Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Description

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Instead of struggling meaninglessly, he acknowledged his place.

Associated Names
One entry per line
CFZ
Childhood Friend of the Zenith Under the Heavens
The Zenith's Childhood Friend
천하제일인의 소꿉친구
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
The Ruler Of Darkness (3)
The Main Heroines are Trying to Kill Me (2)
My Daughters Are Regressors (2)
Love Letter From The Future (1)
The Villain Who Robbed the Heroines (1)
I, The Dragon Overlord (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. all of my 5/5 novels
  2. Peak.
  3. KR Novels Recommended by a Picky Reader
  4. The most interesting Light Novels
  5. Peak Yanderes

Latest Release

Date Group Release
03/28/24 Genesis Translations c199
03/26/24 Genesis Translations c198
03/24/24 Genesis Translations c197
03/22/24 Genesis Translations c196
03/20/24 Genesis Translations c195
03/18/24 Genesis Translations c194
03/17/24 Genesis Translations c193
03/15/24 Genesis Translations c192
03/13/24 Genesis Translations c191
03/11/24 Genesis Translations c190
03/07/24 Genesis Translations c189
03/05/24 Genesis Translations c188
03/03/24 Genesis Translations c187
03/01/24 Genesis Translations c186
02/28/24 Genesis Translations c185
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52 Reviews sorted by


hiddenmachine
New hiddenmachine rated it
March 18, 2024
Status: c147
Love it so far. I actually enjoy how much things are hidden behind the scenes because it make me want to find out even more. Romance is good, but would be more enjoyable if it felt natural. And the translations are really good, took a while to get used to the different style of line spacing from what I'm used to. Only nitpick is I find some details in the translations that don't read right or are wrong so I hope those will eventually get fixed. Other wise, 4.7/5
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Elion
New Elion rated it
March 17, 2024
Status: c156
This story had a lot of potential, and probably still does, however I dislike the amount of information hiding it does, 156 chapters in, and we keep getting more and more questions and no answers, it's very poor writing if you ask me.

Also every female character introduced HAS to love the main character, it's kinda too much.
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bboi
bboi rated it
November 1, 2022
Status: c400
Synopsis: The main character Gu-Yangcheon is the only son of the Gu clan and one of the heavenly demon's most trusted men. After dying with many regrets, he has been regressed to the past by a mysterious power.

Review: A unique novel that has a mix of martial arts, regression, and rifts that spew out monsters. Combined with solid writing and good character development, makes it no wonder that this novel is one of the most highly rated in novelpia with Over 17 million views.

This novel has a somewhat slow start... more>> but once you get over that you'll be hooked to read even more of it.

I'm just gonna keep it short so you guys/girls can read to decide yourself, also props to the translation team that picked this up. <<less
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mja
mja rated it
August 11, 2023
Status: c55
The main character feels like beta JP MC half the time and acts like an idiot the other half, the novel is repetitive with a new female character that is interested in the MC showing up every dozen chapter or so. The dialogue is all over the place and the plot is boring consisting of go to new place find convenient magical power up beat up an arrogant young master and rinse and repeat overall this is tr*sh no different then the rest.

the denseness and s*upidity of the MC of... more>> someone who was supposedly reincarnated is astounding he is always absolutely shocked about the appearance of a character from his past life and always tries to run away as he is always terrified from them even though they show no signs of hostility and his reactions and dialogue is literally copied and pasted again and again even in the same chapter the laziness of the author shows, You'd have to be brain dead to enjoy this novel. <<less
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Fluffums
Fluffums
May 30, 2023
Status: c57
I've gotten tired of the complete disconnect between the main character's expectations and reality. He's in a completely different position and has acted completely differently from his past life, so of course people would treat him differently. The people he met during a continent-wide devastating war were different before the war when they were innocent children... Why is that surprising? Why is it still surprising the tenth person he meets? The third time he meets the same person?

