Chapter 244

Chapter 244
## Chapter 244. Today’s Fortune (3)

—

The influential figures of the underworld, consumed by terror that the hidden assassins might strike them down at any second, scrambled frantically in all directions to secure emergency funds.

When evaluated against the vast holdings of their respective home factions, a sum of one thousand gold taels was hardly an astronomical figure. The underlying issue, however, was that they were currently stationed at the Black Thought Alliance, situated a vast distance of a thousand li away from their primary strongholds.

Furthermore, given their notorious reputations as members of the unscrupulous Black Path, no reputable banking house was willing to extend them credit. In the end, they had no choice but to contemplate liquidating their personal collections of rare treasures or renowned Treasured Swords to gather the necessary coin.

Ultimately, they were driven to the only remaining sanctuary capable of providing such a sum.

“Did you just state that you intend to secure a loan…?”

“…We pledge to return every coin the moment we arrive back at our home sects.”

Cha Seok-du, the Alliance Leader of the Black Thought Alliance, peered down at the faction leaders who had previously championed the war path, his features twisted into a distinct grimace of dissatisfaction.

“Providing the funds isn’t the primary issue here… but are we truly on such amicable terms that we should be lending each other wealth in this manner?”

“Alliance Leader… given that we have united under a single banner regardless, should we not be pulling together as one?”

“How peculiar. Was it not just a mere few days ago that you all conspired to overthrow me, claiming I was secretly colluding with the Murim Alliance?”

The cornered Sect Leaders could only groan in discomfort, lowering their postures submissively.

“…Now that clandestine assassins have breached our perimeter, would it not be best to let bygones be bygones and forge a new path together?”

In stark contrast to the Black Serpent Gang, the Nine Dragons Gang, and the Blood Tiger Sect—whose agendas had been aligned with his from the start—the leaders of the four factions who had covertly plotted to depose Cha Seok-du found themselves in a profoundly humiliating predicament.

Even so, exercising unexpected magnanimity, Cha Seok-du relented and granted them the requested capital.

—

“Alliance Leader, for what reason did you choose to accommodate them? You possessed the perfect opportunity to utterly crush their pride.”

Hwang Bu-sik remained entirely bewildered as to why Cha Seok-du had so smoothly transferred the funds to his former detractors.

Patiently, Cha Seok-du broke down his reasoning for his subordinate.

“Those fools are individuals who must ultimately be integrated into our grand coalition regardless.”

“But Peak Lord… apologies, Alliance Leader, men of their caliber will never experience true gratitude for your benevolence. …Because that is simply their rotten nature.”

Cha Seok-du offered a prompt, understanding nod.

“I am well aware. However, have we not successfully bound them to us through a financial obligation? That is the essence of politics.”

“……”

Ever since the consolidation of the coalition and their arrival at the headquarters of the Black Thought Alliance alongside Cha Seok-du, this particular lesson was what Hwang Bu-sik had received most frequently.

The absolute necessity of mastering political maneuvering.

“You still find it incomprehensible, do you not?”

“I crave your forgiveness.”

Reaching out, Cha Seok-du gave Hwang Bu-sik a reassuring pat upon his shoulder.

“Think nothing of it. Mastery comes with time. Regardless, time is an asset we should possess in abundance moving forward.”

It was not merely the rival factions that had suffered; even Four Emperors Peak had been systematically bled of five hundred gold taels by the insatiable Jin So-un. Despite this steep loss, Cha Seok-du maintained a radiant expression, looking for all the world like a man who had just inherited a grand fortune.

Staring blankly at his leader, Hwang Bu-sik found himself visualizing the distinct countenance of Jin So-un.

“Is your current jubilant mood also a product of this politics you speak of, Alliance Leader?”

“Politics… indeed. It is precisely due to the fruits of political theater.”

Observing Cha Seok-du laughing so boisterously, Hwang Bu-sik remained privately convinced that the true definition of politics eluded him entirely.

—

Having successfully extracted every last copper of the outstanding balances, Jin So-un lined up the individuals tasked with delivering the currency directly in front of him, conducting a meticulous audit to ensure not a single coin was missing.

“Mm… the ledger balances perfectly.”

“…Did you truly entertain the notion that we would dare to defraud you?”

“Naturally. How could I place an ounce of faith in scoundrels belonging to the Black Path?”

“……”

Hearing Jin So-un speak so brazenly and without a shred of restraint in the very heart of the Black Thought Alliance, the assembled martial artists of the Demonic Path Sect felt an overwhelming urge to shatter his jaw then and there.

