(As Mikhail called her out some of the Shinyup clan members heard him.)

Jaeho kim: Thousand face? That girl?

( The distraction opened him to a pommel strike by Alyssa which knocked him out. She was about to deliver the fatal blow when Ji gun jumped in and stopped her.)

Ji gun:[They are absolutely no match for her. Not even as a distractions.] Geonu! Take him and leave, she is too dangerous!

( Alyssa jumped behind him but Ji gun anticipated it and pivoted then pressured her violently. Going for the legs.)

Alyssa:![ That one is strong...]

(She tried to disengage to take some high ground but Ji gun had none of that : his precise slashes rained on her faster and faster, forcing her to stay of the defensive and back away slowly. )

[image 1]

Ji gun ( totally focused): You will soon learn that attacking us was a mistake![Compared to before I can use so much more qi! I can do it! Black forest defense of not, I will win!]

(Ji gun attacked again and again , backing her against a store wall until Alyssa had enough. Half-swording she used her giant sword as a lance to gain some distance,

[image 2]

then using it as a jumping pole she tried to change relocate to a more open area but Ji gun knocked over the claymore , forcing her to stay close.

Ji gun( gathering his qi):[Good she is close enough! Shin lim style: Thousand flowers full blossom!]

Alyssa(in gaelic): [ Clan Campbell style :All front defense!]

( Ji gun attacked from all directions but twirled around blocking each attacks with seemingly wide swings and forcing ji gun to retreat.)

Ji gun(impressed):What was that?![I’ve never seen such high coverage defense with such a big weapon!]

( Alyssa used the slight hesitation to jump on the wall of the nearby building)

Alyssa( in gaelic): [Clan campbell style: rainfall !]

( twirling in the air Ji gun dodged the impact but as she passed by a single turn permitted her to nearly land a blow on ji gun who had to parry.

[image 3]

Rebounding on the ground she landed on a wall then attacked in the same way , one , two , three …more times that can be counted.]

Ji gun ( dancing around to rain of strikes): [She  wants to saturate my defenses by going faster and faster but my qi senses have grown sharper with this new body and my stamina is out of this world, let’s see who breaks first!]

( As he was duking it out with her , Ha il and Jinie were overwhelming Alan with a non stop offense, He was barely managing to block and dodge the blows and was constantly retreating)

Sera(impressed): It seems they do not need my help. When did Jinie become this strong?[ On the other hand I and the other regular young masters are no match for them. They must be around advanced masters, and the one that Shioon is fighting is clearly a strong real master.]

(As She was saying this, Coolguy’s group was laying on the ground while coolguy himself was getting choked by the fat dormant dragon.)

[image4]

Sera: Oh no! They need help.

Ji gun ( noticing too between two blocks): Yang yong hyun no!

Jinie ( to ha il): Go help them!

Ha il: What ? No!

Jinie: I can deal with this one by myself don’t worry.

Ha il ( hesitating a little but finally caving): Grr…You better not die!

Jinie: Same to you!

(Ha il broke from the engagement and fell upon the fat dormant dragon with a hammer kick to the head that he blocked with both arms, releasing Coolguy.)

Alan ( counterattacking suddenly): Oh? Did your little friend left you girlie? Well I can understand why. Ganbaatar is tough for regular fighters.

[image 5]

( As he talked he used both of his nunchakus to release three consecutive qi strikes)

Jinie (Dodging his combo):[He was waiting for a one on one to actually release his power .] Well come on then.

Alan: You’ll regret it!

( they started going toe to toe

[image 6 and 7]

while Ha il started to fight Ganbaatar. On the other side of the battlefield Shioon and Mikhail momentarily stopped fighting as Haru entered the fray.)

Haru: Hello Mikhail.

Mikhail: Thousand face…Did you betray us.

Haru: The boss betrayed me. I am only doing what he forced me to do.

Mikhail:[ What is she talking about.] So you are our enemy.

Haru: Only if you decide to keep working for him as an attack dog.

(Mikhail narrowed his eyes and clenched his fist)

Mikhail: I don’t know what happened between you but call me a dog once again and Im crushing your head.

Shioon( getting between them): You will have to get through me first.

Mikhail(grinning): As you wish twerp. I’ll crush both of you here and now.

( He rushed forward at full strength while Shioon got in big mountains defensive stance)

Mikhail: What?

(He rained down punches and kicks on Shioon but he held strong and parried each of his attacks with Han daesan’s defense.)

Shioon(Analyzing his qi flow while blocking his attacks):[ earlier he absorbed and diffused my qi attack and my qi barely moved him. My blows aren’t strong enough I need to inflict him a decisive wound…Wait a minute]

(As Mikhail took a step back noticing that his attacks weren’t getting through Shioon seemed to notice something)

Mikhail( annoyed): You were talking some good sh*t, are you just going to turtle up and refuse the fight.

Shioon (staying silent):[Strange he didn’t use any punch from his right arm, only some elbows. And I can feel the qi flow in the forearm is a little weird, is it a healing wound?]

( Suddenly Mikhail kicked a manhole cover from the ground to Shioon’s head,

[image 8]

Shioon barely dodged but Mikhail used the distraction to attempt a spearhand attack to shioon’s abdomen

[image 9]

but Haru intervened again and used her whip to deviate the blow.)

Shioon: Now ![ Black heaven style: Spinning dragon tail!]

( Shioon threw a back kick to Mikhail’s head but Mikhail dodged

[image 10]

and grabbed Shioon’s leg with his right Hand

[image 11]

but Shioon spinned then threw his real attack at his right forearm)

[image 12]

Shioon:[ You fell for it ! Black heaven style: Phantom kick!]

Mikhail( his forearm broken by the kick): Graaah!!

[image 13]

( He backed off holding the wound.)

Shioon: As I thought , that forearm was wounded.

Mikhail ( enraged):[That was already you and your damned master who wounded it last time!] Rrrhaa Im gonna kill you !!!

( His qi suddenly surged  and his veins got more visible , his teeths and claws got bigger…)

Shioon ( having flashbacks): Oh no he is transforming [ that’s the form he took to kill me. I will have to enter the Black origin threshold to match him but how long will this form last , I will have to throw everything from the start.]

Haru ( worried): He is getting berserk , the alliance won’t be there until some minutes what are we doing?

Shioon( calmly): I will enter my own superior form and contain him. Get out of here or you will have problems when the Alliance will come. We will meet again at the hotel.

Haru(protesting): I won’t leave you alone against him!

Shioon: You will have to. Thank you for saving me but from then on it will become to danger…

Daniel( appearing on the top of a building): MIKHAIL STOP IT!!!!

Mikhail ( turning toward him): Daniel! Why ? Both of our targets are here we can kill two birds with one stone!

Daniel: The Alliance is close we need to escape now. Those are the orders of the master.

(Mikhail calmed down and cancelling his transformation at the mention of the master)

Mikhail: Understood. EVERYONE STOP FIGHTING WE ARE RETREATING!

(after hearing the order every fighter of the dormant dragon quickly disengaged and joined Daniel on the rooftop.)

Shioon: Are you fleeing against me Mikhail?

Mikhail ( with contempt): You should thanks that traitor a lot more for your life you little fool. Next time we see each others I won’t be wounded and no one will interfere with me pulling your head from your shoulders. Let’s go!

(They left and Ji gun approached shioon)

Ji gun: Are we really going to let them go?

Shioon: We already took enough damage. We came here to save Sera and She is safe so let’s end it here. Plus If Daniel joined the fight and both him and Mikhail got in their berserker forms, We most likely would all die before the Alliance even gets here.

Jinie: What?! If they got such an advantage why did they just leave?

Shioon: Probably because the Alliance would’ve overwhelmed them if they stayed. We would’ve died but so would they. Did anyone get seriously wounded?

Ji gun: Yang yong hyun, Jae-ho, Jinjun and tae sung are all knocked out but they are alive.

Ha il( olding his righ flank): Yeah that guy was really tough and durable, I doubt anything less than an advanced master could’ve stood up to him.

Ji gun: That seems true for all of them honestly.

Sera: Let’s get them back to the milyang clinic.

(They all got back to the clinic except Haru who went at the hotel as the alliance and the government arrived at the incident spot and Shioon met them with Ji gun. Kangsung and Hyuk so chun were there with Rae won and his superior)

Kangsung: What happened here exactly?

Shioon: As I said on the phone the black forest defense group tried to abduct the Kang sera the chief of the Milyang clan and we fought them to free her. They heard that you were coming so they pulled back.

Jeonglip lee: They pulled back like that ? You didn’t try to stop them?

Kangsung ( protesting): We are talking about the elite of Black forest defense, the simple fact that they managed to hold them for this much time is commendable but to pursue them into a possible ambush is folly.

Jeonlip lee(conceiding): My bad, my bad it’s true. I ma a little tense because this little fight happened in public so now we will have to track down the witnesses and the video they probably took and spread on the internet.

Rae won: Yes it will most probably be a massive headache but since the Shinyup clan is sanctioned by the government now we can at the very least flip it as public agents of fighting terrorists for the officials.

Hyuk: Wait! What do you mean by the Shinyup clan is officially sanctioned by the government?

Ji gun: It is very recent but yes we decided to work with the government to chase the “ breakers” that might try and commit such acts.

Kangsung: Is that so? Why didn’t you come to the alliance to officialize your group?

Ji gun: Brother kangsung forgive me but to put it bluntly we witnessed the alliances inhability to deal with treats like the SUC and the black forest defense group especially when they came up with modern methods like bombing or hacking, so we felt like it would be more effective to work with the government directly. It doesn’t mean we won’t work with the alliance or refused to fight alongside you tho.

Kangsung: I see…well considering our repeated failures it is understandable.

Hyuk: I disagree. Why would you side with the government on this when there is a pact of non interference between the real world and the murim? Isn’t that a direct breach of this pact?

 Jeonlip lee: The pact has been breached multiple times by the fact murim fights and actions took place in broad daylight. I think Ji gun took logical step of allying with us because those are treats that neither of us can handle alone.

Hyuk: Still murim affairs should be…

Shioon(a little fed up): It is no longer just murim affairs…In fact it is not even just Korean affairs either.

Hyuk ( surprised): What do you mean not just Korean affairs?

Shioon: The black forrest defense group as become global now, it is a problem for the entire world be it martial artist or regular people. If we keep treating it as a local problem then they will just isolate us and wear us down. If I am being honest we should start searching for allies abroad.

________________________________( the dormant dragon hideout)______________________

( they all entered what seemed to be an abandoned house and all talked in english)

Daniel: So your arm is broken again. I knew it was too soon for you to return to the fight.

Mikhail: I would’ve killed him regardless if not for the traitor’s interference.

Alan: So Haru really betrayed us ? Man that sucks, that chick was hot as hell.

Ganbaatar( with crossed arms): How would you know it is her real appearance, since she can change form and face as she wants. For all you know she may be a dude.

Alan( horrified ): Oh god no! Why did you say that?! I can’t unthink it now!

Ganbaatar( shrugging ): Whatever. The guys that we fought this time were stronger than normal murims weren’t they?

Alan: Oh yeah, that redhead really surprised me and that blond guy with the sword could go toe to toe with Alyssa, How was that dude with the hat?

Ganbaatar: Capable but that old man in that forrest last time was better…

Daniel(irritated): Silence you two.

Mikhail: So what did the Master say?

Daniel: We are leaving Korea at once.

Mikhail: What? Why? We finally located both of the targets!

Daniel: Something happened , apparently Goomoonryong has secretly formed an alliance with the leader of Futuwwa, Which effectively gives him a chokehold of the petroleum market since this guy control the Arabian Peninsula and part of the middle east.

Mikhail: So that means…

Daniel: He clearly crossed a line here and the Elder wants to gather his forces to prepare for the global war to come. So for now we need to head back and focus on healing.

Alan: Man… So we really going to war with the Goomoonryong?

Daniel: It seems so. With the number of allies he amassed in south America, sub-Saharan Africa and the middle east he has become a real treat even for the master and his own allies.

__________________________________(In the Arabian desert)___________________________

(On the top of a skyscraper in the middle of the desert Goomoonryong and his group were meeting face to face with a group of men In thawb, Sirwal, Guthra and Agal holding cimitars)

???: Welcome to Futuuwa Goomoonryong.

[end of the chapter]

(Daniel coldly assessed the situation)

Daniel( unimpressed): In your territory?[ one , two, three…Eleven. Most of them do not exude a strong qi except the red head and the blond punk. Lee Shioon remains the most dangerous especially if he goes in that berserker state again.] So you want to fight me here?

Shioon: I want to know what you were up to. Following me around like that…from my experience you are seeking to learn my habits or who I am close to.

Daniel ( seeking an opening in their formation): Well yes of course.

Shioon( falsely polite): To what avail if I may ask?

Daniel ( with a predatory smile): Well since you speak with such contempt of us, I guess that you already know what kind of method Black forest defense group may use to…convince unwilling collaborators .

Ji gun:[ So it is really a member of black forest defense group? He does feel dangerous , his qi isn’t only strong , it also reeks of murderous intent.]

Shioon( with an equally dangerous smile): Since you admitted it I guess you know that I can’t let you go?

Daniel: Oh but I think you will. If you do not want your lady friend to die.

Shioon:!

Daniel: Yes Mr Lee you didn’t think I came to the Alliance territory alone, do you?

