Chapter 169: Black Flame Demon Emperor (1)

Mount Tai, where the Taoist priests should have been residing, was covered in flames.

The dark-colored flames roared as if to burn everything away.

-Kkeureureuk…….

And amidst those flames, a man was kneeling, spitting blood.

Just looking at the long sword scar across his chest, one could tell how dire the man’s situation was.

-You… damn bitch…!

Blood splattered along with his cry.

Before such a man stood a woman enveloped in golden energy, containing her inner strength.

Wi Seol-ah, the Sword Saint, gazed down at the man with endlessly condescending eyes.

The corpses of the many surrounding them.

And the flames that refused to die down despite the falling rain.

To her, everything felt like a curse.

-You insignificant little bitch… How dare you…!

-Shut up! How dare a filthy demonic cultivator speak like that!

The people of the Alliance behind the woman shouted back fiercely, as if fighting, at the man’s outburst.

By the visible count alone, there were at least dozens.

It meant dozens more of those disgusting Alliance maggots were left.

The man hated that fact immensely.

He could have killed them all.

To think things went south because of just that one woman.

-Insignificant bastards, if you were fewer in number, you wouldn’t even dare make a sound, you rabble…. To me, the Sword Demon…!

Just as the man, holding blood in his mouth, was about to draw his sword again.

-Shut your mouth. Sword Demon.

A colossal presence descended upon Mount Tai, now turned to ash.

The martial artists’ inner energy surged, and their breaths hitched.

Even the flames burning the mountain seemed to quiet down at their master’s voice.

-Kuhuk….

The Sword Demon couldn’t withstand the crushing pressure and vomited another mouthful of blood.

Barely steadying his trembling body, the Sword Demon lifted his head.

There, a man with blood-red eyes looked down impassively at the Sword Demon.

The Sword Demon forced his tongue, crushed by fear, to speak.

-L-Leader….

-Your tongue is far too long for a loser. Will you only be satisfied if I, your Leader, burn it myself?

-No… No, sir….

The number of demonic cultivators was merely two.

Those from the Martial Arts Alliance were dozens, at least.

By numbers alone, they could kill the demonic cultivators right then and there, but…

The Alliance members couldn’t move easily.

The presence of the man standing guard over the Sword Demon was enough to incinerate even the overwhelming difference in numbers.

-Hoo….

Wi Seol-ah sighed.

Her exhausted body was the problem, having confronted the demonic cultivator right up until this moment.

The reason why the Alliance’s martial artists couldn’t rashly attack their opponent.

It was likely mostly because she herself was exhausted.

The man looked at Wi Seol-ah and asked.

-You seem tired. You should have abandoned those you couldn’t save from the start.

-How dare a mere demonic cultivator speak to the Leader…!

As a subordinate grew angry at the man’s words, Wi Seol-ah raised her hand to stop him.

They shouldn’t cause unnecessary friction.

If her body were intact, perhaps.

But now, she wasn’t sure if she could stop that man and protect everyone.

However, she had to say what she wanted to say.

Wi Seol-ah asked the man with somewhat sharp eyes.

-…What do you intend to do?

-What?

-The very fact that you spoke to me… surely there must be a reason, no?

-You overestimate me. I’m not someone who bothers adding reasons when I speak.

The man took a step forward.

Charyureuk!

At that small movement, all the Alliance members drew their swords, radiating killing intent.

To prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.

It was to ensure at least Wi Seol-ah could leave alive.

The man saw their earnest desire and lifted the corners of his mouth.

-How amusing.

Along with a mocking voice, a potent aura erupted from the man’s back.

Hwareureureuk!

The flames, seeming ready to burn everything away instantly, gradually changed color.

Resembling the chilling energy within him.

A very dark, black color.

Watching the growing flames, someone uttered in a trembling voice.

-The Bl, Black Flame Demon Emperor.

Perhaps he heard the sound.

A portion of the flames floating in the air engulfed the man who spoke.

Simultaneously, Wi Seol-ah’s sword unleashed golden energy.

It split the black flames, protecting the subordinate’s life.