…Yet, none among them possessed the foolhardy courage to act on that impulse.

“Ahem. In that case, will you be commencing your investigation immediately?”

“At this exact hour? The sun appears on the verge of dipping below the horizon at any moment.”

“We strictly adhered to your timeframe. It is now incumbent upon you to respect the schedule.”

The martial artists acting as envoys for their respective sects pressed Jin So-un with as much stern dignity as they could muster.

“You underworld warriors truly possess a remarkably volatile temperament. Tsk, tsk.”

Jin So-un casually scratched at his ear before clicking his tongue in apparent dismay.

“Header……”

The very man who had decapitated an individual and casually presented the severed head as a trophy—even after being explicitly told such measures were unnecessary—was now lecturing others on being short-tempered?

The underworld martial artists unleashed a torrent of silent curses within their minds, though not a single soul allowed those grievances to pass their lips.

…For they remained terrified of when he might unleash that detestable Mind-Reading Art(?) once more.

Sweeping his sharp gaze across the entirely silenced crowd of underworld enforcers, Jin So-un brought his hands together with a sharp clap.

“Well then, shall we depart?”

Without a second thought, he strode purposefully toward the rear courtyard of the pavilion structure.

“The path to the exterior lies in this direction.”

A lone warrior attempted to redirect him, yet Jin So-un maintained his forward momentum without breaking stride.

“Ah, I anticipated that you all would attempt to rush me in this manner, which is precisely why I secured the target ahead of time.”

“…You apprehended him ahead of time?”

The destination he led them to was a structure utilized for grain storage located on the flank of the auxiliary compound.

Stepping across the threshold and throwing open a concealed hatch in the far corner, a securely bound and gagged captive shuffled outward, his eyes wide with profound panic.

Jin So-un dropped into a low crouch directly before the trembling captive.

“This particular scoundrel possessed the sheer audacity to infiltrate the ranks of the Black Thought Alliance. According to my findings, he successfully navigated the standard recruitment protocols. Had he been left to his own devices, he likely would have climbed the ranks to the absolute apex of the Black Thought Alliance hierarchy.”

“…Mmph! Mmph!”

Jin So-un clamped his hand around the gagged captive’s jaw, delivering a violent yank.

The captive desperately shifted his head in tandem with the agonizing pull to mitigate the tearing sensation, but with his limbs tightly bound, his range of motion was severely restricted.

*Riiip—*

The outer layer of flesh peeled away cleanly, yet not a single droplet of crimson spilled forth.

Instead, a completely distinct layer of visage was revealed beneath the artificial skin that had just been forcibly stripped away.

“Even if your organizations are comprised of lawless underlings, you ought to perform rudimentary background investigations. Fail to do so, and snakes of this caliber will continuously slip through your fingers to slit your throats.”

*Slice.*

*Slash—*

With a fluid motion, Jin So-un unsheathed his blade and severed the hidden agent’s neck in a singular, effortless motion.

Staring down at the gory prize as it tumbled and settled on the floorboards, even the hardened outlaws of the underworld could not help but click their tongues at the raw brutality.

At that precise moment, a certain warrior stepped out from the group to demand answers.

“Then at what time do you intend to hunt down the remaining covert operatives?”

Jin So-un tilted his head in mock confusion.

“Remaining covert operatives? This fellow right here was the final one.”

“What did you say?”

“I clearly stated that this wretched bastard concluded the list. Did your ears fail you?”

“……”

Rising to his feet, Jin So-un began rolling his shoulders to relieve the tension in his muscles.

“Regardless, this noble defender of justice has eradicated every last spy within your midst, so you may all return to your quarters and inform your comrades that they can sleep soundly tonight.”

In an instant, the countenances of the underworld martial artists contorted into expressions resembling demonic yakshas.

*‘Curse him… if that’s the case, for what reason did he extort our funds?’*

*‘This implies the bastard never had a target within our specific factions to begin with!’*

*‘…Black Flame Dragon, you absolute monster!’*

As the features of the outlaws shifted through a kaleidoscope of rage and disbelief, Il-myeong, who had remained a silent witness to the entire theater from Jin So-un’s flank, leaned in to whisper his profound concerns.

“Benefactor Jin……. Was there truly a tactical necessity to incite their fury to such an extreme degree? You could have easily informed them that you had resolved the threat of the hidden agent without the theatrics.”

In stark contrast to Il-myeong, who took great care to keep his voice barely audible, Jin So-un merely offered a careless shrug of his shoulders.

