CFZ

"Childhood Friend of the Zenith" by Ubilam is a captivating light novel that delves into themes of redemption, martial arts, and the complex interplay of past and present lives. The story follows Gu Yangcheon, a once powerful yet regretful demonic human who, after a life filled with betrayal and sorrow, finds himself inexplicably regressed to his childhood. This second chance allows him to confront the choices he made in his past life, particularly his relationship with Wi Seol-Ah, his childhood friend who played a crucial role in his downfall.

One of the novel's most compelling aspects is its exploration of Gu Yangcheon’s psychological journey. Initially burdened by the heavy weight of his previous life’s sins, Yangcheon strives to rewrite his fate, though he quickly discovers that avoiding the pitfalls of his past is not as straightforward as he hoped. His character development is central to the story, as he grapples with his ingrained habits and instincts from his former life while trying to forge a different path.

The novel is richly embedded in the wuxia genre, with detailed depictions of martial arts, sect rivalries, and a world where power dynamics are constantly in flux. The relationships between characters are intricate, particularly the dynamic between Yangcheon and Wi Seol-Ah. As childhood friends, their relationship is layered with history and unspoken emotions, making their interactions both poignant and tense.

Despite the novel’s strengths, some readers have pointed out issues that detract from the overall experience. The pacing can be uneven, particularly in the middle chapters, where repetitive misunderstandings and a somewhat dense protagonist can frustrate readers. Additionally, the narrative occasionally revisits earlier events with new, sometimes contradictory information, which can cause confusion and disrupt the flow of the story.

Nevertheless, "Childhood Friend of the Zenith" has been praised for its deep character arcs, its blend of action and emotional depth, and its unique take on the reincarnation trope. It is a novel that will appeal to fans of character-driven stories and those who enjoy exploring the moral complexities of second chances in a fantastical setting

Male Protagonist Harem Special Abilities Arranged Marriage Comedic Undertone Demons Weak to Strong Wars Ruthless Protagonist Brother Complex Second Chance Dense Protagonist Misunderstandings Martial Arts Sword Wielder Tragic Past Multiple POV Unrequited Love Tsundere Unreliable Narrator Older Love Interests Sect Development Kuudere Strong Love Interests Love Interest Falls in Love First Childhood Friends Past Plays a Big Role Curses Complex Family Relationships Beautiful Female Lead Strength-based Social Hierarchy Adapted to Manhwa Race Change Half-human Protagonist

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Last Comments Show all comments

  • akshay46
    14 November, 2025

    Was week of 10-NOV only 4 chapters? It should be 5 unless they gave notice of a lack of a chap

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • Astralmist
    12 November, 2025

    I just got up to chapter 258 and the translation is quite bad names are changed every chapter or two, and even some titles are in english (snow phoenix) and after that they are in original (seol-bong)
    Can someone tell me if the later chapters have consistent translation.
    At least with names or titles cause I have a sometimes problems with korean names themselves.

    Reply ...
    0
    <
      • joseph6
        13 November, 2025

        The early translation bounced around a bit. The names are much more consistent now. There is a point in the 850-900 range where the names swap but other than that it is consistent. There is a time where people are referred to by their titles a lot (Snow Phoenix) but that fades away and it primarily names. Snow Phoenix will eventually only be referred to as Moyong Hee-ah.

        Reply ...
        1
        <
          • Astralmist
            14 November, 2025

            Thanks for reply. I am currently at 276 and it is quite terrible to be honest. names are always different even in one chapter their titles are different too and even names of sects now. mount hua sect is written as hwasan sect. I got quite used to those tutles but it is good to know that they are consistent in later chapters.

            Reply ...
            0
            <
      • akshay46
        13 November, 2025

        Honestly, not really. It tends to change here and there at times. As painful as it is I just recommend making your own glossary for it.

        Reply ...
        1
        <
  • Astralmist
    10 November, 2025

    Can someone tell me if chapters here are MTL or not? cause I am reading it here now and I am at start but I heard that chapters up to 490 or something like that are translated and from then on till around chapter 848 it was translated by MTL but after that it was dropped. so I want to know if this is MTL or just half of it or if they are all translated?

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • louis2
    9 November, 2025

    is this MTL?? (judging by how it's translated)

    Reply ...
    3
    <
  • joseph6
    2 November, 2025

    Did the translation schedule change? Is there not any updates on weekends anymore?

    Reply ...
    0
    <
      • akshay46
        12 November, 2025

        Indeed, when part 3 started (Current) the author moved from a chap a day to 5 during the week. Low key hurt, but given some authors do 1 a week I don't mind too much.

