[{"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-519":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},1240345,1667,"Chapter 518","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-519",519,"\u003Cp>As I muttered something without realizing it, I felt a bit surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang So-yeol, hearing my words, seemed about to collapse, so I quickly supported her. Why did she suddenly faint?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I lifted her lightweight body into my arms; if I hadn’t, she would have fallen to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang So-yeol, her face flushed bright red, had lost consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So far, it was manageable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though someone had fainted, so it wasn't exactly fine… But there was an even bigger problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'…What now?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After supporting her, I felt all eyes on me from every direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the scene, dozens of martial artists were positioned around Tang So-yeol's quarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There I stood, with the unconscious Tang So-yeol in my arms, surrounded by them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the perfect moment for a misunderstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt their presence sharpening. A slight bead of sweat trickled down my forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of a sword being drawn came from somewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing it, I nodded to myself. It seemed like clearing up this misunderstanding peacefully was no longer an option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right after Tang So-yeol had fainted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of martial artists released a fierce aura, so I carefully laid down Tang So-yeol, whom I had been holding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After setting her down, I called over a maid who had been watching with concern and told her to take care of Tang So-yeol. The maid hesitated for a moment before she finally attended to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, I had to figure out what to do as I faced off against the martial artists who looked ready to charge at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had two options.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Get captured quietly and explain the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or subdue them all and leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ideal choice was the first, but I didn't want to waste time on that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, should I go with the second?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'That's a bit bothersome too.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing them all would be easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But subduing them all without hurting anyone was a bit of a hassle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d have to hold back to avoid injuring each one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'…Fifteen at the First Class level, four at the Peak, and one Master at Peak.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected of a prestigious clan, the martial artists were quite skilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed they had deployed an entire sword squad from the Tang Clan to act as her guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they attacked me all at once, it would be troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What do I do now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I clenched and unclenched my fists, observing their positions, someone cautiously approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From what I sensed, he was the highest-ranked among the guards here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I stared at him, he came closer and offered a respectful fist salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am Seong Yi-hyeok, head of the guard unit affiliated with the Tang Clan. I greet a member of the Gu family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, he was the captain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by his high level, I had thought he might hold a significant position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, he was indeed the captain of a sword squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am Gu Yangcheon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I introduced myself in turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yi-hyeok also appeared tense as he faced me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May I ask for an explanation of the situation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, I nodded internally. Fortunately, it seemed he wasn’t going to jump to violence immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We were talking, and then Miss Tang suddenly fainted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Suddenly, you say….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though I was telling the truth, his gaze still held doubt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, if I were him, I wouldn’t believe it either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were me, I might have started by breaking the other person’s limbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, Seong Yi-hyeok’s calm demeanor was unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand if it’s hard to believe, but that’s the truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing my slightly awkward expression, I continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s alright. I believe you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yi-hyeok's unexpected answer took me by surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He believed me? I was the one caught off guard by that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Pardon?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The young lady spoke quite a bit about you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quietly, Seong Yi-hyeok added, \"To the point it could get tiresome,\" though I pretended not to hear it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talked about me, huh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She didn't say anything… negative, did she?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She mentioned a few things.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I half-expected him to say he was joking. He didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I frowned slightly, glancing at Seong Yi-hyeok, who merely chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She spoke more good things than bad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By then, I already felt a bit hurt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed too late to smooth it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I slightly pouted, to which Seong Yi-hyeok replied,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At the very least, from what I’ve heard from her, I don’t believe you’re someone who would harm her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling slightly irked by his words, I replied sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you really basing your judgment on just that? For a guard, that seems irresponsible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he was truly her guard, he shouldn’t judge so lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting aside that things had calmed down, his attitude as Tang So-yeol's guard didn’t sit well with me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing my words, Seong Yi-hyeok only laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This guy—he's laughing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wasn’t trying to make you laugh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, thank you for your concern. Actually, hearing that makes me even more certain of my judgment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you talking about…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can tell by the way you look at her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I believe that, just as we hold her dear, you wouldn’t fall short in doing the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Seong Yi-hyeok’s words, I clicked my tongue inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, all of them keep saying they can tell just by looking, as if they’re mind readers or something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, I couldn’t meet his gaze directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hated to admit it, but I couldn’t deny it either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though it was an impulsive reaction that I’d normally laugh at.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Seong Yi-hyeok turned his face expressionless again and gave me another respectful fist salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please, continue to take care of our lady.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I answered, something stirred within me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How should I put it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an emotion I couldn’t quite describe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After spending a few minutes, I finally left Tang So-yeol’s quarters and continued walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Phew.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I walked, I wiped off the cold sweat that had formed. It seemed like I managed to handle things smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although I was worried about Tang So-yeol suddenly fainting, when I briefly held her and checked her energy, there didn’t appear to be any serious issues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it becomes necessary, I might ask the Divine Doctor to examine her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, fainting suddenly is unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[No matter how you look at it, isn't this your fault?] \"What did I do?\" [Forget it. You’re always like this.