-Hee…Hieek!

Immediately after, the man collapsed, letting out a screaming groan.

Seeing that, the man added nonchalantly.

-Personally, I hate that nickname. If you spout it again in front of me, I’ll grab your neck and rip it right out, so you’d best be careful.

Following the Black Flame Demon Emperor’s gesture, the flames gathered.

The sight of the immense inner energy condensing into a ball of energy was terrifying just to behold.

It was all too clear what would happen if that were directed at them.

Everyone except the Sword Saint would die.

Even amidst this, Wi Seol-ah continued to gaze at the man with the same expression.

The man met her eyes and spoke.

-Still such a boring expression.

-What do you want?

The man questioned Wi Seol-ah’s inquiry.

-What do you mean?

-How can I get you to just let us go?

-L-Leader!

At Wi Seol-ah’s words, all the subordinates behind her stared with shocked eyes.

What the Sword Saint was saying was akin to begging for her life from a demonic cultivator.

-Leader, how can you say such things to a traitorous bastard like that!

-That’s right, Leader. Rather, we should hold him off while you escape…!

Kuwung!

The pressure that had been crushing the surroundings instantly intensified.

Many people fell to their knees.

The only ones remaining unaffected were the Sword Demon and Wi Seol-ah.

Even the Sword Demon was struggling, gasping for breath, but at least he could still breathe properly.

-If anyone else interferes, everyone dies.

As the Black Flame Demon Emperor spoke, Wi Seol-ah sheathed her sword.

Seeing this, the man looked at Wi Seol-ah incredulously.

-Why do you think I would just let you go?

-If that weren’t the case, you wouldn’t be conversing with me like this.

It would be enough to just kill everyone.

That’s how demonic cultivators had always been.

And the person before her eyes was more accustomed to such actions than anyone.

A master of the Demonic Cult who burned down the Mount Hua Sect, leading to its annihilation, and single-handedly wiped out major forces of the orthodox sects.

The Black Flame Demon Emperor, Gu Yangcheon.

-I thought you wouldn’t bow your head to me, at least. It seems even the world’s Sword Saint cherishes her life.

Despite the man’s taunts, Wi Seol-ah remained silent.

She just stood still, getting rained on, looking at the man.

Her inner energy dispersed, and her golden hair returned to black.

All that remained were her golden eyes.

The man watching this also adjusted the smile he had forced, his expression returning to its usual stoicism.

Huwung.

The sphere of black flame gathering in the air dispersed into the wind according to the man’s will and vanished.

Seeing this, the Sword Demon urgently shouted at the man.

-Leader…! You don’t mean to let those mongrels live…!

Ppak!

Before the Sword Demon’s shout could finish, the Sword Demon’s jaw was hit by the man’s kick, and he promptly lost consciousness.

As the oppressive presence vanished, the Alliance members also slowly began to get back on their feet.

In the meantime, the man spoke to Wi Seol-ah.

-Our sect’s heavens…

Their heavens meant the Heavenly Demon.

-…did not speak of your lives.

All demonic cultivators obey the Heavenly Demon.

That was their true name, and it was like a divine command to them.

This was no different for the superhuman called the Black Flame Demon Emperor.

-All I heard was about the Sword Demon.

He calmly moved his steps, gradually approaching Wi Seol-ah.

The Alliance members hastily tried to assume a defensive stance, but…

They froze at the man’s fleeting glance.

Wi Seol-ah was also gesturing for them not to move, but…

This was purely due to being crushed by overwhelming fear.

-That doesn’t give me a reason to let you live.

His burning eyes glinted with murderous intent.

Faced with the aura of a predator baring its fangs, many inevitably became powerless.

-Do you want to live?

Finally, approaching right up to her and meeting Wi Seol-ah’s golden eyes, the man asked.

-Even after discarding the pride you have left, do you want to live?

She had to live.

Because she had something she needed to do.

Pride? Was it pride to beg for one’s life when facing a demonic cultivator right in front of you, or even a devil called a public enemy of the martial world?

