Book 24 Chapter 23

Dream

- Awakened Nightmare!

"Senior Brother, let's have a sparring match."

A boy in red martial attire said stoutly, offering two swords. The young man chuckled.

"Haha, you're still a long way off, a long way off. Ten years too early!"

Even so, the boy didn't seem to be thinking of backing down.

*Clang!*

The young man's sword struck the boy's head. The boy in red fell backward, landing with a thud. A large lump quickly formed on the boy's head. Still, though his eyes welled up, the boy didn't cry. It was his younger brother, who had been anxiously watching the match, who burst into tears.

The young man scratched his head. He felt a bit sorry. He felt guilty for being too harsh on his young disciple.

But this little guy was a genius. He was a purebred horse that had inherited the blood of a genius. He had never seen anyone develop so quickly. So, if he kept going easy on him just because he was young, he didn't know when he'd be overtaken. He was still a cute junior who held his head and pouted, but a descendant of a lion is a lion; he never knew when those fangs would show and swallow him. Still, feeling sorry was feeling sorry.

"Are you okay, Bong? Ryongryong, stop crying. If someone sees, they'll misunderstand and think this brother beat you."

From his perspective, the timid crybaby younger brother, who couldn't be thought of as a descendant of a divine beast, was harder to handle than his older brother, who had a competitive spirit.

"Aryong, stop it!"

When the older brother, the boy in red, shouted, the younger brother surprisingly stopped crying.

"We are the grandchildren of the Divine Beast Grandfather. So we shouldn't cry carelessly!"

Then, he looked at the young man with determined eyes and spread his fingers wide.

"What's that now? Do you want to have five more matches?"

The young man asked with a look of disbelief, as if asking if he never got tired of it. The outcome of the match was obvious.

"Five years! Exactly five years, Senior Brother! I will surpass you within five years!"

Well, well. That boundless confidence, coupled with a bit of recklessness and a refusal to lose, was just like their master. It was a relief that he didn't inherit that eccentricity. The young man scratched his head and replied,

"Try it."

Then, his vision darkened again. It was then that he realized that the young man was himself.

His darkened vision brightened again. The boy in red stood before him once more. However, he was much taller and more dignified. And there was a sense of ease on his lips that was different from that day. Five years had passed in the blink of an eye, and the boy had become a young man.

The boy had become a young man, and he no longer cried at the sight of his sword. What they held in their hands now was a real sword, sharpened, unlike the dull sword from five years ago.

They had already repeatedly clashed and disengaged several times. Both were exhausted.

"How is it?"

The opposing young man said with a triumphant smile.

"Hyo Bong, you brat! You've improved a lot!"

The opposing boy, no, Hyo Bong, who had now become a young man, said.

"I told you back then, I'd win within five years."

"You still remember that, you rascal?"

Hyo Bong nodded. He was truly a tenacious fellow who hated losing more than dying.

"Sigh, you've definitely improved. But you're still a long way off. You're still a long way off from beating me. Come, go learn the Thirteen Styles and come back."

That was a joke between them. It also meant that the twelve styles they currently possessed could never defeat him.

"Senior Brother, why are you like this? Twelve is enough. We have to save the thirteenth."

"Why?"

"Because I have to use it when I beat Grandfather!"

"Puhahahahahaha!"

When he made a joke with a serious face, it felt like he had to laugh. Who was that guy's grandfather? He was none other than Gal Jung Hyuk, the God of Martial Arts, revered as the Divine Beast in the martial arts world. To think of trying to defeat such a grandfather, he was truly incorrigible.

"If you two learn the Thirteen Styles, it might be possible."

It was then that a hoary voice was heard from behind them. Startled, the two turned their heads. As expected, an old man was standing right beside them. He looked ordinary, but one could get into serious trouble by judging him by his appearance alone. This old man was the one who reigned as the God of the Dark Path.

"We pay our respects to you, Master!"

"We pay our respects to you, Grandfather!"

The two quickly knelt on one knee and greeted him. He was someone as high as the heavens, and even after years of dealing with him, he still felt intimidating. The one who showed a more relaxed reaction was Hyo Bong.

"Heh, did you hear everything?"

"Of course, you brat. Did you think I wouldn't hear you talking so loudly? What a grand dream you have!"

Tsk, tsk, the old man chided, clicking his tongue. However, his gaze, like that of someone watching his grandson's antics, was benevolent.

"Heh, are you angry?"

The old man burst into laughter, saying, "Pfft!"