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is this old man picking a fight again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I held back from responding, knowing this wasn’t the time for banter with Shin Noya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, the Tang Clan was already in enough turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the gemstone in my hand, I thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If Tang So-yeol refuses to accept this…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What should I do? I’d taken it from Elder Il, but now I had to figure out how to use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Should I just eat it?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it’d be best if I just took it myself. That would be the most efficient use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, just consuming it would be simpler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only issue is…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The conditions don’t match.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since I'm not female, there’s a risk the energy might backfire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I knew one thing. If I ate it, I wouldn’t suffer any side effects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You seem quite confident.] “Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I sensed the energy, I could tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I consumed this, I’d be able to fully absorb it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was because of the influence of myMadoc Tanhubgongtechnique or the transformations I’d undergone, I somehow instinctively knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could consume it without any problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The amount of energy within the gemstone was comparable to that of a White Demon Stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For something artificially refined, it contained an impressive amount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Additionally, it had the added effect of enhancing toxicity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Toxicity, huh…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to myMandokbulchim*ability, I had a faint trace of toxicity embedded in one corner of my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could use it if necessary, but with my demonic energy, it wasn’t something I particularly needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was difficult to mix with the techniques I was using now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Connecting it with my flames was also inconvenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, consuming this gemstone would increase my energy, but it wouldn’t have much other significance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The issue is that now isn’t the right time to increase my energy.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no reason to consume an elixir at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I still needed to manage the energy I hadn’t fully integrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It also took effort to harmonize my body with my energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having too much energy would only be excessive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That’s why it would’ve been best if Tang So-yeol took it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I had a heart full of altruism, I might have shattered it for the sake of those who sacrificed themselves for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that wasn’t me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew the extent of the sacrifices made and the purpose behind its creation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing that, it wasn’t something that mattered to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So what?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why should I care?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t need to feel guilt for others’ messes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Disappointing. This kind of person is my successor?] ‘Oh, you must be so pleased.’ [This life is already ruined…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dead have no place to find life, so what’s he complaining about?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I understood Shin Noya’s dissatisfaction, but this was my way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I continued examining the gemstone in my hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Tang So-yeol didn’t want it and I wasn’t planning on consuming it…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning my head, I asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then do you want to eat it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my question, someone nearby shivered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Nahi. Not surprising, since I’d told her to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as our eyes met, Nahi knelt down immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression looked different from usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not interested?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean by that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This was made by Elder Il. From the feel of it, I think it might have some connection to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my words, Nahi sharply raised her head and stared at the gemstone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, she clenched her fists tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could tell right away—Nahi recognized what this was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression contorted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t know the details of how she had ended up working under Elder Il.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All I knew was that she’d been used as one of the subjects in those experiments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite her youthful appearance, she was actually older than she looked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Additionally, she was still under Elder Il’s curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t ask about the rest since I wasn’t particularly curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I already broke the curse, though.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had overridden the curse with demonic energy, sealing it with a pact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She should no longer be bound by Elder Il’s curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you need it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nahi’s eyes turned red as she glared at me, filled with resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How ridiculous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you looking at me like that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was she staring at me with such wide eyes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her dry voice responded,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…How could I…how could I possibly consume that…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I remember those who died for this. But you’re telling me to consume something made from their blood and flesh…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nahi shouted, her voice filled with anguish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To her, it was a cruel prospect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Tang Deok and Nahi harbored intense feelings of vengeance toward the Tang Clan and those involved in this scheme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sense of revenge for those who died? Something like that, perhaps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I understood the feeling, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So what’s your reason for not being able to consume it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…You…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ghh…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my words, Nahi tried to resist, but the curse activated, clutching at her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The curse prevented her from opposing me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her, I approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At her request, Elder Il was dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the other elders—Third Elder and Fourth Elder—would soon meet similar ends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not that I was the one who did it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had intended to, but my father appeared and handled it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything turned out well in the end, so it was fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tang Clan was shaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this incident became known in Zhongyuan, it could create enough upheaval to dethrone the Four Great Sects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was that significant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gasp…gasp…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nahi coughed harshly, and I lifted her chin with my hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honestly, I was thinking of just consuming it myself, but it felt like a waste. And there are some things I’d like to confirm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Tang So-yeol refusing it, the only other suitable person around was Nahi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I watched her tremble, I thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Perhaps Elder Il spared Nahi’s life with this in mind.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might have left her alive as a future test subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One thing that concerned me was…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There’s a chance she’s over thirty.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering her connection to Tang Deok, it might be possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if she were over thirty, though…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It doesn’t matter.