[{"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-855":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},1240705,1667,"Chapter 854","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-855",855,"\u003Cp>Kwagagak—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A storm tore across the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swords rained down endlessly, whipping around like an unstoppable tempest, leaving destruction in their wake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shiiik!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four glowing blades traced erratic circles in the air, moving as though alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the spinning blades angled its tip and lunged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hup.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah angled her sword, lowering the edge to deflect the incoming attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kiiiik!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade scraped against her sword’s spine, its trajectory deflected as sparks scattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She successfully parried the attack, but her expression remained tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this wasn’t the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, as soon as she dealt with one attack, two more blades lunged at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frowning, Namgung Bi-ah braced herself, channeling her energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning Qi surged, coiling around her sword. She concentrated her energy into her core, releasing it explosively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure radiating from her body solidified into the form of Jeowang Geomhyeong—the Emperor’s Sword Form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a fleeting moment, the flying blades slowed. Namgung Bi-ah seized the opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her sword, imbued with Lightning Qi, slashed through the air. The two incoming blades shattered under her strike, revealing a clear path ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, she darted forward, her movements as swift as a lightning bolt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, she was upon her opponent, her sword poised to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She aimed for the neck—a clean, decisive blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah abruptly halted her strike, twisting her body mid-motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blade stabbed into the space her head had occupied moments ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pik!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shallow wound appeared on her cheek, blood trickling down. A few strands of her hair fell, severed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spinning away, she widened the gap between herself and her opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hoo...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She exhaled deeply, wiping the blood from her cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tension was suffocating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your instincts are sharp.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Stream Sect master smiled as he observed Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still hadn’t moved a single step, his hands clasped behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah’s brow furrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite being at the Hwagyeong level like her, the difference in skill was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t someone she could compare to opponents like the Silver Wolf Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even earlier... What a waste of talent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You couldn’t have reached the Irip stage yet... So how can you be this strong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man chuckled, shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he laughed, the blades hovering in the air returned to him, circling around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Star King, that brat, is the same... These kids nowadays are on a whole different level.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hoo...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah steadied her breathing, regaining her stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She already knew she couldn’t win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had realized that after the first exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s such a pity, really. Seeing someone as brilliant as you being treated so harshly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her opponent was holding back—that much was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was toying with her, adjusting his attacks as though entertaining himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah glanced back briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah still hadn’t moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was standing still, her gaze fixed on the tree, seemingly entranced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, something was wrong with her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, why don’t you just answer my questions? I’ll spare your life if you do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spare her life? And what would happen after that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah’s nose wrinkled as a foul stench reached her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man reeked of something vile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, in exchange for your life... you’ll have to entertain this old man for a while. Make it worth my while.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words dripped with nauseating desire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes turned icy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This feeling... She had experienced it many times before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was nothing new, just something she had grown accustomed to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever she faced such gazes, Gu Yangcheon’s words echoed in her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s because you’re beautiful. Not just a little—too much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently, she was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing it didn’t evoke any particular emotion. It wasn’t something that had ever benefited her life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was simply a fact she acknowledged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, she had known it since she was young. At one point, she had considered it a curse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of her misfortunes stemmed from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had once thought, Wouldn’t it be better if I didn’t have this face?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, things were different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She no longer cared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those lecherous gazes, that unbridled desire—they no longer bothered her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What once disgusted her now didn’t affect her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembered asking him about it once, and he had looked at her incredulously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You don’t like being beautiful? What kind of nonsense is that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, it’s not that I hate it... Wait, what? Chest? Why are we talking about that? Hey! Button up your shirt! Have you lost your mind?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t hate either. If anything, I like them, so stop asking and go! I need to train!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those once cumbersome aspects no longer weighed on her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way his face reddened when he stole glances at her. The faint trace of longing in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strangely, none of it bothered her anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, she thought about how he tried to restrain himself and wondered if he didn’t have to. If anything, she wished he wouldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that was a thought meant only for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, why don’t you stop fighting a losing battle and just surrender? Quietly...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Stream Sect master’s words trailed off as his gaze narrowed on Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you smiling?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah was smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Partly because she had been thinking of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And partly because she was enjoying this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fight she couldn’t win. A battle with no hope of victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment when death was a very real possibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It all made her smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Stream Sect master chuckled dryly, as though he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought you were just a talented flower. But this... Goodness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The swords circling him paused. The desire in his eyes shifted to something more wary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re a Du-Gwi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among martial artists, there were those who lived for the thrill of combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who reveled in killing were called Sal-Gwi (Killing Ghosts).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who were consumed by the joy of battle were called Du-Gwi (Fighting Ghosts).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This girl was a Du-Gwi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smiling as she felt the thrill of combat in this desperate situation—how absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, that’s how it is, I suppose.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Stream Sect master grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For someone as beautiful as her, it didn’t matter if she was a Du-Gwi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing would change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I can capture her, she’ll be a valuable card to play.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How had they come here? How had they opened the sealed door?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And more importantly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who is that girl behind her?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden-haired girl entranced by the Sacred Tree of Ilcheon Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew who she was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The descendant of the Sword Master. They called her the Seomwol Sword, didn’t they?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling that name sent chills down his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had encountered her once, briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the heart of a battlefield, where countless swords rained down, slaughtering enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sight incomparable to his four blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, despite her lineage, she stood motionless, staring only at the Sacred Tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Capture them both.