RKP 711-720

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Part 2, Episode 127

Zhuge Xuan couldn't bring himself to voice the thought that crossed his mind.

'Kim Tae-hyun.'

His appearance wasn't much different from other martial artists, but...

'A Westerner...'

No, perhaps a great demon suspected to have come from a different realm he didn't know.

'Am I standing before the worst monster in martial arts history?'

The Righteous Martial Alliance, formed by the masters of the Nine Great Sects and influential families.

He had single-handedly annihilated the largest force in the righteous martial world.

'The news will spread soon.'

The rapidly spreading news would incite the demonic martial artists and heretics who were waiting for an opportunity.

Could the Righteous Martial Alliance, having lost so many masters here, face them?

'It's my mistake.'

He should have minimized the damage within his own family.

Instead of summoning Nangong Cheon, the leader, he should have prepared countermeasures for what was to come.

'It's all ruined now.'

An unprecedented great demon who has all the demonic martial artists and heretics under his command may be born.

'I tried to cut off a poisonous weed, but the foundation crumbled... This is all my fault.'

He had survived, but rumors about his survival would be rampant.

For a martial artist, honor is like life itself.

He would have to endure humiliation worse than death.

“……”

Zhuge Xuan tightly closed his eyes.

His emotions wavered, unbefitting of his level of mastery.

Tears streamed down his face.

Even as a martial artist trembled with belated regret, Tae-hyun didn't stop talking.

"At first, I was angry."

“……”

"As time passed, I started to get annoyed."

“……”

Drip. Drip.

Tears rolling down his cheek soaked the floor.

"Hey. Are you listening to me?"

“……!!”

Zhuge Xuan was startled and raised his head at the weight in his voice.

Tae-hyun's frowning eyes were fixed on him.

His eyes were filled with annoyance.

"Y-Yes, I'm listening..."

He spoke honorifically without realizing it.

Despite reaching the pinnacle of physical prowess.

Facing overwhelming violence, there was a change within him.

To borrow an expression from the lower world, his 'class' was damaged, and his presence was disrupted.

"P-Please, continue..."

Zhuge Xuan, who had shrunk back, couldn't reach that far in his thoughts.

"I haven't finished speaking. Straighten your posture and listen carefully."

At the command, Zhuge Xuan straightened his back while kneeling.

"Hmm. Where did I leave off?"

"You said... you obtained that body too easily..."

"Right."

Tae-hyun nodded.

"It shouldn't have been that way."

A body and helpers that weren't obtained through struggle. None of them truly belonged to him.

Devouring.

The power that symbolized him was sealed.

The Archdukes had all made contracts with Kim Tae-hyun, not him.

They could turn their backs on him at any time.

There was a chance they would turn on him and try to take his life during the Tower ascent.

What about the Tower, which supposedly held the possibilities of the Three Thousand Worlds?

Everywhere was filled with unknown dangers, and the cards Tae-hyun could use were limited.

"I needed to create a new game."

To do that, the first step was to understand the power he possessed.

"I couldn't use my unique power."

“……”

"But the magic stones I had refined within my body were working perfectly."

Each one contained the Archdukes' powers and was a symbol of their contract.

They weren't simply imitations.

They were mediums that allowed him to use powers on par with their owners.

Typhon's power, 'Great Elements.'

Lucifer's powers, 'Regeneration' and 'Radiance.'

Hazzard's power, 'Presence.'

Orgal's power, 'Enhancement.'

Jormungandr's power, 'Rampage.'

Rozaria's powers, 'Mind Control' and 'Spatial Leap.'

Elven's power, 'Great Magic Resistance.'

In addition to the powers of the Great Demons and Demon Kings mixed together.

Igmun's power, which he could imitate, although imperfectly.

'Absorption.'

Compared to Devouring, they were all inferior powers.

That's what he thought.

Not anymore.

"To climb the Tower, I've become reliant on using their powers."

Kiii- Kiiiiii-.

Tae-hyun rotated a few of the magic stones.

Brown and grey. Blue and iridescent magic surged and mixed together.

“……!!”

Zhuge Xuan gasped and trembled.

'Not Transcendent... Profound...'

If the Transcendent Realm was the level of the best martial artist, appearing once every few decades, the Profound Realm was a level that only existed in legends.

How much...

'How much more am I supposed to be surprised?'

He clenched his fists on the ground.

The sensation of the sand between his fists was vivid.

Regardless of that.

"So, I made a new contract."

Tae-hyun, who had calmed down, stroked his chin and continued his monologue.

"In the process, I formed a deep relationship with Hazzard."

“……”

He had only had a few cups of tea with her because she wouldn't readily accept his offer.

It seemed that his actions had moved Hazzard's heart.

"No, perhaps it was my heart that was moved."

Tae-hyun, with a complicated expression, showed a strange reaction.

Caught up in the atmosphere, he revealed his identity for the first time.

A mortal body with living senses.

An act he could only attribute to being intoxicated by emotions.

The result wasn't bad.

"She kept bringing me tea."

What was the difference?

Now, he was retracing that gap.

"Typhon and Lucifer also knew my identity. But they didn't mention it and proceeded with the new contract."

Hazzard was different.

She accepted everything about Tae-hyun.

After that, she told him her own story.

The descendant of the first piece created by the One God.

The awareness of being a magic dragon who controlled demonic energy.

The risk of being used by the constellation 'Dragon' outside at any time.

The responsibility and the new possibilities she would choose to overcome the situation she had to bear as the Dragon Lord.

He had thought she was just a woman obsessed with tea.

But she was a leader who carried many burdens.

While calmly talking about her own situation, she occasionally told him the difference between contracts and covenants.

A contract was a promise made by staking each other's 'class'.

A covenant was a stronger binding agreement that layered a new contract on top of it.

She had said it was important, but...

"It was boring."

He had casually brushed it off.

Just knowing the meaning of the words didn't change what he had to do.

Taking action and achieving results.

"Taking the possibilities that are dormant in each floor was the top priority. I became convinced that I would soon be able to release the seal of Devouring if I did so."

If he could release the seal of Devouring, his presence would be incomparably strengthened.

Gilfer visited him immediately after he spoke with Hazzard.

The former Demon King who had played a significant role in the original's journey.

The strongest demon who became the King of the Lower Realm in place of him, who had become the Integrated King and gone outside.

She, who had fallen to the level of a low-ranking demon and barely managed to stay alive, expressed her intention to climb the Tower together.

"I refused, saying that parasites were not needed for my Tower climb... but it was a trap."

Elven and Rozaria.

Those who had formed relationships with the original even more than Gilfer had.

Gilfer was bait to lure him into a prepared area.

"It wasn't difficult to overpower them."

Even without Devouring, he had mostly recovered his 'class' from when he was the Integrated King.

The battle was their disadvantage, as they hadn't regained their past powers.

The battle had already taken place.

He intended to thoroughly crush them and make them his subordinates.

"I was going to make them submit and serve me."

He recalled the tedious battles in the Three Thousand Worlds.

If Elven had awakened her divine magic and Rozaria had unleashed her complete Dream Projection, things would have been different.

But that wasn't necessary.

If Gilfer hadn't done something unnecessary.

"I'm confident I would have subjugated them."

It wasn't empty words.

If she hadn't risked using the power of the constellation, Elven and Rozaria's 'class' would have been damaged, but they would have eventually served Tae-hyun.

It would have taken some time, but he might have succeeded in brainwashing them even more than Orgal.

“……”

In the process of fighting Gilfer, he had allowed entry into the world of his mind.

Kim Tae-hyun's world of the mind.

He had experienced the crossroads of life and death in that place, which had become devoid of anything because of his existence.

"I showed Gilfer mercy."

He had kept her in the world of his mind, delaying her extinction.

"I don't know if you know this, but letting someone into the world of your mind is like giving up your lifeline."

Which comes first, the body or the soul?

Many people have their own arguments, but in that unresolved question, the world of the mind is a place that lends weight to the latter.

If the world of the mind is dominated, the soul is dominated.

"Letting an outsider stay in such a place is no different from giving up your life."

A Youma who had digested the fragment of the One God and awakened the power of 'Devouring'.

Kim Tae-hyun, who had inherited the power of 'Devouring' from the Youma.

Unlike those two.

"Gilfer has no connection to me."

Not only is there no blood relation, but they have even tried to kill each other several times.

"It wasn't mercy."

It was closer to instinct than mercy.

A premonition that he shouldn't extinguish her here, that he should take some action.

The senses that had bloomed with the mortal body and the experience he had accumulated as a predator.

"I said that the Tower has many possibilities for growth."

She has repeatedly regressed and evolved.

Since she had used the power of the constellation twice and survived.

Finding a new use for her might also be a possibility.

"I don't believe in fate."

He rationally analyzed the situation and considered how useful she could be if she regained the power of evolution.

She was the only one in the Three Thousand Worlds who had obtained the power of evolution.

She might be able to bear the burden that his past self had carried within the Youma.

"Unexpectedly, I felt a glimmer of hope."

The newly awakened power might promote the growth of the main body.

"In human terms, it's called love-hate (愛憎)."

“……”

Tae-hyun looked down at Zhuge Xuan, who was staring blankly at him.

It was time to conclude this tedious story.

"The introduction was long."

“……”

"Zhuge Xuan."

"Speak..."

Zhuge Xuan nodded readily.

The head of the Zhuge family, famous for his extraordinary brain.

He now knew what the great demon in front of him would ask.

"As I said, this is the 6th floor of the Tower."

"According to you... that's right..."

"Nangong Cheon was useful. But he's dead."

He was killed.

Miserably.

"Why do you think I spared you?"

“……”

Zhuge Xuan's eyes sank deeply.

He had finished analyzing the great demon in front of him while he was lamenting his situation.

"You are from the West. Perhaps a person from another world that I don't know."

Tae-hyun smiled and nodded as if to say, 'Tell me more.'

"You use a different sorcery... magic, and your level has reached at least the Transcendent Realm."

Perhaps even beyond the legendary Profound Realm.

He might be someone who is about to face the realm of life and death, which only exists in writing.

Zhuge Xuan didn't understand the meaning of Archdukes or King of the Lower Realm.

But at least he didn't think the people he mentioned were weaker than himself.

"Your goal is to obtain that 'possibility' that exists on the 6th floor."

"It was worth all the whining."

Tae-hyun let out a satisfied laugh.

Now.

It was time for the next step to take the possibilities of the martial world.

Part 2, Episode 128

"Fucking useless drivel."

Taehyun muttered, tossing the book he was holding aside.

Several days had passed since he buried the incoming experts of the Justice Alliance and coaxed the appeased Jegal Seon.

Currently, he was inside the family's depository,

ransacking the Martial Scripture Pavilion (武經閣).

The Jegal Clan's Martial Scripture Pavilion was a place filled with hundreds of thousands of martial arts books.

From the trash-tier martial arts prevalent in the Jianghu to first-rate martial arts that branch family members could learn, to the highest-grade martial arts only the main family's bloodline could master. Besides these, various kinds of books were organized.

'Even if I were to visit other clans' Martial Scripture Pavilions, they wouldn't have more than this.'

He was currently rummaging through the Heaven (天) section, the section with the highest designation in the seven sections divided into Heaven, Earth, Human, Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding (天地人甲乙丙丁).

Before mind control was sealed, he had learned languages through the Jegal clan's warriors, but it wasn't perfect.

Hearing and speaking were no problem, but understanding characters and speed-reading were different matters.

"Hmm…"

He scanned the books that filled the surroundings.

Being rare books, their numbers were the smallest. Still, there seemed to be at least several thousand volumes.

An amount that a common martial artist would struggle to understand even if they dedicated their entire life to it.

Swish.

Taehyun released the magic power blooming in his eyes.

The crimson eyes were deactivated, returning to the eyes of a mortal he originally possessed.

'This started as a task to find records about the Tower and clues that could seal the Authorities, but… I'm reaching my limit.'

He had been pushing himself for days, minimizing sleep time, and had only broken through dozens of books.

They were filled with useless martial arts manuals and formations.

Of course, they were useless to Taehyun, but they were treasures that martial artists would want to obtain even if it meant waging war.

'Well, if I were to consider close combat in human form, there are quite a few useful things.'

If he didn't think of all these actions as part of 'the possibility of growth,' he wouldn't have lasted a single day.

"Tsk."

Clicking his tongue, he glanced at Jegal Seon, who was far away.

Around him, hundreds of books were neatly stacked.

"……."

He had also reduced his sleeping time to read, yet.

Rather, he seemed to live a busy life, occasionally giving new instructions to the branch family heads and warriors for the reconstruction of the clan and the Justice Alliance.

"Hmm. Is there a difference in the understanding of language… no, of martial arts?"

Taehyun shook his head, looking at the hundreds of books Jegal Seon had read.

Dozens and hundreds of books.

If he had read this much, he should have found a clue, but the information he was looking for was still nowhere to be seen.

Taehyun looked down.

Dust had accumulated, but the Earth, Human, Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding (地人甲乙丙丁) level books, which were relatively well-preserved, were visible.

After finishing all the Heaven-level books, he would have no choice but to search through the Earth, Human, Jia-level books in order.

'I can't guarantee that the information this body desires will really be in here.'

Since it wasn't found in the Heaven-level section, the probability was high that it wouldn't be there.

Nevertheless, the reason he was repeating this behavior was because of the value of the Jegal family's name.

'They are at the pinnacle in the world of martial arts when it comes to military strategy and formations.'

Not only in military strategy and formations but looking at the number of collected books, they possessed far more knowledge than other clans.

'Hmm… Would it be better to deploy the other guys now?'

Such thoughts occasionally crossed his mind from the boring reading.

Twenty people were better than two, and two hundred were better than twenty.

If two hundred people were deployed, searching the Martial Scripture Pavilion would quickly end in less than a week.

'No. There's a risk that information about this body's situation and weaknesses could leak out if I do that.'

Taehyun shook his head.

Sharing the risk was enough with Jegal Seon alone.

