<The Demon Lord of the Swordsmanship Family – Chapter 164>
Recently, the hot topic on the superhuman-related community forums has been this:
– Who will fill the void left by Celutis?
Celutis has essentially been annihilated due to the Japanese incident.
With the position now vacant, which villain group will rise to take this spot?
Of course, there were people who questioned such discussions.
└ Gentlemen, I’m just curious. Celutis is gone, but why is everyone talking about the ‘three great villains’? Isn’t it supposed to be the ‘two great villains’ now?
└ Nah, two sounds too rural. TA and the Evolutionary Group—wouldn’t that make it the ‘double-villain’ setup? Like a two-headed faction?
└ That’d sound embarrassingly rural…
If you simply subtract Celutis from the ‘three great villains,’ it would mathematically result in ‘two’—so shouldn’t that be correct, right?
Yes, theoretically, that’s true.
But does the world operate solely on theory?
└ Hahahaha, look who’s still living in a dream world.
└ It’s obvious. The ink on your license hasn’t even dried yet, rookie.
└ ^^ Such purity is refreshing. I wish you could hold onto that innocent heart forever. Later on, you won’t even be able to think this way. ㅍㅠ
└ What’s going on here? I understand absolutely nothing.
└ Haha, listen up, junior. Those folks you’re talking about are pests. No matter how many times we exterminate them, they never go away.
Did you think there were never such groups before TA, Celutis, and the Evolutionary Group?
Villains have always existed, regardless of time or place.
Back before Celutis emerged, Europe had the fanatical “Fallen Knights,” and before TA took its place among the three great villains, China’s ‘Life-and-d*ath Martial Arts Association’ claimed that role.
Villains never truly disappear.
When one villain fades, another always rises to fill the void.
This much has been proven by history.
Thus, with the exception of the few innocents who haven’t been jaded by the times, most people anticipated that a new villain would step in to fill Celutis’ position.
Experts commonly pointed to one group in particular.
An organization with global infrastructure and a vast community.
While not renowned for brute force, they possess expertise in the fields of Jiangshi and poison, and their execution of operations is so thorough it can be described as brutal. This group undertakes anything that brings profits, making them relentless money grabbers.
The Triad.
The emergence of Chinese trash.
“There’s a report that Park Ki-hyuk and Jin Yu-ri have just entered Kingdom Square.”
“Alright. Good work.”
The man bowed and left the room, leaving the woman alone. She turned up the volume on her classical music player and leaned back in her chair.
The woman’s name is Ban Li-ming.
She is the supreme regional boss of the Triad in the Middle East.
“How should we handle this…?”
What the headquarters expects from Ban Li-ming is clear: make Salman the king. By doing this, establish a connection to the “African Union” and, as the final step, loudly announce the arrival of the Triad.
In truth, the first step is already done.
As soon as Salman becomes king, this will open a way to influence Saudi Arabia. Then at an appropriate time, by widely spreading the rumor that ‘Salman’s rise to power was made possible through the power of the Triad,’ the job will be complete.
It was a perfect execution.
However…
“Park Ki-hyuk, Park Ki-hyuk…”
Out of nowhere, Park Ki-hyuk appeared.
Park Ki-hyuk is globally known as the most famous rookie. In fact, if the rumors are true, calling him a rookie might not be accurate.
There’s the rumor about how he single-handedly wiped out the Korean branch of Evolution during their mass abduction scandal, and there’s the rumor that he was the one who developed the artificial spirit crystal that prolonged the glory of Optimum for another generation.
There’s also the rumor that the ‘Red Gate incident’ in Korea a few years ago, which was actually a Celutis rampage, was stopped by him right at its forefront.
And…
“Our Triad has tangled with these folks too.”
There’s the story of how Wang Chai, a Triad field commander who knew Ban Li-ming, was killed by Park Ki-hyuk. And worse, there’s also the story of how a United States-based Triad branch collecting valuables was completely taken down.
All of this was accomplished by one man in just a few years?
After reviewing the intelligence sent from headquarters, the notion that he’s even human seems questionable to her.
“If even half of this information is true, it would be wise to back out.”
To begin with, the Triad isn’t known for its combat prowess. That’s why she resorted to hiring external assassins to handle Salman’s agent.
A direct confrontation with Park Ki-hyuk? Any sane mind would know this should absolutely be avoided.
“However… backing out completely isn’t an option right now, either.”
At this very moment, Ban Li-ming’s phone rings incessantly. It’s Prince Salman urging her to eliminate Park Ki-hyuk and Jin Yu-ri, who may have become new agents for his opposition.
However, the real issue isn’t with this clueless prince named Salman.
Ban Li-ming cannot simply let this go because she needs infamy—evil infamy.
Ultimately, the goal is for the Triad to make a grand entrance. A solid and unforgettable notoriety that will swiftly claim the vacant position Celutis left behind, taking over their market in one fell swoop.
