Return of the Mount Hua Sect

“Chung Myung!”

Jo Gul shouted.

Blood splattered from Chung Myung’s body, visible in slow motion. The messenger seized the opportunity and fervently chased after him.

To any observer, it was evident that Chung Myung was being overwhelmed. But at that moment…

Out of nowhere, Chung Myung somersaulted in mid-air and then gleefully brandished his sword.

Goooooo!

The red sword emitted a powerful sword qi. This reddish qi gradually grew more vibrant over time, eventually enveloping the entire sword.

“T-that?”

“Enhanced Sword?”

Kwaaaang!

The messenger, struck by Chung Myung’s sword, was launched like a cannon and crashed onto the ground.

Thud! Thud!

The impact caused the ground to cave in, resembling the aftermath of a fallen meteorite. The messenger’s body was jolted by the intense force and fell down powerless.

However, as if it didn’t matter, he quickly stood up.

“Cough!”

Blood trickled down from his mouth like a waterfall, his insides trembled, organs torn open, and his blood flowed in reverse. However, there was no time to tend to those injuries.

This was because he could clearly see Chung Myung sprinting towards him like a wolf.

“You filthy, disgusting unbeliever!”

The messenger bellowed, blood spattering, but he prepared himself again.

Kwakwakwang!

Like a maelstrom of chaotic energy, it enveloped Chung Myung with its black force.

Oaaaah!

Chung Myung’s sword struck the opponent, unleashing a cascade of plum blossoms. The rapidly blooming flowers soared like clouds and dispersed the chaotic energy. To the spectators, it appeared as if the black energy stream was uncontrollable, erupting through the bed of plum blossoms.

‘Is this a human….’

The warriors of the Ice Palace troops were shocked and unknowingly looked on with wide mouths at the gargantuan duel in front of them.

The qi radiating from the tip of the sword and those human claws were so immense that it didn’t seem like something a human could produce.

“Ohhhhh!”

“Ahhhhhhh!”

Like a storm, the tension struck the plum blossoms and shattered them.

However, the flow of qi became even more massive and overbearing. The blooming plum flowers were caught in this storm and gradually lost their shine.

Then the air glowed red as the plum blossoms bloomed once more, surpassing the fallen ones in number.

Red flowers and a black storm, two qi’s swirling and expanding.

Puaaak!

The qi rebounded upon the sword’s push, striking Chung Myung in the chest. Blood poured from his throat, yet he stubbornly swallowed it down, persistently wielding his sword.

Slash!

The messenger’s face and ankles were pierced by fragments of plum blossoms, cut and split.

Martial arts was created as a means of self-defense.

But by demonstrating through their actions that martial arts was solely about defeating one’s opponent, the messenger didn’t even flinch at their injuries and relentlessly launched more attacks.

Thud!

Showing further dissatisfaction after a battle that appeared to inflict severe damage, the messenger effortlessly tossed the body aside and unleashed their qi forward.

And.

Woong.

The messenger put his hands together in front of his chest and made a peculiar sign. Simultaneously, black demonic energy burst forth from his shoulders like flames. It was so dark and menacing that it instilled fear in all who watched.

“The second coming of the Heavenly Demon!”

Puak!

As the messenger stepped forward to execute a technique, demonic energy emanated from his two hands.

“Haaah!”

Demonic energy surged, resembling a beast. The enormous black creature, the size of a house, opened its maw and devoured Chung Myung.

“C-Chung Myung…!”

The force was so immense that even Baek Cheon, who had remained silent until now, lost his composure and yelled out. Even merely observing, he could sense its immense power.

“Sahyungggggg!”

Tang Soso also screamed sharply.

Shhh.

As if in response, Chung Myung’s sword traced a delicate arc through the air, reassuring those who were worried.

And the red sword of Chung Myung quivered.

The sword appeared too feeble to counter the messenger’s force, which came with fierce momentum.

But.

“Look!”

Baek Cheon shouted excitedly.

“The sword of Mount Hua!”

The tip of Chung Myung’s sword sketched plum blossoms.

One after another, the flowers continued to bloom, welcoming the dark beast that engulfed the world.

A tiny movement, yet not insignificant.

Blooming.

No matter how colossal the tree may be, it started with a blooming flower. It blossomed, withered, blossomed again, and gave birth to a new life.

A cycle that repeated.

The universe began with taiji, which transitioned into three elements and then harmonized into four symbols. The five elements merged, forming six unions, ultimately manifesting as seven stars. After traversing the eight trigrams and palaces, it finally aspired to attain the Nine Commandments.

However, this was an ongoing cycle.

The principles of the world constantly flowed, yet now, they flowed without blossoming.

A small flower was not merely confined to its size and significance.

Countless flowers in full bloom graced Mount Hua in the North Sea, imbuing it with a spirited presence.