“And what exactly will they achieve by turning their wrath upon me?”

“Beg pardon?”

“I am asking you what actions they are truly capable of taking.”

Though Il-myeong’s anxieties intensified at this brazen display of absolute indifference, the reality proved that even after twenty-four hours had elapsed, not a single soul stepped forward to challenge Jin So-un or air their grievances.

As if desperately praying for this tempestuous calamity to blow over without further incident, every inhabitant of the compound held their breath and kept their gazes firmly fixed on the ground.

Jin So-un patted his heavily weighed-down tunic pouch, letting loose a grand, self-satisfied laugh.

“Those underworld scoundrels surely extracted a profound moral lesson from this grand ordeal. Specifically, the consequences that await those who tread the path of wickedness. Kyakyakyakya.”

Il-myeong found himself entirely at a loss as to who possessed the moral authority to brand another a wicked soul in this scenario.

—

“…So that is how the events transpired.”

Gun Yu-hyeon, who had been quietly absorbing the narrative, let slip a faint whistle of genuine admiration.

Despite everything, he had harbored the belief that an adherent of the Orthodox Path would still operate within certain foundational moral boundaries.

Dam Ak, who had been relaying the sequence of events, allowed a weary sigh to escape his lips.

“I find myself utterly incapable of deciphering the machinations within that individual’s mind. ……Nor can I discern if he truly adheres to the tenets of an Orthodox Path martial artist.”

“Haha, whether they claim allegiance to the Orthodox Path or walk the dark road of the Black Path, are they not all ultimately subjects of the vast Jianghu?”

“Excuse me?”

Dam Ak tilted his head in confusion at the enigmatic phrasing deployed by Gun Yu-hyeon.

However, Gun Yu-hyeon offered no further elaboration on his words.

This was because the sentry stationed outside the pavilion structure had stepped forward to obstruct their path.

“We are required to conduct a brief inspection of your personal effects.”

“What is the meaning of this insolence?”

In response to Dam Ak’s sharp query, the sentry lowered his head respectfully but firmly.

“The Alliance Leader has issued a strict directive ensuring that all personnel entering or exiting this pavilion must be disarmed henceforth.”

“What did you say?”

Was he truly altering entire security protocols based on the casual remarks of Jin So-un?

Dam Ak issued a command in a chillingly measured tone.

“You are fully aware of this gentleman’s identity. Clear the path immediately.”

“I am unable to comply with that request.”

“You dare…!”

Just as Dam Ak was on the verge of unleashing his mounting fury upon the stubborn sentry, Gun Yu-hyeon smoothly intervened, stepping between them.

“It is of no consequence, Strategist Dam. This is hardly a burdensome request.”

“…But nonetheless…”

Gun Yu-hyeon offered a slow, reassuring shake of his head.

“It truly poses no issue.”

Turning his gaze back to the sentry, he inquired,

“Is it sufficient for me to simply display the contents of my sleeves?”

With fluid, unhurried gestures, he retrieved a modest coin purse, an official transit token, a calligraphy brush, and a small container of ink from within his robes, presenting them for inspection.

Simultaneously, a secondary guard executed a thorough pat-down of Gun Yu-hyeon’s attire to guarantee no concealed armaments remained.

“The inspection is concluded. You are permitted entry.”

“I must apologize for this indignity, Young Master Yu-hyeon.”

“Think nothing of it. Given that Strategist Dam occupies such a vital role within the infrastructure, are such precautions not entirely warranted?”

As if Dam Ak’s burning indignation remained unquenched, he cast a venomous glare at the gathered security detail, barking out,

“That is quite enough, clear out from this perimeter at once.”

“…We are forbidden from abandoning our posts.”

“Did my words fail to register? I have matters of an intensely private nature to deliberate with Young Master Yu-hyeon. Ensure that not only your squad, but any subsequent arrivals are barred from entry entirely.”

“…As you command.”

The sentries retreated from the immediate vicinity of the structure, allowing Dam Ak and Gun Yu-hyeon to cross the threshold into the interior.

—

A serving maiden presented freshly brewed tea to the pair, yet even as Gun Yu-hyeon raised the vessel to pour, the severe lines etched into Dam Ak’s face showed zero signs of softening.

Gun Yu-hyeon attempted to soothe his companion’s frayed nerves with his signature benign countenance.

“I harbor no ill will regarding the matter, so please put your mind at ease. I am fully cognizant of your protective nature, Strategist Dam.”

“My current frustration does not stem solely from the slight against you, Young Master Yu-hyeon.”