Fortunately, Jegal Seon's mind was more brilliant than he thought.

The best brain in the Justice Alliance.

Such a person was cooperating.

'For now, it's best to start with this guy.'

The reasons why he, who valued practicality as much as honor, was cooperating were mainly two.

First, Taehyun was not joining hands with the Demonic Sect.

Second, he would no longer be at odds with the Orthodox Faction of the Murim.

Of course, if there hadn't been the process of Supreme Masters like Namgung Cheong shedding blood, Jegal Seon wouldn't have cooperated so willingly.

'If the two of us search, we'll have to stay holed up here for several months.'

The speed would increase as he became more skilled at examining the books.

Taehyun yawned and awakened the magic stone within his body.

Magic power rotated, and fatigue dissipated.

The reason he kept Jegal Seon alive wasn't just because of his brilliant mind.

"Hmm."

A behavior that had now become a habit. He stroked his chin and pondered.

His senses had developed after obtaining a physical body.

In the past, he would have just overwhelmed with power, but now it was different.

'Unlike the Supreme Masters I killed earlier, Jegal Seon is related to the Tower.'

It would be one of two things.

Either he was acting so well that even Taehyun was deceived, or he wasn't even aware of it himself.

What was certain was that such a person should be kept close and monitored.

The closer the enemy, the more beneficial.

'That's what the Demon Lord used to say like a habit.'

He had conflicts with the Jegal family's warriors and the Justice Alliance's warriors, but he didn't kill everyone in the organization.

Jegal Seon had people quickly cleaning up the mess, and if he spent more time in the Martial Scripture Pavilion, the unfair title of Great Demon would be cleared up.

'It's more roundabout than using the Authority… but this is the limit for a mortal body.'

If he could use the Authority of mind control, he would immediately use the martial artists of the Murim like limbs.

They were closer to disposable consumables than companions to climb the Tower with, like the Archdukes.

His thinking was different now.

He had arrived on the 6th floor and fought several battles.

It wasn't even a warm-up, but his strength had been proven.

'This place is practically Igmun's territory.'

He didn't know how long he had been building his forces.

The Archdukes, including Taehyun, crossed the Gate on the premise that he could use Divine Power.

'Now that the Archdukes are scattered, it's necessary to build up forces on this side as well.'

The words Namgung Cheong uttered like a curse just before his death.

"I respect the level you have reached, but you will not achieve what you want if you become an enemy of the Murim."

"Surveillance will follow you wherever you go, you will always have to be careful of poison when you eat, and you will not even be able to sleep as you please."

"Even if we perish here, countless martial artists will target you."

He wasn't afraid of the guy's words.

From Taehyun's perspective, it was a ridiculous threat that didn't even make him laugh.

Even if a few Authorities were sealed, his senses weren't so dull that he wouldn't notice the Murim's attacks.

He had digested Belzebub's Authority and possessed a body called the Impervious to All Poisons (萬毒不侵之體).

If he used Orgal's Authority, he could be called the Indestructible Adamantine Body (金剛不壞之身).

Whether they were Peak Masters, Supreme Masters, or even Masters of Transcendent Grandmaster realm hiding in the shadows.

'They are just slightly peculiar insects to this body.'

Expanding forces was not about using them as power, but simply because it was annoying.

If he were to meet the scattered Archdukes again, he intended to strike Igmun at once.

'The Archdukes being scattered must also be Igmun's doing.'

Something must have gone wrong, and they couldn't move to the same location, but it was hard to believe that they had fallen to a place other than the Murim.

Originally, he was going to make a ruckus to attract attention, but the Murim was wider than he thought.

Flies were drawn with every step, and the probability of attracting Igmun's attention was higher than gathering the Archdukes.

'And the goddamn seal of the Authorities.'

For some unknown reason, the Authorities were being sealed as he used his power.

Two Authorities had already been sealed just by dealing with the Jegal Clan and the executives of the Murim Alliance.

At this rate, most of the Authorities would be sealed by the time he encountered Igmun's forces.

'Divine Power is difficult to handle even with devouring.'

In order to suppress them with just the Archdukes and his own power, it was necessary to have full power.

That was why he made the proposal to Jegal Seon, as he had done to the Archdukes, and accepted his two requests.

Since Igmun had formed forces in the Demonic Sect, it wouldn't be bad to build forces in the Orthodox Faction of the Murim, which was the opposite.

'It took some bloodshed to get the first button right. Jegal Seon will somehow manage it.'

Thinking so, he got up from his seat.

Continuing to look at the books would only make his eyes fall out and wouldn't be of much help.

Leaving Jegal Seon, who was focused on his role, alone, Taehyun quietly went outside.

Three months.

That was the exact period of time since he arrived on the 6th floor of the Tower.

During that time, he crushed the Jegal branch family and main family, slaughtered the experts of the Justice Alliance, and ransacked the Martial Scripture Pavilion.

A short or long time, depending on how you looked at it.

The result was disappointing.

He couldn't find any related information even in the Martial Scripture Pavilion of the Jegal clan, which was said to have the best brain in the Murim.

'Could it be that this body has misjudged?'

Taehyun desperately suppressed the creeping suspicion.

Still, it wasn't as if he gained nothing.

He read over a thousand books and finished a rough understanding of the Murim.

He also learned how much influence the Jegal Clan he had joined hands with had.

The head of such a Jegal Clan was standing before him dressed as a traveler.

"Are the greetings over?"

"…Yes."

Jegal Seon answered calmly.

The superior-subordinate relationship was clear, but they had agreed to maintain a horizontal relationship outwardly because there were many eyes watching.

Of course, the fact that Taehyun, who looked like a fresh-faced youth, was talking casually to the middle-aged Jegal Seon was already unusual.

"……."

Several presences were felt behind them.

They were the direct bloodline of the Jegal clan.

They had come out to see off the clan head, but they couldn't dare to show their faces because of Taehyun's presence.

"It's noisy."

"Please understand. It's not common for the clan head of a clan to move alone."

"Haha. Anyone would think I'm being held hostage."

"……."

"Could it really be?"

"There's no way… Could it be…? I've explained it well to the family members, so there's nothing to worry about."

"……."

His voice trembled faintly, which was not very trustworthy.

"The clan won't collapse just because this body is leaving with you, will it?"

Jegal Seon had to accompany him and guarantee his identity from now on.

It was not welcome for Taehyun if the clan, which was his background, was faltering.

"If it were to that extent, it wouldn't even be called a clan. Let's just leave quickly."

Jegal Seon cleared his throat and hastened his steps.

Taehyun followed him with suspicious eyes.

It was when they left the courtyard and walked so far that the main family's building could no longer be seen properly.

"Father…!!"

A faint cry was heard in his ear.

The voice was continuing to the place they had passed a little while ago.

"This son will definitely save you!!"

"……?"

There was more than one cry.

"Clan Head! Please wait a little longer!!"

"The ancestors of the clan will remember the clan head's sacrifice!!"

Direct bloodline. Branch family head. Elder. In addition, the person who represents the clan when the clan head is absent.

They were commemorating Jegal Seon's sacrifice.

"You devilish bastard!!"

"I will clearly watch the Great Demon's end!!"

"I will never forget the blood shed here!!"

They were pouring out words like curses at Taehyun.

'These guys.'

It was when Taehyun, who had stopped walking, was contorting his face.

"Ahem… We have a long way to go. Let's go quickly, Taehyun Gong."

Having finished saying what he had to say, he even used footwork to speed up his pace.

Looking at Jegal Seon, who had instantly created distance.

"Alright. This body will endure it once."

Taehyun slowly followed him.

The demon head (魔頭) who would later mark a line in the history of the Central Plains Murim.

It was his historical first step.

Part 2, Episode 129

The road to the Zhuge Branch Family located in Wuhan.

Taehyun entered the inn room and sat down roughly.

"Zhuge Sun."

"Yes, speak."

"Why are so many eyes on us?"

"That's because your appearance stands out."

Zhuge Sun replied with a face that said it was obvious.

"Even after changing into your clothes?"

"It could be because of my reputation."

"You also dressed plainly."

"The aura a person emits cannot be easily hidden."

"Hmm..."

Taehyun groaned.

He thought changing clothes would be enough, but there were many obstacles in many ways.

"I have no choice."

Taehyun released his mana.

He wasn't planning on using mana unnecessarily, but now was the time to use it.

Whoosh.

The dark blue mana that wrapped around the two began to transform their appearances.

"What..."

Zhuge Sun, startled by the unfamiliar sensation, belatedly checked his face in the bronze mirror.

"......!!"

Taehyun chuckled at his wide-eyed expression.

"How is it? Feels like you've regained your youth."

"Th, this is..."

Zhuge Sun trembled as he stroked his youthful face.

"Reversal of Aging (返老還童)...?"

It wasn't just a disguise.

Zhuge Sun could tell that his body had actually become younger.

Even upon reaching the level of an Ultra-Master, he could only halt aging.

'I thought it would only be possible to reach the state of Transformation Realm (化境), but how...'

The first possibility that came to mind was evil magic (邪術).

Unlike the orthodox sects, the Demonic Dao sects have all sorts of evil magic.

A Great Devil (大魔頭) might even have evil magic to temporarily make his body younger.

But he soon shook his head.

'Mana... the power of another world?'

The long story he had heard from Taehyun before.

It was a life worthy of a novel.

Judging from that story, the current situation is...

"Shapeshifting... or Polymorph..."

"You're quick to understand."

Taehyun did not deny it.

"To be precise, it's both."

"Both...?"

"At my level, it doesn't really matter to distinguish between the two."

"......"

"Anyway, this should be enough to avoid attention, right?"

Taehyun asked, flicking his chin.

Come to think of it, Taehyun's features had also subtly changed to resemble those of a martial artist.

Not only his face but also the aura he exuded was trimmed down to the level of a first-class master.

"Enough."

"Now I don't have to worry about the gazes of gnats."

Taehyun smiled contentedly and tilted his glass.

'Cheongju (淸酒), was it? Not bad.'

Epicureanism (食道樂).

This is also an emotion that only those with a body can feel.

The martial arts liquor tasted without rotating the mana core was not bad.

"How long until we reach the Wuhan Branch Family?"

The Righteous Martial Alliance (正武盟) is located in Wuhan.

It was not far from Hubei Province, which is why the masters of the Righteous Martial Alliance were able to arrive early.

And in case of an emergency, Zhuge Sun had also located a branch family in Wuhan.

"If we run, seven days. If we walk as leisurely as we are now, it will take about twice as long."

"Let's run from tomorrow."

He had already spent several months in the Martial Scripture Pavilion (武經閣).

There was no need to waste time unnecessarily.

"I understand."

"But you know."

"......?"

"Now, outwardly, we're about the same age."

Taehyun is in his early twenties. Zhuge Sun also looks like he's in his early twenties.

"Don't you think it's awkward to use the way of speaking you would to someone older?"

"That's... true."

"Your tone."

"Will this do?"

With one word, the line drawn between the two faded.

As expected of someone who had experience commanding many people.

"You're quick to adapt, which is good."

Taehyun watched Zhuge Sun, who didn't change his expression, and emptied his glass again.

It was when a bottle of Cheongju was emptied that he opened his mouth as he sat facing him, confirming his rejuvenated body.

"How long do you intend to stay in the Wuhan Branch Family?"

"Until the Righteous Martial Alliance is stable enough to accept me."

"That... won't be easy."

Zhuge Sun sighed.

Not all of the Righteous Martial Alliance warriors accompanied by Namgung Cheon were killed.

Contact personnel were watching the situation in case of an emergency, and left as soon as the defeat was confirmed to inform the Righteous Martial Alliance of the facts.

"If you had expressed your willingness to join us a little earlier... things wouldn't have become so complicated."

"You guys mistook me for a Demonic Lord (魔頭) on your own accord."

"That's because you first..."

"It's already in the past."

"......"

Taehyun's lips twisted.

"You know that if I set my mind to it, dealing with the remnants of the Righteous Martial Alliance would be a piece of cake."

"Kim Taehyun... we need you too..."

"The potential of the Tower? A way to unlock the seal of the Authority?"

"......"

Zhuge Sun closed his mouth as Taehyun mentioned his weaknesses himself.

"Did you think I would have told you everything without any calculations?"

"......"

Zhuge Sun's eyes narrowed as he met Taehyun's confident gaze.

'What is it...? Could it be that he has another trick up his sleeve?'

If that's the case, it's dangerous.

From the moment Namgung Cheon and many other masters of the Righteous Martial Alliance died, the balance of the Murim tilted.

'If Kim Taehyun also turns his back on us, the world will fall into the hands of the Demonic Dao sects before we can do anything about it.'

Of course, Kim Taehyun is hostile to the Blood Demon Sect's Leader, so the Demonic Dao sects are unlikely to be safe either.

The priority was to preserve their forces as much as possible and create a fighting structure between the Demonic Dao sects and Kim Taehyun.

Also.

'Those Sovereigns (大公) are also dangerous.'

According to what he heard from Kim Taehyun, the Sovereigns' personalities are just as selfish as his.

There are five of them who have crossed over to the Murim.

Surprisingly, it was amazing that there was no information about them even after several months.

Going to the Wuhan Branch Family was for similar reasons.

Unlike the main family, it was a place to serve as a center of information.

In Wuhan, information spread throughout the Central Plains Murim can be exchanged more quickly.

'The orthodox sects must somehow embrace Kim Taehyun.'

How to persuade the Nine Great Sects (九大門派) who have lost their affiliated masters was a problem that Zhuge Sun had to solve.

"It seems like you finally understand your role."

Taehyun smiled and opened a new bottle of Cheongju.

"Report information about the Blood Sect and the Sovereigns while you wait at the Wuhan Branch Family. I'll meet the remnants of the Righteous Martial Alliance after that."

Taehyun spoke as if he would not allow any further questions.

It was an order.

"...I understand."

"I've only been reading books for a few months, so I need to enjoy some entertainment."

"I'll tell the innkeeper, so call me if you need anything."

Zhuge Sun got up and quietly went outside.

