[{"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-731":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},1240781,1667,"Chapter 730","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-731",731,"\u003Cp>Time passed, and the sun gradually dipped below the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lights began to flicker on one by one in Hanam, preparing to embrace the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under normal circumstances, people would have already started packing up their stalls or returning home, yet the streets were packed with crowds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been this way ever since the Martial Tournament began, but today, the crowd seemed even larger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially near the Murim Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the spectator stands where the tournament was being held, throngs of people had gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there was only one reason for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s almost time, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right. The Divine Dragon’s match will begin shortly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah… If only I could get a closer look.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Divine Dragon’s duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd had gathered to witness it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was almost hard to believe that so many people had come just to watch a single martial artist’s match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But considering the rumors that had spread throughout Hanam, the reason became clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Dragon—hope of Shaolin and the peak of the Six Dragons and Three Peaks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had proven his worth in his duel against the Crescent Moon Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He demonstrated what it meant to be the youngest to reach Hwagyeong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he had shown, without question, just how great his value was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barely in his early twenties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man just transitioning from boyhood to adulthood, yet his presence was already monumental.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of this, another title had emerged for the Divine Dragon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Future Supreme Martial Artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps the one destined to become the Supreme Martial Artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least in Zhongyuan—or in Hanam, to be exact—the Divine Dragon’s value was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was already regarded as a future legend, destined to reach the top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His worth alone was enough to draw such an enormous crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is the Divine Dragon really that amazing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When a man in the crowd raised a skeptical question, the person next to him responded eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Haven’t you heard, Mr. Jang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve heard, that’s why I’m asking. I mean, can you really trust rumors…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll tell you with confidence—the rumors actually understate the truth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on… That can’t be right. They said he used the Divine Fist. Is a mere rising star even capable of such a feat?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Divine Fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A technique regarded as one of Shaolin’s most treasured martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said that a single strike could obliterate everything within a hundred paces, hence its name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even within Shaolin, only a handful could wield it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The idea that a mere rising star had used it was hard to believe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Jang’s skepticism, Cheon, the innkeeper of the Boundless Tavern, let out a mocking laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is why I can’t talk to people who haven’t seen the Martial Tournament firsthand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh, so watching one match makes you an expert now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course! Especially when you can’t even believe he used the Divine Fist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can’t even?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang’s eyes widened at Cheon’s remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How can you downplay the Divine Fist like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyone who watched the tournament would say the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Cheon leaned closer to Jang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be shocked—aside from the Divine Fist, the Divine Dragon even used the Yellow Radiant Armor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What? Yellow Radiant Armor?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang practically jumped in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…No, really, I don’t know—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jang grew embarrassed, Cheon cleared his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How disappointing. Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of Shaolin’s Yellow Radiant Armor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not from Shaolin! How am I supposed to know all their techniques?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Fist was well-known, but the Yellow Radiant Armor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang racked his brain but couldn’t recall anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was no surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only a few in Shaolin could use the Divine Fist, even fewer could wield the Yellow Radiant Armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a secret art said to be attainable only through enlightenment at the peak of one’s cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An armor of golden light embodying the teachings of Buddhism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was called the Indestructible Armor of Enlightenment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An undefeated martial art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was Shaolin’s Yellow Radiant Armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…And you’re saying the Divine Dragon used that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A technique wielded by the Divine Dragon at such a young age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why he was hailed as a future Supreme Martial Artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If the rumors are true… no wonder the crowd is this large.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re hoping he’ll show it again in today’s match.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the Divine Dragon had donned that golden armor, he had shone brighter than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, there were only a handful of martial artists in Shaolin capable of using the Yellow Radiant Armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, perhaps even fewer than that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given how rare it was to witness Shaolin’s techniques, it was no surprise people had gathered in anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that you’ve explained it, I’m definitely excited.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See? I knew you’d feel that way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But still, he has to actually show it for us to see it, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As much as people wanted to witness it, there was one concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t a power that could simply be displayed on command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, I heard the Divine Dragon is still injured.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The previous match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had reportedly been an intense battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And given the Divine Dragon’s growing fame, his opponent had also become widely known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crescent Moon Sword, Wi Seol-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the Three Pillars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Specifically, the successor of the Sword Pillar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had proven her status in the duel by holding her own against the Divine Dragon, even injuring him before her eventual defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Moonlight Dance Sword technique was distinctive and widely renowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was all but certain that she was the heir of the Sword Pillar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And considering how she had matched the Divine Dragon’s overwhelming strength…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The future of Zhongyuan certainly looks bright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheon’s proud expression was met with a nod from Jang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…It does seem that way. And given the appearance of the Crescent Moon Sword, perhaps even the Sword Pillar might reappear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm? Why bring up the Sword Pillar now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well… the present doesn’t seem that bright. If the Sword Pillar were to return, I’d feel a bit more reassured.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bright? This is the brightest time we’ve had in years!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheon’s words earned a wry smile from Jang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bright? Was it really bright?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘We’re barely holding back the crimson beasts… What’s so bright about that?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might be true that people were happy due to the grand festival, but calling this era bright was a lie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an age of crisis, and Jang knew it well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With the Sword Saint protecting us, what’s there to worry about? Just enjoy the moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You’re right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no point voicing his concerns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe he was wrong after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, he simply nodded and changed the topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way, who is the Divine Dragon’s opponent?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Jang asked, Cheon replied with an odd expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well… I heard it’s someone from the Gu family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gu family? You mean the Gu Clan of Shanxi?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. A clan of heroes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then… not Gu Beom, surely? Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang suddenly recalled something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either on the first or second day, someone from the Gu family had defeated a martial artist in Hwagyeong with a single strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his title was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So Yeomra.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Little Lord of the Underworld, Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang also knew of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young martial artist who had suppressed a great incident several years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had earned widespread fame, he had remained inactive in recent years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Now that I think about it…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon, the Little Lord of the Underworld.