Previously on Blood Demon's Awakening...
In the darkness of night, a young disciple faced death.
"Am I... going to die like this..."
At the threshold of death, something ancient stirred.
[Blood Demon Awakening System activating...]
Power erupted. A blade sang with crimson light.
"Blood Demon Sword Art, First Form - Blood Flash Strike!"
The weak became strong. The prey became predator.
But in the shadows, something far more dangerous watched...
"Hahaha! How fascinating."
The real game... was just beginning.
Chapter 2: The Darkness Awakens
Part 1: Signs of Change
After the battle ended, Jin-ho looked down at the fallen Hyeon-su.
"Hyeon-su, are you okay?"
Though he said those words, Jin-ho's lips unconsciously curled into a slight smile. Hyeon-su's pained expression was... somehow interesting.
'Strange. Why do I find this amusing?'
Hyeon-su groaned painfully as he tried to get up.
"Jin-ho... thank you. If it weren't for you..."
"Yeah."
Jin-ho answered indifferently. In the past, he would have supported Hyeon-su's shoulder and said cheerfully, "Of course, we're fellow disciples!" But now, he felt no inclination to do so.
No, more precisely... he felt no need to do so.
Jin-ho looked at his own hands. He had just killed someone, yet they weren't trembling. Instead, he felt a strange satisfaction.
'Well... I did save my fellow disciple, but... why do I feel so tired?'
He was startled by his own thoughts.
'No, Hyeon-su is my friend. I... I was originally a warm person...'
But he couldn't stop that warmth from gradually fading away. It felt like the warmth in his chest was slowly seeping out.
"Jin-ho, your eyes... something seems different about them..."
Han Mu-jin approached with concern. But Jin-ho turned his head away, avoiding his gaze.
'Master must have been watching me too. Everything was probably a lie.'
It was strange. He still thought he respected Han Mu-jin. He definitely respected him. But... strange doubts began seeping into that respect.
'Does Master really care for me, or is there another reason?'
Those doubts spread like small cracks. It felt like cold air was seeping into one corner of his warm heart. He still liked Han Mu-jin, but at the same time, he found himself observing him. No, more precisely... rather than observing himself, it felt like someone was borrowing his eyes to evaluate Han Mu-jin. That gaze was much older and more experienced than Jin-ho himself, with a different way of viewing people. Like hands carefully but confidently flipping through dusty books in the corner of an old library, something was moving deep in his heart.
Part 2: Flame King's Appearance and Revelation
"Hahaha! How fascinating."
Slow applause echoed from the darkness. Just that sound alone seemed to freeze the air.
A man in a black hood emerged, cutting through the darkness.
The moment his first step touched the ground, the surrounding insect sounds stopped in unison. With his second step, the wind died. With his third step, even the moonlight dimmed.
He was tall and thin, but that wasn't important. What mattered was that the space itself where he stood was warping. It was as if reality was groaning, unable to bear his existence.
The air grew heavy. No, the air itself was becoming thick like viscous blood. With each breath, cold iron shards seemed to pierce his lungs.
What could be seen beneath his hood wasn't a face but an abyss. A thousand years of hatred and killing intent compressed into barely maintaining human form—a walking disaster itself.
The fallen leaves at his feet spontaneously turned to ash and scattered.
"Blood Flame Cult's Left Guardian... Flame King."
His voice was low and calm, but the killing intent contained within it froze everyone.
Han Mu-jin's face turned pale. No, beyond pale—all color completely drained from it. His hands began trembling minutely.
"Left Guardian... Left Guardian..."
Han Mu-jin's voice trembled. As the sect leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect, he had faced countless strong enemies throughout his life, but he never dreamed such an existence would appear directly.
"This... this doesn't make sense. There's no way someone like a Left Guardian would personally act against a small sect like ours. To the Blood Flame Cult, we're just... just specks of dust..."
Han Mu-jin's mind went blank. A Left Guardian was a legendary figure in the Central Plains martial world. Not simply a strong person, but a disaster-level existence who could erase a mid-level sect overnight with just one person.
Why is such a being here? Why now of all times?
