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I stared at the thick lines that floated in the sky.

“Wow.”

The scarlet glow was strikingly vivid.

Along with that, the once clear sky began to cloud over with dark clouds.

It was clear that this was no natural phenomenon; it was oddly out of place.

“Just how amazing could this event be?”

It was an even more extraordinary sight than I anticipated.

Melodies and energies filled the void.

Anyone could tell it was not normal, and I felt overwhelmed by its vastness.

They had surely prepared for a very long time; it definitely showed.

“Hmm.”

Slowly, six lines began to connect.

Like completing a specific phrase, they started to intertwine.

In the process, the once bright sky grew dimmer bit by bit.

Gu Gu Gu Gung–!!!

The sparring stage and all around it vibrated.

“What, what is happening?!”

“Kyaaaah!”

With the sudden tremor, screams erupted from all corners. People scrambled in a panic.

In the midst of the chaos, I could see members of the alliance coming out to assess the situation.

As I confirmed this, my gaze rose towards the scarlet barrier that began to encircle the pavilion.

Siiii–!!

Energy surged up from below, enveloping the pavilion.

It was a somewhat translucent scarlet barrier.

“Is that what Pildu Ma was talking about?”

I recalled hearing about it during a planning session.

He had mentioned having the power to bind the strong gathered in Hanam.

Given enough time, he said he could create it properly; it seemed like that was indeed the case.

“I wonder what principle it operates on.”

What kind of principle could have allowed such power? My curiosity sparked, but unfortunately, this was not the time for it.

Kwaddeuk–!!!

Suddenly, a tremendous bet hit the pavilion.

“Oh ho.”

Maehwa Seon and Geomseon struck simultaneously at the barrier.

The sound resonated heavily as the sword intent burst forth but could not tear through the barrier.

“Look at that.”

The effects were certainly evident.

Moreover, it was clear that it had some function beyond just absorbing the energy of the strike.

“It’s not just blocking; it’s absorbing, isn’t it?”

Certainly, the barrier absorbed the energy of the strike, becoming more vivid in color.

Was it growing stronger by consuming energy?

“Hmm.”

If I were to nitpick, you could say it leans towards formation.

In terms of devouring energy, it certainly was helpful.

“It can hold them back just enough.”

If it doesn’t fully block, it might take a bit longer to release.

Of course, even so.

“I should be able to hold back about half a time point.”

Purely a guess, but I believed it would definitely manage that much.

“Oh, I’m curious.”

What principle is behind such power?

If I could just confirm it, it would surely be a helpful ability moving forward…

“Tsk.”

It was regrettable that I couldn’t go check it out.

Gu Gu Gu Gung–!!

The tremors intensified, and it seemed the audience, sensing the crisis, began to move urgently.

“Run, run away!”

“Yunshin! Where are you–!!”

“Get out of the way!”

“Uwaaaah!”

As the crowd surged, chaos erupted in an instant.

Screams filled the air.

Curses and cries echoed around.

In the sudden situation, people couldn’t maintain their composure, causing order to collapse completely.

Moreover.

“Calm down! First…!”

“Move, get away!!”

Even the martial artists of the alliance struggled to restore order amidst the pandemonium.

They would have never anticipated such a turn of events, and they likely hadn’t set any rules for it either.

Thanks to that.

It led to a thick confusion.

It was precisely the situation I desired.

As I surveyed the chaos, I turned my gaze.

“Shall I start moving soon?”

This side would slowly crumble, so it was time for me to do what I had to do.

As I thought this and turned my eyes.

Swiftly.

I noticed someone helping the Sword King, who had lost consciousness.

In the midst of the fleeing people, there was only one person who would come to assist the Sword King.

“Peng Woojin.”

He was the Lesser Clan Leader of the Peng Family.

He was supporting his father, looking quite expressionless.

Then our eyes met.

As always, Peng Woojin smiled at me, but I couldn’t muster a smile in return.

No matter what, it was a twisted scenario to see him smile while having beaten his father into such a state.

So I could only sit there silently.

“Things have certainly become troublesome.”

Instead, it was Peng Woojin who spoke to me.

“Kyaaaah–!!”

“Please move out of the way…!!”

His tone was oddly calm amidst the chaos.

“I was looking forward to a clash with the Prince soon… Hmm, this is truly unfortunate.”

“In this situation, is that really important…?”

I couldn’t help but retort with disbelief at his words.

Was that truly the problem in this mad situation?

Ah… could it be?

“If this is for the revenge of the Peng Clan…”

“That doesn’t mean anything. The Clan Leader was defeated because he could be defeated. I don’t hold any ill will towards Gu Gongja.”

