Chapter 423
When the red-rated monsters first appeared, countless disasters erupted across the Central Plains.
Unlike the green or blue monsters, these red monsters only released a single creature, yet the damage inflicted was monumental.
Even a peak-level expert typically wouldn’t face death from challenging even the most fearsome monsters. However, the emergence of these red monsters disrupted this expected norm.
Consequently, the peace that had been tenuously maintained began to fracture.
The reason was simple.
Red monsters are invulnerable to energy.
The meaning embedded in that short sentence birthed all sorts of chaos and calamities.
Traditionally, the swordsmen tasked with hunting these creatures relied on the energy inherent in their bodies.
They needed to slash through tough hides and break solid bones.
It was common knowledge that anyone hunting monsters would naturally be a martial artist employing bets.
But the red monsters shattered this common sense.
Surrounding them was an enigmatic barrier, seemingly protecting their bodies, equipped with the bizarre ability to absorb energy.
Any attacks intertwined with energy would be absorbed effortlessly, rendering energy-less strikes ineffective against the monster’s hide.
Despite their massive size and power that couldn’t even be compared to blue monsters, they rendered even martial artists’ strikes useless, leading them to rampage uncontrollably.
Even though only one would show up, it caused utter chaos in the northern lands at first.
That’s what happens when dealing with a monster immune to energy.
Thus, in their previous lives, the warriors were forced to confront their powerlessness against red monsters for the first time. Yet, as is often the case, people tend to find solutions amidst despair.
The red monster’s defense mechanism confirmedly absorbed energy, but it wasn’t boundless.
This was a fact that the Heavenly Deity of their previous life discovered while hunting red monsters.
The barrier would break when a sufficient amount of energy was absorbed.
Once broken, it was possible to engage them as if they were lower-tier monsters.
The issue was that the quantity of the “sufficient energy” needed was gargantuan.
To put it in perspective, only when a martial artist, who reached Hwagyeong, invested all their energy would the barrier finally give way.
In other words, it meant that unless one possessed an overwhelming amount of energy, they couldn’t hunt red monsters.
Even if some hope for monster hunting was found, the requirements felt excessively daunting.
Eventually, as many were drowning in despair once more, news arrived.
News of a peak martial artist successfully hunting a red monster—a revelation that came about a year after their activity began.
Many eagerly questioned him, wanting to know how he achieved it. Was he perhaps—compared to his level—someone brimming with energy?
However, the young man didn’t possess an abundance of energy as a member of a Taoist sect.
When asked how he managed to confront and hunt the monster, he responded simply.
[Not all of them are identical. Just as the ocean has both deep and shallow areas, you must target the shallower spots.]
At first, his words left a few wondering what he meant.
Yet soon, this became a beacon of great hope.
Not all barriers are uniform.
Just as the ocean has deep sections, there are also shallower areas within strong energy-absorbing membranes.
Finding and striking these spots would allow one to damage the monster and prove effective in breaching the barrier.
The young man discovered this vulnerability and targeted the monster accordingly.
Upon realizing this, the warriors were filled with renewed hope—a method uncovered after nearly a year.
But issues arose once more.
Determining where the weak and deep sections resided in the transparent barrier was an entirely different challenge.
How could one know when it wasn’t visible?
When approached about this, the young man lazily replied.
[It’s a feeling.]
The most absurd response in the world.
A peak warrior who had hunted red monsters in a past life.
The reply given by Jamryong Woo Hyuk was just that.
Shwoosh!
The strike infused with energy displayed a steady arc.
He swiftly landed a blow along the snake’s scales.
Crunch-! Bang-!
It was a sound somewhat dull for a sword strike.
Gyaaaah!
The force was undeniable; the monster screamed, writhing in pain as it did.
With each crashing wave, maintaining balance proved to be a hassle.
I focused my gaze, scanning the barrier enveloping the monster.
It’s starting to crack just a bit.
