[{"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-597":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},1240547,1667,"Chapter 596","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-597",597,"\u003Cp>Divine Doctor and I entered the room together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he stepped in, he looked around and frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This place is in shambles.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave a sheepish smile at his comment.He wasn’t wrong—the state of the room was a disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lone lamp was inexplicably broken,And the only piece of furniture, the table, was split in half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was from last night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had lost my temper and ended up breaking a few things.Sure, I could have called a servant to clean up before I left, but I didn’t bother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt awkward to ask someone else to clean up a mess caused by my tantrum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reaching out, I activated my qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wuuung—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a hum, fragments of the wreckage began to float in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words Moyong Hee-ah had said to me echoed in my mind:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re really usingHovering Qi Manipulationfor something like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an act anyone would find ridiculous if they saw it,But once you tried it yourself, you’d realize there was nothing more convenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t the most efficient use of energy—it drained qi like crazy—but it got the job done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After tidying up the room, Divine Doctor plopped down on an empty spot and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No tea is necessary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no table to serve it on, even if I had tea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t as if I kept tea in my room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I received plenty of gifts from various people, but I never bothered bringing tea along.I didn’t enjoy it, and it was a hassle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I do have water. Would you like that instead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, wait. Sorry, I just realized—I don’t even have water.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I answered awkwardly, realizing I hadn’t bothered to keep drinking water in the room either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine. I didn’t come here for refreshments.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Elder.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about grabbing something to offer him, I sat down on the floor instead after his remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no need to delay, so I got straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, what were you saying earlier?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Doctor’s expression darkened at my question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his face, I reflected on what he had said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not long from now, something major will happen in Hanam.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t something I could overlook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said there would be trouble in Hanam?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes… I don’t know when exactly, but it won’t be long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, Divine Doctor continued,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Certain individuals are planning to cause significant chaos in Hanam.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Certain individuals…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do you know this, Elder?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They told me directly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They told him directly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I paused, pondering the implications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yesterday, you said you were going out for a bit…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Doctor’s brief outing yesterday came to mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You also mentioned you were meeting someone in Hanam.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it have been related to this?For Divine Doctor, someone even the Martial Alliance leader wouldn’t easily summon, to come all the way to Hanam—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of person could that be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why would they approach you to talk about such plans?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked, my curiosity evident.Divine Doctor’s eyes grew cold at my question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a physician.Why would someone involve him in a plot to attack Hanam?Who were these people, and what were their intentions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The questions kept piling up.With a subtle but enigmatic expression, Divine Doctor finally answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because I share the same bloodline as them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I widened my eyes at his response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same bloodline?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That could only mean…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Descendants of the Jegal Clan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I kept my realization to myself, not voicing it aloud.Divine Doctor likely didn’t know I was aware of his lineage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So descendants of the Jegal Clan are planning something in Hanam?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought made my head throb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Another thing that didn’t happen in my previous life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In my past life, there had been no sudden reappearance of the Jegal Clan making grand moves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when the prodigy Jegal Hyuk became a strategist for the Demonic Cult and began sweeping across Zhongyuan,Even when another Jegal heir had tried to stop Jegal Hyuk to clear the family’s name,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There had never been any reports of other descendants of the Jegal Clan surfacing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this life, I knew Divine Doctor, Jegal Hyuk, and even that rat Ji-seon were all of the Jegal bloodline.But they had hidden their identities, lived quietly, and obscured their family name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, the name “Jegal” was little more than a faint memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet here we were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Forgotten phantoms drawing their swords to reclaim their place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How had it come to this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing my inner turmoil, I asked Divine Doctor,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder… what exactly is the identity of the bloodline you mentioned?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pretended to be unaware.Would he actually answer me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To my surprise, Divine Doctor replied without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once, we bore the name Jegal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am a descendant of that clan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Doctor didn’t attempt to hide his identity at all.I had expected some reluctance, but he revealed it so easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jegal… Does that mean…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I feigned a shocked reaction, though for entirely different reasons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. The Jegal Clan you’re thinking of.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jegal Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once one of the Five Great Families, unrivaled in their expertise in formations and mechanisms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their prime, they were the central authority in Zhongyuan’s formations and devices.Their position was unshakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People believed that no matter what else fell, the Jegal Clan would endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ironically, they were the first to collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the reason was well-documented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They worshiped the Blood Demon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blood Demon, who unleashed a storm of bloodshed upon Zhongyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jegal Clan secretly revered the Blood Demon and sought to harness his power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the Martial Alliance discovered this, they swiftly dismantled the clan.Their stronghold was obliterated,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And a kill order was issued on anyone bearing the Jegal name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All direct descendants were executed, leaving none behind.Those who survived in the branch families hid their surname and disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s the state of the Jegal Clan now—or rather, it could hardly be called a clan anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I recalled these facts as I stared at Divine Doctor and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it truly alright for you to share such a secret with me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? Are you planning to report me to the Martial Alliance?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, not necessarily. But, you know… if I ever get desperate for money, I might consider it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha! That’s such a ‘you’ thing to say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Doctor laughed.It sounded more like an insult than a compliment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do as you please. If selling out this old man can profit you, go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’m not saying I’d actually do it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just remember, if it comes to that… at least take care of Hyuk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s asking me to do the hardest thing.It would’ve been easier if he had threatened me instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sighing inwardly, I asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, the Jegal descendants are planning something. Did they ask you to join their cause? Is that why you’re telling me this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And what did you say to them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you think I said?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This old man—answering questions with more questions again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You refused.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He finally gave a straight answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Knowing your temper— I mean, personality, that’s what I figured.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I almost slipped and said “temper.