[{"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-845":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},1240648,1667,"Chapter 844","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-845",845,"\u003Cp>The murmuring around us vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There had been scattered whispers, but they were swallowed by a sudden silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only sound remaining was the faint crackling of the torches mounted on the walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long stretch of this oppressive stillness—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did the Star Dragon Captain just say that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the Azure Dragon soldiers, standing at a distance, whispered cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That broke the dam. Murmurs rose again, but this time they were centered around Ilcheon Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The captain… used poison?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, forget the poison. What did he mean by the Celestial Stream Sect?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whispers, though hushed, carried clearly in the still air. The reactions were as expected—shock, disbelief, and confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The captain was involved with the Celestial Stream Sect? What the hell does that mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From the sound of it, it’s like the captain was working with someone from the unorthodox factions!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of nonsense—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t take long for their bewilderment to turn into anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it because of their faith in Ilcheon Sword? I wasn’t sure, and frankly, I didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The important part wasn’t their reaction—it was Ilcheon Sword’s reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A smile tugged at my lips as I glanced at Ilcheon Sword. It was impossible not to laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man was a spectacle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His trembling eyes, the beads of sweat forming on his brow, the faint quiver in his energy—all of it betrayed the deep anxiety boiling within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What nonsense are you spouting now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man had been active in Zhongyuan’s martial world for decades. The moment of doubt on his face vanished in mere seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you so desperate that you’d resort to outrageous lies to humiliate me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fleeting unease gave way to simmering anger. His ability to quickly regain composure was impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I didn’t know better, I might’ve doubted myself, too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought to myself. Perhaps it takes this level of skill to hide your true nature in this ruthless world. What a tiresome way to live.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lies? That’s an unfair accusation, senior.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it’s not lies, then what? I admit I’m not pleased about the matter with the deputy, but we came here to support you. Not to endure this mockery!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His raised voice carried genuine indignation, as though he truly felt insulted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How admirable. Truly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is he masking his unease with anger?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there’s one thing people say about me, it’s that I’m a terrible liar. Watching Ilcheon Sword, I almost wanted to learn how he did it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you feel insulted, I apologize. However, I assure you, I’m merely speaking based on information I’ve received.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Information?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyebrow twitched ever so slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What information?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing much… I just happened to hear that you, Ilcheon Sword, used poison to target me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ridiculous! Who would spread such lies—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was about to retort when his eyes followed the direction of my pointing finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was pointing at Mun Do-hyuk, who stiffened immediately under Ilcheon Sword’s scrutiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword frowned, his expression darkening. He seemed to grasp the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mun Do-hyuk, meanwhile, stood rigid, his gaze darting away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fear in his eyes spoke volumes. I nodded inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This should suffice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His reaction confirmed my suspicion. Betrayal had a way of leaving traces, even if subtle ones. While it could be an act, my instincts told me otherwise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does this answer your question about my source?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a clear message: I know what you did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword’s frown deepened. He looked troubled, as though he understood the implications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you implying about that subordinate?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t help but be impressed by his response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, you’re going to play dumb?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a bad move. After all, there was no concrete evidence. Denying everything for now was a sensible strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you saying you’ve never attempted anything underhanded against me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As I’ve said before, I am a captain of the righteous Martial Alliance, a protector of justice and honor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grip on his sword tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s true that I don’t particularly like you, but I would never stoop so low as to tarnish my honor with such schemes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I almost clapped. How could someone be so shameless?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Justice and honor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to laugh out loud, but I held it in. Barely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You people never change.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more you peel back their layers, the more filth you find. It was almost admirable how deep it went.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given how much he’d shown me, it felt fair to give something in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, since there’s no solid evidence, I apologize for doubting you first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took a step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for the matter with the Celestial Stream Sect, I only heard it as a rumor. I take it that’s untrue as well?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, Ilcheon Sword interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won’t tolerate any more baseless accusations. I don’t know where you heard such nonsense, but I’d sooner lay down my life than collude with the unorthodox.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly! Our captain would never stoop to such deeds!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Working with the unorthodox… How absurd!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His subordinates echoed their agreement. Their faith in him was almost moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching their reactions, I whispered quietly to myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lay down your life, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just loud enough for Ilcheon Sword to hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that’s the case, I suppose there’s no problem. In any case, I originally came to ask about the poison, but things escalated.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stepped closer to Ilcheon Sword, keeping my tone calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I regret the state of your deputy, but I believe I’ve explained my reasoning sufficiently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That feeble excuse is your explanation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. If you’re dissatisfied, feel free to report me to the main Alliance or seek justice. But if you’re going to do that, we’ll also need to address the suspicions I have about you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if you feign ignorance now, what will you do when we return?