With a thundering roar, a massive figure was hurled through the air.

“Kugh!”

Tang Deok grunted in pain as he barely managed to steady himself before landing on the ground. His eyes quickly scanned the area ahead, but what he saw made his eyes widen in shock.

He glanced around, realizing something was terribly wrong.

The stars, both big and small, that once illuminated the sky had vanished. The forest was now enveloped in a silent darkness as the bright stars disappeared.

It was eerily quiet.

Even the once-noisy insects had fallen silent.

Tang Deok sharpened his senses, fully aware of the danger that such silence could bring.

‘What’s going on?’

He quickly grasped that the situation was artificially created, but he needed to understand how and why.

For now—

‘I’ll tear it apart with force.’

As Tang Deok gathered his strength to swing his spear—

“…!”

—he immediately noticed something strange.

‘It’s heavy.’

His body felt sluggish, and exerting his strength became increasingly difficult. It had to be due to the strange energy surrounding him.

Gritting his teeth, Tang Deok swung his spear with all his might. Despite the restrictions on his body, his strength was far from weak.

Whoosh!

The spear, imbued with his inner force, slashed through the air. The sharp energy it released tore through everything in its path, cutting large trees clean in half.

Even as this happened, Tang Deok’s eyes darted around rapidly. He needed to find the person responsible for this situation.

‘Where are they? Where could they be?’

Though he intended to search, it turned out there was no need. His opponent had never attempted to hide.

There it was.

Fwoosh…

In the pitch-black darkness, a lone black flame flickered, ominous and commanding. It signaled the presence of something large and foreboding.

‘Ha.’

Tang Deok let out a hollow laugh as he spotted the flame. How absurd.

‘They said he was a prodigy, and it seems they were right.’

How could such a monstrous presence belong to someone so young?

Standing with his hands clasped behind his back, draped in black flames, Gu Yangcheon watched Tang Deok with an overwhelming presence that was anything but small.

The black flames, despite their dark hue, glowed brightly, like other flames. But unlike ordinary fire, there was nothing sacred about them.

Why did he emit such flames? How could mere fire stir such instinctive fear in Tang Deok?

Moreover, his previously white sclerae were now black, with his pupils glowing a deep purple.

‘…What is he?’

This otherworldly appearance, combined with his overpowering presence, made Tang Deok question what kind of being he was facing.

‘Cheonma.’

So-yeomra had casually referred to himself by that name.

Cheonma (Heavenly Demon). Was it meant to signify a demon sent by the heavens?

Though it didn’t seem like a mere nickname, Tang Deok found the title strangely fitting.

Just looking at him, he was no different from a demon.

Tang Deok couldn’t help but recall something.

A thought that had been creeping into his mind.

The existence that Dang Bisung had longed for so desperately.

Cheonmu Jiche – the body of a martial genius.

The youngest person to achieve the Hwagyeong stage, possessing overwhelming talent, an unshakable spirit, and a presence that crushed his enemies.

If this wasn’t the strange talent Dang Bisung had wished for, then what was?

Grit.

Tang Deok clenched his teeth as these thoughts gnawed at him.

Unconsciously, he had begun to think, ‘If I had been like him, would I have been abandoned?’

No. That’s ridiculous. His goal was to wipe out the entire Tang clan, to ensure the Tang name would never exist in this world again. Yet, why was there still a lingering sense of regret?

‘Snap out of it.’

Steeling his resolve, Tang Deok aimed the tip of his spear at the black flames.

‘I’ll kill them all.’

It didn’t matter if the boy was a demon or possessed the Cheonmu Jiche. None of that mattered. The only thing that was important was that this boy was an obstacle in his path of revenge.

If anything stood in his way, he would break through it.

That was the reason he had built his strength.

Boom!

The spear slashed through the air again. This time, it glowed with a green hue as it was enveloped in powerful qi.

The green light had nothing to do with poison techniques. It was simply the remnants of the Tang clan's qi that had been instilled into Tang Deok’s body.

The spear, infused with this energy, drew an elegant arc as it shot forward.