        Reply ...
        0
        <
          • joseph6
            13 November, 2025

            Yeah I don't mind either I just won't check for updates on Saturday or Sunday. I was logging in at the usual times they dropped looking for chapters. I would even be okay with 3-4 chapters a week as long as it was consistent. Builds suspense and the chapters aren't as long as they used to be but they aren't short.

            Reply ...
            0
            <
              • akshay46
                13 November, 2025

                Totally agree dude, I had the same thing. I went looking for a chap only to find nothing. I ended up finding a notice about it and it has held true since it came back. Cheers, have a great week.

                Reply ...
                0
                <
  • matthew57
    24 September, 2025

    uhm, is this going to be updated?

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • harsh61
    21 September, 2025

    I went to read the latest chapter of manhwa and man they had butchered the novel very hard 💔💔

    More context : - (1) 12 year Seol Ah is currently fighting Namgoong Chenjon first without the help of Ego Seol Ah, bro can some one explained how can she stand during the suppression technique of Namgoong. She should have been absolutely crushed down by that technique but somehow she can stand easily.

    (2) When he used his 100% Ego Seol Ah took over. And used Bi ah sword techniques. When did Ego Seol Ah ever learned that 💔

    (3) The above fight is not even in the novel ?!!

    (4) This fight should have been Yangcheon and Chenjon in which Shiny cheol would took over. After that fight Yangcheon would became aware of Meteor Generation.

    (5) In Mount Hua arc Yangcheon used Demonic Qi to open the passage of where Blood flower was being prepared for Heavenly Demon they also skipped that part and made Yangcheon open the passage by just double clicking on Armchair does this even made sense that expert team of Mount Hua was unable to find it. But Yangcheon found it out by just double tapping on it 💔

    (5) They are still many things that they twisted way too much.

    Absolute trash 🗑️.
    The art of Manhwa is amazing but they are totally butchering the source. I would never read the shitty adaptation even again

    Reply ...
    3
    <
      • rad
        7 October, 2025

        Oh, glad I stopped reading it after few chapter into season 2 especially when whole mc's sister arc was skipped and instead her fighting mount hua prodigy was inserted(which didn't happen in the novel). Though, to be honest this whole series is losing steam for me. Author keeps baiting situation, translator keeps fumbling translation and no. of chapter unlocked keeps on dropping(2 chapters a day was only think keeping up the interest).

        Reply ...
        0
        <
  • solee_79
    23 August, 2025

    Hey friends, did you know that while working on Childhood Friend of the Zenith, Ubilam was also writing another novel? It’s called The World’s Greatest is Dead, and today I’ve posted the translation of the first three chapters. Hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as CFZ!

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • galaxy_of_lay
    16 July, 2025

    thanks

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • rough_soup
    12 July, 2025

    The new cover illustration is so ugly wth. Pls revert back to Wi Seol Ah

    Reply ...
    2
    <
  • brian08
    5 July, 2025

    pretty good. sometimes inconsistent but oh well

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • zerces
    30 June, 2025

    Guys, what is the novel chapter from last drawed chapter

    Reply ...
    -1
    <
  • harsh61
    24 June, 2025

    @solee_79
    When will you resume releasing two chapters a day again?

    Reply ...
    4
    <
  • quang06
    20 June, 2025

    Uhh what will happenk the story now???? Why is it being removed from novel light??

    Reply ...
    3
    <
  • matthew57
    18 June, 2025

    Why don't 2 daily chapters come out?

    Reply ...
    1
    <
  • hasumi6
    18 June, 2025

    I'm on chapter 455 now, tell me, will the translation get better? because the shit I'm reading right now makes me cry tears of blood

    Reply ...
    0
    <
      • rad
        19 June, 2025

        Translator said it was better now and that was 1-2 month ago. So, I believed him as i should and 1000+ onwards translation should be good

        Reply ...
        1
        <
  • Yato_o_poeta
    14 May, 2025

    Cadê o capítulo gratuito de hoje? Tô morrendo de ansiedade aqui, quero vê o MC solando🥺

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • solcastic
    9 May, 2025

    No chapter today?

