< Episode 121: Great War (4) >
The nervousness I felt as time flowed so slowly that it seemed as if it had stopped gave rise to deeper and deeper sorrow which soon awakened what was dormant deep inside.
The moment when complicated thoughts disappear and thinking becomes simple
-Rarrrrrrrrrr!
A black flame entered Mo Kyung-un’s field of vision.
Although it had the shape of a flame it contained darkness like an abyss.
In the endless abyss I felt pure evil as well as ferocity and even though it was my first time encountering it I was very familiar with it.
What on earth is this in front of you?
The moment I was puzzled black flames flickered and a voice was heard.
-Can you see it?
‘!?’
-I can see it. Will we finally meet each other properly?
‘you….’
-I thought it would take even longer to contemplate myself but this is truly surprising.
This voice.
That’s definitely it.
The being that was inside you.
Is this its shape? What on earth is this?
As I was puzzled by the appearance which was more alien than expected black flames flickered again and a voice rang in my ears.
-There is no need to question the natural order of things. The reason you met me like this is because your will is of such stature.
‘case?’
-Even though you may have lost your core you cannot be the same as me who was born as a completely human doctor and has lived for a long time.
A long time ago?
What on earth is interest?
I learned a lot during the journey of revenge that I set out to avenge my grandfather.
However the more clues he learned about himself the more he fell into the labyrinth.
This was especially true because of the ghost sword.
‘…What on earth are you? ‘Do you know everything about me?’
-That’s a straightforward question.
‘Answer the question.’
-It’s a question about myself. It’s really different.
‘what?’
What are you talking about?
Are you asking yourself a question about yourself? like….
-Have we thought of ourselves as different beings? Probably not. You must have guessed it. Even though our personalities and intentions may be different we are one.
‘….’
Mok Gyeong-un who was speechless for a moment quickly denied this.
‘…gibberish.’
-Why are you denying it? But what if you think that your past life can also be denied?
‘….’
Denial of life.
Questioning my own identity made me assume the worst.
That is the being within oneself is actually the essence and oneself is simply a being derived from the essence.
The first time he became aware of this was when a being of black flame took control of his body.
Even though he had his own will he had completely lost control of his body as if it was not his own.
So I had no choice but to watch.
-Interesting. It was my wish and choice but I had no idea it would form such a strong opinion.
‘What are you talking about?’
-Have you become attached to your own life?
Black flames flickered.
Although the level of will has increased humans are clearly unstable beings.
Since he was born as a human doctor he seems to have developed many emotions even though his life was definitely short.
Was it still too early to fully accept it?
However Mok Gyeong-un brought up the doctor.
‘Attachment to life… Don’t define me however you want.’
-Don’t define it?
‘Even if the truth about me is something I didn’t want this life I’ve experienced and the feelings I have now are entirely mine.’
-….
Mok Kyung-un’s strong will made the fireworks momentarily speechless.
Then soon enough the voice rang out again.
-I had a high opinion of human potential but you definitely exceed my expectations.
‘What do you want to say?’
-That’s literally it. It’s a compliment. Are you also praising yourself for being me?
‘…Is the reason why you and I are one because you want to take control of this body?’
-I am nothing but an impurity.
‘what?’
Mok Gyeong-un couldn’t help but feel puzzled by his sudden words.
What are you talking about?
-From that point on when I lost everything that was precious to me there was nothing left for me.
‘….’
-If I were to put it in human terms it would be more correct to say that I don’t have any major regrets in life.
‘No regrets?’
-Didn’t I tell you? Even if not necessarily humans most intelligent life forms lose the meaning of life if they lose the things they value. If there is such a thing as a thought that can think.
Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes became strange as he heard those words from the black flame.
In the past when people were more emotionless it would have been difficult to easily understand this statement.
The anger and murderous intent that came to him after losing his grandfather became the driving force that moved him but there was a strong emptiness inside.
And as he was trapped in the Taegong Bongcheon ceremony he felt anxious that he might lose her young spirit and the moment he assumed that he might lose her he felt a completely different emotion from her anger or sadness.
okay.
As he said it was a moment to reflect on the meaning of life.
‘Do those who call themselves impurities consider themselves already dead?