I could see minor fissures appearing in the barrier surrounding the monster.
The impact of Woo Hyuk’s strike must have deepened those cracks.
Observing this, my mouth kept moving instinctively.
“Shift slightly to the right from the gills.”
At my command, Namgung Bi-ah immediately unleashed a lightning bolt.
While the positioning may not have been exact, Namgung Bi-ah hesitated not for an instant.
The thunderbolt accurately struck the location I had indicated.
Bam! Bam!
The energy dissipated into the barrier, but I didn’t let that bother me.
“Stab it in!”
Swish!
No sooner had I spoken than Wi Seol-ah coiled golden energy around her sword and rapidly thrust it forward.
As the sword’s tip made contact, a crevice emerged, causing the barrier to crack slightly.
Without me needing to mention it, someone else had already taken flight towards the opening with determination.
The promising Wudang disciple Woo Hyuk enclosed his energy in the sword and launched it.
Pow!
Shwoosh!
An elongated gash formed along the snake’s body.
An unusual bluish-green blood trickled forth from the wound.
The snake emitted a soft scream, curling away in distress.
That body already bore numerous similar wounds.
Seeing that made me snicker internally.
They move awfully fast.
Although I was in charge of orders, the trio seemed to synchronize better as time progressed.
I initially wondered why they seemed so harmonious from the start, but now it bordered on perfection.
At first, it felt like they were merely following positional instructions, adhering to a sequence.
Now they understood the situation instinctively, drawing assurance from my words when needed.
They had grasped where to extend their swords.
I guess they sought my confirmation just to be safe.
Creepy.
It hasn’t even been a moment since we began.
But how are they already adapting so quickly?
I haven’t even shown them the proper way to see things!
This is what makes raw talent so terrifying.
The difference in barriers that the sleeping dragon uncovered in his previous incarnation.
It literally indicated that there are areas of weakness and strength.
Discovering these spots and focusing attacks on them defined the strategy for hunting red monsters.
Had one failure to do so, they’d have to unleash a mountain of energy to succeed, rendering this seems to be the simplest method available.
Yet there lay the largest problem.
You must feel the minute openings, not merely see them.
While gazing at the identical transparent barrier, they must sense what parts are shallow and what are solid.
Easier said than done. Can you actually do it?
Upon attempting it for myself, it turned out nothing went as planned.
Who has the luxury to observe that when contending with a rampaging behemoth?
I remember a chat with that sleeping dragon from my previous life.
[Just try to listen. Then you’ll know, right?]
[You punk! Do you think that thing is some kind of instrument? What’s there to listen to!]
[Oh! Damage!]
Just thinking of that lazy sleeping dragon’s nonchalant words makes my teeth grind in frustration.
People are all excited about the current geniuses born in the age of meteors.
But one truly starts feeling the weight of that claim after the outbreak of red monsters.
From this point onward, it became a battle of raw talent.
Grasping the difference between barriers hinges on how finely one can perceive their energy.
That, in turn, is the disparity in a martial artist’s ability to utilize their senses.
The significance of this difference cannot be overstated.
Even at the same level of expertise.
The timing of when one spots the weaknesses in that red monster’s shield tends to vary.
This ultimately correlates with how long they endure the confrontation.
This implies that just maintaining position increases the risks of succumbing to exhaustion swiftly.
And even if they hold on, there’s a high chance they’ll end up as snacks for the monsters.
While Hwagyeong martial artists flee in a reckless panic or worse, get devoured,
News emerged of a peak expert hunting red monsters.
A time when those celebrated as the Meteor Generation began to shine.
That very moment coincided with the appearance of the red monster.
Among them, these three represented the talents of this generation.
Even without my intervention, they’d have likely put it together on their own.
And we would also apply to figures like the Poison King or the White Lotus Sword.
The fact they reached Hwagyeong indicates a substantial level of talent.
Then, at this juncture.
“From there, move left three steps.”
