Childhood Friend of the Zenith – 445



445

**Chapter 446: Resonance**

**Demonic Destruction.**

The power that Wi Seol-ah created to become the hope of the Central Plains and the reason she ultimately succeeded in killing the Heavenly Demon.

At the time when the first battle with the demonic practitioner broke out.

Moreover when I was still not a demonic practitioner.

Among those who were helplessly being overwhelmed by the demonic qi possessed by the demonic practitioners Wi Seol-ah’s sword shone particularly brightly.

She was neither consumed by the demonic qi nor did it merely push back; instead one could see it disappearing into her sword.

How could that be?

Could it be that the Moon Sword Dance she learned has such an effect?

The people of the Central Plains expressed doubts about this fact but the Sword Master said that such a phenomenon did not occur with his own energy meaning it was a characteristic unique to Wi Seol-ah.

Why could that be?

They had no time to ponder this.

What mattered was that the power she possessed could annihilate the demonic qi.

A martial artist appeared who had the power to counter the demonic qi which was a lethal energy for martial artists.

Whether that person was a young woman or a prodigy did not matter.

For this reason it did not take long for Wi Seol-ah to be called the hope of the Central Plains.

Moreover at the time she was gaining fame for her absurd talent and many began to place their hopes in her.

Isn’t it truly ridiculous?

Finding a small glimmer of hope and immediately elevating her to the status of a hero.

To pass on the burden of expectations and the need to save the world.

“Damn bastards.”

To me it was nothing but a laughable story.

It wasn’t that I didn’t understand.

Anyone who has experienced how dreadful the demonic qi is would know.

If there is someone who can counter such energy it is perhaps natural to place expectations on them.

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I knew that yet my emotions remained unmoved.

I knew all too well what would happen to the one who would bear that damned expectation.

They would be buried in their karma disappearing and gradually everything would crumble.

Excessive expectations and karma were inherently like that.

Moreover do you know what is even more grotesque?

People do it knowing full well that the one who suffers will end up like that.

Knowing that she who would bear the karma would ultimately break and crumble.

They repeatedly pretend not to know because they need to survive.

That was the nature of humanity.

I despise them.

And I resent her who stepped forward to protect such people fully aware.

This time is no different.

Even knowing that it would gnaw away at her life the foolish woman would raise her sword and stick her neck out.

I hated that with a passion.

Amidst the silence.

Tap. Tap.

A sound that grated on my ears was heard.

I raised my head to look at the source of the sound.

It was the sound of the Mage tapping the armrest with his finger.

A habit that comes out when one’s thoughts run deep.

In the meantime the atmosphere grew heavier.

The pressure emanating from the Mage weighed down on the surroundings.

Even in this situation the demonic practitioners were enduring without a single murmur.

It was clear that the atmosphere of that damned bastard was anything but ordinary.

While other demonic practitioners might appear to be deep in thought over the unexpected ambush.

I knew.

‘His head must be filled to the brim.’

That head of his was undoubtedly filled with thoughts about the Sword Master.

Guuuu….

Breaking through the heavy atmosphere Muk-gwon spoke.

“…Captain please give the order.”

With Muk-gwon’s words the demonic practitioners around him knelt down all at once.

This time even the Sword Master did the same.

It was because the enemy forces were appearing and the gathering of strength was quite literally a sign.

‘It means they are preparing for war.’

I don’t know how extensive that range is but it is certain that the sect is preparing for war.

Especially knowing that there is a Celestial Lord nearby.

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If the Sword Master who is strong against demonic qi is also present.

‘…It means it’s definitely not going to be an easy fight.’

The only fortunate thing is that the power known as Demonic Destruction does not purify demonic qi like my Nine Flame Transformation.

‘Should I consider that fortunate?’

Is it fortunate that it cannot purify?

It’s a thought that brings a bitter smile.

In this situation.

‘What decision will you make?’

I watched his reaction while kneeling alongside the other demonic practitioners.

The best course of action here would be to report to the Heavenly Demon first.

Along with the actions of the Celestial Lord if we report that the sect is gathering there is a high probability of additional support or that the Heavenly Demon himself will appear to handle it.

I don’t know how strong the Sword Master is right now.

But at least he would be insufficient to face the Heavenly Demon.

Even if all three Lords were to join forces they would not be able to defeat the Heavenly Demon.

I cannot be certain whether their intentions are truly war but this would be the fastest method.

However.

‘You won’t do that will you?’

The Mage would not take such a choice.

I knew that all too well.

Creeeak.

