[{"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-821":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},1240621,1667,"Chapter 820","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-821",821,"\u003Cp>Sichuan Branch of the Martial Alliance Headquarters\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the branch leader’s office, Mok Ri-seon and Ilcheon Sword had just finished their conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for the information. With the branch leader’s help, the investigation should proceed much more smoothly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to thank me…! If it helps in any way, I’ll prepare even more and visit you again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your sincerity alone is appreciated. It’s truly reassuring.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword tucked the letter given by the branch leader into his robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The information was sufficient. While the exact location wasn’t clear, several reported sightings aligned, so starting the search there seemed reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The data on the target, including their sect leader and members, had originally come from the main alliance. Ilcheon Sword didn’t anticipate the search itself to be particularly difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem, however, was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How far has the Star King progressed?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star King had arrived three days earlier. How far had he advanced into the investigation? That was the real concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…That bastard.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just thinking about him made Ilcheon Sword’s expression twist in anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fists clenched tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been three days since Ilcheon Sword suffered humiliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days into the Sichuan expedition, he received an urgent letter from his subordinates—an order for the Azure Dragon Division to return to the main alliance immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught off guard by the sudden command, Ilcheon Sword didn’t hesitate. He obeyed without question, relying on the unmistakable seal stamped on the letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The alliance’s seals are crafted from rare artifacts.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their unique properties made it impossible to counterfeit. They could confirm whether a letter truly came from the alliance or not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such proof, Ilcheon Sword had no doubts. The letter had to be real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was official and undoubtedly sent by Muk Yeon himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his suspicions cleared, he prioritized the alliance’s orders over the expedition and returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes had widened in shock upon hearing the response back at headquarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re saying no such order was issued?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither Muk Yeon nor anyone in the main alliance had sent such a command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unthinkable. How could the letter, with its flawless seal, be fake?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pieces didn’t fit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Could it be…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword instinctively recalled a certain person. No solid proof, but his suspicions were firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It was him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star King. It had to be that bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword was convinced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he received the letter, the Star King’s gaze… the smirk he flashed just before Ilcheon Sword left… it all came flooding back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That son of a bitch!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star King had played him. Grinding his teeth in rage, Ilcheon Sword barely held himself back from destroying everything in sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, there was no solid evidence—only suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now wasn’t the time to dwell on doubts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, Ilcheon Sword gathered the Azure Dragon Division and returned to Sichuan at top speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the letter was fake and the information was planted to derail their mission, abandoning the task wasn’t an option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Part of it was because of his suspicions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And another part—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not yet.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had personal reasons for returning to Sichuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To achieve his goal, he needed to make it back, no matter the cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he pushed the squad harder than ever, pushing past exhaustion to close the time gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, face-to-face with the Star King once more, Ilcheon Sword no longer had doubts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s you. I knew it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The look in his eyes. The way he carried himself. Even the aura around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star King didn’t bother hiding it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything about him screamed, “How does it feel to be played?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear he had never intended to cover his tracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While rage boiled to the surface, Ilcheon Sword’s mind calculated possibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Star King truly orchestrated this, how did he manage to counterfeit an artifact-sealed letter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And why go to such lengths?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t make sense of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Star King simply wanted to mock him, there were easier ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forging a command seal invited too much risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword didn’t believe the Star King was stupid enough to act without reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What’s the point of all this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it was just to humiliate him, then it was a massive mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how talented or celebrated the Star King was, forging orders from the alliance crossed a line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he thought he’d covered his tracks, evidence would eventually surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword’s eyes narrowed as murderous intent flickered within them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even if that’s not the case….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He might not need to go as far as reporting to the alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had another reason for being in Sichuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…You won’t be leaving Sichuan alive.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Accidents happen during missions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deaths in the line of duty weren’t uncommon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this would be no different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how talented or young he was, not even the Star King could avoid unforeseen tragedies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword steadied his breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Don’t regret this later.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star King had brought this upon himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had just stayed out of the way and avoided interfering with the alliance, none of this would have happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star King set this in motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Ilcheon Sword prepared to act—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, excuse me… Chief of the Azure Dragon Division.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mok Ri-seon’s voice interrupted, forcing Ilcheon Sword to mask his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though his earlier exchange with the Star King had been heated, he couldn’t let Mok Ri-seon see his murderous intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, there’s something I need to ask you about.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s about the Star King….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the name, Ilcheon Sword’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One of my subordinates mentioned seeing something strange. I thought you might know something about it….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he asked, Mok Ri-seon hesitated before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Apparently, the Star King has been coughing up blood or showing signs of poor health. Do you know anything about that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword’s expression shifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. We’ve tried to keep it quiet, but… I thought I should inform you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You did well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pardon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Continue to keep it under strict control. This must not reach the main alliance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah—! Of course!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mok Ri-seon finally understood the gravity of the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll make sure to silence any rumors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m counting on you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword patted Mok Ri-seon’s shoulder twice before turning to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he walked away, a faint smirk formed at the corner of his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Search Begins\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Azure Dragon Division immediately commenced their search.