Evil Song Sect Leader Kibangin’s fury was unbearable.

“Do you expect me to believe that now?”

“Belief or not doesn’t matter. It’s simply what happened.”

“It’s not something that just happens—the two top masters of Evil Song Sect dying at once.”

Kibangin, small in stature with gloomy eyes, naturally exuded an aura that dampened the mood. When his temper flared, the air grew stifling, as if it was hard to breathe.

“Can you defeat the Fiend? Are you confident you can beat the Iron Chain Master? I’m not. You’re the same, aren’t you? Then how do you expect me to believe those two were killed by Geukak Soma? Both at the same place! Together!”

“It wasn’t because of Geukak Soma. It was because of Lord Yi of the Demon Sect.”

“That’s nonsense!”

The voice rose naturally. Evil Song Sect Leader knew nothing of Geom Mugeuk’s skill. Only those handling the most secretive information within the martial world knew Geom Mugeuk’s prowess was greater than expected; the world had yet to learn of his true power.

“Not only them—didn’t they send Nirvana Demoness, Blood Road Three Armies, Blood Wolf Path, and Lord Yama as well? Yet they were all wiped out and he returned alone!”

“I barely survived! I almost died!”

“You know? Your words are so ridiculous they almost sound true. You’re not dumb enough to offer such an absurd excuse.”

Evil Song Sect Leader could not accept this. He lost his two strongest subordinates in this incident—sent out to protect no one’s death.

“What were the two Great Heroes doing when they died?”

“When I tried to intervene, Blood Heaven Butcher appeared. That old man’s internal energy was so deep, I couldn’t do anything.”

Yang Cheogi kept secret the fact that he stepped in only after the Fiend and Iron Chain Master died. The Sect Leader would doubt and investigate, but could not help but believe Yang Cheogi. The undeniable fact was that only Geom Mugeuk, Geukak Soma, and Blood Heaven Butcher were there that day.

“I have a relationship with the Heavenly Demon Sect leader. Why would I ruin things? Trust me.”

Evil Song Sect Leader regretted it. Had he known how things would turn, he would never have allied with the Heavenly Demon Sect leader. The sweet offer was likely poison in disguise—greed was always the root of trouble.

The past was past. The current problem was this: with their deaths, his position as Sect Leader became precarious.

Among martial organizations, Evil Song Sect’s leader changes the fastest. If a leader shows weakness, others immediately move to expose it.

‘If you’re plotting against my position, you won’t die peacefully.’

Though he felt this, Kibangin never showed it. He always smiled at enemies he must kill.

But today, his anger was uncontrollable.

“I don’t want to see your face any longer. Leave now. We’ll talk again later.”

“Agreed.”

As Yang Cheogi turned to leave, Kibangin said,

“Do you know what my nickname was before entering here?”

“What was it?”

“Baekak (Hundred Evils). Named so because I held all the evils of the world.”

“Is that so?”

Yang Cheogi’s indifferent response enraged Kibangin more. As if unaware, Yang Cheogi tossed another concern.

“They’ll suspect I’m here.”

“What do you mean? Are you saying they might invade the main sect?”

“That’s possible.”

Yang Cheogi blocked any chance that Kibangin might try to kill him.

“You cut off our two arms, so we’ll have to fight only with our feet. If your story is true, we’re all dead now.”

Of course, he didn’t truly mean that. If Evil Song Sect collapsed without those two, it would have disappeared long ago. It was a den full of scoundrels cornered at the edge of ruin.

No one in the martial world would immerse themselves in that filth. As it always had been.

After Yang Cheogi left, Kibangin called his subordinates.

“Investigate this thoroughly. Anyone entering the {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} sect from now on is to be killed immediately. Announce to all—five hundred nyang for each intruder’s head.”

We sent a dispatch to the main sect requesting Great Drunken Demon and Ilhwa Sword Immortal, then headed straight to Evil Song Sect.

Since our lightness skill was faster than horses, we sprinted using it.

Riding with Blood Heaven Butcher and Geukak Soma? Impossible to imagine before or after reincarnation.

Though I had traveled with Geukak Soma before, this was my first time with Blood Heaven Butcher. I learned new things about him during the journey.

