[{"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-760":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},1240560,1667,"Chapter 759","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-760",760,"\u003Cp>[Ahhhhhhh---!!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A monstrous scream echoed in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound was so powerful that each time it roared, the ground trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urgh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh…!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gah…!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qi embedded in the scream inflicted damage on the martial artists. They clutched their ears and cowered. Some even coughed up blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those with lower cultivation couldn’t withstand the backlash, causing their internal energy to spiral out of control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that, I immediately braced myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoooom--!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heat burst from my body, scattering my Qi outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was to suppress the surging vibrations. I spread my Qi around as if declaring my domain, finally allowing the others to regain stability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I left it as is, they’d have fallen into Qi deviation.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they were anything less than first-class martial artists, their Qi would’ve rampaged, leading straight to Qi deviation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘First-class fighters can’t even approach.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First-class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I could now kill them with a single blow, that didn’t mean their level was low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many would already revere them as masters. Even being first-class was enough to secure a position in an escort agency, a martial alliance, or a noble household, ensuring a life without financial worries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yet these people are dropping like flies.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And all from just one scream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What a crazy bastard.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a hollow laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder they called it a calamity with this level of impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced at the ones convulsing and shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those whose Qi just rebounded, get out of here. Staying will only lead to a pointless death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They should’ve realized by now that this wasn’t the time for bravado.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The looks on the faces of those who had barely avoided Qi deviation were telling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being on the verge of death just from a scream—there was no other way to describe it but a meaningless death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re going to die uselessly here, you’d be better off going to the shelter and helping manage the civilians. At least that would be meaningful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones I called out hesitated but eventually moved, looking ashamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good. If they hadn’t gone this time, I would’ve kicked them out myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Pick the right place to lie down and die.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’re going to throw away your life, do it somewhere it matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the first-class and a few peak-class fighters gone, nearly half the numbers had disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would’ve died anyway once the battle began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones who left were no different from cannon fodder. Losing them wasn’t a problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The real fight starts now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ahhhhhhh----!!!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster continued to unleash its screams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I narrowed my eyes, focusing on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A goat’s head. A human body. Beastly hands and a tail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And butterfly wings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unlike any other monster I’d seen before, both in appearance and size.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Excluding the wings, its body is about nine cheok.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Large for a human but abnormally small for a high-tier monster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that thing really a White-Rank monster?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such doubts were understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If that’s not White-Rank, then what is?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer vibrations and backlash it caused—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that wasn’t White-Rank, it would’ve been ridiculous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ahh… Ahhhhh….]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After wailing for a long time, the monster gradually quieted down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The softer its cries became, the more my tension rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Aaah.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its eyes locked onto me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kyaaaaaah---!!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom-!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shit-!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cursed and jerked my head to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish--!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp claw grazed the tip of my nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had I been even a moment slower, my head would’ve flown off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slash-!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond where it slashed, a building split apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if five sword strikes had passed through at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confirmed. This was something to watch out for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clenching my fist, I swung immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kieeek-!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster shrieked as my punch struck its face. But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Too shallow.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact felt weak compared to the force I put in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Qi barrier.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Same as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I needed to mix my intent to break through its Qi barrier. Only after shattering it could real damage be dealt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This monster was no exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because I rushed my Heart Fist (Simkwon), it barely managed to crack the barrier, falling short of a decisive blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kiiiii-!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the blow was shallow, it recovered quickly and retaliated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the monster so close, dodging wasn’t easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should I sacrifice my upper body?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No way.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trusting my regeneration and acting recklessly could lead to instant death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ending my brief hesitation, I raised my left arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I decided to sacrifice an arm instead. Just as I moved—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shiiik- Clang-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kiiik?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surprisingly, its attack failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, blue-white lightning danced in front of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had jumped in and deflected the attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that wasn’t all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Schring-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden sword energy pierced through right after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another blade cut through the air, its radiant edge striking Namgung Bi-ah’s sword with force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kiii-!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact forced the monster’s hand upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its torso was exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master-!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice called out from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My body reacted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heart Fist (Simkwon).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My fist, infused with waves of energy, crashed into the monster’s torso.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kiaaaah-!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its Qi barrier shattered, and its torso caved in slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hit landed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not bad. Or so I thought—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sssssk-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The broken barrier began to regenerate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as it was about to be restored completely—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shiiik-!