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This old man could be so prickly.Barely avoiding the slip, I rephrased, and Divine Doctor chuckled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, you’re correct. I refused. I made it very clear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told them I wouldn’t get involved. Absolutely not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Doctor’s eyes darkened as he continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But it’s not that simple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which is why you’re telling me all this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, why come to me specifically? I don’t understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Doctor had plenty of people he could rely on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was Elder Il, even if he wasn’t particularly reliable,And Paejon, who was likely still nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention others who would move for Divine Doctor’s sake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So why come to me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing my question, Divine Doctor gave an unexpected answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not sure myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Excuse me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know why I came to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked genuinely puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just had a feeling it had to be you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s your entire reason…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. If you don’t want to, just say so. I won’t force you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was such an absurd reason.He came to me simply because hefeltlike it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I almost wondered if the old man was losing his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the end, it didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I sighed and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s hear what you have to say first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had no intention of refusing anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Descendants of the Jegal Clan plotting something in Hanam?How could I ignore that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, I was already planning to cause chaos in Hanam myself.And now the Jegal Clan was making their move too?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, isn’t this convenient.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Divine Doctor might think he was asking me to stop them,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My thoughts were entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why would I stop them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no way I’d waste this opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a golden chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to Divine Doctor’s words, I began to think.How could I turn this situation even more to my advantage?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the only thing on my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>****************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As night deepened, in a location far removed from Hanam and buried even deeper below ground, an elderly man sat alone, nursing a drink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of liquor being poured filled the air, the man downing it without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no pretense of ceremony—perhaps he once observed such decorum, but now there was no reason to bother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no one around to see him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One drink became two, then three, as the bottle gradually emptied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the man reached for his fourth pour, holding the bottle, he paused and thought to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How much is left?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just the liquor in the bottle, but how much time remained before he would be free of his shackles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Likely about the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chuckled softly, glancing at the remaining liquid.Barely anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, just as with the liquor, only a fleeting moment remained before everything would be emptied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the last drop tumbled out of the bottle, he set it aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snacks? He didn’t need them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His memories of the past were sustenance enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Placing the empty bottle down, the man raised his cup, now full of liquor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shimmering surface of the liquid reminded him of time itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I drink this to the last drop, will the long-awaited moment finally arrive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A foolish thought. The man chuckled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised the cup to his lips, but just as he was about to drink—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man froze mid-motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His previously vacant eyes filled with life, his gaze sharpening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared intently at the cup, where the liquor’s surface rippled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he registered this—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man burst through the door, his voice panicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re under attack! Someone has breached the premises!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting the cup down, the elderly man remained calm despite the urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We have guests.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the face of such dire news, his demeanor was steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The protective formations at the entrance have been disabled! The guards moved to intercept, but their forces…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do not act recklessly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s cold voice silenced the subordinate immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It would be impolite to our guests.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Prepare more liquor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The subordinate’s eyes widened in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More liquor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was not the time for drinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could voice his protest, however—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s only right to welcome distinguished guests with hospitality.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sound from behind made the subordinate stiffen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint breeze swept through the corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That might not have been unusual, except…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This place was completely sealed off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wind should have been able to flow through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what was this breeze?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The footsteps drew closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were deliberate, unhurried, and calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound echoed unnaturally loud in the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The breeze brushed against the subordinate’s shoulder, and he shuddered involuntarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just a breeze—it felt heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweat began to bead on his frozen form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pfft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind extinguished the torches lining the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darkness enveloped the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the darkness didn’t last long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The extinguished flames reignited, but this time they burned with a strange violet hue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the return of light, the shadows seemed to grow even deeper, more oppressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From within the shadows, a voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The subordinate trembled uncontrollably, his teeth chattering audibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice alone triggered a primal reaction—fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a deep, bone-chilling terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring his subordinate’s distress, the elderly man focused on the figure that had emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dressed in a dark martial robe and wearing an unsettlingly white mask, the intruder strode forward with hands clasped behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder spoke, his tone steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An uninvited guest, it seems. What brings you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked figure did not respond, simply gazing at the elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you refuse to answe—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jegal Patriarch.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Will that suffice as your title?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder’s brows furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only had this intruder breached the stronghold, but he also seemed to know his identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And who might you be?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who I am is of little importance. That’s not the point here, is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked figure resumed his advance, each step measured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The subordinate, unable to bear the tension, lunged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the elder raised a hand, stopping him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems you have a purpose for coming here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I do. A very important one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked figure stopped a short distance from the elder, who scrutinized him closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those eyes, visible through the mask…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were deeply unsettling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I came here personally because there’s something I must discuss with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The casual tone grated on the elder’s nerves, but he held his composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone who could bypass the defensive formations and reach this place alone was not to be underestimated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiding his thoughts, the elder asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And what might you wish to discuss?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before that, what should I call you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jegal Patriarch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that the name the masked figure intended to use?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder hesitated briefly before answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That name is no longer used.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cheonra Heukmangdae (The Black Web Battalion).”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder declared,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is the name of the unit I lead. You may address me as its Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After introducing himself, the elder noticed something peculiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The masked figure’s voice carried a faint trace of amusement as he repeated,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bad. I like it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder found it strange—almost as if the intruder was enjoying himself.\u003C\u002Fp>",2405,"2026-06-05T15:10:09.877Z",1,"novelbin.me","9e44699d98b08631e38244b687f4ad0734d89e130840c4cf77e0b2ad3b1acb1c","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-598","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-596",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]