When I first came across Childhood Friend of the Zenith, I almost skipped it.

Another martial arts regression story? Another MC haunted by the past? I’ve read dozens. But what I found was something different—something heavier, something more human.

At its heart, Childhood Friend of the Zenith isn’t about power fantasies or one-sided battles. It’s a story about a man who lived a life soaked in blood… and then wakes up in the past with nothing but guilt, grief, and the impossible hope of doing better.

It’s about Gu Yangcheon—a man feared across the Central Plains, who once served under the Heavenly Demon with unwavering loyalty, and who now finds himself face-to-face with his younger self… and the girl he was destined to destroy.

Where to Read Childhood Friend of the Zenith Online

If you’re ready to dive into Childhood Friend of the Zenith, there are a few important things you should know about where and how to read it.

As of now, the novel is officially available on Novelpia, where it’s already gained over 17 million views—a huge number even by web novel standards.

This alone speaks volumes about its popularity within Korean web fiction circles.

For English readers, a dedicated fan translation team has thankfully picked up the novel.

The quality of the translation has been praised for staying faithful to the tone and emotional weight of the original, which is crucial for a story like this where a lot of the impact comes from subtle character emotions.

While it’s not an official English license yet, the fan translation is highly readable and does a great job capturing Gu Yangcheon’s struggles and growth without losing the nuance.

Summary:

• Original Site: Novelpia (Korean)

• English Translation: Available via fan groups (search forums, Novel Updates, or fan communities).

Tip: If you prefer polished translations and want to support future official releases, keeping an eye out for potential licensing news.

What Childhood Friend of the Zenith Is Really About?

Gu Yangcheon lived a life filled with bloodshed and regret. Once a trusted subordinate of the Heavenly Demon, he spent his days committing acts of violence under the cult’s banner.

But after the Heavenly Demon’s defeat—brought about by the heroine Wi Seol-Ah—Gu Yangcheon found himself imprisoned, cursed to die for betraying the cult’s secrets.

However, instead of death being his end, Yangcheon regressed back to his younger self—back to the moment he first met Wi Seol-Ah.

This time, burdened by the memories of his crimes, he tries to live differently.

But carrying guilt from a previous life isn’t easy, and even second chances come with a heavy price.

Why the Childhood Friend of the Zenith Stands Out

At first glance, it might seem like a standard “regression” cultivation story:

• Regression to the past

• Redemption journey

• Childhood friend dynamic

• Martial arts world

But what makes Childhood Friend of the Zenith different isn’t just the setup—it’s the way the novel handles character emotions and growth.

Gu Yangcheon isn’t portrayed as a perfect hero.

He’s aggressive, traumatized, and at times deeply conflicted.

His past weighs heavily on him, and even though he’s given a second chance, his guilt and fear don’t simply vanish.

Some readers praised how the novel gives small glimpses into Yangcheon’s former life, slowly piecing together what happened.

This slow reveal adds layers to his character instead of dumping everything at once. It’s not a power-trip fantasy where he bulldozes through enemies either.

While there are fights—and yes, he does grow stronger—the heart of the story lies in watching a broken man try to do better, knowing full well he might fail again.

Childhood Friend of the Zenith Main Character – Gu Yangcheon

Gu Yangcheon is a complicated character. On one hand, he’s aggressive, assertive, and capable of great violence. On the other, he often feels awkward, scared, or overly cautious when dealing with people he wronged in his previous life.

This contradiction in his personality—strong fighter, hesitant human—leads to some powerful character moments. But at the same time, it’s also a source of frustration for readers who expected a colder, more decisive protagonist.

Sometimes he falls into behavior that feels closer to a flustered romance MC, especially when interacting with female characters. While this might seem jarring compared to his reputation as a former villain, it highlights how redemption is messy, not clean or straightforward.

However, some readers found that the MC’s reactions became repetitive over time—running away from every confrontation, acting overly surprised at seeing familiar faces, and lacking the boldness you’d expect from a man who lived through war.

It’s not a deal-breaker if you enjoy slow-burn character development, but it’s definitely something to be aware of before diving in.

