Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 47

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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 47
A long, measured exhale.
Do Je drew deeply on the Manwu herb, then released the smoke as he gazed down at the streets of Baek Myun Valley. The thoroughfares were engulfed in a sea of humanity, churning with chaotic energy.
“Quite the gathering. How many would you estimate?”
Hong Yi-gyeom replied.
“Beyond counting, my lord. The influx far exceeds our projections. I’ve ordered all the secondary inns, taverns, and main halls opened to accommodate the overflow.”
Do Je tapped the smoldering herb between his fingertips, then turned. Ash scattered through the air like falling snow.
“What of the Changeung Trading Company?”
“Working in coordination with the Inspection Bureau, we’re pressing forward. I believed we were nearing completion, but traces were discovered in a cave, so pursuit continues.”
“Slippery as an eel, aren’t they.”
“Indeed. Despite coordinating with the Law Enforcement Hall, we haven’t completely eradicated them. Should they attempt interference, how shall we respond?”
“What choice is there? When the neck is offered, the blade must fall.”
Do Je answered curtly, then changed into fresh garments—not his usual light attire, but robes that emanated an untouchable majesty. Across the flowing fabric, crimson-embroidered demons writhed as though alive.
“Now the great curtain rises. I confess, I’m curious where the Third Prince’s fate shall lead.”
The board was perfectly arranged. Whether he remained an isolated dragon or proved himself to possess dragon’s blood—that rested entirely in his hands.
“Let us go.”
* * *
The streets of Baek Myun Valley.
“Move along, will you! We’re not snails here! What’s the holdup!”
“Think of those behind you! At this rate the matches will start!”
Baek Myun Valley had become a maelstrom of excitement and clamor.
For the sect members who had spent their days in quiet routine, this tournament was like rain after drought. Gamblers wagering fortunes on the matches mingled with spectators desperate to glimpse the legendary contenders, creating an endless tide of humanity.
“Phew, I’ve never seen this many people gathered before. Looks like I won’t even make it past the entrance.”
“We’re almost there—just a little longer. They say the finalists alone are worth twenty times the entry fee. What’s a queue compared to a fortune waiting to be claimed?”
“True enough. So, who do you think will win? You mentioned having reliable information?”
A benevolent-looking man whispered.
“Absolutely certain. A most distinguished person gave me the word directly. Once you see the face, you’ll know—no need for fuss. Just prepare yourself to become wealthy.”
“See the face? Why the face? Do you know them personally?”
“You’ll recognize them the moment you see them, I’m telling you! Why so many questions? Don’t you want to make money?”
“No, just curious. Oh, the line’s moving! Let’s go in.”
A young man watching the cryptic exchange clicked his tongue.
“So which is it—you know or you don’t? You don’t seem to have any real connections. Sounds like pure bluster to me.”
A measured voice emerged from behind him.
“Man-do, eavesdropping on others’ conversations is improper. Have I not told you repeatedly that such behavior violates courtesy?”
The young man, Gu Man-do, who had been observing the streets from the Tournament Participant Accommodation, turned his head.
“But I couldn’t help but hear it. Didn’t you hear it too, Master?”
“The issue is that you revealed your attention.”
“Ugh, I’ll be more careful. It’s just so intriguing…”
Gu Man-do, muttering softly, couldn’t contain his curiosity and asked.
“By the way, Master, who do you think will win the championship?”
The middle-aged man called Master shook his head slowly.
‘It would be better if he’d set aside such useless curiosity.’
Knowing his disciple’s nature—that he couldn’t rest until he saw everything through to the end—he reluctantly opened his mouth.
“That is a question I cannot easily answer. I haven’t scrutinized every participant individually, and it’s unreasonable to gauge the victor based solely on reputation.”
As disappointment flickered across Gu Man-do’s face, the middle-aged man added further.
“However, contrary to what the gossips say, the Third Prince will certainly not emerge victorious. He won’t even make it to the list of contenders.”
“What? Why is that? I heard he fell into a state of demonic obsession—is that the reason?”
“Multiple factors exist. While martial arts are said to be something one develops through solitary struggle and enlightenment, it is nearly impossible for one to bear every obstacle encountered at each moment alone.”
“Impossible?”
“Yes. Only with appropriate guidance and support, backed by exceptional martial knowledge, can one aspire to reach the rank of an absolute master.”
“So you’re saying that without background or connections, one cannot become a master.”
“Precisely. Regardless of what acclaim he received before, having been unconscious for over half a year during that critical period, it is absurd to even discuss his martial prowess.”
The man’s voice sank low.