I'm honestly interested in the answers to the mysteries presented so far, and... more>> I like a lot of the characters, but it annoys me to no end that he continually gets surprised over characters acting consistently with how they've acted in front of him in the current life. It's to the point where these misunderstandings and dense protagonist behaviors have taken over the plot, and the protagonist has not even realized that maybe he could be wrong about anyone at all. Let alone that he's been wrong about pretty much everyone for 30 chapters or so... <<less
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utrabrite
utrabrite rated it
November 3, 2022
Status: c500
This is a very very popular series and I was kinda surprised it wasn't being translated. Great to see that an awesome translation team has picked this up and will no doubt do it justice

If I had to summarize: Gu Yang Cheon is the heir to a respected family despite not having a reputation that befits his station. Circumstances cause him to eventually defect to the Heavenly Demon Cult where he rises in stature and becomes feared throughout the central plains. It is at the end of a long war... more>> between the Righteous and Demon sects, wherein the Heavenly Demon ends up dying, that our protagonist becomes regretful of his life choices once he is at death's door. For some mysterious reason, he returns to his childhood where he is faced with an almost inevitable future

This series is highly acclaimed for a reason. It does take a while to get going but no doubt you'll be hooked once it does <<less
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Deguredolf Hitanyalier
Deguredolf Hitanyalier rated it
November 1, 2022
Status: c0
This review shall be edited time to time, I also haven't read ahead yet so I'll just say my simple review based off chapter 0,

I just really love the genre drama, tragedy and regret.

That's what I felt at the start,

... more>> So I am anticipating for a drama to shed me tears but it seems the tags in NU are insufficient, but it will definitely have so on

And no this is not your typical brainless harem plot, every character is well written and the romance is very fine, perhaps even better than the romance writing of Main Heroines not that I meant to say it's bad.

Again I shall edit this time to time, so I deeply wish you all a good read I highly recommend it based off the high rated reviews from Novelpia. <<less
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DemianTurned
DemianTurned rated it
February 13, 2023
Status: c27
TLDR: From Chapter 27, it reads similar to a story about regrets. The MC is smart, and knows his limits. During the earlier chapters, there was a more psychological approach to writing, but I feel as if the story is transforming into a basic plot at this rate.

CONS (from chapter 27) :

  • The character knows he shouldn't say yes, but most times end’s up saying so— surprise, all these situations are with female characters.
  • Translation group hoards all recent chapters and asks for payment to view them. They release 1-2 chapters whenever they feel like it.
  • There is a possible entryway towards a cliché regression trope. I hope the author does not take it.
  • ... Harem.
PROS:

  • The writing is near perfect. The psychological aspects are very emotional, you are able to see a character’s inner turmoil, it is what makes this story special.
  • MC is smart, knows his limits, and is also not omniscient.
  • MC knows his experience. Compared to the kids his age, he’s obviously superior to them because of it; despite being weaker physically.
All in all, I would rate this a 4.5/5 story at Chapter 27.

I urge you all to read the story for yourselves and see if it’s good enough to continue.
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Krypton71
Krypton71 rated it
July 2, 2023
Status: c68
Geneuinely a good adventurous-type read.
3 Cons making me drop though...

- Dense MC (Which people chalk upto his past but these excuses fail to take away the annoying factor of this con).

- MC played around by one big shot after another and the self-justification that it was for his own good after the ordeal (Sure, the MC is weak af (debatable) right now but it's not something you expect out of a guy who regressed- at least not what I would've hoped for).

- The annoying hated protagonist trope (need... more>> I say more) and the buttload of misunderstandings that come along with it.

anyways, don't let my review stop you from diving in. Besides these 3 cons, it's genuinely a good read. Just for me it's hit a bottom line and so I dropped, but I'm sure for many the action and the adventure and the interesting heroines will keep you hooked. <<less
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Teddy1337
Teddy1337 rated it
December 10, 2023
Status: c282
Started quite interesting

... more>>
Spoiler

Protagonist was one of main subordinates of Heavenly Demon in his previous life. Then he died and reincarnated with the ability of devouring different kinds of power/mana, which he acquired from his demon lord in the past. Soon after, he meets future protagonist (who will slain a lot of demons, including him) and becomes her friend. Also, at reincarnated time he had status of very spoiled powerless child. So, there will be a lot of moments when everyone look down on him and pick fights with him.

[collapse]
But later, author starts to re-tell facts which he already stated in first chapters, and it happens that almost everything, which we were told at the beginning of story was lie or very strange interpretation (and we have no plot reason for that, only author desire to make the story look deeper then it is).

Spoiler

I don't remember exact chapters when we discover new facts which contradict old ones, but anyway. Later, we are told that Heavenly Demon is not actually a demon at all, it is just a very powerful cultivator, who could gives power to his 'believers'. And after that, people will obey the will of that 'demon' to the point, that they will kill their parent or siblings if demon asks them to do so. And our reincarnator is same, he just did bad things according to will of a bad guy, but not to his own. I don't say that it is very bad plot twist, but I don't like reinterpretation of what was told.

[collapse]

It feels that some of the chapters I've read had misleading information and are not necessary to read at all.

