Chapter 486

Chapter 486
The voice that spoke was certainly not **Song Ye-seol**’s.

—They claimed the title of the Dragon Among Dragons (**Yong-jung-yong**) belonged solely to **Yong So-ah**.

The sinister vapor gripped the lacerations on **Song Ye-seol**’s form, manipulating her lifeless corpse like a marionette.

—In what way did you expose the **Bokma-gwangin**?

“Is unmasking such an amateurish display of dark magic truly that difficult?”

—*Cough, cough, cough*, an amateurish display of dark magic… as one would expect, **Yong So-ah** stands apart.

Every time the ominous mist spoke, the onlookers shuddered with an inexplicable dread. The tone itself seemed to scrape against the very bottom of their deepest fears.

“Are you familiar with who I am?”

Despite the pressure, **Yong So-ah**’s tone remained completely devoid of any feeling.

—I know you intimately. You represent the plaything we are anticipating the most.

“A plaything… a bold claim coming from a coward who hides in the shadows practicing witchcraft.”

—Every warrior has their particular strategy, much like the Murim Alliance employed underhanded tactics half a millennium ago.

He glanced briefly toward the side where the others lay incapacitated, overwhelmed by the debilitating aftermath of the **San-gong poison**. He then proceeded with his next move.

*Woooooong—*

A brilliant azure light enveloped the **Seonpung-geom**. This manifestation was distinct from before, radiating a sacred luminosity as though it held pure starlight within the blade. It was the Wudang’s own **Tae-geuk** power, a force akin to my own **Okcheong-cheonsang-ryeok** or the inner energy of the **Yeokgeun-gyeong** wielded by **Il-gak**.

—How intriguing, to see you wield it as though it were second nature.

The possessed corpse of **Song Ye-seol** began to expand in size. While the members of Hwapoong Manor froze in terror at the grotesque sight unfolding before them, the elite martial artists of the **Cheongryong-gak** reacted instantly.

“Assume the formation!”

The figures who had been resting passively just moments prior leaped into action, swiftly encircling **Song Ye-seol** and the corrupted entity.

“Maintain a distance of at least three *jang*.”

Hearing **Yong So-ah**’s warning, **Hwang Seo-yul** called out loudly.

“**Yong So-ah**! This is no moment for reckless individual heroics!”

“This is not recklessness. No one else present has the capability to confront this besides myself and that individual.”

Directing a brief look toward me, **Yong So-ah** immediately charged the possessed entity. The monstrously enlarged corpse swung a fist massive enough to match a bull, aiming to flatten **Yong So-ah**.

*Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!*

With every heavy swing of that fist, the structures of Hwapoong Manor crumbled and the stone tiles shattered into fragments, yet **Yong So-ah** remained entirely unscathed amidst the destruction. Instead, he executed the **Seungryong-gak** to launch a counteroffensive against the possessed entity.

Just as the possessed entity, eyes glowing with a sinister crimson hue, lunged forward to seize **Yong So-ah**.

*Slash-slash-slash-slash—*

The twenty elongated fingers attempting to trap **Yong So-ah** were cleanly severed and blown away. Immediately following that, the devastating strikes of the **Tae-geuk Thirteen Forms** ripped through the entire possessed entity.

*Slash-slash-slash-slash-slash—*

Each strike of the **Seonpung-geom**, infused with the essence of **Tae-geuk** power, dissolved the dark mist of the possessed entity, though it frantically wriggled in an attempt to piece itself back together. **Yong So-ah** accelerated his movements, denying it any opportunity to regenerate. He repeatedly sliced through the shifting mass as it struggled to reform, continuously reducing its shape back into mere vapor.

—You insignificant insect!

Leaving behind nothing but its glowing red eyes, the possessed entity shuddered violently before completely dispersing its physical form.

*Boom—*

Right at that split second, **Yong So-ah** vaulted into the air, retreating to the safety of the roof above the pavilion.

*Slash—*

A sharp, slicing sound echoed out.

*Thud. Rumble.*

Every building and stone lantern within a three *jang* radius was cleanly sheared apart.