If you’re wondering what I am, I’m neither a genius nor an average talent by any means.
“Swing with more energy than earlier.”
At least concerning this aspect, I could boldly contest that no one stands more dedicated than me.
The trio moved in unison according to my instructions.
In the interim, my gaze flitted about as I monitored the monster’s actions.
I am not a genius.
This phrase was the reason I kept repeating myself.
In my past life, I was notably poor at identifying energy disparities.
Even those days spent capably working as a swordsman within the Murim Alliance included times when, without help from Jamryong or others, hunting red monsters felt like an insurmountable challenge.
Despite my toil, I couldn’t make it work.
Such matters dwelt outside of rigorous training’s reach.
No matter what actions I took, the differences in energy proved imperceptible.
Though I gradually sensed distinctions as I grew, I remained utterly incapable.
I genuinely perceived nothing, which earned me the scornful tag of dullard.
Perhaps a dude squatting next to the sleeping dragon, gobbling all the crumbs?
Had I ever heard that sentiment? Perhaps.
I wouldn’t dispute that assertion.
Without Woo Hyuk at my side, enduring those times would have been impossible.
Thus, it was merely a period where I had to lament over my pitiful talent.
“Two of you divert the pressure from the left. One of you veers to the right.”
But if you’re curious why I find myself capable now, it stems from the influence of the Demonic Absorption technique I wield.
A monster’s energy is inherently regarded as Magi.
Thus, the magical stones housed within monsters imbue magic energy, subsequently absorbed by the Demonic Absorption.
Could this be its effect?
I now perceive magic in an uncanny way.
While it may appear to others as a transparent membrane encircling the monster,
To my eyes, it resembles a dark, murky barrier.
Shallow and deep within it?
Forget feeling; I can clearly see it!
The ability that allowed me to grow infinitely stronger following my ascent to mine, endowed with authority from the Celestial Demon.
Within the bounds of monsters exhibiting that trait, if my level aligns, I can be stronger than anyone.
How could I not recognize this, as this crazy technique dominated my previous life?
He’s approaching his limit slowly.
Having relentlessly targeted the weaknesses, his defenses were a chaotic mess already.
As is typical, if one section collapses, it leads to vulnerabilities elsewhere.
Each time I annihilate a weakness, that only serves to further unveil others.
Shwooooosh!
With a combined effort, the monster yields a cry, seemingly fatigued.
Fortunately, this isn’t the fiercest beast.
Initially, the sweat stains were induced solely by the red monster’s mere appearance—not any fear of its prowess.
I imagine this should suffice.
With each fracture I witnessed forming in the barrier, I turned my head.
“Your Lordship.”
“…!”
I called toward the astonished Poison King who stared at me, sheer disbelief etched into his features.
For reasons unbeknownst to me, he eyed me with wildly fluttering pupils.
Hmm…
Perhaps it’s due to the scene of me hunting monsters…
I felt a wave of annoyance by the surrounding misunderstandings that lingered, but there wasn’t much to be done.
“I think it’s time to charge in now.”
“…Is it because that covering has… vanished?”
Oh…
Did he catch on, after all?
It seems the Poison King has discerned that the monster possessed a barrier that absorbed energy.
That’s why he appears so shocked.
“It’s not entirely gone. We should be able to overpower it now. It’ll collapse soon.”
“…Prince Gu.”
“Yes.”
“What in the world are you?”
I cocked my head, pondering the Poison King’s inquiry.
This has become a frequent question as of late.
It reminded me of the day when I inadvertently referred to myself as the Celestial Demon in response to Dangdeok’s queries.
Why did I say that?
The curiosity remains.
Why did I choose to respond in such a manner?
Was it because I felt the world was trying to transform me into a demon?
Who knows? I suspect that felt like the answer to provide at that moment.
“I’m uncertain what you mean. I’m merely a member of the Gu family’s martial arm.”
“…You’re well aware that’s not the answer I seek.”
