[{"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-767":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},1240567,1667,"Chapter 766","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-767",767,"\u003Cp>A massive shadow loomed, covering the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beneath it, Cheonma (Heavenly Demon), clad in a black robe, descended slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man wearing a cracked mask and standing with his hands clasped behind his back gradually approached the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gathered warriors below fixed their gazes on Cheonma with intense focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That man…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How dare he shamelessly show himself here again…!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang—!Swish—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every martial artist drew their swords simultaneously, and murderous intent filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a moment of extreme tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone seethed with rage, ready to cut Cheonma down at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Heh.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, Cheonma merely let out a quiet chuckle as if enjoying the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Cheonma.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, the Sword Saint furrowed his brow deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others shared his fury, but the pressure emanating from him stood out the most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if prepared to cut Cheonma down at once, the Sword Saint channeled his emotions into his aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I thought you had long fled, so what brings you here now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Sword Saint’s words, Cheonma tilted his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I had no intention of appearing like this, originally….]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma descended a little further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was now well within range for the Sword Saint’s blade to reach him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[But I grew curious about your impressions. Tell me—what do you think?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hint of laughter colored his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Of the gift I prepared?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Tsk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mocking tone made the Sword Saint grind his teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gift?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It certainly made us feel many things. Very many, indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was likely a gift they would never forget for the rest of their lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bzzz.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint’s sword hummed faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound resonated with the emotions imbued within it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cheonma. You’ve made a mistake.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A breeze stirred, carrying the chill of autumn as it began to circle around the Sword Saint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Revealing yourself here like this is no different from declaring your intent to die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint, brimming with fury, prepared to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will cut down the traitor who attacked Hanam—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, just as the Sword Saint leaped forward, his eyes narrowed, and his body froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone had stopped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint immediately turned to look at the one who intervened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What do you think you’re doing, Plum Blossom Immortal?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plum Blossom Immortal Do Hua.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood with his hand pressing down on the Sword Saint’s shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scattered killing intent hung in the air, yet plum blossoms gently descended among it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strangely enough, Do Hua seemed to be calming not just the Sword Saint but also the surrounding aura, diffusing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the air began to circulate slightly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Plum Blossom Immortal…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint glared at him with burning eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression demanded an explanation—why was Do Hua stopping him when their enemy stood right before them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To this, Do Hua replied,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leader. Please, calm yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What? How can you expect me to—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If the Leader cannot remain calm, others will die. I beg of you, look at the forest, not just the trees.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do Hua’s heavy tone, devoid of any laughter, caused the Sword Saint to momentarily glance back at Cheonma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There must be a reason for Do Hua’s words—so the Sword Saint judged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he turned to scrutinize Cheonma again, it didn’t take long for him to realize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cheonma…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What seems to be the problem?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did he notice it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma had unclasped his hands behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His right hand was extended toward something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was aimed at none other than the refugees gathered nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma’s outstretched hand spoke volumes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a silent warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any reckless action could lead to harm befalling the refugees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an implicit threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That wretched bastard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After turning Hanam into this state, does he intend to claim more victims?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’ve done nothing wrong!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warriors exploded with anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[How amusing.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Cheonma, finding their reactions trivial, spoke with a laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Like drowning men in a dried-up well, desperately debating the remnants of righteousness. Don’t delude yourselves.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his voice continued, a demonic beast hovering in the sky let out a low growl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I may have allowed this situation to unfold, but can you truly claim to be blameless?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hanam’s fall was undeniably Cheonma’s doing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Murim Alliance, which prided itself on maintaining Zhongyuan’s peace and honor—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they had crumbled so easily from a single disturbance…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Arrogant.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the Murim Alliance truly be free of fault?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question caused faces to twist, but no one voiced opposition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were starting to realize their own failings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You were arrogant and filthy.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Disappointing. Even if you’d lost your former glory, I thought you could still provide some amusement…. But even that was too much to hope for.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma’s condescending tone grated on their ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint ground his teeth fiercely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted nothing more than to charge forward and sever that detestable head from its body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To silence that vile mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because Cheonma was threatening the refugees?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under normal circumstances, he would have cut Cheonma down before anything could happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, the Sword Saint hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The refugees’ lives? They were important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Dealing with the traitor comes first.