Chapter 637
Chapter 638: White Night
Kraaah–!!!
I launched myself through the rough roar.
Despite its enormous size that seemed to create hills, the beast moved much faster.
With a thud!
Its claw dug into the ground, shredding it like tofu with its sharp claws.
I managed to dodge just in time as I closed the distance to it.
What I aimed for was its held-down wrist.
Right in front of me, I twisted my waist and swung my fist with all my might.
Ka-woom!
My fist struck its wrist directly.
A harsh sound erupted as its hand was flung back.
But.
Krrr–!
‘What the…’
It seemed like my attack didn’t faze it at all.
I was sure the hit landed.
It merely recoiled without buckling or feeling a proper hit.
Kyaaaah!!
Angered by the blow, it charged straight at me.
I felt a little intimidated as the enormous creature came barreling towards me.
Yet, I observed it closely.
‘With how it’s simply charging, does it have no rationality?’
No sense of self.
If this were Mang’s body, I expected to see some sort of reaction.
But now, it was like a mere beast.
Flame Burst!!
Gaining focus, I raised my energy.
I felt the heat soaring as I released a burst of flames.
Fwooosh!!
Kyaaaah–!!
It sprinted at me, seemingly unconcerned about the flames enveloping its body.
Just then!
WHAM! KABOOM!
Kraaaah–!!
Its head was flung sideways, its body swaying.
Pejon had struck its head, successfully blocking its charge.
“Hehe.”
Pejon chuckled as he watched the swaying beast.
“Quite the sturdy one.”
It seemed Pejon could tell too.
“It’s covered in something unknown.”
“Looks like it.”
Just as the Red Demon Beast was, this creature too appeared to be cloaked in something.
No wonder my attack didn’t seem to hit properly.
The problem was.
‘I can’t see it.’
While there were slight weaknesses visible on the Red Demon Beast, the same couldn’t be said for this one.
‘What kind of creature is this?’
Kwadak!
With it thrashing about, debris flew everywhere.
I had to keep dodging constantly while assessing it.
‘What’s the way?’
What method was there to bring it down?
I had to keep searching for an answer.
If my attacks kept getting blocked by its barrier, exerting effort further would only yield losses.
In the end, I would tire out first and become its meal.
Kyaaaah–!!
The chilling aura made me frown.
‘A White Grade Demon Beast, huh.’
A calamity in existence, undeniably destructive power.
‘If that’s the true form of Mang…’
Is it acceptable to simply label that a White Grade Demon Beast?
And fundamentally.
“Is this what the true form looks like?”
Was this the physical shape of that creature called Mang?
But at a glance, it surely looked like.
“It’s a demon beast…”
The third Pure Blood Dragon.
That was how Mang introduced himself.
He claimed to be a dragon like me.
‘This doesn’t even resemble a monster.’
Shissh!!
I twisted my body to avoid the incoming claws.
Swish!
I couldn’t dodge all of them; the upper body took a slight scratch.
The Martial Robe tore as pain surged through me.
‘Tch.’
Pain was especially sharp for a part already marked with a scar.
My body felt sluggish.
Krrr!
The creature didn’t let up, swiftly swinging its claws again.
As its claws approached my face.
Fwoosh!
Someone appeared and blocked the claws just in time.
Clang!!
I could hear the sound of metal scraping.
The one who interfered elegantly slipped past the claws.
POW!
Using his Sword Intent, he deflected the claws.
I widened my eyes at the sight.
“I shall join you.”
A massive figure with black hair and brown eyes.
The Black Lion of the Transformation Realm Martial Artist guarding the door to Gungju.
As I was slightly taken aback by his appearance.
Another figure appeared, gently lowering me down to the ground.
“Are you alright?”
“…You.”
This time, it was Seongyul.
“I’m sorry for being late; I was helping with the evacuation.”
I had wondered where he went; it seemed he was leading people to safety.
‘…This guy?’
The reincarnated Murderous Fiend or Sword Demon was ferrying everyone to safety and made his way back here.
“If you’re evacuating, why didn’t you just leave too? Why come back here?”
I questioned why he chose to come back after leading others to safety.
Seongyul calmly replied with his trademark expressionless face.
“Because the Prince is here.”
