[{"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-753":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},1240553,1667,"Chapter 752","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-753",753,"\u003Cp>Crack—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explosive energy burst forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A force carrying decades of cultivation erupted, forming sword energy that relentlessly battered the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—! Boom, boom—! Crack—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strikes burst out like explosions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless flashes of light slashed against the barrier, as if determined to tear it apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiss—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet no matter how fiercely the sword energy raged, the barrier remained intact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn it—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The martial artist, swinging his sword without pause, cursed aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already expended more than half of his internal energy, yet there was no sign of progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To make matters worse, he wasn’t the only one struggling. He turned to the side, gasping for breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Even the Seven Iron Layers Fist can’t break it...!!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Plum Blossom Immortal of Mount Hua.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint of Wudang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Sword Emperor of the Martial Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just the greatest names of prestigious sects, but three of the Ten Great Masters of Zhongyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with their combined strength, they failed to cut through the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell is going on outside?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hurry up and do something!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Merchants behind them, pale-faced, urged the martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed even they understood how abnormal this situation was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What in the world was happening?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Plum Blossom Immortal, who had been scattering crimson sword energy, frowned and stroked his beard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then turned to the Sword Emperor beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is no ordinary barrier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Emperor silently agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had already unleashed their most powerful strikes multiple times. These were no mere techniques—this was power strong enough to overcome even the Three Heavenly Masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, the barrier endured without a single crack, its light even growing stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone with sense would realize it by now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This must be a formation or a seal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In other words, brute force won’t work. Ubong, do you see anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Plum Blossom Immortal called out to the old man who had been observing the barrier instead of attacking—Ubong, the Beggar’s Sect Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see it... I’m looking... but that’s all I’m doing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you’ve figured out nothing. Useless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubong let out a grumbling sigh at the Plum Blossom Immortal’s harsh words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was true, but he still felt wronged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You damn Taoist... How much do you expect me to know about formations?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You stood there staring instead of attacking, so I thought you might have figured something out. Apparently not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I told you—I’m not an expert on this... Ah, right! The Wind Dragon Lord. Where is that old hag?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exactly the person for this kind of problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wind Dragon Lord, Bi Mapa Yeo-seon, was responsible for the formations across the Martial Alliance’s territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she were here, she might be able to help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint’s face twisted at the question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She should arrive soon. The disturbance is too big for her to ignore.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as he answered, the Sword Saint’s eyes scanned the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaaaah—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We need to get out...! Let me out! Move!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond the barrier, chaos reigned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People, panicked and disoriented, were devolving into a frenzied riot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grand martial tournament, once hailed as the greatest festival in history, was now in ruins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint clenched his fist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A harsh sound echoed as his knuckles tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His emotions were boiling over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What the hell is going on?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something wasn’t right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did this happen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘An attack? From where? How?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would be reckless enough to attack Hainan—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just any location, but the heart of the Martial Alliance itself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With all their forces stationed here, no one should even think of attacking now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How did they get here?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What method allowed them to strike so suddenly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The Wind Dragon Lord should have been monitoring the formations.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with so many forces present, precautions had been taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Formations and patrols were in place to guard against surprise attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the attackers breached the outer defenses, the formations should have alerted them immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Did the Wind Dragon Lord betray us?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a plausible suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wind Dragon Lord controlled all formations within the Martial Alliance’s territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had turned traitor, this disaster would be possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There had also been reports that the Wind Dragon Lord’s behavior had been unusual lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Is that why she hasn’t shown up?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her absence, even in this crisis, raised doubts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she truly had betrayed them, her disappearance made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint’s eyes burned with emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did it have to happen now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why, when he was the leader?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His emotions surged like a storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, he had to resolve this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For his own sake, he had to fix this disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he desperately tried to come up with a plan—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You look just like rats trapped in a jar.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice echoed through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone looked up in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all turned to the source of the voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How fitting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiss—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scarlet lines began to trace through the darkened sky, forming patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old man, dressed in black robes, slowly descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his age, his body looked balanced and strong. In one hand, he held a heavy mace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hovering in midair, he looked down at the group gathered behind the barrier and smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So? How does it feel to be caged like frogs in a well? I’m curious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone instantly realized—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This old man was the one behind this disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wh-who are you?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you have any idea who we are?! Let us out—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The merchants shouted at the man, their voices rising in anger—only to be silenced as petals shot out and sealed their mouths shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Plum Blossom Immortal’s doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He judged that provoking the enemy would be dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After silencing them, he addressed the old man calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Do Hua, the 16th sect leader of Mount Hua.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Plum Blossom Immortal. What an honor to meet someone so renowned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t seem familiar. May I ask your name?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chuckle...