That afternoon, the city of Daeng was shrouded in a thin mist that hung low in the air. The atmosphere was damp and heavy, as if holding its breath before a storm. The marketplace, usually bustling with activity, had started to empty, with merchants closing their stalls earlier than usual. On the street corners, the townspeople exchanged uneasy glances—as if they all knew something bad was either happening or about to happen.
To the east of the city stood the ruins of what had once been the grand building of the Snow Dance Sect. The structure, once full of life, now only left behind broken stones and rubble. No one protested or complained—because in this world, written laws meant nothing. The weak could only accept their fate, crushed by the strong.
"Uhh, this is terrifying," muttered Du Chen as he walked slowly through the ruins. "I never thought a mid-tier sect could fall so easily."
"I heard their elder, the mid-tier Golden Blade, is in self-exile," replied Hyeon Li, her voice cold. "The Snow Dance Sect couldn't withstand such an attack."
"Yes, their master is only a silver-ranked swordsman. Too weak," Du Chen sighed.
Suddenly, one of the soldiers came rushing forward and knelt down.
"Report, Master Chen! We've detected traces of Demon Fire Sect activity to the west of the city, near the forest by the lake."
Du Chen immediately straightened up. "Very well. Prepare everything. We leave now!"
"Understood, Master!" the soldiers responded in unison.
At the western lake of Daeng City...
Far from the turmoil of the sect world, Jian Mo was busy repairing an old cabin by the lakeside. The cabin was worn down, with parts of the wood decayed. Meanwhile, Su Daji, the young girl who always accompanied him, laughed joyfully as she played in the water.
"Father, are the fish big here?" asked Su Daji innocently, splashing water into the air.
"Of course," Jian Mo replied with a smile. "One fish is enough for the two of us. I'll catch plenty."
"Alright, Father!" she exclaimed, then laughed happily.
For them, that day was just about fishing and sharing a meal under the peaceful sky.
Elsewhere...
In the hidden headquarters of the Demon Fire Sect, Lian Shi received a report from his subordinates.
"Report, they've taken the bait and are now heading towards the forest near the lake."
"Hahaha, how foolish they are," Lian Shi mocked with a cruel smile. "Prepare everything. Tonight, we celebrate our victory. Let's wipe out the alliance sect forces."
"Understood!" the soldiers shouted in unison.
In the forest...
The fog grew thicker. The sunlight barely pierced through the dense canopy of leaves.
"Are you sure this is the place?" Hyeon Li asked, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
"But there's no sign at all..." she muttered again, suspicious.
"Yes, Miss. We saw traces of the Demon Fire Sect around here earlier," one of the soldiers replied hesitantly.
Du Chen slowly unsheathed his sword. "Get ready, everyone. Don't let your guard down."
"Ready!" they answered.
Suddenly, the silence was shattered by laughter.
"Hahaha! How stupid you are to walk right into our trap!" Tian Le's voice echoed from atop a tree.
"You'll all die here," Karyo added as he emerged from the mist.
"Bastards! You've trapped us!" Du Chen shouted.
"Calm down, Du Chen. Don't be reckless. They're no ordinary opponents," Hyeon Li warned.
The attack came from all directions. The Demon Fire Sect's formation spread like a spider's web. Spiritual arrows, earth traps, and long-range attacks rained down on the expedition's forces. A fierce battle erupted amid the burning trees.
Du Chen fought desperately. Hyeon Li poured all her energy into the battle, even as the wound on her shoulder worsened. However, the enemy's numbers were too great. One by one, the alliance forces fell. Screams and the sound of clashing weapons filled the forest.
In the end, only Du Chen and Hyeon Li were still standing—panting, their bodies soaked in blood. Both of them could no longer lift their weapons.
As Karyo's sword was aimed straight at their heads, an explosion shook the ground. A black light burst between them, creating thick fog and sending the enemy flying backward.
All fell silent.
From behind the black fog, a shadowy figure emerged... a man stood with his head bowed, his body enveloped in a dark and mysterious aura.
"Who... is that?" Hyeon Li whispered weakly as her consciousness began to fade.