[{"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-598":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},1240548,1667,"Chapter 597","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-598",598,"\u003Cp>Wuuuuuung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside my body, demonic energy churns relentlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with it, the pain resurfaces. My body, which had been painstakingly recovering, now screams in agony as I draw on my energy once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I make even a small mistake, my recovery will be delayed further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had no other choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned my gaze to the elderly man staring at me head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite sitting down, his presence was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His massive body, covered with densely packed muscles, was extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I had to compare, he was on par with Elder Il—that old man’s frame was similarly colossal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From what I’d heard, the Jegal Clan was supposedly more focused on formations and mechanisms, not direct combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to think someone from that clan could possess such raw martial strength…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s well beyond the Hwagyeong level.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man seemed far stronger than the elder I killed at Wudang last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he probably wasn’t on par with the leaders of the Nine Great Clans or the Four Noble Families, he had a strength that rivaled them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, this is the one…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person from the Jegal Clan who was said to be stirring up trouble in Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the old man, I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was genuinely surprised this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I weren’t wearing a mask, my expression would’ve given everything away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was I so surprised?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because his martial prowess exceeded my expectations? No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because someone from the Jegal Clan appeared so powerful? That wasn’t it either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man was someone I recognized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, I knew him very well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew him so well that I could confidently say…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This old man was from the Jegal Clan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His identity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In my past life, he had been part of the Demonic Cult’s direct subordinates—theCheonra Heukmangdae.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not just any member. He was their leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Spearhead Demon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That old man was none other than the Spearhead Demon himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a master of blunt weapons. His real name? I couldn’t remember. Not that it mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It must’ve been an alias, anyway.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever name he had gone by in the past was likely a fake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he was the one leading the remnants of the fallen Jegal Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given that his real name was probably something along the lines of Jegal-something-or-other, it was clear:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even when he was acting as a demon, he used a false name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That conclusion seemed correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Additionally, seeing him as a descendant of the Jegal Clan revealed something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, the Cheonra Heukmangdae had been a direct subordinate of the Heavenly Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, they were the unit most often commanded by Jegal Hyuk, theHeavenly Wanderer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever Jegal Hyuk faced danger, it was this group that acted as his escorts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was why I’d targeted the Cheonra Heukmangdae first when I set out to deal with Jegal Hyuk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking back, it made sense why the Heavenly Wanderer and the Cheonra Heukmangdae were so intertwined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was it because both were from the Jegal lineage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just speculation, but based on the circumstances, I was now half-certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that’s the case, not only Jegal Hyuk but even the Heavenly Demon must’ve known this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, it didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that the Spearhead Demon was from the Jegal Clan was simply surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anything, this was good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another piece of the puzzle had fallen into place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiding my expression, I spoke to the Spearhead Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, I’ll address you as the Leader of the Cheonra.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…As you wish.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spearhead Demon placed something in front of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cup of alcohol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t have any fine liquor to offer a guest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I chuckled slightly at his words. The nerve of this man, offering alcohol to someone who barged in uninvited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not really in the mood to drink.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t seem particularly bothered by my refusal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s busy trying to figure me out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feigning nonchalance, his gaze lingered on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spearhead Demon was doing everything he could to determine who I was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resting my chin on my hand, I stared back at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Go ahead, try and see what you can figure out. That’s exactly what my behavior conveyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the Spearhead Demon adjusted his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must’ve realized how futile his attempts were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This mask isn’t just for show.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a rare treasure given to me by the Shadow King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the other trashy artifacts out there, this one was genuinely useful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It not only obscured my face but also hid the state of my body and my martial rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For someone like me, whose face betrayed every lie, it was the perfect item.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of silent observation, the Spearhead Demon finally spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard you disabled the formation before entering. How did you do it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, his first question was about the formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understandable. That formation wasn’t ordinary by any means.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was hidden subtly, blending into the surroundings. Even if someone discovered it, unraveling it would be no easy task—it was intricate and precise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t well-versed in formations, but even I could tell how extraordinary it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s just…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For a cheap trick, it wasn’t too bad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…It wasn’t much of an issue for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, not for me, but for Seong Yul.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul had been the one to disable the formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, should I call it disabling? He just sliced through it with his sword, and that was that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In my past life, unraveling even a single formation would require multiple experts and a significant amount of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, seeing how easily Seong Yul handled it was almost laughable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bringing him along was a good call.