Published at 27th of August 2026 7:13 pm

Chapter 1088: The World of Ascension (18)

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There were times, perhaps just once or maybe several times, when I had thought about it.

If I had to pinpoint when, it was probably the moment I realized that my father was far stronger than I had initially believed. When I came to understand that, compared to the Three Elders, he was in an entirely different league.

I had been curious about my father’s younger days.

It was a strange thing to wonder about. The world only knew him as someone barely within the ranks of Zhongyuan’s Hundred Masters.

And yet, discovering that my father could defeat the Three Elders with ease had been a shock.

When was it? It must have been in my past life, during my confrontation with Cheonma.

He was the only one who had ever inflicted a fatal wound on Cheonma, someone even the Three Elders couldn’t handle.

That incident may have played a significant role in my battle with the Divine Sword as well.

I had always harbored questions about my father.

If he was truly that strong, why was he unknown?

Moreover, if he was such an exceptional martial artist—

"What was he like at my age?"

How had my father been in his youth?

That question had always lingered in my mind.

And today, I finally found my answer.

Whoooosh—!!!

"Wow."

Blazing Red Heaven Flames. Unlike my Azure Flames, which had been altered over time, his flames were a deep, rich crimson—perfect in both form and presence.

A true Infernal Flame, refined and sharpened through countless trials, embodying the very essence of the Gu family’s fire.

Watching the flames writhe, as though eager to consume everything in their path, I couldn't help but marvel.

"...This is insane."

Not just the quality of the heat—

The sheer intensity, the unwavering will behind it, and the precise control over every ember were simply beyond reason.

Fwoosh.

My father’s flames twisted and compressed with overwhelming force.

Of course, I could do the same to some extent.

"But this is on another level."

My father had already reached Haegyeong.

Judging by his apparent age, he shouldn't be much older than me, yet this was utterly absurd.

"How is his control this precise at that level?"

My technique was finer in terms of manipulation, but the sheer density of his flames was superior.

The compactness and intensity of the fire didn’t make sense. If these flames were this compressed, their explosive force would be unimaginable.

As I watched in awe, unable to suppress my admiration—

"How arrogant of you."

My father spoke. His words made me flinch. His face twisted into a scowl.

A narrowed brow, sharp eyes filled with burning fighting spirit—

I felt myself shrink under his gaze.

It was an expression I had seen before.

No, it wasn’t just similar—he was genuinely angry.

"Make me back down, you say?"

Fwoooosh—!!!

The flames surged violently, wrapping around him like a living entity.

"If that’s what you want."

The moment he spoke, my body reacted instinctively.

Despite knowing that his realm was lower than mine, that I should win in a fight—

I found myself hesitating.

That was just the kind of presence my father possessed.

The flames would soon come flying at me. Bracing myself, I prepared to react—

Then.

I stopped.

The flames rushed toward me, but I didn’t move.

Because—

I knew someone else would intervene.

"Good grief, now this is a mess."

Slash—!

With a laid-back remark, something was cut.

The flames, severed diagonally, scattered and dissolved.

And then—

"Aren’t we being a little excessive? There are plenty of eyes watching, you know?"

Srrrng.

A sword radiating an azure glow slipped between my father and me.

The Blue Flame Sword Master.

"Calm down, will you? This isn’t just your personal space, you know? Especially—"

Tap.

The Blue Flame Sword Master lightly poked my father’s forehead with his index finger.

"Vice Commander, I let you step in, but haven’t I told you to keep that temper in check?"

Silence.

"What? Do you need to half-kill another rookie like last year to feel satisfied?"

...Half-kill? Did I mishear?

But—

"I apologize."

At the Sword Master's words, my father calmly offered an apology. By then, all of his fighting spirit had already dissipated.

"Hmm."

Only then did the Blue Flame Sword Master sheath his sword at his waist.

And then, he turned his gaze toward me.

"Yangcheon."

"Yes?"

I responded as he called my name, his usual smirk fading.

"You’ve been like this since the first time I saw you—constantly exceeding my expectations. Maybe that’s why Paejon took a liking to you."

"Should I take that as a compliment?"

"Does it sound like one?"

Ssshhh.

A sharp presence swept past my back.

"This is the Martial Alliance, and unexpected behavior isn’t exactly welcome here. Regardless of your value and potential, your reckless actions aren’t always appreciated."

Woooom.

A surge of energy flowed outward. The Blue Flame Sword Master’s aura wrapped around the unconscious Namgung Jin, lifting his body into the air before sending him toward the members of the Azure Dragon Division.

"Take him to the medical ward."

"Understood."

The warriors carried the bloodied Namgung Jin away.

"To put it simply, I’m telling you to rein in that temper of yours. If you can’t—leaving this place is always an option."

If I wasn’t willing to comply, they’d throw me out.

Hearing that, I laughed.

"You find this funny?"

The Sword Master’s expression darkened.

"Ah, my apologies. It was involuntary."

"Does my authority as Division Leader not sit well with you?"

