A Modern Man Who Got Transmigrated Into the Murim World

Chapter 80

Shaking his head, Jo Hwi rode his iron sword and moved toward the grand assembly hall.

As Jo Hwi entered the assembly hall, the most noticeable person was Han Seolbaek.

His presence here meant that he had left the Daeseokbinggo (Great Ice Prison) of his own volition, signaling that his seclusion was over.

“Brother?”

Before becoming an Absolute Ice Man (Jeongjae), Han Seolbaek had sworn he would never break his seclusion. However, despite all the time that had passed, his cultivation was still at the Hua-Gyeong (Transcendence) level.

Perhaps sensing Jo Hwi’s confusion, Han Seolbaek calmly smiled and stood up from his seat.

“Even though the Eternal Ice of the Daeseokbinggo is an unparalleled treasure in the world, the level of Absolute (Jeongda) isn’t something that can be attained simply by obtaining such a treasure.”

“Hmm…”

That was true.

It might actually be more beneficial to travel through the martial world and experience various things than to simply focus on obtaining treasures in a secluded environment.

“Well then…”

“Don’t worry. I’ve filled Daeseokbinggo with enough ice for at least three months.”

Jo Hwi finally felt reassured and continued chatting with Han Seolbaek when his companions began to arrive at the assembly hall.

The first to approach was Jeok Galun, who reported the recent events.

“The Murim Alliance has surpassed one million members.”

One million?

It hadn’t been long since the declaration of Dalmajin-gyeong (the Dharma Sutra) was made, and already the number had increased by two hundred thousand, breaking the million mark!

This was an extraordinarily fast pace.

Jo Hwi’s eyes brightened as if he had guessed something.

“Looks like the leaders who have awakened the essence of Dalmajin-gyeong have started to appear.”

The answer came from Nam Gungjangho.

“Don’t be too surprised. Some newly joined third-rate warriors have instantly used the profound martial power.”

Third-rate warriors using the mysterious power, the martial force, that was only seen in legendary Daoists?

“Based on the divine aura observed, their power is comparable to Hua-Gyeong,” Nam Gungjangho added.

“How many exactly?”

“Right now, there are several hundred. It will likely increase significantly.”

Several hundred warriors who can use martial power comparable to Hua-Gyeong?

If this news spread across the martial world, it would definitely shift the balance of power.

“When that rumor spread across the world, the alliance’s membership grew by one hundred thousand in just three days. At this rate, it seems like all of the martial warriors in the northern region will join the alliance.”

“No, eventually even those in the southern regions will start heading north.”

“The south?”

The southerners were considered to be from the evil factions (Sapa).

There was no way the alliance would accept people from those evil factions.

“This is mere speculation. The alliance will never allow the entry of those from the Sapa,” Nam Gungjangho said.

“No. They will accept everyone.”

“What?”

Nam Gungjangho, who was well aware of the exclusivity of the righteous factions toward the Sapa, was taken aback.

But seeing how firmly Jo Hwi spoke, there must be a valid reason behind it.

Jeok Galun, with a tense expression, asked Jo Hwi.

“What is the Murim Alliance, or rather Dalma, trying to achieve by spreading the Dalmajin-gyeong among the warriors of the evil factions?”

“Seizing control.”

Jo Hwi briefly explained to his companions the intentions of the Murim Alliance—or more accurately, Dalma—based on the information he had received from Geumcheonjonshin.

“Crazy! This is absurd!”

“This can’t be!”

The moment Jo Hwi confirmed the tremendous disaster that seemed like the end of the martial world, his companions could not help but be overwhelmed with shock, one after another.

Han Seolbaek, who had never heard of such martial world secrets like the Divine Seat or Dalma, was the most astonished.

“A dangerous being like that in the world…”

It was a calamity of a scale that could not even be compared to the Great War of the Northern Sea that the Northern Sea people had experienced.

It was so difficult to accept Jo Hwi’s claim as reality.

“If an absolute level being like the Eight-Woo-Seat emerges among the lower-ranked alliance members, everything will be over. We may have to forcibly imprison people.”

“Imprison people forcibly?”

Jo Hwi took out a ledger from his robes.

“I’ve been to meet the lords of Ganseoseong and Anhwiseong and checked the census of the people. Adding up the citizens of Anhwi and Ganseo, as well as the employees of the Jo family conference and the masters of the Namgung, Sima, and Dang families, along with their branches, the total is roughly…”

Everyone held their breath, watching Jo Hwi intently.

