Spoiler Return of the Mount Hua Sect (화산귀환)

I put the rabies in my spoilers to whoever opens it

 

You got it from stefesa!

Well maybe that's I've been wanting to kill my brother lately

 

Me to...
Mwahahhahahahahahahahahahah for some reason I have the sudden urge to......

 

any updates from the novel lately? what is going on with the gang and their mad ancestor

 

Idk for some reason I can't go to voldemort anymore so now I'm with another site and right now the latest chapter is 1566..... But if you have any questions for that then ask away!

 

"As Bupjeong stomped his foot, the ground trembled.

With a stern expression not unlike that of a True Buddhist, Bupjeong glared at Cheonwoomang.

"If even we are crushed here, then surely the entire world will fall into chaos! Isn't it clear that as soon as Jang Ilsu seizes control of the world, things will never be the same again?"

Everyone's faces grew grim.

"Whether it's righteous or an agreement, it doesn't matter if you talk or negotiate. It's not about running to where an incident has occurred and getting into a sword fight! Do you truly not know that Jang Ilsu won't just let you move like that?"

"..."

"In this situation, any words might seem meaningless, but still, listen carefully. It's my last piece of advice. Don't go to Sacheon. Unless you want to die there along with everyone else!"

Bupjeong turned away abruptly."


Why am I seeing baldy as a child throwing a tantrum when he stomped on the floor and then turned around?
( UGH THINGS AREN'T GOING THE WAY I WANT THEM TO *ABRUPTLY TURNS AROUND AND LEAVES*)

I shouldn't be thinking like this when things are serious lol


"Cheongmyeong was still unconscious and resting in Danggunak's arms. Hoga Myeong's gaze showed complex emotions as he watched this."

 

anyone using chat gpt 4 for translating the novel>? currently using the free version and have to copy paste a chapter 3 times , anyone tried the paid version and can translate an entire chapter without issue? let me know please

 

maybe the chap is to long for it?????
Because a lot of times it happens to me
So when ever that happens I use Google translate but you know its not as good

 

you dont need to google translate you can just copy paste the chapter divided in 3 so make sure it translate all of it.

usually i copy paste 3 time 20 chapter ina row, then just read from chat gpt on my phone on my bed ahahha

 

You might be using a URL that's too old. The number after voldemort's name changes pretty frequently and the old ones don't redirect you to the correct site, anymore. Current one is 303.

 

why is he uconscious???

 

Spoiler

he fought to the brink of death alone against a bunch of maninbang's main forces

 

he can't stop suffering

 

Ah thank you so much! finally could go to voldemort!!!!

Also thank you tbh I didn't know you could do that so this helps a lot

 

I was just gonna release that spoiler, cm almost died fighting a lot of sapa alone so that hainam island sect can escape.

 

He needs a break…

 

Just caught up to the lastest chapter 1567, damn gonna be crazy...

 

noooo he was alonee?!

were the others badly injured they couldnt fight?

 

Hmm I have seen some spoilers abt it seems others were far off in a location than cm.
They almost arrived very very late.
Very late... We almost would've read the progressing story without Chung myung
Well because it's about Mount hua not CM..
We don't know what character biga will kill off but certainly not Chung myung because he stills needs to cut the head of heavenly demon.. right?? and live more...
I am not delulu like you all...

 

Spoiler: CM almost dies

(context: cm is separated from group)




"No, perhaps it was a vague hope. There was an unfounded certainty that Cheongmyeong wouldn't be defeated like this.





As if not betraying that hope, Cheongmyeong's sword swung.






However, it wasn't as intense or explosive as usual. The sword strike of Cheongmyeong, the Hwasan swordswoman, clashed with the grotesque opponent's sword, which was unbelievably feeble as if it could hardly be called a sword, as it weakly cut through the air.





Clang!





With a short and high-pitched metallic sound, the sword of Amhyangmaehwa was pushed back by the enemy's sword and bounced away.





Eventually, the opponent's sword was aimed precisely at Cheongmyeong's heart.





'Ah…'






It felt as though all senses had become muddled, as if floating in murky water.






Yoo Yiseol unknowingly reached out her hand.





However, that hand couldn't reach Cheongmyeong, nor the swords hurtling toward him. It merely swept through the air and clenched in vain.





In a powerless world where nothing could be done, all Yiseol could see was Cheongmyeong's bent back, different from usual, and the approaching form of the enemy.






At that moment, Cheongmyeong's left shoulder twitched. And his left hand, which had been hanging, moved forward.






