Chapter 61: Crazy Bitch VS Three Demons-2
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 61: Crazy Bitch VS Three Demons-2
Neither the army of the Orthodox Sect standing behind the Thunder Sword nor the forces of the Black Sky Cult backing the Three Demons made a move.
They remained as still as figures in a painting, the only reminders of their humanity being the occasional sound of someone swallowing hard or the way they swayed when a sudden gust of wind swept through.
The only ones moving freely were the Thunder Sword, the Three Demons, and In-ho, who was currently hovering between life and death.
"Young Sect Leader..."
The Spirit Demon spoke with a pained expression, watching the uncharacteristically weakened state of their leader.
"So, that is the Young Sect Leader."
The Sword Demon spoke quietly, observing the reactions of the Spirit Demon and the Fist Demon.
Perhaps sensing the enemies' gaze focusing on him, Namgung So-yeon pulled In-ho—who looked ready to collapse—closer into a tight embrace.
"You're all making things so difficult for Young Master Kang. Oh, what should I do? He’s dripping with sweat."
"……."
Malnutrition, dehydration, and the physical toll of being dragged to the battlefield by the Thunder Sword—the burden placed on In-ho’s body was far too much for an ordinary person to bear.
"Is she even in her right mind?"
"Are your eyes just for show? It’s obvious she isn't," the Spirit Demon snapped irritably when the Fist Demon asked her in a daze.
The Spirit Demon clicked her tongue and scrutinized Namgung So-yeon. She had faced the Thunder Sword many times before. Usually, the Thunder Sword’s energy was disciplined, clear, and radiant.
But something had happened in that short span of time; her energy had inverted. It was now turbid, fluctuating, and surging with a crimson hue.
Had she dabbled in some forbidden art? The Spirit Demon was at a loss for words at the sheer magnitude of the change.
"However..."
The Sword Demon broke the long silence.
"The fact that you brought the Young Sect Leader here means you attacked the Black Sky Cult."
At his words, the Spirit Demon and the Fist Demon realized what they had overlooked and looked at the Thunder Sword in dismay.
"S-Surely..."
"Did Brother Jegal...?"
Namgung So-yeon giggled, still clinging to In-ho.
"Ah~ Yes, that’s right. He was very, very persistent."
"He isn't... alive, is he?"
When the Sword Demon asked slowly, the Thunder Sword gave a bright smile.
"Of course not~"
"You absolute bitch!!!"
"Hey! You idiot, stop!"
Provoked by the Thunder Sword, the Spirit Demon drew her daggers and lunged. The Fist Demon tried to grab her, but she was far too fast for him to catch.
"Die!!"
In an instant, the Spirit Demon took the Thunder Sword’s back and swung her daggers down. Suddenly, the Thunder Sword’s body blurred.
Clang!
The Thunder Sword, now standing beside the Spirit Demon, swung her blade toward the woman's waist, only for the Sword Demon’s greatsword to interpose itself in the trajectory.
"Wow... you actually reacted to that?"
The Thunder Sword praised the Sword Demon as if she were truly impressed, her left arm still hooked around In-ho.
"You won't be able to face me with only one hand."
The Sword Demon took a stance, preparing for battle.
"Spirit Demon, do not lose your composure. Hwi’s death is tragic, but if you let your emotions consume you, your blade will lose its edge."
"...I'm sorry."
The Spirit Demon, whose posture had crumbled, stood back up and replied.
[Do not think of her as the Thunder Sword of the past. For some reason, she has become much stronger.]
The Sword Demon’s telepathic message reached the Spirit Demon and the Fist Demon.
[We must eliminate her as quickly as possible. The enemy troops are staying still for now, but if this drags on, they will attack our forces.]
[And... we must rescue the Young Sect Leader immediately.]
"What are you all whispering about so secretly?"
Namgung So-yeon sneered, noticing their telepathy. She slightly loosened her grip on In-ho’s waist.
"Young Master Kang, please bear with it just a little longer. I’ll go bring you a very delicious meal."
After seating In-ho in a suitable spot, Namgung So-yeon took her stance. A crimson aura began to slowly rise from her shoulders and back.
"It seems you’ve practiced Qi Absorption. Given the abnormal nature of your internal energy and your rapid growth in such a short time," the Sword Demon observed coolly.
"Yeah, so? What of it? Everyone I meet keeps blathering on about Qi Absorption and Blood Demons. It’s getting quite tedious."
"How sad. I had hoped we could still speak through our swords."
When the Sword Demon spoke with genuine regret, Namgung So-yeon burst into laughter.
"Is that impossible now? Or is this just the pathetic whining of a loser claiming that strength gained through Qi Absorption isn't real strength?"
"It is only natural, as one who walked the path of the sword has strayed into the heretical path. However, this isn't an excuse made out of fear. I do not believe I will lose to you."
The Sword Demon countered smoothly.
"Those words... can you back them up?"
"I am the Sword Demon. I do not tell lies. The only person I cannot defeat is the Sect Leader."
The psychological warfare reached its peak. They put strength into their legs, ready to spring forward at any moment.
Whoosh!
As the greatsword sliced through the air, the resulting wind ruffled her hair. It wasn't a sharp blade of qi meant to cleave through an army, but merely the wind generated by the sword's weight. It lacked lethality, but it was more than enough as a provocation.
"Your blood doesn't look particularly tasty, but I suppose I need to fill my stomach."
Cracking her neck, Namgung So-yeon released her energy. It was a thick, blood-colored aura that made the very air tremble and struck fear into those who beheld it.
The Sword Demon pushed back, raising his own energy to meet hers. A clash between a deep blue aura and a dark crimson one.
The two energies vied for dominance over the space between them.
The auras pushed and pulled repeatedly until they neutralized each other with a sharp pop. Taking that as the signal, the two swordsmen lunged at one another.