Dam Ak paused for a brief beat to collect his thoughts before pressing onward.

“…That fellow Jin So-un is throwing the internal affairs of the Black Thought Alliance into utter chaos.”

He was an absolute thorn in their side.

If he had successfully executed his primary objectives, he ought to have quietly retreated to the headquarters of the Murim Alliance. Instead, he persisted in meddling in the sovereign affairs of the Black Thought Alliance up to the absolute final hour.

Gun Yu-hyeon hoisted his porcelain cup, offering a carefully couched observation.

“Could it not be argued that his actions are ultimately intended to benefit the stability of the Black Thought Alliance?”

“What could a hypocrite of the Orthodox Path possibly offer that benefits our coalition? Who can fathom what manner of treacherous conspiracy lies veiled behind his actions?”

Savoring the rich aroma wafting from his beverage, Gun Yu-hyeon gave a slow, deliberate nod of assent.

“Hmm… It is an undeniable reality that the denizens of the Jianghu possess a deeply ingrained reluctance to place faith in one another.”

“……”

For reasons he could not quite articulate, Dam Ak felt as though his discourse with Gun Yu-hyeon was severely lacking its usual fluid harmony today.

*Clink—*

“Setting that aside… for what specific reason did you request a completely private audience with me?”

When Gun Yu-hyeon voiced the question while returning his cup to its saucer, Dam Ak finally snapped out of his brooding state.

“As the operational status of the Black Thought Alliance continuously steadies, our capacity to hunt down the culprits responsible for the massacre at the academy has drastically accelerated.”

“Oh… is that truly the case?”

“Indeed. Furthermore, the long-awaited moment has arrived where I possess the means to properly reciprocate the profound benevolence extended to me by the Heavenly Crown Sect.”

For a fraction of a second, the meticulously crafted smile plastered across Gun Yu-hyeon’s face vanished entirely.

“…?”

“With the full financial backing of the Black Thought Alliance, the Heavenly Crown Sect will be granted absolute dominion over one of our premier South Sea Branches.”

Dam Ak’s eyes shone with a boyish enthusiasm at the sheer realization that he could finally begin chip away at the mountain of personal obligations that had weighed upon his soul for so long.

“The projected annual stipends and resources will reach an astronomical figure. Furthermore, to share another development, I have officially tendered a glowing recommendation letter on your behalf directly to the Alliance Leader.”

“…A recommendation letter concerning my prospects?”

“Yes. I entertained the notion that we might forge a formidable partnership within the confines of the Strategy Department…….”

“Hmm, is that so?”

Dam Ak, who had been speaking with mounting fervor, suddenly faltered as he observed Gun Yu-hyeon’s completely unreadable, unchanging demeanor.

“I fear I may have overstepped my bounds in acting without your prior counsel.”

“Ah! Not in the slightest. I possessed a distinct anticipation that events might unfold in precisely this manner.”

“Pardon?”

Gun Yu-hyeon dismissed the concern with a casual wave and an easy smile.

“Ah, it is of no import. Please, continue with your thoughts.”

“……”

An unsettling sensation washed over Dam Ak, leaving him with the distinct impression that Gun Yu-hyeon’s current aura departed radically from his standard temperament.

At that precise juncture, Gun Yu-hyeon spoke in a measured, chillingly calm cadence.

“Presumably, your next declaration was intended to express your fervent desire to redouble our search efforts to locate the surviving kin of your slaughtered compatriots…… some sentiment of that nature, am I correct?”

“……”

A sudden, icy bead of sweat traced a path down the length of Dam Ak’s spine.

Paying absolutely no heed to the paralyzed state of his companion, Gun Yu-hyeon casually brought the teacup to his lips, taking a slow sip.

“However, we find ourselves facing a rather unfortunate dilemma.”

Locking his gaze directly onto Dam Ak’s trembling eyes, he flashed a brilliant, radiant grin.

“Every single one of them has already ceased to exist, you see.”

“…!”

Before Dam Ak’s mind could even begin to untangle the sheer absurdity of the statement, Gun Yu-hyeon delivered his follow-up words like a devastating explosive.

“I mean exactly what I articulated. Your search is entirely futile. They met their ends a considerable time ago and were interred in an obscure, forgotten location.”

“What did you say?”

And then, without warning.

*Stab.*

An agonizing sensation akin to a white-hot branding iron boring into his flesh erupted from his midsection.

Dam Ak’s gaze dropped reflexively to his torso.

