[{"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-621":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},1240471,1667,"Chapter 620","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-621",621,"\u003Cp>The time that had been night had turned into day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant a whole day had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The journey back to the hideout hadn’t taken long. With my body fully healed, my pace was much faster than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was something odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This so-called hideout is way too easy to find.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding the cave entrance had been far too simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri had mentioned that some sort of spell was in place to make it difficult to locate, yet…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When we escaped last time and when I perceived the residual effects of the formation, it was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something about me had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop there…!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards stationed at the entrance shouted and moved into a defensive stance upon seeing me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, with Yuri accompanying me, we were able to enter without much trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon returning to the hideout, the White Lotus Sword appeared hastily, her eyes scanning me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She opened her mouth as if to say something but froze when her gaze fell on Namgung Bi-ah in my arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Ah…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes revealed a swirl of emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Namgung Bi-ah would make White Lotus Sword uncomfortable. She wasn’t a heartless person, and the fact that Namgung Bi-ah had willingly acted as bait was likely stirring conflicting feelings within her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take her and check her condition, please. And…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now wasn’t the time to dwell on such matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I handed Namgung Bi-ah over to her abruptly and said seriously,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll go speak with the Palace Lord first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were things I needed to ask him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>**************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Iron Doors\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive iron doors where I presumed the Palace Lord resided stood before me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Turn back,\" said the figure blocking my way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Lion.One of the North Sea’s generals, he stood tall and imposing, glaring at me with suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are not permitted to meet the Palace Lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blade’s tip trembled with caution. I understood the reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I caused a scene when I left.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After creating chaos and threatening the Palace Lord himself, it was only natural for this man to be on high alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, it was my own fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I raised my hands with my most amiable expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Earlier, I may have—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Judging by your expression, it’s clear you’re planning something against the Palace Lord. You will not pass.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This bastard…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed my attempt at polite diplomacy wasn’t working.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I lowered my hands and let out a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this reaction was expected. The Palace Lord’s condition had worsened, and he was in hiding for recovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after I’d threatened him in such a state, it was no wonder his guard would act this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If words wouldn’t work, there was no helping it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Step aside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I dropped the pretense and spoke directly to the Black Lion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m just going to ask him a few questions and leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you really think that’s possible?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course not. I know it’s not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gauged the distance between us, wiggling my fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But right now, I don’t have the luxury of waiting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I needed answers, and the Palace Lord was the one person who might have them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, I had to meet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Lion’s grip on his weapon tightened as he met my gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve only made it this far because you were treated as an esteemed guest. However—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Energy surged around his blade. It was qi—strong, tangible qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air around us seemed to twist and compress under its weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man was powerful—clearly beyond theHwagyeonglevel, an accomplished martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Given your prior threat to the Palace Lord, not only can I not let you pass, but he is currently resting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I laughed at his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In a situation like this, he’s sound asleep? Amazing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Watch your tongue!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade vibrated violently, its presence an overwhelming threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you speak ill of the Palace Lord again, I will cut you down where you stand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My, how intimidating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The promise to kill was chillingly direct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Under normal circumstances, I’d wait and come back another time. But I’m in a hurry. Just wake him up and let me speak with him. He can sleep later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You truly intend to shed blood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I just—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Lion’s blade shifted aggressively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clicking my tongue in frustration, I muttered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guijeong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shwick—Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spectral chains ofGuijeongextended from my left arm, wrapping around his blade and binding its movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak—Groan—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A battle of strength ensued as the Black Lion attempted to free his weapon, his muscles straining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—Crash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clash of our forces created tremors, shaking the space around us. Dust fell from the ceiling as the ground beneath us quaked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You bastard…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you really want me to break through by force? It won’t end well for anyone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As the Palace Lord’s protector, I cannot let a threat like you pass.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fair enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His resolve as a guard was admirable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that left me with only one option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I’ll just have to knock you out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drawing upon my energy, I activatedGuyeomhwaryungong (Nine Flames Firewheel),spinning its fiery rings to heat my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flames combined with my qi, gathering into a searing orb in my palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Black Lion, seeing my stance, fortified his blade with his own qi, enveloping himself in a defensive aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation was on the verge of exploding into a full-scale battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Stop.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice from beyond the iron doors made the Black Lion immediately withdraw his qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Palace Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Black Lion, open the door.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But, Palace Lord…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[That is an order.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of dissatisfaction crossed the Black Lion’s face, but he said no more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sheathed his blade and gripped the door handle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…As you command.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door groaned open. Seeing this, I withdrew my energy as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar wave of cold air swept over me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Enter.