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using the information provided by Mok Ri-seon, the scope of their investigation wasn’t overly broad. It helped that they had prior leads—clues about the areas the Star Dragon Division had already searched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without access to shared reports, there were observable patterns. Combining those with Mok Ri-seon’s intelligence guided their movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their primary objective was to track the Celestial Stream Sect. Pinpointing their exact location was the first step toward deeper infiltration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the Alliance, their base was practically abandoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were traces of occasional foot traffic, but nothing indicating it still housed members of the Celestial Stream Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They’ve already relocated.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed clear that they’d moved their base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That raised concerns about whether they had already left Sichuan entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But most of their recent sightings remain within Sichuan.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a few accounts placed them outside the region, and those were rare. Nearly all reports pointed to Sichuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even the Star Dragon Division hasn’t searched beyond Sichuan.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made sense to focus their efforts within the region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At this rate… two weeks at most.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within that time, they were bound to uncover the Celestial Stream Sect’s trail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commander.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A subordinate approached, handing over a letter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the status report from the eastern sector.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword opened it, scanning the precise notes on locations and findings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing found in the current area.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. It’s likely they’re either on the outskirts or….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or they’re using formations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s our assessment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Formations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t far-fetched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Keep that possibility in mind, but for now, continue searching without altering the route until the third day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, sir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Changing course based on speculation would only cause problems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the first day. Expanding the search area prematurely would be reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, methodical progress was the right call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And this…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finalizing the search instructions, the subordinate handed over another document.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This details the Star Dragon Division’s movements.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword’s eyes sharpened as he accepted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike earlier, his gaze burned with focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this all?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I-I apologize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The subordinate stiffened at the sharp tone and hurried to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There were too many eyes watching. The Star Dragon Division’s members are also highly skilled, making infiltration difficult. This was the best we could manage for now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tch….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though dissatisfied, Ilcheon Sword couldn’t blame them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew this was the most they could do under the circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star Dragon Division’s warriors were powerful—far superior to other squads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even excluding the commander, there were four Hwagyeong-level martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they were only at the beginner stages, having four Hwagyeong-level fighters in one group was absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main alliance had raised concerns about this imbalance, but Muk Yeon had personally vouched for these recruits, silencing opposition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is a nuisance.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such warriors accompanying the Star King, monitoring him without being noticed was nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even two weeks might not be enough.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The obstacles standing in the way of his goal loomed tall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword bit his lip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fabricating a mission to entangle them required more information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Good work. Dismissed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, sir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After sending the subordinate away, Ilcheon Sword bit his fingertip hard enough to draw blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gu Yangcheon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just thinking about him made his blood boil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mere image of his face filled him with a murderous impulse—so deeply ingrained it felt physical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That bastard is too damn lucky.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The real problem wasn’t Gu Yangcheon’s strength but the watchful eyes surrounding him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is the perfect opportunity.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword’s anxiety grew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suppressed the feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon was strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how young, his skill couldn’t be ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a direct fight, victory wasn’t guaranteed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded ridiculous, but the reality was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after several encounters, Ilcheon Sword couldn’t deny it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hated to admit it, but Gu Yangcheon was already approaching the level of the Top Ten Masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was precisely why now was the time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s injured.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword didn’t know the extent of the internal injury, but the instability in Gu Yangcheon’s energy was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one could fake such irregular qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to manipulate one’s energy like that would only risk backlash and deviation of internal energy pathways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Gu Yangcheon wouldn’t dare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s real.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The injury was genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Even injured, he crushed the Golden Dragon Division’s leader.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his condition, Gu Yangcheon wasn’t weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword had seen it firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He witnessed Gu Yangcheon overwhelming the Golden Dragon Division’s commander without breaking a sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the backlash made him cough up blood, it didn’t change the fact that he was terrifyingly strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it wasn’t a terminal illness, his injuries would heal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once recovered, things wouldn’t be the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is the moment.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The perfect chance—before it slipped away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing about this mission was going as planned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything he’d worked to set up had been shaken since Gu Yangcheon arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I won’t break.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d fought too hard to reach this position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, he wouldn’t crumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anything, he’d tear down the obstacles in his way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword steadied himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screech—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, he drew his sword, slashing the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A burst of energy tore through the night as his blade came to a sharp halt—pointed directly ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who’s there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried killing intent, piercing the darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword’s eyes burned with certainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if nothing appeared, he could feel it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Show yourself, or I’ll cut you down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His warning was brief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When no movement followed, Ilcheon Sword swung his blade in a wide arc, its sharp aura slicing through the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My apologies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From seemingly empty space, a figure emerged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old man with long black hair stepped forward, his presence heavy and commanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword instinctively gripped his sword tighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Strong.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s aura was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just strong—it was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword couldn’t immediately gauge his level, meaning they were likely equals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who the hell was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could speak, the old man introduced himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I am Dae Hwan, leader of the Celestial Stream Sect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>",2110,"2026-06-05T15:10:19.687Z",1,"novelbin.me","04936fc594c04f217ab641cd7bb21611a12f1ec42aa0dbc367c31c2340be651f","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-822","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-820",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]