"I wish you would. I want to see the saying 'the student surpasses the teacher' (靑出於藍). Can you do it?"

"Of course. Just trust me, your grandson!"

Hyo Bong boasted, patting his chest with his fist.

"Hahahaha, that's my grandson. What about you, Byeok Han?"

The old man's gaze, which had been roaring with laughter, turned to him.

"Of, of course, you can trust me."

But in truth, he lacked confidence. The mountain he had to climb was too high.

"Really?"

The old man looked at him with a look of great doubt. Indeed, it was almost impossible to gain someone's trust with a voice lacking confidence. How could he make others believe if he himself didn't believe? The old man read his hesitation and disbelief in an instant.

"Tsk tsk, how can a disciple of the Divine Beast be so lacking in spirit?"

Only this old man could scold him, whom everyone regarded with awe. He, too, had ambitions, aspirations, and goals. It was just that the wall blocking him was too high.

"My goal in life is to rely on a disciple who is greater than me and live comfortably. So please, please surpass me and share the burden that I carry. What's the point of having a good disciple and grandson? I want to enjoy the benefits in my later years too."

"I will work hard, Master."

What he feared most was disappointing his heaven-like master.

"Just trust your grandson. I guarantee your grandfather's retirement!"

He was still a loudmouth. Truly, even though they were blood relatives, his capacity to not be intimidated by the Divine Beast was something to be admired.

"Please do. I hope you two show me sights I haven't seen, the Thirteen Styles. But if possible, I ask you to do it before this old man dies. Before I become a crooked old man."

"Leave it to us!"

Gal Hyo Bong, his courage surging, jumped up from his seat and shouted.

"Grandfather will definitely see it! Because I will show it to him! The biggest enemy of your grandfather's retirement will be boredom. I guarantee it."

"Hey, junior brother, what are you saying? With your senior brother standing here. Don't cut in line!"

Only then did he shout, with the intention of not losing.

"No, I'm first."

"I'm telling you, I'm first. You're still too early."

"Then shall we bet?"

"Good. What's the deadline?"

"Ten years!"

It was a plan that was, in a way, truly absurd: to reach the realm that the one called the Divine Beast had not reached in a hundred years within ten years. However, at that time, fueled by youthful passion, they believed it was possible.

"Alright! I promise."

But that promise was never kept.

Even then, neither he nor his junior brother had ever dreamed of experiencing such despair from anyone other than their master. That experience, which was sheer defeat and terror, still haunted him as nightmares every night.

If he hadn't met that person, if he hadn't seen it… his life wouldn't have been twisted like this.

'But what did that person look like?'

The silhouette of someone surfaced. But the face was invisible, as if erased. He couldn't recall what face was behind that empty face. He couldn't remember it, as if it had been cut out of his memory. He didn't know if he couldn't or wouldn't. The person kept opening their mouth and saying something.

He tried to look at that face one more time.

Darkness! There was an unfathomable darkness. It was a vastness comparable to the night sky, immeasurable by his standards. Why? Looking at him evoked both respect and despair simultaneously.

'I know this person!'

But he couldn't see him now. He couldn't see.

'Who is it? Who is it?'

A sense of mission, that he must remember, remained in a corner of his whitened consciousness.

*Swish!*

The person who had turned their back turned around. There was nothing on the person's face. The neck above the person's head was empty. He screamed. An unknown fear gnawed at his nerves. He wanted to get away from him as quickly as possible. But his body was frozen like an insect entangled in a spiderweb, unable to move.

The person, approaching slowly, thrust their shapeless face forward. Now, all he could see were their lips. Those lips moved, saying something.

"Ahhhhhhhh!"

He screamed madly once more. And he struggled to escape from the fear. And then, screaming as if it would never end, he suddenly opened his eyes.

'Pant, pant! Where… where am I?'

Was it the light? His eyes stung, and his whole body was drenched in cold sweat. The familiar ceiling came into view. Only then did Chil Sang Heun realize where he was. This was his waiting room.

'Who is it?'

Someone was looking down at him. It wasn't just one gaze. Although his senses hadn't fully returned, there seemed to be about three or four people.

The first face he saw was that of Yeon Bi, a woman who had displayed incredible strength and defeated him, causing immense shock to both his mind and body. Why was the person who defeated him looking down at him? However, the shock of seeing Yeon Bi was nothing compared to the next person. Chil Sang Heun, while half-conscious, flinched as if scalded.

'Why? Why? Why?'

