The air remained thick with tension even after the battle had concluded. Jang Hyeon-seok, once the proud and undefeated Radiant Sword Immortal, now stood with a shattered sword and a solemn expression. Meanwhile, Lucian—known to this world as Nam Gong-Wook—stood tall, victorious, his presence heavier than ever.
The Sixteen Master Martial Artists of Wolseong had just gained a new, unpredictable force.
The representatives of the orthodox sects were outraged.
"This is unacceptable!" shouted an elder from Wudang.
"A heretic among the Masters will bring chaos to our order!"
Yet no one could refute the outcome. A duel had been fought, and by their own laws, the victor was to be recognized. To challenge the result now would be to undermine Wolseong's martial system itself.
Jang Hyeon-seok, still kneeling, exhaled and spoke with clarity. "I was defeated in a fair battle. I will not disgrace myself or my sect by denying the result."
The orthodox factions grew silent, but their gazes burned with hatred.
Lucian smirked, stepping forward. His voice was calm but carried across the entire arena. "I see that some of you don't approve of my victory. If you're so displeased, you're welcome to challenge me anytime."
His words were a direct provocation. Yet no one dared to step forward.
Jang Hyeon-seok stood up, locking eyes with Lucian. "You are strong. But strength alone does not define a martial artist. We shall meet again, and when that time comes, let us see who stands at the peak."
Lucian simply nodded. "I'll be waiting."
With the match concluded, Lucian left the arena, walking toward the shadows where members of the Heavenly Demon Cult awaited him.
Among them was Jin Seol-Hwan, the Heavenly Demon himself.
The Heavenly Demon's Acknowledgment
As Lucian entered the grand hall of the Heavenly Demon Cult, he could feel the weight of countless gazes upon him. The cult's strongest warriors, elders, and commanders were gathered, their expressions filled with admiration and curiosity.
Jin Seol-Hwan, an enigmatic figure draped in regal black robes, sat at the head of the chamber. His eyes, like the abyss itself, bore into Lucian with unreadable intensity.
"You have shaken the foundations of Wolseong," the Heavenly Demon said, his voice deep and commanding. "The orthodox sects will not sit idle after this."
Lucian smirked. "They already despised me. I simply gave them a reason to fear me."
A deep chuckle escaped Jin Seol-Hwan's lips. "Indeed… And for that, you have earned my acknowledgment."
He raised a hand, and an elder stepped forward, carrying an ancient scroll wrapped in crimson silk.
"The sword art of our lineage—Heavenly Demon sword art (the Abyssal Sovereign Sword Art)—has been passed down only to those worthy of wielding it. And now, it shall be yours."
The entire hall stirred. This was an unprecedented honor.
Lucian reached out and grasped the scroll. The moment his fingers touched it, he felt a dark, overwhelming presence emanate from within, as if the very will of the abyss was reaching out to him.
"This sword art is unlike any other," Jin Seol-Hwan continued. "It is not just a technique but a path—a doctrine of absolute destruction and dominion. You will not simply wield the abyss; you will become it."
Lucian unrolled the scroll and began reading.
Each stroke of the characters, written in abyssal qi, pulsed with ancient power. The techniques described within transcended mere swordsmanship. They spoke of absolute annihilation—an art that devoured all in its path.
"First Form: Eclipsing Void Slash."
"Second Form: Black Star Descent."
"Third Form: Phantom Emperor's Requiem."
"Fourth Form: Abyssal Sovereign's Judgment "
"Final Form: Eternal Abyss Dominion."
Lucian's eyes burned with anticipation.
"I will master this," he declared.
Jin Seol-Hwan's gaze lingered on him before nodding. "See that you do. For when the time comes, the fate of the unorthodox world may rest on your blade."
Lucian clenched his fists.
The time for war was approaching. And he would be ready.
Lucian continued aiding the unorthodox sects to forge powerful alliances for the coming war. Strength alone wasn't enough—he needed loyal forces. Additionally, every battle honed his mastery of the Abyssal Sovereign Technique, pushing him beyond mortal limits. Experience and unity would ensure his dominance over Murim's shattered balance.
A Crimson Lotus Blooms
Later that night, Lucian found himself in the quiet courtyard of the Crimson Moon Cult's residence. He was not alone.
Standing before him was Cho Ha-Jin, the Crimson Lotus Empress.
She was a vision of lethal beauty—long crimson hair cascading down her back, golden eyes burning with amusement. Clad in elegant black and red robes, she exuded the presence of both a warrior and a queen.
"You caused quite the stir today," she said, tilting her head.
Lucian chuckled. "Wasn't that the point?"
She took a step forward, her presence growing closer, more intimate. "Do you always enjoy provoking the entire world?"
Lucian smirked. "Only when the world is in my way."
She let out a soft laugh before gazing at him with something deeper than amusement. "You interest me, Nam Gong-Wook. You are unlike the others in the unorthodox world. There's something… unpredictable about you."
Lucian held her gaze. "And do you like that?"
She took another step, now standing directly before him. "Perhaps."
The distance between them was gone. The night air grew heavy with unspoken words. For a moment, the world was silent.
Then, she leaned in, her golden eyes flickering with intent.
Just as their lips were about to meet, Lucian raised a hand, stopping her. His gaze remained steady, unreadable.
"I don't mix desire with duty," he said calmly, his voice carrying an undeniable finality.
Cho Ha-Jin paused, searching his expression before letting out a soft chuckle. "How intriguing," she murmured, stepping back, though the fire in her eyes remained. "Very well, Nam Gong-Wook. But don't think this is the end of it."
Lucian simply smirked. "We'll see."
The First Whisper of War
Days turned to weeks. Lucian immersed himself in training, pushing himself beyond mortal limits. The Abyssal Sovereign Sword Art demanded more than skill—it demanded the willingness to embrace destruction itself.
And Lucian embraced it.
As he grew stronger, so did the tensions within Wolseong. The orthodox sects, humiliated and enraged, began rallying under the King's banner.
Within the halls of the palace, a council of the most powerful orthodox grandmasters gathered.
"This cannot continue," the Wudang elder said darkly.
"The Heavenly Demon Cult is growing too bold. That man, Nam Gong-Wook, must be eradicated before he becomes a true threat," another added.
Then the King of Wolseong, seated upon his throne, spoke in a cold, commanding voice.
"The peace between orthodox and unorthodox was fragile to begin with. Now, it is broken beyond repair."
His gaze darkened.
"Prepare the armies. The treaty is over. The war begins now."
The Shadow Before the Storm
Far away, Lucian stood at the edge of a cliff, looking down upon the city of Wolseong.
Beside him, Cho Ha-Jin crossed her arms. "The orthodox sects are gathering. The King will strike first."
Lucian smirked. "Let him."
She turned to him, curious. "And what will you do?"
Lucian's gaze sharpened, his abyssal aura swirling around him.
"I will do what I do best."
He drew his sword, the abyss humming in anticipation.
"I will kill them all."
The storm had begun. And in its wake, only the strongest would survive.