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something pierced through my cheek and drove into the barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dagger flew and embedded itself into the monster’s upper body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right after, someone swiftly closed the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A glimpse of light green hair flashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang So-yeol twisted her waist toward the dagger lodged in its chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her foot traced a circular arc, striking the dagger’s hilt directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kiaaaah!!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster let out a scream and crashed into the ruins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it smashed through a pillar, the building crumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Debris and dust erupted as the structure collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sight held my attention for a brief moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was no time to keep staring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoosh—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gathered flames in my palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, I created a Fire Orb (Yeom-ok).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I compressed it, then compressed it even further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I poured a considerable amount of Qi into it, maximizing its destructive power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to hit it harder before its Qi barrier could regenerate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the reason I prepared the Fire Orb, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master! Can I use this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What? Wait—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before I could stop her, Bong Soon’s cheerful voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Out of nowhere, Bong Soon appeared and smacked the Fire Orb with her staff, sending it flying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You crazy bitch—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was about to let loose a string of curses—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—but had to clamp my mouth shut as the explosion erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It caused far more destruction than I’d expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fire Orb, compressed over and over, had its explosive power amplified by the external impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bong Soon tilted her head as if asking why I was upset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…No, good job.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I awkwardly scratched my head and forced out praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew such a reckless method would work?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…I might need to try that technique myself next time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Phew.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I steadied my breath and looked around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an abrupt combination attack, but surprisingly clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Did we practice this somehow?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How the hell did it come together so perfectly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stared at the three women in awe, but they didn’t seem to care about my reaction at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were focused solely on the monster’s position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was I the only one who wasn’t concentrating properly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Did telling them to leave if they’d be useless hit a nerve?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had I bruised their pride?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them were burning with determination, their eyes practically radiating heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looks like I messed up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing the awkward feeling, I shifted my gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right. Now wasn’t the time to worry about that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sizzle…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ruins were engulfed in flames, and embers scattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The area was filled with blue fire from the Fire Orb’s explosion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…Kiiii….]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster rose slowly, looking exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Something’s wrong.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tilted my head in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster barely managed to stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its body looked strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What the hell?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its flesh was covered in cracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its body looked like it could crumble at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t hide my surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The previous attack wasn’t weak, but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how I looked at it, this didn’t make sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What about the one we fought in the North Sea?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, it took three Hwagyeong-level martial artists, including Paejon and myself, just to tear apart its barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even then, we barely left a scratch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And this one ends up like that?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was ridiculous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could their durability vary this much?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kieee….]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked like it’d die with a light push.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Its strength and speed are definitely White-Rank level….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it just unusually fragile?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was that previous one exceptionally strong?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not like I’ve fought many White-Rank monsters to compare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lost in thought, I suddenly had a realization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Wait.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A possibility crossed my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Was it because of the initial bombardment?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before it transformed—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it was still a white lump, we bombarded it repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remembered seeing it take damage back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought it recovered too quickly for it to matter, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Maybe that actually weakened it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that attack caused structural damage to its body, this could be a huge advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This changes things.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt a surge of excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Should I change the plan?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, the goal was just to hold out until someone else finished it off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with the monster in this condition, that plan might be unnecessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I could take it down myself.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The original plan was based on not being able to kill it alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if I could…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘With what we just pulled off….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We might actually stand a chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, we still had fighters who hadn’t joined the battle yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This could work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Let’s do it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as I prepared to give the command—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kiiiiiiaaaaaah---!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monster screamed first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buzz.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar vibration echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continuous tremors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt similar to before, but something was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump—! Thump—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just the vibration—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was demonic energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this feeling—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-What is this…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone around me started reacting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They began pulling out objects from their clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Martial artists—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Specifically, those affiliated with the Murim Alliance—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were required to carry this item.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…The Demon Seal Talisman.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Developed by the Wudang Sect, it warned of Magyeong Gate activity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, everyone had taken theirs out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which meant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No way.