Seol So-Baek trembled like a tree in a strong wind.

His eyes were dizzy, and his lungs gasped for breath.

His heart pounded wildly as if it would burst out of his chest. His soul felt as if it was being crushed under the feet of the bloodthirsty demons from the Demonic Sect.

It felt as if his body was falling into an endless abyss.

Desperately, he tried to understand why the warriors of the Ice Palace fled and collapsed.

I, I

At that moment, a small hand touched his shoulder. He shivered and looked up, turning to see Tang Soso standing with a stiff face next to him.

Lord, do not worry.

We will not lose.

Seol So-Baek was not sure.

Isnt it scary?

No.

They were the same humans. Even if Tang Soso was stronger than him, as long as they were humans, there was no way they wouldnt be afraid of such beasts.

But how was she not trembling?

It wasnt even Tang Soso.

The Demonic Sect couldnt be stopped by the Ice Palace, even with ten times the number. In fact, they were close to being unstoppable.

If Seol So-Baek and his warriors had been forced to retreat after giving it their all, he would have held his head high. But instead, his warriors didnt even engage the demons in battle and started to flee.

They gave up on fighting and even displayed a sight that a warrior shouldnt show.

However

The disciples of Mount Hua in front of him stood their ground, unyielding despite being outnumbered by the Demonic Sect.

What sets them apart?

What was the decisive factor that led to this outcome?

Mount Hua

Seol So-Baeks legs trembled. He felt an urge to flee immediately, but he couldnt.

I must witness this.

He needed to witness what distinguished them.

Kakakak!

Black hands clashed with a white sword. There was a screeching sound as the two collided.

Baek Cheon moistened his lips.

His sword skillfully blocked the enemys attack. However, as the number of clashes increased, it became more challenging.

Throb.

The killing intent emanating from the demon made his skin tingle. In an instant, it caused his hair to stand on end.

He experienced two sensations.

The strength of the opponent wasnt what he had anticipated. Although they were still formidable, they werent as overwhelming as he had imagined when witnessing the carnage below.

And

Dealing with them is more challenging than I had originally believed.

Martial arts did not define everything.

It was a phrase he had heard countless times, but once he confronted the Demonic Sect, he truly understood its meaning.

It was challenging to deal with someone who was insane and immediately moved with a mere desire to kill the opponent without any regard for their own life.

Moreover, their movements were not systematic but chaotic, which made him feel uncertain. Every time his sword clashed with their claws, both his physical and mental strength dwindled.

He refused to be pushed around.

Thud!

Stepping forward, Baek Cheon forcefully pushed his opponent away. As he created distance, he unleashed the formidable 24 Plum Blossom Movement.

The air filled with the sight of plum blossoms blooming and dancing, causing the demons eyes to be tainted with blood. The constant chanting ceased, replaced by a screeching voice.

Illusion!

The demons charged into the midst of the swirling plum blossoms.

Haaa!

The qi from the long growing nails ripped apart the blooming plum blossoms in the air, like a monstrous bird slashing the flowers from the tree.

The blossoms shattered before they could even flutter.

And then,

Kwaaaak!

Hae Yeons intense energy swept away the demons body.

Kuuung!

He was forcefully hit as if struck by a massive bell and thrown back, coughing blood.

But.

Crack.

The demon who was sent flying turned over and pierced the floor with his nails.

Kakakakakaka!

The floor ended up cracked, but the demon managed to narrowly regain his footing without falling off the edge. Blood poured from his eyes, nose, and mouth as he raised his head. It was clear that he didnt make a sound despite being injured.

The Second Coming of the Heavenly Demon.

He opened his mouth, blood flowing down, and uttered the same mantra. Blood oozed from his body, his face expressionless. And as the mad chant continued, the disciples of Mount Hua became lost in it. It was due to that eerie presence.

Heavenly Demon

Each time the demon drew closer, the sound of dragging feet grew louder, and Baek Cheons eyes trembled.

Right then, Jo Guls resolute voice came from behind.

Sasuk, lets retreat if its difficult!

Baek Cheon suddenly snapped out of his thoughts and gritted his teeth.

Im just watching, you bastard!

His voice grew stronger, and his heart raced.

He bent his knees, which had become stiff from tension and stabilized his stance. He calmed his shoulders and his rapidly beating heart.

Those countless words had been ingrained in him unknowingly. However, he would forget whenever he entered the real world and become out of sync.

Think and think, again and again.

No matter who the opponent was, he should stay focused and composed.

Baek Cheons sword, the tip slightly swaying, found its perfect stillness. Undoubtedly, the opponent was formidable and unusual. However, that should not hinder Baek Cheon from giving his all.

Its daunting.

There were sajils behind him, observing his every move. They must have recognized the immense weight he carried.

Dont complain now.