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man laughed dryly at Do Hua’s question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A name, you say... A name is good... Yes, you should at least know who brought you to this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hoarse voice echoed as he raised his mace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have long since forgotten my name. But I have never forgotten my essence. Allow me to introduce myself as such.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes burned with resentment and rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking past the barrier, he declared—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am a descendant of the Jegal Clan—the very clan you framed and cast aside!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s introduction sent shockwaves through the crowd within the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...What!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Je... Jegal...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Jegal Clan... Could it be—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jegal Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once a pillar of the orthodox sects, counted among the Five Great Noble Clans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet it had fallen into ruin after being accused of secretly pursuing demonic arts and forbidden powers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this man truly a survivor of the Jegal Clan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How does it feel? Knowing those you thought erased have returned, swords drawn at your throats?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Framed? What do you mean framed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Jegal Clan was...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jegal Clan was said to have sought and worshipped the power of the Blood Demon—a force of chaos that once brought calamity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he claiming that this accusation was false?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As confusion spread, the old man sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, of course. It’s been a long time. A shameful memory for you orthodox hypocrites—so you erased every trace of it, leaving no records behind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s face twisted in disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But we—the ones cast into hell—remember everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground shook violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if you’ve forgotten, we haven’t. How could we forget? It was too painful! Too unbearable to erase!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His roar was wrapped in qi, making the very air vibrate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hwoooosh—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screams echoed—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaahhh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ughhh—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even those trapped outside the barrier were being affected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s fury was palpable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint of Wudang stepped forward and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And so, this is why you’ve done this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man turned his burning gaze toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Sword Saint. So you’re the so-called leader of this rotting Martial Alliance. The most useless and incompetent leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scorn in his voice made the Sword Saint’s brow furrow. But now wasn’t the time for anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know the details of what happened to the Jegal Clan. But if you’re here out of rage for being wronged, I understand. However—does this truly count as justice?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what sins the Alliance had committed in the past—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it right to take revenge against those who had no part in it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s lips curled into a sneer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Justice? Are you asking me to forgive you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint’s words were wasted on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...There are innocent civilians here—people unconnected to what happened back then. If you must take revenge, then—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man cut him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, there are sacrifices in every revolution.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...So you’re admitting you’ll harm the innocent too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint’s anger only made the old man laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How amusing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s so funny?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You. Acting as though you’ve ever cared about protecting the innocent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Look around.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man gestured widely, pointing beyond the barrier to the chaos outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Panicked screams and cries filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get out of the way!! Move!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Run for your lives—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re under attack—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even in the chaos—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Protect the leader!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Break the barrier! We must save the sect leaders—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“An attack—! We’re under attack—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mobilize reinforcements—! Focus on breaking the barrier first!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The martial artists were scrambling in disarray, their supposed discipline shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s laughter echoed as he looked down at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is your so-called justice? Your so-called order?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the world you built—scrambling and floundering to protect only yourselves.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This isn’t revenge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man fixed his eyes on the Sword Saint and declared,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is punishment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunder rolled in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man raised his hand toward the barrier as if delivering a verdict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, the martial artists and merchants were filled with shock and fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yes.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s lips twisted into a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That’s it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those faces—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The faces of despair and helplessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The very expressions he had worn his entire life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, the people who had put him through it were feeling the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How does it feel?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How does it feel to be powerless and afraid?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To taste the despair I’ve endured?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was exhilarating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt incredible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s almost time.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The catastrophe he had set into motion was nearly complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The barrier could not be broken by brute force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not unless they had an unimaginable amount of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with so many masters gathered, they still fell short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Just sit tight in your little cage and watch as hell unfolds.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then vanish in the storm I’ve unleashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man was savoring his victory when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wooooom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body tensed, and he turned sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that instant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive blast of sword energy swept past where he stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuwaaaaaa—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An explosion tore through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s eyes darted toward the source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you the one behind this attack?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive man stepped forward, clad in yellow robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Hwangbo Yeolwi, Lord of the Hwangbo Clan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, the old man faltered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only had this man attacked him, but he was also staring at him directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That shouldn’t have been possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The spell was cast properly. How…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could that man see him? It didn’t make sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was no time to dwell on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From this moment on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man spoke with unwavering determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I, Hwangbo Yeolwi of the Fierce Tiger Iron Fist, shall vanquish this evil in the name of justice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hwangbo Yeolwi ended his declaration by leaping forward, charging straight at the old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man quickly swung his heavy weapon to counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wooooong—!!