At some point during the exchange, Gun Yu-hyeon’s bare hand had violently penetrated his abdomen, burying itself deep within his core.

“Kuhak!”

A torrent of dark crimson erupted from his lips alongside a violent, involuntary spasm.

“Wh-What is the meaning of this……?”

Leaving the utterly dumbfounded Dam Ak to hover on the brink of collapse, Gun Yu-hyeon ignored his plight entirely, turning his full attention to analyzing his own blood-drenched fingers.

“For what reason did that strike fail to pierce clean through your torso? Could it be that you have concealed a defensive artifact beneath your garments?”

“Keuk……”

Dam Ak’s lips quivered violently.

Why…… for what possible reason……?

Above all else, he desperately clawed for an answer to that singular question, yet his vocal cords refused to cooperate.

Gun Yu-hyeon favored him with a soft, comforting smile that failed to mask the absolute void in his eyes.

“Your expression betrays a desperate desire to comprehend the underlying motive. In truth, there is no profound catalyst. Hmm…… if forced to provide an explanation, perhaps it is simply that from the very inception of our acquaintance, I was never the virtuous individual you perceived me to be, Strategist Dam.”

There had been fleeting instances in the past where Dam Ak had privately pondered, *‘Could he possibly be an enemy agent operating under the guise of a Human-Skin Mask?’* Yet looking at him now, he intuitively understood that the corruption ran far deeper than a mere disguise.

“In my original calculations, I intended to manipulate you as a primary catalyst to orchestrate a catastrophic conflict between two massive Jianghu coalitions, effectively draining their operational capabilities……. A distinct pity. The grand tapestry has unravelled into this mess before I could witness the full fruition of your strategic intellect.”

For Gun Yu-hyeon maintained that identical, pleasant facial expression, the exact same charming smile, even as he twisted his embedded hand.

*Stab—*

“If you must harbor resentment as you perish, direct it toward that troublesome fellow, Jin So-un.”

It was as though this monstrous entity had been his authentic self all along.

—

> [You utter simpleton. Did you truly entertain the notion that I would desire a blood vendetta enacted in my honor?]

For reasons beyond his comprehension, the stern, lecturing voice of his late mentor seemed to echo within the recesses of his mind.

Indeed, had the venerable Teacher Cheonhak been present, he undoubtedly would have commanded him to cast aside the hollow pursuit of vengeance and focus entirely on fulfilling his true duties.

Even so, the one who had stubbornly plunged headfirst into the treacherous currents of the Jianghu had been Dam Ak himself.

He had thrown himself into this unforgiving world after swearing a solemn oath that he would force those arrogant tyrants who believed absolute might was the sole truth to taste the bitter dregs of utter defeat.

Yet what had his grand crusade yielded?

When the veil was stripped away, he had merely been a mindless puppet dancing upon the strings of their amusement.

*‘Exactly when did the deception begin?’*

There was no utility in torturing his mind for answers. The fractured pieces of the puzzle clicked together with terrifying clarity.

The sudden onslaught against the academy grounds, the brutal execution of his revered mentor and beloved peers, and the miraculous intervention that had saved his own life.

Every single variable had been meticulously staged by the man standing before him.

The savior who had comforted him when he wallowed in the absolute nadir of black despair, and the very individual who had instilled the resolve within him to step back out onto the grand stage, had been this monster.

Every aspect of his rebirth… had merely been foundational preparation for this grotesque puppet theater.

*‘Yet, a singular solace remains.’*

Regardless of this monster’s true lineage, or the shadowy organization he served.

The undeniable truth stood that his grand conspiracy had been thoroughly derailed by the chaotic intervention of Jin So-un.

And the glorious fact remained that despite his lack of martial prowess, Dam Ak had managed to blossom into an existential threat severe enough that the mastermind had no choice but to liquidate him personally before fleeing the field.

*‘I remain uncertain if I possess the right to claim this as comfort.’*

Because he happened to be outfitted in the defensive Iron-Scale Robe bestowed upon him by Cha Seok-du, he had been spared instant death from the initial strike; yet that very salvation only prolonged his agony, forcing him to drink deeper from the chalice of ultimate betrayal.

“Kheuheu……”

Perhaps because his shattered system had temporarily stabilized against the shock, a raspy, broken chuckle bubbled up from his throat.

Was this pathetic display what the seasoned warriors of the Jianghu referred to as the final radiant flare of life before the encroaching dark?

At that exact moment.

“To find amusement in your final moments. You truly possess a remarkably resilient spirit, Strategist Dam.”

A faint, disembodied voice drifted through the chamber.

