[{"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-490":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},1240016,1667,"Chapter 489","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-490",490,"\u003Cp>A messenger had gone to the Gu family. I swallowed hard at Nahi’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What should I do…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold sweat ran down my back. This was something I hadn’t anticipated at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a way, the Poison King’s actions were the most proper course for a head of a clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blood relative from another family who had come as a guest was harmed within his own clan. Informing the guest’s family about the incident was his duty as head of the clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He really followed through on this.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In most cases, people try to cover up incidents like these. Allowing enmity to grow between clans is inherently problematic and could even damage the standing of the Tang Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Handling things quietly is what one would normally expect. Yet here the Poison King had chosen to handle it openly, leaving me unsettled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is he really someone who would act so honorably?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t think so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, I still don’t believe it. While it’s clear the Poison King is a far cleaner figure than I initially thought, it’s difficult to see him as a head unaffected by worldly concerns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which means…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Could there be some hidden motive?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t know yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I was hoping this wouldn’t become a bigger issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Hopefully, it’ll be fine.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surely he also included the news that I’m unharmed despite the poisoning. He must have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even if my father sees this, it shouldn’t lead to anything drastic.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had to be that way. Anything else would be troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ve already caused enough incidents since my return, so if this adds to the pile, who knows what might happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So… though I earnestly hoped nothing would come of it…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I would come to realize, just a few days later, that this was a world without gods who listened to such prayers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>********************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are several prefectures in Sichuan, but the most notable areas are ultimately defined by their proximity to the Tang Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it’s not the Tang Clan itself, the prominent Pae Clan in Sichuan, and other renowned clans and sects, all lie nearby. In a world dominated by the Magyeong Gate, being close to the major clans is advantageous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One can enter their protective sphere by paying support fees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Particularly, the Tang Clan, which manages commerce as skillfully as the Moyong Clan, has ensured that the prefectures in Sichuan are as vast and well-maintained as those in Henan, where the Martial Alliance resides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as we arrived at the prefecture and entered the streets, a large man greeted me enthusiastically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Paeh Woo-cheol, whom I hadn’t seen in a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Long time no see.\" \"Hahaha! Have you been well?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a bright grin on his fierce face, Paeh Woo-cheol attempted to pull me into a hug. I subtly shifted aside and pushed Cheol Ji-seon, who was standing nearby, into his arms instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh!? Wa—wait…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thrown suddenly, Cheol Ji-seon ended up wrapped in Paeh Woo-cheol’s arms without even a chance to react. Sorry, but I’m not one for hugging other men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amusingly, Paeh Woo-cheol didn’t seem to mind and continued embracing Cheol Ji-seon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Ji-seon, have you been well too?\" \"Ack…! Wa—wait…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite Cheol Ji-seon’s distressed cries, Paeh Woo-cheol didn’t seem to hear him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it alright to just leave them like that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo-hyuk, who had finally returned after two days of wandering around lost, commented as he watched the scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leave them be. They look happy, don’t they?\" \"Happy…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheol Ji-seon was on the verge of fainting from Paeh Woo-cheol’s grip, but to me, even that looked like a kind of happiness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not, well, whatever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I sniffed slightly, Woo-hyuk gave me an odd look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\" \"Are you alright?\" \"What about?\" \"You were poisoned, weren’t you?\" \"Oh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did he know? I chuckled at Woo-hyuk’s words, wondering how he had heard about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was just a bit hungry.\" \"You were hungry, so you ate more poison?\" \"It tasted pretty good.\" \"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo-hyuk looked at me as if I’d lost my mind. To be honest, the taste wasn’t all that bad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Ah, this isn’t good.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I suddenly remembered how Tang So-yeol used to hand me poison tea and I’d say it tasted good. Perhaps I’d developed such a resistance to poison that I was getting used to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Best to act like nothing’s wrong for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you handle everything well?\" \"Hmm….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked if he had a good conversation with the Hermit, and Woo-hyuk hesitated slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\" \"No, nothing happened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore a look that suggested something had happened, but he claimed otherwise. I wanted to press him for details, but I held back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way.\" \"Hm?\" \"You said you’d leave once you met the Master. So, why are you still here?\" \"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo-hyuk flinched at my words. Did he think I’d forgotten? Not a chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately moved ahead, whistling carefreely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah… I’m starving. Should I eat some meat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there he goes, with his nonsense again. Another Taoist eating meat… really?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sighed slightly at his ridiculous behavior and began walking alongside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t planning on chasing him off, but his antics were a bit irritating. Just as I was about to ignore it and keep walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, by the way, the Master asked to see you again.\" \"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tilted my head at Woo-hyuk’s words. The Hermit asked for me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I recalled Namgung Myung kicking me out the last time, and I wondered what this was about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s unlikely to be something Namgung Myung said… so did the Hermit personally request it?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t tell. Why would the Hermit want to see me again? Not that it mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I was planning to go back anyway. This gives me a good reason.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d already been considering paying a visit soon, so being summoned first worked in my favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When should I go?\" \"…He didn’t specify, but knowing Master’s personality, it should be within about seven days.\" \"That’s pretty laid-back.\" \"Haha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Woo-hyuk’s laid-back smile, I was reminded of something I’d always wondered about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come to think of it, how did you become his disciple?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The idle genius of Wudang, the hidden dragon Woo-hyuk—how had he become the Hermit’s disciple? I’d been curious about it, albeit indirectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo-hyuk thought for a moment, then answered with a slight smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s nothing special… just.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile seemed oddly refreshing, yet slightly nostalgic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just two abandoned people getting along… it was something like that.\" \"What are you talking about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s not making any sense again. He didn’t seem particularly eager to explain, so I just walked on ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving Woo-hyuk behind, I headed towards the group of women gathered nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I approached, someone flinched—Tang So-yeol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had joined our group for the prefecture visit as promised, but ever since last time, she seemed a bit shy around me, almost avoiding my gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I put Tang So-yeol out of my mind for now and spoke to someone else walking ahead, observing the sights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enjoying yourself?