[{"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-550":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},1240376,1667,"Chapter 549","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-550",550,"\u003Cp>Four days had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had left the Guangdong region and arrived in Honam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shwaaah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of waves reached my ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evening was approaching, so I had settled near a valley, resting casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had walked for quite some time, yet the forest seemed never-ending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I might have been moving at a more leisurely pace than usual, but that was fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Things went smoothly.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of this, I now had a bit of time to spare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were three main reasons I had hurried in Guangdong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Thousand-Year Cold Iron.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The storage cave in Guangdong where the metal was kept—that was my primary objective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding it wasn’t too difficult since I had surprisingly detailed information about its location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There were some complications, though.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the process, I had clashed with Gu Gwonjeokma, leading to a fight. However, I managed to turn that conflict to my advantage in resolving my next task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I killed Wi Seok.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second reason I had come to Guangdong: to kill Wi Seok, the current branch leader of the Martial Alliance in the region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t entirely driven by revenge; the grudge I held had faded somewhat over time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It was more of a convenient detour.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I figured I might as well deal with him since I was already in the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And I made sure to spread the name.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had left the task of spreading my name to Seo Dong, the Martial Alliance warrior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there was always the chance he wouldn’t report it, but that didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was important was that Wi Seok was dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This would likely leave the Guangdong branch scrambling for about a month to recover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though there was only one fatality—the branch leader—it was no different from flipping the entire branch upside down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A mysterious, unidentified individual wiped out the branch.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the report had been filed accurately, it would create significant upheaval in their operations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘One to two months.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s how long it would take to send a new branch leader and stabilize the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While that wasn’t an exceptionally long time, it would delay their ability to respond to any monster-related incidents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that would undoubtedly lead to casualties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Make sure to handle that part carefully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the quiet of the night, I spoke softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Understood.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice answered from the shadows, but I didn’t bother turning around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I will station people in the necessary areas.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My meaning was simple: ensure no civilian casualties occurred in Guangdong during the Martial Alliance’s turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And while you’re at it, spread the rumors as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[As you wish.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having finished giving my instructions, I heard the voice add something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[By the way...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It continued as if delivering another message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The Shadow King has a message for you.]\"Amwang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I raised my eyebrows, signaling my curiosity, and the voice spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[‘The child’s preparations are complete. I will return them now.’ That is the message.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a soft breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew exactly who the “child” referred to in that message was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll see them soon.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been two years since the last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The child had left with Amwang for training, and now that time had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave a small nod before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, the presence behind me disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did I rise from the rock I had been sitting on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I began walking, heading toward the sound of the waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I got closer—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shwaaah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moonlight reflected on the river, its surface rippling with the movements of the waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone was crouched by the water, their figure barely visible in the dim light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash, splash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person was rinsing something in the river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their upper body was bare, pale skin clearly visible under the moonlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you doing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Startled, the person flinched before turning their head stiffly to look at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first thing I noticed was their weary, yellowish eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than Seong Yul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his past life, he had been the Sword Demon,Cheonsalseong, and now he was presumed to be a disciple of Cheonghae Ilgeom, the former sect leader of Kunlun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you doing right now?\" I asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul raised the garment he had been holding, showing it to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…I was just… washing my clothes.\"\"At this hour?\"\"…Yes. The timing wasn’t ideal earlier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was true that there hadn’t been many opportunities to clean up lately, but still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This guy really isn’t normal.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in this situation, he was busy washing clothes in the river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My gaze landed on his exposed torso.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For someone of his level, his muscles were surprisingly underdeveloped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was wiry, with scars scattered across his chest and body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Those scars.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren’t inflicted by someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were marks left by self-inflicted wounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey.\"\"Yes…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Give me your clothes.\"\"…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though confused, Seong Yul handed me the wet garment without resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I infused it with my inner energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the heat dried the damp fabric completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tossed the now-dry clothes back to him, watching as he fumbled to catch them with a stunned expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sight of his scars had been unpleasant to look at.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he clutched the clothes, I asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m surprised you didn’t run away.\"\"…Ah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It hadn’t been long since I’d started traveling with him, but there had been plenty of opportunities for him to escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even over the past few days, he hadn’t attempted to flee once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my question, Seong Yul replied with a calm expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if I ran, I have nowhere to go.\"\"Why not? Go home. Your home is in Cheonghae, isn’t it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I mentioned the Kunlun Sect, his expression darkened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…That is no longer a place I can return to.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time the topic of Kunlun came up, his face looked like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the past few days, I had pieced together some things about Seong Yul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He hasn’t even reached thirty.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had said he was twenty-five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And he really is—or was—connected to Kunlun.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t entirely clear whether he was still a member or had been expelled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From what I could tell, it had to be one or the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s true he’s connected to the Qinghai Sword Master.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he never mentioned it outright, it was undoubtedly the case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this guy…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why is he acting like this here?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a Heavenly Killing Star, it wasn’t surprising that he had become a murderer, driven mad by bloodlust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, if he had truly been a martial artist of the Kunlun Sect, this raised several issues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Heavenly Killing Stars are to be executed immediately upon discovery.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was one of the core rules established by the Murim Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon discovering a Heavenly Killing Star, they were to be reported and dealt with without delay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For orthodox sects, this rule was as sacred as law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yet, the Qinghai Sword Master ignored this… even sheltered and raised him?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could his intentions have been?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t fathom it. What was clear, though, was…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This just got more complicated.