Yoo Yiseol understood. The power of the Poison Palm Leaf that he had extracted and squeezed was contained in that hand.





Even in that desperate moment, Cheongmyeong didn't give up.





Phooosh!






But at that moment, something hot splashed onto Yoo Yiseol's face.






Her vision turned completely red. In it, she realized that there was something on Cheongmyeong's back, which was bent weakly unlike usual, that shouldn't be there.







It was the three swords pierced by the enemy.







The tips of the three swords protruded from behind Cheongmyeong as if they were piercing through.







The stench of blood entered her nose, and she could feel the sticky fluid flowing down her skin, along with a searing heat.






As all of this overwhelmed her, Yoo Yiseol fully understood the reality.






A tearing scream burst forth.






"Cheongmyeong-aaaaaah!"






It felt as though the entire world was being crushed and compacted.







Amidst it all, the only vivid thing was the narrow and sharp piece of metal that had pierced through the back of someone she knew well.







Slowly, along the sword that protruded from the back, a crimson stream of blood flowed.







Slowly, along the sword that had pierced through the back, a crimson stream of blood flowed. The blood that had stained the sword red reached its tip, extending long and gradually dripping downward.








The heat of the blood splashed onto her face, every sight visible to her eyes, and, above all, Cheongmyeong's shoulders drooping helplessly felt painfully real.









Yet, simultaneously, everything felt ambiguously distant to Yoo Yiseol.









The sensations were undeniably felt, but none of them directly entered the realm of understanding.









It was as if she couldn't see what she was looking at or hear what she was listening to.









She halted her steps.









Was it because it was already too late?







No. It was because the moment she rushed forward to save Cheongmyeong, a blue light burst forth from the tip of the sword that had pierced through his back. It was a threat that if she approached any further, Cheongmyeong would be split into two on the spot.









Therefore, she had no choice but to stop.









Also, she saw the bloodthirsty blades flying towards Cheongmyeong's left shoulder and right side.









Thud! Thud!









In that instant, Yoo Yiseol's body trembled as if she, too, had been pierced by the swords.









In her wide-opened eyes, there was not anger or pity, but rather pure fear.









It was because she couldn't help but acknowledge and accept it.









If he had even a bit of strength left, Cheongmyeong could have defended against this attack without any reason to fail.









Perhaps the limits of Cheongmyeong, the volcano swordswoman, which she thought she might never see, were now laid bare. And it happened in a way that she least wanted to see.









No sound emerged from her slightly parted lips. No, it was more accurate to say that no sound could emerge. The instant even a finger moved, she was afraid that the sword lodged within his petite body would twist and tear through his heart.









All she could do was stare without making a sound.









Just a few steps. The distance of those few steps felt as distant as eternity's wall.







The unmistakable sensation of hands digging in.









The satisfying sense of fulfillment that one can only feel when piercing through an opponent's body and severing their life.








The eyes of the grotesque enemy, now ablaze with excitement, were fixed on the sword that had pierced through Cheongmyeong's chest. More than half of the blade was embedded in his chest.






Of course, he knew.







Wounds pierced by a sword don't necessarily lead to immediate bleeding, as long as the prey still has some strength left and tenses their muscles. Only a few drops of blood would trickle out.







However, from Cheongmyeong's wound, blood was gushing out rapidly, enough to paint his chest. This meant that he had no strength left to even forcibly push back the sword.





Cheongmyeong's hand, which had tried to block the attack, slowly reached towards the hilt of the sword. But that was it. There was no impact on the opponent's sword.






Instead, a heavy weight started to press against the sword held by the monster. It was the weight felt when one surrendered their body to a sword that was about to sever their life, a sword that their body couldn't even support.







It was a weight of death that was all too familiar to the monster.







"…Got you."






The result was unbelievable even as it was achieved. But now, the result was undeniably in his hands. Cheongmyeong, the volcano swordswoman. He had finally captured the tremendous monster that made even its widespread reputation seem pitiful.





This was a triumph that couldn't be expressed fully with words.







When he finally caught a formidable prey after enduring countless hardships, he often felt an indescribable thrill.







However, what dominated him now was entirely different from that thrill.






Incomprehensible complex emotions surged in. An overwhelming sense of ecstasy and an indescribable sorrow simultaneously took over.






The opponent slowly raised its head.







It wanted to see.







How would the monster that had tormented it relentlessly, proving its might in ways it could never have imagined, face death? Would its expression be contorted by agony? Or would it remain composed? Or... would it let out a bitter laugh?