“That alone adds up to five million.”

Even just looking at Anhwi and Ganseo, they had easily surpassed five million!

Nam Gungjangho’s great cause of rescuing the world alongside Jo Hwi collapsed in an instant.

“Th-there are only about a million left!”

Jo Hwi smiled bitterly.

“That would not have been possible without the insight of the great Immortal Zhang Sanfeng.”

Then, Jo Hwi stared at a point in the air.

Whoooosh—

With a strange resonance, the space tore apart, and a man appeared, exuding an unimaginable presence.

A man who manifested in the air, radiating blazing golden light.

The immense level of his aura was so profound that it was hard to even fathom, as he exuded an absolute presence that seemed to crush the entire surroundings.

All questions turned toward Jo Hwi.

“Introduce yourself. I’ve decided to just call him ‘Golden Yi.’”

As Golden Yi (?) shook off the now-diminishing golden light, he stepped forward in front of Jo Hwi and bowed respectfully.

“Your servant, Kimcheon (金天), is truly honored to meet the lord in this world.”

Everyone stood dumbfounded, staring at Golden Yi (?).

Having been born as a mere human, Kimcheon had risen to a noble seat, and they were witnessing this spectacle with their own eyes.

Afterward, he threw away the title of ‘Divine Seat’ that had been granted to him by the Divine Seat, without hesitation.

This was the decision he made after witnessing another way to reach the seat without the Divine Seat’s involvement.

Furthermore, at least the Small Sword Immortal was truthful about every matter, without any exaggeration or concealment.

Even between his light words and actions, one could feel deep philosophy and conviction.

Especially his unique interpretation of human mortality.

His perspective on the inevitable end of human life was a profound shock, a reverberation of the soul.

The three thousand years spent with the Small Sword Immortal had transformed everything—no, almost everything—about him.

It was like the ripple of will that could envelop the heavens and the earth.

Just the remnants of his will alone gave him a sense of omnipotence, as if he could swallow the entire world.

This was the true extreme of willpower learned from the great being, the Small Sword Immortal.

“Ahhh!”

Hong Ye, who had followed Jo Hwi into the grand assembly hall, shrieked sharply when she saw Kimcheon, and collapsed.

She was so terrified that as soon as she saw Kimcheon, her body trembled like a willow tree and she fell to the ground.

At this, Jo Hwi’s questioning gaze turned toward her.

“What’s wrong?”

“Th-that person!”

“That person?”

Hong Ye pulled up her hair.

There were bright red handprints as though someone had grabbed her head completely.

These marks were presumed to be from a technique called “Sucking Spirit Demon Opening Technique” (Semen-sucking demon technique).

“The person who stole my memory…!”

“Hmm.”

At that moment, Jo Hwi’s expression stiffened, as if he had just remembered something.

“Was it you who stole Hong Ye’s memory?”

“It was just a foolish act from my past, my lord.”

Jo Hwi glared at Kimcheon fiercely, but then casually spoke.

“What information were you looking for?”

“I was searching for traces of the Original Way (Original path).”

“Zhang Sanfeng? Why?”

“I do not know. I was simply following his orders.”

“That answer again.”

Whenever he interrogated this Golden Yi, the answer was always the same: “I do not know. I was just following his orders.”

This creature had no self-awareness, not even a trace of it!

At this point, Jo Hwi began to doubt whether this being truly possessed the noble power of someone who had lived for over a thousand years.

Nam Gungjangho, still trying to calm his racing heart, cautiously asked Jo Hwi.

“Who exactly is this person…?”

With a pale, almost transparent face, Jo Hwi calmly spoke.

“He is the fourth of the Six Divine Beings.”

“Six Divine Beings?”

“He is the fourth experiment and disciple of Dalma, or the Divine Seat. His name is Kimcheon (金天), once known as Golden Immortal.”

Cha-chang!

Nam Gungjangho, mouth agape in shock, drew his sword.

He took a firm stance, his face tense, and bit down on his lips.

“Wasn’t he the one leading the destruction of the central plains? How could you accept someone like him!”

“He has repented, so forgive him. Anyway, he’s now one of my ‘retainers.'”

“Retainers…?”

Even if Jo Hwi was the leader of a powerful faction, it was strange for him to refer to his subordinates as ‘retainers’ or ‘followers.’ Unless they were parents or ancestors, calling someone a ‘retainer’ was improper.

But Kimcheon’s reaction was odd.