Baek Cheons eyes regained their steadiness, and unknowingly, he felt a sense of tranquility.

Wasnt there someone in charge of leading Mount Hua who could handle more than just a few rocks? How could he claim to lead Mount Hua if he couldnt even handle this crisis and save face?

The demons who breached the Ice Palace defenses were advancing steadily.

Now, there were six.

But.

It doesnt matter if its six or ten!

No one will get through!

As Baek Cheons sword moved with resolution, vivid plum blossoms were drawn out, followed by Yu Yiseols plum blossoms.

The scene resembled Mount Hua in spring.

Swish!

The demons werent mere spectators. With every swing of their hands, black claws infused with devilish qi tore the plum blossoms down. Like ghosts in the darkness, this eerie black qi destroyed everything in its path.

But there was no reason to retreat just because they were being pushed.

Because of the fallen petals, plum blossoms bloomed again and again.

The 24 Plum Blossom Movement reached its peak as Baek Cheon and Yu Yiseols swords unleashed a full bloom of attack, risking everything.

The front was completely covered with plum blossoms.

What?

The shocked demons exclaimed aloud. However, their surprise was not overwhelming. The attacking plum blossoms swayed before instantly striking.

The demons, their eyes shining, charged ahead into the plum forest as black qi erupted from their bodies.

The flying plum sword pierced their bodies, but the demons continued to rush forward with even greater force. Unable to block the sword qi petals, they opted to charge ahead, protecting their heads and the core of their bodies.

Swish! Swish!

The plum blossom sword continued to pierce their limbs and thighs, yet the demons showed no signs of slowing down.

The second coming of the Heavenly Demon!

Finally, a demon pierced the plum forest with its body and swung both hands at Baek Cheons head, blood dripping from their mouth.

Puak!

However, Baek Cheons sword first struck the demons chest, causing them to step back.

But the demon persisted. Despite the sword sinking deeper into their chest, they continued to advance, blood still dripping from their mouth.

Kuak!

Baek Cheon no longer felt flustered by this. However, just because he wasnt panicking, it didnt make it any easier for him to handle. He swiftly stepped back, attempting to draw his sword.

But then, at that very moment

Puak!

The demon tightened its chest muscles and trapped Baek Cheons sword. The cold steel blade repeatedly dug into the wound, yet there was not a trace of pain in its eye.

Baek Cheons eyes widened in shock.

Kuak.

This is madness!

And seizing the opportunity created by that opening, the other demons leaped over Baek Cheons head.

Yu Yiseol and Hae Yeon were occupied with their own fights, so they couldnt intervene.

Amitabha!

Hae Yeon loudly expressed his disapproval and struck the intruder, but the attack proved ineffective. No matter how skilled Hae Yeon was, he couldnt handle this many enemies at once.

Even the demons themselves were willing to make sacrifices.

Based on that, the demons managed to break into the camp of Mount Hua by sacrificing a few of their own.

Paaat!

Yu Yiseol gritted her teeth and swiftly threw her sword, aiming for the gap displayed by her opponent.

Although amazing, her swift and formidable sword had half its force diminished as her opponent showed no signs of slowing down despite the wound.

Chaak!

With Yu Yiseols sword embedded in their shoulder, the demon swung its claws, leaving three distinct lines on the side of its neck. Thick blood soon gushed out.

However, she ignored the wound and lowered her sword.

Kuak

Bang!

In that moment of hesitation, Yu Yiseols foot became stuck in the demons abdomen. After kicking her opponent to the ground, she used the recoil to regain her balance.

Her sword arched towards the ceiling, its blade gleaming in the air. Plum blossoms stretched out behind her, reaching the backs of the enemies who dared to challenge Baek Cheon, Jo Gul, and Yoon Jong.

Swish! Swish!

The blossoms sliced through flesh, revealing bone with every strike. Yet, their power didnt waver.

Just who the hell are these bastards?

With the high ground directly in front, it was Jo Gul who faced the oncoming demons first.

Do they think I am here for decoration?

Paaat!

Jo Guls sword stabbed the demon, dazzling in its speed. The demon, taken aback by the unexpected attack, didnt seem to care and continued moving.

Hahaha!

The demon groaned, sounding like a howling beast, and waved its hand. Qi surged from its claws, tearing at Jo Guls body.

Slash! Slash!

But this time, Jo Guls sword was faster by one step. Jo Gul mercilessly pierced the demons chest and stomach, rolling his body as he pulled out his sword.

Kakakakak!

Simultaneously, the floor beneath him was deeply gouged. Five deep scars were enough to sever heads.

Kuak!

Jo Gul groaned as he barely evaded it. Unable to avoid it completely, he turned and took the hit on his back.

Blood trickled down his long, bent back.

Gul!

