[{"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-873":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},1240723,1667,"Chapter 872","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-873",873,"\u003Cp>\"Filthy Orthodox sect bastards.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword had undoubtedly shouted this just now. Moreover, there was no one present who failed to grasp the meaning behind those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leader, please, come to your senses!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What... what is this...?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So noisy,\" Ilcheon Sword muttered, ignoring the desperate pleas of the Azure Dragon Division members. His lips curled into a sneer, a stark contrast to the typically solemn and composed expression he once wore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If only I had endured a little longer... Just a bit more... How regretful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clunk. Ilcheon Sword made an attempt to move his body, but in that instant, a spear pierced through his thigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thwack—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't move recklessly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Urgh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword grimaced in pain, but even that wasn’t enough to silence him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh heh heh... Just a little more... If I had just pushed a little further... I could have wiped out those disgusting Orthodox sect bastards...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke as though truly lamenting his failure, and his words gradually caused the faces of the Azure Dragon Division members to crumble. Reality was starting to set in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our leader... Why...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why did you betray us?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why? You’re asking why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword's dazed eyes focused as he responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because you all have no future. But he does.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What nonsense...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The cult leader will save the world. I was merely a stepping stone for that. And yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bearing the pain of his pierced thigh, Ilcheon Sword forced himself upright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You dared to ruin my plans...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze, wild and unhinged, resembled that of a madman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If things had gone according to plan, I could have cut down the Star King with ease... You revolting pests.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Keheheheh...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drool dripped from his mouth as he laughed—a grotesque and unsettling sight. It was a far cry from the Ilcheon Sword they once knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An alien, disquieting presence. That was how he appeared now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Insects daring to oppose the great vision of the cult leader... How ignorant you are. You know nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A... Ahh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Azure Dragon Division members, overwhelmed by the shock, could barely speak. What were they witnessing? The Ilcheon Sword they had once revered was nowhere to be found.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What stood before them now was a fanatical zealot, a man whose mind had fallen into complete madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unforgivable... I cannot forgive this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ilcheon Sword's deep violet eyes gleamed as he moved. He seemed completely indifferent to the wounds covering his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one who had embedded the spear in his thigh, Pi Yeon-yeon, sighed softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This one really needs to die. Sis, can I kill him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoosh—! Before Tang So-yeol could even grant permission, the spear was already pulled out. Observing silently, Tang So-yeol spoke coldly, her eyes sinking with an icy resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kill him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Got it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the command, the spear moved swiftly. As the energy imbued within it surged to cleave Ilcheon Sword’s neck—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Tsk.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint click of the tongue echoed from somewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the blade could strike, the spear was blocked by an unexpected force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pi Yeon-yeon's eyes widened at the sight. A mere finger—an index finger, no less—was stopping her spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Azure Dragon Division members, who knew just how powerful the energy within that spear was, stood stunned. Who could possibly block it with just one finger?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...When...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When had this person appeared? No one had noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was not someone who had been there all along. They had suddenly arrived, intercepting Pi Yeon-yeon's attack without anyone sensing their presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[How disappointing.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep voice spread through the air, sending chills down the spines of everyone who heard it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Despite claiming to prove your worth, I merely observed. But you’ve proven far more incompetent than expected.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahh...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every word pressed down on the air, suffocating those nearby. The Star Dragon Division members gritted their teeth, drenched in cold sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kuh...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Azure Dragon Division members, unable to withstand the oppressive atmosphere, vomited blood. What was this being that had suddenly appeared?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The momentary confusion did not last long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The figure’s appearance was too distinct, and it was impossible for those from the Orthodox sect not to recognize them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cheonma...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's Cheonma!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma (Heavenly Demon).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current target of the Murim Alliance's greatest efforts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The identity of the leader of the Demonic Cult, often referred to as the \"Heavenly One.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A being who had previously struck Zhongyuan alongside descendants of the Jegal family, leaving immense devastation in their wake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The very reason the Star Dragon Division had been formed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, this being had appeared here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slink—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of weapons being drawn and auras igniting erupted all around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An enemy to be captured and killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone lunged forward with that singular intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kneel.