Chapter 310
Chapter 311: The Dragon’s Memoir (1)
Scritch scratch.
The stillness enveloped the night around, thick with an eerie air.
The season was still winter, yet it felt more like a sharp aura of killing intent blanketing the area.
Hanam.
A black dark cloud was slowly creeping towards Hanam.
Creak…
Amid the dense, murky fog, a white-haired old man was chuckling to himself.
His cracked voice bore the marks of a large scar on his throat.
The old man’s alias was the Black Dragon Sword.
Once the first to unify the Demonic Faction, he had aimed to conquer the Central Plains starting from Sichuan.
A past martial master and warrior.
“Ah, Hanam.”
In the distance, buildings radiated a bright light.
The realm of the Meng and Shaolin, the very heart of Righteous Faction.
Hanam Castle.
The Black Dragon Sword continued chuckling, eyes fixated on Hanam Castle.
How long had he yearned for this?
How long had he awaited the day he could set foot on this land again?
“Taiju.”
A man emerged behind the Black Dragon Sword, kneeling partially.
He took out a letter and handed it to the Black Dragon Sword.
“This is a letter addressed to Taiju.”
“Sent it quickly, I see. Someone’s been waiting a long while.”
It was probably the letter from the one who called him here.
There was a sense of urgency in his actions.
It seemed something had ruffled some feathers, or perhaps issues tied to the young Taesaeng had arisen.
The Black Dragon Sword unfolded the letter to read its contents before stowing it away.
He turned around and said, “Prepare for action; it seems we’ll need to remain on guard for a while.”
“Right!”
At the Black Dragon Sword’s command, those hidden in the fog sprang into action.
They were near the Meng’s territory, posing a risk of being discovered, yet the Black Dragon Sword didn’t seem too concerned.
“Don’t just stand around; how about you lend a hand?”
His gaze fell on a man fixated on the Black Dragon Sword with darkened eyes.
“I am not your subordinate. Taiju.”
The one who bore the title of Black Night Princess, a member of the Samurai Order, stared at the Black Dragon Sword from the shadows.
Upon seeing the Black Night Princess, the Black Dragon Sword grinned.
“You’ve come all this way just to collect rent, yet you seem unnecessarily irked.”
“Why exactly did you come all the way to Hanam?”
“What’s the problem?”
“This is the Meng’s territory. You’ve been hiding in the darkness, suppressing your presence—why come out now?”
The Black Night Princess could not comprehend.
The Black Dragon Sword’s actions simply didn’t register as logical.
To her question, the Black Dragon Sword responded with a laugh.
“It’s simply time.”
“Time?”
“Should you be so worried? Why did you follow me, Princess?”
” ”
“Cackle, it’s all laid bare. I was wondering if you might have a clue to break the golden binding that shackles you.”
The Black Night Princess frowned at the Black Dragon Sword’s words.
It struck a chord, being somewhat on target.
The Samurai Order, including the Black Night Princess, could not set foot on the Righteous Faction’s lands.
Moreover, with one less member now, should they be called the Samurai Order?
“Even with that unfathomable energy, it seems you can’t do anything about your golden binding, huh?”
“Don’t speak recklessly.”
Crunch.
As black energy rose like vapors from the Black Night Princess, the intense aura radiated outward.
Still, the Black Dragon Sword merely laughed.
“Is your golden binding still causing you such distress?”
At the Black Dragon Sword’s words, whoosh!
The energy erupting from the Black Night Princess formed giant blades that charged at the Black Dragon Sword.
Yet, just before the energy could reach him:
Crackle…
Like dust blown away by the wind, it disintegrated into nothingness at a mere flick of the Black Dragon Sword’s hand.
“When if you’re going to struggle, you ought to choose your opponents wisely.”
“…Taiju…!”
“The only reason I welcomed you was because your darkness intrigued me. Have you truly lost your discernment?”
Crackle.
At the Black Dragon Sword’s remark, the Black Night Princess clenched her fist, pulling back her energy.
In the past, during the emergence of the Righteous Faction against the Samurai Order, there had been a time when the Righteous would scour for the Samurai.
It was something no one knew about, a humiliating past the Samurai wished not to be made known.
The Black Night Princess still vividly remembered.
Leave the Central Plains and never appear again.
The fiery momentum of the young warrior’s aura had scorched the grounds, burning with killing intent, yet he never claimed their lives.
Why was that?