Giryong Mujeong Spear.

This was the most basic spear technique taught by the Martial Alliance. It was one of the simplest and easiest martial arts to learn.

It was also the only martial art Tang Deok had learned. He had to master it in order to survive, and it had become the weapon he refined relentlessly.

With this simple spear technique, he had even reached the Hwagyeong stage.

Achieving that level of mastery with such a rudimentary martial art was a testament to the excellence of Tang Deok’s physical prowess.

As Gu Yangcheon watched, he finally moved.

Bang!

“…!”

Gu Yangcheon deflected the incoming spear with a single punch, altering its trajectory. He wasn’t hesitant to break through the wild movements.

Tang Deok, momentarily caught off guard, quickly spun to correct his spear’s path.

In that brief moment, Gu Yangcheon seized the opportunity and closed in, thrusting his fist toward Tang Deok’s chest.

Heukyeom Taearang.

A black flame in the shape of a wolf erupted from Gu Yangcheon’s fist, rushing toward Tang Deok.

Boom!

The flames shot forward, engulfing everything in their path.

The searing heat quickly turned the surroundings into chaos, but Gu Yangcheon’s gaze wasn’t focused on the front; he was watching the side.

He opened his palm.

Instantly, the surrounding heat began to condense in his hand.

As the heat compressed, it formed a small sphere, resembling the flame he had used in the past—except this one was black and much more defined, vibrating with a subtle intensity.

Rotation.

Gu Yangcheon remembered the teachings his father had imparted to him. By focusing on the concept of rotation, the power of his martial arts grew even stronger.

As Gu Yangcheon turned to face forward, Tang Deok was nowhere to be seen within the still-burning flames. Despite his massive frame, he had managed to evade the attack with remarkable speed.

Where could he have gone? Gu Yangcheon didn’t waste time thinking about it.

If he couldn’t find him, he’d just destroy everything in the vicinity.

Gu Yangcheon clenched the black flame orb in his hand and, without hesitation, hurled it toward the ground.

Boom!

The moment the black flame orb touched the ground, it emitted a brief vibration.

BOOM!

A tremendous wave of heat exploded outwards, sweeping through the surroundings.

The blast wasn’t just accompanied by the black flames; it also generated a spiraling shockwave that tore through everything. Trees were uprooted and hurled by the wind, only to be engulfed in the flames and burned to ashes shortly after.

After a brief, intense explosion, when the whirlwind of destruction finally came to a halt, Gu Yangcheon stood in the same spot, surveying the aftermath.

Everything around him, except for the ground he was standing on, had been reduced to scorched earth. And in the distance, he spotted Tang Deok, kneeling on one knee, gripping his spear and staring back at him.

“Huff… huff…”

Tang Deok appeared relatively unharmed, likely thanks to the protective energy shield he had managed to form in time. However, judging by his labored breathing, he hadn’t emerged unscathed.

Gu Yangcheon observed this and inwardly marveled.

‘Just as I thought.’

While Tang Deok’s level was indeed lower than the Black Dragon Sword, his resistance to demonic energy was superior.

Gu Yangcheon attributed this resistance to the blood of the demonic beast within Tang Deok, and it seemed his hypothesis was correct.

‘Hmph.’

This was problematic.

If Tang Deok had such resistance to demonic energy, it could present challenges later on if Gu Yangcheon tried to corrupt him into a demon.

And that would be very inconvenient. Worse still, Tang Deok’s movements were becoming faster, as if he was growing accustomed to the demonic energy.

‘To my demonic energy?’

As Gu Yangcheon considered this, he triggered the demonic energy within Tang Deok’s core.

At once, the demonic energy within Tang Deok’s dantian stirred violently, causing a disturbance inside him. Tang Deok seemed to sense it and used his own energy to suppress the chaotic force.

Seeing this, Gu Yangcheon realized his assumption was correct.

It wasn’t just Gu Yangcheon who had sensed the change. Tang Deok, who had been kneeling, rose to his feet and rubbed his abdomen.

