[{"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-719":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},1240765,1667,"Chapter 718","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-719",719,"\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade sliced through the air with a heavy resonance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slower than a sword, perhaps—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But its sheer size and density created an oppressive weight, like a towering mountain descending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when wielded by someone beyondHwagyeong, the blade’s weight turned into devastating power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blade King’s sword struck the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The solid floor split apart, debris flying everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was raw, unbridled destruction—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it wasn’t over yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp breath escaped Peng Zhou as he twisted his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black Blade Tempest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A half-spin unleashed a wave of compressedQi—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thick Blade Force erupted outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRASH—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The destructive energy carved through the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a spectacle that left jaws hanging—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A technique built purely for destruction, overwhelming in its might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell are we seeing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The audience murmured, their shock almost palpable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t awe for Peng Zhou’s power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes were glued to Bi Eejin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Twin Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A descendant of the Seoan Bi Clan—Paejon’s disciple—known as a Late-Stage Grandmaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the match, everyone had assumed he wouldn’t even last a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as Paejon’s disciple, he was expected to crumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Blade King’s presence is overwhelming, and yet…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He hasn’t moved. Not even once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the devastation of the arena—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One spot remained untouched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t moved a single step since the match began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rooted in place—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Effortlessly deflecting Peng Zhou’s attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No… he’s not blocking them.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t just stopping the blows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was redirecting them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deflecting the Blade King’s movements, dissipating the Blade Force, and denying him any openings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All he’d done was lower his clasped hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing like a stone, Bi Eejin neutralized everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What a terrifying old bastard.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I exhaled sharply, the sight leaving me stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just impressive—it was absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could I do that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I considered it seriously—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No chance.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer came immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dodging? Sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But standing still and dismantling such an assault? Absolutely not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Paejon—someone ranked lower than me—was doing it with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The crazy old man.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had unlocked Mind’s Eye as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what he was doing was something else entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if you could predict movements, neutralizing them without moving was another level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be fair—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t deflect everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He blocked when necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he turned most attacks into opportunities to redirect rather than resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou infused his blade with Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive Blade Force surged toward Bi Eejin, clearly meant to crush him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin extended his hand and slipped through the cracks of the Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>THUD—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou’s sword shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blade Force grazed past Bi Eejin’s head—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barely missing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd gasped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had the Blade King miscalculated?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin had redirected his attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Unbelievable.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The technique seemed simple, but it wasn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Mind’s Eye, I saw it clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou had unleashed waves of Qi, any one of which could cause fatal damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Bi Eejin had stepped directly into the flow, disrupted it, and thrown off Peng Zhou’s momentum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was insane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’d have to believe—absolutely believe—that you wouldn’t fail to even attempt it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he did it while standing perfectly still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And this old man had the audacity to lecture me about restraint?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him pull off moves like that, who was he to talk?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite my grumbling thoughts, I couldn’t look away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Shit.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d been bored out of my mind earlier—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, I was hanging onto every one of Paejon’s movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s doing this on purpose.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I already knew it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with such subtle movements, he was showing me something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Watch closely.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s what his actions seemed to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like he was guiding me—showing me a path I had yet to take.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I focused, determined not to miss even a breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Pay attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice reached me through Qi Transmission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- I’m giving you a demonstration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words barely registered before—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin took a single step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His foot touched the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou’s body was launched into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re lucky.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a phrase Peng Zhou had heard countless times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Born into thePeng Familyof Hebei, he had been deemed fortunate from the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The son of the family head—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blessed with wealth, status, and the unwavering love of his parents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His father, Peng Tae-woo, adored his frail wife so much that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after she bore only one child, he refused to take concubines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no struggle for succession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No battles between siblings to inherit the family name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His position as the next head of the Peng Family was secured from birth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the words of praise—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou always heard the unspoken meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lucky, but undeserving.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man of mediocre talent who achieved everything through chance rather than merit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had heard it all his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it festered—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An inferiority complex that took root and grew deeper with every passing year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He carried it through childhood—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through adolescence—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And into adulthood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after becoming theBlade Kingand inheriting the title ofSix Thrones, the whispers persisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They mocked him, comparing him unfavorably to past champions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no matter what they said—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhouneverbelieved he could lose to someone likeBi Eejin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kugh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He staggered under the crushing impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain exploded in his chest asQisurged around him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Desperately trying to reinforce his broken defenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hastily formed shield shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou redirected his body, preparing to counterattack—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>THUD!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guh?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His knee buckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin's footpressed down, locking his joint in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud—! Thud—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two rapid punches followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first struck his chest—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>BOOM—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second slammed into his stomach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kuh-hah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Agony burst through his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His balance wavered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hits didn’t stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin drove his knee deeper, forcing Peng Zhou lower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His center of gravity collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another blow—this time to the ribs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gah—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou grit his teeth, planting his feet to stop from toppling entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t go down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eyes burning, he glared through the haze of pain—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But all he saw was another incoming strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Desperate, Peng Zhoupoured Qiinto his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black Iron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A signature technique of thePeng Clan—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forged to cut down overwhelming opponents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t the time to hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to create distance—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin clicked his tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasdisappointment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou froze, staring into Bi Eejin’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How dare he…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anger flared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy looked at him as if he werepathetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unforgivable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou’s vision turned red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldkillhim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldcut him downwhere he stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could swing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CLANG—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blade twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin had struck the flat of the blade—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Redirecting it effortlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword embedded itself into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou yanked at the hilt—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tch!