The warriors of the Demonic Cult had arrived at Mount Wudang, but they didn’t immediately launch an attack on the Wudang Sect. Instead, they decided to rest at the foot of the mountain for a day to recover from their journey.

Of course, the righteous sect warriors didn’t just sit idly by. That extra day was a precious opportunity for them to gather intelligence on the Demonic Cult’s forces.

Among those observing from a distance were warriors from the Tang family, who had once been part of the Demonic Cult, and Namgung Jincheon.

“That man… that’s Left Guardian Yeon Sa-wook. He’s known to be a bit slow, but people speak well of him. He’s skilled in swordsmanship and martial arts, and I hear he’s mastered external techniques to a considerable level."
"The woman next to him seems to be quite formidable, but I don’t recognize her. It’s a face I’ve never seen before.”

Interestingly, the person who knew the most about the Demonic Cult wasn’t a former member of the cult but Namgung Jincheon.
The information held by those who left the cult with the Three-Eyed Buddha was already eight years out of date.

Namgung Jincheon responded.

“That woman is the Great Guardian."
"The Great Guardian?"
"Yes. After the previous Great Guardian became the cult leader, she was appointed as the new Great Guardian. Other than the fact that she uses a sword as her weapon, I don’t know much about her. I’ve only encountered her once.”

The fact that they appointed a new figure as the Great Guardian instead of promoting the existing Left Guardian suggests that the current Great Guardian’s achievements are not to be underestimated.

’…Could it be that the Great Guardian has reached the level of a Grandmaster?’

Namgung Jincheon speculated about the Great Guardian’s accomplishments, but there was no way to confirm it at the moment. All he could do was watch from afar, making it difficult to gauge her martial prowess. She wasn’t making many movements either.

After observing the Great Guardian for nearly an hour, Namgung Jincheon concluded that she likely hadn’t reached the level of a Grandmaster.

There wasn’t any solid evidence for this conclusion. If anything, it was based on the fact that when he encountered her at Mount Tian, she didn’t seem particularly old. According to his memory, the Great Guardian was only in her mid-thirties at most.

As they watched the Demonic Cult’s forces, everyone processed their thoughts and compared their strengths.

A long silence followed.

Then, one man broke the silence.

”…It seems more manageable than we thought, doesn’t it?”

Namgung Jincheon didn’t respond, but he silently agreed with the man’s assessment.
Among the Demonic Cult’s warriors, there didn’t appear to be anyone of supreme mastery. The Great Guardian and the Left Guardian. Even if you included the cult leader, who had reached the level of a Grandmaster, there were only three.

Of course, this count excluded those who had barely touched the threshold of supreme mastery.

From Namgung Jincheon’s perspective, their achievements seemed lacking for true supreme masters.
In his judgment, a couple of warriors who had surpassed the pinnacle could reasonably hold off those who were only halfway to supreme mastery.

On the other hand, the Wudang Sect currently had six warriors of supreme mastery or higher. The Grandmaster-level Elder Yungbo, and five supreme masters.

‘No, Elder Yungbo and Hyun Gong together might barely match one Grandmaster.’

Even excluding Hyun Gong, they had one Grandmaster and four supreme masters.

In terms of core strength, they had two more supreme masters.

Namgung Jincheon pondered deeply before speaking.

“This might not be all of them. Are there any supreme masters who haven’t shown themselves yet?” “Guangming… isn’t here. Guangming might still appear.” “What about Woo Hobum?” “Woo Hobum isn’t here either. He died eight years ago.” “When I was in the Demonic Cult, he was already bedridden.” “Then we should consider Woo Hobum as well…”

If Guangming and Woo Hobum were to appear, the core strength would be evenly matched.

However, excluding the core strengths, the righteous sect warriors seemed to have a slight advantage. The Demonic Cult’s numbers were surprisingly small.

‘Well, considering the distance between Mount Tian and Zhongyuan, they couldn’t have brought along just anyone.’

In contrast, the righteous sect’s warriors were numerous. Even with the absence of the Qingcheng Sect and the Emei Sect, their numbers had increased compared to when they gathered at the Shaolin Temple.
The righteous sects, realizing this was no time for hesitation, had mustered as many warriors as possible.

‘Especially those who can assist in strategic operations.’

While the battles of masters are crucial, numbers are equally important.

Numbers affect morale and stamina. It’s not easy to manage stamina and internal energy while facing a large group.
There’s always a chance of being overwhelmed and killed by a lesser opponent in the chaos of battle. While rare in one-on-one combat, it happens often in large-scale skirmishes.

The only concern was that, despite being at the same Grandmaster level, the cult leader’s achievements seemed significantly ahead of Elder Yungbo’s.

Namgung Jincheon didn’t know exactly how far the cult leader’s skills had advanced, nor what martial arts he had mastered. A master wouldn’t reveal all their secrets in a spar with a lesser opponent.

‘But even considering that, the situation isn’t bad. If Woo Hobum and Guangming don’t appear, it becomes even more manageable.’

