[{"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-758":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},1240558,1667,"Chapter 757","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-758",758,"\u003Cp>“You must find a way immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the attack raged on, complicated discussions were taking place inside the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surroundings remained covered by the barrier, and despite their efforts, they were still unable to break through it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, they couldn’t afford to remain idle.Gathering their wits, they began formulating a plan to overcome the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ubong Chwigye, have you discovered anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The head of the Taebaek Sect, Wuogeom, addressed Ubong Chwigye.The latter had been scrutinizing the barrier for some time now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he had identified a weakness? That was the hopeful expectation behind the inquiry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I did find something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Expressions immediately brightened at Ubong Chwigye’s response.Could it be that there was hope after all?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as a glimmer of optimism began to spread—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I found it, but….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ubong Chwigye added with a troubled expression,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, this isn’t my area of expertise… it’s going to take quite a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, the fact that it’s possible is something, isn’t it? At least there’s a method….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How long are we talking about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it was described as ‘long,’ perhaps half a day?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s what most of them thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Two days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Wh-what did you just say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The time Ubong Chwigye proposed was far longer than anyone had anticipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days? Two whole days? What kind of nonsense was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Expressions filled with disbelief turned toward Ubong Chwigye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t I say I wasn’t confident? Are you all blind? Your glares are sharp enough to stab me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man shouted with a distorted expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The rules reinforcing this barrier are too intricate. It looks like a formation, but one wrong move and the whole thing could reset.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Beggars’ Sect prioritized intelligence over brute strength.And as someone who stood at the highest rank within the sect, Ubong Chwigye knew a thing or two about formations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the barrier before them wasn’t entirely impenetrable.With a bit of knowledge, it could be unraveled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is ridiculously complicated….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In practical terms, it was like trying to untangle a massive, knotted thread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The complexity of the structure made the task seem utterly daunting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless one was a true expert in formations, there was only so much Ubong Chwigye could do with his limited knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Two days… two days is too long.”“Shouldn’t we look for another way?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time was of the essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had no idea what was happening outside, and this place was far from safe.They had to find a way out—somehow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if the barrier absorbs internal energy, it must have limits, right? What if we keep attacking it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s far too dangerous. What if the barrier destabilizes and the absorbed energy explodes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come now, Lord Cheol. Isn’t that a bit far-fetched? What kind of technique even does that…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know what kind of technique this barrier is? You’d have to be completely ignorant to think you can just brute-force your way through it. If you’re going to talk, at least make some sense….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Ignorant? You bastard—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tension in the room escalated.Their disagreement had cracked their fragile unity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their agitated state, the atmosphere grew increasingly volatile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial energy flared within the barrier, threatening to erupt into violence at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gah !”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A harsh shout swept through the space.All eyes widened in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice belonged to none other than the Sword Emperor, who had remained silent until now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his intimidating energy subdued the surroundings,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Emperor closed his eyes again, as if nothing had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the sudden calm, another voice broke the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the Sword Saint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leader… please proceed with the attempt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You mean to unlock the formation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murmurs rippled through the crowd at the Sword Saint’s request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But, Leader… Ubong Chwigye said it would take two days….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you have any other methods right now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speaker flinched.There was no denying the logic in the Sword Saint’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we’re going to find a way, we need to start somewhere. Whether it takes two days or three… we have to begin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You’re right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better to act and think as they moved.Heads began to nod in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I’m counting on you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Acknowledging the leader’s request, Ubong Chwigye also gave a reluctant nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll say this again—whatever happens, I take no responsibility.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weight of the situation was crushing.But there was no other choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a deep sigh, Ubong Chwigye reached out toward the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand stopped just short of the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Close enough to touch, yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither could anyone else.All around, bodies froze as heads turned instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes focused on the same point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was some distance away, in the center of Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing could be seen, yet every person there felt it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Something’s coming….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What is this…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something was approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump—! Thump—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their hearts began to pound wildly, as if warning them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An overwhelming sense of dread filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A powerful shockwave erupted as a massive beam of light descended from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light burst from a pattern carved into the sky, crashing into the earth below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the distance, the sheer intensity of the spectacle was visible even from where they stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What in the world is that—?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell is going on?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew.But one thing was certain—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…We need to get out of here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether to head toward the light or to flee in the opposite direction,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They couldn’t stay here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Damn it…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We have to do something—anything…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As panic spread,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone pointed beyond the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few turned to look, but most were still captivated by the pillar of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who… is that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their reactions were grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with good reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone was approaching the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staggering and struggling to move forward.Blood dripped from their body as they crawled closer, their movements heavy with pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Why is she here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of them recognized her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An elderly woman with white hair and a frail figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been responsible for overseeing the sect’s entire formation network.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bima Pa, the leader of the Wind Dragon Corps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, the master of formations was stumbling toward them, battered and broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pillar of light pouring down was a spectacle to behold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had never seen such an overwhelming flood of light before, nor could I have created anything so awe-inspiring, even with all my internal energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a sight that was both magnificent and terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“T-that….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Run…! Run for your lives!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impossible was unfolding before their eyes.Realizing this, several people had already begun fleeing in a panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most were civilians, but even martial artists were among them. Then again, faced with such a scene, did it matter whether one was a civilian or a martial artist?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, I might have run away too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The direction’s clear, so there’s no need to stop them.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were running in the right direction, so there was no reason to interfere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, this was the least of my concerns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I narrowed my eyes and focused solely on the pillar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Interesting.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was definitely unusual.The sheer amount of light pouring down from the pattern in the sky was remarkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That much light is hitting the ground, yet there’s almost no damage?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the barrage of light raining down, the ground remained unscathed—no cracks, no debris.How was that possible?