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he first stirred up Zhongyuan, there was another rumor attached to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wasn’t he also called the youngest to reach Hwagyeong back then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Jang voiced his thought, Cheon burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, that? That’s ancient gossip. And besides, it was nonsense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. If it wasn’t, why would the Alliance officially declare the Divine Dragon as the youngest Hwagyeong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jang, you’re more naïve than I thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just mentioned it because it crossed my mind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But did it really matter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The important thing was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…If he defeated a martial artist in Hwagyeong, doesn’t that mean Gu Yangcheon has also reached that level?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, you could interpret it that way… but there’s been a lot of debate about that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say the opponent he defeated had only recently entered Hwagyeong. There are also claims that he let his guard down, leading to the defeat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang showed a curious expression at Cheon’s response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it really be possible?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A martial artist who had reached Hwagyeong—letting their guard down?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in the middle of a duel?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Does that even make sense?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang thought, but he kept his doubts to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather than negligence, it seemed more plausible to think—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Gu Yangcheon was simply too strong for them to react… Isn’t that the more logical explanation?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t shake the fundamental question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that, too, was left unspoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the rumors about Gu Yangcheon seemed strange—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll find out soon enough.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wouldn’t take long to see the truth firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang was not the type to believe anything easily unless he saw it with his own eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Waaaahhhh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, cheers erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang turned his head toward the distant arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone was stepping onto the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That young man….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A youth with sculpted features, radiating a benevolent and warm aura that made it clear he was from Shaolin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd roared, chanting his name as the energy in the air ignited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While all eyes were on the Divine Dragon, Jang’s gaze shifted to the other side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was more interested in the Divine Dragon’s opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Huh?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang frowned at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The opponent stood slouching, leaning to one side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression twisted in irritation, digging into his ear as if the noise bothered him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The youth had black hair tinged with a faint blue sheen—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…He looks… dangerous.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His very appearance made Jang flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could someone look so menacing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this young man Gu Yangcheon?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Something’s off….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His first impression was anything but good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he wasn’t even trying to hide it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the countless eyes on him, he openly displayed a defiant and unruly demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t he supposed to be from a righteous sect?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang felt a strange unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no discomfort in Gu Yangcheon’s posture—no awkwardness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it was because the behavior suited him so well?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t feel like youthful arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was this feeling?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang turned to Cheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cheon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm? Can it wait? I’m busy watching.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who do you think will win?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheon flinched and stared at Jang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression shifted as if he had heard the most ridiculous question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha! What kind of question is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Divine Dragon, of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You think so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you saying the Divine Dragon might lose?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No one can predict the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah! What nonsense. How can a merchant be so clueless?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang nodded at Cheon’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire world seemed convinced that the Divine Dragon would win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why couldn’t he take his eyes off that young man?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once famous but dismissed as a rumor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did Jang feel so drawn to him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite everything, Jang couldn’t shake the thought—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, he had a gut feeling the Divine Dragon wouldn’t win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as this thought crossed his mind—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Yeon of Shaolin versus Gu Yangcheon of Shanxi’s Gu Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Begin the duel!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcement rang out, and—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wooooong—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang immediately felt the atmosphere shift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air grew heavy and suffocating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hwaaaak—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd shielded their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An intense golden light burst forth from the stage, radiating like the sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stifling pressure slowly gave way to warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huuuuuuu—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gentle breeze swept over them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was warm, like an embrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang opened his eyes and—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swallowed hard as he looked at the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha! Look at that! That’s it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheon shouted excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Jang remember what he had said earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Yellow Radiant Armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaolin’s ultimate technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An overwhelming presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden armor enveloped the Divine Dragon, shimmering brilliantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To see that from the very start…!! He’s going all out, no matter who his opponent is!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang couldn’t respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this truly the power of a human?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No wonder they call it indestructible.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without touching it, he could tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That armor couldn’t be broken by ordinary means.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—it felt impossible to destroy it at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waaahhhh—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cheers only grew louder as the Divine Dragon activated the Yellow Radiant Armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment that would go down in history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone felt it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Dragon stood at the center of history in the making.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy surged even higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…This is….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang smiled bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Amazing.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Dragon truly lived up to his title as the most promising contender for Supreme Martial Artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why can’t I stop looking at him?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang’s gaze returned to Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the face of such overwhelming light, Gu Yangcheon’s expression hadn’t changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he already given up?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he lost his fighting spirit at first glance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression seemed indifferent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Completely unfazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he be so calm?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with such an overwhelming sight—how could he remain like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang’s doubts lingered, but not for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The duel began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Dragon, clad in golden armor, charged at Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief, sharp sound followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Waaaahh—huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cheers mixed with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It couldn’t be helped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The indestructible golden armor—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The armor that was said to be as indestructible as a diamond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon reached out—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And began tearing it apart with his bare hands.\u003C\u002Fp>",2273,"2026-06-05T15:10:16.200Z",1,"novelbin.me","9a0253230ee0ba54996de00688f03fc06c6e1808b65177201427a6da50aac466","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-732","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-730",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]