Why was the leader of the White Dao Murim Alliance, of all people, looking down at him with curious eyes? He had no idea what had happened while he was unconscious. And when his gaze shifted to the third person, tears streamed down his cheeks. A face he missed was there. The person he always felt apologetic towards was there. His white hair and white beard were the same as that day. The old man asked,

"Do you remember me?"

Tears poured incessantly from the eyes of Chil Sang Heun, whose face bore seven deep scars that looked fierce. He couldn't contain his overwhelming emotions. Anyone who knew Chil Sang Heun would have been astonished and appalled, but he didn't care. He tried to open his mouth to apologize, but his body wouldn't move properly, and only sounds like "Ah, ah, sor-sor-" came out.

Elder Hyuk Jung let out a low sigh. This legend of the dark path also had a whirlwind of emotions.

"How… how could I possibly forget!"

Now his tears flowed like a waterfall. It was enough to make the onlookers flustered.

"But are you just going to lie there?"

Only then did Chil Sang Heun, realizing his predicament, force himself to sit up.

"It's still too much to get up."

Despite the dissuasion, Chil Sang Heun forced himself to get up. He was still staggering, unable to maintain his balance, but no one made a move to help him. They knew that by helping him now, they would wound his pride. Chil Sang Heun collapsed as if his body had crumbled before Elder Hyuk Jung.

"This, this unworthy disciple, pays his respects to Master."

Elder Hyuk Jung received the bow in silence.

"……"

Elder Hyuk Jung looked down at Chil Sang Heun, who was trembling and lying prostrate, without moving.

"Am I truly your master? And are you truly my disciple?"

"Khuhuhuhuk!"

Tears like those of a rooster poured from the eyes of Chil Sang Heun, who seemed to have no blood or tears.

"Nine years without any contact, and you make your master search for you? You unfeeling wretch!"

"I am sorry, I am sorry, I deserve to die! Kill this unworthy disciple! I am not worth living!"

Elder Hyuk Jung's movements stopped abruptly. Then, he said in a calm voice,

"Get up."

Chil Sang Heun dared not get up.

"Quickly!"

When Elder Hyuk Jung shouted, Chil Sang Heun finally rustled and got up. However, he was too ashamed to look Elder Hyuk Jung in the face.

"Shut up! You pathetic wretch!"

*BOOOOOM! Thwack!*

With a thunderous roar, an angry fist struck Chil Sang Heun's cheek directly. Chil Sang Heun, who was already injured, was sent flying a long distance and hit the wall.

*Crash!*

Yeon Bi closed her eyes tightly at the tremendous crash. It was not unreasonable to think that a corpse would be cleaned up here today.

"Hyung, you'll kill him."

It was a blow that could incapacitate a healthy person. And it was directed at someone already severely injured, so Na Baek Cheon's worry was understandable.

"Hmph, he won't die from this! I even adjusted my strength."

Indeed, as he said, Chil Sang Heun somehow remained alive. He held his throbbing cheek and looked at Elder Hyuk Jung with a dazed expression.

"Ma, Master…"

Elder Hyuk Jung's anger had not subsided.

"Damn it, you pathetic wretch! Do you think I've been searching for you all this time just to see you dead? How much trouble did I go through to find you alive? And you talk about dying without knowing my suffering? Alright, you brat! Do you want to die by my hand? Shall I break your legs into pieces?"

Na Baek Cheon intervened, trying to pacify the grumbling Elder Hyuk Jung.

"Hyung, you're getting worked up like before. Calm down a bit."

"I'm sorry, Master. I won't say that again."

"Good. Do you know why I found you?"

"…Yes."

Chil Sang Heun replied in a weak voice. He knew that his master had come looking for him because of his past escape.

"Then I'll ask. That night, what happened during the 'Night of Blood'?"

Chil Sang Heun couldn't answer immediately.

"Uh, what is this 'Night of Blood'?"

Yeon Bi whispered to Na Baek Cheon, who was beside her.

"You don't even know that? It's the day nine years ago when Hyuk Hyung's eldest grandson, Gal Hyo Bong, went mad. Countless people died by Gal Hyo Bong's sword. And much blood was shed to capture him alive. Do you know what happened next?"

Yeon Bi, of course, knew. After that, Gal Hyo Bong was imprisoned in some underground dungeon, escaped due to some incident, and attacked the trainees of the Cheon Mu Hak Kwan at Mount Wudang. And she knew the subsequent outcome as well.

"Wait a minute, you two, please talk separately."

It was then that Ye Qing interrupted and pointed it out. It seemed she didn't like another woman being too close.

