[{"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-822":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},1240622,1667,"Chapter 821","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-822",822,"\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword questioned the old man’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The leader of the Celestial Stream Sect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s correct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That old man was the leader of the Celestial Stream Sect?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword couldn’t hide his disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had only been the first day of the search. He had prepared to wait as long as two weeks, and yet the sect leader appeared before him so suddenly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is this guy really the leader of the Celestial Stream Sect?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doubt flashed through his mind. The man’s claim was flimsy at best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And more than that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Was he ever this strong?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The known strength of the Celestial Stream Sect’s leader wasn’t impressive. At best, he should have been on par with the vice-captains of the Azure Dragon Division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this man—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at a glance, Ilcheon Sword could tell he was Hwagyeong-level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far stronger than the reports suggested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Ilcheon Sword fixed him with a suspicious glare, the old man spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard you were looking for me, so I thought it polite to present myself first. I hope that pleases you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words pulled a hollow laugh from Ilcheon Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a joke….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze grew cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must think the Alliance is a laughingstock.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sect leader’s claim twisted Ilcheon Sword’s face into a sneer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You knew the Martial Alliance was searching for you, yet you appeared willingly? Do you even know who I am?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A murderous aura began to rise from Ilcheon Sword’s shoulders, spreading like wildfire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If this is your idea of a joke, I’m not amused.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A joke? I merely acted with courtesy, as I said.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shing—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade of Ilcheon Sword shimmered with a layer of sharp energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air trembled under the force, gathering into a swirling wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I suppose it’s only fair I return the favor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shifted into a combat stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the Azure Dragon Division’s forces were spread out, reinforcements wouldn’t take long to arrive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Ilcheon Sword remained wary of Celestial Stream Sect members possibly lying in wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Capture him if possible. Eliminate him if necessary.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The orders had been clear—determine their ties to the Demonic Cult and wipe them out if confirmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And considering the sect leader’s bold appearance, it might as well have been a declaration of war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword lunged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He moved so fast that the sound of impact trailed behind his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blade flashed like falling stars, scattering sparks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The edge of his sword raced toward the old man’s throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know what you intend for the Star King.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden burst of energy froze Ilcheon Sword mid-strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade halted just before it touched the old man’s neck, releasing a sharp gust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword glared at him with piercing eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What did you just say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was drenched in killing intent, yet he didn’t follow through with the attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I said, I know your intentions regarding the Star King.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…And?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I also know the Star King is unwell.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m sure you’re already aware of it, aren’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword’s eyes wavered as the information piled up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How the hell did this man know that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his reaction, the old man smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our eyes and ears aren’t limited to Sichuan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I apologize if this surprises you, but I didn’t come here purely as an enemy. Given your goals, I thought it worth speaking with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, the old man extended a hand, gently touching Ilcheon Sword’s blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If my assumptions are wrong, feel free to act as you wish. But if I’m right—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without resistance, the sword shifted aside as the old man pushed it away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wouldn’t it be worth sitting down and talking this through? I assure you, it won’t be a conversation you’ll regret.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword’s breath wavered slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t a conversation he should be having.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heretic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And one suspected of ties to the Demonic Cult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a representative of the righteous sects—no, as a division leader of the Martial Alliance—such a discussion was unthinkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He should have already drawn his sword again, severing the man’s head for his audacity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s what he should have done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time he came to his senses, his blade was already back in its sheath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…If you spout nonsense, I’ll cut you down where you stand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grinding his teeth, Ilcheon Sword relented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I appreciate your generosity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man smiled, undeterred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the shadows, unseen eyes silently observed the tense encounter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shadow King replied indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Stream Sect’s leader had made contact with Ilcheon Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, he clicked his tongue softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was expected, yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Faster than I thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While everything had unfolded as foreseen, it wasn’t exactly satisfying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I figured he’d hesitate at least once.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Ilcheon Sword was a division leader of the Martial Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man who had spent years rooted in righteousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even knowing the future, the Shadow King had thought Ilcheon Sword would refuse the offer at least initially.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He accepted without hesitation?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword had folded under the Celestial Stream Sect leader’s words far too quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there was still the possibility he hadn’t fully committed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘From what I saw, it’s already over.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they’d crossed that line, it was only a matter of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing this, the Shadow King chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Was I actually expecting something different?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had mocked himself countless times for clinging to hope where none existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, there was still a sliver of expectation buried somewhere deep inside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disappointment, after all, only came from having expectations to begin with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, it feels oddly refreshing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, his smile wasn’t sarcastic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was genuine amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Ilcheon Sword was destined to die, wasn’t it better for him to die without leaving any lingering doubts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that sense, this development was more than acceptable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By betraying any lingering faith he might have had, Ilcheon Sword had sealed his own fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now then….