찰박.

I stomped through the wetness as I moved down the corridor.

Seongyul was outside, keeping the atmosphere steady.

It didn’t seem necessary to go in together.

찰박-! 찰박-!

Beyond the sound of my waterlogged footsteps.

The space remained untouched by a single lantern, the stale air brushed against my nose.

Nothing seemed to be a problem for me.

The dark corridor appeared bright beyond my sight.

The dull air was unpleasant but couldn’t harm my physical body.

After walking about a half-step forward.

우웅-!

I felt a peculiar energy sweep across me.

The current felt strange. Is this also part of sorcery?

‘Indeed, it’s different from formations.’

With formations, I had no idea what the hell they did, but this was at least visible.

I could see the flowing energy, though I had no clue how it was created or what it was set up for.

What was previously invisible had become clear.

A fresh experience it was.

슥.

As my fingertips brushed against the energy, it moved like a flowing wave.

두근.

My heart reacted with a rebound as if responding to it.

‘Oh.’

As it touched the energy, the ring bound to my heart started to quake.

It spins.

The ring was rotating.

It felt reminiscent of the Technique of the Flame Wheel’s rotation.

두근-! 두근-!

기이이이잉-!

In sync with my heart’s trembling, the ring spun faster, and a nameless joy arose from within me, feeling the flow.

What a truly marvelous sensation.

The two divided rings kept gaining speed.

Sensing it, I waved my fingertips.

우우웅.

The fabric of sorcery swayed with my touches, and while watching the flow, my Heart Eye abruptly opened.

It was not my will. Was it? Or had I instinctively awakened it?

I couldn’t tell. Amid such thoughts, my eyes swiftly read the currents.

‘This is fascinating.’

I had only expected to read the current, but surprisingly, the Heart Eye could also perceive the flow created by the sorcery.

Tightly bundled and chaotically intertwined threads.

So complicated that merely looking at it could strain my eyes. Normally, I’d have cursed and cleared it away at first glance.

‘Hmm.’

The ring spun faster.

My hands moved slightly as I gazed at the countless threads.

I could see it. And I understood.

I already knew how to handle it.

기이이이이잉—!!!

It was hot. My heart was heating up from how quickly it was spinning.

To the point that my face scrunched up.

Despite how it appeared, at this rate, it might get slightly dangerous.

How annoying, maybe I should just call it quits here?

‘Hmm.’

Rationality clearly murmured that.

기이이잉—!!!

Regrettably, I wasn’t exactly a rational person, and my body showed no signs of wanting to stop.

Then what should I do?

‘It seems two aren’t handling the heat well.’

It felt like the two rings couldn’t manage all the heat.

So what should I do?

‘If two won’t do, then I’ll use three.’

Gripping the threads, I added strength to my heart.

치지지직-! I felt friction from within.

Pressure exploded from beneath the rotating ring.

It was painful.

It felt as though the ring was speaking.

It told me it wasn’t time yet.

‘So what?’

I ignored it.

‘The time is set by me.’

It felt doable.

My mind insisted that such a course of action was possible.

I began reassembling from within my body along that path.

Unknown fragments sprung from the ring and scratched at the insides.

Just as I wondered if it was the remnants of energy from the rebound.

치이이이이익—!!!!

The friction intensified, and at the same time, I felt a sensation sweep through beneath the ring.

Fragments detaching from the ring gathered to create another ring.

Its shape was imperfect, but it was undeniably the third ring.

키이이이잉—!!!

The newly formed ring seemed to know its role from the moment it was born.

According to my will, it spun more, and even the unsettling heat began to fade away.

A sense of stability grew.

Feeling this.

꽈악.

I grasped the sorcery’s threads before me and yanked them strongly.

투둑-!! 두두둑—!!!!

Unlike the hardened bundles, merely pulling was enough to break the threads, and

후우욱-!

A powerful gust brushed against my shoulders and scattered.

