[{"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-530":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},1240356,1667,"Chapter 529","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-530",530,"\u003Cp>“Ugh… my whole body aches…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staggering, I returned to my quarters immediately after finishing training with Paejon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That damned old man. Whatever he put me through, my arms and legs were trembling like leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[See? I told you to hold back a little.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noya’s words made me chuckle dryly.Well, he wasn’t wrong. My mouth had been the problem. If I hadn’t mouthed off, the training might’ve ended much sooner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...I did hold back, though.’[You call that holding back?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noya’s tone was incredulous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, that was me holding back a lot. Why was he so surprised?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I just couldn’t stomach not landing a single hit.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I couldn’t resolve things with my fists, then I at least had to get under his skin with my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of that, what should have been one punch turned into two, three… maybe more. But what else could I do? I had to let it out somehow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ow, damn it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I walked, my bones audibly protested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spots where I got hit still throbbed with pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was no surprise; my whole body had been rattled by those blows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That damned old man showed absolutely no mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But still, not even grazing him? Come on.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what I tried, every move was blocked, flipped, or countered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever I attempted to mobilize my energy, he cut it off. Whenever I initiated a motion, Paejon was already there, one step ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like running into a wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More than just a barrier in cultivation, Paejon embodied the wall of a true martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, that made sense.After all, he was a man who reversed his aging just to perfect his martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling such an insurmountable wall was only natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...But how am I supposed to overcome this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a serious problem at this point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Block him?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The task Paejon had given me was daunting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before I could train in Tua Pacheonmu, I had to achieve something first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon had said I needed to \"raise my vision.\" If I could block just one of his movements, the training would be complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded easy enough when he said it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But it’s unbelievably difficult.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In practice, it was an entirely different matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When all your options were shut down, how could you block instead of dodging or defending?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Ugh…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to pull this off against Paejon was no small feat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He must’ve set the timeframe with that in mind.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After our training session, while sitting on top of me, Paejon had said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-“It’ll probably take you about a year to get the hang of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently, it would take roughly a year to even grasp the basics of what he wanted me to learn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to finish the training, mind you—just to get a sense of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, for a year… I’d have to endure daily beatdowns like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...I’m screwed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought of the hell awaiting me made cold sweat drip down my back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Heh.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Noya’s chuckle didn’t help my mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Stop laughing and help me out, will you?’[Help? With what?]‘What does it mean to “raise my vision”?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was curious about what Paejon expected of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noya undoubtedly knew. When we first started training, even he had been impressed, which meant he understood what Paejon was aiming for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hmm.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noya seemed to hesitate, pondering before finally replying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[This isn’t something I should guide you on.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rejection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was rare. Usually, even if he cursed me out in the process, Noya would provide some form of advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather than feeling offended, I was more intrigued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘May I ask why?’[Normally, I’d give you some explanation, but in this case, his teaching method suits you better.]‘...Wouldn’t that mean you should explain it to me?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the training method itself was effective, couldn’t he at least help me understand the concept?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was my reasoning. However, Noya’s response remained consistent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[This is the kind of training, kid, where the meaning only becomes clear if you discover it for yourself.]‘That’s the part I hate the most.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Figure it out yourself.\" \"Find your own answers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d grown sick of hearing those words in this lifetime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, if both Paejon and Noya insisted on this, then it seemed I really had to work it out on my own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if that meant enduring a year of constant beatings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Should I just run away?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought crossed my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, I wouldn’t, and I couldn’t, but it was amusing to entertain the idea for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a deep exhale, I entered my quarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky had already turned dark; it was nighttime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Father returned yet? A quick glance around confirmed he hadn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Now that I think about it, I never checked on the Tang Clan’s situation.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the Tang Clan was being turned upside down, I’d been busy getting beaten by Paejon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Tsk.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I needed to understand what was going on to properly plan my next moves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll have to ask Moyong Hee-ah later.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had left earlier, seemingly with a purpose. Tomorrow, I’d have to find her and ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, I’d need to see her anyway for her cold energy treatment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...But is it safe to proceed now?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What concerned me was whether my current energy, having shed its previous state, might negatively affect Moyong Hee-ah’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ultimately, I’d only know by trying it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The uncertainty made it hard to decide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How laughable. In the past, I would’ve acted without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had I grown attached? Was that why I hesitated now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yeah, that’s why.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing it didn’t make it any less aggravating. My selfishness and pettiness were infuriating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll need to wrap everything up within a few days.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were many tasks to handle: the Tang Clan’s affairs, my dealings with Tang Deok and Nahi, my stance with the Divine Doctor, and sorting out the opportunities I’d gained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least my body was in better condition now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The intense training with Paejon had helped my energy flow stabilize and my body adapt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once I cleared my tasks, it’d finally be time to—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Take the Dokcheon Pill.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Absorb the energy from the pills I’d been saving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though I’d decided to let the Divine Doctor have the White Demon Stone, I still needed the Dokcheon Pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there was someone else to think about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I need to give one to Tang So-yeol.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite her vow not to rely on external power, I wanted to help her somehow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the Poison King noticed I’d given one to his daughter, he wouldn’t make a fuss. Probably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And if he does, well, whatever.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If necessary, I could just claim I didn’t have any left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But for now, I need rest.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hours of getting pounded, I was at my limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I needed to get to bed quickly and recover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow, the Poison King would likely deliver instructions to those staying here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was reasonable to expect he’d ask us to leave the Tang Clan soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering everything that had happened, lingering here any longer would only be suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant I didn’t have much time left here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Not that there’s much else to do anyway.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I did feel a bit bad about not visiting Paeh Woo-cheol’s family, but it wasn’t exactly critical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I finalized my thoughts, I approached my resting area, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vrrrum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, I felt something stir within my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it near my heart?