[{"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-714":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},1240757,1667,"Chapter 713","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-714",714,"\u003Cp>Crash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp friction split the aura into fragments. It was as if the materialized energy was scattering like shards of glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screeech—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As protective Qi clashed against protective Qi, the air rang with harsh, grinding noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither side yielded, their strikes fierce and unrelenting yet paradoxically refined in their precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Boom, boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the explosion of tremendous energy, not a single bit was wasted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every motion had meaning. Even what seemed casually discarded bore intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screeech—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sword’s tip tore through the opponent’s Qi barrier, unleashing a golden flash that briefly bathed the surroundings in light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vision blurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon spun immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whirl—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his sight was obscured, his instincts were alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By a hair’s breadth, the sword’s tip grazed his shoulder. Using the momentum, he swung his fist without delay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Pressure built up in his dantian as he condensed his Qi into his fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundred Step Divine Fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shaolin Sect’s ultimate technique erupted into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash! Crash! Crash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too close to evade. Wi Seol-ah frowned, her golden eyes narrowing as she adjusted her grip on her sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If escape was impossible and blocking was futile, she had to redirect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah recalled the protective Qi surrounding her body, focusing it instead onto her blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screeeeech—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Fist slightly grazed the side of Wi Seol-ah’s sword, deflecting skyward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The upward surge felt as though it could pierce the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overwhelming display captured the attention of the spectators, but on the stage, the two combatants immediately resumed their stances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, both had reactivated their protective Qi, and bursts of light exploded relentlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang! Bang! Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the untrained eye, only faint afterimages and deafening crashes remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in such an incomprehensible battle, it was clear to all:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two fighters were on an extraordinary level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is unbelievable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t even follow what’s happening.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What in the world is going on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The martial artists in the crowd were visibly shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At best, the fighters were still in their early twenties, barely entering the later stages of their martial journeys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For such young combatants to duel at this caliber was beyond reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The intensity of the fight rivaled that of a deathmatch between masters of the highest order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To think I’d gain insight from watching children fight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the martial artists murmured in confusion:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Contact the trade group immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We must secure an alliance with the successor of the Sword Sovereign.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news of Wi Seol-ah, the granddaughter of the legendary Sword Sovereign, and her prowess, began to spread rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who had dismissed her as merely an apprentice or a beneficiary of nepotism reevaluated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was no ordinary skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Sword Sovereign has returned…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The legacy of the Storm Sword, who once ruled an era and left a whirlwind of awe in his wake, seemed to reappear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a presence inevitably drew all eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haa…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two engaged in the duel remained indifferent to the commotion around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiss—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the fierce battle reached a brief pause, the two fighters created some distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air shimmered with heat, and fragments of the shattered stage turned to dust, cloaking the area in a veil of debris.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shoulders rose and fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rapid exchange of techniques had left them breathless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haa… Huff…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah calmed her breathing, Qi circulating to steady her body. With furrowed brows, she gazed at her opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon, known as the Divine Dragon and a beacon of hope for Shaolin, met her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Wi Seol-ah let out a faint sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m falling behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was being pushed back—an objective assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah could feel her strength waning. Her sword felt heavier, and sweat drenched her hair, sticking to her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her breathing grew shallow, and her throat felt dry. Despite the exhausting exchange, her stamina had significantly depleted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Yu Yeon was in relatively better condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his breathing was uneven, it wasn’t severe. His aura remained calm, like a serene lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Wi Seol-ah glanced down at her sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hummm—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade resonated faintly. Within the vibration, she sensed something amiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earlier deflection of the Divine Fist had left her sword reverberating unusually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t a critical injury, but it had taken a toll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tingling sensation spread through her hand, though she didn’t show it. Raising her head, Wi Seol-ah fixed her gaze on Yu Yeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did the reality of the situation hit her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far stronger than she had anticipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like standing before an immovable wall. Even if she struck it dozens of times, it might not falter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah’s expression remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That didn’t change anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If dozens of strikes weren’t enough, she’d strike hundreds of times. If that still failed, she’d keep swinging until the wall crumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That had been her resolve from the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hummmm—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The resonating blade’s vibration intensified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She might lose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a little more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah’s gaze grew distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange sensation overtook her. The strength anchoring her body seemed to unravel, and the resonance of her sword deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon’s expression subtly tightened as he observed her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his clear advantage, something felt off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as he dominated, it didn’t feel like victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was this unsettling feeling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon raised his fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he didn’t understand, he’d find out now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, the two moved simultaneously, and the stage erupted once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Rumble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunderous roars filled the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blows were far stronger and faster than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon aligned his stance, sensing the flow of Qi. The increased speed wasn’t his doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’s accelerated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah had intensified her movements, forcing Yu Yeon to match her pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her exhausted body was nearing its limit. Why was she pushing herself like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he dodged her strikes, Yu Yeon pondered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling an ominous presence behind him, Yu Yeon kicked off the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sword narrowly missed the spot where he had stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just any sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sword Control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, something in the form of controlled swords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radiant golden energy floated in the air like dancing flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon felt a brief wave of confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shing—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Tsk!