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would use them against the Star King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he would unravel these mysteries, while presenting his followers with an unexpected prize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Endure if you can.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a smirk, the old man waved his hand, and the swords rained down again like falling stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hoo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah exhaled once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice in her ears kept shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Draw it already!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder’s voice pierced her mind like a blade, but Namgung Bi-ah didn’t listen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was still more she could do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Foolish girl...! This isn’t something that stubbornness can solve—!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The descending blades came within a hair’s breadth of Namgung Bi-ah’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strike was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, just as the slanted blades closed in—Namgung Bi-ah drew her sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t Thunder Fang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kugugugung—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her blade struck, unleashing a shockwave as it embedded itself in the earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same moment, something was sliced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Celestial Stream Sect master staggered, dropping to one knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guh...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He coughed violently, blood gushing from his mouth as he clutched his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something else flowed from his torso—blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep gash ran across his chest, crimson spilling from the wound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wracked with pain, the Sect master glared straight ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You...! How did you manage to wield a Heart Sword (Simgeom)?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His snarling face twisted into a mask of fury as he spat his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ssss...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hoo...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From where the storm of blades had just raged, a familiar sound echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fallen swords lay scattered across the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing among them was Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t unscathed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cuts and gashes marred her figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her robes were torn, and blood trickled from her lips, hands, and legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wounds weren’t shallow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah was smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if the situation pleased her, she smiled as if in full bloom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve got... a good sense, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She echoed the words the Sect master had uttered just moments ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A subterranean chamber, vast and humid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large, elderly man rushed in with a panicked expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s happening here—?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those inside turned to him, their faces pale with shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Th-the formation was suddenly deactivated!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean?! What were the guards doing?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can’t reach them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder’s face twisted into a grimace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The formation was deactivated? Just like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When was the last shift change with the guards?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Roughly half a sichen ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only half a sichen?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t believe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a sichen, barely an hour. The formation that even the renowned Wind Dragon Division Chief could hold off for days—disarmed in such a short time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made no sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder’s disbelief grew heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you absolutely sure?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Elder. The formation dismantled without any apparent cause.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could it have malfunctioned on its own?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps the mechanism had failed? The elder considered the possibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Formation Division checked it earlier today and reported no issues.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then it must be an outside attack.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is our current assumption...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where is the Sect Master? What’s his current position?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Sect Master left earlier, saying he was going to catch some ‘rats’...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder’s frustration deepened. He had been aware of intruders for some time, but the Sect Master had insisted on waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is it them?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones who had snuck in—could they have done this? If so, how?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder had no answers, but he knew standing idle wasn’t an option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll go inspect the formation myself. You, come with me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured for one of the formation experts to accompany him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose quickly, moving toward the exit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half-running, he made his way to the only true entrance among the many false pathways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder wasn’t familiar with the exact layout, so he relied on his guide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To the left.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Navigating the labyrinthine corridors, he followed the instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they neared the correct entrance—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, turn right...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder halted abruptly, raising his hand to stop the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide looked at him, confused, but the elder’s gaze was fixed ahead. Sweat trickled down his temples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who’s there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He addressed the darkness ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Footsteps echoed in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide froze as an overwhelming killing intent washed over him, suffocating and all-consuming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the shadows of the entrance, faint blue light flickered, shimmering faintly in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t take long for the guide to realize the light came from a pair of eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"W-who are you...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder’s eyes widened as he finally made out the figure stepping forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The St—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have a question for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man’s cold voice interrupted the elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide trembled uncontrollably. The oppressive killing intent was one thing, but there was something else—something terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘His... his eyes?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blue light in the stranger’s eyes began to change, shifting hue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was once a cold, radiant blue morphed into a deep, chilling violet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide felt his breath catch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t think. He couldn’t act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fear consumed him entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clatter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His teeth chattered uncontrollably as his body quaked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m looking for someone,\" the young man continued, his tone calm but piercing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know anything?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"S-someone?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder gritted his teeth, his muscles swelling as he gathered all his energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He roared, expelling a surge of Qi to dispel the killing intent pressing down on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you even know where you are—?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder’s massive frame radiated power, a clear sign of a martial artist who had reached Hwagyeong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide felt a faint glimmer of hope. Surely the elder could buy them some time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide let out a stunned gasp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder, moments ago radiating strength, suddenly collapsed onto one knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"E-Elder?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide tried to make sense of the scene, but the elder didn’t respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, his massive frame toppled forward, crumpling to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavy impact echoed, and the guide instinctively moved to check on him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something fell in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide’s eyes widened in horror, and a bloodcurdling scream tore from his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aaaagh—!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heart, still faintly pulsing, lay at his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wh-who’s...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to the elder, who now lay lifeless in a pool of blood, his chest cavity empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"E-Elder...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A boot crushed the heart underfoot, spraying blood onto the guide’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll ask again,\" the young man said, his voice calm and deliberate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hand reached out, gripping the guide’s jaw and forcing his head upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m looking for someone. Do you know anything?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guide felt something warm and sticky on his chin—the elder’s blood.\u003C\u002Fp>",2250,"2026-06-05T15:10:20.656Z",1,"novelbin.me","381fb42b3218d8de517e4a150e04f8a8c1adcd9d4105bb9204bbd5cd4e7c4041","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-856","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-854",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]