“You’re insane.”
Without hesitation, I responded to his words.
Since when did he swear loyalty to me?
It hadn’t been long since we met. It felt absurd.
“You claimed you’d give my life a purpose. Until then, you cannot die.”
“When did I say that?”
I never said anything like that.
I merely stated that if I was going to risk my life anyway, he might as well die serving me.
‘This crazy guy is interpreting it however he wants.’
I was on the verge of sighing but held myself together to rise up.
“What’s that old man doing?”
“Not sure. I have no idea.”
Seongyul shook his head, as if their plans were not adequately discussed.
‘That guy is protecting Gungju, and now he’s joining in the fight?’
Could it be that he hadn’t heard the circumstances Pejon mentioned?
I didn’t think someone closest to Gungju would be unaware of such.
Then, did Pejon lie?
Given that old man’s temperament, it was possible, but—
‘Looking at his expression, it seems otherwise.’
Based on the Black Lion’s expression.
He didn’t seem oblivious.
He looked grave, far too sorrowful.
And yet he held his sword.
Whatever happened, it seemed Pejon’s words were mostly accurate.
‘Mang’s true form has swallowed Gungju.’
It could also not be the case, but given the current situation, contemplating further was difficult.
Krrrraaaah!!
The beast twisted its head and started looking in our direction.
Kyaaaah!!
It charged at us.
I thought I’d take a moment to think of a plan as it approached.
-Relax your feet. Channel your strong energy to your back.
Instinctively, I raised my energy at the sound of the foreboding warning.
Strong energy gathered at my back.
In that instant.
BAM!
“Guk!?”
A powerful impact hit me, pushing me back quickly.
It was a sudden turn of events, but I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists.
I rushed towards the beast at an unimaginable speed.
Before it could open its mouth, I struck it with my energy-infused blow.
POW!
Krack!!
The beast stumbled and paused after getting hit in the face.
“Good job.”
The one who kicked my back to propel me upwards was none other than Pejon.
In one swift motion, he aimed for the top of the creature’s head, extending all his fingers to target its skull.
Without delay, he coiled his fist and drove it into the beast.
BOOM!
Kyaaaah!!
Despite the action being quick and simple, the destructive power was remarkable; it wobbled like nothing else I’d seen before.
It was then that I noticed.
Crack!
The beast’s energy barrier slightly shattered, creating a space.
It was an opening.
I thought I must not miss that moment, but it was already too late to twist my body.
What to do? Lost in thought, I pondered my options.
Swoosh–!!
Something flew toward me from behind.
“I’m sorry.”
It was Seongyul.
What could he possibly be apologizing for? Just as I wondered.
Swoosh—!
“This little—.”
Without a care, he stomped on my body like Pejon and rose higher.
With a swift motion, he twisted his body, enhancing his speed, and drove the sword down into the gap.
THUNK—!
Kyaaaah!!!
The blade, infused with his strong energy, sliced through, causing the beast to writhe in pain.
While Pejon and Seongyul were suspended in mid-air, it was an optimal situation for the beast to retaliate.
Seeing that, I released energy from my hands, wrapping around the two, and pulled them away.
FOOSH!
Both barely managed to escape, just as the beast’s tail swept by.
It was a close call.
I fell to the ground without the chance to roll, instantly rising to assess the situation.
Krrrrrr…!
As the demon beast growled, blood trickled down from between its brows.
It signified my attack had connected.
However.
‘Not deep enough.’
For a successful hit, my damage was fairly minimal.
Suuuu.
The small breach I managed to create healed almost instantly.
‘This is frustrating.’
Watching this, I broke out in a cold sweat.
Its speed was fast, and its power considerable; it wasn’t something I couldn’t evade.
This meant it wasn’t overly difficult to deal with.
‘But in the end, I can’t finish it.’
As long as I couldn’t figure out how to deal with that barrier, I couldn’t kill it.
‘Is every White Grade like this?’
I had no idea if it was just this one or if all White Grades were like it.
‘If I had known this would happen, I should have asked Noya for advice.’
Since Shin Noya had a history of single-handedly dealing with a White Grade Demon Beast, he could have provided insight.
But it was all wishful thinking.
Who would have thought a White Grade Demon Beast would actually appear.