I should also say something about harem. There is a lot of words and sentences about girls who for some reasons fall in love with MC (and those reason are very s*upid in most cases). Those reasons are not explained at all, and they work because author wants to have at least 4 girls who love MC.

Spoiler

So, the most reasonable love is from future demon slayer, because it appears that she also reincarnated and she remembers good deeds from MC. (Probably author could figure out some other s*upid twist and ot won't be like I said, but at 282 chapter it goes like I stated).

Next one is girl, who is very strong swordsman and was partner of MC when he and she were 'demons'. She loves MC becouse he has no bad smell (it really what was stated in novel). For some reason (which is not explained and probably won't be explained till the end) everyone has rotten smell except for MC for that girl. And when they met, she couldn't resist his good smell (wtf), and even became his wife.

So, third one is strong toxic master, and she loves MC beacuse he has good appearance in her eyes (everyone else say that MC is kinda ugly). It is not that strange reason, but at that moment when they meet, he already had previous girl (and after 20-40 chapters he engaged with her). And engagement didn't stop toxic girl at all, and it just strange in my eyes.

Fourth one is the girl, who MC actually dated in previous life. She is presented as very smart manipulator (but smat my ***, it is not like this at all). She loves MC, because he could heat her body with his magic and none could except for him.

[collapse]

If you read my spoilers, it becomes obvious that author is really bad at making up reasons for love relationship. But not only that, it works the same way for plot. Illogical events happen time to time and as story goes those events happen more are more often. It also includes mc's behaviour and thoughts.

What also irritates me is the amount of 'cringe romantic' moments per chapter. I could read novels with romance subplot, it is not a problem at all for me. But in this novel it feels not as subplot, but as an actual plot. At least fourth part of each chapter is about MC patting someone's head or eating dumplings with one or another girl. Those moments are quite repetitive and it is really irritating to read them for 10th or 20th time.

Overall, pretty average. Kinda interesting premise, but author ruined it with his pretty s*upid plot twists (and plot development in general) and absence of ideas for chapters' plot (which he filled with 'patting head', 'eating dumplings' and 'stretching cheeks') <<less
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CapybarasOKIPULLUP
CapybarasOKIPULLUP rated it
January 21, 2023
Status: c20
Listen this novel is literally become one of the best novels for me. It has everything, action, good romance, a non overbearing harem and an author who knows where their story is going and can create good world building with their immersion and good writing. Also the translator quality is very high and although their pace is relatively slow its worth the wait. Look it may seem like im sucking the author and the translator off but just read it, trust me I can't convey into words how good this... more>> novel is. <<less
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LordMashiro
LordMashiro rated it
March 26, 2023
Status: c150
This is my first Murim novel so I am not sure if other Murim's are like this. But I have read a couple of Wuxia/Xianxia/Xuanhuan novels which is the equivalent genre among CN. A rough trend I've noticed is that while Wuxia/Xianxia novels are more character-driven, usually at the expense of having vague or ill-defined power system, Xuanhuan's tend to focus more on the fantasy aspect and flashy powers. I feel like Childhood Friend of the Zenith belongs to the former category, but with the added bonus of having a... more>> more clear and simple power system.

Another thing I personally appreciate is that the novel is not h**ny, for a novel in the harem genre. This is best reflected in the illustrations of the female characters. In most harem novels, the female characters are drawn either in suggestive poses or outfits for fanservice irrelevant of their personality. Here, the illustrations feel like they respect the character and setting rather than being made for the h**ny.

The one thing that really puts me off about this novel is how the MC is an adult in a child and the young girls liking him. At the very least, MC doesn't make any moves on the girls, but the reason for that does not seem to be due to any age gap issues but because of his own emotional scars from his past life.

What's worse is that even when an old master knew MC was an adult in a child, he didn't bat an eye at the issue and was actually jealous that MC was popular with girls. The worst thing is that this issue is never addressed within the story as far as I read, and gives the impression that the author is just willfully turning a blind eye to it.

It bothers me so much cause there is a lot of fluff slice of life romance with the girls and MC and it constantly reminds me of how weird the setup is. When the story focus on the fights, adult characters (which are genuinely interesting), overarching plot / mystery, previous life backstory etc., is when it actually becomes interesting. <<less
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The_Heavenly_Axiom_Daddy
The_Heavenly_Axiom_Daddy rated it
July 31, 2023
Status: c79
"Childhood Friend of the Zenith" is a captivating light novel that skillfully blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and self-redemption. Authored with depth and imagination, this tale takes readers on an enthralling journey through a world of martial arts and fantastical rifts that unleash monsters into the realm.