She couldn’t comprehend why the one called the Flame Ghost had acted thus.
Did he perhaps wish to witness her suffering under the constraints of the golden binding?
Or was it for some other reason?
The golden binding was strong.
It forced the Black Night Princess into a pitiful state until she discovered the skies.
Even now, despite gaining new strength from her blessings, she could do nothing but bind and subdue the golden binding.
Moreover, she had thought she could end the one she had previously assumed was dead if they ever crossed paths again, but he had only grown stronger since.
‘A White-Grade Master of the Central Plains, huh?’
What nonsense.
That monster could not merely be a White-Grade Master.
None more could be expected from the person standing before her as well.
A specter that should have long perished was consumed by malice, transformed into a greater darkness.
“Perhaps it’s best to cut off those distracting thoughts yourself.”
“…Please uphold the agreement.”
Cackle.
“Of course. Once this is over, I’ll lift your golden binding.”
How could this elderly man do something even you couldn’t manage to achieve?
But having seen what he had done, there was no alternative but to believe him.
The Black Dragon Sword shifted his gaze away from the Black Night Princess, back towards Hanam.
The bright lights, still splendid even at this late hour, remained captivatingly beautiful.
Radiant.
So stunning was the light that he almost wished to extinguish them all.
“When will we proceed?”
“The proceeding… Well, I suppose a month from now should suffice.”
“What?”
A one-month waiting period?!
Why would he set such a long timeline, she couldn’t fathom.
As a question nagged at her, the Black Dragon Sword promptly replied.
“They urged us from over there to be patient.”
He recalled the contents of the letter he had tucked away.
They wanted them to wait because there were affairs to attend to.
‘Though the little brat has some nerve.’
To think he would speak such words to him, daring to demand patience.
It was somewhat brazen, yet he accepted it, having known of the looming darkness that would alter everything in the future.
“Above all else.”
Clatter.
As the Black Dragon Sword clenched the orb in his hand, he added:
“They said reinforcements might take some time, so we must wait.”
“Reinforcements?”
Who else was coming?
“Only Cheonghae Ilgeom would be adequate, but regrettably, there’s also the Sword Demoness. That distinguished offspring, you see.”
“Who exactly did you summon?”
Despite his words, the Black Night Princess still seemed slightly displeased.
As if what he had done in coming here was insufficient.
To her comment, the Black Dragon Sword regarded her with a somewhat bemused expression.
“You still haven’t cast aside that pride and your self-righteousness. That’s why you’ve failed to escape from the clutches of the Evil Spirit.”
The moment the Black Dragon Sword spoke, the Black Night Princess unleashed a storm of blades crafted from her energy.
Time of night masked the existence of the dark blades.
The dense dark energy lunged at the Black Dragon Sword once more.
But—
Crash!
The Black Dragon Sword’s hand moved faster.
“Ugh…!”
“He wasn’t this weak back in the day. What a remarkable decline.”
Was it due to the influence of the Evil Spirit?
Or perhaps it was the issues stemming from the direction she relentlessly pursued?
The Black Dragon Sword couldn’t tell.
Nor did he particularly care.
He merely hoped she wouldn’t fall apart before serving her purpose.
It would be a hassle to discard someone of her status.
“Curious about those reinforcements, huh?”
Whoosh.
A cold wind swept over, riding the winter air.
That breeze felt almost tainted, laced with the scent of blood as the Black Dragon Sword spoke hoarsely.
“The King of Demons.”
“…!”
At the name dropped by the Black Dragon Sword, the Black Night Princess’s eyes widened in shock.
The leader of the Night Assassins, who had never once failed in an assassination—The King of Demons.
The fact that he would be coming to Hanam sent tremors through her.
“Thus, failure is not on the cards. You have but one task; keep that in mind.”
Having delivered his final words, the Black Dragon Sword released the Black Night Princess and rose to his feet.
The corporeal figure cast a shadow over the moonlit sky.
Somehow, an illusion arose, making him appear larger.
“The possibility of Immunity to All Poisons. The bloodline of the Tang family.”
The Poison Phoenix, Tang Soyeol.
“All you need to do is capture that girl. Quite the simple task.”
“…Poison Phoenix? Not the Sword Sovereign’s successor?”
The Black Night Princess had a fleeting understanding of what feelings the Black Dragon Sword held for the Sword Sovereign.
That was why it made no sense to her.
To her question, the Black Dragon Sword laughed.
