Samunhyeop, located more than two hundred kilometers from Shaolin Temple—a solitary thatched hut sitting in a deserted mountain valley.
"It must be starting soon."
Inside, an old man with an immortal-like bearing stroked his white beard and muttered in a low voice.
Beyond the small window he gazed through, there was nothing but an ordinary forest landscape, yet his profound gaze encompassed not this narrow patch of land, but a far wider world.
"There are no errors in the preparations, are there? The Cult Leader is taking action personally. There must not be even an inch of deviation."
"Yes, Strategist. We have completed multiple confirmations and finished verification. The Cult Leader is satisfied and has ordered the operation to proceed."
"Is that so? What a relief. The effort we have put in until now has been worthwhile."
The old man slowly nodded, gently closed his eyes, and reminisced about the past.
It had truly been a long time.
Twenty-two years since the Palace Bloodbath that twisted the fate of this world.
Though they had only been able to move in earnest now due to the persistent interference of those Geumodo bastards, thanks to that, their advance preparations had become even more meticulous, so it was not so bad.
The destruction of the Kunlun Sect, which could be called the vanguard of the Central Plains martial world, was also part of that plan.
And on top of that, it just so happened that an appropriate event was taking place at the perfect time…
"Are they not truly foolish? To speak of camaraderie at this late hour."
As the old man let out a coarse laugh and shook his head, the masked figure kneeling before him quietly bowed his head.
A gathering inheriting the name of the Martial Alliance, which had now broken into pieces and disappeared.
Of course, that method was not such a bad choice when viewed in the long term.
Assuming that the situation of the martial world did not worsen further and the balance of power could be maintained in its current state.
"Hehehet, peace has simply lasted too long."
Though there had not been a single day without blood flowing, by the old man's standards, that was merely the whining of the satiated.
How long had it been since the upheaval that would transform the world began, that they were already chasing stability—what an incomparably complacent notion!
In a chaotic world such as the present, only power was justice.
Peace and stability were things that could only be dreamed of beneath absolute martial might.
Yet they were preoccupied with meaningless camaraderie—how could this not be called foolish?
'In truth, considering our objective, it would be more rational to avoid the date of the gathering, but…'
However, the Cult Leader did not desire such a moderate method.
What he desired was absolute supremacy built upon overwhelming power and violence.
To achieve that, it was necessary to completely shatter the lingering ghosts of the past that were still bound to the name of the Martial Alliance.
'With the Protectors and elites of our cult following the Cult Leader, there should be no major problem.'
Today would be the day the remnants of the Martial Alliance vanished completely.
Thus, what he needed to focus on now was ensuring that the plans on other fronts—not the Shaolin Temple side—proceeded without a hitch.
"There is no need to hesitate any longer. Relay orders to all branches immediately. The time has come—the time to begin the plan."
"As you command! The Heavenly Demon returns! All demons submit!"
The moment the masked figure who received the orders vanished like smoke.
"Hehehe, it's right before my eyes now."
The old man—the Heavenly Demon Cult's Strategist, Cheongimaseon Yayulhwan—gently closed his eyes and let out a low laugh.
Thinking that not much time remained until his long wait would be fulfilled.
***
The situation developed urgently.
"Deploy the One Hundred Eight Arhat Formation!"
"They are those who go against the will of the cult! Slaughter them all!"
"How dare you commit such heinous acts within sacred grounds!"
"The Heavenly Demon returns! All demons submit!"
"You filthy demonic cult bastards!"
The place that until just moments ago had been a venue of exchange for getting to know one another had now become a field of carnage.
A space filled with shouts, screams, and curses directed at one another.
Kwaaaang—!
Even amidst this, the fierce explosions continuously ringing from the outer area where Shaolin Temple's mountain gate was located made it easy to guess that the current situation would not end easily.
Such was the intensity of the terrifying collisions of overwhelming momentum and the storms of qi transmitted from that place.
"Kuk, how did the Demonic Cult reach Shaolin Temple on Mount Song…!"
That was the signal flare announcing the full-scale mobilization of the great enemy that had been silent until now.
