[{"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-838":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},1240638,1667,"Chapter 837","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-838",838,"\u003Cp>\"Me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I repeated the Poison King's words, clearly taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it's my fault that the relationship between Tang So-yeol and the Poison King has become strained?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn't understand what he meant, so I just stared at him blankly. The Poison King, wearing a conflicted expression, continued speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I misspoke… To be precise, it’s not entirely your fault.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And that means…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The last time I saw her, my daughter looked unusually troubled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he meant the last time, then it must have been the event Tang So-yeol mentioned—two years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And so, at the time, I naturally assumed it was because of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excuse me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of absurd reasoning is this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Tang So-yeol seemed upset, he immediately blamed me? Ridiculous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Most of the time, when my daughter was sad, it was because of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, those words, though infuriating, left me speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had nothing to say in my defense, and the Poison King’s expression made it clear that he knew it too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That look on his face said, ‘You can’t really argue with that, can you?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since I truly didn’t have a rebuttal, I stayed silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s why I thought it might be the same this time. However, she seemed especially distressed, so I made two assumptions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Assumptions, you say…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first was… I thought it was your doing this time as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that, my eyebrows twitched slightly. The way he said ‘thought’ implied it wasn’t actually my fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the second…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a moment of silence, a hesitation in the Poison King’s demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few seconds passed before he finally reopened his tightly shut lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I assumed my daughter was still a child.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That statement didn’t quite make sense to me. Assuming she was still a child?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t that just what all parents do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I recalled someone saying once that no matter how old their children get, parents will always see them as kids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting aside my own dysfunctional family, that sentiment seemed reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear that the Poison King cared deeply for Tang So-yeol. That much was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But… something about his words felt different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed like further explanation was necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I quietly observed him, he spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I already mentioned the first assumption, didn’t I?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You mean that you thought it was my fault?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I heard that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back then, I truly believed that. Honestly, I still don’t think I was entirely wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His candid response didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But the problem was the solution I proposed at the time. Do you know what I said to my daughter?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed and continued, his tone sounding almost like a complaint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I told her, ‘If you want, I can break off the engagement between the Gu and Namgung families and arrange for our family to be tied to the Tang Clan instead.’\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s what I said.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My brows furrowed instinctively. I pressed down the irritation welling up inside me, but it was too late—the Poison King had already noticed my displeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled awkwardly and spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seems like you didn’t think it was a particularly good choice either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…It’s not about good or bad. I just find it… unpleasant, personally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his suggestion was meant for Tang So-yeol’s sake, from my perspective, it was far from welcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King, of course, must have known this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, the fact that he brought it up anyway suggested there was more to be said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, it wasn’t a great idea. And as it turns out, my daughter felt the same way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Miss Tang did?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that Tang So-yeol was upset seemed to be the critical point here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When she heard what I said, she immediately got angry and told me not to say such ridiculous things.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was the first time I’d ever seen her so furious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King laughed as he recounted this memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She said, ‘If that’s the kind of solution you’re offering, then don’t even bother. What do you think of all the efforts I’ve been making? And in the end—’\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The laughter faded slightly, and a hint of emotion crept into his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"‘If this is the approach you’re taking, doesn’t that just mean the Tang Clan isn’t willing to change?’\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s what she said. Then, disappointed, she left the Tang Clan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I swallowed hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must have been around that time that Tang So-yeol left Sichuan and came to the Gu family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, she followed the Shadow King elsewhere, and I had simply assumed it was for training.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So this was the real reason?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I heard her words, it felt like a dagger to my heart. A very deep one.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King gently placed a hand over his chest as if to emphasize his point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She was right. I had vowed to bear the sins of the clan and redeem its name. Yet, the path I chose for her was narrow-minded and short-sighted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice, tinged with self-deprecation, grew weaker. It was clear he felt more regret than resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t just apologizing for what he had said—he was apologizing for putting her in a position where she felt compelled to say such things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King’s emotions were evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s why I understand if my daughter hates me. She has every reason to.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he resigned himself to that fact? His expression suggested as much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching him, I reflected on the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I understood why Tang So-yeol distanced herself from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I understood that the Poison King was partially at fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I also understood why Tang So-yeol had been angry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that really all there is to it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this really just about Tang So-yeol’s anger? Something about that conclusion felt incomplete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In my opinion, that wasn’t the whole story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Tang So-yeol had been angry, I didn’t think that was the entirety of the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After pondering for a moment, I spoke to the Poison King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master Tang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my call, he looked at me, his gaze still somewhat heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s just a thought, but I don’t think Miss Tang purely hates you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What do you mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I mean…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I met his gaze, pausing briefly to consider how best to phrase my thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Miss Tang takes after you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the most straightforward way I could put it. And I meant it sincerely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King’s expression, however, showed confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t seem to understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean by that…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s no need to overthink it. It just means what it means. And I don’t think you need to worry too much about her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though I understood the nature of his worries, from my perspective, they didn’t seem insurmountable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As you yourself said, Miss Tang is neither weak nor helpless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tang So-yeol is neither weak nor a child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, she's strong and resilient. I remember how she stood firm, never breaking, no matter the circumstances she faced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Poison Queen herself was like that, Tang So-yeol now must surely be the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you're still worried, why not meet her yourself?