It seems he wanted to confirm the changes through his rejuvenated body.

Taehyun, left alone, quietly tilted his glass.

'It's been several months since I came up to the 6th floor. It's strange that there's still no movement from the Sovereigns.'

Orgall. Jörmungandr. Lucifer. Typhon. Hazad.

Outwardly, Polymorph would easily solve the problem, but the problem is their personalities.

I thought they would become known as rising Great Devils, since they are as selfish as I am.

But not one of them was caught in Zhuge Sun's information network.

'Strange. Even if their power was restricted, they wouldn't be the type to adapt quietly.'

Unlike Taehyun, they don't have the Authority of 'Mind Control', so their understanding of language and culture would also be poor.

With the alcohol, several possibilities came to mind.

"Either their power has diminished to the point where they can't stand out, or they're hiding behind someone like me."

Either way, it was interesting.

The guys who used to rule like kings in the Lower World are now hiding their identities and mixing among those they call insignificant.

"Well, that's the same for me too."

The Sovereigns who are hiding their identities must be united while being as undetected as possible by the Igmun's forces.

Is it because of the alcohol?

I feel strangely excited about the current situation.

To borrow the expressions of humans.

"Game."

It felt like I was playing a game with a handicap.

"That would be the same for Igmun too."

In this kind of game, you have to choose between offense and defense.

Taehyun had a personality more accustomed to offense than defense.

"Wait. I'll find you first."

Enjoying the excitement.

Taehyun emptied another bottle of Cheongju.

Those who walk the Demonic Dao, thinking of their leader, the Heavenly Demon, as the true sky.

The world called them the Heavenly Demon Sect (天魔神敎).

The sky of those Heavenly Demon Sect members.

The voices of subordinates were heard by the Heavenly Demon (天魔) with white hair hanging down.

"Heavenly Demon! I am terrified to report... you must escape!"

"It is blasphemous, but it cannot be done as it is!"

"50% of the Black Guard, who volunteered to buy time, have been annihilated!"

"It seems that the 1st Elder and 2nd Elder, who were fighting with the beggars of the Beggars' Sect (丐幫), were also swept away."

Among the shouts, the Moonshadow Demon Lord (月影魔君), called the Heavenly Demon's right arm, opened his mouth quietly.

"How about requesting help from the Blood Sect (血敎) even now."

The Heavenly Demon's gaze turned to him, who had lowered his eyes.

The 3rd Elder and 4th Elder next to him raised their voices.

"Moonshadow Demon Lord! What disrespectful words are those to the Heavenly Demon!!"

"Are you saying that the Heavenly Demon should rely on those who have no roots?!"

The 1st Leader of the Blood Sect, Blood Demon, was originally the Heavenly Demon's left arm.

He wanted to rise to the position of Leader himself, so he founded the Blood Demon Sect (血魔神敎), and now he seemed to be dividing the Divine Sect with the Heavenly Demon Sect.

Both the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Blood Demon Sect had changed several generations, but their relationship was still not good.

"......"

From the Heavenly Demon Sect's point of view, relying on the Blood Demon Sect, which they considered no different from a branch?

That was no different from being deprived of the legitimacy of the doctrine.

It was not surprising that the elders, who valued legitimacy more than anyone else, reacted as they did now.

"Then what should we do? 50% of the Black Guard, which can be said to be the strongest armed group in the Divine Sect, was annihilated in the blink of an eye, and even the 1st Elder and 2nd Elder, who were fighting with the beggars of the Beggars' Sect, are judged to have lost their lives."

"Cough..."

"It's too early to conclude..."

The 3rd Elder and 4th Elder coughed and trailed off, unable to refute.

The Moonshadow Demon Lord chewed his lips and glared at the elders.

To him, the Heavenly Demon's life in front of him was more important than legitimacy or justification.

"Heavenly Demon... If you really don't feel like it, please take refuge on Abandoned Island (落島). Preserving the jade body first and planning for the future is the priority. He is a monster. Even Righteous Martial Alliance Leader Namgung Cheon can't show this kind of Hegemonic Dao (霸道)."

"......"

The eyes of Heavenly Demon Baek Sehui, who had been listening quietly, twitched.

Hegemonic Dao (霸道).

Originally, it was the path that the Heavenly Demon should aim for.

But suddenly, a being that appeared was said to be walking that path.

She, who had not reacted to the shaking of the elders and subordinates, opened her mouth.

"Humans will die someday."

It was a calm voice, but the weight it contained was not light.

"It is no different for the Heavenly Demon."

"Heavenly Demon..."

"Of course, I have no intention of dying easily."

"Then..."

"Moonshadow Demon Lord. What did you say was the name of the intruder?"

At the Heavenly Demon's question, the Moonshadow Demon Lord twitched his lips.

This is because the name is not easy to pronounce.

After a moment of twitching, he spat out the intruder's name as if vomiting.

"He revealed himself to be 'Lucifer'."

Part 2, Episode 130

Lucifer looked up at the blue sky.

Clear.

Weather so clear, it couldn't be more perfect.

[Troublesome.]

He muttered, concealing his ashen radiance.

The sixth floor of the Tower: Murim (Martial Arts World).

The gate created by Elven and Rosaria in unison should have led them all to one place.

However.

Upon crossing the gate and opening his eyes, he found himself alone.

Neither Kim Taehyun nor the other Archdukes were in sight.

[…….]

Like the other Archdukes, he quickly grasped the situation.

Remaining still and waiting to be found wouldn't be a bad idea.

Without knowing what laws govern the sixth floor, needlessly expanding his range of movement might not be wise.

[A thought befitting a commoner.]

He shook his head.

As he did so, ashen radiance scattered.

He was a being who had reached the pinnacle in both the Upper and Lower Realms.

His basic nature leaned towards observation, but he had come here with a clear goal.

To capture Igmun, believed to be an avatar of a Constellation.

To aid Kim Taehyun in seizing the potential hidden within the sixth floor.

[The target doesn't necessarily have to be Kim Taehyun.]

The potential for growth that he and the other Archdukes possessed.

That alone was reason enough.

As he had lived his life so far.

He intended to use any means necessary to achieve his goals.

[Hmm.]

He examined his condition.

Even just existing, not even using his authority.

The consumption of mana and divine power was greater than he had anticipated.

'Divine mana… The energy consumed to maintain the Archduke's status is being depleted more than in the Lower Realm.'

And the depleted mana and divine power didn't seem to be recovering.

[I should start by minimizing the energy I'm emitting.]

Whoosh.

He reduced the two gathered powers to their minimum forms.

Naturally, his form, which had been close to a Transcendent, changed into a human shape.

In his current state, he could only spread a pair of wings, and the independent use of divine power was impossible.

[Mana usage is barely at the Archduke level, is it?]

It seemed possible to infuse a bit of divine power into his mana.

In other words, the only cards he could use were a portion of his mana and divine mana with weaker power.

Not bad.

Unless he was planning an all-out battle, 'regeneration' would be more helpful than 'radiance'.

Confirming that his mana consumption had significantly decreased, he looked around.

[Indeed.]

Somewhere in the mountains.

A place where the surrounding scenery was clearly vast.

[A place Elven would like.]

Simple space movement aside, dimensional movement wasn't easy even for an absolute being of that level.

Various restrictions were imposed due to the difference in the tiers that existed between dimensions.

The Archduke's true form couldn't manifest in the Intermediary Realm because their existence exceeded the tier of the Intermediary Realm.

For that reason, it was common to interfere by giving a portion of their power or bestowing authority upon a medium.

It wouldn't be any different for Elven, but she had succeeded in dimensionally moving multiple Archduke-level true forms.

[Is it because she's blessed by the Divine Tree?]

The one God who created the Three Thousand Worlds.

Ba'al and Balak, the first fragments he created by expending a great deal of power.

Among the fragments he created the second time, after overturning the Upper Realm.

Lucifer, Typhon, and Elven, who possessed the most brilliant potential.

When he was called Lucifer, he was essentially the manager of all the Divine Trees in the Upper Realm, Typhon was born with a strong body that could tear space and move dimensions, and Elven was born as the owner of the Divine Trees in the Lower Realm.

Elven was the only one of the three who hadn't regained her full power.

That was why she remained in the Lower Realm to play the role of support.

She was a being born with the Divine Tree and a fairy queen who loved the forest.

Naturally, she would have explored mainly the forests, as she was accustomed to interdimensional travel.

The result was the scene Lucifer was witnessing now.

[I heard the first fixed coordinates were also somewhere in the mountains….]

It wasn't clear how vast Murim was or how long they would stay here.

For the time being, it was best to minimize mana usage until he had a grasp of this world.

[I've ended up traveling alone.]

What would the other archangels of the First Heaven say if they saw his current form?

What would the other celestial masters of the Upper Realm laugh at?

[Is the original self still longing for that time?]

The time when he was the master of the First Heaven and claimed to be the closest proxy to the one God.

The time when he observed Ba'al's movements to seize the Upper Realm.

Recalling moments that had become distant past, he leisurely walked through an unnamed mountain.

One hour in human time.

It had been about that long since he had been walking at a speed no different from that of an ordinary human.

[…….]

He heard the sound of clashing weapons.

Along with it came a loud, nearly screaming cry.

A battle between living beings was taking place not far away.

[Taking each other's lives is the same everywhere.]

He continued walking with a casual impression.

It was his first time manifesting directly, but he had intervened in the Intermediary Realm in the past.

When he was called Lucifer, the master of the First Heaven, as a noble being.

When he was called Lucifer, the Archduke of the Lower Realm, as a fallen being.

He had ordered his subordinates to infuse power into some humans.

Those chosen by divine power called themselves gods.

Those chosen by mana were called demons by others.

There were a few who piqued his interest, but none who had grown as equally as Kim Taehyun.

Contact with Intermediary Realm creatures.

It was an experience that not only he, but the other Archdukes as well had had a few times.

[…….]

He walked for another thirty minutes.

The sound of weapons and loud cries grew louder, and the scent of blood tickled his nose.

Before long, he could see the people fighting with his own eyes.

Two arms and legs. It was as expected that they had a typical human shape.

About 30% of them wore masks that covered their faces.

Their trained bodies were covered in black and red robes.

The clothing of Murim (Martial Arts World), as he had heard in advance.

Those who trained internal and external energy pursued such clothing for comfortable movement.

The masks were meant to hide their identities.

[A situation worthy of the word 'blood battle'.]

He watched the battle unfolding before him and left a short comment.

Weak people were tearing at each other and shedding blood.

Although weak, it was an entertaining skirmish to watch.

He examined another group opposing the black and red masked people.

People who looked no better than beggars.

There were hundreds of them, but their movements were quite clumsy compared to the Murim people they were fighting.

Some of them showed decent movements, but there weren't many.

Although their individual capabilities were lacking, their numerical superiority and organization allowed them to put up a close fight against the masked people.

[This is a fight between Murim people.]

Internal and external energy.

Footwork using two legs.

Weaponry and hand-to-hand combat techniques.

It was neither more disappointing nor more impressive than he had expected.

[…….]

As he watched quietly, he recalled the techniques Kim Taehyun had used in the past.

Movements created for a creature with two arms and legs to exert maximum power.

A fairly mysterious attack that he had also experienced firsthand.

Ancient martial arts, was it?

[…….]

There were minor differences from the movements Kim Taehyun showed at that time, but they were similar enough in the eyes of an absolute being.

Above all, the biggest difference from Kim Taehyun was the power.

The mana wielded by the Underworld King.

The internal energy wielded by humans of the Intermediary Realm.

It would be strange if the levels of those two powers were not different.

[In the end, this is the limit of combat techniques for those with human forms. The only thing to look forward to is the amount of internal energy.]

Even if he understood the principles of internal and external energy, it wouldn't help him grow.

Just as Lucifer was nodding in agreement, one of the beggars who had been far away shouted upon discovering him.

“……!!”

Starting with him, some of the surrounding Murim people recognized him.

[…….]

Lucifer calmly gazed into their eyes.

He could see several thoughts and emotions flashing through their minds.

Foe or ally?

He watched them without taking any action.

Their puzzled looks gradually filled with distrust.

Soon he understood the reason.

Even though he had minimized the emission of mana, his appearance had differences from humans that couldn't be ignored.

'Should I have cast Polymorph before analyzing their movements?'

An appearance and clothing clearly different from theirs. Insufficient language skills.

'I was unintentionally careless.'

Around that time, the Murim people seemed to have made their judgments.

Two forces clashing.

He was not recognized by either.

Naked hostility was directed towards him.

The first to move was a Murim person dressed as a beggar.

“……!!”

He shouted something and charged with clumsy movements.

He approached and stretched out his hand.

An attack classified as palm technique.

Come to think of it, he wasn't completely ignorant of the world of Murim.

Swish.

He easily avoided it by twisting his body.

That was the beginning.

One by one, the Murim people in the area began to cling to him.

First the beggars. Then the black and red robes.

It didn't take long for everyone in the area to charge at him.

Even Lucifer couldn't avoid all the attacks in a limited power state.

[Shall I try it out?]

Swish.

He unleashed a pair of wings.

Flapping his wings, he soared into the sky.

“……!!”

“……!!”

The Murim people, who had been charging to kill him just a moment ago, looked up with dumbfounded faces.

Whoosh.

Ashen mana scattered from his wings.

There would be no need to take out weapons.

No.

In the first place, could his weapons answer his call in Murim, a different dimension?

While he was thinking that, ashen mana completely engulfed the area.

And the bodies of the Murim people touched by the mana began to explode.

He looked around.

[…….]

The mountain was stained with blood.

The blood of humans.

It was a mountain that had already been soaked in the blood of humans before he arrived, but not at this rate.

[Troublesome.]

He muttered, concealing his ashen radiance.

He had only unleashed it to examine the manifestation of power and the compatibility of mana.

But it resulted in the slaughter of those in the area.

He examined those on the ground.

Survivors in red and black attire.

They were panting.

Captured by fear, they muttered something.

[…….]

The language of Murim.