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If any issues arose, it wouldn’t be a big deal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she truly ended up dying from it…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That’s fine too.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike when I looked at Tang So-yeol, I gazed at Nahi with cold, emotionless eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps she understood something from my expression, as Nahi bit her lip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Do you really intend to make me consume that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not interested? If you consume this, you’ll gain immense power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ridiculous! I’d rather…! I’d rather die right now!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nahi was serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it wasn’t the revenge she’d originally sought, in the end, those she wanted dead were dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A curse that would cause her heart to burst?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She no longer cared if she died now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing her resolve, I smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why? Do you feel like you can die now that your revenge is complete?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you know that…then just…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who said your revenge is over?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my words, Nahi’s expression stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What…what do you mean by that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Il is dead, and it seems that some nameless old men will also die soon. Does that mean your revenge is complete?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop tormenting me with your words…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nahi’s gaze wavered. She spoke as if she were ready to die, yet my words unsettled her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was amusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t be mistaken. Those old men were nothing from the beginning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s nonsense…! I saw it with my own eyes…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sure, you saw it. But what do you think you understand from just that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a plan that proceeded without the knowledge of the Clan Head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of how influential Elder Il and the other elders were in the clan, could they have carried out such a plan alone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had been ongoing for decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since the Poison Lord’s time until now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone made it clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Are you telling me the Tang Clan alone could secretly amass all those test subjects? Nonsense.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would be impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reflecting on this, the connections became apparent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There had to be more to why Tang Deok had fallen to demonic influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter how powerful the Tang Clan is, they couldn’t handle something like this in secrecy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…That’s…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This would be impossible unless someone was turning a blind eye.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nahi bit her lip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that, I smirked inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You already knew, didn’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my firm words, Nahi flinched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, Nahi had known as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even someone as dull as me could deduce the situation from a few clues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s no way she hadn’t known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she claimed her revenge was complete despite knowing that, it meant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You just gave up because you couldn’t go further.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nahi was about to retort, but I cut her off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Revenge? You think it’s over just because you removed the ones in front of you? Pathetic. If that’s all, you might as well die. I have no need for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she wasn’t going to follow through, I didn’t need her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, Nahi was just a tool to be used and discarded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I was about to stand up and walk away—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, what…what should I do…?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nahi shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The curse didn’t activate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had adjusted it so it wouldn’t trigger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you even know who you’re up against, Young Master…! That place isn’t something you can simply challenge…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Martial Alliance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my nonchalant response, Nahi’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her reaction, I chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you so surprised? Isn’t it obvious?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, it was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason the Tang Clan could handle things so covertly and conduct these experiments for so long…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ultimately, it would’ve been impossible without the Martial Alliance’s silent approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t it obvious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Do you think they didn’t investigate the numerous disappearances of test subjects?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how wealthy the Tang Clan was, their influence had limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a part of the righteous sects, they were naturally under the jurisdiction of the Martial Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With experiments of this scale, the Martial Alliance would undoubtedly have found clues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, the experiments had continued smoothly until now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which means it was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Martial Alliance is involved in this.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d known they were politically corrupt and self-serving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just hadn’t imagined they’d go as far as this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So that’s why Tang Deok joined the Demonic Sect.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavenly Demon’s goal was to overthrow the Martial Alliance and dominate the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that, Tang Deok likely joined the Demonic Sect, hoping to destroy the Tang Clan and take down the Martial Alliance with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was just speculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘In that case, it’s not bad.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not bad at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I addressed Nahi once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this situation, do you still think your revenge is complete?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I chuckled, I heard Nahi grinding her teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The opponent is the Martial Alliance. That’s not something you should involve yourself with for my sake…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"‘Helping’ is a strange way to put it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then…what are you…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m saying you should join me, since I have to take them down anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Excuse me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my blunt words, Nahi, who had been growling moments earlier, suddenly looked blank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked as if she hadn’t heard me correctly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should I repeat it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, I guess I should.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I intend to destroy the Martial Alliance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So if you’re going to seek revenge, do it right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destroy the Martial Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I heard that the Tang Clan was rotten, and that the Martial Alliance was involved in this, I had decided it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the Blood Demon’s connection to the Martial Alliance, it would be absurd to leave it untouched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t bother with your pitiful pride. Take what’s given to you and help out. Don’t be a nuisance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had no intention of engaging in sentimental conversations with Nahi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I never had; she was never given any other choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I told her to do something, she would do it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the only option left for Nahi as a demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>____________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>TL Notes: Invulnerable to All Poisons (만독불침 \u002FMandokbulchim)\u003C\u002Fp>",3103,"2026-06-05T15:10:08.481Z",1,"novelbin.me","39961c9e4d896d69e1a26d1513c5a00f9f21f01ad684fbf59aaa93f8c7e9819d","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-520","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-518",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]