While the Beggars’ Sect Leader blocked my front like a sturdy wall, I sifted through 38,500 different strategies in my mind, but nothing stood out.

“……”

To exaggerate, unless the Cult Leader himself suddenly showed up and joined forces with the Beggars’ Sect Leader, we were completely outmatched. The likelihood of that happening was about the same as the Cult Leader achieving enlightenment and becoming a beggar of the Beggars’ Sect.

Suddenly, I looked up at the clear sky.

‘Today’s weather: still clear.’

Then I heard the Beggars’ Sect Leader speak.

“Cheonak, it’s been a while. Shall we go one-on-one? Or are you all coming at once? I don’t mind either way.”

Scholar Cheonak responded with a laugh.

“Today’s not the time for such theatrics.”

Somehow, it sounded like he was telling us not to expect a romanticized duel today.

The Beggars’ Sect Leader turned to me.

“…Why are you still here, Munju? This is not a fight you can handle.”

The White-Robed Scholar added,

“Zaha, I never said I’d let you go. Stay right there.”

Behind the Beggars’ Sect Leader’s back, I quietly prepared Ilwol Gwangcheon and calmly replied,

“Just step aside for a moment.”

As the Sect Leader turned slightly, I lunged forward, wrapped in the aura of Ilwol Gwangcheon, charging at the three Scholars.

The Beggars’ Sect Leader and the White-Robed Scholar shouted in unison:

“Zaha!”

“Be careful!”

With a loud crackling sound, Ilwol Gwangcheon manifested–and startled, the three Scholars simultaneously lashed out at me. Thinking I might actually die here, I immediately switched Ilwol Gwangcheon into a Light Veil and flung my arms wide in the shape of a great cross.