Anti-Demon Power (파마, Pama)

The power that made Wi Seol-ah the hope of Zhongyuan, and ultimately, the reason she succeeded in killing Cheonma.

When the first battle with demons broke out—

And before I became a demon myself—

Amid those helpless against the corruptive energy of demonic ki, Wi Seol-ah’s sword shone with exceptional brilliance at one point.

She wasn’t tainted by the demonic ki, and instead, it was clear that her sword not only repelled it but also caused it to vanish.

How could that be?

Could it be that the martial art she learned, the Wolseon Sword, possesses such effects?

The people of Zhongyuan were perplexed by this, yet Sword Saint declared that no such phenomenon appeared in his own aura.

This implies that it’s a characteristic unique to Wi Seol-ah.

Why could this be?

They didn’t have the time to ponder this question deeply. The crucial fact was that the power she possessed could annihilate demonic ki.

A warrior emerged with a force that could counter demonic ki, which was deadly to martial artists.

It didn’t matter if that warrior was a young woman or merely a later-generation warrior.

Due to this, it didn’t take long for Wi Seol-ah to be hailed as the hope of Zhongyuan.

Moreover, around the same time, she was making a name for herself for her astounding talent, leading many to place their hopes on her.

Isn’t it truly absurd?

To discover a single, fragile hope and immediately glorify her as a hero—

And to burden her with the expectation to save the world.

“Damn bastards.”

To me, it’s nothing but a ridiculous tale.

Not that I don’t understand.

Anyone who’s experienced demonic ki would know just how vile it is.

It’s only natural to place hope in someone who can counter such a force.

But even with that knowledge, I felt no sympathy.

I know all too well what becomes of someone burdened by such hope.

Engulfed by karma, they lose themselves, and gradually, everything crumbles around them.

Overwhelming expectations and karma—that’s just how they are.

Do you know what’s even more grotesque?

People do this fully aware of what will happen to the person enduring it.

Even though they know the one bearing this burden will ultimately be destroyed and fall apart, they turn a blind eye because they have to survive.

That is human nature.

I despise them.

And I resent her, too, for willingly stepping forward to protect such people, even though she knew it all too well.

This time is no different.

Even knowing how it will consume her life, that foolish woman will pick up her sword and lift her head.

I hate it so much, I could go mad.

In the silence—

Tap. Tap.

An irritating sound reached my ears.

I lifted my head to find the source.

The sound was Dokgo Jun tapping his finger against the armrest.

A habit of his whenever he fell deep in thought.

Meanwhile, the air grew even heavier, the pressure from Dokgo Jun weighing down on the surroundings.

Even so, the demons endured it without so much as a grunt.

One look was enough to know something was brewing with that damned bastard.

To other demons, it might seem like he was deeply pondering an unexpected ambush.

But I know.

“He’s probably got it all stuck in his head.”

That head of his is surely filled with thoughts of Wi Seol-ah.

Rumble...

Breaking through the heavy atmosphere, Mugwon spoke up.

“…My lord, please issue your command.”

At Mugwon’s words, the surrounding demons all fell to their knees simultaneously. This time, even Mageomhu followed suit.

It was no different; the appearance of the opposing force and their gathering strength meant, literally—

“They’re preparing for war.”

The scope remains unclear, but it’s certain the Alliance is preparing for war.

Furthermore, with Namgung Jeolcheon nearby and even Wi Seol-ah, who is resistant to demonic ki, present—

“…It’s not going to be an easy battle.”

The one saving grace is that the power called Anti-Demon (Pama) doesn’t have the ability to purify demonic ki like my Guyeomhwa Arts.

“Should I call that fortunate?”

Is it really fortunate that it can’t purify?

The thought itself drew a hollow laugh.

In such circumstances—

“What decision will you make?”

Kneeling with the other demons, I watched his response.

The best course of action here would be to first report this to Cheonma.

If we report the Alliance’s gathering and Namgung Jeolcheon’s movements to the main cult—

Either additional support would arrive, or Cheonma herself might come to handle it.

I don’t know how strong Wi Seol-ah is now, but—

At the very least, she won’t be enough to face Cheonma.

Even if the Three Masters join forces, they wouldn’t be able to defeat Cheonma.

While I can’t be certain their intention is truly war, this would be the quickest approach.

But.

“You won’t choose that path, will you?”

Dokgo Jun would never make such a choice.