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Palace Lord’s words, I stepped forward without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please, at least show proper respect to the Palace Lord this time,\" the Black Lion muttered, his farewell laced with venom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring him, I entered the frigid, unwelcoming chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The space was unchanged. The Palace Lord sat in the center, surrounded by ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was different now was my perception of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It’s good to see you again so soon.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed. I didn’t expect to be back so quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stopped before him and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His appearance was the same—half his body encased in ice, with frost radiating outwards, enveloping the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thatenergy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The aura was eerily similar to the one I had felt from Yuseon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though far less unpleasant and hostile, the resemblance was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So, what business made you disturb my rest?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Were you really sleeping?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Quite soundly, yes.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord chuckled, but I didn’t believe him for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Tell me, what brings you here? You even went so far as to stage that little performance.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t help but let a faint smile creep onto my face at the Palace Lord’s response. It seemed he had seen through me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The confrontation with the Black Lion—acting intentionally aggressive to draw the Palace Lord out—had worked. And it appeared the Palace Lord knew exactly what I was doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t matter. My goal had been achieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking directly at him, I spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just returned from meeting someone who, if I’m not mistaken, is either your son or daughter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They went by the name ‘Yuseon.’ From what I can tell, they’re likely the culprit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name might be an alias. Yuri had claimed it was her sister’s name, yet what I saw was unmistakably a man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it was also possible that the gender itself was false.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord’s vertically-slit pupils regarded me as I dropped this information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yuseon…?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name escaped his lips in a low murmur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So it’s them.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had just learned the identity of the child responsible for the rebellion, the Palace Lord’s reaction remained unshaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It was that child.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Is that all you have to say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[If you came here just to tell me this, I thank you. I seem to have made you take unnecessary steps.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His bizarrely indifferent response made me frown, but I had my own reasons for coming here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I’m here to ask you something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Speak. I will listen carefully.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Palace Lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a deep breath before asking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know about dragons?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hmm.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord fell silent for a moment before replying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I do.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, his response was affirmative. I had expected him to feign ignorance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yes. In fact…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His slit pupils locked onto me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[There’s one standing right before me.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I widened my eyes in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did he already know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed the Palace Lord was aware of my true nature from the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That question didn’t linger for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Shadow King had recognized it, and Yuseon had recognized it, it stood to reason the Palace Lord could as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But still…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You knew, and you let me in?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Why wouldn’t I? You are a distinguished guest who came to visit.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I mulled over his words, pondering how far I could push this line of questioning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much did he know? And how much could I learn from him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thoughts swirled in my mind but didn’t last long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your child is a dragon as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even this revelation failed to surprise him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So, the Ice Essence ultimately chose that child.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he simply closed his eyes, as if realizing something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pressed on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And they called me a pureblood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as I said that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What…?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord’s reaction was markedly different this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve come to ask you about your child. And about why they called me a pureblood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord’s eyes widened dramatically at my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had shown little reaction when I mentioned his child, but now he seemed unable to contain his astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What made this so different?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Pureblood? You’re saying they called you a pureblood?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had even torn off my arm and tried to kill me, though I didn’t bother mentioning that detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does it mean, exactly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ha….]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord let out a dry chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So, it’s finally time.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He muttered something cryptic before—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ice encasing the Palace Lord’s body began to crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lines spread across the frozen surface, and soon, the ice shattered into pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord stepped free from the shards, slowly rising to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t hide my shock as I watched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was huge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far larger than I had expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Almost as tall as my father,\" I thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seated, his size had been deceptive. Standing, his build was towering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rustle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord brushed off the ice fragments clinging to his body and turned to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Would you follow me for a moment?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice, once echoing and ethereal, now sounded steady and ordinary, yet still carried a weighty resonance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Suddenly? We haven’t finished our conversation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll provide the answers you seek. But first, please follow me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m asking you as a favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I frowned, studying his serious expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where could he possibly want to go in the middle of this conversation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Annoyance bubbled up at the abrupt request, but since he promised answers, I let out a resigned sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where are we going?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for understanding.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord smiled faintly before turning and walking away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I followed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We didn’t walk far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We remained within the same chamber, merely heading to the opposite side from where I had entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When we approached the far wall, I noticed something embedded in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A door?