Chapter 455: What a relief.

Drip… drip.

Blood flowed down one of the woman’s hands.

The sword strike that grazed her shoulder was rougher than expected. Because of that, a deep gash remained on her left arm.

The pain that should have made her groan was likely surging up to her throat, but the woman calmly moved her injured arm a few times.

“…”

The pain is severe, but this much is bearable.

That was the woman’s conclusion.

She gripped her sword again.

Fortunately, her left arm was the one injured. Since the woman was right-handed, it wasn’t a major problem.

Rumble…

The dark clouds bound to the sky let out a rough roar.

The clouds were wrapped in lightning energy that sent shivers down one’s spine just by looking at it.

Just as the woman was about to unleash her lightning roar again and swing her sword.

“…Are you thinking of continuing?”

Someone spoke to the woman facing her.

The person who spoke was a descendant of the Sword Master, known as the Little Sword Saint. She was also known as the hope of the righteous path.

At her call, the owner of the lightning energy. The Demon Sword Empress (Ma-geom-hu) calmly observed the Little Sword Saint.

“I don’t quite understand.”

Rumble-!

As if pushing back Ma-geom-hu’s lightning energy, the aura emanating from the Little Sword Saint’s feet began to dominate the surroundings.

“Why did you suddenly make this choice?”

“…”

Ma-geom-hu offered no response to the Little Sword Saint’s words.

She simply gripped the sword she held and swung it calmly.

Whoosh-!

Kuaaaaaah-!

Lightning burst from the tip of the sword Ma-geom-hu swung casually. Thousands of strands of lightning energy were shot towards the Little Sword Saint. Though the energy was thin and slender, it was clear each strand held immense power.

“…Hoo.”

The Little Sword Saint slightly frowned as if tired and tightly gripped the swords held in both hands.

Ziiing-!

As a subtle vibration spread, golden energy gathered behind the Little Sword Saint, transforming into sword shapes. The swords floating in the air soon pointed their tips towards the incoming lightning energy.

Paaahk-!

Scattering energy, they were fired towards the direction the lightning energy was coming from. With thousands of lightning strands and only a few swords, the outcome seemed obvious just by looking. The Little Sword Saint’s swords, piercing through the pouring lightning, emitted a faint glow amidst the countless currents.

Chwajajajajak-!

Moving at an unbelievable speed, she began to nullify the lightning strands one by one. The speed was so great that it was impossible to even see how the swords were moving.

And then.

Whoosh-!

As their energies clashed in mid-air, the Little Sword Saint was directly extending her sword towards Ma-geom-hu. Suddenly, the Little Sword Saint was right in front of her, unleashing her dual-sword technique. In response, Ma-geom-hu also swung her sword.

Kang-! Kang-!

The dazzling movements were imbued with precision and accuracy. Every time the swords met, sonic booms erupted around them. As the sword energies shattered and scattered, the impact sent them flying. The sight was like flower petals scattering in the wind. However, contrary to the beautiful description, the energy contained within was incredibly fierce.

Amidst the ceaseless barrage of sword energy.

Pfft-!

“…!”

Blood splattered from Ma-geom-hu’s left shoulder. At the same time, her brow furrowed deeply. The wound seemed to have reopened. Ma-geom-hu tightened her grip on her sword and swung it wide.

Kwagagagag-!

The lightning energy gathered on the blade grew immensely in size, carving a crescent moon with its movement and devastating the surroundings. Although her movements became considerably slower due to this, she succeeded in pushing the Little Sword Saint back momentarily.

Tak-!

The Little Sword Saint, leaping back from Ma-geom-hu’s attack, recalled the swords floating in the air and made them circle around her.

“…”

The lightning energy dealt with via sword-summoning techniques was irrelevant. The energy had already dissipated moments before. The Little Sword Saint took advantage of the brief lull to look forward.

Hoo-hoo.

Ma-geom-hu was panting, blood dripping steadily. She looked visibly exhausted.

“…”

Seeing that, the Little Sword Saint couldn’t help but bite her lip. Ma-geom-hu was not the type to get tired from a fight like this. Even if her internal energy wasn’t on par with the ‘Demon Emperor’ or the Heavenly Demon, she was someone who wielded it with extreme delicacy and precision. It didn’t make sense for her to be this exhausted after just one battle. The reason Ma-geom-hu was in such a state was simple.

