[{"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-752":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},1240552,1667,"Chapter 751","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-752",752,"\u003Cp>He stared at the thick crimson lines streaking across the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The glow was sharp and vivid, almost unnaturally so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, the once-clear sky was darkening, clouds gathering as if summoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clearly no natural phenomenon—its presence felt alien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I thought it’d be something big, but this is…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was far more impressive than he had anticipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky rippled with energy, vast and ominous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even from the ground, its overwhelming scale was enough to leave people stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had claimed this had been in preparation for decades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, it showed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six lines began to connect, slowly forming intricate patterns, like the strokes of a massive sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they wove together, the darkening sky seemed to deepen further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tremors spread across the arena and beyond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-What’s happening?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahhh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cries erupted as panic swept through the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People scrambled in every direction, fear and confusion etched on their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial artists from the Murim Alliance rushed out, trying to assess the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes shifted upward, toward the crimson barrier encasing the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiss—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ominous energy surged upward, sealing the area in a translucent red dome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So this is what the Archdemon mentioned.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He vaguely recalled it from the planning phase—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mechanism to trap the strongest fighters in Hanam, cutting off their escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Archdemon had claimed it could be created, given enough time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, there it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What’s the principle behind this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Curiosity stirred, but this wasn’t the time to ponder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, immense energy flared as the Plum Blossom Sage, the Sword Saint, and the Sword Emperor attacked the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Oh?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their combined strikes resonated, bursting outward with devastating force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crimson barrier absorbed it all without so much as a crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Interesting.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just blocking the energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was absorbing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barrier’s glow brightened, as if feeding off the attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So it’s a formation.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That much was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A formation capable of siphoning energy to strengthen itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It won’t hold forever, but it’ll buy time.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breaking it would take time—and that was all it needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Half an hour, maybe.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an estimate, but a reasonable one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn. I really want to know how this works.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A formation this complex could be useful—if he could study it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was no time for that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tremors intensified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The panic in the audience escalated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“R-Run!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeonshin! Where are you?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get out of my way, damn it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Waaaaahhh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chaos erupted as the crowd surged, trampling over each other in blind terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screams, curses, and cries filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Panic tore apart any semblance of order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the martial artists tried to control the crowd—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stay calm! Everyone, hold your positions!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Move! Get out of the way!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was no use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hadn’t prepared for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that lack of preparation invited disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exactly as he had hoped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Time to move.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the chaos unfolded, it was time to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes landed on someone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man supporting the unconscious Blade King—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou’s son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Expressionless as he propped up his father, Peng Woojin met his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike his usual smile, Gu Yangcheon’s lips remained pressed in a tight line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how detached he tried to appear, it was difficult to look the man’s son in the eye after beating his father half to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could say anything—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is quite the mess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screams filled the background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cries and desperate shouts for help echoed, yet Peng Woojin’s tone was oddly calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I had hoped to face you soon, but it seems fate has other plans. What a pity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Is that really what matters right now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s disbelief slipped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this man serious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he really focused on sparring at a time like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you planning revenge for your father?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need. He lost because he deserved to lose.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin dismissed it without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a shred of resentment in his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unnerving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How can he be this cold?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as he supported his father’s limp body, his eyes never wavered from Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He lost because he deserved to lose.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Peng Woojin glanced briefly at his father, the flicker of emotion that crossed his face was sharp—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The look unsettled him, but he pushed it aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin wasn’t his concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll hold you to your promise.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’ll do my best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Gu Yangcheon could process his words—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang So-yeol landed beside him, her eyes filled with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you alright? We need to move—now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d noticed the anomaly in the sky as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon hesitated briefly but nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin took the chance to speak again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll talk later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he tightened his grip and disappeared into the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang So-yeol turned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We need to hurry!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sounds of chaos surrounded them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Protect the Alliance Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get the sect leaders out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it! Where’s the formation expert?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warriors battered the crimson barrier in desperation, trying to free their trapped leaders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon watched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this really the justice they preached?