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it unable to penetrate the surface?I didn’t think so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If that were the case, the impact wouldn’t be so straight.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t need to look closely to know it was striking the ground with immense force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, was it piercing straight through without leaving a trace?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That didn’t seem right either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Hmm.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t figure it out.Even using my spiritual insight revealed nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing I could be certain of—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s dangerous.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That light was incredibly dangerous.Just looking at it made every instinct scream at me to be on high alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Much like the people who ran earlier, I felt the same urge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Run now—run before it’s too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every fiber of my being warned me, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Run away now? That’s ridiculous.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Running away at this point wasn’t an option.Not when there was a mountain of problems left to handle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And more importantly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I don’t secure what I need here, everything else will fall apart.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the core of the plan.Everything else could be fixed, adjusted, or replaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this? This was non-negotiable.It had to be done, no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Young Master….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice called out from beside me.One of the martial artists from the Hwangbo Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We just received word. Lady Nahi has completed her preparations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Good.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, things seemed to be proceeding without any hiccups on that end.The man continued, as if providing additional updates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And… there’s been confirmation of movement from the Wind Dragon Corps’ leader near the pavilion… but…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leave that alone. Tell them not to interfere.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, sir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed the Wind Dragon Corps’ leader was finally making a move.I took a deep breath, calmly assessing the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things weren’t straying far from the plan.In fact, they were unfolding rather favorably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Where the hell is the Tang Deok?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell is that bastard doing?Tang Deok should’ve shown up by now, but there was no sign of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Tsk.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because I hadn’t given clearer instructions?This could be a problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…It’ll be fine.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t a critical issue—at least not yet.I chose to trust that things would work out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I expanded my energy senses.I needed to check if anyone else was nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My senses swept outward in an instant.Several presences entered my range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not civilians. Definitely martial artists.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t determine the exact number due to the urgency, but there were a lot of them, and they were heading this way.Most likely drawn by the pillar of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I examined them carefully, looking for the one I had been waiting for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Not yet.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, the person I was expecting wasn’t among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why the hell is she late again?Everything about her is irritating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Maybe I should just wipe the slate clean.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There’s no need for disobedient pawns.I needed to keep making my moves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hoo.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tension was palpable.When emotions waver, the body stiffens, and the discomfort seeps into the muscles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swung my hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smack—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-Young Master?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man beside me flinched in shock.I had just slapped myself across the face with full force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood trickled from my split lip, and my cheek began to swell slightly.It was just enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I spat out the blood and loosened my shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the best way to shake off nerves.If I had made a mistake, it was hitting myself a bit too hard—my teeth felt loose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using the shock to clear my mind, I pulled a pouch from my robes and retrieved a pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than a Dokcheon Pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sssss—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pill immediately dissolved, and its energy flooded into my heart.The internal energy I had burned through earlier began to replenish itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To think I was using a top-tier pill like Dokcheon just to recharge my energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even I thought it was absurd, but there was no other choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the fastest method available.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clenched and opened my fists a few times to test the results.The pill was as effective as expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had recovered a decent amount of energy.What a luxury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I stabilized my qi and continued adjusting my flow—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A loud voice called out from the distance.It seemed she had finally arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned with a deeply furrowed brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That damned wench. Didn’t I tell her to come straight here—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was about to let loose with irritation when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person I had been waiting for appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Short, jet-black hair.Bong Soon, holding her staff, had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry—!! But this unni wanted to come along, so we’re a bit late!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled brightly as if nothing had happened.While she was the one I’d been waiting for, my eyes immediately shifted past her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hi….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silver-blue hair swayed as she waved awkwardly.For some reason, she was wearing my martial robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t have mattered.But right now—this woman had essentially become one of my lifelines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My eyes widened at the absurdity of the situation.This wasn’t a place she should’ve been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was certain I had told her explicitly not to leave the safe zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why the hell are you—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I started shouting, anger boiling over when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunk—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it. Even that was interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My head immediately turned back toward the pillar of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My brows furrowed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overwhelming energy that had been pouring down moments ago had completely vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had expected to see a massive crater, but instead, the ground was perfectly smooth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where the hell did all that light go?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it hadn’t penetrated into the ground, then what had happened to it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question burned in my mind, but the answer came quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something was there—on the spotless ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I squinted, focusing my gaze to get a clearer look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A white mass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unfamiliar white lump sat at the center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t much larger than an adult man, and its shape resembled an egg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell was that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this the sealed dragon that Pillduma had mentioned?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed too small for that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While those thoughts swirled—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sss… Sssss…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lump began to change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Threads…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thin, delicate threads were unraveling from the mass.Slowly, they began weaving together to form a shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the size of the lump, the emerging figure was far larger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What would happen if it were left alone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone seemed to be thinking the same thing while staring at the spectacle—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shiiiing—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuaaaaaa—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before anyone could finish their thoughts, a sudden strike hammered the lump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flames erupted, accompanied by an enormous explosion.And that wasn’t the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shing—! Shiiing—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flashes of light kept raining down in rapid succession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoooosh! Kuaaaaaa—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The continuous blasts were so intense that the temperature in the area shifted dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned to look at me, their faces filled with shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why were they looking at me like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I immediately shouted,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s obviously transforming—why the hell are you just standing there staring? Are you insane?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some might’ve called it romantic to watch something like this unfold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Romantic? My ass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That kind of sentiment would get us all killed.\u003C\u002Fp>",2426,"2026-06-05T15:10:17.629Z",1,"novelbin.me","0df0911ac1e22c800d1a4743ecbd7d27839594bd29b2c1cc0d1f26d692100002","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-759","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-757",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]