In Kang Tae-hyuk’s grip, Mu-hwi’s entire body seemed to distort. Watching Mu-hwi’s back crumble so easily, Mu-jin and Mu-hwa’s eyes widened in shock.

“Senior Brother!”

Yet, Kang Tae-hyuk felt no satisfaction from crushing a human body.

“You can move, I see.”

What had distorted was merely the shadow of an afterimage.

Mu-hwi’s pupils darted quickly, having narrowly evaded Kang Tae-hyuk’s move.

‘He really came alone.’

There was no sign of the Paewang Guard, the elite force that usually accompanied him. Kang Tae-hyuk wasn’t one for petty tricks. He preferred to end things with his own hands rather than waste time scheming.

The chance that the Paewang Guard was hiding elsewhere was slim. If no one was around Kang Tae-hyuk, he truly had come alone.

Mu-hwi didn’t bother pondering why Kang Tae-hyuk had ascended the mountain alone. There were only two reasons Kang Tae-hyuk acted: either his heart was moved, or he was whimsically inclined.

Unlike others, Kang Tae-hyuk didn’t try to foresee moves far ahead. He focused on where to place the next immediate move—a destructive one that could shake the board.

This time, that move was directed at the mountain. And Mu-hwi, too, made his move toward Kang Tae-hyuk.

The Plum Blossom Sword thrust forward.

It seemed a simple, straight path, yet within it lay countless variations. Though it pierced straight, its destination was unpredictable.

Naturally, Kang Tae-hyuk’s hand, not missing the subtle changes, slashed through the air as if painting calligraphy.

“Impressive.”

Seeing the fierce blaze in Mu-hwi’s eyes, Kang Tae-hyuk’s gaze twisted with a chilling amusement.

How many in this world would dare close the distance with him, the Paewang, right before their eyes?

Even the few emperors of the martial world would hesitate to step forward so easily.

Yet here was this young warrior, thrusting his sword without hesitation.

“Admirable.”

Despite the pleased tone, his rough hand reached out to crush both the Plum Blossom Sword and Mu-hwi. The air tore violently as his fingers curled. Mu-hwi’s hair stood on end in response.

It wasn’t a grand gesture; even the slightest twitch of his fingers made Mu-hwi feel as if he stood on the edge of death.

Still, Mu-hwi did not retreat.

A sword master never found a way out by stepping back from the line of death; they advanced to find their path.

The answer for a sword master always lay beyond the line of death.

From Mu-hwi’s Plum Blossom Sword, a torrent of sword energy surged like a waterfall. As Kang Tae-hyuk’s gesture seemed to warp the surrounding space, a solitary plum blossom bloomed at the tip of the sword.

Under the oppressive crimson line of the Heaven-Shattering Crimson Hand, the blossom trembled precariously, yet it absorbed the distant purple twilight.

Boom!

But the purple hue and sword energy of the blossom were abruptly halted by an invisible wall, unable to advance further.

As Kang Tae-hyuk made a grasping motion, the blossom burst into nothingness, scattering in all directions. As if anticipating this, Mu-hwi’s sleeves flapped wildly.

Using the Plum Blossom Mountain technique, he dispersed the pressure of the Heaven-Shattering Crimson Hand, creating a minuscule gap.

The Plum Blossom Sword, seizing this tiny opening, was followed by the shadow-like sword energy.

The purple flash that split the air was silenced by Kang Tae-hyuk’s palm, descending vertically.

It was as if a piece of the sky itself was crashing down with destructive force.

Crash!

The Plum Blossom Sword bent almost to the point of breaking, and Mu-hwi’s body was flung backward, nearly horizontal.

As he flipped in mid-air and skidded back, a streak of blood appeared on Mu-hwi’s lips.

Even as he spat out blood-tinged saliva, Mu-hwi never took his eyes off Kang Tae-hyuk, who chuckled softly.

“I intended to crush your chest, but it ended with internal injuries? Amusing.”

In the blink of an eye, the brief exchange had occurred.

Kang Tae-hyuk’s sleeve, which had unleashed the Heaven-Shattering Crimson Hand, was torn about half a finger’s length, deepening his savage smile.

“So it was you who killed Hwang Jin-gun.”

When the Red Flame Army returned from the Six Harmonies Sword Meet and reported that Mu-hwi seemed to have slain Hwang Jin-gun, no one believed them.

But Kang Tae-hyuk alone found it plausible.

Even if he returned to his younger days, he was confident he could kill Hwang Jin-gun.

“I regretted not experiencing the Sword of the Volcano Sword Saint, but it seems there was no need. I look forward to seeing you in ten, no, five years.”

As Kang Tae-hyuk’s hand moved toward Mu-hwi again, a sudden gust from behind pulled Mu-hwi back.

Whoosh!

At the same time, a fierce wind surged toward Kang Tae-hyuk.

Hong Sa-myung, stepping with the Drunken Immortal Eight Steps, moved faster than even the mountain winds could catch.

In his hands, a yellow light trailed like a comet, growing thicker until it resembled two golden dragons.

Dust and debris gathered around the writhing light, swirling around Hong Sa-myung.