"No, I’ll do as you ask and try to control my temper. However—"

There were still things I refused to tolerate.

"I don’t take kindly to people starting fights with me first. If that doesn’t happen, I’ll behave just fine."

Silence.

Namgung Jin had provoked me first. So I had beaten him.

That was the truth behind the situation.

Even without saying it aloud, the Sword Master must have known.

Someone at his level would have understood Namgung Jin’s condition before even stepping in.

He had simply been curious to see how I would react.

"Hmm."

I watched the Sword Master carefully.

His reaction to this situation was rather unusual.

After all, what kind of low-ranking officer had the audacity to say, “I don’t tolerate being provoked” in the presence of a division leader?

To others, I must have seemed like a complete lunatic.

"Well, I’ll admit up to that point."

"L-Lord Commander!?"

The Blue Flame Sword Master nodded, as if he found my words reasonable. The other warriors were clearly shocked by his reaction.

"As expected."

I had anticipated this response.

For one simple reason—

"That man loves talented people."

The ability to recognize potential—that was the way of the Blue Flame Sword Master. One only needed to look at those surrounding him to see it.

Three warriors bearing the titles of Dragon and Phoenix.

And—

"Even the recruits he personally selects are all exceptional."

They might seem weak now, but their latent energy and physical qualities were extraordinary.

Observing the way his unit operated, I had gained a clear understanding of his nature.

He enjoyed surrounding himself with gifted individuals.

Or rather, he simply loved talent itself.

And for a man like that, a certain level of arrogance or disrespect could be overlooked.

That was how I viewed him.

From his perspective, I was someone of considerable value.

So, I had set the stage.

"A justification for causing a bit of trouble."

By making it very clear that those who attacked me first would face the consequences, I had laid the groundwork.

I wasn’t sure how effective this would be in the long run, but that wasn’t important.

What mattered was the Sword Master's permission and reaction.

"It got a little rough, but it was entertaining. Not bad."

"L-Lord Commander...!"

The other members of the division moved urgently, trying to interject.

"Why? Is there still a problem? He said he’d behave."

"But Namgung’s condition, and the Vice Commander’s actions—"

"So what?"

"Excuse me?"

"Namgung lost because he was weak. And as for the Vice Commander, I already gave him a warning—what more do you want?"

"But—"

"Enough. I said it’s over."

"......."

The Sword Master spoke with a smile, but everyone understood that his expression was a final warning.

The atmosphere turned silent. Only then did he clap his hands together.

Clap—!

"Alright, seems like everything is settled. Let’s move on."

By the time he spoke, he was already back in his command seat.

At that moment, I turned my gaze to my father.

He was looking back at me.

Our eyes met—his crimson irises piercing through me.

We said nothing.

For a brief moment, we simply stared at each other.

And then—

He moved first.

Step.

My father slowly turned away, walking back to his seat.

Watching him, I turned my own gaze elsewhere.

"Ah."

At that moment, only one thought crossed my mind.

"He’s seriously terrifying."

Even at this age, my father was still scary as hell.

I had to fight hard just to suppress the urge to shrink away.

******

Sunset Over the Martial Alliance

As the once-blue sky turned to dusk, time passed, and the warriors who had gathered gradually dispersed.

By the time only those with assigned duties remained, the last of the Azure Dragon Division’s forces had scattered.

Creak.

A lone giant of a man slowly walked forward.

Jet-black hair. Crimson eyes.

Gu Cheolwoon, the Vice Commander of the Azure Dragon Division—a man once known as the Divine Dragon.

"......."

His expression was unreadable as he strode through the corridors. Eventually, he arrived at his personal quarters—an exclusive residence reserved for a Vice Commander.

"You’ve returned, sir."

"Yes."

The attendant inside greeted him with a polite nod.

"Shall I prepare your meal?"

"Leave it at the door as usual."

"Understood. Ah, and the portion—?"

"Same as last time. I’ll bring back the dishes myself."

"Sir, I can take care of cleaning up—"

"It’s fine."

"As you wish."

The attendant hurried off, and Gu Cheolwoon, watching them disappear, let out a small sigh.

"Haaah."

He reached for the door in front of him and pushed it open.

Creak.

Inside lay a pitch-dark room.

Silent.

Empty of any signs of life.

Yet, as he stepped inside, the remnants of a meal were clearly visible.

The number of dishes on the table—far too many for just one person.

"......."

Gu Cheolwoon stared at them, unfazed.

As if this was routine.

Silently, he began gathering the dishes.

And then—

"You can come out now."

His deep voice resonated through the room.

At that moment—

Two lights flickered into existence.

Small, floating flames.

The kind known as will-o’-the-wisps.

They were violet in hue, slowly shifting and taking form.

And then—

"Hehe."

A woman appeared.

White hair.

Violet-red eyes.

A beautiful woman, standing there as if she had always been present.

She smiled at Gu Cheolwoon.

"You’re here?"

Bold.

Unapologetic.

At her casual greeting—

"Haaah..."

Gu Cheolwoon let out a long, exhausted sigh.

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