In that moment.

우우우웅.

“Hmm?”

I felt the sorcery that had spread throughout this space scatter.

Everything disappeared. Huh? Shouldn’t it be fine that it all vanished?

As I momentarily panicked at the unexpected situation.

타다닥-!

Urgent footsteps echoed from the front.

“Th-there’s energy coming from this side-!”

“The barrier has been lifted! Bring more sorcerers!”

“We need to find and stop the intruder….”

The subordinates of Pildu Ma hurriedly showed up, glancing at me, their bodies tensing up.

“…”

I had to tense up too upon seeing them.

Looks like I landed myself in trouble.

‘…I just wanted to check it out. Guess I messed up.’

I intended to observe and move past discreetly, but in focusing so hard, I had inadvertently torn it apart.

It seemed something had exploded because of that.

First, I shook off the energy lingering on my hands.

If I weren’t wearing a mask, I probably would’ve showcased quite the expression.

“…You…! H-how…?”

In the dozen emotions in his words, I paused for just a moment to consider.

Hmm.

‘Being honest is the best approach here.’

I couldn’t seem to devise an excuse, so I decided to speak plainly.

[It was a mistake. No apologies.]

“…”

“…”

The faces of the men twisted grotesquely at my heartfelt apology.

It seemed my apology didn’t hit home.

A massive space resembling the innermost part of a cave.

Before a table, an elder carefully poured liquor into a cup.

쪼르르륵.

The cup, too large to be deemed a wine glass, filled to the brim with liquor.

The elder placed the bottle beside him and offered the prepared liquor to his companion.

“I apologize for not properly preparing due to receiving a sudden contact.”

At the elder’s words, the counterpart said nothing and stared silently at him.

A subtly cracked mask, long black hair cascading behind, and a sturdy build.

Just sitting there radiated the momentum of a strong person.

The very air seemed pressured by his presence.

“Grrr….”

The strength of that pressure left the elder’s subordinates huddling as they struggled to breathe.

주륵.

The elder masked his sweat trickling down his cheek as he gazed at the man.

‘This is troublesome.’

Indeed, it was a dilemma.

The elder was convinced that the man’s energy was unfavorable.

The reason was likely due to the improper display of etiquette.

Even having announced his presence, he hadn’t sent a proper welcome.

Hence, he must be displeased.

‘A miscalculation.’

To properly gauge who he was, I had initiated a subtle energy battle.

The counterpart was much rougher and more beastly than the elder anticipated.

So rugged and powerful that the man had shattered all surrounding barriers merely with his energy contest.

Those intricate barriers that their sorcerers had set up over several leagues.

Designed so that mishandling the release would trigger an overwhelming rebound.

Formation masters from the clan would take months just to discover them, while releasing them would take even longer.

To obliterate such constructs within a time frame of less than half a step? The elder’s forehead glistened with cold sweat as that realization dawned.

‘…Then that means he also withstood the rebound that followed.’

He couldn’t even consider the assumption that it was released normally.

At such a time, smashing it was the only course of action.

‘But how can he look so unscathed?’

The man appeared completely normal, as if nothing had happened.

Even a Transformation Realm martial artist would meet instant death if caught in such a backlash.

To be in that state after withstanding it was simply unfathomable.

‘Just what kind of monster is he?’

It was beyond the elder’s ability to fathom.

“…I acknowledge the inadequacies of the etiquette I displayed, so I sincerely hope you may forgive me.”

[Anger?]

The elder’s words elicited a slight nod from the man.

[What are you talking about? I am not angry.]

The elder’s expression twitched at his words.

[Rather, I should apologize. I didn’t expect it to vanish so easily. My bad.]

“…”

The elder secretly clenched his fists.

The man was clearly toying with him.

Having casually torn apart that mighty barrier, he wrapped it up as a mere mistake while extending his own apology.

It was a show of dominance.

Proof that the barrier they had built could be shattered that easily.

