Return of the Mount Hua Sect (HTL 1634+)

A meticulously carved and vivid statue is placed in the center of a dark tent. It resembled a demon rather than a god, and a tormented beast rather than a demon.

Every time the surrounding candles swayed, the long shadow cast by the statue fluttered along the tent wall. The scene was eerie, as if a beast were struggling to escape from the darkness.

The strange space is filled with a chant-like recitation. The atmosphere was strangely gloomy thanks to the many voices sticking together.

Among them, a man slowly approached the statue.

He who was chanting strange verses incessantly held out a peculiar-shaped ritual vessel. The large, circular vessel, entangled with numerous beasts, seemed to symbolize the word 'sacrifice.'

The vessel slowly tilted above the statue. Soon, seventeen streams of blood flowed down, beginning to dye the statue red.

The chant, which was almost like a mumble, began to transform into a genuine song.

"Ahhhhhhh!"

It is infinitely reverent yet endlessly gloomy. A unique and strange ritual that could not be found anywhere else was held.

The hand of the Blood Cult Lord, the one standing in the center and presiding over all of this, moved with utmost care. Pouring blood on the statue might seem like a simple act, but there was a strict procedure behind it all. The strong determination that even the slightest error couldn't be tolerated, lingered at his fingertips.

Swoosh.

And at that moment, the tent flapped in the wind. Simultaneously, the eyes of the Blood Cult Lord, holding the ritual vessel, narrowed.

"Ahhhhhhh!"

The squeezing sound of the chant reached its climax, and at the same time, the streams of blood flowing from the vessel ceased.

The Blood Cult Lord, who had drained the last drop of blood, carefully withdrew his hands. After completing the ritual with solemn movements, he knelt before the statue and placed his palms out.

After completing all the procedures, the Blood Cult Lord cautiously stepped back.

Although it's detailed, it's ultimately nothing more than a wooden statue. It doesn't feel particularly old, nor does it have any special parts.

However, the Blood Cult Lord put his heart and soul into that statue as if it truly embodied the god he worshiped.

Finally, the Blood Cult Lord, who had fully retreated, turned his head. His eyes, which had been infinitely reverent, suddenly began to gleam red.

Thud.

He took a step forward. His destination was a cultist who was solemnly performing the ritual in a corner of the tent.

Realizing the Blood Cult Lord was approaching him, the cultist's face turned pale.

"Cult, Cult Lord-nim...?" [gyoju-nim]

"Do you know what the Blood Sacrifice is?"

A chilling red glow emanated from the Blood Cult Lord's eyes.

Sweat began to pour down the cultist's entire body like rain. The Blood Sacrifice is one of the most important rituals in the cult. There's no way a cultist wouldn't know its meaning.

Therefore, the meaning of this question was also clear.

"It is a place for those who are unqualified and driven to despair to at least prove their devotion."

"P-please! Please forgive-..."

Crunch!

The Blood Cult Lord's long fingers gripped the cultist's neck. His fingers pressed hard into the neck.

"Urgh... khh..."

"But now, an irreverent fool who breaks his devotion at the mere sound of the wind stands here, defiling this sacred place."

Although his voice remained emotionless, any follower of the blood cult could feel the immense rage simmering within.

Snap!

The blood that flowed out trickled down his toes and dripped onto the floor. The cultist instinctively struggled to tear off the Blood Cult Lord's hand from his neck, but the Lord remained indifferent, like someone looking at a bug underfoot.

Crack!

Finally, the Blood Cult Lord's fingers crushed the cultist's neck bone. The cultist's body stiffened, his head lolling, and collapsed limply.

Thud.

The Blood Cult Lord's eyes emitted an eerie light as he threw aside the lifeless body.

"Clear it away."

"Yes!"

"Don't leave even a drop of filthy blood here."

"We will take heed."

The Blood Cult Lord glanced at the prostrating individuals and then turned his head. He saw the statue, half-soaked in blood.

After staring at the figure for a while, he turned and left the tent. Before he had taken a few steps, someone quickly followed him.

