The Hunt Begins

A young man stepped into the chamber.

It was Soo Hyun.

His face was filled with resentment.

A tall figure sat upon the throne.

His crimson eyes glowed in the darkness.

This was Lord Raven.

One of the leaders of the Shadow Cult.

"So."

Lord Raven's voice echoed throughout the hall.

"You lost."

Soo Hyun lowered his head.

"Yes."

"And now you seek power."

Soo Hyun clenched his fists.

"More than anything."

A cruel smile appeared beneath Lord Raven's mask.

"Then kneel."

Without hesitation, Soo Hyun obeyed.

Dark energy filled the chamber.

A sinister ritual began.

As black shadows entered his body, Soo Hyun screamed in agony.

His cultivation rapidly increased.

But with every second, a piece of his humanity disappeared.

Lord Raven watched silently.

The Black Pearl had awakened.

And the first obstacle standing in his way was a young man named Taehyung.

Sooner or later—

They would meet.

And when they did, blood would flow.

The cold night wind swept through the Kim Clan.

Inside his small courtyard, Kim Taehyung slowly opened his eyes.

Golden spiritual energy flowed around him before disappearing into his body.

After obtaining the Heaven Devouring Emperor Art, his cultivation speed had increased dramatically.

Only a few hours of cultivation felt equal to several days of ordinary training.

Taehyung clenched his fist.

A powerful feeling surged through his body.

His strength had grown once again.

Yet instead of excitement, a heavy feeling lingered in his heart.

The words of the Ancient Emperor's spirit echoed in his mind.

"The Black Pearl has seven fragments."

"The Shadow Cult is searching for them."

"The hunt has already begun."

Taehyung knew his peaceful days were over.

Inside the nearby room, Taehi was sleeping peacefully.

Her condition continued to improve.

The medicine had worked far better than expected.

For the first time in years, she looked healthy.

Seeing her smile every morning made all the danger worthwhile.

"I'll protect you."

Taehyung whispered quietly.

No matter what happened, he would never allow her to suffer again.

Not in this life.

And not in the previous one he had left behind.

The next morning, the Kim Clan was unusually lively.

Disciples gathered in groups, discussing the recent tournament.

Everywhere Taehyung walked, people stared.

Some respected him.

Others envied him.

Many feared him.

Only a few weeks ago, nobody would even greet him.

Now everything had changed.

Such was the nature of strength.

As he walked through the clan square, a familiar voice suddenly called out.

"Brother Taehyung!"

A young disciple ran toward him.

Taehyung recognized him immediately.

Ethan.

One of the few disciples who had occasionally shown kindness to him and Taehi during difficult times.

"What happened?" Taehyung asked.

Ethan looked nervous.

"The Clan Head is calling for all core disciples."

Taehyung frowned.

Something unusual must be happening.

The main hall was packed.

Nearly every important elder was present.

Even the Clan Head looked unusually serious.

The moment everyone arrived, Kim Victor stood.

"I have received information from Black Wind City."

The room immediately fell silent.

Black Wind City was the largest city within hundreds of kilometers.

Important news often came from there.

Victor continued.

"An ancient ruin has appeared in the Mist Mountains."

Gasps filled the hall.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***