“Cackle… Unlike you, I won’t be ensnared by vengeance and ruin the plan.”
As he left the wordless Black Night Princess behind, the Black Dragon Sword stepped deeper into the forest.
The formations were already fully laid out.
Now, it was simply time to wait.
For the many events that lay ahead.
’For a prologue to signal my rebirth, this much is rather fitting.‘
To let everyone know that the Black Dragon Sword still lives and to erase Shinryong Temple from the future of the Righteous Faction.
It wouldn’t be a bad venture at all.
If he were to kill off all the Late-Stage Talents, the response would surely be electric.
‘What kind of expression would you wear?’
For the one he couldn’t dispose of.
If the Central Plains was bathed in blood once more, what expression would his friend Wi Hyogun bear?
The Black Dragon Sword was genuinely curious about that.
As he stepped into the forest, the Black Dragon Sword leaned against a huge tree and closed his eyes.
It was a place where the moonlight could not touch.
‘Not much time left.’
With his eyes shut, he pondered.
This plan wouldn’t fail.
While the Sword Demoness might be an unexpected element, he had summoned the King of Demons and found a way to evade Cheonan’s gaze.
As long as he minded against any meddling from the Fallen Sword.
This operation would not falter.
‘Unlike back then.’
As long as an entity of Wi Hyogun’s caliber wasn’t present in Shinryong Temple, that was true.
It had already been a month since he entered Shinryong Temple.
He had endured nearly thirty days of this absurdly tiresome situation.
If there was a problem, it was merely the annoyance of having to endure this lifestyle for an entire year.
‘What even is this so-called practical training?’
The academy claimed that practical training would be based on theoretical understanding, but if he failed to properly engage in the practices or training, it could lead to expulsion.
He was trying his best to avoid that scenario.
‘The theoretical side I’ve aced, but…’
As he had consistently boasted about his knowledge of Demon Beasts, there would be none who could rival him here.
If there were, they’d likely be found among the instructors.
There was no way he would lag behind in their tests.
Thanks to this, however, rumors were swiftly spreading again.
–Jin Ryong is not just fierce; he’s smart too.
What a ridiculous tale.
They couldn’t possibly be calling that monster merely a White-Grade Master.
Let alone this very figure standing right before him.
The specter that should have vanished was now shackled by malice, morphed into a greater darkness.
“Perhaps it’s time to cut off those distracting thoughts.”
“…I hope you honor the pact.”
Cackle.
“Of course. Once this is done, I shall release you from your golden binding.”
What a laughable thought, that this elderly man might do what even she couldn’t.
But having witnessed his prowess, what choice did she have but to believe?
The Black Dragon Sword turned his gaze back to Hanam.
The vibrant lights continued to dance arrogantly, refusing to fade.
As time passed, they remained beautiful, blissfully illuminating the night.
He almost wished to snuff them out completely.
“When will we proceed?”
“The proceed… well, I suppose a month from now should suffice.”
“What?”
A timeline stretching a full month?
Why was that the length he chose? She couldn’t comprehend.
With curiosity tugging at her, the Black Dragon Sword quickly responded.
“They urged us to wait over there.”
As the contents of that letter echoed in his mind, they wanted them to remain patient—there were matters still yet unaddressed.
‘Though that little brat has a gall to order me to wait.’
How dare he ask such a thing from him!
It was exasperating, but due to the howling winds of upcoming chaos, he would endure.
“Most importantly…”
Clatter.
As the Black Dragon Sword grasped the orb tightly in his hand, he continued, “They did mention that if reinforcements are to arrive, it may take some time.”
“Reinforcements?”
Who was coming now?
“Only Cheonghae Ilgeom might suffice, but regrettably, there’s also that Sword Demoness—the well-regarded daughter of the lineage.”
“Who the heck did you call?”
Despite the weight behind his words, the Black Night Princess still exuded a scent of discontent.
She had made her way to this place, and it seemed it wasn’t enough.
To her remark, the Black Dragon Sword shot her a strange look.
“You still have not cast aside that arrogance and pride of yours, which holds you back from escaping the binds of that Evil Spirit.”
The moment those words echoed, the Black Night Princess unleashed countless energy blades.
As the night masked the menacing blades, the thick and gestural energy surged towards the Black Dragon Sword.
But—
Crash!
His hand was faster.
“Ugh…!”
“He wasn’t like this before! What made him turn so pathetic?”
Was it due to the Evil Spirit’s influence?