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing the location wouldn’t have helped if the formation had barred entry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there was a funny moment when I asked Seong Yul, blindfolded, how he knew the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Doctor explained it like this:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He memorized every step as he walked.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, he remembered the entire path he had taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was then I realized: you need a mind like that to be Zhongyuan’s greatest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why I brought Seong Yul along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remembering how he’d sliced through the formation last time, I figured he’d handle it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, Seong Yul dismantled the formation with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching it, I let out a hollow laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t stand any of these geniuses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I asked him how he did it, Seong Yul replied:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It just… didn’t feel right over there.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said it with such simplicity it made my blood boil. Geniuses, I swear…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, there was someone like that in my past life, too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the old days, even Wu Hyuk had claimed he couldhearformations and would destroy them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this life, Namgung Bi-ah would claim she couldsmellthem and cut through them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including Seong Yul, all three of them were monstrous geniuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, formations are just another talent to them, huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was pointless to dwell on it now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing that mattered was the Spearhead Demon’s reaction to what I’d said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The look in his eyes was no joke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he upset because I dismissed the formation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, given how complex it was…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I had attempted to unravel it myself, who knows what would’ve happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t even want to imagine it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And if I’d torn through it by brute force?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That might’ve been possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I would’ve had to endure the backlash from forcibly breaking it. I didn’t want to deal with that, so I left it to Seong Yul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, I wondered, what was the Spearhead Demon thinking as he looked at me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he believe I’d dismantled the formation in one go?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or did he think I’d smashed through it with sheer strength?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever the case.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must see both options as extraordinary individuals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was precisely the reaction I wanted from the Spearhead Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Seems like it worked.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by his response, the Spearhead Demon couldn’t accurately gauge me and was busy trying to figure me out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, unsure of my strength, he was being cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was exactly the reaction I wanted from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I silently stared at the Spearhead Demon, he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve heard the rumors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his words, I tilted my head. Rumors? What rumors?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Heavenly Demon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My eyes widened slightly at his reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A man wearing a cracked white mask and dressed in black destroyed Wudang, they say.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought the rumors hadn’t spread much considering what I did, but the Spearhead Demon already seemed informed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I assumed he was no ordinary figure when I first heard the tale.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And now that you’ve met him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…He’s even more than I imagined.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I forced an awkward chuckle. The sound of my laugh was a poor imitation, inspired by Paejon's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did you find this place? And how did you dismantle the formation? Coming here alone must mean you have business with me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t I make it clear from the start? I came here because I have business with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, tell me—what business brings you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spearhead Demon extended his hand into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the distant shadows, something flew into his grasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A weapon as large as his own body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a loud thud, he struck the ground with the blunt weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I recognized it immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That’s the Spearhead Demon’s treasured weapon.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the same blunt weapon he used to crush countless skulls in the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remember him saying it was forged from a mix of eternal cold iron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s just an exceptionally sturdy blunt weapon.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when wielded by the Spearhead Demon, it was no different from a weapon of a demonic warlord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If your purpose isn’t compelling, our next conversation won’t be as peaceful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a warning that any nonsense would lead to a fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I calculated my chances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What would happen if I fought the Spearhead Demon here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What would happen? I’d lose, of course.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Defeat was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body wasn’t in perfect condition, and even at full strength, beating him would be nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s how formidable the Spearhead Demon was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Interesting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wuuuuung—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing this, I had no intention of backing down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I opened my heart, releasing my energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pain coursed through me, but I didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If my body could barely endure this energy, it meant I was exuding power far beyond my usual limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spearhead Demon’s killing intent was fierce, but it wasn’t enough to crush me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our energies clashed, distorting the space around us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pushed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My energy swallowed and crushed his, dominating the exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his energy quality surpassed mine, when it came to sheer quantity, I wouldn’t lose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘With all I’ve consumed, there’s hardly anyone in Zhongyuan who can match my energy reserves.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless my past self were brought here, it was impossible for someone like the Spearhead Demon to overpower me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hoo…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spearhead Demon sighed, clearly shaken after losing the energy clash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He appeared to have sustained minor internal injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spearhead Demon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I called out to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll overlook this once, as a gesture of goodwill.