Unfortunately, it couldn't see Cheongmyeong's expression. All it saw was Cheongmyeong's forehead, contorted as if all his strength had been drained.







In that moment, a faint sense of bitterness crossed the enemy's eyes.







Perhaps it had believed that even in the face of death, Cheongmyeong would never lower his head. Even if he were to die brutally, impaled by dozens of swords, he would face the sky until the very end.







The fleeting bitterness passed, and a sense of reality gradually returned.







Unconsciously, the opponent opened its mouth.







"Human...He is human."






There was no response.






It was only natural. There was no strength left to offer a response. In fact, it wasn't even clear whether consciousness still existed or not.






The enemy tightened its grip on the sword.






Even uttering a word to its prey would be a violation of its own principles. Distractions often come at the very end of a hunt. Until the moment when the heart is completely severed, the neck is cut, one must never let their guard down.






This was the moment when the monster, with the sword it had finally grasped, was about to slash through Cheongmyeong's heart.





"…Ugh…"







A feeble sound escaped from the corner of Cheongmyeong's mouth. It might have been a faint last breath uttered in the final moment of life.





However, the enemy suddenly halted the sword. For reasons even difficult to explain to itself.







"…What did you say?"






There was no need to ask. It could just ignore and strike. Yet, strangely, it couldn't do so.






Cheongmyeong's head slowly lifted.







Just like a worn and rusty cartwheel squeaking and laboring to turn, Cheongmyeong's head lifted as if against its will, and he quietly gazed at the opponent.




The eyes that appeared through the blood-soaked hair seemed vacant, as if devoid of any light.






"…Move… your…"






Amidst the ambiguous lips, words emerged sporadically, barely intelligible.






In that moment, the opponent saw it.






Cheongmyeong's lips, covered in drying blood, curling upwards in a haunting manner. The instant the monster saw that smile, its blood seemed to freeze with a chilly sense of realization.






The monster urgently exerted all its strength and swung down the sword.





However, despite putting all its remaining power into the strike, the sword lodged in Cheongmyeong's chest didn't even flicker. It was as if it was wedged between massive rocks—no matter how much force was applied to press it down, there was no reaction.






"What?"





A violet aura began to flow from the wound, covering the monster's sword.






In that moment, Cheongmyeong pushed the hand that was pierced by the sword towards the monster.







Thunk!








With the sound of bones scraping against metal, Cheongmyeong's hand extended all the way to the sword hilt. Holding onto the hilt, Cheongmyeong suddenly pulled the opponent towards him. The opponent, which had been focused on pressing down the sword with all its might, couldn't resist the force pulling it forward.







And then, he saw it. The sight of Cheongmyeong's sword, which had been hanging downward, becoming entangled with his sword.







It was a blade as red as blood, as sharp as the dawn, the sword of a hwasan eruption.






"Ah, no..."







Paaah!






A familiar yet unfamiliar slicing sound echoed through the gorge.







The monster stared dumbfoundedly at Cheongmyeong's chest, where his sword was embedded. The sword that had been forcibly pulled was almost fully lodged in Cheongmyeong's chest.






"You..."







The opponent's mouth hung open in bewilderment. Its speechless mouth twitched before finally reopening after a moment. A voice filled with complex emotions flowed out.






"You... did this on purpose..."






For a brief moment, the vacant gaze of the enemy met the weakening gaze of Cheongmyeong.






Cheongmyeong's voice, slightly clearer than before, reached their ears.





"If I... don't go..."




Despite the metallic undertone in his voice, Cheongmyeong smiled, revealing blood-soaked teeth.





"You... have to come. Isn't that right?"





The monster's eyes flickered.





A moment of silence passed. Then, a stream of red blood poured from the monster's lips.





Only later did the opponent realize the reason behind its momentary hesitation.






Beasts sense an instinctual unease just before biting the bait. Even if the bait is the monster's own life, a bait it cannot ignore.






It was the opponent that had been hunted from the beginning, not Cheongmyeong.






"You..."





Struggling to expel blood from its mouth, the enemy gradually crumbled.





With its last bit of strength, the sword it held was wrenched from Cheongmyeong's body. The blood gushing from the wound covered the face of the kneeling monster.






"You really..."






Thud.




The monster's body, which hadn't finished uttering those words, collapsed onto the ground, joining the Blood Sword Clan members who had charged with it.





At the same time, Cheongmyeong's body swayed forward.




"Cheongmyeong!"