Before the kneeling demonic practitioners the Mage slowly rose.

Then he stepped down from the throne and spoke to Muk-gwon.

“…Muk-gwon.”

“Yes Captain.”

“Guide us to their location.”

At those words the demonic practitioners sprang to their feet.

The arena was filled with the fighting spirit emitted by the demonic practitioners.

It was because they all understood the meaning behind the Mage’s words.

Seeing that I couldn’t help but smile bitterly inside.

‘You foolish bastard.’

You are just as I expected.

His actions were not a bit different from what I had anticipated.

His choice would always be the same.

In the end he would choose her.

Just as in the previous life.

Just as now.

And likely in the future as well.

‘You are always such a fool.’

A moron who cannot even provide a clear answer as to why he does such things even if someone acknowledges him.

That was me.

If I were in such a situation now what choice would I have made?

I pondered as I looked at the Mage’s back as he exited the arena.

I already knew what choice I would have made.

‘Probably.’

I would have made a choice no different from his.

Knowing that I couldn’t even comfortably curse him.

That bastard was indeed a fool.

And I was still a fool as well.

I could only hope.

That in this situation something that would be impossible to manage wouldn’t explode.

******************

The location Muk-gwon mentioned was a village precisely at the border of Sichuan just outside of it.

It was a place that was hard to reach due to its sparse population and deep mountainous location.

To think that the sect’s forces were gathering there was it a deliberate choice of location?

‘It’s strange.’

Even as I quickened my pace I still had doubts.

No matter how much it was an area outside of Sichuan did they really think the demonic practitioners wouldn’t notice?

Even if the sect was filled with fools they weren’t that brainless.

There was definitely some kind of plan in place.

‘To charge in like this while knowing that.’

That was the thought that crossed my mind as I ran at the front.

Could he really be unaware of this?

‘There’s no way.’

He must know very well.

He was charging recklessly into enemy territory fully aware.

Moreover.

‘With this level of strength…’

I glanced back.

There were quite a number of demonic practitioners following behind.

Just counting there were over a hundred.

It meant that even those who were on guard were being led along.

In cases where I was leading such a large force…

‘It either means he intends to utterly crush the enemy.’

Or he plans to crush our side. Usually it was one of these two.

After running for a while the Mage spoke.

“Muk-gwon.”

“Yes.”

Muk-gwon who was right behind me sent a glance and the Mage continued as if he had been waiting.

“I will go ahead so bring the members along.”

“…Understood.”

Normally it would be the Vice Captain the Sword Master who would lead the members.

However since the Sword Master might lead them to an unusual place in this situation Muk-gwon would clear the path.

In the midst of that I had to frown at what he said.

‘Going ahead?’

Is he in such a hurry that he leaves the strength behind and goes first?

What does that even mean?

Does he think he knows what awaits over there and chooses such a reckless method?

In any case I didn’t like it.

Whoosh.

Whether he knew my feelings or not the Mage immediately wrapped himself in black flames.

Kwah-!

In an instant he burst forward with an enormous explosion.

The speed was so fast that the Mage disappeared from sight in mere seconds.

‘Insane.’

He was pouring out an immense amount of energy to increase his speed.

If I were to use such a method in my current situation I would probably run out of qi in less than half a breath.

‘Back then I could run like that all day and still be fine.’

Even if I cursed at such a foolish method seeing that made me realize the need to increase my qi.

Right after the Mage disappeared Muk-gwon hid his surprise and spoke to the demonic practitioners.

“The destination is not far. Prepare for battle.”

At Muk-gwon’s warning the demonic practitioners raised their fighting spirit.

Seeing that I swallowed hard.

It was highly likely that both the Mage and Muk-gwon were still wary of me.

Yet I had to think about what it meant to drag me into such a war.

As the demonic qi escaping from the bodies of the demonic practitioners began to resonate in the air.

Kuuuuuuung-!

“Guh!”

Suddenly the ground shook violently as if an earthquake had struck.

The sudden shock threw off the balance of those who were rushing forward.

Just as I was about to stop wondering what was happening.

“That’s…”

At Muk-gwon’s words everyone looked straight ahead.

‘Ha…’

I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh at the situation unfolding before me.

‘He rushed ahead and as soon as he did this happens?’

In the distance at the mountainside a massive wave was forming.

A black wave with an overwhelming size as if it intended to sweep away the entire mountain.

A wave of flames soaring high almost touching the clouds.

There was no need to ponder what that was.

That was all black flames.

Due to the sheer number and size of the flames it looked as if a gigantic tsunami had appeared.