The messenger’s eyes widened in awe. Without realizing it, he became enthralled by the captivating display of plum blossoms that had engulfed the entire world.

“What kind of sword is this?”

Martial arts originated from human hands and gradually transcended mere mortals. However, the spectacle before him exceeded all expectations, surpassing the realm of human capability.

The great sea surged with plum blossoms, a captivating sight. The swirling sea of plum blossoms swiftly entranced the soul. It swiftly transformed the power, creating a massive wave that assaulted the messenger.

24 Movements of the Plum Blossom Sword.

Plum Blossom in Full Bloom.

How formidable could a lone petal possibly be?

When the wind blew, it was swept away. And when it rained, it fell. But when those tiny petals gathered and formed a tree in the forest, they eventually filled the world and spread their fragrance for a thousand miles.

The plum blossom sword qi, overlapping infinitely, shattered even the energy of the demon that the messenger had summoned.

The ferocious creature lunged towards Chung Myung, only to be swiftly defeated. The messenger, filled with desperation, summoned more qi. But, no matter how powerful the force, it could not overcome the immovable sea.

A cascade of plum blossoms overwhelmed the messenger’s sight, triumphant in their victory over the demonic beast.

“Don’t you dare mock me!”

With a desperate cry, the messenger extended both hands, unleashing a surge of demonic qi that pierced through the sea of plum blossoms.

Chaaak!

However, facing this was just like fighting against a waterfall.

Crack!

His knees bent inward before crumbling.

Crack!

Bones screamed in agony, and the body, unable to endure, started to burst. Blood spilled out.

“Second coming of the Heavenly….”

The messenger’s body shivered as he murmured, and finally, he understood.

This sword…

‘Was what ended the Heavenly Demon…’

Mount Hua’s sword.

“AHHHHH!”

With the qi filling his body, the messenger’s form swiftly became adorned with plum blossoms.

Kwaaak!

The twirling blossoms traversed the snowy expanse of the North Sea, presenting a regal spectacle that seemed almost surreal.

Eyes widened in awe as all beheld the mesmerizing display, unsure if they were even awake.

And.

This crimson tide of plum blossoms transformed the land of the North Sea.

“…”

In the aftermath was a profound hush as the bystanders collectively drew a breath, their gazes fixed upon a singular focal point.

Drop.

Drop.

Blood flowed from his hand, dripping to the ground. The messenger knelt on the floor, gasping for breath.

“Heavenly… heavenly…”

Amidst this gruesome sight, calling for the Heavenly Demon no longer instilled fear in anyone, only sickness.

“Spit!”

Chung Myung spat out the blood that had gathered in his mouth and wiped it with his sleeve. Without uttering a word, he spat out the blood once more.

“Cough!”

He coughed, spitting out a stream of blood, and mumbled with a frown on his face.

“That damned man is really going all out.”

Despite appearing unharmed, his insides were completely shaken. It was impossible to acquire such a sword skill with just technique alone.

But they were bloodthirsty beasts.

Even if he couldn’t fully grasp the stance, he somehow managed to find and attack a weak spot. He needed to remain standing, even if he pushed himself to the limit.

Thanks to that, he wasn’t injured on the outside, but right now, the internal wounds were too much, even more grave than when he dealt with Seol Chun-Sang.

But…

‘It doesn’t matter.’

Chung Myung slowly approached the messenger. It was time to bring this to a close.

And then

“S-save the messenger!”

“Stop! Stop him somehow!’

The Demonic Sect, who were observing the situation from behind, screamed as they stepped forward. One obstructed Chung Myung while the others tried to aid the messenger.

“How dare you…”

Just as Chung Myung’s expression shifted and he was about to swing his sword, a loud eruption shook the air.

“These bastards!”

“Your opponents are us!”

The disciples of Mount Hua engaged with the Demonic Sect members, with Hae Yeon delivering a powerful blow from behind.

“…”

Chung Myung glanced at them, then turned his attention to the messenger.

“Hush.”

In an instant, his body vanished from the spot, reappearing directly in front of the kneeling messenger.

“Look!”

“Die!”

The demons, attempting to flee with the messenger, faltered, and without hesitation, they launched an attack on Chung Myung.

Puakkk!

Undeterred, Chung Myung swiftly swung his sword and delivered a powerful kick to the messenger.

Kwaaang!

The messenger’s body soared through the air, resembling a kite whose string had been severed. It landed in the vicinity of the Ice Palace warriors.

Chung Myung swiftly dispatched the demons, knocking them away with a single strike, before propelling himself off the ground to pursue the messenger.

Rumble!

The messenger’s body traversed the entire Ice Palace, leaving a gaping hole in its wake.

“What the hell are you all doing!? Can’t you handle just one person?”

As Chung Myung calmed his anger, the warriors of the Ice Palace clenched their teeth. Soon, they exchanged glances and exclaimed.

“Defeat those evil ones!”

“Kill them all! Every single one!”