“Without even miraculous elixirs, even if the Third Prince obtained rare divine techniques through fortunate encounters, he lacks a master to guide him. Struggling alone in a pit, he will inevitably hit an early ceiling. Born a dragon meant to soar through the heavens, he will end his life as an earthbound dragon.”
This was precisely why people desperately sought entry into prestigious sects.
The optimal environment created solely for the pursuit of martial perfection, the wisdom born from long history—all of it shielded against countless variables.
“So he is not my concern. The ones I should be wary of are the chief disciples of the other Two Demon Sects and Yi Ma-je’s disciple, correct?”
“Yes. The Crimson Cloud’s fist is weighty, the Shadowless Path’s way is sinister. Yi Ma-je’s blade represents the middle ground between them, so his disciple will be likewise. There’s no need to be intimidated beforehand, but you must not let your guard down.”
Gu Man-do thumped his chest confidently.
“Ha! When did you ever teach me carelessness? Don’t worry. I shall prove that the Paihuang Sect’s blade reigns supreme!”
“Yes, that’s how it should be.”
Moon Yeo-il, the leader of the Paihuang Sect, nodded with satisfaction.
Though his disciple still had much immaturity due to his youthful vigor, he had never once doubted the boy’s talent.
“Let’s head out now.”
* * *
“Wow….”
Kang Hyun looked around in astonishment. He had arrived at the arena early and was waiting.
“I’ll see enough people today. Why are there so many?”
He was bewildered, having never witnessed such a crowd in his entire life.
The vast circular arena’s spectator stands filled one by one, and soon there wasn’t even space to set foot.
Cheon So-hyun gestured with his chin toward the side.
“Don’t wander around like a country bumpkin. Come sit. You’re making a scene.”
“Yes, but you seem quite accustomed to this, sir. Aren’t you nervous? It looks like most people came to see you.”
Cheon So-hyun let out a hollow laugh.
“Nervous? Hardly.”
He was the Martial Monk who frequently slipped away from the temple to roam the Jianghu.
It was unexpected that such a crowd had gathered for a tournament hosted by an individual, but he had witnessed far greater multitudes before, so it was of little consequence.
‘Wait, is this actually my first martial tournament?’
To be precise, this was his first time participating as a contestant. During his junior years, the Abbot’s excessive caution had prevented him from even attempting to enter.
-You wish to participate? Did you not promise to merely observe? Why do you keep changing your word?
“What an outdated notion. Everything changes—that’s the nature of existence. Yet so many of these young fools remain ensnared by the delusion of their own supremacy. How can I, as a Buddhist monk, simply stand idle and watch?”
“Here we go again with your sophistry…”
“Why don’t you sit quietly and enjoy some tea, Senior Brother? Since they seem incapable of discerning heaven from earth on their own, I’ll go enlighten them myself.”
“Absolutely not! What karmic sins are you trying to accumulate now? I won’t permit it—not until dirt fills my eyes!!”
“Ah, so dirt is all it takes?”
“You insolent brat!”
Recalling the Abbot’s indignant expression, I couldn’t help but laugh.
‘His cultivation is so shallow. Tsk, tsk.’
Though he often grew exasperating, he was surprisingly compatible in many ways.
‘I wonder what he’s doing now?’
Cheon So-hyun gazed wistfully toward the distant mountain peak. Once the Turyong Tournament concluded successfully, he thought, he should investigate ways to venture into the Central Plains.
If the Shaolin seal was the cause driving them toward expulsion, then eliminating that very cause should suffice, shouldn’t it?
Breaking through the seal by any means necessary would allow him to reunite with his bald-headed brothers and dismantle the demons’ schemes—killing two birds with one stone.
Just then, Kang Hyun pointed ahead.
“Ah, it appears the young master’s match is beginning.”
A man walked toward the center of the arena. As he assumed a martial stance, every eye in the venue fixed upon him.
“I offer my respects to all the distinguished guests who have graced us with their presence. I am Chang Sun, entrusted with overseeing this Turyong Tournament.”
“Hmm? Chang Sun, you say?”
“Then that means he’s the Eight-Armed Swordsman?”
The spectators buzzed with excitement.
Chang Sun was renowned for his fluid and ever-changing swordsmanship, earning him the epithet “Eight-Armed Swordsman.” Among the elite warriors of Baek Myun Valley—cultivated directly by the Blade Emperor Sect—he ranked unquestionably at the pinnacle, and the crowd’s gaze burned with anticipation.
“Before we commence the tournament, allow me to briefly explain the purpose of this gathering.”
