Geom Muyang entered Cheonma Hall alongside his brother.

Their father stood there with the Chief Military Commander Sama Myung.

Though it was the usual time for rest, his presence there meant he had received word that we had fought and were now approaching Cheonma Hall.

A strange tension filled the air as we walked side by side.

Father silently watched us approach.

“Father.”

My brother, who always called our father “Master,” spoke to ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) him as “Father.” The brother who once struggled to meet his gaze now looked him straight in the eyes.

Then came the hardest words of his life.

“I will withdraw from the succession contest.”

Father rarely showed emotion, but at that moment, a calm intensity mixed with joy and pity appeared.

“Will you have regrets?”

“No, I will not.”

“Once a decision is made, it cannot be undone.”

My brother looked at me and said,

“I want to see Cheonma Sin Gyo led by you, my younger brother.”

Our eyes met in midair. This moment would haunt him for a long time—regret after regret.

Thank you, brother. Though I cannot prevent your regrets, I will make them the most precious feelings of your life.

My brother looked at Father again.

“My earnest request, Father.”

I never expected him to be so resolute. He was not the same man he was before my regression.

He had changed through emotional growth. Now that he could look Father in the eye like that, their relationship would surely change.

I sent a message to Father.

―You brought your brother in such a dignified way, didn’t you?

―He was always a fine child.

―Do you show favoritism because he’s the eldest?

A faint smile tugged at Father’s lips. Father, I will forever strive to see that smile. Please never let it fade!

Father’s gaze returned to my brother.

He must have known how difficult the decision was.

And he accepted my brother’s sincerity—right then and there.

Father gave an order to Sama Myung.

“Immediately activate the Palma Summoning Order.”

Palma Summoning Order.

It was a supreme command to summon the Eight Demon Possessors and all their subordinates.

“I will obey.”

On this late night, an unprecedented order was given.

Hyeol Cheon Doma was teaching Seo Daeryong late into the night.

Satisfied with the moves Seo Daeryong demonstrated, Hyeol Cheon Doma smiled.

“Well done!”

Since his master rarely praised, the compliment moved Seo Daeryong deeply.

“Thank you!”

Though playful around Geom Mugeuk, Seo Daeryong showed full respect to his master, whom he valued above even the Crown Prince.

After training, Seo Daeryong presented a book.

“I had an investigator outside get this for me.”

Hyeol Cheon Doma was surprised. It was a book he had long desired.

“Must have been hard to obtain.”

“Got lucky.”

“Where’d you get the money?”

Being a rare edition, it must have cost a lot.

“I’m still single, so my monthly salary stays intact.”

“More hellish training from tomorrow for your extravagance.”

“Oh! Today was supposed to be the last day of hell training.”

Though teasing, Hyeol Cheon Doma was secretly grateful.

Then—

Ding! Ding!

The bell rang.

“What could that be at this hour?”

It was no ordinary bell. A clear, deep tone unlike any heard before.

To Seo Daeryong’s question, Hyeol Cheon Doma answered,

“It signals the Palma Summoning Order.”

Startled, Seo Daeryong asked,

“What could be happening at this hour?”

Looking toward Cheonma Hall, Hyeol Cheon Doma said softly,

“Either war has broken out...”

Hearing the word war, Seo Daeryong tensed.

“Or the inevitable has come.”

Since war had not broken out, it must be the latter.

“If so, you’ll need to train harder to remain the right hand.”

Hearing “right hand,” he realized it concerned Geom Mugeuk, though Seo Daeryong didn’t know the full story.

“Open the wardrobe at the very end and bring out the Blood Robe!”

Entering his home, Seo Daeryong opened the last wardrobe, revealing a blood-red ceremonial robe hanging inside.

At that time, Chwima was drinking with Ilhwa Geomjon at Chwimongru.

As the third-generation drunkard Yeobin set down some side dishes and turned to leave, Ilhwa Geomjon said,

“Have a drink on me.”

Yeobin politely accepted and drank.

Then she poured a drink for Ilhwa Geomjon and left.

Once she was gone, Ilhwa Geomjon said,

“Accept when they offer good will. Don’t regret later.”

Chwima took a sip.

“If a woman meets a man who loves alcohol, she’ll suffer.”

“Isn’t that girl also a third-generation drunkard?”

