[{"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-712":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},1240754,1667,"Chapter 711","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-712",712,"\u003Cp>Rustle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gripped the match chart tightly in my hand. My gaze burned with fury as I stared beyond the martial arts stage toward a pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was likely where the Leader and the executives were gathered.As I looked at it, my face twisted in disgust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These fucking bastards.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emotion wavered in my voice as I forcefully suppressed the energy that threatened to spread out.Control wasn’t easy, which only meant my anger was boiling over inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon and Wi Seol-ah were paired up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just knowing that was enough to feel like a thorn had sprouted in my throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old schemes of the Alliance.Even with a new Leader, nothing had changed. It was laughable in the worst way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘You sons of bitches.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason for such an obvious setup was plain as day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah had recently been gaining subtle recognition as the successor of the Sword Master.This was due to her distinctive physical traits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Those who learn the Moonlit Dance Sword gain golden hair and golden eyes.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a characteristic of the unique martial art used by the Sword Master, officially acknowledged by the Sword Master themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her already extraordinary appearance played a role as well, but that wasn’t all.The martial prowess she demonstrated back at the Divine Dragon Hall had also made an impression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if she had lived quietly, no one would have forgotten the news of a successor to one of the Three Masters,especially the Sword Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take Tu-ryong, for example.When it was revealed that Tu-ryong, who had only been known as one of the Six Dragons and Three Peaks, was a disciple of Paejon, his value skyrocketed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such was the worth of being a successor to one of the Three Masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And among them, the Sword Master stood closest to the title of Heaven’s Best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A former Leader of the Alliance, still regarded as a mountain the current Sword Saint must surpass.The successor of such a figure had appeared at the martial tournament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So they couldn’t resist exploiting it, could they?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even looking at the match chart, their filthy intentions were clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Dragon of Shaolin defeats the successor of the Sword Master.This not only elevates Shaolin’s current standing but also...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Erase the name left behind by the Sword Master?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a blatant political move to further solidify the current Sword Saint’s position.They sought to crush the symbols of the past and erase any trace of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From a political standpoint, it wasn’t a bad method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the names of predecessors often became burdens for those who came after them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This feels disgusting.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Wi Seol-ah was the one placed in that position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was what made it so revolting and infuriating.So much so that I wanted to charge in and kill them all right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuuugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My clenched fist trembled uncontrollably.What should I do? I couldn’t calm down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, I felt a cold sensation on the back of my hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Namgung Bi-ah’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a word, Namgung Bi-ah enveloped my hand in hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it was the coolness of her touch, but fortunately, I didn’t explode. I managed to hold myself back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, I could hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t mean I was calm or at ease; I was merely enduring it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Please, let this pass.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let nothing go wrong.Please let none of my fears come to pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because if they did—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I don’t know what I might do.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I might lose control and turn everything around me into ruins.I desperately prayed that it wouldn’t come to that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first round of the main tournament had begun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the martial arts stage, just like the previous day, two pairs of martial artists were already engaged in duels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those whose matches were scheduled later sat in the waiting area, maintaining a quiet atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah was no exception.She, too, sat perfectly still in her seat, barely moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing moving was her mouth.Wi Seol-ah was chewing on something diligently, having popped it into her cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a honey cookie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sweet flavor spread throughout her mouth as she chewed it with a leisurely yet quick rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finishing one, she picked up another and ate it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even while eating snacks, Wi Seol-ah’s expression remained indifferent. It was a stark contrast to how excitedly she ate in front of Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Wi Seol-ah didn’t particularly like snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had enjoyed them as a child, but as she grew older, her taste for sweets faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over time, snacks became something she ate only when given.Сookie, however, was an exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because it tasted particularly good, but because it brought back memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were things he had prepared for her, and those moments had left an impression.Eating cookies now was her way of revisiting those memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s sweet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweet and even sweeter.He probably still thought she liked snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why, whenever he returned from somewhere, he always brought her something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quite a lot of it, too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hoohoo.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought brought a faint smile to Wi Seol-ah’s otherwise expressionless face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason she ate so much and appeared to enjoy it was solely because he watched her with an affectionate gaze, as if she were cute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hope he never finds out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Always. Always, it would be better if he didn’t know.So she could continue to stay by his side, like a child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harboring a slightly selfish wish, Wi Seol-ah picked up another piece of cookie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though many eyes were drawn to her—whether because of her appearance, her connection to the Sword Master, or simply out of curiosity—Wi Seol-ah didn’t pay them any mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was long accustomed to such attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She simply recalled something she had forgotten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I forgot the veil again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The veil he had given her, insisting she wear it.Once again, she had forgotten to bring it. Would she get scolded later?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as she began to feel slightly uneasy, someone approached her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lady Wi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the voice, Wi Seol-ah raised her head to see a neatly dressed young man standing before her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore a white martial uniform embroidered with plum blossoms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a familiar face.It was Yeongpung of the Sword Dragon lineage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You are Lady Wi, correct?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Yeongpung spoke with a smile, Wi Seol-ah nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, it’s good to see you. How long has it been? I believe the last time was at the Divine Dragon Hall. Do you remember me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembered him.He was someone Gu Yangcheon had spoken of favorably, so she knew him.That was all—nothing more, nothing less.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I heard you were participating in the martial tournament, I thought I’d come by to say hello.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah… nice to see you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a shame. If Young Master Gu were here, I’d have greeted him as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression genuinely reflected his disappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, I also heard that Young Master Gu has done something remarkable again. He truly is an extraordinary individual.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t he? Young Master Gu is amazing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah smiled. She responded instinctively to the praise of Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, truly incredible. If you happen to see him, could you let him know I’m watching him closely?