Yooseol hurriedly rushed forward and caught the falling Cheongmyeong from behind, supporting him.





"Sajil! Cheongmyeong!"





"Ugh..."




Feeling the firm grip of Yooiseol, Cheongmyeong weakly revealed a smile.





"It's... too late..."




"You..."




"Well... anyway..."




As if all the connections that had barely held on had been severed, Cheongmyeong's head drooped downward.





Yooiseol's hand instinctively reached for Cheongmyeong's neck. She could feel a faint heartbeat beneath her fingertips. Confirming that his pulse was still beating, Yooiseol urgently tore apart her clothing and used the fabric to bind Cheongmyeong's wounds.





"He's alive."




Although the wounds were grave enough that he could lose his life at any moment, he was still alive.




He was still alive for now.





That was enough. What more reason was needed to risk one's life?





After briefly looking at Cheongmyeong's unconscious face, Yooiseol lifted him, removed the remaining fabric, and securely tied him up with her body.





She felt his heartbeat faintly and slowly against her back. Even his body temperature had dropped to an almost chilling level.





Fear gripped her heart, fearing that his heartbeat might gradually fade away, fearing that the last remaining warmth might disappear.





Yooiseol raised her head.





She saw the approaching figures of the Maninbangdodae members, comprehending the situation. Their expressions were ruthless. They probably wouldn't let them go easily.





They would never miss the chance to take Cheongmyeong's life.





Especially the fierce gaze of Hogamyung from behind, he would undoubtedly do whatever it took to end all of this by stabbing a sword into Cheongmyeong's heart.





Yooiseol reached out and grabbed the Anhyangmaehwa sword that had fallen to the ground. The handle was unfamiliar, but it still held a hint of warmth.






Ironically, that warmth helped her maintain her composure and coolness. Her once-shaking eyes grew cold.






She had been observing the Maninbangdodae members who were slowly closing in on them. Without hesitation, Yooiseol struck the ground forcefully.






"I will protect."





Thud!





As she swiftly pulled herself back, the Maninbangdodae members surged forward like a rushing torrent from a burst dam.




"I will... definitely!"




With fierce determination, she sent the leader of the charging Maninbangdodae members flying with a single blow. Her sword glowed with resolute intent.





However, even as Yooi Seol dragged her limp leg, she kept retreating while facing the members of the Manin Clan.





Due to heavy bleeding, her thoughts flickered in and out.






When had she started fighting, and why? Those questions were now distant, not clearly coming to her mind.





The only thing that moved her was the faint warmth against her back—a fragile body temperature.




She had to protect it.




She had always promised to protect, but she had always been protected. This time, she had to protect him.



"Stop... it..."




Yooi Seol forced her sword upward, but her wrist kept sagging as if dislocated.





"It's... still... okay."





It wasn't clear whom she was talking to. Whether it was Cheongmyeong or herself.





No, that probably didn't matter.





"...even if it comes to this..."





A choked voice, filled with a sense of revulsion, reached her heavy ears.





Oddly, a laugh escaped her lips.





They wouldn't understand.





Those who lived only for themselves wouldn't know.





Because of him, plum blossoms bloomed on her sword.




Because of him, Hyun Jong smiled.




Because of him, she protected the place she could call home, ensuring her father's life and death were not in vain.




Wasn't that enough? Did there need to be more reasons for risking one's life for another?

I included images of the chapter and it looks good

I cried when CM hallucinated cheongmun and cheonjin

Spoiler: CM almost dies

(context: cm separated from group so that island sect can escape)
(The last chapter and this chapter are different events)





The lives he had taken would make those left alive even slightly safer. So just one more! Even just one more person...



Swoosh.



"Sahyung."



Should he smile? Would he praise Chunmyeong for the feat he accomplished when he returned?



Perhaps, or maybe not. There was no need to go to such an extreme.





I was momentarily shaken by the wound on my chest, but that was all. I held onto the pain, refusing to collapse, even as I clung to my injuries.



Even the sword's power is now waning. It can't even pierce through a fragile human body anymore.



Regret?



No. There's nothing to regret.



The person from the past saved the world, but lost everything that truly mattered.



But this time is different.



"...I've protected it."



I should have done this earlier... Yes, I should have done it earlier.



I don't want to experience looking at the remains of those who survived alone and died again. I don't want to go through the pain of crumbling alone in a world with nothing left.



Even if everyone ridicules it as foolish and naive, this was the only path he could choose from the beginning.



"Sahyung..."