“That’s right. If they’re both drunkards, they’ll just spend all their money on drinks.”

Ilhwa Geomjon shook her head at Chwima’s ridiculous excuses.

“You’re a friend, but I just don’t get you...”

Ding! Ding!

The ringing bell made the leaning Chwima straighten up. Ilhwa Geomjon flew across the lake, her white robe fluttering.

Watching her, Chwima shook his head.

“If it’s the Master’s order, hell would run just as fast.”

Yeobin rushed into Chwimongru.

Chwima set down his cup.

“Sober up, everyone!”

Duke Dok was preparing poison.

The Chilsaengcho plant found by Mabul in Cheondok Forest was the main ingredient in Chilsaeng Geukrak, a poison that brings pleasure for seven days, then unbearable pain on the seventh day, causing death.

He worked wearing the Blood-Poison Heavenly Snake gloves gifted by Geom Mugeuk.

Ding!

Ignoring the bell, Duke Dok focused on his work.

At that moment, a merchant entered with clothes. Without looking up, Duke Dok said,

“Tell them I won’t go.”

“Can you refuse the Palma Summoning Order and handle it with that poison?”

The merchant showed him the clothes.

Reluctantly accepting, Duke Dok grumbled,

“It probably isn’t that important once I get there.”

“Change first. The Poison Sons are ready.”

As the merchant brought a poison pouch from the wall, Duke Dok mixed poison again. The merchant forced him to change.

Duke Dok dressed properly, wearing twelve poison pouches at his waist, looking every bit a refined martial gentleman.

Leaving his place, he said,

“Now I’ve made the Crown Prince do all the cleaning.”

He guessed exactly why the summons was issued. The effort to play with them was worthwhile.

At the bell’s toll, Mabul’s prayer beads stopped moving.

He knew the Crown Prince had finally made his decision.

Though he had waited, part of him hoped it wouldn’t come.

‘…Crown Prince.’

Golden light burst forth from his body, stronger than ever, reflecting his intense emotions.

After praying for the Crown Prince, Mabul rose.

‘Crown Prince, let’s see where fate leads us.’

Geugak Soma was practicing the Unconscious Breathing Technique.

Now fully recovered from injuries and strengthened by Man-nyeon Seolsam, his inner energy was even deeper and grander. Feeling restless, he wanted to rush out and fight alongside Geom Mugeuk.

At that moment, Cheonhwa Rujoo whispered softly,

“I dreamed of my brother going out at night.”

She was sensing the winds of destiny blowing through the sect.

Geugak Soma opened his eyes and stood.

“If that’s your dream, we must prepare.”

Geugak Soma opened a hidden wardrobe within the white wall.

Sliding open the door,

Inside hung over ten masks, each with a different meaning.

“Choose one.”

“How about this one for the celebration?”

She pointed to a colorful, dazzling mask called Hwanrak Gwimyeon, used at major school events or banquets.

Geugak Soma took out the mask as she instructed.

Cheonhwa Rujoo turned away, not seeing him change masks. She was on a destined path to love someone whose face she had never seen.

As Geugak Soma changed masks, the bell began tolling.

During the midnight training session, the bell rang again.

The Possessor stopped training and said to Ian,

“We’ll need to prepare a congratulatory gift.”

Since the Crown Prince had passed by, the Possessor already guessed what the late-night summons meant.

Quick-witted Ian immediately understood.

“Finally!”

Tears welled up in her eyes. Perhaps she had waited for this moment even more than the one involved.

“That’s all for training today.”

Then the order came to Cheon Sohee.

“You go first and prepare the Iron Fists!”

Given such an important task, Cheon Sohee accepted the order with a grateful expression.

“I will obey.”

She left at once.

Before leaving, the Possessor said to Ian,

“The Crown Prince will want to see you. Hurry and prepare.”

“Yes! Thank you.”

Ian hurried toward her quarters. She couldn’t afford to be late after waiting so long.

She would wear her saved clothes, put on makeup, and celebrate Geom Mugeuk at her very best on this crucial occasion.

At the Grand Martial Arena, torches flared in every direction.

Geom Woojin sat atop the central platform, with Geom Mugeuk standing before him.

Geom Muyang stepped back and stood beside Sama Myung.

Elite martial disciples of Cheonma Sin Gyo surrounded the arena like an iron wall.

Now the Eight Demon Possessors and their minions began entering.

