[{"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-681":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},1240431,1667,"Chapter 680","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-681",681,"\u003Cp>Just moments ago, the air had been filled with idle chatter and whispers. Now, silence enveloped the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, not silence—attention.I could feel the weight of countless gazes bearing down on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the exact situation I’d wanted to avoid. I came here on the first day to escape this nonsense, and now it was all ruined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That bastard.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My expression darkened as I glared at the source of this mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man with jet-black hair and piercing black eyes stood out among the crowd. His sharp features and well-proportioned figure were unusual, especially for someone from “that” family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People used to say he was a genetic anomaly, and they were right.In the Peng family, known for their burly and rugged martial artists, Peng Woojin’s refined appearance was nothing short of an aberration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Peng Woojin.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scion of the Peng family.The former Divine Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No, I suppose I should call him The Blessed Blade now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d heard he earned a new nickname after resolving some major incident, though the details escaped me. I wasn’t particularly interested in such things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem now was that this Blessed Blade was striding toward me with a radiant smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been so long!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How long has it been? Three, four years? Doesn’t that sound about right, Lord Gu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His booming voice drowned out every other sound, effectively silencing the crowd.The whispers stopped, replaced by a hushed murmur as the spectators began to piece things together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Blessed Blade… isn’t he the heir to the Peng family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To think we’d see the scion of a noble family on the first day. What incredible luck!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But who was he speaking to just now? Does anyone know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He said something about Sanseo Gu… wait a moment—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The murmurs transformed into shouts as someone finally connected the dots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Little Lord of the Underworld! It’s him!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The young man from the Gu family… that must be The Little Lord of the Underworld!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Little Lord of the Underworld? Isn’t that the one who stopped the massacre at Shinryong Pass?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That youth is the Little Lord of the Underworld?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commotion only grew louder as martial artists and spectators alike turned their attention toward me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just bystanders, but even those in line for the tournament registration were now staring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is my nickname really that well-known?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought it had faded into obscurity. Guess I was wrong.If obscure nicknames like Suncheon Radiant Sword or Forest-Trembling Fist could draw this kind of reaction, it made sense mine still held weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s him? The Little Lord of the Underworld?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He doesn’t look all that strong… wait, no, his face does.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not just strong—it’s terrifying. Like, really terrifying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong with his eyes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, who said that last part?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I snarled, my voice cutting through the crowd. Startled, the onlookers quickly dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll remember that face.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grinding my teeth, I sighed and turned my glare toward the one responsible for all this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That bastard. I didn’t like him from the moment we first met, but now he’d gone and pulled this stunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forcing the corners of my mouth up, I tried to muster a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eek!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Such a terrifying smile!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attempt backfired, so I gave up and reverted to my usual expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Peng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s truly wonderful to see you. Who would’ve thought we’d meet here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you participating in the tournament, Lord Peng?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed! When I heard about this grand event, I couldn’t resist. How could I miss such a festival?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin, competing in the tournament?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I didn’t think he’d be interested in something like this.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A festival he couldn’t resist, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Then again, considering how he joined the Nine Dragons Assembly to become a Swordmaster, it’s not surprising.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man wasn’t normal. That much was clear from the start.As the scion of the Peng family, him participating in the tournament seemed almost inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The problem is that he’s a scion.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scion of a noble family is essentially the future head of their clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If a scion shows any sign of weakness, it reflects poorly on the entire clan.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just about individual strength; their capability—or lack thereof—could impact the family’s reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Peng Woojin was participating so brazenly, it meant he was confident in his abilities.Either that, or he was like me in my past life and didn’t give a damn about appearances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given his personality, it could easily be the latter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was hoping to see you, Lord Gu. It’s truly a delight to meet here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You flatter me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could I not? Your presence lights up this dreary world!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words, which bordered on sycophantic, stirred the crowd again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lights up the world? Isn’t that a bit much for one man to say to another?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard the Blessed Blade isn’t engaged. Could it be…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You idiots! No!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouting to dispel the absurd misunderstanding, I felt a chill run down my spine.Who the hell comes up with this nonsense?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin tilted his head curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing. Just some nonsense I overheard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waving a hand dismissively, I turned to the receptionist, signaling them to hurry up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They seemed to get the message and quickly handed me a small token adorned with a gemstone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This… about the token—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know how it works. That’ll be all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, but—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring their explanation, I pocketed the token.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a new system the Alliance just introduced. You should—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m aware. It’s for identity verification, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To prove my point, I channeled Qi into the gemstone.The gem emitted a faint glow, which was mirrored by a similar stone on the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, yes… you’re correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The token was a new invention, designed to confirm identities more reliably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Something that wasn’t supposed to exist for another year or two.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its premature appearance was likely due to the Wudang Sword Saint’s influence as the current leader of the Martial Alliance.Wudang sect was renowned for crafting such tools.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Time to get out of here before something else happens.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned to leave, eager to escape before more chaos erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well then, Lord Peng. It was nice seeing you. Until next time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a curt farewell, I strode quickly toward the exit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grab.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin caught me by the sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Gu, where are you off to? Surely, this is a fateful reunion!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have pressing matters—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tried to pull away, but his grip didn’t budge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Huh?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was significant strength in his grasp.If I used more force, I could break free, but he wasn’t exerting his full strength either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Interesting.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could sense something peculiar in his demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Just like Gu Heebi, this man…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed Peng Woojin had made progress in his cultivation.Previously, he had been a seasoned peak-stage martial artist, but now he felt far beyond that level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he reached Hwagyeong?The thought made me chuckle dryly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s like everyone and their dog is reaching it these days.