Episode 115: Return to the Demon Sect
The Shadow Ring.
A magical belt worn around the waist, it activates a shield when it senses a nearby threat, splitting its buckle into two dagger-like projectiles. This rare magical item, capable of both defense and counterattack, is highly sought after even in the demon realm.
Mages, vulnerable to close-range physical attacks due to the time required for spellcasting, find the Shadow Ring invaluable for covering this weakness.
Alongside the Shadow Ring, another coveted item among mages is the Black Hive. At first glance, it appears to be an ordinary belt, but a closer look reveals a surface covered in tiny protrusions, resembling a honeycomb.
While the Shadow Ring is designed for defense against close-range attacks, the Black Hive is meant for offensive strikes against multiple foes. Unlike the Shadow Ring, which activates automatically, the Black Hive requires the user to channel mana. When activated, the protrusions launch like a swarm of bees, attacking the enemy.
However, the Black Hive’s major drawback is its extreme mana consumption. For someone like Cheok Gilyang, who couldn’t use mana, it was merely a decorative belt.
Another magical item of note is the Dragon Eye. Despite its name, it isn’t an actual dragon’s eye. This magical item, crafted in the demon realm, reveals a small lens when its surface is peeled back. Worn over one eye, it grants vision in darkness and the ability to zoom in and out, offering a telescopic view. It also includes heat and mana detection skills.
Unaware of these features, Cheok Gilyang saw it as nothing more than a pretty gem.
These three magical items were originally packed together in a single box destined for the central plains from the demon realm. Due to environmental factors, the protective barrier failed, leaving them exposed to the elements. Cheok Gilyang happened upon them by chance.
Two years later, during the Great War, Cheok Gilyang would meet his end, buried under rubble in a cave.
“That’s why I never knew where these magical items ended up.”
Fortunately, the intelligence network of the Ghost Shadow Clan revealed that Cheok Gilyang had possessed them.
Meanwhile, Cheok Gilyang was astounded by the items he had stumbled upon. He had discovered the Shadow Ring’s function by accident but knew nothing about the other two. He kept them as treasures, suspecting their significance due to their association with the Shadow Ring.
Now, someone who recognized their value had appeared, much to his delight.
Cheok Gilyang quickly led Bok Lichu into a private chamber within the lord’s hall, eager to show off his collection.
Bok Lichu, who was actually Sabikang in disguise, smiled faintly at the sight of the Black Hive and Dragon Eye.
“My goodness. I never thought I’d see these in person. Where on earth did you find them?”
Cheok Gilyang’s expression turned cold, signaling that further questions were unwelcome.
Realizing his mistake, Sabikang quickly backtracked. “Ah, my apologies. I was just overwhelmed by the sight of such rare items.”
“Are they truly that remarkable?”
“Absolutely. They’re nearly impossible to find in the central plains.”
Cheok Gilyang’s face lit up with a subtle smile. “I discovered the Shadow Ring’s function by chance, but I have no idea how to use the others. I assumed they were extraordinary, given their association with the ring.”
“Understandable. Few in the central plains would know about these items.”
“Is that so?”
“Indeed.”
“Do you know how to use them, Bok Daein?”
“Hmm.”
Feigning contemplation, Sabikang continued, “Even I’m not entirely familiar with them. But with some thought, I might figure out their use. May I examine them more closely?”
“Go ahead.”
Cheok Gilyang agreed without hesitation, assuming Sabikang was merely an appraiser with no martial skills.
“Thank you. Then…”
Sabikang carefully picked up the Black Hive.
‘As expected, no damage.’
He inspected it for any signs of wear, given its exposure after the barrier’s failure.
After a moment, Cheok Gilyang asked, “Do you know how to use it? It doesn’t seem like an ordinary belt.”
“Yes, it’s indeed a magical item. I think I understand how it works.”
Cheok Gilyang’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Oh? How does it work?”
With a faint smile, Sabikang fastened the Black Hive around his waist. “This is called the ‘Black Hive.’ You wear it like this.”
“And then?”
“You use mana.”
“Mana? What’s that?”
A cold smile crept across Sabikang’s lips. “Like this.”
Without warning,
Swoosh!
The protrusions on the belt shot into the air.
Whoosh!
In an instant, the black spikes swarmed toward Cheok Gilyang.
In a split second, the Shadow Ring activated its shield, and Cheok Gilyang himself raised a protective barrier to deflect the spikes.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The spikes ricocheted off with a cacophony like sizzling oil.
