Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 41

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 41
Cheon So-hyun maintained his composure and drew forth the inner energy from his dantian.
‘This is absurd.’
Had his nature as a Buddhist practitioner leaked out without his knowledge?
The common folk say that love and coughs cannot be hidden, but it seemed there was more to it than that.
Though inwardly flustered, displaying emotion outwardly was dangerous.
It felt as though Do Je had deliberately employed a stratagem to gauge his true intentions.
Whoooosh!!
As the Demonic Spirit Energy circulated through his entire body, the oppressive pressure that had weighed upon him eased, and his breathing gradually became easier. Yet the discomfort remained, and a subtle heat began to spread throughout him.
Cheon So-hyun’s tone shifted.
“Let a person finish speaking… before you judge.”
Do Je’s brow twitched.
His inner energy level was superior to anticipated. No—it surpassed even the limits he had gauged, as if to prove him wrong.
Even if he had only released a fragment of his power, it should have burdened the Third Prince, who had barely left his youth behind.
Yet what was more astonishing was the heat that reached his skin.
‘Solar Yang Technique?’
He immediately recognized that its level was extraordinarily high, and simultaneously, doubt arose. Demonic arts that wielded solar yang energy were so perilous and abstruse that most had fallen into disuse.
How had the Third Prince obtained and mastered a martial technique that even powerhouses like the Four Great Demon Masters did not possess?
Do Je’s eyes narrowed.
‘Could it truly be that he received the Cult Leader’s grace?’
Cheon So-hyun continued.
“There is no particular reason for my concern toward the weak. It is simply that being in such circumstances weighs upon my heart. It stems from an embarrassing experience hardly worthy of being called ideology or principle.”
“Are you speaking of falling into demonic obsession?”
Cheon So-hyun nodded.
“I lay nearly like a corpse for quite some time. Even simple movement was arduous, and I could not properly feed myself alone. That I could escape a state where nothing went according to my will was entirely thanks to external aid.”
It was possible because of Sa Ma-ryang’s devoted care and Yeon Hong’s hands that prepared each meal.
“There are many followers who, like me when I awakened from the sickbed, are in need of help. If war comes, their numbers will surely increase. Because I keenly understand how terrible that is, I speak of the need for thorough preparation.”
“That too is overstepping interference. Is it not a matter for the Military Council to consider?”
“True. So I spoke directly. The Chief Military Commander deemed it reasonable and accepted it. Thus I can speak of opposing it in this manner.”
Do Je leaned his upper body forward. A sinister demonic aura gleamed in his eyes.
“Regardless of the circumstances, the crux remains unchanged. Your opinions are not befitting of thoughts a successor should harbor.”
“….”
“What is more problematic is that you seek to drag myself and Yi Ma-je into this reckless folly. Who would welcome joining hands to plunge into a pit of fire?”
Cheon So-hyun stared directly at Do Je.
What was this demon going on about? He seemed to have a purpose, yet the conversation drifted aimlessly and dragged on, leaving him utterly frustrated.
“What kind of thoughts are befitting for a successor?”
Do Je let out a hollow laugh.
“Obviously, the way of the strong, naturally. The tyrant’s path of devoting one’s entire life to crushing the strong regardless of means or methods. Even if one were to bare one’s fangs with bloodshot eyes….”
“Then it matters all the less, does it not? If it is the way of the strong, then ultimately what matters is becoming stronger by whatever means necessary.”
“What are you saying?”
Under the Blade Emperor’s piercing gaze, Cheon So-hyun continued.
“Ever since I regained consciousness, I have devoted myself entirely to martial cultivation. I understand all too well that without martial prowess as a foundation, no ambition can be realized.”
The Blade Emperor’s lips curved into a long smile.
It wasn’t entirely unreasonable logic. After all, the philosophy of those who walked the Demonic Path was simple: become stronger by any means necessary.
Yet the direction of his conviction was fundamentally flawed.
“Mere pretty words. Such a soft-hearted disposition can never be the virtue of one who leads the Demonic Martial World. Would anyone not be tempted by endless greed to devour those above them, rather than showing compassion for the weak?”
“Perhaps. But the heart would incline not toward devouring the strong, but toward the stronger still. Isn’t the logic of force—that only the strong are right—the very essence of the Tyrant’s Path?”
“….”
“If you tell me not to choose my methods, why do you keep insisting on right and wrong?”
At such audacious composure, the Blade Emperor’s expression gradually hardened.
The words were excessively disrespectful.
Even as a descendant of the Cheon Family, one could not speak so brazenly to the Demon Master of the Divine Sect, who had proven his worth through martial prowess.
It was not the demeanor a guest should display, yet the Blade Emperor felt not displeasure but intense curiosity.
‘What is this?’
From their first meeting until now, the Third Prince had consistently defied expectations. He had assumed at least some plausible proposal would be offered for persuasion’s sake.
Yet his current words and actions offered nothing to aid persuasion.
That was what made it strange. From their brief exchange, the Third Prince seemed neither desperate nor ignorant.
‘Then why? What does he believe in?’
Did he possess some other means? Or was he merely bluffing, pretending indifference or holding a decisive card? Bluffing shines brightest when victory seems impossible—but in such circumstances?
At the sudden bloom of curiosity, the Blade Emperor’s lips curved upward in a long arc.