"Could it be... because of Jin-ho? No, that can't be. Jin-ho hasn't even properly awakened yet..."
Cold sweat poured down Han Mu-jin's back. The opponent was on a completely different level. It was like an ant facing a dragon.
"Personally? Hehehe..."
Flame King sneered.
"This isn't personal, old man. This is... a harvest."
The moment Flame King's gaze fixed on Jin-ho, time seemed to stop.
His pupils gradually turned red. Like the color of old blood drying and coagulating. In that gaze wasn't simple greed, but... the kind of ecstasy one feels when finally discovering a legendary sword after searching for treasure.
"Hehehe... Hahaha..."
Flame King's laughter rumbled low. As his laughter spread, the surrounding trees began dropping their leaves. It was as if winter had suddenly arrived, draining all life force.
"Remarkable. Truly... remarkable."
Flame King slowly approached Jin-ho. With each step, black flower patterns bloomed and withered on the ground.
"Boy, no... descendant of Blood Heaven. The crimson mixed in that sword energy just now... and that ancient aura stirring deep in your eyes right now... three thousand years of waiting has been worthwhile."
Flame King's voice suddenly became reverent. Like the voice of a believer facing their god.
"Finally... finally I've met a true 'Death Blood Constitution.' The genuine bloodline of the Blood Heaven Emperor!"
"Death Blood Constitution?"
Jin-ho asked back, but strangely, the term didn't feel unfamiliar. Something seemed to stir in the depths somewhere.
"Fascinating... truly fascinating."
Flame King observed Jin-ho intently, slowly nodding his head.
"When you swung your sword earlier... and when you defeated that enemy... didn't you feel a strange satisfaction? Like finally drinking something you'd thirsted for so long?"
Jin-ho's body trembled slightly. Because it was exactly right.
"Hehe, just as I thought. That's proof of the 'Death Blood Constitution.' A constitution that absorbs others' martial arts in moments of mortal crisis and experiences explosive growth... and that sweet pleasure felt during the process."
Flame King's voice became increasingly excited.
"A hundred years ago, no... precisely 113 years ago, the demon god Kang Cheon-hyeol who turned the martial world into a sea of blood. He too was once an innocent boy like you. But addicted to the euphoria felt with each awakening... he eventually turned the entire martial world against him."
Han Mu-jin shouted.
"Kang Cheon-hyeol... could Jin-ho be..."
"Correct!"
Flame King's voice suddenly boomed. At that moment, surrounding leaves began falling without any wind.
"Kang Cheon-hyeol, that great incarnation of the Blood Heaven Emperor. But do you know his true end?"
Flame King stepped forward. Each of his steps made the ground tremble.
"The world says he committed suicide, but... Hahaha! Ridiculous. He didn't die. At his 45th awakening, he gained true enlightenment, abandoned his physical body, and became a greater existence."
"That's a lie!"
Han Mu-jin shouted, drawing his sword.
"A lie? Old man, isn't this exactly the truth you've been trying so hard to hide?"
Flame King's eyes glinted dangerously.
"The Kang family has a saying passed down through generations: 'True nature reveals itself only in moments of absolute crisis.' Did you think this was mere encouragement? This is both curse and blessing. A prophecy for the Blood Heaven Emperor's resurrection!"
Something stirred deep in Jin-ho's chest.
'What... is this?'
It felt like there was another ocean inside his body. That ocean began surging, but those waves weren't Jin-ho's own. They were too deep, too heavy, too... ancient.
He couldn't breathe. No, it felt like he'd forgotten how to breathe. A heartbeat that might be his own or something else's echoed in his ears.
'No... this isn't me...'
But that 'not-him' began feeling increasingly natural. Like putting on clothes he hadn't worn for a long time—awkward yet strangely comfortable.
Jin-ho looked at his hands. They were definitely his hands. But those hands seemed to want to move by someone else's will. More elegantly, more majestically, more... cruelly.
Part 3: Experiment and Awakening
"Well then, shall we test it?"
Flame King's voice turned cold.
"If you're truly a descendant of Blood Heaven... you should be able to withstand this much. If you die from this?"
Flame King shrugged.