"Are you still unable to speak?"

"……"

"Then will you run away again? Starting now?"

Chil Sang Heun's body stiffened. Then he remembered. He had decided not to run away anymore. Chil Sang Heun laboriously opened his mouth, recalling the memories that had been sealed for the past nine years.

"I, I met him…"

An undeniable fear appeared on Chil Sang Heun's face as he stammered. He was truly trembling with fear. The past nine years didn't seem to have diluted that fear.

"Who is that person?"

Who could have inflicted such terror on the first disciple of the God of Martial Arts, Gal Jung Hyuk, and driven his grandson, called a genius, mad?

"He is… he is a monster. No, that word alone cannot describe him."

Even recalling it made him break out in a cold sweat.

"He was fear itself. A monster without form, without a face, yet one who could grasp and tear apart a person's heart anytime, anywhere."

"Who is that person?"

Elder Hyuk Jung pressed again.

"He is…"

Chil Sang Heun seemed to be struggling to open his mouth. Elder Hyuk Jung, watching him, was extremely impatient. The clue he had been searching for was right in front of him. He had persistently investigated his disciple's whereabouts for the past nine years because he wanted to know the hidden truth of that incident.

"Gasp!"

Chil Sang Heun suddenly clutched his throat and let out a roar, pausing in the middle of his story. Astonished, they looked at him and saw his complexion had turned bluish.

"Poison?!"

Given Chil Sang Heun's rapid deterioration, it was almost certainly poison. While others, with their high internal energy and strong resistance to poison, showed little reaction, it was fatal to Chil Sang Heun, who was injured and had almost no resistance. The internal energy that flowed through his body and protected him was now stagnant, like water in a pond, unable to move. Stagnant water was powerless against invading poison.

"This is impossible! There was no sign of anyone!"

Still, the first to move was Elder Hyuk Jung, a seasoned veteran who had experienced countless battles and poisons.

He quickly pressed Chil Sang Heun's pressure points to prevent the poison from spreading to his limbs and then sat in a cross-legged position, placing his hands on Chil Sang Heun's back and infusing him with his internal energy to forcibly gather the poison.

"Ugh!"

Chil Sang Heun vomited black blood. Then, his bluish face gradually regained some color.

Yeon Bi, Na Baek Cheon, and Ye Qing spread their senses as widely as possible to detect any suspicious lurkers. They could sense everything within ten feet, down to a falling strand of hair. But who could deceive the senses of the God of Martial Arts and the Murim Alliance Leader Na Baek Cheon and spread poison? That was impossible.

"But it has already happened. This is already reality. Whether you want to admit it or not."

Yeon Bi held her breath and leaped up. The direction she ran was not the door. It was a small ventilation grate on the ceiling and wall, barely large enough for a fist. Yeon Bi quickly used her hands and feet to break the bricks around the ventilation grate and block the holes with the pieces. Seven holes were instantly sealed. Then, as she landed, she said,

"We were hit. We were careless."

The enemy was quite skilled. Whoever they were, their skills could not be underestimated.

The enemy chose the most effective method. They attacked from a distance, without approaching at all, making it impossible to sense their presence. Fortunately, they noticed it wasn't too late and reacted quickly, so the key witness, Chil Sang Heun, didn't die, but he was in a coma and unable to say anything. Although his life was saved by Elder Hyuk Jung's swift emergency treatment, it would take a long time for him to wake up.

"What happened? It's impossible to approach without me and Hyung noticing."

However, they had to admit that they had been hit. Chil Sang Heun, who could have said the words they most wanted to hear, was no longer in a state to do so.

"Yes, that's why they didn't approach. They just released 'poisonous mist' from afar, through the ventilation ducts. And it was a colorless and odorless poison. It wouldn't have much effect on ordinary martial artists, but it was just the right amount to be fatal to someone who was already injured."

This was a method that could only be used if they accurately assessed their abilities.

'I don't know who the enemy is, but they clearly know this entire Won Tong Arena well.'

Yeon Bi's judgment was that it was impossible for someone unfamiliar with the place to use such a stealthy method. Further investigation was needed.

'Could it be that this entire arena is the enemy's front yard…'

At that moment, Yeon Bi moved like a gust of wind.

*Crash!*

With a tremendous roar, the waiting room door was blown off. Yeon Bi, who rushed out of the waiting room at tremendous speed, ran towards her waiting room on the opposite side of the building at the maximum speed her body could achieve. Her heart pounded wildly, and her internal energy surged like a wild horse, but she didn't care.