He trembled with joy and then prostrated himself, calling Jo Hwi his “retainer.”

“The great being values me so highly. I will consider this my lifelong blessing. I shall serve with utmost loyalty until the day my soul perishes.”

It was as if he was willing to dedicate his very soul!

There was not even a hint of pretense—this was a perfect submission as a “retainer.”

Even though the martial world was a world of the strong preying on the weak, this level of subjugation seemed far too excessive!

Looking at Kimcheon, Nam Gungjangho thought he resembled a devout worshiper of a god.

Nam Gungjangho stared at Jo Hwi with even more suspicion.

“How did you manage to recruit such a tremendous being?”

Prostrated, Kimcheon looked up at Nam Gungjangho, his eyes glowing with strange intensity.

“My lord, I can no longer just watch. You have attained the immortal divinity and now sit as the ruler of the great universe’s law…”

“Shut up. I’ll tear your mouth apart before you finish.”

Jo Hwi’s face contorted in anger.

He was definitely not the one sitting on that cursed throne!

The greatest evidence of this was that he was still alive in the central plains.

According to the laws of the universe, once a being attained immortal divinity and ascended to the throne, their existence would be isolated into a distant dimension, incapable of affecting the mortal realm.

But here he was, still present in the central plains.

Though he didn’t know why the “Unknown Power” that governs the Void had engraved his name on the tablet, the mere fact that he had not been banished to another dimension proved that he could never be the one to sit on that throne.

But would everyone think the same way?

Hwiya.

The voice calling his name was full of boundless kindness.

The voice of the Sword Master was warmer than usual.

We all feel it.

Despite the warmth in his master’s voice, Jo Hwi’s expression remained cold.

“What are you trying to say?”

The world resonating around you, truly…

“Stop, please stop.”

Didn’t the person involved himself know it?

A single blade of grass, the blowing wind, the will of all living beings in the world—everything resonated with him.

With just a small intent, he could control the waves of resonance from all those beings.

It was a state of existence so different from mere intent that one could immediately understand why the Divine Seat could manifest through elements like fire, water, and wind to his disciples. It was a realm of another dimension entirely.

But it was certainly different from the Divine Seat.

Just by existing here in the central plains, his true form was not in the realm of the thrones; this proved that he and the others were fundamentally different species.

Hwiya, do you still deny it?

Jo Hwi bit his lips in frustration, his face twisted.

See for yourself! Since returning, why have you never once directly looked at the Spirit World? You are already…

“Master, please.”

In the end, tears streamed down Jo Hwi’s face.

He already knew.

His existence as a being with divine power was so potent that the Spirit World, affected by his power, was slowly collapsing.

Even though the spirits of Gwiamja and Cheonwooja had prepared massive spiritual power to form a barrier, it had started to lose its strength, and the collapse was accelerating.

Eventually, when the Spirit World collapses and disappears, those noble ancient spirits will vanish with it.

The thrones were nothing!

As the beloved Master and ancestors, and the senior martial artists of the Jianghu who had lived like a storm, were disappearing like that, he could do nothing.

How could such a powerless being as himself be called a god or take the throne?

Hwiya, don’t you still understand?

Tears flowed relentlessly, and Jo Hwi could say nothing.

We were always destined to be your retainers.

“Master… how could you say such a thing…”

When Jo Hwi was reincarnated into the body of Jo Yeonghun, it was like an unknown knowledge flickering on and off, like a flickering fluorescent light.

As his Master had said, the souls and existences of the revered beings merging with his own might have been foreseen from that very moment.

Their experiences, knowledge, and immense spiritual power, honed over countless years, had all eventually been passed on to him. Though it wouldn’t disappear entirely, their essence would undoubtedly perish.

Our end has been predetermined from long ago.

At that moment, a crack appeared in the Spirit World.

The world of the revered beings was shattering.

As the red ceiling that formed their world shattered like glass, the voice of the demonic god echoed, carrying a sense of warning.

Fool!

Although the demonic god called him a fool, the voice was full of concern and kindness.

You must protect the people and save the central plains! Of course, you must also eliminate that damned Dalma!

Even as tears endlessly flowed, Jo Hwi couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Of course. Whose command is this? It is none other than the command of the world’s Demonic God! Hahaha!”

I will never forget it. Thank you for taking care of our Sima.

Recently, Jo Hwi had proclaimed that he would accept the Sima family and their branches as part of the underground collective.

It was the grateful voice of the Martial God for Jo Hwi.

