Chapter 887: I missed you.

On a winter day that was gradually starting to get colder.

Inside the Murim Alliance in Hanam, busy movements were still repeating.

It was partly because the season was changing, but also because of the incident that occurred.

“I heard the frequency of demonic beasts appearing in Taesan, to the north, has noticeably increased.”

“Yes, I heard that too. They say the green demonic beasts don’t even appear anymore.”

Originally, it was supposed to be mostly green demonic beasts guarding Taesan, but now their frequency has noticeably decreased.

Green demonic beasts have almost disappeared. It’s mostly blue demonic beasts, and they say even red demonic beasts are appearing occasionally.

Thanks to that, the passage for herb gatherers was prohibited, and the schedule for the Sword Brigade became tight.

“…Seriously. I can’t stand it since there are no days off.”

Their faces were drenched in fatigue. It was worse because the rest they got was only for a short while.

Moreover, it was even worse because the Sword Brigade positions were currently vacant.

“When will the Azure Dragon Brigade be back…?”

“Well, it doesn’t seem like it’s been half a month since they left for Sichuan. They’ll probably need a bit more time, don’t you think?”

“If they need more time, would that be several months?”

“Most likely.”

“Haa….”

A deep sigh. There was no other way.

With the Azure Dragon Brigade gone, the workload increased.

Especially since the movements of the unorthodox sects are unusual, the other Sword Brigades are also moving quickly.

Because of that, the already short-handed staff became even more so.

“…Still, I think it might get better when Ilcheong-geom returns.”

“That’s true. But.”

The man who answered stroked his chin and spoke.

“Lately, some strange rumors have been circulating.”

“What kind?”

“The rumor is that Ilcheong-geom has colluded with the Demonic Cult.”

“Huh?”

Hearing this, the squad member frowned.

“What kind of nonsensical rumor is that?”

It was too absurd to believe.

“Ilcheong-geom colluding with the Demonic Cult?”

“I agree, it just seems like that’s the rumor going around.”

“It’s a ridiculous rumor.”

What kind of person is Ilcheong-geom? He was famous for his upright conduct, both during the War of Righteousness and normally.

He’s about to join the ranks of the Ten Great Masters, and it’s even said that he could aim for the position of Alliance Leader in the future if possible.

Him colluding with the Demonic Cult? It was absurd.

“Aren’t rumors always like that?”

“I find it ridiculous just hearing it, so I can’t imagine how much the Azure Dragon Brigade and Ilcheong-geom themselves would laugh if they heard it.”

Especially the members remaining at the main Alliance headquarters would probably laugh for a long time if they heard it.

“Originally, things tend to get muddied and exaggerated as they pass from mouth to mouth.”

The man added with a smirk.

“Isn’t it the same this time? Like the matter concerning that Great Demonic Head.”

“Ah.”

Great Demonic Head. As that word came out, the squad member nodded as if he understood.

“You mean that bullshit?”

Even as he spoke, the young man’s lips curled upwards.

It meant the story was that funny.

“You mean the one saying the Heavenly Demon can handle and summon demonic beasts?”

It was the most ridiculous thing heard recently.

An unknown being called the leader of the Demonic Cult.

The Heavenly Demon (天魔).

There’s a story that not only did he appear in Sichuan, but when he stretched his hand towards the sky, the Demonic Gate opened in the void, and numerous demonic beasts poured out.

‘This isn’t even funny.’

There’s a level of believability, and this surpassed it.

No matter how unknown the Heavenly Demon’s identity is, he is human.

How can a human not only tame demonic beasts but also open the Demonic Gate to summon them?

“If that were possible, I’d burn my hand off.”

“That’s what you’d say, right?”

“Forget ‘that’s what you’d say,’ it’s impossible.”

And, a faint sense of unease permeated the voice speaking like this.

The Heavenly Demon is currently an object of fear.

Naturally.

He is a strange being who suddenly fell from the sky.

