The Terminally Ill Young Master of the Baek Clan

At that moment, Mount Song.

Shaolin Temple, which used to be always crowded with pilgrims, wasn’t anymore these days.

It was only natural. The orthodox Murim was struggling with the looming conflict against the Unorthodox Union and the impending invasion of the Demon Cult.

There was no way that Shaolin, known as the Jianghu’s eminence, would stand still.

The One Hundred Eight Arhats had descended the mountain.

Following them, hundreds of disciples, recognized for their skill enough to leave the temple, also set out.

Some claimed that the Four Great Vajras had not moved, or that the high-ranking elders were still within Shaolin, casting doubt on the temple’s sincerity.

However, despite such opinions, the forces Shaolin dispatched exceeded those of any other major sect.

No matter what anyone said, Shaolin was the Demon Cult’s arch-nemesis.

Shaolin, which had previously experienced the burning of the Sutra Pavilion, would not remain idle in the face of the Demon Cult’s resurgence.

Everyone believed that.

Yet, the Chief of the Guests’ Hall showed an unmistakably uneasy expression.

The inner grounds of Shaolin Temple were traditionally a forbidden area for women.

Though that long-standing and outdated rule had mostly become meaningless, this was no ordinary area.

The Founder’s Cave was originally off-limits to outsiders.

If the person in question hadn’t been an urgent envoy from the Murim Alliance, and if the Divine Monk Grand Master Mu Myung had not been residing in the Founder’s Cave, none of this would have happened.

The Chief of the Guests’ Hall would not have brought Radiant Dawn Sword Namgung Yeo-sang here either.

“Alliance Leader.”

“Kuhum.”

The Namgung Clan was on the brink of destruction, but not all of its martial artists had disappeared.

For instance, Namgung Shin, who had participated in the recent Dragon-Phoenix Conference, and his sister Namgung Yeo-sang were still actively serving in the Murim Alliance.

“You must return. The Alliance is eagerly awaiting your return, Alliance Leader.”

“Stop calling me Alliance Leader already.”

“What else would I call you but Alliance Leader?”

“How about calling me monk instead? Or even just ragged old monk would do, hehe.”

The Chief of the Guests’ Hall cleared his throat at the Divine Monk’s words.

But there was no way Grand Master Mu Myung cared about such things.

“How could I dare say such a thing?”

Namgung Yeo-sang was flustered but tried to maintain a calm expression.

Even after her family had been forcibly sealed off, she had continued to work tirelessly.

That’s why she had been given the important role of persuading the Divine Monk and visiting Shaolin on behalf of the Murim Alliance.

Ever since the Iron-Blooded Merciless Baek Ryu-san became the Vice Alliance Leader, the Divine Monk had gradually retreated from the front lines.

He had always lived like a recluse, tending to the Murim Alliance’s garden, and now he had completely returned to Shaolin.

“I’ve been playing the role of Alliance Leader for far too long. My old friend has become an immortal and ascended to the heavens. Shouldn’t I also become a Buddha now?”

“Kuhuhuhum!”

The Chief of the Guests’ Hall gave an exaggerated cough, signaling discomfort.

Wasn’t such a frivolous remark far too undignified for someone like Mu Myung, one who was of the same generation as the Shaolin Abbot?

“But it seems I can’t become a Buddha after all. So, I intend to pass the position of Alliance Leader on to Baek Ryu-san.”

“…!”

Namgung Yeo-sang was shocked.

Judging by the Chief of the Guests’ Hall’s silence, it seemed that Shaolin had already been informed of this decision.

“That’s…”

“Return and deliver the message as such.”

The matter of the Alliance Leader position was not something Namgung Yeo-sang could intervene in.

However, she had been instructed by the Murim Alliance to ask one question.

“The world is in chaos.”

“There was never a time when life wasn’t exhausting.”

“The Unorthodox Union is stirring, and the Demon Cult will rise. Is the work you are focusing on… truly more important than this?”

