The week after Tanghak's sentencing passed in silence, but not idleness.
While Anna worked to reconstruct the forbidden sorcery, Mansal Reincarnation Soul-Stealing Technique, Lee Seong-jun used that time to focus inward — to face the rewards and changes earned through his battle with the Mukhwang.
Having walked the path of Nothingness, direct involvement in magic or sorcery was beyond his reach, but that didn't mean he intended to waste a single moment.
'I've been putting this off for too long,' he thought, exhaling softly.
The chaos that once gripped the Thousand Continents and the Blood Empire had finally subsided. What once required his constant intervention now ran smoothly on its own. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he had time to breathe — time to rest.
And time to finally check his long-delayed rewards.
"I wonder how much it'll be…"
The battle against Mukhwang had been a test of endurance and willpower — far from easy. He had exhausted his strength and even invoked the Reverse Heavenly Sword – Second Form, a move reserved only for the direst of situations.
So whatever reward awaited him, it was bound to be extraordinary.
He summoned the translucent green hologram before him.
[Title: One Who Walks the Path of Great Achievements and Martial Arts]
When using a self-created martial art, its power increases by 100%.
All stats (Strength, Agility, Vitality, and Blood) increase by +100.
Blessed by the Martial Path.
"…That's incredible."
It was a flawless reward — double the increase he expected. Still, something about the vague final line caught his attention.
'Blessed by the Martial Path?'
There was no explanation, no elaboration. Abstract abilities like this always left him uneasy. He preferred tangible strength — something measurable.
"Well… nothing to do but move on."
As he dismissed the screen, another notification abruptly chimed.
Ding!
[User 'Lee Seong-jun' is granted unconditional favor.]
[Your title, 'Demon King,' is being strengthened.]
[New title acquired: Demon Emperor of the Martial Arts.]
[Title: Demon Emperor of the Martial Arts]
All stats increase by +50.
All creatures of the martial or magical path will instinctively feel awe.
Gain the special skill: 'Martial Emperor's Conquest' — increases combat effectiveness by 150% for 10 minutes.
This is the first and only imperial title, exclusive to the user Lee Seong-jun.
Lee Seong-jun froze, eyes widening.
"Title enhancement…?"
It was a completely unexpected development — and its power was nothing short of monstrous.
The increase alone was massive, but the true breakthrough lay in what the system didn't say: the previous restriction had vanished. No longer confined to situations of domination or destruction, the skill could now be used freely — for attack, defense, or survival.
And that was only the beginning.
'The title itself… can grow.'
The realization hit him like a spark. The system wasn't static — it was evolving with him. His accomplishments, his myths, his ascension… they would all strengthen the very concept of his existence.
A grin tugged at his lips. "This is insane."
As if to affirm his thoughts, the system continued to broadcast messages.
[The name and might of the Demon Emperor of Martial Arts, Lee Seong-jun, echo across all dimensions.]
[This is a remarkable, singular achievement.]
[High beings across the realms express astonishment.]
[Some watch with caution… others with hostility.]
[Several high beings wish to meet you. Accept the invitation? (Y/N)]
'So they're starting to notice.'
It wasn't surprising. The higher beings — gods, spirits, and other transcendents — were never as wise or benevolent as mortals believed. Most were like children: arrogant, prideful, and emotional.
Even the Earth itself, protected by Gaia's barrier, existed to delay divine interference long enough for humanity to grow strong enough to resist.
So these "meeting requests" were nothing but fleeting curiosity.
He smirked and pressed 'N.'
"I have no time for divine tea parties."
The holograms flickered and disappeared, leaving behind the familiar status screen.
[Status Window]
Level: 355
Class: Seonghaejin (Holy Star Ascendant)
Title: Demon Emperor of Martial Arts
Feats: Walker of Great Achievement, and 6 others.
Strength: 235 (+326)
Agility: 233 (+328)
Stamina: 235 (+326)
Blood: 250 (+386)
Bonus Points: 52
[Notable Conditions]
Advancement available — 7th Job Change.
Souls in possession: Duke Kasir, Emperor, and others.
"Seventh job change, huh…"
Without hesitation, he selected Yes.
The system responded instantly.
Ding!
[Code 005 Activated.]
[Commencing Seventh Job Advancement for Seonghaejin.]
[Assimilating user with the power of the stars.]
A deep hum filled the air.
From his forehead down to his chest, starlight flowed — radiant, pure, and alive. The energy pulsed through his meridians like rivers of light, connecting heart to limb, soul to cosmos.
Then, with a brilliant flare—
Jjiing!
The light condensed into a single star, merging back into his body.
Ding!
[Progress: 0% → 21% → 57% → 78% → 100%.]
[Congratulations. You have advanced to 'Seonghaejinseon (Star-Revealed True Immortal).']
[You have acquired the following Ex-Class Skills:]
Hidden Star Talent (Yaeun Seongjae)
Secret Road of Star Unraveling (Biro Seonghae)
Lee Seong-jun blinked in disbelief. "Ex-class…?"
It was the highest grade he'd ever encountered. His pulse quickened as he opened the skill description.
[Ex-Class Skill: Hidden Star Talent]
Increases the effectiveness of all enhancement abilities (buffs, special skills, and personal amplifications) by +55%.
He rubbed his eyes. "Did I read that right?"
It wasn't just a buff — it amplified every strengthening effect, including Blood Demonization and Martial Emperor's Conquest.
'Blood Demonization gives +200… Martial Emperor's Conquest multiplies stats by 1.5…'
Even a rough calculation placed his overall increase beyond 300 points. The power spike was absurd — enough to shake entire worlds.
And then came the next skill.
[Ex-Class Skill: Secret Road of Star Unraveling (Biro Seonghae)]
All buff effects granted by you or your scriptures become permanent.
"…"
This time, he couldn't even laugh.
Permanent buffs — not just for him, but for everyone he empowered. His allies, his subordinates, even the members of his Union.
It was a power that could redefine an entire civilization.
'This… could change everything.'
Names came to mind — Baek Mujin, Julian, Theodore — exceptional talents who could now ascend even higher with his blessings.
The Earth would rise again.
And so would he.
Lee Seong-jun clenched his fist, feeling the starlight pulsing beneath his skin. His strength had reached a new realm — not merely as a warrior, but as a sovereign.
A being who now stood at the crossroads between demon and god.
A true Martial Demon Emperor.