It was a language he shouldn't have been able to understand in the first place.

But he was one who had reigned over the Upper and Lower Realms and watched countless Intermediary Realms.

To show his existence to those of the Intermediary Realm.

He knew there was no need to use their language.

[Lucifer.]

His voice echoed in the minds of the surviving Murim people.

Revelation (啓示) that resonated in their minds, different from mind control.

It was a method that even Kim Taehyun, who was heavily dependent on mana, would not know.

[That is my name.]

It was also a technique that other Archdukes found difficult to execute easily because of the difficulty in properly combining mana and divine power.

He had only unleashed his mana for a moment, but he could sense similar energies not far away, including a Murim person of incomparable level to these.

[That one must be your king.]

He continued, infusing a bit of divine power into his mana.

[Tell him.]

That he would be visiting soon.

He only spoke solemnly, recalling his days as an archangel.

[Things might be getting more complicated than I thought.]

Watching the Murim people flee in terror. Lucifer, who had landed, moved his steps.

Part 2, Episode 131

[Hehehe.]

The little giant chuckled.

It was a laugh like any other he'd made before.

Scritch. Scritch.

The sound of a blade scraping against the air followed.

With a slight delay, space rippled.

The surrounding space couldn't handle his presence.

[So, Igmun is in a place like this.]

Typhon scanned the martial artists sprawled around him.

Crimson-clad members of the Blood Demon Cult.

Most of them had parts of their bodies exploded or were groaning in pain.

Typhon's gaze, sweeping around, fixed on one man.

[Ho-oh.]

A mask torn by the storm of magical energy.

The face beneath was pale to the point of being bloodless.

But despite facing immense magical power, he hadn't lost a single part of his body, and his eyes were full of sharp killing intent.

[There was a useful one among them.]

Hahahaha.

Typhon let out a hearty laugh and began to manage his magical power.

If he didn't, the space wouldn't withstand his presence and would risk collapsing.

More than that.

[What I'm interested in is Igmun.]

His purpose was amusement.

Kim Taehyun and Lucifer.

While the goal of others might be growth through the possibilities of the Tower.

[Living like that makes life difficult.]

He had contacted the 'Dragon' and 'Yoma,' and experienced countless timelines.

He was once at the pinnacle of the Three Thousand Worlds, so he could make such a statement.

Swish.

He managed and contained his magical and divine power, shrinking his body to about 2 meters.

With that alone, the trembling of space subsided.

He had expected much, given it was a dimension held by Igmun.

But it seemed his expectations were too high.

[Hey, human.]

Typhon beckoned the man staring at him with a flick of his index finger.

Unable to resist the pull, the man forced his trembling legs to move.

Looking up at Typhon, who was three heads taller than him, the man's lips moved.

[Huh? What was that?]

As if he couldn't hear well, Typhon put his hand to his ear.

The exaggerated action and reaction.

It was his way of enjoying the situation.

The man opened his mouth with difficulty.

He didn't understand the language of the martial world, but.

[Are you insulting me?]

Perhaps because he was managing his power, the space no longer trembled.

Naturally, the man's body, standing right in front of him, didn't explode.

[This is troublesome.]

In the Lower World, everyone knew him, and there were countless giants who would move on his every word.

The Middle World was different.

Here, he was just a stranger with immense power.

The fact that these beings were members of Igmun's Blood Demon Cult, also known as the Blood Cult, was also due to information he'd been given in advance.

[Could it be that I would have to worry about communication problems?]

And that was with humans from the Middle World, whom he considered insignificant.

[Pwahahahaha.]

The more he thought about it, the funnier the situation became, and he burst out laughing.

Perhaps he had become accustomed to restrained power, as the martial artist in front of him kept opening his mouth to say something.

It probably meant something like, "What are you?"

Typhon ignored the insignificant creature's question and looked up at the clear blue sky.

[Huum... clear.]

A rare sight in the Lower World.

The trees stretched endlessly around him.

The environment certainly seemed to be the place Elven had designated as the coordinates.

'But I'm the only one who ended up here.'

He had experienced countless deaths and seals, and awakened the memories of countless timelines, naturally coming to wield Divine-Demonic power.

Lucifer had joined hands with Igmun, who had come to wield holy power, and was able to maintain all his power and memories from before the regression.

After that, Kim Taehyun had overwritten the new contract with even stronger holy power, but its power and rank were still maintained.

Jormungandr was originally created as a collaboration between the 'Dragon' and the owner of the Ten Heavens.

Even when he didn't have memories of the past, he could wield half-baked divine power.

'Not her.'

Elven was different.

Before Kim Taehyun's second regression.

The Fairy King was performing the role of the Upper World King in place of Kim Taehyun, who had gone outside.

He was pouring his heart into restoring the Celestial World, which had been disconnected during the race war, by becoming one with the divine beasts of the Upper and Lower Worlds.

In the process, he had awakened the authority of the great divine power by mastering the complete use of divine power.

'Great Demonic Power' and 'Great Divine Power'.

The Divine-Demonic power, which mixed and wielded those two powers, would be superior to Lucifer or himself.

[I can't believe that guy would have made a mistake.]

Although called the Fairy King, Elven had not regained his prime power.

In his incomplete state, considering the difficulty and danger of dimensional travel, this much could be considered a mistake.

Generally, that would be the case.

[I'm suspicious.]

Typhon ignored the man who was now shouting and continued.

[Rosaria supported the dimensional travel.]

The Succubus Queen hadn't regained her prime power either.

[But she has already unlocked two authorities.]

'Mind Control' and 'Space Movement'.

The former was an authority unlocked with the Yoma. It was the power that made her the Archduke after Lilith's death.

Due to the nature of her species, her physical limitations were clear, but she had learned the instant-death skill called Dream Eating while serving two Lower World Kings.

The essence of the Yoma and the violence of the predator.

The power linked to the predation that created two constellations.

With that power alone, she was more than worthy of being called the strongest of the Archdukes.

['Space Movement' is like a token of affection towards me.]

He recalled his memories of his past life.

He had watched Rosaria in countless timelines.

The current timeline was the only one in which she had unlocked two authorities.

[Just one Archduke.]

He might not care if it were Lucifer or Elven, whom the sole god had painstakingly created.

[You might say, "What's so great about a mere succubus additionally awakening one authority?"]

She still hadn't awakened Divine-Demonic power, nor did she possess a strong body that could withstand dimensional travel like him.

Even if she perfectly wielded both 'Mind Control' and 'Space Movement'.

[It might be nothing more than a trick in front of the power of Stellar Energy.]

The avatar of the constellation 'Maze Dwelling in Consciousness'.

Even Igmun, who competed for the weakest of the Archdukes, likely couldn't handle it.

[But I'm enjoying the current situation.]

Typhon twitched his body.

"..."

The man who had been shouting had started listening to his words at some point.

What was in his eyes wasn't hostility towards the enemy or anger towards the one who had killed his comrades.

He was just listening.

The murmuring of a great being, where magical and divine power harmonized and resonated in his mind as if engraved.

The ability to communicate with souls, transcending the boundaries of species.

It was a talent that Lucifer thought only he possessed.

Typhon, not unaware of that fact, looked around.

It wasn't just the man in front of him.

The martial artists, who had been groaning from injuries, were staring blankly at him.

[The insignificant creatures of the Middle World have become intoxicated with my Divine-Demonic power. Was I being unnecessarily troublesome?]

Thud.

Typhon sat on a nearby rock.

The gazes of the martial artists followed the movements of the former giant.

[The fact that Rosaria has unlocked two authorities means that the current timeline is significantly different from the previous ones.]

Immediately, Kim Taehyun, who had made a pact with her.

The new brother referred to 'Space Movement' as 'Space Leap' and was using it in his own way.

[Elven and Rosaria will seize countless possibilities, as they started from the lowest point.]

The change had begun.

The possibilities would be mixed with new possibilities, resulting in a multiplication rather than a simple addition.

[These are the people who combined their strength to open a passage.]

Typhon looked at the man.

[Unless the transfer completely failed.]

"..."

[The current situation can only be thought of as 'someone's intervention'.]

"..."

The man's eyes were calm to the point of feeling serene.

If you remembered his initial appearance, brimming with killing intent, you could sense the difference.

[You've pulled off quite a plausible trick to meet me.]

Without changing, the corners of the man's mouth twitched.

[Igmun.]

"..."

As the twitching mouth opened, cold Lower World speech poured out.

"Typhon."

[So you're finally showing your face. Not a bad act.]

"You've changed a lot from what I knew."

[Everyone says they've become more rational. How about you?]

An incubus who had lived as Lilith's servant, waiting for an opportunity.

The Crimson Archduke, who had risen to the position of Archduke but realized the limits of his power.

The Blood Demon who had reached a new possibility by contacting a constellation.

[Are you sure you haven't changed?]

Gazing at the martial artist with opened crimson eyes.

Typhon contacted his former comrade.

The sixth floor of the Tower was home to the martial world of the Middle World.

His knowledge of inner and outer energy was only what he had picked up from countless memories.

Realizing that he had arrived alone, Typhon recalled the information he had exchanged before departing.

The leader of the Blood Demon Cult.

Igmun was either the one called the Blood Demon or was likely using him as his pawn.

He seemed to have been dropped in the middle of a mountain range somewhere, but he didn't know where.

How much time had passed?

He encountered a martial arts life form for the first time.

They used powers different from the demons of the Lower World or the divine power of the Upper World.

Insignificant creatures whose bodies would collapse just by touching the leaking magical power.

It wasn't difficult to figure out that they were the ones called the Blood Demon Cultists.

It was because he smelled the lingering scent of crimson magical power from their faint presence.

He realized that the current situation wasn't a coincidence.

How should he act?

There were many options, but if he narrowed it down, only two were meaningful.

Should he kill them all and search the area?

Or should he suppress his presence and try to talk?

Either was a reasonable choice.

He chose the latter.

[I won.]

In that way, he succeeded in encountering the Archduke who was hiding behind the insignificant creature.

[What about the others?]

At his question, the man shrugged.

"Isn't it obvious? They were scattered."

[That doesn't seem like a good move.]

What had crossed dimensions weren't the Archduke's kin or clones.

All six Archdukes, including Kim Taehyun, had brought their main bodies.

There might be some restrictions on using their power, but that didn't mean they would struggle in the Middle World.

'There will be a time difference, but.'

Soon, news of them would be heard from all over the martial world.

Igmun wouldn't be unaware of that either.

[But if you dropped me in your territory, there must be a reason, right?]

"It seems you've regained the memories of other timelines... You've really changed a lot. I'd believe you were a different species from the fool in my memories."

[You dare say such things to my face.]

"Your arrogance seems to be the same."

The man, Igmun,'s lips tilted upwards.

"Let me be blunt. Join hands with me."

[Puhuhu. Wasn't that a proposal I rejected before?]

Igmun's plan to subdue Orgall using Lucifer and save Typhon, who was sealed in his castle's basement.

Kim Taehyun and Rosaria had intervened, but in the end, Typhon himself had made the choice.

[I've decided to climb the Tower with my brothers.]

"Isn't it common for Tower climbing partners to change?"

The Archdukes who had joined hands with him but eventually chose Kim Taehyun.

Igmun mentioned Lucifer and Gilfer.

"I've obtained the power of a constellation. As a result, I've been able to read countless timelines."

[Let me hear it.]

"Lucifer ultimately couldn't overcome his limitations on his own."

[Khahahaha. That's what I'd like to say to that guy's face.]

Not caring about the giant king's laughter, the former Archduke continued.

"Gilfer is destined to repeat degradation and evolution, ultimately resulting in extinction."

Crimson-stained red eyes stared at the little giant's eyes.

"Typhon. You were different."

Part 2, Episode 132

"Typhon. You were different."

The man inhabited by Igmun.

The Murim warrior's lips moved slightly.

Typhon, a twitch at his lips, asked.

[What is?]

The current situation, deviated from the initial plan.

From the perspective of the other Archdukes, including Kim Tae-hyun, it wouldn't be welcome.

'Elven is probably spouting curses.'

Nevertheless, the smile on the Giant King's face doesn't disappear.

Rather, with each passing moment, he finds it increasingly difficult to contain his joy.

Why?

'Why is that?'

No matter how many times he considers it, there's only one reason.

'Is he enjoying the current situation?'

The original plan has gone awry.

More than anyone else.

'The main body is enjoying this moment of contact with Igmun.'

A game enjoyed by the humans of the Middle Realm.

If compared to a game played by insignificant beings, it would be the feeling of the player who arrived at the boss room first.

After all, what they are doing is climbing the tower.

[The analogy of a game wouldn't be wrong either.]

He unconsciously spoke the last thought aloud.

Igmun's crimson eyes, having deduced the meaning, narrowed.

"A yearning for amusement. Arrogance. Those aspects remain unchanged from before."

[Hahaha. It seems you're also engaging in some uncharacteristic scheming.]

That Rosaria and Igmun were subordinates of Lilith is no longer a secret among the Archdukes.

Especially those who know what kind of relationship the top-tier Incubus had with the previous Succubus Queen....

"Shut up."

Igmun's voice turned icy.

As if not tolerating any more nonsense, crimson magic overflowed from his body.

[Weren't you seeking a conversation?]

Kugugugu.

Typhon unleashed a portion of the magic he had been suppressing.

The surrounding space, controlled by Igmun, rippled once more.

"......"

If Archduke-level powers were to clash in the Middle Realm, it wouldn't end with just the collapse of the surrounding space.

[If you wish, we can engage in battle immediately. However, the reason you summoned me here must be to present an offer I cannot refuse.]

Typhon tilted his chin.

[Speak then. I might even deign to consider it.]

Shrugging his shoulders with a nonchalant attitude was an added bonus.

"Indeed… having experienced countless timelines, you are certainly different."

An Archduke who had lived through numerous timelines, repeating death and sealing.

In the current timeline, he had resurrected with those memories intact, so the title of 'Immortal' was not an exaggeration.

Of course, it wasn't the answer Typhon wanted.

