[{"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-446":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},1239922,1667,"Chapter 445","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-446",446,"\u003Cp>Rustle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A leaf slowly floated down in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman reached out, catching one among the many falling leaves. In this season, the leaves should have been vibrantly colored, but this one was withered and dry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She frowned at the sight. As she looked at the brittle, lifeless leaf, her gaze shifted to find the cause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer lay ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the borderland leading into Sichuan, a desolate hellscape stretched as far as the eye could see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once a thriving forest, it had lost its vitality long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shocking part was that this transformation of Sichuan’s once-lush forest took less than five years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was all due to magi (magical energy). The forest served as both a statement and a warning to the orthodox factions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the demonic forces expelled the Tang Clan and killed Tang So-yeol (Poison Queen), spreading magi to turn the forest into this barren state was more than symbolic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was both a declaration of this land as the Demonic Sect's territory and—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warning that orthodox members are forbidden from crossing into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing this, the woman bit her lip even harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her golden eyes turned toward the dry forest, gazing far into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stared ahead, as if trying to see something—or perhaps someone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because of this focus, she failed to notice someone approaching from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp sound of a footstep made her heighten her senses, her hand moving instinctively to her sword hilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t draw it. Another hand had halted her from unsheathing her sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person who stopped her sword smiled slightly, addressing her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You seem troubled, Wi Seol-ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speaker was an elderly man with strikingly white hair. Recognizing him, the woman swiftly calmed her aura, hiding her fighting spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She immediately bowed respectfully—he was, after all, someone worthy of such reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Greetings, Heavenly Lord.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man was none other than Heavenly Lord, one of the Three Lords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman glanced over his clothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once, Heavenly Lord would have worn the blue martial robes symbolizing the Namgung Clan, but ever since his family’s destruction, he had insisted on wearing black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Last of the Namgung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such was another of Heavenly Lord's titles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems you didn’t sense my presence. Is something on your mind?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing his words, the woman gave a faint, rueful smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My apologies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Wi Seol-ah’s words, Heavenly Lord stroked his beard, chuckling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s no need for you to apologize. I merely asked out of concern. If anything, I should apologize.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, it’s not necessary… I was lost in thought for a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah’s response made Heavenly Lord nod slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief exchange, Wi Seol-ah looked at him with a somber expression and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Will you be joining us on this mission, Heavenly Lord?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his answer, Wi Seol-ah bit her lip slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed that the ally Sword King had mentioned was indeed Heavenly Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sword King told me we would depart tomorrow. Is that decision the Strategist of the Martial Alliance's?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Strategist of the Martial Alliance was the advisor to the Martial Alliance, known by her title.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn’t hear all the details, but I believe so,\" Wi Seol-ah replied, and Heavenly Lord cast a displeased glance her way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, he didn’t voice any objection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Strategist of the Martial Alliance had accomplished much, so despite his misgivings, it was hard to openly criticize her decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this truly wise?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Wi Seol-ah who asked this question. Hearing her concern, Heavenly Lord looked at her with a peculiar expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he let out a brief chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew what Wi Seol-ah was truly asking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that Heavenly Lord was joining this mission meant he was disregarding Cheonma’s earlier warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because of this, Heavenly Lord’s eyes grew colder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you concerned for my safety, or are you worried about Cheonma’s movements?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing the deep emotion in his words, Wi Seol-ah quickly replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, I…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped mid-sentence, biting her lip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had intended to say she was concerned for Heavenly Lord’s well-being, but she realized that wasn’t entirely true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing this, Wi Seol-ah bowed her head deeply before Heavenly Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have acted disrespectfully… My apologies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she felt the powerful aura radiating from Heavenly Lord recede slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of silence, Heavenly Lord slowly walked past her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He headed toward the boundary separating Sichuan from the outside world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reaching the edge, Heavenly Lord spoke in a somewhat heavy voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Raise your head.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I, too, understand what concerns you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tone of Heavenly Lord’s voice was more filled with bitterness than anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s truly laughable, isn’t it? The Three Lords, once revered, are now paralyzed by a single person’s warning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew how terrifying Cheonma was to be referred to in such a way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\"I will not allow the Three Lords to set foot in Sichuan again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That casual statement had effectively restrained the Three Lords, who once ruled the Central Plains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Cheonma appeared, the martial prowess he demonstrated, his unyielding stance against the Three Lords, and his ability to summon calamity with a mere gesture were enough to instill terror in many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavenly Lord understood this clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only reason the Martial Alliance and orthodox factions could hold out in the Central Plains was that Cheonma had chosen not to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though it hurt his pride and deepened his inner demons, this was the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reality