[{"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-500":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},1240026,1667,"Chapter 499","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-500",500,"\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thunderous explosion erupted in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp sound sliced through the silence. My head had already turned toward it; my body reacted before the sound reached me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish—! Slash—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I twisted quickly, the sharp aura of the Hermit’s blade narrowly grazed my hair. A few strands of black hair floated through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, I raised my qi pressure further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vroooom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi surged from my heart, spreading through my meridians and expanding into every corner of my muscles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As my senses heightened, my field of vision expanded, and movements became far clearer than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something was coming toward me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sword aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I channeled heat through my back, and my heart pounded as a surge of heat burst from my spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A short but fierce explosion erupted from my back, boosting my speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s body shot forward into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barely avoiding the sword aura, he reached right in front of the Hermit in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit exhaled a surprised breath, taken aback by the speed that surpassed his expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He adjusted his sword skillfully, maintaining inner composure despite the outward startle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fluid path of his blade extended rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So fast that, though he wielded only a single sword, it seemed as if multiple blades were striking at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the storm of sword strikes, Gu Yangcheon extended his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He twisted his body, navigating the eye of the hurricane-like vortex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze remained sharp, continuously tracking the sword’s path while he adjusted his movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This kid…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him, the Hermit was stunned. Dodging the blade right in front of him was one thing, but how could he move so seamlessly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each action was executed without the slightest hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with the risk of a fatal wound from a mere graze, Gu Yangcheon approached relentlessly, showing no fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A martial artist at the level of Hwa-gyeong would naturally possess such mental strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But he’s too young for that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy in front of him hadn’t reached an age to have developed this level of resilience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could this also be the result of raw talent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, then it was a curse from the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was such a monstrous figure placed on this earth solely to plunge countless other martial artists into despair?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit felt a blend of exhilaration and chilling fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twisting his body, he shifted the path of his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He admitted his mistake in testing Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit infused his blade with dao energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distinct herbal scent, characteristic of Wudang’s dao practitioners, rose from his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unlike its fragrance, the qi embedded in the blade was fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a single stroke, the Hermit slashed through the air, leaving a lingering trace, as if he had torn through empty space itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon had already gained some distance, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint vibration resonated from the Hermit’s blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of sword energies shot out in every direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Gu Yangcheon quickly spun the ring of the Gu Flame Wheel Art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—! Flames appeared at his waist, the ring expanding swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit’s eyes gleamed with intrigue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Blue flames?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flames were blue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the deep crimson flames his father, the Gu Family Head, used to display.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, Gu Yangcheon’s flames were blue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And along with them…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What is this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unexplained shiver ran up the Hermit’s arm as he looked at the flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an instinctual intimidation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon stomped the ground forcefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ring surrounding his body expanded instantly, spouting flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roar—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flames shot into the air, morphing into various shapes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They resembled ferocious beasts with gaping jaws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of flame beasts swallowed the sword energies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang! Bang! Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energies collided, causing explosions to erupt like fireworks in mid-air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is insane.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching this, the Hermit couldn’t help but laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his own qi was denser—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overwhelming energy within Gu Yangcheon’s flames simply smothered and erased it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How vast must his dantian be to hold such qi?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s not just talent, then.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For him to unleash such monstrous talent, his foundation was equally solid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he showing off his skills on purpose?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that dazzling display, the Hermit’s attention wavered momentarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a wave of intense heat rushed toward him from right in front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn…!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly turned his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon had already breached the Hermit’s defensive sphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A radiant blue orb was in Gu Yangcheon’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit recognized it instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew how much energy was compressed within that small orb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He forced an immense amount of qi into his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, Gu Yangcheon made it clear he had no intention of waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Flame Orb.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The compressed energy detonated right in front of the Hermit’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bright light engulfed his vision, and then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive explosion swallowed the Hermit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Energy burst forth, creating a vast shockwave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sandstorm whipped across the ground, temporarily obscuring everything from view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the midst of the storm, Gu Yangcheon furrowed his brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked around as if something displeased him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, as if spotting something, he twisted his upper body and extended his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames encircled his clenched fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something struck the side of his fist, bursting apart upon impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon gritted his teeth from the sharp pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had just grazed him was undoubtedly a sword aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Just as I expected.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a knowing frown, Gu Yangcheon narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sandstorm that had been obscuring his view suddenly shot up into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mysterious gust from below had surged upwards, lifting all the surrounding dust and clearing his field of vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the area now clear, Gu Yangcheon looked straight ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, standing completely unscathed by the force of the attack, was the Hermit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I really don’t know what to say to that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit laughed helplessly, scratching his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after taking the brunt of a direct attack, he appeared completely unharmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, since he already looked somewhat disheveled, calling him unharmed wasn’t quite right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That’s not the issue.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What mattered was that my attack hadn’t affected him at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That fact left Gu Yangcheon visibly unsatisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I should have detonated it a bit closer.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A split-second decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he’d taken just one more step closer, it might have worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left him with a feeling of regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing this, Shin Noya’s voice echoed in his mind, sounding exasperated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[If you’d done that, your chest would have been slashed open.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was precisely why he hadn’t acted on impulse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yet here you are, regretting it?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I thought it might have been worth risking my chest.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Nonsense.