[{"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-736":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},1240786,1667,"Chapter 735","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-736",736,"\u003Cp>If one were to name the most important thing in Zhongyuan, the first answer would undoubtedly be ‘strength.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a world where martial artists worship power and shape society, nothing could be more valuable than raw might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But was strength the only thing that mattered?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, it wasn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial artists might revere strength, but at the end of the day, they were still human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And aside from power, there was one more thing vital to survival—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Money.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial artists were, after all, human beings who needed money to survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how many days they spent training, seeking enlightenment, and striving to ascend to higher realms, wealth didn’t just materialize out of thin air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Food, clothing, and shelter—basic needs required money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was strange when you thought about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Where does all the money come from for people who do nothing but train all day?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether they were prestigious noble families or martial sects, most of them existed solely for combat. Yet, for some reason, they were always flush with cash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there were exceptions, like the Moyong family, which ran businesses, or the Tang Clan in Sichuan, which actively engaged in commerce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not all families were like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, most didn’t own trading companies or escort agencies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So how were they able to sustain themselves?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the same reason why the Martial Alliance continued to operate smoothly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Sponsorship.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true merchants scattered across Zhongyuan—the so-called trading companies—poured vast amounts of money into these martial families and sects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their swords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their meals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For those who didn’t earn their own money, the trading companies’ sponsorships kept them afloat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Martial Alliance was no different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of the wealthiest trading companies, including the Evergarden Trading Company, supported the alliance financially.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This funding allowed the Martial Alliance and many noble families to lead luxurious lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why would trading companies invest so heavily in martial artists?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was surprisingly simple—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘To make allies.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This world was filled with danger, with demonic gates constantly opening and monsters threatening lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial artists might be able to survive on their own, but what about everyone else?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, they had to rely on the protection of martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And to secure that protection, trading companies formed implicit agreements through sponsorships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just about safety; it was also about creating a sense of allegiance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This martial artist receives our support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, he is one of us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It created pressure against rival factions or competing companies and even bolstered the trading company’s reputation as the martial artist’s fame grew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, the Evergreen Trading Company in Shaanxi had supported the Mount Hua Sect for generations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they faced a crisis from the Unorthodox Faction Alliance, it was none other than the Plum Blossom Sword Saint who stepped in to resolve the issue personally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this way, sponsorships served multiple purposes, benefiting both sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial artists gained financial support, and trading companies gained advertisement, influence, and security.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This guy came to me?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at the man in his forties seated before me, my mind racing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is this our first direct meeting?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across both my past and current lives, I had never personally faced him before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he was a well-known figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Practically the wealthiest man in Zhongyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Yoo-myung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The head of Evergarden Trading Company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle-aged man with a gentle smile and a kind demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Divine Sword’s sponsor…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In my previous life, Wi Seol-ah—the Divine Sword—rose to become the world’s strongest by defeating the Heavenly Demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Jang Yoo-myung had been the one who backed her financially.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was also widely respected for his philanthropy during the Great War between the Orthodox and Demonic sects, having provided free weapons to martial artists and supporting disaster relief efforts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People often said—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Divine Sword wouldn’t have made it without the Evergarden Trading Company’s support.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I agreed with that assessment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Wi Seol-ah was unaffiliated.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite her engagement to the Jang family, she was originally just the granddaughter of the Sword Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For her to move freely, she needed a sponsor, and Evergarden Trading Company fulfilled that role.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made sense, of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Evergarden Trading Company came from the Jang family.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even his surname gave it away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the Jang name was common, this wasn’t just a coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Evergarden Trading Company branched out from the Jang family.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d heard they were a collateral line, but they shared the same roots nonetheless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t know the full extent of their connection, but back then, I assumed their sponsorship of Wi Seol-ah stemmed from family ties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Now he’s here for me.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did this mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced at Moyong Hee-ah briefly before turning my gaze back to Jang Yoo-myung.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To think I’d meet the famous head of Evergarden Trading Company in person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha. Famous? I’m just a humble merchant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Humble?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man sitting before me was anything but.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wealthiest man in Zhongyuan carried power even martial artists couldn’t ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Frankly, it’s my honor to meet you, Sir Gu. You’re the most famous person in Zhongyuan right now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re flattering me too much. Please, have a seat. I only have plum tea to offer—will that be all right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not picky.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could even respond, Moyong Hee-ah had already started brewing tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, a small spread of snacks and steaming tea was set before us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Yoo-myung sipped carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This must be from Shaanxi, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, it was a gift from the Mount Hua Sect’s leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be precise, it came from the Emei Sect as part of their attempts to curry favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d already removed any toxins from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It tastes pretty good.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I quietly finished my cup and turned back to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, what brings you here, personally?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had he come?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And why in person?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha… It seems I surprised you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. It’s one of the more shocking things I’ve seen lately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could I not be surprised?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As you might have guessed, I’m here to offer the Evergarden Trading Company’s sponsorship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I blinked at his directness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I expected him to beat around the bush, but he got straight to the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You want to sponsor me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I even imposed on your branch manager to arrange this meeting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced at Moyong Hee-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She simply closed her eyes, acting as if she hadn’t heard a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This woman…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, something had been exchanged to make this happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, may I ask what you saw in me to warrant such a sudden approach?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did I see? A merchant only looks for one thing—potential.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Potential?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. Just like everyone gathered outside, I saw the potential in you and wanted to invest in it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced toward the door, sensing the crowd still gathered beyond it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your performance yesterday was impressive. I couldn’t resist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And you saw it yourself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not directly, but my bodyguard filled me in later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bodyguard, huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He means the one outside.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could already sense him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by his presence—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s at least Hwagyeong level.