[{"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-649":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},1240499,1667,"Chapter 648","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-649",649,"\u003Cp>There wasn’t much worth calling a memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day, his younger sister had fled to Zhongyuan, and when he traveled far to capture her, questions arose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did the Palace Lord, who should have remained in the palace under the sacred vow, have to venture to Zhongyuan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, Yu Cheon, still quite young, couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t until much later, when he realized it was a father’s love for his daughter, that he came to understand the former Palace Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, Yu Cheon knew he would never have made the same choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was more of a Palace Lord than a father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That year, Zhongyuan was unbearably hot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it summer?The sweltering weather brought forth a myriad of sensations to Yu Cheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t need to wear thick fur garments, and the cold that usually gnawed at him from the inside seemed a little more bearable. It was a curious and magical experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps, he thought, it was a fleeting moment of rediscovered romance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Palace Lord of that time bore a somber expression, the young heir, barely having reached maturity, couldn’t suppress his excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Searing heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People who seemed slightly more at ease with life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of it was a novel experience for Yu Cheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, it was until he met him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deafening crash reverberated from the direction of Mount Tai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder who reigned over Zhongyuan was said to be called the Sword Saint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, the king of the Northern Sea was clashing with him in strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t an official visit, but rather an unexpected conflict that had escalated into battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, however, the young heir of the Northern Sea faced someone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I greet the young heir of the Northern Sea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man had jet-black hair and crimson eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He appeared to be of similar age to Yu Cheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wearing a light blue cloak that billowed in the wind, the man stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at Yu Cheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Cheon met his gaze, and after a moment, the man introduced himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Gu Cheolwoon, Division Chief of the Divine Dragon Unit under the Murim Alliance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sense of caution surged through Yu Cheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, the cold within him stirred, generating hostility of its own accord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he could sense nothing from his opponent, Yu Cheon’s instincts pulled his energy upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another roar erupted from Mount Tai to the north.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing it, Yu Cheon furrowed his brows and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Step aside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the Leader of the Murim Alliance and his father, the Palace Lord, were locked in a deadly struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Cheon had his own task to complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To eliminate the Moyong clan members who had taken his sister and bring her back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such were his orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response to Yu Cheon’s demand, Gu Cheolwoon spoke calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I cannot comply.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was measured and unwavering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your sister has already become one of the Moyong clan. As such, I must protect the members of that family under the orders of the Alliance Leader. I cannot step aside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, you’re saying you dare to block my path?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Gu Cheolwoon’s words, Yu Cheon let out a dry laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I couldn’t care less about the decrees of your so-called Alliance. We handle matters according to the laws of the Northern Sea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am unfamiliar with the laws of the Northern Sea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And so? Are you expecting me to follow your rules instead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. As people of a different realm, you are not bound to Zhongyuan’s laws.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure in the air began to intensify.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Cheon felt an increasing impatience behind his furrowed expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All that matters is that each of us fulfills our role.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon’s steady gaze locked onto Yu Cheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I cannot step aside. You have something to retrieve. If you wish to do so, try and take it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air of indomitable confidence was palpable, as if Gu Cheolwoon was certain Yu Cheon could never break through him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was both arrogant and weighty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The manner in which he spoke only grated further on Yu Cheon’s nerves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you really believe,” Yu Cheon sneered, “that the Sword Saint, that old man, can defeat the Palace Lord?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon tilted his head slightly, as if genuinely puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his reaction, Yu Cheon was convinced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knew nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No matter how exceptional you people of Zhongyuan believe you are, you’re just humans. You cannot defeat us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In hindsight, it was an embarrassingly arrogant remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke as if the world belonged to him, a belief born of youthful ignorance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, he regretted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only he had known more about the world, he wouldn’t have left behind such memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Soon, the Palace Lord will dispatch that old man and come here. When that happens, you’ll meet your end. It’d be wise to move before then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at Yu Cheon’s words, Gu Cheolwoon tilted his head again, as if trying to make sense of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After pondering for a while, Gu Cheolwoon finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me ask. Are you truly that weak?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why do you assume you cannot get past me until the Palace Lord arrives?