Concluding his thoughts, Namgung Jincheon spoke.

“That’s enough for now. Let’s head back.” “Yes.”

Namgung Jincheon, along with the other warriors, sounded noticeably more optimistic.

The next day, hundreds of righteous sect warriors lined up in front of the Wudang Sect.
They composed themselves, dressed neatly in their martial attire, and gazed at the foot of Mount Wudang.

The sight of hundreds of warriors focused on a single point instilled a strange sense of confidence in the righteous sect warriors.
Just days ago, they had been filled with anxiety, but now, they feared nothing. Their hearts beat a little faster, not with fear, but with certainty and excitement.

Soon, a presence was felt from the direction of the Demonic Cult. Warriors clad in black martial attire emerged.
Though the Demonic Cult’s numbers were considerable, it was clear that the righteous sect’s warriors were more numerous.

Facing such a large group, the Demonic Cult warriors couldn’t help but feel a subtle tension.

The core masters of the righteous sect scrutinized the Demonic Cult’s key figures.
They quickly searched for familiar faces like Guangming and anyone resembling Woo Hobum, a supreme master.

And they realized.

‘There’s no Guangming, no Woo Hobum.’

A wave of heat filled the hearts of the righteous sect warriors. It felt as if they had already won the battle.

The Demonic Cult warriors halted about ten paces from the righteous sect. With their keen eyesight, the martial artists could clearly see each other’s faces and expressions.

Then, the Demonic Cult warriors parted to reveal a man. An older man with a long sword at his waist.

Namgung Jincheon murmured as he saw him.

“The cult leader.”

The cult leader looked at the righteous sect warriors and spoke with a relaxed demeanor.

“Well, you’ve gathered quite a crowd.”

The Three-Eyed Buddha stepped forward and added to the cult leader’s words.

“Seeing the face of the Tyrant after so long makes my fists itch. I hear you’ve been causing trouble since leaving your hideout? I’ll give you a good beating.”

The cult leader laughed.

“Causing trouble? I’ve merely dealt harshly with the rotten martial artists. No harm came to those who hadn’t learned martial arts. It’s a better world for ordinary people.”

“Leading a band of madmen and offering such a flimsy excuse? What are you trying to achieve with your chaos?”

“With the rotten rules firmly in place, I’m simply breaking them down.”

“For someone who’s merely learned some martial arts, you speak as if you’ve mastered the universe. It’s quite arrogant.” “I never expected you to understand.”

The cult leader approached the Three-Eyed Buddha with steady steps.
But as he took just a few steps, a young Taoist from the Wudang Sect bravely stepped forward to stop him.

“Stop!”

The cult leader looked calmly at the young Taoist.
The Taoist lifted his chin and spoke confidently.

“This is the Sword Relinquishing Pool. Only those permitted by the Wudang Sect may enter with weapons.”

The Taoist’s name was Hyunwol, tasked with guarding the Sword Relinquishing Pool.

The cult leader’s gaze shifted to the righteous sect warriors beyond the pool.
Among them, few were without weapons. Only a few monks who specialized in staff techniques were unarmed.
To lay down one’s weapon and stand before those armed was essentially to entrust one’s life.

Hyunwol’s statement was a declaration of sorts.
He didn’t expect the cult leader to actually lay down his weapon.

However, the cult leader nodded and unfastened the scabbard from his belt.

“An interesting rule. I don’t particularly like it, but I suppose I should follow it.”

”…?”

The cult leader held the scabbard horizontally, as if to draw the sword. Hyunwol watched him, puzzled.
Was he about to draw and swing the sword? No, it didn’t seem that way. The sword’s handle was facing outward, not towards his dominant hand. It wasn’t a suitable position for a left-handed draw either.

Had he perhaps mastered a staff technique? It didn’t seem like that either.

The distance between the cult leader and Hyunwol was about three steps.
As Hyunwol pondered various possibilities, the cult leader took a step closer.

At that moment, Hyunwol’s knees trembled.
Heavy. It felt as if a weight had been placed on his shoulders and back.

‘What is happening?’

Before he could even finish his thought, the leader took a second step forward. Hyunwol’s knees, which had been trembling slightly, buckled under the immense pressure, as if the weight of the world had suddenly descended upon him. It wasn’t just his knees; his back bent halfway as well.

Though he couldn’t quite understand the strange phenomenon, it was clear that the leader was behind it. Determined not to succumb, Hyunwol strained every muscle, his face turning crimson with effort.

The leader took a third and final step. It felt as if someone had kicked him from behind, and Hyunwol could no longer hold out. He fell to his knees.

He tried to push himself up with his hands, but even that was impossible. In the end, he had to support himself on his elbows, his head nearly touching the ground from the pressure on his back and neck.

“Ugh…!”

He couldn’t let himself be completely prostrated. With all his might, Hyunwol fought to keep his head up, but it was no use. His neck and head waged a losing battle against the force, leaving him in a position where his crown nearly touched the earth.

