Chapter 6: ABroken Village

Leader Yang's voice was calm but commanding as he addressed the group.

"We'll travel quickly, replenish supplies, and return to the road before Morning Comes."

His gaze swept over the disciples, ensuring they understood.The cart rocked gently along the uneven path, wheels creaking under the weight.Min Joon and Jin Seok sat inside.

They shared the food sparingly, aware that their rations were precious. Jin Seok stared into the distance, his eyes hardened with quiet determination, while Min Joon, ever the dreamer, watched the rolling hills with a distant gaze.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the serene quiet. A disiple of Iron Will Sect disciples emerged from the hilltop path, their faces pale and drawn. One of them, panting heavily, called out, "Leader Yang, the village... it's been burned down. They are at the village"

Leader Yang's calm voice broke the tense silence. "You two," he said, pointing to two disciples, "stay with the cart. Protect the children. Do not let anyone near." The disciples nodded, their expressions hardening as they took up their positions beside Jin Seok and Min Joon.

Leader Yang, So Hyeon, and Lee Kang moved forward, their footsteps light and deliberate as they descended the hill. The village lay in ruin, the acrid scent of smoke and death thick in the air. They communicated with hand signs—silent, efficient. Every movement was cautious, each glance sharp.

The first bodies appeared as they neared the outskirts. Men and women lay lifeless in the dirt, their faces frozen in terror. Some had their limbs broken, crushed beyond recognition, while others were burned. The bodies of women and children were scattered, some stripped of clothing, a haunting implication of the horrors that had unfolded.

So Hyeon halted, her face pale, eyes wide with shock. She clutched her stomach, the bile rising, but she forced it back down, swallowing hard. Leader Yang placed a steady hand on her shoulder, offering silent reassurance.

Lee Kang's fists clenched, his jaw tightening as rage simmered beneath his calm exterior. He gestured urgently, signing to Leader Yang, "Why do they do this? Why torture instead of just kill?" His eyes burned with fury.

Leader Yang remained composed, though his eyes darkened with sorrow. He made a quick hand sign, pointing toward a figure on a nearby rooftop—a man lounging carelessly, a crossbow at his side and a blade strapped to his belt. "Lee Kang, capture him. Quietly."

Without hesitation, Lee Kang nodded and moved, his steps precise and silent as a shadow. He tore a strip of cloth from his tunic and crept toward the rooftop, his movements fluid, undetectable. As he reached the man, he swiftly gagged him with the cloth to stifle any sound. In a single brutal motion, he twisted the man's arm, breaking it with a muffled snap. The man writhed, his scream caught in his throat by the gag.

Lee Kang dragged the now-helpless thug down, his face impassive despite the struggle. The man's muffled cries of pain were barely audible as Lee Kang methodically secured him, ensuring he could not escape.

While Lee Kang carried out the capture, Leader Yang focused on So Hyeon. He gestured softly, reminding her to breathe, to stay calm. They had only had eight people here including the kids.

Those guarding the cart were 2 IQ Practitioner martial disciples, two IQ Adept martial artists one is So Hyeon, and one Mind Warrior martial artist, Lee Kang himself. Leader Yang, a IQ King martial artist, was their leader. He could obliterate the thugs in an instant, but the possiblty of the hostages were his concern. One wrong move could end their lives.

Lee Kang returned, the captive slung over his shoulder, signaling that the mission was complete. Leader Yang acknowledged him with a nod, and they began their retreat, moving steadily back toward the cart where the others waited.

flickered in his eyes. Without a word, he strode ahead leaving Lee Kang and So Hyeon Behind, his footsteps heavy with fear, nearing the cart with a sense of urgency.

Lee Kang and So Hyeon exchanged confused glances, then followed swiftly. When they reached the cart, the sight that greeted them stole their breath away.

The two disciples who had been left to guard the children lay motionless on the ground. Their lifeless bodies were crumpled, blood pooling beneath them, eyes wide with the frozen expression of shock and pain but there were multiple bodies of men with swords meaned that they managed to hold their own but got overnumbered

Leader Yang stood still, fists trembling at his sides, the weight of the loss settling over him like a suffocating shroud. His voice was low, but his anger was palpable, simmering just beneath the surface.

"They were my disciples...my kids"

Lee Kang's face contorted with rage by the loss of his friends. He knelt by the fallen disciples, placing a trembling hand on one of them before standing abruptly, his breath ragged.

So Hyeon, her heart pounding, cautiously stepped forward. She peered into the cart, dread curling in her stomach. Her eyes widened in horror. "The children... they're gone."

A tense silence fell, broken only by the rustling of the wind through the trees. Lee Kang turned sharply, his eyes locking onto the captured man they had brought with them.

His expression twisted into something dark and dangerous—a devilish face that held no warmth. Without hesitation, he ripped the gag from the man's mouth.

"EXPLAIN. NOW," Lee Kang demanded, his voice a snarl, each word laced with barely controlled fury.

The man choked on his fear, eyes darting wildly, sweat beading on his brow as he realized the depths of Lee Kang's wrath.

But the question remained: would he answer in time?

Power Levels For Martial Artist:

1. IQ Gatherer:The entry-level rank for those beginning their training

2. IQ Practitioner:At this stage, the individual has gained a deeper understanding of how to manipulate IQ energy. They begin integrating it with martial techniques, enhancing their physical abilities.

3.IQ Adept:Adept in both martial arts and the management of IQ energy

4. Mind Warrior:Those at this level have achieved a high degree of mental control and can wield their IQ energy with precision.

5.Clean IQ Mind :Masters of their IQ energy, these individuals can seamlessly blend their intellect to feel at ease

6.IQ King:Fighters at this stage have achieved an exceptional mastery of their mind and IQ.

7.Mind Weapon:Individuals who can turn their IQ energy into a sharp, effective tool in battle, using it to attack and defend

8.IQ Overlord:Those who have transcended the boundaries of ordinary martial arts and IQ mastery.

9. IQ Sovereign

10.IQ Paragon