Heavenly Dragon Sword Saint Ha Seung-hoon.
He was a hero who had made significant contributions to stopping the rise of the Demonic Cult in the final battle in Beijing, and a rising star who had reached the Transcendental Realm in his early twenties. Those who knew him agreed that the title of the next best martial artist under heaven was all but guaranteed for him.
Therefore, it was only natural that numerous factions sent him offers after the war ended. He was merely staying at the Jegal Clan due to a small connection and wasn't officially affiliated with them, so their reactions were completely understandable. If they could recruit him, they would gain both power and fame at once.
"Although we've stopped the Demonic Cult's plot and brought them down, it doesn't mean everything is over. The remnants of those who survived are still causing chaos in the world, and there are countless people suffering, unable to overcome the turmoil. I want to be of some help to them, even if it's small."
He had declared that he would embark on a journey of chivalry, traveling the continent. It wasn't strange that the Jegal Clan, which was focusing all its efforts on rebuilding, felt a sense of crisis, as if they might lose a treasure they had almost obtained.
"I want to join you in that meaningful endeavor! I survived thanks to everyone's help. I want to repay my debt to the world in this way. Ah! Of course, I'll repay my debt to Young Master Ha personally…"
The fact that they reluctantly approved of Jegal Hye-mi's insistence played a significant role. At least while she was by his side, he wouldn't suddenly become someone else's son-in-law. Perhaps, sooner than expected, he might even return to the clan completely smitten.
Of course, her ability, which allowed her to use proper Taoist magic as a dragon's child, also played a big part. Wasn't she already considered exceptionally talented even within the Jegal Clan, which was full of geniuses in theoretical aspects? Now that all the restrictions that had bound her were gone, and only her strengths remained, her talent began to bloom, surpassing most sorcerers.
"Huh, she's already mastered the Jegal Clan's secret formation…!"
"Oh my! The Dragon's Magic! P-Please, show us one more time!"
"If we could only incorporate this into our clan's techniques…"
Some elders, highly valuing her abilities, insisted that she be thoroughly protected within the clan for safety reasons…
…but the Clan Leader and Grand Elder, who held the final decision-making power, supported her wishes and allowed her to go out into the world.
"However, there are a few conditions. First…"
Although there were some restrictions, such as having a few of the clan's masters accompany her as escorts, or notifying her whereabouts in advance through communication spells, they weren't particularly demanding conditions.
'It's not bad for me either. It's true that Jegal Hye-mi's abilities are helpful for our journey. Besides, just observing the Taoist magic she's improved is beneficial.'
Her secret escorts were also specialists in stealth, so they didn't get in the way. It wasn't bad to have some insurance for her safety in a world still full of danger.
However, there was one thing he hadn't anticipated.
"Huuu~ To think I can wash with warm water even in this remote area. Taoist magic is truly amazing! I wish I could learn it too."
"Hmm, the reason I can use this kind of Taoist magic is due to innate factors…"
"Hey—I was just kidding, sis! I can't handle such complicated things anyway. I'll just stick close to my capable sister! Hehe!"
On their way to Mount Mo, their first destination in Jiangsu Province…
They had stopped by the Namgung Clan in Anhui Province to pay their respects, and somehow, Namgung So-ran had joined them. She was so sociable that she instantly became close with Jegal Hye-mi, calling each other sisters, and subsequently joined their group with the support of the Sword Saint, the elder of the Namgung Clan. Ha Seung-hoon, unable to refuse the request of his comrade from the final battle, had no choice but to accept her.
'Well… it doesn't matter. One or two, it's all the same.'
His influence would grow even further by having descendants of prestigious clans with him, so it wasn't a bad thing. If there came a time when they needed the clan's help, it would be easier to borrow their power.
Thus began the journey of the three, along with several secret escorts dispatched by the two clans. Although not much time had passed since the battle with the Demonic Cult, they experienced and resolved many incidents while crossing the continent. They eradicated bandits who were still actively operating, punished thugs who were still causing trouble unaware of the changed world, dealt with remnants of the Demonic Cult who were running rampant due to the lack of control, and punished corrupt officials who exploited the people. Although they also performed small acts of kindness, such as reopening dried-up wells and hunting dangerous beasts, their main objective was to eliminate those who continued to incite chaos in the world.