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, a door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t particularly large—certainly smaller than the Palace Lord himself. It seemed almost proportioned for someone of my height.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s this…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Open it,\" he said, cutting off my question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why wasn’t he opening it himself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there a trap?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought crossed my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you’re suspicious, I’ll place a binding restriction on myself,\" the Palace Lord offered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must have noticed my hesitation to make such a statement. Under normal circumstances, I might have taken him up on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But something about this door compelled me to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment I saw it, I felt an instinctual pull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My hand reached out on its own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When my fingers brushed the frozen handle—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door splintered outward in massive fractures, radiating from the point of contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught off guard by the sudden event, I froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white frost clinging to the door dissipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creeeak…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door began to open on its own, even though I hadn’t touched it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What the hell is this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at the scene beyond the door in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…So, it’s true,\" the Palace Lord said, his voice steady yet weighted with meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean?\" I asked, still unsure of what I was seeing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This door can only be opened by purebloods.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excuse me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was decreed long ago. Only now has it been proven true.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned back to the door, skeptical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t seen the Palace Lord attempt to open it, so I couldn’t confirm if his claim was genuine. But this was apparently a place only purebloods could access?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who could have set such a condition?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question burned in my mind. Who could have created something like this in the North Sea?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was about to ask the Palace Lord when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed his head slightly and stepped through the doorway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he telling me to follow?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a word, I followed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This place felt entirely different from the icy chamber we’d just left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corridor was short, only requiring about ten paces to traverse. As we exited—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t help but gasp at the sight before me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vast space blanketed in chilling frost, with a massive, perfectly spherical object hovering mid-air at its center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first glance, it resembled ice. But it was too flawlessly round, far too intricate to be natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No human could have crafted such a thing—certainly not at that scale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just looking at it made my heart pound uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump. Thump. Thump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I struggled to steady my breathing, but my gaze was locked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\"\"Why is it affecting me this way?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My legs moved on their own, dragging me closer to the object as if compelled by some unseen force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is what we call theIce Essence,\" the Palace Lord’s voice rang out, breaking my trance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Ice Essence? That thing is the Ice Essence?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Half of it resides beneath the Ice Palace, but yes, this too is the Ice Essence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…There’s another one like this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The one beneath the palace is the heirloom of the bloodline, passed down through generations. But…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord’s gaze shifted to the massive orb before us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This one, I believe, is the original.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The original?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he saying that this was the true Ice Essence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you showing this to me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was he revealing such an artifact to me, an outsider? Just from its appearance, it was obvious this was not something meant for others to see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he planning to kill me here? The thought crossed my mind briefly, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As I said, only purebloods can come here. That is the rule.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord’s calm words dispelled my suspicion, replacing it with curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, you brought me here because you think I’m a pureblood?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that’s it? That’s your only reason?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you consider that a simple matter? It is not,\" he said, his gaze fixed on the Ice Essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For centuries, the bloodline of the Ice Palace has endured its curse, rooted in the North Sea. Today, that curse is finally being confronted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord’s eyes turned to me, his expression heavy with significance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Long ago, it was decreed: when a pureblood appears in the North Sea, they must be brought here to face this place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ice Essence emitted a faint vibration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Preserving and protecting the Ice Essence until that day—that was the bloodline’s burden.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For centuries, they had guarded this place, waiting for the arrival of someone prophesied to come. That was their curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord’s explanation made me frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…That’s ridiculous. Waiting for someone who may never come? Living like that? How is that even possible?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is why we call it a curse,\" the Palace Lord replied with a bitter smile. \"Cruel, isn’t it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chuckled, but there was a profound bitterness behind his laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And yet, I never imagined someone like Gu Gongja would appear.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How can you be so certain I’m the one? I might not be—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That does not matter,\" the Palace Lord cut me off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you weren’t, the door wouldn’t have opened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had his earlier suggestion to open it been a test?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For what purpose? What do you want from me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had they waited for a pureblood to appear? What were they hoping to accomplish here, in front of the Ice Essence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to suppress my confusion, I voiced my frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"History refers to that as an ‘egg,’\" the Palace Lord said, motioning toward the Ice Essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at the orb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An egg?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That massive thing is an egg?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was far too large and cold to seem like any kind of egg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it truly was, what could possibly emerge from something so enormous? The mere thought sent a shiver down my spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is how it’s been described, but…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord stepped closer to me, his voice calm and measured as he said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s also been called by another name.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing beside me, he spoke softly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Heart of the Dragon Emperor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I whipped my head toward him, stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Ice Essence… is the heart of the Dragon Emperor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",3005,"2026-06-05T15:10:11.188Z",1,"novelbin.me","964067e23de1c1c88e1a26c91660c7ec4fabf6a2496550de77a96ed968f906a1","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-622","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-620",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]