Chapter 209: Chang Raegong (2)

As if the world had frozen over, everyone stopped moving.

Unlike just moments ago, a heavy silence settled in.

Ha Do-gwang stood imposingly, gazing at everyone.

Though he merely stood still and looked around, the tension was palpable.

Without uttering a word or making a grand gesture, Ha Do-gwang had completely seized control of the surroundings.

His gaze, which had been fixed on the Annihilation Squad and the Five Elements Cult martial artists, now shifted toward his subordinates.

“Useless fools.”

Ha Do-gwang snapped his fingers. The remaining three of the Ten Golden ThunderS screamed as their bodies turned into lightning and were drawn to him.

After reclaiming the power he had distributed, Ha Do-gwang dismissed the rest of his subordinates. As if to say they were no longer needed.

Though the enemies who had been clashing just moments ago withdrew, no one dared to stop him. More precisely, no one could stop him. Ha Do-gwang’s overwhelming presence weighed down on everyone in the battlefield.

“Wu Hobup, it’s been a while.”

A deep voice that didn’t match his golden hair and golden eyes. It was just a short sentence, but Im Gwan-hwa felt as though the air itself was pressing down on her.

“You… how did you obtain such power…?”

Even if Yeon Cheon-seung had lost his composure, he was still one of the top warriors representing the Five Elements Cult. Yet Ha Do-gwang had taken care of him in an instant.

This was not the level Im Gwan-hwa knew. His strength had become something entirely different.

It hadn’t been long since he had betrayed the Five Elements Cult and left, yet in that short time, Ha Do-gwang had acquired strength that far exceeded expectations.

“…Did you find the Thunder Blade and obtain the Thunder God’s legacy?”

Ha Do-gwang’s presumed objective, as predicted by the Five Elements Cult. Im Gwan-hwa assumed his newfound strength came from the Thunder God’s legacy.

“The Thunder God, huh.”

But as if to say that assumption was wrong, Ha Do-gwang gave a slight smile.

“No, I did not covet the Thunder God’s legacy.”

“What are you talking about?”

“What the Thunder God left behind were merely some Dharma Treasures he frequently used in his youth and a few traces. The so-called legacy, the Thunder Blade, isn’t just a floating stronghold. That’s why it hasn’t been found yet.”

At the cryptic explanation, a faint crease formed between Im Gwan-hwa’s brows.

“When the remnants left by the Thunder God are gathered and combined, the Thunder Blade appears. It’s a kind of gate that connects to the Thunder God. Whoever opens that gate receives a small portion of his power. One could call it a minor favor from a god or a game for his amusement.”

Im Gwan-hwa’s expression shifted by the second at this unexpected revelation. Perhaps finding her reactions amusing, Ha Do-gwang continued speaking kindly.

“The Thunder God no longer exists.”

“What…? What do you mean by that?”

“Exactly what I said. The Martial God of the Upper Realm once known as the Thunder God no longer exists. Only fragments of him remain.”

Im Gwan-hwa didn’t believe Ha Do-gwang’s words.

And understandably so — the Thunder God was one of the highest-ranked Martial Gods in the Upper Realm. No matter how strong Ha Do-gwang had become, it was impossible for him to know the Thunder God’s whereabouts.

“There’s been a great upheaval in the Upper Realm. Soon, even the Middle Realm, including Central Heavens, will feel its effects.”

“Are you seriously expecting me to believe that right now?”

Ha Do-gwang calmly looked at Im Gwan-hwa’s skeptical face. Then, slowly, he spoke again.

“It’s not a lie.”

For a moment, what flashed through Im Gwan-hwa’s mind wasn’t the traitor Ha Do-gwang, but Chang Raegong, the Left Protector of the Five Elements Cult.

“Why would I lie in this situation?”

At that rhetorical question, Im Gwan-hwa closed her mouth.

As he said, there was no need for him to lie at this point.

‘Then everything he’s said until now… is it all true?’

The vanished Thunder God, the changes in the Upper Realm, and the chaos to come.

She suddenly wondered if the incident orchestrated by the Dragon Emperor of the Heavens might be connected to this situation.

“Chaos will soon descend. And a new world will open.”

And for someone, that chaos would be an opportunity.

