An unprecedented power surged forth from the blade, slicing through space.
In front of it stood a crimson-scaled barrier.
Clang! Swish—!
Immediately after, there was a loud screech, as if metal was grinding together, followed by splashes of fresh blood.
The scale-like armor was torn away in an instant, leaving the arm ragged, with several fingers severed, drifting into the air.
“Whooo! Now this is getting hot!”
For an ordinary person, it would have been a shockingly serious injury, but Harley didn’t even blink at his own blood, bursting into maniacal laughter as he pressed deeper into the fray.
Consumed by madness and completely losing his rationality, he exhibited a wildness that showed no signs of retreating, no matter the damage he sustained.
Yet, with every movement he made, the principles of martial arts demonstrated that he was utilizing his strength much more efficiently than before.
Boom!
With a surge of crimson energy, the demon sword, condensed with all the darkness of the world, collided directly with him once more.
The atmosphere screamed from the shock, and the surrounding scenery shattered under the impact.
The two beings glared intensely at each other, their faces contorted in ferocity.
“Ugh! It seems it’s about time to land a hit. What a stubborn fellow you are!”
“That’s what I should be saying to you, you monster… No matter how much of a demon you are, there are limits. What kind of monster are you, anyway? Are you perhaps the offspring of the Dragon God?”
“Hah! Who knows? Maybe I’ve just eaten a lot of good stuff?”
“There’s no way a demon like you is moving around alone. I take it this is the intent of Gonmudo as a whole? You should just stay hidden like before, huh? The monsters are hurriedly pushing their orders.”
The Heavenly Demon growled lowly, meeting the sharp claws flying towards his face with his demon sword.
A smirk twitched at the corner of Harley’s mouth as he sensed some information behind that self-assured comment.
‘Gonmudo?’
His eyes sharpened with interest.
From what he said, it seemed he was convinced that he belonged to that faction…
‘Of course. There’s a separate organization made up of demons!’
And seemingly a rather large one, considering it encompassed most of the demons.
This was information he hadn’t encountered despite spending a considerable amount of time in the Ganghwan Realm.
Even while dual-tasking with gathering data from Earth and receiving assistance from the Zhuge Family— renowned among esteemed families— he had been meticulously investigating local factions!
‘No, perhaps the Zhuge Family might have known about it. It sounds like Gonmudo hasn’t shown itself to the world in quite some time.’
Thinking back, the data he had requested revolved around what kind of factions governed each region.
With so many factions running rampant across this vast land, it was impossible to scrutinize each of them individually.
‘Alright, thanks to this, I have more to look into. Gonmudo, huh…’
How to use that down the line was secondary; in the current situation, he had his lines to deliver.
“Hah! How long did you think we would just sit back and watch? We will never overlook your scheme!”
“You’re dreaming. No matter how much you struggle now, it’s too late. Our plans are already progressing smoothly.”
He had only casually thrown words into the air to the situation, but he obtained another piece of information.
Whether it was from sheer confidence, believing they already knew, or something else altogether.
‘…So, this manipulation by the Demon Cult isn’t just this attack, right?’
It seemed the Buncheon Society had its eyes set on more than just tearing out the Dragon Heart and draining its energy from the Ganghwan Realm.
As he grasped the evolving situation, a creeping anxiety began to rise— handling things placidly like before could lead to failure.
‘…I need to increase the resources I commit to this side.’
As he silently resolved this and decided to amend his approach and be more proactive, the fight escalated further.
“Amitabha— Heavenly Demon, do not forget that even Bodhisattva is present.”
Returning to join the fray was the Master of Shaolin, who had briefly stepped away to gather himself, escalating the intensity of the battle.
Roar—
The steady energy of Buddhism emanated from the monk’s body that clashed against the demonic energy surrounding the Heavenly Demon.
Although his energy had waned and part of his body had been lost—in terms of fighting power, he was far from his prime— Harley’s stubborn attachment allowed the Heavenly Demon to comfortably focus more on attacking.
“Every last one of you… so annoying.”
With the situation unfolding as it was, the Heavenly Demon’s brow furrowed deeper than before.
Realistically, this wasn’t supposed to drag on like this according to his original plans.
But since that demon suddenly popped up, everything had begun to unravel.
He slashed again at Harley’s chest, only to glance away and assess the state of the battlefield.
They were both facing unforeseen obstacles.
“Kraack—! Bring it on, you filthy Demon Cult bastards! I am the mad demon…! Ugh, ahhh! You bastard! Die! Die!”