“Did you always think of me as such a petty man?”

Regardless, Jo Hwi was from the direct line of the Jo family, who had been rivals with the Sima family for many years.

However, he never took the connections he had lightly.

Hahaha…

Looking at the Spirit World, which had once been dominated by the great conqueror (霸王) Jo Mengde, now crumbling, Jo Mengde let out a bitter laugh.

To think I spoke of kingship for one destined to become a god, it seems my judgment was rotting as much as I feared.

Jo Mengde continued speaking, his voice full of relief, toward his beloved descendant.

Why did you hide it?

Jo Hwi responded.

“What do you mean?”

You treacherous one. Didn’t you realize while following my command to track down the descendants of Guan Yu that the person was a descendant of Yi De (翼德)?

Jo Hwi looked at Jang Il-ryong and smiled faintly.

“Your lord’s request was not to find the descendants of Zhang Fei (張飛), was it?”

Jo Mengde’s voice carried a bitter tone.

I truly did something awful to him. Could you promise me that you will treat the descendants of Yi De well, just as you did the Jo family?

Jang Il-ryong was not just a descendant of Yi De; he was Jo Hwi’s closest friend.

“I will do so, even without being asked.”

It is truly regrettable that I am passing away without seeing the descendants of the general.

Jo Hwi spoke calmly.

“I will carry on your legacy.”

Yes. It’s time for our farewell.

Kukukukukuku—

The Spirit World was rapidly contracting.

All the memories and spiritual power of the revered beings would soon be absorbed by Jo Hwi.

The spirit of Gwiamja, who had been desperately maintaining the barrier, began to scatter like burnt ashes.

Mortal! If you have engraved that noble name upon the heavens, could you share its meaning with me?

Yes! I too am curious! I must know this before I leave!

Jo Hwi’s grim gaze lingered in the air, cutting through the infinite skies.

“Those who deny.”

The Sword Saint, clinging desperately to his dissolving body, expressed his deep confusion.

“What are you denying!”

Indifferently, Jo Hwi’s lips moved again.

“Those who deny existence. That is my damned divine name.”

***

The feeling of loss from no longer being able to hear the voices of the compassionate Sword Saint Master and the ancestors of the Jo family didn’t last long as expected.

Rather, anger took over.

Wasn’t it possible that the dullness of even sorrow itself stemmed from the transcendent state he had reached?

If he were to lose his humanity more and more as time passed, what was the point of attaining such a lofty state?

While trembling with this tragic feeling towards himself, Jo Hwi began to feel the knowledge of the revered beings flood into him, beyond his control.

The true realizations of the Three Gods that could not be conveyed through words.

The experiences of the Conqueror who became a ruler, built warlords, and laid the foundations for a nation.

The high-level martial techniques and the long-kept secrets of the Taoist sect’s system and spiritual path.

The secret knowledge of the harsh underworld ecosystem.

Even the tragic life of a scholar who, despite having unimaginable academic discipline, groaned in despair from the chaotic state of the world…

It was as if the entire history of mankind was condensed into these teachings, a truly astonishing wealth of knowledge about the lives of great heroes.

A headache so intense it felt like his head was about to shatter swept over him, but suddenly, the amount of knowledge growing beyond imagination filled Jo Hwi with an overwhelming joy that made his body tremble.

The revered beings had not perished.

They lived on within him.

The “human passion” they had once possessed still remained, burning hot and fragrant, and how could anyone claim they had died?

Thus, Jo Hwi slowly opened his eyes.

Murmuring strange words, a profound and mysterious atmosphere emanated from him. All his companions, gazing at him, shuddered in unison.

This was not merely awe due to his presence or martial power.

It was a profoundly ethereal energy emanating directly from his being.

It was utterly mysterious.

It was far beyond human comprehension.

It felt as though, after accumulating hundreds of years of effort and reaching an enlightenment beyond human affairs, Jo Hwi had become a sage.

Just being gazed upon by him with such deep eyes made his companions feel as though they were naked, as if exposed to his piercing gaze.

Even the highest title of “Absolute One” could barely describe his essence.

“What… what is going on here?”

In response to the muttering of Nam Gungjangho, the answer did not come from Jo Hwi, but from Geumcheon.

“Though the ancient spirits have perished, it is as if they have survived within our great master, so there is no need for such commotion.”

“What do you mean?”

“Wait, wait a moment.”

The sharp mind of Jeongalun immediately grasped the true meaning behind Geumcheon’s words.