Chang Sun’s voice, infused with inner energy, resonated through the spectator stands.
“The Turyong Tournament is an event organized by the Sect Leader to invigorate the Divine Sect, which has long maintained restraint without major upheaval. He personally oversaw not only the planning and structure, but even the seating arrangements for all of you.”
Chang Sun bowed respectfully toward the VIP platform at one side of the arena. There sat the Sect Leader, the masters of the Three Demon Sects, and Yi Ma-je.
A thunderous roar of acclaim erupted from the crowd.
“Ooooh!!”
“The Sect Leader of Baek Myun Valley!”
“Thanks to his masterful arrangements, the scale of the Turyong Tournament has grown far beyond initial expectations. We had over five hundred applicants—an embarrassment of riches, you might say. Haha.”
As the thunderous cheers continued, Chang Sun pressed on.
“While showcasing diverse matches certainly has its merits, there is one glaring drawback: we risk wasting your precious time on underwhelming contests.”
Chang Sun slowly surveyed the audience, drawing all attention with his resonant voice.
“But this is Baek Myun Valley! A place that abhors tedium as though it were sin itself. We cannot afford to disgrace ourselves before guests who have sacrificed their time. Therefore, we shall first reduce the numbers! We will gather many warriors and separate the jade from the stone!”
In essence, he was announcing a melee—a chaotic, free-for-all battle. Whether the spectators had cultivated martial arts or not, their fundamental nature remained that of demons.
They revered martial prowess and thrilled at the sight of flesh torn and blood spilled—it was instinct itself. Naturally, a torrent of fervent cheers shook the arena.
“Wooooaaah!!”
Chang Sun raised his hand decisively, declaring the opening.
“Then let the Turyong Tournament commence! Warriors, please take the stage in your designated order!”
* * *
Fifty fighters stood upon the vast circular arena, spaced at regular intervals.
Gulp.
Someone swallowed hard. Overwhelmed by the murderous atmosphere that permeated the arena, they suddenly realized their throat could be severed at any moment. The warriors’ eyes burned with resolve, and a palpable tension hung in the air. Yet even within that brutal current, there existed one who remained utterly composed.
“What a pity. So many with such violent fortunes gathered in one place.”
Every warrior’s gaze snapped toward the source of that voice.
A young man wielding a jet-black sword that seemed to devour light itself. Despite his innocent expression and casual demeanor as he glanced about, the aura radiating from his entire being was anything but ordinary.
‘Damn… what terrible luck.’
‘Curse it.’
They had encountered a favorite for the championship in a single stroke. The warriors held their breath while the spectators erupted in cheers.
“It’s Gu Man-do of the Paihuang Sect! Gu Man-do!!”
The arena trembled at the appearance of this prodigy who received direct instruction from the Paihuang Sect Master himself.
Just as the crowd poured forth expectations of what sword technique Gu Man-do would display and what extraordinary martial prowess he would demonstrate, Chang Sun’s voice rang out powerfully.
“Begin!”
Gu Man-do advanced with leisurely grace.
“I ask only that you not blame the Paihuang sword for its mercilessness. After all, it was your choice to enter this tournament, and you must bear the consequences of that decision….”
“Pfft.”
At the unexpected scoff, Gu Man-do turned his head.
Some fellow who looked like a courtesan’s brother was sneering at him while watching. His composed demeanor, arms crossed casually, only provoked Gu Man-do further.
“What are you muttering about this whole time? You certainly look the part for it, but shouldn’t you choose a better place?”
“A madman, it seems.”
Gu Man-do’s eyes suddenly sharpened.
“Very well. I shall face you first.”
Screeeeeech!
His sword shot forth like lightning, piercing through the wall of air itself. The killing intent was such that he would cleave his opponent in two with a single stroke.
But.
Clang!
With a single gesture, his opponent sent the blade flying. The sword was pathetically repelled by a casual backhand swipe, as if swatting away a fly.
“What… what is this…!”
Gu Man-do’s eyes widened in shock. He tried to voice his rising confusion, but his opponent gave him no time. His opponent’s fist was already hurtling toward his face.
Boom!
A sound like striking an enormous drum filled the arena. Gu Man-do’s body was launched backward like a cannonball, rolling across the ground several times before crashing into the wall.
“It seems there’s no difference between heaven and earth for those who cannot distinguish them, whether here or elsewhere.”
The one who had so spectacularly announced the beginning of the match was the Third Prince, Cheon So-hyun. The crowd erupted in earth-shaking cheers at a sight almost too incredible to believe.
“Uwaaaaaa!”

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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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