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To his surprise, it wasn’t just one sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two more followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A total of three swords lunged at him in midair. Positioned in an unfavorable spot, Yu Yeon quickly extended his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Fist. He launched the technique into the air, using the recoil to propel himself backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He narrowly avoided the controlled swords and landed on the ground. However, the swords relentlessly pursued him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trailing golden streaks, the swords moved with unwavering precision. Someone in the audience whispered softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Moonlit Blade Control.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s truly the Sword Sovereign’s technique!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moonlit Blade Control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A martial art derived from the Moonlit Heart Technique, the hallmark of the Sword Sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its graceful, flowing swordplay and multitude of controlled swords defined the Sovereign’s legacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah was now demonstrating it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the Sword Sovereign in his prime had wielded forty swords, Wi Seol-ah managed only three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even that sight was enough to excite the audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She truly is the successor of the Sword Sovereign.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To think she could push the Divine Dragon to this extent. Could she already be at the Hwagyeong level?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If not Hwagyeong, then what? This skill clearly surpasses the level of a Peak Martial Artist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A Hwagyeong at that age? What is with this generation…?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The agile controlled swords struck again. Yu Yeon evaded them, his eyes fixed on Wi Seol-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She moved her hands subtly, her expression showing faint strain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon realized:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She can’t move while controlling the swords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His judgment was swift. He stomped the ground. There wasn’t time to hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, instead of retreating, he charged directly at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shing! Two controlled swords chased after him, while the third lunged from the front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon reached out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grab!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seized the sword in front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slice—! Qi ripped into his hand, tearing his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain flashed, but he ignored it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snap! He gripped the sword tightly, shattering it as he pushed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The controlled swords couldn’t keep up with his speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Yu Yeon appeared right in front of Wi Seol-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sreung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah moved her sword as if she had been waiting for this. Expanding her senses, she confirmed what was happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The controlled swords were still advancing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only then that he realized—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A feint…!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire setup had been a ploy to lure him into this position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon realized this too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah’s sword slashed across Yu Yeon’s torso. Blood splattered into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly retreated, creating distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip. Drip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood trickled down his chest, staining his clothes as he grimaced in pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the wound wasn’t too deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huff…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wrapping his body in Qi, he staunched the bleeding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A referee approached with widened eyes upon seeing his injury, but Yu Yeon calmly declared:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I can continue. I’m fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the referee stepped back again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hummm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The controlled swords hovered in the air, circling around Wi Seol-ah. Between the two floating swords, a surge of energy gathered, forming a third sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The destroyed sword had been recreated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…This is tough.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speed had increased, and the presence of the controlled swords made it difficult to approach her. Had she been hiding her true strength?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon glanced at Wi Seol-ah with weary eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What’s going on?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he noticed something strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes appeared slightly unfocused, as if her gaze was clouded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Could it be…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon realized Wi Seol-ah’s current state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muahji-gyeong — the State of Selflessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It signified that a martial artist had reached enlightenment. It seemed that Wi Seol-ah had entered such a state during their duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Did she achieve enlightenment in the midst of battle?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could someone gain enlightenment in the middle of a fight like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If mishandled, she could suffer Qi deviation.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, she was attempting enlightenment mid-fight, knowing the risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Does she think I’ll give her the time for this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did she believe Yu Yeon would allow her this chance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, Yu Yeon didn’t think so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To her, it didn’t matter. She seemed to be fighting without concern for anything else, even while in State of Selflessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t feel outright insulted, but it didn’t sit well with him either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bleeding had stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing the vacant-eyed Wi Seol-ah, Yu Yeon adjusted his stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haaa…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steadying his breath, he exuded a different kind of energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shaolin Sect’s supreme technique, Tendon Transformation Art, rapidly circulated Qi through his body. A faint yellow mist began to emanate from Yu Yeon, gradually solidifying into an armor-like form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tendon Transformation Art’s Ultimate Technique:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yellow Radiant Armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pinnacle of Shaolin techniques manifested through Yu Yeon’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Haah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The audience, particularly the older generation, reacted with astonishment upon witnessing Yu Yeon’s transformation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been decades—since the generation before the current Shaolin Sect’s leader, Cheonan—since anyone had successfully executed this technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy armor, said to rival the legendary Diamond Invulnerability, and the golden Qi-enveloped fists, capable of crushing mountains with a single strike, were now on full display.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack. Crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground beneath Yu Yeon’s feet fractured, as if crushed under immense weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overwhelming display of power sent shivers through the audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yu Yeon knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I have to finish this.