The morning fog over Hanseong drifted like the last breaths of a dream, dissipating slowly as the first rays of sun spilled across the tiled roofs and cobbled streets. But even in the light, the city felt tense — like a drawn bowstring ready to snap.
At the heart of the Jade Lotus Sect, preparations were in full motion. Messengers raced between courtyards. Disciples hung ceremonial banners of jade and gold. The once-quiet temple gardens had become the convergence point for the most powerful clans in Murim. For the first time in decades, the ancient Council of Clans would be held.
But Jin Mu-Won knew better than to expect unity. His presence, his reputation, and his mission had already stirred controversy in whispers across sect halls.
---
Inside a stone meditation hall, Jin stood beside Lin Xue, Yu Fei, Bai Yiran, and Master Yun. Before them lay a large map of Murim, dotted with fresh red markings.
Lin Xue's finger traced a path down the northern border. "The Demon Queen's reach has already touched the Snowfang Mountains. The Bladehowl Sect reported disappearances—entire villages lost overnight."
Yu Fei added, "Similar movements near the Eastern Cliffs. Shadow beasts, unnatural fog, signs of blood rituals. This isn't just a regrouping. It's a coordinated expansion."
Master Yun nodded grimly. "And the clans are too focused on their own territory to see the bigger picture. Today, we must open their eyes."
Jin's gaze hardened. "If they won't listen to words, we'll show them truth."
---
Elsewhere in the city, carriages bearing clan insignias rolled toward the Jade Lotus gates. The Iron Serpent Clan arrived first — their warriors clad in segmented armor, silent and intimidating. Their leader, Master Han Baek, descended without a word, his cold eyes sweeping the temple grounds.
Next came the Violet Flame Pavilion, its envoys cloaked in silken robes infused with Qi-resistant threads. Their leader, Lady Chu Lian, stepped down gracefully, but her smile was sharp as a blade.
Behind them came the Twin Fang Monastery, the Golden Sky Sect, and finally, the reclusive Crimson Dawn Clan — each more distrustful and proud than the last.
Within the main chamber, the stone council ring shimmered with spiritual energy, inscribed with ancient runes. As the leaders took their seats, the air turned heavy with suppressed hostility.
Jin and his companions entered last. The moment he stepped forward, silence fell — then a ripple of murmurs surged like wind through dry leaves.
"That's him… Jin Mu-Won."
"The Reincarnated Demon-Slayer."
"They say he killed a cult priest with a single strike."
"He walks with three women—how fitting for a fallen star…"
Jin ignored the whispers. His eyes locked onto Master Han Baek's. "We all bleed the same. Today, we stand together, or we fall alone."
---
Master Yun raised his hand, and the council officially began. "We face a crisis greater than any since the fall of the Demon Queen's empire. The Red Moon Cult was not defeated—it was delayed. And now its roots infect Murim again."
Lady Chu Lian raised an eyebrow. "We've heard such warnings before. What makes this time different?"
Yu Fei stepped forward, voice clear and sharp. "Because they are preparing to summon her again. We found a Heart Crystal under Hanseong—one of the Queen's soul fragments."
Gasps spread across the room. Even the Iron Serpent warriors shifted.
Lin Xue added, "We've destroyed one, but we don't know how many remain. The cult's influence stretches farther than we thought. They've infiltrated cities, clans, even high-ranking elders."
A monk from the Twin Fang Monastery narrowed his eyes. "Are you accusing us?"
Bai Yiran scoffed. "If we were, you'd already be dead."
The room erupted in argument—shouted protests, accusations, veiled threats. It was chaos until Jin slammed his spear on the stone floor.
"Enough!"
The echo silenced them all. Jin stood tall, his Qi flaring just enough to press into their senses — not as an attack, but a reminder of the power that stood before them.
"I died once protecting this world. I won't let it fall again while you squabble over pride and politics. If you don't trust me, fine. But look at the evidence. Look at what's happening outside your gilded halls. And if you still choose to do nothing, then get out of my way."
The silence that followed was not of fear — but of something deeper. Respect. Reluctant, begrudging, but real.
Master Han Baek finally spoke. "You say the Red Moon rises again. Then prove it. Show us the next ritual site. If you're right… we'll back you. If not—"
"I'll take full responsibility," Jin said without hesitation. "And I'll die trying."
---
As the council adjourned to prepare for a joint investigation of suspected cult sites, Lin Xue approached Jin with a rare softness in her voice.
"You challenged a room of the most arrogant warriors in Murim... and didn't get stabbed."
Jin chuckled. "Yet."
Yu Fei handed him a sealed scroll. "We intercepted this during the night. It confirms another ritual will take place — in the Valley of Hollow Winds, three days from now."
Bai Yiran stretched her arms. "Then we have three days to sharpen our blades and break their bones."
But as the group turned to prepare, none noticed the black-robed figure perched atop the temple's spire — eyes gleaming with malice.
The cult knew of the council. And they would strike first.
Three days.
That was all the time Jin Mu-Won and his allies had to prepare.