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword smirked slightly, his lips curling up at my words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As much as you want. I have no reason to be afraid—I’ve done nothing wrong. But what if everything the Star Dragon Captain suspects turns out to be false?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If what I claimed was all lies? An impossible scenario, but if it were to happen...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what? I’ll kneel, apologize, and admit I was wrong. That I made baseless accusations and acted out of turn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah... That’s quite the tempting thought,\" Ilcheon Sword remarked, his tone laced with amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The exchange revealed much. He doesn’t care either way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether the matter was investigated or not, it wouldn’t change the outcome—for either of us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Because neither of us will be returning from here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That thought must have crossed Ilcheon Sword’s mind as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By this point, I had walked closer, closing the distance between us. Close enough that, if he wanted, he could have swung his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply stood there, glaring at me, his energy simmering with tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meeting his lethal gaze, I spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you’re not planning to deal with this now, I’ve delivered my message and shown you everything I needed to. Can I leave now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had effectively shattered his deputy and declared my intent to leave. Under normal circumstances, Ilcheon Sword wouldn’t have let me go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, his reputation was on the line. He should have tried to stop me, no matter the cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As expected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword glared at me, but did nothing. For a moment, I considered provoking him further, but instead, I simply walked past him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll come back after discussing the ‘context’ you’ve been so eager to explain with my subordinates. I’m sure that’s what you want as well, isn’t it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no response. Silence, as always, meant consent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t hard to figure out why—he needed time. Whether it was to prepare an excuse or plan a more insidious move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or perhaps...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To set the stage for something far worse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was likely his intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As I said, I won’t let this go so easily,\" Ilcheon Sword growled, his tone filled with barely restrained hostility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his words dripped with venom, it was clear he wasn’t planning to act now. He was letting me go, for the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I smirked and replied casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. Do as you wish.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I walked past him completely. His gaze stayed locked on my back, and the other Azure Dragon soldiers glared at me with barely concealed rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling their hostility, I muttered under my breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you staring at? Look down, you bastards.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ack!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief wave of pressure rippled outward, forcing them to avert their gazes. At the same time, I suppressed a rising surge of killing intent from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was close.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brief release of energy had nearly stirred the killing intent festering inside me. I had momentarily forgotten about my precarious condition. I needed to be more careful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hooo...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I steadied my breathing, calming myself as I scanned my surroundings. Not far away, I spotted who I was looking for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Y-Yes, sir!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man quickly responded to my call. It was Song Hojung, the deputy of the Star Dragon Division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come here for a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His face twisted into a grimace as I spoke, and he swallowed hard. Clicking my tongue, I walked forward, motioning for him to follow. Behind me, the other soldiers trailed nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Gu Yangcheon had left, the atmosphere in the Azure Dragon Division’s quarters grew deathly quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one dared to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers stole glances at Ilcheon Sword, trying to gauge his reaction, and waited to be sure that Gu Yangcheon had truly departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some time, when they were certain he was gone, the tension finally broke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it... What does that brat know?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the soldiers spoke up, as though he had been holding the words back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He dared to accuse our captain? Poison? What nonsense!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly! How dare he spout such slander!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s because he’s young. He’s immature and only sees what he wants to see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter how talented he is, with a temperament like that, how can he possibly run a division properly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The complaints centered around Gu Yangcheon, their voices filled with disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He might be strong, but strength alone doesn’t make a leader in the Martial Alliance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s right. He may have accomplished a lot in the recent attacks, but this time, he’s crossed the line.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The complaints came one after another, each soldier seemingly in agreement. It felt as if they could have gone on forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the floodgates opened and pent-up frustrations spilled out—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For our captain’s sake, we must report this to the higher-ups in Hanam—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp, weighted voice cut through the chatter, silencing the room. It was Ilcheon Sword, speaking with a tone laced with energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gravity of his voice made everyone immediately fall silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the renewed quiet, Ilcheon Sword spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough pointless chatter. Focus on cleaning up this situation first. Take the deputy to the physician.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Y-Yes, sir!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers scrambled to obey, belatedly realizing the condition of their deputy. In their focus on Gu Yangcheon, they had nearly forgotten their fallen comrade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several soldiers approached the deputy, who had been quietly groaning in pain, and carefully supported him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh... Ngh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Deputy, are you alright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Move quickly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They moved to carry the battered deputy out. As they passed Ilcheon Sword, one of the soldiers momentarily froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was no wonder. Ilcheon Sword’s expression was twisted with rage, his eyes blazing with killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the face of a man who seemed ready to kill at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>",1929,"2026-06-05T15:10:19.687Z",1,"novelbin.me","54fae5dfebf6d2969bcd86c3590bf8e6eb0968230c26ee703e9bc98a38298208","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-904","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-903",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]