[{"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-755":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},1240555,1667,"Chapter 754","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-755",755,"\u003Cp>“Cheonma….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the name, the Sword Saint’s expression immediately darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just as I thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice, brimming with restrained hostility, trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re the one who turned Wudang into rubble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ah.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma responded, almost as if he had just remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[That’s right. That did happen.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was casual, indifferent—like recalling a trivial event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint’s expression contorted further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just any place—it was Wudang’s stronghold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only had an intruder breached it, but one of their elders had also been killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That incident had nearly shattered Wudang’s standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet this man acted as if it wasn’t even worth remembering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[My apologies.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps noticing the Sword Saint’s reaction, Cheonma smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It was such an insignificant matter that I must have forgotten.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint nearly exploded, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grinding his teeth, he managed to restrain himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t afford to lose his temper—not with so many eyes watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me ask you… Are you behind this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chose to first confirm the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hmm.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma tilted his head slightly, then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Old man of Wudang, it seems you’re mistaken.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice rang out as though he were explaining something to a child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I never gave you permission to ask questions. Why do you presume to speak?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Do not misunderstand.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ssssshhhh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black energy thickened, spreading further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I do not converse with insects.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Insects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint’s face turned crimson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yet, I am indulging you today because I happen to be in a good mood.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma stepped closer, approaching the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Otherwise, you wouldn’t even be able to lift your head before me.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrogance dripped from every word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with so many warriors gathered, each possessing considerable strength,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma carried himself as if they were all beneath him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one could understand how he dared to act so brazenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma drew nearer to the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, warriors struggled to break free, their eyes blazing with hostility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You…!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder hadn’t noticed them, but Cheonma clearly did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of them glared at him as though ready to pounce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Cheonma simply walked forward, unfazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he finally reached them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Be still.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hummmm—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guh?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma’s voice froze them in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Do not even breathe until I permit it.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ngh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their bodies obeyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a single command, dozens were rendered motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma passed through them, his movements slow and deliberate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warriors trembled, powerless to resist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hummm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he neared the barrier, the faint hum of energy resonated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force binding those inside was incomprehensible, its principles and weaknesses unknown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It seems this cage is rather fitting for you. Trapped like livestock—it suits you well.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The insult drew stiff expressions from those within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Heh.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps finding their reactions amusing, Cheonma laughed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Release this barrier at once!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint’s voice erupted, his face red with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re so confident, face my sword!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His pride had clearly taken a blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed he was prepared to fight Cheonma to the death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma’s response?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You’re so beneath me, I almost feel compelled to show you what the heavens look like.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hummm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Cheonma’s feet began to lift from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, the elder—supposedly a member of the Jegal Clan—rose into the air as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[But I have more important matters to attend to.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Running away?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint sneered, mocking him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cheonma’s tone remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Old man.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fixed his gaze on the Sword Saint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[If you truly believe you can fight me, what do you think qualifies you?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re just going to spew nonsense, save your breath—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Are you speaking as the head of Wudang? Or as the leader of the Martial Alliance?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint’s words faltered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mouth opened, but no sound followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma smirked, as if expecting the hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You don’t even understand your own identity. That’s why you are unworthy to face me.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You arrogant—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint finally managed to shout, but Cheonma had already lost interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Bring a better answer next time.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop—! Release this barrier now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[For now, watch. Witness how your rotten peace crumbles.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—! Boom! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint poured Qi into his sword, slashing at the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it absorbed the energy, dissipating his attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Be grateful.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Today, I’ll let this go as a simple introduction. But next time, there will be no mercy.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ssssshhh—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black energy surrounding him began to retract, swirling back into his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dark mist collapsed inward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[This is the festival I’ve prepared for you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone—both inside and outside the barrier—stared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faces filled with fury, dread, and helplessness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some trembled, others shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cheonma’s voice cut through it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So enjoy it.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with those final words—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoooosh—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black orb exploded in a flash of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the light faded—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma, the elder, and the orb were gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only evidence of their presence was the warriors gasping for breath,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haa…! Huff!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Struggling to recover after holding it in, they staggered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the spectators’ faces were filled with dismay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had stood powerless before the one who caused this disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the Sword Saint—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaaargh—!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—could no longer hold back his rage and let out a primal roar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>****************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!! Boom—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill them all—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kugh—! Form up the ranks!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Protect the civilians—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—! Rumble—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explosions and chaotic shouts filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere, heavy with martial artists’ Qi, collided with the unnatural signs unfolding in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene painted nothing short of a catastrophe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the chaos, a young man silently strode forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore a black martial robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faint golden embroidery shimmered within the fabric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A black ring adorned his finger—a mark of the direct bloodline of the Peng Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blade King, Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though handsome, there was something unsettling about his presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supporting his father, the Blade King, Peng Woojin walked without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was far from the heart of Hanan’s chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nowhere near where the Peng Clan’s warriors had gathered—yet he pressed on, step by step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking for some time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill them—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hold out just a little longer! The spell will soon be complete!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang—! Clang, clang—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounds of battle echoed from an isolated area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s ears twitched at the noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He halted mid-step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carefully, he laid his unconscious father down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blade King collapsed without resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Peng Woojin drew his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was slimmer and smaller than the one his father, Peng Zhou, wielded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ssshhk—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a single step, the surroundings shifted—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in the blink of an eye, he appeared in the midst of battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—! Clang—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blades clashed all around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin had stepped into the very heart of the slaughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the—?