[Are you planning to waste time with Zen riddles?]

"It means that the assumptions I had have now become certainties."

[......]

Silence fell.

Since when?

The gaze of the surrounding Murim warriors no longer seemed to have any life in it.

'Time has stopped.'

Distorting space with existence power isn't difficult.

However, stopping time is a different level of problem.

It would require using the power of the Lower or Upper Realms to the extreme.

No matter how finely tuned, the Middle Realm.

The Murim warrior's body cannot withstand it.

'Hmm… I don't feel any other power besides magic.'

What is that guy doing in the Middle Realm?

The interest, which didn't have any particular meaning, was strengthened into curiosity.

'Curiosity is an emotion that makes amusement more diverse, they say.'

For a fleeting moment, the conversation with a new sibling came to mind.

The doppelganger who took over Kim Tae-hyun's body.

He, now a covenantor.

'Said he was going through the stage of learning emotions.'

Born as the strongest being and reigning, but had to live for a long time buried in boredom.

It wasn't just him who craved amusement.

"What are you thinking about, standing before me?"

At the sudden voice, Typhon looked down.

Igmun was staring up at him with a displeased expression.

He must have been rambling alone while lost in thought.

[Hahaha. I dozed off for a moment.]

"......"

[What were we talking about?]

"I was saying that even if all the Archdukes joined forces, they wouldn't be able to withstand the Divine Power."

'That's an important topic.'

There's nothing better than laughter to smooth over an awkward situation.

[Khahahahahahaha.]

"......"

As if to erase the clumsy appearance from just now from memory.

[Hahahahahahaha.]

He burst into a series of intense laughter.

Kururung. Kurururung.

The silent space vibrated, and the sound of thunder rang out.

It seems that it will be necessary to talk a little more and watch.

[Igmun. Your scheming has increased.]

"What nonsense are you spouting again?"

[Divine Power is something even I have encountered.]

It was a power that even he, who had risen to be the Integrated King, found hard to fathom.

An energy too overwhelming to contain within the vessel of the Three Thousand Worlds.

If this small universe hadn't had the power to produce three constellations, it would have been obliterated by the events that have occurred so far.

The man who wields such power is before his eyes.

Hiding in a trivial human body, he's spinning a rather plausible lie.

[If it was such an overwhelming power, you should have walked the path of conquest.]

"......"

[You didn't. Or rather, you couldn't, could you?]

Watching the silent Igmun, Typhon continued.

[Why couldn't you? Why is it that you, the distinguished Blood Fiend who holds Divine Power.]

"......"

[Can't wipe out Archdukes or anything?]

Hmm. Hmmm.

Typhon excessively tilted his head and shook his body.

[Could it be that there are restrictions on using the power called Divine Power?]

He continues the provocation.

[Could it be that your situation is so precarious that the expression 'maybe' is almost embarrassing?]

He mixes ridicule into the provocation.

[I have such reasonable doubts.]

"......"

[Wahahahaha.]

Typhon, pleased with his own speculation, laughed loudly.

In fact, it can't even be called speculation.

Because it was already a matter discussed before arriving at the 6th floor.

Seeing the person's face right in front of him was a different kind of pleasure.

"If there are restrictions, you guys also have them. You know that magic and divine power cannot be recovered here, right?"

[Are you different? Is that why you are hiding in a human body?]

"I'm not hiding. I'm just using a more convenient method."

[That's a narrow-minded play on words.]

"I can tell after exchanging words. You... resemble Kim Tae-hyun."

He doesn't hesitate to seize on loose ends and ridicule the other party.

When you talk to him, you find yourself being manipulated.

"Did you say it was a narrow-minded play on words? If so, then you've learned a laughable play on words."

His voice was icy, but no animosity was felt.

"I won't stop you if you want to keep spouting nonsense. The more you do, the more you'll lose."

[Hahahah.]

"If you understand, then shut up and listen to what I have to say."

[Alright, you said I was different from Lucifer or Gilfer. What's different?]

"Don't try to lead the conversation."

[Hehehe. That's for me to decide. You just make your offer.]

"To think I'd see the ghost of Kim Tae-hyun in you…."

Igmun frowned, not hiding his emotions.

[How many Archdukes wouldn't be tainted by their siblings? Isn't that why you're plotting this?]

The crimson Archduke calmly shook his head.

[You don't even realize that denying the negation of oneself is the beginning of true dialogue.]

"Everything started with Kim Tae-hyun's regression. After his regression, the Divine Power that contacted me a long time ago manifested."

In his voice was the trembling of the moment he faced the great power.

"At first, I tried to kill all of you. I even briefly thought about becoming the Integrated King of the Three Thousand Worlds after killing you."

[That was a cute dream. That power is just a remnant….]

"Magic, divine power, or even Shinma power, which is a mixture of the two."

Igmun interrupted Typhon and continued.

"Compared to the power from outside, it's nothing more than something wielded by mere insects. It's on the same level as how we view the Middle Realm… That's where the problem arose."

The trembling in his voice intensified.

Now, it was hot enough to feel the heat.

His appearance was quite serious, so Typhon stepped back and decided to listen.

"As you said, the power of the Divine Power was something the Three Thousand Worlds couldn't withstand. Just expressing a part of the power as a test caused the Lower Realm to shake."

The Lower Realm shook.

That expression wouldn't be wrong.

"I belatedly realized that the Three Thousand Worlds had transformed into the form of a tower. Even before I exerted the Divine Power, it had been changing subtly, to the point where no one noticed."

The eyes of the man inhabited by Igmun gleamed.

"I hid myself and observed the situation."

The time flowing in the Middle Realm and the Lower Realm is not the same.

Even if you add up the entire Middle Realm, it doesn't reach the existential power that the Lower Realm can encompass.

Igmun used the Divine Power to move his main body to the Middle Realm.

By leaving a clone in the Lower Realm, he was able to use time to his advantage.

He seized control of the Blood Cult of Murim and raised a force to replace the vampires.

Unlike the demons of the Lower Realm, he confirmed that humans of the Middle Realm could even access the first floor of the tower.

Before the power of the 'Maze', even the restrictions of the Upper Realm were nothing more than a loose net.

He obtained the Akashic Record, which only the 'Chosen Ones' of the Upper Realm could access.

Through the record, he realized that Kim Tae-hyun had reached a constellation from the outside and understood the reason why he had returned to the Three Thousand Worlds.

The Three Thousand Worlds, reconstructed into 100 floors.

He came to understand the hidden possibilities in each of those floors.

Monopolization of possibilities.

Preemption of opportunities.

Exclusive consumption of allocation.

Instead of taking all of that, he looked for beings who could be helpful in the new Three Thousand Worlds.

It was a simple probability game.

[The fact that I survived that probability game means….]

"That's right. In countless timelines written in the Akashic Record, you lived a blessed life."

Voluntary death and sealing.

Involuntary death and sealing.

All of that was like a blessing in Igmun's eyes.

"To become a constellation, the small universe must be intact, they say."

[......]

"I changed my mind."

The Upper Realm King is Lucifer. The Lower Realm King is Gilfer. The Integrated King is Typhon.

He made a contract with the two Archdukes, excluding Typhon, who was in a sealed state.

"If I could get you in my hands, the departure of Lucifer and Gilfer wouldn't be a big deal."

He looked through the Akashic Record several times, but there was no one more suitable for the Integrated King than Typhon.

That's what he judged.

[Khehehe. Now that I see it, it wasn't an offer, it was a courtship.]

"I will go outside."

[And I will remain in the Three Thousand Worlds, become the Integrated King, and become the existence that supports your small universe?]

"You understood correctly."

[Puhahahahahaha.]

"It shouldn't be a bad deal for you."

He glimpsed through the Akashic Record at the connection between Typhon and Rosaria.

He saw how many times Typhon had chosen death and sealing for her sake, and what kind of influence his devotion had on the ordinary Succubus.

"If you become the Integrated King, you can be with Rosaria for the rest of your life."

He can of course appoint her as the Upper Realm King or the Lower Realm King, and he can also monopolize the possibilities of the tower and give her an overwhelming power that no one can surpass.

If Elven is sealed as the nourishment of the divine beast, he can enjoy a lifetime without worrying about annihilation.

The desire that Typhon has been constantly looking for.

It was a content that he couldn't propose before.

[That's why you can't beat your sibling.]

"......"

At the unexpected answer, Igmun's eyebrows twitched.

[No romance, no romance.]

Tsk tsk tsk.

Typhon clicked his tongue and got up.

Kugugung.

The magic that had been suppressed leaked out, and the stabilized space rippled.

[I am experiencing a more interesting game than ever before.]

He had already decided on Tae-hyun as his partner.

Although the core has changed due to the events that occurred in the middle.

'That doesn't mean a sibling ceases to be a sibling.'

The doppelganger who wants to become a new constellation by taking the name of Kim Tae-hyun.

Igmun, who wants to steal Kim Tae-hyun's potential and become a complete constellation.

The goal of taking away the potential of the existence called Kim Tae-hyun and becoming a constellation is the same.

[You are overlooking one important thing.]

Rosaria.

[My game is not about growing old with her or anything like that.]

It doesn't matter who becomes the Lower Realm King, the Upper Realm King, or the Integrated King.

[What I truly want is.]

Part 2, Episode 133

[Hahahaha.]

Typhon burst into a hearty laugh.

The uncontrolled force vibrated the space.

[Is that an answer?]

"......"

Igmun quietly stared at Typhon.

Not only was his proposal rejected, but he also received an unexpected answer.

"I've wasted my time unnecessarily."

[It was a plausible offer. Or, should I say, an obvious one.]

Typhon rose from the rock he was sitting on.

The Lower World is a place of the survival of the fittest.

Even if the environment has changed to a Murim world, nothing will be different.

[If I capture you here, it's as good as my main body conquering the 6th floor.]

His new brother was excited about his first expedition.

Thinking about his reaction already makes him laugh.

'This timeline is full of endlessly amusing things.'

It felt like a reward for his boring past life.

"You will regret this."

[Puhuhu.]

"This one was considering..."

Crack!

A sudden lightning strike shattered the body Igmun was inhabiting.

[Are you planning to keep your main body hidden in front of me?]

"...You're as impatient as ever."

Igmun, having moved his consciousness into one of the surviving Murim warriors, rose to his feet.

Crimson Demonic Energy surged from the bodies of the Blood Demon Sect disciples who had opened their Red Eyes.

It revealed that every Blood Demon Sect disciple here was his doppelganger.

[Hmm.]

Of the Murim warriors he had spared, there were ten.

Among them, only three had all their limbs intact.

Even then, two of the three were not in their right minds.

Not anymore.

Tzzzzz. Tzzzzzzz.

Those who had absorbed the crimson Demonic Energy rose to their feet one by one.

Crackle. Crackle.

As the Demonic Energy permeated their bodies, their lost limbs regenerated.

[They possess ultra-fast regeneration abilities, huh.]

A necessary ability for the top-tier species in the Lower World.

It wouldn't be strange to overlook it.

If another Archduke had witnessed the current situation...

If it hadn't been Typhon, who had mastered Demonic Power to the extreme, they wouldn't have noticed the strangeness.

[An interesting experiment was underway!]

Crackle. Pop.

The lightning emitted from Typhon's body spread around him like forming a magnetic field.

Two of the nine exploded upon touching the lightning.

The remaining seven did not explode even when touched by the lightning.

It was clearly different from before.

Hahahaha.

Typhon laughed heartily and released some of the Demonic Power he had been storing.

[To think you would implant the authority of an Archduke into the humans of the Interdimensional World.]

"......"

Those who had become Igmun's doppelgangers distanced themselves.

It was to buy time to recover from the shock of the lightning.

[Where do you think you're going?]

Thump.

Typhon stomped his foot, and the ground shook.

The trembling ground cracked and swallowed three Murim warriors who couldn't react in time.

Four remained.

He pinched his thumb and index finger together and flicked his finger.

Compressed air swept past one of the Murim warriors.

Whoosh!

And suddenly, flames engulfed another Murim warrior.

Like they had never existed in the first place, their forms disappeared in an instant without leaving a trace.

Two remained.

[Hoo.]

A normal breath, as if exhaling.

The body of the man nearby was torn to shreds as he exhaled.

[Now there's only one left.]

Before the Murim warrior could react, Typhon closed the distance.

Crack.

His enlarged hand grabbed the last man's neck.

The giant squeezed his hand.

The human's body, with its bones broken, was crushed.

As if playing with a toy in his hand, he rolled it around.

The bones in his entire body were shattered into pieces, and his twisted neck dangled.

Even one called a master among the Murim warriors would have surely died from such an impact.

But the man before him was different.

"Is this what you are capable of without using your power?"

The man opened his mouth, his neck bent.

His two Red Eyes overflowed with unique Demonic Power.

[So you've obtained 'Regeneration' after all.]

Not the recovery of the highest-tier species, but at the level of authority.

The haughty Archangel of the Upper World, and the arrogant Fallen Angel of the Lower World.

[Lucifer would love to see this.]

Typhon chuckled and looked at the Murim warrior, who had already completely healed his injuries.

"It's not just Lucifer's authority."

Igmun turned his neck from side to side and faced Typhon.

"There were also some ancient Great Demons and Demon King-level beings in the deal with Gilfer."

His body flowed down like blood.

Escaping from Typhon's grasp, he returned to human form.

The newly formed appearance was that of a blonde man called the Vampire Lord.

The image of Igmun in the memories of the Archdukes.

"Of course, their authority has also become nourishment for this one."

Igmun reached out his hand.

Tzzzzzzz.

Gravity acted and pulled Typhon's body, but.

[A first doppelganger will be enough.]

Thump.

Typhon stomped his foot, and the pulling force bounced away powerlessly.

[I told you to bring your main body if you want to play with this one.]

Using the power of the elements a moment ago was to understand how the power works.

The experimental results confirmed that the authority was working as he intended.

'It's bothering me that Demonic Power isn't regenerating, but if I'm determined, I can handle it even if the main body comes.'