If that were the case, Wi Seol-ah no longer had any pride left.

The reason for clinging to life was ultimately…

Due to the responsibility of having unfinished tasks.

-Speak.

At the man’s urging, Wi Seol-ah spoke.

-…I want to live.

Wi Seol-ah answered in an exhausted voice.

Seeing that, the man chuckled.

His gaze was filled with mockery.

-No matter how fancy words like ‘pride of the orthodox sects’ or ‘new hope’ you attach, you’re still just a futile human, but these foolish maggots of the Alliance don’t know that.

He lifted Wi Seol-ah’s chin with his fingertips.

As her head tilted up, her disheveled hair neatened.

He finally met Wi Seol-ah’s hidden eyes properly.

Her eyes, containing inner energy, were still shining brightly golden, but…

If that light were erased, they were endlessly empty.

-Foolish girl.

At the man’s harsh words, those behind her flinched and moved, but…

They still couldn’t move easily.

The man ignored this and continued speaking.

-The Sect Leader will soon face the Sword Master.

Perhaps hearing the Sword Master’s name.

Wi Seol-ah’s clenched fist tightened.

The man glanced at Wi Seol-ah’s reaction.

-If that happens, that incompetent old man will surely be killed.

-How dare… That disgusting Demonic Cult follower dares to insult the Sword Master…

-…What do you want?

Those who had overcome their fear and were about to charge at the man froze at Wi Seol-ah’s words.

It was more shocking because it was Wi Seol-ah who spoke, not someone else.

Wi Seol-ah, the Sword Saint, was the Sword Master’s granddaughter and his only disciple.

The man’s eyes lit up at Wi Seol-ah’s reaction.

And then, as if he had been waiting, he spoke.

-That you do not go to that place. Until the moment the Sword Master is brutally killed by the Sect Leader’s hand, I want you to remain weak, unable to offer any help.

To simply wait idly for the death of her grandfather, who was both her master and parent.

That’s what the man wanted.

-If you do that, I will at least let you live for now.

Shortly after he finished speaking, Wi Seol-ah, who had been clenching her fist, gradually relaxed her grip.

-How can a human be so cruel…

-Leader! We cannot allow this… Perhaps we should instead!

-I will do as you say.

Wi Seol-ah answered calmly.

-If that is what you wish, I will do so.

-Do you want to live even to this extent? Your eyes are already dead.

-I have already given my answer.

At her words, spoken as if she had given up everything, the man seemed to lose interest and reached out, grabbing Wi Seol-ah’s neck.

Others drew their swords to rush forward at his action, but they couldn’t approach due to the flames encircling them like a barrier.

A murky energy seeped into her body.

Wi Seol-ah immediately realized this energy was meant to be a seal.

She felt a sensation burrowing into her body and clutching her heart.

It was energy that could be easily dispersed if she chose to resist.

However, Wi Seol-ah did not resist.

-For the sake of the pride you threw away, I will keep my promise.

Only after feeling an alien sensation tightly gripping a part of her heart, like a lock being fastened, did the man release Wi Seol-ah’s neck.

Perhaps he had gripped a bit too tightly, as red finger marks remained on Wi Seol-ah’s pale neck.

The man watched the marks for a moment before turning his back on Wi Seol-ah.

-Next time we meet, I hope you are still in such an incompetent state. It will make killing you easier.

As soon as he finished speaking, the man was engulfed in flames and disappeared.

The Sword Demon’s unconscious body on the ground had also vanished.

Wi Seol-ah staggered, about to collapse, when the Alliance members rushed forward to support her.

-Leader…! Are you alright?

-Stay alert! There might still be ambushes.

-We apologize… If it weren’t for us, you could have handled that devil…

The subordinates’ voices continued to pour in, but…

To Wi Seol-ah’s ears, the world seemed silent.

As the man’s presence vanished.

The flames, which had been burning fiercely even in the rain, gradually dispersed.

Wi Seol-ah barely managed to stand up, enduring the ceaseless rain.

-Let’s go back…. They’ll be waiting.