-That could also be the answer. It might be a bit difficult for you…
‘…no. I think I know what it feels like.’
The deep emotions contained in Mok Kyung-un’s voice.
I got a subtle feeling from the black flame that read it.
-It’s truly strange. I’ve lived only a fleeting moment but I can feel the complex emotions I felt this way.
‘It seems like it’s not how long you live that’s important but how you live.
-under!
At that time a large black flame flickered.
The bouncing ball flowers looked as if they were in great turbulence.
Then a loud laugh rang out.
-Hahahahahaha. okay. You are right. It doesn’t matter how long or short you live it’s important how you live.
‘….’
-It’s truly a coincidence. Is this what it feels like to look at myself through myself?
‘You’ve been saying only what you want to say since a while ago. What are you? They talk as if they are not human but are they really the incarnations or divine beings that they talk about at Baehwagyo?
-God… believers who have faith in fire also call it that.
‘!!!!!!’
God?
So is this pseudo-body inside me different from me really a divine being?
He was surprised and responded with a flickering black flame.
-It cannot be defined by just one thing. Those who fear me call me fear those who are greedy call me evil and those who are pure call me good. Everything is like the front and back of a coin.
‘…Does it differ depending on the way you look at it?’
-okay. Everyone makes their own definition of themselves but it is bound to differ depending on the subjectivity of those who look at anything.
‘Then what exactly is the existence of you which is defined by your subjectivity not by other objects?’
-It’s the definition of my existence… It’s been a long time since I talked to someone about myself. No I should say it’s my first time. I’m telling myself things about myself.
‘….’
-I was born in a darkness deeper than the abyss. I am a black flame that brings fear terror and chaos and I am the primordial demon itself. I am a being born with a destiny to rule and to be worshiped by those who follow me.
-Rarrrrrrrrrrrr!
Eventually a figure appeared in the burning black flames and it had an appearance that Mok Kyung-un had never expected.
A feeling of majesty and intimidation that seems to encompass everything.
It was a wonder in itself.
For a moment even Mok Gyeong-un was struck with awe and the being that appeared came closer to Mo Gyeong-un and spoke.
-I am a king. He is the king of demons who rules over all the demons.
* * *
At the same time Mt. Hibmandaesan.
The complexions of the warriors of the All Heaven and Earth Association under Mo Gyeong-un who were occupying the high ground of the mountain peak which was no different from a natural fortress darkened as they saw the numerous horsemen approaching.
-Doo doo doo doo doo!
At first glance the number was close to 10000.
At the head of the rapidly advancing horsemen flags were waving indicating who they were.
邪連盟(false alliance)
一盟主(一盟主) Gwangakpaeje constant heart.
Sammyeongju (Sammaengju) Jeoksaryeonju (赤邪連主) Immigun.
Seven Lords (Chilmaengju) King Gyeongsal (輕殺王) Hoilsa.
九盟主 (Gu Maengju) Galyun the major lender of 36 houses in Yanggang River.
Baek Sa-ha the King of Island Poisons frowned as he looked at the flags symbolizing the Four Alliance Alliance and the four lords and spoke in a serious voice.
“Huh. “The situation I was worried about has happened.”
“…okay.”
The smile disappeared from the face of Hwan Ya-seon the leader of the Amjong clan who had shown a certain degree of composure despite being outnumbered just a moment ago.
That was because the situation they considered the worst had happened.
The union of the Justice League and the Civil Alliance was already expected to some extent based on reports from messengers from the branch.
However because their starting points were different their strategy was to compete with the Justice League by using all means and methods until the League of Citizens reached the point where the League of Justice arrived.
That’s why I wasn’t reluctant to launch a solo attack from the beginning but something I was worried about happened.
The Four Leagues had arrived at the battlefield far exceeding expectations.
“No matter how many horseback riders we brought this is too fast.”
“…I guess it can only be said that the Justice Alliance provided station services for each sect and branch.”
Yeokcham (驛站).
It is a place where lodging food stables carts etc. are prepared and the most important thing is that it is equipped so that horses can be used interchangeably.
No matter how well trained a horse was it couldn’t run without stopping for several days.