The story centers around Gu Yang Cheon, a former heir of a demon cult who, burdened by remorse for his past decisions, is granted a chance to reset his life and return to his childhood. This unique regression premise sets the stage for powerful... more>> character development, as Gu Yang strives to redeem himself and find a new purpose.

While the novel starts off at a somewhat slower pace, it serves to establish the foundation for the enthralling adventure that follows. Once the groundwork is laid, the plot gains momentum and becomes an engaging and addictive experience that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.

Gu Yang's character, while dense at times, remains intriguing due to the complex nature of his past and the impact it has on his decisions. The journey he undertakes is one of self-discovery, growth, and resilience, making him a relatable and endearing protagonist despite his flaws.

The world-building in "Childhood Friend of the Zenith" is exceptional, introducing readers to a vividly imagined realm filled with mystical creatures and enchanting landscapes. The fight scenes are described with precision, allowing readers to visualize the action without unnecessary filler, further enhancing the immersive experience.

One of the novel's standout aspects is its array of well-developed supporting characters. Each one adds depth and significance to the story, forging strong bonds with Gu Yang and contributing to the overall richness of the narrative.

While the novel does draw upon some common wuxia tropes, it executes them with finesse and introduces unique twists that keep the plot fresh and engaging. However, the use of the "hated protagonist" trope and the abundance of misunderstandings may be polarizing for some readers. <<less
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abhijeet619
abhijeet619 rated it
January 1, 2024
Status: c158
It's my first time reviewing a novel, so please bear with me.

It is a regression novel. In the previous timeline MC was part of the evil faction and was captured by the heroine who was from opposite faction (Childhood friend). He then dies when he gives forbidden information about his camp to CF. Then he regresses back to when he was a teenager. At first MC was content with being passive with his life but some circumstances forced him to be proactive. MC acts like a tsundere most of the... more>> times. He is strong (regression so obviously), he doesn't act arrogantly and is pretty chill most of the times. As for side characters most of them pretty good. Mc's dynamics with the side characters in the novel is great especially with the girls. That's the thing I look forward to most. All girls are unique and have their own dynamics with MC. As for plot basically it's Humans vs demons. Where I am reading there still a few years left till the war starts. The story still feels like a prologue even after 150+ chapters though a lot has happened. Also the bro characters in the novel are great too like the guy from peng clan, the one from Mount hua, MC's bodyguard. Their interaction with MC is great to read. Now coming to translation quality; It's great. Also we get regular updates (4 ch/week) so props to genesistls. <<less
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pomoli
pomoli rated it
July 20, 2023
Status: c79
This is a great second chance story, I recommend it.

Pro

    • MC is interesting, has backbone and an actual personality. It really feels like someone mature having regrets and going back, still wondering if he even deserves it.
    • He is dense but the kind I like, just in love, which makes it interesting for the romance aspect if you're into that. I know I very much am as I love seeing love interests struggle with both their feelings and trying to get his attention.
    • It is a good harem, the love interests are all interesting, some get strong personalities, and have their own motivations, a few of them having grudges with him as he was already a bad person back then. And best of all, it's not rushed.
    • The story goes into interesting directions, and quite a few things makes us wonder where the author wants to actually push the story. The story is long for a reason.
    • Outside of the harem, characters are interesting and developed too.
    • Very good translation.
Con

    • Not a huge fan of the young version of the main heroine, she's more of a comedic relief vs her older more serious self before regression. I hope she'll get better as the story progresses.
    • Needs some map, I have trouble understanding the scale of the world as the MC moves around.
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Yukaura
Yukaura rated it
May 8, 2023
Status: c49
I found myself captivated by the story of a main character who's been gifted a second chance at life, seeking redemption and attempting to save the world. This series is a refreshing combination of action, fantasy, martial arts, and comedy, with a strong focus on character development and world-building.

I'm genuinely impressed by this series. It offers a unique main character and an array of colorful side characters. The blend of action, comedy, and mystery keeps me entertained and engaged throughout each chapter. The martial arts and fantastical elements are skillfully... more>> woven together, creating an enthralling backdrop for the story. What really struck me was the main character's journey of redemption and his struggle with the guilt of his past life. This aspect adds depth and emotional weight to the story, making it one of my top picks among wuxia novels.

While there are some cliché tropes in the storyline, the author manages to execute them in a fun and engaging manner. The mystery surrounding the main character's past life and the gradual unveiling of his story keeps me on my toes, eagerly anticipating the next chapter.