Or was it tied to the problematic pursuit the Black Night Princess was so consumed by?
The Black Dragon Sword couldn’t pinpoint it.
Nor did he care much to find out.
He merely hoped she wouldn’t completely fall apart before completing her role.
Losing such a prominent figure was a hassle.
“Curious to know the identities of the reinforcements, I see?”
Whoosh.
A chilly wind brushed against him, cutting through the winter’s chill.
That wind felt almost tainted, laced with the scent of blood as the Black Dragon Sword voiced softly.
“The King of Demons.”
“…!”
At the mere mention of that name, the Black Night Princess’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.
The chief of the Night Assassins, the one who had never failed in a single assassination—the King of Demons.
The ominous truth that he would soon arrive in Hanam overtook her mind.
“Thus, failure is not an option. Do remember; your goal is singular.”
As he concluded, the Black Dragon Sword removed his hand from the Black Night Princess and rose.
His figure cast a shadow, darkening the heavens.
Gradually, he felt as if he was expanding bigger.
“The potential for Immunity to All Poisons. The bloodline of the Tang family.”
The Poison Phoenix, Tang Soyeol.
“All you need to do is capture that girl. Should be simple enough, no?”
“…The Poison Phoenix? Not the Sword Sovereign’s successor?”
The flicker of recognition flashed across the Black Night Princess’s mind as she connected the dots of emotion held by the Black Dragon Sword toward the Sword Sovereign.
And that was why it was incomprehensible to her.
To her question, the Black Dragon Sword chuckled.
“Cackle… Unlike you, I am not entangled in vengeance that jeopardizes the plan.”
With that, he walked away, leaving the Black Night Princess behind.
The Black Dragon Sword moved deeper into the forest.
The formations were already fully enacted.
Now, patience was the only thing left to do.
For the many significant events yet to unfold.
‘For the prologue announcing my resurrection, this still feels adequate enough.’
Letting the world know he, the Black Dragon Sword, was still alive, while wiping out the legacy of Shinryong Temple from the destiny of the Righteous Faction—
That would be a striking plan.
If he wiped out every single one of the Late-Stage Talents, the buzz would be electrifying.
‘What kind of expression would you wear then?’
For the one he intended to avoid—
As once more the Central Plains was bathed in blood, how would Wi Hyogun, his friend, respond?
The Black Dragon Sword was genuinely intrigued.
As he stepped into the depths of the forest, he leaned against an enormous tree, closing his eyes.
It was a place where moonlight dared not grace.
‘Not much time left at all.’
As he shut his eyes, he indulged in thought.
This plan wouldn’t fail.
Though the Sword Demoness was an unexpected variable, he summoned the King of Demons, figuring out how to evade the observant eye of Cheonan.
As long as he was cautious of potential meddling from the Fallen Sword, this venture would not go awry.
‘Unlike last time.’
As long as no one with a caliber like Wi Hyogun roamed around Shinryong Temple, he would be fine.
A month had passed swiftly since entering Shinryong Temple.
He had endured nearly thirty days of this unrelenting monotony.
If anything irritated him, it was simply the thought of having to deal with this for another whole year.
‘What even is this practical training supposed to be?!’
The academy had mentioned that practical training would follow a theoretical base, yet if he failed to perform adequately in those trainings or practicals, expulsion would loom over him.
He was striving to avoid that possibility with everything he had.
‘The theoretical part? Piece of cake. But…’
As he had routinely boasted, regarding Demon Beasts, there was likely no one who could rival him here.
If there were, they would probably reside amongst the instructors.
He had no concern about lagging in their tests.
Thanks to his reputation, however, the rumors sprang up again.
–Jin Ryong is not only ferocious; he’s sharp too.
What a ridiculous tale.
There’s no way that monster is simply categorized as a White-Grade Master.
Not when he stood right in front of her.
The specter that should have faded away had instead become enshrouded in malevolence, reshaping into a greater darkness.
“Might as well rid those distracting thoughts while you’re at it.”
“…I hope you honor your pact.”
Cackle.
“Absolutely. Once this is finished, I shall grant you freedom from your golden binds.”
What a laughable notion, that this elderly man could achieve what even she couldn’t.
But seeing his capabilities, what choice did she have but to believe him?
The Black Dragon Sword turned his gaze back to the sight of Hanam.
The dazzling lights continued flaunting their arrogance, unwavering in their brilliance.
