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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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“That dazed expression….it’s definitely you.”
The woman beamed at him, as if greeting a long-lost friend.
She wore a white robe draped over her shoulders, revealing an elaborate, embroidered black garment underneath.
“You should show some respect when greeting your master after so long.”
Despite her words of reproach, a smile lingered on her face.
-She was clearly delighted to see ‘me,’ but that ‘me’ isn’t really ‘me’
Everyone else was struggling.
Namgung So-yeon’s comrades, the ones who had suspected him, were sprawled on the ground, barely able to move.
Namgung So-yeon herself was trembling, barely managing to stand against some immense, invisible pressure.
“H-Heavenly Demon!”
Namgung So-yeon choked out the words, and he finally realized that the woman before him was the Heavenly Demon.
Ignoring Namgung So-yeon’s growl, the Heavenly Demon stood directly in front of him, so close he could feel her breath on his face.
His reflection in her ruby eyes looked utterly exhausted.
She grabbed his left hand and brought it to her cheek.
Like someone finding warmth in the dead of winter, she closed her eyes, savoring the feel of his hand.
“Yes…this hand. I’ve waited twelve years to feel this touch again.”
She murmured as if in a dream.
“I won’t lose you again. Never again. I’ll burn the world down to protect you, my beloved disciple.”
Could this woman, who looked to be in her late twenties, really be the terrifying Heavenly Demon who had instilled fear in everyone?
“Um, excuse me.”
He spoke to her as she nuzzled his hand, inhaling his scent.
She slowly opened her eyes.
And a finger pressed against his lips.
“Be quiet. Just stay still.”
“Mmm…”
Behind her, the people who had collapsed began to slowly get up.
The pressure on Namgung So-yeon seemed to have lessened, and she turned to face them and regained her stance.
“You fiend, Heavenly Demon!”
A man with bulging, bronze muscles roared and threw a punch at her.
Without thinking, In-ho instinctively tried to pull her out of the way, shielding her with his body.
Whether it was to protect her or simply to protect himself, he didn’t know.
But it wasn’t necessary.
“You’re trying to save your master again, I see…”
A pleased voice came from beneath his chin, and she vanished.
“Aaaaaaaaagh!!!”
The Heavenly Demon reappeared beside the man, his bronze arm dangling from her hand.
Blood sprayed everywhere as he screamed, a sound that seemed to displease the Heavenly Demon.
“So noisy.”
She swung her arm from left to right.
“Noooo!”
Namgung So-yeon lunged with her sword and tried to intervene, but the man’s head had already fallen to the ground.
*Thud*
“Ugh!”
The geyser of blood made his stomach churn.
In-ho stumbled back while retching.
Seeing his distress, the Heavenly Demon spoke sympathetically.
“Oh dear…you shouldn’t have to see such a gruesome sight. Just wait a moment.”
Black flames erupted before his eyes, consuming the man’s body. Within moments, only a blackened scorch mark remained.
“Heavenly Demooooon!!”
Namgung So-yeon screamed, slashing with her sword, but her attacks met only air.
“There, there. Feeling better now?”
She was suddenly beside him, stroking his back.
Looking at him with the concern of a mother for her child, she leaned in and whispered in his ear,
“Just wait a little longer. I’ll burn away all the pests, and then we can properly reunite.”
Leaving him there, she turned to face the others. He could see a lava-like energy radiating from her.
Martial arts training or not… he could sense the shimmering heat rising from her body.
And the aura she exuded, the sheer presence she commanded, screamed danger, even to someone like him, unfamiliar with the world of martial arts.
If he did nothing, everyone here, including Namgung So-yeon, would die.
Namgung So-yeon had helped him get this far. He couldn’t let her die like this.
He found the courage to take a step forward.
“Hmm?”
He tugged lightly on her robe, and the Heavenly Demon turned with a look of surprise on her face.
“P-please… let them go.”
He pleaded with his trembling voice.
“Heh… you dare shield another woman from me? Impudent little rascal.”
“Th-they helped me survive. Just take me. Leave them alone.”
He stumbled to his feet and met her gaze directly.
A silent battle of wills began.
The Heavenly Demon scoffed, then raised a hand and ruffled his hair.
“Fine, fine. I yield.”
He was surprised by her unexpected compliance.
“Always so compassionate towards the weak, always hating unnecessary bloodshed…you haven’t changed a bit.”
She gave his hair one last tousle before removing her hand.
“Now then, let’s go. Our reunion is far more important than these insignificant pests, wouldn’t you agree?”
Laughing heartily, she took his hand and turned to leave.
“Let him go! Heavenly Demon!”
Namgung So-yeon, glowing with golden light and her sword crackling with energy, flew toward him, aiming right between him and the Heavenly Demon.
He saw the Heavenly Demon click her tongue.
*Bang!*
One swift kick from the Heavenly Demon sent Namgung So-yeon flying. She hit the ground hard and couldn’t get up.
The Heavenly Demon scoffed and swept him into her arms, in what’s typically known as a ‘princess carry’ or ‘bridal style’.
“Shadow Demon, follow us.”
She spoke into the air and then leaped into the sky.
Just two weeks after escaping the Demonic Cult, he was captured again.
And by none other than their leader, the Heavenly Demon herself.
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This man is so fucked.
this man is unbelievably cooked