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a glance, he seemed to be on the lower end of the Hundred Great Masters, possibly around the Hwagyeong level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone was impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having someone of Hwagyeong rank as a bodyguard? That was enough to raise eyebrows, but I was more focused on Jang Yoo-myung’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Did he bring it up to let me know? Or is this meant as some kind of signal?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mentioning that he had a bodyguard nearby—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a calculated move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it a test to see if I’d noticed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was it a way to earn my favor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it was the latter, it was actually quite effective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I did find myself warming up to him a bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You weren’t near the tournament grounds, were you? Where exactly did you watch from?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with that, I decided to throw him a gift of my own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Yoo-myung’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clearly understood the implication behind my question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew the identities of the trading company heads who were present—and that he wasn’t one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had just shown my hand, revealing that I had access to a fair amount of information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at the same time, he undoubtedly realized that I had done so intentionally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha… how intriguing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m genuinely curious. Where did you watch from?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as we exchanged these veiled jabs, Jang Yoo-myung maintained his smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was in the general seating area, with an acquaintance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…General seating?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>General seating?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe he meant cramped quarters crammed to capacity with commoners?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general seating was the lowest tier, prepared by the Martial Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What on earth was someone like him doing there?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing my confusion, Jang Yoo-myung answered without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No particular reason. I just wanted to gauge the honest reactions of the crowd.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To gauge reactions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did that mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The match was followed by discussions with the Shaolin about a sponsorship agreement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, that was interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he was here now, it meant he had postponed those talks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re saying you delayed talks with Shaolin to offer me a sponsorship instead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. That was my intention all along.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, I didn’t ask him why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no need for such pointless questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, whether I liked it or not, I was worth an extraordinary amount.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t so oblivious as to miss that fact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A sponsorship, huh…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was already sponsored by the Baekhwa Trading Company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no way Jang Yoo-myung didn’t know that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, he still made his offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it confidence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Or is he just probing me?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t be sure of anything yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But my answer had already been decided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll reject him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of what this was, my plans didn’t involve Evergarden Trading Company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no reason to complicate things by getting entangled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was about to give my answer—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jang Yoo-myung spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t think we can continue this conversation right now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Excuse me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I blinked as he stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t even rejected him yet. What was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was this man doing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After talking with you, I realized the terms I prepared are insufficient. I’ll revise them and return in a few days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re coming back…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to revise the terms and try again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we continue speaking now, I don’t think I’ll get the result I’m looking for.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must have realized I was about to reject him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if you come back, I doubt my answer will change.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha… perhaps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite my words, he only smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But merchants must buy what they desire, no matter the cost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he pulled something from his sleeve and placed it on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the proposal I intended to present to you today. Please take a look and keep it in mind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a neatly folded set of documents—three pages, give or take.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When we meet again, I’ll bring you an even better offer. Thank you for your time. No need to see me out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before I could even pick up the papers, Jang Yoo-myung bowed deeply and calmly left the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t planning to see him out anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Haa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a sigh as I watched him leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t going to be easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He never lets go of the initiative.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in such a short conversation, Jang Yoo-myung had maintained control the entire time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He acted polite and accommodating, but he took what he wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a masterful performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was exactly why I avoided dealing with skilled merchants for too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What should I do?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very least, I’d have to report this to Lady Mi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Though she probably already knows.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, it had to be done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I picked up the papers Jang Yoo-myung left behind and turned to Moyong Hee-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What were the terms?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She opened her eyes, clearly already prepared for the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Exclusive trade rights for the Guangdong Bin Family’s crafted jewels.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had secured something in return for arranging this meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And the Guangdong Bin Family… they’re the artisans, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A family known for their gemstone craftsmanship, not martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Right. It’s a perfect match for our upcoming ventures. Evergarden Trading Company held the rights until now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And he gave them up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave up exclusive rights just for a meeting?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I almost laughed at the absurdity of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s… impressive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that was true, then it made perfect sense for Moyong Hee-ah to arrange this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’m sorry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing that, Moyong Hee-ah still apologized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I waved it off with a smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry about it. It’s a good deal. Besides, Lady Mi knows, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yes, she’s aware.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll ask her for details later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned back to the papers, finally skimming through them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more I read, the more my brow furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moyong Hee-ah leaned over to look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And soon enough—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She reacted the same way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this man insane?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was no surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conditions outlined in those papers were ridiculous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evergarden Trading Company would allocate a percentage of its trade revenue to Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon would receive the status and treatment of a branch leader in their key offices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All personal and leisure expenses for Gu Yangcheon’s martial activities would be covered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A high-grade elixir equivalent to the Shadowless Pill would be provided every three months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the list went on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the bottom, stamped with Jang Yoo-myung’s seal, was a formal agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has he lost his mind?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moyong Hee-ah stared at the papers in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A percentage of their revenue? Branch leader status? And the Shadowless Pill?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shadowless Pills weren’t as rare as the Dokcheon Pill, but they were still incredibly expensive—possibly the most expensive elixir money could buy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the revenue share?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even a tiny fraction of that could cover Gu Family’s yearly budget.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was beyond comprehension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This man’s insane,” Moyong Hee-ah muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at her and finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hey.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Watch your mouth. That’s my benefactor you’re insulting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moyong Hee-ah’s face twisted into the most disgusted expression I’d ever seen from her.\u003C\u002Fp>",2376,"2026-06-05T15:10:16.200Z",1,"novelbin.me","6227be682764b61c237235befde2bf3356dde022f8179a8b083d63ba408a2d86","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-737","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-735",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]