"Oh! Thank you so much, heroes!"
"P-Please spare me! I'll live an honest life from now on!"
"Oh my~! Malsook, now you can finally rest in peace…"
It was natural that they experienced various battles and gained fame in the process. They even defeated a master of the Transcendental Realm once, which demonstrated the intensity of their journey.
And Heavenly Dragon Sword Saint Ha Seung-hoon…
…couldn't help but realize one thing.
'…Why, why am I not growing stronger anymore?'
His growth had stagnated. Although the proficiency of his skills continued to increase thanks to the steady consumption of 『Elixir of Growth』, he still couldn't see the wall of transcendence. He needed to see something to figure out how to overcome it…
'It's not that I lack power. At my current level, I'm among the top within the Transcendental Realm. Then why?'
His 「Empty Spirit Body」 was a legendary physique that allowed him to manipulate natural energy at will, eliminating the limitations of both his internal energy and his physical body. Furthermore, the 「Heavenly Dragon Divine Art」 obtained through the Dragon God's blessing was a supreme martial art comparable to, or perhaps even surpassing, the Heavenly Demon Divine Art. And 「Convergence of All Things」, 「Versatile」, and 「Mimicry」 were all skills that provided excellent support for learning martial arts!
'Ah, I see.'
However, since he already had experience raising several avatars to the realm of transcendence, he soon realized the reason.
Reaching the Profound Realm through the mystical power of martial arts… It couldn't be achieved with the methods he had used so far.
'…Come to think of it, my avatars didn't reach transcendence through their own strength alone.'
Hans had naturally ascended to the position of the third Undying King, succeeding his predecessors, by completing the 'Undying King's Heart.' The Undying King was the very symbol of world destruction, having previously plunged half the continent into death. Inheriting the power and karma of such a being was enough to meet the conditions for transcendence.
The same was true for Heinz II, who inherited the roots of the vampire race, and Hela, who devoured the karma of the vacant Demon King position. Normally, their minds should have collapsed due to their unqualified ascension, but the incredible skill 「Avatar」, along with its linked abilities like 「Mind Hub」 and 「Soul Firewall」, had made the impossible possible.
'Heinrich and Harris, who transcended with the help of the Main God and the World Tree, experienced fewer side effects.'
But the fact that they relied on external help remained unchanged. Even then, it would have been impossible without the special conditions of being a priest empowered by faith and a High Elf who was a priest of the World Tree.
'Come to think of it, is Harley the only one who reached transcendence through his own efforts?'
He wasn't sure if devouring the potential of other living beings, forcibly digesting it, and transcending could be considered one's own effort. In any case, Harley's case, where he transcended solely through his physical characteristics, was an exception.
'But this time is different. To reach the Profound Realm, I need to achieve enlightenment by solely honing my martial arts without relying on such luck.'
He sighed softly. All those who had reached the Profound Realm were geniuses. Even the Heavenly Demon, who had rapidly grown stronger as an Awakened with various buffs, was a being born with a special talent called "Heavenly Killer Star." His unique skill, 「Heavenly Killer Star」, merely added various supernatural effects by turning his talent into a skill. He probably would have become a renowned martial artist on Earth even if he hadn't Awakened. Of course, it was more likely that he would have been caught and killed by an Awakened individual for being a psychopathic serial killer.
'Enlightenment, I need enlightenment. Not the artificially instilled secrets or the techniques learned through knowledge, but something containing my own philosophy and ideology…'
Perhaps it was the fate of a martial artist who had mastered martial arts. Due to his mature and tolerant personality, Hugo always wore a benevolent smile on the outside, but he felt a growing thirst for power within him.
'Is this how martial artists fall into demonic arts? …No, demonic arts only provide quick progress in lower realms. It would only be poison to me now.'
In the midst of all this…
The clue about the "Black Dragon Society" found on Earth was a ray of hope for him, whose growth had stagnated. The land of China, with its abundance of martial arts returnees. Among them, the oldest and most secretive group of martial arts practitioners gathered together. He was excited by the prospect of "something" that these people, who were forced to face the limits of their growth on Earth, might have discovered after compiling the secrets derived from numerous dimensions.