If he unleashes his power, there is a high risk that the dimension will collapse.

With Igmun appearing now, there is no need to worry about such things while fighting him.

He raised the Demonic Power he was controlling to 10%.

And then.

Bang.

He quickly moved and struck Igmun's head.

Blood splattered everywhere.

There was no need to give him a chance to regenerate.

Tzzzzzzzt.

The coldness that tracked the blood froze the traces of him.

Whoosh.

Flames bloomed from the ice.

He is an existence that freely manipulates the elements.

Reversing the laws of nature is nothing to him.

[Don't hide what you've prepared unless you plan to stall for time.]

The reaction occurred not around him, but above his head.

The clear sky turned red.

'He's planning to form a domain.'

Blood Field.

A domain spread by the Vampire Lord to use more complete power.

Attraction and suction.

Just entering the fully deployed domain limits stamina and Demonic Power.

Typhon's index finger pointed to the sky.

Crack!

A streak of lightning pierced a hole in the sky.

Whoosh.

The Demonic Power swirling through the hole soon formed a huge tornado.

The Demonic Power that formed the domain began to scatter.

[It's no longer fun stalling with tricks. Is this all you've prepared?]

A brief skirmish.

On the surface, he acted like he was playing around, but he finished the detection using Demonic Power.

There is no Demonic Power around that appears to be Igmun's main body.

'Even so, the fact that he is operating doppelgangers means...'

Quarreureu.

Rainbow-colored Demonic Power surged from his entire body.

When he flowed a handful of Divine Power into the Demonic Power to form Divine Demonic Power.

The space that couldn't withstand it rippled.

He didn't care.

Rather, as if tearing the space apart.

Crack!!

He simply put both hands into the space.

The space weakly showed its appearance being torn apart.

He forcibly widened the torn space.

And put his body into it.

[......!!]

The pain of his entire body being shredded followed.

He smiled.

The pain of crossing dimensions is not at a level that can be endured simply by having a strong body.

Nor by an Archduke with an enhanced body.

Crackle. Pop.

It damaged the Divine Demonic Power he was wearing.

Crackle. Pop.

The wounds opened and repeated their regeneration.

How long did it take like that.

The one he was aiming for was in front of Typhon.

[Igmun.]

The main body of the Vampire Lord was shining with ferocious eyes and looking down at him.

[Typhon... even an elven wouldn't do something this crazy.]

The giant king laughed at the disgusted reaction and looked around.

The red sky symbolizing the Lower World.

All kinds of hell symbolizing the Demon World.

The blood that replaced the Demonic Sea.

In addition, huge temples were erected everywhere.

Some felt the energy of the Lower World, and some felt the energy of Murim.

[Is this between the Lower World and the Interdimensional World?]

[......]

[If you use the form of the tower, it will be about the 5.5th floor.]

[You even saw through that.]

Igmun showed a ridiculous reaction.

[I heard you had the memories of ascending to the Unified King. You're a monster apart.]

The force that brought the blessed authority to its peak.

A sense to grasp the restrictions in the Interdimensional World.

The greatness of crossing dimensions.

Most of all.

A presence that makes him nervous enough to easily deal with three or four Archdukes.

[......]

Igmun quietly stared at his former companion.

If a battle breaks out, it will be difficult to continue the conversation.

If you want to change your mind, now is the last chance.

[You will regret it if you don't take this one's hand now.]

[Hehe.]

[I praise you for coming this far, but I will not allow 'that more'.]

[Orgall would like it.]

[......?]

[I can't live as the youngest forever.]

[......]

[Hahahaha.]

[Until the end... you disappoint this one.]

[You as well.]

Crack!

Divine Demonic Power lightning struck down from Typhon.

In no time, 'Thunder' was in his hand.

[Do not disappoint this one.]

The battle between Archdukes.

There are not many places in the Lower World that can withstand the collision of two existences.

The reason why the Archdukes try not to stray from each other's domains is to take advantage of the battle, but also to avoid being trapped in a dimensional gap that may exist.

Now.

Two Archdukes were clashing in what could be called a dimensional gap.

[To think that the one I face here would be you!]

Typhon laughed and wielded Thunder.

Rainbow-colored Divine Demonic Power poured out along the trajectory of his swing.

Igmun was where the Divine Demonic Power was headed.

[......]

He wielded his Blood Sword and cut through the space.

The Divine Demonic Power was sucked into the gap in the cut space.

Crack. Crackle.

The roar followed belatedly from beyond the space that swallowed the Divine Demonic Power.

If he had taken it directly with his body, the authority of even himself would have been impaired by its power.

[Unified King Typhon.]

Archduke of the Lower World.

No, even if you expand the scope to the Upper World, the strongest.

[I should have gotten my hands on you after all.]

Igmun's Red Eyes, which had maintained composure, shimmered with desire.

It was because the authority of Gorfel, which he had digested earlier, had manifested.

In addition, the numerous authorities he has digested so far have manifested one after another.

[......]

Typhon confirmed Igmun's Divine Demonic Power, which was gradually balancing with him.

It's not like his brothers, who manifested their power through Magic Stones.

[You completely swallowed them.]

Numerous timelines. Even Igmun himself had never seen Igmun bloom the authority of absorption to this extent before.

Bang!

Thunder, which struck down as if splitting his head, was finally blocked by the Blood Sword.

Below Thunder, Igmun, who had opened one Red Eye and one Blue Eye, maintained a calm gaze.

He had not only balanced Demonic Power and Divine Power, but had also made numerous authorities his own.

[Is this what the Unified King is capable of?]

Igmun quietly recited.

Crack.

He grabbed Thunder with his bare hand.

Pazzzzzzt.

The Divine Demonic Power that bloomed from Thunder burned his skin.

Crack.

Typhon grabbed the Blood Sword with his bare hand.

Tzzzzzzzzz.

The Divine Demonic Power, mediated by the Blood Sword, sucked in his existence.

The giant's body grew even larger.

Tilting his head back, the head of the giant king, who bowed his head with all his might, struck Igmun.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

How many times had he rammed him?

Igmun's exposed blonde hair was stained with blood.

[Hehehe. How much have you eaten?]

He snatched Thunder from Igmun's loosened grip.

Crack!

In the blink of an eye, he stuck Thunder into Igmun's torso.

The rainbow-colored Divine Demonic Power engulfed the Vampire Lord's body.

And the five elements began to seal him.

The wind that penetrated from the inside tore his intestines, and the cold froze the Divine Demonic Power.

The flames interfered with regeneration, and the ongoing petrification refused even minimal movement.

[......]

Quarreureu. Quarreureung.

Thunder constantly spewed out lightning.

Typhon's eyes narrowed as he watched the seal begin.

[I was wrong.]

Part 2 Episode 134

Typhon's eyes narrowed.

A sealing ceremony using divine magic.

Even looking back at his timeline as the Integrated King, there weren't many who had shaken it off.

Lucifer from that timeline, as well as the majestic rulers of each Celestial Realm, were helplessly defeated.

'Dragon' and 'Yoma'.

'It would be impossible unless it was them who traveled through timelines.'

And in the current timeline...

'There isn't.'

Not Lucifer, of course.

Even his brother, who can't use his unique authority, wouldn't be able to block this much power.

[...]

His narrowed eyes grew even thinner.

Crimson and iridescent colors mixed together.

Originally, the aftermath would have shaken the space.

That didn't happen.

The rift in dimensions wasn't that flimsy, and besides...

Tsuzzz.

The divine magic that made up the sealing ceremony began to be absorbed into Igmun's body.

[Interesting.]

The extent to which he converts the absorbed energy into his own existence is considerable.

An absorption ability that looks like his brother's 'Devouring'.

What the situation indicated was clear.

'The Igmun before my eyes has achieved the level of the Integrated King.'

Even without using the Star Force he was wary of, he was at a level where he could discuss being at the pinnacle of the Three Thousand Worlds.

To face him, he would have to risk his life.

Fuhehehe.

[I was too careless.]

He laughed and released all the existence he had been restricting.

[It's no longer the time to think about the consequences.]

What's happening here is a domain war and a race war.

The victor takes everything.

[The defeated loses everything.]

Kwarung!

The thunder he held roared, and the emitted lightning formed a magnetic field.

Kwarurung. Kwarung.

Dozens of lightning bolts plunged into the dimensional rift.

It mimicked the domain that Zeus, the master of the 2nd Celestial Realm, used to control.

In his current state, all physical abilities increase as if they have 'run wild'.

The power emitted in the state of revealing his original form is, in itself, no different from 'enhancement'.

The regenerative power enhanced with divine magic is close to authority.

All information flowed in through the ground he stood on.

The wind in the atmosphere made the giant's weight converge to 0.

All of this was the effect of restructuring the dimensional rift into an environment favorable to him.

[You were preparing elaborately.]

Igmun, who had absorbed all the divine magic in an instant, opened his mouth.

[...]

He made the divine magic used in the sealing ceremony his own.

Such a person was emitting radiance.

[You took not only Lucifer's but also 'Lucifer's'.]

Typhon's eyes narrowed.

Which of the archdukes wouldn't have pride?

'Lucifer is an archduke with particularly strong pride.'

He could say that with certainty because he had recently fought with him.

[That guy is not one to give up 'radiance' to anyone.]

Unlike 'regeneration', 'radiance' is an authority granted by the monotheistic god.

It is a power with special meaning along with the name Lucifer.

Whatever contract he made with Igmun.

[There's no way he would have done that himself.]

Igmun's mouth tore open.

Radiance overflowed from his torn mouth.

[Yes.]

Tsuzzz.

A blood field spread around the crimson archduke.

Magnetic field and blood field.

The two domains divide the dimensional rift.

[I asked how much you ate.]

Igmun moved his neck left and right.

A natural act as if to loosen his muscles.

It wasn't now.

As if his skin was cracking.

Jeoeok.

A crimson maw appeared from the cracked skin.

[Devouring.]

His brother. Kim Taehyun's unique authority.

Before or after the core changed.

The authority that the person concerned can no longer use.

That power is being manifested from the body of the Vampire Lord.

'The brother shouldn't have made a separate contract with this guy.'

Numerous assumptions flashed through his mind.

[...]

Soon, his eyes, which had derived one answer, became calm.

Igmun's smile deepened as he realized his thoughts just by looking at him.

[What this humble one ate was all the rulers of the Celestial Realm.]

Tsuzz. Tsuz.

Blood swords poured from the red sky.

Lightning shot from the ground shot down the blood swords.

Kwaaa.

Beyond the red sky.

A blood cross, the size of a giant king's ship, fell.

Koong.

Typhon raised one hand to stop the fall of the cross.

Kugugugugu.

The ground that belatedly rose supported the cross, and ice and fire mixed as if singing.

The divine magic of the cross is decomposed.

Hwiiii.

The wind blowing in the atmosphere lashed Igmun's domain.

All kinds of authorities were manifested to appease the wind imbued with divine magic.

Pajijik. Pajik.

Lightning using thunder as a medium intercepted dozens of authorities.

The moment when the wind that had penetrated the group of authorities was about to reach Igmun.

Kwaduk!

The maw that popped out of Igmun's neck swallowed the wind.

In the shape of blood, it was nothing short of being called Devouring.

[Among them was Kim Taehyun.]

Kwaduk. Kwaduk.

The maw, which chewed and swallowed divine magic as if savoring it.

Radiance leaked from the end of the maw.

Typhon shook his head.

[You traveled through timelines?]

Unlike himself, who had awakened the power and memory of the Integrated King in a dead body, it was the opposite case.

Generally, it's something that can't happen.

[You used Star Force.]

[As expected.]

Igmun did not deny it.

[Perhaps it's because you were the guy who became the Integrated King, you understand quickly.]

He used Star Force to cross timelines and explore numerous possibilities.

He killed the archdukes to take their magic power, and he subjugated the rulers of the Celestial Realm to steal their divine power.

It was more than enjoyable to visit Kim Taehyun when he was a youngster and inflict merciless pain.

At a level that the current timeline could handle.

At a level where his body could handle the abuse of Star Force.

He coveted others several times.

[At first, I was angry.]

In the timelines he intervened in.

In all of them, Igmun failed to become the strongest.

He didn't awaken the Dream Eater like Rosaria, and he didn't gain a clear advantage over the other archdukes.

One of many archdukes.

He only existed like a bug.

[So I killed everyone except this humble one.]

He coveted magic power and divine power.

He tried to become the Integrated King by becoming the Lower Realm King and the Upper Realm King himself.

[It was impossible.]

Even if it was possible to take power by crossing timelines, he couldn't stay in that timeline for long because of his increased existence.

Even if he removed his competitors, the Igmun of that timeline didn't last long and was hunted down.

Sometimes it was the archduke who hunted him down, and sometimes it was the absolute being of the Upper Realm.

Sometimes Asmodeus intervened.

He belatedly realized the limits of the existence called Igmun.

This world is wrong from the start.

Unless you are blessed by the 'Monotheistic God'.

Unless you are the key chosen by the 'Dragon' and the 'Yoma'.

It was a distant matter to reach the pinnacle in the Three Thousand Worlds.

For that reason, he chose.

To become the strongest, at least in the timeline where he came into contact with the constellation.

To devour all the existence of the timeline that failed to become the strongest.

[That's how the current this humble one was born.]

The past he had never told anyone.

Even though he was talking about what could be called a disgrace.

[Are you going to laugh?]

Igmun, who was asking back, looked calm.

Typhon did not laugh.

[This humble one has no right to laugh at you.]

Typhon's mouth opened.

Breath.

Divine magic containing ice and fire was spewed out.

[I'm just enjoying the current game.]

Igmun's body shook at the expected reaction.

He opened a dimensional rift and let out his breath.

[I still can't afford to kill you.]

It's not that he hasn't killed Typhon.

He once obtained his authority.

Hwareureuk.

The blood sword Igmun was holding was engulfed in flames.

Kwarung!

The lightly thrown blood sword was intercepted by lightning and disappeared.