Therefore if you switch to horses with sufficient stamina at these stations you can move efficiently and quickly without the need to rest the horses.
“Whew. “The chances are even lower.”
Hotaegang the King of Pabu located on the highest mountain peak also had a stern expression.
Even though they defeated the Justice League’s line of nearly 2000 men with a solo attack in the first battle they still had a large force of 44000.
As if that wasn’t enough the combined forces of the Four Alliance Alliance made the situation even darker.
What’s even worse is
‘The emperor of Gwangakpae (狂惡覇帝) always remembers.’
He was the leader of the Four Leagues Alliance and the loser of the North and was a member of Chilcheon the pinnacle of the current martial arts world.
The leaders of the other Four Alliance Alliances were also formidable super experts but he was also an unrivaled expert at the level of a great master ranked high among the seven heavenly beings.
‘When the lord is away….’
They were the leading figures of the Justice Alliance and the Socialist Alliance.
Currently among the top executives under Mu Qingyun the only one who could face them one-on-one was Gu Tianmu the leader of the Yeonggeom Mountain Lodge who was also a member of the Seven Heavens.
‘Seven thousand and two.’
It was not a situation that Gu Cheonmu could handle alone.
The worst crisis has arrived.
‘There is no way. In the end is Suseongjeon the answer?’
Mount Hibmandaesan was well equipped with the conditions of a water castle to the point where it could be called a natural fortress.
Just by occupying the high ground and making good use of ambushes here and there it was possible to block tens of thousands of enemies so for now this was the only way to deal with them all.
The good news is that there is no organization in the Sichuan Tang Dynasty or the Four Leagues that uses poison so the outpost will use this to delay the enemy’s general offensive as much as possible and reduce their numbers and morale…
-bang! bang! bang! bang!
It was that moment.
Explosions erupted here and there along with loud roars from the mountain peaks in the front line.
‘Anit?’
Sudden explosion.
The place where it happened was none other than a place where archers and warriors who could handle Baekga’s poisonous attacks were in ambush.
-Kurrrrr! Kwakwakwakwa!
So many and powerful explosives were used that three mountain peaks collapsed causing landslides.
As Jeong Hyeon-moon the leader of the Justice League looked at this the corners of his mouth rose.
‘Hehehe. He used his hand. ‘Body.’
Even if there were poisonous poisons it would be impossible to fight them in an all-out war unless their bows and poisons were exhausted or dealt with.
However explosions occurred in the area where the gunners had just ambushed creating a golden opportunity.
The executives of the Jeongjeongmaeng were confused by the sudden explosion but Jeong Hyeon-moon hurriedly raised his famous sword Ilhwi his German weapon and shouted loudly.
“The opportunity has come! “Advance!”
-Waaaaaa!!!!
As soon as his order was given the warriors of the Justice Alliance starting with a line holding torches burning poisonous liquor ran toward Mount Hundred Thousand Thousand Thousand Thousand Thousand Mountains at once.
This was also the case for the forces of the League of Legends that arrived late.
“Hahahaha. I can’t have my major taken away by justice-blind guys. “Everyone advance!”
-Waaaaaa!!!
The cavalry numbering over 8000 advanced all at once shouting as if waiting for the command of Gwangakpaeje Hangsim the leader of the Four Alliance League.
As the mountain peak of the battle line where the gunners were collapsing due to an explosion the top executives hurriedly shouted at the all-out offensive of the Justice League and the Civilian Alliance that surged in like the tide.
“The enemies are coming! “The enemies are coming!”
“Rearrange the front lines!”
Although about 70% of the gunners lost their lives in the sudden explosion and many were injured they staggered to their feet and reorganized their battle lines leaving behind the bodies of their allies.
Meanwhile the forces of the Civilian Alliance on the left and the Justice League on the right were approaching within three hundred paces.
In this way an all-out war between the three major powers that currently divide the martial arts world was about to begin.
‘It’s done. All eyes were on me.’
‘Now let us retrieve what is his.’
-Sssssssseu!
The moment they were about to clash black figures were secretly approaching the mountain peak in the rear where Sihyeolgokju Lee Ji-yeom was guarding.
< Episode 121: Great War (4) > end
ⓒ Hanzhongwolya