The Divine Monk was hidden deep within Shaolin’s inner grounds.

But it wasn’t to spend his remaining years in peace.

He was working on something important, though he hadn’t revealed exactly what it was.

“…Yes, it’s something completely unrelated, but equally important.”

“…!”

Namgung Yeo-sang bit her lip.

What could possibly be more important than the issue currently shaking the entire martial world?

However, the Heaven’s Secret Scholar had already prepared her for such a situation.

“I understand. But… the military strategist has asked me to tell you this.”

“…”

Namgung Yeo-sang looked up at the Divine Monk, and she was startled.

The Divine Monk, who was always smiling calmly, had a hardened expression for the first time.

Without a word, he suddenly stood up, slid open the paper door, and stepped outside.

He then gazed up at the still-bright sky.

“The Heaven-Slaying Star…”

Namgung Yeo-sang, flustered, followed him outside and looked up as well.

Of course, there was nothing to see except the clear sky.

“Return.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Chief of the Guests’ Hall.”

The Divine Monk called out, and the Chief of the Guests’ Hall, Beop Seong, responded.

“Yes.”

“Escort the Alliance’s guest outside.”

“As you command.”

The Chief of the Guests’ Hall looked at Namgung Yeo-sang.

“Follow me.”

It was a firm attitude, leaving no room for objections.

Namgung Yeo-sang hesitated for a moment before leaving.

During that time, the Divine Monk continued to stare up at the sky.

“I suppose I must send a letter to the Dalai Lama…”

The Heaven-Slaying Star, which had lost its light, had started flickering again.

---

At exactly the same time, in a different place

The sky where Mang-hon was located was dim and faint.

“…Hmm?”

Because of this, when he sensed something unusual and looked up at the sky, he could see it clearly.

Amidst the brilliant starlight, there was a particularly bright red star, the Heaven-Slaying Star.

The silver rings hanging from his face jingled.

What twisted on his lips was undoubtedly a smile.

“So, Gwi-ryeong finally went and did it.”

Surely, if any of the Absolute beings of this vast land of the Central Plains were like Mang-hon, they would have also sensed this anomaly.

The Heaven-Slaying Star, which had lost its light, regained its strength.

However, that Heaven-Slaying Star would not stain the world red again like it did hundreds of years ago.

As proof, the current Heaven-Slaying Star was only flickering faintly.

“Surely, Heuk-am must have sensed it as well.”

Mang-hon wondered what Heuk-am’s next move would be.

Heuk-am, who roamed in search of his nemesis.

Recently, he seemed depressed after missing the Sword Emperor, and Mang-hon found it amusing to see him that way.

Now that the monster from the past had reappeared, Mang-hon was curious if Heuk-am would seek him out.

It would certainly be quite an entertaining sight.

“Because of that wretch, Gwi-ryeong, I couldn’t even watch.”

Mang-hon rattled his rings in irritation.

---

Many other Absolute beings also sensed the appearance of the Heaven-Slaying Star.

Each of them were close to transcendence.

The Dalai Lama, known as the living Buddha who had reincarnated repeatedly in Potala Palace, halted his chants and fell silent.

The Lord of the Ice Palace in the North Sea looked up at the dark blue sky, standing on the freezing earth alongside wolves.

A monster living in the southern jungles of Nanman let out a sharp sigh, hidden within the thick foliage.

And all the other Absolute beings, too, sensed the return of the Heavenly Demon.

---

However, more than anyone else, Yi-gang was the one who truly felt the return of the Heavenly Demon.

The Heavenly Demon stood right before his eyes.

This was the youngest of the Seven Great Immortals, once called Ye-song by the now-decapitated Yi-ryong.

Originally, he had been a rather thin and ordinary young man.

But the young man who rose from the ground no longer appeared ordinary.

It began with his hair growing longer.

The slightly pale hair darkened to a jet-black color.