“Heavens…”

“What kind of power is this…”

The blood of the **Cheongryong-gak** martial artists ran cold at the sight of a supernatural phenomenon completely foreign to their experience. In the fleeting pause after the possessed entity leveled everything within three *jang* and attempted to reconstruct its form once more, **Yong So-ah**’s **Seonpung-geom** lunged directly toward **Song Ye-seol**.

**Song Ye-seol**’s actions were fundamentally different from how **Heo Gwan-jung** had behaved. She was operating entirely devoid of her own volition.

*Thump, thump, thump, thump.*

Yet the manner in which the dark energy of the possessed entity shielded **Song Ye-seol**’s physical form was identical to what had occurred with **Heo Gwan-jung**.

“I truly should have finished her off from the very start.”

—*Cough, cough, cough*, you possess remarkable skill—but did you truly believe the **Bokma-gwangin** could be defeated so easily?

The possessed entity reared up once more. This time, it abandoned its human-like puppet appearance, shifting instead into the likeness of a spider. A pair of arms and six needle-like spikes extended indefinitely, thrusting directly at **Yong So-ah**.

“**Bokma-gwangin**… a moniker that perfectly mirrors your pathetic gloom.”

*Stab, stab, stab, stab, stab, stab, stab.*

The extended limbs and spikes pierced deeply into every spot where **Yong So-ah**’s afterimages lingered.

—Bold words for someone fleeing with his tail between his legs.

“Did it truly appear to you that I was retreating?”

Having pulled back as far as necessary, **Yong So-ah** lunged forward with the explosive speed of the **Gungsi-tanyeong**, severing all the advancing arms and spikes in a single motion.

*Grit-grit-grit-grit—*

Directly after, mimicking a dragon rising to the heavens while clutching its sacred pearl, he soared upward and generated a swirling vortex. Within the wake of that immense gale of sword energy, the possessed entity began to be violently shredded apart.

*Boom-boom-boom-boom-boom*

I stared unblinkingly at the chaos unfolding. There was **Yong So-ah**, systematically dismantling the possessed entity with his overwhelming **Tae-geuk** power, and there was **Song Ye-seol**, being dragged along limply at the edge of the creature’s mass.

The spectacle taking place before me felt entirely surreal. Like being trapped in a horrific nightmare, a deep sense of detachment made me tremble.

Right then.

—**Jin So-un**.

The cold, detached voice of **Yong So-ah** reached my ears.

—How much longer do you intend to remain immobilized?

Simultaneously, an object was flicked from **Yong So-ah**’s position, hurtling straight toward me.

*Thud.*

The small container, which had been thrown accurately enough to strike and release my paralyzed pressure points, landed on the earth.

—That is the counter-agent for the **San-gong poison**.

I reached out slowly and gripped it in my palm.

*Slash-slash-slash-slash—*

While this happened, the possessed entity, torn apart once more by **Yong So-ah**’s fierce sword qi, continuously dissolved and reorganized itself. The entity grew progressively larger, swifter, and more formidable, yet it failed to gain the upper hand against **Yong So-ah** for even a single second.

—How long must I wait for you to act?

My eyes remained fixed on **Song Ye-seol**, who was continuously dragged along by the rear of the possessed entity, her partially severed neck hanging loosely.

—Do you intend to make me regret the choice I made?

I couldn’t comprehend the meaning behind his words. Frankly, I didn’t care. The only thing that mattered to me at this moment was a single question.

“Since what point were you aware?”

—Does that piece of information matter at this current juncture?

The possessed entity, having taken a one-sided beating from **Yong So-ah**’s relentless offenses, finally broke apart once more. The trembling dark vapor transformed into dozens of sharp projectiles, tearing through the immediate area.

“Get back!!!”

“Shield the members of Hwapoong Manor!”

“Do not engage! Simply retreat by any means necessary!”

Sensing the impending danger from three *jang* away, the martial artists of the **Cheongryong-gak** collectively grabbed the Hwapoong Manor members, leapt off the earth, and retreated beyond a distance of five *jang*.

*Rumble-rumble-rumble—*

The massive wave of blades tore through the courtyard like a hurricane, leaving absolutely no structures or items undamaged in the vicinity.