And it was manifesting in the worst possible form, beyond imagination.
"Kkuk!"
"Don't overdo it! Just focus on holding out!"
"You bastards… what kind of evil art is this…!"
Those who had participated in the gathering possessed their own confidence even as they faced this sudden situation.
Though the people here could not be called the best of each faction, they were elites who had overcome hardships and obstacles along treacherous paths to reach here.
Yet to think they would dare assault the assembly hall where such people were gathered all at once!
They burned with fervent fighting spirit and clashed with the demonic cultists emerging from all directions.
And soon realized something was amiss.
"Do not cross weapons with them! Their energy disrupts the flow of internal energy… keoheok!"
"S-Senior Brother! These… these damned bastards—!"
In truth, it had been questionable.
This was the base of Shaolin Temple, the Mount Tai and North Star of the martial world, and the hegemon of Henan Province.
No matter how the Demonic Cult was the single strongest and most evil force, to collide head-on with such a place was a burdensome matter.
Moreover, was this place not currently host to more than just Shaolin Temple's forces?
Chaeng—
Amidst such chaos, Namgung Sora, who crossed swords with a masked demonic cultist, clenched her teeth.
'Ugh, what on earth is this? Mountain-organ poison? Star-Absorbing Great Technique? No, that's not it. It's not that kind of problem. It feels like something is shaking from a far more fundamental part…'
The internal energy she had built up since childhood in a prestigious family, steadily consuming miracle medicines and cultivating through excellent techniques, was snapping and breaking off bit by bit.
Trying to forcibly reconnect the abnormal phenomenon of her internal energy—which always flowed steadfastly and empowered her—she had excessively consumed her mental strength and energy.
Even if it was a surprise attack, the fact that a great sect like Shaolin Temple was being pushed back so helplessly was likely all due to this.
'If this condition persists for everyone…'
In the duels of those who had reached a high realm, the use of internal energy was absolutely essential; if only one side was restricted unilaterally, it was only natural that a proper battle could not take place.
Rather, one should consider it remarkable that they were holding out even in such a state.
"Hahp!"
Kagagak—
Taking a deep breath while blades were locked, Namgung Sora forcibly drew up her internal energy and took a large step forward.
Though her energy was consumed several times more than usual because of it, thanks to that, she was able to regain smooth internal energy flow for a brief moment.
'Daeyeonbisang!'
Swaak—
A deep blue sword qi that surged up in an instant cleaved through the air and cut down the persistent enemy clinging to her.
"Huu, huu."
But even after barely felling the enemy, she could not rejoice.
Because the enemy she had taken down with such difficulty was merely a low-ranking minion among the demonic cultists who had invaded this time.
'…Dangerous. If this keeps up, truly…'
She could not even hope for help from her guardian, Sword Saint Namgung U.
Kwaaaang—!
Her grandfather's energy mixed in with the enormous flow of qi bursting from the outskirts even now had told her that he was fighting a fierce battle.
It was clear that the battle over there was incomparably more intense than this place.
'For Grandfather, a master of the Profound Realm, to be struggling—then that means…!'
But she was not even given the time to calmly organize her thoughts.
"There, the Sword Saint's granddaughter! Catch her!"
"Ugh!"
Before she knew it, three opponents of similar level to the one she had been fighting were swarming her.
She hurriedly looked around and bit her lip.
'…I made a mistake. I got too focused on the battle and strayed too far from the group.'
Namgung Sora began a desperate resistance, but if she had struggled so much against one, then against three, the outcome was already as good as decided.
In the end, after fighting to the last, her sword was knocked from her grip as her internal energy was completely exhausted.
"Sora!"
From beyond, she heard her older brother's voice desperately trying to approach, but she could not bear to face him.
In the end, had she not followed him here only to become a hindrance rather than help?
To think that the place she had forced her way into, wanting to see the wide world, would become her grave.
She glared at the emotionless weapons descending upon her and opened her eyes wide.
'Ah… if I had known it would come to this, I should have just asked outright.'