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yes. Nonsense.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why he hadn’t done it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not too long ago, he might have, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Now, I have to restrain myself a bit.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time to change his combat style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not out of fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was simply that…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘My life has become a bit more valuable.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With so much left to accomplish, he felt the need to protect himself more carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And, after all…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Paejon advised me to.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon had often warned him about the limitations of his approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, even now, he was trying to change his ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To fight with this understanding in mind was challenging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when facing someone stronger than himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I didn’t expect him to be completely unharmed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought some of his attacks might have landed, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit was too intact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Gu Yangcheon began to realize the extent of the Hermit’s strength, he felt a slight twinge of surprise. Meanwhile, the Hermit himself was having similar thoughts about Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Is the Gu family a den of monsters or something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excuse me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your father is impressive, but you’re something else entirely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know my father?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not well. I only caught a glimpse of him once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image of that monster he had once seen overlapped with the young man before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling the force of the recent attack, the Hermit took a deep breath, feeling the lingering tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Finally.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, any remaining emotions faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While his mind told him to see Gu Yangcheon as an equal warrior,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>deep down, he had still regarded him as his disciple’s friend, a junior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this recent exchange, all of those feelings had been washed away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling a calm settling in his chest, the Hermit relaxed his stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shhh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His posture loosened slightly. Was he stopping? Gu Yangcheon tilted his head at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sssss…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill ran down his spine, and Gu Yangcheon sharpened his gaze on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this the Hermit’s true self?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The presence he felt now was entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[This one’s the real deal.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya’s voice took on an eager tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the old man seemed excited, Gu Yangcheon couldn’t help but grimace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is going to be tough.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like the Hermit was truly ready to fight now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just sensing the surface of his seriousness was enough to tell him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s strong.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had underestimated the Hermit, thinking him quirky and nonchalant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing this, he immediately corrected his impression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man was real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he couldn’t gauge exactly how strong the Hermit was,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At the very least, he’s stronger than the current Sword King.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And probably stronger than the current Namgung Family Head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Where was someone like him during the Blood Demon War?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he died back then?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All he knew was that Mageomhu held the Thunder Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as for what happened to the Hermit afterward, he had no idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy lingering in the air vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon knew what that meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the Hermit grip his sword tightly, he thought to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There’s no other choice.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Young one?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m going to use “that.”’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya sounded surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…Are you sure?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m not sure… but if I don’t, things could get bad.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps Shin Noya agreed, as he didn’t respond further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking the silence as assent, Gu Yangcheon cautiously moved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the Hermit spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You probably realized it already, but from here on, it’s the real deal. Be careful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re considerate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a sliver of guilt. It’s embarrassing to go this far against a junior.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit’s face openly showed his dissatisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gently swung his sword, taking a step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit vanished from Gu Yangcheon’s sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Gu Yangcheon immediately focused his heart, releasing his qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using his heart as the foundation, he poured energy outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sent all of it into his senses, expanding them in every direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All he needed was to sense him once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, Gu Yangcheon pushed his sensory field to its limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the Hermit…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m sorry.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already moved to Gu Yangcheon’s left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A speed beyond Gu Yangcheon’s ability to perceive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit intended to knock him out with a single strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t afford to escalate this further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he did, he’d go too far and there’d be no turning back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, his temper was flaring too much, so he knew he had to stop here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His foot touched the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at that moment, Gu Yangcheon hadn’t sensed him. It wasn’t a matter of perception; the speed was simply beyond him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit adjusted his sword to strike at his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he couldn’t slash him directly, he changed his approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This would slightly reduce his speed, but it would suffice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the Hermit was about to swing his sword—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Gu Yangcheon’s gaze met his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he spotted him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this speed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The absurdity of the situation stunned the Hermit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘You keep surprising me until the end.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right up until the last moment, he displayed impossible abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even so, he couldn’t avoid this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit poured all his astonishment into his swing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade extended toward Gu Yangcheon with incredible speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too late to react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s what the Hermit thought, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clear, ringing sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit turned his gaze toward the unexpected sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound came from none other than Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason being that Gu Yangcheon had blocked the Hermit’s sword with his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was surprising enough that he’d noticed him at that speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to actually block it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And why did it make that sound?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That clear sound wasn’t something you’d expect from a blade meeting flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the kind of sound only heard when metal clashed with metal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the Hermit’s face filled with confusion, another unexpected turn of events unfolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sssshh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bandages around Gu Yangcheon’s left arm loosened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, they quickly wrapped around the Hermit’s sword, binding it tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stunned, the Hermit tried to pull his sword back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the bandage held firm without tearing, gripping his sword tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s voice, full of a confident grin, reached him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And right before the Hermit’s chest was another of those blue orbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This damn…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the Hermit’s short curse—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Flame Orb exploded.\u003C\u002Fp>",2201,"2026-06-05T15:09:39.032Z",1,"novelbin.me","a7dc3f34f9e22e5d35b715af3ff2f90fbb98e9c5a2c9cec91e880b28e59f3143","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-51","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-499",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]