Black Wind City

Ancient ruins were opportunities that countless cultivators dreamed about.

Treasures.

Techniques.

Weapons.

Medicine.

Everything could be found inside.

One lucky encounter could completely change someone's fate.

"The city lord has opened the ruin to all nearby clans."

"Each clan may send ten disciples."

Excitement immediately spread through the crowd.

The younger generation practically vibrated with anticipation.

Victor slowly scanned the room.

"Our representatives have already been selected."

Names were announced one by one.

Marcus.

Several talented disciples.

And finally—

"Kim Taehyung."

Many disciples nodded.

No one questioned the decision.

After his performance in the tournament, Taehyung had earned his place.

However, while everyone celebrated, Taehyung's expression grew serious.

Mist Mountains.

Ancient ruins.

The hidden map.

A strange feeling appeared in his heart.

Could this ruin be connected to the Black Pearl?

Later that evening.

Taehyung sat alone beneath a tree.

Moonlight illuminated the courtyard.

Suddenly, a faint black glow appeared before him.

The Black Pearl had reacted.

A map materialized in the air.

Taehyung's eyes widened.

The location marked on the map was exactly where the newly discovered ruin had appeared.

His heartbeat accelerated.

"It really is connected."

The timing was too perfect.

The first fragment of the Black Pearl must be hidden inside the ancient ruin.

Before he could think further, the Pearl suddenly showed another image.

A terrifying black-robed man standing before a sea of corpses.

His crimson eyes glowed like blood.

The man slowly raised his head.

As if he could see through time itself.

Directly at Taehyung.

Boom!

The vision shattered.

Taehyung staggered backward.

Cold sweat covered his forehead.

The pressure he felt was overwhelming.

Far stronger than any cultivator he had ever encountered.

"What was that..."

The answer came immediately.

The Shadow Cult.

One of their leaders.

And somehow—

That person had sensed the awakening of the Black Pearl.

Meanwhile, deep beneath a ruined temple.

Thousands of black candles flickered.

Shadow Cult disciples knelt on the ground.

Not a single person dared speak.

At the center sat a tall man dressed in black robes.

His face remained hidden beneath a mask.

The atmosphere around him felt unnatural.

Even the air itself seemed afraid.

A subordinate stepped forward nervously.

"Lord Raven."

"The Pearl has appeared."

The masked man's fingers stopped moving.

For several moments, silence filled the room.

Then he laughed softly.

A chilling laugh.

"Ten thousand years."

"After ten thousand years, it finally appeared again."

The subordinate lowered his head.

"Should we begin the search?"

The masked man slowly stood.

An overwhelming aura exploded outward.

Several disciples immediately coughed blood.

"Find him."

"No matter the cost."

"Bring me the Black Pearl."

His crimson eyes glowed beneath the mask.

"And if the successor resists..."

A terrifying smile appeared.

"Kill him."

Back in the Kim Clan, Taehyung stared at the night sky.

He didn't know that powerful enemies had already begun moving.

He only knew one thing.

The ancient ruin was his opportunity.

The next fragment of the Black Pearl was waiting.

And if he wanted to survive the coming storm—

He had to become stronger.

Much stronger.

The adventure beyond the Kim Clan was finally about to begin.

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