“Phew….”
When I sighed in a miserable situation.
“Hmmm.”
Pejon beside me wore a contemplative expression.
After a few seconds of thought, he finally spoke.
“My disciple.”
“Yes.”
“Right now, can you use Heart’s Authority?”
“Pardon?”
I questioned Pejon’s odd phrasing.
Heart’s Authority…
“Heart Sword, you mean?”
“…?”
Pejon’s brow furrowed at my words.
“Did you really name it like that?”
“Well, since you have Heart Sword, it’s only natural for there to be a Heart’s Authority, right?”
“I see. That’s irrelevant now. Can you use it or not?”
He ordered me to try using Heart’s Authority against that beast. I nodded in acknowledgment.
“I can use it about twice.”
“Use it.”
In an instant, without hesitation, I channelled power into my soul.
My hand became wrapped in the authority.
Instantly I unleashed it towards the demon beast.
The energy I released sped directly towards the beast.
WHOOSH—! BOOM!!
Kraaaah–!!!
The beast shook violently upon impact.
Seeing this, I regained my focus.
“What just happened?”
The beast’s response after getting hit by Heart’s Authority was strange.
It didn’t seem to react at all when I infused energy, but responded significantly to the lighter use of Heart’s Authority?
Furthermore.
‘The barrier shattered.’
It created a larger gap than when Pejon struck it.
“Hmm… so it seems.”
Pejon nodded knowingly at what he observed.
“It seems this tactic works well.”
I immediately looked up at him after hearing his words.
Was it possible that—
“Are you saying it only breaks if I use my Heart’s Authority?”
“After mixing it slightly earlier, the feeling was different. Therefore, I tested it, and it appears to be the case.”
Ha.
Hearing that made me chuckle slightly.
To break the barrier, I had to reach into the domain of Heart’s Authority?
‘That’s ridiculous.’
It was an absurdly high level of difficulty.
Nevertheless, I had discovered a method.
“Then I’ll use that to break it. Let’s go.”
“Go where?”
“Where else? We need to catch that thing.”
“Exactly. How do you suggest we do that?”
“Pardon?”
I couldn’t quite grasp the conversation.
If I just discovered the method, wouldn’t it be simple to use it?
As I contemplated.
“Disciple, do you think anyone else here can do that?”
“…!”
Pejon’s remark made me ponder over the issue.
I surveyed the surroundings.
Seongyul maintaining his guard was an adept Peak Martial Artist, and the Black Lion also seemed quite skilled in martial arts. However, neither appeared to have touched Heart’s Authority.
“If so, what about you, old man?”
“A while ago, that was my limit. My vessel hasn’t fully formed yet.”
Damn it.
If that were the case, it meant I was the only one who could use Heart’s Authority here to break the barrier.
‘…And that’s my limit, huh.’
I wasn’t in a great state either.
Having just fought with Mang, my energy was waning. Plus, Heart’s Authority was never meant to be used excessively.
I found a way to do it just now, but I could only utilize Heart’s Authority once more.
“This is messed up.”
The situation kept deteriorating.
I needed to think of a way to resolve this.
“Five minutes at most.”
Pejon stepped forward while speaking.
“Should be enough time to endure.”
“Sir?”
“It would be best if you gather the children and find a way out.”
“Are you… serious right now?”
What on earth was he saying?
Before I knew it, I blurted out harshly, yet Pejon maintained his stoic demeanor.
“Unfortunately, you can’t die here.”
“You were just saying to never teach us how to retreat. What’s this about?”
“Just call it a strategic withdrawal.”
“Seriously, don’t make that crazy suggestion.”
“Keheh.”
Pejon chuckled.
“Still, I must say I belong to the Righteous Faction.”
Though I’d never seen him live that way.
Pejon indeed belonged to the Righteous Faction.
“It’s rather unsettling seeing young juniors die here.”
“So? Are you suggesting you’ll take the hit? We’re not going to die.”
“Hmm. It’s nice to see you getting a bit of your teacher’s nature.”
“Why all of a sudden are you acting so nice? It’s creepy.”
I growled, but Pejon’s reaction didn’t change.
Did it mean he was serious?
‘He said he wanted to see the culmination of martial arts. What is he even doing?’