If only she could have learned the capabilities of the otherworlder Ha Seunghun, whom she had been watching with interest lately.
Though that shouldn't be what mattered now, for some reason, it felt regrettable that she would leave without ever learning it.
Swaak—
Perhaps because of that.
In that fleeting instant when countless thoughts raced through her mind, along with the brutal sound of a blade cutting flesh, blood splattered on her body.
"When fighting, you must always check your surroundings and coordinate with your allies, Lady Namgung. Moving about so recklessly will get you into serious trouble."
"…Young Master Ha? Uh, how did you just…"
"The warriors of the Namgung family are coming this way. Let us regroup with them for now."
She did not even think to wipe the blood of another that had splattered on her, and stared blankly at the person she had just been thinking of with regret.
Facing the back of the man that somehow felt immeasurably broad.
***
Even after saving the young lady of the Namgung family, Hugo moved busily.
He had not originally intended to go this far, but fighting in this chaotic battle, it had naturally become unavoidable.
'Didn't they say internal energy becomes disrupted when facing demonic cultists?'
He surveyed the battle situation again.
Seeing peak experts on his side floundering against a few first-rate demonic cultists, he could understand why they were being pushed back this far.
But.
Sshik—
Chaeng!
Swaak!
The sword he swung lightly deflected the enemy's blade and severed his neck.
With clean movements devoid of a single unnecessary motion.
'Why am I fine?'
Unlike his allies who were staggering about unable to resist properly as if they had taken rat poison, he felt no issues while fighting demonic cultists.
Rather, the enemies facing him often died futilely, letting their guard down because they assumed he would surely show openings.
'I'll need to take this into account as well.'
The biggest difference between himself and others.
The first thing that came to mind was indeed the fact that he was an Awakener from another world.
If he was able to avoid whatever method the demonic cultists were using thanks to that…
'Hoo, I'll think about the details later.'
For now, it was more important to seize this opportunity and help the people here.
And if he could make a name for himself in the process, all the better.
"Kuk, thank you for your assistance, Young Hero."
"Hoo—I have received a life-saving grace. I shall repay you properly later."
"Hoh, impressive. To possess such martial prowess in this adverse situation. He is worth keeping an eye on. So he's Ha Seunghun of the Zhuge family…"
And that was more than enough to raise the fame of Hugo, who had begun running about busily at full swing.
While everyone was struggling, he nonchalantly approached, casually helped, and left, repeating this so that from the perspective of those he aided, they couldn't help but remember him even more vividly.
'Of course, I wouldn't be able to do much against truly strong enemies, but even this much is enough to raise overall morale.'
But while he was working so hard to manage the situation.
A sudden change that even he could do nothing about arrived.
Sshik—
Kwaaaang—!
A figure flying in at tremendous speed crashed into a nearby Buddhist hall with a thunderous roar.
In the blink of an eye, so fast that even Hugo's senses couldn't properly react.
Naturally, everyone's wary gazes turned in that direction.
And immediately after.
"Divine Monk Mujin, is this all you amount to? The fame of Shaolin is now a thing of the past."
A man's icy voice echoed through the temple grounds.
The people inside could only properly perceive him after the voice had completely spread.
Without anyone noticing, he was already standing there.
A figure draped in a black long robe, his long black hair fluttering in the wind.
"That person… could it be…"
"Great Monk Mujin…?"
Though no one present knew his face, they could naturally realize who he was just by looking.
And for good reason—the presence he emanated was so overwhelming that it could not possibly bring anyone else to mind.
An arrogant spirit that seemed to look down upon the world merely by existing.
The lord of evil who embraced all the darkness of the world.
The demon itself that descended from the heavens to embrace the earth.
As the people of the world say—
"Heavenly Demon…"
At the appearance of the worst villain representing this world, everyone's bodies stiffened rigidly.
***
And at the same time.
"Oh! We've finally arrived! Wow, it's quite heated, huh? Kahahaha!"
"…Keok! What's that over there? It's utter chaos. What in the world is going on?"
Two men of enormous stature finally entered Mount Song.