Drip, drip—

From his hair, black liquid, like oil, began to form and drip onto the ground.

Yi-gang looked at the feet of the Heavenly Demon. The black shadow there was unusually thick.

No, it wasn’t a shadow.

「It is materialized demonic Qi.」

The progenitor of all demonic beings.

A man who could rightfully be called the Great Ancestor of countless demonic arts and the greatest demon of all time.

The Heavenly Demon raised his head.

“…Where is this?”

His voice carried a metallic tone.

“This is the Imperial Palace.”

“…I see. And what time is it now?”

Soon, his voice returned to normal. Perhaps because he had borrowed a young body, his tone was surprisingly ordinary.

“Not quite 300 years have passed. Since your death.”

“Is that so…”

The Heavenly Demon looked around.

His jet-black eyes, like his hair, gleamed like obsidian.

He must have already grasped the situation.

“It’s early, too early.”

Too early? Did he mean that his resurrection came too soon?

Yi-gang remained silent.

Unexpectedly, the Heavenly Demon did not show any hostile behavior.

Yi-gang had expected him to burst into maniacal laughter and destroy everything around him before returning to the Demon Cult…

However, Zhang Sanfeng still did not let his guard down.

“You there,” The Heavenly Demon turned to Yi-gang and spoke, “Your eyes are disrespectful. Are you showing hostility towards me?”

“…”

Yi-gang tensed his entire body, ready for anything.

Like a true swordsman, it could be said that Yi-gang had raised a blade within his heart.

“I have never spared someone who pointed a sword at me.”

“…”

“However, today is the day I have returned. If you lower your head and turn away, I will forgive you, as long as you don’t act as if you’re holding your breath.”

Yi-gang twisted his lips into a smirk at those words.

It wasn’t a threat.

The Heavenly Demon was genuinely irritated.

Nevertheless, Yi-gang could not turn his body or bow his head as instructed.

It wasn’t a matter of pride; it was a matter of possibility.

As a trained swordsman, Yi-gang couldn’t show his back to the Heavenly Demon.

It was akin to being told to turn your back while a massive tiger lunged at you.

“I see. You must want to be punished.”

The Heavenly Demon took a step forward.

It was a light step, with no sound at all.

However, as soon as he took the next step—

Yi-gang felt as if the ground beneath his feet was collapsing.

「Heavenly Demon’s Reigning Step! Quickly, use Non-Act Daydream!」

Boldly, Yi-gang threw away the meteorite sword from his hand.

Hiding behind the sword would not block what was coming.

He had to borrow the techniques he had learned from Zhang Sanfeng to withstand the blow from the Heavenly Demon.

As soon as Yi-gang’s hand formed a peculiar circle, a shockwave that felt as if the world was collapsing erupted at the same time.

---

An abnormal phenomenon occurred around the Emperor’s Longevity Hall.

The change in the color of the sky was merely a sign of ominousness.

But what happened next couldn’t be easily ignored by the people around.

The blackened Emperor’s Longevity Hall was now exuding a thick darkness.

It was something that could only be described as darkness itself.

It wasn’t fog or smoke, yet it spread across the ground.

It would have been fine if it had only covered the ground. Eventually, it blackened the surroundings, obstructing visibility.

One could only see a few steps ahead.

The Embroidered Uniform Guards and the Eastern Depot guards nearby were startled.

Neither Bu Yeong-hu, the Commander-in-Chief, nor Admiral Grand Eunuch Hu Gyeong were exceptions.

They made a rather pitiful decision.

“For now… let’s retreat.”

Hu Gyeong, ever the coward, was the first to retreat.

“Colonels, gather the guards together!”

Bu Yeong-hu gave the same order, quietly withdrawing.

It wasn’t because they were afraid of the pitch-black darkness.

They were afraid the darkness would overshadow their power.