\" \"Oh, yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah responded with a bright smile. She seemed much more mature than when I first met her, though certain parts of her remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Her appearance is growing more refined.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her looks were maturing, and the same chilly aura was settling in around her, much like in her past life as the Divine Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, her frequent smiles made the corners of her eyes curve slightly, giving her a softer appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I was gently brushing a hand over her golden hair, someone nearby spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s going on?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Moyong Hee-ah. Seeing her after so long, I felt a bit pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Keeping that feeling to myself, I asked Moyong Hee-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\" \"That.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Moyong Hee-ah’s gaze, I scanned the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I realized what she was referring to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hidden warriors scattered inconspicuously around us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only on the rooftops but also mixed in with ordinary people in the crowd, masked warriors filled the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were all from the Tang Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They must have been deployed by the Poison King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I looked at them, I thought to myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is this to protect me? Or to keep an eye on me?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was probably both.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since I’d been harmed within the Tang Clan, they likely had intentions to protect me. But given the things I’d said, they probably also wanted to monitor my actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning away from them, I looked back at Moyong Hee-ah. Staring too long would only raise questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry about it.\" \"What on earth are you getting up to…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moyong Hee-ah rubbed her temples, looking slightly exasperated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, I was poisoned. Shouldn’t you be more worried about that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I was poisoned, Namgung Bi-ah, Wi Seol-ah, and Moyong Hee-ah were all there. But none of them seemed particularly concerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling a bit disappointed, I remarked, but Moyong Hee-ah responded calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master, how could we believe that after seeing your performance?\" \"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah nodded in agreement. Ouch—that stung. Was I really that obvious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You were beyond obvious, you fool.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice of Noya chimed in, as if summoned by my thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I told you, I was actually poisoned…\" \"None of us think you swallowed it without a purpose. Even if you seem reckless, you’re one of the most careful people we know. Isn’t that right?\" \"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t even come up with a response to Moyong Hee-ah’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re planning something again, aren’t you?\" \"It’s nothing big…\" \"Which means it’s actually enormous.\" \"Are you even listening to what I’m saying?\" \"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moyong Hee-ah ran her fingers through her hair as she spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seeing as you can’t explain properly, I’m guessing it’s dangerous.\" \"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And if I ask, you won’t tell me. I know that well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold sweat ran down my back. Each of her words struck with precision. As always, it wasn’t wise to prolong conversations with Moyong Hee-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever I said, I knew she’d win in the end. Reluctantly, I used Woo-hyuk’s method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, where did the White Lotus Sword go?\" \"I know you’re trying to change the subject. I’ll let it slide just this once. Aunt went out to meet someone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Oh, thanks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a cough and scratched the back of my head. That didn’t work at all—damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I continued to walk somewhat awkwardly, Moyong Hee-ah, waving her fan subtly in my direction, asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, Young Master, where are we headed now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’d been wandering for a while since entering the prefecture, so it was natural for her to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only Moyong Hee-ah, but everyone seemed curious as their gazes turned to me. Sensing this, I pointed straight ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’re almost there. It’s just up ahead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s up ahead… oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moyong Hee-ah looked up, letting out a short sound as she realized where we were heading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of us was a large building—probably the second-largest structure in the prefecture. The largest belonged to the trading group most deeply tied to the Tang Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second largest…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Baekhwa Trading Company…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Sichuan branch of the Baekhwa Trading Company, managed by Lady Mi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, when you said you had business… it was with Mother’s… I mean, Lady Mi’s trading company?\" \"What was that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her form of address just now sounded off. Or was it my imagination?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since it wasn’t an immediate concern, I decided to let it go for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’re not planning to stay here until dinner. There are just a few things I need to handle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason for coming all the way to the Baekhwa Trading Company was, as I’d mentioned before, to sell some items I had stashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’d be troublesome to sell them haphazardly.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering the value and rarity of these items, selling them just anywhere could lead to complications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If rumors spread, it would only become more of a hassle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Imagine word gets out that Seol-ah’s been flaunting Night Pearls…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such rumors could attract unwanted attention. Not that I’m particularly worried about danger, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s just annoying to have to deal with.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearing them out individually would be a hassle. And since I had used Lady Mi’s name previously, selling these Night Pearls to the Baekhwa Trading Company seemed like a fair trade to ease my conscience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, that’s what I told myself to ease my conscience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So, whelp, are you saying you actually feel guilty?] ‘Of course. I’m human too, you know.’ [No, you’re not anymore.] ‘…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s really stabbing me in the back here. After letting out a heavy sigh internally, I headed toward the trading company entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll be right back, so wait here on the first floor. It won’t take long.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving those words to my companions, I reached out to open the door of the trading company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before I could grab the doorknob, someone opened the door from the other side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\" \"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the door opened, I came face to face with someone familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An older man with a fierce look and a thin young man. Seeing them, I exclaimed in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Divine Doctor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people before me were the Divine Doctor and Je Gal-hyuk. Just as I wondered why they were leaving the Baekhwa Trading Company…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What’s this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to question the Divine Doctor as his gaze, initially on me, suddenly shifted to someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following his gaze, I turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Huh?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, looking at the Divine Doctor with a frown, stood Cheol Ji-seon.\u003C\u002Fp>",2248,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.032Z",1,"novelbin.me","0f7360e4a717de5b03073da1eed15efc41b00e25344f16f0ec251e687ed3bb19","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-491","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-489",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]