[{"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-912":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},1240662,1667,"Chapter 911","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-912",912,"\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon turned away from the path to the village and headed back toward Shin Noya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though there were other matters to attend to, this situation had suddenly become more urgent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya narrowed his eyes as he noticed Gu Yangcheon approach again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn’t you run away earlier?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was standing with Seol Yeong, the cat-like human, as they cleaned up the unconscious disciples. Well, to be precise, Seol Yeong was doing the cleaning while Shin Noya stood idly by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It wasn’t running away. It was a tactical retreat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A creative excuse, I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya laughed as if amused. At least he wasn’t trying to hit him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, after such a grand retreat, why have you returned? Weren’t you in the middle of something?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I was. But…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon glanced at Cheonma, annoyed. His original errand in the village was interrupted because of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard something strange and decided I should confirm it first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya tilted his head at the comment, prompting Gu Yangcheon to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This one wandered outside yesterday and said she saw something unusual.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya turned his gaze to Cheonma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unusual, how?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead of letting her answer, Gu Yangcheon stepped in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She claims someone was watching her before disappearing. It seemed suspicious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Someone was watching her and then vanished?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya frowned deeply, clearly taking the situation seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where exactly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She said it was outside this place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Outside?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Shin Noya and Seol Yeong exchanged glances, as if they both realized something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you see their appearance?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya asked the question with deliberate intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So, he has a specific suspect in mind,’ Gu Yangcheon thought, catching the implication. He answered bluntly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brown hair, wearing a black mask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seol Yeong’s eyes widened, while Shin Noya exhaled sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sect leader…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seol Yeong cautiously addressed Shin Noya, who nodded grimly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s Yarang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yarang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s ears perked up. Shin Noya seemed to recognize the name immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Noya, what is Yarang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon pressed for clarification, and Shin Noya straightened up as he began to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There exists a woman who is said to be everywhere at once—her eyes and ears sharper than anyone’s.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could you say that in a way I’d actually understand?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya stroked his beard thoughtfully before elaborating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She goes by many names, but the one she speaks of herself is Yarang. To be specific…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression shifted, his tone carrying a note of irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She’s known as the 'Eyes of the Abyssal Chasm.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*********\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having heard Shin Noya’s explanation, Gu Yangcheon soon found himself following him somewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t far, and it happened to align with where Gu Yangcheon had originally intended to go—the village bustling with people near the Mount Hua Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he didn’t mind returning to the area, he couldn’t help but wonder, Why here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why did he suddenly decide to bring me back here?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, Gu Yangcheon kept quiet and followed. After walking for about an hour, Shin Noya finally stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What’s this place?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking around, Gu Yangcheon frowned. It wasn’t what he expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A teahouse?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of them was a teahouse exuding a fragrant aroma. Though unassuming at first glance, it had a certain charm to its structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even someone like Gu Yangcheon, who had no appreciation for aesthetics, found it oddly pleasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, let’s go in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Seriously? This is where you brought me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring Gu Yangcheon’s skepticism, Shin Noya entered the building. Gu Yangcheon hesitated for a moment before following.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creaaak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door opened with a characteristic sound, and they stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hm?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something felt off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The interior was clean and elegant, filled with the soothing scent of tea. The tables and decor radiated warmth, creating a peaceful atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why does it feel so vast?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The inside was unnaturally spacious, far larger than what the exterior of the building should allow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What is this strange sensation?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon glanced at Cheonma, who was also looking around in curiosity, her expression mirroring his own sense of unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Noya, what exactly is this place…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish his question—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Turtle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya called out with an irritated expression, staring into empty space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s a problem. Come out immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are you talking to, Noya?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon raised his senses, searching for any presence other than their own. But he detected nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Shin Noya ignored him and continued shouting into the void.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Turtle!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice grew louder, but there was still no response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you playing games at a time like this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya narrowed his eyes, reaching out with his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sssshh—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword at Gu Yangcheon’s side suddenly flew into Shin Noya’s grasp, transforming into its blade form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That bastard.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It infuriated Gu Yangcheon how the sword always responded to its previous owner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oblivious or indifferent to Gu Yangcheon’s anger, Shin Noya raised his aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>RUMBLE…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The oppressive pressure was overwhelming. Gu Yangcheon’s body instinctively recoiled, his energy flaring defensively against the crushing force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a primal reaction, beyond conscious control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is insane…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer weight of Shin Noya’s aura was unlike anything Gu Yangcheon had ever experienced. Just being near it felt like his body might collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is your last warning. If you don’t show yourself by the time I count to three, I’ll tear this place apart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya’s voice was razor-sharp, his intent clear. Blossoms of plum energy scattered around him, carrying an uncharacteristically violent edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sword in his hand trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Shin Noya was about to swing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can’t understand you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new voice rang out from somewhere nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How does three suddenly become one? Did you never learn how to count?