The departure date for the representatives heading to the Volcanic Pact Branch was only a few days away.
All that remained was the announcement of the candidates.
In front of the many elders gathered in Cheonmu Hall, Ma Jin-ga announced the candidates for the upcoming Volcanic Pact Branch meeting.
The moment the announcement ended, whispers immediately spread through the crowd. The reason for the commotion was the huge difference in the candidate list compared to previous years.
"May I ask one thing?"
The question came from a rather odd elder.
"What is it? Feel free to speak openly."
Ma Jin-ga nodded casually.
"Why are there so many candidates?"
No matter how many times he thought about it, fifty candidates was far too many. At most they only needed fewer than ten people. Even with changes to the rules, this was excessive. This was the first time in the history of the Volcanic Pact Branch that so many candidates had been chosen. The number was too big to even count on fingers and toes.
"Because that is exactly what is needed."
Ma Jin-ga's words held no hesitation, consideration, or doubt. He clearly saw the situation as completely normal. Because of that, his answer felt somewhat disappointing.
"Why? Please explain in more detail."
"This is a backup plan. Besides, this Volcanic Pact Branch meeting, which marks the 100th anniversary of the Volcanic Pact Branch, will be held in a completely different way from before."
"What?!"
Not a single elder present had known this fact beforehand.
"That is why no one is allowed to back out."
Ma Jin-ga answered firmly.
Ma Jin-ga's sharp gaze swept across the entire room, making everyone flinch and fall silent at once.
"This Volcanic Pact Branch meeting holds far greater meaning than previous ones. I ask for your understanding because I cannot explain the reason right now. In addition, even if everyone stays quiet, you all already know very well that many accidents and strange incidents always occur along the road to Volcanic Mountain. For some reason, there are always unexplained accidents for those heading to the Volcanic Pact Branch. Many die without any clear cause. Because of that, the promised number of people never arrives at Volcanic Mountain on schedule. But we cannot blame the Black Heaven Alliance. They also lose many people. So we have no grounds to protest."
The representatives of the Volcanic Pact Branch heading to Volcanic Mountain always lived with the risk of death. They never knew when they might be ambushed. A moment of carelessness could mean dying in a ridiculous way before reaching their destination. Of course there was a high chance this was the work of the Black Heaven Alliance or the Heavenly Demon Pavilion, but without solid evidence they could not protest properly. Besides, the existence of the Heavenly Tribulation Beasts—which belonged to neither the righteous nor the demonic factions—made it difficult to blame only the Black Heaven Alliance.
That was how politics worked in the martial world when dealing with other factions. Suspicion without clear evidence solved nothing.
"Then what about escorts?"
If so, there should be escorts. That would be much safer. But the problem was that it was not allowed.
"According to tradition, there are no escorts."
Ma Jin-ga said.
"As you all know, only the participants depart for Volcanic Mountain, where the Volcanic Pact Branch meeting is held. No one else is permitted to accompany them. Even though there is the Volcanic Sect on Volcanic Mountain, the distance is quite far from Cheonmu Peak where the meeting takes place, and the surrounding area is a strictly guarded forbidden zone. Of course, this tradition was created because of the rules set by the Martial God Grand Master Taeguk-shin, Jung-hyuk and the Martial God Demon Lord Paecheondo Gal Jung-yeok, the creators of the Volcanic Pact Branch."
Although they could not travel with the chosen representatives, there were invited observers. But for some reason, the participants had to arrive at Volcanic Mountain one month before the event began. That was the rule, and arriving late was considered a loss.
"Don't worry too much. Even though there are no escorts, there are instructors!"
Ma Jin-ga said while looking at the odd elder from earlier. In a situation like this, the instructors had to be very important people with extraordinary abilities.
"Send me!"
The odd elder immediately volunteered without hesitation. Ma Jin-ga nodded.
"I was already planning to appoint you, along with Elder Jahat, Elder Salt Demon, and Elder Ice Sword as the instructors for this Volcanic Pact Branch."
The odd elder frowned because Elder Jahat had also been chosen, but since he himself had been selected, he decided not to protest further and felt satisfied. Yeomdo and Binggum glanced at each other briefly, then quickly looked away.
These two, who always tried to keep their distance so they wouldn't get involved, somehow always ended up involved anyway.
* * *
That night!
"Did you call for me, Pavilion Master?"
Elder Jegal stood in Ma Jin-ga's private study late at night after being summoned secretly. Last month had been the most suffocating month for him.
"Welcome, Elder Jegal! Sorry for bothering you so often!"
"It's no problem at all. Please give your orders!"
Elder Jegal answered respectfully.
"Tomorrow is finally the departure!"
