Chapter 274

“Who are you? This is territory managed by our Hawon Clan. Without proper qualifications, no one is allowed entry, regardless of who they are.”

“Last night, our companions’ trail vanished here. Do you happen to know anything about it?”

“Companions…? Are you lackeys of the Three Origins!”

Upon hearing my words, the middle-aged man spat out something incomprehensible, exuding hostility. In response, we also faced them, beginning to assess our opponents.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding!

【Oh Panseo】

▶Level 56

【Wi Yeonwoong】

▶Level 52

【Yeonrijeonghong】

▶Level 54

‘…They’re stronger than I expected.’

Of course, compared to us, they were still lacking, but all eight opponents had levels around the 50s.

Frankly, it was surprising, as all of them were individuals who, in modern terms, would qualify for the titles of 1st-Rank or 2nd-Rank Exorcists.

‘So the Hawon Clan possesses greater power than I thought?’

Regardless, Oh Panseo, angered by our unwavering stance, began to make the first move.

“Outrageous! Attacking without distinguishing friend from foe—do you truly see us as mere scarecrows?”

Screech!

With a sharp friction sound, three wooden tablets flew from Oh Panseo’s hand.

And from them, a Cursed Technique imbued with a mysterious principle began to unfold.

However, unfortunately for him, who had made such a dramatic move, none among us would be caught by a Cursed Technique of this level.

“Wall of the Azure Heavens.”

“Perilous Ache Gate!”

Crash!

Flash!

Oh Panseo’s wooden tablets shattered completely in Arietta’s hand, and the remnants of Spiritual Power scattered from them couldn’t breach my Defensive Spell.

Moreover, within just two breaths, Yoo Haon’s Advanced Binding Art, Perilous Ache Gate, instantly bound Oh Panseo and two nearby enemies.

“Gahk!”

“Wh-what kind of powerful Taoist Art is this…?”

“Grrk, I can’t break free!”

Seeing us completely suppress their momentum without even being touched, the enemies visibly panicked and began to shrink back.

Sensing this, Oh Panseo, still bound, opened his mouth.

“To have this level of skill! Wh-what exactly are you?!”

“We merely followed the trail of our missing companions. Do you know anything about it?”

Unlike their earlier anger, they began murmuring among themselves, exchanging words.

Just then, I sensed someone concealing their presence, stealthily approaching us.

“Stop hiding and show yourself.”

“…My apologies. I had no intention of being cautious.”

Swoosh.

The one who revealed himself was a young man wearing a peculiarly shaped hat and carrying prayer beads over his shoulder.

Seeing him, Oh Panseo and his companions exclaimed in surprise.

“Great General! How did you know to come here…?”

“I came to see what the commotion was about, but this is quite a bewildering sight.”

Not merely feigning composure, the young man called Great General genuinely seemed troubled as he assessed us.

“How could there be such powerful individuals again…? Indeed, something must be happening within the clan.”

Seizing the moment, I checked the young man’s information and couldn’t help but be surprised.

His name was Ha Sadam, and his Level was a staggering 66.

Though I had anticipated it from seeing Oh Panseo and his group’s level, it seemed there were indeed stronger individuals here beyond them.

As I waited, observing Ha Sadam’s unusual aura, he bowed his head slightly and began to speak.

“First, I apologize for the rudeness. These individuals were merely fulfilling their duty to protect the territory of our Five Origins. All responsibility lies with me. You appear to be from outside—could you perhaps cease the fighting?”

“We don’t know who you are. We’re only searching for our missing companions.”

“Hmm, companions…”

As Ha Sadam fell into thought, Oh Panseo began to relay something to him.

“I see. The faction that fought here last night was indeed our Five Origins. Were your companions among them?”

“Could you tell us in more detail?”

“I’ll say this: there were no major casualties on either side. Your companions seemed to be aiding the Three Origins side. Thus, they made contact with our territory together.”

I wasn’t entirely sure, but it seemed Cheong Joohwa’s group was cooperating with someone from the Hawon Clan.

“What are the Three Origins and Five Origins?”

“They are factions within our Hawon Clan. From One Origin to Six Origins, there are six factions in total.”

Now I could roughly understand the situation.

In other words, Cheong Joohwa’s group had made contact with the Three Origins clan among them and was aiding them.

“To cut to the chase, we have no intention of fighting you. So, please withdraw your hostility.”

“Understood. We, too, don’t wish to waste energy on unnecessary battles, given we don’t know the situation.”

Thus, a temporary truce was established, and I fell into light contemplation.

Though I wasn’t entirely sure, the fact that Cheong Joohwa’s group was cooperating with someone likely meant they had found clues related to Sophia here.

If so, it would be better for us to join them, whatever the case.

Just as I was about to turn my steps, Ha Sadam made a proposal to me.

