Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Shhhhhhhh---!!

The energy burst in all directions. Like relentless black waves crashing, it swept through the entire forest, brushing past Heavenly Lord and Namgung Hyung.

Was it wind? Or waves?

The chaotic, writhing mass was fluid, yet tangled—almost like matted hair.

Regardless of what it was, the sensation remained the same.

Vile. Disgusting.

That was the first thought that crossed Heavenly Lord’s mind as he felt it brush against him.

What followed was pure shock.

"…What is this?"

What the hell was happening?

"What in the world did you do?!"

His enraged roar carried through the pressure in the air. Normally, such an outburst would have shaken the entire forest.

But because of that energy—

The forest had hardened. It did not even tremble in response.

Kwoooooom---!!!

It simply poured out. Like an endless night descending upon the earth, proclaiming its presence.

A silent void devoid of stars unfolded across the ground.

Kugugugugugu---!!!

For a while, the energy continued to surge and spread.

Kwagagagagak--!!!

And then—

The swirling mass of energy that had scattered began pulling back to its origin.

A vortex formed, sucking everything inward in an instant.

Ssssssss-!!

Then, the energy vanished—reduced to nothing.

And standing there, in its place—

"You…!"
"Hoo—."

Was Cheonma.

Draped in a cloak of energy over his black martial robes, his presence was overwhelming.

His hair flickered like embers rising from a fire. Around him, black mist wavered and rippled, as if the air itself was distorting.

But the most pressing issue—