    Reply ...
    4
    <
  • wolf7
    8 May, 2025

    free chapter plssss.. thanks for the chapters (^o^)

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • buliaga
    5 May, 2025

    Thank you

    Reply ...
    1
    <
1368 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (40)
10 solee_79 13.12.2025
1367 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (39)
10 solee_79 12.12.2025
1366 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (38)
10 solee_79 10.12.2025
1365 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (37)
10 solee_79 09.12.2025
1364 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (36)
10 solee_79 08.12.2025
1363 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (35)
10 solee_79 05.12.2025
1362 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (34)
10 solee_79 04.12.2025
1361 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (33)
10 solee_79 03.12.2025
1360 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (32)
10 solee_79 02.12.2025
1359 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (31)
10 solee_79 01.12.2025
1358 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (30)
10 solee_79 29.11.2025
1357 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (29)
10 solee_79 28.11.2025
1356 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (28)
10 solee_79 26.11.2025
1355 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (27)
10 solee_79 25.11.2025
1354 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (26)
10 solee_79 24.11.2025
1353 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (25)
10 solee_79 22.11.2025
1352 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (24)
10 solee_79 21.11.2025
1351 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (23)
10 solee_79 19.11.2025
1350 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (22)
10 solee_79 18.11.2025
1349 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (21)
10 solee_79 17.11.2025
1348 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (20)
10 solee_79 15.11.2025
1347 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (19)
10 solee_79 14.11.2025
1346 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (18)
10 solee_79 13.11.2025
1345 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (17)
10 solee_79 11.11.2025
1344 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (16)
10 solee_79 10.11.2025
1343 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (15)
10 solee_79 07.11.2025
1342 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (14)
10 solee_79 06.11.2025
1341 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (13)
10 solee_79 05.11.2025
1340 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (12)
10 solee_79 04.11.2025
1339 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (11)
10 solee_79 03.11.2025
1338 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (10)
10 solee_79 31.10.2025
1337 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (9)
10 solee_79 31.10.2025
1336 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (8)
10 solee_79 29.10.2025
1335 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (7)
10 solee_79 28.10.2025
1334 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (6)
10 solee_79 27.10.2025
1333 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (5)
10 solee_79 24.10.2025
1332 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (4)
10 solee_79 23.10.2025
1331 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (3)
10 solee_79 22.10.2025
1330 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (2)
10 solee_79 21.10.2025
1329 chapter - In the End, It Comes Full Circle (1)
10 solee_79 20.10.2025
1328.1 chapter
solee_79 05.10.2025
1328 chapter - The World of Ascension (258)
10 solee_79 05.10.2025
1327 chapter - The World of Ascension (257)
10 solee_79 04.10.2025
1326 chapter - The World of Ascension (256)
10 solee_79 03.10.2025
1325 chapter - The World of Ascension (255)
10 solee_79 02.10.2025
1324 chapter - The World of Ascension (254)
10 solee_79 01.10.2025
1323 chapter - The World of Ascension (253)
10 solee_79 30.09.2025
1322 chapter - The World of Ascension (252)
10 solee_79 29.09.2025
1321.1 chapter
solee_79 27.09.2025
1321 chapter - The World of Ascension (251)
10 solee_79 25.09.2025
Write comment...
  • akshay46
    14 November, 2025

    Was week of 10-NOV only 4 chapters? It should be 5 unless they gave notice of a lack of a chap

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • Astralmist
    12 November, 2025

    I just got up to chapter 258 and the translation is quite bad names are changed every chapter or two, and even some titles are in english (snow phoenix) and after that they are in original (seol-bong)
    Can someone tell me if the later chapters have consistent translation.
    At least with names or titles cause I have a sometimes problems with korean names themselves.

    Reply ...
    0
    <
      • joseph6
        13 November, 2025

        The early translation bounced around a bit. The names are much more consistent now. There is a point in the 850-900 range where the names swap but other than that it is consistent. There is a time where people are referred to by their titles a lot (Snow Phoenix) but that fades away and it primarily names. Snow Phoenix will eventually only be referred to as Moyong Hee-ah.

        Reply ...
        1
        <
          • Astralmist
            14 November, 2025

            Thanks for reply. I am currently at 276 and it is quite terrible to be honest. names are always different even in one chapter their titles are different too and even names of sects now. mount hua sect is written as hwasan sect. I got quite used to those tutles but it is good to know that they are consistent in later chapters.

            Reply ...
            0
            <
      • akshay46
        13 November, 2025

        Honestly, not really. It tends to change here and there at times. As painful as it is I just recommend making your own glossary for it.

        Reply ...
        1
        <
  • Astralmist
    10 November, 2025

    Can someone tell me if chapters here are MTL or not? cause I am reading it here now and I am at start but I heard that chapters up to 490 or something like that are translated and from then on till around chapter 848 it was translated by MTL but after that it was dropped. so I want to know if this is MTL or just half of it or if they are all translated?

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • louis2
    9 November, 2025

    is this MTL?? (judging by how it's translated)

    Reply ...
    3
    <
  • joseph6
    2 November, 2025

    Did the translation schedule change? Is there not any updates on weekends anymore?

    Reply ...
    0
    <
      • akshay46
        12 November, 2025

        Indeed, when part 3 started (Current) the author moved from a chap a day to 5 during the week. Low key hurt, but given some authors do 1 a week I don't mind too much.