Three days to uncover the truth of the Red Moon Cult's next ritual. Three days to gather warriors, travel to the Valley of Hollow Winds, and intercept a summoning that could shake the foundations of Murim.
But evil does not wait.
---
On the eve of their departure, a shadow passed through Hanseong. Silent. Unseen.
In the dark halls beneath the Jade Lotus Sect, a secret room was breached. Scrolls burned. A disciple lay cold, blood drawn in arcane sigils across his chest. The seal protecting the location of the Soul Basin — the true site of the next cult ritual — was broken.
And in the high tower, an informant whispered his final report to the figure cloaked in red silk.
"The boy leads them to Hollow Winds. But the altar awakens elsewhere."
The cloaked figure nodded, voice like silk scraping steel. "Good. Let them waste their strength on air and ghosts. When the blood moon rises, she shall return."
---
Day One: On the Road
The group rode fast — Jin, Lin Xue, Yu Fei, Bai Yiran, and an escort of thirty elite Jade Lotus disciples and envoys from the other clans. Their horses thundered across the plains, their banners whipping in the cold spring wind.
Lin Xue rode beside Jin in silence, until finally she spoke.
"You shouldn't have made that vow."
Jin arched a brow. "Which one? I make a lot."
"The one where you promised to take responsibility alone. If we fall, we fall together."
Jin smiled faintly. "That's why I made it. Because I know you'll never let me fall."
A faint blush touched Lin Xue's cheeks, but she said nothing more.
Meanwhile, Bai Yiran sparred mid-ride with a reckless Golden Sky disciple, flipping him off his saddle with a playful kick. "We're going to war, and you're not even worth warming up with."
Yu Fei chuckled from behind her, reading her scrolls while riding side-saddle. "Be kind. Not everyone can match a harem general."
"Harem general?" Jin nearly choked on his water flask.
"Well," Yu Fei said sweetly, "you've got three powerful women chasing you, all of whom can kill entire sects. That makes you a general by default."
Even Lin Xue smirked.
---
Day Two: The Mist of Deception
By the second day, the mountains grew steep and the wind howled unnaturally. The Valley of Hollow Winds loomed ahead — a jagged crevice between cliffs, with withered trees reaching out like claws.
The scouts returned quickly. "No signs of cult activity. The valley's empty."
Yu Fei's eyes narrowed. "Too empty."
Jin gave the signal. "Circle the ridge. No one goes in until we confirm—"
But it was too late.
A deafening shriek split the sky, and the valley erupted in crimson light. Explosive Qi surged as dozens of masked cultists leapt from hidden crevices, casting down flaming seals that split the earth.
From above, chains of shadow lashed down — animated by dark Qi — snaring half the escort before they could draw swords.
"AMBUSH!" Bai Yiran yelled, launching herself into the fray with twin blades flashing.
Jin's spear spun in a perfect arc, knocking aside cursed weapons and driving forward with explosive force. Lin Xue unleashed a wave of icy Qi, freezing incoming arrows midair. Yu Fei raised her paper talismans, burning through enemies with precise spirit bursts.
But something was wrong.
The cultists fought like madmen — no defense, no formation. As if stalling.
Yu Fei's eyes widened. "This isn't the real ritual. It's a trap!"
Jin felt it then — the subtle tug of fate twisting. A powerful illusion spell cloaked the valley, and as his Qi surged to break it, the truth revealed itself.
This wasn't a battlefield.
It was a blood altar.
And they were the sacrifice.
---
Day Three: Rise of the Crimson Mark
The battle turned desperate. Dozens fell. The Jade Lotus shield bearers held the front line, but cursed sigils began to rise from the altar stones, draining Qi from the air.
Jin realized it too late.
"They're using our energy to empower the Queen's spirit!"
In a final act of desperation, he drove his spear into the heart of the altar and channeled every drop of his internal power. The stone cracked — then exploded.
A wave of backlash hurled him across the valley. Blood filled his mouth. He crashed against the cliffside.
Everything blurred.
In that moment between life and death… the world stopped.
---
A World of White
He stood again in that endless void. The place he first awoke when he was reincarnated. But now, it was different. A figure stood waiting.
A woman cloaked in light.
"You've come farther than you should," she said. "Your luck has stretched fate itself."
"Who… are you?" Jin asked.
"The one who gave you your second chance. But the world resists you now. Balance demands a toll."
Jin clenched his fists. "Then take it. But I won't let them die. Not for me."
She stared, and then… smiled.
"You pass. Again."
The world shattered — and Jin awoke.
---
The Dragon Awakens
The valley had gone still. Cultists lay dead or fled. His allies surrounded him, wounded, exhausted, but alive.
As Jin stood, power surged through him like a storm. His body radiated new Qi — clearer, sharper. A Heavenly Vein had opened in him — a once-in-a-century phenomenon.
Lin Xue whispered, "You... ascended."
Bai Yiran grinned. "About damn time."
Yu Fei took his hand, tears on her cheeks. "You came back. Again."
Jin looked to the skies. The battle was far from over. But now, he held a power not seen since the ancient Dragon Saints.
And with it, he would burn the cult to ash.