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If true, it was absurd.Hwagyeong wasn’t something one could simply stumble upon—it was a realm that even the most talented martial artists might not achieve after a lifetime of training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, somehow, every other person I encountered seemed to be at that level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The faster I grew stronger in this life, the faster everyone else seemed to improve as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How unfair.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here I was, working myself to the bone, seizing every opportunity and fortuitous encounter, while these so-called geniuses made it look easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haa…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sigh, I put a bit of strength into my arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the odd resistance, I easily broke free from his grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin let out a brief exclamation of surprise, as if he hadn’t expected me to break free so easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m glad to see you again, but I have matters to attend to,” I said curtly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s lunchtime. Why don’t we share a meal together?” he suggested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I frowned instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Lunch? With this guy?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We weren’t particularly close, and the idea of eating alone with another man was unappealing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’d rather skip the meal entirely.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I started to walk away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, thank y—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s a famous dumpling house nearby. You should try it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Dumplings?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I paused, turning to look at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he just say dumplings?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Wait, snap out of it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I shook my head, trying to dispel the temptation. No matter how much I loved dumplings, this wasn’t the time for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry, but I’ll have to pass—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dumplings are served!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before I could finish declining, I realized I was already sitting inside a teahouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Seriously?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had my body betrayed me and followed him inside, drawn by the lure of dumplings?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if that wasn’t bad enough—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You seem to like them. That’s good to see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My hand was already reaching for a dumpling.And when I bit into it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was ridiculously delicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Of all places, it had to be here.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I recognized the flavor immediately. This was one of my favorite dumpling spots in Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever I had no appetite, Moyong Hee-ah would bring dumplings from this place.And when I had the time, I would come here myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin had chosen this place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been here a few times. The dumplings are excellent,” he said, chewing thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn him. As much as I disliked him, I had to admit—he had good taste in dumplings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, they’re good,” I admitted begrudgingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you like, I’ll have some packed for you when you leave. A small token of appreciation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll take ten, please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s more than I expected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin gave me a wry smile. For someone as wealthy as him, it seemed odd to fuss over dumplings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I was being considerate by only asking for ten.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I’d been alone, I would’ve ordered twenty to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would you care for some wine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I don’t drink.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, that’s unexpected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do I look like someone who enjoys drinking?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not particularly. It’s just rare to hear someone outright refuse it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t see the point in ruining my taste buds for something that doesn’t even taste good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That had always been my stance, even in my previous life.I only drank when it was unavoidable—if Cheonma offered it, or when the situation absolutely called for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s just enjoy the meal, then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re free to drink if you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t enjoy drinking either.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Then why offer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was going to match your pace if you did. But since you don’t, it’s refreshing. We even share the same tastes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s honestly disgusting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His comment was so off-putting it nearly ruined my appetite. Scowling, I popped another dumpling into my mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, isn’t Dormant Dragon with you? I heard you usually travel together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that a rumor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not a rumor, exactly, but something I’ve heard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a convoluted way to phrase it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was hoping to see him, but it seems he’s not around. That’s a shame.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s expression showed genuine disappointment.I mulled over his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Come to think of it, they are acquaintances.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I vaguely remembered hearing that Peng Woojin and Woo Hyuk knew each other. I wasn’t sure how close they were, though.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then again, being a Daoist, he probably doesn’t eat dumplings. Even if I called for him, it’d be pointless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the sound of it, they weren’t very close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If he doesn’t know that Woo Hyuk eats meat, they’re not close at all.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite being a Daoist, Woo Hyuk had no issue devouring all kinds of delicacies.Considering how his mentor, Goeseon, behaved, it was no surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Seriously, everyone around me is abnormal.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just thinking about the people I associated with was enough to give me a headache.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This world seemed designed to drive someone as normal as me insane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I bit into another dumpling, shaking my head as if to clear my thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He could eat dumplings if I called for him. It’s not a big deal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Peng Woojin seemed taken aback by my comment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If even someone like him found it strange, then Woo Hyuk and Goeseon really were oddities for casually defying expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even monks eat meat these days. Why wouldn’t a Daoist eat dumplings?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint clatter echoed from a corner of the room.Someone who had been quietly eating froze at my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound drew Peng Woojin’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I was trying to pretend I didn’t notice,” he muttered, looking sheepish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, he had seen the person but decided to ignore them.I, however, had no intention of doing so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If anything, acknowledging them makes things less awkward. It’s a form of courtesy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You think so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin raised an eyebrow, as if learning something new.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll remember that for next time. Thank you for the advice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t mention it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feigning indifference, I waved a hand dismissively, then turned to address the corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t bother pretending. Just come out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Cough!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person coughed loudly, clearly caught off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, a young man turned toward us, his golden eyes shining under a cloak.The sheen of oil around his lips betrayed how eagerly he’d been eating moments before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him, I couldn’t suppress a smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fancy meeting you again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The youngest Hwagyeong in history, the pride of Shaolin, and one of the most promising talents of this generation—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Dragon, Yu Yeon, scowled deeply at my greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>",2235,"2026-06-05T15:10:12.585Z",1,"novelbin.me","f86ad9ca2dd96db31e8c0c0a715a6a26456e27816e940d03733842c439dfb3b1","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-682","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-680",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]