“Let me ask you something first. I heard you were rather taciturn before—was the report mistaken? Or have you changed as a person since your demonic obsession?”
“When I kicked away the sickbed and rose, I resolved to live differently from that point forward. Think of it as being born anew.”
The Blade Emperor chuckled softly.
From the depths to his current position, he had engaged in countless psychological battles with diverse kinds of people.
He had honed his insight through victories in various contests of wits—martial techniques, Taoist methods, life-or-death duels, gambling, and more.
Yet regarding the Third Prince alone, he could not see through clearly.
Though the youth was undoubtedly inexperienced, he concealed his abilities with an uncanny skill, making even his martial level difficult to discern.
“Very well. I understand your intentions. I can see you hold your own convictions. I’ve grasped what drives a gambler to move.”
An intense urge to rush forward and lay bare the cards welled up within him. Even if he were being drawn into the Third Prince’s psychological game, this stimulation—felt for the first time in ages—was welcome.
“Yet the question remains whether you’re acting with reckless audacity.”
The Blade Emperor gestured toward the door with his chin.
“Shall we continue our discussion outside?”
* * *
As Cheon So-hyun followed where the Blade Emperor led, a forest far beyond Baek Myun Valley appeared.
“Now then, shall we accelerate things?”
Before the words even finished, the Blade Emperor unleashed his movement technique without restraint. Light as a single gust of wind, he kicked off the ground and surged forward with ferocious momentum.
Boom!
Cheon So-hyun swiftly deployed his lightness technique to pursue.
‘Has he taken the bait?’
From the curiosity gleaming in the Blade Emperor’s eyes, it seemed I had crossed the halfway point. Now came the truly critical part.
“Phew.”
Soon, two figures stood facing each other in a vast, desolate basin.
“You run quite well. I was concerned you might need to rest several times along the way, but it seems my worry was unfounded.”
“I kept pace eagerly. Falling behind doesn’t suit my temperament, after all.”
“Then you’re not the type to follow blindly, so you must already know why you’ve come this far?”
Cheon So-hyun surveyed the surrounding terrain before answering.
“What else would two warriors do when they meet in such a secluded place? You’re suggesting we settle this properly, aren’t you?”
Do Je laughed heartily. Regardless of anything else, he thought, this wouldn’t be boring.
“Fighting is still beyond you for now. Let’s simply have a sparring match.”
“A sparring match?”
“I’ve grown curious. I thought it would be fortunate if you merely relieved my boredom, but unexpectedly, you’ve piqued my interest.”
Do Je’s and Cheon So-hyun’s gazes collided in the empty air.
“If there’s a problem… yes, I still see not even a thread of possibility in my eyes.”
“You want me to show you that possibility?”
Do Je nodded.
“Whatever convictions you hold, however strong your resolve, if martial prowess doesn’t support it as you say, it’s all meaningless.”
“….”
“I have no intention of throwing myself into a fire pit. Prove it yourself—that you could become a rather compelling card.”
Crackle!
Do Je extended his hand languidly.
In an instant, a sound like thunder rumbled forth, and weighty inner energy shimmered between his finger joints.
“I’ll concede three moves, so face this as real combat. Well, if it feels too daunting, you can stop here.”
“Daunting?”
The corners of Cheon So-hyun’s mouth rose slightly.
“I was thinking the same thing. I’m growing tired of merely talking.”
His opponent was The Demon Master of the Heavenly Demon Cult. After training continuously with Yi Ma-je and clearly recognizing him as a powerhouse rivaling the leaders of the Nine Sects, I understood the gravity of this moment.
The likelihood that full power wouldn’t reach him was considerable.
‘You’re finished.’
Thus, I accepted this as an opportunity. It meant I could pour everything out to my limits without restraint.
Whoooosh!
Do Je’s brow furrowed slightly.
‘Has he truly reached the realm of wielding the Threefold Flame Transformation?’
The white flames erupting from his palm radiated an extraordinary aura. Since it was a martial art he had never encountered before, his interest deepened further.
Then, Cheon So-hyun’s eyes flashed fiercely.
“You said three moves, correct?”
“That’s right. When you’re ready….”
Uuuuuuuung!
Suddenly, a deafening roar like tens of thousands of bees swarmed forth, and a colossal force hurtled toward Do Je.
“…!”
It was the palm force of the Great Strength Palm.
As the explosive force surged to the brink, Do Je crossed both arms in defense.
Thunderbolt Demon Fusion Palm—he erected a barrier using the ultimate palm technique to counter the assault.
Yet the pure white palm force advanced relentlessly, shattering Do Je’s barrier. It was not merely speed; it carried scorching heat that would sear flesh itself.
‘Leaving the rest to fate and pouring everything into this final strike? Well… I suppose I’ve made a noteworthy impression.’
Do Je threw a light punch. The fist energy traced a straight line, extending like a shell and sweeping across the front.
Against that flawless counterattack, the white palm force scattered.
White smoke filled the surroundings, obscuring Do Je’s vision in that fleeting instant.
Uuuuuuung!
At the thunderous sound that echoed once more, Do Je’s eyes widened sharply.
“Why are you so entranced? You said to face this as if in real combat?”
Cheon So-hyun, who had closed the distance without warning, intensified his flame technique even more fiercely. A strike drove into Do Je’s ribs.
Once again, it was the Great Force Palm.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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