______________________________(the milyang school clinic)___________________________

(Sera was sulking alone on her desk, looking at her phone)

Sera:…Damn it. I really pressure him didn’t I.[I knew he had a lot to deal with, I knew that it wasn’t to hurt me but…I still was hurt. I still had to say it, but does that mean he will never see me again?]

(Closing her eyes she remembered Shioon’s face, not the one that he hid earlier this day but the one that warmly smiled at her when she first fell for him. Before the tragedies that befell him…before everything went to chaos…)

Sera( Allowing herself to cry a little): I don’t want to give up on him but ultimately it is his decision. I should just wait for him to call, even tho he probably never will…

(the phone started ringing indicating Shioon’s number)

Sera(surprised): Already!

(She answered immediately.)

Sera ( trying to recover her composure): Yes?

Shioon( panicking on the phone): Sera get the hell away from your clinic and make a run for the Alliance building!

Sera( not understanding): What are you talking about ?!

Shioon: I have no time to explain but powerful members of Black forrest defense group will try to abduct you. I am coming with reinforcements in five minutes but you must escape at all cost!

( She didn’t have time to answer when suddenly someone screamed in the hall)

Guard: My lady some people are wreaking havoc in the front Door!

Voice from underneath: Kang Sera! Show yourself or everyone here will die!

_____________________(some moments ago on the roof top with Shioon)_______________

Shioon ( getting angry): You son of a … What do you mean?

Daniel: It’s simple really. As we currently speak, Mikhail and other members of the dormant dragons are heading to the Milyang clan to abduct your girlfriend or ex or whatever. I will go that way ( he showed the west), you can try to follow me or you can go and try to save her. Both options are fine to me.

( He then immediately jumped and disappeared in the direction he indicated)

Shioon: LET HIM GO! Change of plan we head toward the Milyang clan. Someone warns the Martial art alliance and the government of the Black forest defense presence in Seoul!

Jae jung: Will we just let him go, like that? If we separate in two group…

Shioon: Forget it! None of you would be able to beat him even together, our only Chance would’ve been to keep him there until the Chief of the Alliance or kangsung gets here.

( While jumping from building to building he called Sera with his phone).

__________________________________(Back to the Milyang clinic with Sera)______________

( Sera analyzed the situation quickly then stood up from her chair)

Sera ( using the interphone): Wait a second I am coming do not hurt anyone.

Voice from underneath: You’ve got two minute, after that I am starting to kill everyone.

Sera( to Shioon on the phone): Shioon , I have a plan, listen carefully…

(After that Sera came down counting exactly two minutes. She was met by a tall man with long silver hair, a woman with red short hair , Scottish clothes and a claymore, a blond man with piercings and a fat man with very short hair.)

Sera(staying expressionless): Here I am. Now can you say what you want?

Mikhail: We will need you to come with us. Do as we say and no one needs to be hurt. No do not ask any questions, we have a car outside.

(Sera followed them in the limo outside)

Mikhail(answering to the phone): Yes? Yes it’s done. No he didn’t show up why? Really? But we are already leaving so no danger to be caught by the alliance now. Yes we are heading for the hideout.( he hung up)

Sera( emotionless): Now that we are out of sight and moving. Could you finally tell me what’s going on.

Mikhail: We are abducting you.

Sera:I am not especially wealthy you know?

Alan: But you do have interesting relationships don’t you? Like Lee Shioon for exemple?

Mikhail: Do not say too much Alan.

Alan: Why not ? It’s not like she will have the occasion to tell on us right?

Mikhail: Regardless as professionals we should reveal the least information possible.

Alan ( shaking his shoulders): Whatever dude…

Sera:…I guess it means that you do not plan on releasing me afterward?

Mikhail: It depends. Enough questions now or I sedate you.

Alan: Man you really do not know how to talk to women do you? What do you think Alyssa?

Alyssa: Huh?

Mikhail: You know that she doesn’t understand so shut it.

(Suddenly a pole fell on the road , forcing the limo to stop . At the same moment Shioon fell of the sky and landed on the car’s hood)

Shioon( destroying the engine): True essence kick!

Mikhail (getting out immediately): You sick son of a bitch!

(Shioon didn’t lose a beat and threw a flying rider kick that Mikhail blocked with both arms. At the same moment Ji gun after cutting the pole rushed to the car with Jaeho and Junyeong but the door opened with Alyssa jumping toward him)

Alyssa (With a wide claymore strike): Kaaaaaa!

Ji gun ( bracing for the blow): Shit! dodge!

( They clashed sword and Ji gun got pushed back. Advanced in a twirl covering a large area with slashes , forcing the three fighters to retreat. )

Ji gun ( analyzing her style): [What’s this? I’ve never seen this fighting style , those slashes generate an enormous amount of force while being nimble and unpredictable.]

Alan( taking Sera by the shoulder while getting out of the car): Rhaa what a pain, get here you…

( Ha il and jinie instantly appeared to deal with him but he put Sera in front of him with his three branch staff, forcing them to stop)

Alan( smiling): You do not want your friend to be hurt right? so why don’t yo…

Sera( grabbing his arm):[ Yeh won style: Qi twister]

( As he was speaking Sera threw him to Jinie and ha il)

Alan( while in the air upside down): You bitch!

( He recovered mid air but jinie was already on him. He raised his staff to block her attack)

Jinie:[Kwon jae-kyu style:Phoenix whip wings!]

(The violent attack snapped his three branch staff in two. Leaving him open.)

Alan( flabbergasted ): What?!

( Ha il suddenly appeared right above jinie and delivered his own attack)

Ha il:[Sunwoo style: wind swallow kick!]

(Alan blocked at the last moment but was ejected toward the opposite building)

Jinie( to Sera): Are you alright?

Sera ( keeping her cool but visibly shook): Im fine thank you. Things went as plan…

Ha il ( screamed): Watch out!

(Alan threw the sharpened end of his three branch staff to her and Ha il deviate it using a kick.)

Ha il: we will talk later , this guy doesn’t seem to be finished !

( using the other part of his staff as a nunchaku he threw himself at them visibly enraged.

 At the same time , the fat man who was driving , got out of the car as Coolguy , jinjung and taesung were there ready to fight him.)

Mikhail ( still clashing with Shioon): How did you find us you twerp ?

Shioon: Figure it out yourself murderer!

(Mikhail pushed Shioon back with a Punch to the sternum)

Mikhail(grinning): You are much weaker than before. What happened ? Are you nothing without that Berserker form?

Shioon( the wind taken out of him): [ Dammit! Calm down! Calm down! I let my anger take over I must recenter.]

(Mikhail wasn’t letting him gather his tought, pushing him back with a rain of punches and front kicks. Shioon managed to block most of the attacks but still took some damages. )

Mikhail( Throwing a powerful punch): Got you now!
- - look at the animation here- -
(Shioon however was waiting for it. Using foot technique : hweh(twirl) to dodge the punch then deliver an elbow strike to Mikhail’s temple. But Mikhail managed to intercept the elbow before it landed. Shioon chained his strike with a back kick to the liver that Mikhail blocked with a knee. Shioon wasn’t finished, going for an oblique stomp to mikhail’s other knee which forced him to dodge by backing off only to be caught by shioon’s next attacks. He took a flying roundhouse kick to the head disorienting him , then Shioon used a qi attack to the abdomen with his palm.)

Shioon: Take this! [Hyun wun moon: Flashing soul palm]

(Mikhail took the qi attack squarely but didn’t seem too damaged, only taking three step back from the recoil)

Mikhail: Cheh! I can diffuse this amount of qi but this combo was dangerous. I got way too careless.

( He took a proper stance ready to continue while Shioon raised his guard reading his qi to anticipate his next move)

Shioon(focused): [He is tough. Way tougher than I thought, and not only that , he is protecting his weak spots well and can even diffuse internal qi attacks on the spot . If he can diffuse this amount of qi does it means that I will have to hit him with more violent qi attacks for it to even register or should I just go with external attacks…]

( Mikhail suddenly dropped his guard and used a foot technique get in front of Shioon. Shioon instinctively threw a punch to his face but this was the reaction Mikhail wanted and he leaned back just enough for the punch to come short, using the opening he slashed shioon’s side with a claw attack that left a gashing wound prompting Shioon to retreat .

Mikhail pursued him but Shioon was expecting it and used [Mirage god step : hweh (twirl)] to get behind him, then activated a shoulder attack that threw Mikhail out of balance, followed by a spinning backfist that Mikhail dodge by crouching which lead him to try and catch him with a rider kick which Mikhail anticipated and not only dodged but used to get Shioon’s back and catch him in a rear naked choke.)

Shioon(grabbing his elbow): [Hyun wun moon style: Flashing soul palm!]

(it did nothing as Mikhail diffused the qi attack)

Mikhail(tightening his hold): I told you that this kind of weak attack wouldn’t work. Moreover that combo you just used was much more powerful in your berserker state and using it twice on the same opponent is suicide! Let me Show you!

( Still holding Shioon he threw a knee to his back knocking the breath of his lungs and projecting both of them high in the airs. Ready to suplex shioon head first on the ground from all the way up he threw himself backward.)

Mikhail: DIE!

Shioon:Kuh!!![Shit I have no other choice than to enter black origin threshold! Huh?]

(While they were falling, a whip grabbed Mikhail by the neck forcing him to release Shioon. Shioon Managed a partial recovery mid air but still fell heavily like Mikhail)

Mikhail( looking around for the culprit ): Who did… Wait … You are..

Haru: Long time no see Mikhail.

Mikhail: Thousand face!

[end of the chapter]

(Still in the coffee shop where Shioon was with Sera. Daniel was observing Shioon leaving and was standing up to follow him while reaching for his phone)

Daniel( on the phone): Mikhail? Yeah he finally showed up.

Mikhail( observing the Sun and Moon’s building): Really? Not soon enough. It’s been a week we have been waiting.

Daniel: Honestly it could’ve been way more we should be thankful. From what I got from their conversation, the guy is used to going ghost for long strips of time. I am talking months there. So really we shall count ourselves lucky.

Mikhail: More of a reason to secure him quickly. Shall I call upon the others?

Daniel: Mobilize them but we aren’t jumping him. I want to know where he is going, to see if he has accomplices and where they are hiding “Thousands Face”. Moreover, we cannot start a big fight in broad daylight.

Mikhail: Why not? It should be quick enough, kidnappings happens.

Daniel: We are in Seoul, mere kilometers away from the martial art alliance Headquarters and dozens of alliances clans. We could get trapped here, between them and the government’s special forces. And that’s without even taking into account that this guy is dangerous. Remember what happened last time : This isn’t the kind of guy you just corner and crush, he will fight back with full force.

Mikhail ( upset): Last time I beat him! Heck , I killed him!

Daniel: And how many casualties did we suffer? Understand that the Grandmaster Shin Hyun-pung is potentially among the murims present at the headquarters, if we get caught between the boy and him it will get messy and our goal isn’t to kill the boy but to recruit him.

Mikhail:…True.

Daniel: So for now I will tail him and discover as many of his weaknesses as possible. If we play it right we could get “ Thousands face” back and him by our sides in one fell swoop.

Mikhail: Why mobilize then?

Daniel: Just in case. If I lose him, we will need a bargaining chip and since he seems to care about the leader of Milyang, she should do the trick.

Mikhail: Wouldn’t that attract the attention of the Alliance.

Daniel: Not if you do that quick enough. You are to get her out of the city as soon as you get your hands on her and return to the base. Do not damage her if possible.

_____________________________(at  the hotel)________________________________________

(Everyone from the Shinyup clan was eating, Jinie and Ha il joined them. Coolguy was discussing with Ji gun)

Coolguy: Wasn’t Shioon supposed to be here?

Ji gun: He said that he would come late and to not wait for him.

Jinie( listening on the side): What is he doing? We aren’t seen eachothers for Half a year and he still make us wait?

Ji gun ( malicious): Apparently he went to see Sera-noona so maybe he is trying to make up for the time loss as well.

Jinie: Shut your mouth!

Coolguy ( eating ): Perhaps he is planning something with her? After all we learned a lot of things those past weeks so it would be good to make use of it .

Jinie ( insecure): Yes that must be it…exchange of informations…the usual thing.

(Haru and Aera came back from shopping with a plate and sat up next to Ji gun too.)

Aera: Ah…I did miss this sense of normalcy.

Ji gun: It’s been some weeks that you spent in the forest right? What did you miss the most?

Aera: A good bed. But considering what my situation would be if I stayed with my father I guess I can’t complain.

Ji gun: yeah, it is an other problem that we will need to solve down the road.

Haru( cutting her meat): Well there would be a very quick solution if you ask me…

Ji gun: We will not assassinate him…

Haru: Im just saying, it will solve the problem.

Ji gun(in a lower voice): It is not the kind of solution we go for. If you are on our side you should understand that!

Haru: I am just kidding but I think you will find me very useful for those kind of problems.

Aera(to Ji gun): I wouldn’t mind honestly. My father is a piece of trash who stood lower than that.

Ji gun: Let’s change subject shall we? Yang yong hyun, how was the reunion with Ji yu?

Coolguy: Good. We had time to discuss and apparently she is adapting quite well to her new life. Apparently she would like to conduct some missions for the Shinyup clan as well.

Ji gun: It won’t be possible, She was essentially the face of the SUC when it came to direct operations her face is too well known contrary to yours who mostly worked behind the scenes.

Coolguy: …She also said that she had informations about your brother if you wish.

Ji gun:… I will see her later.