You probably wouldn't understand. How far the mission you entrusted me with has pushed me.



You probably can't comprehend. The dead can't know anything.



You will never know how the one left alone at the end of everyone's death felt.



Now I can say it, even though... I wasn't as great or strong as you all thought.



Pahh!



Dozens of arrows were hurled toward him.



Before his consciousness could react, a clear sword slashed through the air. The instincts etched into his body didn't forsake him until the very end.



Clang!



The arrows shattered into pieces. Fragments of broken arrows pierced through the tired, clear body.



"Klok!"



A bloody mass oozed out reluctantly. It felt as though all the blood inside his body had already dried up. Truly a strange phenomenon.



As he struggled to raise his head, the sky was brightening. The reddened dawn sky looked down on him, like the unforgettable sky from that day.



It was like the last sight of the Hwasan he remembered.



On that day, if the thing he most wished for was for the Hwasan to bloom with flowers again as his executioners died, then perhaps what he wished for the most was to save even one more person through his death...



Hasn't Clear accomplished his role now?



He has achieved what he set out to do. The Senior brother's wishes have been fulfilled. They were certainly pitiful, foolish, and utterly ridiculous people, but... still, they were good folks.



Isn't that enough?



They will persevere, even without him.



No matter how cold the cutting wind blows, they will endure and carry on. He will continue what those who were lost in the past tried to protect, and he will find strength.



"Will they resent me? Those who remain?"



They probably will. Because they are those kinds of people. They will get angry, curse, and... maybe even cry.



But soon, they will forget.



Like Clear forgot about the interrogations and embraced a new life with new people. Like how he laughed and chatted on a new volcano instead of the old one.



His absence will sadden everyone for a while, but eventually, it will fade away. Just like fresh skin grows over old scars, just like new grass sprouts from barren ground.



That's a bit... well, just a bit... regrettable.



"What are you all doing? Kill him! Kill him right now! He's reached his limit!"



The enemies rush forward.



His vision blurs, and his arm no longer responds. His senses grow dull. The present him is so pitiful and small, too small to defeat someone.



Swish!



Blood flows from the tip of the Amarantus Sword.



He might have hit one of the enemies, but he can't tell. His legs don't listen to him.



But he has to cut down one more.



The life he's cut off will make the remaining ones a little safer. So one more! Just one more person...



Swish.



"Sahyung."



Should I smile? Would he praise him for the remarkable achievement he made?



Maybe he shouldn't. That's how it's always been. Maybe I shouldn't get worked up to that extent.



I hope so.



"I did my best, Sahyung."



So... Please... just... think of me a little... feel a little sad for me.



Finally, his knees gave way. The ground seemed to rise up. The world spun around him so dizzyingly that he couldn't tell where he was.



A different death than before was approaching him.



It's okay. He left it behind.



Somewhere on the island, somewhere on the blossoming volcano, in the hearts of those who would weep for him, and in the tip of the sword that hadn't yet fulfilled its purpose, he had left enough behind.



So even if this is the end, he wouldn't regret it anymore. But...



"Sever his windpipe!"



"He's exhausted! Cut his throat!"



But still... Even so...



Kaaaang!



A flying knife unexpectedly shot up and clashed against his sword.



With the ground pounding beneath him, Chunmyeong leaped into the midst of the enemies. The relentless energy of his swordsmanship cleaved through the enemies in an instant.



"Ah..."



Chunmyeong's mouth opened, and a primal scream erupted from him.



"Ah... Ahhhhhhh!"



He wanted to live.



The unleashed sword energy cleaved through those who knew nothing but malice. Muscles were torn, bones shattered, yet he continued to swing the sword.



He wanted to live.



"Ahhhhhhhh!"



He wanted to live and laugh again. He wanted to return to the Hwasan alive.



The place he had departed from. The place he needed to go back to.



Where everyone was waiting for him.



"Ahhhhhhhh!"



Chunmyeong's resounding cry echoed through the forest as he lunged between the raised blades of the enemies.



He wanted to live.




Paaaah!



Chunmyeong's sword was swung. All his strength was poured into that swing.



Kagak!



But the sword, unable to pierce through, rebounded.



"Aaaaaaaaah!"



Chunmyeong grasped the deflected sword with both hands and shouted as he swung it down at the enemies, then swung it again.



"This... this crazy bastard!"



Seeing Cheonmyeong repeatedly strike the fallen enemies' chests, the members of Manyinbangdoduel were horrified.



"Die!"