—Are you simply going to stand by and watch that woman remain in that state?

**Song Ye-seol**, who had cherished and protected Hwapoong Manor above all else, had been reduced to the very vessel destroying everything her home stood for. She, who had envisioned a bright path ahead and anticipated her role within the Murim Alliance, was now nothing more than a tool for the Demonic Cult.

And yet.

[*…I also believe it would have been wonderful if we could have attended the martial academy side by side.*]

Why?

[*Even so, I believe everyone has found much more comfort because of you, **Gong-ja-nim**.*]

The echoes in my mind.

[*Truly… truly… I am so grateful. If you hadn’t been here, **Gong-ja-nim**… far more lives would have been lost.*]

Am I reminiscing about a **Song Ye-seol** whose true self is already gone?

[*Because I wish to understand **Gong-ja Jin**.*]

Now, those memories even make me question if they were ever real.

[*Is it possible that you harbor a dislike for me?*]

Is this the reality of how callously individuals are plunged into damnation?

“Curse it… curse it… curse it…”

Completely contrary to what the adversary wanted, I had absolutely no desire to allow those wretched villains, who dare to manipulate another person’s very spirit, to savor a victory.

“If I can inflict nothing but agony upon you bastards…”

I crushed the counter-agent and forced it down my throat.

“I am entirely willing to endure the sensation of my own heart tearing into pieces.”

As the medicinal properties gradually circulated, my drained dantian began to slowly revitalize. I channeled my absolute intent into that core, pulling in internal force at a speed surpassing any prior attempt. My meridians and pathways stretched taut, violently awakening the latent energies within.

At the same glance, I pulled the **Jubak** charms from within my garments and tossed them into the air. As I intoned a spell filled with the **Okcheong-cheonsang-ryeok**, the descending charms flew straight toward **Song Ye-seol**’s form as if guided by a living force.

—Where do you imagine you are taking that!

The moment the mysterious possessed entity attempted to intercept the charms, **Yong So-ah**, anticipating the move perfectly, reduced both of its extended arms to mere smoke. Simultaneously, the fractured energies of **Tae-geuk** shifted into numerous blades, tearing the possessed entity apart.

Just as the possessed entity fell apart completely and threatened to fracture for a third time.

*Whoosh!*

The **Holy Fire Demon-Slaying Hand** manifesting from my right palm cut through the gloom, striking directly toward **Song Ye-seol**.

“Forated by my apologies, **Nang-ja Song**.”

*Thud!*

The strike cleanly penetrated **Song Ye-seol**’s torso.

*Gush—*

The eyes of **Song Ye-seol**, whom I had been certain was already dead, parted slightly, and a faint smile touched her expression. Clinging to a final shred of anticipation, I called out to her.

“**Nang-ja Song**.”

**Song Ye-seol** held my gaze directly. Immediately after, a voice that still felt completely foreign emerged from her lips.

—**Jin So-un**, your reputation preceded you. *Cough, cough*, you truly are a far more—intriguing individual than I anticipated.

The residual force of the possessed entity, speaking as if expending the last of its vitality, began to slide out of **Song Ye-seol**’s physical form. It was a primal reaction, seeking to find a fresh vessel. I withdrew my hand from **Song Ye-seol**’s torso and instantly swung the **Holy Fire Demon-Slaying Hand** toward the escaping mass.

*Whoosh.*

The ablaze energy of the possessed entity thrashed wildly in midair, but—

—*Cough— wheeze—!*

The **Holy Fire Demon-Slaying Hand** refused to be extinguished. Supporting the weight of **Song Ye-seol**’s body as it went limp after being liberated from the creature’s grasp, I stared with pure enmity at the fading embers.

—Keep your guard up, **Jin So-un**, for plans regarding your fate have already been set in motion. Things will become vastly more entertaining from this point forward.

Hwapoong Manor resembled a wasteland. The structures and the courtyard lay completely demolished, yet no one made any move to mend or clear away the wreckage. As if stripped of life, nothing but an oppressive silence and a profound stillness weighed over the entirety of Hwapoong Manor.