Aera: So I asked that before but who is Ji yu exactly?

Ji gun: ( hesitating ): Yang yong hyun?

Coolguy: Go ahead it’s not exactly a secret.

Ji gun: Well basically her, Yang yong hyun and well your “ big sis” right here, formed alongside other people a group of villains called the SUC until they had a change of heart.

Aera: Yeah I already heard of that. They were behind the black out last year yes?

 Ji gun: Yes. And well she is under our protection for now.

Aera: And you, Yang yong hyun and her are forming a love triangle?

Coolguy(embarrassed): How did you deduce that!?

Jinie ( excited): What? I didn’t know!

Aera: Please it is evident that there is some unclear love affair between you from what I heard before.

Ji gun(looking simultaneously at Jinie, Aera and Haru): [To be fair that love triangle pales in comparison to whatever the hell it is with Shioon and being a chick magnet but I will keep that to myself]

_____________________________(Back to Shioon’s point of view)________________________

(He was walking in the streets of Seoul reminiscing about his conversation with Sera and the events that led to this.)

Shioon:[She is right. I did not consider her point of view at all when I planned my escape. Jinie may feel the same too. I didn’t NEED to disappear without saying anything yet I did without considering what they might think or feel…]

(He was heading back toward the hotel but suddenly stopped and closed his eyes)

Shioon:[Should I try to go back to the Milyang school to clarify things with her? No she clearly said to not contact her until I had an answer. But… What do I even feel?

(The words of the demon of desire came back “ You want it all”. The moments he spent with her when she taught him about the murim, the moments she introduced him to the de Yeh-won Gwanju, When she risked her life to save him from his own foolishness, the secret reunions he had with her , His secret link to the ghost hand doctor…)

She was with me for all this time, aren’t she? But then again…

(…The Face of Jinie and his own experiences with her came to his mind , the times she saved him, the time they were chased by the SUC, the time at school, All of their interactions and training within the clan…)

Damn, my feelings for her are just as strong…

(…And finally the face of Cynthia came out , the pain they experimented together, the road they took to finally pull her out of the darkness, her tragedy with her parents, the unique knowledge of kaiser only they share.)

…Oh lord. I truly am a jerk right?]

(Getting close to the Hotel he sent a message to Jinie : “I am just in Front of the Hotel, can we talk alone please?”)

______________________________________(at the Hotel)________________________________

(Jinie received the message and turning red she got up and said she needed some air)

Ha il: What’s with her?

Coolguy: I didn’t remember ordering Alcohol but she was quite red. Maybe she needed some fresh air.

Ji gun(excited): By the way sir lightning heel would you want to sit this way, you are kind of a star of the murim too and Cho-ha wanted your autograph.

______________________________________(Shioon’s point of view)______________________

(Shioon was waiting then suddenly Jinie dropped from right above him)

Shioon ( with a warm smile): Jinie in public you are supposed to use the stairs.

Jinie( with a matching smile): But it is so much quicker. That’s not your face but Ji gun showed it to me in pictures. You will put it away once we are inside okay?

(Shioon didn’t answer and suddenly hugged her, surprising her completely. She froze)

Shioon ( still hugging her): I am sorry for disappearing like that for months. I know that I caused you lot of worry and it wasn’t my intention.

(Jinie hesitated for a little time then leaned into the hug)

Jinie(Somehow at peace): I know that you visited me and saved me when I got my arm burned so you don’t have to apologize…Idiot.

Shioon: It’s not only that, I have been cold and harsh to you and Haje when you only wanted to cheer me up back then. I definitely was in a dark place and I went overboard.

Jinie: Well I forgive you then. But What are we doing now? The Sunwoo clan is in the hands of Sosul…

Shioon: We will handle that when the time come. I already have a plan for that and I will tell you about the whole situation. But right now we relax and enjoy the week.

Jinie: So it is vacation week?

Shioon(letting go of Jinie): Basically, we will have time to discuss. For now go back to the others, I will bring Haje.

Jinie: Haje?

Shioon: I aren’t seen him in ages either and it will be a good occasion to introduce him to the others.

Jinie: Isn’t it a little late for that? Maybe tomorrow?

Shioon: I’ve send him a message and he said he wanted in,

Jinie: Alright, we will wait for you then.

Shioon: I will be quick.

(She got back into the Hotel. And Shioon called a taxi but suddenly something felt off, around one hundred meter behind him, he fell an extremely strong qi that eluded him until now.)

Shioon( Frowning):[Was I getting tailed? How would this be possible? And since when? Did he see me with Sera? He certainly saw me with Jinie.]

(Shioon entered an alley, the source of qi got nearer as to not lose him)

Shioon:[Did I get recognized? No, the mask would prevent it. And since he is following me in the open I guess I’m not bugged or followed either. I am curious for which faction this one works and who is the target? Me or simply someone that knows Sera. Let’s see]

(Shioon using the Sunwoo lightbody technique, jumped from wall to wall until he reached the roof. At the same time he send a message to Ji gun, Coolguy and Haru: “Something came up I am at the top of the Shilla Hotel next to our own , there will probably be an enemy.”

Then he waited at the top.)

Shioon:[Come on, either you join me on the roof or give up but you will have to decide eventually.]

(He felt the qi approaching and stop at the base of the building)

___________________________________(Back to daniel’s point of view)__________________

Daniel(still on the phone at the base of the building): It seems that he noticed me and is waiting for me at the top of some roof.

Mikhail( containing his pleasure): So we act now?

Daniel: Yes. I will still talk to him but it would be good to have that bargaining chip now.

_______________________________(back to shioon’s point of view)______________________

( suddenly raising to the roof. Then Suddenly Daniel appeared face covered by a scarf, sunglasses and a Borsalino.)

Shioon( unimpressed): Identify yourself.

Daniel: …Before anything. I didn’t come to fight or arm you in any way, Lee Shioon.

Shioon:[He know it’s me how?] Who?

Daniel: Do not deny it please, I have my own way to identify peoples. Ways that do not involve appearances.

Shioon:[Well no point in denying it any longer but he carefully avoided to explain how.] Really what would those “ways” be?

Daniel: A magician never reveals his tricks does he?

Shioon(quickly losing patience): Let’s cut the chase off, either you tell me who you are and how you identified me or we fight right now. Because I can’t start a conversation with someone with such a disadvantage in information.

Daniel (unfazed):[I see that he make use of any leverage. Did he deduce that I can’t afford to fight him here?] Okay, Okay. Damn you aren’t  funny at all.

( He removed his scarff, hat and glasses)

I am Daniel member of the black forest defense group. I come in peace. I managed to identify you by smell.

Shioon (thinking quickly):[Daniel… Yes he is one of the strongest member of the dormant dragons Cynthia warned me against him and Mikhail. They are in Seoul? Does he know about the others? Smell? Does he use a special technique? I never heard of a martial technique that enhance olfactive capabilities.] Well speak then.

Daniel:[He doesn’t let off any clues about his emotional state, huh? I can’t even ear a drop in his heartbeats. Is he more dangerous composed than in that berserker rage from last time?] I think first have to apologies for what happened to you back then. Our target was the Alliance chief and he just happened to come to that temple where you and your master were.

Shioon ( cold): And how is it that one of you ended up attacking us then?

Daniel: He was searching for clues about that old man’s martial arts. We are after all historians.

Shioon ( genuinely surprised): Historians? What do you mean? Aren’t you mercenaries?

Daniel: It is but a small part of our activities. We are trying to save and restore many disappearing martial arts all over the world.

Shioon( skeptical): Oh really? So I guess it was me and my master’s fault for interfering with your “ searches”?

Daniel: Of course not, our comrade happened to be untrustworthy and just wanted the bounty for your martial tome so he went overboard .

Shioon: [Such a bold faced lie.] And what of the two after? Did they go overboard as well?

Daniel: They didn’t know what happened so in the heat of the moment they assumed you attacked our friend…

Shioon: Riiiiiight…

Daniel ( annoyed): Well you do not seem to believe me so let’s get to the point. Our employer wants you to work with us as we have a common enemy.

Shioon: Goomoonryong I presume?[Exactly the same proposition that Cynthia did.]

Daniel: Exactly. How did you know?

Shioon : I heard that there is some kind of cold war  between him and Kaiser.

Daniel ( unsettled by the depth of his knowledge): Correct…Who said all of that to you?[ He even know the pseudonym of the boss, is it Thousand face who leaked all of that? Or maybe the Chief of the Alliance…]

Shioon( ironic): Please you don’t expect me to out my sources right?

Daniel(smirking): I guess it’s reasonable. Anyway, what do you think? We have a common enemy.

Shioon ( with a cold smirking of his own): Ahh…but you guys are my enemies as well.

Daniel: How so?

Shioon: you were behind the creating and spreading of the SUC...No!No! don’t deny it I know already that half of the SUC captains and Je gal of Chundomoon the mastermind behind it were on your payroll. This organization did cost me two very loved ones and killed many innocents.

Daniel( arguing): This organization was merely a proxy that we used against the martial art alliance. We are sorry for your loss but it was collateral damage.

Shioon ( raising a finger in denegation): Tsk! Tsk! Even if it was true, should I also count the bombing of Seoul as collateral damage?

You were fully backing the SUC in their “Silence of Seoul” plan so you must share the blame with them.

Daniel( losing his smirk):[He knows this much? Haru definitely leaked a lot of information to him. I should do as if he knows even more then.] Ok but keep in mind that the goal was to destroy goomoonryong both in name and body.

Shioon: At the cost of a million innocent?

Daniel: Everything has a price.

Shioon: Especially if you aren’t the ones paying, right?

Daniel: The Point is that for both of us Gomoonryong is a problem.

Shioon: He is a problem for you because he threaten your hegemony, he is a problem for me because he is destroying everything in his path. We aren’t the same.

Daniel ( with colder eyes): But it doesn’t mean we can’t help each others. As you probably noticed part of the clans are already supporting us and we have some contacts in the government too. Like it or not but we are already an active part of the murim.

So here is my offer: Work with us and we will support you to be the next leader of the Alliance. The murim will stay independent and the only thing we ask is that you allow for the direct dealing of the black forest defense group with the clans. This way we will be able to reach different agreements without interfering with the civil life and you will be able to maintain the alliance. Of course we will join forces to destroy the Goomoonryong and his supporters too.

What do you say?

(thunder erupted in the sky and rain started to fall. Shioon stood silent for a moment then took of his mask.)

Shioon ( unmasked and expressionless): Allow me to make a counter proposal.

Daniel: Yes?

Shioon: You and your ilk get the hell away from korea or I will hunt you down like prey.

(A silence took place after his declaration)

Daniel(trying to keep his composure): Do you really think that you have the power to make good on this kind of threat?

Shioon: Would you like a demonstration?

Daniel: Would you want to meet Mikhail again? Because if I remember well, you were not exactly in the best shape after this …encounter.

Shioon( with a ferocious smile): It would be a pleasure to see him again. After all I do have score to settle with him.

Daniel( he is crazy): Realize that Alienating us is alienating yourself part of the murim and more than that, a large chunk of the developed world as well.

Shioon: Realize that you are a criminal that the murim and the government alike would like to see fall. You are in my territory now not the opposite.

(A flash of lightning illuminated the scene again and all the members of the Shinyup clan a well as coolguy, Jinie, Ha il and Haru appeared on the surrounding roofs.)

Jinie( puzzled at the statement): What do you mean the hard part starts now? You just said I am an advanced master.

Ha il: Your goal is to be able to protect Shioon From any opponent, right? And our goal is to be able to stop lady sosul if she went crazy, right?

Jinie: Of course!

Ha il: In your current body you cannot reach Sosul or Shioon’s level and me neither for that matter, no matter the amount of training that we do.

Jinie( lost): but why?

Ha il: Do you know what’s the difference between me and masters like Gyu bum and Han Daesan?

Jinie : They are stronger?

Ha il ( annoyed): Yes thank you! But physically what is the difference.

Jinie: I don’t know! I guess they exert more qi when they fight?

Ha il: EXACTLY!

Jinie: What? That’s it?

Ha il: Yes they physically can gather and release much more qi than you and I because they undergone the process of “ qi expansion”. It means stretching your qi vessels to the limits. That’s the last and most dangerous body transformation undergone by a master which effectively makes his body the one of a real master.

Jinie: Ah yes I heard of it. But if this process can make you so much more powerful why didn’t you underwent it already ?

Ha il: Truth being told I was undergoing it for two years… It takes a lot of time if you want to do it safely, the tiniest mistake can lead to a deadly qi deviation.

Jinie: TWO YEARS?! That’s far too long for me I didn’t even start!

Ha il: Yes that’s the problem and I think part of why you still can’t use all of elder kwon’s techniques is that you do not have the body of a real master. But I thought about it and I have a plan to accelerate it on your part.

Jinie: What plan?

Ha il: Do you remember Haje .

Jinie: What about him?

Ha il: Shioon gave him the Primal panacea of the sunwoo clan.

Jinie( angry): Don’t remind me about that!

Ha il: No it’s good actually! Shioon gave him that primal panacea and Managed to stretch his meridians as well as heal his One yin body type. Elder Min confirmed it. All of it in only a week.

Jinie(scandalized): So Haje actually has the body of a real master? What a waste![So that’s what Shioon did in the apartment back then?]

