[{"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-396":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},1239872,1667,"Chapter 396","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-396",396,"\u003Cp>As I emerged from my meeting with the Blue Sea Lone Sword, the evening was already well underway. Though there was still some time until the scheduled dinner, I headed to the meeting spot, knowing I didn’t have enough spare time to fit in any training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I get caught, that old man will be furious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Skipping training, especially with someone as relentless as the Tyrant, would surely invite another “training session” that was little more than a beating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He enjoys hitting people more than he lets on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was certain of it. He seemed to take out his frustration from years of suppressed training on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn, I really need to get stronger.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this rate, I’d need enough strength just to avoid getting pummeled. Yet every time I faced him, I was reminded of how far I had to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He crushes me without a second thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gap was absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I once tried challenging him seriously, betting on the outcome, but that ended in total defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Every path is blocked.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My bouts with the Tyrant weren’t simply about competition. His movements destroyed mine, seizing every gap in my defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tyrant’s combat skills were unparalleled. Despite my own cultivation in the Fire Realm, he remained an insurmountable opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a result, every training session left me battered and bruised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The old man also pointed that out once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to admit, I lacked hand-to-hand combat skills. I focused too much on the broad, explosive attacks that came with fire techniques, but lacked the finesse and control necessary for close combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing the Tyrant was making it painfully clear how much I lacked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have to try harder.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, the Tyrant was an excellent teacher, albeit a harsh one. I was slowly improving, practicing movements with the Sky Piercing Technique to increase my agility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pain of this training was almost unbearable, as if I were constantly walking on a bed of nails, with knives twisting in my gut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I can’t endure this, how will I go further?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only pain, after all. I could handle that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except when the pain was so intense I almost fainted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I momentarily lost my footing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Almost passed out there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaking my head clear, I kept walking. This kind of suffering was becoming a routine, and before I knew it, I had arrived at the inn the Poison King had arranged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking up at the grand building before me, I thought:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe I should’ve walked slower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was closer than I expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some hesitation, I sighed and walked toward the inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a flood of information rushed into my senses, immediately alerting me to multiple presences around me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Three on the left, two above, four in front.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards stationed around the inn all radiated an intense aura. The distinctive scent and energy in the air identified them as Tang Clan warriors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re just guards.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes were on me, but I sensed no hostility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But it’s irritating to be watched.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gathered my energy, focusing it to make it sharper and more aggressive. Within seconds, I projected a hostile aura back at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt their reactions ripple through the air as they hesitated, clearly surprised by my response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How should I handle this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tempted to provoke them further, I reconsidered, knowing I was on Tang Clan territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’d better leave it at this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I retracted my energy, their stares lessened. I glanced at the leader, whose wide-eyed expression showed just how taken aback he was. Satisfied, I stepped into the inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, I was greeted by an opulent interior. Though I had seen several inns, this one, rented by the Tang Clan, was the most lavish by far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I glanced around, someone approached and bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for coming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by her attire, she was a Tang Clan servant, but something felt off. She, too, was a martial artist. If I hadn’t been close, I might not have noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re all martial artists.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I continued observing my surroundings. It seemed the entire inn was occupied solely by the Tang Clan, and every servant was a martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could it be because of the prisoner transport?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tang Clan was transporting prisoners to Sichuan for the League, so it made sense they’d bolster their defenses. Still, it was a bit much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, I arrived at the door, and the servant opened it for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! You’re here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King, looking as genial as ever, rose to greet me. He radiated warmth and hospitality, so unlike the other heads of the Four Great Clans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I didn’t let my guard down. Of all the clan leaders, the Poison King was the one I trusted the least.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if reading my thoughts, he addressed me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard you had some trouble on your way here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was referring to the guards around the inn and the servant who’d escorted me. So he knew about everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I met his gaze with a polite smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I apologize if I acted out of curiosity and caused any offense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, nonsense! There’s no offense at all. Young men are often curious. Don’t worry about it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King’s smile broadened as he waved it off. I glanced around the room. It was just the two of us—there was no sign of Tang So-yeol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must have noticed my searching gaze, as he explained:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My daughter will be joining us a bit later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Is something holding her up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I just told her to come later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excuse me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I blinked, taken aback, and he continued with his usual smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are some things I wanted to discuss with you alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill ran down my spine. The fact that he’d deliberately created an opportunity for just the two of us was unnerving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did he want to discuss?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’d prefer, I could call her now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, it’s fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew better than to say anything that might upset him. Tang So-yeol was, after all, his daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed pleased with my response and gestured toward the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must be hungry. Let’s eat first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spread was impressive, but I was hesitant to eat. As I mulled over my options, the Poison King took a bite and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm? Why don’t you eat? There’s no need to be so reserved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah… my stomach is a bit uneasy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Already? You’re too young for that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded, though inwardly, I was relieved there seemed to be no poison in the food. Surely, he wouldn’t poison me without reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, I haven’t done anything to provoke him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I finally reached for a bite, he spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gu Gongja, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When do you plan to take my daughter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My chopsticks froze mid-air. I looked at him, startled, and found him staring back, his green eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did you mean by that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King’s gaze grew intense, as he repeated his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you intend to take So-yeol with you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What?The question left me dumbfounded. He was talking about taking her… but in what sense?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take her? What do you mean by that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King’s expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you just toying with her then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Toying? That’s not—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t lie! It’s clear she has feelings for you. Are you just going to leave her without taking responsibility?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was speechless. I had heard the rumors, after all. There was talk that “So Yeomra” had wooed many daughters from prestigious families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who the hell started that rumor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I never courted anyone. Yet, here he was, demanding an answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tang So-yeol getting married?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The idea caused a strange pang in my chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King’s words made sense. If I couldn’t take responsibility, it was better to let her go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as much as my rational mind understood, a part of me refused to accept it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a breath to steady myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forgive me, Tang Gaju. But as you know, I’m already engaged. I can’t just take So-yeol with me…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tang Clan’s direct daughter couldn’t be taken lightly. But before I could finish, he interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If it’s about your engagement, I can handle that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words made me flinch. He was suggesting breaking off my engagement with Namgung Bi-ah just so I could be with Tang So-yeol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s willing to go that far?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no. That wasn’t what I wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Apologies, but I cannot accept that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face twisted with disappointment, and the air grew heavy with tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you won’t take responsibility then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t mean—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what is it? Are you going to take her as a concubine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Make up your mind, Gu Gongja. So-yeol has shown her feelings, but I won’t let her stay by your side if you’re going to leave her hanging.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were reasonable, and yet…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So-yeol’s getting engaged…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The idea of her being with someone else was infuriating. I didn’t want that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a desperate attempt to steady myself, I thought of something to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t want her to leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My words surprised me. I hadn’t meant to speak, but they came out on their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King’s reaction was instant; his eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as I tried to think of a way to explain myself, the door burst open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing in the doorway, Tang So-yeol looked at me with her eyes wide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She ran over, her cheeks flushed, and grabbed my hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gongja-nim, is it true? You don’t want me to leave?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had no idea she was there. I hadn’t sensed her presence at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it really true?” she asked again, her voice bright with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still holding my hands, she turned to her father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you hear that, Father? He doesn’t want me to leave!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yes, I heard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King sighed as he watched his daughter’s reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then it dawned on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They planned this.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1668,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.031Z",1,"novelbin.me","81e242a96a88b4a1c45034b4919a8b1613316c6e3d349d0fecad680f2357756e","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-397","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-395",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]