As time passed, they remained beautiful, fulfilling the night’s embrace with their radiant glow.
He nearly felt compelled to snuff them all out in an instant.
“When do we proceed?”
“The process… well, a month from now ought to do.”
“What?”
A full month of waiting?
Why had he set such a long duration? It was beyond her comprehension.
As curiosity gnawed at her, the Black Dragon Sword seamlessly offered an answer.
“They urged us to remain patient from over there.”
He recalled that very letter carefully tucked away.
They wished to force their members to wait; there were pressing matters unfaced.
‘The little brat carries quite the audacity to order compliance from me.’
How dared he to utter such outrageous demands?
It was defiant, yet due to the forthcoming storm he’d accepted the decision to endure patiently.
“More than anything—”
Clatter.
Gripping the orb tightly within his grasp, he asserted:
“They claimed that if reinforcements are to arrive, it may take a tad longer.”
“Reinforcements?”
Who else was involved now?
“Cheonghae Ilgeom could suffice, but regrettably, the renowned Sword Demoness might also be coming—the illustrious descendent.”
“Who in the world have you summoned?”
Despite the weight carried behind his words, an air of hostility lingered within the Black Night Princess.
Having come this far merely felt insufficient to her.
In response, the Black Dragon Sword angled an amused viewpoint towards her.
“Yet you remain hovering around that arrogance and entitlement, thus continuously trapping yourself inside the Evil Spirit’s snares.”
The instant those words crossed his lips, the Black Night Princess erupted into a torrent of blade-like forces conjured from her very energy.
The night canvas concealed the chilling presence of the sharp blades.
Rich strands of darkness leaped once again at the Black Dragon Sword.
But—
Wham!
His reflexes moved faster.
“Ugh…!”
“He was never like this back then, what’s dragged him so low?”
Was it influenced by the Evil Spirit?
Or did it concern her relentless ambition?
The Black Dragon Sword couldn’t accurately piece those together.
Neither did he harbor interest in unraveling her plight.
What he hoped was that she wouldn’t collapse before fulfilling her duties.
It would be troublesome to discard a figure of such caliber.
“Curious about those reinforcements, huh?”
Swish.
Chilly winds swept over, carrying winter’s chill within.
As if the breeze bore a tinge of blood, the Black Dragon Sword sighed softly.
“The King of Demons.”
“…!”
At the utterance of that name, the Black Night Princess’s eyes widened dramatically.
The commander of the Night Assassins, whose streak of success remained untarnished, the King of Demons.
By the gods, he was coming to Hanam!
“So failure is unthinkable. Keep your singular purpose clear.”
Finishing his decree, the Black Dragon Sword took his hand from the Black Night Princess and stood with renewed resolve.
His shadow darkened the light of the moon descending between them.
Slowly, he felt a sense of enlarging presence enveloping him.
“The potential for Immunity to All Poisons. The bloodline heritage of the Tang family.”
The Poison Phoenix, Tang Soyeol.
“Your simple task is to capture that girl. An easy task, indeed.”
“…The Poison Phoenix? You mean not the Sword Sovereign’s successor?”
A thought sparked as the realization hit the Black Night Princess about the emotional ties held by the Black Dragon Sword toward the Sword Sovereign.
It was an inexplicable realization.
In response to her inquiry, the Black Dragon Sword chuckled.
“Cackle… Unlike you, I won’t allow my thirst for vengeance to jeopardize our plans.”
Leaving the Black Night Princess speechless, he ventured further into the forest’s depth.
The Black Dragon Sword journeyed deeper, where formations awaited display.
Now, the aim remained solely on patience.
With many impending events on the horizon.
‘For this heralding of my revival, this is quite a suitable stage.’
For the world to acknowledge that the Black Dragon Sword still walks among them, while erasing the existence of Shinryong Temple from the future of the Righteous Faction—
That would set the perfect stage.
If he executed every single one of those Late-Stage Talents, it would ignite explosive reactions.
‘What expression will you wear then?’
His friend, Wi Hyogun, perhaps caught in such chaos, would surprise him.
As a wave of blood churned through the Central Plains again, how would he react?
The curiosity echoed relentlessly within the Black Dragon Sword.
Moving into the forest’s heart, he leaned against a massive tree, letting his weary eyes flutter closed.
A place untouched by moonlight.
‘The time is drawing close.’
Eyes shut, he wove his thoughts around.
This plan would not see failure.