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Bi Eejin’sfootpinned the blade in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn’t budge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou gathered his strength to force it free—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>WHAM—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A kick to the chest sent him sprawling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword slipped from his hands as he rolled across the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He forced himself upright—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bracing for another attack—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it never came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin stood motionless, still by the fallen blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Idiot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word struck like a slap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What did you say?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou’s eyes widened in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What? Stupid?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he talking to him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to believe what he had just heard, Peng Zhou let out a scoffing laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The flow of Qi is completely distorted, and the best you can do is struggle like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twin Dragon had no intention of stopping and continued to address Peng Zhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Black Iron requires advanced internal Qi control. Even the former family head maintained a disciplined stance while using it, and yet you dare try to alter its form? Someone like you, without the qualifications or ability, is truly disgraceful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You bastard...!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to hold back any longer, Peng Zhou gritted his teeth and stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How dare you mention anyone else in front of me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did he mention the former head in the presence of the current one, but he even had the audacity to lecture him as if offering advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wasn’t something a mere late-stage Qi practitioner should dare to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You...! Your talent may be exceptional, but do you think someone like you can instruct me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his words, there was no denying it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twin Dragon blocked every move and treated him like a plaything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the spectators, who had been nervously holding their breaths, had fallen completely silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duel between the Divine Dragon and the Crescent Moon Sword had been a clash of dazzling brilliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was none of that here in the match between Twin Dragon and Peng Zhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an unrefined, raw fight—nothing but pure martial combat devoid of techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t because Peng Zhou lacked the ability to use elaborate techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was because Twin Dragon made it impossible for him to use them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How the hell is that possible?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his growing frustration, Peng Zhou’s eyes trembled in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear from their brief exchanges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, he couldn’t catch him. He couldn’t even touch him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a bizarre sensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of situation was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was he being overpowered by someone like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his pride crumbled, Peng Zhou began to lose his composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teaching?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twin Dragon spoke to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The contempt in his voice was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me? Teach you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corner of his mouth lifted into a sneer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why would I waste something so precious on someone like you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Know your place. You’re not even worth that much to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou nearly lost his grip on reality for a moment at those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, Twin Dragon grabbed Peng Zhou’s blade and flung it aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword embedded itself in the ground beside Peng Zhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pick it up. A martial artist shouldn’t lose their weapon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou’s face turned red as he looked at the sword lying next to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You dare... mock me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grinding his teeth, Peng Zhou glared at Twin Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Too late.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twin Dragon judged him silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That man was already too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after witnessing everything, he still underestimated Twin Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His anger continued to smolder instead of cooling down, meaning that by the time the fire died, Peng Zhou’s entire will would have already burned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear that he was already breaking apart and crumbling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Such a pity.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the pity wasn’t for Peng Zhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He would’ve been a good example for my disciple.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twin Dragon had expected better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after seeing this mess, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps that’s why he had overestimated him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought Peng Zhou would be more capable, but he turned out to be nothing more than trash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, even the little monk called the Divine Dragon seemed better by comparison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Peng Zhou’s strength might be superior, his lack of value made him no better than garbage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Bi Eejin, that’s all Peng Zhou amounted to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Should I have held back a little more?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite double-checking, he had failed to control his strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would things have been different if he had gone easier on him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—If the opportunity arises... I humbly ask you to look after my son just once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin recalled the words of Peng Tae-woo, the former head of the Peng family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’d forgotten about that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Words he wouldn’t have even considered under normal circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had kept them in mind only because Peng Tae-woo had left an impression on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though, considering he had forgotten until now, it hardly counted as keeping them in mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What a bother.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no other thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no reason to feel guilty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t his fault the man’s son turned out to be useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What to do now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Bi Eejin pondered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou gripped his sword and stood up, channeling his Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blade darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using Black Iron, it began to emit black mist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll kill you. I’ll kill you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murderous intent filled the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his flaws, Peng Zhou was still a top-ranked martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he gathered his killing intent and Qi, the vibrations around him grew more intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clearly dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, Bi Eejin merely observed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, he welcomed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I was wondering if I’d get to show something. This works.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had worried about leaving the audience unimpressed, but this solved the problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Who would’ve thought I’d care what my disciple thinks?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought amused him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But perhaps it was only because his disciple had proven to be worth it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin extended his hands slightly forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked as though he was holding an invisible orb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he assumed that stance—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint wind began to swirl at his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hair fluttered, and energy began to gather in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou, meanwhile, was breathing heavily as he completed his preparations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blade had already surpassed Black Iron and formed a massive blade aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black Iron Great Silent Steel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A technique passed down through the Peng family for generations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Highly compressed blade energy capable of devastating not only opponents but also the surrounding area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou poured all his Qi into it, determined to obliterate Twin Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer intensity of his attack left the spectators trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their instincts told them just how dangerous it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huff... huff…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Peng Zhou struggled to endure his own energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His breathing grew ragged as he raised his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shiiiiing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A calamity tore through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The compressed energy split the atmosphere, releasing hissing steam as it destabilized under its own pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a pillar crashing down on Twin Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Twin Dragon’s expression remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He focused solely on completing the sphere in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when it was done—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s ready.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled, satisfied, as he gazed at the gray sphere in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou’s attack reached him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade aura was about to strike his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Eejin casually clapped his hands together, crushing the sphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tua Pacheonmu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifth Form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heaven-Breaking Strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>KWA-BOOOOM—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavens shattered at Bi Eejin’s command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.\u003C\u002Fp>",2416,"2026-06-05T15:10:16.200Z",1,"novelbin.me","88b3d1341dbe945acac24581e2eea5bc7fecc24ec8a49c996fab76ed890c4322","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-720","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-896",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]