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, he had simply been a madman obsessed with killing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, what kind of person was the Sword Demon?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least from what I’d seen, he seemed naive and oddly ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Though he’s far from normal.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His condition as a Heavenly Killing Star was undeniable. Judging from our first encounter, he wasn’t much different from the Sword Demon I remembered from my previous life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He hasn’t yet fully succumbed to the Heavenly Killing Star’s nature.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In my past life, it seemed like his nature had completely consumed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, he appeared to be resisting it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That said…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s only a matter of time before it devours him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, he wouldn’t be able to withstand it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about this made me sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I should just stick to the original plan.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Corrupt him into a demonic being and use him later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why I had sought him out in the first place. But I hadn’t followed through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Tch.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image of him, begging for death in guilt and remorse just days ago, flashed through my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The memory irritated me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it. I shouldn’t have seen that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I hadn’t seen those accursed eyes, I wouldn’t have hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, I had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clicking my tongue in frustration, I noticed Seong Yul finishing dressing himself. He hesitated before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Um…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“May I ask… what you want from me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His cautious question made me smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you even know who I am?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t. But I know you’re not an ordinary person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to have some grand misconception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t anything special.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not even human anymore.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I held back those unnecessary words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, you’re just following someone you don’t even know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Because you told me to.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul said it plainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And you didn’t even try to run?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s nowhere to run to.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His calm voice carried a faint resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides… I didn’t think I could escape.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had concluded there was no point in trying to escape, knowing I wouldn’t let him go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Smart.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was right. I wasn’t planning on letting him leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If necessary, I’d kill him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Heavenly Killing Star was far too dangerous to let live unchecked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What do I want from him?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing came to mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wasn’t entirely true—there were things I wanted, but not now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And if I told you what I wanted, would it matter? Would you do it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But… if it’s something I can do, I’ll try.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tilted my head at his answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What nonsense is that? You don’t know who I am or what I’ll ask, yet you’re willing to agree?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My original plan had been to corrupt him into a demonic being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But here he was, willing to follow my orders?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you acting like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I scrutinized him, my curiosity growing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment, Seong Yul sighed and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know what’s wrong with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, I did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cursed nature of the Heavenly Killing Star—a thirst for blood and suffering that bordered on madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you can use me, even knowing what I am… then I’m okay with that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone like me needed him, that was enough for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, you’re saying… you’d rather do something than just sit around waiting?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone carried a hint of resignation, almost as if he’d given up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing his words, I thought to myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What an odd situation.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Demon wasn’t fully consumed by madness yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were, corrupting him into a demon would’ve been straightforward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, he was just… inconvenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A ticking time bomb.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed fine for now, but I couldn’t ignore the possibility that his madness could resurface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it did, it would likely be like the rampage he’d caused at the inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing that made me consider my options.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might be better to turn him into a demon right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No point in dragging this out.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His guilt-ridden expression and the connection to the Qinghai Sword Master both lingered in my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But those things didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless there was some way to suppress his Heavenly Killing Star’s nature, my options were limited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And I don’t know of any way to do that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qinghai Sword Master must’ve had some reason, but I had no idea what it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Let’s make this simple.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I wasn’t going to corrupt him, I’d have to kill him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the logical choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as I reached for him…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaa—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A presence behind me made me stop and turn sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul looked at me, startled by my sudden movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, is something wrong…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be quiet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the ensuing silence, I spread my internal energy outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hwaaa—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My energy swept over the surrounding area, and I immediately sensed two figures approaching quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was someone I recognized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why are they here?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I didn’t understand, there was no time to think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as I confirmed the presence, I began to manipulate my energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My bones began to shift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul could only utter a bewildered sound as he watched my body shrink and change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack! Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of my bones realigning echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My stature shrank, my build slimming down noticeably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you measured the difference, it was about a hand’s breadth in height.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whew…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finally finishing the transformation, I swept my hair back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced at the reflection in the water by the stream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first thing I noticed was the faint red tint in my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, it seemed the transformation had gone as planned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Wh-what…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul stammered, clearly shocked at the sudden change in my appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now wasn’t the time to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I steadied my newly adjusted body, I could sense the presence getting closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of footsteps rang out softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then came a voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a woman’s, melodic and soft, yet tinged with surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing it, I turned my head to look in the direction of the voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What’s this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman’s eyes widened as soon as our gazes met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face looked oddly familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her slightly sharp, downturned eyes; her casually loose, dark hair; her small frame, draped in pristine white martial robes bearing a faint insignia—all of it struck me as familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And above all…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face carried a resemblance to someone dear to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was unable to hide her emotions as she looked at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman’s expression twisted in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, she uttered something I hadn’t expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Brother? Why are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman who had appeared was none other than Gu Ga’s fourth child—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Ryeonghwa.\u003C\u002Fp>",2333,"2026-06-05T15:10:08.481Z",1,"novelbin.me","3b3dc86fec58e8f4036ef7fd2be3d7ec09df0cccc511799d057d84d84dadcfa5","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-951","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-549",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]