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Chapter 84: Grand Extermination Demon

I woke up to the sound of rain pattering outside, and Wi Seol-Ah handed me a glass of water.

“…Ah… I’m dying here.”

To wake up with such thirst right after getting out of bed, I must have really been sweating it out.

[You’re not dying, after rolling around all night for days on end, how could you feel good?]

“…If a martial artist trains hard, isn’t that a good thing?”

I rubbed my aching shoulders as I replied to Shin Noya.

Maybe it was because I had been training all night for the past few days, but the fatigue was starting to catch up to me rather than any signs of refreshment.

What irritated me was that, despite the fatigue, I could feel my physical abilities improving gradually.

The lines of my muscles, which had been too subtle before, were becoming clearer.

Even if muscle growth was rapid because of the bet… it felt a bit too fast.

I forcibly got up, with a heavy body, and stepped outside.

As soon as I looked up at the sky, it seemed like today’s weather was unusually nice.

‘Not a cloud in sight.’

The clear blue sky of late summer is always beautiful, no matter how many times I see it.

Maybe because I was on a high mountain, it wasn’t too hot, which certainly contributed to my good mood.

‘Has Nangong Bi-ah already gone out?’

From her absence, it seemed she had gone out early again.

Perhaps she went looking for Gu Ryeonghwa as she mentioned yesterday.

I thought about going to check on her, but I quickly squashed that idea.

With the way things were now, it seemed more like a poison than a remedy.

“What should I do today?”

Since Gu Ryeonghwa had expressed she wouldn’t return, I could leave immediately without waiting for the Jehwa Contest to finish.

The problem was that the Sword Sovereign hadn’t arrived yet.

Honestly, worrying about the Three Eminent Beings’ well-being wasn’t a foolish thought… but I felt like I shouldn’t leave them behind.

Should I go collect the Demon Stones I failed to get yesterday instead?

‘There are plenty of mountains besides this one; if I look around, I should be able to find one.’

Or maybe I should just train more.

Strangely, I felt like I was training harder here in someone else’s sect than I ever did at home.

[Seeing tangible changes only makes you want to work harder, doesn’t it?]

“I guess that makes sense.”

As much as I hated to admit it, the Hwasan training methods were definitely helping my external martial skills.

What to say… it felt like my muscles were stacking up little by little.

While my spirit and mind felt like they were dying, my body was thriving.

[So, are you thinking of finishing up your training today as well?]

“Well, I think I’d like to, but first I need to take care of something.”

If I plan to head back before the Jehwa Contest.

Since I had heard Gu Ryeonghwa wanted to see me one last time before the Sword Demoness left, with no particular duties today, I thought I’d go for that.

It wasn’t anything to be overly concerned about.

After changing my clothes, I noticed Wi Seol-Ah walking by and called out to her.

“I’m heading out for a bit.”

“Where are you going?”

“I have some business to attend to.”

“Can’t I go with you?”

I didn’t think Shin Yi or Gu Ryeonghwa would be too thrilled about that.

More than that…

I felt I needed to clarify things with Jiegal Hyeok this time.

“I’ll be going alone today.”

“Aww… be careful.”

“I’ll bring back some chicken skewers.”

“Have a safe trip!”

“”

Did her voice just brighten up suddenly?

It must be my imagination… right?

What should I do?

Hiding her hands, Nangong Bi-ah thought.

She felt an overwhelming desire to pinch her nose shut right then and there.

Putting aside the foul stench, what about this dreadful aura surrounding her?

‘…Killing Intent?’

It was too foul to be my energy, and too different to be simple killing intent.

The sensation of a massive body wielding a large blade that couldn’t be simply called a sword.

Nangong Bi-ah recognized him immediately upon seeing him.

This man was definitely not her match.

Just the presence emanating around him made it clear.

The sword energy she had instinctively deflected last time made her realize it.

The trembling of her arms still holding her sword was evidence enough.

He was at least an Eminent Being or even higher.

Just how long would she hold up against him if they clashed…?

She couldn’t say for sure, but it definitely wouldn’t be very long.

‘…This is trouble.’

Nangong Bi-ah had only followed Gu Ryeonghwa on a whim.

She had intended to greet him, but had unknowingly followed into this ominous atmosphere.

She never expected there would be such an ambush.

Perhaps it was a blessing she had even come.

She wasn’t sure…

But unlike Nangong Bi-ah’s trembling gaze, the man merely scanned her and Gu Ryeonghwa silently.

From head to toe, slowly.

As if judging them.

Nangong Bi-ah felt sick at the scrutiny, as he examined her eyes, nose, mouth, neck, chest, and everything down to her feet.

As his gaze finally returned to her, he smiled a chilling smile that sent shivers down her spine.

“Good… very good. Where did such a pretty girl drop from?”

Nangong Bi-ah felt goosebumps all over her body at his words.

She instinctively understood what he meant.

“If only there was some time… I would like to have a taste of this beauty… what a shame, though. I’m a bit busy, you see.”