As the two golden dragons were tamed by Hong Sa-myung’s outstretched hands.

“Paewang!”

With a shout, Hong Sa-myung, suspended in mid-air, unleashed two streams of yellow energy that struck above Kang Tae-hyuk’s head.

The Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms.

The Flying Dragon in the Sky.

A supreme technique only the leader of the Beggar Sect could master, its majesty was revealed on the mountain.

Rumble!

As the energy burst forth, a thunderous roar echoed like a dragon’s cry.

“Tsk.”

Clicking his tongue, Mu-hwi shielded his unconscious junior brothers from the overwhelming aura as the Wind King and the Paewang clashed.

The arrogant gesture that seemed to shatter the sky met the two golden dragons, baring their fangs.

Simultaneously, the auras of the absolute masters collided, surging like a tidal wave in all directions.

Swish!

Plum blossoms bloomed in the air, and the petals of sword energy filled the space, covering the entrance to the Volcano Sect.

Boom!

Even though it was merely swept by the aura, the entrance of the Volcano Sect crumbled as if struck by a storm.

Only the direction where Mu-hwi had cut through the aura remained intact.

‘Still a long way to go.’

Mu-hwi, eyes wide open, followed the exchange between the absolute masters, a feat even top-tier masters struggled to keep up with. Despite his recent rapid growth, Mu-hwi didn’t consider himself strong.

The ones he had to face were not the mid-level masters of the martial world but the absolute masters above.

‘For now, I’m just at a level where I won’t die a dog’s death in the martial world.’

As Mu-hwi assessed himself, each clash between the Paewang and the Wind King caused the plum trees to shed their petals.

The stone steps had long disappeared, and the surrounding trees and bushes had been torn apart by the aura.

The terrain was literally changing. The clash of absolute masters was akin to a natural disaster.

Clang!

After exchanging dozens of blows in an instant, Hong Sa-myung and Kang Tae-hyuk simultaneously retreated, and the martial world’s renowned figures began to appear at the entrance of the Volcano Sect.

Baek-yu glanced at the unconscious Mu-jin and Mu-hwa before addressing Kang Tae-hyuk with a respectful gesture.

“What brings the Lord here?”

Though his demeanor was polite, Baek-yu’s eyes and voice carried a hint of anger.

While Baek-yu managed to suppress his fury and maintain decorum, the other martial world leaders were not as restrained.

“Paewang! What is the meaning of using such force against young juniors?”

“It seems the Lord intends to disrupt the Grand Martial Assembly.”

The leaders of the Nine Great Schools and the Three Great Families were ready to intervene, their internal energy rising in preparation.

Kang Tae-hyuk, now with his hands behind his back, surveyed Hong Sa-myung and the martial world leaders, clicking his tongue.

“The unorthodox ones lack manners, and the orthodox ones lack leisure… No fun, no fun at all.”

Hong Sa-myung chuckled and kicked a stone at his feet.

The stone, flying toward Kang Tae-hyuk, was caught in the swirling aura and disintegrated into dust.

“Paewang, what brings you to the mountain without your entourage?”

“I heard the beggar who was stuck in Kaifeng was coming to Shaanxi, so I wanted to exchange a few moves after a long time, and there was something I wanted to confirm personally.”

Kang Tae-hyuk spoke, first looking at Hong Sa-myung, then at Mu-hwi.

Hearing this, Go-hoon, the head of the Qingcheng Sect, stepped forward, his empty sleeve fluttering.

“As expected of the Paewang, who wields unchecked power. How lightly you must regard those present to ascend the mountain with such ease.”

“Don’t be so sharp, Sect Leader. If I truly looked down on you, your sects would already be ashes.”

Kang Tae-hyuk’s smile widened, and Go-hoon gripped his sword tightly but did not draw it, merely calming his breath.

With a smirk, Kang Tae-hyuk surveyed the martial world leaders.

“Or were you planning to all attack me at once? Unlike the unorthodox ones, you have at least a semblance of dignity. Though I wouldn’t mind if you did attempt a joint attack.”

Thud!

With a defiant grin, Kang Tae-hyuk strode forward, exuding an audacious confidence that made the eyebrows of the martial arts masters twitch in irritation.

At that moment, the abbot of Shaolin, Gong Hyun, struck the ground with his jade staff, sending a resonant chime echoing through the air.

The clear sound drew everyone’s attention to Gong Hyun.

“The Overlord claims he hasn’t come to fight, so why spill blood unnecessarily? Amitabha.”

“The abbot speaks wisely.”

Even though the Overlord had caused a ruckus at Mount Hua, Baek Yu’s calm voice supported the abbot, prompting the other martial arts masters to lower their guard.

Baek Yu then turned to Kang Tae-hyuk, his gaze steady.

“But, Lord, it seems there’s another reason you’ve come to Mount Hua besides what you’ve already mentioned. Am I mistaken?”

Kang Tae-hyuk stroked his beard thoughtfully.

“You have a keen sense, Master. I haven’t decided whether to share this information yet. Let’s just say it depends on my whims.”