The Triad needs this infamy, and that is why it has decided to get involved in Saudi Arabia’s royal succession battle.
“What should we do? What…”
There are only two choices here—to fight or to retreat.
The cards are already prepared; all that remains is Ban Li-ming’s decision.
Right then, just when she was deep in thought, a message arrived to ease her decision-making.
“Grand Boss, the Prince Faisal family has sent a message.”
“We’ll look the other way.”
If we’re going to be given such leeway, then there’s no need to deliberate further.
We don’t even expect to k*ll Park Ki-hyuk.
But severing Park Ki-hyuk’s Achilles’ heel? That’s not impossible.
Let’s nip it in the bud. Eventually, he won’t even entertain the thought of cutting it.
Ban Li-ming spoke.
“Move out.”
Operation Name: ‘k*ll the Baby Tiger’
Beginning.
Kwaang-!!
Kwaang-!!
With an explosion, a car plunged from the bridge.
At that moment, the people inside broke through the car’s roof and leaped out.
There were two men dressed in black suits who were royal guards, and Park Bom, carrying Ismail.
As they floated mid-air, one of the palace guards whistled, causing a gentle breeze to wrap around them, safely lowering them to the ground.
“Your Highness, Miss, we must leave immediately!”
“Follow us!”
“W-What is…?”
The startled Ismail stuttered.
While this was a typical reaction, Park Bom was different.
“Uncle, we can’t escape.”
“……!”
The moment Park Bom made the declaration…
Krrrrrrr-!!
It felt as if both sides of the bridge collapsed. The ceiling fell, and vehicles rolled off like falling rocks.
Screams echoed in the air.
The owners of the screams were unknown—it might have been ordinary citizens crossing the bridge, or they could be part of the escorting security team.
Amidst the confusion, unprecedented mana surged around them, engulfing them. It was a disturbance magic circle. The situation inside could no longer be observed from outside.
The detection area of the royal guards was dramatically shrunk as well. They couldn’t hear sounds, nor could they feel any presence. Essentially, they were left almost entirely dependent on sight alone.
As the chaos intensified, when they finally regained their senses, every escape route was blocked.
“…Planned.”
“The guards, what are they…?”
“Someone’s already fighting upstairs.”
That response came from Park Bom.
The two gradually regained their senses and looked at Park Bom in surprise. How did this child know?
And then, they noticed.
The eyes of Park Bom, slit like a tiger’s.
“We don’t have time. Come.”
The moment the word “come” was said, the cars surrounding them hovered in the air and crashed down toward them.
A shield was erected around the four of them, and one of the guards took out a whip.
They prepared to fend off the approaching enemies, but Park Bom’s calm voice cut through.
“There are too many. You can’t handle them alone, Uncle.”
And then…
“Berrie, help Uncle.”
Berrie sprang out of Park Bom’s bag, stepped on Park Bom’s head, and hovered in mid-air.
Berrie’s eyes scanned the battlefield.
She analyzed the conditions, interpreted them, and reached a conclusion.
“Grrr…(The elder sister must retreat…”
bl**d must be drawn at all costs.
The elder sister is still young. She must be protected.
“Understood.”
Spring, or Bom-sun, doesn’t insist on her usual stubbornness. Arguing now would only cause more trouble for Berrie.
Instead…
“Por Sil.”
The dragon armor ‘Park Por Sil’ appeared, tearing through the air, and swelled behind Park Bom.
“Give me the gift from Father.”
Por Sil’s transparent body turned misty as something emerged. It was a figure with two arms and two legs — definitely humanoid.
It was the Jiangshi of ‘Captain Tiger,’ created by combining and remodeling the Jiangshi collected by Park Ki-hyuk and later gifted to Park Bom.
The Jiangshi resembling her favorite ‘Captain Tiger’ was breaking through Por Sil’s body, emerging.
Berrie’s eyes lit up as she took control of the Captain Tiger Jiangshi. The crimson hue shone under the black goggles.
“Grrowl-! (Por Sil).”
Por Sil swelled, enveloping Park Bom.
“Also, the prince.”
“Por Sil, Eldo.”
Por Sil hesitantly enveloped Ismail as well.
As Bom’s power grew, Por Sil’s dragon armor became stronger. If she focuses on defense, even Jin-ryong Jin Do-ha will struggle to penetrate this.
“Berrie, I’ll have my wings spread to protect us, so we won’t get hurt!”
“Nyaaang~! (No worries~!)”
Finally, as Por Sil completely enveloped Bom, Berrie’s eyes changed. They were no longer like a cat’s but rather the eyes of a real predator.
In addition…
“Pointless humans.”
“……!!”
“You shall remain here and guard Por Sil.”
If anything happens to ‘my sister’…
Then you will d*e too.