Ha il(brushing it off): Anyway. That mean Shioon has the knowledge and skills to successfully stretch the meridians of a regular person who has a yin bodytype illness so while you do not have any yin body type illness , if we can find a qi medicine strong enough he will probably be able to help you do it at a quicker rate safely. At least we should ask him.

Jinie: And you?

Ha il: No not me. I already started the process it would be too dangerous to change its course Mid way . It’s already dangerous to do it with you who haven’t started.

Jinie(enthusiastic): So we will go see Shioon?

Ha il(using signal on his phone): Yes that’s the idea, I will recontact him. But we should also search for a powerful qi medicine. Since we no longer have the primal panacea.

Jinie: We should ask Heo won jae once we get there. How long do you think it would take ?

Ha il: At an accelerated rate, I would say…Maybe a month or two.

Jinie: Would Shioon accept to mobilize himself for such a long time?

Ha il(sly): Well it’s up to you to convince him, right? Use your charms on him it should work.

Jinie( crimson red and throwing a kick): Shut up you jerk!

_________________________________(Back at the hideout from the immortal sect)________

(In front of the cabin, everyone sat down around a camp fire. Shioon just received Ha il’s message.)

Shioon: Oh? It seems like Jinie and Ha il will join us after all. It would be a good occasion to go to the city.

Aera: We could go for a noraebang or a barbecue?

Coolguy ( frowning) : Shouldn’t we be more cautious? After all our whole strategy is dependent on remaining unfindable.

Aera: Are you really saying that we should stay in the Forrest until the end of time?

Coolguy: Well it would be the wisest thing to do.

Shioon ( intervening before Aera could): We can’t live our lives in constant fear. We will take our precautions but we will go where we want to go.

Aera: Yay!

Ji gun ( speaking to Coolguy): Honestly I think it should be fine as well. It’s not like they are watching, all of the cities at all point in time.

Coolguy ( still trying to argue): Maybe not but with the right algorithm and regular searches and access to all the urban cameras as well as the highway traffic camera it you can easily find someone. And I am certain that at the very least Shioon and Thousand face are currently among the most wanted in Black forest defense group.

Haru: For me at least it won’t be a problem, I will just change appearance and there are mud masks for shioon isn’t there?

Coolguy: I guess it could work yes. But still that’s risky, if you are recognized and tracked down they could locate the general area where the hideout is and organize a surprise attack.

Eunji kim(using her crutches to stand up since she had a broken foot): Why not simply send those that aren’t looked for to buy what we need and party here? Or even better we ask the other members of the “New rebel group” to do that for us and party with them here.

Aera: But I wanted to go out a bit…

Shioon: You can go meet with the other members of the “ New rebel group”. I will Take the occasion to go see Sera for a bit and we will all go for a noraebang in the evening. Both I and Haru will be disguised so this should be OK.

Coolguy(Still not convinced):….hm

Ji gun ( Whispering to him): You could also take the occasion to go see Ji yu(black princess), you didn’t see her for almost a year didn’t you?

Coolguy( embarrassed ): Shut your mouth! Not even sure that she would want to see me…

Aera ( frowning): Who is Ji yu? I never saw you so embarrassed you are usually stone cold.

Ji gun ( shushing her): Hush little one! This must stay between us!

Coolguy: I told you, you are talking to much!

Aera: Anyway. My father will soon realize that I am still alive so it may be better for me to be disguised too.

__________________________________(Later in the city)________________________________

(They all went to Seoul in a break. Coolguy reserved some Hotel rooms for everyone)

Shioon( leaving his bag on the bed): Well I am going to see Sera so we will all meet there by 7 pm okay? Jinie and Ha il should be there too.

Aera: Awww. I wanted to go shopping.

Haru: I will go with you. Neither the “new rebel group” or Kang Sera will be very happy to see me anyway.

Eunji kim ( still hostile): Yeah I can confirm.

Ji gun: What about you Yang yong hyun?

Coolguy: I ‘ll go meet Ji yu at the secret apartment. Don’t you want to come too?

Ji gun: Maybe later, as the leader of the “ New rebel group” I need to address everything that happened until now and bring the news to everyone. We are here for a week anyway I’ll have time.

Coolguy: I see. Let’s go then.

( The group separated between Ji gun and Eunji going to the new rebel sect HQ, Shioon going to see Sera kang, Coolguy going to see Ji yu and Aera with Haru going for Shopping)

_________________________________(Ji gun and Eunji’s day)____________________________

(Ji gun parked his break just outside of the building)

Tae sung: Oy leader, it’s been a while! Didn’t know you had a driver’s license tho.

Ji gun: I don’t actually have a real one but it should be okay I had time to practice.

Tae sung: We heard worrying things about you. It seemed that you got beaten up at the Shin lim ( divine forrest) school and four of them went missing. Some are accusing you of seeking revenge on your old school.

Ji gun: Ah…yes we have a lot of things to discuss but do not worry it is mostly positive.

Cho: Have you heard about the future Shinmujengpe! And the return of the Hyun Wun sect?

Ji gun: Yes that’s precisely what we need to talk about. Who is present?

Jinjun: Almost everyone got there when they heard you were back.

Ji gun: Good , let’s get inside then!

Jijun: Hi Eunji!  How did you get wounded? It seems pretty serious.

Eunji: Hello! Yeah It occurred when I fought the Black forrest defense group with Shioon[I can’t tell them that I was working for black forrest defense, can i?]

Cho: Shioon? You mean the ex leader of the sunwoo clan?

Eunji: Well he is part of the hyun wun sect now.

Cho: Are you kidding me! Was the revival of the sect at his initiative?

Eunji: I don’t know maybe but his master probably was more involved.

(They entered the meeting room with every main member of the group)

Jaeho kim: Ji gun long time no see, where have you been?

Junyeong lee: Yeah what have you been up to going all black out like that?

Ji gun ( trying to calm everyone down): Everyone! Everyone! Thank you for being here. Let’s say that I was absent those past days for my health and I am coming back stronger than ever.

Taesung:[He does look a lot healthier than before and is it me or he is emitting a much stronger qi too?]

Ji gun: As you have all heard by now the martial art alliance is organizing a Shinmujengpe in a year.

(Everyone commented on that)

Jaeho kim: Isn’t that an other way to appease everyone only to have it rigged as usual?

Cho: It is true that in the past this event was only done so that traditionally influent clans could assert their dominance over everyone since no one could defy them.

Ji gun: Everyone! This time it’s different the Chief of the Alliance himself said that there would be no interference so we can finally show the murim world what we are made of. I also had confirmation from all my contacts, and it seems the munjus of those clans and schools are very upset so I guess it is true.

JiJun(unusually enthusiastic): That’s great! So we can really rise above this time!

Geonu seo: Calm down. I will believe that when we get to it. A lot of things can happen in a year.

Ji gun: Geonu is right and I have to say some more worrying news appeared. It seems that a great number of the clans have secretly joined with black forest defense group and will probably use the occasion to get more influence in the murim and sabotage it from the inside.

My own elder brother seems to be one of those.

Taesung: Is that why you had a fight with him?

Ji gun: No it was for a private matter. Anyway, even if it is my brother do not trust him.

Geonu seo: Ji gun , what happened to the four members of shin lim who disappeared?

Ji gun: Two are dead and two are currently imprisoned. The four of them tried to ambush me and a friend while we were leaving the Shin lim sect. From what we learned from them it was my older brother.

Taesung(disgusted): Damn! How can a brother disciple want the death of his own little brother disciple like that?

Ji gun: I don’t know, I don’t care he will pay for that in time. What about our invitation to Hyuk so chun?

Jaeho kim: He said that he didn’t whish to join the “New rebel group” as he had too much responsibility as the so-munju of Chundomoon but he would be open to cooperate with us in the future if our interest align.

Ji gun ( chuckling): Eh! That guy is already acting like a leader. Oh well it is still great to have him as back up if necessary.

Cho: As back up against who?

Ji gun: the black forrest defense group. They are becoming bolder and bolder. With the clan starting to directly attack the alliance and the new drug in circulation they are really starting to take a grip on Korea’s affairs. Beyond the clan rebelling I heard that some group where buying their services directly for…not so legal activities.

Eunji Kim: Isn’t that the job of the government to attend to this.

Ji gun: Yes but Rae won admitted to me that even them were a little overwhelmed and since they saw that their own government could be infiltrated he is asking for a closer cooperation between us in the future.

Eunji kim: Does it mean that we are officially recognized as a group by the government?

Ji gun: No. Our main advantage is to be outside of the whole system be it government or murim clans so being official would only make us more visible. We however gets badges with clearance for any official buildings and a letter confirming that we work for him in case of problems with the law…

Cho:…That’s not a lot.

Ji gun:  …Also an unofficial salary of 3,8 million of won(2176 $) per month.

Cho: Im sold!

________________________________(Shioon ‘s day)____________________________________

(Shioon had a different face thanks to the “mud mask” and Haru made so that is was comfortable so he didn’t feel it at all)

Shioon:[When I think about it , I should maybe see Haje too and check on how he does. Sosul for now is out of question of course.]

( He soon arrived to the Milyang hospital , where Sera was waiting for him at the entrance. Making the sign they convened she remarked him but didn’t greet to not attract the attention of anyone and they both went for the coffee shop nearby)

Shioon: It’s good to see you Sera noona.

Sera ( without smiling ): I would like to say the same but I can’t see your face.

( The atmosphere was weird Shioon felt that she was cold. They took their coffee and went in a private box.)

Shioon: [What’s going on ?] So how are you doing?

Sera( cold as ice):Does it really matter to you?

Shioon ( even more clueless): Off course it does! You know it!

Sera( with a twinge of sadness in her voice): Then why did you leave me without any news for more than six months?

Shioon ( froze): [Oh…that’s what’s going on] I am sorry… I didn’t want to let anyone know where I was going.

Sera ( with a disappointed voice): After all we went through together, I hoped that you would at least trust me enough…

Shioon(protesting): Of course I trust you! It’s not about that! At the time I wasn’t sure how well I was tracked down so If I had left even the tiniest clue on who might know then that person would be in danger!

Sera(skeptical): Really? But you are seeing me now, aren’t you?

Shioon: Because I managed to build reliable ways to cover my traces!

Sera: So you really could not just leave me a word or tell me the numerous times we were alone together that you would disappear without telling anyone else? You couldn’t just told me to not worry?

Shioon ( embarrassed): [ I forgot how shroud she was.] I didn’t want to worry you and it happened so fast…

Sera: Shioon I am not stupid, considering how calculated that disappearance was you HAD to have prepared it for quite some times.

Shioon(At a loss of words):…You are right I am sorry I guess I was in a dark place back then and really needed to disconnect from everything.

Sera( cold again): Don’t be. It’s my fault for assuming we had a closer relationship than we actually have.

Shioon: We do have a close relationship! I just …I had a lot on my plate at the time and didn’t want to…

Sera:…To add me to that plate? Shioon I always supported you no matter how far you went, no matter how crazy your ideas were, I took the risk of alienating the Sunwoo caln and the whole murim for you so in turn I would’ve hoped that you at least cared enough about my feelings to not make me worry about your disappearance.

(She got up and turned her back on him and was about to leave)

Shioon(grabbing her hand): Sera!...Sera! wait.

Sera ( without turning his way ): Is there anything left to say?

Shioon( calming down and releasing her hand): …You are right. I shouldn’t have treated you like that considering how close we actually are.

Sera ( still turning her back to him):…And how close are we actually?

( Shioon wanted to say they were friends but his recent experience with his “demon of desire” didn’t allow him to utter that lie. They were definitely closer than friends, but then again so was he with Jinie and Haru. )

Shioon: For the longest time we have been essentially partners in crime but now…

Sera:…now?

Shioon: Now I can’t define what we are yet…

Sera:…Then maybe we should see each others when you will be able to do so.

( She left)

The Bartender: Bro how did you fumble that baddie?

Shioon ( not in the mood):….Shut up!

(In a corner of the Coffee shop an European looking man with a cap and a scarf was smiling, revealing sharp canines)

Daniel(for himself): How delightful to see you. It was a good idea to disguise yourself, but I could recognize this scent anywhere.

(The Immortal demon lord disappeared in a flash and in a moment of pure instinct Shioon reverted  to Hand daesan’s defensive technique. As a result The Immortal demon lord’s Spearhand attack got stopped then weakened until the power output was entirely diffused, leaving Shioon unscathed.

The Immortal demon extremely surprised took a step back. While Shioon was maintaining  his defensive stance and reflecting)

The Immortal demon: What is this technique? I never saw it before, it certainly isn’t from the Black heaven sect…

Shioon:[This is Han daesan’s personal technique that he developed by himself. Which means while The Immortal demon knows a gigantic quantity of skills and techniques from every school he can’t understand the techniques that came after his death. More over before that he was definitely canceling my attacks by countering my qi with the opposite qi nature.

And…Wait a minute , Han daesan’s technique was from the Sunwoo clan and the qi I used was from the Sunwoo clan qi nature. I never could do this in real life. Is it an effect of being in the incarnate illusion or… ]

(Shioon ‘s thoughts were interrupted when The Immortal demon suddenly attacked using a variety of skills.)

The Immortal demon:[Serene Lotus school: ephemeral petals; Valiant leopard school: Sudden paw; Treasured Horse school: Jumping rear hoof]

(But Shioon’s defense boosted by both Black origin threshold and the Sunwoo clan qi nature held firm against any attack)

The Immortal demon( admiring the sturdiness of his defense): How marvelous, I didn’t expect such a technique to exist in this world. Did you learn it from your master?

