Episode 464: Return to the Demonic Sect
Dan Lijeong shouted in alarm.
“You can’t! It’s too dangerous for you to go alone, Chief!”
But Maeseollan had no intention of retreating. The thought of never seeing Sabigang again left a pang of regret in her heart.
‘I really did like him a lot.’
Just then, a calm voice interrupted them.
“Chief, you should go. I’ll hold them off.”
Maeseollan and Dan Lijeong turned to see Ong Giseung standing there.
“What are you saying? You can’t handle him alone…”
“I have this one with me.”
Whoooosh!
Suddenly, a massive spirit appeared behind Ong Giseung, its presence so overwhelming that even Maeseollan and Dan Lijeong flinched and stepped back.
“Chief, you have many responsibilities. If the demonic forces are searching for the exit to Jiryongdo, you must lead our warriors.”
Ong Giseung had accurately grasped what Maeseollan was considering.
“You…”
“Trust me and go. I’ll manage somehow.”
Ong Giseung’s eyes widened with determination, a resolve that would not be broken.
In that moment, Maeseollan recalled Sabigang’s words.
“Keep an eye on Ong Giseung. In a crisis, he could be a great asset. Though, he’s still a double-edged sword.”
The aura of the spirit behind Ong Giseung was indeed extraordinary. Yet, leaving him alone weighed heavily on her heart.
Ong Giseung insisted once more.
“Chief, don’t let personal feelings cloud your duty. Trust me and go!”
Maeseollan bit her lip in frustration. If only she were stronger, things wouldn’t have come to this. It was humbling to be advised by a subordinate. But rationally, she knew Ong Giseung was right.
Finally, she made up her mind and nodded.
“Alright, I’m counting on you.”
“Don’t worry.”
With a faint smile, Ong Giseung replied, and Maeseollan turned swiftly, heading towards the main battlefield. Lingering would only increase her hesitation.
As Dan Lijeong moved to follow, Ong Giseung called out.
“Wait, let’s talk for a moment.”
Dan Lijeong hesitated, then turned back.
In the forest northeast of the Infinite Mountains, the underbrush rustled as people began to emerge one by one. This was the exit to Jiryongdo, created by the Demonic Sect.
Hidden among the rocks was a narrow passage, from which warriors of the Demonic Sect continuously poured out. As Gojoksan and the Iron Blood Brigade emerged, Jinbaek led the medics and the wounded out.
Instructors and students followed, with Gojoksan and the Iron Blood Brigade standing guard until everyone was out. The narrow passage made the process lengthy.
Finally, Maeseollan emerged.
“Look out! It’s the Demonic Cult!”
One of the Iron Blood Brigade members shouted at the top of his lungs.
Clang! Clang!
Instructors and students drew their swords, readying themselves, while Maeseollan leapt onto a tree branch, shouting orders.
“Secure the perimeter and evacuate the wounded first!”
But Dan Lijeong’s voice rang out.
“It’s impossible! We’re completely surrounded!”
“Damn it!”
Maeseollan bit her lip in frustration.
In an instant,
Whoosh!
An arrow imbued with energy flew towards them.
Clang!
A swift sword stroke deflected the arrow. Dan Lijeong quickly nocked an arrow and fired back.
Whoosh!
Thud!
“Aaargh!”
A distant scream echoed.
“Attack!”
“Charge!”
Cries erupted from the forest as demonic warriors charged, exuding a dark aura.
Maeseollan quickly assessed the situation and shouted towards the cliff.
“Everyone, fall back to the cliff!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Clang! Thud! Thud!
“Take this!”
“Aaargh!”
“Die, you demonic scum!”
“Crush them all!”
The clashing of metal and shouts filled the forest, which was soon drenched in the scent of blood and cries.
Following Maeseollan’s orders, the warriors of the Demonic Sect retreated towards the cliff. With no escape route, they aimed to reduce enemy numbers as much as possible, fighting fiercely with their backs to the wall.
However, the enemy’s numbers were overwhelming. With the addition of the First, Third, and Fourth Demonic Lords unleashing their brutal martial arts, the morale of the Demonic Sect’s warriors began to wane.
Maeseollan bit her lip hard.
‘This is dangerous…!’
In the distance, she could see the Demonic Sect below the cliff, where Ong Giseung was likely fighting alone. She couldn’t afford to fall here, having led her warriors this far.
She needed to eliminate the most threatening disciples of the cult leader first.
Resolute, Maeseollan launched herself forward, shouting.
“Dan Lijeong, cover me!”
“Yes!”
Whoosh!
Thud!
“Aaargh!”
Two demonic warriors fell, struck down as they charged at Maeseollan. Dan Lijeong focused on sniping from a high branch, with Min Yuhyang and Baek Mireong covering him.
Meanwhile, Maeseollan charged towards the First Demonic Lord, her twin swords flashing.
Swish! Swish!
Two streaks of light arced towards the First Demonic Lord, who turned with a sneer.
“Pathetic!”
Clang!
His broad blade deflected the swords. But he had no time to rest.
“Haaah!”
Seolaehyang, who had approached unnoticed, slashed diagonally with a sharp cry.
Clang!
The tremendous clash of metal forced the First Demonic Lord back.
At that moment, Jeokmurin attacked from behind.
“Take this!”