“Are you saying the revered beings of the Heavenly Blood Prison have all passed away?”

“That’s right.”

At that moment, the Heavenly Blood Prison, hanging around Jo Hwi’s neck, emitted a dull black light before crumbling into dust.

“Aah!”

Thud.

Jang Il-ryong, Yeom Sang-rok, Kang Biwoo, and the others all knelt, their faces filled with sorrow.

Although it had been a short time, the Demonic God had been like a master to them.

Considering how much they had changed due to his teachings, the debt they owed him was immeasurable.

“I never thought I’d never see him again so suddenly…”

“Demonic God…”

Nam Gungjangho also deeply respected him, regardless of right or wrong, and his sense of emptiness was indescribable.

Jo Hwi, pointing at his chest with his hand, spoke firmly.

“He is still with me.”

“What…?”

“Is that true?”

Jo Hwi nodded vigorously.

“Of course. Do you think the stubborn, cantankerous Demonic God would just die so easily?”

“Phew…”

“Thank goodness! Truly, thank goodness!”

Jo Hwi nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with tears.

“It’s unfortunate, but they cannot reincarnate into my body! However, they are certainly not dead, so do not grieve!”

At Jo Hwi’s words, stating that the spirits were still alive but could not manifest, Nam Gungjangho was momentarily puzzled but soon fell into deep thought, before faintly smiling.

“I understand what you mean.”

Why did those who sought to reach the highest realms strive so hard to establish their own sects?

Human faith, when genuine, becomes an unshakable shield.

When the Divine Seat decided to spread the Dalmajin-gyeong (Scripture of Dharma) to the world, it meant that all preparations had already been completed.

He must have foreseen the interference from the Jo Family’s Grand Assembly.

“The massive opposition from Zen Buddhism, which has grown enormous, will lead to an alliance between the Wudang and Mount Hua sects, and such a powerful alliance will eventually rise as the dominant force representing the entire Martial Alliance. If the momentum behind this unification presses us, the Jianghu will inevitably split in two.”

In response to Jo Hwi’s answer, Nam Gungjangho asked again.

“If we can save even half of the Jianghu from the clutches of the Dalmajin-gyeong, wouldn’t we have no choice but to make a decision?”

Jo Hwi shook his head coldly.

“It’s not that simple. If the Jo Family’s Grand Assembly becomes the force representing only the southern Jianghu (Jiangnan), we will no longer be able to encompass the righteous factions with our influence.”

“Hmmm…”

When they thought about it, they realized that Jiangnan was traditionally a stronghold of the heretic factions.

If the Jo Family’s Grand Assembly, which had just started to rise as a righteous faction, loses its influence in the northern Jianghu and faces a confrontation with the Martial Alliance over the issue of legitimacy, then the people of Jianghu will likely equate the Jo Family’s Grand Assembly with the likes of the Sichuan Faction.

Until now, the Jo Family’s Grand Assembly had been able to gain renown not only because of the excellent goods they sold but also because of the powerful legacy of the righteous hero, the Sword God’s former disciple. The powerful reputation of the Three Heroes and the Martial God further limited the position of the Martial Alliance, which allowed the Jo Family’s Grand Assembly to spread its influence far and wide.

However, if they deny the millennia-old Shaolin Zen and the Martial Alliance is divided along the lines of legitimacy, then the Jo Family’s Grand Assembly will lose that power.

“Therefore, once again relying on the prestige of the Martial God would be the worst move at this time.”

As Jo Hwi’s flawless reasoning was observed, Manbakja’s eyes radiated a strange intensity.

Of course, he had always thought that the young Sword God had an unusual level of insight for his age, but today, it was on a completely different level.

Wisdom.

This was not merely a result of a sharp intellect.

Without the keen vision forged through long experience, it would be impossible to immediately pierce the essence of a situation as Jo Hwi had done.

What exactly had happened to this young hero?

Manbakja felt that Jo Hwi was increasingly becoming an unfathomable presence to him.

Jeogalun, who had been deep in thought, looked at Manbakja with a frustrated expression.

“Then, how should we resolve this?”

“I’m not sure…”

At that moment, Jang Il-ryong asked Jo Hwi.

“Why don’t we destroy the artifact that creates the Dalmajin-gyeong?”

Jeogalun looked at Jang Il-ryong in shock.

If such a thing were possible, would there be a clearer and more straightforward solution?

Ah, he now had to admit it.