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deafening pressure filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the words of Cheonma, those present dropped to their knees. Just a single word.The sheer force behind it was enough to compel them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had they knelt? Even as confusion filled their minds, their bodies betrayed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woooom—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the sea of kneeling figures, one woman stood unyielding. Tang So-yeol.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clutching a dagger and a throwing knife she had drawn at some point, she charged toward Cheonma. Yet her visibly slowed movements betrayed the pressure affecting her as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma glanced at her casually, waving a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunk—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urgh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang So-yeol's body was struck and sent tumbling backward. Rolling across the ground several times, she finally stopped, coughing harshly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Stay still. I am not in a pleasant mood right now.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma, shifting his gaze from Tang So-yeol, scanned the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So many insects. Disgusting enough to make me nauseous.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his words, everyone trembled involuntarily. Even without understanding why, they felt fear coursing through them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure emanating from him, the aura he exuded—it was fundamentally different. Just meeting his gaze felt like it could drive one to madness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response to this overwhelming presence, Ilcheon Sword spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“L-Lord Cult Leader…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were filled with boundless reverence and adoration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“O, great one of the heavens…! This lowly servant greets the heavens of our cult…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With each word, Ilcheon Sword slammed his head onto the ground, repeating the act over and over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud! Thud!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood began to seep from his forehead, but his loyalty remained unshaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hmm.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma looked down at Ilcheon Sword, his expression unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ilcheon Sword.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes… Yes, my lord…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You are quite unlike the one who spoke so confidently before.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You promised to present me with their severed heads, yet what is this pitiful sight I see now?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“T-That…! I am sorry…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[No need. I didn’t say it expecting an apology. You did your best.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aah… Lord Cult Leader… Thank you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma’s hand moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hiiik!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In one swift motion, Cheonma tore Ilcheon Sword’s throat out. The man couldn’t even utter a final word before death claimed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You simply failed to meet my expectations.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tossed Ilcheon Sword’s severed head to the ground. Blood dripped from Cheonma’s hand as he continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[There is no place for the incompetent in our cult.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wooooooom---!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma’s black robes fluttered in the rising wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he preparing something? The tension in the air grew as everyone watched him with anxious expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[And the same goes for the rest of you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma clasped his hands together. A palpable sense of dread began to take hold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Originally, I intended to kill all of you here and claim the Star King’s head as well. However...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chuckle accompanied his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[The woman’s spirit is remarkable.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze fell on Tang So-yeol, who was staggering to her feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[And you fools disrupted this trash’s plans so thoroughly that I’ll extend some mercy.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was he saying? Everyone stared at him with tense eyes, still unable to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their bodies remained paralyzed, bound by the suffocating pressure. The air itself felt like it was crushing them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of existence was this? How could a living being exude such an aura?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huff… Huff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their breathing grew labored, drenched in sweat and exhaustion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma, his hands still clasped, slowly began to part them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woooooooooooom----!!!!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gasp…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Argh…!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene unfolding before them was too shocking for coherent reactions.Cracks began forming in the empty sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like stars painting the night, the sky tore open, revealing countless glowing eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What... what is that...?\" someone stammered, their voice trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite their confusion, the truth was evident to all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was simply too terrifying to believe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaking bodies turned toward the sky, and someone finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Magyeong Gate…? Why is the Magyeong Gate…!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could a human summon the Magyeong Gate…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eyes in the sky were unmistakably the Magyeong Gate, filling the heavens with its ominous presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the crowd stared in horror, Cheonma’s voice deepened with laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Insignificant worms.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Magyeong Gate began to tremble, emitting a deafening vibration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roar—!! Roarrrr---!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From within came the growls of beasts, hungry and feral. Their cries echoed, filled with rage and bloodlust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[This is a gift from me to you.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma’s words seemed to shake the heavens themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Enjoy it to your heart’s content.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screeech---!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, a storm of violent calamities descended from the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>",1534,"2026-06-05T15:10:20.656Z",1,"novelbin.me","4e986d5db6602860d73c7e9d258537c057f96ed4933a1bc57d411707908ae9cd","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-874","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-872",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]