"Yes!"
"But I can't feel at ease! Sending those children to Volcanic Mountain without finding the mastermind behind the collapse of the Lost Illusion Demon Cave truly weighs on my heart!"
"I am truly sorry. Even though we tried with all our strength, using the Beiying Hall and every other agency to the fullest, we still haven't found any clues… I am deeply ashamed. Please forgive me."
"No! You have always worked hard! They are simply too cunning. Don't worry too much."
"Thank you, Pavilion Master!"
Elder Jegal was sincerely grateful for Ma Jin-ga's kindness.
"Elder Jegal, do you think those children can reach Volcanic Mountain safely this time?"
Ma Jin-ga's face suddenly turned serious. The main topic had begun.
"It won't be easy. It is very likely that among the chosen candidates there are spies from the Black Heaven Alliance or the Heavenly Tribulation Beasts."
Ma Jin-ga's eyes widened.
"Really? They are all descendants of great righteous sects. That's impossible…"
It was hard to believe.
"Haven't you already learned the bitter lesson from this incident that not every disciple of a great sect can be trusted! Their cunning influence runs far deeper than we thought."
"Is there a way? Seeing that you've come this far, it seems you've already prepared something?"
Elder Jegal smiled faintly.
"As sharp as always. I have already placed several trustworthy children among the candidates."
"Oh! Just as I expected! Truly, you are one of the brains of Cheonmu Academy!"
Ma Jin-ga's face brightened at once.
"You praise me too much. I have also made several other arrangements, so please rest easy. I will stake my honor to ensure the children reach Volcanic Mountain safely. That includes catching any spies if they exist."
"Then please take good care of it!"
"Don't worry."
* * *
"Finally we're departing."
Today was a very special day for Yoon Junho. His heart was filled with pride.
Last night he had been so excited that he couldn't sleep at all. But it was fine.
Because today they were leaving for Hwasan. Strangely enough, Yoon Junho had also passed the recent Hwanmadong exam. Although only as a candidate, he was allowed to attend the Hwasan Convention. Thanks to the sudden collapse of Hwanmadong that injured nearly 150 people, Yoon Junho had luckily been chosen as a candidate. Many great martial artists had been injured in that accident.
Besides him, Bi Ryu-yeon, Moyong Hwi, Hyorong, and Jang Hong had all passed. Every member of the Mukhwan Group had also been selected as candidates. Among them, Namgung Sang and Hyun-woon had been chosen as main players.
Yoon Junho was extremely happy to be going to Hwasan, the sect of his origin, together with his friends.
'How will my senior brother, martial uncle, and master react when they find out I was chosen as a representative for the Hwasan Convention?'
They would definitely be furious, thinking someone was playing a prank. But it was fine. No matter what anyone said, he was now a member of the Hwasan Convention selection delegation. He wanted to reach Hwasan as soon as possible and meet his Grandmaster. Every time he thought about how proud his Grandmaster would be of him, Junho's heart grew warm.
"This is only the beginning."
Yoon Junho strengthened his resolve and picked up his sword. He was no longer the awkward, often-bullied Yoon Junho from before. Even though he still hadn't recovered from his plum blossom hypersensitivity.
* * *
"Snore… Mmmph… Yerin… Mmmph…"
Even though the Cheonmu Academy alarm bell rang loudly, Bi Ryu-yeon was still sound asleep in his bed, lost in his dreams.
It looked like today would also require several people to wake him up with great difficulty.
The head of Cheonmu Academy, Ma Jin-ga, stood on the podium and gave a final message to the young representatives from the righteous sects who would depart for Hwasan. It was no exaggeration to say that the honor of the martial world and the balance of power rested on their shoulders.
"This Hwasan Convention will be held in a format different from all the conventions in the past hundred years. You may erase all your old knowledge about the Hwasan Convention from your heads today. But what you must not forget is that the honor and fate of the martial world are at stake in this 100th-anniversary Hwasan Convention. So please do your very best. This tournament will decide which way the balance of power will tilt for the next ten years. Many eyes will be watching your courage, wisdom, and martial skills."
"Now, the only things you can rely on are your own strength, courage, and wisdom. Once you leave this place, no one can help you anymore. You must handle everything yourselves. I only want to say one thing. You are the proud disciples of the noble Cheonmu Academy. Act with confidence and dignity! Good luck!"
Ma Jin-ga finished his speech.
"Then we shall depart, Headmaster."
Binggum, who was fully responsible for escorting them, bowed to Ma Jin-ga.
"Take good care of them."
"Yes."
"We will meet at Hwasan. May you arrive safely. Be careful of the invisible hands."
"Of course."
