The tentative alliance marked the beginning of a fragile cooperation between Jihoon's sanctuary and the coalition. Word of the battle spread quickly, igniting both curiosity and skepticism across Murim. Jihoon knew this was only the first step, but it was enough to buy time.
As Jihoon and his group prepared to leave the coalition stronghold, Yun approached, his expression unreadable. "You've earned a reprieve, magician. But do not mistake this for trust."
Jihoon gave a slight nod. "Trust will come when we prove ourselves again."
Ryujin, leaning on his sword, muttered, "You'd think saving their lives would be enough."
"Not for men bound to tradition," Jihoon replied under his breath.
Master Yun handed Jihoon a worn map. "There's been word of an artifact stirring corruption in the northern valley. A few of our scouts didn't return. If you want to prove this magic of yours, deal with it."
Jihoon unfolded the map, noting the isolated region surrounded by mountains. "We'll handle it."
---
The journey to the northern valley took days. The air grew colder, and the landscape harsher with every step. Jihoon and his group trudged through rugged cliffs, their breaths misting in the chill.
"We're being watched," Sora whispered, her eyes scanning the treeline.
Jihoon nodded. "It's likely whatever corruption has taken root here. Stay sharp."
The closer they drew to the valley, the heavier the air became, thick with a dark, oppressive energy. At night, the ground seemed to hum, and Jihoon could feel the magic in his veins reacting to it.
Seojun shivered as they set up camp. "It feels… alive, like it's waiting for us."
Jihoon sat by the fire, his staff glowing faintly. "It's the artifact. Its influence is spreading, corrupting the land. We'll face something far worse than what we fought at the stronghold."
Ryujin grunted, sharpening his blade. "Then we destroy it before it destroys us."
Jihoon stared into the flickering flames. His mind was heavy with thoughts of the future—of the sect he hoped to build and the dangers they would continue to face. "This will be our greatest test yet," he thought.
The next morning, they reached the valley's edge. A sprawling ruin lay before them, blackened with corruption, twisted vines creeping across the stone. An unnatural stillness surrounded it, broken only by the distant echoes of something moving within.
Jihoon tightened his grip on his staff. "It's here. Stay close—and be ready."
The group descended into the ruins, unaware of the horror that awaited them.