I knew this all too well.

Creak.

Before the kneeling demons, Dokgo Jun slowly rose.

He descended from the throne and spoke to Mugwon.

“…Mugwon.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Lead me to their location.”

With those words, the demons rose as one, the throne hall filled with their fierce battle energy.

They knew the meaning behind Dokgo Jun’s words.

Seeing this, I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh inside.

“You fool.”

So, you’re the same as ever.

Your actions are as predictable as ever.

You’ll always choose her in the end.

In your past life—

And now, even in this life.

And perhaps in the future as well.

“You’re always such a fool.”

What kind of approval do you expect to gain from all this? You can’t even answer that yourself, can you?

That’s me.

If I were in his situation now, what choice would I make?

Watching Dokgo Jun’s back as he left the throne hall, I pondered.

I already know what choice I would make.

“Most likely.”

I’d make the same choice as him.

Knowing this, I can’t even curse him in peace.

That bastard really is a fool.

And I, too, am still a fool.

All I can do is hope—

That in this situation, nothing worse will erupt, something beyond repair.

 

  ******************
 

The location Mugwon had mentioned lay just outside Sichuan, precisely at a village along the border leading into Sichuan.

It was an isolated, mountainous place, making it difficult to reach.

For the Martial Alliance to be gathering their forces there, it seemed almost intentional.

‘Something’s strange about this.’

Even if it was technically outside of Sichuan, did they really think the demonic forces wouldn’t notice? As foolish as some of the alliance members were, they weren’t brainless.

They must have some plan in mind.

‘And yet, knowing that, here we are charging straight in.’

That thought crossed my mind as I watched Maje charging ahead of us.

Did he not realize this?

‘Of course he does.’

He was undoubtedly aware—fully aware—yet he was charging directly into enemy territory.

And with this much force.

I glanced back.

The number of demonic followers trailing behind was significant.

A quick estimate told me it was well over a hundred. It meant that even those normally stationed to keep watch had been pulled in.

To mobilize this many forces…

‘Either he’s planning to completely annihilate the enemy…’

Or, just as likely, he intends for us to be annihilated. Typically, it was one or the other.

After running for a while, Maje spoke.

“Mugwon.”

“Yes.”

At his response, Maje continued as if he’d been waiting.

“I’ll go on ahead. Bring the rest of the squad.”

“…Understood.”

Ordinarily, Mageomhu, as vice-commander, would lead the forces, but Mugwon had taken the lead since Mageomhu had a habit of straying off course.

Hearing his words, I couldn’t help but frown.

‘Go on ahead?’

Was he in such a rush that he’d leave the main force behind and charge ahead alone?

Did he know what was waiting for him on the other side to warrant such recklessness? It left a sour taste in my mouth.

Whoosh.

Whether he noticed or not, Maje suddenly wreathed himself in black flames.

Boom—!

With a resounding explosion, he shot forward.

The speed at which he moved was so fast that, in seconds, he’d vanished from sight.

‘Insane.’

It was a reckless use of energy to accelerate like that. If I tried such a method now, I’d run out of energy in less than half an hour.

‘Back then, I could have kept running like that all day without feeling it.’

I cursed under my breath at his wasteful display, yet it also reminded me of the need to strengthen my own energy reserves.

Just after Maje disappeared, Mugwon kept his composure and spoke to the demonic followers.

“We’re nearly at our destination. Prepare for battle.”

The demonic followers responded by increasing their fighting spirit.

Watching them, I swallowed dryly.

It was likely that both Maje and Mugwon were still wary of me. I couldn’t ignore the significance of being brought along to this skirmish.

As the demonic energy emanating from the followers began to resonate in the air—

Boom—!

“Guh!”

The ground shook violently, almost as if from an earthquake. The sudden tremor disrupted the running stance of those around me.

I paused, confused by the sudden shock.

“That…”

Following Mugwon's gaze, everyone turned forward.

‘Ha…’

Unconsciously, I let out a dry laugh.

‘He charges off ahead and immediately does that?’

A massive wave of black flames had formed on the mountainside in the distance.

The black tidal wave loomed, poised to sweep across the entire mountain.

The flames soared so high they nearly touched the clouds, looking like a gigantic tidal wave of dark fire.

There was no need to guess what it was.

It was all Black Flame (Heukyeom).

So massive and overwhelming in volume that it looked like an enormous tsunami had appeared.