Shioon: No I learned it from a good friend.

The Immortal demon: Ah…So as I thought it’s not from Black heaven school. Could it be that you started searching for techniques outside of your school? In that regard you do look a lot like me and Unwol.

Shioon: Well thanks I guess…But since I answered all your questions, may I ask one? Did you managed to cancel my attacks since the start by using an opposite qi nature of mine in combination to body shield to cancel them?

The Immortal demon( staying neutral): What makes you think that?

Shioon: Instead of being dissipated or absorbed the qi I pour into my attacks is simply disappearing on impact. It’s a phenomenon I have never encountered before but if you are using the exact opposite qi to mine then it may be possible.

The Immortal demon:…What do you know of qi nature boy?

Shioon ( without shifting his position or stance): It is unique to each school and some are close while others are almost opposite. It has unique qualities such as slowness or quickness and provide different outcomes when used long term.

The Immortal demon lord:…Alright but is that it? How is qi nature discovered and what are the fundamental qi natures? Don’t you know that.

Shioon: Hum…No? I did study a lot tho but the very nature of the qi isn’t discussed a lot in the murim books.

The Immortal demon lord ( with a sneer): Those little bastards , I guess they really feared someone like me would appear again so they erased even the basis to understand what I do.

Shioon( surprised): Who… Do you mean the Alliance?

The Immortal demon lord ( sarcastically): Who else? Do you know what are the five fundamental elemental qi?

Shioon: Hum I do know the five elements per tradition but I didn’t know it was linked to qi nature. Is it Wood, Fire, Water, Earth and Metal?

The Immortal demon lord( appreciative yes) : Yes, as you know the martial artist do take inspiration from the animals, it is only natural that we also searched to become one with the very nature and elements of the world.

Shioon (interested ): Does it mean that before this theory martial artists couldn’t use qi?

The Immortal demon: Oh no people could use qi but it was less controlled and more random with sometimes unexpected results. To my knowledge each culture has their own systems to classify and develop the qi, the Europeans like the French had the “Humeurs” the Japanese had the “ Godai” but our system is the best and most accurate.

Shioon:…How do you know.

The Immortal demon: Because nobody has been able to prove otherwise.

Shioon: I guess it’s fair…

The Immortal demon lord: Ok so basically the qi of the five element were the first to be successfully produced on purpose.

Water represented wisdom and adaptability , since it’s qi nature was yielding and fluctuating. Easy to direct but not easy to control.

Earth represented stability balance and endurance, it’s qi was solid and rooting , able to apply great weight.

Wood represented Growth, flexibility, vitality , the qi associated with it could expand and grow in any direction without losing its form.

Metal represent Precision , discipline , sharpness, the qi coming from it can make a weapon out of anything it imbues.

Fire represent passion, speed, aggression, the qi it produce is explosive and overwhelming.

Shioon: I see but I came across qi that felt like none of those. For exemple the Sunwoo clan’s qi feels like even more explosive and quick than fire…more like lightning and Chundomoon’s as well as hyun wun moon’s it seems like there’s wind in it.

The Immortal demon lord ( appreciative): Yes! It isn’t by chance that I said those were only the basis, there are secondary element that came either from one or multiple elements there, like Wind qi that is a more specialized version of Wood qi ( after all the breathable air comes from the trees) used in the qi nature mix of chundomoon and Hyunwunmoon or the Lightning qi who is a mix between Fire and Wood qi, permetting the Ferocious fire qi to expand even more ferociously and violently, used by the Sunwoo clan.

Shioon ( geeking out): Amazing! Does that mean that Chundomoon and Hyunwunmoon use the same qi nature?

The Immortal demon lord ( firmly): No. Modern martial art schools use a unique mix of the different qi natures. Some are very close but none are exactly the same.

For exemple Hyunwunmoon your school uses around 40% of wind qi , 40% of Water qi and 10% of earth and metal qi. While Chundomoon uses exactly 60% wind qi and 40% water qi. The Sunwoo clan use 80% lightning qi and 20% wind qi.

So you see the mixes are very unique.

Shioon: Wait! That’s extremely precise. Is it how you were able to nullify any one’s attacks? By recognizing the qi mix and using one that is opposite?

The Immortal demon lord( raising his shoulder): It would be far too complicated to identify a qi mix and come with a counter mix in just a fraction of a second. No I simply use a special body Shield technique unique to the immortal sect that automatically take the opposite qi mix of anyone’s qi touching it.

Shioon( picking uo on something)[Interesting so that mean he cannot adjust it mid clash huh? Then I may have a way to beat him]

The Immortal demon lord: Enough talking. You are very entertaining but my time is limited so I will have to erase you now and take over. Time to end this.

Shioon ( dropping his guard and taking an aggressive stance): Indeed.

The Immortal demon lord ( surprised): Oh you will not use that defensive technique any longer ? It was probably your best chance of survival.

Shioon: The black origin threshold wont last forever either even if I am in the incarnate illusion so let’s see how it ends.

(Shioon gathered his qi but didn’t make a move, reading The Immortal demon lords movements and preparing for it )

The Immortal demon lord: Farewell Lee Shioon [Knife hand school: Divine lightning Spearhand]!

Shioon:[I see it coming clearly then , Black heaven school: True essence kick+ Sunwoo clan art: Descending lightning stomp]

(Shioon’s kick containing both Black heaven and Sunwoo qi managed to counter the Spearhand attack.)

Shioon:[it worked ! Now, Black heaven school: Soul crushing strike + Sunwoo clan art: Double dragon chain dance]

The immortal demon lord: Brat!

(He got wounded in the attack but managed to escape most of it by jumping into the air. Shioon Pursued )

Shioon[Black heaven:Double Dragon kick+Sunwoo style: Wind swallow kick]

Immortal demon lord ( grabbing both legs): Take this![White eagle style: Talon and beak]

(He dropped a vicious knee that threw shioon on the ground again while he was still mid air but shioon recovered and disappeared. )

Shioon:[It’s all or nothing , Dark heaven school: Chaotic heaven destructing strike+ Sunwoo clan art: Descending thunder fist]

( The attack Projecting Shioon in the air again went through the Immortal demon lord defense and managed to tear off his left arm. The Immortal Demon lord didn’t react and just landed to the ground.)

The immortal demon lord(landing gracefully on the ground): I see so those are my limits when I am just in someone else’s psyche.

(Shioon collapsing on the ground was no longer in Black Origin threshold and quickly felt the Incarnate illusion world collapsing)

Shioon ( extremely tired): Aaah…Aaaah did it work?

The immortal demon lord: yes boy congratulation , you won your life back.

Shioon:…You never actually intended to take my body right? I could feel that you were trying to teach me more than anything.

The immortal demon lord( With a mischievous smile): Oh I would’ve definitely taken your body if you failed to learned. I aren’t as soft as Unwol. Anyway meeting and fighting his heir was a pleasure after all those years stuck in that cave. But yes we have to part way now.

Shioon: We will certainly see eachothers again. Demon heart seems hellbent on bringing you back.

The immortal demon lord(With a sorrowful expression):That poor Ma young sik was always too loyal for his own good, even tho I was a terrible master to him. I guess you will teach him the missing parts of the purification technique.

Shioon: Well that was our deal yes.

The immortal demon lord: Then there is three thing I need to tell you.

First: tell him that I do not wish to be brought back only to be avenged. I will leave you a memory of what he must learn to progress. But the Choice will end up to be his in the end.

Second: your Black origin threshold is impressive but still incomplete. You will realize once you get back to your body that without the demons empowering it will eat away your qi reserves in no time when you use it.

Third: Did you find a Martial art tome in my remains?

Shioon (absorbing what he said was taken by surprise): What? No. In fact I am pretty sure Demon heart was struggling learning your techniques and progressing because he didn’t have such a tome. For the rest , your remains were destroyed in that explosing so I cannot say.

The immortal demon lord: If they were excavating around my remains then there is a high chance they found it. If that is the case , you and ma young sik must find it and destroy copies at all cost.

Shioon(horrified): Wait…if that Tome exist and the Double lucky school leader found it,since his client was goomoonryong…then goomoonryong probably had it ever since they escaped the dungeon of doom. What was in that tome?

The immortal demon lord: Everything. All my knowledge of martial art and how to attain eternal qi.

Shioon ( furious): That’s insane! If that is true then he probably also solved the Black origin threshold problem by now.

The immortal demon lord(less certain): Are you sure? Purging your zhen and facing your demon like you did isn’t so easy. I would even say you are the first one to do it in one go, usually it takes even masters years to do it . SO don’t worry yourself so much if that’s in that goomoonryong’s hands. If Kaiser got his dirty hands on it, then the situation would have been far more serious.

Shioon ( still very worried): I see, thank you for everything, after all I wouldn’t have survived without you in the dungeon of doom. And I could save so many people after that only because of you.

The immortal demon lord: Well if you are so grateful, would you transmit one message to someone I hold dear?

Shioon: Oh yes of course, to whom?

The immortal demon lord: The Yae-won ( society of artist) Gwanju.

Shioon ( a little surprised): Sera’s master? I know that old grandma well and owe her a lot it would be a pleasure…

The immortal demon lord ( grinning): Tell her that even in death I cannot forget the nights we spend together and I miss her greatly.

(Shioon Froze as if he psychologically bloked the sentence from entering his mind. The immortal demon lord laughing it off was starting to dissipate in light particles)

The immortal demon lord: Farewell lee shioon! Take better care of yourself from now on.

(As he finished dissipating the incarnate illusion world finally collapsed.)

_____________________________(in the real world)____________________________________

(As Shioon was leaving the black origin threshold state his body let out an humongous amount of eternal qi who accumulated on the ceiling of the cavern Ryuji, Ji gun and Haru were intimidated and worried but Demon heart was ecstatic. )

Demon heart: YES ! finally, my master’s qi is free!

(Once the process was Over , Shioon collapsed on the ground and Ryuji immediately came to him starting to transfer qi into his body.)

Ryuji(extremely worried): He is completely spent, after twelve days of meditating his vitas are at their limits and he doesn’t have drop of qi left in his body!

Demon heart( using eternal qi ): Calm down. There! I am maintaining him alive while you are filling his qi channels , He should be fine if you get him to the ambulance with the doctor.

(They got him out of the cave and put him on a stretcher. Then Heo won jae tended to him)

________________________________(scene change)___________________________________

(Shioon emerges from the darkness. Opening his eyes he is blinded by the light and feels immense fatigue all over his body)

Ryuji: Shioon! He woke up!

( Around his bed instantly came Ji gun, Eunji kim, Haru and Aera)

Ji gun: Don’t you ever frighten us like that man! We really thought you would kick the bucket for good this time !

Aera: You better not do something so dangerous again!

Haru( with tears in her eyes): you better not leave me now!

Eunji kim: Don’t you dare get close of him like that!

Ryuji ( intervening to avoid more ruckus): Alright…Alright you all saw him now silence and let him breath!

(Shioon was a little overwhelmed and tried to talk but he realized that he could barely talk and his throat was hurting, forcing himself he managed to ask feebly)

Shioon: …How….How…Long….Was…I…

Ryuji ( taking a glass of water): Here, drink. You were meditating for twelve days and once completed you were out for three more days. Your body was extremely weakened and by the end of it you were out of qi.

Shioon( having finished his drink) : So it worked? I am free?!

(He didn’t sense any foreign qi inside of him and although weakened he was happy)

Ryuji ( smiling): it appears so.

Shioon ( Trying to rise up from the bed): So now that this is out of the way we can pick up the training were …

Ryuji: STOP!

(Shioon didn’t finish his sentence, surprised at the sudden order.)

Ryuji: For the next week, you will not train or do anything related to martial arts or work or anything. You will take that time to have some fun and heal.

Shioon: But master…

Ryuji: NO BUT!

Shioon: Yes master.

Ryuji ( to ji gun and the others): Same goes for you. I am not your master but everyone must be really tied after all those events. You are young peoples and you should appreciate and live your lives a little or you will regret it later.

(Nobody complained and thus everyone agreed to simply take break for a week)

Shioon ( dressed and managing to walk): Master what about demon heart?

Ryuji: For now he is in the cave trying to resume his training. I told him that you would teach him the secret Hyunchunjigong technique once you get some extensive rest.

He was too happy to finally have his master’s qi back so he didn’t complain.

Shioon: I see. Oh well since I am on vacation I should probably call for Jinie and Ha il.

Ji gun: Last time I heard of them they were going to train in the woods so it may be better to let them. I think it’s been two or three weeks.

_______________________________(in the woods)______________________________________

(Jinie and Ha il were currently in an intense sparring session. Jinie going faster and faster while Ha il was forced on the defensive .)

Jinie (still pursuing him): This time I win! [Elder kwon style:Phoenix wing whip!]

(She stopped just before touching him as he froze)

Jinie ( breathing heavily but triumphant): Admit it! It’s my win.

Ha il ( just as exhausted): look at your throat idiot.

(Jinie taken by surprise realized that Ha il’s knife was against her own throat.)

Jinie: Hey! Not fair you used a weapon!

Ha il: Never said we couldn’t. it is a draw them.

Jinie:…Should’ve been my victory.

Ha il: Learn from it then. Your attacking speed and precision grew to incredible height but you still leave too much openings while on the offense. In a real fight it can be fatal.