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The so-called righteous sects couldn’t even handle a minor disruption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If this is their definition of justice…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t sure it was worth protecting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the end… The end of the world….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, gods—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mommy…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Tang So-yeol and I hurried through the streets of Hanam, the cries of despair around us grew louder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahhh—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Honey—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tremors hadn’t stopped, and the sky had lost its blue. It was now choked with dark clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less than half an hour had passed, yet the world had already turned upside down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once-bustling streets, alive with excitement for the martial arts tournament, had become a nightmare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Terror hung heavy in the air, pressing down on the panicked crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While I quickened my pace, Tang So-yeol turned to me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Should we head back to the quarters first?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to regroup and gather the others—that was what she meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a rational suggestion, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t about to turn back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not after setting the stage for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take care of the others. I’ve got something to take care of.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In this situation? Are you serious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah. Don’t worry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pushed her lightly forward, smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing’s going to happen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang So-yeol hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had she figured something out?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was there a question she wanted to ask but decided not to?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Don’t be late. If you are, I’ll come looking for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t be. This won’t take long.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Tang So-yeol sprinted off toward the quarters, leaving me behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I watched her disappear into the distance before pausing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My gaze shifted to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mamaaa…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A child clung to her mother, sobbing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman held the child tightly, whispering reassurances she didn’t believe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Terror had consumed the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people ran aimlessly, while others froze in panic, unable to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a scene I’d seen too many times before—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The start of war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d seen these expressions and this atmosphere when battles first broke out in my past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only difference—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This time, I’m the one who caused this.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought gnawed at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why should I care if those worms die?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it was the transformation I’d undergone—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the thought made my stomach churn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swallowed the bile rising in my throat and turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My foot pressed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t need excuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What mattered now was seeing this through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as I steadied my breath—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Listen well, dogs of the Murim Alliance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice boomed across the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Floating above the city—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens of figures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The day of revolution has come!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice was old and sharp, carrying a dense, overwhelming presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s happening?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who are they?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell is this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The panic only grew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there had been any hope that this was a natural disaster, that hope was now crushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because nothing was more terrifying than realizing humans were behind this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We are here to punish the sins of the Alliance!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Murim Alliance has hidden its corruption and refused to correct the past.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s voice trembled with rage, his words sharp and heavy with resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We were branded criminals, cursed and exiled—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The so-called defenders of justice created this lie, and we suffered for it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But now, we—the Je Gal clan—bring judgment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the old man raised his hand—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tremors intensified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The figures in the sky descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahhh—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Help—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The screams grew louder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, no one from the Alliance appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few fighters tried to stand their ground, but it wasn’t enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What are the higher-ups doing?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I knew half of them were trapped inside the pavilion, but what about the others?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I don’t know, I’ll find out.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I leaped into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chaos erupted behind me, but I didn’t hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had a purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From all sides, martial artists surged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Defend the civilians!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Battle cries rang out as fighters clashed against the dark-robed invaders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the Hwangbo Clan!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Hwangbo Clan is here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yellow-clad warriors poured into the streets, their presence steadying the panicked crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some took defensive positions, forming barriers, while others shouted orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stay calm! The Hwangbo Clan will protect you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Follow our guidance immediately—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Prioritize civilian safety! Fight with honor and defend the people—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, sir!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sight of the Hwangbo Clan brought a sliver of hope to the masses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Perfect.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pieces were moving as planned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So far, no issues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this was just the beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’ll sacrifice what I must and take what I need.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!! Crack—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explosions roared as the fighting escalated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I ignored them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reaching into my robe, I pulled out an object.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cracked mask—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I slipped it over my face, my pulse quickening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark energy surged through my meridians, flooding my veins with demonic power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My heartbeat quickened, pounding in sync with the ominous energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time for the Heavenly Demon to descend upon the chaos I had unleashed.\u003C\u002Fp>",1712,"2026-06-05T15:10:17.629Z",1,"novelbin.me","cde432b8d2955edc810bb8b7be74840f900a5e434f468278ff79acd29b510b40","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-753","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-751",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]