And a warning not to dare go against him.

He showcased his strength by demonstrating it.

“…Next time, I shall take due caution.”

No further words followed the elder’s statement.

The man remained quietly observing the elder from behind his mask.

A brief silence passed.

Then the man adjusted his mask and addressed the elder.

[Hmm…. You can handle it as you wish.]

Was that a hint to grant one more opportunity?

Just as the elder finally started to ease his tension.

[The task I had entrusted you with seems to have been handled quite well.]

The elder nodded at his words.

“…To the best of my ability, I have sought to fulfill that.”

[Indeed. Not bad.]

The undertaking the man referred to was outlined by him.

The first of those tasks.

“After undertaking the task, I mentioned it in connection to the new sect.”

If they aimed to perform something, they should announce themselves as followers of the new sect.

Identifying as the limbs of the Heavenly Demon, they were to embellish their role.

That was the man’s request.

“Since it was intentionally left as a trace, some information must have already spread among the clan.”

[It doesn’t matter.]

Such trivialities held no significance.

The man’s indifferent demeanor made the elder stroke his beard.

[Then, what is the second task?]

“It’s also been arranged. If you wish, I can present it right away.”

At the elder’s suggestion, the man waved his hand, and from the shadow, a woman emerged.

A woman who had worked alongside the elder during this period.

With her appearance, the elder withdrew a letter from his robe and handed it over.

[You handled it well, I trust.]

“…I gave it my utmost effort.”

[Yes, you must surely do that.]

Otherwise, it could become the same as the barrier just smashed.

The man did not need to say anything further; the elder understood his intent.

Tension flooded back into his heart. The cup remained noticeably unemptied.

The man showed no signs of removing his mask.

Seeing that man, the elder uttered a question.

“…Might I inquire your title?”

[Speak.]

“Then how should I address you?”

[Hmm?]

The man tilted his head at the inquiry and then reacted as if he realized something.

[You may refer to me as the Cult Leader from now on.]

“…Understood.”

One of the Three Eminent Beings. Or perhaps the number one in the Martial Arts Tournament.

That is the identity of this man.

He affirmed it himself; moreover.

‘The evidence lies in that he deliberately left traces during the assault on Wudang.’

He had attacked the sect of the clan leader, Gu Paibang, and killed an elder.

The martial arts he used then was known as the newly invented technique, Tua Pacheonmu.

The ability to invoke calamity with one’s fists and fragment the physical body through a single strike was said only to be attributed to one.

It had to be that either the Cult Leader himself or a disciple of his could wield it.

However.

‘There are no reports of the Cult Leader having disciples.’

Sove were rumors suggesting that the martial artist known as So Yeomra, previously referred to as Jin Ryong, was a disciple of the Cult Leader.

‘That, too, remains nothing but unfounded gossip.’

Though there were whispers asserting that So Yeomra used the fire technique and exhibited qualities of the Cult Leader’s strength, it remained mere hearsay.

After all, even if the Cult Leader had a disciple, it would hardly manifest in such overwhelming power.

Thus, rumors began to surface about the long-hidden Cult Leader appearing in another guise.

If this holds true, how has the righteous faction’s sky turned heretic?

No one understands the reasoning, leaving only speculation with no solid ground to stand on.

Yet what remains crucial is—

‘Such rumors must have reached the clan by now.’

The man before me appeared completely indifferent to such matters.

‘…Even if the clan knows, it simply doesn’t matter.’

What could the Martial Alliance do, knowing something?

Gaining knowledge doesn’t alter the reality.

The man, the Cult Leader, radiated such an attitude.

He seemed entirely unafraid of the righteous center.

– Does he not wish to crush the clan?

– Do they not long for the opportunity to shred apart those little things that once harassed them?

I recalled the Cult Leader’s bold declaration as he approached me with purpose.

He wished to dismantle the clan and proposed collaborating if our intentions aligned.

