[{"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-717":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},1240762,1667,"Chapter 716","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-717",717,"\u003Cp>The Blade King, Peng Zhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The head of the Hebei Peng Clan, one of the former Four Great Clans—now referred to as the Three Great Clans—serving as the pillars of the orthodox sects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he was still known as one of the Late-Stage Grandmasters, people called him the Ink Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, after surpassing that stage and becoming active within the Alliance, he operated under the title Iron Dragon Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A martial artist of the Hwagyeong level, ranked among the upper echelons of the Hundred Great Masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His record includes highly regarded achievements in past wars against the unorthodox sects. Even now, he is still considered a master whose skills have not diminished with age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he has run for the position of Alliance Leader several times, he failed each time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This implies one thing:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His martial prowess isn’t bad. His standing is decent, and he has political ambitions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet his nature leans toward being domineering and aggressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s… simple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Easy to read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While this might not be a major flaw for a martial artist, it highlights his inadequacies as a clan head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we’re talking about leadership qualities, the Sword King is the better choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite having a weaker presence within his clan compared to the Blade King, the Sword King possesses a slyness that’s more fitting for a clan head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might sound insulting, but it’s an essential quality for someone in such a position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s precisely what the Blade King lacks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s likely this deficiency, rather than his abilities or influence, that cost him the position of Alliance Leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of this is fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that’s all there is to him, then it ends there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What reason does he have to participate in the Martial Tournament?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question lingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s nothing for the Blade King to gain here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Status? He already has plenty of it.Reputation? Even if he performs well in this tournament, it won’t add much to his fame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s simply no benefit for him in this Martial Tournament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knows this but doesn’t think too deeply about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because it’s entertaining.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mere fact that the Blade King is participating and showcasing his martial arts is enough to draw people’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And among those spectators—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Plenty of them are connected to the Alliance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This event is a win for the Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the Blade King were a fool, he’d understand that much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So there’s only one explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Blade King entered the tournament to cooperate with the Alliance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it’s by commission, cooperation, or coercion—it doesn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s important is that the Blade King went along with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which means—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blade King should be regarded as an ally of the Martial Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether by his own will or not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hebei Peng Clan’s Peng Zhou versus Xi’an Bi Clan’s Bi Eejin.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stroked my chin as I looked at the names listed on the board.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did it come to this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tilted my head, examining the board.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the purpose of this matchup?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they paired Divine Dragon with Wi Seol-ah, the intent was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, it’s not as obvious. Was it just a random pairing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Doubtful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s hard to believe that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, the rumor that Twin Dragon is Paejon’s disciple has already spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would they really waste such a valuable promotional opportunity like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thought hit me, and I quickly snapped out of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This actually makes it even better for promotion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’re expecting Paejon’s successor to get crushed by the Blade King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s the spectacle they’re hoping for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I doubt anyone expects Twin Dragon to win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not that it’s impossible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the records of Divine Dragon and Wi Seol-ah, they might be considering the possibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But realistically—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At best, a Late-Stage Grandmaster defeating a King level master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s unprecedented in history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one would expect it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Especially since they don’t know the truth about that old man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I narrowed my eyes, looking at the black-haired youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gentle features didn’t match his sharp temperament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was Bi Eejin, also called Toryong (Twin Dragon), a Late-Stage Grandmaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet beneath that kind exterior lay an aged, cunning beast—Paejon, the Dishonored Venerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Two disciples of the Masters have gathered here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say the Crescent Moon Sword has reached Hwagyeong. What about Twin Dragon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With so many attention-grabbing figures gathered, all eyes were naturally drawn to this match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should I set up a screen? I briefly considered it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, what’s the plan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon’s voice broke my train of thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips curled into a faint smile at my response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was unsettling—his mouth smiled, but his eyes didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That fool from the Peng Clan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You’re talking about the Blade King?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bah, calling him a king is far too generous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t help but chuckle at his sharp critique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Paejon, the head of the Peng Clan was nothing more than a fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His father was decent, though. The son? Not so much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean the former Blade King?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Tae-woo—the previous Blade King—had passed away over a decade ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. That man’s sword was heavy, and you could sense the grandeur typical of his lineage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like listening to an old legend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon’s stories always did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the era he lived in was far from peaceful—wars with the unorthodox sects were still ongoing back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But his son? Completely botched it. What a shame.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his words, Paejon didn’t look the least bit regretful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued, speaking in his usual detached tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That said, that one’s not bad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured, drawing my gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blade King sat there, and beside him was a young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon’s finger pointed directly at Peng Woo-jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s far better than his father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Paejon thought highly of him, then he must be an extraordinary talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woo-jin, without a doubt, was exactly that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woo-jin lifted his head and met my gaze.It seemed he’d noticed my eyes on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flashed a wide grin and waved in my direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gu Gongja!