Its no wonder this is very popular in the korean novel platform, I believe this has the potential to become one of the best wuxia series. I wholeheartedly recommend this series to fellow readers who enjoy character-driven narratives with a mix of action, fantasy, and martial arts. <<less
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Universe Hopper rated it
May 4, 2023
Status: c661
I am writing this review as someone who has read mtl. The current translation is great but it's speed could not keep up with my greed so I went to mtl.

Anyways for the review:

The current free translated chapters don't really give much details of the future. Making MC seem like a dense/cold/avoiding character.

But slowly as more and more is revealed you will start to understand MC's personality and his reasons. Also, the story keeps getting better in the plot department.
Edit: After reaching the ch 661, I can confidently say... more>> that story only keeps on improving.

Also, I believe that current translators are making some mistakes in the translation, probably because they have not read the raws, so I would suggest them to read the raws properly so that they can better translate it.

For ex.
Spoiler

Blood Demon is Translated as Blood King. When he's supposed to be an evil demonic character. Even the Heavenly Demon Fashioned herself after him. So it isn't as if there's no connection. Even shin noya commented how similar Heavenly Demon was to his enemy Blood Demon.

[collapse]

<<less
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MysticF
MysticF rated it
March 23, 2023
Status: c39
I read this till 39 and it was pretty good all the way, but I also don't like the fact that his past life is shrouded in mysteries as we only see few flashbacks of his earlier life, but as it is only the beginning I hope that new chapters unveils his past clearly and his powers too, (Highly Recommended to read)
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akhfirdaus07
akhfirdaus07 rated it
February 14, 2023
Status: c100
I have read with mtl, but I give up till ch 100 because my dao of broken English is lacking. The character name is very hard to read in mtl, it's parred with the Chinese xianxia novel!

anyway, my review:

this novel has really high potential, his life before regression is already very interesting and exciting.

Pro:

    • MC is badass but still has a bottom line
    • The story is interesting, many unanswered stories in his last life before regression
      Spoiler

      especially about the MC and Wi Seol relationship, and fallen MC's backstory

      [collapse]
    • The support char has a solid personality
    • Not a slow pace novel
Cons:

    • There is also a potential that the novel became a typical xianxia regression novel. But it could be still worth as long as the story is interesting
Overall, this novel is very recommended and has so much potential
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TerraEarth
TerraEarth rated it
November 20, 2023
Status: c0
An endless stream of pointless POV side chapters of already covered events, sometimes of side characters that have no part in the main story, await you in this dreadfully dull novel. I thought that combining the "gates" trope with a Murim setting sounded interesting but you hardly see any of that within the first 120 chapters and instead you're left with POV chapter after POV chapter and I really couldn't care less. The MC somehow manages to be both boring and irritating (delightful combo) and he spends the entire novel... more>> crying about his past whilst begrudgingly setting out to fix things. And I kid you not, maybe a good third of the wordcount of this novel is devoted to talking about yakgwa (korean confectionery) and dumplings. Dumpling this, yakgwa that; dumpling this, yakwa that - repeat ad nausem. Not to mention that all of the characters including the MC are 1-dimensional and uninteresting. Given the high reviews and all the comments seemingly praising this novel I gave it a chance and read through all of the chapters currently released but alas it proved to amount to nothing more than a masochistic test of my patience. <<less
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wuxia952
wuxia952 rated it
September 6, 2023
Status: c101
As so often happens things start out okay but without any real story to tell the series rapidly goes off the rails.

My main complaint is that the writing is disproportionately about the harem. Normally it's fine, there's a harem and the girls fight over the guy for no apparent reason. This series spends _so_ much time talking about the brother sister complex that really has no depth other than "he was really mean to me once" that I got too bored to continue.

If you're looking for a story, go elsewhere.... more>> If you want to read several chapters about how everyone except the main character has an unbearable smell then this series if for you! <<less
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DarkSamaIg
DarkSamaIg rated it
August 28, 2023
Status: c98
I think I've read a decent amount of this novel to tell you people about my views on it.

Firstly i'd like to appreciate the manner in which the author has written this work.

The aspect of showing multiple POV's has in my honest opinion increased the depth of each character and it has fleshed out their personalities in a very satisfiable way.

... more>> Although this in my opinion at first may look like just your average murim novel later on it develops on the main characters circumstances and the people who surround him.

The main character is really over powered (talented) but his powerups are not those that defy logic so im fine with it.

Overall I would recommend it to everyone who is interested in reading this masterpiece. <<less
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