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eliminating a rebel who had challenged the Alliance required sacrifices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the Sword Saint’s resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t the refugees that troubled him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I can’t see it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What unsettled him was that he couldn’t gauge Cheonma’s strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as he focused his senses on the man floating above,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Why can’t I sense anything?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint felt nothing from Cheonma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How can I… feel absolutely nothing?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if Cheonma existed yet didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breaking out in cold sweat, the Sword Saint felt an overwhelming dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the weakest opponent should emit some trace of presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This could only mean one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The difference between their levels was so vast that he couldn’t perceive Cheonma at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Impossible…!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought crossed his mind, but he couldn’t accept it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could such a thing be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There stood Heavenly Lord (Cheonjon), one of the Three Masters, silently observing Cheonma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could clearly sense Heavenly Lord’s immense presence—yet Cheonma’s presence was nonexistent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s sorcery.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was impossible otherwise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even as he tried to convince himself…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Still….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sliver of doubt crept in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if this so-called Cheonma truly was a monster beyond comprehension?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if the reason he descended so confidently, even after the barrier was lifted and they were freed—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Was because he could slaughter everyone here single-handedly?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an absurd thought, yet that minuscule possibility kept gnawing at the Sword Saint’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yes.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the Sword Saint hesitate, Gu Yangcheon quietly stifled a laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Stay like that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was exactly the reaction he wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the hesitation, the uncertainty mixed with anger—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That inability to act rashly without fully understanding the enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was precisely the outcome Gu Yangcheon had aimed for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hooo….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued to steady his breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart felt like it was being crushed, but he had to endure it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…My body’s in shambles, and even this is hard.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Cheonma floating in the air wasn’t some substitute acting on his behalf.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a creation forged purely from Authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Specifically, the Authority of Wind he had absorbed from Mang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon had used it to manifest Cheonma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…I practiced this endlessly, and now of all times, my body’s in this state.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ability to create whatever he envisioned—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as it was something he understood in detail, he could make it a reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the power of Wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he first obtained this Authority, Gu Yangcheon had thought:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I use this right… it could be a game-changer.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew he’d acquired an exceptionally powerful Authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d been devastated when he gave up his regeneration ability to Woo Hyuk, but he’d tried to console himself—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least he still had the Wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was enough to be worth it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The power to create anything he knew in detail—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was such a ridiculously overpowered ability that once he mastered it, he began crafting this plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three conditions had to be met:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the Wind create a human form?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the form it created produce a voice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it maintain its presence—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘For at least half a quarter-hour?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to fulfill all three conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night after night—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he drained his energy completely, he trained and honed this Authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, he succeeded in creating Cheonma’s form and sustaining it for half a quarter-hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…But pulling it off in real combat is another story.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, even lasting half of that time was proving difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just about creating a human body—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The created form had to move naturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breathing, subtle movements, flowing hair—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything had to be precise and realistic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to pour all his focus into maintaining it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mentally, it was exhausting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…This is insane.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effort required far exceeded the strain he’d felt when breaking through the barrier earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to this, the barrier was child’s play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body, already battered from combat, was rapidly depleting what little reserves he had left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the Authority didn’t rely solely on Qi, the strain was still overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I lose focus even for a second, it’ll fall apart.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it collapsed now, everything would be over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all the hell he’d gone through to get here, he couldn’t let it fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vrrr—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing the rising blood, he forced it back down and kept the Authority stable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Cheonma’s mouth continued to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Justice has already crumbled to dust. Do you still believe yourselves righteous?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You’re wrong.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[If justice is supposed to be rooted in virtue and unity, then you are unworthy of it.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Arrogant, narrow-minded insects—desperate to preserve your positions, you’ve long since forgotten your purpose.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The end was approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling his limit, Gu Yangcheon hunched slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not yet.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a little longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only needed to hold out a little longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You are not justice.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were still words that had to be spoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Today, I have confirmed it.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He poured every ounce of strength he had into this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma’s voice rang out even clearer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The world I will create has no place for you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words struck like thunder, causing the warriors to erupt in whispers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their tension soared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew what Cheonma would do next, so they remained on high alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the height of this unnerving atmosphere—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[However.