"Cult Lord."

The Blood Cult Lord glanced to the side.

In the cult, there were only three elders, and this was the Third Elder. His complexion was dark and heavy.

"It is commendable that we performed the Blood Sacrifice after a long wait, but you should know that this could become a problem."

The Blood Cult Lord's eyes darkened.

"Are you referring to the sacrifice?"

"I see you're aware."

Paegun Jang Ilso prohibited harming civilians. Since they had to fight in enemy territory, there was no need to go out and upset the public sentiment.

It was a trivial reason, but it was clear that such an order had come down in the name of Paegun.

The problem is that the blood used in the Blood Sacrifice can only be obtained from the hearts of virgin boys and girls.

"But the ritual couldn't be skipped."

"This matter is..."

The Blood Cult Lord suddenly turned to the Third Elder.

"Are you saying we shouldn't have even offered the sacrifice to the gods, who were deprived of their rightful place?"

"The gods would understand. They are merciful."

"I guess people are taking advantage of that mercy."

"Cult Lord."

"There is no need to say more. We cannot reverse what has already been done."

The Third Elder sighed heavily. The Blood Cult Lord's words were not wrong. It could have been prevented, but what could be done now that it had already happened?

The Third Elder tried to shake off his heavy heart and spoke.

"You must pay attention to the movements of the Evil Tyrant Alliance."

The Blood Cult Lord's eyes twitched.

"Don't forget. This is our only chance to tread on the white soil of the Central Plains again. If the Evil Tyrant Alliance doesn't win this time, we will have to remain silent for a long time."

"If the Evil Tyrant Alliance doesn't win?"

"... Cult Lord?"

"It's not because of the Evil Tyrant Alliance, but simply because we lacked strength. No, maybe we lacked courage?"

"Cult Lord! What are you saying?"

"I'll go first."

The Blood Cult Lord turned his gaze and took a step. However, the anger boiling in his chest made him say one more thing.

"And remember. Whether we gain victory or defeat, the outcome will not change."

"What do you mean, Cult Lord?"

Without answering, the Blood Cult Lord took another step.

'Old fools....'

He clenched his fist.

Those who claimed to be armed with devotion turned their backs on the white soil and fled, unable to face the disaster. Because of that, their gods lost their rightful place and could not receive the treatment they deserved.

Even if they call it 'Blood Sacrifices,' it's no different from giving just enough saltwater to a dried-up invalid to keep them from dying. And yet, they tremble in fear even at that.

The Blood Cult was said to have once dominated the world. But now it feels like there's not even a remnant left.

His chest felt heavy.

Anger welled up, but at the same time, he understood. Why the Third Elder had to say such things.

'Where did it all go wrong?'

When the Blood Cult first joined hands with the Evil Tyrant Alliance, their plan was different from now.

The Evil Tyrant Alliance would completely take over Gangnam and oppose the Heavenly Comrade Alliance along the Yangtze River. In return for helping the Evil Tyrant Alliance, the Blood Cult would gain territory.

If that plan had been properly realized... by now, the Blood Cult would have fulfilled its long-held desire for the Central Plains. Coexisting with those who live differently and from the righteous sect is possible.

'Jang Ilso...'

Things started to go wrong when Paegun Jang Ilso crossed the Yangtze River and advanced Gangbuk.

When one gains something, they try to protect it at all costs. That's normal. But Jang Ilso was different. He threw everything away and sought the enemy's land like a hungry ghost.

As a result, 'coexistence' is now impossible. If they lose this war, the Evil Factions in Central Plains will be eradicated, and the cult will have to endure another long period of hardship.

Unless they can face the righteous factions alone, that is.

Though it was unwanted, the cult has now become tied to the fate of the Evil Tyrant Alliance.

'Did he know from the beginning that this would happen? Or....'

The image of Jang Ilso's sinister smile flashed through the Blood Cult Lord's mind.

Yes, he must have known. All this couldn't be a coincidence. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the entire cult was played by Jang Ilso. It was understandable why the elders were so wary of Jang Ilso.