“…So, is that why you betrayed the Cult? To gain something new? Abandoning the disciples and senior brothers of the Cult who trusted and followed you?”

“No, I did not betray the Cult.”

Ha Do-gwang shook his head and raised his hand. Then, he clenched his fist.

It was a slow and subtle motion. But what followed was anything but.

With a roar of thunder, lightning erupted from his fist and shot up into the sky.

Rumble!

Thunder filled the sky. The once-blue heavens were now a sea of lightning overhead.

“I shall become the new Thunder God. When my power is complete, the Five Elements Cult will serve a new god.”

“You’re insane…”

Even as curses were hurled his way, Ha Do-gwang laughed.

He did not seek the Thunder Blade to claim the Thunder God’s legacy.

The Thunder God was already gone, but his remnants still existed in the Upper Realm and beyond.

Just as the Twin-Winged Lotus had drawn the Divine Beast King’s power from the blood of the Beastkin, Ha Do-gwang intended to gather the Dharma Treasures and traces left by the Thunder God, draw his power from them, and fuse it into one.

“Have you gone mad chasing after power? You’re speaking nonsense.”

Everything he said was unbelievable. Im Gwan-hwa decided there was no need for further conversation.

“You still don’t understand.”

The smile on Ha Do-gwang’s face deepened.

“Don’t you know why I kindly explained everything step by step?”

His gaze swept across the surroundings. As if to take in everyone within his sight.

“No one here today will survive.”

Ha Do-gwang vanished—and then Kwa-rung! a delayed explosion rang out. He had begun moving toward his first target.

Even the masters present had difficulty reacting to Ha Do-gwang’s movement as he approached the Roaring Thunder Fortress.

A dozen Five Elements Cult martial artists who were in his path were instantly burned to death by lightning energy.

Dozens of mirrors rose from the Roaring Thunder Fortress in defense.

Ha Do-gwang threw a single punch. The mirrors that had even absorbed attacks from the Heavenly Gold Thunder Dragon Armor shattered.

He threw another punch toward the Roaring Thunder Fortress. At that moment, Jang Woo-hyun appeared and blocked his path.

Kwaaang!

Jang Woo-hyun was sent flying and crashed into the Roaring Thunder Fortress.

“Cheonrin Sword Alliance.”

The nickname of Jang Woo-hyun slipped from Ha Do-gwang’s lips. He recognized him instantly—the image from the Ten Sects’ gathering had left a strong impression.

“Amazing. So you’ve reached this level?”

Even when they first met, he had been a remarkable new master. Now, he was far stronger than he had been back then.

Strangely enough, his power couldn’t be clearly read. He was certainly weaker than Ha Do-gwang, yet still…

“The Ascension Cult would be interested in you.”

Now Ha Do-gwang understood why the Ascension Cult and Hyeonwol of the Radiant Light Sect had wanted Jang Woo-hyun eliminated. A martial artist who grew at that speed would inevitably become a problem.

Pausing to observe Jang Woo-hyun, Ha Do-gwang snapped his fingers again. Countless lightning bolts rained down from the sea of lightning above, targeting those who had tried to ambush him from behind.

Kwagwang!

A wall of thunder that seemed unbreakable blocked the way between Ha Do-gwang and the other martial artists.

As thunder that could shatter the world roared, Jang Woo-hyun emerged from a hole in the shattered fortress.

He calculated the distance, scattering energy around him. He didn’t just sense people—he also searched the surroundings thoroughly.

He raised the Black Wilds Sword and tensed his body, ready to dash out at any moment.

Seeing Jang Woo-hyun’s stance, Ha Do-gwang smiled. Though an enemy, as a fellow martial artist, it was a posture worth praising.

“Very good.”

Had they met under different circumstances, he would have gladly praised him. Perhaps shared a drink.

“That talent is also unmatched.”

Jang Woo-hyun was not only disciplined but also supremely gifted.

That’s why it was such a shame. A genius with such talent was destined to die here today, before his flower had even bloomed.

As Ha Do-gwang raised his hand, a lightning spear formed in his palm.

He was a brilliant junior, but they were enemies. Ha Do-gwang had no intention of letting him go.

He planned to eliminate both Jang Woo-hyun and the Roaring Thunder Fortress in one strike.

But things didn’t go as he intended.