Bu Yeong-hu feared that the Eastern Depot warriors might take advantage of the darkness to kill him, while Admiral Grand Eunuch Hu Gyeong worried about being surrounded and killed by the Embroidered Uniform Guards in this obscurity.

Thus, the only ones left near the Emperor’s Longevity Hall were Dam Hyun and Jin Mu.

With the Emperor’s fate still uncertain, it was the Taoists of the Azure Forest who stood closest to him.

Jin Mu couldn’t bring himself to criticize Dam Hyun, who was chuckling softly.

“What in the world is happening inside…?”

There was no way to break into the Emperor’s Longevity Hall.

He tried striking it with Sword Aura, pounding on it, but the ‘barrier’ did not allow any intrusion.

“We’ll just have to wait.”

“Relying on the youngest junior brother and waiting—aren’t you being too irresponsible as the senior brother?”

“There’s no one who treats Yi-gang like a child as much as you do, Eldest Senior Brother.”

“Is that so….”

Jin Mu gave a bitter smile.

Then, his eyes widened.

The pitch-black outer wall of the Emperor’s Longevity Hall had changed slightly.

A reddish hue seemed to flow, and soon, the central part of the wall began to glow with an orange light.

Jin Mu instinctively gripped his sword.

He slowly reached out a hand toward the increasingly bright wall.

“It’s hot…”

“Eldest Senior Brother!” Dam Hyun shouted abruptly, “Get back!”

Jin Mu immediately leapt backward.

But it was a little too late.

The wall erupted from within, as if Heaven-Shaking Thunder had exploded inside.

Boom!

“Gah!”

Jin Mu was flung away.

Dam Hyun, now standing alone, stared at what had emerged from the wall.

At first, he thought it was a corpse.

But it wasn’t a corpse. It was someone Dam Hyun knew very well.

“…Yi-gang?”

The usually composed junior brother was in a pitiful state.

Yi-gang, who had collapsed and was twitching, had both of his arms twisted in unnatural angles. His sleeves were torn, and his palms were shredded and ragged.

He was alive, though, his body convulsing in spasms.

At that moment, Cheongho who was in Dam Hyun’s arms leapt out.

She ran to stand in front of Yi-gang’s feet, baring her fangs toward the Emperor’s Longevity Hall.

“Kyarr…”

She revealed her small fangs, exuding hostility, as if trying to protect Yi-gang.

Sparks of blue lightning crackled through Cheongho’s white and blue fur.

Dam Hyun understood what that sign meant.

Cheongho had gained two new abilities during her separation from Yi-gang. She was about to use one of them to protect Yi-gang from the man walking out of the shattered wall of the Emperor’s Longevity Hall.

Step, step—

Dam Hyun quickly grabbed Cheongho and held her tightly in his arms. Then, he jumped back.

Cheongho resisted and struggled, but Dam Hyun didn’t let her go.

“Stay still.”

Dam Hyun had no intention of watching Cheongho get torn apart.

With a calm and composed gaze, he looked back at Yi-gang.

Yi-gang was still alive.

“…Well done.”

Somehow, with his broken and fractured hand, he had pulled out the blood-red heart of a Flood Dragon.

Mysteriously, the Flood Dragon’s heart shattered and was absorbed into Yi-gang’s palm.

Dam Hyun realized it.

Strictly speaking, this was not Yi-gang anymore.

“I…”

The limp body suddenly stood upright as if the damage it took had never happened.

His broken arms realigned, and his bent fingers snapped back into place.

The posture he assumed with both hands was unmistakably that of the Taiji Fist.

The Shooting Star Fang, which had seemingly disappeared, shot out from the gaping hole in the Emperor’s Longevity Hall.

It danced around Yi-gang, as though alive, spinning gracefully like a sword in flight.

“…I shall protect your junior brother.”

The martial god of Wudang, who was said to have ascended to the heavens—Zhang Sanfeng—after hundreds of years, he finally faced the Heavenly Demon once again.