Chapter 446: Resonance.

Demon-Shattering.

It was the power that made Wi Seol-ah the hope of the Central Plains, and the reason she was ultimately able to succeed in killing the Heavenly Demon.

At the time the battle with the Demonic beings first broke out.

And also, when I wasn’t a Demonic being yet.

Among those who were being helplessly overwhelmed, contaminated by the demonic energy possessed by the Demonic beings, Wi Seol-ah’s sword shone exceptionally.

She wasn’t consumed by the demonic energy; rather, one could see the demonic energy being pushed back by her sword, and even disappearing.

How could that be possible?

Could it be that the Moon-Dancing Swordplay she learned had such an effect?

The people of the Central Plains expressed doubts about this fact, but the Sword Saint stated that such a phenomenon did not occur with his own energy.

This meant it was a trait possessed solely by Wi Seol-ah.

Why could that be?

They didn’t have time to ponder this.

What was important was that the power she possessed could annihilate the demonic energy.

The demonic energy, a fatal force to martial artists, had appeared, along with a martial artist who possessed the power to counter it.

It wouldn’t matter if such a person was a young woman or a late-blooming disciple.

For this reason, it didn’t take long for Wi Seol-ah to be called the hope of the Central Plains.

Moreover, Wi Seol-ah was already making a name for herself, possessing unbelievable talent, so many people began to place their expectations on her.

Isn’t it truly laughable?

Not only was she immediately hailed as a hero just because a tiny sliver of hope was discovered, but the burden of having to save the world, along with expectations, was thrust upon her.

‘Damn bastards.’

From my perspective, it’s just a ridiculous story.

It wasn’t that I didn’t understand.

Anyone who had experienced it couldn’t help but know how vicious the demonic energy was.

If there was someone who could counter such energy, it was perhaps natural to place expectations on them.

Even though I knew that, my emotions simply didn’t stir.

Because I knew all too well what kind of fate awaited those who bore that damned expectation.

Buried under karma, they disappear themselves, and eventually, everything collapses.

Excessively high expectations and karma were inherently like that.

Furthermore, do you know what’s even more despicable?

It’s that people do it even while knowing that the one bearing the burden will end up like that.

Even knowing that she who would bear the karma would eventually break down and crumble.

They repeatedly pretend not to know, because they need to survive.

That was the nature of humans.

I hate them.

And I resent her for stepping forward to protect them, even while knowing it clearly.

It’s the same this time.

Even knowing it will devour her own life, the foolish woman will draw her sword and step forward.

I hated that intensely.

Amidst the pervading silence.

Tap. Tap.

A grating sound was heard.

I raised my head and surveyed the source of the sound.

It was the sound of Ma-je tapping his fingers on the armrest.

It’s a habit that surfaces when he’s deep in thought.

Meanwhile, the air grew even heavier.

The pressure emanating from Ma-je was heavily pressing down on the surroundings.

Even in this situation, the Demonic beings endured without a single groan.

It was obvious because that damn bastard’s aura was unusual.

While it might seem to the other Demonic beings that he was deep in thought due to the unexpected attack,

I know.

‘His mind must be completely filled.’

It’s obvious that head is filled to the brim with talk about the Young Sword Saint.

Gwooooo….

Muk-kwon spoke, pushing through the heavy atmosphere.

“…Great Master, please issue your command.”

Following Muk-kwon’s words, the surrounding Demonic beings knelt down all at once.

This time, even Ma-geom-hu was the same.

It wasn’t for any other reason than the appearance of an adversarial force, and the statement that they were gathering their strength literally meant…

‘They’re preparing for war.’

I don’t know the extent of it, but it’s certain that the Alliance is preparing for war.

Furthermore, knowing that the Heavenly Venerate is nearby,

and if the Young Sword Saint, who is strong against demonic energy, has also arrived.

‘…It means this is definitely not a light fight.’

The only fortunate thing is that the power called Demon-Shattering doesn’t purify demonic energy like my Nine Fiery Wheel Technique.

‘Should I consider this fortunate?’

Should I be glad that it can’t purify?

It’s something that makes me let out a hollow laugh even as I think of it.

In a situation like this.

‘What decision will you make?’

I remained kneeling with the other Demonic beings, observing his reaction.

The best course of action here would be to first report to the Heavenly Demon.

If we report the Heavenly Venerate’s actions, along with the fact that the Alliance is gathering, to the main sect.

There’s a high probability of receiving additional support, or the Heavenly Demon himself appearing to handle it.

I don’t know how strong the current Young Sword Saint is,

but surely he’s not enough to face the Heavenly Demon.

After all, even if all Three Venerates attacked together, they wouldn’t be able to defeat the Heavenly Demon.

I’m not sure if their intention is truly war, but this would be the fastest method.

However.

‘You won’t do that.’

That guy named Ma-je wouldn’t take this option.

I knew it all too well.

Screeeech.

