[{"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-493":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},1240019,1667,"Chapter 492","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-493",493,"\u003Cp>\"How does this technique even work? It resembles transformation arts, but I've never seen a method this intricate before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been roughly half an hour since I prepared myself to face Paejon’s reprimand. Yet, Paejon showed no interest in my current state, fixating solely on the Qi Transformation Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes sparkled with fascination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fascinating. Is it possible to extend or shorten your arms and legs with it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I haven't tried, but it seems doable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the Qi Transformation Technique didn’t require an immense amount of internal energy, it did demand a highly refined and precise level of control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn’t be practical to use it in actual combat as Paejon envisioned. Perhaps with practice? I wasn’t certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It’s likely possible.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pardon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lost in thought, I was startled by Shin Noya’s abrupt interjection. Possible? Like Paejon suggested, could I extend my limbs during combat to disorient opponents?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[After all, Tang Jemoon used this in combat; it’s not impossible.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could practically visualize it as Noya spoke nonchalantly—Tang Jemoon using this technique in the heat of battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stretching arms and legs like some kind of malleable dough? I doubted its efficiency, but I couldn’t deny it would look odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Forget the appearance. The real issue is that you mustn’t show this martial art recklessly.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Noya dismiss the odd appearance made me suspect he didn’t find the sight of it in battle particularly appealing, either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that out of the way, I decided to shift the conversation to another question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So why can't I show this martial art?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The idea of not using Qi Transformation Technique before others—that was what bothered me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It’s not so much that you mustn’t show it to others. To be precise, it’s about caution with anyone from the Tang Clan.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And why is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kid, you probably already guessed it. Qi Transformation Technique is one of Tang Clan’s secret arts.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded slightly. Noya was merely confirming what I had suspected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A transformation art this refined and exceptional certainly deserved the title of secret art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[From what I can tell, it seems the Qi Transformation Technique has been lost.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was also true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given that such an intricate transformation art hadn’t spread, it was understandable that it was lost a long time ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, if anyone in the Tang Clan finds out, they’ll react strongly—is that what you mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Indeed. Even if it’s considered lost, the head and elders are bound to know of its existence.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand, but… Noya?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Go on.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you okay with me keeping it, then?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noya seemed to contemplate my question for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question was simple: since it was a lost secret art of the Tang Clan and Tang Jemoon had given it directly to me, wouldn’t it be appropriate to return it to the Tang Clan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, I’d just keep it without a second thought, but considering Noya’s relationship with Tang Jemoon, it felt a bit more complicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Noya wished for the art’s return to the Tang Clan, I’d likely hesitate… maybe a lot… but eventually, I’d return it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[There’s no need.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noya refused outright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt compelled to ask again just to be sure, but the answer remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Tang Jemoon didn’t specifically tell you to return it, so there’s no reason to force yourself to do so.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…However…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Considering his personality, if he had wanted that, he would’ve said so himself. The fact that he didn’t means it’s not necessary. Besides…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, Noya’s voice grew cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I have no desire to give it to the current Tang Clan.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rare, icy tone in Noya’s voice silenced me. I had no further questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frankly, this wasn’t the time for further conversation, either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon, who seemed mesmerized by the Qi Transformation Technique, was now prodding various parts of my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, this isn’t due to a martial technique.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon quickly deduced this, and interest gleamed in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, that’s correct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had been the main topic. It was odd that Paejon, usually indifferent to anything but martial arts, seemed so absorbed in my transformed body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One minor issue, though…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your physique is extraordinary. The density is remarkable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though I knew there was no strange intent, the way he was poking and prodding wasn’t exactly pleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he assessing my muscles?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After inspecting various areas, Paejon stepped back and inquired,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You must have had some remarkable experience.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Something akin to bone renewal, but… somewhat different. I assume the accumulation of Qi in your central dantian is related to that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he deduce that much just from a few glances and touches?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His casual remark was uncannily accurate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon’s gaze met mine, his uniquely intense, unfathomable eyes boring into me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your stability in cultivation has improved.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Yes, it has.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I always knew you were hiding secrets. Seems they’re deeper than I anticipated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each word he spoke carried weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon had always been that way. He seemed to care about nothing outside martial arts, yet…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It felt like he saw far more than he let on.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That peculiar sensation had always lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon posed a question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it something you can explain?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t readily answer that question. Could I explain what happened?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not likely. Even though I’d become his disciple, forming a master-student bond with him, I hadn’t built enough trust with Paejon for that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same likely applied to him as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be too burdensome in many ways to explain this matter under the current circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Paejon looked away and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it’s something you can’t explain, don’t worry about it. That’s not what matters to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was surprised by how easily he let it go. I had expected him to press for answers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, it seemed that martial arts were the only thing that truly mattered to Paejon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And, as if on cue…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The only thing that matters is whether or not you can inherit my martial art. Any issues with that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon inquired whether my transformed body could learn Tua Pacheonmu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for my response…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No issues.