‘…Then perhaps he showcased it as well?’

To have demolished that barrier was likely not merely an assertion of strength but to demonstrate to us he indeed possessed the capability to obliterate the Martial Alliance.

‘I see. That was the intent.’

The elder nodded multiple times as he pieced it together and cautiously spoke to the man.

“…I seem to have understood the Cult Leader’s intent too late. I must once again apologize; it must have appeared quite lacking.”

[Hmm…?]

The elder’s sentiment drew a faint response from the man. Following that, a few seconds of silence fell.

A strange ambiance lingered, and as the elder attempted to call out to the man.

“Cult….”

[It’s fortunate that your perception is sharp.]

He displayed satisfaction upon recognizing that I understood his intention.

Indeed, my thoughts were validated.

“Aaah… So does that mean I’ve passed the test?”

[Test?]

“You mentioned it was a test to fulfill the Cult Leader’s request.”

[Ah, did I say that?]

“Cult Leader…?”

[Not all thoughts may reside within mine, but for now, I shall let it slide.]

The man neglected the elder’s final word and added.

[So, allow me to ask you. Great Lord of the Heavenly Demon. What scheme are you orchestrating in Hanam?]

“…”

It appears I’m moving directly to the core matters upon receiving acknowledgment.

This was undeniably an aggressive move.

‘…A plan, perhaps.’

The elder rolled his eyes while surveying the surroundings.

The man held overwhelming strength, claiming to align with us. Should I share easily with him?

In that moment of wavering thought.

[Great Lord of the Heavenly Demon.]

A heavy voice penetrated the elder’s ear.

[Don’t overthink. My patience is rather thin.]

A chilling caution came alongside an intensifying pressure.

끄그그극-!!

Suuuuu.

Vibrations thrummed through the cave, with rubble falling down.

“Ugh…!! Grr…!”

Those inside writhed painfully.

The resolve was clear to inflict no time for pondering.

[If you persist in foolishness upon arriving here, there will be no choice left.]

As the man gradually rose, unleashing his energy.

“…We…!”

The elder shouted his words towards him.

The energy still hadn’t diminished. The elder hadn’t completed his sentence.

Sensing this, he strained to speak further.

“The alliance… will awaken the hidden secrets….”

At this,

Suuuuuu.

The energy that had been expelling softened slightly.

It felt as if he wanted to hear precisely what was said.

[Secret?]

The man’s voice revealed subtly heightened interest.

Considering the circumstances, it was inevitable.

[You plan to collapse the clan just based on a secret? Elaborate further.]

With the lowered pressure, my previously constrained breath was released.

I nearly coughed, but the elder stifled it.

“…Beneath the land of Hanam lies the secret the clan has buried.”

[Underneath the land?]

“Indeed…. We intend to unravel that seal and bring down the clan.”

[What lies sealed beneath?]

The man’s growing amusement was detectable, and the elder bit his lip at the response.

To reveal what he had spent a lifetime gathering so easily….

That feeling can only be disheartening, but no alternative existed.

Moreover.

‘Perhaps he might be the one to fulfill our desires.’

The elder finally added to the man.

“…A dragon.”

[Huh?]

The man tilted his head to indicate he didn’t recognize the term.

“Centuries ago, a demon beast known as a dragon that invaded the Central Plains lies sealed beneath this land.”

[…]

“We plan to release it and topple the clan.”

A dragon or a White Grade Demon Beast.

The creature that had once brought calamity to the Central Plains centuries ago lay beneath Hanam.

‘He must be flabbergasted.’

The reality that it still existed and was sealed away in utter silence was immense.

To declare our intent to unleash it was nothing short of colossal news.

The elder watched for the man’s reaction after revealing such tremendous truth.

He expected a startled response.

[Ah…is it so…?]

“…?”

[Hmmm… So that is an interesting development.]

For some reason, the man’s tone transformed into one of indifference as if somewhat disinterested.