⚡ Thunder Palace - Dawn
The first rays of sunlight barely pierced through the storm clouds surrounding Thunder Palace when Jin Ho burst from his quarters, the Blood Thunder Eye's memories still burning fresh in his mind.
"We have to leave. Now."
His voice carried an urgency that made everyone in the courtyard freeze. Blood Wolf, who had been discussing patrol routes with Thunder Palace guards, immediately approached.
"What's the situation?"
Jin Ho's hands trembled slightly as he pulled out a small crystal - the evidence he'd captured with his Blood Thunder Eye technique. The crystal pulsed with a dark, otherworldly energy.
"Eum Mugeuk isn't human. He's a Void Demon."
The words hung in the air like a death sentence. Even Seol Hwa-rin, who had been calmly arranging her ice-blue robes, paused mid-motion.
『The scent of the void...』 Blood Heaven Great Emperor's voice resonated with genuine alarm. 『This is worse than we thought.』
『That bastard played us all!』 Thunder Lightning King roared. 『Sixty years of planning, and we never suspected!』
🩸 Gathering the Evidence
"Show us," Blood Wolf demanded, his professional demeanor cutting through the shock.
Jin Ho activated the crystal, and immediately the air filled with the oppressive aura they'd witnessed in Master Wei's archive. The shadow-figure with six gleaming eyes materialized in translucent form - Eum Mugeuk's true shape.
"Six eyes... shadow body... this is definitely void-realm origin," Blood Flower confirmed, her analytical mind already processing the implications. "The energy signature matches ancient records."
Seol Hwa-rin stepped closer, her expression a perfect mask of concern and determination. But behind her ice-blue eyes, calculations were already spinning.
'A Void Demon... this changes everything. If we can capture some of that void energy during the confrontation, I could study it... maybe even incorporate it into my ice techniques.'
"How long do we have?" she asked aloud, her voice carrying just the right amount of worried urgency.
"According to Master Wei's intelligence network, the soul harvesting ritual is nearly complete," Jin Ho replied grimly. "Maybe days, maybe hours."
🚀 The Race Against Time
Thunder Palace's courtyard erupted into controlled chaos as everyone prepared for immediate departure. Thunder disciples rushed to gather supplies while Blood Flame Sect operatives secured their equipment.
"Blood Guard, prepare the fastest route to Blood Flame territory," Blood Wolf ordered. "We'll need their main force and strategic resources."
"What about the other sects?" Blood Flower asked. "Ice Soul Palace, other regional powers?"
Seol Hwa-rin seized the opening smoothly. "I can speak for Ice Soul Palace. My authority there is... considerable."
'Perfect. While they're focused on the crisis, I can position Ice Soul Palace as the key mediator. More influence means more opportunities.'
"The three-faction alliance," Jin Ho said, his mind already racing ahead. "Blood Flame Sect's military expertise, Thunder Palace's tactical knowledge, and Ice Soul Palace's information network."
『Smart thinking,』 Blood Heaven Great Emperor approved. 『Unity will be essential against void realm creatures.』
『Just don't trust the ice girl too much,』 Thunder Lightning King muttered privately to Jin Ho. 『Something about her still feels off.』
⚡ Launch Preparation
Within thirty minutes, their emergency expedition was airborne. Blood Guard had somehow procured a Thunder Palace flying vessel - sleeker and faster than the Blood Flame Sect's usual transport.
As the mountain peaks blurred beneath them, Jin Ho stood at the vessel's prow, wind whipping through his hair. The weight of what they'd discovered pressed down on him like a physical force.
Behind him, Seol Hwa-rin approached with careful steps.
"Jin Ho," she said softly, placing a seemingly supportive hand on his shoulder. "I know this must be overwhelming. Discovering that someone you trusted..."
Her voice carried perfect sympathy, but her fingers were subtly testing the energy flow in his meridians.
'His blood qi has definitely evolved since our last fusion attempt. I need to understand exactly how much stronger he's become before we attempt complete fusion.'
"We'll stop him," Jin Ho said firmly, not noticing her subtle examination. "Whatever it takes."
"Yes," Hwa-rin agreed, her smile warm and encouraging. "Whatever it takes."
But the emphasis she placed on those last words carried implications that Jin Ho couldn't yet comprehend.
🌪️ Racing the Storm
As their vessel cut through the morning sky toward Blood Flame territory, dark clouds began gathering on the horizon - not natural weather, but something far more ominous.
The void realm was stirring, and time was running out.