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Chapter 450: This Isn’t Right (2)

The Demon Fang was in the possession of the Martial Alliance.

Amidst the somewhat altered atmosphere from the So Sword Sect, I found myself deep in thought.

‘Why does the Martial Alliance have the Demon Fang?’

Originally, the Demon Fang was meant to be the treasured weapon of the Demon Sword Queen in this time period.

An item infused with Thunder Qi that significantly amplifies its effects.

In some situations, it could easily double the combat strength of the Demon Sword Queen.

‘But the Demon Sword Queen doesn’t have it right now?’

No, it seemed more accurate to say that she had it, but the Martial Alliance took it from her.

‘What in the world happened…?’

This was not something I remembered at all.

In my previous life, the Demon Sword Queen had retained the Demon Fang until her dying moment.

After that, I was the one who possessed the Demon Fang, which was considered a relic of hers.

It was something I had kept after she died.

But since meeting the Demon Sword Queen, I had never once seen her without the Demon Fang.

‘So why is that not the case now…?’

My eyes darted around quickly.

No matter how I looked at it, something felt off.

From the looks of the situation, it seemed that the Demon Fang had been taken from her some time ago.

Since entering this illusion, I hadn’t seen the Demon Sword Queen with the Demon Fang, nor had I heard anything about it, which likely meant this occurred much earlier…

‘What is this?’

This felt like something that hadn’t happened in the previous life I knew.

So, that means…?

‘This is a different world from what I knew…?’

I had thought this world was an illusion constructed based on my memories.

If events entirely different from my recollections were unfolding…

‘What on earth is this place?’

I immediately corrected my line of thought.

‘Something is different.’

The world I had assumed was sent by Tang Je-mun for a test seemed to have something unexpected going on.

‘No.’

Could it even be said that it was the world Tang Je-mun sent me to?

I had to question that too.

‘If it’s not an illusion and not a test… what else is left?’

I still couldn’t grasp that completely.

But it was clear I had to elevate the tension I was already feeling.

I had to remember that I was in a place different from my expectations.

My brow furrowed involuntarily.

Even considering it just an illusion was overwhelming; I felt drawn into something deeper and more frustrating.

‘Anyway, nothing ever goes normally when I’m involved with these humans.’

Whenever I got entangled with the so-called heroes of the past, it always resulted in this kind of situation.

Time freezes, and space itself shifts.

‘…Huh.’

Forcing myself to suppress my deepening emotions, I tried to cool my head.

In moments like this, I had to stay sharp.

I couldn’t forget my purpose.

I needed to return to my original world intact.

That was all I focused on.

“…You’ll return the Demon Fang?”

The Mage repeated what he had heard.

“Anyone listening would think you’re saying it was originally yours.”

“That’s not entirely incorrect.”

At So Sword Sect’s words, Heavenly Lord stepped forward.

“The Demon Fang originally belonged to the Nangong Clan. It’s simply returning to where it belongs.”

“Are you trying to play word games with me, fool?”

The Mage smirked slightly.

If it was originally from the Nangong Clan, it would make sense for the Demon Sword Queen to possess it.

Upon hearing that, Heavenly Lord looked at the Demon Sword Queen with faded blue eyes.

“That child has long since abandoned the Nangong name. Can you honestly say this statement is incorrect?”

“…”

The Demon Sword Queen didn’t respond, merely shooting a sharp glare at Heavenly Lord.

“If that child has willingly forsaken the Nangong, then the last remaining Nangong on this land is he. The Demon Fang has merely returned to where it was meant to be.”

“And still you want to barter with the Demon Fang… is that what you’re saying?”

“Indeed.”

Upon the Mage’s response, he glanced back.

There were many white-clad martial artists, each at considerable realms.

In terms of numbers, it was like the entire strength of the Martial Alliance was present.

Their numbers weren’t small either, and if a war broke out, they could engage adequately.

However.