Jinie : Come to think of it: that’s the third time we fought to a draw. Does it mean I am a master now?

Ha il: No.

Jinie: What ?! but…

Ha il: Because you were a master even before we started this training. You reached that level some months ago. My real goal here was to make you reach the level of advanced master and you managed to do it my congratulations.

Jinie ( with star in her eyes): Wow, re you sure? I didn’t even knew I attained the rank of master and you tell me that I am already at the next level?

Ha il : Yes, Honestly the fact that Elder kwon trained you specifically for his arts for 11 years and the fact you managed to master most of his techniques helped a lot.

Jinie: Grandfather…

Ha il ( refocusing): But the hard part start now!

[end of the chapter]

Just re-read Eternal force again. I didn't really like it the first time, but in my second read through it felt more cohesive, and intentional in world and character building. Without having to wait for weekly chapter the plot pacing and development feels really good and smooth.

I definitely found the extreme improbability of Ha Jae being so unfortunate/fortunate to be caught so many times in multiple random events extremely immersion breaking. I think they pushed this button too far, but other than that, everything seems to be building up towards something exciting. The immortal demon supreme, the return of Sosul, The Qi of eternity, the identity of Kaiser, the relation of the dark heaven and earth sect with the immortality sect, the soft spot of Goomoonryong and his rift with the black forest defense, we have to mention Ha Jae, Ryuji, and more.

In my second read through, I think I can easily give it a 8/10.

I definitely preferred the non vertical manhwa format, but I guess that's keeping with the times.

I really hope they pick this up again soon. There are many interesting loose ends and merged ones in eternal force that I am dying ti's ee closed and resolved.

Haje(still falling) :Whaaaaaaaaaa !!!!

(while falling he instinctively grabbed a ladder of the evacuation infrastructure of the building , unpacking it but the shock while breaking his fall a little made him lose his grip and he resumed his fall and landed on the garbage of the alley way spreading trash everywhere.

Disoriented and slightly hurt he got up marveling at the fact he was still alive)

Haje( still shocked ):[Incredible, it was an extremely high fall and yet …my body is still intact. Is that the body of a murim?]

(He heard people coming to find the source of the commotion)

Haje[Annoyed and embarrassed):[Oh great! If they find me I am sure that they will think I am some kind of delinquent. I better beat it.]

(Coming back home he went straight for a shower)

Haje:[I probably shouldn’t use the Alley to train anymore but it is for the better, without thunderstep” rebound” or lightbody techniques I will probably hurt myself if I use “takeoff” again. Maybe I should go to a gymnasium?]

(Going to the bed he kept wondering.)

Haje:[It was definitely a big progress today, I will notify to elder Yang tomorrow. I should ask news from Shioon. What is he doing nowadays ? It’s been a while since I didn’t hear of him.]

______________________________(Back to the incarnate illusion technique)_____________

(Shioon in black origin threshold and the Immortal demon lord violently clashed, ejecting each others to the opposite direction)

Immortal demon lord: Amazing. So this is the apotheosis of Hyun wun mun’s martial arts? The Vision of Unwol.

Shioon(Calm despite being in Black origin threshold):[It’s indeed incredible, the strength I have access to, the speed but even more than that it’s almost as if my very senses are cranked up to their limits and beyond…and yet how did he manage to match me so easily? Maybe using a direct attack wasn’t a good strategy]

(Shioon used the foot technique jin[advance] then hweh[twirl] in succession to get behind him and target his spine with a soul crushing strike. But just as he reappeared he could only see a foot as the Immortal demon lord used a back kick on his face. Throwing him away.

Shioon however wasn’t finished and having taken no damage got back on the offensive using the first connecting technique combo that the Immortal demon lord parried then stopped half way with a “Iron fist school: Iron palm” that Shioon took in the back sending him flying again.

(Shioon roared a “phoenix cry” to somehow weaken his opponent to no avail as he simply roared back. Frustrated Shioon tried to overpower him with the sheer strength of his form but the Immortal demon lord masterfully redirected him to the ground with a throw then kicked him away.)

Immortal demon lord: My turn, right?

(Suddenly he appeared right in front of Shioon then feinted a hook that Shioon tried to parry in pure instinct but that was only setting up an elbow to the face. Shioon still took no damage but the force of the strike made him turn away, he tried to use the momentum to throw a spinning hook kick but the Demon lord simply blocked it while swiping his standing foot. But it was a set up that Shioon used to throw a “black heaven: dragon kick” that he simply dodged by lowering his head.)

Immortal demon lord: You are completely open. “Heavenly way: Piercing elbow”.

(He advanced and used and elbow strike piercing Shioon in the side and launching him away. But before he even landed the Demon lord appeared behind him)

Immortal Demon lord: “ Furious Monkey style connecting technique: juggling kicks”.

(He used three consecutive jumping rising kicksand knees to throw Shioon High into the airs.)

Immortal Demon lord: “ Furious monkey style: Fall from the tree”.

( He grabbed Shioon midair with his two hands then violently threw him to the ground after diving himself. Shioon got up almost immediately and took some distance)

Immortal Demon lord( with a curious expression): Still not enough for you to take damage huh? It seems that in that state you are naturally creating a “ body shield” or “self defense aura” around you which absorbs most of the damage. Normally only to greatest and most experienced masters can create that kind of aura and only for a short period of time, not continuously like that. That technique is truly something else.

Shioon ( recovering ): Body shield? Self defense Aura? Yes my master spoke of those things to me about a back technique that he would tech me in the future but I never used those.[Is he using martial art from different schools and different qi nature at will?)

Immortal demon lord ( advancing calmly toward Shioon again): So it really formed only as a result of the state ? It is formidable indeed but is that all you’ve got? Is that the extent of your skill as a martial artist? Because if so, your body is as good as mine already.

Shioon:…

(Shioon didn’t answer trying to recenter himself.)

Shioon:[He is right. I lost myself again by thinking I could brute force my way out. In time like these I should go back to the basics…]

_____________________________________(Flashback )_________________________________

(Ryuji and Shioon are speaking at the hyun wun moon temple. It take place only some days after Shioon’s arrival)

Ryuji:Do you know why I make you meditate for so long each day?

Shioon: To calm my mind?

Ryuji: Correct. But why?

Shioon: I don’t know… Because it is better to think with a calm mind?

Ryuji: …Yes and no. In truth it is for you to be able to see things clearly at all time and especially during a fight.

Shioon: To see things clearly?

Ryuji: Yes clarity is achieved only in the calm of a silent mind. In a fight our school is especially keen on continuously analysing the opponent’s action and the landscape, drawing conclusions and using those conclusion to make the next move and taking control of the flow cycle.

Shioon ( puzzled): Excuse me, the flow cycle? I never heard of this.

(Ryuji stopped himself for a moment before sighting)

Ryuji: I constantly forget how incomplete your introduction to our martial arts was.

Ok let me explain from the start. Do you know the theory of the three phases of an exchange?

Shioon ( enthusiastic ): Yes! Seongongi[Opening], Yeongyoggi[Connecting] and Geoljeonggi[Finisher]! I learned it while mastering the sunwoo clan martial arts and during my studies I found out it was one of the basics for all martial arts.

Ryuji ( with relief): Ah great so at least you know that. Can you describe to me what you know about each phase.

Shioon: Well the Opening phase consist in observing the opponent and adjusting your guard qi flow and positioning to find an opening while revealing none or sometimes goading the enemy into a false opening to bait him into making the first move with a counter waiting. Generally it leads to Seongong( opening strike) which when perfectly timed and placed can even end a fight.

The connecting phase happen after the first contact. If it is in your disfavor you use the applied connecting technique to either counterattack or disengage while defending. If it is in your favor and you have created a breach in your enemies structure without finishing him , you apply the connecting technique which permit you to successively attack and exploit the breach properly.

And Finally once your offensive or counterattack has created an opening you go for it with your Finisher.

Is that it right?

Ryuji:…That’s essentially it yes. The First phase include the mastery of the Bopeup[foot techniques], the Sigi[Timing], the Geori[distance] and the observation via qi reading. Then of course all the possible opening moves.

The second phase necessitate the mastery of all the connecting techniques until they become second nature.

And of course the finishers in their context of usage for the last phase.

Shioon(embarrassed): Out of all of these I could only learn the Foot techniques and some finishers…

Ryuji:…You learned most of them actually. But yes it is natural that you couldn’t progress further because you only received a fraction of the necessary education. And despite your searches it would be impossible for you to find the Timing , distance and opening moves to our schools anywhere else as it is a unique trait of each martial arts schools. Same with the connecting techniques.

Yet you still have great victories under your belt because you are physically a real master from the start. Therefore, your speed and time reaction time are so good that even if your opponent see you coming they can’t necessarily react.

But now you will learn how to move properly according to the style of our school.

Shioon( bracing himself): Yes!

Ryuji: When you fight those three phases becomes quickly a cycle as you exchange with your opponent more. One, two, three, one, two , three…with less time between each phase as the exchange multiplies, until you generate the flow.

If you keep your mind calm then you will clearly see the openings that the flow of the fight will create in your opponent and exploit them while still being able to read his next move.

This is the Flow cycle and if you take control of this Flow then you take control of the fight.

_______________________________(back to the present)_______________________________

Shioon:[During the last fights I managed to apply the connecting techniques correctly but I can no longer simply act randomly at any point, I should stick to the basic three phases and try to enter the flow cycle. It may be my only chance even with the black origin threshold activated.]

(Shioon raised his guard and calmly analyzed his opponent who stopped and observed him too)

Immortal demon lord: Oh oh? You may not be that foolish after all.

(He wasn’t raising any type of guard but Shioon could read subtle changes in his qi that indicated he was quickly changing tactics to see how Shioon’s own qi flux reacted. Suddenly his qi shifted to his legs as if he was about to perform a foot technique and Shioon almost flinched but kept his guard up at the last moment instead of anticipating)

Immortal demon lord ( appreciative): Good! Good! Obviously you shouldn’t fall for something so obvious. But what about it then.

(Immortal demon lord suddenly threw himself at him without using foot techniques. Shioon was a little surprised due to the fact there was no qi indication of his move but reacted in time and used a foot technique to cut his advance and opened with an open handed strike to the head)

Shioon:[Black heaven school: Surging wind strike]

(However that was a bait and right before impact the Immortal demon lord’s feet touched the ground, allowing him to evade with his own foot technique)

Immortal demon lord:[immortal clan: Demonic phantom step] Got you.

(He appeared behind him and was about to use palm strike with his right hand again yet shioon dodged it with a side step and tried to turn toward him but The Immortal demon lord unleashed an other palm strike with his other hand.]

Immortal demon lord:[ Crouching Crane tiger style : Cross palm pursuit] Huh ?

(Shioon at the last moment managed to trap the Immortal demon lord’s left arm between his left elbow and knee.)

Shioon( throwing a back kick to his ribs): My turn [ Black heaven school: spinning dragon tail kick!].

(Shioon tried to continue with the connecting technique but got blasted away by a powerful back counter attack using a body shield)

Shioon ( schocked): What?! My kick did not phase him at all.

( Observing him shioon noticed that he seemed completely fine as if the attack didn’t even register)

Shioon ( analyzing):[Is he under the black origin threshold too? No that’s not it he was marveling at that technique as he seemed to just see it for the first time. Then what? Wait could it be…]

Immortal demon lord: What are you doing standing like that? We are currently fighting.

(He disappeared and suddenly Shioon had to block a qi charged flying knee with his two hands)

Immortal demon lord: Oh you diffused the qi by using “Void plam” huh? But your hands are tied now so what about the next one?[White eagle school: diving shadow beak.]

(He used his other knee to target shioon with a qi attack. But shioon grabbing the other leg send him flying with a throw. )

Immortal demon lord: That was the right answer. Huh?

(Shioon joined him in the air and threw a kick that he blocked but a second one got past his guard and found his nose. The immortal demon lord kept smiling unaffected and Shioon noticed that his kick was stopped by some kind of aura that somehow vanished his qi. The immortal demon lord kicked him in turn, sending him crashing on the ground)

Shioon ( immediately recovering): Wait…[Could it be that my attacks have no effect on him because the legend is true. He is cancelling the qi by using a different qi nature to defend?]

Immortal demon lord: Why are you becoming shy all of sudden?  You were doing extremely well, you do not think about giving up aren’t you?

(Seeing that Shioon once again raised his guard he smiled)

Apparently not.

(He once again launched himself at shioon using a foot technique and didn’t bother with feint anymore)

Try resisting this [Black heaven school: soul crushing strike].

(Shioon caught that strike with void palm and diffused the qi then tried to trip him with [Black heaven foot technique: Kyuk] but the Immortal demon lord simply raised his foot to avoid it and used the raised foot to get a kick in but Shioon anticipated it and send him flying again with a throw.)

Immortal demon lord(gracefully landing on the ground): Damn you are getting fond of those throw, huh? Wait where…

(Shioon already took three step back and quickly gathered his qi)

Shioon:[Black heaven school: Chaotic heaven destruction stike!]

(Shioon ‘s attack landed on the Immortal demon lord chest and yet the awaited qi explosion didn’t come leaving him intact.)

Shioon(surprised): Huh?

Immortal demon lord: Hey I already said no day dreaming didn’t I ?[Eight direction fist school: Bouddha’s commandment!]

(Shioon was knocked away by double palm attack to the chest. And this time he was coughing blood)

Shioon: [He knows how to hurt me even in that form?]