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Cheon swallowed hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an unexpected question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why indeed? Why had he assumed he needed to wait for the Palace Lord?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yu Cheon’s body stiffened, Gu Cheolwoon, unbothered, continued speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Additionally, there’s a misunderstanding that needs to be corrected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The terrain around them continued to crumble under the clash of titans. Gu Cheolwoon glanced toward the battle before returning his gaze to Yu Cheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if the Alliance Leader were to fall, your goals would remain unachievable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As long as I stand here with my eyes open, this is the farthest you’ll go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The nonchalant words left Yu Cheon momentarily speechless, struggling to comprehend what he had just heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What… did you say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems your hearing is poor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon’s brow furrowed slightly at Yu Cheon’s reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I dislike repeating myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a swift motion, Gu Cheolwoon released his hands from behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Cheon noticed they were empty, bare hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You shall not pass through here. If you value your life, leave now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does that make things clearer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You bastard…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yu Cheon’s expression twisted with anger and he began to summon his icy energy—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoosh—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames erupted from Gu Cheolwoon’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding air became unbearably hot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire was an intense, crimson hue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t look like mere light but rather like blood set aflame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unconsciously, Yu Cheon lifted his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The sky…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-blue sky was gradually being dyed red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While momentarily overwhelmed by the bizarre sight,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon’s voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not coming? Then I’ll come to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Yu Cheon lowered his gaze again—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon’s large hand was already reaching for his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Yu Cheon prepared to counter the hand reaching for him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp sound echoed, and his consciousness slowly began to awaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap! Slap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“-Hey, don’t you think you’re hitting him too hard?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“-Waking someone up requires this much effort. There’s no better way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Voices. Whose voices were these?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“-But what if you break his teeth?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“-That wouldn’t be my fault.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“-Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“-How would I know if he already had a cavity? That’s not on me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“-Disciple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“-Yes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“-You’re absolutely insane.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“-I must’ve picked it up from having such a wonderful master. Just kidding. Now, could you move your hands?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ominous conversation brought Yu Cheon slowly back to reality. It wasn’t the voices that woke him—it was the pain radiating from his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urgh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Cheon groaned as he opened his eyes, his body stirring painfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, he’s awake. See? I told you this method works every time! Why don’t you trust what I say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…How… is this working?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice in front of him sounded surprised. Yu Cheon looked toward the source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone stood there, hand raised slightly, staring at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through his blurred vision, the figure’s features began to take shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black hair, faintly visible blue eyes, and a sharp gaze, as though fresh from the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recognizing the face, Yu Cheon muttered, “…Gu Cheolwoon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name seemed to annoy the figure, whose expression twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s not fully conscious yet. Should I hit him… no, nudge him a bit more?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Changing the wording doesn’t make it sound any better,” said another man, stepping in. He appeared to be around the same age but had a gentler demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yu Cheon’s mind cleared, he forced himself into a sitting position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urgh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body protested immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his condition had been poor before, it hadn’t reached this level of pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, his entire body throbbed with sharp, intense agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You should move slowly. There are likely a lot of broken bones,” the first figure said matter-of-factly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huff…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Cheon turned to face the speaker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, he thought it was Gu Cheolwoon, but he was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Gu Gongja…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t him. It was his son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you all right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man’s calm inquiry was met with silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Cheon had mistaken him. Despite their similar features, something about him was unmistakably different, leading to the initial confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you tell me what happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What… happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard the Palace Lord was devoured by the Ice Essence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devoured by the Ice Essence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words triggered flashes of memory in Yu Cheon’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been with the Ice Essence. Gu Yangcheon had left, and Yu Cheon had stayed behind to observe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why? He couldn’t recall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he did know was that he was there, and after some time had passed, the Ice Essence began to glow…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Argh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A splitting headache overtook him, forcing Yu Cheon to clutch his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huff… huff…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Palace