The man lifted the massive sword he had embedded in the ground on his shoulder.

Even that simple movement radiated an intimidating aura that made Nangong Bi-ah bite her lip.

Seeing that, the man snorted.

“Even that scared look on your face is adorably pretty. Where did such a girl pop out from? You’re making me excited.”

“…Who are you…?”

“O… your voice is nice too… If I tell you who I am, will the pretty girl recognize me? They call me Ya Hyeoljeok.”

With a grin that made his intentions clear, Nangong Bi-ah slowly readied her stance.

Seeing her preparation made Ya Hyeoljeok’s expression slightly twist.

“I hope you don’t get hurt; I’d rather you remain pretty. I want you to be beautiful, just as you are.”

Because of that, he could enjoy her like this.

Nangong Bi-ah raised her sword at his words.

“U… Unnie.”

Gu Ryeonghwa called out to Nangong Bi-ah anxiously, who only whispered quietly in response.

“…Run away.”

“No… please, let’s run together…!”

Gu Ryeonghwa trembled, sensing the seriousness of their opponent, but Nangong Bi-ah’s expression was resolute.

She couldn’t run away.

Even if she wasn’t initially his target, she certainly was now.

‘…What should I do?’

Gathering her breath, Nangong Bi-ah surrounded herself with energy.

She had told Gu Ryeonghwa to escape, but would he actually allow that?

After slightly heating her body using the bet, she turned to Gu Ryeonghwa once more.

“Quickly… go to the Hwasan Sect and tell the others.”

“But…”

Gu Ryeonghwa glanced back nervously, back toward the hut where their Master was.

The Master, who was having trouble walking, let alone running.

If… if that man’s hands were to reach the hut in her absence…

“Focus.”

“…!”

At Nangong Bi-ah’s firm words, Gu Ryeonghwa was startled awake.

“…Look at the situation; you can’t help right now. If there are things you need to protect, think about the tasks you need to do first.”

Those weren’t the usual few words spoken by Nangong Bi-ah, who would be quiet and slightly awkward.

She couldn’t understand what was troubling Gu Ryeonghwa. She merely thought there was something on her mind that made it hard for her to decide.

She continued speaking to Gu Ryeonghwa while keeping her gaze fixed on the man.

Hisssss…

A low, heavy breath escaped Nangong Bi-ah’s lips.

She drew a real sword instead of a wooden one and pointed its tip toward him.

“Are you serious? I’m a busy man; better think carefully, pretty girl.”

Ya Hyeoljeok’s playful voice made Gu Ryeonghwa clench her teeth to hide her trembling lips.

Although Nangong Bi-ah’s breath still hadn’t settled, Gu Ryeonghwa tried her utmost to remain calm.

Despite her efforts, she couldn’t shake the deep-seated fear of the massive sword in Ya Hyeoljeok’s hands possibly turning toward her.

Just then, as Ya Hyeoljeok made a single step, Nangong Bi-ah lunged as if she had been waiting for that moment.

Whoosh!

The sound of the sword slicing through the air was fierce.

Nangong Bi-ah’s sword was fast and precise.

It was so quick that to Gu Ryeonghwa, it didn’t seem real at all.

But Ya Hyeoljeok effortlessly evaded it.

To think that a person of such massive build could execute such a fast move.

Nangong Bi-ah, who anticipated this, continued her series of attacks.

With the energy contained in her sword, cuts were left in its wake.

The scene was unbelievably stunning, but Gu Ryeonghwa had no time to admire it.

—Quickly… go to the Hwasan Sect and warn them.

Nangong Bi-ah’s words echoed in her mind.

As Ya Hyeoljeok twisted his body to evade her slashing sword, Gu Ryeonghwa braced her feet and dashed away.

“…Tsk.”

Seeing that, Ya Hyeoljeok clicked his tongue.

He had anticipated this—his eyes aimed at the fleeing girl whose back he hadn’t intended to ignore.

Considering all the options available to girls in this situation, it was nothing unexpected.

The skill and artistry with which the silver-haired beauty swung her sword briefly surprised him.

But that was all there was to it.

After all, she was just a precisely nineteen-year-old girl.

‘With that pretty face, I’d like to keep her unscathed if possible…’

Casting a sly glance at the beautiful woman before him, Ya Hyeoljeok felt an urge bubble up.

What would it feel like to take such a beauty and lay her down?

The very thought made him sizzle inside.

For that to happen…

‘There can be no unnecessary business.’

That way, he could accomplish his original intent, take her to the cave, and enjoy her together with Shin Yi if it turned out they had a deal.

He wouldn’t allow for even the slightest disturbance.

Ya Hyeoljeok swung his sword, filled with sword energy.

The energy from that blow would have Gu Ryeonghwa’s head rolling if she couldn’t evade it.

Just as Ya Hyeoljeok prepared to strike down…

Huff!

“…!”