“…”

Before he finished speaking, a firm denial jumped out.

How could there be none?

That question arose, yet there was truly not a single shred of emotion in Peng Woojin’s words.

Which only made it more chilling.

How can someone be so indifferent?

In Peng Woojin’s gaze, Peng Zhou did not exist.

He was truly focused only on me.

Even in this damn situation.

“He was defeated because he could be defeated.”

As he said that, when Peng Woojin momentarily glanced at Peng Zhou.

In that instant, a fleeting emotion passed through him.

It was profoundly dark.

And above all, it was sharp.

“Hmm.”

Thus, while that emotion briefly scraped against my consciousness, I didn’t let it settle in my mind.

I shrugged it off.

The matters of the Peng Clan were not my concern.

Moreover, it seemed even Peng Woojin was not focused on such things right now, as he continued to speak to me.

“Well, it’s unfortunate, so… I hope you keep the promise you made.”

“Ah, yes… I’ll… try my best.”

I had a half-hearted expression, speaking it out.

“Gu Gongja—!”

Someone landed quickly in my direction from the sky.

It was Tang Soyeol.

“Are you okay…?”

She rushed over with a look full of worry.

“Right now, things are happening! We need to move outside!”

She seemed to also realize that the abnormality in the air was not normal at all.

“Um.”

What should I say?

I hesitated briefly, but held my tongue.

At that moment, Peng Woojin interrupted.

“Then I shall take my leave first.”

Supportive of Peng Zhou, Peng Woojin put strength into his feet.

Given the situation, it seemed he intended to retreat first since the Peng Clan’s martial artists couldn’t reach this side.

Just as he was about to leave, Peng Woojin looked at Tang Soyeol and spoke.

“Soyeol. Let’s meet again, okay?”

At those words, Tang Soyeol’s expression changed slightly.

I could see they were supposed to be the next ones up, but looking at their condition, it was apparent that the sparring was now off the table.

“Ah… yes.”

Tang Soyeol nodded.

Upon confirming, Peng Woojin slightly leaped away.

“Gu Gongja, we must hurry…!”

Both of them vanished, and Tang Soyeol urgently urged.

Amidst it all, my gaze was still fixed on the pavilion.

“Save the Great Lord!”

“Sect Leader–!!”

“Damn it. Hurry and call the formation masters!”

“What is the Wind Dragon Order doing–!!”

Not just the alliance members, but people in various clothes pounded on the pavilion’s barrier.

They were all profound martial artists, representatives of their factions.

They were there to rescue their own leaders and clan heads trapped in the barrier.

Even the members of the Martial Alliance were gathering to rescue Geomseon at this point.

“Uwaah!”

As calamity approached, people were not receiving proper guidance.

And the righteous faction was busy trying to save their superiors and leaders.

As I observed this, I pondered.

Is that truly righteousness?

Is that the value of righteousness that has taken root for centuries?

Can one declare that such a trivial crack, breaking apart at this sight, is truly justice?

I didn’t know.

I had not known righteousness or justice while living, thus couldn’t make a judgment, but one thing was clear.

‘If that’s what justice or righteousness is.’

I didn’t think I would need it at all.

“End of days… this is the end…”

“Oh God–!”

“Mommyyy…!”

The streets of Hanam that I was moving through with Tang Soyeol began to fill with cries.

Gu Gu Gu Gu Gung—!!!

“Uwaah!”

“My wife…!!”

The tremors were still rough, and the sky had lost its blue hue, filled with dark clouds.

All of this change occurred in less than half a moment.

The streets that were originally filled with excitement for the martial arts tournament quickly fell into ruins.

Fearing the unknown calamity, despair pinned everyone down.

Seeing these people, I quickly moved my feet.

“First, we should get back to the residence, right?”

As Tang Soyeol was moving quickly, she asked me.

Returning to the residence. Should I gather the group and leave?

It was a reasonable suggestion from Tang Soyeol.

“Go ahead and wait.”

“What?”

That was not my thought.

How can we go back? It wouldn’t do at all to leave after laying out the board.

“Go get the kids. I have something to do.”

“What are you talking about… in this situation?”

“Yeah. Don’t worry.”

I lightly pushed Tang Soyeol’s back with a smile.

“It’ll be fine.”

“…”

At my firm words, Tang Soyeol’s expression shifted oddly.

Did she catch on to something? Or was she simply acquiescing? I couldn’t tell.

But.

“…Alright.”

Tang Soyeol nodded at my words.

“…You mustn’t be late, okay? If you’re late… I really will come looking for you.”

“I won’t be late. It won’t take long.”

“Understood.”

