Dark Blood Headquarters – Chamber of Fire
In a vast, silent cavern, the only sound was the crackle of flames from a massive bonfire at the center. The glowing red light danced across the dark, damp stone walls, casting flickering shadows on the tense faces of the Dark Blood leaders standing in a circle. Their auras were thick, weighing down the air like a suffocating fog of death.
Ci Jheon clenched his teeth tightly.
"Mo Tian…" he hissed with fury. "He's really back… and with new power."
Mu Whon crossed his arms, eyes sharp.
"Mo Tian is a cunning man—not someone to underestimate again."
"So what do we do next?" asked Lee Heyeon, a bit uneasy.
Kim Jheon Mo stared into the embers.
"Soon, they'll discover our location. We need to prepare now."
Silence hung in the air. No one spoke. The pressure felt like nails pressing into skin.
Finally, Ci Jheon spoke in a low, firm voice.
"We already have the ancient potion and the Heavenly Demon bloodbone powder... The next step is to awaken Lord Seo Whan."
"But… we need time. The ritual isn't simple," Mu Whon replied.
Ci Jheon looked between Mu Whon and Lee Heyeon.
"I've thought it through. You and Lee Heyeon go to an untouched place. Perform the ritual there. Kim Jheon Mo and I will hold the line here to delay them."
"B-but, Sir—" Lee Heyeon began, but was quickly cut off.
"No buts. We've already lost. But if Seo Whan rises… we still have hope."
Ci Jheon looked to Kim Jheon Mo.
"Are you ready?"
"No problem," Kim Jheon Mo answered calmly. "I'll hold them off with everything I've got."
"Good. Then carry it out," said Ci Jheon firmly.
"Yes, Sir!" they shouted in unison, before Mu Whon and Lee Heyeon vanished into the black mist, leaving the base even quieter… and more dangerous.
---
Tianyin Pavilion – Main Hall
Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Tianyin Pavilion, the alliance leaders sat around a large stone table. Lanterns lit the room, illuminating the serious faces of the new leadership. Seong Whak sat in the highest seat, leading the meeting with a calm yet commanding presence.
"What are their movements?" Seong Whak asked firmly.
Mo Tian bowed respectfully.
"They've realized we're onto them, Sir. It seems they're preparing—either to flee or to confront us directly."
"Has their base been located?"
"Just recently. The shadow team under Lord Yan Zhian found traces of suspicious activity. It's highly likely it's their base."
Cheon Ji clenched his fist.
"Sir, allow us on the front lines. We wish to atone for our past failures."
Yan Zhian nodded silently, eyes filled with determination.
Seong Whak stood, gazing at each of them one by one.
"Very well. We move in three days. Use the time to prepare. This time, we'll destroy the darkness at its root."
"Yes, Sir!" they replied in unison, their voices echoing with burning resolve.
---
Tianyin Inn – Main Room
Meanwhile, a very different scene was unfolding in one of the rooms at the Tianyin Inn. Chaos had broken out since morning, right after breakfast.
"SIR! I cooked that egg!" yelled Tang Wu, waving a spatula like a weapon.
"That was my egg! You just added salt!" retorted Jian Mo, hiding behind the table.
Su Daji laughed so hard she fell from her chair, while Leon let out a long sigh, trying to keep reading his book—even as a piece of toast landed on his head.
"Tang Wu, are you a kitchen ninja or a market brawler?" Leon groaned as he pulled the toast from his hair.
Tang Wu didn't care. He chased Jian Mo with a pot in hand, creating such a ruckus that other guests peeked out from their rooms.
"Wahaha! Look, Daddy's a fried chicken!" Su Daji cried out, laughing with glee as Jian Mo slipped on a banana peel that had somehow appeared.
Though they were in the midst of war and crisis, the laughter and chaos were a small oasis in a tense world.
And behind all the silliness… they knew moments like this might soon come to an end.