One of the members of Manyinbangdoduel swung his blade toward Cheonmyeong's back.



Thud!



The flying knife hit Cheonmyeong's back. Thick drops of blood splattered.



Cheonmyeong thought.



Was there a place he was supposed to be?



Paaaah!



The members of Manyinbangdoduel surrounding him jumped from all directions, swinging their blades at Cheonmyeong. Without hesitation, Cheonmyeong rolled on the ground to avoid the flying knives.



Swish! Swish! Swish!



The flying knives grazed his body, leaving shallow wounds on Cheonmyeong's skin. Rising from the ground with dirt in his hand, Cheonmyeong wielded his sword like a convulsion. Screams erupted from various places.



"Aaaaargh!"



"My... my leg!"



"Cough!"



As Cheonmyeong trembled and struggled to stand, coughs mixed with blood repeatedly burst from his mouth.



Was he there?



- Who's sneaking around in someone else's room? Are you a thief?



Cheomyeong had always thought not. The place he was supposed to be wasn't here. He had lost the place he should have been.



He knew. He knew the ending he would face someday. From the beginning... from the very beginning, he knew.



He was a phantom who should not have been left behind. The end of the fate that awaited the one who shouldn't exist was predetermined.



So he considered it enough if he could do what he hadn't been able to do before his final moments came. But...



- What's your name?



- Yoon Jong!



He sometimes forgot that fact, even Cheomyeong himself.



Tuwung!



Cheonmyeong's leg, which he was trying to stand up with, momentarily gave out. Losing balance, he stumbled forward.



"This is the chance!"



The hungry wildcats wouldn't leave a wounded beast be. Seeing Cheonmyeong's weakness, they rushed in aggressively.



Kaang!



Reaching out and touching the ground, Cheonmyeong barely managed to move his sword. He struck both a spear and a knife consecutively.



Thud! Thud!



However, he couldn't defend against the spear that flew from behind him, and it impaled him relentlessly. Unable to overcome the impact, Cheonmyeong staggered forward and fell.



"Opportunity!"



Slitting the man's throat! Nobody would deny the certain achievement of that. Just as the one who desired it lunged forward, overcome with desire, Cheomyeong's hand suddenly shot out and gripped his throat.



"Urk!"



Falling forward, both Cheonmyeong and the enemy became entangled and fell.



"Gah... Let... go..."



With gritted teeth, even as Cheonmyeong was falling, he twisted his body somehow. The body held by the neck was forcibly turned upward. And then, in the blink of an eye, his vision was filled with countless flying knives, all aimed at him.





Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!



His eyes snapped open as his body was ruthlessly punctured by flying knives.



"G-guuhhh..."



In his fading eyes, something soared through the sky, staining the heavens dark.



Thud! Thud!



Like rain, the showering knives pierced countless bodies that were already lifeless.



"Gkkuk!"



Even in death, their bodies were not spared, as the fierce blades and knives pierced through Cheonmyeong's weakened body beneath them.



"Ugh..."



With the speed of lightning, Cheonmyeong swung his sword, cutting the impaled weapons embedded in his body. And without a moment's hesitation, he forcefully rolled on the ground.



Quaaaaang!



A surge of energy exploded as Cheonmyeong's body unleashed a powerful explosion where he had been just moments ago.



Cheonmyeong's body, unable to withstand the aftermath, was swept away like a helpless leaf in a hurricane.



- Who are you?



But now... yes, now he seemed to understand.



There never was a place where he was supposed to be. There was only a place he wanted to be.



He realized it a little too late, though.



Kwoooong!



Cheonmyeong's body convulsed. A massive shock overwhelmed his body, almost causing him to lose consciousness. Yet somehow, he clung to his consciousness. Because once he let go of it, everything would end.



Swooooosh!



Cheonmyeong kicked the ground again and rolled his body.



Kwagak! Kwagagak!



The knives that rained down one after another deeply cut into the ground, leaving dents like mud. Amidst them, a knife he couldn't avoid struck Cheonmyeong's neck relentlessly.



Blood gushed from the deeply cut throat. But without feeling the pain, he raised the sword and aimed it at the approaching enemies.



In his ears, he could hear the pounding of his heartbeat and the rough sound of his breath.



'Plum...'



Countless blooming maehwa flowers. However, the tip of his sword could no longer bring forth any more maehwa. Half-formed, they wilted and crumbled.



Blossom...'



Like Plum blossoms fading in winter, his sword withered as well.



"Uaaargh!"