“Who…… are you truly?”

“Inquiring as to my identity is an entirely hollow exercise.”

The tone deployed by the speaker was utterly devoid of warmth, echoing with a dry, mechanical coldness.

“……Then what?”

“The geographical origin of my faction is the sole metric of import.”

Marshalling the absolute last reserves of his waning vitality, Dam Ak gasped out,

“……From what region do you hail?”

“I emerged from the absolute abyss situated at the literal edge of this world.”

“The abyss, is it……?”

An entirely appropriate birthplace for the abomination looming over him. Unless one had been forged in the crucible of such an unholy domain, it was fundamentally impossible to harbor such boundless, calculated malice against humanity.

“……Did you truly slaughter every inhabitant of the academy, extending even to their innocent kindred?”

A terribly familiar yet utterly alien smile manifested across the monster’s features.

“And courtesy of that grand tragedy, did you not construct a monumental grudge against the Murim Alliance, driving you to labor with unparalleled intensity?”

“I comprehend now……”

Dam Ak let loose a hollow, self-deprecating laugh, before a sudden spark of curiosity flared within him.

“……Does no fear dwell within your soul? Fear of the inevitable retribution from the Black Thought Alliance?”

“It represents an obstacle I must inevitably dismantle down the road regardless.”

Dam Ak cast a desperate look toward the exit, contemplating a final, screaming plea for salvation, yet at some indiscernible point, his environment had morphed into an ominous, crimson-hued dimensional pocket.

The phenomenon bore a striking resemblance to the mystical Mystic Gate Formation he had previously encountered during his time at Four Emperors Peak. Enclosed within this unnatural barrier, no matter how violently he shattered his vocal cords screaming, his cries would never reach the exterior world.

“Even so, the era we shared was genuinely entertaining. I wager the memory will linger with me for some time.”

“……Your words are utterly sickening.”

To think he had genuinely revered such a demon as his singular true confidant, completely blind to the rot hidden beneath the skin. More than the physical trauma of the hand buried in his midsection, more than the historical horror of the raid on Cheongwa Academy, the agonizing reality that he had been systematically deceived all this time incited a fury that burned into his very marrow.

*‘To an abomination of this caliber…… I willingly entrusted the safety of my compatriots’ families……’*

If he only commanded an ounce of genuine power. If he possessed a singular technique capable of trading his soul for strength, regardless of the toll. He would gladly ignite his entire physical form, reducing his being to ash, if it guaranteed he could drag this demon into the dirt with him.

*‘Yet what cosmic leverage can a scholar who has never grasped a single breath of martial arts possibly exert……?’*

When the truth was laid bare, the bloody stage of the Jianghu was never an ecosystem designed for a man like him to survive.

His eyelids grew progressively heavier, weighed down by the iron pull of death. Was it the logical consequence of losing such a massive volume of lifeblood?

Eerie phantoms of his late mentor and departed scholars began to coalesce within his fading vision.

*‘I am not yet prepared to face them in the afterlife……’*

Just as Dam Ak’s vision threatened to plunge into absolute darkness.

*CRACK—*

A brilliant, radiant golden fracture rent the air directly between the oppressive crimson boundaries.

Then, radiating outward from that microscopic fissure, the unnatural walls began to shatter into a thousand glittering shards.

*SHAAK—*

A singular, blinding beam of golden radiance erupted through the breach. Even Dam Ak, whose consciousness had been hovering on the precipice of extinction, forced his eyelids wide open through sheer instinct.

*‘A celestial dragon?’*

The swirling golden vortex of energy descended with a roar, tightly entangling itself around Gun Yu-hyeon’s protruding forearm and pinning it fast.

“What in the name of the gods is this madness……!”

Gun Yu-hyeon, who had been in the absolute midst of delivering the definitive death blow, knit his brows in profound irritation, whipping his gaze toward the source of the interruption.

Standing there, casually sauntering into the ruined space with a legendary blade wreathed in undulating golden currents resting carelessly upon his shoulder, was a familiar figure.

*‘Jin So-un?’*

“The Black Flame Dragon……!”

Without offering a single breath of warning or dialogue, Jin So-un swung the legendary Black Dragon Sword with devastating force.

*BOOM! BOOM BOOM BOOM!*

The cataclysmic waves of golden Sword Qi that erupted from the blade cascaded forward like a tidal wave of destruction, threatening to cleave Gun Yu-hyeon’s physical form into absolute ribbons.

“Open your mouth wide! Absolute justice is being forced down your throat!!!”