‘She fought enough to get into that state.’

It was a truly simple reason.

The wind brushed past the Little Sword Saint’s nose. It was filled with the scent of blood, and not just Ma-geom-hu’s. Behind Ma-geom-hu, who was catching her breath as if exhausted, lay the corpses of the Alliance’s warriors killed by her sword. Confirming this, the Little Sword Saint frowned.

“…Did the Demon Emperor permit you to do this?”

Ma-geom-hu’s eyebrow twitched at the Little Sword Saint’s words.

“I thought the deal was definitely over. Is this the Demon Emperor’s will… no, can I consider this the will of the Demonic Cult?”

Wasn’t it two hours ago that Ma-geom-hu launched this solo ambush? Just as she was about to return to Hunan, this incident occurred.

‘Even though the Heavenly Venerable had set up a barrier.’

Despite the Heavenly Venerable having deployed a barrier, Ma-geom-hu casually cut through it and launched her attack. Coincidentally, the Heavenly Venerable was absent at that very moment. The Little Sword Saint herself was also ‘asleep’. However, even with the absence of key combatants, the Alliance’s current strength was by no means weak. With warriors ranging from peak Grandmasters to those who had just reached the Enlightenment realm, they were definitely not weak.

‘Such individuals…’

It meant Ma-geom-hu not only held out for two hours against such opponents but also killed more than half of them. As the Little Sword Saint recalled a strange sentiment upon realizing Ma-geom-hu’s capabilities far exceeded her expectations. Ma-geom-hu finally broke her silence and opened her lips.

“…Where is he…?”

“What did you say…?”

“That person… where is he?”

Although the subject was unclear, the Little Sword Saint seemed to know who she was looking for. The moment she realized this, the Little Sword Saint gritted her teeth.

“Paljeolyeop… was that his name? Surely, you haven’t come here seeking him?”

“…”

Faced with the fact that the world’s Ma-geom-hu had come here merely to find a low-ranking warrior of the Black Flame Guard, the Little Sword Saint spoke with a slightly weary tone.

“…I don’t know when you, known as the world’s villainess, started valuing your own people so much…”

“He’s different.”

The Little Sword Saint tried to continue, sounding confused. But Ma-geom-hu cut her off.

“His name isn’t like that.”

“…!”

The Little Sword Saint’s eyes widened at the resolute words. That wasn’t the only shock.

“…You know that too…”

The Little Sword Saint’s eyes trembled at Ma-geom-hu’s subsequent words.

“Why… are you pretending… not to know?”

Rather, Ma-geom-hu seemed unable to comprehend such behavior. For a fleeting moment, the Little Sword Saint seemed unstable, but she quickly regained her composure and gripped her sword.

“I don’t quite understand what you mean… Whatever the reason, your choice now is wrong.”

In the enemy’s lair. Ma-geom-hu, who had entered all the way there alone. Ma-geom-hu is not the Heavenly Demon. Therefore, no matter how strong she was, she had clear limits. Even during the previous exchange of swords with the Little Sword Saint, when Ma-geom-hu swung her lightning energy forcefully to create distance. The Little Sword Saint could have cut her down with a single sword strike. It was clearly an opening large enough. However, she didn’t. Why?

“…”

The Little Sword Saint herself didn’t quite know the reason. She hesitated without realizing it. Thanks to that, Ma-geom-hu was still standing, but such a miracle wouldn’t happen again.

Ssssseuuu.

The Little Sword Saint moved the summoned swords circling around her, raising her energy.

“…Are you not planning to draw your Lightning Core?”

She asked, looking at Ma-geom-hu. Right now, she wasn’t using her Lightning Core. She must have gotten it back through the deal. Ma-geom-hu was using a regular sword. Was there really a need to act like that even when her life was on the line? Knowing even vaguely how terrifying Ma-geom-hu was with her Lightning Core, the Little Sword Saint couldn’t understand. Despite the Little Sword Saint’s question, Ma-geom-hu remained silent, merely holding her sword.

‘Why?’

Her questions only deepened at that sight. It was a fight with no chance of winning. She had hoped for reinforcements, but it didn’t seem like it. If the Heavenly Venerable returned now, there would truly be no hope left. And yet.