It was the same with the Demonic Cult, an organization never seen before in past days. His first appearance was unusual from the start.

Not only did he fall nonchalantly into the main base of the Wudang Sect, where the current Alliance Leader, Geomseon, resides.

He killed a Wudang elder right in front of people and calmly escaped.

After that, an incident broke out in Hanam.

The Zhuge clan rebelled and launched an attack, and during that process, white demonic beasts retaliated.

The Heavenly Demon was there then too.

Moreover, Cheonjun, one of the Three Venerables, was there. The scene was attended by the then Alliance Leader Geomseon, Mae Hwa Seon, and many others. The Ten Great Masters were present in large numbers.

The Heavenly Demon made his presence known there as well and calmly disappeared.

And so, up to this incident. At this point, questions are bound to arise.

“Just how strong is the Heavenly Demon…?”

What level has the Heavenly Demon truly reached?

It was a fact that had emerged as a question in the current Central Plains.

A monster that even Cheonjun, one of the Three Venerables, couldn’t properly stop.

Doesn’t this mean he too has reached the Venerable level?

Furthermore.

‘…The outbreak of white demonic beasts.’

The appearance of demonic beasts during the Hanam attack.

Recalling that makes the anxiety work even harder.

The Heavenly Demon can summon and handle demonic beasts. If that’s the case…

‘No way.’

A thought flashed through his mind then.

‘…Those hundred-level demonic beasts too?’

The hundred-level demonic beasts that suddenly appeared as a line was drawn in the air, they overlapped with the current rumors.

Could it be that the Heavenly Demon summoned the hundred-level demonic beasts? Such a delusion flashed for a moment, but…

‘It can’t be.’

The squad member shook his head.

It couldn’t be.

They were already saying his power alone was similar to the Venerables.

If a human possessed such power on top of that…

‘Is that even human?’

It was hard to even consider him human, and the thought of what would happen if he started a war was unimaginable.

It was chilling and frightening.

“Hoo….”

The squad member let out a sigh, trying hard to forget.

Because the mere mention of him having power similar to the Venerables was absurd, he believed the demonic beasts were just rumors.

No, he had to believe it.

“Anyway, putting the Azure Dragon Brigade aside, what happened to the Sacred Dragon Brigade?”

He brought up another topic, trying to change the subject somehow.

“The Sacred Dragon Brigade?”

“Yes, I heard they went to Sichuan together.”

“Hmm, there’s no particular news heard, but since they went with the Azure Dragon Brigade, I assume nothing major happened.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

The squad member who spoke edged closer.

It was as if he was about to say something that shouldn’t be overheard.

“That… incident that happened this time, you know.”

“Incident? Ah.”

“It’s about Advisor Muk-nim.”

“Ah… that matter.”

It was a recent famous anecdote. The head of the Hu Family of Shanxi, Ho-hyeop, entered the main Alliance headquarters and attacked Muk Yeon, who was handling matters at the time.

At the time, Geomje, who was guarding nearby, blocked Ho-hyeop. Didn’t the Divine Dragon Brigade Leader who appeared afterward subdue him?

It’s said that Ho-hyeop is currently imprisoned in the underground jail…

“Doesn’t this make Star King problematic too?”

“Most likely.”

Ho-hyeop is none other than the father of the current Star King.

Star King was currently treated as a hero in Hanam. Public sentiment was at its peak because he had blocked the attack and even hunted the hundred-level demonic beasts.

Thanks to that, he not only became the youngest to reach the King-level but was also considered the most likely candidate for the greatest martial artist of the next generation.

Such a Star King, yet…

“Why would the former head commit such an act?”

“Who knows.”

Why did Ho-hyeop suddenly cause trouble in this situation?

Even to block his own son’s path, he wouldn’t do it like this.

“Ho-hyeop… even if not widely known, isn’t he a rather famous martial artist?”

