[{"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-546":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},1240372,1667,"Chapter 545","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-546",546,"\u003Cp>Sword Demon (검마 \u002F Geomma)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sword Demon (검마 \u002F Geomma): Master of the Heavenly Demon Cult's combat unit, the Ghost Sword Squad (귀찰검대 \u002F Gwichal Geomdae).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His age is somewhere between thirty and forty, though no one knows the exact number—I’ve never asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before succumbing to demonic influence, he was a rogue martial artist known for indiscriminately killing anyone in his path. His cruel and bloodthirsty combat style made him infamous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stories of him flaying his subdued enemies alive were enough to make anyone’s blood run cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name he earned during that time was “Ghostly Murder Sword (살귀검 \u002F Salgwigeom).”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a fitting name, perhaps too fitting. Compared to that, the title Sword Demon seems almost elegant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his madness, it’s no surprise he fell into demonic ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavenly Demon Cult, preparing for war, must have been the perfect place for the Sword Demon to unleash his violent instincts without restraint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After becoming a demonic being, it’s said he received a special ability from Cheonma (천마 \u002F Cheonma) called the Eyes of the Fighting Ghost (투귀의 눈 \u002F Tugi-ui Nun).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It lets you perceive your opponent’s movements more precisely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could read the flow of energy and clearly discern his enemies’ movements. It resembled a heightened sixth sense, though far more intuitive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not that I would know for sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having never used it myself, I couldn’t say what it really felt like.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon assuming command of the Ghost Sword Squad, he led from the front in every battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the Demon Sword Queen (Mageomhu), his madness was of a different flavor entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He despised the Demon Sword Queen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason? He had failed to claim the position of deputy commander of the Black Flame Squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether that was the real reason or not, every time he saw the Demon Sword Queen, he lunged at her like he intended to kill her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’d think someone like him would be better suited for the Ghost Sword Squad, with its focus on assassination missions, than the Black Flame Squad, which rarely saw action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why he coveted that position, I’ll never know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you were so ambitious, why not aim for commander?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he sought my position, like Green King, that might have made more sense. But the Sword Demon seemed to have no interest in being a commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued to clash with the Demon Sword Queen over her position, but she never lost it to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ultimately, he was killed in battle by the Divine Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I had to sum him up in one sentence:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A maniac consumed by bloodlust.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That one line says it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of crashing debris filled the air as someone emerged from the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tilted my head. I had struck with the intention of knocking him out, but it seemed my attack hadn’t done much damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So he deflected it, just barely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sensation in my hand made it clear. At a glance, it seemed like he hadn’t reacted, but his instincts had allowed him to deflect my attack ever so slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, someone destined to become the Sword Demon would be different.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Footsteps echoed as he revealed himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blood trailing from his split lip and reddened cheek stood out starkly against his pale skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With one hand clutching his sword, his murky yellow eyes locked onto me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I met his gaze and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So it’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yellow eyes.There was only one meaning behind those eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heavenly Killing Star (천살성 \u002F Cheonsalseong).”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fate ordained from birth to kill until the moment of death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those born under that destiny were said to have those exact eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is my first time seeing it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time I met him in my past life, he had already succumbed to demonic influence, and his eyes had turned purple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavenly Killing Star’s traits are obvious from birth, making it rare for them to live long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re hunted down as soon as they’re discovered.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A destined killer. Who would allow such a person to live?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a wonder he had survived to his age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He won’t die now. He’ll endure and eventually become the Sword Demon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought didn’t bother me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, it was fortunate to discover him now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t a bad thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What... are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was low and detached, his gaze unfocused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the last two days, I’d been asked that question more than once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled and replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third son of the Gu family, and the one here to capture you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A low growl escaped him as a surge of killing intent erupted from his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was overwhelming, suffocating the air around us as if to declare his identity as a Heavenly Killing Star.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that’s how it works.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared, intrigued. I was beginning to understand the power he would wield in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He always wrapped his weapon in something like this, didn’t he?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Condensing his killing aura around his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes using it as armor to protect his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What I once thought to be martial technique now seemed like an innate trait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I watched with interest, he spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Don’t... interfere.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words made me laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seriously? You’re the one ruining my meal, and now you’re the one complaining?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His yellow eyes darkened further, the aura around him growing heavier, suffocating everything around us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced around at the sound of shuffling feet. The patrons had fled, but the innkeeper remained frozen in fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, old man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-yes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Startled, the innkeeper’s face twisted in terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reaching into my coat, I pulled something out and tossed it to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s eyes widened as he caught it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That should cover the damage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a small fortune, enough to rebuild the inn if needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And while you’re at it, pack me some dumplings.