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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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Sword Demon, having deployed his troops, emerged from his tent to greet the Cult Leader upon hearing of her arrival.
“You look well, Sword Demon.”
“I am pleased to have carried out your orders successfully, Cult Leader.”
To some, it might have sounded like blatant flattery, but this was Sword Demon, a man known for his seriousness.
His words were undoubtedly sincere, and Horse Demon, standing behind the Heavenly Demon, marveled at his loyalty.
The Heavenly Demon took her seat at the head of the table, the Three Demons flanking her.
“It seems the righteous faction has scraped together every last soldier they could find.”
“Yes, as you saw on your way here, we are currently facing their entire army.”
“What are their numbers?”
“Approximately thirty thousand.”
“Thirty thousand… and ours?”
“A little under three thousand.”
‘Hmm… three thousand.’
The Heavenly Demon mused.
The Black Heaven Cult members were well-trained, but so were their opponents.
Outnumbered ten to one, Sword Demon’s ability to hold the line this far was truly commendable.
“I need a closer look.”
The Heavenly Demon rose, and the Three Demons followed.
The three thousand Cult members, arrayed in formation, prostrated themselves before her.
“We greet the absolute ruler of the Black Heaven Cult, the supreme martial artist, the strongest under the heavens. We pay our respects to the Cult Leader!”
Their unified voices echoed across the battlefield.
The righteous faction, alerted to her presence, tensed and their grips tightened on their weapons.
“Nothing but rabble,” the Heavenly Demon scoffed, surveying the enemy ranks.
“Indeed,” Sword Demon agreed, his tone mirroring her disdain.
“I see some clan leaders and sect masters. Hmph, the same tiresome faces. Anything else of note?”
“One peculiarity. I don’t see Lightning Sword among their ranks.”
“Lightning Sword?”
“Lightning Sword Namgung So-yeon. The one you kicked away last time, Cult Leader.”
The Heavenly Demon turned to Shadow Demon, a look of confusion on her face.
“Ah… that child. She showed some promise. I suppose she hasn’t recovered from her injuries.”
She seemed to have just remembered.
“We must consider the possibility of an ambush. Lightning Sword is one of the Martial Arts Alliance’s key figures. She’ll likely appear once the battle begins.”
Sword Demon cautioned.
“Well, I trust you’ve made the necessary preparations.”
-Clap!
The Heavenly Demon clapped her hands, and the murmuring on both sides ceased.
“Finally, today we will erase the very name of the Martial Arts Alliance from this world.”
Her voice was laced with anticipation.
“This was only possible thanks to your leadership, Cult Leader.”
Sword Demon knelt, followed by Shadow Demon and Horse Demon.
“Yes, finally, my grand ambition will be realized. Now, let’s begin.”
The Heavenly Demon smiled, her eyes gleaming.
She raised her voice, addressing the Black Heaven Cult members.
“Before you stand the despicable righteous faction, the ones who abandoned and scorned you.”
“You were outcasts, with nothing to your names, when you swore your loyalty to me.”
“I accepted you, and I granted your every wish.”
“Vengeance for those who sought it.”
“Power for those who craved it.”
“Sanctuary for those who desired it.”
“Now, it’s time to collect on your debt. Offer your lives for me.”
As she finished speaking, Sword Demon bellowed,
“All forces, advance!”
“By your command! All according to the Heavenly Demon’s will!”
Three thousand soldiers charged towards thirty thousand without hesitation.
The ground trembled, and dust filled the air.
Like a human wave, they surged forward, a whirlwind of yellow earth.
Sword Demon, Horse Demon, and Shadow Demon joined the charge, with their weapons drawn.
Watching her forces advance, the Heavenly Demon murmured,
“Thirty thousand against three thousand. Not exactly a disadvantage, but… wouldn’t it be more fair to even the odds a bit?”
-Inhale
She took a deep breath and rose into the air.
“There! It’s the Heavenly Demon!”
A cry from the enemy ranks.
Murmurs turned into screams.
The Heavenly Demon smiled, satisfied by the sound of their fear and confusion.
Power surged through her.
Black flames erupted from her body, engulfing her like a burning comet.
-Exhale
She breathed out, and the black flames coalesced around her right fist.
“Naming techniques is something only amateurs do, but since you gave it a name, I’ll make an exception.”
She thought of her disciple, relaxing back at the Black Heaven Cult, and smiled.
“Heavenly Demon Fist.”
A blast of black flames shot from her fist, soaring over the heads of her advancing forces and slamming into the enemy ranks.
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