[{"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-682":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},1240432,1667,"Chapter 681","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-682",682,"\u003Cp>The table was free of alcohol despite being surrounded by men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was truly a strange and curious sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps that’s why it stood out? I could feel people around us glancing over at this spot.Ignoring their stares, I took a sip of the tea in front of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It probably isn’t just because of that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The absence of alcohol wasn’t the reason we were drawing attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t that the Bisungdo?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard a rumor recently that Bisungdo was spotted at the Alliance. So it was true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He really is ridiculously handsome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was partly because of Peng Woojin, sitting across from me, calmly eating with his chopsticks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And the one next to him… is that So Yeomra?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So Yeomra? Why would you suddenly bring him up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was also because of me, sitting here eating dumplings with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From what I heard, there was a young man Bisungdo seemed to know. Turns out, it was none other than So Yeomra.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So that person next to him is So Yeomra? I can’t quite see his face clearly….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, not that one. The one beside him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Beside him? That would mean… gasp!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say So Yeomra is a ferocious-looking youth. I thought that couldn’t be true, but… well, it really is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What exactly was so true?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What were they even talking about?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to get up and confront them immediately, but I held back. I was used to this kind of treatment by now. The fact that I’d grown used to it was pathetic and sad in its own way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, that young man was once called the youngest Hwagyeong in history… though, of course, eventually…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest of their words didn’t reach me, but it wasn’t hard to guess what they were saying. It was probably something like how it was a lie or just baseless gossip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t particularly bother me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had never denied or confirmed the rumors in the first place, and I actually preferred the current situation where the rumors had begun to fade away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, your chopsticks are trembling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…the reaction of the person sitting next to me. It was far more intense than my own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It’s nothing….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled his hood down even further, as if trying to make sure his face wouldn’t be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re going to cower like that, why did you even come out to eat?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, now, don’t be too harsh,” Peng Woojin interjected, lightly moving his hand to slide a plate of dumplings closer to the trembling monk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Gu, this gentleman must have really wanted these dumplings if he came all the way here. I completely understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To think that they’d be so delicious that someone would go against reason to come for them. It just proves how incredible this place’s dumplings are, doesn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I see. That was a backhanded insult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a high-level insult disguised as a compliment, something I’d never even thought to try.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…This guy.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was something to learn here. This was definitely worth taking note of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t tell if he was being genuine or sarcastic because Peng Woojin’s expression was utterly sincere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the monk’s trembling hands, Peng Woojin tilted his head slightly in curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why aren’t you eating? You can go ahead and eat as much as you’d like.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Th-thank you…. Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite trembling, the monk managed to pick up a dumpling with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment I saw that, I spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re actually eating? Even in this situation, you still have the appetite for that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gulp….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nearly spat it out but forced himself to swallow it down before continuing to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him like this, I could immediately tell what was going on with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s decided to just go ahead and eat since he’s already been exposed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had clearly resolved to enjoy the meal now that his presence was known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he really that desperate to eat these dumplings?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not that I’m one to talk.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I watched the monk—no, Shinryong—devour his dumplings, I reached for one myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our chopsticks collided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It turned out there was only one dumpling left on the plate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing this, I looked at Shinryong and said, “Put it down. I’ve let you have plenty so far.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response, Shinryong said, “…Benefactor, as this is something Bisungdo has offered, it wouldn’t make sense for you to claim it yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This brat, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve already eaten plenty. Shouldn’t a monk like you show some restraint? Isn’t it against your principles to indulge in greed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Out of the nine dumplings, three were eaten by Bisungdo, three by you, so the remaining three are naturally mine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You seriously counted them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When had he even been keeping track of that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at him in disbelief, I noticed the faintest hint of a smirk on his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he seriously think he’d won? Letting out a small sigh, I said, “Is it even appropriate for a monk to be eating dumplings filled with meat?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I raised this fundamental question, Shinryong flinched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed even he felt a pang of guilt about that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was my chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking advantage of his hesitation, I quickly grabbed the last dumpling and popped it into my mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinryong’s expression looked as if the sky had just fallen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how I looked at it, that wasn’t the kind of face a monk should be making.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What is it about these dumplings?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, what is it about meat that even monks and ascetics were making such a fuss over it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, Woo Hyuk is one thing.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That guy was strange from the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But what about him?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person sitting in front of me made no sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was he, and what was he doing here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And why did it have to be here of all places?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like the first time we met, our second meeting was over dumplings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both times, it was dumplings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A monk who appreciates the taste of meat….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed Peng Woojin was right—this place’s dumplings must truly be amazing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One more plate of dumplings, please,” Peng Woojin called out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right away!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The waiter took away the empty plate, and Shinryong’s expression brightened visibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You starving?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Doesn’t look like it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I teased him, Shinryong stopped replying altogether, clearly choosing to ignore me and focus on his food instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that, I let out a small laugh, took a sip of tea, and observed him quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the nearby murmurs drifted over to me again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, you’re saying that young man is So Yeomra?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They called him the Divine Dragon once, didn’t they? But why is he so quiet these days…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man paused before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They also said he was the youngest Hwagyeong in history.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinryong flinched, his hand trembling as he picked up another dumpling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, you can’t seriously believe that nonsense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I’m just saying that’s what the rumors were. It’s strange for someone so famous to be this quiet, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their hushed voices were clearly audible to me. They probably thought they were being discreet, but there was no hiding from my heightened senses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, maybe it’s because he hasn’t been active…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, something about it seems… off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as I began to eavesdrop more carefully—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buzz.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden surge of Qi enveloped the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a Qi Barrier, and the energy contained within it was anything but ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clean, pure, and meticulously refined—it was unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This kind of energy….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned my gaze to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qi Barrier had been cast by Shinryong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed he wanted to block the outside conversations from reaching us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the point of this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I waved my hand in the air and questioned him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin and I could hear the same whispers, so why go out of his way to cast the barrier on me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you trying to be considerate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is not the case….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinryong avoided my gaze and didn’t elaborate further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had no idea what he was thinking as I tilted my head, watching him closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s when Peng Woojin broke the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, Young Master Gu,” he said suddenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why haven’t you visited the main family yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The abrupt question made me frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I even gave you a token, asking you to visit. Surely you haven’t forgotten?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he mentioned it, I vaguely remembered receiving something like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A black Mokpae, wasn’t it?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was supposed to ensure a warm welcome at the Peng family manor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But years had passed since I’d received it, and I’d never once visited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I haven’t had any reason to go. I’ve been busy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between all the chaos and struggles to survive, I’d barely had time to take care of myself, let alone pay a casual visit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if I had the time, I probably wouldn’t have gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll go if I ever find the time,” I replied dismissively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph. I’ll hold you to that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t hold your breath….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weight of his persistence was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was he so fixated on me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…So, Peng Gongja, are you really planning to participate in the Bi-mu-je?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to change the subject, I asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. I’ve already registered,” Peng Woojin replied, holding up his Mokpae as proof.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was identical to mine, confirming his participation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why bother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why wouldn’t I? A martial artist participating in the Alliance’s Bi-mu-je is perfectly normal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t argue with that logic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And they’re calling it the most spectacular one yet. How could I not be excited?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most spectacular Bi-mu-je ever. That’s what the Martial Alliance had promised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it wasn’t an exaggeration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by the scale of the event and the rewards prepared for it, it truly lived up to the hype.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was the Grand Pill crafted by Shaolin…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…and one of the Five Legendary Swords of Zhongyuan, the Golden Heaven Dragon Sword, which the Alliance had kept in its possession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then there were rare silk martial robes from the Moyong family and three years of financial sponsorship from the Alliance’s own trading company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just hearing about the rewards was enough to make anyone’s eyes widen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for most martial artists, the most significant draw was likely something else entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The reestablishment of the Shinryong Corps.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Corps had been a symbol of justice within the Martial Alliance, where only the best of the best had served.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though its glory had faded, the Alliance was using this Bi-mu-je as a platform to announce its return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rewards even included the promise of a place in the new Shinryong Corps for the most outstanding participants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, this Bi-mu-je was ultimately a recruitment drive for the Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shinryong Corps had been synonymous with the Martial Alliance’s strength and honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For martial artists obsessed with fame and recognition, it was an opportunity too good to pass up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there was another reason the Corps held such allure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Its commanders were often hailed as the greatest martial artists of their era.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though this was a fact from the distant past, it still carried weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When the Sword Master was still the leader of the Martial Alliance, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Master had once commanded the Shinryong Corps.Though he later rose to the position of Alliance Leader, he was known as the greatest swordsman, not the greatest martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, the Shinryong Corps was dismantled.Stories of its glory eventually faded into obscurity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Martial artists won’t care about that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader of the Shinryong Corps is destined to become the greatest martial artist under heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chasing after the legacy of that story, martial artists would flock to it like moths to a flame.That’s simply the nature of the martial artists of Zhongyuan today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, Peng Gongja, does this mean you’re interested in that story as well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked Peng Woojin as I idly toyed with my teacup. He smiled and replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. Wasn’t that also why you, Young Master Gu, applied to participate in the Bi-mu-je?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a low hum in response to his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frankly, I wasn’t particularly interested in things like the Grand Pill or the legendary sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grand Pill?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I already had more Qi than I could ever need, and I still possessed a Dokcheon Pill.In fact, I had the original recipe for the Grand Pill itself, so what use would it be to me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, I was already digesting the energy of the Ice Crystal.In terms of Qi, I lacked for nothing anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While it’s true that having more is always better, at this point, even I wasn’t sure what would happen if I added more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Fine, let’s say I don’t need the Grand Pill. Then what about the legendary sword?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was equally meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I already had a sword of that caliber hanging from my left arm.Besides, I wasn’t even a sword fanatic, so I had no interest in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if a rare gauntlet were to be offered instead, it would be the same story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I simply wasn’t interested in the treasures themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was silk clothing or trading company sponsorships, those didn’t matter to me either.So that left only one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Shinryong Corps.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I thought of this, a faint smile crept onto my lips, and I spoke to Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I wouldn’t say I’m entirely uninterested.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the only thing I needed.It was the sole reason I bothered to participate in the Bi-mu-je.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yes.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shinryong Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be precise—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I need a position.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just any position, but one that was massive, heavy, and expansive enough to completely obscure my identity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking along those lines, I spoke, and Peng Woojin’s expression shifted into something ambiguous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as he answered, his face remained unreadable, making it impossible to discern what he was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the first time I met Peng Woojin, his eyes had always been like that—Playful and light on the surface, but completely opaque beneath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a stark contrast to Peng Ahui, who seemed straightforward and cheerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even his father, the head of the Peng family, had a sort of transparent bluntness to him, albeit in a negative way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Maybe that’s why I can’t help but be wary of him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That kind of demeanor naturally drew a line between us.That’s what Peng Woojin was to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the conversation having run its course, an uncomfortable silence lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a silence where neither of us felt inclined to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should I say something to break it? I briefly debated before opening my mouth—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your food is here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The waiter arrived with the dumplings we’d ordered earlier, breaking the awkward atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s face lit up with his characteristic grin at the sight of the dumplings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They look delicious. Let’s dig in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prompted by Peng Woojin, everyone reached for their chopsticks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, the earlier tension was forgotten as we resumed eating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I enjoyed a bite of the food, I felt an uncomfortable gaze on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking it might be Peng Woojin, I glanced his way, but it wasn’t him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Shinryong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was glancing at me repeatedly, his expression distinctly uneasy.For some reason, that gaze lingered until the meal was finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meal concluded, and we stepped outside, all looking fairly satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just past noon, and the bright sunlight of midday illuminated the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced up at the sun high in the sky and nodded to myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Looks like I’ll have time to train this afternoon.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The timing wasn’t bad.I felt like I could focus on today’s training without distractions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d been feeling a lack of practice recently, so this was a fortunate opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That was an excellent meal. As expected, this place is the best in Hanam,” Peng Woojin said as he emerged behind me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed he had taken care of the bill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinryong followed him out, and Peng Woojin addressed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, I said I’d treat you. Why did you insist on paying?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It was only proper that I pay for my share.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From what he said, it seemed Shinryong had insisted on covering his portion of the bill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could’ve just accepted the treat, but he’d gone out of his way to pay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, I guess it doesn’t matter. Shaolin probably has plenty of money.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A place like that wouldn’t be shaken by the price of a few dumplings.As one of their most promising disciples, he probably received allowances from various sources too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘For a group that preaches detachment from worldly desires, Shaolin is one of the greediest places around.