The true genius was not himself but Jang Il-ryong.

“Yeah, you should be Jeogal Il-ryong.”

Jo Hwi coldly stared at Geumcheon.

“Who did you give the artifact to?”

Geumcheon respectfully bowed his head.

“I gave it to the Martial Alliance’s Chief Commander.”

“…Jeogal Chan-hwi?”

As soon as the name of the Chief Commander was mentioned, both Manbakja and Jeogalun felt a heavy sense of bitterness again.

The unbearable humiliation of knowing that their family was complicit in such an unimaginable crime committed by the Divine Seat was a painful trial for them.

“Then the Martial Alliance’s military department must be managing that evil artifact.”

Mu-hwang spoke up.

“It’s the department where all of the Alliance’s strategists gather. They certainly wouldn’t store it carelessly.”

“Well, for now, we’ll send an emissary,” Jo Hwi said, glancing at his companions before locking eyes with Nam Gungjangho.

“You should come with me to the Alliance, Nam Gung.”

Nam Gungjangho grinned.

“Our family’s reputation is quite effective with the Alliance.”

Watching them all, Sima Zhong slightly furrowed his brow.

“There is no reputation greater than that of Sima in this world.”

Jo Hwi smiled faintly before mounting his sword.

“Then let’s go together.”

***

Martial Alliance (Martial Arts Alliance).

The place guarded by the long-standing Guipailang and countless powerful families of the Jianghu.

Under Mu-hwang’s leadership, the Martial Alliance gathered over a million members, united by a powerful sense of legitimacy, making it a stronghold of iron-blooded martial artists.

The Martial Alliance, also known as the Martial Sect, was truly the representative of the entire world of martial arts, and as a single faction, it wielded the most powerful force.

At the center of the main road that runs through Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, stood a massive iron gate with enormous lion statues flanking either side. This was the famous entrance to the Martial Alliance—The Lion’s Gate.

To pass through the Lion’s Gate, regardless of status, one had to unsheathe their sword, declare their family and sect, and record the purpose of their visit in a visitor’s record.

If they were from the heretic factions, they had to wear a sealed heart box to suppress their internal energy, and those who had not yet reached adulthood would also be denied entry without a powerful family’s endorsement.

It was a place where those with impure intentions could never set foot.

The authority of the Martial Alliance, which united the entire Jianghu, was enforced with strict measures like this.

Thus, the Lion’s Gate was also a place where the dreams of countless passionate youths who arrived in the capital were crushed.

Here, local fame was useless.

A person might dominate their region and their family might be renowned in their hometown, but the reality of the Jianghu rankings was a cold, hard law.

Young people of the Jianghu could hardly accept the cold reality that their family’s lifetime of pride could not even reach the lower ranks of the Jianghu hierarchy.

As a result, conflicts were frequent in front of the Lion’s Gate, and from time to time, they had to face challenges from mysterious martial artists.

The leader of the Heavenly Thunder Guard, Ha Ryung.

He was the head of the Heavenly Thunder Guard, which protected the Lion’s Gate, and one of the top martial artists in the entire Martial Alliance, ranking within the top 100.

With sharp eyes and a fierce gaze, he stared at the Lion’s Gate when one of his subordinates shouted in alarm.

“L, Lord!”

Ha Ryung, who had been staring at the distant sky, furrowed his brows as he watched his subordinate shouting in shock.

“What’s all this fuss about?”

The subordinate pointed towards the sky, shouting.

“Look over there! Could that be a person?”

“What nonsense are you talking about… huh!?”

Ha Ryung, following his subordinate’s gaze and looking up at the sky, stiffened in shock.

There was a faint dot moving across the sky.

At first, it seemed like just a migratory bird, but then he felt an unimaginable wave of intent sweeping across the sky, and he was struck with fear.

The faint dot in the sky slowly came into clearer view.

It reflected a dazzling light, making it difficult to discern its shape, but Ha Ryung, having lived as a swordsman all his life, instinctively recognized it as a sword.

“Is it… sword flight…?”

Only then did Ha Ryung realize the gravity of the situation, and he immediately gathered his inner energy and unleashed a powerful Lion’s Roar.

“A martial artist of the eighth rank! Inform the Outer Sect Lord of the ambush and prepare for defense!”

Though Ha Ryung had spent his life guarding the Lion’s Gate, he never imagined that a martial artist of such a high level would intrude into the Alliance, especially one who could use the legendary sword flight technique!

