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Chapter 148: Path of Death Mountain
The southern lands were no longer peaceful.
The Southern Mountain Range stretched endlessly, its climate twisted and unstable. One moment, the wind burned like fire against the skin; the next, it pierced the bones with freezing cold. The land itself seemed to reject all life.
At the foot of those mountains, villages stood abandoned.
Homes lay empty. Roads were silent.
After the great battle a year ago, fear had spread like poison. People fled without looking back, leaving behind only broken doors and forgotten memories. Whatever had happened then no longer mattered.
What mattered now was what lay ahead.
Inside the palace, lanterns burned through the night.
Servants moved swiftly. Warriors spoke in low voices. Supplies were gathered with utmost care—dried rations, spirit herbs, water flasks, talismans, armor plates, replacement weapons, and emergency seals.
This was no ordinary journey.
It was a march toward Death Mountain.
Shen stood at the center of the courtyard, calm and silent. His eyes were steady, his breathing slow. Even as chaos surrounded him, his mind was already on the path ahead.
Sael adjusted the simple glove on his hand, the Pure Eye faintly glowing beneath his calm expression.
Saen moved differently.
He packed lightly.
No armor. No heavy weapons.
When Shen noticed, Saen spoke first.
"I will not join the journey."
The words surprised everyone.
Saen bowed deeply.
"This path is yours alone, Master. I have another duty."
He raised his head, his gaze sharp.
"I will walk a different road—one that protects you from the shadows."
Saen clenched his fist.
"I will uncover the truth behind the Arcane Ministry.
I will move as a spy, hidden among enemies."
His voice hardened.
"And I will restore my family's honor… as your final safeguard."
Shen studied him for a long moment.
Then he nodded.
"Return alive."
That was all.
Even Lare, now existing as a bound spirit, drifted beside Shen like a silent guardian. Though unseen by most, his presence weighed heavily upon the air.
"I will walk with you," Lare said quietly.
"Until the heavens themselves intervene."
As dawn approached, armored figures gathered.
Shen raised his hand.
"No soldiers," he said calmly.
"This is not a war."
The soldiers did not move.
Their captain stepped forward and knelt.
"Master Shen," he said firmly,
"Your disciple Sael bears divine authority. Where he walks, protection must follow."
Shen's eyes narrowed.
Behind the captain stood ten elite soldiers and five knights, their armor engraved with palace sigils, weapons freshly sharpened.
Their will was unyielding.
After a long silence, Shen exhaled.
"…Very well."
The gates opened.
As the first light of dawn touched the land, Shen, Sael, Lare, ten soldiers, and five knights departed toward the south.
Toward Death Mountain.
High above, hidden among drifting clouds—
A young man stood atop a broken cliff.
His robe fluttered violently in the unstable wind, yet his stance was calm. His eyes shone with unnatural sharpness.
A Murim martial genius.
Beside him, half-concealed in shadow, an old man leaned on a staff. His presence was weak, almost nonexistent—yet the air bent subtly around him.
A true martial master.
The old man chuckled softly.
"So… the engraved one has begun his journey."
The young man smiled.
"Perfect," he said.
"Let the mountain decide who survives."
Far below, unseen—
A plot slowly took shape.
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Chapter End