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did they run countless businesses, but they also had their base of operations firmly planted in Hanam. There was no place quite as contradictory as Shaolin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was it good?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I asked Shinryong as he descended the steps, he gave a faint cough in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes, however, betrayed satisfaction. It seemed he had enjoyed the food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m glad everyone was satisfied,” Peng Woojin said, casually picking at his teeth with a toothpick he’d found somewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that we’ve eaten, what’s your plan, Young Master Gu? If you’re free, we could take a walk somewhere….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll head back to train.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I see. I wouldn’t want to interrupt your training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had expected him to press me further, but surprisingly, he nodded in understanding when I mentioned training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was a wonderful time. I hope we can do this again sometime.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Sure, we’ll see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha! What a cold response! But that’s what I like about you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words made my skin crawl.Was he doing this on purpose?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Peng Gongja.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, what is it? Speak freely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just to reiterate, I like women. And I’m engaged, too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm? I already know that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was one of genuine confusion, as though wondering why I would state the obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That expression reassured me somewhat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s a relief…. You’re the same, right, Peng Gongja?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, well, the next time we meet, it’ll likely be at the Bi-mu-je. I’m really looking forward to it….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Answer me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did he always dodge the question at the worst possible time?Annoyed, I took a step back, and he burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha! I’m only joking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha! Of course, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Shit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well then, since everyone’s busy, I’ll be on my way. I have a lot to attend to myself. Haha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just moments ago, he’d been suggesting a walk, but now he claimed to be busy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was I supposed to make of that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling drained, I had to press a hand to my forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Gu, and you as well, it was a pleasure meeting you,” Peng Woojin said, almost calling Shinryong a monk before catching himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it was because there were people around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed slightly, and Shinryong awkwardly returned the gesture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Shaolin etiquette seemed too much for him, so he settled for a simple bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What a spectacle.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching them, I couldn’t help but wonder what this scene even was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well then, I’ll truly be off. It was a pleasure. Truly, truly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, take care.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his somewhat clingy demeanor finally eased, I waved him off, and he disappeared into the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To my surprise, he didn’t hesitate as he left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Peng Woojin gone, it was just Shinryong and me. I turned to him and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m leaving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave a curt farewell and started walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There wasn’t much to talk about with him anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I thought about my training schedule and walked toward my destination—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Why didn’t you say anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I heard Shinryong’s voice behind me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned to look at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Were you talking to me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t answer, but he was definitely looking at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Say what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“About what they said earlier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was he referring to?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tilting my head in confusion, something flashed through my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he talking about what the other patrons had been saying earlier?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So that young man is So Yeomra, then.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[They say he was the youngest Hwagyeong in history.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Maybe it’s because he hasn’t been active lately.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those were the words they had spoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I asked Shinryong, “What was I supposed to say to that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was I supposed to overturn the table or something?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should I have made a scene just because they were talking about me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why bother?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hadn’t even said anything particularly offensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, not by my standards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But maybe Shinryong thought differently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I doubted someone who revered the Buddha would get upset over something like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Maybe it did bother him, though, considering he even put up that Qi Barrier.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he had been annoyed and was still thinking about it now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let it go. It wasn’t a big deal…. The food was good, so let’s just forget about it and move on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, I turned my gaze away and resumed walking toward my destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s not it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice made me frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Annoyance began to bubble up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was he being so persistent? He’d already enjoyed the dumplings; couldn’t he just let it go?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without turning back, I let out my irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, then what is it—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They said the youngest Hwagyeong was a baseless rumor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Why didn’t you refute that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned back to look at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The annoyance I’d felt moments ago melted away, replaced by a hollow laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thoughts I’d had about Shinryong earlier were wiped clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at him and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re not as much of an idiot as I thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, his gaze sharpened dangerously.\u003C\u002Fp>",3639,"2026-06-05T15:10:12.585Z",1,"novelbin.me","be5f1c3aa449babe21803c179eebfa6d139bbb350f103731c1ee44dcc13a3559","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-683","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-681",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]