-…Leader, you still…

-I’m fine…. The Black Flame Demon Emperor, at least, is not one to lie.

Even knowing how futile and nonsensical it was to trust a demonic cultivator.

Wi Seol-ah had to say it.

The character ‘Ma’ (魔) written on the back of the man’s black clothes came to mind.

The emotions felt upon facing the man she so desperately wanted to kill.

It was resentment rather than murderous intent.

And longing rather than resentment.

How pathetic this was.

His words calling her a ‘foolish girl’ fit her perfectly.

-…Let’s hurry down. Meteor Sword will be very worried.

-….

At the name spoken by the subordinate, Wi Seol-ah closed her mouth and frowned.

The others, perhaps because Wi Seol-ah had her head bowed, didn’t seem to see what expression she wore.

The war on Mount Wudang between the Ghost Extermination Brigade led by the Sword Demon and the Martial Arts Alliance.

Ended in the defeat of the orthodox sects.

The survivors of Wudang had to endure the humiliation of fleeing to Henan.

Three days later.

The Sword Master was killed by the Heavenly Demon’s hand.

---

It was late, with the moon high in the center of the sky.

Wi Seol-ah opened her eyes.

There was absolutely no sound in her movements as she sat up.

As if she were a ghost.

Her small, delicate hands brushed past the bodies of the attendants on either side as she sat up.

They had been placed in a state where they couldn’t easily wake up.

“Hooouuu…”

Wi Seol-ah exhaled once and immediately slipped out of the tent.

Gu Yangcheon was likely right next door, so she had to hold her breath even more.

Although, at his current level, it would be difficult for him to notice.

It was better to be safe.

It was a dark night, the moonlight distant and not illuminating the ground, but…

Light began to linger around her.

It was because Wi Seol-ah’s hair had started to change color.

‘I’m sorry, this is my last request.’

No answer came to the words spoken in her mind.

Of course, the original owner of this body was asleep right now.

Wi Seol-ah leaped lightly, kicking off the ground.

Despite her graceful movements, Wi Seol-ah’s delicate body instantly rode the wind, traversing the air.

The surrounding buildings changed in an instant.

That’s how fast she was.

As she moved at high speed, Wi Seol-ah’s delicate brow furrowed.

‘There isn’t much left.’

It was because the energy within her was running low.

This was something she had expected, given the ‘promise’ made.

‘Just a little more.’

Just a tiny bit more.

That was all Wi Seol-ah wished for.

Hoping she could be of help on his path.

If she were to wish for anything, it would only be that.

Tuk-!

Wi Seol-ah, who had been quickening her pace, stopped.

Her agile body, as if leaping through the air, reached its destination in an instant.

Henan, specifically, the Zhang family’s building located in the heart of the Martial Arts Alliance.

Martial artists were stationed throughout the building, standing guard, but…

There wasn’t a single martial artist among them who could notice Wi Seol-ah’s movements.

Wi Seol-ah then stealthily entered a building with light steps.

There was no need to search for her target’s location.

Because she could sense the energy so clearly from the start.

Just a few steps down the corridor to where he was.

As it was a place for treating the Alliance Leader’s kin, there were far more guards than outside, but…

As Wi Seol-ah approached, they simply lost consciousness and collapsed powerlessly.

Finally, Wi Seol-ah reached him, the target.

She arrived before the room where Jang Seon-yeon was.

She had been longing for this very moment.

Strength slowly gathered in Wi Seol-ah’s hand.

A sword was unnecessary.

She had surpassed that level long ago.

She simply walked, suppressing the surging murderous intent.

The end of a grueling, ill-fated relationship.

The conclusion of her role.

Since he had obtained what he came here for.

She too had to do what she needed to do.

No trace would remain.

She would erase even the traces that might remain from this land.

With that thought, Wi Seol-ah opened the door to the room where he was.

Deureureuk.

As expected, he was in the quiet room.

However.

“Welcome.”

Jang Seon-yeon, whom she had thought was asleep, was facing her with a smile.

“I was waiting.”

Upon hearing this, Wi Seol-ah swung her hand without hesitation.