Chapter 55: The Road to Anhui-2
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 55: The Road to Anhui-2
After deploying the troops, the Sword Demon stepped out of his tent to greet the Sect Leader upon hearing of her arrival.
"You look well, Sword Demon."
"I believe my spirits are high because I was able to carry out your instructions right on schedule, Sect Leader."
To an outsider, it might have sounded like blatant flattery, but this was the Sword Demon, a man famous for his deadly seriousness. Since the words coming from his mouth were undoubtedly sincere, the Fist Demon, standing behind the Heavenly Demon, could only marvel at such unwavering loyalty.
The Heavenly Demon naturally took the seat of honor, and the Three Demons took their respective places.
"It seems the Orthodox bastards have scraped together every bit of manpower they have," she remarked.
"Yes. As you saw on your way here, we are currently in a standoff with the full might of the Orthodox sects."
"What are their numbers?"
"Approximately thirty thousand."
"Thirty thousand... and our forces?"
"Slightly less than three thousand."
Hmph. Three thousand.
The Heavenly Demon hummed to herself.
Though the members of the Black Sky Cult were elite and well-trained, their opponents were also renowned martial artists in their own right. With a tenfold numerical disadvantage, one might even say the Sword Demon deserved praise for managing to push the front line this far.
"I should see for myself."
As the Heavenly Demon rose from her seat and walked out, the Three Demons followed close behind. At the sight of her appearance, the three thousand troops standing in formation all prostrated themselves at once.
"We greet the Absolute Ruler of the Black Sky Cult! The Unrivaled Under Heaven! We greet the Sect Leader!"
Their unified voices thundered across the battlefield. Hearing the roar, the enemy camp realized the Heavenly Demon had arrived and braced themselves in tense anticipation.
"Nothing but small fry," the Heavenly Demon remarked dismissively as she scanned the Murim Alliance's forces.
"Indeed they are," the Sword Demon replied, as if he truly shared her sentiment.
"I see the Family Heads and Sect Leaders. Hmph, tiresome wretches. Are there any other peculiarities?"
"There is one strange thing. The Thunder Sword is nowhere to be seen in the enemy camp."
"The Thunder Sword?"
"Namgung So-yeon. You kicked her into the distance last time, Sect Leader."
When the Heavenly Demon turned around with a look that asked, Who is that? the Spirit Demon stepped in to provide further explanation.
"Ah... that girl. She showed some promise, but I suppose she hasn't recovered from her injuries yet?"
The Heavenly Demon murmured as if she had only just remembered.
"I am considering the possibility of an ambush," the Sword Demon said. "Since the Thunder Sword is one of the Murim Alliance's key assets, she will surely appear from somewhere once the fighting begins."
"Fine. I trust you have prepared for that regardless."
Clap!
The Heavenly Demon struck her palms together. The sharp sound sent out a ripple that silenced the murmurs on both sides.
"Today is finally the day we erase the very name of 'Murim' from this world."
She spoke with a voice tinged with slight excitement, as if in genuine anticipation.
"It is only possible because you are with us, Sect Leader."
As the Sword Demon knelt, the Spirit Demon and the Fist Demon bowed their heads in unison.
"Yes. At last, I can complete my grand ambition. Now, let us begin."
The Heavenly Demon replied with a deep, dark smile. She raised her voice, addressing the Black Sky Cult soldiers who were looking up at her.
"Over there, right before your eyes, stand the hypocritical bastards of the Orthodox sects who once discarded and despised you."
"You were the outcasts of this world. With nothing in your hands, you pledged your loyalty to me."
"I took you in, and I granted your wishes one by one."
"To those who craved vengeance, I gave revenge."
"To those who craved power, I gave strength."
"To those who craved a sanctuary, I gave a home."
"Now, I intend to collect what you owe me. Offer up your lives for my sake!"
The moment the Heavenly Demon finished her speech, the Sword Demon bellowed at the top of his lungs.
"All units! Advance!"
"By your command! Everything according to the Heavenly Demon’s will!"
The army of three thousand charged toward the army of thirty thousand without a moment's hesitation.
The earth trembled, and clouds of dust billowed into the air. Driving the yellow dust before them, the cultists became a human tidal wave sweeping across the land. The Sword Demon, the Fist Demon, and the Spirit Demon also joined the fray, drawing their respective weapons.
Watching her troops charge into the distance, the Heavenly Demon whispered to herself.
"Thirty thousand against three thousand. It doesn't seem particularly disadvantageous, but wouldn't it be fairer to balance the numbers a bit?"
Inhale—
Filling her lungs with a long, deep breath, the Heavenly Demon rose into the air.
"The Heavenly Demon! I see her over there!"
Voices drifted over from the enemy camp.
Murmurs, then screams.
The Heavenly Demon wore a satisfied smile at the sounds of chaos and terror erupting from the martial artists.
Internal energy gathered in her fist. Black flames began to flicker and rise from her body as she hovered in the sky. Having drawn everyone's gaze like a burning comet, she let out her breath.
Whew—
The black flames that had covered her entire body condensed into her right fist.
"Naming techniques is a pursuit for the mediocre, but since this is a name you gave me, I shall make an exception and say it aloud."
Thinking of her disciple who was likely idling away back at the cult's palace, she gave a small smirk and threw a straight punch.
"Heavenly Demon Fist."
The black flames fired from her fist soared over the heads of the charging cultists and slammed directly into the heart of the enemy camp.