"Then you were fake from the start. For wasting my time... I'll burn you cleanly. But if you're real..."
His eyes glinted dangerously.
"You'll receive the blessing of a second awakening. Well? Do you have the courage to test your fate?"
Flame King slowly raised both arms. Black flames began rising from his fingertips. But these weren't ordinary flames.
They were black flames that seemed to rise from hell's abyss. But these weren't hot. Rather, they were absolute cold that would freeze one's soul.
As the flames rose, space itself began warping. It was as if cracks had formed in reality and the afterlife was seeping into this world. The surrounding temperature dropped rapidly. No, it felt like the very concept of temperature had disappeared.
Each flame danced while making sounds as if containing the screams of the dead. Everything reflected in those black flames lost color and turned gray.
The flames writhed between Flame King's hands, twisting like a living serpent. It wasn't simple fire but hatred and despair given form.
"Hell King Divine Art... Infernal Reception!"
Whoooosh!
The black flames formed the shape of a massive dragon as they flew toward Jin-ho. This was on a completely different dimension from the blood energy of the first time. This wasn't a simple attack but absolute destruction meant to annihilate existence itself.
"Jin-ho!"
Han Mu-jin drew his sword and rushed forward. But the moment his sword touched the black flames, the blade shattered like ice.
"This... this can't be!"
Han Mu-jin despaired. His thirty years of internal energy had been neutralized in an instant. Like an infant before an adult, he could do nothing.
Bang!
Jin-ho screamed as he was sent flying backward. The black flames engulfed his entire body. The smell of burning flesh filled the air. No, his very soul was burning.
At that moment, something bizarre happened from where Jin-ho had fallen. Crimson flower patterns began blooming on the dirt ground. As if blood had seeped deep into the earth and made hell's flowers bloom.
Those flower patterns spread wider and wider. The surrounding ten meters were instantly covered in crimson designs. It was like a massive magic circle being completed.
Flicker... flicker...
Jin-ho's consciousness flickered. He was wavering between life and death.
'I'm dying... really... this time...'
That's when it happened.
『Life form critical point reached』『Soul separation phenomenon detected due to external demonic arts』『Emergency protocol activated: Blood Demon Awakening Stage 2 forced execution』『Warning: Strong external interference detected during awakening process』『Caution: Faster progression than expected』
This system message was different. It felt mechanical yet somehow alive.
Thump... thump... thump...
Heartbeat sounds echoed. But it wasn't his own heart. Something much more massive, deeper, more ancient... like mountain ranges themselves breathing.
『Excellent... faster... stronger... awaken...』
A majestic and overwhelming voice echoed in Jin-ho's mind. That voice definitely wasn't his own. It had the depth of having lived for thousands, tens of thousands of years.
'Who... are you?'
『Me? I am the being you will become... and the being you originally were. I am the Blood Heaven Emperor... your true form that has waited three thousand years within your blood.』
Jin-ho's body trembled. But it wasn't fear... it was anticipation.
『Blood Demon Awakening Stage 2 complete』『Blood Heaven Emperor awakening rate: 8% → 12%』『New ability unlocked: Killing Intent Manipulation Lv.2』『New ability unlocked: Pain Immunity Lv.1』『Warning: Host mental body fusion process accelerating』
Part 4: Unexpected Reversal
As the black flames cleared, Jin-ho slowly stood up.
All wounds had disappeared. No, the wounds hadn't disappeared but had been reborn as something stronger. His pupils now clearly held a crimson tint.
Han Mu-jin was about to rush over when...
"How... how is this..."
Han Mu-jin suddenly stopped. His face was full of disbelief.
Something was changing in Jin-ho's body. No, saying 'changing' wasn't enough. He was 'transforming' into a completely different being.
The black flames that had been burning began circling around Jin-ho's body. As if the flames that had tried to harm Jin-ho now wanted to protect him.
"Is such a thing... is such a thing possible?"
Han Mu-jin's voice trembled. In fifty years of martial world life, he had never seen such a phenomenon. It was as if death itself was kneeling before Jin-ho.
The air vibrated. No, space itself was rippling around Jin-ho. As if he had become the central axis of the world.