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned to the monster in realization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kiaaaaah---!!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if answering my worst fears—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Magyeong Gate began opening behind it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dozens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack—! Crackle—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless Magyeong Gates filled the air, sickeningly dense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a bitter laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the color of every single one—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—was red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A location far from Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Situated opposite the evacuation shelter and slightly closer to the battlefield where chaos was unfolding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perched atop an abandoned building, a young man sat slouched, drinking from a cup of wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d gathered some Bamboo Leaf Green and a few dried snacks from a deserted tavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To him, that was more than enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, he didn’t even need the snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene unfolding before his eyes was intoxicating enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swallowed a mouthful of Bamboo Leaf Green and gazed into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless Magyeong Gates filled the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red glow they emitted made the young man snort in amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a goddamn mess.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What on earth had happened to create this spectacle?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can’t you ever do things moderately? Tsk tsk, what a guy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should he praise him for thinking big?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or scold him for causing such a massive mess?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man—Paejon—couldn’t decide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No doubt about it. Bad luck’s been following me in my old age.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, there was no way the only disciple he’d ever taken could be such a lunatic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it was a blessing, but to Paejon, it didn’t feel like one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chewing on another piece of dried squid, he propped his chin on his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What should he do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Should I help?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t too keen on jumping in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fragile body healed far too slowly from internal injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Divine Doctor’s touch couldn’t fix that quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The aftermath of using Tua Pacheonmu hit too hard.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to impress his disciple, he’d carelessly used a power he shouldn’t have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a result, Paejon’s body was now at its limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d need at least half a year of rest to recover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon could still walk and run thanks to his finely honed senses, but most others wouldn’t even be able to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he resolved to play it safe—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That damn brat.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of all times, his only disciple wasn’t making things any easier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by the mess, he’d stirred up something big again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Living quietly just isn’t an option for him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why couldn’t he just focus on training martial arts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did he keep throwing himself into storms?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Wait, no.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Maybe he is the storm.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, that seemed more accurate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was never a day of peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking in that reckless disciple was turning out to be quite the ordeal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he couldn’t just leave him to his fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon eventually set his drink down and stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time, I need to teach him a lesson.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it was because he’d failed to discipline him properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the brat survived this, Paejon was definitely going to yell at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, Paejon prepared to leap into action—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stay seated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You looked like you were enjoying your rest. Why not take it easy? No need to break the flow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ha.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his internal injuries, Paejon hadn’t noticed someone approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That fact alone shocked him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relaxing his tense body, he turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Looks like your little adventure is over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stranger already knew everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was rare for Paejon to speak respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In all of Zhongyuan, there were fewer than ten people he addressed that way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this man was one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon’s greeting made the older man smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An elderly figure with snow-white hair and a perfectly upright posture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he’d once worn blue martial robes, today he stood in red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His aura alone made his identity unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You said you were taking a break. What brings you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon’s voice was stiff as he asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I planned to rest, too… but unfortunately, my young master called me here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mention of “young master” made Paejon’s face twist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That brat called you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, don’t get so upset. He’s been generous enough to provide food and lodging. This much work is a fair exchange, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If your family or those old men in Namgung heard you, they’d cough up blood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do keep that to yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s relaxed tone irritated Paejon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve changed a lot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that a compliment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The older man took it as such and chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s hope so.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, the man began walking forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it just his imagination?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each step he took echoed like thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, this is my job. You can stay here and enjoy a bit more rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And maybe lay off the booze while you’re at it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon didn’t argue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were anyone else, he might have.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this man?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Guess I’ll just watch for now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been ages since Paejon last fought alongside this man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he was curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this sword, dulled by time, still sharp?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon sat back down without another word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man was already gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him disappear, Paejon muttered quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…My disciple really is a madman.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man his disciple had summoned—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Known as the Thunder of Anhui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure who stood above the heavens for over half a century.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The core and heart of the Namgung family, who pursued endless glory—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Myung, the Thunder God.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, the legendary swordsman, said to be guarding the gate of the Sanseo household, had arrived in Hanam at the beckoning of a reckless fool.\u003C\u002Fp>",2740,"2026-06-05T15:10:17.629Z",1,"novelbin.me","c649d62920f6c25331f08020530292e7668f1649ed14193fbebfb9ec62f1df1f","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-761","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-759",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]