Seizing the opportunity, the enemies rushed forward, their weapons descending upon Chunmyeong all at once.



Avoiding the weapons by instinct, flying through the air, was purely instinctual—neither more nor less. With a push off the ground, he barely evaded the weapons. Countless knives were poured toward him without respite.



Thud! Thud!



Rolling desperately, Cheonmyeong evaded the attacks of the enemies. But now, his body bore distinct and vivid scars that grew deeper and deeper.



"Please, just die!"



Thud!



As the members of Manyinbangdoduel charged at him, Cheonmyeong's sword pierced through the chest of one of them in a single motion.



Kwaang!



However, the sword that had not fully pierced through the enemy's body left an opening for a counterattack. Before the one with a pierced chest fell, he managed to throw a punch that hit Cheonmyeong's chest like a blaze.



Coughing up blood, Cheonmyeong staggered backward.



Thud! Thud!



Pushing through the ground, Cheonmyeong rose up, only to collapse once again as he tried to get up, emitting a deep groan.





Thunk!



A steel spear flew through the air, piercing through the air and Cheonmyeong's abdomen, lodging itself in the ground. His body, which had just been about to rise, collapsed once more.



His face was driven into the dirt, into a spot already soaked with someone else's blood.



Only faint and feeble groans escaped his lips, as if they would break at any moment.



'I am...'



Wasn't it enough now?



Could he finally let go?



How much more suffering must he endure? How much longer must he endure this hell?



He could let go. He could find relief by letting go. Hadn't he done enough?



'To the Hwasan...'



Cheonmyeong strained to lift his head. Thick blood flowed from his face, running all the way down to the ground.



His weak head, as though it might snap at any moment, turned back reluctantly. Trembling, he used his outstretched hand to grip the spear impaled through his knee.



"Ugh..."



However, despite his efforts, the spear didn't budge. His blood-soaked hand kept slipping, refusing to move as he wished.



Eventually, Cheonmyeong pulled the spear toward himself with all his might. Holding the twisted shaft of the spear, he gripped it tightly as if he were tearing apart and twisting flesh, and bit into it.



With no strength left in his hand, he bit into it to pull it out.



Grrr. Grrrrr. Grrrrrr.



The spear, soaked red from his mouth, was slowly pulled out, biting into his knee as it emerged. Even the members of Manyinbangdoduel, who were about to rush toward him, stopped in their tracks at the sight.



Desperate. Even though they were enemies, they couldn't bear to open their eyes and witness it.



Thunk.



The pulled-out spear fell to the ground. Cheonmyeong, his mouth agape, lowered his head slowly.



- Who are you? I've never seen a face like that in Hwasan.



His fingertips stung. Should he be relieved that he could still feel the chill to this extent?



He wanted to feel at ease. He wanted to let go.



But he also wanted to live... that much.



- Cheongmyeong's brother! Stand over there!



What did he mean to all of them?



Did they see the back he so desperately wanted to resemble in him?



Cheonmyeong's hand, which hadn't moved for a moment, twitched.



The hand, moving so weakly, drew everyone's gaze in hushed anticipation. As the hand moved achingly slowly, feeling along the ground, it finally gripped his sword.



Someone's moan flowed out like a sigh.



Half-shut eyes. A body in complete disarray, without a single uninjured spot. Even in a situation where he should have died several times over, he still tried to fight.



Complex emotions played across the faces of the members of Manyinbangdoduel.



Were they afraid? No, it wasn't that. What could they be afraid of in the face of someone who had deteriorated to this state?



However, his foot wouldn't easily move.



Ultimately, they were still martial artists. No matter how much they were taunted, they were people who staked their lives on martial arts.



At least, anyone who had lived as a martial artist would feel awe at this sight. There was no way not to.



If he could, he wanted to turn his head away like this. He wanted to escape this place altogether.



He had killed their comrades countless times, knowing that he was an enemy who must be killed.



A suffocating silence spread.



In the midst of this quiet, only Cheonmyeong's small breaths, as if they might be cut off any moment, were softly audible.



"What are you doing?"



At that moment, a cold voice shattered the dry stillness.



Everyone jumped in surprise and turned around, and Hogamyeong stood there with an emotionless face. The person who had been at the rear had suddenly revealed himself here.



"Go... Military Commander!"



"What are you doing?" Hwagamyeong repeated.



The members of Manyinbangdoduel couldn't answer and avoided Hwagamyeong's gaze. After scanning them briefly, Hwagamyeong's chilly gaze eventually turned to Cheonmyeong.