"Hehehehe..."
Jin-ho began laughing. It was low, eerie laughter.
"Interesting... truly interesting."
His voice had changed. It was still a fifteen-year-old boy's voice, but something cold and dangerous was mixed in.
Flame King nodded with satisfaction.
"Good! That's exactly it! You're feeling the pleasure of awakening!"
"Thank you, Flame King."
Jin-ho bowed his head toward Flame King. But it wasn't courtesy... it was a greeting between equals.
At that moment, three thousand years flowed out from the fifteen-year-old boy's body. The appearance was still young Jin-ho, but the aura surrounding him was completely different. It was like an ancient emperor wearing a boy's mask.
The air grew heavy. No, the air itself seemed to be bowing before Jin-ho.
Even Flame King held his breath for a moment. What stood before him now wasn't a fifteen-year-old boy. It was that legendary being... the shadow of the Blood Heaven Emperor descending to the present world through a child's body.
Jin-ho's gaze alone made the surrounding leaves rustle. A single breath from him made the earth tremble. This was no longer the realm of humans.
"Thanks to you, I've regained sensations I'd forgotten for so long. But..."
Jin-ho's eyes glinted dangerously.
"This much isn't enough yet... I'm not satisfied. Can you make it stronger?"
Han Mu-jin was startled.
"Jin-ho! Come to your senses! What are you saying..."
"Master."
Jin-ho slowly turned to look at Han Mu-jin. That gaze was cold as ice. Not the eyes of a fifteen-year-old boy, but the gaze of a being who had lived for thousands of years.
"You've been hiding grandfather's real secret, haven't you? The truth about the Kang family... and you received orders to watch me, didn't you?"
Han Mu-jin's face turned pale.
"How... how did you..."
"How did I know?"
Jin-ho smiled. But that smile was chilling.
"Because... I've awakened now."
『Warning: Host's self-resistance threshold breached』『Blood Heaven Emperor consciousness awakening rapidly progressing』『Expected complete erosion time: 42 days → shortened to 28 days』『Caution: Possible side effects due to faster progression than scheduled』
Flame King smiled contentedly.
"Excellent, descendant of Blood Heaven. For just a second awakening, this is remarkable... I look forward to when you've fully awakened."
"Next time..."
Jin-ho looked at Flame King and said.
"Prepare more interesting games. Such small tests are... disappointing."
"Today... I merely came to offer my greetings."
Flame King smiled with satisfaction. His voice was tinged with strange reverence.
"Three thousand years of waiting has been worthwhile. Now I can finally meet the real 'Him.'"
Flame King stepped back and bowed deeply as if performing a ritual.
"When we meet next time... I hope you'll be in a more complete form."
His body began dispersing like black smoke. But just before completely disappearing, he left one final word.
"Ah, and... Blood Heaven Emperor."
Flame King's voice echoed from the darkness.
"I recommend visiting Kang Cheon-hyeol's tomb. There... lies a truth you must know."
The wind blew once, and all traces of Flame King completely vanished. As if he had never been there.
Jin-ho looked up at the night sky and took a deep breath.
"Ah... this feeling. It's been three thousand years."
As soon as he finished speaking, Jin-ho's body swayed.
"Ugh..."
Suddenly blood poured from his mouth. The blood was mixed with black energy. It was as if two different forces were colliding inside his body.
Thud!
Jin-ho collapsed forward. His face turned pale and his breathing became shallow.
"Jin-ho!"
Han Mu-jin rushed over and supported Jin-ho. Checking Jin-ho's pulse, it wasn't normal. The pulse was irregular, sometimes almost stopping then suddenly beating explosively.
"This is... energy deviation. No, it's more serious than that."
Han Mu-jin's face turned ashen.
"Someone! Call a physician immediately! The best physician!"
Disciples rushed out in haste.
"Jin-ho... hold on. Please..."
Han Mu-jin grasped Jin-ho's hand. But it was strange. Jin-ho's hand was sometimes cold, sometimes hot. As if two different beings were coexisting in one body.