After the Ice Palace warriors gathered the courage to charge at the demons, Chung Myung finally glanced at them. He leaped forward and pursued the messenger.

“Sasuk! Hae Yeon! Don’t let a single one survive!”

“I understand!”

“Amitabha!”

Chung Myung approached the Ice Palace with incredible speed, raising his body. He wasn’t heading for the messenger but for Seol So-Baek.

Tak!

He landed right next to the kid, near the wall.

“Y-you’re the disciple?”

The kid looked confused for a moment.

Kwaang!

The floor exploded as the messenger came up, and as Chung Myung expected, he immediately kicked the messenger.

The messenger’s body was pushed into the wall again.

Rumble.

Looking at the cracked and crumbling wall, Chung Myung smiled coldly.

“It is obvious what you are going to do. Idiot.”

Tak.

Chung Myung, who covered the head of Seol So-Baek with his hand, approached the messenger without even looking at the child.

“Cough…”

He coughed a couple times with blood dripping down from his mouth.

“Get up.”

Chung Myung looked down at him with a cold face.

“There is no way you will die like this. It isn’t over yet. Get up.”

A glimmer of despair flickered in the messenger’s eyes. There were surely countless individuals stronger than him in this world. It wasn’t a grand achievement that he couldn’t prevail against a single person.

But how could he rationalize this intense, ominous sensation?

The messenger observed his trembling hands.

“Am I… experiencing fear?”

Me?

That was when…

“YOUUUU!”

Chung Myung swiftly shifted his gaze.

The wall on the right crumbled out of nowhere, and a man with a sword leaped from the debris, launching an assault on Chung Myung.

That dress…

‘Ice Palace?’

Chung Myung bit his lip as he blocked the sword.

“Messenger, run!”

Upon hearing the screams, the messenger leaped up.

“Where do you think you’re going!”

Chung Myung relentlessly moved his sword qi and charged towards the messenger. However, the messenger soared skyward instead of fleeing downwards, crashing through the ceiling.

“This!”

Chung Myung’s eyes gleamed.

“An Elder of the Ice Palace… defending the Demonic Sect? You bastard!”

“The second coming of the Heavenly…”

“Shut up!”

Paaang!

Chung Myung severed the elder’s head and then turned around.

Flinch.

Seol So-Baek flinched, watching Chung Myung’s strangely cold eyes.

“…”

Chung Myung simply glanced up at the messenger.

Kwang! Kwaang!

Meanwhile, the opponent constantly pierced through the ceiling.

‘I have to survive.’

The presence of that monstrous bastard led to the destruction of the Sect, and he even took the ice crystals.

‘I cannot retrieve the ice crystals unless the high priest returns….’

“Stay there, you bastard!”

Kwaaang!

In an instant, the sword qi soared towards the messenger’s body.

“Eik….”

He skillfully defended against the sword qi with his demonic qi, but the sheer power behind it still pushed him back.

Rumble!

The messenger’s body crashed through the ceiling,

Rumble!

Finally, he reached the highest floor and landed on the ground, coughing up blood.

“Cough…”

His hands trembled as he scraped the broken floor, with venom in his eyes.

‘If I cannot go back alive…’

Rumble.

He held onto the last force that kept him alive.

His eyes shone with determination as he prepared to use his last resort.

“Take one of the…”

At that moment,

The messenger glanced to the side.

“… where?”

This was the topmost floor of the palace, where Seol Chun-Sang’s office was located. He had visited it several times.

Of course, he was shocked not because of the office.

In the center…

The place where Seol Chun-Sang always sat was shattered. And a half-protruding box from underneath was cracked from the impact.

“…t-that…”

A blue light shone inside, filling the messenger’s eyes with joy.

“Seol Chun-Sang, you bastard! You damned bastard!”

Rushing at the speed of light towards the box, he threw himself at the window in the wall.

Kwaang!

His body fell down, shattering the window.

“How dare this bastard!”

Chung Myung, who arrived late, swung his sword.

The messenger crouched to protect the box instead of his body.

“What?”

Chung Myung narrowed his eyes.

Slash!

The messenger’s arm was severed.

Simultaneously, a corner of the box he held revealed its contents.

Inside the box were ice crystals.

“Goodbye now, warrior of the Central Plains!”

“What nonsense is that…!”

On the brink of throwing himself down after the messenger, Chung Myung swiftly flipped his body over, his eyes flashing.

Kwaang!

Yet another elder from the Ice Palace charged towards Chung Myung from behind.

“The second coming of…”

Paaat!

Already consumed by anger, Chung Myung swiftly severed the elder’s neck. With wide eyes, the head tumbled to the ground.

“This…”

He glanced out the window in a rush, only to find the messenger had already left. As he stared at the messenger’s back, Chung Myung’s face contorted like a demon.

“This goddamn dog…”

Blood trickled down from the lip he had bitten in anger.