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma suddenly lowered the hand he had pointed at the refugees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was he planning now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I will grant you a single act of mercy.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mercy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gathered warriors stared in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma raised his hand again and pointed at the martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to be singling someone out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if compelled, the crowd followed the line of his pointing finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It landed on a young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man who was slumped over, breathing heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, his body was in tatters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as he struggled to stay upright, his bloodshot eyes fixed firmly on Cheonma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You there. What is your name?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma demanded his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the young man, though his voice trembled, replied:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Gu… Yang…cheon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was broken and ragged, but he forced it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Gu Yangcheon. I see.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if committing it to memory, Cheonma continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[For an insect’s struggle, it was quite a spectacle. Among these worthless worms, I suppose you’re a rare gem.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiss—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Cheonma’s body began to rise higher into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[For today, I will let this pass. Crushing insects would only sully my mood, and I’m in rather high spirits right now.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice dripped with confidence—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could wipe them all out, but he wouldn’t bother this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So when I return next time, make sure to entertain me a little better.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With those parting words, Cheonma began to ascend slowly into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Cheonma! Are you trying to run away again…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint couldn’t contain himself and raised his voice once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huff!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a sudden flash of light burst forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunder roared, and explosive lightning Qi surged through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It came directly from Heavenly Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deafening sound forced everyone to cover their ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that wasn’t all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“T-That….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone gasped, staring toward Cheonma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lightning Qi unleashed by Heavenly Lord—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had pierced through Cheonma’s torso.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Cheonma fallen to Heavenly Lord’s ambush?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hope surged, and the warriors began to feel a wave of exhilaration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hssssss….\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huff!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No… no way!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To their horror, the gaping hole in Cheonma’s torso began to regenerate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flesh filled the void without a trace of damage remaining,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his robes repaired themselves as though nothing had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grotesque, almost supernatural sight—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the onlookers whispered as though in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Is he… really a god?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under normal circumstances, someone would’ve dismissed it as nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one said a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was how shocking it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hmm.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma casually brushed his hand over his previously pierced torso and turned to Heavenly Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he finally going to fight?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone held their breath, anxiously waiting for what would happen next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[How disappointing.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Cheonma spoke only those words before continuing to rise into the air,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if the attack had never happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with the enormous being looming above,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma disappeared into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive figure vanished as quickly as it had appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was left speechless, stunned by the sudden end of the encounter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, someone collapsed, coughing up blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So Yeomra!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was So Yeomra—Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He staggered, black blood spilling from his mouth, and the martial artists immediately rushed to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They checked his condition urgently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…He’s lost consciousness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Call for a healer—quickly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warriors scrambled, acting swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon wasn’t the only concern—there were numerous others injured, and order needed to be restored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even amidst the chaos, they forced themselves to move forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet one person—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Saint—remained rooted in place, silently staring at Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression twisted as though in conflict,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his eyes lingered on Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood there, radiating faint heat from his sword,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching intently until Heavenly Lord finally approached Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With an unreadable look in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days had passed since the attack on Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it wasn’t a long time, Hanam had seen too much devastation in that short span.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chaos began with the assault that left the town in ruins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the inns were destroyed, and merchants, as well as countless others, lost their homes and livelihoods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The damage was so extensive that clearing the debris alone was expected to take several more days, and full restoration might take years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The victims who suddenly found themselves homeless and jobless cried out in despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there were those who stepped forward to offer aid—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Baekhwa Trading Company and the Jangwon Trading Company, known as the great merchant guilds of Zhongyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They acted swiftly, setting up tents for the refugees and distributing food supplies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They also promised to provide temporary shelters free of charge until rebuilding efforts were complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This eased some of the immediate concerns—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But while monetary damage could be addressed,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deeper wounds remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attack had claimed lives, including several high-ranking figures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, the Murim Alliance’s Eight Sword Divisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three division leaders had died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The casualties included the commanders of the Ilryong Division, the Pungryong Division, and the Cheollyong Division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The official report from the Murim Alliance stated that:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ilryong Commander died valiantly, holding back a high-ranking officer of the Demonic Cult who led the attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pungryong Commander sacrificed himself, burning his soul to dispel dark sorcery and save the Leader and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Cheollyong Commander perished in honorable combat, taking his enemy down with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The loss of these leaders alone was enough to send shockwaves—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even greater news followed shortly after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Blade King has fallen….