Though I expected him to be a bookworm hiding in his room, Blood Heaven Butcher had actually traveled extensively across Central Plains. When passing familiar regions, he would stop and tell stories.

“Beyond that mountain lies a place called Great Jo-yapyeong. I fought a duel of five hundred moves with a challenger named Biryugaek there when I was young.”

He told tales of battles and—

“In that village, there’s a sect led only by women. The leader and her top disciple both liked me.”

He casually told such absurd-sounding lies. Geukak Soma and I sent each other silent messages: That’s a lie.

“He said beyond here is the territory of the Heretical Alliance. If you go 800 li that way, it’s the Martial Alliance’s domain.”

He was well-informed on terrain and martial politics.

Though I often wanted to chime in when his info overlapped mine, I held back.

“But was your internal energy always that deep?”

Seeing me keep pace easily, Blood Heaven Butcher was puzzled.

“I took a sacred elixir gifted by a very noble person.”

He meant the Celestial Divine Elixir Blood Heaven Butcher had given me.

“That alone couldn’t produce such deep internal energy.”

“I absorbed Nirvana Demoness’s internal energy during the fight.”

There were other mysterious incidents, but I didn’t mention them all.

“Ah, truly the heavens help you.”

“Then please help me too.”

Blood Heaven Butcher and Geukak Soma suddenly charged forward again.

They hated each other, only aiming to tease me, yet coordinated seamlessly. Maybe they didn’t dislike each other so much after all.

Chasing them, I shouted,

“Those slower than me, where do you think you’re running off to!”

We ran and ran until reaching Evil Song Sect’s entrance.

In the distance, Ilhwa Sword Immortal and Great Drunken Demon were waiting. Having only seen them drinking and gardening, seeing them outside was different.

Drunken Demon, arms crossed, looking at the sky, seemed lonely yet impressive. Sword Immortal, standing in pure white with sword at side, looked proud and elegant. Both felt extraordinary.

“Brother!”
Calling him brother even among Ma Jons made Drunken Demon’s face brighten.

“My younger brother!”

Ignoring other relations, I focused on the bond with Drunken Demon.

“Brother, thanks for coming.”

Due to other Ma Jons, it would be rude for Drunken Demon to be nervous or wary. Likewise for others.

I’m the one sworn brother with Drunken Demon. When I clearly state who I am, other relationships form properly.

“I don’t usually let anyone disturb my retreat, but Yeobin sent word that my younger brother seeks my help. How did you get Yeobin on your side?”

I could only say I looked after his health. So Yeobin was truly on my side.

I smiled and replied,
“I’ll buy you a drink after this.”

Then I respectfully greeted Ilhwa Sword Immortal.

“You look even more radiant outside.”
“I always feel your praise is the best gilding. I heard you fought Evil Song Sect scum. Any injuries?”
“No. Blood Heaven Butcher appeared at the crucial moment.”

Sword Immortal looked at Blood Heaven Butcher and said,

“Maybe he was waiting. For the decisive moment.”

Blood Heaven Butcher gave a sarcastic expression.

“Right. Hiding and waiting. When will that decisive moment be? Should show up when it’s more dangerous.”

“Still, lucky he arrived just in time. Well done.”

Sword Immortal surprisingly praised him. Blood Heaven Butcher gave me a look as if to ask why she suddenly acted like that. How could I know her heart?

Maybe during the journey, Drunken Demon said good things about Blood Heaven Butcher. If so, today might be the start of their reconciliation.

Sword Immortal asked me again.

“So? The mastermind slipped in here?”

“Yes. We confirmed again via Tongcheongak—they entered Evil Song Sect.”

“Quite a troublesome place.”
“Fortunately, Lord Soma knows Evil Song Sect well.”
“Is that so?”

Sword Immortal’s gaze shifted to Geukak Soma. His bloodied mask told the urgency of the prior situation.

Geukak Soma lightly bowed, and Sword Immortal greeted him. She and Drunken Demon were like friends, but she and Geukak Soma showed formal respect.

Though they seemed like feuding chickens, Geukak Soma’s connection to Sword Immortal was because of her. She said Geukak Soma voted for her when she was named Supreme Ma Jon of Cheongseon Sect. That was why I sought Geukak Soma.