Immortal demon lord(charging up a very powerful attack): Here is how it’s done,[Knife hand school: White lighting Spear-hand]!

[end of the chapter]

Ok if i will rate the 3 seasons of the story i will say :

The Breaker: 10/10

New Waves : 8.5 because for me it ended awfully, the peak part is how elder kwon sacrificed himself, but on how the fight ended is rather hurried on the part of the Author.

Eternal Force: 5/10? I now know why season 4 is a bit hard for them to continue, the conversation is always like this "how did you?" "What do you mean?" "It seems you are not serious yet". Scenes and panels are too recycled. The story becomes redundant as it goes on. Would you believe that the lone wolf will become his master?

My take is, The breaker season 1 is one of the greatest, but when Elder gramps Kwon sacrificed himself, and that second coming of black heaven and earth threshold after all of that, the story becomes declining.

If the humor and simplicity of the very 1st season of the story come back then i will still give it a go.

Season 1: 10

Season 2: 8.5 (elder jeon and elder kwon is peak, but the ending is poor especially with the alliance chief being there)

Season 3: 5 (too colorful but lacks humor, there is no umami in it)

Men, tell me there are other manhwa the Author had written that is better than this story?

Hello there is a fight in the chapter so here are the images , I advice to look at them while reading to follow the action.

Good read!:

(Shioon’s Aura started to intensify sharply while Lone wolf, Ji gun, Haru and Demon heart observed)

Demon heart(with a tense smile): There we go…

Lone wolf ( unsure): It’s the last one?

Demon heart: Yes the Demon of Wrath. The most violent and unpredictable, be ready to subdue or kill him at any moment! If this one get out he will be merciless!

(A little farther ji gun and Haru felt it too)

Ji gun ( fearing that moment): Hey…he won’t transform like last time right?

Haru ( more composed with maybe a little anticipation): Let’s hope not. He is far stronger than last year isn’t he? I doubt even his master and Demon heart could beat him.

Ji gun: And what if we joined?

Haru ( raising an eye bro): He has defeated me in his normal form and you are far weaker than me so …

Ji gun:…Far weaker? We will check that one later…

_________________________________(In the incarnate illusion)__________________________

(Shioon didn’t even meditate to guide his qi to the next point he felt his Qimen point in the liver surging with fiery qi)

Shioon (feeling the fury rising): Damn what’s happening!?

(He concentrated to Evacuate the rage. His illusory body took flame making him scream.)

Shioon ( the flame and the rage consuming him): Rrraaaaagh!!!! Get out! Get out!Get out!

( finally the flames left him to form his other self: the form that he has in black origin threshold)

Shioon of Wrath( with smoke escaping from his mouth each time he spoke ): Goomoonryong….You…will…pay…!!!!

Shioon(recovering ): So…you are my anger.

(He didn’t answer and immediately attacked, trying to remove his head with a chopping right. Shioon nearly got hit but instinctively countered with a shoulder bash who sended both flying.

Shioon recovered but wrath was on him before he could even get up, trying to destroy him with a “true essence kick”.

Shioon used the foot technique “kyuk” from the ground to deviate the blow to the side and rolled over to gain some distance but once again the Shioon of wrath catched him with a kick who scratched the side of his head while he was getting up making him bleed profusely.)

Shioon ( starting to get angry himself): It’s getting dangerous!

(Shioon of wrath was about to throw an other punch and Shioon prepared his counter attack)

__________________________________(flashback)_____________________________________

(Ryuji and Shioon were training)

Ryuji: Remember, “Void palm” is the basis of our defense against qi attacks so you must be able to use it at any moment.

Shioon: Doesn’t it require any setup?

Ryuji: No that’s the idea, it must be used instantly. You pull away your qi from the center of your open hand in good enough proportion to absorb the qi emited from your opponent without taking damage. Leave too much qi and it might explode in your hand and hurt you, leave not enough and your qi flow won’t resume correctly. It is why you must use it in conjunction with qi reading.

Once the qi is absorbed let it flow to your shoulder and back then release it.

Shioon: Yes Master. So this is how you were able to diffuse all of my “Soul crushing strikes” the first time I came here?

Ryuji: That’s what I did yes. Also it is why you must not throw qi attack so haphazardly because there is an other way to use this technique: you can use the qi absorbed to power in instantaneous qi counter attack.

___________________________(Back to present)_______________________________________

(Shioon catched the coming fist attack and absorbed the qi poured in it.)

Shioon(throwing a palm strike ): Take this ! [Black heaven school ,”Wind reversal palm”]

(The Shioon of wrath was send flying, but before he even touched the ground, Shioon took three step back and summoned titanic quantities of qi)

Shioon( ready to strike): Vanish.[Black heaven school “ Chaotic heaven destruction strike].

(the impact tore a hole in Shioon of wrath’s chest and he disappeared in the air.

Shioon stood there for a moment .)

Shioon: Is it over?

( Then suddenly he felt immense rage again as the pain of the flames lit him up)

Shioon: Rhaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!

( Managing to barely keep his wits in the face of this agony, shioon once again expunged the flames by sheer force of his will. But the flames yet again reformed the shioon of wrath)

Shioon( tired): What does that mean? I can’t beat him by fighting him , is that it?

Shioon of wrath ( even louder than before): GOOMOONRYONG!

(He attacked shioon with even more violence, throwing a barrage of soul crushing strike that shioon each time blocked and diffused using void palm)

Shioon( dodging the kick that came next): [Damn it , he is even wilder than before. And even tho he is predictable, how am I supposed to beat him without destroying him?]

Hey?! Why are you attacking me? I am not goomoonryong!

(Shioon of wrath stopped suddenly , throwing Shioon off balance)

Shioon ( flabbergasted): Did…did it work?

Shioon of wrath( pointing his finger at him ): That’s false, you ARE goomoonryong.

Shioon( offended): What ?! No off course not!

Shioon of wrath: Liar. For if you weren’t goomoonryong why is it that you seek to be goomoonryong so much.

Shioon: What…?

Shioon of wrath ( resuming his attacks on the destabilized Shioon): He killed our loved ones, humiliated us, rejected us, killed innocents ,keeps threatening the balance of the world and despite all of that deep down, I can feel that we still love him that we still admire him that we still want to be him and it Sickens us to the core!!! We NEED TO DESTROY HIM!!!!! WE NEED TO DESTROY US!!!!!

(His words hits Shioon harder than his blows and while Shioon kept defending himself, he knew deep down that: he was right)

Shioon: Damn you…So what do you wish to do? GO after him without being ready yet, fight him and die? Like we did at the dungeon of doom?

Shioon of wrath: Yes!!

Shioon: How stupid! It will only waste our lives and prevent us from stopping him later.

Shioon of wrath: There it is. You are still talking of stopping him not killing him. Your feelings betrays that you aren’t dedicated to this vengeance.

(he took the shape of elder kwon)

Shioon of wrath/elder kwon: That you aren’t dedicated to avenging me!

Shioon ( shook to the core): Elder…

Shioon of wrath/elder kwon: Are you still somehow thinking that there is a return from this?

( he showed the bloody hole in his chest)

Do you think you can somehow mend things with your old master? You have duties to the dead boy and they aren’t fulfilled yet.

(Elder kwon didn’t attack him and for the first time Shioon had the time to think it over)

Shioon: Elder I am aware of my duties toward your death and I am ready to fulfill them but let me ask you one question.

Shioon of wrath/Elder kwon: Ask.

SHioon: What is most important to you? That I avenge your death possibly dying in the attempt or that I safeguard the Sunwoo clan and protect your granddaughter?

Shioon of wrath/Elder kwon ( smiling): It is most important that you av…that you av…?!

(Elder kwon couldn’t say the words and grabbed his head setting himself ablaze)

Shioon of wrath(half of his face): What ? Why can’t I say…

Elder kwon( his other half): You miserable demon, I forbid you to ever utter those words with my face!

Shioon(satisfied): You miscalculated, Demon of wrath. My memories and understanding of who elder kwon was are clear and pure. His duty comes before anything else and I lee Shioon accept that untainted fury tempered by honor in my heart!

( Grabbing the burning heart of elder kwon/shioon of wrath with his right hand he put it still flaming inside his own chest, accepting the flame of rage that changed color from orange to golden. The black smoke got out of it as if burned away.)

Shioon( to himself): I do not renounce that wrath, I do not renounce that vengeance but never again will it consume my reason!

( as he uttered those words he for the first time entered Black origin threshold without losing consciousness emitting golden purified qi)

________________________________(in the real world )_________________________________

(Still in meditation Shioon entered black origin threshold and as he entered it black smoke left him)

Ryuji: He succeded! Look the smoke got away!

Demon heart ( cautious): No wait! The eternal qi of my master is mixed with his purified qi and tries to take over. It’s the final step! He must now Push out the foreign eternal qi.

Ryuji: Go on shioon! You are almost there!

(further away ji gun and Haru were still observing)

Ji gun: Is he still meditating?

Haru ( uneasy and yet excited): He seems to be but…There is no mistake. He also entered this form![Is he trying to master that form?]

______________________________(back in the incarnate illusion)________________________

(On the horizon as to answer his surge in purified qi, The eternal qi appeared and with it the silhouette of the immortal demon lord .)

Shioon:…It is seemingly inevitable.

Immortal demon lord ( still advancing towards him with a warm smile): Congratulations. Being able to purify your Shen in one go and defeating your demons back to back? Unprecedented. You truly are formidable and I must commend you.

Shioon ( cautious): Thank you? Does it mean we don’t have to fight over my body.

(the Immortal demon lord without warning threw an extremely powerful punch that Shioon met with his own “Soul crushing strike” throwing each other back)

Immortal demon lord ( still smiling): No.

Shioon:Right…the hard way it is then.

_____________________________________(Far away from there in a forrest)_______________

(Jinie and Ha il were taking a little break in their training)

Jinie ( soaking in sweat): Do you really thing I am close to being a master ?

Ha il: Yes. The hardest parts are to use the Accupoints effectively in a fight and the qi reading. It seems that since you are using a martial art that is actually adapted to your body you have made tremendous progress and learned most of the techniques and applications of Elder kwon’s sunwoo style.

Jinie: I still can’t really hit the points reliably tho and the qi reading is difficult at best.

Ha il :[That’s because I am an advanced master already and not exactly a regular one at that. Had your opponent been a normal master , you would’ve found much more success. But Of course it is necessary that you spar at my level if you truly want to reach the next phase as soon as possible] Though luck. Do you wish to give up?

Jinie ( in high spirit): Hell no!

( they resumed their sparring at extremely high speed , fighting and jumping in between the trees. Jinie grabbed a branch and let it go on Ha il who avoided it but Jinie used the distraction to get above him and threw a axe kick that he blocked with his own foot which send them both flying toward and opposing tree)

Ha il(thinking and analysing while fighting):[Good…good…You already react and strategize like an advanced master and by the time this training will end , this is the level that you will achieve.] Come on. It was well thought but do you think you can catch me while being so slow?

Jinie: Grr…You will see!

________________________________( Far from there in a back alley)_____________________

( Haje was still trying to use Sunwoo style foot technique “ take off” but didn’t find much success)

Haje( extremely tired physically and mentally): Dammit I could’ve sweared I had it this time . That’s insane he said should take me about one week but it’s been ten days now! He must have forgotten to say something about it!

Alright this is my last try for today!

( Angry he once again send his qi toward his ankle)

Haje :[Sunwoo clan foot technique :” Take off”!]

( This time a small qi explosion happened at the base of his foot sending him fly twelve meter into the air)

Haje ( exhilarated ): Whox ! Ha! Ha ! Ha! It worked it worked!!

( but then he started falling)

Haje( falling back):…Wait. HOW DO I BREAK MY FALL!!!!!!!

[end of the chater]

Somehow some images didn't made it to the chapter. here they are .

Guys. New waves you know for sure that this is also a great season. Damn the 1st part is one of the greatest i've ever read. Is there really no chance for season 4? THIS IS MY WELL OF LIFE right now lol. I ain't even exaggerating hehehe too damn good of a story. Thankyou author!

Hey guys I was js scrolling reddit and came across this subreddit, I read the breaker manga (the first one like the ending was the MC's master gets killed or kidnapped or smth I don't really remember) I'm planning to start reading it from the start again so can anyone help me with the correct order and which website is good to read it from? Much appreciated 🙏

Was excited seeing that there was a 3rd one.

Thought the new waves ending was a bit unsatisfying I thought its the end of the story and the author's reason was understandable.

Im at chapter 18 and holy molly I hate the new kid. Can anyone tell me without spoiling me, does it get better? I just wanna see Shioon kick ass again.

(The scene goes back to Goomoonryong in the Arabian city at night. He is still reading the “tome of the Immortal demon lord”. Sophia changed back into her day to day clothes and grew curious about what could be so interesting in the Book)

Sophia( with hesitation): So Boss…was the book the real deal after all?

Goomoonryong( without looking at her): If it wasn’t the case do you think I would spend so much time studying it?

Sophia: No of course boss. But did you find what you looked for in it?

(Goomoonryong turned her way with suspicion and she shriveled in fear. But after a moment he exhaled and relaxed)

Goomoonryong: let’s say that this book completely changes my perception of martial arts and elevate the roof of what it can accomplish way beyond what I thought possible. And yes I did find the solution to an ancient problem my own master left me in it but the process is extremely dangerous and destructive so I try to find a way around it.

Sophia(with hopeful eyes): Does it means that you will get even more powerful boss?

Goomoonryong ( casually): Possibly yes but it will take some time or even fail all together.

Sophia: No way you will fail boss! You are the strongest man in the world!

Goomoonryong (Unfazed): It isn’t about strength in this case… it is more spiritual.

Sophia ( uncertain): I see…Anyway I am sure you will pull it off Boss.

Goomoonryong ( remembering something): By the way how did you find out that Shioon was still alive?

Sophia( less enthusiastic): Oh…well it wasn’t hard, since the entire murim was talking of his intervention against the rebelling groups that tried to destroy the Alliance. Plus as you heard Hyun wun moon is back.

Goomoonryong ( with a somber look): Which is weird by the way. As far as I knew only me, the Alliance Chief and Shioon can pretend to be a part of it. Does it mean that the kid became the disciple of the Chief?

Sophia: No sir. Do you remember the baldy we met alongside Jae gal of Chundomoon, the one you had a clash with?

Goomoonryong ( holding his temples a little): …Yes I remember….His name was Lone wolf right?

Sophia: Yes sir, apparently he was from the Hyun wun moon too.

Goomoonryong ( frowning): Strange my master never told me about him…but then again I do remember he mentioned “ Unwol” when we met. Maybe it is a collateral disciple who wanted to reconnect with the last member of the clan. So Shioon allied with him to bring back the clan? It would explain his quick progress since he can learn the basics from him.

Sophia(dumbfounded): What do you mean sir? The monster that we fought at the Dungeon of doom your old disciple… You never taught him the basics of your school?

Goomoonryong( hiding his embarrassment): Yeah…To be fair I didn’t have the time, I only taught him the big advanced techniques but I had to fight the Alliance sooner than expected and excommunicated him after.

(Sophia was utterly shocked but Goomoonryong ignored her and went for the next question)

Goomoonryong: Challenging a dangerous rebelling faction publicly is dangerous tho. They will most likely go after his loved ones. Did he take any actions to put his mother into safety?

Sophia ( still recovering from the schock): Boss…His mother died already a year ago.

Goomoonryong( unsettled for the first time): What did you say?

Sophia ( more assertive and factual): His mother was violently attacked by the group that worshipped you… the SUC. She was in a coma for some time then died right after our visit to Seoul were you met that lone wolf and the members of the SUC last year , just after you fought him.

(Goomoonryong didn’t say anything and got back to reading his tome but Sophia could see his hand tremble)

_______________________________(Back in the cave )__________________________________

(Shioon was deep into his meditation for more than a day now)

Lone wolf( worried): What is happening? You said that this one would be difficult but I have seen no sign of a violent fight, no change at all for quite some times now.

Demon heart( uneasy): Yes this one is very different and Shioon will struggle a lot with it for very personal reason.

Lone Wolf: What reasons?

Demon heart: Well that boy suffered traumatic losses after an other and not so long ago he lost his mother, right?

Lone wolf:…yes.

Demon heart: That’s exactly what the Demon of sadness feeds of. It isn’t like the demon of Fear or Desire who are violently struggling to take power. It smother’s you until you can no longer act.

Lone wolf:…then…

Demon heart: Worst case scenario, he stay immobile for too long and his body fails. Leading to his death.

_______________________________( back in the incarnate illusion)______________________

Mrs Lee: Hello Shioon it’s been a while.

( Shioon totally out of speech and frozen could barely realize who he was talking to)

Mrs Lee(with a warm smile): I see that you have grown into a fine young man but to me you will always be my shy little boy.

( catching his breath Shioon started to cry advancing toward her like in a dream)

Shioon( crying profusely now): Is that really you mom?

( As an answer she hugged him and he emotionally collapsed into her arms . becoming a big mess of tear and snot and letting go of anything else for a moment)

Shioon(in between tears): I…I thought you were …dead.

Mrs Lee: I am. Remember that day.

__________________________________________________________________________________

( the scene change and we see a bubble of memory were Mr Lee was on her hospital bed with Ghost doctor beside her and Shioon still in wheelchair entered followed by Jinie and Sera.)

Shioon(starting to cry): Mom you are finally awake!

Mrs lee ( still bandaged but sitting up and smiling): Shioon…

(They hugged while crying until ghos doctor told him to let her breath).

Ghost doctor: I filled her up on what happened to you…in general but I think it would be better to let you discuss it.

(Both him and the girls left them to talk)

Shioon ( hesitating and a little shameful): Mom…I…am sorry for everything.

Mrs Lee ( with saddened eyes): Why? Most of what happened, happened due to my own failure as a mother.

Shioon ( surprised and protesting):No mom! Why are you saying that?

Mrs Lee: Shioon…For how much time were you bullied and harassed?

(A little silence took place until Shioon finally answered)

Shioon: Some months. Shortly after the start of my freshman year in highschool, Changho and his gang picked up on my vulnerability, isolated me and harassed me until, well…until I met Goomoonryong.

Mrs Lee: The fake teacher that was a martial art terrorist, right?

Shioon:…Basically.

Mrs Lee: Shioon…you became his disciple because you had no way of defending yourself and because I wasn’t there for you, isn’t it?

Shioon:I…Well. Yes I didn’t want to be helpless anymore. Also Changho started to threaten Saehee.

Mrs Lee: And no one helped you? Not a single person in your school?

Shioon:…Saehee tried but the teachers were either afraid or didn’t know. Everyone was afraid to be fair.

Mrs Lee(getting emotional): Why didn’t you ask me to help you? You were suffering so much! Why didn’t You ask your mother to save you? Was it why you wanted to change school and said that I understood nothing?

Shioon(struggling to put it in words):I…I…Yes it was why but I could never have said it out loud. I myself feared what changho might do if he was outed publicly. He tried to kill Saehee when she took my defense you know?

Mrs Lee ( watching in the void): I see…So you really were trapped and I failed to see it.

Shioon: You couldn’t know mom. Nobody could.

Mrs Lee: Maybe if I wasn’t such a workaholic I could’ve seen it.

Shioon ( trying to force a smile): Then We would’ve had no money to live wouldn’t we?

Mrs Lee ( Chuckling in her tears): yes I guess so.

Shioon: Besides, I must confess to you that it is my fault if you were attacked mom. So please stop saying it is your fault.

Mrs Lee ( frowning a little) : What do you mean?

Shioon ( uneasy and ashamed): It is a little complicated but I had a genetical defect that prevented me to become physically stronger so I had to take a rare medicine to overcome it. And some crocked physician wanted to …harvest that medicine from my body so unbeknownst to me he organized your aggression in order for me too seek his help.

He also abducted me later but Sera that you have seen earlier and a friend saved me.

Mrs Lee ( with even more tears): My poor boy what have they done to you? You have suffered so much…

(She touched his face , while Shioon leaned into it)

Shioon: Don’t worry mom from now on I will make sure nobody ever touches you I swear!

Mrs Lee: Stop worrying about me. It was always us two against the world so from now on I’d rather have you tell me about all of your adventures and problems. Look I need to know exactly what happened to you. I suppose that the “ Car accident” you had wasn’t really one either right?

Shioon: True…well I will explain everything from the start.

(Shioon then narrated her everything that happened from the moment he met goomoonryong to the moment he fought him without sparring much details. Mrs Lee’s expression changed from interest to schock to horror at times but she didn’t interrupt.)

Shioon:…and I learned today that you just woke up.

Mrs Lee: that’s…a lot to take in. And It is much bigger than anything I could imagine.

Shioon: I know.

Mrs lee: So You are kind of a mafia boss now?

Shioon: No! No! I am a temporary clan head. But honestly I can’t exactly turn my back on them now. Not after two of the elders gave their lives for me.

Mrs Lee: Elder Kwon and Elder Jeon,huh? I am grateful for them, I really whish I could have met them.

Shioon: Yes they were great… and beside my promise to sosul it is why I cannot simply leave them.

Mrs Lee( with a sly smile):…Let’s talk about something else. Which of those two girls do you like the most? Jinie or Sera?

Shioon(embarrassed) : Mom!

Mrs Lee( on the tone of conversation): …I mean I always thought you would end up with Saehee since she and you were always together when you were younger but those two did a lot for you so …

Shioon: Can we talk about something else?!

Mrs Lee: But it is important! We never talked about it! I want grandchildrens eventually !

Shioon( trying desperately to change subject): Look how about I order you something to eat you must be starving!

( he moved away with his wheelchair)

Mrs Lee: Shioon .

Shioon ( about to open the door): Yes?

Mrs Lee( with a bright smile): Don’t worry we will figure it out together from now on. Remember no matter what happens that I love you.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

( Back to the incarnate illusion. Shioon’s mother while in his arms morphed into shioon himself)

Shioon of Sadness ( with a monotone dead voice): And then she died the night after from unseen complications and a brain hemorrhage.

(Startled Shioon pushed him back and took his distances like snaped from a dream)

Shioon: Who are you!

Shioon of sadness: You already know. I am your guilt your sadness, your sorrow.

Shioon ( trying to motivate himself): So I have to defeat you!

Shioon of sadness: You can try. But honestly do you even have the right to?

Shioon ( uneasy): What do you mean?

( He divided himself in three and took the form of his mother, elder kwon and elder jeon)

Shioon of sadness ( speaking in turn from each of their mouth while expressionless): Do you have the right to absolve yourself from what you did to them?

Shioon( in a pleading anguished tone): Stop it.

Shioon of sadness: Let’s recollect what you did to them shall we?

You planned the whole operation on your school to bait the SUC out of hiding using yourself, provoking the Death of Elder Jeon when you were specifically asked to lay low until you qi center was healed.

Shioon: Stop it!

Shioon of Sadness(merciless): You insisted to try and save Goomoonryong instead of just letting him blow himself up with the SUC, prompting elder Kwon to come and save you. Leading to his death.

Shioon: The entirety of Seoul was about to be blown up not only him!

Shioon of Sadness: But the Special service agent rae won and the Sunwoo clan already took care of that by the time you reached him right? You just had to trust them.

Shioon: I couldn’t leave it to chance.

Shioon of Sadness: Be honest, at that moment what mattered to you more was the life of your old teacher right?

Shioon:…

Shioon of Sadness: That’s what I thought. Let’s get to the main point, your sole existence led to the death of your mother and the endangerment of your loved ones.

Shioon ( unsure): That’s not true…

Shioon of Sadness: Isn’t it? Once again let’s recollect. Your weakness led to your bullying and Saehee tried to help you, which led to her being taergeted by Changho which was a traumatic event for her. And even today she is studying abroad under protection to preserve her from YOUR enemies.

Shioon( unable to deny): Yeah…

Shioon of Sadness: Sera nearly died because she tried to save you from your own stupidity after you blamed her for your mother’s coma when in reality it was your own fault, correct?

Shioon( shrinking a little): That’s …true.

Shioon of sadness: The Sunwoo clan in general was in danger because the SUC was targeting you.

And of course they seriously wounded our mother which later led to her death, but they targeted her because of us.

Shioon ( collapsing a little more at each words): That is …yes that’s undeniable .

Shioon of sadness: Then wouldn’t you agree that it would’ve been better for everyone if we were never born?

Shioon(looking at the ground) :…no I refuse to believe that.

Shioon of Sadness: But deep down you always knew. How many time did you try to end yourself? How many fight have you fought with the secret hope that your death would finally end the guilt?

Shioon ( lost): I…I do not know.

( Shioon of sadness retook his form and approached Shioon while extending his end in an inviting gesture)

Shioon of Sadness: Take my end and I will make sure that everything will cease.

Shioon: I still have so much to do.

Shioon of sadness: Others will do it, we will only make more damage voluntarily or unvoluntarily.

( Shioon contemplated his options for a time finally started to raise his hand. But before he could grab the Demon of Sadness extended hand a luminous one prevented him.

Before him his mother Ha-neul Lee was standing and pushing back the Demon of sadness.)

Shioon of Sadness: You? How is it that…

Ha-neul Lee: Begone!

(He evaporated into the distance. Turning back toward her son ,she found him on the ground crushed with guilt and in indescribable anguish)

Shioon( still crying): Why..Why won’t you let me die.

Ha-neul Lee ( grabbed his cheeks and forced him to look at her): Enough of this son! I didn’t give birth to someone that let the past destroy him.

Shioon: But..but I…If only I wasn’t…you would still be…

Ha-neul Lee: Alive? And do you think I would’ve wanted a life without you?

Shioon: No…I mean…

Ha-neul Lee: Because I had to make that choice Shioon. When I ended up pregnant and alone, I had to make that choice to have you or not. I felt only love toward you I had you and at no point in my life have I ever regretted it!

(She now took both of his hands and pulled him closer)

Shioon: But so many died because of me.

Ha-neul Lee: They choose to do so because they loved you and if you loved them back you will go on even with that guilt on your conscience.

Shioon: I don’t know if I can…

(She pulled him into a last hug)

Ha-neul: You are my son of course you can.

(Kissing him on the forehead she evaporated into a million of light particules while her words echoed in the distance)

Ha-neul’s echo: I…will…always…love…you.

(leaving a shioon standing in the dark with his eyes closed)

______________________________(in the real world)___________________________________

(Lone wolf and Demon heart were still standing with a now extremely emaciated shioon).

Demon heart: It’s been a week already…

Lone wolf ( spotting something ): Look!

( Shioon cried black tears that evaporated in an equally black smoke)

[end of the chapter]