With a faint smirk, he spoke.

“It’s not poison, it seems.”

“What makes you say that?”

“If it were poison, I wouldn’t be recovering so easily.”

Given that Tang Deok had little resistance to poison, if the energy had been toxic, it would have dealt a fatal blow. However, the demonic beast’s blood seemed to be playing a different role in this case.

“I’ll admit it, So-yeomra.”

“…Admit what?”

“You’re strong. It’s astonishing that you can wield such power at your age…”

“What’s your point?”

Tang Deok responded with a savage grin.

“I know enough now. But you’re still weak. At least, weaker than me.”

 

Whoosh! As Tang Deok gave a short swing of his spear, a gust of wind spread out, carrying with it the remaining black flames around them.

It was clear.

From the beginning, Gu Yangcheon had known that Tang Deok was stronger than him.

But now, things were becoming even more dangerous. If the demonic energy no longer affected Tang Deok, then Gu Yangcheon was at a significant disadvantage.

Sure, he could release even more demonic energy, but doing so came with a cost. To subdue a warrior as powerful as Tang Deok, Gu Yangcheon would have to expend more energy than he could afford. And as the fight dragged on, it would only become harder.

Gu Yangcheon understood this too well.

“I told you not to get ahead of yourself, didn’t I?” Tang Deok sneered, the confidence now oozing from him. “Are you going to beg for mercy now, little brat?”

He had been furious at first, but as the situation became clear, Tang Deok had quickly regained his composure, radiating a strong sense of dominance.

The balance of power had shifted in his favor.

Seeing this, Gu Yangcheon let out a quiet sigh through his nose. The situation was, indeed, dire, but for some reason, his emotions remained calm. He wasn't overwhelmed with worry or fear.

Instead, he felt… mildly disappointed.

‘My usual methods aren’t working.’

Realizing that his typical approach wouldn’t be enough here, he wondered if it was time to try something else.

As that thought crossed his mind, Gu Yangcheon began to shrink the size of his black flame aura.

“Hm?” Tang Deok noticed the change and let out a mocking laugh. “What’s this? Giving up already—”

He didn’t finish his sentence. Instead, Tang Deok’s instincts flared up, and he quickly raised his spear, gathering his energy once again.

Something had changed about Gu Yangcheon.

‘What’s happening?’

The oppressive presence from earlier was still there—ominous and overwhelming—but now, there was something new underneath it. Something he couldn’t quite grasp.

Tang Deok’s eyes narrowed in confusion.

Crack.

As he struggled to make sense of the shift, Gu Yangcheon loosened his body with a slight motion, testing his limbs as if preparing for something.

‘It hurts.’

He had thought it might be better, but no. It still hurt like hell.

Gu Yangcheon had just activated a new power—one he had kept in reserve.

He had filled his heart with demonic energy.

Surrounding his body was the Guyeomhwarungeong technique.

And now, he was layering it with the inner force of the Tua Pacheonmu technique.

Paejon’s face flashed in his mind, telling him never to use this combination in real combat. But for now, Gu Yangcheon decided to forget that advice.

The pain was intense. That was the first thing that registered.

Yet, strangely enough, he also felt a sense of comfort.

Was he getting used to the pain? Or perhaps he had grown accustomed to wielding such immense power.

Whatever the case, he felt more at ease than he had anticipated.

‘So, I can handle using all three at once.’

The reason for his slight movements was to test this theory. He had never used all three techniques simultaneously before, so he had worried about the strain it might cause.

But so far, there was no issue. The only notable change was the strange, boiling energy stirring inside him.

Gu Yangcheon’s eyes locked onto Tang Deok.

The man had sensed the change in energy as well. Though he couldn’t quite grasp it, Tang Deok was clearly on guard.

‘His instincts are sharp.’

It was an invisible change, but Tang Deok had noticed it and was now growing tense. Gu Yangcheon took a step forward.

His body felt hot, but his mind was cold and clear.

Despite the surge of energy rising within him, his vision remained calm and steady.

Why was he experiencing this shift?