Though a surprise awaited in the form of the Sword Demoness, he had summoned the King of Demons and concoted a scheme to bend Cheonan’s vigilance.
So undeterred was he by any potential involvement from the Fallen Sword that success was all but guaranteed.
‘Not a chance this would go wrong.’
As long as an entity of Wi Hyogun’s ilk remained absent from Shinryong Temple, that was certain.
Time had laid itself abundantly.
The month rolled on swiftly since his entrance into Shinryong Temple.
He had indeed done his time: nearly thirty days engulfed in this drudgery.
With every passing dawn, the thought loomed large concerning the prospect of the year ahead.
‘What even is this needless practical training supposed to entail?!’
They spoke of experimental practicum guided by theory, but failure in participation led to potential dismissal.
He was pushing against that possibility.
‘In theory, I’m top-notch! But…’
Speaking of Demon Beasts, no one here could challenge him knowledge-wise.
And even if someone could, they’d logically belong to the instructors.
He had absolutely no fear of falling behind in their assessments.
Due to the reputation built, however, the rumors had flared up once more.
– Jin Ryong is not just a ferocious beast; he’s got brains too!
What nonsense to conjoin!
That monstrous entity couldn’t merely be a White-Grade Master; it was absurd.
Not when the being there stood uniquely before her.
A specter destined for oblivion had amalgamated within malice, growing into emanating darkness anew.
“Might as well reign in those errant thoughts of yours.”
“…Upheld the pact, won’t you?”
Cackle.
“Indeed, once it’s over, I shall grant you the release from your golden shackles.”
What a mockery that even this elder could perform what she couldn’t.
But in the wake of the evidence, she was left with no choice but to accept.
Turning his gaze back to Hanam, bright lights danced against the dark veil.
The firmament of the spectacle glimmered with delicious mischief every evening.
He could almost delight in the thought of snuffing the glow completely.
“When shall we commence?”
“Well, provisions… a month ahead will do just fine.”
“What?”
A prolonged duration of inactivity?
Why had he imposed such a stretched-out timeline?
The fog of queries clouded her mind, which the Black Dragon Sword readily quelled with explanations full of understanding.
“They demanded we remain docked, more than their planning.”
He gestured towards the unyielding document tucked in his cloak.
Their instructions were simple; they would need to stay present, the affairs of the realm still wrought with uncertainty.
‘That little nuisant carries an audacious claim for our compliance.’
How dare he command such impertinence from another!
It was almost laughable, yet ominously familiar, shadowing the darkness that would undoubtedly loom.
“More than anything…”
Thud.
Seizing the orb tightly before him, he asserted:
“They mentioned, should we inquire about the reinforcements, a longer duration may be required.”
“Reinforcements?”
Whose presence was vying to intervene now?
“If Cheonghae Ilgeom suffices, yet alas, there’s a looming Sword Demoness—the esteemed offspring.”
“Who is it that you summoned?”
With such implications, the Black Night Princess’s demeanor conveyed a glint of displeasure.
For the distance traversed to stand present here almost felt unworthy.
With her retorts to the Black Dragon’s sneer and condescension, he looked amused.
“Still holding onto that vanity and pride, how could you break free from that malevolent grip of darkness?”
As the shouts echoed forth from the confrontation in silence, the Black Night Princess unleashed her energy into lethal blades made from her aura, glowing ominously in the shadows.
The night thrummed with the charged sensation from her crafted dark blades launching toward the Black Dragon.
Yet—
Pow!
His speed outmatched hers.
“Ugh…!”
“The times have turned, how could he be reduced to this level of ineptitude?”
Was the injury a result of the Evil Spirit’s hold?
Or was it tied deeper within her, the relentless pursuit that pinned her down?
The Black Dragon Sword could not grasp entirely.
Nor did he possess any particular interest in it.
His only concern rested in hoping she remained functional until she fulfilled her purpose.
It would be a bother to discard someone of her stature.
“Curious about the identities behind these incoming reinforcements?”
Whoosh.
A brisk chill invades the atmosphere, twirling from the breath of winter as it enveloped him.
The breeze carried remnants of iron, as the Black Dragon Sword spoke, his voice nearly a whisper.
“The King of Demons.”
“…!”
The potency behind the Black Dragon Sword’s words grew evident as the Black Night Princess found herself entranced by his mention.
The sovereign of Night Assassins, who had never found failure in his endeavors. The title roared within her Pyrrhic gaze.