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve shown yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya smirked as his aura dissipated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Is this the Turtle he mentioned?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon turned toward the source of the voice, curious about the nickname.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...It really is a turtle.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon immediately understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It really was a turtle—or, to be more precise, a turtle-like humanoid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At this point, nothing surprises me anymore.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wolves, cats, dogs—he’d seen them all. What could possibly shock him now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And why, pray tell, are you causing such a commotion all of a sudden?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man referred to as the Turtle spoke in a dry, raspy voice, glaring at Shin Noya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shouldn’t you have come out when I called you nicely the first time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And would I have come out if you didn’t make such a scene?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was already on my way when the door opened, you rude bastard. Do you know how hard it is for these old knees to move… nghh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Turtle dragged over a chair and sat down heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What the hell?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon blinked. Had there always been a chair there? He was sure it wasn’t there a moment ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, my back…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Turtle groaned as he settled in, then turned to Shin Noya.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, what brings you here so suddenly, you damned brat?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thought you’d at least offer tea since it’s been so long. You’re far too stingy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tea is only for proper guests. I don’t waste it on delinquents like you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon couldn’t help but let out an admiring sound. The comment resonated with him deeply. Referring to Shin Noya as a delinquent felt profoundly satisfying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The glare from Shin Noya made it clear that Gu Yangcheon’s approval had been too audible, but he pretended not to notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t need tea. I didn’t come here for that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then why are you here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Turtle’s tone suggested he’d much rather Shin Noya leave, but the latter showed no signs of complying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know why I’m here, don’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have no idea what you’re talking about. Old age has dulled my hearing lately…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, wait! I heard you just fine this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Turtle hurriedly interrupted before Shin Noya could unleash more chaos, muttering curses under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You miserable bastard,\" he added with a glare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya smirked, clearly enjoying himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s time to work, Turtle. You’ve rested enough. Now move.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, the Turtle’s wrinkles deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn’t we agree on this before, Sect Leader? I only work once every three months. It hasn’t even been a month yet. This is a breach of contract.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s what we agreed, yes. But Turtle, you’re aware, aren’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya planted Eternal Bind into the ground like a walking stick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With the barrier damaged, you’re the only one who can fix it. If it’s left as is, it won’t just be my problem—it’ll become yours too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Barrier?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What barrier was he talking about? Gu Yangcheon was about to ask when Shin Noya spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yarang noticed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Turtle tilted his head slowly, considering this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If there’s an issue, we need to relocate before it’s too late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Turtle made a thoughtful face, though the slowness of his movements was almost aggravating to watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Turtle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s still a breach of contract. So, I have a condition.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya frowned at the response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A condition…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed. While you’re correct that the issue could affect me, it’s not entirely my problem, is it? You know that as well, Sect Leader…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya said nothing, implicitly agreeing with the Turtle’s point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, I have a demand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s hear it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Allow me to sell plum tea in the village for a year.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Huh?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon blinked. Plum tea? Out of nowhere?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Oh, right. This is a teahouse.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t an entirely unreasonable request, given the setting. Still, it felt oddly specific.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya’s reaction made it even stranger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course! You were scheming this all along, weren’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya looked genuinely frustrated. Why was he so worked up over plum tea?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s my price. I won’t budge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Turtle’s resolve was clear. Shin Noya, visibly torn, deliberated before finally responding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A year is excessive. Three months.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Such a trivial offer for a breach of contract. Nine months.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The quantity alone makes that unfeasible. The most I can offer is six months.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Turtle tilted his head side to side, as if weighing the offer carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Six months… six months, huh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long pause, he finally nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well. Six months it is.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was a good deal, Sect Leader.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking satisfied, the Turtle rose from his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shin Noya, on the other hand, clenched his fist in what looked like defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dammit…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon could only stare in disbelief at the bizarre exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the Turtle suddenly paused and turned to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, that reminds me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pointing at Gu Yangcheon with his staff, he asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is that monster?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Turtle had just called him a monster, with absolutely no regard for tact.\u003C\u002Fp>",1798,"2026-06-05T15:10:21.117Z",1,"novelbin.me","68bce0d8d1ae82be937aa1b31659b8ac2a81cc40a4c9a80c824ba3f8f45ece68","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-913","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-911",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]