The mention of information made Hong Sa-myung’s eyes narrow.

“What information are you referring to?”

Ignoring Hong Sa-myung, Kang Tae-hyuk addressed Baek Yu again.

“I hear there’s a new alliance forming. What’s it called?”

Since it wasn’t a secret, Baek Yu answered promptly.

“The Martial Alliance.”

“Is that so? The unorthodox sects are calling theirs the ‘Sadocheon.'”

Though Kang Tae-hyuk spoke lightly, the martial arts masters, including Baek Yu, were momentarily speechless.

“The unorthodox sects? Could it be that the Seven Sects have united?”

Even Mu Hui, who was tending to the disciples, furrowed his brow and turned his head.

“What nonsense is this?”

“Are you saying the unorthodox sects have formed an alliance?”

Hong Sa-myung pondered, rubbing his philtrum, then glared at Kang Tae-hyuk.

“There were no signs, so how could the Seven Sects suddenly unite under one name?”

“That’s the thing. Even if the Beggars’ Sect is spread across the land, can they catch all the lone wanderings of the Seven Sects’ leaders?”

“The leaders of the Seven Sects met in secret?”

“Is that even possible?”

The martial arts masters murmured in disbelief, while Hong Sa-myung remained silent.

“Those guys don’t need to meet as often as we do. They’ll just confirm their unity under the alliance’s name and settle the details of power and organization through strength.”

After contemplating, Hong Sa-myung finally spoke, and Kang Tae-hyuk merely smiled.

“Besides, they have a clear focal point in Gwan Yachangcheon.”

Gwan Yachangcheon, also known as the Spear of the Night Sky, was another title for the top figure of the unorthodox sects.

“Did the top figure of the unorthodox sects move the Seven Sects? No, now it would be the Sadocheon Lord.”

While no one spoke, Mu Hui stepped forward and asked Kang Tae-hyuk.

“Since you know this information, did the Sadocheon make you an offer as well?”

Though Mu Hui’s tone was audacious for a junior, Kang Tae-hyuk didn’t mind.

“They did. They suggested we join forces to crush the orthodox sects.”

Kang Tae-hyuk spoke casually, but the martial arts masters couldn’t take his words lightly.

Hong Sa-myung, who usually dealt with information, quickly assessed the situation.

“Since you’re telling us, it seems you have no intention of joining them.”

“Rather than joining the unorthodox sects and killing you all, it’s better to reap the benefits from the sidelines.”

Kang Tae-hyuk continued, observing the martial arts masters’ tense expressions.

“I hear they plan to target your alliance first. You’d better be careful.”

Somehow, Kang Tae-hyuk seemed to know the Martial Alliance’s first move.

But now that the Overlord knew and the Sadocheon existed, it was no longer a secret.

One of the martial arts masters spoke up.

“So, it seems the Overlord intends to use the Sadocheon to block the Martial Alliance. Are you afraid of their advance?”

Kang Tae-hyuk scoffed, looking at the master who had spoken.

“Afraid? I’m not afraid of the Sword Saint or the Night Sky. The only thing I fear is the delay of my grand ambition. Do you think I’d fear you all uniting?”

The overwhelming aura emanating from Kang Tae-hyuk silenced everyone. He seemed less like a man and more like a colossal force in human form.

As no one dared to speak, Kang Tae-hyuk’s lips twitched, and he dispersed his aura.

“Master of Mount Hua, I apologize for destroying your gate.”

Having said his piece, Kang Tae-hyuk turned to leave, but Mu Hui stopped him.

“I’ll come to collect the debt for the gate you destroyed.”

The martial arts masters, who had been silenced by the Overlord’s presence, were surprised by the junior’s boldness.

Kang Tae-hyuk paused, meeting Mu Hui’s gaze.

It wasn’t a statement made out of mere youthful bravado or recklessness. It was deeply serious and sharp.

The cold, defiant eyes reminded Kang Tae-hyuk of a lone swordsman he had once faced.

“So, they call you the Demon of Mount Hua. Those eyes do resemble a demon’s.”

Recalling the swordsman, Kang Tae-hyuk’s lips curled into a grin.

“Come if you wish. But know that the moment you tore my sleeve, your name was inscribed on the first page of my kill list. Can you handle that?”

The shocked gazes turned to Mu Hui.

“Tore the Overlord’s sleeve?”

“To even draw a sword before the Overlord is a feat of courage. Is it even possible?”

Despite the attention, Mu Hui continued to glare at Kang Tae-hyuk.

“Don’t worry. When you oppressed my disciples and destroyed the gate, your name was already on my kill list.”

Kang Tae-hyuk’s eyes narrowed at Mu Hui’s fearless words, causing some of the martial arts masters to pale.

“A kill list? Hahaha!”

Though he hadn’t expected such a threat from a junior, Kang Tae-hyuk found it amusing.

Genuinely entertained, he let out a chilling laugh.

“I’ll be waiting. I’m always at the Overlord’s fortress.”

Without hesitation, the Overlord turned his back and descended the steps, disappearing as swiftly as he had arrived, like a wave receding into the sea.