“Huff, defend yourself!”
Crack— Ka-boom!
In the center, a lunatic was tearing into the demons, thrashing wildly as if to vent his frustrations.
A move that posed a grave risk of decapitation in an instant; however, the issue was that this lunatic was a martial artist standing at the edge!
Effectively, in this arena, the Heavenly Demon and Ghost Sword Demon Master were the only ones capable of handling such a foe.
Of course, there were experts aligned with the Correct Faction present, and some techniques capable of disrupting the opponent’s foundation, but such antics couldn’t last long..
“Now’s the opportunity! Push forward!”
The martial artists of the Correct Faction wouldn’t let such openings pass by so easily.
Unless you were some sheltered flower that had never fought in real combat, everyone here had honed their skills amid constant violent quarrels.
‘This is bad.’
Just as he collected his thoughts, the Heavenly Demon coldly surveyed the situation.
This was the heart of the martial world, the Shaolin Temple.
Naturally, here too, formations and spells centered around Buddhism were intricately layered.
So far, he had managed to mitigate things somewhat through surprise and thorough prior preparations, but being in a place antagonistic to the demonic arts didn’t bode well for him.
[“Master, we’ve secured the Dragon’s child.”]
As thoughts gradually tilted towards that one objective, a subordinate’s urgent relay echoed in his mind.
[“The transport unit has successfully evaded the Vajra and has begun carrying our prize.”]
This was essentially the big goal that had brought them here.
Nodding slowly at his subordinate’s message, he surveyed the crowd again.
Blocking his path and launching fierce attacks was the Master Shin Seung, while that unidentified demon who suddenly appeared interrupted his plans.
His gaze found a particular young man amongst the chaos of the now-disarrayed Shaolin temple grounds.
One who had grown significantly and was contributing in the plight against the myriad of demons.
This being from another dimension.
“Hoo.”
A small sigh escaped his lips.
This marked the first major operation of the previously silent faction as they moved into action.
He had intended to deal with the core members of the Correct Faction while securing the kid of the Dragon, yet…
‘Things truly never go as planned. Frustrating, but it can’t be helped.’
Unexpected developments had thrown him off balance, but this was merely a secondary goal.
It would surely take an ample amount of time to conclusively deal with this annoying demon, while damage to his group would pile up like a snowball.
That was not a favorable choice when considering future plans.
“Well then, that’s enough for today.”
Having finally reached a decision, his voice resonated with overwhelming intimidation.
Immediately after, the movements of the blindly charging Demon Cultists halted in unison, as if a line had been drawn, and swiftly began retreating.
“Don’t follow! Maintain formation!”
“Keep your guard up and assist the injured!”
Shocked by their sudden retreat, the Correct Faction warriors raised their weapons and heightened their alertness, but the retreating demonatics paid them no mind.
Amidst the sudden lull on the battlefield, a chill tension filled the air.
“Consider this a courtesy visit. You all exceeded my expectations. Blighted but still potent, it seems the Murim Alliance’s reputation holds some weight.”
The booming words of the Heavenly Demon reverberated through the hall.
As he disposed of the last stubborn arm of Harley.
“Of course, if there weren’t any meddling nuisances, it would have ended right here… but that’s also just fate. I wonder how long that fate will hold out.”
His gaze settled back again on Harley, who was now reattaching his severed arm.
He was indeed an obnoxious one, regardless of how you looked at it.
“Sigh— Nevertheless, you should be pleased that you survived today. How long that will last is another question entirely. Hehe—”
With a final set of ominous words, the Heavenly Demon glanced one last time at Hugo before soaring higher into the sky.
As if in tandem, the combat division of the Demon Cult began to slip away like a receding tide.
“…Hah.”
“Hoo, hoo…”
However, those who remained could only watch, unable to pursue them as they retreated.
While the battle had raged on, all excitement had led them to recklessly swing their weapons, but now that they found some semblance of calm, they began to grasp the situation around them.
“Ghh—.”
“S… save me…”
“……..”
Bloodied groans echoed from those who were injured, the incapacitated comrades, and…
The lifeless, cold bodies of their fallen friends.
In conclusion, they survived, and the enemy had been repelled, but no one here could consider that a victory.
“Move quickly!”
“Where are the medics?!”
As the enemy forces withdrew, the survivors hurriedly began to tend to the casualties and assess the damage.