『Chapter 2 Complete』
『Next Chapter Preview: Jin-ho suffers from awakening aftereffects and the Heavenly Sword Sect faces crisis. The Blood Flame Cult's full-scale movement begins...』
Setting Collection - Blood Heaven Emperor (血天大帝) Historical Background
The Blood Heaven Emperor ruled both the martial world and demon realm 3,000 years ago as an absolute demon god. His reign ended when he was sealed by a coalition of 9 righteous sects and 7 demonic forces combined.
Current Status Physical Body: Destroyed during the ancient seal Consciousness: Exists as a spiritual entity within the Kang family bloodline Resurrection Method: Complete possession through multiple Death Blood Constitution awakenings Progress: Currently 12% awakened within Jin-ho The Death Blood Constitution System True Nature: A resurrection program designed by the Blood Heaven Emperor Activation: Triggered by near-death experiences from external martial arts Purpose: Gradual erosion and replacement of the host's consciousness Final Goal: Complete revival of the Blood Heaven Emperor Unique Abilities "Growing Stronger Through Death": The foundational cultivation method he created Consciousness Transfer: Ability to imprint memories and personality onto descendants Reality Manipulation: Power that warps space and natural laws around him Setting Collection - The Second Awakening Process Physical Changes Enhanced Internal Energy: 200%+ explosive increase per awakening Meridian Reconstruction: Complete rebuilding of energy pathways Bloodline Manifestation: Crimson tint appears in the eyes Healing Factor: Instantaneous recovery of all wounds during awakening Mental Changes (2nd Awakening Specific) Emotional Coldness: Gradual loss of empathy and warmth Ancient Memories: Fragments of Blood Heaven Emperor's past surface Personality Erosion: Original personality slowly being overwritten Enhanced Perception: Ability to see through deceptions and hidden truths Dangerous Side Effects Accelerated Timeline: Expected complete takeover reduced from 42 to 28 days Loss of Self: Jin-ho's consciousness fighting for control Physical Strain: Body struggling to contain two different souls Uncontrollable Power: Abilities manifesting without conscious control Setting Collection - Flame King (염라/閻羅) Identity and Status Position: Left Guardian of the Blood Flame Cult True Nature: Reincarnated soul from the Blood Heaven Emperor's era Mission: Locate and guide Death Blood Constitution descendants Reverence: Views the Blood Heaven Emperor as his supreme lord Combat Abilities Hell King Divine Art: His signature demonic cultivation technique Infernal Reception: Reality-warping attack that freezes souls Spatial Distortion: Presence alone warps the surrounding environment Life Drain: Passive ability that withers all living things nearby Relationship with Jin-ho Recognition: Immediately identified Jin-ho as genuine Blood Heaven bloodline Purpose: Acting as a catalyst to accelerate awakening process Loyalty: Serves the emerging Blood Heaven Emperor, not Jin-ho Future Role: Will become more active as Jin-ho's transformation progresses Hidden Agenda Kang Cheon-hyeol's Tomb: Contains crucial information about controlling awakenings Secret Knowledge: Aware of methods to either stop or complete the transformation Ultimate Goal: Witness the return of his ancient master Setting Collection - The Heavenly Sword Sect's Crisis Han Mu-jin's Dilemma Hidden Knowledge: Fully aware of the Kang family's cursed bloodline Secret Orders: Tasked with monitoring Jin-ho by a mysterious organization Conflicted Loyalty: Torn between his genuine care for Jin-ho and his duty Desperate Situation: Powerless against forces beyond his understanding The Sect's Vulnerability Outmatched Power: Completely defenseless against Left Guardian-level threats Internal Confusion: Disciples unaware of the true danger among them Strategic Importance: Now a target due to harboring Jin-ho Future Challenges: Will face increasing pressure from demonic forces Approaching Dangers Blood Flame Cult: Full mobilization expected after Flame King's report Other Factions: Various groups will learn of Jin-ho's awakening Time Pressure: Limited window to find a solution before complete transformation Difficult Choices: May need to choose between Jin-ho and the sect's survival
The awakening has begun, and there's no turning back. Each day brings Jin-ho closer to becoming something far beyond human...