With the kneeling Demonic beings before him, Ma-je slowly rose to his feet.

Then, he descended from the throne and spoke to Muk-kwon.

“…Muk-kwon.”

“Yes. Great Master.”

“Guide me to their location.”

The moment those words were spoken, the Demonic beings sprang to their feet.

The great hall was filled with the fighting spirit emitted by the Demonic beings.

It must be because they all understood the meaning behind Ma-je’s words.

Watching that, I too let out a bitter smile inwardly.

‘What a moronic bastard.’

You’re just like always.

It’s an action that doesn’t differ even an inch from my expectations.

His choice was always the same.

He will ultimately choose her.

It was like that in my previous life too.

And it’s like that now.

And it will likely be like that in the future as well.

‘You’re always such a foolish idiot.’

A fool who doesn’t even know who recognizes him for doing such things, unable to give a definitive answer himself.

That was me.

If I were in that situation now, what choice would I have made?

I recall this, watching Ma-je’s back as he left the great hall.

I already know what choice I would have made.

‘Probably.’

I probably would have made a choice no different from his.

Knowing that, I couldn’t even curse him comfortably.

That guy was indeed an idiot,

and I was still undeniably a fool.

I can only hope.

That nothing more difficult to manage than this situation erupts.

---

The location Muk-kwon mentioned was precisely outside the Four Rivers, specifically a village situated on the border entering the lands of the Four Rivers.

As it was a place with few people and located deep in the mountains, it was difficult to find.

To think the Alliance’s forces are gathering precisely there; did they choose such a location deliberately?

‘It’s strange.’

Even as I increased my speed, I was still puzzled.

No matter how much it’s territory outside the Four Rivers, did they think the Demonic beings wouldn’t notice?

No matter how many foolish guys are in the Alliance, they aren’t humans with brains that empty.

There must clearly be some plan.

‘To charge straight in like this, even knowing that clearly.’

These are the thoughts I had while watching myself, this bastard, running at the very front.

Does that guy not know this?

‘Impossible.’

He would know it very well.

He was charging recklessly towards the enemy lines, even while knowing it clearly.

And that too.

‘Dragging this much force….’

I glanced back.

The number of Demonic beings following behind was quite large.

Just counting roughly, it’s over a hundred.

This means he’s even leading the Demonic beings who were supposed to be guarding the surroundings.

The cases where I lead such a large force….

‘It’s either because I intend to completely crush the opponent.’

Or because I intend to crush our own side.

It was usually one of these two.

After running for quite a while, Ma-je spoke.

“Muk-kwon.”

“Yes.”

As Muk-kwon, who was right behind him, looked his way, Ma-je continued as if he had been waiting.

“I’ll go ahead, so bring the members.”

“…Understood.”

Originally, Ma-geom-hu, the unit leader, should have led the members, but since Ma-geom-hu might go in the wrong direction if he led the charge, Muk-kwon would usually clear the path in situations like this.

Meanwhile, I had to frown at the words he uttered.

‘Going ahead?’

He must be quite desperate to head out first, leaving the forces behind.

What does this mean?

Does he know what awaits him there to choose such a crude method?

In any case, I didn’t like it.

Whoosh.

As if unaware of my thoughts, Ma-je immediately wrapped his body in black flames,

KWA-AAAH-!

and instantly shot forward, unleashing a tremendous roar.

His speed was so immense that Ma-je’s body vanished from sight within seconds.

‘Crazy.’

It’s a method of boosting speed by pouring in immense amounts of energy.

If I used that method in my current state, my internal energy would probably run out in less than half a period.

‘Back then, I could run all day like that and be fine.’

Even as I cursed it as a crude usage, seeing something like that made me realize the need to increase my internal energy.

Immediately after Ma-je disappeared, Muk-kwon, hiding his surprise, spoke to the Demonic beings.

“The destination is not far. Prepare for battle.”

At Muk-kwon’s warning, the Demonic beings raised their fighting spirit.

Watching that, I swallowed dryly.

It was highly probable that Muk-kwon, let alone Ma-je, was still wary of me.

Still, I had to consider what it meant that I was brought into this war.

Just as the demonic energy escaping from the Demonic beings’ bodies began to resonate in the air,

KOOOOONG-!

“Gack!”

Suddenly, the ground shook violently as if an earthquake had struck.

The sudden impact disrupted the posture of those running.

Just as I hesitated, wondering what this was,

“That’s….”

At Muk-kwon’s words, everyone looked forward.

‘Ha….’

Faced with the unfolding situation, I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.

‘He charges ahead first. And then does that the moment he arrives?’

Far away, at what appeared to be the mid-slope of a mountain, a massive wave had formed.

A black wave with an overwhelming size, as if intending to sweep through the entire mountain.

A wave of flames soaring high enough to touch the clouds.

There was no need to ponder what that was.

That was all black flames (黑炎).

Due to the sheer number and immense size of the flames, it looked like a colossal tsunami had appeared.