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongpung’s request made Wi Seol-ah tilt her head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why don’t you tell him yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he wanted to see him so badly, why didn’t he go?As the question crossed her mind, Yeongpung explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Until we meet as opponents in this tournament, I’ve resolved not to see Young Master Gu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongpung’s expression became firm, a display of his determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s why I’m cautiously asking you to deliver the message for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sentiment was hard to understand.Still, Wi Seol-ah nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongpung smiled at her response and offered a polite bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I apologize for disturbing your break. I hope you achieve great results in the tournament.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, their brief conversation ended, and Yeongpung walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him for a moment, Wi Seol-ah soon shifted her gaze.Yeongpung’s cheerful face quickly faded from her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her emotionless eyes scanned her surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally, her gaze met someone else’s by chance.Most of them were already looking at her, so it wasn’t surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each time their eyes met, the reactions varied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seventy percent would avoid her gaze immediately.Twenty percent would freeze in shock.The remaining ten percent would either look at her with desire or show vague hostility or animosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone had different eyes.How could they be so diverse?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching them, Wi Seol-ah found herself with a peculiar impression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s uncomfortable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being in the same space as such people.Breathing the same air as them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, it felt stifling and uncomfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as her breathing grew a little heavier, she thought of Gu Yangcheon.That alone was enough to calm her down slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t normal.Her unusual tendencies might trouble him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She thought about it, over and over again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I mustn’t let him know about this discomfort.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he would worry.He would look at her with concern and try to do something about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah didn’t want that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So she endured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quietly calming herself, she mindlessly ate another piece of cookie.The cookies was nearly gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at it, Wi Seol-ah felt a tinge of regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was there anywhere she could get more?As she pondered this, she glanced around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, her eyes met someone else’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, the gaze was peculiar.The person didn’t look away, nor did their expression mirror the reactions of others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who is that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t know.Judging by the shaven head and robes, they appeared to be from Shaolin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes remained locked.Seconds passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monk from the other side bowed politely to Wi Seol-ah before withdrawing his gaze.Wi Seol-ah returned a slight bow in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a peculiar kind of stare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she quickly forgot about it.It wasn’t worth dwelling on for long. After that, she remained silent for a considerable time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time continued to pass. Until her turn came, Wi Seol-ah built an invisible wall around herself, preventing anyone from approaching her, and kept her eyes closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when her turn arrived did she open her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And stepping onto the martial stage, she realized something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shaolin monk who had been staring at her earlier was her opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Yu Yeon of Shaolin. I look forward to your guidance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shaolin monk who had watched her earlier introduced himself as Yu Yeon and once again greeted her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Wi Seol-ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged greetings with the referee standing between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, the atmosphere in the audience felt unusually heated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were sounds coming from the crowd, but Wi Seol-ah heard none of it.It was like the barking of dogs—nothing worth paying attention to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She focused solely on the opponent in front of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same eyes as before.Now that they were closer, she could sense the emotions within them more clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you looking at me like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pardon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon hesitated at Wi Seol-ah’s unexpected question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why are you looking at me like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What do you mean…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What makes you feel so sorry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah tilted her head as she asked, and Yu Yeon’s expression crumbled.She could see it clearly—that was the look of someone who had been caught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why do you feel that way toward me? Do you have a reason?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone was sharp yet innocent.Hearing her question, Yu Yeon remained silent.He bit his lip, his eyes showing turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah couldn’t understand.Why did he feel sorry for her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, Yu Yeon spoke slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’ve heard that you are the successor of the Sword Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah’s brow furrowed at his words.It was an irritating topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am called the Divine Dragon of Shaolin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Dragon of Shaolin.It was a name she had heard before, though she didn’t know much about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I suspect there may be many reasons why we’ve ended up standing here together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah didn’t understand. She was never one to grasp the complexities of the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because of that, I’ve been distracted and failed to act appropriately. I will restrain myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon’s emotions were conflicted, his demeanor uneasy.Even after hearing his explanation, Wi Seol-ah still didn’t get it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why does that matter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excuse me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know about any of that. So, right now—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, she asked Yu Yeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you saying you won’t fight me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No matter the situation, if you’re not refusing to fight, focus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did the Divine Dragon of Shaolin have to do with anything?What did his feelings have to do with anything?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah didn’t care.None of it mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The apology or courtesy you owe me is to fight properly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her calm tone made Yu Yeon’s eyes widen.Perhaps he hadn’t expected such words, or maybe it was the fact that a young woman was admonishing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon, who had been stiff, began to regain some composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I apologize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, his apology sounded different.Having said this, Yu Yeon assumed his stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Wi Seol-ah also drew her sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sreung—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp blade gleamed in the light.The referee nodded upon confirming that both combatants were ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let the duel begin!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the referee’s command, Yu Yeon took a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, hesitation lingered in his movements.He bit his lip slightly, his expression tightening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of something being sliced echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon’s gaze dropped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A piece of fabric, cut cleanly from his clothing, fluttered to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a cloth belt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at it.The belt fell to the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just said something, didn’t I? Didn’t you hear me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice came from ahead.Yu Yeon immediately turned his head to the young woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stood there, sword in hand, in the same calm stance as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Focus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone was steady, as if she hadn’t even swung her blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I said, focus.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweat began to form on Yu Yeon’s bald head.\u003C\u002Fp>",2339,"2026-06-05T15:10:16.200Z",1,"novelbin.me","df29a3475610b4f81cb1fa81c3d7b9bddb79a3b947e43d6c57b4a3ab20d14fca","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-893","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-711",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]