[Devouring your weakened self only results in imitation.]

It must be because the Typhon in front of him is the strongest among many Typhons.

To properly covet his authority.

To use him in his plans.

[You must be subjugated in the current timeline.]

Ssik.

The smiling Igmun narrowed the distance.

A new sword was held in his hand.

Blood.

A divine weapon forged by cutting down those blessed by the monotheistic god.

It has the power befitting the Integrated King's weapon.

[You should have understood by now.]

[Enough.]

Typhon took a step forward, holding back his laughter.

The condensed and condensed divine magic is manifested in all sorts of elements.

The consumed divine magic is about 50%. On the other hand.

[You haven't consumed even a little divine magic?]

Kwang!

Blood and thunder clashed.

The more directly they clash, the faster Typhon's divine magic is consumed.

'The difference between consumption and recovery. If I don't figure it out, this humble one will be defeated.'

Keuheuheuh.

He laughs even though the situation is clearly unfavorable.

The arm wielding thunder is torn off and regenerated repeatedly.

It's the same for the opponent.

Dozens of attacks and defenses continue.

Hundreds of attacks and defenses are repeated in an instant.

By the time he reached thousands of attacks and defenses.

Kwajik!!

Igmun's Blood pierced Typhon's head.

[This is the end.]

Along with laughter.

Kwaduk!!

The Vampire Lord twisted the sword.

"It's boring."

Taehyun, who was sitting cross-legged and emptying his teacup, muttered.

There wasn't a single person to be seen in the training hall where he was sitting.

Only the teacup and refreshments that the family's servant had left a little while ago were placed there.

It was thanks to Zhuge Seon, who had given orders in advance out of consideration for Taehyun.

'No, it can be seen as an order for the people of the family, not for this body.'

Zhuge Seon left Kim Taehyun, a bomb, at the branch and headed for the Righteous Martial Alliance.

It was easy to guess how heavy his heart must be.

If he wanted, he could call someone.

The masters of the branch would be focusing their senses so that they could answer his call.

No.

'Wandering around outside will only cause unnecessary trouble.'

It had been a week since he arrived at the Zhuge Clan's Infinite Branch.

Taehyun read fear in the eyes of the martial artists who looked at him.

It meant that some rumors had spread strangely(?).

So he had no choice but to wait for Zhuge Seon to return.

He was currently spending his time focusing on handling magic power.

Sss.

A haze of crimson magic power wrapped around his body.

Kim Taehyun's original magic power color.

It was the same in that the consumed magic power was not restored.

He shed a handful of divine power.

Tsuzzz.

Magic power and divine power mixed to become divine magic power.

An energy that is incomparable in terms of power to using magic power and divine power separately.

If he used Devouring with perfect divine magic power, he could even devour the dimensional rift.

A similar reason was why the Three Thousand Worlds couldn't handle Kim Taehyun's existence, who ended the past race war.

"For now, it's the only hope against Star Force."

Training using divine magic power can be done against Lucifer and Typhon.

First of all, the priority was to release the sealed Devouring.

It was when he was fiddling with the magic stone formed in his body.

Along with the presence, Zhuge Seon returned.

His face, which had regained its youth due to the influence of Polymorph, was hardened.

"We're in big trouble."

"What is it?"

Unlike Zhuge Seon, who had started using the middle-aged man's tone after coming to the branch, Taehyun asked in his usual tone.

"That is..."

Tsk tsk.

He clicked his tongue as he watched him looking at him.

Seeing that it took Zhuge Seon this long, it must mean that things at the Righteous Martial Alliance didn't go well.

"You should know how to lower your head appropriately if the alliance leader is dead. The humans in the martial arts world all have frustrating aspects."

Should he wipe them out again?

To reduce magic power consumption, it's better to strengthen the body and engage in close combat.

There are a few movements he wants to experiment with anyway.

"It's not about the Righteous Martial Alliance. That was resolved well."

"......?"

If not that, was there something else that could be called a big problem?

He tilted his head without realizing it.

"The Blood Cult has fallen."

Taehyun's face distorted at Zhuge Seon's answer.

That was a really big deal.

Part 2, Episode 135

"It seems like an explanation is needed."

Taehyun asked.

The Blood Demon Sect (血魔神敎). Commonly known as the Blood Sect (血敎).

It was a place believed to be a base of power for Igmun.

For such a place to suddenly collapse?

Of course, he had spent several months idly after coming to the Murim world, but even so, it wasn't an organization that could collapse in just a few months.

"I don't know where to begin."

"Obviously, from the beginning."

"......"

The man who considered himself the brain of the orthodox Murim world moved his lips.

Even though he should have organized his thoughts on the way here, he seemed unable to speak easily.

'Does that mean the issues involved are not light?'

No matter how skilled he was in his own world, he was still just human.

'The Youma and the Predator must be special cases.'

If that weren't the case, he wouldn't have reached the Constellation as a human.

He shouldn't blame Jegalseon.

"Hoo..."

Taehyun took a breath and met Jegalseon's eyes.

They had agreed to a horizontal relationship before, but from some point on, he was using honorifics again.

Perhaps their horizontal relationship was just a facade, or maybe his suddenly younger appearance made him feel he had to maintain a certain dignity.

"You've become complicated in just a few days?"

"I have things to protect as well."

Things to protect.

His family as the head of a prestigious clan.

His honor as an orthodox Murim warrior.

Privately, the organization called the Jungmu Alliance.

Besides these, several other minor things came to mind.

'So many. How busy and frantic you are, considering how short life is.'

Taehyun knew that prestige was important to humans.

His situation was different from Jegalseon, who discarded unnecessary things and focused on climbing the Tower.

'No. Perhaps even this body isn't completely free.'

He was asked to reach the 100th floor and obtain all the possibilities of the Three Thousand Worlds.

The upper Constellations who failed to become Youma or Predator.

Becoming a new Constellation who could continue the Star Wars.

Perhaps his purpose was just to package their wishes.

'That Jegalseon. Why does he have to live such a complicated life? He's making this body think useless thoughts.'

He met Jegalseon's eyes, who was waiting for his answer.

"I promise. No matter what you say, this body will not antagonize the Jungmu Alliance."

He gave the answer they wanted to hear.

"Can I trust you?"

"Did your thinking become childish along with your body? You should know that I'm not lying."

"......"

"......"

"I'll trust you."

Jegalseon accepted it more readily than he expected.

Perhaps even this situation was a tactic to gain Taehyun's trust.

'What's important now is why the Blood Sect collapsed.'

The Blood Sect was the base of Igmun, who possessed the power of a Constellation.

If he were to obtain something on the 6th floor, that was the most likely place.

'If it's true that it collapsed, it will disrupt this body's plans.'

First, get the information.

Taehyun nodded his chin as if telling him to speak.

"How much do you know about the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Heavenly Demon?"

"Heavenly Demon? What's that? Is that also related to the Blood Demon?"

"......"

Jegalseon chuckled at Taehyun's reaction.

How many people in the Central Plains Murim world wouldn't know about the Heavenly Demon Sect?

He was once again reminded that the man before him was a foreigner. Literally from another dimension.

"I need to go over the background of the Blood Sect simply."

"If necessary."

The orthodox and the unorthodox. And organizations that didn't belong to either.

The religious organization that revered someone other than the emperor of the Central Plains as their god was the Heavenly Demon Sect (天魔神敎), and its leader was called the Heavenly Demon (天魔).

At first, it was just an extreme sect that pursued power to the extreme, but it later transformed into a form closer to a religious organization.

The heretic's explanation of Murim history continued.

"The Heavenly Demon Sect's top priority is above all else, strong power. The survival of the fittest."

The existence of the Heavenly Demon was an overwhelming power to the sect's followers.

"If there was someone stronger than the Heavenly Demon among the followers of the Heavenly Demon Sect, that person would become the new Heavenly Demon. That's how it used to be, as far as I know."

"Used to be?"

"It's hard to say for sure what it's like now. The atmosphere has subtly changed since the current Heavenly Demon took power."

"Explain it in a way that's easy to understand."

"The Undefeated of the Divine Sect (神敎不敗). The Submission of Ten Thousand Demons (萬魔仰伏). The Eternal World of the Demon Horde (群魔永世). The Reincarnation of the Heavenly Demon (天魔再臨)."

Jegalseon continued to explain.

"At that time, the Heavenly Demon Sect was rapidly expanding its power, revealing its intention to create a world of demons."

To stably manage the growing organization, the Junior Sect Leader, the successor to the sect leader, was selected, and the Junior Sect Leader diligently prepared to succeed the sect leader by mastering the Heavenly Demon Divine Art (天魔神功).

A martial art that could become a master of destruction if mastered, worthy of the title of Heavenly Demon.

The Heavenly Demon did not see his successor master the divine art.

He contracted an illness (病患) that could not be overcome even with absolute martial arts and suddenly passed away.

The Blood Demon (血魔), who was the Heavenly Demon's right-hand man and was said to be as close as sworn brothers, belatedly revealed his ambition.

"At the time, the Junior Sect Leader had excellent qualities, but he was still incomplete. A conflict over the position of sect leader was foreseen."

"The Heavenly Demon of later generations was appointed by the predecessor and inherited the position, and a man named the Blood Demon, who was dissatisfied, separately led a group and founded an organization called the Blood Demon Sect. The Junior Sect Leader became the sect leader, and the Blood Demon became the sect leader of the breakaway faction?"

Jegalseon nodded.

"A considerable amount of time has passed. The Blood Demon Sect has come to possess an organizational power that wouldn't be surprising if it swallowed the Heavenly Demon Sect."

Two groups with the same roots but subtle differences in doctrine.

That was the current Heavenly Demon Sect and Blood Demon Sect.

"Judging by the nuance of your words, you seem to favor the Blood Demon Sect more than the Heavenly Demon Sect. The difference must have widened since the current sect leader, 'Igeunmun,' stepped in."

"You understand better than I thought."

"Don't think I'm easy to fool just because this body is a foreigner."

"Ahem... that's not the case."

Jegalseon cleared his throat and continued.

"In any case. The orthodox Murim world was closely watching their movements."

The two groups could wage war or join hands to call for a world of demons.

Neither situation could be taken lightly.

"It's hard to understand."

"Hmm?"

"Unless they were planning to devour them after they grew up, what were they doing while the situation grew to this point?"

Taehyun asked with a look of disdain.

The Nine Great Sects and Five Great Families, which formed the largest force in the orthodox Murim world. The Jungmu Alliance, an organization created by them.

Since they claimed to be vigilantes, they shouldn't have allowed the situation to reach this point.

"The current two Demonic Sects are so powerful that even you, who cry out for justice, would be reluctant to engage in an all-out war."

They were filled with first-rate experts, and the number of top and ultra-top experts was also not small.

Jegalseon shook his head.

"The Heavenly Demon and the Blood Demon were said to be on the verge of breaking through the wall of ultra-top experts. The Alliance Leader was thinking of waging the Righteous-Demonic War only after he had crossed the wall himself."

"Namgoongcheon. He was carrying a heavier burden than I thought."

"......"

He was called the Sword Emperor and the Jungmu Alliance Leader, a skilled man on the verge of reaching the realm of Spiritual Transformation.

In the end, he lost his life at Taehyun's hands without fulfilling his dream.

"Well, it's good that they didn't touch the Blood Demon Sect, even if they didn't touch the Heavenly Demon Sect."

If Igmun was involved, they wouldn't have been able to destroy the sect with realms like ultra-top or Spiritual Transformation.

Jegalseon must know that now as well.

And yet.

"If they wanted to destroy it, they could have."

Jegalseon said with a confident face.

Pride in the Jungmu Alliance could be felt in his eyes and voice.

"If the Righteous-Demonic War were to break out, countless lives would be lost in the end. If that were to happen, only innocent people and future talents would bear the burden, so they didn't act rashly."

'They were almost destroyed by this body alone, yet they're showing off. I'm starting to doubt whether it's an exaggeration that the Jegals are smart.'

Swallowing such thoughts, Taehyun nodded.

First of all, it was a priority to keep the story moving forward, even if it meant agreeing with them.

"Yes, yes. So, why did the Blood Sect collapse?"

"The Beggar Union, which had been sent to gather information, was annihilated. The same happened to the investigation team that was sent to investigate the truth."

The Heavenly Demon Sect was located in the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang Province.

The Blood Demon Sect was located at the end of the Tianshan Mountains. It would take about two months for an ordinary human to walk there.

It could be said to be far.

'The information-gathering skills of the Beggar Union beggars were said to be beyond expectations.'

Recalling the journey before arriving at the Infinite Branch, it was easy to understand.

Those beggars were annihilated.

"What was the Alliance doing during the two annihilations? You also have ultra-top experts."

Jegalseon stared silently at Taehyun in response to the casual question.

He had a look of disbelief on his face.

"Ah, was there a gap in your forces because you were dealing with this body?"

"Ahem..."

The Alliance Leader and many ultra-top and top experts died like dogs.

If they had taken out additional forces, it would have led to the Alliance's destruction.

"I was in contact with the Alliance from time to time on the way to the Infinite Branch."

He knew.

While Taehyun was enjoying his journey in this new world, Jegalseon frequently disappeared and returned on his own.

"I've heard enough of the background, so tell me. Why did the Blood Sect collapse? If you say something nonsensical this time..."

"Disaster (災害) and war (戰爭)."

"What...?"

He could understand the word war.

But.

"Disaster...?"

Jegalseon supplemented his explanation as he looked at Taehyun, who was asking again.

"A 'sudden' natural disaster (自然災害) occurred where the Blood Sect was located."

Jegalseon emphasized the expression "sudden."

"......"

"Immediately after, the Heavenly Demon Sect attacked them and unified the Demonic Sects."

"Ha."

Taehyun scoffed.

"The Blood Sect has collapsed."

Jegalseon hammered in the wedge with a firm look in his eyes.

Taehyun stepped onto the training ground.

Thud, thud.

He tapped his feet to check the strength of the stones used in the training ground.

He could tell how hard they were without even flowing magic power.

