[{"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-632":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},1240482,1667,"Chapter 631","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-632",632,"\u003Cp>It was Woo Hyuk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same Woo Hyuk who had been inside the Ice Essence moments ago now stood before me, wide-eyed, gripping my fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was something different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His long black hair had turned white.His eyes glowed with a piercing blue light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment I saw him, I understood the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You bastard...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t Woo Hyuk.It was the Third Pureblood, Mang, controlling his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang grinned when he saw my startled expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That expression suits you well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was Woo Hyuk’s face, the smile was entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If only just a little more...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was filled with regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...just a little longer, and I could have fully reclaimed everything.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone grew sharper as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To think you would intervene in that fleeting moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grip on my hand tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, this will have to do. It’s sufficient for now. I had intended to show mercy to a kin I hadn’t seen in ages, but...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sly smile crept across Mang’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This turn of events isn’t bad either. I’ll deal with this distortion preemptively. Now, why don’t we see how death feels through the body of your dear friend—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BAM!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My other fist connected with Mang’s face, snapping his head to the side.Not missing a beat, I followed up with another punch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang! Thud! Bam! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pummeled him relentlessly,unleashing blow after blow as if trying to break him apart entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this range, it was easy to keep hitting him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The relentless assault shook the entire space with its force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You...! You damned fool!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang finally released my hand, erupting with energy to force me back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shhhhhh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A surge of icy cold shot toward me, forcing me to retreat and shake off the frost forming on my body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I brushed the frost away, Mang spat onto the ground.The spit was thick with blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up at me with a mix of disbelief and irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you truly out of your mind? Do you not recognize who I am?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You think I don’t have eyes? I can see perfectly well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Woo Hyuk’s body.That much was obvious.Whether his hair had turned white or his eyes blue, it was still Woo Hyuk’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mang just happened to hijack it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stated it matter-of-factly, causing Mang’s expression to twist further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Surely, you came here to save this body.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That had been my original intent.For a moment, I’d even forgotten about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yet, the moment you saw it, you attacked without hesitation. Do you truly not care what happens to this body?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tilted my head at his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s the problem with that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang’s tone was incredulous, as though he couldn’t comprehend my response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why should I hesitate to hit you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just because he was using Woo Hyuk’s body,why should that stop me from beating him senseless?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re planning to fight me, aren’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t deny it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So what? Was I supposed to just stand still and let you hit me? You’re more selfish than I thought.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, that’s not what I meant—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or did you think I’d hesitate because you’re using a friend’s body? Are you my friend?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Hah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it was Woo Hyuk’s body, Mang wasn’t my friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I already planned to beat that bastard up anyway. He stabbed me in the gut, remember?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was Mang or Woo Hyuk,I’d intended to land a few hits after getting him back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This just made it more convenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can take care of my frustration at the same time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, I charged at Mang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!The ground cracked beneath me as I launched myself forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Engulfing my body in flames, I hurtled toward him, kicking out as I approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guyeom Taearang (俱炎態牙狼)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KRAAANG—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames burst from the tip of my foot, reshaping as they engulfed Mang.Though originally meant to be a fist technique, I could adapt it to any part of my body once I mastered it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoooosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flames expanded rapidly, taking on the shape of a dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang frowned and raised his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaaah—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A surge of frost erupted from his fingertips, forming a barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KWAANG—!The flames collided with the barrier, scattering in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But by the time Mang finished erecting his barrier,I was already behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the start, the flames had been a feint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he turned his attention to the front,I moved behind him and launched my strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heart Fist\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pouring my intent into my fist, I thrust it forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM—!The formless energy erupted, tearing up the ground as it shot toward Mang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had this been Woo Hyuk’s body alone,it would’ve been crushed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re quite impatient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinctively, I stepped back just as Mang spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blade of ice grazed my chest, drawing blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the shallow cut, I thought to myself:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That was close.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I hadn’t stepped back, I’d have been sliced open entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though injured, it wasn’t fatal.Rotating my energy slightly, I turned my gaze to Mang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At some point, he had conjured a sword of ice.I couldn’t help but be surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That... is that your power?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp, icy sword was eerily similar to the techniques Yuseon had used.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That technique—“Wasn’t supposed to be an Authority, though.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How was Mang able to wield it so effortlessly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smirking, Mang answered my unspoken question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why should it seem strange? After all, the abilities of the Ice Palace bloodline originate from me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang continued, seeing my confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Think about it. Did it never strike you as odd how that inadequate Apostle wielded a sword?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question stirred memories of my battle with Yuseon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though clearly a martial artist,Yuseon had gone out of her way to fight with a sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The answer is simple. The power is aligned with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, because you use a sword, the technique manifested as one? Is that it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ninth, you were once nothing but a feeble creature. Have you never questioned it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spinning the sword in his hand, Mang continued,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fire, ice, thunder—these powers you wield. Do you truly believe humans alone could achieve such things?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you talking about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words momentarily threw me off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Mang’s movement, I ducked quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp gust grazed past my head,followed by a loud slicing sound behind me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something had been cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frowning, I gathered flames in my hand,forming a Flame Jade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throwing it with all my strength,the Flame Jade streaked toward Mang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just before it could explode—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang sliced through it with his sword.The split Flame Jade veered off course, striking the wall instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The explosion rattled the space,but Mang seemed unfazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swung his sword lazily a few times before resting it on his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was one of dissatisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems even this fleeting moment wasn’t enough. This body won’t move as I wish.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang’s discomfort was palpable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked,\"What was that you said just now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"About humans not being capable. What did you mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s hardly a remarkable statement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s remarkable enough to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps to you, it might be. But,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang pointed his sword at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why should I tell you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t help but let out a dry laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re really good at pissing people off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And seeing you flustered pleases me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why’d you have to drag an innocent guy into this mess? Did you even ask permission from the owner of that body?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This body? I liked it. And more importantly, it carries a fragment of the Dragon King.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A fragment?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was a term I had heard before.A fragment of the Dragon King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did he mean by that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry. Once I reclaim my original body, I’ll let this one go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s been centuries. Where do you expect to find your body?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why wouldn’t I find it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang brushed the ground with his foot, kicking aside shards of the shattered Ice Essence.The broken pieces scattered around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This Essence contained my energy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After my battle with the Dragon King, my energy was completely depleted. It took time to recover, but it wasn’t impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The life force of the Ice Palace’s bloodline,sacrificed over the years to stave off the eternal cold—had it all been absorbed by Mang to restore his energy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait. If your energy was here, then your body must...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang chuckled at my realization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sharp as ever.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded as if impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My body is sealed in another Ice Essence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I saw nothing there...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The form doesn’t matter. What’s important is that it’s there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that true? Or was he bluffing?I wouldn’t have to speculate for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had seen it myself—the overwhelming energy emanating from the Ice Essence.The \"egg\" or \"heart\" that the Palace Lord had described.That energy was Mang’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s still far from satisfactory, though. This power doesn’t even come close to what I once held. But that’s fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang turned his gaze toward me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once I reclaim my body, this deficit will be rectified. Then...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The killing intent in his eyes became palpable,as the tip of his sword pointed directly at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll finally devour the weakened Dragon King.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed his hatred toward the Dragon King, or the Blood Demon, was genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mang’s words left no doubt—his rage was real.\u003C\u002Fp>",1561,"2026-06-05T15:10:11.188Z",1,"novelbin.me","2f2217498b3c2b501460183b0a8931a257572338337740fc5c7b3fd697a77cab","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-633","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-631",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]