“Wait! If you’re planning to seek out the Three Origins side, may I accompany you?”

“Aren’t you in a hostile relationship with them? We can’t trust you.”

“That’s not it. The battle last night wasn’t intended to cause deaths from the start. Though I’m not certain… they, too, likely sensed the anomaly within the clan and wanted to confirm our true intentions.”

He seemed to have his own circumstances, but frankly, I had no reason to accept them.

Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Ha Sadam urgently continued.

“If you allow me to accompany you, I’ll share all the information I have. After all, both sides need information, don’t they?”

“…Very well. Let’s go together.”

Given our overwhelming numerical advantage, he wouldn’t dare act recklessly.

Guided by Ha Sadam, we moved toward the territory of the Three Origins Branch, listening to his story.

“Our Hawon Clan is divided, but originally, we weren’t on such distant terms. However, that began to shake some time ago.”

Conflicts between factions intensified, clashes became frequent, and an uneasy atmosphere began to pervade everywhere.

At first, Ha Sadam also thought it was merely temporary chaos.

“But that wasn’t the case. Before long, each faction began breaking the clan’s Forbidden Techniques one by one, and now they’re even bringing in outsiders to check each other and ensure their own safety.”

And it was during this large-scale period of chaos that we visited this place.

“I’m not certain, but I believe someone is orchestrating this situation from behind. The Three Origins likely think the same, which is why they brought in your companions to observe the other factions.”

“…I roughly understand the situation. But why are you cooperating with us?”

“It’s not a boast, but I have a good eye for people. Moreover, despite your overwhelming superiority, you showed restraint toward my subordinates. I merely thought you were somewhat trustworthy in this chaotic time.”

In other words, it meant the situation was such that even fellow clan members couldn’t be trusted.

Sensing Ha Sadam’s deep anguish from those words, I nodded in understanding.

“Regardless, I intend to use this opportunity to observe the true intentions of the Three Origins side and establish a complete cooperative framework. If we continue to be played by some unknown entity, we’ll truly lose the clan’s future…”

“So that’s why you wanted to accompany us. I understand the circumstances.”

Thus, we continued on our way and soon entered the territory of the Three Origins Faction.

“Who are you? Identify yourselves!”

“It’s me. Ha Sadam. I have something to discuss with your Leader.”

The moment we encroached on their territory, individuals from the Three Origins side surrounded us, just as before. Ha Sadam stepped forward as the representative to continue the conversation.

It seemed his face was widely known, as the Taoist Masters of the Three Origins exchanged glances and questioned Ha Sadam.

“We’ll relay the message. But who are those behind you?”

“Companions of the Taoist Masters you recently recruited. They wished to make contact, so I guided them.”

However, for some reason, upon hearing this, the expressions of the Three Origins Taoist Masters changed, and they began to show anger.

“Companions of those bastards?! No, so you were Ha Sadam’s lackey from the start! Subdue them all!”

Wait, didn’t they say they were cooperating?

Plunging back into confusion, my companions and I began subduing the Taoist Masters of the Three Origins Faction one by one.

“Gahk!”

“Wh-what is this?!”

After subduing and restraining several Taoist Masters, we tried to resume dialogue, but at that moment, several intense presences rapidly approached and appeared before us.

“Ha Sadam, you bastard! I knew you’d do this.”

“…To bring such powerful Taoist Masters from outside.”

“Disgrace to the clan! We’ll hold you accountable for every one of your crimes!”

I hurriedly used the Appraisal function and soon tensed up further in alarm.

All three were powerful individuals in the early to mid-60s Level range. Though we still held the advantage, they were not opponents to be ignored.

“Are there this many powerful individuals in the clan?”

“They are the Great Generals of the Three Origins Faction. You could say half the combat power of a single faction is gathered here.”

Even so, it’s truly an astonishing level. It seemed the Hawon Clan was indeed a secretive group cut off from the outside world, just as Hochoong had said.

I subtly observed their reactions and asked them a question.

“Did my companions commit some crime against you?”

“You, damn bastard! How dare you ask that so shamelessly! Pretending to cooperate, they secretly infiltrated and stole our faction’s Supreme Treasure and all our information!”

I wasn’t entirely sure, but it seemed Cheong Joohwa’s group had done something truly outrageous.

I let out a small sigh and asked Ha Sadam, who had picked up the prayer beads on his shoulder.

“Will there be any problem if we subdue them?”

“…It can’t be helped. They don’t seem willing to listen right now.”

Then there’s no need to hesitate.

I steadied my breathing and recited the Jooeon, spreading the shadows wide.

Swoosh.

Whoosh!

Ha Sadam’s startled gaze and the panicked expressions of the enemies.

Facing them, I decided to unleash my full power without restraint for the first time in a long while.

“All of you, come out.”

Thus, the surroundings were enveloped in pitch-black darkness.