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it. Couldn’t he have kept his voice down?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave him a reluctant nod in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the Blade King glanced at Peng Woo-jin, and the latter awkwardly scratched the back of his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by the way he looked flustered, the Blade King had likely sent him a message through transmission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Keul-keul.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon let out a soft chuckle. Was he finding this amusing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a mess of a kid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, for a martial artist to soar, they need to shed at least one weight. If they try to hold on to everything, they’ll be too heavy to fly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What bullshit. You’re just trying to make ‘crazy bastard’ sound poetic—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urgh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shit. Of all places, he had to hit my shin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The more you run your mouth, the more I think I need to straighten you out one of these days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Do you honestly think you don’t already?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He acted like he wasn’t constantly beating me already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clearly, it’s not enough, or you wouldn’t still be like this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is just how I was born. If a few hits could fix it, it would’ve worked ages ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You sure think highly of yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could I do? My bloodline made me this way.If a good beating could’ve fixed me, I wouldn’t be living like this in either this life or the last one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, what are you expecting me to do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What, you don’t get it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell was he talking about now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was about to let out a sigh when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That fool. Should I send him up there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I froze for a moment at Paejon’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression remained unchanged.The same black eyes as mine stared back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at him, I swallowed hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...That sly old snake.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He acted like the only thing he cared about was pushing his martial arts to the limit.But Paejon noticed far more than he let on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now was no different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Do whatever you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. Alright, then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let out a yawn as if that settled it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Blade King he was talking about. And yet, Paejon looked completely relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That attitude meant one thing—he believed he could decide the outcome of the match as he pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could Paejon really beat the Blade King even now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, I didn’t doubt it for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was Paejon, the Dishonored Venerabl. That was all that needed to be said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Enough about that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned my gaze away from Paejon and toward Seong Yul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d been fidgeting nonstop for a while now, making it impossible to ignore him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hand and smacked him on the back of the head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urgh?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul’s eyes widened as he looked at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Calm down, You’re making me nervous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re going to get yourself in trouble acting like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t even a real warning, yet he flinched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked terrible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because he’d been matched against a disciple from the Kunlun Sect?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was it because of something else entirely? I couldn’t tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At least the other side doesn’t seem to care.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Kunlun disciples didn’t seem interested in Seong Yul at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was strange. Shouldn’t they recognize each other?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not that there was any mention of it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d gotten bits of information about Kunlun from time to time, but there hadn’t been anything about Seong Yul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, to be precise, there wasn’t any mention of him at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I thought the Azure Sword had taken him in.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So why wasn’t there anything about him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even considering Kunlun’s current situation, it doesn’t add up.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Azure Sword’s death, a new sect leader had taken over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since then, several incidents had occurred, and the sect was still focused on stabilizing itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That’s probably why they didn’t send many people.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though the Alliance was hosting the Martial Tournament, Kunlun likely sent fewer than ten representatives due to their internal struggles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was proof that things weren’t going well for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Something’s definitely going on.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was one thing after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First the Emei Sect, and now if Kunlun had problems too, the situation really was a mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Nine Great Sects are all falling apart.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether publicly or behind the scenes, none of them seemed to be doing well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And this is just the result of a little instability.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even sects that had stood firm for centuries were crumbling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only ones holding up somewhat were Mount Hua and a few others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And yet, in this situation, the Martial Alliance is throwing a festival.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What an absolute shitshow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They covered up the rot with a flashy facade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It only took a quick look to see through it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Ugh.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t have anything comforting to say, so I just gave Seong Yul’s shoulder a quick squeeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, and by the way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be careful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul’s eyes dimmed slightly at the warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’ll make sure my identity isn’t exposed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you even talking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cut him off before he started spouting nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I mean watch your strength, idiot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Think before you swing. Don’t go all out like you did against me, alright?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you get that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-yes… I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clearly didn’t understand at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this going to be okay?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I debated explaining in more detail but decided to leave it alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever. He’d figure it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I left it at that—for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I left the waiting room and headed somewhere else—toward the spectator seats prepared to view the martial matches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had been here before, but the location was slightly different this time.The Alliance had set up a separate area for those who made it to the main tournament rounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A canopy provided shade overhead.It was a far cry from the general seating area—much better facilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They’re not even trying to hide the special treatment.