Episode 612: Return of the Demon Sect Leader

“Have you ever witnessed anything like this?”

Gu Yoon asked, his face a mask of despair.

Mu Rang turned his head slightly to look at Gu Yoon. In Gu Yoon’s clear eyes, the reflection of the scorched earth was evident.

Mu Rang shifted his gaze back to the distant hill below. The ground was boiling with geothermal heat, steam rising thickly, mingled with the heavy scent of blood. Lava flowed across the vast land, the earth cracked open, and amidst it all, hundreds of thousands of warriors clashed fiercely.

The air was filled with the sounds of battle cries, screams, the clash of weapons, and the roars of monsters. If there was a hell, it might look like this.

Gu Yoon shook his head slowly. “No, even hell might be better. At least there, you wouldn’t be tormented by the false promise of hope.”

“But it’s that very hope that keeps us going.”

“Hope without reason, though, isn’t it?”

“Why do you say there’s no reason? Every hope has its foundation.”

“And what foundation is that?”

“The fact that we’ve done our utmost. If we hadn’t, then yes, it would be baseless hope. But you and I, we’ve given it our all, haven’t we?”

Gu Yoon furrowed his brow, lost in thought. Had he truly done his best? Even now, countless people were risking their lives on that battlefield. Some were fleeing from monsters only to fall into streams of lava, their bodies dissolving in an instant. Others, overcome by the sulfurous fumes rising from the ground, wandered in a daze, only to be trampled to death. Some died fighting the monsters, while others met their end in the throes of grief over a fallen comrade.

And here he was, standing on this hill, merely watching those deaths unfold.

As despair gnawed at his heart, Mu Rang’s calm voice broke through. “Overthinking leads to leaps of logic. Haven’t you ever experienced that? When you keep mulling over a word until its meaning becomes unclear? All thoughts are like that. Don’t think too deeply. What we need now is a broader perspective.”

“I understand.”

“To them, you are hope. Just like the Lady of Sabikang, you are important. And for us… we still have one last move, don’t we? Whether it works or not, we must never let go of the thread of hope. That’s the only way to try anything.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Gu Yoon nodded and turned his gaze back to the battlefield. It was a scene straight out of a nightmare. Terrifying demons rampaged among the warriors, slaughtering indiscriminately. The only thing keeping them at bay was Helmut and his knights, who were somewhat accustomed to dealing with such creatures.

Yet, the feeling of being overwhelmingly outmatched was undeniable. And where Sabikang and the Demon King clashed, thunderous sounds had been echoing for some time. Every time Gu Yoon peered through the telescope, Sabikang seemed to be in dire straits. Even to Gu Yoon, who knew little of martial arts, the Demon King appeared overwhelmingly powerful compared to Sabikang.

“It seems we have no choice but to use our last resort…”

Gu Yoon clenched his teeth and looked at Mu Rang. “How many do you think will come?”

“Hard to say. It’s not an easy decision.”

“True. They’d have to give up their lives as warriors.”

“Still… I believe many will come.”

“Why do you think so? You know how deeply martial artists are attached to their skills.”

Gu Yoon asked, a hint of worry in his voice. He hoped Mu Rang’s optimism wasn’t misplaced, fearing disappointment. But Mu Rang’s response brought a sense of understanding to Gu Yoon.

“Honestly, it’s not the martial artists I trust, but the Lady of Sabikang. Those influenced by him… I believe they can make such a monumental decision.”

Gu Yoon, momentarily stunned, broke into a smile. “Perhaps you’re right.”

Let it be so.

Just then, a gust of wind swept by, and a voice called out from behind them.

“Hope we’re not too late.”

Gu Yoon turned to see the long-awaited faces appearing one by one. The first to speak was Mok Cheol-woo, the head of the Swordwood Clan. Alongside him were the leaders of renowned martial sects, including Yeon Gang-baek of the Paekum Clan. Even Nam Un-pyeong of the Shinwol Sect and Tae Go-ryeong of the Mangum Family, who had ties with Sabikang from the past, were present.

Others, like Dan Li-chu, father of Dan Li-jeong, Jeong Gyu-hong of the Hyesung Sect, and Ho Yo-beom of the Cheongcheon Sect, all those with any connection to Sabikang, had gathered. Even former notorious leaders of the dark sects were there.

Gu Yoon looked around at them, overwhelmed with emotion. “Thank you all… truly.”

As Gu Yoon bowed in gratitude, they all waved it off.

“We’re doing this to survive. No need for thanks.”

“Indeed, it’s a crisis for all humanity. We must survive together. What’s a bit of martial prowess compared to that?”

“Isn’t this why we train our disciples? To prepare for times like these?”

“Exactly. It’s time for a new generation to take over. Haha.”

The martial leaders joked and laughed, but Gu Yoon knew the gravity of their decision. As he looked around, his gaze settled on one figure.

“Isn’t that the Lord of Yongcheon?”