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gathering the energy that lingered in the air, I hurled it toward the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thunderous sound echoed from the unseen barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, did I throw it too hard?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But don’t reveal your intentions recklessly again. There won’t be a next time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grip on the Spearhead Demon’s weapon loosened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My apologies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good. I was worried he might charge at me recklessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are your games over? If you want to continue, go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I feigned confidence, all the while internally screaming for him not to take the bait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I simply wanted to confirm whether you were truly the figure of those rumors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spearhead Demon remained motionless, unaffected by my provocation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Internally, I let out a sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like I had narrowly avoided disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you get your answer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spearhead Demon nodded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What reason would someone like you have for coming to this place?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, after the intense standoff, we got to the main point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though things had turned out well, I had to work hard to hide the sweat running down my back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It just so happens that I have some business here myself…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smiled, my eyes narrowing as I looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard someone was planning to stir up trouble in Hanam. I figured I’d meet them face-to-face.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my words, the Spearhead Demon’s expression hardened, a hint of hostility surfacing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you suggesting this area belongs to you and that no one can act without your permission—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing the growing danger, I cut him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do as you please. I don’t concern myself with petty matters like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And if I do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I raised two fingers, showing them to the Spearhead Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are two things you need to do for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you accomplish them, I won’t interfere, no matter what you do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spearhead Demon’s body trembled, his killing intent rising once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I acknowledge your confidence, but it seems you don’t know your limits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Groooan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, his energy was of a different caliber. It seemed he was genuinely revealing his true power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My fingertips trembled, and I discreetly hid them within my sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you think I’ll spare your life after such treatment—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You wretched remnant clinging to the past.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my words, the Spearhead Demon froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your name erased, your clan fallen, and yet your pointless pride remains unbroken.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spearhead Demon tried to unleash his power, but I interrupted him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you not wish to destroy those who tore apart your clan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped at my words, his expression twisting in anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Such things wouldn’t matter, whether or not you were involved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His confidence was evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t know what he was planning, but it was unlikely to be anything trivial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He probably failed in my past life, but who knows now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The circumstances were entirely different from before. Moreover, the Alliance Leader was particularly distracted right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the martial tournament preparations underway and the incident at Wudang, now was the perfect time to strike Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spearhead Demon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was only true if I weren’t here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think my words are a request? Don’t misunderstand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t make requests.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was crucial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring his killing intent, I leaned back nonchalantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a test I’m giving you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I needed to convey absolute confidence—that his treasured weapon meant nothing to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you can’t even pass this simple test, you’ll die here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spearhead Demon’s eyes widened in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t help but wonder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What? It’s too early to be surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you fail, not only will your revenge be impossible—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before I could finish my sentence, the Spearhead Demon interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was utterly caught off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t expected him to cut me off like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse still, his next words were even more shocking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hearing that, I think I now know who you are.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What the hell?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My heart sank at his statement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He figured it out? How?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I resisted the urge to check if my mask was crooked. Doing so would’ve been the end of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where did he get this information? If he really knew, this was a serious problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless thoughts raced through my mind as I swallowed dryly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To defeat a Wudang elder in a single blow, and to emit such overwhelming energy…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Spearhead Demon spoke with confidence, as though he’d confirmed his suspicions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced around, quickly assessing my escape routes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If things went south, I’d need to bolt immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right. You must be…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he said it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…The vanished Third Honor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words slipped out unintentionally in my real voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Fallen Honor”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name was so unexpected, I couldn’t help but be taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It must be you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared at me, eyes wide with shock, as though he’d uncovered a great truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I adjusted my stance, preparing myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to choose my next move carefully, and quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a faint laugh and looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your intuition isn’t bad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no hesitation in my voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t know where this was heading, but in this moment…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I decided to become the Fallen Honor (Paejon).\u003C\u002Fp>",2767,"2026-06-05T15:10:09.877Z",1,"novelbin.me","f8223804f772a9f7c0412243842b2b87d04bb82b14d1b8ac3685efb1b9760679","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-599","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-597",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]