The foreboding knowledge that he would set foot here in Hanam sent ripples across her awareness.
“Hence, falter not; your intentions must align sharply.”
Having laid down that postulate, the Black Dragon Sword withdrew his dominance from the Black Night Princess, elevating himself with command.
The figure blocking starlight grew imposing, ample fabric shadows lurking behind his form.
As he commanded presence, the illusion slightly shifted—a true embodiment of valor.
“The chance for Immunity to all poisons. The lineage from the Tang family.”
The Poison Phoenix, Tang Soyeol.
“Your singular challenge rests on capturing her. A task simple enough.”
“…The Poison Phoenix? Is she not the successor of the Sword Sovereign?”
She understood the sentiments marked by the Black Dragon toward the Sword Sovereign, and it left her puzzled.
To her query, the Black Dragon Sword chortled with playful intensity.
“Cackle… Unlike you, I shan’t fall victim to feelings of vengeance that endanger the plan.”
Setting pitfalls and departing left the Black Night princess stewing.
The Black Dragon Sword ventured deeper into the forest, where the residual formations awaited his presence.
Now, all that needed to occur was the continuous display of patience.
As a multitude of monumental happenings loomed ahead.
‘To spark a declaration of rebirth, this should suffice।’
To announce to the realms that he—the Black Dragon Sword—still thrived while erasing every memory of Shinryong Temple from the tapestry of the Righteous.
That in itself was no small feat.
If successfully wiping out the entire Late-Stage Talents, surely more than mere anticipation awaited.
‘What expression shall you don by then?’
As the Central Plains once again brushed against the edge of crimson rivers, how would Wi Hyogun react?
The inquiry measured deeply within the Black Dragon Sword.
Stepping into the forest’s inner sanctum, he leaned against an ancient timber before letting his eyelids close willingly.
Awaiting the moment might see him walking against moonlight unfallen.
‘Time is moving swiftly.’
Closing his eyes, thought as a beckon tickled at the back of his mind.
This endeavor would not falter or fail.
Yes, while anticipated the Sword Demoness brought unpredictability, planning allied the King of Demons enabled preparatory foresight against Cheonan’s awareness.
Conscious of any forcible involvement was vital to success.
‘That shall be long forgotten.’
Remembering how that fate had escalated to such trials remained bittersweet; the memory of a friend endured.
Time’s passage had become a mere husk of the present.
A month had drudged on since entering the sacred grounds.
Surrounded by near contending thirty days within this limitless void.
The incessant ticking of hours echoed despair in the awareness that wasted moments crawled toward a yearlong confinement.
‘What in the world is this monotonous practical training, anyway?’
Various disquisitions revolved around emphasizing objective learning, yet participation failures marked curtains over chances for dismissal.
Determined conviction gripped his senses deep.
‘In theory, I shine bright! But…’
Considering Demon Beasts, not a soul rivaled him—the academic know-how was unparalleled.
If any contenders possessed knowledge, they’d surely flesh out among the ranks of instructors.
He would not fall short against their scrutiny.
Having the bravado of acknowledgment bore fruit again in response to unwanted hearsay.
– Jin Ryong is not merely savage; he’s also keen!
What absurd epithets were issued!
That mere notion—the very presence—could not simply be a White-Grade Master like common narrative posited.
As if the individual before her radiated uniqueness beyond mere classification.
A figure who should have tucked itself within silence had transformed into a vengeful growth.
Offering consideration to darker ambitions.
“Perhaps it’s worth curbing distracting imaginings then.”
“…Deliberate about the pact, will you?”
Cackle.
“Certainly. Once all is concluded, the binding on you shall dissolve.”
What mockery it seemed—this aged person executed what she could not manage to consolidate.
Yet upon thorough reflection altered expectations, the dim shroud was yielded.
The Black Dragon Sword pivoted attentively back to Hanam’s wonders, where luminescence paraded amid shadows lingering.
The elaborate display offered much seductive intrigue; he could almost relish snuffing out their spark.
“When shall we rise to the occasion?”
“Well, let’s say a month should fit neatly into our plans.”
“Seriously?”
An elongation of intermission stretched far—resistance puzzled and taunted her thoughts.
His sardonic smile coaxed clarity through inquiries demanding insight.
“Those beyond have advised waiting as mandates.”
Illustrated by the contents of that parchment registered within his attire would stem plans.
They insisted patience to overbear prior obligations allied with a significant purpose.