Meanwhile, Sabikang swiftly pocketed the Dragon Eye from the table.
“Not so easy to kill, are you?”
Cheok Gilyang’s brow furrowed at Sabikang’s icy voice.
“Who are you?”
“Just someone here to reclaim what’s mine.”
“You! You’re from the righteous alliance!”
Cheok Gilyang lunged at Sabikang, his sword slicing through the air toward Sabikang’s neck.
Thud!
Sabikang sidestepped, evading the strike.
Swish!
The blade cut through empty air.
‘A master!’
Cheok Gilyang’s frown deepened. He had assumed Sabikang knew no martial arts, but now it was clear his opponent was a formidable master.
Yet, Cheok Gilyang had the Shadow Ring. It had helped him defeat even greater masters before.
Clang!
As expected, the Shadow Ring transformed into daggers, hurtling toward Sabikang.
Sabikang deftly parried with his sword.
Clang!
Using the momentary distraction, Cheok Gilyang closed in on Sabikang, his sword arcing toward Sabikang’s head.
‘This is the end.’
Just as he thought it would be over quickly,
Crash!
Cheok Gilyang’s sword struck the ground instead.
He widened his eyes.
“Over here.”
The voice came from behind him.
As Cheok Gilyang spun around,
Boom!
Sabikang’s kick landed squarely in his abdomen.
Thanks to the Shadow Ring’s shield, he avoided a fatal blow.
“Ugh!”
But the force sent Cheok Gilyang crashing through the wall, landing in the courtyard.
The warriors enjoying a feast outside sprang to their feet, drawing their swords.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
They quickly surrounded Cheok Gilyang, who lay on the ground, and turned their attention to Sabikang, who emerged from the hall.
Seeing this, Jo Muntak and Dan Lijeong rushed to Sabikang’s side.
Meanwhile, Cheok Gilyang struggled to his feet, wiping blood from his mouth.
“You bastard… Who are you?”
“I told you. I’m here to reclaim what’s mine.”
“You scoundrel. You’re not Bok Lichu.”
“Heh. You’re only realizing that now? Too late. Listen well.”
Sabikang’s eyes sharpened.
“From this moment, whatever you possess, if I desire it, it becomes mine. Whether it’s alive or dead. Even your life. Understand?”
“What?”
Cheok Gilyang’s eyebrow twitched.
Suddenly, he burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! You’re quite the amusing lunatic. Go ahead, try to take what you want.”
With that, Cheok Gilyang signaled, and ten warriors leaped toward Sabikang.
Thud!
In that instant, Sabikang waved his hand, murmuring,
“Fire Wall.”
Whoosh!
Flames erupted in a fan shape before Sabikang.
“Ugh!”
“Aaah!”
The wall of flames rose like a barrier, forcing many of the charging warriors to retreat, their skin scorched by the intense heat.
The one at the forefront was not so lucky; he was consumed by the searing fire and perished on the spot.
“What… what is this?!”
“Is it some kind of sorcery?”
The warriors stared in disbelief at the blazing inferno before them.
Meanwhile, Sabigang fixed his gaze on the fiery wall, then pointed decisively at a spot.
“Jeong-ah, there. Shoot. After that, both of you should stay hidden.”
No sooner had he spoken than Danrijung drew her bowstring taut.
In an instant.
Thwack!
With a sharp, piercing sound, her arrow flew from the bow.
Whoosh!
Simultaneously, Sabigang launched himself forward, his feet pounding the ground.
The arrow soared through the wall of flames, heading straight for Cheokgiryang.
Swoosh!
Just as a shield materialized around Cheokgiryang’s body.
Clang!
Danrijung’s arrow ricocheted off with a loud clang.
In the next moment, Sabigang burst through the fiery barrier, bringing his sword down with all his weight on Vertas.
In that fleeting moment, Cheokgiryang realized that his dark ring shield wouldn’t withstand Sabigang’s assault.
Quickly, he raised his sword to block Sabigang’s strike.
Clang!
As expected, the shield shattered, and Vertas clashed with Cheokgiryang’s blade.
The fierce energy from both combatants collided, sending a powerful gust in all directions.
The dark ring, which had been rushing toward Sabigang, was also swept away by the force.
Cheokgiryang, having taken the full brunt of Vertas, slid back about five paces.
Sabigang smirked.
“You’re certainly different from the ones I’ve faced before. Now, let’s begin the real battle.”