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The money included payment for the food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-yes, sir!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His despair transformed into determination as he rushed toward the kitchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s really going to pack dumplings in a situation like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, it didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not like it’s my problem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned my attention back to the fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tip of a sword sliced past my face, narrowly missing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I hadn’t moved, it would’ve cut me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fast. No hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it didn’t stop with one swing. The blade moved relentlessly, the strikes coming with an almost obsessive precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every swing was filled with the desire to kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speed was such that afterimages lingered in the air. Despite the overwhelming aura pouring from his body, his swordplay was unnervingly clean and precise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every attack targeted a vital point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His level… it’s a bit odd.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had clearly surpassed the peak realm, judging by the strength and speed of his movements. But something felt off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s on the edge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught between the pinnacle of the peak realm and the next stage—Hwagyeong (화경 \u002F Flowering Mastery).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I avoided another swing, I pressed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He responded by swinging wildly, unwilling to retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the storm of sword arcs, I slipped my hand through an opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My palm struck his chest squarely, sending him stumbling backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He coughed violently, struggling to catch his breath. While the physical pain was minor, the disruption to his internal energy would leave a significant backlash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t help but feel impressed as I watched him. Despite being caught between realms, his ability was still remarkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering his age, it was astounding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I didn’t know his exact age, he was undoubtedly a late-stage juvenile in martial terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which made it even more puzzling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How has someone like this remained unknown until now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him in person only deepened my curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had come to Guangdong specifically because this was around the time he was said to have started making his mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, a fighter of this caliber was only now emerging. It was unusually late for someone of his level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a Heavenly Killing Star, I could understand if he had lived in hiding. But that only raised more questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He couldn’t have survived alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone must have supported him—whether to nurture his strength or ensure his survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, a Heavenly Killing Star couldn’t have lasted this long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whatever the case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was good for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The timing is perfect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was starting to make his move, I’d found him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the ideal moment to capture the one who would become the Sword Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll kill you…! I’ll kill you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face twisted further in rage, his killing intent growing even denser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air shook as he surged toward me, his aura coalescing into his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked dangerous, certainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t matter if the attack didn’t land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I intercepted his sword path and struck him across the face. He staggered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s nothing more to see here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragging this out would be pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s finish this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, I nodded to myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve already wasted too much time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had taken two full days to corner him. While I’d managed to capture him, it was no small thanks to luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, I needed to end this quickly and move on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body tensed despite the pain. His eyes, filled with madness, locked onto me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still a wicked bastard, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A perfect candidate for turning into a demonic being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I liked people like him. They were easier to use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raising my energy, I prepared to finish him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’ll be less of a hassle if I take out an arm or a leg now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, I moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, he shifted his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His killing aura and sword energy merged into his blade, every swing aiming for a vital spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I dodged, I aimed for his leg…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, something caught my attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The trajectory of his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just random slashing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The arc of his swings formed a smooth curve, his footwork landing precisely with each strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The oppressive aura had hidden it until now, but as I observed closely, the movements stood out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That motion…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shifted my position, closing the distance between us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade grazed my cheek, and I felt the warm trickle of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprise flashed in his eyes as I advanced suddenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he swung again, I didn’t stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I caught his blade between my thumb and forefinger, halting it completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, I struck his jaw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urgh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blow landed perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a groan, he collapsed to his knees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t bother helping him up. A hit like that wouldn’t be enough to truly harm him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I had no time to waste worrying about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking down at him, I frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell is this guy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sword brimming with killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eyes that marked him as a Heavenly Killing Star.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An aura steeped in madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was undoubtedly the Sword Demon I knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why is he using the techniques of the Orthodox Sects?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not just any Orthodox Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade carried the signature of one of the Nine Great Schools, the guardians of the Azure Sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Kunlun Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no mistaking it—their mark was etched into his swordsmanship.\u003C\u002Fp>",1893,"2026-06-05T15:10:08.481Z",1,"novelbin.me","db8c06128832fb6c6c09c35c09c4644447d4964936574e30c5dfe55eedecac43","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-547","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-545",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]