With that, Tang Soyeol picked up her speed, heading towards the residence.

I paused, watching her small back recede.

Then I briefly turned my eyes to the side.

“Uwaaaah… Mommy!”

I saw a child, frightened, screaming.

A figure that appeared to be the child’s mother enveloped them in comfort.

Everyone was filled with terror.

Some people were floundering in confusion, not knowing what to do, or unable to steady themselves from fear.

I had seen such scenes often enough during the earlier wars of my previous life.

The expressions then and the air back then.

It was a scene I had no wish to relive, yet it closely resembled the current turmoil.

The difference was.

‘This time, I was the one who created this mess.’

The thought gnawed at me.

What did it matter if those insects died?

Whether or not I had changed through that escape, the ugly feelings welled up at the same time.

I wanted to shove it all away.

As nausea rose, I turned my head.

I grounded my feet.

I wouldn’t make excuses for the necessary actions.

What justification could I need in this place?

I would just have to endure it.

As I settled my breathing, a voice suddenly rang out in the middle of the street.

“Martial Alliance dogs, listen up!”

I looked up.

There appeared to be someone floating in the air.

Not just one person.

Dozens.

There were easily several dozen people hovering in the air.

“Reform day has come.”

The aged, gaunt voice spread in all directions.

The energy contained in the resonance was heavy and profound.

“What… what is this?”

“What’s going on? Who are these people?”

“What the hell is happening…!!”

The appearance of these strangers intensified the chaos even further.

Their presence confirmed that this bizarre environment was not natural but rather man-made.

It was far more terrifying to know that humans had caused this.

“We have come to punish the sins of the alliance.”

“The Martial Alliance, while hiding their ugliness, has forgotten the past and has not corrected their wrong history.”

An elderly man poured out tales long suppressed, as if venting his frustrations.

The meaning behind his words was so crystal clear that one could understand simply by hearing them.

“It was a life framed by severe oppression and curses.”

“The Martial Alliance, who claims to uphold justice, created the illusion that made us this way.”

“Thus, this is a punishment from us who endured and withstood that time.”

“The despicable alliance.”

“This will ensure that the burdens of the ‘Jeong’ family will be borne for eternity.”

As the old man finished speaking, he gestured with his hand.

In that instant.

Gu Gu Gu Gu Gu Gung—!!!!

The trembling grew even stronger, and the figures in the air, except the old man, crashed down to the ground.

“Kyaaaahhh–!!”

“Please, save me–!!”

The screams grew louder.

Even in such a state, the alliance members didn’t show up.

A few could be seen, but what would a few do in such chaos?

‘What are the Great Lords doing?’

It was probably only about half of the ones trapped in the pavilion that had been accounted for.

Then what about the other half?

If they didn’t emerge, it would actually be a good thing, but the fact that they hadn’t shown up to this degree was odd.

‘If I don’t know, then I must go check.’

I leaped forward to confirm the situation.

Though a grim reality awaited behind me, I turned without hesitation.

Because I had a purpose.

-Stop right there-!!

I had a separate plan prepared for this situation.

The assailants began their offensive.

As they approached, energies surged from all over.

-The combat team must protect the civilians from the ambush-!!

Raucous roars filled the air.

Simultaneously, multiple figures rushed towards the dark-cloaked individuals.

The martial artists roared as if to fend off the ambush.

Upon witnessing this, people’s eyes glimmered with hope.

-Ho, it’s the Huangbo Clan!

-Huangbo Clan!

Martial artists donned in yellow clothes emerged in droves.

Some stopped in the nearby streets and began to wave their hands.

-All of you, stay calm! From now on, the Huangbo Clan will protect you!

-Please follow our guidance swiftly–!!

-Sword Team, listen! From now on, the safety of the civilians is our top priority! We swear to protect it with our lives in the name of the righteous faction-!!

-Charge–!!

Perhaps it was due to the unity of the noble houses.

A faint sense of relief flickered across many faces.

Seeing that, I raised the corners of my mouth.

Just as planned.

The pawns I prepared began to move one by one.

There were no issues so far.

However, the important part starts now.

From now on.

‘Let go of what needs to be discarded, and gather what needs to be kept.’

Amidst the disaster and chaos I had prepared, I had to start obtaining what I desired.

Boom–!! Kwaddeuk–!!

Before long, the sounds of explosions echoed out.

Ignoring it, I leaped forward.

Simultaneously, I reached into my chest and pulled out an object.

A mask with a familiar crack.

Wearing it upon my face, I steeled my heart.

Thump-!

Blood Qi surged, and the demon energy began to overflow.

At last.

It was time for the Heavenly Demon to descend upon the chaos.

 

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