[{"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-497":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},1240023,1667,"Chapter 496","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-497",497,"\u003Cp>A renowned martial artist from Wudang, known as the strangest of them all. He was a disciple of the current head of Wudang and was consistently counted among Wudang’s greatest experts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than a decade ago, he defeated Hyeok Eochun, the Dual-Blade Swordsman of the Simao Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like the Sword Queen, he single-handedly blocked a major demonic gate that appeared in a civilian area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to such feats, there was once a time he almost contended with Namgung Jin, the current Sword King, for the vacant position of Sword King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, due to his increasingly strange behavior, he ultimately never earned the title. The Hermit despised helping others, and despite being a Daoist, he indulged in meat and alcohol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike Wudang’s philosophy of tranquil flow, he was wild and unpredictable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would laugh heartily, only to suddenly draw his sword and slaughter his opponent without any clear reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, it was revealed that the man he killed had been a notorious lecher terrorizing village women, silencing the controversy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even after that incident, he frequently caused unexplained commotions, leading to rumors that Wudang grew tired of him and sent him away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Possessing both exceptional martial power and skill, he rescued the impoverished, displaying chivalry, yet often acted crudely, unbecoming of a Daoist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, people called him the “Strange Hermit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the Wudang Hermit—or rather, Namgung Hyung—this reputation felt a bit unjust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main reason he ended up with such an ill reputation was, in large part, the cantankerous old spirit housed within his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung faced many life hardships, but the most significant was the day he finally seized Thunder Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I found it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unknown staff at the center of the Namgung family's storage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung’s life changed completely at that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You... You are the one destined to revive the Namgung clan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered the voice that pierced his ears, worn and exhausted, as he grasped the staff with blood-stained hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Namgung Hyung, his voice rough, asked who was speaking,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunder Fang replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am Namgung Myung.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t care who you are; as long as you carry Namgung’s blood, it makes no difference.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Myung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Namgung Hyung raised his head at the familiar name, Thunder Fang, resting atop the table, began to emit light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grasp Thunder Fang, and carry my will. Then...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Revive the fallen Namgung.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young Namgung Hyung could not comprehend the meaning of those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Namgung family, a key pillar among the Four Great Houses, was still regarded as a prestigious clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had fallen, and what was left to revive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he couldn’t understand Namgung Myung’s words,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still took hold of Thunder Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grasping Thunder Fang made him feel he could escape this terrifying and repulsive household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swept away by an inexplicable feeling, Namgung Hyung seized Thunder Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He managed to escape the Namgung family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wasn’t entirely in line with Namgung Myung’s true intention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As noon arrived, right on schedule,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung was, as always, swinging his sword, sitting on a rock, filling his empty stomach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he shoved a handful of rice balls into his mouth,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How long do you intend to remain stubborn?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold voice rang in Namgung Hyung’s ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This, too, had become part of his daily routine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn’t this enough?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung delayed his answer, finishing the rest of his rice and washing it down with water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after swallowing his third rice ball did he feel slightly full.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he was about to enjoy a moment of peace,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though I didn’t like what your grandfather proposed, I don’t think it’s a bad idea.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Haah...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he tried to ignore it, he eventually had to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a spirit, it seemed tireless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It doesn’t seem like I’m the one being stubborn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My descendant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old man, how long will you be so stubborn? I’ve told you from the start; I have no intention of returning to that family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How can a Namgung bloodline refuse to return to Namgung?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I get annoyed, I leave. What’s the big deal? Will the family crumble without me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, that’s why I’m saying this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Myung’s firm tone made Namgung Hyung chuckle wryly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old man. If the family would fall without me, then let it fall.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You insolent child...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems my grandfather’s words have gotten under your skin. Give up. If I intended to yield to that talk, I would’ve given in long ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recalled his grandfather, Cheonjon, visiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Return to Namgung, and he would even be granted the head position?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of his half-brother, who had clawed for that position, made him smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A position that could vanish with a mere gesture from Grandfather, what does it even mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no interest. Even if a sword were at his throat, he wouldn’t return to Namgung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was that Wudang, too, was making a fuss about his return, and with Cheonjon involved, it was just a bother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s time to move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been a year since he settled in Sichuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought he’d been quietly hiding, unnoticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did they find him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My disciple wouldn’t have leaked it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He doubted Woo-hyuk would spread word about him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In any case, it’s troublesome.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d planned to stay here for a few more years, but with Cheonjon’s visit, it seemed he had to relocate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where to this time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps North Sea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a bad choice. A place he’d always wanted to visit—the frozen land untouched by factions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a perfect place for a tranquil retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My descendant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pondered his plans, Namgung Myung spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung responded with a slight snort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As we first agreed, I will complete your sword and return it to Namgung. Isn’t that why I practice day and night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you expect anything more, leave. The family will happily take it back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Myung stopped vibrating, and Namgung Hyung sighed internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood Namgung Myung’s intentions and appreciated his help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But embodying and carrying out those intentions wasn’t something he desired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to change the topic, Namgung Hyung spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, will you ever tell me what happened last time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What are you talking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Last time, when that young monster showed up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young monster referred to the one his disciple brought along as a friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung was quite pleased with the nickname he’d come up with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What else could he be but a monster?