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What? That can’t be true, can it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blade King, Peng Zhou, the head of the Hebei Peng Clan—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had also lost his life in the attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is ridiculous… A man as powerful as the Blade King—how could this happen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say the same Demonic Cultist who killed the Ilryong Commander also took down Peng Zhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…How strong could they possibly be?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Peng Zhou was injured and being supported by the Flying Saint when the ambush occurred.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Flying Saint tried to resist, but… he couldn’t protect the Blade King.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of monster kills a father right in front of his child? That’s beyond cruel!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blade King, Peng Zhou, was slain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Flying Saint, heavily wounded, remained unconscious and unable to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The villain who killed the Ilryong Commander and the Blade King—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People began to call this merciless figure the Demon Spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is this world coming to…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speaker’s voice trembled with sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As if losing so many noble men wasn’t enough… now even calamities have begun to descend….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Calamities? Are you talking about the White-Rank beasts?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes… Damn it, we’ve barely managed to deal with the Red-Rank beasts, and now this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White-Rank beasts—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To many, this was the most terrifying revelation of all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been three years since the first Red-Rank beasts appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though methods to subdue them had been discovered, it was still a struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, White-Rank beasts had emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those who witnessed it said it was like facing a disaster from the heavens.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we hadn’t stopped them in time… Hanam might have been wiped out entirely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one dared to argue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Truly… it’s a miracle we survived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes… We owe everything to him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of “him,” a faint relief spread across the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three division leaders and a king had died, yet the people somehow felt reassured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say heroes appear in times of chaos. Isn’t that exactly what’s happening now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…You’re right. A hero.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even the Demon Lord of this era acknowledged him, didn’t he?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. My nephew is part of the Alliance’s forces—he confirmed it. That damn Cheonma, the Demon Lord himself, acknowledged him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who brought Hanam to ruin—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who summoned White-Rank beasts and manipulated monstrous creatures as if the Murim Alliance was his plaything—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His infamy was spreading throughout Zhongyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He saved my life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He saved me too. I would have died buried under rubble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was nearly killed by a demon, but he saved me as well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst terror and despair, people found solace by recalling his actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So the rumors were all lies. They always slander heroes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They said he was a lecher, ill-tempered—well, the scary face part is true, but still.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I feel guilty for believing such nonsense….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At least we know better now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. In these dark times, it’s a blessing to have someone we can trust.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their voices grew lighter, their expressions more at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was thinking of the same man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who had saved lives as buildings collapsed and screams filled the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who didn’t hesitate to step into the rampage of monsters, risking his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who rescued the Leader and others alongside the Pungryong Commander, even after exhausting himself in battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man whose overwhelming strength defied his young age—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who wielded his power not for himself, but to save Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man whom even the Demon Lord Cheonma had acknowledged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hero of this era.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just as they reflected on his deeds—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, did you hear? The Alliance is changing his title to honor his achievements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His title? What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Prepare yourselves. His new title is….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As laughter and chatter filled the ruined city,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a quiet corner of the Baekhwa Trading Company—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman walked gracefully down a corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dressed elegantly and carrying a small basket of food, it was Moyong Hee-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped in front of a door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knock, knock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her pale fingers tapped gently, but no response came from inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was no one there?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moyong Hee-ah didn’t believe that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir, it’s time to eat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She called out softly, but still received no answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What should she do? Moyong Hee-ah hesitated for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he pretending to be asleep?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surely not—he always responded quickly when called.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this was just stubbornness—refusing to come out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not that it mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had her ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm… Hehe…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing a giggle, Moyong Hee-ah steadied her voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Star King.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the words left her lips—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s time to eat—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door burst open, revealing Gu Yangcheon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moyong Hee-ah beamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See? You should’ve come out sooner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gu Yangcheon, seeing her smile,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Please… Please stop calling me that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let out a long, weary sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>",3478,"2026-06-05T15:10:17.629Z",1,"novelbin.me","141ffd33d069d02e19845957dc07c3e9299e88b663b0e3c0d2ea4d19b927a49e","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-768","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-766",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]