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it meant as a reward for making it this far?That’s how it might seem at a glance, but the reality was quite different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Making it to the main rounds means one thing—it marks you as promising.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could mean being a descendant of a prestigious clan.Or a martial artist backed by wealthy merchants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps even a lone genius with exceptional talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Martial Alliance had prepared for this, anticipating such individuals in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘People have always loved special treatment.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was no different this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wealthy merchants who funded the Alliance.Patriarchs of noble clans.Sect leaders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of them were likely watching the main tournament from their reserved seats in the pavilions.They were probably watching this display of favoritism too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a way, it was a flawless move on the Alliance’s part.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But it’s disgusting.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blatant display of hierarchy was enough to make my stomach churn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I casually picked a seat and sat down.Unlike before, the space here was more generous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scroll listing the matchups was handed out again, but I didn’t take one.Anyone who cared enough to know already had it memorized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed after I settled into my seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…And now, we will begin the third round of the main tournament….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At some point, the judge stepped onto the martial stage and began the opening announcement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the speech ended, the martial artists began to appear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The difference this time was that only one stage was being used.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘From the third round onward, the fights must be on a different level. They want us to focus.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There could be multiple reasons, but I was too tired to bother thinking about them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I simply propped my chin on my hand and focused my gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could feel the martial artists around me watching me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I ignored them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Let’s see.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would today’s matches end without incident?That was the only thing I cared about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*****************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man slowly wrapped bandages around his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Haaah—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sounds of fierce cries and pounding impacts echoed from outside, shaking the walls.Yet the young man didn’t seem the least bit concerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He checked his hands once he’d finished wrapping them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nodding in satisfaction, the young man stretched his shoulders, loosening up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His name was Bi Eejin—the second son of the Xi’an Bi Clan and the martial artist known as the Twin Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bad. Even after so long, the wrap is nice and clean.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lightly shaking out his hands, he rolled his shoulders to warm up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was essential to prepare his body beforehand. Otherwise—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I might lose control of my strength.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to maintain just the right level of performance. But this damned body couldn’t even handle strength properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he wasn’t careful, his skin might tear under the force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Tsk. Tsk.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All he could do was sigh. And there wasn’t a soul he could talk to about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This situation was entirely his own doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Bi Eejin continued stretching and waiting for his match—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You seem nervous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone spoke to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he turned his head, he saw a towering man—easily a head taller than him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin recognized him immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Peng Zhou, the Blade King—patriarch of the Hebei Peng Clan and his opponent in the match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smiling as if to put him at ease, the Blade King addressed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry. It won’t be anything serious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin looked at the Blade King with a strange expression before silently clasping his fists and bowing in greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A descendant of the Bi Clan greets the Lord of the Peng Clan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, yes. Is the Bi Clan’s leader doing well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The last time I saw him was years ago. I imagine he’s grown even stronger by now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a subtle undertone of condescension in his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t direct, but it was clear that the Blade King considered the Bi Clan’s leader a step below him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin’s eyebrow twitched slightly at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hear you’re the elder’s disciple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s quite surprising. The elder once said he wouldn’t take a disciple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had indeed said that once, long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Back then, I thought it wouldn’t be necessary.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was during a time when arrogance had clouded his judgment.He had believed that the martial arts he created couldn’t be passed down to anyone but himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was embarrassing to think about now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The times have changed. Even the elder can change, I suppose.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s true.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling strangely embarrassed, Bi Eejin cleared his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a long time since I last saw the elder. Is he in good health?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s very healthy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far too healthy, in fact.So healthy he practically reversed his aging—damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, that’s good to hear. The elder seemed to think highly of me. I have fond memories of him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin froze mid-motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When had that ever happened? He couldn’t recall such an event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Was it when Tae-woo brought him along?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must’ve been back when the former patriarch, Peng Tae-woo, introduced his son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered a five-year-old bawling his eyes out—so hard he even wet himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He said I was talented and should focus on my training….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That never happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, he had advised the former patriarch to make the kid work harder because he seemed less talented than others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Children could at least be cute if they were dumb, but this one had none of that charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, I just came by to help you relax. I heard you’re the elder’s disciple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Thank you for your consideration.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Somehow, the Blade King had made them sound like close acquaintances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin forced a smile as the Blade King patted his back with his large hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well then, see you out there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, the Blade King left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Left alone, Bi Eejin had to think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What should I do?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had planned to keep things under control and show only enough skill to get by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now he wasn’t so sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt sorry for his pathetic disciple, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t seem like “taking it easy” was going to be an option.\u003C\u002Fp>",3025,"2026-06-05T15:10:16.200Z",1,"novelbin.me","c13fecff50959cdc5cef99dae4cf3248cc5b9cb672fdc43d0ec7bd61db123e77","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-718","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-895",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]