‘That’s quite the insolent brat, asserting demands unchallenged!’
How dare he persistently urge such audacity!
Though comical, in the dusty foresight echoed shadows, darkness anticipated something of dire consequence would lay ahead.
“Above all else…”
Crumble.
Grasping that orb between clenched fingers reaffirmed determination.
“They posited if looking for reinforcements takes a roundabout, they’d wait.”
“Reinforcements?”
Who danced into the fringes now?
“Should Cheonghae Ilgeom suffice, but regrettably there’s that Sword Demoness. The illustrious scion—”
“Who the heck led you to summon?”
Not content with his rhetoric, the Black Night Princess visibly sank into mild dissatisfaction.
A concerned apprehension lingered: the distant journey undertaken to find purpose fell short.
The Black Dragon Sword cast her a melt of humor and curiosity.
“Public displays of arrogance will shield you from estranged realities unless clarity emerges beyond the veil of shadows.”
Surely did her voice grow weary with doubt as blades echoed aspirations of a challenging dawn in anguish.
Using thickened energy she lashed a fierce wave at the Black Dragon Sword, shadows shivering behind those insidious forms.
Yet—
Smash!
He wielded response ten steps ahead.
“Ugh…!”
“Never before had he melted down to such fragility! State a case!”
Was that ghost tainted by errant spirits?
Or did the converging shadows reflect a tumult within her overzealous compulsion?
The Black Dragon Sword discerned none.
Nor did he brood emotionally overset.
Eyes were fixed only to muse over whether she served prominently in the roles assigned.
“It might do well to quell those intertwined queries, huh?”
Whoosh.
A piercing wind drifted gently against the lingering conclusion.
Dispersing the shroud of winter’s chill while encasing aromas prompting a tainted scent clutched the Black Dragon Sword’s voice, in surrender.
“The King of Demons.”
“…!”
At the very utterance, the breath slipped from the Black Night Princess like ice/rage collapsing.
A commander of shadows who’d never failed—rising at lethal command, tracing wild shadows across realms—all the calculations ran field-like.
And within her understanding, a swell of terror crescendoed within her core.
“Thus, under no circumstance allow for faltering, remember your solitary objective.”
Each affirmation echoing deeply settled within resolve to escape.
The firm pressing arrival of the Black Dragon led her eyes to a point far beyond her grasp.
The moonscape seemed to dim in the afterthought that was only mere flesh bounding.
He turned, Longing to slot back into estimated mantle of power, eyeing the greater thirst for truth behind those planetary revolutions ever-present.
The Black Night Princess upheld a vision, tugging at the breaths between the gaps of enigma and questioning innocence.
“Your case is merely to capture her—an easy task to conquer.”
“…Is that really the Poison Phoenix? Not that Sword Sovereign’s successor?”
Glimpsing bars of grief yet stating uncovered truths, surged swiftly into the awareness that wailed challenge.
The failure flashed against held respect toward the Sword Sovereign sank deep into the conscience of the Black Night Princess.
Withering resolve, the only pillar remained upon unlisted characters, borne only to quench that promise licked by fate.
To her asking, the Black Dragon Sword burst into laughter, half-resolute to his mirth.
“Cackle… unlike your made nature, I shan’t seize upon damning revenge to upend our plans.”
As she festered unkindness within the hollow of her being, he left her stranded.
The Black Dragon Sword forged onward, shoving back toward the trees where dark powers restrain.
The choreography delivered operational measures drifting past aside unbroken.
They kneaded expectant results in sequences drenched in solemnity and palpable tension.
‘To herald a flashpoint of resurrection, this shall do purposedly clean.’
Burrowing his very essence back into the realm to ensure his essence endured robustly.
Unraveling threads of fate birthed a reminder.
By striking out against that memory, witness to forsaken legacies, carrying doubtless fashioning inside a mere phi over heights must foreshadow hidden interactions from lost contend.
The prospect leans grim; solemn apprehension leaves no altar untouched nor call un answered.
Time’s breath found its echo as clarity tallied measures.
Shadows began swirling against the slight form before him, vibrant reflections only painted painstaken sturdiness within continuity.
Eager recalls of instrumental days beyond wisdom fell into shadows.
Bathed within thoughts where memory lingered like darks embraced the fragile corners cuddled next to his breath.
The strong thrum of life pulsating to remind him—
‘Just at this point, everything lies as it ought.‘