Could it be one of the benefits of the Tua Pacheonmu technique?

Perhaps. But Gu Yangcheon wasn’t sure, nor did it matter.

‘Whatever the reason, it’s fine.’

For now, all that mattered was focusing on the opponent in front of him.

Tang Deok watched Gu Yangcheon approach cautiously. His movements seemed filled with openings, but Tang Deok couldn’t predict what he was about to do.

There was also an indescribable sense of wrongness that kept triggering his instincts.

‘What is this?’

How many more surprises would this boy show him? Just the sight of that monstrous aura was disturbing, and now, there was something else mixed in with it.

The moment Tang Deok gulped nervously, Gu Yangcheon disappeared from his sight.

“…!”

Tang Deok reacted instantly, moving his body. The spear swung through the air.

Although he couldn’t see Gu Yangcheon, he hadn’t lost track of his presence. He was definitely to the side—

Thud!

“Kugh!?”

Before he could finish his thought, a fist buried itself into Tang Deok’s abdomen, causing him to groan in pain.

What the—? His body trembled with the impact. Fortunately, it wasn’t enough to completely incapacitate him.

Tang Deok managed to hold his ground and, without losing his stance, immediately retaliated with his spear technique.

Tap!

But just before Tang Deok could unleash his move, Gu Yangcheon reached out and diverted the path of the spear.

The difference was subtle, but the results were drastic.

Hwaah!

The small deviation caused Tang Deok’s inner energy to disperse, and his technique failed to complete, leaving him open.

“No!”

This can’t be happening!

Tang Deok panicked and tried to put distance between them, but—

Thump.

Gu Yangcheon was faster.

Despite the massive difference in size, Gu Yangcheon’s small fist landed squarely against Tang Deok’s chest.

It seemed light.

He had merely placed his fist there, but Tang Deok knew immediately that something was about to happen.

Rumble…

At first, it was a faint vibration.

A small, almost gentle wave of energy rippled from Gu Yangcheon’s fist into Tang Deok’s body, as if it wouldn’t cause any harm.

But that peaceful moment was short-lived.

As soon as Tang Deok took a step back, the true force of the vibration revealed itself.

Crack! Crackle! CRACK!

“Aaaaaargh!”

The vibrations swelled within Tang Deok’s body, violently overturning everything inside him. Heat and pain intertwined as the shockwaves wreaked havoc on his insides.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

In the span of a second, dozens of intense waves erupted, and Tang Deok’s body could no longer contain the overwhelming energy. The vibrations tore their way out, escaping in all directions.

Boom!

The force that burst from Tang Deok’s body swept across the landscape behind him, leaving a wide, scorched trail in its wake.

The shockwaves finally subsided, and as the rumbling faded into silence—

Thud…

Tang Deok fell to his knees, his eyes rolled back in his head. He had clearly lost consciousness.

And then—

The massive body slowly collapsed to the ground.

Boom!

Tang Deok’s fall marked the end of the battle.

“…Ugh.”

Gu Yangcheon, as if he had been waiting for this moment, coughed up blood.

Tap, tap! Blood dripped onto the scorched ground.

The aftermath of using the first stance of Tua Pacheonmu, the Tua Mugwon, was beginning to hit him.

His mind swirled. His energy channels were in disarray, and his internal energy was rampaging uncontrollably.

‘Damn.’

He was about to collapse.

Though the Tua Pacheonmu technique would help him recover, losing consciousness now would be dangerous.

Tang Deok was still alive.

His insides were a mess, but he wasn’t dead. If Tang Deok regained consciousness before Gu Yangcheon did, it would put him in a very dangerous situation.

Gu Yangcheon fought to stay awake, but as the pain surged through him, he reached his limit.

Just as his vision blurred and he was about to fall—

Thud.

Someone appeared beside him, catching him before he could hit the ground.

“Haaa…”

The figure let out an exasperated sigh, clearly unimpressed as they muttered under their breath.

“I take on one disciple in my old age, and he turns out to be a crazy bastard… Tsk tsk.”

It was Paejon.