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who is—?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprise spread among the combatants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was short-lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slice—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sickening sound followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A severed head rolled across the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s blade had decapitated a man in black robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before anyone could react—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shhhhhhhhk—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s blade moved so quickly it became a blur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guhack!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaaaagh!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screams erupted as bodies fell one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Limbs and torsos littered the ground, blood pooling beneath them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the carnage, Peng Woojin remained expressionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a trace of emotion crossed his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warriors he had saved approached him cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Th-Thank you for saving us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still shaken, they struggled to process how quickly the battle had ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin turned his gaze toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wore light blue martial robes with white embroidery—Murim Alliance warriors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Mo Woonseong of the Azure Dragon Division. Perhaps you are the son of the Blade King?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin gave a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Woonseong’s face lit up with relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah! I thought so…! Thank you so much. We were completely unprepared for this sudden attack.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s going on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps grateful for the assistance, Mo Woonseong readily answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems Hanan has come under siege. They say the disturbance in the sky is their doing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin glanced back at the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he looked closer, the attackers wore matching uniforms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A siege…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes… They targeted our weaker positions, catching us off guard…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perfect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Excuse me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something brushed against Mo Woonseong’s neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confused, he reached up to touch it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splurt—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood gushed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His head began to tilt, then fell clean off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Captain Mo?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His comrades panicked—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—but another man was cut down before he could finish speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s blade showed no mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In mere seconds, the remaining Murim Alliance warriors were all dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pool of blood expanded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Squish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s footsteps squelched as he walked through the blood-soaked ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, he turned away and headed back—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To where Peng Zhou lay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he arrived—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh… huh….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, Peng Zhou was beginning to regain consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hnnngh… Ugh… Ah….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Groaning in pain, he scrunched his face and opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Where… am I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re awake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin greeted him calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou’s gaze shifted to his son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Young Master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You should’ve stayed unconscious. I imagine the pain is unbearable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where is this place…? Ah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Peng Zhou’s eyes widened as memories resurfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That bastard! Where is he?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That bastard.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin smirked slightly, already guessing who his father meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you referring to Gu Yangcheon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! That damned Gu family brat…! Where is he?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The son of Gu Cheolwoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who left him in this miserable state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou ground his teeth, barely suppressing his rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not sure. I really don’t know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s tone was utterly devoid of emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Peng Zhou, lost in madness, failed to notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you don’t know, then find him! Mobilize the entire clan if you have to—find him and bring him to me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he gone completely mad?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin studied his father’s unstable state and asked calmly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And what do you plan to do once you find him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What else? Tear him apart! Yes… carve him up piece by piece and send his mangled corpse to that bastard Gu Cheolwoon as a gift. Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou’s eyes burned with nothing but hatred and revenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pathetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching his father’s wretched state, Peng Woojin subtly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Now, let’s inform the elders—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stab—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Guh—?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain pierced through his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou looked down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something was lodged deep in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cough—.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood bubbled from his lips, veins bulging against his pale skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You… you…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou stared at Peng Woojin in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His son’s blade had run straight through his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-What… are you doing…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a strange question.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the brightest smile he had shown in recent memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even for such an incompetent father, I’d expect you to figure this much out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thrust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drove the blade deeper into Peng Zhou’s chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…succeeding you, Father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-You… bastard…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I was a child… I always wondered.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it when he first began to speak?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps later? It didn’t really matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What mattered was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just how long would you remain useless?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin was certain now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Until the day you die, Father, you’ll always be useless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Krrrgh—!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou grabbed the blade, desperately trying to pull it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Peng Woojin’s grip didn’t waver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough…! Ack…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pain worsened, blood pouring out faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His vision blurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why… why…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why would his own son betray him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou’s head swirled with questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin understood his confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I’m sure you wouldn’t understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he had waited, Peng Woojin would have inherited the clan eventually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other bloodlines were weak—pathetic excuses for heirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing Peng Zhou wasn’t necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t care whether you understand or not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin didn’t care at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So die as you’ve lived—weak and pathetic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guhh…ahhh….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled the blade free, unleashing a final torrent of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah… haah… huh….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Zhou gasped for air as if clinging to life,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t long before the light faded from his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus ended the Blade King, Peng Zhou—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The head of the great Peng Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin stared at the lifeless body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression hardened as he turned away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had work to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hum—.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His senses flared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin moved instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something shot toward where he had just been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground exploded, sending debris and dust flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blast left the earth shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehehehehe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sinister laugh echoed from the dust cloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoooosh—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gust of wind cleared the dust, revealing the source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive man with wild green hair stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore dark robes and wielded a massive crescent blade, as large as his own body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin gripped his blade tighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoever he was—he had to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So it’s you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s bloodlust mirrored Peng Woojin’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I could feel it even from afar. That monstrous energy… it’s you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roar—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s Qi surged, and Peng Woojin’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Color?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his world of muted gray,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s form began glowing with violet hues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was… beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought lingered for a moment before—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buzz—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin swung his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark energy gathered along its edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man responded in kind, swinging his crescent blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clash marked the start of their battle to the death.\u003C\u002Fp>",2234,"2026-06-05T15:10:17.629Z",1,"novelbin.me","46e3e2a1980d93352af2e9f8ff981401599562650fcca0a14606827f48b5a761","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-756","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-754",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]