If they had tampered not only with Chil Sang Heun's waiting room! A chilling cold ran down her spine.

'Ye Rin!'

Yeon Bi ran and ran, not caring about damaging her body. Her speed was so rapid that people only thought a fierce wind had blown past as she swept by.

*Crack!*

Arriving at her waiting room in the shortest time at maximum speed, Yeon Bi ripped off the door. Then, without hesitation, she rushed inside.

*Bang! Crash!*

The door, which flew back and hit the wall behind her, made a thunderous noise and remained fixed in the stone wall.

"Ugh!"

Yeon Bi quickly covered her nose and mouth with her sleeve. The waiting room was filled with thick smoke, like fog, making it impossible to see ahead. Yeon Bi slightly pulled away the sleeve she was covering with and inhaled half a mouthful of the fog through her nose and mouth. It was a dangerous method of appraisal. However, Yeon Bi, in her haste, didn't have time to leisurely consider various means.

'Fortunately, it's not poisonous mist.'

Unlike what was used on Chil Sang Heun, the nature of this fog was a sleeping scent. However, it was too early to be relieved. Yeon Bi had not yet confirmed the safety of the two people. She slowly moved her steps, expanding her senses. This was to prepare for any hidden attackers.

*Squelch!*

At that moment, Yeon Bi stepped on something sticky. Yeon Bi's eyes widened. What she had just stepped on was blood. It was flowing from the wall, about one and a half steps away. Someone had collapsed below the wall. Red blood was flowing from the person's abdomen. The pink silk robe, shaped like a plum blossom, was now stained a deep crimson red like a pomegranate.

"Jun Ho!"

A desperate cry burst out. Yeon Bi immediately rushed to pull up the fallen Yoon Jun Ho. Yoon Jun Ho was still in the form of Yoon Mi.

A thin trickle of blood flowed from the corner of his mouth. His complexion was as pale as parchment, likely due to the bleeding. There was considerable bleeding from the side. She quickly pressed his pressure points to stop the bleeding. He was still breathing. The enemy's blade had grazed him, causing severe bleeding, but his internal organs were not damaged. However, Yeon Bi couldn't be relieved. No other presence could be felt in the room besides Yoon Mi.

"Jun Ho! Jun Ho! Wake up, Jun Ho!"

So desperate was she that she forgot who she was and called Yoon Jun Ho in her usual voice. There was no response. However, Yeon Bi needed to know what had happened here.

"Jun Ho!"

*Slap!*

"Wake up, Jun Ho!"

*Slap!*

Yeon Bi slapped Yoon Jun Ho's cheeks hard and repeatedly called his name. After about ten slaps, there was a reaction.

"Ryu Yeon…?"

Yoon Mi asked, half-opening her eyes. But when she opened them, it wasn't Ryu Yeon who was there, but Yeon Bi. Yoon Mi was confused.

"I thought I heard Ryu Yeon's voice…"

Only then did Yeon Bi realize that she had been acting normally.

"Wake up, Yoon Mi! It's me, Yeon Bi! What happened? Answer me quickly. Where is Rin?"

Returning to herself, she grabbed Yoon Mi's shoulders and shook her violently.

"Where, where is my young lady?"

Yoon Mi retorted with a confused voice, frowning.

"I'm the one asking! What in the world happened?"

Perhaps due to the lingering effects of the sleeping scent, Yoon Mi's memories seemed to be jumbled.

"S, suddenly, strange mist started spewing from all directions… I lost consciousness without realizing it. I quickly used my Qi-guiding breath, but it was a little too late. Then, assailants appeared. I fought desperately, but… I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I couldn't protect my young lady. I'm sorry. Th-they kidnapped my young lady!"

"What!"

Yeon Bi shouted in a booming voice. At that moment, Yeon Bi was propelled out of the door as if she had been shot. Then she quickly scanned both sides of the hallway. However, she felt no presence.

*Crash!*

Yeon Bi's fist burrowed into the stone wall.

"……"

*Crack, crack, crack!*

The more punches she threw, the finer and more numerous the cracks in the wall became.

Something she didn't want to believe had happened. Yeon Bi was devastated. Na Ye Rin had truly been kidnapped. Yeon Bi felt like she was going insane. No matter how much she tried to calm down, she couldn't. At that moment, she saw Elder Hyuk Jung and Na Baek Cheon running down the hallway, carrying Chil Sang Heun on their backs.

"What's going on?"