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a strange sensation, like something reacting to energy, as if pointing me somewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-“Hissss…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the creature tucked in my robes poked its head out, sensing the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this guy…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, where have you been?”-“Hiss?”“You little… You disappeared while I was getting my ass kicked, and now you crawl back in?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While I was being pummeled by Paejon, this thing had vanished without a trace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When did it even sneak back in?-“Hiss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feigning innocence, it tilted its head, tongue flicking out as if it had no idea what I was talking about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pretending to be clueless while it clearly understood everything?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[He’s just like you, you know.]‘...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring Noya’s mocking tone, I grabbed the little snake and tossed it into my room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-“Hissss!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The creature let out a sharp hiss, but I slammed the door shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s your punishment. Stay put.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, I turned and walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As much as I wanted to collapse onto my bed, the persistent resonance tugging at me wouldn’t let me rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, I had no choice but to follow it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distance wasn’t far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sensation led me to a small clearing behind my quarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t hard to find; the energy emanating from there was unmistakable, thick with ominous intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Landing lightly in the clearing, I scanned my surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What the hell are they?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the center of the clearing, two figures were suddenly locked in an intense duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swords collided, creating sharp, resonating sounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air rippled with the friction of their energies, each shockwave unleashing gusts of wind that swirled around the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones responsible for this spectacle were none other than Namgung Bi-ah and Woo-hyuk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their sword auras clashed violently, and their strikes left vivid, savage scars in the air—proof of their earnest intent to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve arrived,” a voice called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned to see the Hermit smiling as he approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, he was still here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wondered where you’d gone, but here you are… What happened to your face?”“Don’t worry about it.”“How can I not? It looks just like last time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My cheek, swollen from Paejon’s punches, was clearly noticeable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t as bad as before, but the pain felt just the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring the Hermit’s puzzled expression, I asked, “What’s going on here? Why are they suddenly dueling? And so fiercely at that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hermit answered casually, “Your cousin wanted to test something, so my disciple is sparring with her.”“Test something?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked toward Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was she trying to confirm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I observed her more closely, something struck me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah looked different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her white hair seemed even whiter, almost glowing, and lightning energy coursed visibly through her strands. But that wasn’t all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The aura surrounding her body shimmered faintly with lightning energy, and in her hand…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Thunder Fang?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, it was Thunder Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah wielded the sword, its brilliant blade radiating with dazzling energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘She can use it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I found myself involuntarily captivated by the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling our sparring session earlier in the day, I remembered how Namgung Bi-ah had proven that she could wield Thunder Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made sense now, of course, but back then, she couldn’t have been certain if she could truly control it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For her to have attempted to seize it… how had she been so confident?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without certainty, she wouldn’t have risked such a move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whirrr!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunder Fang hummed, its energy surging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A low, thunderous growl resonated from Namgung Bi-ah’s sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next collision sent Woo-hyuk flying backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That’s Thunder Fang’s power.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade absorbed energy and repelled the opponent’s attack—something I distinctly remembered feeling when I wielded it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo-hyuk’s expression twisted in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His swordsmanship was flawless, proving his reputation as a latent genius. His technique brimmed with maturity and power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the relentless lightning energy overwhelmed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began to falter, and soon after—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Well, I lost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Namgung Bi-ah’s sword at his throat, Woo-hyuk admitted defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bad at all. Haha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last time, Woo-hyuk had beaten Namgung Bi-ah. This time, the tables had turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Namgung Bi-ah’s growth was impressive, much of her victory could be attributed to Thunder Fang’s power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was curious, though, was how little Woo-hyuk seemed to care about losing. He just kept laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was typical of him, so it wasn’t surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But why does she look like that?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah, on the other hand, seemed displeased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hoo…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her body gradually returned to normal, the lightning energy receding into Thunder Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once she returned to her original state, she turned her head and met my gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she noticed me, her expression softened, and she began walking toward me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Oh, crap.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her approach, I instinctively wanted to bolt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t ready to face her yet—it was too embarrassing after earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You’re here…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She greeted me as usual, but it seemed I was the only one overthinking this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh… uh… yeah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell was that stammering response?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even I cringed at my pathetic reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah, raising an eyebrow, reached out to touch my face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Your face… what happened…?”“Oh, it’s nothing. Just took a bit of a tumble during training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Technically, that wasn’t a lie. I did tumble… thanks to someone else’s fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hmm.”“Really, don’t worry about it. It’ll heal with some rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The injuries weren’t severe—they’d fade soon enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah seemed to accept that, though her concern lingered in her gaze. She nodded briefly and handed Thunder Fang back to the Hermit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking the sword, the Hermit asked, “What do you think? Did you like it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I noticed then that the test must have been about Thunder Fang. She had likely wanted to confirm whether she could wield it properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘She seemed to handle it just fine.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her use Thunder Fang without issue, it crossed my mind that the Hermit might give it to her outright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that happened, I wouldn’t need to negotiate with him for the sword—how convenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as I was appreciating the situation—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah shook her head at the Hermit’s question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both the Hermit and I blinked in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I don’t… need it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah’s quiet declaration left us stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t help but start to speak, but I was interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…Child…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice echoed from Thunder Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded like Namgung Myung’s voice, but it carried an odd, desperate tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that voice from the old man’s sword felt… unsettling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Child… please, I beg you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The desperation in Namgung Myung’s voice made my skin crawl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Just once… hold me.]“…What?”[Please…! Grip me just once!]“…Excuse me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taken aback by his pitiful plea, I instinctively stepped back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer discomfort of it all was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>",2364,"2026-06-05T15:10:08.481Z",1,"novelbin.me","7ee6ae7e098d790a8f2368808353699de65c8bab9c7ae2505b812001a5945d8f","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-531","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-529",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]