Dont worry, sahyung! I refuse to die!

Jo Gul grimaced. Yoon Jong examined the wound, bit his lip, and nodded. They both directed their attention to Chung Myung simultaneously.

Chung Myung, seated cross-legged, continued his cultivation with a serene expression, seemingly unperturbed by the circumstances.

Ah, this despicable fool.

Tsk.

Jo Gul and Yoon Jong muttered under their breaths as they tightened their grip on their swords, watching the demon move.

You mustnt lay a hand on him!

Well stop him even if it costs us our lives!

Even in the midst of chaos, the demons emerged one by one from the wall.

They were aware.

Stopping them all at once with their strength alone was impossible. But that didnt matter.

Even if its just for a moment!

Stay strong.

Kwaaang!

The demons black claws clashed with Jo Guls sword. Jo Gul, unable to match their strength, recoiled with blood spilling from his wound.

Ahh!

Thud!

Cough!

Blood spurted from Jo Guls mouth, and he shouted before he could even wipe it away.

Sahyung!

Im aware!

Yoon Jong shifted his sword technique to cover a larger area, simultaneously blocking Jo Guls opponents.

Argh!

A labored breath escaped their lips.

As he fought from the rear, he clearly saw the battle unfolding before him.

Hae Yeon was fending off those who entered the place with his punches. They would have been overwhelmed if he hadnt blocked the entrance like this.

Baek Cheon was also facing difficulties.

The person at the center, who wielded a sword, appeared to have already sustained significant injuries. Blood stains covered his robes.

Confirming Chung Myung to be behind him, Jo Gul momentarily thrust his sword into the ground and twisted his body. This allowed him to avoid colliding with Chung Myung, but he was unable to protect himself as he was slammed into the wall.

However, Jo Gul didnt give an inch, and, as if clinging onto anything he could, he made sure not to expose Chung Myung to any enemies, even if it meant pushing himself to the limit.

Sasuk!

Yoon Jong clenched his teeth.

Beside Baek Cheon, Yu Yiseol cut down the enemy with a cold gaze, her clothes tainted with blood from her neck.

Everyone fought valiantly, but

Damn it.

They were gradually being pushed back,

These mad bastards were highly skilled.

Aware that they were protecting Chung Myung, the demons relentlessly focused solely on Chung Myung. Watching it all unfold, Baek Cheons strength waned, leaving him with a sense of desperation.

Kwaang!

Kuak!

Yoon Jongs sword, which was dealing with two demons simultaneously, was pushed back as he couldnt overcome their force.

And

Kwaaang!

The demons hands pierced through Yoon Jongs chest.

Sahyungggg!

Jo Guls desperate shout pierced the ears, but Yoon Jong clicked his tongue in response.

Why was he making such a fuss about mere flesh being torn?

The wounds Chung Myung suffered while dealing with the Ten Thousand People Clan were even more severe than Un Geoms.

Come here!

Yoon Jong, unlike his usual self, shouted and shook his sword.

In that instant, a sharp dagger with blue qi flew towards the demon from Tang Soso.

Kang! Kang!

The demon quickly waved his hand, deflecting it. And Yoon Jong didnt miss the opportunity.

Haaaa!

Yoon Jong conjured plum blossoms that covered the demons, and not wanting to miss this chance, Jo Gul rushed in and added a fierce sword technique on top of it.

With this, they should be pushed

That moment.

Uh?

Yoon Jong witnessed a peculiar scene.

The plum forest created by the two disciples only covered a black object that gradually emerged.

What was truly strange was that this black hand was only visible to Yoon Jong.

It wasnt that the hand was moving slowly. However, the plum blossom sword energy of Jo Gul appeared sluggish. Even his sasuk, sago, and the demons, which were further away, seemed to be moving slowly.

This

The hand approached his neck, but he couldnt make his body move despite his attempts.

It felt like

Death

The demons hand was just about to touch his neck.

Yoon Jong involuntarily closed his eyes.

Mount Hua

And then,

Kwaaaang!

A massive explosion erupted, flinging Yoon Jong backward.

W-what

Thud.

Instantly, he was thrown to the ground, landing on his butt with a shocked expression.

What just happened?

He touched his neck, expecting to find holes, but there were none.

Instead, the demon who had been aiming for his throat was forcefully thrown back, resembling a lump of blood.

Confused, Yoon Jong remained seated as he heard a deep voice.

Waited too long?

Yoon Jong turned around, his face expressionless.

Chung Myung, who had risen from his spot, observed them.

Ahh.

Instantly, Yoon Jong felt his life drain away.

You people

Chung Myung cracked his neck to the side, smiling in the creepiest way possible as he addressed them.

Do not even entertain the thought of leaving here alive.

Chung Myungs eyes were filled with a strong desire to kill.