The next morning, the training grounds welcomed a new figure.
A girl dressed in crimson robes moved gracefully among the disciples. Her aura burned like living fire, elegant yet overwhelming.
Her name was Yoo Hae-In.
Ranked among the top outer disciples.
Future inner sect candidate.
She observed Seo Joon silently during training, her sharp eyes studying his movements.
Unlike others, she sensed something hidden.
Something dangerous.
Something intriguing.
And for the first time in years, curiosity stirred in her heart.
That evening, Seo Joon walked alone through a forest path behind the training grounds.
The air suddenly turned cold.
Five disciples emerged from the shadows.
Han Dae-Won stepped forward.
"No witnesses here."
They attacked together.
Blades flashed. Techniques roared. Killing intent filled the air.
Seo Joon moved calmly, evading their attacks with precise steps. But their coordinated assault forced him back.
The Abyssal Heart stirred violently.
Dark energy pushed against his control.
For a moment, his eyes flickered black.
A terrifying pressure burst outward.
The attackers froze in fear.
Seo Joon suppressed the power instantly.
Instead of killing them, he knocked them unconscious.
Mercy.
Control.
Growth.
From a distant tree, Yoo Hae-In had witnessed everything.
Her heart raced.
"What… was that power?"