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...But the child...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's be honest, you haven't even tried to meet her, have you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At my pointed remark, the Poison King’s lips clamped shut. It was obvious—he had been too hesitant to make the effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Am I wrong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence is as good as agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King didn’t respond, and that silence was answer enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his reaction, I spoke with a slightly awkward tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least try to talk to her. Don’t just stay silent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to sound as nonchalant as possible, but I couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, here I was, offering advice about conversations when I couldn’t even recall ever having a proper one with my own father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Conversations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t stay silent—at least try talking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words I spoke came back to me, piercing with their own implications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I suppose I’ll have to.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was something I should have done long ago. If I could have in my previous life, it would have been better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since I hadn’t, I had to face it now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing the discomfort rising in my chest, I bit down on my tongue slightly and added to my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway… I understand the situation now. It’s ultimately your decision to make, but I apologize if I overstepped.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...It was helpful, so don’t worry about it. And for what it’s worth, I also apologize.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King offered an apology, acknowledging not just his earlier mention of breaking the Gu-Namgung engagement but also his suggestion to arrange one with the Tang family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I accepted it without much reaction. I could have pressed further, but I saw no need to do so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering my relationship with the Poison King and, more importantly, Tang So-yeol, it was better to let it slide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the conversation seemed to reach its conclusion—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Next.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I added, pulling out a letter from my inner pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won’t be staying long, so I’ve organized a rough schedule.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Organized? You didn’t have the time for that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, but I found some time by accident.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Specifically, I had stayed up all night in frustration when a certain flame didn’t ignite, and I used the leftover time productively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For now, regarding the Dokcheon Pill, there’s more research to be done. I suggest discussing this further with a trading company for their assistance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A trading company?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Baekhwa Trading Company.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, it was the Baekhwa Trading Company. The Poison King nodded in understanding upon hearing the name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no other choice. That was the only connection I had. And conveniently—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The head of the Sichuan branch is someone I know well, so there should be no problems.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the branch manager was someone easy to deal with, it was an ideal choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only concern was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’d be better if another company could handle it, for Madam Mi’s sake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the Tang Clan's current reputation in Zhongyuan, any dealings could potentially tarnish Baekhwa Trading Company’s image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thought made me feel guilty toward Madam Mi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…But there’s no other way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t have many cards to play in this matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I were to consider another option—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Central Trading Company.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The top trading company in Zhongyuan, currently focused on me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using them was a possibility, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too risky.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relying on an unfamiliar entity could easily become a shackle around my neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, dealing with Baekhwa Trading Company was the best option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Will it be all right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King asked, aware of the burden this arrangement might bring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after weighing the options, this was the best course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without external support, the Tang Clan might not be able to secure materials in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Shaolin and Mount Hua had contracts with trading companies for resource supplies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’ll be fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had already decided. If I was going to do it, I had to be ready to endure the consequences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you say so, then I won’t refuse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is something I’m doing for my own benefit, after all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tang Clan could reclaim its lost legacy, and I would get what I wanted in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a transaction, plain and simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After handing over the letter, I addressed the Poison King again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’d like to verify things more directly, but… I’ll have to leave soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re leaving immediately?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. It seems there’s trouble brewing. Oh, but I’ll stop by once more before heading back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a brief bow, I turned, grasping the doorknob to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound echoed as Gu Yangcheon left the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King, left alone, stood silently, staring at the door as if lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve never even tried to meet her, have you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words struck him to his core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was something he hadn’t dared to do, paralyzed by fear of his daughter’s resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Damn it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been called out on the very thing he had been avoiding. The accuracy of the remark was so sharp it left him unable to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why hadn’t he thought about it more deeply? Why had he avoided it altogether?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did the burden of the Tang Clan’s sins weigh on me so much?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The initial resolve had been clear—to bear the sins of his ancestors. But when faced with reality, had his conviction wavered?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The overwhelming pressure seemed to have clouded his vision, making even simple truths hard to grasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haah…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King exhaled deeply, rubbing his face as if trying to scrub away his fatigue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How foolish of me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried heavy self-reproach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, faintly intertwined with that regret was a newfound determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without wasting another moment, he stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was somewhere he needed to go before it was too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…I’ll have to thank him properly later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he saw Gu Yangcheon again, he would make sure to express his gratitude. With that resolution in mind, the Poison King began to move—but then froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something had crossed his mind, halting him in his tracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he thought about Gu Yangcheon, a forgotten detail suddenly surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bitter laugh escaped his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He got me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He realized that he hadn’t asked the questions he wanted to, hadn’t gotten to the heart of the matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he’d ended up talking about himself, while Gu Yangcheon merely listened and left at the perfect moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t a coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poison King knew exactly what had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was all part of Gu Yangcheon’s plan—to distract him with words and leave without addressing the real issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understanding this, the Poison King laughed to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As expected… there’s no way I can give my daughter to someone like him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He vowed once more that he couldn’t entrust his precious daughter to such a cunning man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But deep down, even he knew—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t really mean it.\u003C\u002Fp>",2336,"2026-06-05T15:10:19.687Z",1,"novelbin.me","899fa7ca1e36760d753746e74868049f4a98465735914e19efb0062426d93324","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-839","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-837",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]