[{"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-596":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},1240546,1667,"Chapter 595","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-596",596,"\u003Cp>Crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of something fracturing echoed from somewhere.A visible ripple formed in the space, as if cracks were spreading, and the pressure in the room grew palpable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An overwhelming energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was nothing like the oppressive aura Yuri had felt earlier; her body began to tremble uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haa… haa…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even breathing became a struggle.It was the most intense killing intent she had ever experienced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Princess…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubeom moved as if to intervene, reacting to Yuri’s state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice spoke up from the front.It was one of the Crimson Feather’s escorts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you move, you’ll be cut down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice carried no trace of exaggeration—it was pure sincerity.Ubeom felt the weight of it and hesitated to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warning wasn’t directed at him specifically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubeom could see it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gaze of the speaker was fixed entirely on the princess.Could he stop this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubeom bit his lip as he assessed the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t stop him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, not as he was now.Even the slightest movement sent shocks of pain through his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The opponent was far stronger than expected.It wasn’t just that he couldn’t defend Yuri in this oppressive atmosphere—he couldn’t even muster the confidence to try.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To think a warrior from Zhongyuan could be this powerful…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his teeth, acknowledging the harsh reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strength of the opponent far exceeded his expectations.The swordsman in front of him, as well as the woman who had effortlessly intercepted him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I noticed it before as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sudden, precise movements to target his neck, her calm, expressionless demeanor, and her lethal precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a master of her craft, a seasoned assassin.Even if Ubeom hadn’t been injured…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if I were at my full strength…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just the swordsman in front of him.Could he have defended Yuri from that woman’s fingertips?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swallowing his frustration, Ubeom came to an unsettling realization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not just White Fox.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had heard tales of Zhongyuan warriors rivaling the strength of those from the Northern Sea, but he had never imagined they would be this formidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at their age?How had they reached such heights of power?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even more terrifying…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubeom’s gaze shifted to the far end of the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The source of the oppressive energy that filled the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man sitting there, his lips curved into a faint smile, watched the situation unfold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Propping his chin on one hand, his expression was eerily calm despite the suffocating killing intent radiating from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is this…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubeom felt the hair on his body stand on end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t just about strength.This wasn’t a contest of victory or defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a matter of life and death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ice Palace Lord, who ruled over the Northern Sea.The ten grand generals who guarded the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubeom was certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man’s presence rivaled, if not surpassed, that of those generals.The sheer pressure made it clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Crimson Feather of Zhongyuan…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The figure that White Fox and the distant Northern Sea dignitaries had so highly praised.Now Ubeom understood why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A presence that could make one’s knees tremble simply by existing.A gaze that seemed capable of forcing submission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was someone born with the qualities of a ruler and the talent to support it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the room technically belonged to the Baekhwa Merchant Leader,It was obvious, even with a cursory glance, that the true master of this space was the Crimson Feather.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is dangerous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was far more dangerous than any peril Ubeom had faced during their escape from the Northern Sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just one look at his eyes made it clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He wouldn’t hesitate to kill the princess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her status as a noble from the Northern Sea or her connection to the Ice Palace bloodline—None of it mattered to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the unmistakable sense Ubeom got.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haa…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri let out a pained groan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her distorted expression and the cold sweat running down her face showed just how much she was suffering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubeom bit his lip, scanning the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only ones visibly affected were himself, Ubeom, and Yuri.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others showed faint traces of discomfort but no real signs of pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which could only mean one thing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s controlling his energy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had carefully focused his overwhelming pressure solely on a select few, sparing the others in the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even while exerting such suffocating force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How was that possible?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disparity in power was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The icy voice pierced through the tension, directed at Yuri.