“Famous, of course. If you had seen how Ho-hyeop dealt with the unorthodox cultivators during the last war, it wouldn’t have ended like this.”

“…Was he that bad?”

“Of course. He was truly like a demon.”

How else could it be that the unorthodox sects called him something other than Ho-hyeop?

Although he lives quietly now after moving to Shanxi, he was once a famous martial artist.

“That’s why it’s a mystery.”

Why did he suddenly act like this?

Many people were questioning it.

“The trial that’s supposed to proceed is probably in two days, right?”

“That’s right.”

“If the verdict isn’t favorable, what happens to Star King?”

“I don’t know for sure, but it might cause some problems.”

He is a leader of the main Alliance, one of the Eight Pillars, no less.

Since the father of such a person committed a crime against the Alliance, Star King’s position was also likely to be affected.

“There are talks that Advisor Muk-nim favors Star King… but I doubt if he’ll overlook this matter.”

“Even if Advisor Muk-nim is a kind person, this is too much, isn’t it?”

“I agree.”

“Besides, if it’s in two days, Star King won’t even be able to make it back.”

Star King is still in Sichuan.

I don’t know if he’s received the news, but even if he left immediately, he wouldn’t arrive until winter.

“Whatever the case, it’s unsettling how incidents keep happening.”

“Everyone says that. Like it’s the calm before the storm.”

Signs that something is about to erupt.

Everyone was feeling it.

The Heavenly Demon’s appearance, the changing trends of demonic beasts.

It was impossible not to notice the situation becoming increasingly violent.

On top of that.

“They say the unorthodox sects are also showing movements.”

That’s what the Flying Dragon Brigade, who were gathering information, reported.

The Demonic Cult, the unorthodox sects, the demonic beasts… the situation was clearly not normal by any means.

“With things constantly erupting in this situation… it’s concerning.”

“What are you worried about? As long as the Murim Alliance exists, there shouldn’t be any problems.”

“Haha….”

The squad member laughed bitterly.

The person he was talking to was a bit older, so he had excessive faith in the Murim Alliance.

Most people of that age group were like that.

However, faith in the Alliance had significantly decreased now.

Especially those living in Hanam.

“Yes… I suppose so.”

Perhaps finding it difficult to say anything more, the squad member just nodded.

At the same time, he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“Oof…. It’s hot.”

The weather was hot today.

“I know, right? Why is it so hot…”

The ones speaking made eye contact with each other.

Hot?

Upon realizing it, something felt strange.

The weather was supposed to be winter soon. Just this morning, it wasn’t just chilly, it was cold enough to see your breath.

But now it was hot. Hot enough to sweat…

“…What the? Why is it hot?”

Why was it this hot?

The temperature was almost high enough to be considered mid-summer.

It was even getting hotter continuously. It was strange. And furthermore.

‘…Heavy.’

The air was heavy. It felt like my shoulders were being crushed by something.

Breathing was becoming more difficult, and my eyes involuntarily squinted from the heat and pressure.

What is happening?

Suddenly this…

“O-over there-!”

Someone in the Alliance shouted.

Their fingertip pointed towards the sky. Following their gesture, everyone’s gaze turned to the void.

There was something in the center of the brightly shining sun.

What is that? The question didn’t last long.

Hwa-reureu-reuk–!!

It was an ember.

An ember holding a blue light.

Azure flames were burning from the center of the sun.

It was about the size of a small candle flame.

But.

‘It’s growing…?’

The ember was gradually growing larger. Watching it, I realized belatedly.

It wasn’t that the size was increasing.

It was getting closer and closer.

As the distance closed, it appeared larger. The moment this was recognized.

Kwa-aaaaaahhhhh—-!!!!

The flame slammed into the ground.

Kua-aaaah—-!!!

The fallen azure flame shot flames towards the sky as if exploding.

The magnificent pillar of fire made one’s body tremble involuntarily.