Lying prone, struggling to keep his head from touching the ground, Hyunwol could see what was happening behind him. More than half of the hundreds of martial artists had also succumbed to the mysterious pressure and were on their knees.

‘Ah…’

Only now did Hyunwol realize. The leader hadn’t come to Wudang Mountain to overcome a numerical disadvantage. Those with mediocre skills were powerless before him.

Most of the martial artists didn’t even have the right to draw their swords in his presence.

‘He’s on a different level.’

The leader extended a sword toward Hyunwol.

“You wanted a sword? Here, take it.”

But Hyunwol still couldn’t rise. The closer the leader came, the harder it was to resist. He gasped for breath, his forehead pressed against the ground.

“Huff, huff…!”

The leader chuckled softly.

“I misunderstood. I didn’t realize you wanted to receive the sword in such a manner.”

Mocking Hyunwol, the leader drew his sword with a casual flick of his wrist and swung it toward Hyunwol’s exposed neck.

‘I’m going to die!’

But the leader’s sword never reached Hyunwol’s neck.

Thud—

From behind, Sam Anbul launched himself forward, striking the side of the leader’s sword with his fist, deflecting it. In one fluid motion, Sam Anbul grabbed Hyunwol and tossed him backward. Hyunwol tumbled across the ground, but at least he could breathe a little easier now that he was further from the leader.

“Gasp, gasp!”

Sam Anbul glared at the leader.

“You’ve learned some strange tricks since I last saw you.”

“Expect even more entertaining tricks,” the leader replied with a smirk.

Though Sam Anbul dismissed the leader’s abilities as mere tricks, he didn’t truly believe it. No such tricks existed in the world. To perform such feats was far beyond mere trickery.

Sam Anbul swung his massive fist at the leader, who deftly deflected it with his sword.

“Kill them all!”

At that command, the demonic sect’s warriors charged at the martial artists. Those who had withstood the leader’s pressure raised their swords against the oncoming attackers.

Soon, the two massive forces clashed.

Swords clashed in a chaotic melee, and in the heat of battle, it became impossible to tell up from down, sky from earth. Instinct took over, and the martial artists could only fend off the flashing blades with reflexes honed over years of training. The air was thick with the scent of blood, the cries of hatred, and the screams of the dying. Hearts pounded fiercely, as if they might burst from their chests.

But in the very center of the battlefield, there was a space where no ordinary fighter dared to tread.

It was a realm where only the most skilled could survive, a place where entering without the utmost caution meant certain death. Instinctively, the other fighters avoided it.

Seven warriors clashed there. Beside the leader stood the Left and Right Guardians, while Sam Anbul was joined by Namgung Jincheon, Namgung Myung, and Manryeok Seung.

Namgung Myung’s sword aimed for the Left Guardian’s neck. The Left Guardian parried and countered, aiming a kick at Manryeok Seung’s knee. Manryeok Seung leaped to avoid it, intercepting the Right Guardian’s blade. Sam Anbul and Namgung Jincheon targeted the leader.

In the midst of the chaotic battle, the leader effortlessly dominated those before him.

With a serene expression, he swung his sword once, blocking both Sam Anbul and Namgung Jincheon’s attacks, while reaching out toward Manryeok Seung, who was distracted by the Right Guardian.

It wasn’t a martial art or a technique. He simply pointed his finger at Manryeok Seung.

Sam Anbul shouted a warning.

“Watch out!”

Neither Sam Anbul nor Manryeok Seung understood the leader’s intent, but they sensed danger instinctively. Manryeok Seung twisted his body with all his might, trying to evade the path of the leader’s finger.

Whoosh.

Something invisible shot from the leader’s fingertip, grazing Manryeok Seung’s forearm. A thin, deep wound appeared, as if pierced by a long, sharp needle. Manryeok Seung took a deep breath, suppressing the pain.

“Hmph!”

It wasn’t a fatal wound, but if that finger had been aimed at his chest or head, the outcome would have been clear.

The leader spoke to Sam Anbul.

“Isn’t this trick amusing?”

“Madness!”

“Haha!”

Even amidst the chaos of battle, the leader remained unperturbed, as if the battlefield were a playground rather than a blood-soaked hell. No matter what the other masters attempted, they couldn’t shake his composure.

As defeat loomed, Namgung Jincheon shouted loudly.

“Now!”

At his command, the four supreme masters of the righteous sect leaped back.

It seemed a meaningless action, but the leader’s mind remained as calm as a still lake. He knew that martial artists, who spent their lives training in martial arts rather than studying strategy, rarely devised clever plans.

Then, Namgung Myung shouted with fervor.

“Go, the ultimate weapon of the righteous sect!”

In that moment, the leader saw something hurtling toward him at incredible speed.

It was a person. But not an ordinary person.

A person carrying another on a back frame, both wearing wild, manic grins as they charged at the leader.

‘What on earth is that…?’

It was bizarre, yet undeniably dangerous. For the first time, a clear ripple of concern appeared in the leader’s mind.