Among those who had participated in the battle, not a single one remained unscathed.
At the very least, everyone had sustained injuries, and there were heaps of the wounded.
…Still, it was better than losing their lives altogether.
However, among the losses sustained, there was one who did not fit into any of the categories of minor injuries, wounds, or death.
Shortly after a subtle tumult began spreading among the high ranks of Shaolin, several began to move hurriedly.
The bloodline of the imperial family that had sought refuge in Shaolin, Zhu Kang-in.
The sole missing person from this uproar.
Additionally, there was another who, although not officially declared missing, had suddenly vanished shortly after the fighting ceased…
“Wait, where the heck did this guy go again!”
In the midst of the unfamiliar, Mok Ing-gwang, the former Mad Demon, cried out vacantly, his voice echoing into the void.
*
On a mountain far removed from the Shaolin Temple.
Thwack.
With a spit of blood, the Heavenly Demon stood at its peak.
Despite allowing no valid hits during the fight, he paid the price for recklessly using the alien power called ‘Holy Power’ that did not exist in this world.
Of course, given the effects, this was merely a minor setback.
“Indeed, you came this far to chase me. You must want to finish this, huh.”
Extending his hand to rub the back of his neck, the Heavenly Demon slowly turned to look behind him.
There stood the demon who had just moments ago made him tremble, watching him with crossed arms.
“Hah hah! That’s right! I prefer to finish off a fight cleanly rather than leaving it hanging!”
“Ha, do you think I retreated due to a lack of strength?”
At the demon’s nonchalant response, the Heavenly Demon couldn’t help but crack a smile.
Had the fight occurred anywhere other than within the confines of the Shaolin Temple, and if he weren’t concerned about losing valuable subordinates, he wouldn’t be retreating at this point.
Surely, his life was limited now by this tenacious demon.
“To come seek your own grave, huh? Sure, if you’re so eager to die, I’ll make sure to put you away for good.”
The Heavenly Demon drew his demon sword once more.
In fact, he had come this far knowing that the demon was in pursuit, doing so intentionally.
It wouldn’t do to let that stubborn demon ruin efforts to minimize subordinate losses by retreating.
“Hah! Wait just a moment, buddy! I’m not dumb enough to charge in alone after getting messed up like this!”
Just as the Heavenly Demon had prepared to strike, he suddenly halted at the demon’s calm response.
Of course, no matter how absent-minded a demon might seem, if it had a brain, it wouldn’t rashly charge in alone.
But even if it brought more allies, there would be no one in this world who could contend with him···.
Shiver—
At that moment, instinctively, something brushed against his inner senses.
A familiar yet foreign energy.
‘…Demonic energy?’
His face stiffened, and he turned slowly to the side.
In an instant, he faced a figure who wore a twisted grin, possessing black hair and black eyes, along with a short black beard, a middle-aged man with a cold demeanor.
“Khuh— So this is you, the Heavenly Demon.”
“…Who the hell are you?”
Just by existing, this being was freezing the space around them.
The Heavenly Demon felt a shudder of distaste crawling over his body.
The energy the foe radiated was unmistakably familiar, yet…
‘No, it’s different. It’s…’
Instinctive wariness and prickling goosebumps spread through him.
This was a transformation he had not experienced since achieving the rank of Heavenly Demon and inheriting its name, or perhaps just once in his life.
Yes, it was…
‘…Fear? Am I feeling fear?’
He gritted his teeth and glared at the monster before him.
And he immediately rejected that fleeting thought.
This was merely tension arising from the sudden appearance of a formidable opponent.
Whether it was natural to be wary and tense towards someone clearly extraordinary was clear, right!?
“Who the hell am I, huh? Hmmm, I guess an introduction is necessary. Hehehe.”
Regardless of how the other would respond, the demon simply chuckled to themselves.
In the silence that felt charged enough to spark at any moment, a chilling humor echoed softly.
The next words came when the Heavenly Demon felt his patience teetering on the edge of breaking.
“I am the lord that governs demons—”
The grip of the Heavenly Demon’s sword tightened instinctively in response.
“…the despair that spreads fear upon the land—”
His gaze fixated unwaveringly on his opponent.
“…the announcement of the world’s end—”
In a frozen space, a gleam flickered in the demon’s eyes as the corners of his mouth twisted substantially upward.
An oddly dissonant laugh reverberated through the air.
“—I am, the Demon King.”
That day, before the self-proclaimed ruler of demons, the king of malice descended.
