only been a warm-up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was so rough and fast that it started to form dust from the dirt on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your quick judgment is also impressive. If this was a different situation, I might’ve asked you to join my side.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was being honest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talents like hers were rare in the Central Plains; he’d have shackled her to him if he could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was how impressive she was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I can’t do that because of this unfortunate timing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord had to become somewhat serious because Namgung Bi-ah wasn’t someone who he could play around with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was glad to have found her now rather than later, when she’d be even more formidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his mission was to capture the Poison Phoenix, he was killing two birds with one stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charging his aura, the Palace Lord paused, thinking he’d gathered enough power to finish her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He may have been shocked by the fact of her being a Peak Realm martial artist at her age, but in the end, it was only Peak Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a clear difference between a Peak Realm and a Fusion Realm martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he prepared to unleash his attack, something flew through the thick veil of dust,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sword strike sliced through the air, aimed directly at the Palace Lord’s neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, blood splattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It came out from the Palace Lord’s neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like her attack was successful,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You little…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she wasn’t successful after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her strike had been swift and strong, but the protective aura around him had dulled its impact; it had only wounded his neck, sparing his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord looked at her, his expression one of shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ha.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his sight, unbelievable traces of attacks were left on the ground, and Namgung Bi-ah was looking at him with blood running down her body after she protected herself from his attacks with her Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like the only emotion left in her eyes was disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord quickly concealed his shock at the sight of her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this what she planned?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew that she stood no chance against her opponent, so she waited until her opponent let his guard down to send a single powerful strike that would end him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that was her strategy all along, then this girl was truly terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had endured all the pain just for this one strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she planned this ever since the start of our battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must die here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It got to the point that the Palace Lord wasn’t surprised anymore, but tired instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d thought so before, but now he was certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to kill her here, no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah appeared unable to hold herself up any longer; she lost her balance and collapsed to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She must have risked lots of things for that single strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord approached Namgung Bi-ah who lay on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to kill so that he didn’t run into her in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he charged his Qi along with that thought,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp sound came from where the Poison Phoenix was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord turned his gaze toward her, wondering what was happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly concealed his shock at the sight before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you… doing right now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Soyeol, who had been slumped against the rock, had stabbed her thigh with her dagger and now held the blade against her neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes were fierce and resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>",2903,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","022453817c3024c979cc6af7ce552f5784154662dc9fb9ee7151dc50c9d8b9ab","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-339","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-337",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]