In that split second, Nangong Bi-ah swiftly thrust her sword forward.

In an instant, she felt a heavy aura enveloping her surroundings, making Ya Hyeoljeok feel sluggish.

He tried to unfold his movement technique, but wasn’t fast enough. Nangong Bi-ah’s sword sliced through his abdomen cleanly.

“…Oof.”

A brief admiration escaped him.

As he touched his belly with hands to find blood trickling out, he chuckled quietly.

It hadn’t been a deep slice, so it wasn’t a significant problem, but that girl had unexpectedly unleashed energy at that moment.

She’d been hiding it all along, waiting for this exact moment.

Could it be she had been just toying with him?

Even while he’d missed his target, Ya Hyeoljeok grew excited.

Should he chase after and kill her now?

But that beautiful girl stood in his way.

“Pretty girl… what’s your connection to Nangong?”

The stifling energy he felt moments ago had clearly stemmed from her royal lineage.

He was sure it wasn’t a mere coincidence he had sensed that energy amidst the battles during the front lines.

His gaze, previously lost on her face, finally delved into the details he had overlooked.

Whipped silver hair, blue eyes, and that unique sharp energy.

Nangong’s extraordinary lineage had finally caught his eye.

“…The Gu Clan is one thing, but now even Nangong is here in Hwasan. What is going on?”

Ya Hyeoljeok smiled viciously as he thought of Bae Chong.

He was quite sure there hadn’t been a mention of Nangong in the words Bae Chong had said.

‘This worthless fellow, I’ll have to kill him when I get back.’

In any case, once this was over, he had planned on killing anyone annoying him.

Ya Hyeoljeok believed he needed to hasten this inevitability.

With shallow breaths, Nangong Bi-ah gradually thickened her energy.

Having missed the hidden card she had up her sleeve, she needed to concentrate harder.

Since her cover was blown, she had to solidify her resolve.

‘How long can I last?’

Hiding her anxiety as she prepared her next movement, Nangong Bi-ah had a sudden chill run through her—the instinct told her to raise her sword in defense.

She judged it was too late to evade.

Boom!

With a heavy shock, Nangong Bi-ah felt her body lift slightly off the ground.

“…Ugh!”

As she flew, she crashed into a tree trunk, crashing down in a heap.

“Darn it, I lost control of my strength.”

Ya Hyeoljeok’s voice reached her ears as she spat out blood and barely clung to her consciousness.

‘What was that…?’

She hadn’t even been able to see how he’d attacked properly.

Seeing that Ya Hyeoljeok was dusting off his hands, it was like he had struck her with a punch.

‘Is this…?’

From the way he carried that big sword, he didn’t seem to be a martial artist, yet did that much damage with just a punch?

Throb.

“Ugh…!”

Sudden pain radiated from her left arm as a groan escaped from Nangong Bi-ah’s lips.

It felt like her arm might be broken.

With Ya Hyeoljeok’s rising presence bore down upon her, Nangong Bi-ah rushed to her feet.

Ya Hyeoljeok watched with a sadistic gleam in his eyes.

“Didn’t hurt your face, did you?”

Nangong Bi-ah bit her lip hard at the question that came from a short distance away.

Her soft footsteps echoed as she circled around him.

She had initially thought of asking again about the Demon Stones and afterward inquiring whether that chicken skewers restaurant she had enjoyed the last time was still operating.

Just in case, she wanted to make sure it wouldn’t close if she came by to buy some.

Fortunately, she learned they would remain open late into the night.

Taking the opportunity, she’d grab a skewer or two before making her way back to where Shin Yi was.

Escaping the hall, she quickly ventured into the forest.

It wasn’t overly complicated to find her path, but it was still a bit challenging for her to navigate this place. Fortunately, she’d improved after visiting a couple of times.

‘Although I doubt Shin Yi will look positively upon me…’

His scowling expression made it hard to approach him.

[…I never thought I’d hear such a remark out of your mouth.]

‘You always manage to say the right thing at the worst time.’

[What could I do if you make utterly ridiculous remarks?]

While strolling along sharing silly banter with Shin Noya, I spotted someone running toward me from a distance in a hurry.

“Gu Ryeonghwa…?”

To my shock, it was indeed her, who I had thought would still be at the Hwasan Sect.

Had she already returned to the hut?

‘Then where is Nangong Bi-ah…?’

Gu Ryeonghwa came rushing toward me, breathless and trembling as if she might collapse any second.

Our eyes met, and it felt like she was about to burst into tears as Gu Ryeonghwa cried out.

“O… Oppa!”

“Huh?”

When I heard her call me “oppa,” my brain felt like it was short-circuiting.

It was a word I hadn’t heard from Gu Ryeonghwa for dozens of years.

Why was she suddenly acting like this? Was she in pain or something…?

“Oppa… oppa…!”

“Hey, why are you saying that?”

“Un… Unnie is…!”

The moment I heard her frantic words, my mind turned cold in an instant.

 

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