Berrie’s overwhelming aura oppressed the two royal guards.
Gulp.
The two royal guards, nodding repeatedly, were highly experienced individuals, skilled enough to guard the royal family in emergencies.
But this cat was in a different league altogether. It wasn’t just some common beast.
The two guards recoiled visibly. Berrie then turned her attention to the enemy.
The enemies, now visible to the n*ked eye, were approaching.
One peculiar detail was that, despite their human appearances, each lacked any sign of life. Just like the Captain Tiger Jiangshi in front of Berrie.
Berrie briefly contemplated the situation before dismissing her thoughts.
After all, they were already the ones who attacked first.
My sister is in danger, and I must protect her. Father will be here soon.
I just need to hold them off until then.
The suffocating standoff continued.
The enemies made the first move by suddenly picking up the surrounding cars and throwing them toward the group.
Kwaang!
This marked the beginning as the surrounding enemies rushed in en masse — some charging directly, others leaping through the air.
In response to this disorganized assault, Berrie emitted a roar.
Kyarr-!
Darkness that had been lurking on the ground solidified and dashed toward the oncoming enemies.
And in mid-air, it tore apart the foremost enemy.
Black Magic
Shadow Striker
Shadow Strikers erupted from various points.
They took many forms. Spike-shaped shadows pierced the enemies’ abdomens, blade-like shadows severed their bodies.
The best of these were the animal-shaped shadows that resembled sleek black leopards. These shadowy creatures leaped at the oncoming enemies, sinking their fangs into them.
The Captain Tiger Jiangshi also crushed the heads of its foes.
Park Ki-hyuk had stripped away existing techniques and infused the most efficient martial arts. Thanks to this, this Captain Tiger Jiangshi efficiently collected the heads of enemies in a simple, crude manner.
But it was strange.
Even with such fierce resistance, the enemies showed no signs of hesitation. If anything, they pressed forward with a relentless persistence.
Even as heads or arms were severed, they continued to advance. Clearly, these were movements impossible for humans.
That’s right. The true identities of the enemies were Jiangshi.
Specifically, the Triads’ pride: the Iron Jiangshi.
These already dead Iron Jiangshi feel no pain. They know no fear. They only carry out commands with their unique defense mechanisms.
When these Iron Jiangshi reached a certain distance…
They explode.
Corpse Explosion
Corpse Explosion
Kwaang!!
Kwaangang-!!
They sequentially explode like bombs. The chain of explosions creates even larger blasts, obliterating the surroundings and causing devastation.
Witnessing this from a distance, some members of the Triad began to move.
“Let’s go.”
The real humans, not Jiangshi.
Their mission was simple—confirmation. If successful, they had to retrieve the bodies; if not, they had to pursue and eliminate any survivors.
No operation could leave room for future threats.
But the front-line leader of the group was confident of success.
An operation like this, utilizing 129 Iron Jiangshi, would be a failure only in rare circumstances. As evidence, wherever the leader walked, the bodies of the royal guards lay scattered.
Survivors among the royal guards: 0.
All had perished.
“Retrieve one body and send it back to headquarters.”
These bodies would become excellent materials for creating more Jiangshi.
If the royal guards were this decimated, then the other side—mere attendants and a child—would definitely be toast. In the smoke still rising, the intended targets would surely be nothing but ashes by now.
Relaxing his guard, the leader descended under the broken bridge.
At that moment!
Shiiik-!
A shadow darted in.
Startled, the leader swung his sword to block.
Clang!
Puhk!
“Khahk!!”
Already from the back, another shadow was launched. As he blocked it, another shadow pierced through his back.
Subsequently, shadows sprouted from the ground like a wave. The subordinates who had rushed to rescue the leader were startled, drawing their swords to defend.
By the time they set up the defense, the leader had already been torn apart beyond recognition and was now intermittently twitching on the ground.
“What… the hell is…?”
“Why is the leader…”
“Get a grip!”
The situation was chaotic.
As the smoke cleared at that moment,
A dazzling white light pierced through the black smoke… and the enemies’ eyes widened in shock.
What stood in the spot where they had expected nothing but ashes was a slime.
It was Park Por Sil, her white wings spread, emitting an ethereal glow.
Alive
All injuries heal.
Even the biological injuries of the attendants who had been scratched by shrapnel, the wounds of the Captain Tiger Jiangshi who resisted the explosions with his bare body…
And Berrie, bleeding in mid-air.
Now, within this space, the sole entities with wounds are… the enemies.
“What… what is this?”
“…What is that?”
“This can’t be real.”
At that moment, Berrie looked up to the sky and let out a roar—”Gyaarrl!”
And then…
“Good job.”
In an instant,
The world was enveloped in darkness.
Huge pupils glowed from the depths of the abyss.
“Do not entertain thoughts of an easy d*ath.”
At that moment, the dormant Demon Lord awakened.