From the width to the strength, it couldn't be compared to the training ground in Jegal's Infinite Branch.

"Well, it's supposed to be the training ground used by the Alliance Leader. If it's not this good, it would be a problem."

He muttered and looked at the Murim people in front of him.

Five men and two women.

They were all over 60 in human age and were called the reserve forces of the Jungmu Alliance, all of whom had reached the realm of ultra-top experts.

Their eyes were full of hostility.

Taehyun looked at Jegalseon, who was standing to one side.

"Are these all the ones who are refusing this body's ascension to the position of Alliance Leader?"

"Not all of them. These people are just representing each faction."

"If I defeat them, I can become the Murim Alliance Leader? You're sure about that, right?"

Jegalseon nodded in response to the question.

It was already an agreed-upon matter, but he didn't want to say it out loud.

He didn't care.

'All this body wants is to move forward.'

It didn't matter what positions they held in the Murim Alliance organization or what power they enjoyed.

'Now, what words should I use to open the gate?'

They had to wage war against the unified Demonic Sects.

With more than half of the Alliance's forces cut off by him now.

There was no need to take any more lives and drive a wedge into the lifelines they were barely clinging to.

"Chief! To put such a demonic fiend forward as the Alliance Leader..."

"Stop."

Taehyun stopped the middle-aged man who was belatedly shouting.

He was gathering his momentum, but it was clear that he was a level below Namgoongcheon.

'Wasn't he the head of the Seomun family? He's definitely stronger than Jegalseon.'

It seemed that the range of the realm of ultra-top experts was wider than he thought.

Taehyun, with his hands in his pockets, met the eyes of each of the middle-aged men.

And.

"You're all worms."

He expressed his feelings without hiding anything.

Part 2, Episode 136

"..."

Taehyun, who had been sitting cross-legged in the training hall, opened his eyes.

It was the place where he had faced the supreme masters of the Justice League a few days ago.

Since it used to be the Justice League Leader's personal training hall, it could now be considered that the owner had changed.

"You're not going to hold an inauguration ceremony?"

Jegeolseon asked with a dumbfounded expression.

"Yeah. I don't think the current Justice League needs such useless formalities, do you?"

"The position of League Leader is being passed from the head of a powerful family to a stranger of unknown origin. Moreover, that stranger is the one who murdered the previous League Leader and key figures of the League."

"You're being strangely critical. So?"

"I'm saying it's not just a simple formality, but a necessary process to unite the Justice League."

"You've become an old man again since returning to the League."

"..."

"Anyway, I'll be away for a while, so I'll entrust the inauguration ceremony to you."

"So, you need to be at the inauguration ceremony..."

"I have a place to go."

"..."

"You know very well where my interests lie right now, don't you?"

Jegeolseon sighed and opened his mouth.

"Are you talking about the Demonic Sect?"

"Yes. More precisely, the place where the Blood Demon Sect, which was absorbed by the Cheonma Divine Cult, used to be."

The Demonic Sect, which shares the same roots. If it were to move, it would have to be the Blood Demon Sect, which was controlled by Igmun.

Such a place had fallen.

The current Cheonma Baek Sehee is a woman who has risen to the level of a supreme master.

'Come to think of it, the elder of the Emei Sect I recently faced was also a supreme master. She was definitely more powerful than Jegeolseon.'

The pillars of the Justice League have been subdued.

Whether they are male or female is not important.

There were quite a few who held the position of head or elder of the Nine Great Sects in a woman's body.

"The Cheonma Divine Cult is said to be a place that pursues the path of dominance,"

Taehyun said, repeating the information Jegeolseon had given him.

The reason why the League, despite having a large number of masters, could not wipe out the Demonic Sect.

Jegeolseon didn't say it, but the reason could be easily guessed.

"Baek Sehee is stronger than Namgoongcheon."

"..."

"Igmun, whom you know as the Blood Demon, would have been the same."

Cheonma Baek Sehee and Blood Demon Igmun.

"For the sake of Namgoongcheon's prestige, they are being evaluated as equal supreme masters, but in reality, you lacked confidence, didn't you?"

If a righteous-demonic war were to break out, the Justice League might be the one to lose.

"So, you were holding your breath and watching."

"..."

A moment of silence passed.

Jegeolseon opened his mouth with a stiff voice.

"I won't deny it."

"And then I appeared."

A powerhouse who is hard to express as just a supreme master.

The strongest who knows Igmun's true identity and can face the Blood Demon and Cheonma at the same time.

The best in the world.

"You thought it was a golden opportunity to turn the tables."

Taehyun tilted his chin.

Jegeolseon sighed.

"I won't deny that either. But becoming the Justice League Leader was also your intention, wasn't it?"

If the Justice League Leader is captured, it will fall apart even before the war begins.

Jegeolseon emphasized the word war.

"Do you think I'll be captured?"

"You don't know what's going on over there, do you?"

"That's why I have to go and check it out myself."

"..."

Back to square one.

Seeing Jegeolseon shaking his head, Taehyun continued.

"The natural disaster that struck the Blood Sect's base. That is definitely Typhoon's power."

Typhoon clashed with the Blood Sect, and while the Blood Sect was weakened, the Cheonma Divine Cult's attack followed.

As a result, the Demonic Sect was unified.

"Even with humans' rational way of thinking, you can deduce this much."

"..."

"No matter how strong Baek Sehee is, she's still human. She can't do anything about 'Igmun'."

"Does that mean..."

"Not Igmun, but Igmoon. Something strange has happened to him."

Igmoon and Typhoon.

"We need to find their whereabouts. Even the beggars' information network couldn't confirm it, so I have no choice but to move myself. Isn't that right?"

It was a conversation with an already determined answer.

Jegeolseon, who had been silent, opened his mouth.

"I'll give you a few people to accompany you."

"One guide is enough."

"It's not good to leave the League for too long. Can you promise to return as soon as you confirm the situation?"

"I don't know."

"..."

"Don't worry."

Taehyun shrugged and continued.

"I have no intention of dying until I find out what's possessing you."

"That again. That's too much speculation."

"You'll see."

The subtle reaction shown in the previous battle with Namgoongcheon.

'Jegeolseon. This guy is related to the Tower.'

Taehyun made eye contact with the Chief Manager with confident eyes.

For now, he would just watch the situation.

"I'll leave tomorrow morning."

"Okay."

Jegeolseon quietly left the training hall at the signal to leave.

'It's time to tighten the reins.'

Hoo... Hoo...

He repeated inhaling and exhaling, calming his breath.

Left alone, Taehyun focused on regulating his divine demonic power again.

"..."

Taehyun made eye contact with the martial artist in front of him.

The woman's name was Dang Sehwa.

She was the one Jegeolseon had recommended as a guide.

"You don't seem to have good feelings towards me."

Taehyun looked at Jegeolseon with a face asking for an explanation.

It was because killing intent was being emitted beyond just hostility.

"She's the daughter of the head of the Sichuan Tang Clan."

"Sichuan Tang Clan, you say..."

'Those guys who annoyed me with needles and poison. Is she one of those I dealt with along with Namgoongcheon?'

He couldn't remember her face in detail.

From the beginning, there was no one he considered important other than Namgoongcheon.

'If Jegeolseon hadn't shown any special qualities, wouldn't he have been killed too?'

To him, humans in the Middle Realm were just that. What was important was the intention of Jegeolseon, who chose the daughter of someone he had killed as a guide.

"The League is currently suffering from a manpower shortage."

The pillars who were in charge of the League's affairs had died one after another, and in order to fill the vacancies, one person had to do the work of two, he added.

Dang Sehwa was a first-rate master and boasted close connections with the younger generation of the Nine Great Sects and the powerful families.

"Most of all, she volunteered."

"..."

An alien who replaced the League Leader.

A cold-blooded man who showed the seeds of a great demon.

In a situation where no one wanted to leave alone with Taehyun, someone volunteered.

From Jegeolseon's point of view, it was something he didn't need to think about.

'It seems like I'll only look foolish if I talk too long.'

Anyway, he wouldn't be harmed by someone like Dang Sehwa, and there was no reason to receive her martial help.

"Isn't she the perfect condition as a guide?"

He smirked.

Jegeolseon said with his unique smile.

He thought he had landed a blow.

Taehyun didn't care and made eye contact with Dang Sehwa.

"Your eyes are quite fierce. Make sure to finish the inauguration ceremony well while I'm gone."

"Don't worry. By the time you return, everything will be settled."

"You're all talk. Woman, lead the way."

Dang Sehwa, who had been glaring silently, took a fist salute to Jegeolseon and moved her feet.

"Don't do anything foolish and come back as soon as possible."

Taehyun ignored Jegeolseon's words and quietly followed Dang Sehwa.

It was when they had been running for four full days, minimizing meals and rest.

Taehyun stopped in an empty space in a sparsely populated mountain range.

Dang Sehwa, who had been walking ahead, stopped as well.

"We'll rest here."

"..."

Dang Sehwa caught her breath and untied the water bottle from her waist.

Tsk.

Seeing her move to a shady place and sit down, Taehyun clicked his tongue.

It had been four days since he had been with her. He realized once again how big the gap between a first-rate and a supreme master was.

'If it were Jegeolseon, he would have covered the distance in two days... she's too slow.'

Taehyun sat down opposite Dang Sehwa and brought the water bottle to his mouth.

The lukewarm water flowed down his throat.

'But this body is interesting.'

Clearly, the physical structure is no different from martial artists, but the existence it possesses is worlds apart.

That was also the case in the world where Kim Taehyun was born and raised.

The Awakened ones called Players.

They were also insignificant beings with an existence similar to martial artists.

'Does that mean that's the level of the Middle Realm?'

The absolute beings of the Upper Realm.

He knew that there were quite a few Middle Realms that had come into contact with the top-level demonic beings of the Lower Realm.

'If there's a difference between Kim Taehyun... it's that the one he touched was a Youma.'

The beings that the Almighty God had created with great care, 'Baal' and 'Balac.'

Balac's power touched the Youma, a Middle Realm being.

The Youma's power then touched Kim Taehyun, another Middle Realm being.

'Youma' and 'Predator.'

The reason why their growth rate as Constellations was different from those of the Middle Realm was because the owners of the realms they touched were different.

However, that didn't mean that everyone could show such growth.

'In other words, Youma and Kim Taehyun had the potential to digest that power...'

What is that difference?

The more he thought about it, the more tangled the question became rather than being solved.

"..."

Taehyun, feeling the gaze towards him, came out of his reverie.

"Hey. How long are you going to stare?"

"Do I need your permission to even look?"

Dang Sehwa retorted with a twisted face.

"You have no manners for someone addressing the League Leader."

"You're not the League Leader yet."

"You're not the League Leader yet because I haven't held the inauguration ceremony?"

"That's obvious..."

"You're still a brat if you're going to nitpick like that."

"..."

Dang Sehwa's face twitched at the mockery.

Taehyun made eye contact with her, who didn't avoid his gaze.

She knew the difference in power, but she didn't avoid his eyes.

"Your courage is commendable, but."

Shhh.

Dark red demonic power rose like a haze.

"Don't be reckless."

"......!!"

"If you're a first-rate master, you've faced quite a few guys from the Jegeol Clan."

He also confirmed how much power he needed to use so she wouldn't die.

"Kuh..."

Dang Sehwa groaned.

"Woman. What was your father's name?"

"Dang... Gise..."

The name Jegeolseon had told him flashed through his mind.

"Yeah. That was the name."

"You... don't insult my father any further..."

"Shut up."

Koo-oong.

Just by narrowing the distance, Dang Sehwa's two knees touched the ground.

"I have taken the lives of countless people."

Someone's father. Husband. Child. Son.

He was talking too much for someone like him.

"Until recently, I was an alien who had reached the realm of Hwagyeong. Now, I have become the League Leader who must lead the Righteous Faction of the Murim."

He had sufficiently proven his power to the League.

Even if there were complaints, Taehyun's power was essential for the future of the Righteous Faction of the Murim.

"But what about you?"

One step.

He narrowed the distance.

Koo-oooong!

"......!!"

The pressure like Mount Tai increased.

Dang Sehwa let out a scream-like groan.

"Volunteering as a guide for the League Leader who is on a mission, harboring murderous intent."

"Bull...shit..."

One more step.

Koo-oong!

"Cough..."

Dang Sehwa spat out blood from the crushing force.

"I told you to shut up and listen."

Ignoring Dang Sehwa, who was struggling with the pressure, Taehyun continued.

"Showing killing intent to someone is an act that only those with the power to do so can do."

At most, a first-rate master.

For someone who is neither a Supreme Master nor a Transcendental Master to act like that is not arrogance or courage, but.

"Just being stupid."

"Ka...hak..."

Dang Sehwa, who had vomited several times, began to tremble.

Reverse flow symptoms.

If he continued to pressure her any further, she would become a cripple.

"Tsk."

Taehyun withdrew his power.

"First-rate masters are too weak."

"Kaha...ak...cough..."

Dang Sehwa, who had been relieved, rolled on the floor.

In a short time, her body was in shambles, but the venom in her eyes had not disappeared.

"Tsk. Just wasting time..."

Taehyun, who had been clicking his tongue, stopped talking and turned his gaze to the bushes.

Swish.

For a moment, the demonic power that had risen like a haze spread.

"You've saved me the trouble of finding you."

Thwack.

Taehyun kicked Dang Sehwa towards the back.

Dang Sehwa's body, which had been sent flying, rolled on the floor and stopped when it reached a tree.

She trembled and spat out blood once again.

"Come out."

At the cold warning, a masked man appeared from the bushes.

"Is that how you treat a woman?"

A man wearing a red mask.

The crimson eyes that were revealed through the mask were curved like a crescent moon.

"A whip is good for dealing with beasts."

"Heh heh... It's interesting to hear Kim Taehyun's face saying such things."

"It seems like the contents have changed for you too."

The man laughed.

Taehyun also laughed and wrapped his body in demonic power.

"Isn't that right, Igmoon."

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