Sichuan Province.
A location somewhat removed from the main city.
It was known as nothing more than a quiet village. While it wasnât completely devoid of people, it was far from bustling like the central areasâan ambiguous position.
Dae Hwan, the Celestial Stream Sectâs leader, strode purposefully toward a certain residence in the area.
Though the sun was out, the place seemed oddly dim, and the further he walked, the fewer people he encountered.
With a hardened expression, the Celestial Stream Sectâs leader finally arrived at the residence.
As soon as he stood in front of the door, it creaked open as if they had been waiting for him.
Creak.
A man appeared through the narrow opening and bowed to Dae Hwan.
âGreetings, Sect Leader.â
Dae Hwan stepped inside and spoke without hesitation.
âWhatâs the status of the search?â
âJin, the Guardian, has deployed teams to investigate, but⦠nothing has been found yet.â
âNot even a trace?â
ââ¦No, my apologies.â
Grind.
Gritting his teeth, Dae Hwan pressed forward.
The interior of the house looked like a simple inn, but as he passed a bookshelf, he casually brushed against it.
Clangâ!
Suddenly, the left wall slid open, revealing a staircase leading underground.
He immediately began descending the stairs.
âSect Leader⦠Guardian Jin is thorough. Weâll find information soon.â
The man followed closely behind, trying to gauge Dae Hwanâs mood. The recent ambush had created enough problems, leaving the sect leader on edge.
Butâ
âEnough.â
ââ¦Pardon?â
The abrupt response left the man flustered.
âWhat do you mean?â
âI believe weâve already found the culprit.â
ââ¦!?â
The man was stunned.
The culprit? Where had this sudden certainty come from?
Dae Hwan, however, continued without hesitation.
âItâs most likely the Star King.â