‘I cannot win.’

That was an objective assessment.

Winning this combat would be impossible.

Unless only Heavenly Lord were present, it would be impossible to win with the full strength of So Sword Sect at their prime.

Even knowing that, the reason for their standoff was likely due to the absurdity of the situation.

The bastards seemed to think they could simply charge in because So Sword Sect was involved.

The existence of the martial artists was also about maintaining their position in the righteous faction.

Backing down because the righteous faction had superiority and defeat was assured would only undermine the standing of the Heavenly Demon within the main sect.

For those who lived in allegiance to the Cult Leader, it was simply unacceptable.

I also understood that, which was why I was stepping forward like this.

While I had an idea of the conversation’s flow, there seemed to be a major contradiction within it.

The contradiction was.

“So Sword Sect.”

“Yes.”

“It appears you’re seriously mistaken.”

At the Mage’s words, So Sword Sect’s eyebrow twitched slightly.

“Why do you think the main sect would trade with you lowly beings just for the Demon Fang?”

Crackling sounds erupted from the martial artists.

That was precisely the contradiction I had in mind.

I would acknowledge that the Demon Fang was extremely important to the Demon Sword Queen, but on a broader scale, it wasn’t critical for the entire Demon Sect.

Even if the Demon Sword Queen was a vital asset, why would that warrant trading with the righteous faction?

There was a lack of justification for that.

If anything, it might provoke anger.

“Oh, so you all still look down on us, huh?”

“…Mage.”

As the Mage slowly drew forth the flames and demonic energy, So Sword Sect’s expression contorted.

Seeing that, the Mage grinned.

“Since you’ve come this far, let me ask. What do you plan to do if you refuse the trade?”

“…”

So Sword Sect bit their lip at the Mage’s words.

If they didn’t accept a trade involving the Demon Fang.

How would the alliance react?

From her expression, I could vaguely guess the answer.

Or rather, it would be more surprising if I didn’t know.

Ignoring the Heavenly Demon’s warning and gathering such power near Sichuan, alongside Heavenly Lord—one of the Three Eminent Beings, and the hope of the Martial Alliance?

‘This is—’

If needed, they were indicating a willingness to provoke an all-out war.

This was something anyone but a fool would realize.

To put it differently.

“Let me ask something else. So Sword Sect.”

“…Yes?”

“Is this a trade, or is it a threat?”

If they didn’t comply, it meant they would fight, which in the end could be no different from a threat.

“…”

So Sword Sect clearly understood that, yet they couldn’t provide any reply.

From her expression, I caught a hint of shallow shame, while the Mage’s face was twisting with deep disdain.

“Even if you try to wrap it in grand words and put on a show, in the end, you’re not any different from us. Do you truly not see that yet?”

His calm words sent ripples through the crowd.

The martial artists of the alliance reacted intensely to the Mage’s claims.

“How dare the filthy traitor…!”

“What are the corrupted demons babbling about in their power-hungry state?”

It was a truly nostalgic sight I hadn’t seen in a long time.

Rather than annoyance, I felt a strange longing wash over me.

They touted peace on the surface, but underneath, they were rotting from the roots.

As war broke out, these secrets began to reveal themselves all at once, and that led to many who became disillusioned with the righteous faction joining the Demon Sect.

Was the righteous faction clean?

It was a fact everyone in the Central Plains now knew it wasn’t.

They had merely predicted that when the Heavenly Demon swept through and ruled, everything would burn away.

For now, I only hoped the Martial Alliance would win the war.

Knowing that put their reactions into a ridiculous light for me.

Though the righteous faction had collapsed, it was due to the war that they were barely holding on.

What gave them the right to act so superior?

No matter how I looked at it, I couldn’t comprehend.

As someone who had become a martial artist, I shouldn’t have said anything, but still.

Just as the martial artists’ momentum began to grow harsher.

Kugooooo!