His sword was enveloped in a powerful energy, capable of shattering even a massive boulder. It was Jeokmurin’s deadly technique, the Mountain-Crushing Sword.
In a split second, a subordinate of the First Demonic Lord blocked the attack, shouting.
“Not so fast! Haaah!”
Clang!
The clash was immense, and the subordinate coughed up blood.
“Ugh!”
He died on the spot, his eyes rolling back. The energy that pierced him also affected the First Demonic Lord behind him.
If not for his defense, the First Demonic Lord would have been in danger. The Mountain-Crushing Sword’s technique included a method to strike through obstacles, making it possible.
Regardless, the subordinate had sacrificed himself to protect the First Demonic Lord.
The First Demonic Lord glanced at the fallen subordinate and muttered.
“Useful enough.”
It was the highest respect he could offer the dead.
“No more games.”
With that, the First Demonic Lord gripped his blade tightly.
Whoosh!
Dark energy exploded, enveloping the blade in a crimson aura.
Whirr, whirr, whirr!
The blade seemed alive, twisting and shrieking.
Maeseollan, Jeokmurin, and Seolaehyang tensed, swallowing dryly.
In the next moment,
Whoosh!
The blade unleashed a wave of energy in all directions.
It was the same technique he used to destroy the mechanism, the Demonic Blade’s Devastation.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
“Aaargh!”
“Ugh!”
Once again, his energy spread indiscriminately, affecting both allies and enemies.
Maeseollan and Jeokmurin barely managed to block it, but Seolaehyang was caught off guard and swept away.
Thud!
“Aaah!”
Seolaehyang, injured internally, was flung back, and Jeokmurin rushed to her side, shouting.
“Lady Hongmyo!”
“I’m… I’m fine…!”
Seolaehyang wiped the blood from her lips, speaking with difficulty.
The two looked at the First Demonic Lord with fear.
He was far stronger than they had anticipated.
Maeseollan bit her lip hard, drawing blood, but she didn’t care.
‘We’ve fought with all our might, even combined our efforts. We’ve done everything…!’
Yet victory seemed impossible.
It felt like facing Sabigang, an insurmountable wall.
She was at a loss for what to do.
‘I’ve never missed you more than today.’
Maeseollan let out a self-deprecating laugh.
In the distance, she saw Seol Seorin and Wigumjong battling the Third Demonic Lord.
Seol Seorin, with a deep grudge against the Third Demonic Lord, fought with desperation and intensity.
Swish, boom!
The flaming tail of the demon struck the ground, sending debris flying, and the Third Demonic Lord crossed his arms to block it.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
From the tip of Makan’s tail, sharp, insect-like spikes shot out, skewering the demons that had been charging from all directions.
Thud, thud, thud…!
As the demons fell, the Tri-Spirit Demon turned its fiery gaze on Seol Seorin and charged.
“You insolent girl!”
Once more, the Tri-Spirit Demon leapt into the air.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
With a flurry of fists, he unleashed his Stormbreaker Fist, creating the illusion of dozens of punches raining down from above.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The ground around Seol Seorin erupted into craters as the force of the blows landed indiscriminately.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
“Ugh!”
Standing firm in front of Seol Seorin, deflecting every blow, was none other than Wi Geomjong. Yet even he couldn’t withstand the Tri-Spirit Demon’s relentless assault forever. Blood spewed from his mouth as he fell to his knees.
“Don’t get cocky!”
With a swift, slicing motion, the Tri-Spirit Demon lunged at Wi Geomjong.
Despite his massive frame, his speed was astonishing. Just as his knee was about to connect with Wi Geomjong’s face—
Whoosh!
“Huh!”
A sudden burst of energy from the side forced the Tri-Spirit Demon to twist away, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Crash!
A crimson aura clashed with his own, filling the air with a red mist.
‘Is that… demonic energy?’
He hadn’t expected this.
He hadn’t expected to be ambushed by demonic energy.
But soon, he understood.
“You traitorous bastard…!”
The one who had launched the attack was none other than Ja Unryong.
The Tri-Spirit Demon, eyes wide with rage, was about to unleash his fury when—
Rumble!
Makan’s tail whipped through the air.
“Tch! Annoying!”
The Tri-Spirit Demon clicked his tongue and sent out another wave of energy.
But Makan’s tail, as if anticipating the move, deftly dodged the attack and coiled around the Tri-Spirit Demon’s body, like a snake ensnaring its prey.
Squeeze!
As Makan’s tail tightened its grip, Seol Seorin’s tattoo glowed fiercely on her cheek.
And then—
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
Once more, insect-like spikes shot out from Makan’s tail, targeting the Tri-Spirit Demon.
But his body, trained in the Iron Skin Technique, turned a dark, metallic hue, deflecting the spikes with ease.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The Tri-Spirit Demon smirked.
“I’m not so easily defeated.”
Seol Seorin replied with a cold expression.
“I know. You thick-headed fool.”
“What?”
“I already know your weakness.”
In an instant—
Whoosh!
The Tri-Spirit Demon felt a chill run down his spine and turned his head.
Ja Unryong was already soaring up behind him, a cold smile on his lips.
The Tri-Spirit Demon shouted in shock.
“No…!”
Slice!
Thud, roll…
Before he could finish his sentence, his head was severed, rolling away with eyes still wide in disbelief.