【Did you think me so weak?】

The wall of lightning that seemed eternal burst apart. Around Ha Do-gwang, walls of wind suddenly rose.

At the same time, the Roaring Thunder Fortress, now wrapped in light, leapt through space.

【I will stop him.】

The voice of Im Gwan-hwa echoed as she created a massive prison of wind.

A massive typhoon formed where Ha Do-gwang had stood just moments ago. It exploded at its core, and the sky blazed with fire.

Amid the roar, a giant of lightning rose within the typhoon, swinging a blade forged from thunder.

A shockwave that could shake the world erupted, but fortunately, the wind walls absorbed its force.

“Fall back! Retreat!”

Seo Ryeom and Mak Ya-wol moved swiftly, gathering the members of the Annihilation Squad and Five Elements Cult.

Im Gwan-hwa had thought of her companions even while attacking. The wind that suddenly blew enveloped everyone and pushed them out of the battlefield.

Those who realized there was nothing they could do returned to the Roaring Thunder Fortress. As the Annihilation Squad and Five Elements Cult regrouped, Cho-su withdrew as far from the battlefield as possible.

“Captain, what are we going to do now?”

Seo Ryeom asked after glancing once at the battle site.

“Everyone, move out. I’ll go.”

“Hyung-nim!”

“What are you saying?”

Worried that Jang Woo-hyun would remain behind alone again, Jin Ha-un and Cho-su raised their voices.

“I can shake him off, so don’t worry. With the speed of the Roaring Thunder Fortress, I can get anywhere. It’s not like before.”

Cho-su had no intention of leaving Jang Woo-hyun behind again. Once was enough.

“No. I’m not going.”

“Hyung-nim!”

“Jang Woo-hyun!”

Seeing their intense reactions, Jang Woo-hyun looked them in the eyes and smiled, sensing their concern.

“I’m not just going off recklessly. I have something in mind. This time is different.”

It wasn’t like when he had stayed behind to block a True Immortal. Jang Woo-hyun had been observing Ha Do-gwang and had made some analysis.

“Really?”

“Yeah, don’t worry. I’m not going to die, and I’m not staying just to buy time. Cho-su-nim, get as far from here as possible. If you head toward the Five Elements Cult’s Main Division, Ha Do-gwang won’t be able to pursue easily.”

At the Main Division, the Five Wheel Guardian Spirit resided. Even if they viewed this battle as internal strife, they wouldn’t ignore someone storming the inner sanctum. Near the Main Division, at least minimal safety could be secured.

Even with the explanation, Cho-su and Jin Ha-un’s faces didn’t ease. Seeing their expressions, Jang Woo-hyun pointed in one direction.

“And this time, I’m not alone.”

Where he pointed stood Mak Ya-wol with a chained sickle and Seo Ryeom wielding three swords. The two looked ready to leap in at any moment.

“Brother Cho, we’re going too. No way I’m sitting this one out.”

“I’m coming too.”

Seeing the two, the stiffness in Cho-su and Jin Ha-un’s faces slightly loosened.

“Cho-su-nim, hurry. That fight will end quickly.”

Given Ha Do-gwang’s power, Im Gwan-hwa wouldn’t be able to hold out for long.

‘She probably never expected to win.’

Im Gwan-hwa was just trying to buy time for her companions to escape by holding Ha Do-gwang back.

But Jang Woo-hyun had no intention of leaving her or Woo Il-do behind.

“Are you really going to be okay?”

Cho-su asked again. Even though he wasn’t a martial artist, even he could tell how strong Ha Do-gwang was. It didn’t look like something Jang Woo-hyun could handle easily.

“It won’t be easy, but I’ll be fine.”

Seeing Jang Woo-hyun speak so confidently, Cho-su nodded. His expression told them not to worry—there was no choice but to believe him.

“I’ve got a plan, so don’t worry too much.”

“Got it. Ha-un, let’s go.”

“Hyung-nim…”

Jin Ha-un couldn’t shake off the anxiety. No matter how capable Jang Woo-hyun was, the opponent wasn’t one to take lightly.

“Don’t worry. This time, I’m not going alone. Why are you so worried? I’m going now. You go too.”

As Jang Woo-hyun’s figure grew distant, all Jin Ha-un could do was clench his fists. He was still far from being able to follow in his sworn brother’s footsteps.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep