Blood Demon's Awakening

👤 Interruption from the Shadows

"Wait."

The single word cut through the tension like a blade, causing every head to turn toward the source. From the shadows beneath the main building's overhang, a figure stepped forward—a middle-aged man in the robes of a Thunder Lightning Gate elder, but his bearing was different from the others. Where Jin Noe-mu radiated arrogant authority and Elder Lightning Striker showed aggressive hostility, this man carried himself with quiet dignity.

"Elder Blue Cloud?" one of the younger disciples whispered in surprise.

Jin Noe-mu's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Noe Cheong-un. I wasn't aware you planned to join our... reception."

The newly arrived elder—Noe Cheong-un—stepped into the light, revealing a weathered face marked by years of difficult decisions. Unlike the ornate robes of the Grand Elder, his clothing was simple, practical, and bore the scars of actual combat rather than ceremonial display.

⚡ A Different Kind of Authority

"Grand Elder," Noe Cheong-un said with a respectful bow that somehow managed to convey equality rather than subservience. "I thought it would be... educational... to observe how we handle our guests."

『Interesting』 the Thunder Lightning King mused. 『This one's different. His electrical energy doesn't feel tainted with ambition like the others.』

Jin-ho studied the new arrival carefully. There was something about Elder Blue Cloud that reminded him of Han Mu-jin—a sense of honor that had been worn smooth by years of compromise, but never quite broken.

"I'm sure you did," Jin Noe-mu replied coldly. "But your presence is unnecessary. This is a simple matter of recovering stolen sect property."

"Is it?" Noe Cheong-un's voice carried a note of genuine curiosity. "I was under the impression that thunder inheritance followed the natural laws established by our founder. Unless those laws have changed recently?"

🎭 Subtle Rebellion

A murmur ran through the assembled disciples. Several of the older ones were nodding thoughtfully, while the younger disciples looked confused. Jin-ho realized that Elder Blue Cloud was speaking in code—referencing sect doctrine that apparently contradicted Jin Noe-mu's version of events.

"The laws remain unchanged," Jin Noe-mu said through gritted teeth. "But they don't apply when power is stolen through demonic means."

"Demonic means?" Noe Cheong-un raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting that young Jin-woon practiced demonic cultivation? That's a serious accusation, Grand Elder."

The trap was elegantly laid. If Jin Noe-mu accused Jin-woon of demonic practices, he would be slandering a dead disciple. If he didn't, then Jin-ho's inheritance of the power was legitimate according to sect law.

⚡ Blood Guard's Recognition

Blood Guard stepped slightly closer to Jin-ho and whispered, "That elder is making an opening for us. He's no friend to the Grand Elder."

"I noticed," Jin-ho replied quietly. "But why would he help us?"

"Maybe he has his own reasons for wanting the truth to come out."

『Or maybe he simply despises Jin Noe-mu as much as we do』 the Thunder Lightning King suggested. 『Not everyone in this sect is corrupt. Some still remember what honor means.』

🌪️ The Grand Elder's Dilemma

Jin Noe-mu's face had darkened considerably. He was clearly struggling to find a response that wouldn't make him look like either a liar or a fool in front of his own disciples.

"Elder Blue Cloud," he said finally, "your... philosophical discussions... are not relevant to the current situation. This blood demon must answer for his crimes."

"What crimes, specifically?" Noe Cheong-un asked with the persistence of someone who had spent years in sect politics. "I see a young man who inherited power according to our founder's own teachings. Unless you're claiming our sacred laws are somehow flawed?"

👁️ Blood Guard's Expertise

While the two elders continued their verbal sparring, Blood Guard caught Jin-ho's attention with a subtle gesture. Years of intelligence work had taught him to read between the lines of such conversations.

"The elder wants to speak with us privately," he murmured. "He just signaled toward the eastern courtyard."

"Are you sure?" Jin-ho asked.

"Positive. That hand position he used when adjusting his robes—it's a classic 'meet me later' signal used by sect dissidents throughout the martial world."

『This could be a trap』 the Blood Heaven Great Emperor warned.

『Or it could be exactly what we need』 the Thunder Lightning King countered. 『We need allies inside this sect if we're going to learn the truth about Jin-woon's death.』

⚡ The Coded Message

Noe Cheong-un continued his careful debate with Jin Noe-mu, but Jin-ho noticed that certain words were emphasized in a way that seemed deliberate:

"Of course, the truth about our recent... losses... should be examined carefully. After all, when a promising disciple dies under mysterious circumstances, it reflects on all of us. Perhaps a more thorough investigation would benefit everyone involved."

The message was clear: he knew something about Jin-woon's death, and he was willing to share it.

🎯 Changing the Game

Jin-ho made a sudden decision. The direct confrontation with Jin Noe-mu would come eventually, but right now, information was more valuable than a dramatic battle.

"Grand Elder," he said, addressing Jin Noe-mu directly, "your offer of single combat is... intriguing. But I think I'd prefer to understand the full circumstances of my friend's death before we settle our differences."

Jin Noe-mu's eyes flashed with surprise and anger. "You would refuse a direct challenge?"

"I would prefer to make an informed decision," Jin-ho replied calmly. "After all, if I'm going to fight the person responsible for Jin-woon's death, I want to make sure I'm fighting the right person."

The implication was clear, and it hit Jin Noe-mu like a lightning bolt. Jin-ho wasn't just accusing him of being involved—he was suggesting there might be others involved as well.

⚡ Elder Blue Cloud's Support

"A wise approach," Noe Cheong-un said approvingly. "A hasty battle serves no one's interests. Perhaps our guests would benefit from a tour of our facilities? I would be honored to show them our memorial hall, where we honor our fallen disciples."

Another coded message. The memorial hall would be a perfect place for a private conversation.

"That won't be necessary," Jin Noe-mu said sharply. "Our guests won't be staying long enough for tours."

"Nonsense," Noe Cheong-un replied smoothly. "The laws of hospitality are clear, even for... unexpected visitors. Surely you wouldn't violate our sect's traditions?"

🌩️ The Temporary Standoff

Jin Noe-mu found himself trapped by his own sect's customs. To refuse hospitality to visitors—even hostile ones—would make him look petty and tyrannical in front of his own disciples.

"Very well," he said through gritted teeth. "Elder Blue Cloud may show you our memorial hall. But don't mistake temporary hospitality for permanent safety."

"Of course not," Jin-ho replied. "I wouldn't dream of it."

The assembled disciples began to disperse, many of them whispering among themselves about the unexpected turn of events. Some looked disappointed that there wouldn't be an immediate battle, while others seemed relieved.

🤝 A New Alliance Forms

As the crowd thinned, Noe Cheong-un approached Jin-ho's group with the measured steps of someone who had spent years walking political tightropes.

"If you would follow me," he said formally, "I believe you'll find our memorial hall quite... illuminating."

Blood Guard gave Jin-ho a meaningful look. The real game was just beginning.

『Be careful』 the Thunder Lightning King warned. 『This could still be a trap. But if it's genuine...』

『Then we might finally get some real answers』 the Blood Heaven Great Emperor finished.

As they followed Elder Blue Cloud toward the eastern courtyard, Jin-ho couldn't shake the feeling that they were about to uncover something that Jin Noe-mu desperately wanted to keep hidden.

The truth about Jin-woon's death was finally within reach.