Childhood Friend of the Zenith Characters Guide

Aside from Gu Yangcheon, Childhood Friend of the Zenith offers a memorable supporting cast.

• Wi Seol-Ah: The “childhood friend” mentioned in the title, Wi Seol-Ah is the heroine who once defeated the Heavenly Demon. She’s not just a token love interest; her importance in Yangcheon’s story is foundational.

• Family members: Yangcheon’s family plays a strong role early on. Readers specifically noted how the interactions between Yangcheon and his family were well-handled and emotional.

• Side characters: Many secondary characters (including some heroines) were praised for having distinct personalities rather than feeling like copy-pasted “waifus.” That said, some may find the romantic dynamics a bit cliché at times.

The side characters aren’t just there to fill space—they matter to the overall plot and Yangcheon’s personal growth, making the world feel more alive.

Childhood Friend of the Zenith Novel Review — Is It Worth Reading?

Reading Childhood Friend of the Zenith is like slowly putting together a broken mirror. Piece by piece, the story reconstructs both Yangcheon’s shattered soul and the world he left behind.

Here’s what stood out to me:

Strengths:

• The emotional core of the story is strong, with Yangcheon’s guilt and regrets driving the plot forward.

• Solid world-building that slowly expands without overwhelming the reader.

• Great pacing once the early chapters are overcome; the middle and later arcs especially hook readers in.

• Distinct, likable heroines and side characters that feel alive and real.

• Natural power progression and well-written fights.

Weaknesses:

• The novel sometimes “tells” instead of “shows” when describing Yangcheon’s evil past. Flashbacks are limited, and his former deeds are often implied rather than explicitly shown.

• The MC’s personality occasionally feels inconsistent—especially when dealing with waifus or family, where he turns into a pushover.

• Some may notice repetitive jokes and dialogue patterns, which can make certain chapters feel stretched out.

• Slice-of-life pacing creeps in after certain arcs, slowing the tension down when readers expected a more epic buildup.

• Word repetition between chapters is there, suggesting the author padded the text at times.

Should You Read Childhood Friend of the Zenith?

At this point, you’re probably wondering:

“Is it worth investing the time?”

The answer honestly depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re craving:

• A high-octane martial arts power fantasy with nonstop action,

• An MC who immediately dominates every enemy,

• A fast-moving, high-stakes plot from chapter one…

Then Childhood Friend of the Zenith might test your patience.

But—

If you’re someone who appreciates:

• Slow-burn character development,

• Stories built on regret, redemption, and emotional healing,

• Rich world-building revealed piece by piece,

• Fights where emotional stakes matter as much as physical ones,

Then this novel will reward you deeply.

Yes, it has rough edges:

Some dialogue feels repetitive.

The MC’s reactions can seem inconsistent.

The pacing slows down after certain arcs.

But even with those flaws, the emotional journey of Gu Yangcheon is something that stays with you long after you close the page.

Childhood Friend of the Zenith isn’t perfect. It stumbles sometimes, especially when trying to balance emotional moments with romantic or slice-of-life comedy. The MC is frustrating in his hesitations. The repetition of jokes can pull you out of the immersion now and then.

But despite all of that, this is a novel that has heart. It’s a story about fighting your inner demons more than your outer enemies. And even if Yangcheon falls, struggles, or runs away—he keeps trying. And that’s what makes him unforgettable.

If you’re willing to be patient with the early pacing and occasional inconsistencies, you’ll find a story that’s heavy, heartfelt, and absolutely worth your time.

Childhood Friend of the Zenith FAQ

Is Childhood Friend of the Zenith Completed?

As of now, the novel is still ongoing in Korean. New chapters continue to be released on Novelpia.

Is There an Official English Release of Childhood Friend of the Zenith?

Currently, there is no official licensed English version. However, fan translations are available online and are doing a good job capturing the novel’s depth and emotional tone.

What Genre is Childhood Friend of the Zenith?

• Martial Arts

• Cultivation

• Regression (Second Chance)

• Emotional Drama

• Slow-burn Romance (Light elements)

• Slice of Life (in later arcs)