“Our target is Yang Cheogi. The evils here deserve death, but there’s no need for unnecessary slaughter. Just remove those who resist.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Another note about Yang Cheogi: although we aim to capture him alive, his martial skill is so great that if capture fails, killing him is acceptable. Preferably capture, but safety of those here is absolute priority.”

Then Drunken Demon asked Sword Immortal,

“Who among us do you think our younger brother worries about so much?”

“The drunken brother, probably.”
“Ah, me?”

Though Ma Jons, attacking Evil Song Sect was a heavy burden and not something to want. Still, none showed hesitation or boasted about it. I believe that is out of care for me—a gratitude I must never forget.

“Thank you all for coming for me. It’s a great honor to fight alongside you four Ma Jons. I won’t forget today. If there’s a painter, please capture us today… Hey, where are you going? Stay! I’ll come with you!”

Following the departing Ma Jons, we entered Evil Song Sect.

A little way in, red letters warned,

—The righteous shall surely die.

Drunken Demon looked around and said,

“Luckily, none of us will die here.”

Everyone laughed.

“I’m in danger.”
I expressed mock indignation.

Geukak Soma said,
“By that sign, Lord Yi is the safest person here.”

Everyone’s eyes seemed to agree except Drunken Demon, who sided with me.

“I believe in our younger brother’s innocence. Our kind-hearted younger brother.”

“So he seems even more evil, doesn’t he?”

Blood Heaven Butcher couldn’t hold back and said,

“That ‘younger brother’ of yours, I’m sick of hearing it.”

Fearing a quarrel with Drunken Demon, I quickly replied,

“Exactly. Who wouldn’t be sad without siblings?”

Drunken Demon smiled, took a sip of wine. Since we first met, I noticed he’s been drinking less.

I sent him a silent message.

—You’ve cut back on drinking. Good, brother.

—Thanks for noticing.

Such talk couldn’t be done openly before the others.

How long had we walked?

We met a man carrying a basket of herbs. He bowed and tried to pass, when—

Shiiing! Puk!

Blood Arrow pierced his forehead—he collapsed.

“He was a scout guarding the entrance. If anyone enters, he takes the shortcut to alert the others. There are more like him…”

Shik! Swae-aek!

Before he could finish, Sword Immortal’s sword energy and Blood Heaven Butcher’s energy flew out.

The man hidden in the tree fell dead; a rock was cut in half and another man behind it met the same fate. Moving with Ma Jons meant no words were needed—one signal, and they reacted perfectly.

“It’s been a long time since we returned, but nothing’s changed here. Back then, the three of us guarded this place.”
Geukak Soma said. I smiled and replied,
“The main sect is the same. Not much changed in decades.”

Drunken Demon sipped wine and said,

“That’s why our younger brother wants to establish a new Ma Way, right?”

I smiled, looking at the Ma Jons. Growing closer to them, but still unsure how well they understand the way I seek.

Further inside, several huts appeared, with fields and orchards growing fruits, and cattle and pigs raised. The village looked like any other.

But near the fields lay terrifying traps, and the flower garden was full of poisonous insects.

Poisonous wasps attacked us, but Ma Jons couldn’t be stung. A wave of their hands swept the wasps away.

Had no one like Geukak Soma guided us, this path would have been far more dangerous. Paths existed where there seemed to be none, and traps lay where the road looked safe.

Geukak Soma led us safely via shortcuts avoiding traps.

Finally, a village appeared—the first within Evil Song Sect.

“There are many dangerous traps between here and the tree at the village entrance. Let’s just fly over them.”

All five of us launched ourselves simultaneously.

What ordinary masters couldn’t cross in a single leap, we passed gracefully and brilliantly with supreme lightness skill no one could imitate.

Thak! Thak! Thak! Thak! Thak!

We landed in a line.

The moment we touched down, sword energy, spiritual energy, wind aura, and tension shot out in all directions. Hidden enemies couldn’t attack once before dropping dead. Though no one preselected targets, there were no overlapping attacks. These were the main sect’s Ma Jons.

“Let’s go in.”

Blood Heaven Butcher stood to my left, Ilhwa Sword Immortal to my right. Geukak Soma and Drunken Demon stood on either end.

With the strongest wings in the world, I stepped into the villains’ village.