“Could it be the Sword God we’ve heard so much about?” Ha Ryung thought, trembling as he watched the mysterious martial artist in the sky.

He couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe as he watched the Sword God breach the seemingly impenetrable Lion’s Gate.

But duty was duty.

He quickly led his subordinates in a swift charge towards the Outer Sect.

***

In Jo Hwi’s line of sight, he saw the massive, serpentine ridge of a dragon-shaped roof with nine dragons coiling in a circle.

This was the largest and tallest hall in the Outer Sect of the Martial Alliance.

It was likely the Nine Dragon Hall, a symbol of the strength of the Gu Families.

“Ho… looking at it from the sky, it really is something impressive.”

The sheer size of it was on a completely different level from the Jo Family’s Grand Assembly.

The Martial Alliance’s banners were everywhere, spreading across every inch of the landscape. It felt almost like looking at the capital of an entire nation.

This was the true grandeur of the Martial Alliance, boasting its status as the strongest power in the world.

“All of the Martial Force units are gathered here, watching only us.”

Nam Gungjangho said seriously, his face full of concern, but his seriousness was somewhat undermined by the fact that he was dangling from a rope tied around Jo Hwi’s waist.

“Nam Gung, you look a little cold.”

“What… what are you saying! I’m sweating so much that my inner clothes are soaked!”

“It’s not sweat, but something else, right?”

Nam Gungjangho, with his blue lips trembling from the tremendous speed of sword flight, looked somehow pitiful.

Of course, Sa Ma Jung, the eldest son of the famous Cheonhwa Guardian family, wasn’t much different.

“The martial artists are starting to gather on our side, too.”

With his hair in disarray and looking absurd, he spoke in a serious tone, which made Jo Hwi unable to suppress his laughter.

“Haha, how about fixing that hair of yours first?”

“Hm? Ah! My headband!”

The heroic headband, tightly tied, had come undone unnoticed due to the speed of sword flight, which was as fast as a flash of light.

Jo Hwi didn’t want to experience such sword flight again.

Once again, he casually surveyed the gathering Martial Alliance members, who were gathering in a tight formation.

“The more that gather, the better. The more eyes on us, the less it’ll benefit us and the more it’ll benefit them.”

“What exactly do you plan to do?”

Nam Gungjangho asked, and Jo Hwi answered nonchalantly.

“If we keep causing a scene, eventually the Martial Alliance’s general will come out. When he does, we can just ask him directly where the treasure is hidden.”

“Ah, no…”

Nam Gungjangho started to protest, but then closed his mouth tightly.

Isn’t there supposed to be a plan?

Usually, after drawing attention with sword flight, one of them would infiltrate secretly and conduct a reconnaissance mission.

But what was this? He was openly planning to ask about the treasure’s location with all the Martial Alliance members gathered here?

Jo Hwi, as if reading Nam Gungjangho’s astonishment, looked at him and smirked.

“Is there any need to go around in circles? Nam Gung, I already believe I’m capable of handling ten thousand men.”

Ten thousand men.

It was a phrase often used, but it was impossible for any martial artist to actually handle the strength of ten thousand men.

Even if the number was just a hundred, handling the combined power of a hundred at once would be the same.

The true meaning of ten thousand men, as spoken in legends, was something possible only in stories.

Because of this, Nam Gungjangho, who still didn’t fully understand Jo Hwi’s true capabilities, couldn’t see the situation as so simple.

“Those aren’t just regular soldiers, they’re Martial Alliance martial artists! Even in the Outer Sect, there are 60,000 of them, and the Inner Sect has three times that! If we send a dispatch to recall the forces from the surrounding branches, we could have hundreds of thousands gathered in three days! You think you can handle all that by yourself?”

Without hesitation, Jo Hwi nodded.

“Easily.”

“Wha-what? You’re crazy!”

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers weren’t just a number.

Among them would be countless elders of the great sects, and even the Eight Pillar Lords.

Even a martial artist who had reached the level of Supreme Strength, or even Natural Strength, would eventually tire and fall after killing and killing.

There would inevitably be a limit to their martial intent.

If such a feat of handling tens of thousands were possible, wouldn’t that make a single person equivalent to the might of an empire?

Sa Ma Jung, also in a serious tone, turned to Jo Hwi and asked.

“How would you compare your current abilities to those of the Martial Ancestor?”

Martial God.

He was the god of the Jianghu, reigning as the number one in the world for centuries, a great hero who saved the world from the Great War.