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung truly believed his disciple would shake the world. His disciple had talent and learned quickly, seemingly destined for greatness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his laziness and love for sleep, he thought it was a talent that would eventually surpass it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Beyond his league, truly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They called him So-yeomra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this little monster was leagues apart from his disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Complete, or nearly so, as a warrior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lazy, disrespectful presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Namgung Hyung saw the hidden blade within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blade so keen, it felt as if it would cut everything around him the moment it was unsheathed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A monster’s child would be no less a monster.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing So-yeomra, a young boy of the Gu family, he recalled their family head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sight of him alone was enough to send shivers down his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he forget that moment when the earth and sky seemed to burn?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The long red hair like flames and his blazing red eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Hyeok Eochun, the Dual-Blade Swordsman of Simao, in his grasp, he turned to Namgung Hyung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You beat me to it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he vanished into flames. The moment was fleeting, but Namgung Hyung couldn’t forget it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew he couldn’t win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing Hyeok Eochun’s last struggle with ease, the overwhelming presence around him was unforgettable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[That kid’s strength isn’t just his own.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Myung’s cold tone reached him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[With a greater monster attached, it’s no wonder he’s strong.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung’s face grew curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed he understood what Namgung Myung hinted at.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Will you not share that story either?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The day So-yeomra appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung was shocked that he could hear Namgung Myung’s voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one had ever been able to hear Namgung Myung’s voice before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was, it seemed So-yeomra, too, had something akin to Namgung Myung, yet Namgung Hyung couldn’t hear it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You don’t need to know.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Myung avoided the topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if reluctant to tell Namgung Hyung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung spoke in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least hide your emotions when you speak. It’s distracting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Embarrassment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the first time Namgung Hyung sensed something different in Namgung Myung’s usually composed tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have no idea what has you so ashamed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Who’s ashamed?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re the one acting like a caught thief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Quiet.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing he didn’t deny it, there must’ve been something there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though tempted to probe further, Namgung Hyung restrained himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he’d summoned someone who could answer instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint, approaching presence appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing its speed, it was a warrior, and one of them was Woo-hyuk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two other presences besides Woo-hyuk’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One with a strong presence like So-yeomra’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was the third?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Namgung Hyung increased his energy to check,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tingling sensation washed over him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an aura he couldn’t ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few moments,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, Woo-hyuk landed lightly on the ground. He was carrying what seemed to be a boar on his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed he brought it as a gift—such a thoughtful kid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Namgung Hyung looked at the boar, his gaze landed on someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fierce young man—So-yeomra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And beside him…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With white, clear skin and striking features.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung immediately recognized who she was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you’re my niece.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was likely his half-brother’s daughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one now called the Sword Dance Maiden, engaged to So-yeomra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her, Namgung Hyung stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah slightly widened her eyes upon seeing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems my brother raised you well; your aura is sharp.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Brother?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his words, Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung chuckled at her reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could tell they hadn’t told her about him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Typical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, he bore her no ill will, so he managed a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's no need for a warm greeting… I am—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was about to introduce himself,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My descendant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Myung’s voice echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old man?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Draw your sword.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eh? What’s…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sssrrk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Namgung Myung spoke, Namgung Hyung’s hand moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t his will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instinctively tightened his grip to resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword didn’t budge. He’d intended to draw it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung hadn’t stopped himself; he, too, was shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone held the sheath firmly in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Hyung was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant he hadn’t sensed their approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they had anticipated his draw, blocking him before he could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at the person with wide eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And was shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The face he saw as he met his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice reached his ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if struggling to contain his anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What were you trying to do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blue eyes glowing amidst an intense aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, So-yeomra, who was a spitting image of the red-haired man, began to slowly intensify his aura.\u003C\u002Fp>",1869,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.032Z",1,"novelbin.me","065af9bc14e46a5821f5831c0058bf0985b922a900ae1de6cfa3a226324a5ebb","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-498","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-496",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]