wouldn’t change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While no one knew why Cheonma hadn’t acted over the past few years…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone, including the Three Lords and the leaders of the orthodox factions, understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Cheonma truly wished to move, this war would have ended long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of that overwhelming presence, Heavenly Lord wondered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What exactly are you waiting for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A monstrous being whose motives were unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew why it remained inactive, though it could end the war at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a bitter situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought back to Wi Seol-ah’s worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unintentional anger he had felt was because Heavenly Lord knew that, in the end, he could not defeat Cheonma either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as an ally, Heavenly Lord would not cross into Sichuan. The Martial Alliance’s plan had stipulated as much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Tsk.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling this, he scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not cross\" into Sichuan, indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How absurd was the thought? It wasn’t that they wouldn’t cross; it was that they couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, they were too preoccupied with preserving their pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavenly Lord closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing to see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if he were looking into the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the darkness, he saw a faint glimmer of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tiny, delicate light, so fragile that it could shatter with the slightest touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing it, Heavenly Lord slowly opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There stood a woman with golden hair and golden eyes, much like Sword Saint had in his youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman gazed at the Sichuan forest as if something troubled her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was nearing thirty, with a slender frame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Heavenly Lord’s eyes, her body seemed far too frail to carry the hope of the Central Plains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she was indeed their hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavenly Lord swallowed a sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world that placed its hope on such a small woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He himself waited for her, as did the ever-consuming vengeance that gnawed at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavenly Lord cleared away his mounting thoughts and resumed his steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s return together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Heavenly Lord's words, Wi Seol-ah followed suit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Hall stirred at Mugwon’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The forces of the Martial Alliance were beginning to gather in a village outside Sichuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implications of his words were anything but shallow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seated on the throne, Maje looked at Mugwon with a glint of curiosity in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Mugwon answered firmly, all eyes turned toward him, filled with questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shared their sentiment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What’s suddenly happening at this time?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Martial Alliance was abruptly mobilizing its forces. This wasn’t something I remembered happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words Mugwon had spoken echoed in my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Why?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, Wi Seol-ah, who was still known as Small Sword Saint, shouldn’t be here in Sichuan at this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Sichuan had become the demonic territory, her role would have been to hunt down demonic beings outside and defend her designated area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sichuan was distinctly within the boundaries that Cheonma had set; there was no reason for her to appear here now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I don’t understand.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Martial Alliance would know this better than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d know that she shouldn’t recklessly enter such a battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this current situation, Wi Seol-ah was the only hope for the Martial Alliance. Losing her would be tantamount to losing the war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They’re sending Wi Seol-ah into this mess?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bringing Divine Sword into a situation without even knowing the full plan… It’s giving me a headache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very least, I had assumed she wouldn’t appear in battles involving Sichuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, not only were forces gathering here unexpectedly, but this was happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘From where…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where exactly had things started to go astray in this world?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I wanted to find the cause…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Could it be because of my presence?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the only possibility that made sense, yet I still couldn’t fully accept it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could my presence alone cause events to spiral this drastically? Situations can change with the smallest of actions, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was beyond reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘As if someone knows I’m here.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt almost as if someone had realized my existence and forced this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clenched my fists, furrowing my brows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever the reason, Wi Seol-ah must not appear here in this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She is the hope of this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sigh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought of the woman who would bear the weight of the world on her small shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cursed burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A burden that no one could bear for her, one she held alone in this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mere thought made me curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Three Lords, once called the sky of the Central Plains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Four Great Clans, once the pillars of the orthodox factions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Nine Gates, who once protected and built strength in each region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite all these powerful figures, how did it come to be that a single woman held the hope of the world?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And, why must she avoid appearing here in the current situation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I pondered the reason, I bit down hard on my tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah had become the Central Plains’ hope due to her unique power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Anti-Demonic Force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A force specialized in fighting against demonic beings.\u003C\u002Fp>",1785,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.032Z",1,"novelbin.me","2fe969b10e7cae432ddb69d9ef066461b5d8e794ec59f927445d3e9243e5537c","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-447","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-445",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]