Episode 623: The Return of the Demon Instructor
Tarant leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding being swallowed by the collapsing ground beneath him.
Whoosh!
The massive wings that sprouted from his back lifted his heavy body into the sky, creating an imposing sight as if a mountain itself had taken flight. Yet, in this moment, Tarant was more astonished than anyone else, even more so than Sabikang.
Could a human really strike the ground with such force that it would crack and crumble? It felt as if the entire world was falling apart. The sharp energy surging from the fissures in the earth was chillingly threatening. Had he not reacted swiftly, he might have lost a wing to the rising force of the primordial energy.
“Shubitz, you’ve proven my decision was right. That power of yours… I will make it mine!”
With a thunderous roar, Tarant descended upon Sabikang like a falling comet.
Swoosh!
But Sabikang stood his ground, speaking calmly without any intention of dodging.
“I told you, didn’t I? The blood flowing through me is the history of humanity. The wisdom of ancient humans is embedded in the people of this era. So…”
In a flash, Sabikang vanished, only to reappear right in front of the descending Tarant.
“Such power is beyond the reach of a lowly being like you!”
Crash!
As Sabikang’s outstretched hands clashed with Tarant’s magical sword, the sky seemed to shatter. The explosion of energy scattered the storm clouds, and the rain, now infused with energy, flew like daggers in every direction.
Boom!
Each raindrop, carrying the force of a blade, struck the cliffs, causing the massive mountain to groan and crumble.
Rumble…
Tarant, retreating after the clash, looked at his hand in disbelief. His magical sword trembled, unable to contain the overflowing energy. It wasn’t an excess of power; rather, it was the uncontrollable surge that had been unleashed upon meeting Sabikang’s formidable force. It was like the trembling of an arm after exerting too much strength.
For the first time, darkness shadowed Tarant’s expression.
‘Could it be…’
Trying to dismiss the ominous thought, he furrowed his brow and glared at Sabikang, who stood unwavering amidst the crumbling cliffs.
**
“Remarkable… truly remarkable!”
Guyu, peering through a telescope, shivered with awe. Goosebumps covered his body. When the demon king transformed, it seemed like all hope was lost. Sabikang had barely survived with the help of the martial masters, but whether he had reached the pinnacle of martial arts was uncertain. Now, however, there was almost certainty.
‘This is the realm of the ultimate…!’
For the first time, a glimmer of hope emerged.
“What on earth is happening?”
“What’s so amazing? Tell us!”
The martial masters, abandoning their dignity, crowded around like children, demanding answers. Some urged Murang to hurry.
“Is it ready yet?”
“Please, speed it up! This is exasperating!”
“Just a moment longer. It’s almost done.”
Murang was preparing a special technique for the now ordinary-looking martial masters. This technique, similar yet distinct from teleportation, allowed them to see distant objects as if they were close by, using the earth’s energy to bend light like a mirage.
Finally, Murang completed the preparations, burning a talisman and chanting an incantation.
“It’s ready! Everyone, look here!”
At Murang’s call, the martial masters gathered eagerly.
“Oh! It’s so close! It looks like we could reach out and touch it!”
Indeed, the completed technique made distant events appear as if they were within arm’s reach. It also allowed them to observe the flow of energy on the battlefield in detail.
Even in this moment, Guyu thought about teaching this technique to Damugi later. With Damugi’s intelligence, he would surely master Murang’s technique quickly. It would be invaluable for strategizing in wartime.
‘Even in this situation, I’m thinking like this. I guess I can’t help it.’
While he chuckled at himself, the martial masters watched the scene through the telescope, each making their own comments.
“Seeing it like this, that demon king is even more terrifying.”
“But it’s incredible that Sabikang is holding his own against such a foe. Truly a heaven-sent talent!”
“Indeed, he’s like a divine being sent to stop a demon from hell!”
Mok Cheolwoo nodded vigorously, praising Sabikang. Considering his past underestimation of Sabikang, it was a significant change. Yet, no one disagreed with him.
The scene within the technique was nothing short of hellish. Lava erupted, the ground split and crumbled, and cliffs shattered. Amidst it all, a lone human faced a massive demon with wings spread wide.
Sabikang’s form slowly rose into the air.
“Oh, what a magnificent display of movement.”