'But....'

- Choose.

The Blood Cult Lord chuckled softly.

Even Jang Ilso couldn't foresee this. This is literally a natural disaster. It is not within the realm of humans to predict a bolt of lightning from a clear sky. The Blood Cult Lord is no different. All he can do is wail and groan.

Choice...

Whether to perish immediately or become a dog and survive for a moment.

Can choosing between the two really be called a 'choice'? The outcome will not be different anyway.

The Blood Cult Lord's eyes gleamed with madness again.

'If there is no path, then we have no choice but to create one.'

And until that opportunity comes, he must pretend to be a dog. That is the utmost devotion he can offer to the god who lost their place.

The Blood Cult Lord's eyes gleamed with lunacy.

Of course, even then, this situation will not change. The accumulated anger will seek an outlet somewhere. Taking the life of a cultist for losing devotion might have been just a way for him to vent his anger.

"Cult Lord-nim."

At that moment, a cultist, completely covered in a dark red robe, quickly approached him.

"Has Paegun made a move?"

The thought of Jang Ilso made the Blood Cult Lord's eyes quickly calm down.

There is no need to fear. Now that it's certain he cannot change the fate of the cult, there is even less reason to fear.

But even knowing this, he's still afraid. It's Jang Ilso's madness that has driven the Blood Cult into its current predicament. A madness that cannot be found even in those who have mastered demonic arts.

The cult is already groaning, swept away by that madness.

"No."

"Then?"

"It's about the Heavenly Comrade Alliance…"

The cultist quickly explained what he had heard. Upon hearing it all, the Blood Cult Lord's eyes turned even redder.

"Is it that person...?"

"Yes."

"Interesting."

The Blood Cult Lord looked down at his hand.

The blood of the seventeen young boys and girls used in the ritual, along with the blood of the cultist, was still on his hand.

"Still hungry, it seems."

"…What?"

"The best material is the blood of an enemy of the cult. The heart of one who insulted the cult can temporarily appease our god's hunger."

The Blood Cult Lord's blood-stained fingers moved slightly.

"Are you planning to go alone?"

"That would be perfect for a diversion."

"But Paegun…"

Though he trailed off, he was ultimately worried that if the Blood Cult Lord moved, it would mean disobeying the orders from Paegun to stay put.

The Blood Cult Lord frowned.

"There is only one person who can give me orders."

"I overstepped."

The bandage-covered face of the Blood Cult Lord twisted slightly.

The cult doesn't forgive its enemies. They follow them to the ends of the earth and surely extract their hearts.

There is only one reason this is possible. In a world of millions, each of their blood scents is unique. If they set their minds to it, they can surely find even one insignificant brat.

And this is… connected to another duty he must uphold.

Without blinking, the Blood Cult Lord turned his head. In the distance, the largest and most luxurious tent stood tall.

A luxurious tent that can only be used by Ryeonju of the Evil Tyrant Alliance. As he gazed at it, the corner of the Blood Cult Lord's mouth twitched slightly.

"Summon the cultists."

The cultist's eyes widened. It was not a normal occurrence for the leader to move personally, but if the cultists moved together, the situation would become even more significant.

"Did you not hear me?"

"N-no. I will summon them immediately."

The cultist quickly disappeared. The Blood Cult Lord narrowed his eyes.

- Do what you desire. As you wish.

A laugh, like a light cough, escaped unpleasantly.

Desire…

Does he even know what he desires?

But the funny thing was that the Blood Cult Lord knew exactly what those vague words meant.

"I do rather be grateful."

If pushed like this, there is no choice but to do a bloody dance.

Soon, everyone will know.

Those who enjoyed false peace and those who ran wild with false prestige will all feel it.

The anger of one who has lost their place. The presence of one who once dyed the world red. And… the deep resentment of those who have upheld that will.

Did they say Baek Cheon?

"The beginning… will be with the blood of this cult's enemy."

The Blood Cult Lord's eyes, visible between the bandages, glowed dark red. It was the ominous and gloomy madness of one who has nothing to lose.