First to arrive was Hyeol Cheon Doma, wearing red.

He carried the massive Myeolcheon Great Sword slantwise on his back, followed by the sword ghosts of Namdojong.

Though known for fierceness and brutality, they entered in perfect formation without a single flaw.

Next was Ilhwa Geomjon, dressed in pure white martial robes.

Behind her followed the martial ghosts of Bukcheon Sword Clan. Normally, they exchanged hostile glares and insults with the sword ghosts, but today none looked at the others. Like rivals, they all lined up flawlessly behind Ilhwa Geomjon.

Then came the Possessor.

Following him were the Iron Fists of the East Fist Gate—bare-fisted fighters who entered the martial world. They wore wrist guards bearing the image of Cheonma Sin Gyo’s demon symbol. Though bare-fisted, their spirit battles rivaled or surpassed those of the Majons. Whenever gathered, their spiritual clashes were fiercer than even the Majons’.

Next entered Seophon Majon.

Though young and relatively weak in martial skill, the ear sorcerers following her led by Seo Hwanjin were as spirited as any other minions. Their spiritual energy filling the arena declared who they were.

The procession continued.

Next was Chwima.

With a drunken yet steady step, Chwima walked in, followed by his retinue. Though intoxicated, they showed no disorder. Their intoxicating aura even affected the spiritual and demonic energies controlling the arena.

Then Mabul entered.

Mabul wore a calmer expression than ever before.

But those following him were different. Wearing golden robes, the monks chanted mantras with mad eyes, stirring a new force within the arena.

This time Duke Dok appeared.

The Poison Sons following him wore confident, even arrogant, expressions—full of pride. Their faces shouted, “If we decide, you all die.”

Last to arrive was Geugak Soma.

Wearing the Hwanrak Gwimyeon, a dazzling multicolored mask, fire burned in his eyes.

Behind him came the silent mask-wearing warriors. Their white masks were stained with red streaks like blood. Their chilling gaze announced who they were.

As the elite disciples of Cheonma Sin Gyo gathered, the arena filled with an explosive heat.

One person alone could quell this heat instantly.

Geom Woojin slowly rose and stepped forward, still the sole commanding presence among the masses.

The disciples bowed in unison, shouting,

“The Supreme Cheonma, Unbeatable Sin Gyo!”

A thunderous cry shaking heaven and earth.

After the cheers quieted, Geom Woojin spoke.

“I have summoned you to make one grave announcement.”

His deep, calm voice struck everyone’s ears.

The tension was so thick that not a single breath could be heard.

“Mugeuk, listen.”

Geom Mugeuk respectfully stepped forward.

“I receive the solemn order.”

Geom Woojin’s voice rang louder and stronger than ever,

“From this moment, Mugeuk is named the next leader of Cheonma Sin Gyo.”

This was the official moment Geom Mugeuk became successor.

He raised his head to look at Father. Though he wished to say so much, he bowed and followed the decree.

“For the future of the sect, I will devote my body and soul and bring honor to its name.”

Geom Woojin patted Geom Mugeuk’s shoulder, encouragement clear in his eyes and touch.

―Well done, my son.

Upon hearing that message, Geom Mugeuk felt all his past hardships rewarded.

―Thank you, Father.

He slowly turned to face the gathered disciples.

Their gazes flew to him.

Geom Mugeuk unleashed his prayers fully, openly.

All who knew him and those who did not were overwhelmed by his presence and powerful prayers. If Father was a crimson dot of blood in a black-and-white picture, Geom Mugeuk was a blue dot of sky. If Father was a large dot, Geom Mugeuk was a small one.

The Eight Majons bowed deeply in unison.

“We greet the Young Sect Leader.”

The Palma disciples standing behind and the surrounding disciples all bowed.

“We greet the Young Sect Leader!”

The echoing shout filled the arena.

The Crown Prince and Young Sect Leader were worlds apart in status. No one in the sect or martial world could treat Geom Mugeuk lightly.

Waaaaaah!

The earth-shaking roar continued.

Geom Mugeuk’s chest swelled.

He had run for this moment. A new history for both himself and Cheonma Sin Gyo was unfolding.

As the endless cheers faded and silence returned, Geom Mugeuk slowly stepped forward.

Toward his Majons.

It was his first step as the Young Sect Leader.