“Is he moving solely with his energy? Truly astonishing.”
“If only I were ten years younger… but no, I couldn’t have done it.”
At someone’s muttered words, the martial masters burst into laughter.
It was strange. Despite the formidable opponent, seeing Sabikang up close brought a sense of relief. It felt like watching an entertaining spectacle.
They all thought the same: one day, they would recount this event with enthusiasm to those around them. The martial world would continue its legacy. They would proudly say that they had witnessed the great human, Sabikang, who fought against the demon.
And that day would surely come.
At some point, the martial masters fell silent, watching the scene with reverence.
Meanwhile, Tarant spoke, glaring at Sabikang.
“I must admit, I have no choice but to acknowledge it.”
“Have you finally realized?”
Sabikang’s cold smile deepened as he continued.
“But it’s not enough to engrave it in your bones yet. No matter. I’ll make sure you understand. I’ll show you how a weak human becomes strong through emotion. Sometimes desperately, sometimes fiercely, sometimes fearfully. That’s how humans grow stronger.”
Sabikang’s gaze grew deeper than ever. Reaching the pinnacle had changed his perspective entirely. In the past, mastering a single martial art required immense effort. Creating a new technique was even more challenging. But now, he understood everything spontaneously.
The techniques he used now were all improvised. Inspired by Tarant’s disdain for humans, Sabikang named this martial art ‘Heaven and Earth Human World Technique.’
And now, the second move of this technique.
“The second move, the Cry of Despair.”
As he finished speaking, Sabikang swung his hand sharply. His robe fluttered, creating a sound like the wind.
Then.
Screeeeech!
A sound like the wail of lost souls filled the sky, as the primordial energy surged down like a terrifying storm.
It was as if lightning itself was striking down!
Crack! Boom!
The sky seemed to scream in agony.
Crash! Boom! Bang!
Though only two swords fell like comets, the surrounding primordial energy struck the ground, shattering it. Some of the energy beams aimed directly at Tarant’s head.
“Argh!”
Tarant gritted his teeth, forming a magical shield to block the attack.
Crash!
His massive body shook violently. Cracks spread like spiderwebs across the ground, causing a massive earthquake.
Rumble!
Crash! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The relentless downpour of primordial energy was on a different level from mere lightning. This time, Tarant found no opportunity to counterattack. Just blocking the primordial energy was a struggle.
“Ugh!”
Crash!
Finally, with a tremendous explosion, Tarant unleashed his power.
Psssssh!
The intense clash of energy seemed to split the sky, and white smoke billowed up.
The martial masters watching through the telescope blinked repeatedly.
“What happened? Did he die?”
“Could he have survived such a powerful attack?”
“Shh! Something’s moving!”
At someone’s shout, everyone peered into the telescope.
Indeed, a dark silhouette emerged through the thick smoke.
“Schwitz! Your arrogance ends here!”
With a thunderous shout, Tarrant charged at Sabigang.
This time, Tarrant was unleashing every ounce of his strength in a single, decisive blow.
Yet, Sabigang remained utterly still.
Only the two swords hovering before him hummed ominously.
“Hmph! You’re the one who’s overconfident, Schwitz! This is the end for you!”
Finally, the magical swords lunged forward, targeting Sabigang.
The martial experts watching through the celestial mirror gasped in unison.
“Aah!”
“Watch out!”
In that critical moment, something astonishing happened. Sabigang’s intent pierced into Tarrant’s mind.
[Witness the final form of the Heaven and Earth Craft. The Third Form, the Demon Vanquishing Strike.]
Swish!
Tarrant’s eyes widened, and he froze in place.
It was as if time itself had stopped.
Or perhaps it truly had.
What was certain was that something had just sliced diagonally across his entire being.
And then.
Swish! Swish…! Swish! Swish! Swish!
Dozens of beams of light crisscrossed the air chaotically.
The martial experts watching through the celestial mirror were left gaping, unable to move.
To their eyes, it seemed as if the world itself had been cleaved apart.
A diagonal slash appeared at the center of the world, and as it expanded, it fragmented the world into even smaller pieces.
In the next instant.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
The world, shattered into countless fragments, began to collapse.
And the mighty figure of Tarrant, who seemed invincible, started to crumble along with it.