Gu Yoon exclaimed in surprise, and Eun Gi-ryung, the white-bearded lord, smiled as he stroked his beard. “Good to see you, strategist.”

“But what brings you here…?”

“I was a bit hurt you didn’t send me a letter.”

“But…”

Gu Yoon hesitated. He hadn’t sent a letter to Eun Gi-ryung, considering his relationship with Sabikang. He wanted to encourage voluntary participation without imposing any burden.

Yet, here he was, without even receiving a letter. Eun Gi-ryung explained the mystery.

“Master Sang informed me about the letter. I happened to hear about it from a sect leader nearby.”

“I see.”

“Indeed. I wanted to help the Lady of Sabikang, so I came along. I didn’t expect so many esteemed martial leaders to be here. I hope I’m not in the way.”

“Not at all! But… are you sure you understand the letter’s contents?”

Gu Yoon asked cautiously, and Eun Gi-ryung nodded.

“I understand. It’s about transferring all our internal energy to the Lady of Sabikang, leaving only enough innate energy to live as ordinary people.”

Eun Gi-ryung’s words seemed to reaffirm the resolve of the other martial leaders, their expressions turning serious.

Gu Yoon addressed them, “Are you all sure about this? You’ll be transferring even your innate energy, leaving just enough to live as ordinary people.”

“How many times must we say it? You may be sharper than us, strategist, but our memories aren’t that poor.”

Yeon Gang-baek’s jest brought laughter from the martial leaders.

Gu Yoon could hardly believe what he was witnessing. He never imagined so many would gather.

When Gu Yoon first heard that Sabikang might not reach the pinnacle of martial arts, he had a deep conversation with Mu Rang. Together, they prepared a last resort.

The conclusion they reached required the help of the martial leaders. It was a method that demanded self-sacrifice and dedication to others.

“Only humans can do this. Perhaps it’s a divine message, urging us to face the demons in the most human way possible.”

Mu Rang had said, stroking his beard.

Following that, Mu Rang began crafting talismans for the final plan, Jo Shin-ryang worked on creating a device to harness the energy, and Gu Yoon sent out letters to the martial leaders.

The letter, penned by Dam Woo-gi, was heartfelt and moved the martial leaders to action. It was a plan that could only succeed if the martial world united.

Gu Yoon was the one who first conceived the idea, Jo Shin-ryang crafted the device, and Jin Baek was responsible for creating the liquid to be used. The martial leaders would provide the immense energy, and Mu Rang would handle the technique to liquefy it.

“Now that we have enough gathered, let’s get started. I can’t bear to watch our comrades fall any longer.”

At someone’s shout, everyone nodded and gathered together. With dozens of martial leaders in one place, Gu Yoon felt a surge of confidence.

But it wasn’t something they could execute immediately.

“I’m sorry, but you’ll have to wait a bit.”

“Is there a problem?”

“The device to contain your energy hasn’t arrived yet. Master Shin is doing his best, so please be patient.”

“Oh, I see. Then let’s head down there and lend a hand.”

“Yes! I’ll feel better once I’ve taken down a few demons!”

Voices rose from all around, but Yeon Gang-baek shook his head, speaking with a calm authority that commanded attention.

“Right now, it’s best not to act rashly. We should observe the situation first. If you get injured, you might not be able to pass on your inner power. Wouldn’t it be wiser to use this time to cultivate your energy, even if just a little, to ensure you can pass on the best of your abilities?”

“That’s a wise suggestion!”

Taegoryeong, the head of the House of Ten Thousand Swords, nodded in agreement.

With that, everyone else expressed their consent and sat down cross-legged, beginning to channel their inner energy. They were striving to pass on the purest energy possible.

Just then, Eungiryong approached Murang and asked quietly, “But… their energies are all different, and some aren’t even from orthodox sects. Is it really okay to infuse all that power?”

Murang turned his gaze to the distant Sabigang and replied, “I can’t be certain. But… he’s at the brink of the Heavenly Realm, so we have to hope he can absorb it all. Besides, we have no other immediate solution.”

“I see. Understood.”

With that, Eungiryong also sat down cross-legged and began to channel his energy.

Guyun followed Murang’s gaze to Sabigang. ‘Master, can you see? So many have gathered here to help you, each risking their own lives. Please, stay strong!’

Guyun clenched his teeth gently. He hadn’t told Sabigang about this last resort, fearing he might oppose it. If Sabigang knew that dozens of martial artists were sacrificing their lives to share their power, he might refuse.

So, it was a plan kept secret from him, a final measure prepared without his knowledge. And whether it would work or not was uncertain. But isn’t there a saying that sincerity moves heaven?

Now, having done everything possible, they could only leave it to fate.

‘Master of the Divine Water Pavilion, everyone is here! We’re ready! Please hurry!’

At that moment—

BOOM!

CRACKLE!

A thunderous roar echoed from the place where Sabigang and the Demon King were battling.