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi clashed, releasing a shockwave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuwaaaaa—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaahhhh!! What is this—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Save meeee—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the surrounding people screamed from the impact, the old man, who had deflected the attack, narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it just his imagination?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eyes of the man who claimed to be the Hwangbo Clan’s leader—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, they seemed to glow purple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!! Thud, thud—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explosions shook the ceiling, causing debris to fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed the plan was already in motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuwaaa—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blasts were so loud that even at this distance, the noise rang in his ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe his earlier order to be as destructive as possible had gone too far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They seemed to be overdoing it a bit...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No, this is fine.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chaos was working in their favor, so there was no need to interfere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air grew darker and heavier as he moved deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The area was deathly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had already been a quiet place, but now it felt even more deserted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The people here were removed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There should have been people stationed here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it seemed they had been taken out—either voluntarily or by force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pondered the possibilities as he approached a door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were several doors in this corridor, but this was the one he needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, he grabbed the handle—and tore it off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Craaack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The iron door was ripped from its frame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped inside, his eyes narrowing at the sight before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sickening sound of dripping echoed in the room, accompanied by the sharp stench of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Squish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he moved forward, his boots splashed in a pool of liquid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not water—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The floor was soaked in blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not just that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shattered bodies littered the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some had caved-in faces, likely from blunt force trauma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others had been torn in half, their torsos and limbs severed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were more than ten bodies, mutilated beyond recognition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clicked his tongue at the gruesome display.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They sure went wild.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His muttered words of disgust were followed by a faint presence ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center of the blood-soaked chamber—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone knelt on one knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark green hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wearing a prisoner’s uniform marked for criminals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chains bound his arms and legs, but they seemed pitifully insufficient to contain him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His foot bumped into something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking down, he saw a severed head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been torn off by hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait—he recognized that face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he examined it, the voice ahead confirmed his thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That is the head of the First Dragon Captain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, right. That bastard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it clicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mystery was solved, and with it, his curiosity faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stepping over the head, he walked toward the man in chains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No other thoughts crossed his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s your body?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No issues.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man rose to his feet as if to prove his point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowly rose to his feet—and his towering height seemed endless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how many times he was seen, his massive physique never failed to impress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scars covered his body. Most bore the marks of time, but a few appeared recent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were likely from torture—wounds inflicted not long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your tendons look torn. Are you sure you’re fine?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ve regenerated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew the answer but asked anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, if they hadn’t healed, there was no way he could’ve left this kind of carnage behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Accepting the explanation, he pulled out a set of clothes from his robe and tossed them to the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Deok caught them and immediately unfolded them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rustle—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black martial robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were identical to those worn by Pillduma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Deok grinned wide as soon as he saw them, clearly understanding what they meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t even need to be told to put them on—he slipped into them instantly, visibly thrilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been years since anyone had seen this man smile. And even now, it looked unsettling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s a man in yellow waiting outside with your weapon. Go pick it up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And... Never mind. You’re not in the state to listen anyway.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Deok’s eyes were already glazed over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no point in saying more—he wouldn’t hear it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, there was only one thing left to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No words of encouragement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That wasn’t what this man wanted to hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go raise hell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the words even finished, Tang Deok rushed past, smashing through the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash. Rumble—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Distant echoes of destruction followed as he tore through everything in his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint sigh escaped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Is this really fine?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had given Tang Deok some instructions about what not to do before, but judging by his state, it was doubtful he’d follow them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As much as he wanted to keep an eye on him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I have my own tasks to handle.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring Tang Deok, he continued walking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The place where Tang Deok had been held led to another room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There it is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thing he had been searching for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather—the person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He crouched and met the gaze of the figure before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Hrk… Hkk...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her arms hung limp, likely broken. Her legs looked no better, tendons torn beyond use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Wind Dragon Lord, Bi Mapa Yeo-seon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Long time no see. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Took me a while to find this place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Hrk... Hkk...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She trembled, paralyzed by fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her through his mask, he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s something I need you to do for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And of course—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll do it, won’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Refusal was never an option.\u003C\u002Fp>",2920,"2026-06-05T15:10:17.629Z",1,"novelbin.me","a3a707391782c7f307939fc8ad86c362c978d2c5b23ed3ce9cece8411273f270","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-754","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-752",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]