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shadow King walked forward, his steps deliberate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Squelch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His foot sank slightly, producing a wet, squelching noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dimly lit space reeked of iron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Raising his hand, he conjured a flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small fire flared to life, illuminating the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It revealed the ground—a pool of blood, not water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guh…hah….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A trembling man let out a faint whimper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surrounding him were several corpses, throats torn out and lifeless eyes staring upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had killed them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This place belonged to those accused of colluding with the Celestial Stream Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suspected ties to the Demonic Cult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shadow King reached out, gently stroking the trembling man’s cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood smeared from his fingers onto the man’s skin, dripping down in thin streaks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s breaths hitched, his body visibly shaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“P-please… please… please….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s legs trembled uncontrollably, and soon—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dark stain spread down his pants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had wet himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring the stench, the Shadow King continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell me. Who are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, he hoped for an answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the man didn’t want to end up like the bodies around him, he had better speak quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*****************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the central hall of the Martial Alliance in Hanan—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rustle. Rustle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a time when most were asleep, and the halls lay quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single dim lantern flickered, casting its faint glow upon an elderly man as he moved his brush with swift precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his age, the man worked tirelessly, producing letter after letter with such speed that it seemed effortless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer number of documents on the desk, however, told another story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how quickly he worked, the pile never seemed to shrink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the kind of workload that could exhaust most men at a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, the old man paid no mind to fatigue and continued his task in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there was one thing to lament, it was that his speed had slowed significantly with age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten—no, even twenty years ago, he would have finished this task already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the frailty of his body reminded him of time’s cruel march.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hmph.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the old man set his brush down and rubbed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m getting old.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled bitterly, acknowledging the truth he could no longer deny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body had aged—and so had his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And my heart as well.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t just his body that felt old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even his convictions and beliefs, once unshakable, now seemed worn down by the years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time eroded ideals just as it eroded flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He often wondered—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Do I still have anything left?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What remained of the dreams and aspirations he once had?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question plagued him, yet at the same time, he feared the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Because I already know the truth.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He feared the certainty of what he’d lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man, Muk Yeon, let out a bitter laugh as he picked up his brush again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Too many useless thoughts.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lately, his mind wandered more than it should.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever he paused his work, his thoughts spiraled out of control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he knew why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It must be because of that girl.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pi Yeon-yeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl brought by the child of Shanxi—the one rumored to carry the bloodline of the Phantom Sword Queen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since her arrival, Muk Yeon’s thoughts had been in disarray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as though the remnants of a past he’d tried to bury had suddenly resurfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Years had passed, yet the ghosts of that time still haunted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had lied to himself, telling himself it couldn’t be helped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with her appearance, even that excuse crumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had it truly been unavoidable?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to face the answer, Muk Yeon had once fled the Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I return, only to face her again.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if fate refused to let him escape unfinished business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, it demanded answers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muk Yeon chuckled bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this was a test, it was one far too cruel for an old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Who’s the one pulling the strings?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who had brought this mess back into his life?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A face came to mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who not only brought the girl but also kept dragging him back to that unresolved past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muk Yeon ran a hand down his wrinkled face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there was a mastermind behind it all, it had to be that young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Did he plan this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did the Star King know?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And why had he acted as he did?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a mystery as vexing as the girl herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘For now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Sigh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muk Yeon shook his head and picked up his brush once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had rested long enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, work came first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as he started writing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muk Yeon froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted toward the flickering lantern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light went out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No draft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the flame had died, plunging the room into darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An unnatural occurrence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muk Yeon, however, remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to know exactly what was happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice cut through the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve prepared tea. My apologies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he spoke as if greeting an old acquaintance, his eyes were anything but warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one else should have been in the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet when he spoke, a presence emerged in the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the darkness, two burning red eyes pierced through, glowing with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gaze bore into Muk Yeon, making his throat go dry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, he held his ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have many questions for a man who broke his oath.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice that came from the shadows was low and heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kuh…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive hand shot out, seizing Muk Yeon’s throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man’s frail body was lifted off the ground with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I’ll only ask one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muk Yeon struggled, gasping for air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Muk Yeon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheolwoon spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where is my son?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was filled with murderous rage—ready to tear the old man apart.\u003C\u002Fp>",2021,"2026-06-05T15:10:19.687Z",1,"novelbin.me","27555daff43c52f48cb0fa9372a1f8bdd9cf128490e84dd3f0118a74935eea59","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-823","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-821",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]