Lord of Ice took slow, steady breaths, enduring the pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As air seeped into his lungs, his eyes widened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something felt off about the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The usual discomfort he always felt was absent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps it was the absence of that discomfort that now felt so alien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon let out an awkward cough, drawing Yu Cheon’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Well, there’s no need to dwell on it. You look unwell, so let’s focus on getting you some treatment first,” Gu Yangcheon suggested, his voice forced and overly casual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring Yu Cheon’s scrutiny, Gu Yangcheon moved to support him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching this, Paejon, standing nearby, gave him a disbelieving look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it seemed Paejon was about to speak, Gu Yangcheon quickly interjected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you standing around for? If your hands are free, why don’t you carry that lump of muscle—uh, I mean, the Black Lion Commander?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You want me to carry the guy you knocked out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Knocked out? No, no. It was a gentle accident.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If there’s a second ‘gentle accident,’ he’ll be a goner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, accidents usually happen in pairs, don’t they?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The logic was oddly compelling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sighing, Paejon turned away but threw a glance at Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Explain everything before the day is over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Acknowledging the firm tone, Gu Yangcheon nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Paejon moved toward the Black Lion Commander, he stopped short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone was already carrying the massive man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Seong Yul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Should we leave now?” Seong Yul asked with an expressionless face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon tilted his head slightly in approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Efficient and perceptive without needing to be told—this one was dependable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unlike my disciple…” Paejon muttered, lamenting his own situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Seong Yul worked quietly without complaint, Gu Yangcheon was insubordinate, ill-tempered, and lacked any respect for his master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...If only his talent were mediocre, I’d have kicked him out long ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unfortunately, Gu Yangcheon’s potential was extraordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Paejon first met him, he had dismissed him as a bit slow for someone at such a high level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, before he even turned twenty, Gu Yangcheon had reached the pinnacle of mastery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not long after, he brushed the boundaries of Hwagyeong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the Murim Alliance to conceal this fact and for Gu Yangcheon himself to show little interest in it—it was unprecedented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Gu Yangcheon might have been the youngest in history to reach such heights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he lacked confidence, and his martial talent seemed modest at best, leaving Paejon puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the end, martial talent wasn’t the key.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What mattered was how much pain one could endure while training the Tua Pacheonmu and whether the body could handle it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Years passed under Paejon’s watchful eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, his perception of Gu Yangcheon had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That kid’s a genius.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a certainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if his martial skills seemed lacking, his control over inner energy was uncanny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t realize it himself, but his precision surprised even Paejon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To wield and suppress such flames… it’s ridiculous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling Gu Yangcheon’s performance earlier, Paejon couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a sight that bordered on the miraculous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer volume of energy Gu Yangcheon handled—power that didn’t even belong to him—was something no ordinary human could endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, he had controlled it effortlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That insane brat…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaking his head, Paejon let out a chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though reluctant to admit it, he couldn’t deny the boy’s brilliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, Paejon decided it was best not to tell Gu Yangcheon just yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t need the boy getting arrogant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let him figure it out on his own. That’ll be enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Paejon couldn’t help but wonder why Gu Cheolwoon, as both a father and a master, had never mentioned his son’s talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did he think it was too obvious to point out? No… that’d be absurd.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dismissing the thought as ludicrous, Paejon continued moving forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive shadow loomed over the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone stopped and looked up, including Seong Yul and Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The difference was that Gu Yangcheon’s face twisted into a scowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That damn thing…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking up, he cursed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It never shows up when I call, but now that everything’s over, it finally decides to crawl out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rooooar!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deafening cry echoed as the massive creature revealed itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its colossal body writhed in the air, casting a shadow over the entire area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s narrowed eyes followed its movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something was off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roooooar—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground trembled beneath the beast’s roar. Gu Yangcheon muttered in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Why did it get so big?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The creature, nicknamed Dol-dol, had grown to twice its previous size.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Age: Three years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, its already massive body had swelled to an absurd extent.\u003C\u002Fp>",2449,"2026-06-05T15:10:11.188Z",1,"novelbin.me","e93671ca94aef79bb0d4d9ea7d233b3d6a2db27517526853db51b0b25714cda5","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-650","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-648",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]