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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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Neither the righteous faction’s army behind Lightning Sword, nor the Black Heaven Cult forces behind the Three Demons dared to move.
They remained frozen like figures in a painting, their only signs of life the occasional gulp or the rustling of their clothes in the wind.
The only ones moving freely were Lightning Sword, the Three Demons, and… In-ho, who looked to be on the verge of death.
“Young Cult Leader…”
Shadow Demon murmured, her voice filled with pity as she watched In-ho, his energy depleted.
“So that’s the Young Cult Leader.”
Sword Demon observed quietly, noting his companions’ reactions.
Perhaps sensing their focus on In-ho, Namgung So-yeon pulled him closer, practically holding him up, and said,
“Look what you’ve done to Young Master Kang! He’s drenched in sweat!”
“…”
Malnutrition, dehydration, and being dragged across a battlefield by a lunatic… the strain on In-ho’s body was immense.
“Is she insane?”
“Are your eyes just for decoration? It’s obvious, isn’t it?”
Horse Demon whispered to Shadow Demon, who responded with an irritated click of her tongue.
Shadow Demon studied Namgung So-yeon intently.
She had faced Lightning Sword many times before.
Lightning Sword’s aura had always been pure, bright, and controlled.
But now, it was the complete opposite: murky, turbulent, and pulsating with a crimson light.
Had she dabbled in some forbidden technique?
The drastic change left Shadow Demon speechless.
“However…”
Sword Demon broke the long silence.
“The fact that she brought the Young Cult Leader here means she attacked the Black Heaven Cult.”
His words jolted Horse Demon and Shadow Demon back to the present, and they stared at Lightning Sword in disbelief.
“No way…”
“Could Brother Jegal…?”
Namgung So-yeon, still clinging to In-ho, giggled.
“Oh, yes. He was very… persistent.”
“He’s not… alive, is he?”
Sword Demon asked slowly, and Lightning Sword smiled sweetly.
“Of course not~”
“You bitch!”
“Hey! Idiot!”
Enraged, Shadow Demon drew her daggers and charged.
Horse Demon tried to stop her, but she was too quick.
“Die!”
She appeared behind Lightning Sword, daggers raised to strike.
Suddenly, Lightning Sword’s form blurred.
-Clang!
She reappeared beside Shadow Demon, her sword slicing towards her waist.
Sword Demon’s massive blade intercepted the attack just in time.
“Impressive… you reacted to that?”
Lightning Sword praised Sword Demon, her tone condescending, still holding In-ho with her left arm.
“You can’t fight me with one hand.”
Sword Demon said, assuming a fighting stance.
“Shadow Demon, control your emotions. While Hwi’s death is tragic, anger will only dull your blade.”
“…My apologies.”
Shadow Demon, her stance broken, regained her composure.
[Forget the Lightning Sword you knew. For whatever reason, she’s become much stronger.]
Sword Demon’s voice echoed in Shadow Demon and Horse Demon’s minds.
[We need to take her down quickly. The enemy forces are holding back for now, but they’ll attack if this drags on.]
[And… we need to rescue the Young Cult Leader.]
“What are you whispering about?”
Namgung So-yeon taunted, having noticed their silent communication.
She loosened her grip on In-ho slightly.
“Young Master Kang, be patient. I’ll bring you a delicious meal soon.”
She set In-ho down gently and assumed a fighting stance.
A crimson aura began to emanate from her shoulders and back.
“She’s using blood absorption. The erratic energy, the rapid increase in power…”
Sword Demon observed, his eyes narrowed.
“Yeah, yeah. So what? Everyone keeps going on about blood absorption and Blood Demons. It’s so boring.”
“It’s a shame. I was hoping for a proper duel.”
Sword Demon’s voice was laced with genuine disappointment, and Namgung So-yeon burst out laughing.
“Is that impossible now? Or are you saying that strength gained through blood absorption isn’t real strength? Is that the pathetic excuse of a loser?”
“A swordsman who strays from the righteous path is no longer a swordsman. But I’m not making excuses. I don’t think I’ll lose to you.”
Sword Demon retorted calmly.
“Can you back up those words?”
“I am Sword Demon. I do not lie. The only person I cannot defeat is the Cult Leader.”
The pre-battle banter ended, and both fighters tensed, ready to spring into action.
-Whoosh!
Sword Demon swung his massive blade, the force of the movement creating a gust of wind that ruffled Namgung So-yeon’s hair.
It wasn’t the sharp, deadly strike that had cleaved through the enemy ranks, but a mere show of force, a provocation.
“Your blood doesn’t look particularly appetizing, but I suppose it will have to do.”
Namgung So-yeon cracked her neck and unleashed her aura.
A wave of crimson energy, thick and suffocating, washed over the battlefield, sending a shiver of fear through the onlookers.
Sword Demon countered with his own aura, a wave of deep blue energy pushing back against the crimson tide.
The two auras clashed, vying for dominance.
With a loud ‘bang’, the opposing forces neutralized each other, and the two swordsmen charged.
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