“There’s a huge gap. It’s a difference like heaven and earth.”

Sa Ma Jung asked again, not understanding.

“And still, you say you can face all those martial artists?”

Jo Hwi smirked.

“You’re mistaken. In this comparison, I’m the one above.”

“What!?”

For Sa Ma Jung, who was full of pride as part of the world’s greatest family, this was an unthinkable statement.

“Presumptuous! How dare you lower the great Martial Ancestor to your level! Just because you share the same title as a god doesn’t mean you…!”

“Shut up.”

Without any further words, Jo Hwi performed a swift motion and his sword flew to the ground.

When they reached the center of the vast training ground in front of the Nine Dragon Hall, Jo Hwi let his companions down and retrieved his sword.

The appearance of Swordsman God was already famous across the world.

Naturally, Ha Ryung, the leader of the Heavenly Thunder Guard, recognized him immediately and solemnly spoke.

“It is an honor to meet the famous Swordsman God. However, I regret to inform you that, no matter how accomplished a martial artist you are, you should not have broken the rules of the Lion’s Gate.”

“Rules?”

“The rules are a representation of the Alliance’s authority. To defy them means you do not acknowledge the Martial Alliance’s authority. From this moment on, you have become an enemy of the Martial Alliance.”

“Haha!”

Jo Hwi laughed lightly as he surveyed the countless Martial Alliance members surrounding him.

“Well then, what happens to me now? Since I’ve become your enemy, will I be hunted down?”

Ha Ryung looked at him with an expression of disbelief.

“The Alliance is not a barbaric group. We will detain you, send you to the Discipline Court, and, according to procedures and laws, punish you accordingly.”

Jo Hwi smirked.

“This is strange.”

As Jo Hwi kept grinning with an inexplicable smile, Ha Ryung furrowed his brows.

“What do you mean, strange?”

Jo Hwi tilted his head in confusion.

“Don’t you think something is missing here?”

“Missing… what do you mean?”

“Before you talk about punishment, don’t you realize you don’t have the ability to detain this Swordsman God?”

At Jo Hwi’s provocation, the eyes of all the Martial Alliance warriors blazed with intensity.

But they couldn’t deny his words.

The opponent was a swordsman at the peak of sword flight—an absolute master. If he decided to flee, there was no way to detain him.

“Power must be backed by strength. But since your strength doesn’t reach this Swordsman God, it’s only natural that you should be free from the Alliance’s commands.”

The martial artists surrounding Jo Hwi were all stunned, their eyes wide in disbelief.

The Swordsman God spoke flippantly, as if it were a joke, but the implication behind his words was far from light.

Heaven above, heaven below.

I alone am supreme.

At this moment, the Swordsman God stood in the heart of the Martial Alliance, openly denying the authority of the Alliance and declaring his own supremacy over the world.

Throughout the long history of Jianghu, only the Heavenly Demon had ever made such an arrogant declaration.

“D-dare you!”

“Sa Ma traitor! The Swordsman God has declared himself a traitor, denying the Alliance!”

The reaction from the martial artists around them was one of shock and disbelief.

Jo Hwi, seemingly stunned by their reactions, burst into hearty laughter.

“Hahaha!”

In that instant, the surroundings of where Jo Hwi stood began to change strangely.

It was difficult to describe in words, but the martial artists could only think that something was off.

The scenery around him seemed to warp, twisting and distorting in an unnatural way.

However, those who had reached the level of Transformation Realm felt something entirely different in their surroundings.

Nam Gungjangho froze, unable to move.

“W-what is this…!”

Sa Ma Jung, overwhelmed, collapsed to the ground.

“Wh-what in the world…!”

Guuuuu—!

The world began to shake violently.

An unknown force seemed to respond to his intent, vibrating like a joyous echo.

Although Sa Ma Jung had grown up in a family that had witnessed the great Natural Realm, the strange sensation and feeling he was experiencing now was something completely new to him.

At that moment—

Ssssss—

The world went black.

The intense sunlight that had been pouring down suddenly vanished.

In the blink of an eye, the world became engulfed in darkness.

“Hey. Martial artists.”

Ha Ryung snapped back to reality in shock.

This pitch-black darkness, without even a sliver of moonlight, was something he had never experienced before in his life.

Frantically trying to gather his wits, Ha Ryung muttered desperately.

“Wh-what in the world have you done!”

Jo Hwi’s chilling voice echoed across the vast training ground.

“Bring the General. Before I kill them all.”