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, it wasn’t a problem. Though my humanity had changed, and my dantian had shifted, it shouldn’t hinder my martial training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing my answer, Paejon gave a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then that’s enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as I could learn the martial art, that was all he needed to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, that statement sent a chill down my spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a stark reminder that for Paejon, martial arts were everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[That’s obsession.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more time spent around Paejon, the more palpable his fervor for martial arts became. If anything, he was probably the most fitting embodiment of a martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your body’s strengthened, but you don’t seem accustomed to the altered distance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon’s words hit the mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was so focused on maintaining my old form through Qi Transformation Technique upon arrival that I hadn’t adjusted to my larger frame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t even tested the full extent of my new strength and cultivation, given how busy I’d been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon seemed to mull this over briefly before a smile appeared on his face, as if he’d thought of something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And it’s perfect timing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sense of dread washed over me as he smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perfect timing… for what, Elder?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you’re unfamiliar with your body and the level you’ve reached, isn’t there an ideal way to get accustomed to it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I started to ask, confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon loosened up and grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come at me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excuse me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve been curious to see how much you’ve changed. This is a great opportunity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait a moment. How exactly is this a great opportunity?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he mean a great opportunity to beat me up?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that really what he meant?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at him, dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re itching to see for yourself, aren’t you? This will be good for you as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon’s words left me breathless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, I’d been frustrated, unable to assess the full extent of my transformed body and new power. But to do so… by fighting him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While I did need to confirm my capabilities, fighting Paejon was not how I had planned to do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not that I enjoyed being beaten senseless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Or maybe… it won’t be one-sided this time?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With my heightened level, things could go differently now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling a rush of excitement, I began to feel the heat rise within me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I also need to curb my overconfident disciple’s arrogance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon must have sensed this, laughing as he spoke. Damn, he saw through me completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How is it that everyone seems to read my expressions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resigned, I let out a soft sigh and raised my fists. Judging by Paejon’s demeanor, there was no way he’d let me walk away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, there was indeed a need to test myself as he suggested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been a while since we last sparred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though we’d had some practice bouts to train for Tua Pacheonmu, this would be the first real fight since the Sinryong Hall incident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This time, you can use more than just Tua Pacheonmu. Use everything you’ve got.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you certain?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? Concerned for me, are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon chuckled at my words, clearly amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry, I’m not weak enough to be beaten by my snot-nosed disciple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, I couldn’t help but feel a bit hesitant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a distinct gap in our levels, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can tell what you’re thinking, so let’s make a bet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A bet?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. If you manage to land even a single hit on me, I’ll call you ‘big brother’ for the next seven days and nights.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you say? If not, then perhaps—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish, I threw a punch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon tilted his head, effortlessly dodging it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, I missed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon looked at me with an amused expression, as if baffled by my audacity. He hadn’t expected me to throw a punch mid-sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It didn’t work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha… how did I end up with a disciple like this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d thought it was the perfect moment for a surprise attack, but I’d failed. A shame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a cracking sound as Paejon straightened himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seems like… you need a bit of discipline.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could feel a faint trace of anger in his words, sending a chill down my spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe I’d gone too far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kid, you always manage to get yourself into trouble first.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Shin Noya sighed with exasperation, I gathered all my strength and charged at Paejon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As dawn began to break, the Divine Doctor found himself squinting at an unexpected visitor who had shown up at such an early hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was surprising enough that anyone would seek him out this early, let alone this particular individual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I apologize for showing up so early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard you had something to ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, it’s just…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually, before that—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Doctor cut him off, unable to hold back his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What happened to your face?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon fell silent at the Divine Doctor’s question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he’d run into him the previous day, Gu Yangcheon had looked completely fine. But now, his face was so bruised and swollen, as if he’d been thoroughly beaten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you… get into a fight?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t bring himself to ask if he’d lost, but anyone could tell it hadn’t ended well for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon suddenly grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he get hit so hard that he’d lost his senses…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Doctor frowned slightly, feeling a touch of discomfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still… I won the bet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon continued to smile, his swollen face looking oddly triumphant.\u003C\u002Fp>",1952,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.032Z",1,"novelbin.me","bea09b493badc275c9a756d6a16b88e14086b104e3ab1aca97185407e2e69ddc","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-494","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-492",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]