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Answer me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri’s pupils quivered at the command.To her, this was clearly an opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the moment to understand what the Crimson Feather wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t hard to figure out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t just hinting at it—he was practically telling her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she used this right, there was a chance to sway him, to turn him to her side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Haa… haa…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Crimson Feather’s aura and gaze conveyed a clear warning:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you play games, you die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The message was unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What should she do?She had to choose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take a step forward and attempt to persuade him,Or retreat and succumb to the pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Feather watched her silently, his eyes practically forcing her to decide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deliberation didn’t take long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri was perceptive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…White Fox…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she went any further, she would die.Her instincts screamed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She was… my escort.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Yuri spoke—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Feather’s oppressive aura dissipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, Yuri could breathe again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haa… haa… haa…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“White Fox?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Feather tilted his head, his curiosity evident.Yuri, still catching her breath, took note of his reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s what we called her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Feels fitting, yet not at the same time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chuckled softly.It was a completely different kind of laughter from what he had shown earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This one was slightly brighter, even faintly genuine.Seeing it, Yuri realized that White Fox and the Crimson Feather were close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An escort, huh… So she was your bodyguard?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And how did that come about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It was a task assigned by the palace lord. I don’t know the details.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was simply how it was.Escort duties were often reassigned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Initially, Yuri had been suspicious of having an outsider as her escort.But since White Fox had been brought by a friend and approved by the palace lord, she hadn’t questioned it further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An escort… I wondered what she was up to…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Feather seemed to contemplate something briefly before looking back at Yuri.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, what’s your answer to my earlier question?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His earlier question.Was it the lingering effects of his energy? Yuri struggled to think clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hazy mind irritated her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, Yuri raised her hand—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Princess—!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone except the Crimson Feather stared at Yuri in shock.She had slapped herself across the face with all her strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had hit herself so hard that blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.Yuri wiped it away with her sleeve immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, her thoughts felt clearer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My apologies. I was feeling a bit lightheaded.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While everyone else looked at Yuri in stunned silence,The Crimson Feather’s gaze held a glint of amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You were asking if White Fox is connected to the events in the Ice Palace, correct?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Yuri’s answer, the Crimson Feather stroked his lips with his hand.He didn’t say anything further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like a signal to continue. Yuri interpreted the gesture that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before I left for Zhongyuan, White Fox remained at the palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She was your escort. Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was her choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She made that choice?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. The letter I delivered was given to me at that time. She instructed me to deliver it to you should I meet you in Zhongyuan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Feather’s brow furrowed slightly at Yuri’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no falsehood in her statement.Yuri relayed the information truthfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, as he had warned, attempting to play games with the truth could have unpredictable consequences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That said—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While she didn’t lie, she also hadn’t revealed everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After that, I fled directly to Zhongyuan. What happened to White Fox afterward… I don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the current state of the Ice Palace? You mentioned a rebellion—explain more clearly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri took a moment to steady her breath, her mind racing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…The Ice Palace is guarded by ten elite warriors. Shortly after the rebellion broke out, three of them were killed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And more might have died since then. It’s a dire situation, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yuri answered, the glass beside the Crimson Feather cracked in half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint tremor rippled through the room.It wasn’t the same overwhelming killing intent or aura as before, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear that the source of this energy was still the Crimson Feather.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, it’s an absolutely shitty situation, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Feather laughed as he spoke.Yuri found his smile more terrifying than his earlier blank expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And in such a dangerous mess, you wanted to drag me along?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, don’t worry about it. It’s not an important comment, so just forget it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was anything but forgettable, yet the Crimson Feather waved it off as if it truly didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What was the request again? To go with you to the Northern Sea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing his words, Yuri’s eyes widened.Surely not—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I didn’t say I’d go, so don’t get your hopes up. It’s annoying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his icy response, Yuri immediately nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Feather clicked his tongue, visibly irritated by her reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One day. I’ll give you an answer within a day. Just wait quietly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri’s expression shifted rapidly, as though she was moving between heaven and hell at his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she could respond, the Crimson Feather stood up.Turning to the Baekhwa Merchant Leader, he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll excuse myself. There are some things I need to check on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the leader’s nod, the Crimson Feather vanished.Seong Yul and Tang So-yeol, who had been blocking Ubeom and Wooseok, withdrew their swords and followed him out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The storm dissipated, leaving the room in sudden silence.About ten seconds passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Urgh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri clapped a hand over her mouth, gagging.Her escorts rushed to her side, supporting her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the aftermath of her struggle to maintain composure against the overwhelming energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m… I’m fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri stopped them, forcing a smile.Her hands were still trembling, but she smiled nonetheless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, she had a feeling things might finally turn in a favorable direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon leaving the merchant’s premises, I headed straight for my quarters.My steps quickened, reflecting my growing urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[She… was my escort.