[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-journey-to-become-the-zenith":3,"chapter-journey-to-become-the-zenith-journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-41":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Journey to Become 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},1828578,2432,"Chapter 41: The Fall of the Ox King","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-41",41,"\u003Cp>The Fall of the Ox King\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man was sitting in a chair, sharpening his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scraping sound of whetstone against steel echoed through the dim chamber, slow and steady—like the breathing of a beast at rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was massive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muscles layered upon muscles stretched beneath rough leather armor. Veins coiled across his forearms like knotted ropes. His mana was scarce—barely a flicker compared to true fighters—but what he lacked in mystical energy, he compensated with monstrous physical power. With raw strength alone, he could crush boulders into powder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man was Eon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Known throughout Fantom City’s southern district as The Ox King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The southern district was filth incarnate. Mud-clogged alleys. Rotting refuse. The stench of cheap liquor and desperation. Thieves, slave traders, beggars—they all nested here like rats beneath the polished floors of noble estates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet irony ruled the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For when nobles desired something done without witnesses—without honor—they came here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which was why the district had never been truly eradicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was ugly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But useful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eon continued sharpening his blade, eyes half-lidded, when the door burst open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boss! There’s someone attacking all our hideouts!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whetstone stopped mid-stroke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eon lifted his head slowly, black eyes narrowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it the knights?\" His voice was deep, gravel dragged across stone. \"Have they finally decided to attack us? How many are there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, Boss. It’s not the knights. It’s someone else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eon clicked his tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it that night bstard? Or that lusty btch? Isn’t their territory enough for them? Are they eyeing mine now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing intent bled from him—not refined like a mage’s aura, but primal, heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, it’s neither of them, Boss. It’s someone else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eon stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chair groaned in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Another faction? How many men do they have?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The subordinate hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just... one?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eon blinked once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\" His voice dropped dangerously low. \"One person? Just one person and you’re trembling like a frightened child? How much damage could one person do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He already f—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sentence never finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blunt impact struck the back of the subordinate’s skull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He collapsed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eon’s instincts roared to life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spun—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And saw her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blonde girl stood a few steps behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long golden hair fell down her back. Blue sapphire eyes, cold and focused. Her frame looked slender—almost fragile compared to his towering build.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet something about her presence disturbed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t breathing heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She simply... stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You,\" Eon growled. \"Who are you? Why are you attacking my territory?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward, intentionally looming. He was nearly a head taller, twice as broad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most would falter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t have time to talk,\" Videl replied evenly. \"Since you claim this is your territory, I assume you are Eon—the Ox King.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips curled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph. Arrogant little brat. I am the Ox King an—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world blurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl vanished from his sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a man who prided himself on physical dominance, not seeing an opponent move was unthinkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp impact exploded at the back of his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stars erupted across his vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He staggered forward—but didn’t fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His knees buckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He roared and swung blindly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade cut through air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl was already behind him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fragile...\" he muttered under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, she stepped in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A precise kick to the back of his knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His leg gave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He twisted, trying to grab her arm—if he caught her once, it would be over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand brushed fabric—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She twisted away like silk in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time not to knock him out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to test.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hit his ribs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound was solid—like striking iron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pain flared in her knuckles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s durable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eon grinned despite dizziness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you’re not just quick... you hit hard too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood trickled from his scalp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lunged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not refined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not elegant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But devastating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The floor cracked under his charge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl sidestepped barely in time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wall behind her shattered from his shoulder impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dust filled the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eon swung horizontally—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She ducked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade shaved strands of her hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heart pounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brute strength had its own weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She inhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Centered herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t want to kill him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor’s plan required control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eon charged again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time she didn’t evade completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She met him head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their bodies collided—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact sent shockwaves across the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eon’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She blocked him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With far less mass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana reinforced her limbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precision over power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tried to overpower her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shifted her stance, redirecting force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His own momentum turned against him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her elbow slammed into his jaw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His head snapped sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could recover—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fist struck the same spot she had hit earlier at the back of his skull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time she didn’t hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force was surgical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Focused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eon’s massive frame swayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His vision dimmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His final thought wasn’t fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How... is this fragile girl beating me...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Darkness swallowed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The floor trembled from the fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence returned to the chamber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dust settled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl stood over him, chest rising and falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fists trembled slightly—not from exhaustion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From restraint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looked down at the unconscious Ox King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her blue eyes hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would’ve killed you for your crimes,\" she murmured quietly, \"but the fate waiting for you may lead you toward redemption.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words tasted bitter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Redemption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did monsters deserve it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Victor believed in controlling darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She believed in justice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then bent down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gripped Eon’s collar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And began dragging the massive body across the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound echoed through the broken hideout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, Fantom City’s southern district continued breathing its filth-stained rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unaware that its ruler had fallen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And unaware that a new hand was about to reach into its shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to destroy them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to claim them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hi everyone!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you so much for reading my book—it’s a dream come true. Special thanks to all who support my book with: Golden Ticket, Power Stone, for the wonderful review and Generous gift! Your support truly motivates me to keep going and create even better stories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please, continue show more support for my book if really enjoy it—it helps me a great deal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks again for being here with me on this journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Your neighbourhood writer: Scorpio_saturn777\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>",1066,"2026-06-09T06:06:36.650Z",1,"novelbin.me","99c27b43f7a0db28b71c751215699caf70962e98a163600b67757a2f072e6364","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-42","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-40",253,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fjourney-to-become-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]