"Young Master?"
"Brother?"
At that moment…
He looked up at the voices calling him. The two people who had been traveling with him were looking at him strangely.
"Did you call? Is something wrong?"
"No, it's… um…"
"It's not really something wrong, but your expression, brother…"
"Expression?"
He tilted his head, touching his face. He could only feel the muscles of his usual gentle smile. However, guessing the situation from their reactions, he continued nonchalantly,
"Ah! I was just lost in thought and suddenly had a good idea. I must have smiled without realizing it."
As if his answer was correct, both of them readily nodded. Well, it would be strange to suddenly smile in this situation.
"Then, since that seems to be settled, let's move on."
"Yes, by the way, we've finally arrived in Mount Mo's territory. We would have arrived much earlier if we hadn't taken detours."
"It couldn't be helped, sis. We couldn't just ignore the information about the Demonic Cult remnants' hideout."
Behind the three, walking away while conversing, fearful gazes gathered. But it was only for a moment. People in shabby clothes cautiously entered the manor they had just left. A shattered nameplate on the ground, a completely collapsed building, and numerous martial artists writhing on the floor, crippled and with their core destroyed. They were once heinous criminals of the Demonic Cult, who had ruled this area with blood and fear.
"Ugh… help… help me…"
"Get lost! You beggars, how dare you… cough!"
And as expected…
The fate of those who harbored resentment wasn't good. Screams and the stench of blood continued to flow from within the ruined manor.
Just like it had happened in other places before.
Heinz II had put a lot of effort into capturing the Black Dragon Lord. He had interrogated Heukyeong, analyzed the information, and secretly installed alarm barriers and blood gates in all the safe houses, including the main base. So that he could rush in no matter when or where the Black Dragon Lord appeared.
That's why he couldn't help but feel perplexed by the current situation. He stared blankly at the old man who was walking through the main gate of the headquarters, as if ignoring all his preparations. An old man in a black wushu uniform, his appearance exactly as he had seen in various sources. He was the leader of the Black Dragon Society—commonly known as the Black Dragon Lord.
"I seem to have kept you waiting. I hurried as much as I could, but I couldn't help it, considering I'm in hiding. Please forgive me for being a little late."
Despite being fully aware of the situation, there wasn't a hint of tension in his demeanor. As if he had already accepted everything.
'Or maybe he's certain I won't harm him.'
Heinz narrowed his eyes and scrutinized him. As he'd heard, the old man was a master who had reached the Profound Realm of transcendence. And a high-ranking one at that.
"…Indeed, as I've heard."
"Oh? I'd like to know what you've heard."
The Black Dragon Lord replied cryptically to his quiet admiration. Heinz continued, unfazed by his attitude,
"A transcendent born on Earth, right?"
"Oho!"
The only transcendent born on the barren land of Earth in terms of mystical power. Of course, it didn't mean he had reached his realm purely on Earth. He was a returnee from a martial arts dimension who returned in the early days of the Great Change, and at the time of his return, he was at the peak of the Transcendental Realm. However, he hadn't given up and continued his attempts to break through the wall… and splendidly succeeded in his impossible challenge.
'He sacrificed his lifespan and youth in return.'
It couldn't be helped. Even with the help of elixirs, reaching transcendence required a tremendous amount of energy. It wasn't strange that he had consumed his innate energy, which was no different from his life force, instead of internal energy, on Earth where qi didn't exist.
"Well, if you know that, I can assume you know almost everything."
He didn't seem to mind that his opponent already knew crucial information about him. He just smiled at Heinz, as if amused.
"This is something I haven't told anyone… well, I suppose I can tell you."
"Hmm?"
"Hahaha, you'll be surprised. It's a top secret!"
He then started speaking first, with an excited tone like a child sharing a secret.
"Former East Asian Branch Manager of the Heavenly Change Society."
Heinz froze at his words. The Black Dragon Lord, watching him with a playful smile, continued,
"I am the predecessor of the Lawgiver, the Heaven-Defying Sage."