“No, I don’t know.”
As I shook my head roughly, I attempted to answer.
Boom!
Gyaaaaah-!! The monster let out an earth-shattering scream.
Curious as to what was happening, I looked closer. It was a result of someone swinging a sword, taking Wi Seol-ah’s place.
The White Lotus Sword.
…When did that woman arrive?
“Ha ha ha!”
The White Lotus Sword, grinning like a deity, radiates joyous laughter.
Ha.
Looking at her, I exhaled a chuckle.
The site of White Lotus Sword’s attack corresponded directly with the monster’s weak point.
Did she realize it by observing?
If that were not mere happenstance, it seemed the White Lotus Sword had grasped how to hunt the red monsters.
Perhaps the difference in levels contributed?
As that blade swung by the White Lotus Sword distorted the snake’s balance.
Crackle.
The membrane surrounding the monster shattered, scattering into dust. The barrier finally crumbled.
Seeing that, I finally set my feet in motion.
Splash.
It had been awhile since I trotted on water, leaving me feeling uncoordinated.
Controlling energy precisely was necessary here, making it technically advanced.
Yet those three simply act crazed!
Unlike me, having reached Hwagyeong, the absurdity of these three still lingering at their peak is both astonishing.
I had delivered a concise order prefacing that if all else fails, refrain from engagement, yet I had not considered they would dive in headfirst.
In any case… each encounter leaves me utterly marveled by their talents.
Splash.
I took an additional step forward as fire ignited within me.
Fwoooosh-!
Though battling on a river posed minor inconveniences, they weren’t significant issues.
This should be adequate.
Thud!
With might, I leaped.
The snake’s considerable bulk required me to shoot skyward to meet it.
The sole reason I hadn’t directly engaged thus far was to provide these individuals with experience facing red monsters.
The second reason being:
“To conserve energy in breaking the barrier.”
Even employing it wouldn’t have provoked major complications.
Nevertheless, reducing the risk remains paramount; I must prepare to act if unexpected situations arise.
Now, the reason for joining in lays within:
“The magic stone is mine to claim.”
Shouldn’t I secure the magical stone that the red monster holds?
Even if the circumstances skew due to a monster’s appearance.
I can’t pass up the magical stone nestled within. How much energy does it hold? I must attain it amidst this urgent moment; I won’t let an opportunity squandered.
As the creature faltered, disoriented and still from White Lotus Sword’s strike,
I burst forth, blazing with fiery intent.
I gathered flames concentrated in my palm.
Finally, a tangible sense of hesitation evaded me.
Thank goodness, everything appears to have shattered.
Approaching the creature’s scales, I thrust out my energy-infused fist.
Boom-!
The arm penetrated its scales.
Size-wise, I looked ridiculously tiny, making it seem implausible to cause any real harm.
Still, that didn’t matter. What truly matters was that my arm breached within the creature.
I pooled energy and funneled it into generating an explosive ember from my fingertips.
A Flame Jade manifested at my fingertip.
At once, without a second thought, I detonated it inside the snake’s body.
Ka-boom—!!
Kyaaaaaaah-!!!
The creature struggled against the warmth radiating from within, plunging into the water.
It appeared as if it sought to extinguish the flame; however, flames created with energy do not extinguish easily.
Unleashing the ember released more fire to consume.
Tsk.
Though unable to breathe underwater, my compounded power allowed me to withstand the ordeal for some time.
At this juncture, I must solely focus on snuffing out this creature’s life.
While pondering whether to utilize magic against its relentless struggles,
[…W-why…?]
A voice seeped from somewhere.
What was that? A telepathic communication?
[Great Being… are you abandoning us…?!!!]
The shrill screech echoed painfully within my ears.
What’s going on here all of a sudden?
What?
My gaze drifted slightly, and there it lay, clearly before me.
The monster, slowly dying, engulfed in flames.
It fixed its gaze upon me, weeping tears of blood.
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