The members of Manyinbangdoduel hesitated, stepping back and clearing the path between him and Cheonmyeong. But Hwagamyeong didn't seem intent on walking down that path. He simply gazed at Cheonmyeong with a detached expression.



It's an utterly pitiful sight. It's almost impossible to believe that this is the infamous swordsmaster who mercilessly tormented both him and Manyinbang.



But Hwagamyeong still didn't release the last trace of vigilance.



"...Kill him."



A heavy voice emerged.



Even though the orders sounded like a general's command, the members of Manyinbangdoduel couldn't easily move.



Hwagamyeong narrowed his eyes slightly and pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth.



Why didn't they understand?



Hesitation would only prolong the his suffering.



The greatest reverence they could show now was to end his suffering as quickly as possible.



Even if all they had exchanged between them was mutual enmity, no one would want to witness the pathetic sight of someone as strong as him dying in agony.



Even Hwagamyeong, who loathed Cheongmyeong more than anyone else in the world, felt that way.



"Shipbi (Ten Knives)."



"Yes, Military Commander."



"Fetch his head."



"Understood!"



The person standing behind Hwagamyeong walked toward Cheongmyeong without hesitation. The hidden dagger revealed itself from his sleeve, gleaming with an eerie light.





A chilly presence approached.



The two syllables of "death" were taking on a clearer form as they approached Cheongmyeong. The light that gleamed was so icy that it looked pale.



However, even as he sensed impending death, Cheongmyeong couldn't resist.



No matter how hard he tried, his body wouldn't move anymore. It seemed like even the last fragment of his soul had turned to ashes.



"I...want to..."



He wanted to live. He wanted to set foot on the land of the volcano once again.



Amid the scent of plum blossoms that filled the volcano, he wanted to laugh and talk with the sounds of his fellow disciples and the lively voices.



That's all he desired. As always.



"...Cheongjin."



He felt as though he knew. What thoughts had crossed Cheongjin's mind in the last moments of his life?



"You must have thought the same."



Now he could understand. There was no longer resentment, doubts, or worries left for Cheongmyeong. He just wanted to see them again, those foolish guys.



Pah-aat!



At that moment, a fierce energy shot toward Cheongmyeong. A tremendous shock engulfed his entire body, making it feel as heavy as a soaked sponge.



His consciousness, which he had been barely holding onto, gradually faded.



It was a sensation he had experienced before. Surrendering his body to it, Cheongmyeong fell into an endlessly floating and cold place.



Endless buoyancy and a freezing chill.



"You're a bit late."



Within it, something warm wrapped around Cheongmyeong's shoulders.



That awkward warmth prompted him to open his eyes, which felt as though they had been tightly closed.



Amidst the hazy world, something began to take shape. Gradually, he faced the long-missed face before him.



"...Brother..?"



Cheongmun. He was smiling at Cheongmyeong with a gentle smile. As if he found it amusing.



A vast array of emotions surged within him.



"Brother, I..."



Perhaps he wanted to say so many things. He tried to say something, but he couldn't find the words to articulate them.



Cheongmyeong simply waited with a warm smile on his face.



Words of resentment, words of yearning, things that couldn't be expressed through words... when he tried to bring them out, Cheongmyeong's face, which he had been looking at, blurred once again.



From within that familiarity, a warm presence wrapped around Cheongmyeong's shoulders.



It made his eyelids, which had felt as if they had been closed shut, open slightly.



Through the hazy world, something began to take form. Eventually, he faced the face he had longed for so much.



At first, he didn't recognize him.



His face, now covered in blood, looked a bit strange. However, when that face took on a complete form, a single word slipped from Cheongmyeong's cracked lips.



"...Cheong...jin?"



It was a face covered in so many wounds that it was impossible to see. However, the eyes, red with moisture and colored crimson, clearly belonged to the person Cheongmyeong had seen countless times.



Was this a hallucination before death?



Even if it was a hallucination, this was... This was far too cruel.



In that moment, a familiar voice flowed into his ears.



"...did you wait?"



The blood that flowed down Baekcheon's hand transmitted its warmth to Cheongmyeong's shoulders.



"Sorry I'm late."



The trembling in his shoulders conveyed the message. This wasn't a hallucination.




Speechless, Cheongmyeong stared blankly at Baekcheon.



However, after a moment, his body, drained of all strength, slowly slumped forward.



Baekcheon gently supported Cheongmyeong as he fell.



"Let's go back, Cheongmyeong. To where you... to where you should be."