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This power wasn’t entirely his to wield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yellow Radiant Armor was a technique beyond his current capabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having only reached the Hwagyeong, he could barely imitate it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even maintaining it strained his body to the brink of collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At most, I have ten seconds.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond that, his dantian would empty, his body would give out, and he’d likely lose consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a dangerous gamble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Yu Yeon had used it anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I must end this.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dragging the fight out was meaningless—and terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even now, she’s growing stronger.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah was already stronger than when the duel began. The longer this went on, the more monstrous she would become.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Unbelievable.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon steadied his breathing, adopting a stance. Wi Seol-ah, her eyes calm, moved her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon’s eyes widened as he observed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah’s movement dispersed the controlled swords around her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden energy of the swords scattered into the air before coalescing back into her blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy coated the sword, giving it a radiant hue. The surrounding air shimmered with golden light, almost blinding in its brilliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shwaaah!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as he squinted against the light, Yu Yeon thought:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So, this is it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in Selflessness, she was sending a message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, she was matching him on his terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the burning battle spirit, a strange gratitude and unfamiliar emotion stirred within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, he faced a true rival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an extraordinary feeling for Yu Yeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strangely, he felt a sense of peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it an illusion?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy flowing through his Yellow Radiant Armor seemed to grow stronger. Perhaps this time, he could reach the place he sought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that faint thought—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two moved simultaneously. Yu Yeon drove his palm downward, not toward his opponent but the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nyorae Sinjang (Buddha’s Palm).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stage shattered under the immense impact, and—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive energy wave gathered in the air, descending upon Wi Seol-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A giant palm-shaped force loomed, large enough to cover the entire stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it fell, Wi Seol-ah moved gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sreeung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With precise and delicate motion, her sword carved an arc in the air, leaving a radiant trail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crescent Moon Arc Slash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooooosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive crescent of energy born from her sword soared upward, aiming to cleave the Buddha’s Palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two forces collided—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A low hum echoed, followed by an earth-shaking explosion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact was so immense it seemed the stage and even the spectator stands might be destroyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What in the world?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee urgently scanned the audience, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To everyone’s surprise, the shockwave didn’t reach the stands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blue barrier had formed at some point, shielding the audience from the blast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee couldn’t tell, and just as silently as it had appeared, the barrier faded away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shhh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the dust settled on the stage, silence fell over the audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stillness began when Yu Yeon invoked Yellow Radiant Armor and persisted now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, the dust cleared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ssshh…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the stage stood Yu Yeon and Wi Seol-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it not over?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The audience held their breath as they watched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone spat blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Yu Yeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip. Drip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood dripped to the ground as Yu Yeon clutched his chest, dropping to one knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huff… Huff…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His ragged breathing made it clear he was at his limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee rushed toward him, and it seemed as though Yu Yeon had lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The winner is—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee was about to declare Wi Seol-ah victorious when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A movement came from Wi Seol-ah’s side. The referee turned to see her collapse to the stage, unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sword fell to the ground, and the only one left standing on the stage was Yu Yeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee froze, momentarily at a loss. Finally, he regained his composure and shouted:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In match 209, the winner is Yu Yeon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The declaration resounded as a massive cheer erupted from the audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Woooahhhh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the deafening cheers, Yu Yeon nodded weakly, exhaustion written across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had won.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had triumphed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as the pain in his chest blurred his mind, he felt the heat of victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he collapsed now, it would be fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing a smile, Yu Yeon steadied his breathing when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hummm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah’s body began to float. Was he hallucinating from blood loss?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He doubted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah was indeed rising slowly into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She floated gently toward someone, leaving the medics who had been rushing to her side in stunned silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she finally landed, it was into the arms of a man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon’s eyes widened as he recognized him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Yeomra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Yeomra, standing at the edge of the stage, cradled Wi Seol-ah in his arms, gently stroking her hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of quiet observation, So Yeomra turned his gaze to Yu Yeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those unreadable eyes—calm yet chilling, detached yet intense—met Yu Yeon’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as the crowd cheered around him, Yu Yeon could hear nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Yeomra’s voice echoed directly into his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I apologize. You’re the real deal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did he mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon couldn’t even ask. He was too drained to form words, let alone respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m looking forward to it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, So Yeomra turned, carrying Wi Seol-ah away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon watched as his body finally gave out, and he collapsed unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Historians would later say that this moment marked the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The start of an era where the meteoric stars of Murim blossomed, and Zhongyuan began its transformation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the day that many would remember.\u003C\u002Fp>",2880,"2026-06-05T15:10:16.200Z",1,"novelbin.me","d71ff2a4263ba27eff2d8345038c903f8751eaa265858acdbd777eca874a65d9","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-894","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-713",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]