Even when they had previously suffered thirty casualties and fifty wounded, their spirits had not plummeted to such depths. Back then, many had worn their scars and suffering as a badge of honor, firmly believing they had secured a victory. It was to the point where even when their leader returned in utter disgrace, lightheartedness could still cut through the mourning.

However, the survivors of Hwapoong Manor, who had once possessed such resilience, now sought to abandon the estate and flee back to their respective homes as if waking from a waking nightmare. Naturally, due to the previous day’s events, they were forbidden from departing. The martial artists of the **Cheongryong-gak** restricted their movement, leading to constant minor disputes.

“What is our course of action?”

**Gwak Su-san** directed his inquiry toward **Il-gak**, but received no meaningful reply.

“Amitabha…”

Through their meticulous investigation, they had already verified that the residents had no ties to the techniques of the Gold Palace or the Demonic Cult. It was highly probable that the situation regarding **Song Ye-seol** was an anomaly that even Hwapoong Manor could never have foreseen. The profound state of shock gripping the estate’s survivors served as clear evidence of that fact.

If one were to look for the primary reason why the **Yongbong-jihoe** had been tasked with overseeing this investigation in the first place, was it not due to the emergence of a creature like **Song Ye-seol** within the ranks of the Black Pavilions?

“**Sunbae Yong So-ah** remains silent, and **Dan-ju Jin** is…”

Ever since delivering **Song Ye-seol**’s remains to the **Cheongryong-gak** the prior day, he had not set foot back in the quarters.

“He remains within the grounds of Hwapoong Manor.”

“……”

Hearing **Il-gak**’s response, **Gwak Su-san** fell into silent thought.

“What must we do?”

“…Amitabha.”

The reality that they found themselves paralyzed and uncertain of how to proceed after losing their path forward was not born out of incompetence on the part of **Gwak Su-san** and **Il-gak**. No matter the depth of one’s intellect, a lack of practical experience is a void that cannot be compensated for by texts and doctrines.

In that regard, **Jin So-un**, despite being of an identical age, could not be viewed as anything less than an extraordinary anomaly. Always, under any circumstance, no matter how dire the crisis, he conducted himself as though he possessed absolute clarity on the necessary next step.

Yet at this moment, even **Jin So-un** had ground to a halt. Given his expression as he surveyed Hwapoong Manor, and considering that his history with **Song Ye-seol** was entirely different from his interactions with other factions, such a pause was only natural.

“Even so, we have no alternative but to seek his counsel.”

**Gwak Su-san** concurred with **Il-gak**’s assessment. They were currently bound to the execution of a critical directive. And is it not the duty of those bound to a directive to press forward, even while consumed by grief?

“Shall we approach him together?”

In response to **Gwak Su-san**’s hesitant inquiry, **Il-gak** offered a nod of agreement.

[*Ever since my birth parents departed this world, Hwapoong Manor has served as my true parent and my sole family.*]

I stood gazing upon the environment that had functioned as **Song Ye-seol**’s sanctuary and kin.

“Now that it lies entirely in ruins…”

In all likelihood, following this disaster, not a single remnant of **Song Ye-seol** or the things she once held dear would persist. The **Tae-eul Sect** had suffered an identical fate. Regardless of how desperately I strove to recover and preserve the remnants of the mechanisms and the fallen, the **Tae-eul Sect** could never be restored. Those left behind were fated only to experience pain, endurance, and sorrow while staring endlessly at the scars left by the agents of ruin.

When I was granted this second existence, I perceived it as a profound prospect. I had squandered half of my former life trapped in an endless cycle of remorse and bitter reflection. I held the conviction that if a fresh prospect were presented to me, I would somehow possess the power to alter the outcome.

[*“…I wish to understand more. Regarding **Gong-ja Jin**…”*]

Yet the truth had broken over me once more. The remorse that had plagued my entire past existence, the solemn oaths I had sworn at every turning point, amounted to nothing more than an illusion.

My companions remain deceitful, craven, and prone to destroying themselves through continuous injustice. My adversaries remain monstrous, brutal, and intent on crushing existence without a shred of mercy. This existence does not represent a prospect. It is nothing short of the agony of enduring the exact same damnation all over again.