An immense pressure emanated from Heavenly Lord, spreading throughout the surroundings.

Just feeling it made all the hairs on my body stand on end.

“Stop!”

At Heavenly Lord’s voice, the raucous martial artists of the alliance all fell silent.

Clink.

It was then I heard a sound from the Demon Sword Queen’s side.

Having gone unnoticed, the Demon Sword Queen had drawn her sword. Had it gotten any louder, she might have unleashed her Sword Intent.

Heavenly Lord must have sensed that, which is why he forced the ruckus to cease.

The Mage, however, didn’t seem to care about the situation and continued speaking.

“You’re noisy, but you don’t deny the truth. It means you know it already.”

“…”

“Did the righteous faction claim to exist for justice and cooperation?”

The Mage stepped closer to So Sword Sect.

The martial artists flinched, attempting to protect her, but So Sword Sect raised a hand to halt them.

“Do you believe there’s still something left there?”

The golden eyes of So Sword Sect met the purple eyes of the Mage.

“…There might not be. But…”

So Sword Sect stepped forward, as if unwilling to lose.

“If there isn’t, then I will create one.”

“…”

“I’ve taken up the sword to do so.”

The adamant tone was clear.

Watching this, I felt a bitter pang in my heart.

‘Don’t lie.’

It was obvious she would want to run away immediately.

Claiming she took up the sword for that purpose was a lie.

She must have never wanted to wield a sword in the first place.

How could she utter such words?

Seeing the unwavering So Sword Sect, the others looked on with expressions of admiration.

I wanted to tear their faces apart.

“…You’re still foolish.”

“Perhaps I am.”

“So, you wish to obtain what you desire through power, even if it means risking it?”

“…”

So Sword Sect did not deny that.

It meant the Mage was correct.

‘What on earth do you want?’

Given her personality, she had a high probability of not participating in something like this.

So why had she gotten involved in such an absurd matter?

It was puzzling what the Martial Alliance intended by sending her here and what they hoped to achieve even after that.

“I don’t understand. What do you hope to gain by stirring up this mess?”

As we closed the distance between us.

The Mage asked her.

In response, So Sword Sect slightly turned her head away.

‘Hmm?’

She looked towards me.

…Why is she looking at me so suddenly?

“I’m looking for someone.”

“Someone?”

“Yes….”

That statement indicated that she must obtain someone even if it led to a war, breaking the truce in the Martial Alliance. Remarkably, it was just one person.

What on earth was she trying to imply?

So Sword Sect suddenly raised a hand and pointed her finger towards me.

“Hmm?”

Thinking there might be someone around, I quickly scanned my surroundings.

But it appeared that So Sword Sect was indeed pointing at me.

Realizing that, a chill surged up my spine.

‘Oh… Is it possible?’

As I widened my eyes and looked back at So Sword Sect.

“That person. I want that person.”

“…!”

She looked at me and said that.

At those shocking words, just as I was about to express my surprise.

Kugugugugu!

“Ugh!”

Startled by the terrifying aura from beside me, I instinctively ducked.

It was the most intense killing intent I had felt since arriving in this place.

Kugung-!

As if in response to the aura, dark clouds suddenly began to gather in the clear sky.

From those dark clouds, I sensed a violent energy coiling up.

In the middle of the chaos, both the demons and the martial artists of the Martial Alliance began to turn pale and hastily changed their stances.

“You.”

The source of the impossible energy spoke toward So Sword Sect.

The culprit was none other than the Demon Sword Queen.

Her white hair danced wildly in the thunderous energy, lifting slightly into the air.

The immense understanding enveloped her drawn sword.

This was another of the Demon Sword Queen’s titles.

She truly embodied the Thunder Queen.

She looked poised to rush at So Sword Sect, her voice filled with malice.

“Do you want to die?”

Gone was her usual slow and soft tone; her words came out clear and precise, filled with unexpected intensity.

 

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