Binggum did not forget what to watch out for.
"Flowers that grow too comfortably are easily broken by wind and rain. Do not rely on them too much."
Ma Jin-ga did not forget to give his final advice. Binggum nodded. Greenhouse flowers would never become strong! Only those who could face storms and still stand tall would truly be strong. Ma Jin-ga did not want to raise his disciples like pampered greenhouse flowers. This was a time that required strength. He could only show the path, but he could not walk it for them. This applied to him and everyone in this world.
Now they were departing, carrying the honor of the martial world and testing their own abilities. Binggum shouted as he looked at the line of young people who were already ready.
"Depart!"
As dawn began to sweep away the darkness on the horizon, they set off for Hwasan.
* * *
"Hoo hoo hoo, they have finally come."
A creature wrapped in thick darkness spoke in a low voice. A terrifying bass voice echoed through the room. This was a secret chamber inside Machaengak.
The creature that seemed to merge with the darkness! He was the eldest son.
Fwoosh!
The letter in his hand instantly turned to ash and vanished in flames. It was a report that the Hwasan Convention participants from Cheonmu Academy had already departed.
"If I had sent a coffin as a welcome gift yesterday, it would have been useless."
Even though his voice was quiet, Chi-sahan trembled with extreme fear. He immediately prostrated himself on the floor.
"I… apologize."
Chi-sahan's plan in Hwanmadong had not been very successful. Although many were injured, no one had died. That meant his scheme had failed.
"Apologize for what?"
The eldest son asked again in an emotionless voice. Chi-sahan grew even more terrified. His instincts sensed the breath of death.
"I apologize. I failed to meet the eldest son's expectations, so I deserve to die a hundred times."
"Is that so?"
Chi-sahan trembled at the cold, emotionless answer. He knew his master was extremely angry right now. That was why he was afraid. He could not endure his master's rage.
"But please give me one more chance. This time I will definitely… definitely take care of those troublemakers."
After a brief silence, the eldest son finally spoke.
"…Then I ask you to guide their path."
"Guide their path?"
The eldest son nodded.
"Wouldn't the roads be a bit rough?"
Chi-sahan's cunning mind immediately understood the hidden meaning behind the words. A sly smile appeared on his lips.
"Heh heh heh. Exactly. The road conditions lately are indeed not good, so the journey might be a bit difficult. Without a guide, they could get lost."
"How unfortunate…"
The eldest son murmured.
"Indeed unfortunate. And very sad. Heh heh heh."
But looking at Chi-sahan's face, he did not look sad at all.
"I will send a guide," Chi-sahan answered.
"Make sure you send a good guide. And of course the foxes of the Black Heaven Alliance must not know, right?"
"Of course. I will send the Twelve Blood Demon Corps first."
"They are reliable guides."
The eldest son looked satisfied with Chi-sahan's answer. Chi-sahan let out a sigh of relief in his heart and laughed slyly.
"Heh heh heh, of course. The Twelve Blood Demon Corps are the friendliest people who will guide them to the road leading to the King of Hell's underworld. With swords, blood, and fire!"
He swore in his heart that this time he must not fail again.
"Many famous figures and officials from the righteous sects will attend the Hwasan Convention as witnesses. The head of Cheonmu Academy, the leader of the martial alliance, and that annoying Cheonmu Samsung!"
The gathering place of all the annoying figures from the righteous sects. If a major accident happened there, it would become a very great and tragic tragedy."
A fierce murderous intent exploded from the eldest son's eyes. Chi-sahan and his subordinates, sensing that terrifying murderous intent, felt both fear and respect.
A murderous intent like a blood-colored nightmare, he was like concentrated darkness. Chi-sahan thought to himself.
'Even if the righteous sect representatives reach Hwasan safely, they still won't dare to oppose him.'
That belief was almost like faith. The eldest son's martial arts and abilities were truly extraordinary. The eldest son suddenly stood up and looked at the subordinates guarding on his left and right.
"Now let us remind them of the fear of the blood that was lost a hundred years ago. Let us bring back the most terrifying nightmare they tried to erase from their memories. This Hwasan Convention will be the beginning of a tragedy that will drench the entire world in blood."
Then the subordinates guarding on both sides bowed in unison and shouted.
"Gyeopnan Hyeolsae! (Bloodbath of Chaos!) The Return of the Blood God! (Second Coming of the Blood God!) Heavenly Calamity Strikes the World! Heavenly Calamity Across the World!"
Their voices, full of dark and terrifying aura, merged into one and thundered. It seemed that Bi Ryu-yeon and his friends' journey would not go smoothly. No one could be sure what fate awaited them now that they had finally left Cheonmu Academy.