The Breaking Point

The moment Wu-Jin's voice rang through the hall, Kaito knew something was wrong.

"Let's see how well you do against my enforcer."

The words were casual, almost playful—but there was nothing playful about the situation.

Across from him, Bai Long grinned.

The man looked like he was born to kill. Thick muscles flexed beneath his bloodstained robes, and his eyes—those damn eyes—glowed with feral excitement.

This wasn't a fight. This was a goddamn execution.

Kaito swallowed hard.

---

No Way Out

The masked disciples shifted, their silent presence pressing in on him.

There was no escape.

Wu-Jin leaned forward on his throne, resting his chin on his hand. "You refused to kill the prisoner," he mused. "So I wonder… can you even fight to save yourself?"

Jin Tae-Hyun's jaw clenched.

Bastard.

His fingers curled into fists. His internal energy was still weak compared to someone like Bai Long.

If they clashed head-on, he'd be slaughtered.

But if there was one thing Kaito had learned in both his lives—it was how to survive.

Bai Long rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck.

"I hope you last longer than the last guy," he rumbled. "He screamed too fast."

Kaito's mind raced.

He'd read about Bai Long before.

In the original story, he wasn't just a killer.

He was a walking calamity.

A man who had once ripped a martial sect's leader in half with his bare hands.

And now, he was standing right in front of him.

---

The First Strike

"Enough talking," Wu-Jin sighed. "Begin."

Bai Long moved.

Fast. Too fast.

Kaito barely saw the blur of muscle before a fist came crashing toward his ribs.

Dodge.

He twisted his body, narrowly avoiding a hit that would have shattered his bones. The wind pressure alone sent a shockwave through his chest.

Fuck.

Bai Long grinned. "Fast."

Kaito had no time to react before a knee rocketed up toward his stomach.

He barely managed to raise his arms—

BOOM!

The impact sent him flying back, slamming into the wooden floor with a sickening crack.

Pain exploded through his ribs.

Kaito coughed. Blood.

Bai Long stomped forward. No hesitation. No mercy.

Kaito gritted his teeth. Move. Now.

He rolled just in time as Bai Long's foot came crashing down where his head had been. The wood splintered under the force.

Kaito didn't hesitate.

He lashed out with his dagger—aiming for Bai Long's knee.

SLASH!

The blade sank in.

Not deep enough to cripple, but enough to slow him down.

Bai Long staggered.

And for the first time—his face twisted in rage.

"You little—"

Kaito wasn't done.

Using the momentum, he pivoted, flipping over Bai Long's shoulder, dagger now aimed at—

His throat.

A perfect strike.

One move. One kill.

But—

Bai Long's hand snapped up like a viper.

Before Kaito could react—

CRACK!

A fist like a sledgehammer crashed into his stomach, sending him crashing through the wooden floor.

---

The Audience Reacts

The masked disciples gasped. Even Wu-Jin leaned forward.

Kaito lay in the rubble, gasping for air.

His body screamed in pain. His vision blurred.

Bai Long towered over him, bleeding—but still smiling.

"You actually got me." His voice was dark, almost amused. "Not bad."

Kaito spat blood.

He had hit Bai Long. He had drawn blood.

But it still wasn't enough.

Bai Long was a monster. A freak of nature.

Kaito needed more.

And then—

Wu-Jin clapped.

"Impressive." His voice cut through the silence. "Truly impressive, Jin Tae-Hyun."

The masked disciples immediately straightened, their postures rigid.

Wu-Jin's smile widened. "But this fight is over."

Kaito froze.

Wait.

What?

Bai Long frowned. "You're stopping me?"

Wu-Jin tilted his head. "I never said you had to kill him. I just wanted to see how strong he was."

Bai Long clicked his tongue, clearly displeased.

But Kaito wasn't relieved.

Something felt wrong.

Wu-Jin wasn't the type to just end things so easily.

And then—Wu-Jin's smile turned wicked.

"Besides…" He stood up, stepping down from his throne. "I've decided."

Kaito's breathing slowed.

Decided?

Decided what?

Wu-Jin's eyes gleamed in the dim torchlight.

"You'll be joining the inner sect, Jin Tae-Hyun."

Silence.

The masked disciples stiffened. Even Bai Long's grin faltered for a moment.

Kaito's mind went blank.

The inner sect?

That wasn't a reward.

That was a death sentence.

And then—Wu-Jin's next words sent a chill down his spine.

"From now on… you belong to me."