        Reply ...
        0
        <
          • joseph6
            13 November, 2025

            Yeah I don't mind either I just won't check for updates on Saturday or Sunday. I was logging in at the usual times they dropped looking for chapters. I would even be okay with 3-4 chapters a week as long as it was consistent. Builds suspense and the chapters aren't as long as they used to be but they aren't short.

            Reply ...
            0
            <
              • akshay46
                13 November, 2025

                Totally agree dude, I had the same thing. I went looking for a chap only to find nothing. I ended up finding a notice about it and it has held true since it came back. Cheers, have a great week.

                Reply ...
                0
                <
  • matthew57
    24 September, 2025

    uhm, is this going to be updated?

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • harsh61
    21 September, 2025

    I went to read the latest chapter of manhwa and man they had butchered the novel very hard 💔💔

    More context : - (1) 12 year Seol Ah is currently fighting Namgoong Chenjon first without the help of Ego Seol Ah, bro can some one explained how can she stand during the suppression technique of Namgoong. She should have been absolutely crushed down by that technique but somehow she can stand easily.

    (2) When he used his 100% Ego Seol Ah took over. And used Bi ah sword techniques. When did Ego Seol Ah ever learned that 💔

    (3) The above fight is not even in the novel ?!!

    (4) This fight should have been Yangcheon and Chenjon in which Shiny cheol would took over. After that fight Yangcheon would became aware of Meteor Generation.

    (5) In Mount Hua arc Yangcheon used Demonic Qi to open the passage of where Blood flower was being prepared for Heavenly Demon they also skipped that part and made Yangcheon open the passage by just double clicking on Armchair does this even made sense that expert team of Mount Hua was unable to find it. But Yangcheon found it out by just double tapping on it 💔

    (5) They are still many things that they twisted way too much.

    Absolute trash 🗑️.
    The art of Manhwa is amazing but they are totally butchering the source. I would never read the shitty adaptation even again

    Reply ...
    3
    <
      • rad
        7 October, 2025

        Oh, glad I stopped reading it after few chapter into season 2 especially when whole mc's sister arc was skipped and instead her fighting mount hua prodigy was inserted(which didn't happen in the novel). Though, to be honest this whole series is losing steam for me. Author keeps baiting situation, translator keeps fumbling translation and no. of chapter unlocked keeps on dropping(2 chapters a day was only think keeping up the interest).

        Reply ...
        0
        <
  • solee_79
    23 August, 2025

    Hey friends, did you know that while working on Childhood Friend of the Zenith, Ubilam was also writing another novel? It’s called The World’s Greatest is Dead, and today I’ve posted the translation of the first three chapters. Hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as CFZ!

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • galaxy_of_lay
    16 July, 2025

    thanks

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • rough_soup
    12 July, 2025

    The new cover illustration is so ugly wth. Pls revert back to Wi Seol Ah

    Reply ...
    2
    <
  • brian08
    5 July, 2025

    pretty good. sometimes inconsistent but oh well

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • zerces
    30 June, 2025

    Guys, what is the novel chapter from last drawed chapter

    Reply ...
    -1
    <
  • harsh61
    24 June, 2025

    @solee_79
    When will you resume releasing two chapters a day again?

    Reply ...
    4
    <
  • quang06
    20 June, 2025

    Uhh what will happenk the story now???? Why is it being removed from novel light??

    Reply ...
    3
    <
  • matthew57
    18 June, 2025

    Why don't 2 daily chapters come out?

    Reply ...
    1
    <
  • hasumi6
    18 June, 2025

    I'm on chapter 455 now, tell me, will the translation get better? because the shit I'm reading right now makes me cry tears of blood

    Reply ...
    0
    <
      • rad
        19 June, 2025

        Translator said it was better now and that was 1-2 month ago. So, I believed him as i should and 1000+ onwards translation should be good

        Reply ...
        1
        <
  • Yato_o_poeta
    14 May, 2025

    Cadê o capítulo gratuito de hoje? Tô morrendo de ansiedade aqui, quero vê o MC solando🥺

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • solcastic
    9 May, 2025

    No chapter today?

    Reply ...
    4
    <
  • wolf7
    8 May, 2025

    free chapter plssss.. thanks for the chapters (^o^)

    Reply ...
    0
    <
  • buliaga
    5 May, 2025

    Thank you

    Reply ...
    1
    <
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4.6/5
(1644)
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Status
Releasing
Translation
Ongoing
Type
Light Novel
Country
Korea
Year of Realese
2021
Author
Ubilam
Illustrator
Nara Yeo
Loaded Chapters
1377
Alternative
Childhood Friend of the Zenith Under the Heavens
The Zenith's Childhood Friend
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