It was absurd. I questioned his intentions.
Creeeak.
I ground my teeth.
It was unacceptable that Pejon was reacting like this after only a few rounds of fighting.
He couldn’t bend his will here.
At least Pejon shouldn’t do that.
“…Don’t joke around.”
You think Pejon could die in a place like this?
For me to stay alive?
Don’t kid me.
Flame Burst—!!
I wrapped my hand in flames and summoned Flame Jade.
I added rotation and compression to it.
“Oh ho.”
Pejon’s eyes sparkled as he observed the martial arts flow.
This was the same person who just a moment ago proposed to take the hit.
“Have you finally succeeded?”
“…”
I declined to respond.
After pouring all my focusing efforts into my hand, I gathered my breathing before speaking to Pejon.
“Thirty seconds. Please hold on.”
That should be enough time for the incantation.
Pejon chuckled in response to my succinct words.
“Your stubbornness just won’t change.”
I altered the shape of the rotating Flame Jade.
Over the swirling flames, I cloaked my Heart’s Vessel.
If Heart’s Authority works, then this too should succeed.
I carefully blended the flame to keep it stable over the vessel and Heart’s Authority.
Though this was ultimately still a move within martial arts.
Just from the performance alone, it was deliberately aimed at a White Grade Demon Beast.
Breaking its barrier with Heart’s Authority and injecting flames within.
While I was securing it safely.
Kraahhh—!!
Pejon was already grappling with the beast.
Seongyul was moving to support him beside him. The Black Lion was handling things on his own.
Although it appeared they were faring well, they were visibly being pushed back.
That barrier was the issue after all.
Rrrrrring–!!
I felt a reaction at my fingertips.
Thirty seconds had already passed; Flame Jade Sacred Spear has been completed.
“Phew….”
I let out a deep breath.
This was the largest and densest spear I’d created thus far.
It was only natural since I poured every last bit of my power into it.
Looking upon the finished spear, I realized.
This is enough. With this, I can bring that beast down.
Slowly, I extended one leg.
As soon as I took the stance to throw it—
“It’s happening.”
I spoke softly, but the voice would surely resonate deeply with someone of that level of martial artist.
True to my words.
The three fighting the beast nearby fell back.
Simultaneously, I hurled the spear with all my strength.
Kyaaaah—!!
The spear flew through the air, rotating—
Krrr-!!
It struck the beast’s barrier with a direct hit.
Kwadak! As expected, the Heart’s Authority surrounded the spear and shattered its barrier.
As a hole opened in the barrier, the spear pierced through and embedded itself in the beast’s flesh.
Kyaaaah–!!
Flame Burst—!! Kyaaaah!!
The spear that penetrated its body soon exploded with flames circling it.
It worked.
I reveled in the sight of the flames engulfing the beast.
However.
Kyaaaah!!—!!!
I quickly contorted my face.
The flames surrounding its body dispersed quickly as the beast flailed about.
As the flames cleared, I saw.
“…Damn it.”
Though its skin was charred, the damage was not severe.
While its body was heavily pierced, it seemed to be regenerating already.
I aimed for a critical hit, striking directly at it.
Yet the creature merely gasped and retained its solid stance.
“Damn. Really.”
How is that even possible? How on earth am I supposed to catch that thing?
Do I really need to escape?
In this hellish situation, I clenched my teeth as I struggled to keep control.
Little did I know.
Swoosh.
Someone was approaching from behind.
“Not bad.”
“…!”
My body stiffened at the deep, heavy voice that came through.
It reverberated with a weight so profound it could never belong in this cold open field.
As my weary knees buckled, I turned to the side.
In that instant—
Swish, a giant palm brushed through my hair.
I didn’t pause to question who it could be.
My only wonder was why that person was here at this exact moment.
“Father—?”
I called out in shock, surprised at the sight.
Swoosh—
A gust of wind, mixed with heat, rushed through.
Kawoom—!
The enormous tremor echoed.
When I turned back to the direction of the vibration.
“…!”
Krrr…
The White Grade Demon Beast, which wouldn’t fall no matter how many times it was struck, staggered.
“Ugh…!”
It leaned as half of its body was blown away, slowly collapsing.
