Dancing on the golden ashes-Chapter 223: Toying with Nam Ji-ho

I stared happily at their faces, savoring every flicker of shock, fear, and despair. Watching their confidence shatter and their spirits break was the sweetest reward. I wondered, without that precious supply of power, how strong could these idiots possibly remain? Who would save them now?

But soon, to my surprise, their expressions twisted into arrogant smiles.

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"We expected at least that much from you," Jeong Suhan sneered mockingly. "Do you really think you’ve already won? You might be stronger than us individually right now, but this world only supports me. I am the world itself! Who gave you permission to cut off our supply like that!?" His scream rang out, wild and crazed, echoing with insanity. I could see clearly how desperately he wanted to tear me apart, just as deeply as I longed to devour him.

Suddenly, another surge of blinding white light cascaded down from the sky, brighter and more intense than before. This time, I understood immediately, that I had no way to cut off the overwhelming torrent of power flooding into him. Even worse, this power felt different: stronger, purer, and accompanied by an oppressive force aimed directly at me, as if declaring my unworthiness to stand before the man who now bathed in its glory.

My heart tightened as I felt this new wave of power pressing down, urging me to kneel.

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But I refused.

No matter what, I would never yield.

"Interesting…" I spoke calmly, unfazed by the overwhelming force radiating from my enemies. "Just what did the Creator do to make the two of you this powerful? Perhaps this is for the best. I was getting bored standing at the top, hunting demigod-level beasts all by myself. And yet, the two of you came knocking at my door—don’t ever forget that."

My scythe danced effortlessly in my hands, and behind me formed a massive, dark silhouette, it was a towering manifestation of myself. I had spent countless hours honing this technique; an avatar born from my soul, standing fifteen meters tall. Its presence alone amplified my power, mirroring every strike, and on my command, it could shatter mountains, part seas, and erase everything in its path. Hehe... I’m proud of it.

Yet, I wasn’t the only one wielding newfound strength. In the blink of an eye, a lightning domain engulfed me, crackling with fierce, untamed energy. Each bolt lashed out like sharp tongues licking hungrily at my skin. But I had unfortunate news for Nam Ji-ho: when it came to lightning control, I was every bit his equal, perhaps even superior.

His lightning stung slightly, but it posed no real threat. Still, he moved within it at blinding speeds, his spear bursting from the shadow of a lightning bolt, aimed directly at my throat. Effortlessly, I dodged, moving gracefully through his domain as if it were my own playground. My scythe sliced through the void in retaliation, forcing him to desperately block with everything he had.

The collision sent shockwaves rippling through the air. While the lightning domain remained intact, Nam Ji-ho himself was hurled violently backward, tumbling through the air from the force of my strike.

A cold smile spread across my face. This battle had just begun, and I was eager to show them the true depth of my power.

"That’s enough, Nam Ji-ho. You stand no chance alone." Jeong Suhan interrupted sharply, a smug arrogance radiating from his every word. His cold gaze slowly drifted back to me, his eyes filled with a repulsive gleam that sent a shiver of disgust down my spine.

"I already told you," he continued, his voice dripping with twisted amusement. "You’re not strong enough by yourself. But don’t worry, she’ll soon learn her place beneath me." His lips curled into a sickening smile, one that filled me with a visceral urge to retch. "Isn’t that right, Gaon? Once I break you, you’ll be begging me for mercy—on your knees."

My fingers tightened around my scythe, the anger simmering within me threatening to boil over. The nerve of this arrogant bastard. Did he truly believe I would ever submit to someone like him? To a power-hungry clown who valued nothing but his delusions of grandeur?

"Oh, you’re right," I replied sweetly, my voice dripping venom. "Today, one of us will learn a lesson. But it won’t be me."

His grin widened, perversely delighted by my defiance. I could see it in his eyes—the twisted thrill he derived from trying to dominate others. A true monster, cloaked in the disguise of a savior.

"What a sharp tongue…" Jeong Suhan sneered, eyes narrowing dangerously. "Nam Ji-ho, stay hidden and support me from the shadows, as always. I’ll deal with her myself."

Nam Ji-ho hesitated briefly, resentment flashing across his face, but he stepped back obediently, melting into the shadows. It was clear he’d lost his once-brilliant edge; fear and caution had dulled the warrior he used to be. Now, he was little more than a puppet, no longer worthy of my attention—though I’d gladly sever his strings later.

"Alright then, Gaon," Jeong Suhan said, voice oozing with confidence as he stepped forward, his white robes glowing in the brilliant light around him. "Let’s finally end this. Today will mark your downfall."

I laughed, a dark sound echoing through the air. The scythe in my hands hummed eagerly, flames dancing fiercely across its blade, hungry for battle.

"No, Jeong Suhan. Today marks the day when your arrogance finally burns to ashes. Let me show you just how deep the abyss truly is."

Suddenly, the entire world drowned in blinding white, as if all existence had been erased, leaving me suspended in endless nothingness. It felt strange, boundless, and oppressive as if even time itself had decided to chain me down. I didn’t move yet, cautiously observing. Fighting back too recklessly would only make things worse. I knew better than to play into their hands so easily.

Then, without any warning, a sharp, piercing pain burst through my chest. A blade-like force entered me and vanished instantly, leaving behind a burning wound. I grimaced slightly, annoyed rather than truly hurt, as my body effortlessly knitted itself back together. My regeneration was now so powerful that anything short of absolute obliteration couldn’t kill me.