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri’s words echoed relentlessly in my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Escort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah, who had supposedly gone to the Northern Sea for training, had become the princess’s escort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had things suddenly turned out like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She said she was just going for training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had stubbornly insisted on going despite my protests, heading off to a place that didn’t seem to make sense.And now, she was escorting a girl who didn’t know the first thing about her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frustration surged within me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps, I thought I might see her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I heard people from the Northern Sea were coming, a part of me had hoped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was about the right time for her to return, and the timing of the Northern Sea delegation’s arrival seemed to align perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could she have returned?I allowed myself to hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And yet, it’s come to this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A storm of blood was raging in the Northern Sea, and somehow Namgung Bi-ah was caught up in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought alone made my anger boil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to dash to the Northern Sea immediately and grasp the situation firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The timing is all wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It couldn’t have been worse timing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meeting Cheonma in Hanam had already thrown things off, and now, I couldn’t leave for the Northern Sea.Not with the plans I had in place, nor the current circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In two months, the Martial Arts Tournament will be held.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were only two months, perhaps slightly more, until the grand tournament would begin in Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to participate in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The attack on Hanam coincides with it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were gains I needed to secure after the tournament concluded, as part of my plans to assault Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a critical piece in my long-term strategy, something I absolutely could not abandon.And yet, leaving for the Northern Sea now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How far is the Northern Sea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t even considered going before, so I hadn’t calculated the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My mind was in turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could I wait until after the tournament?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That would be at least two months away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I delayed until after the tournament, would it even be possible to go to the Northern Sea?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From what I’d heard, this wasn’t just a minor rebellion.It was a movement to overthrow the palace lord and instigate a complete reform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Namgung Bi-ah was entangled in that mess,And if I delayed two months before heading to the Northern Sea—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if something happens to her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The very thought suffocated me.It was an outcome I couldn’t allow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to find a way.I needed a solution, and I needed it quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day—that’s all I had to come up with a plan.If I couldn’t find one—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll ignore everything and head to the Northern Sea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plans, priorities—none of it mattered if Namgung Bi-ah’s life was at stake.If it came down to choosing, there was only one answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grinding my teeth, I finally reached my quarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, I needed to contact Amwang…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, you’ve arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as I was about to enter, I froze at the sound of a voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d been so lost in thought I hadn’t even noticed the presence nearby.And it wasn’t even a martial artist—it was an ordinary person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking toward the source, I spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Elder?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re late.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing at the entrance to my room was none other than Divine Doctor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was he doing here?I opened my mouth to question him, but Divine Doctor spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your face doesn’t look good. Is something troubling you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It’s nothing. Just a few matters to handle.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t the time for a long conversation.I needed to finalize my plans as quickly as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my response, Divine Doctor nodded slightly and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, things aren’t going well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was an unmistakable weariness in his voice, not unlike my own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What brings you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked, curiosity creeping into my tone.Divine Doctor hesitated before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have a favor to ask of you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that, I couldn’t help but frown.Why now of all times?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forcing my expression into something more neutral, I replied,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I apologize, Elder, but this isn’t the best time for me—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Soon, a significant event will unfold in Hanam.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words I had been about to speak were cut short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A significant event in Hanam?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand that your situation isn’t ideal, but… I must ask this favor of you. There are those with ill intentions toward Hanam—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I interrupted, grabbing Divine Doctor’s wrist.He looked startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meeting his gaze, I said firmly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell me more. In detail.”\u003C\u002Fp>",2520,"2026-06-05T15:10:09.877Z",1,"novelbin.me","e267281d08a2dbda9834655cdea4b2292b6eb670cebd03ac1edfcf3c87f83a9c","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-597","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-595",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]