Kwa-aaaaaahhhhhhh—-!!!!

“Kkuhk!”

“Kuaaah–!!”

Due to the heat and concentrated wind pressure, those nearby were blown away.

Startled by the sudden impact, other martial artists had already begun coming outside.

“What is this–!!”

“Is it an attack…? Prepare the formation!”

Their expressions were tense.

It was clearly not a normal event. Could it be the work of the unorthodox? Or perhaps… the Demonic Cult?

Just as anxiety surfaced on everyone’s faces.

“Make way.”

A heavy voice fell.

Along with the words, a figure landed lightly on the ground.

As he stepped, the hot air seemed to clear instantly.

“S-Suhodaeju-nim-!”

The old man’s identity was Geomje, known to be the closest to the Three Venerables among the Ten Great Masters.

The Alliance’s guardian faced the flame, drawing his sword.

An immense aura flowed from the old man’s feet.

Hoo-oo-ook–!!

Geomje’s battle aura took shape, dominating the surrounding void.

Those watching let out exclamations of admiration at the sight.

“How can such refined energy….”

The old man’s power was delicate and refined, yet solid at the same time.

The Guardian Leader, Geomje.

It was a form befitting the achievements and character he had displayed in the past.

A guardian who protects the Murim Alliance no matter what.

It was a perfect match for his words.

Kua-aaaaaahhhhh—-!!!

The flame confronted Geomje’s aura. It didn’t yield at all.

Rather, it moved more violently, as if trying to burn Geomje’s aura.

Geomje’s brow furrowed.

“What is this you’re doing right now?”

Geomje uttered lowly.

At that moment.

Kwa-aaaaaahhhhh—-!!!!

Within the rampaging flames, a form gradually began to emerge.

The flames took on a skeletal structure, gradually transforming into a human body.

And then.

“What am I doing?”

The figure thus formed even spoke.

Peol-leok!

The robe he wore kept fluttering due to the wind pressure.

A white robe with blue embroidery.

The martial attire he wore indicated he was someone from the Murim Alliance.

He wasn’t just any martial artist. That’s…

“Daeju….”

It was the robe of a Daeju, something only eight people in the Alliance could wear.

There was only one person among the current Daeju who could emit such flames.

“Star King?”

“The Sacred Dragon Brigade Leader?”

“How could someone who should be in Sichuan…?”

While everyone reacted with surprise.

“That’s what I wanted to say… you’re taking the initiative.”

Gu Yangcheon, who appeared from the flames, said while looking at Geomje.

“If I had my way, I’d flip everything over. But for now, I’ll ask.”

Kuu-eu-eu-eu—-!! The pillar of fire, soaring as if to pierce the sky, scattered like a fan.

Numerous small suns rose and then seeped back into Gu Yangcheon’s back.

It looked like giant wings, or perhaps like a waterfall being swallowed by his back.

Whatever it was, it was a spectacular sight.

The air that Geomje had barely cleared became blocked again.

It was immense heat.

In the heat thus generated, Gu Yangcheon asked Geomje.

“Where is my father?”

“…”

At the question, Geomje frowned.

“Sacred Dragon Brigade Leader.”

“I don’t have time for long explanations. I’m a bit heated right now.”

Hwa-reureuk. Flames wrapped around Gu Yangcheon from his fingertips to his elbow.

Just by looking, one could feel the surging battle aura.

“Do you know where he is?”

With the threatening attitude, Geomje said, narrowing his eyes.

“If you can’t tell me?”

“…”

At those words, Gu Yangcheon’s eyes lowered further.

“Then I guess….”

Geu-geuk.

The fire in his hand clung to Gu Yangcheon’s entire body.

No, it wasn’t clinging. It seemed his entire body had become flame.

“I’ll have to make you speak.”

Hwa-reureu-reuk—!!!

The flames bloomed.

Then.

Kua-aaaaaahhh–!!

Summer had arrived on an autumn day.