Na Baek Cheon asked in a hurried voice.

"……"

Yeon Bi didn't know what to say. Na Baek Cheon also sensed something ominous from her expression, and his face changed.

"What is it? Where is my Ye Rin?"

Na Baek Cheon asked in a hurried voice, pushing his way into the waiting room. However, even as the Murim Alliance Leader, he couldn't find Na Ye Rin, who wasn't there. Turning back to look at Yeon Bi, Na Baek Cheon's eyes trembled greatly. Even for Yeon Bi, it was burdensome to meet those eyes.

Her lips, which had been tightly closed, slowly opened.

"Rin… was kidnapped."

Na Baek Cheon staggered.

"You brat!"

Na Baek Cheon raised his hand to slap Yeon Bi's cheek. Yeon Bi remained still. She could have dodged, but she didn't. Na Baek Cheon stopped his descending hand. Slapping his cheek would solve nothing. It was Elder Hyuk Jung who calmed the two down.

"Both of you, calm down. This is not the time to be like this. Na Ye Rin, we need to find out where she is and who took her. There isn't much time left. We can definitely catch them."

He was right.

Yeon Bi, who had been spacing out, snapped back to reality. To lose her reason due to a momentary emotional outburst was truly uncharacteristic of her. Frenzied excitement and emotional waves prevented her from seeing what she could see in a clear mental state. In such a situation, immediate action would only be delayed. Turning the wall into a rag might be a way to vent her anger, but it wouldn't help solve the situation at all. If she could find Na Ye Rin again, it didn't matter if she was called a ghost or a heartless wretch.

"Which way did they go?"

Yeon Bi approached Yoon Mi again and shouted as if demanding an answer. She felt like she was about to go mad. A burning thirst, as if she had swallowed lava, washed over her. Her teeth chattered. Yeon Bi's appearance now was like a ghost.

"Uh… I was dazed at the time. I was dizzy. Na young lady also seemed a little uncomfortable. Something was strange. At that time, Na young lady shouted to me that she was in danger. To escape. Then, the door opened. The person came in. He was an assailant in red. He seemed to be wearing some kind of mask on his face. He was an extremely skilled expert. A terrifying being that made your heart shrink just by looking at him. That assailant in red came with a black-clad masked man, and he blocked me. I fought, but my mind was hazy, so I couldn't wield my sword properly. I… I tried to stop him… but… I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Yoon Mi shed tears and repeatedly apologized.

Then Yeon Bi shouted in a strong voice.

"This is not the time to cry! We have to do what we can now. Try to recall something. Try to recall something that could hint at the assailant's identity!"

These words were not only for Yoon Mi but also for Yeon Bi herself. First, she needed to calm her mind, which was being tossed about by rough waves. What was needed now was not a heart filled with anger, but a mind as clear as a mirror. She couldn't just search blindly without finding any clues.

"Come on, remember. You can do it!"

Yoon Mi thought hard and then shouted.

"That's right! One of them was wearing red! Red like blood. And… and he was wearing a mask on his face."

"A mask? What kind of mask was it? What did it look like?"

"Um… I don't remember well."

"What else?"

Yoon Mi frowned and tried to recall what she had seen. She couldn't concentrate well. Still, she didn't give up and desperately fumbled through her confused memories. Then, a scene flashed in her mind.

"Y-yes. I remember one thing."

"What is it?"

Yeon Bi asked in a desperate voice.

"The one in red… he… he was a 'one-armed man'!"

At Yoon Mi's words, Elder Hyuk Jung, Na Baek Cheon, and Ye Qing simultaneously flinched and looked at each other. The two were thinking of the same thing now.

"A-a one-armed man… Could it be…?"

The color drained from Na Baek Cheon's and Ye Qing's faces in an instant. If what they were thinking now became a reality, it would be a truly horrific nightmare. Such a thing should not happen under this sky. The same was true for Yeon Bi.

"Which arm was missing?"

Na Baek Cheon grabbed Yoon Mi's shoulders fiercely and asked. His reason was almost paralyzed. If the person was one-armed, which side was it was now extremely important. If the left arm was missing, they could at least avoid the worst of the worst.

"The, the right. It was definitely the right!"

*Thump!*

Upon hearing that, Ye Qing collapsed onto the spot. Both couples looked devastated. Yeon Bi desperately called out the name of the missing Na Ye Rin.

"Ye Riin!"

There was no answer.

At this moment, the evil nightmare they believed had disappeared was about to awaken from its deep slumber.