‘Why on earth.’

Why was that woman showing no signs of backing down? She didn’t know. The Little Sword Saint truly couldn’t understand anything.

‘…Calm down.’

She cooled her increasingly complicated thoughts and calmed her energy. As her energy spread through the blood path, her emotions felt tranquil. Yet, strangely, her heart remained complicated.

‘It’s for the best.’

She desperately repeated that to herself, suppressing it. If she dealt with Ma-geom-hu here, it would be helpful later. Thinking so, the Little Sword Saint gripped her sword, but. For some reason, someone who might collapse if Ma-geom-hu died here flashed through the Little Sword Saint’s mind. That brief thought made her falter. The Little Sword Saint quickly donned her sword aura and moved forward.

Pajijijijik-!

In response, lightning energy surged through Ma-geom-hu’s body once more. However, it seemed infinitely weaker compared to the lightning energy she had unleashed just before. In contrast, the Little Sword Saint’s ten swords contained distinct sword auras, just like at the beginning. It was a situation where the outcome was all too clear if these two energies clashed.

A golden flash flew in, unleashing a sharp momentum. Several swords also shot towards Ma-geom-hu, drawing diagonal lines through the air. The vast energy was enough to make one flinch just by looking at it. It affected the entire area as if determined not to let her escape. Ma-geom-hu merely prepared to draw her sword even while observing such energy. She might die here. Such a thought flickered through her mind, but still, there was no retreat. If he saw this recklessness, he would have surely gotten angry and called her crazy. Still, Ma-geom-hu couldn’t help it. Including reason and emotion. Even if she weighed her own life against it. He was more important to Ma-geom-hu. It didn’t matter where he was or where he came from.

The lightning energy gathered at a single point. The Little Sword Saint’s swords were also seen approaching gradually. Seeing the size and concentration of the energy, she realized she was not in a state to face it right now.

‘…’

It would be a different story if she used the Lightning Core she kept in her embrace. But she didn’t use it. There was one reason. Permission to use it had not been granted.

[…!…!]

Angry old man’s voice kept echoing in her ears, but Ma-geom-hu paid it no mind.

Kwadeudeudeudeuk-!

The Little Sword Saint’s energy aggressively pierced through. In response, Ma-geom-hu also began to move, channeling lightning energy into her blade. Just before the sword auras of both sides collided shortly after. Ma-geom-hu suddenly recalled. If she met her death at that woman’s hands here. What expression would he wear? Would he say harsh words, like ‘She died uselessly after not listening’? Or would he calmly brush it off with his usual indifferent expression? Amidst all this, if she could have just a tiny bit of luxury.

‘I wish he would be a little sad.’

Ma-geom-hu whispered such a wish inwardly.

Kwaaaahk-!

Finally, Ma-geom-hu’s lightning energy and the Little Sword Saint’s aura collided, starting to erupt with vibrations.

“…!”

The moment the energies collided, Ma-geom-hu felt it. That her exhausted body couldn’t overcome this energy. She knew she would crumble without lasting much longer. Even amidst this, Ma-geom-hu looked at the woman beyond the energy. From the Little Sword Saint’s face, who was channeling her energy, Ma-geom-hu could subtly see hesitation. If that hesitation hadn’t existed, this fight wouldn’t have even begun.

“…”

Looking at the Little Sword Saint, Ma-geom-hu’s gaze deepened subtly. Was the emotion rising within her as she looked at the Little Sword Saint now resentment, or pity? Ma-geom-hu couldn’t be sure of either.

Kwak-!

Her toes were pushed back by the energy.

Deudeudeudeuk-!

She could see her sword aura shattering and scattering. The wound gradually widened. Ma-geom-hu could feel the end approaching. At that moment.

-Now.

Suddenly, an urgent telepathic message reached Ma-geom-hu’s ears. It was the voice of an immature boy. This wasn’t a voice she was particularly familiar with, but for some reason, she.

-Draw your sword!

Following that voice, she couldn’t help but obey as if entranced. Just before her lightning energy collapsed and was swept away by the Little Sword Saint’s aura. Ma-geom-hu reached into her robes, grabbed something, and pulled it out.

Rumble! Kwaaaaaah-!

Simultaneously, a massive bolt of lightning shot into the sky, engulfing everything.