Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 49

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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 49
“Uwaaaaaa!”
The moment the overwhelmingly dominant warrior revealed himself as Cheon So-hyun, the arena erupted into absolute frenzy.
“Here! Just look this way once!”
From those gripping their palms in tension to those sneering with mockery, every soul present was first and foremost a disciple of the Heavenly Demon Cult.
Having witnessed the prowess of the Cheon Family, they unleashed their voices with every ounce of strength.
“How magnificent!”
“Hahaha! I’ve lived long enough to see a day like this!”
The sight of Cheon So-hyun subduing nearly fifty warriors and catching his breath was seared indelibly into their minds.
His refined visage, his towering martial prowess, and a combat style that transcended even the word “tyrannical”—it all exceeded the disciples’ wildest expectations.
“Cheon So-hyun! Cheon So-hyun!!”
Amidst the roaring chants that shook the arena, Do Je smiled faintly.
‘Everything proceeds smoothly.’
The Third Prince dominating the opening stage of the Turyong Tournament with overwhelming martial might.
It was exactly the picture I had envisioned. The greater the interest in the Third Prince, the higher the reputation of both the tournament and Baek Myun Valley would soar.
“He moves as though possessed by a spirit.”
As Do Je murmured, Yi Ma-je, seated beside him, asked a question.
“What troubles you?”
“I find it curious. One misstep and his head would surely roll, yet he charges forward without hesitation, as though unafraid. I cannot tell if he acts with knowledge or merely instinct.”
Had the Third Prince simply defeated his opponents one by one in sequence, such doubts would never have arisen. Each warrior individually fell short of his caliber.
But a one-against-many engagement was an entirely different matter. Regardless of how hastily assembled, all the warriors were seasoned combatants.
Their helpless defeat stemmed from the Third Prince’s resolute judgment. Rather than retreating, he pressed relentlessly forward, dismantling them with absolute thoroughness.
One might call it textbook strategy, yet such decisions are not easily made when bearing the killing intent of many alone.
For he would have never faced such circumstances before.
“Did I not tell you before that he possesses something that cannot be measured by mere talent or martial skill?”
At this seemingly obvious response, Do Je let out a hollow laugh.
“Is that why you transmitted the Gwangak Gyeol to him?”
Do Je’s greatest curiosity stemmed from the inner force circulating throughout Cheon So-hyun’s entire body. It was distinctly different from the extreme yang energy I had witnessed before.
“The manner of using one’s body is something anyone naturally awakens to—there is nothing to call transmission. As you know, the Gwangak Gyeol is hardly a remarkable martial art.”
“…”
“Yet… I thought time would be insufficient, but he grasped it with admirable efficiency. Thanks to that, I gained my own harvest, which brought me joy.”
“A harvest, you say?”
“Through explaining the formula and its applications, our conversation extended to martial philosophy itself. In doing so, I found a clue regarding the Great Perfection—as a martial artist, I could not be more pleased.”
Do Je stared intently at Yi Ma-je.
It was hardly surprising that he spoke of his own unique martial art as unremarkable. He was, after all, a man far removed from ostentation.
But external martial arts were another matter entirely.
‘Has he been impressed?’
In the demonic martial world where all manner of strange and wondrous powers lurked, it was Hwa Do-myung who had ascended to the position of Demon Master by making external martial arts his primary strength.
In the Divine Sect, where internal power was revered and external martial arts were neglected, he had proven that external arts were a legitimate branch of martial study, achieving such a remarkable feat.
Therefore, in the realm of external martial arts alone, Yi Ma-je was a warrior worthy of being called the finest in the Divine Sect.
But to think he’d discuss martial principles with me?
“Are you speaking in earnest?”
“Surprisingly, he proved quite versed in external martial techniques.”
Cheon So-hyun fell into deep contemplation.
Before the tournament, while training in Gwangak Gyeol, the Third Prince had suddenly posed a question.
—Your technique focuses on external cultivation, yet you operate it like internal energy work. Why?
—External cultivation doesn’t merely mean tempering muscle and bone. The strength that manifests outwardly ultimately springs from within, so one cannot help but concentrate on the flow of internal energy.
—Hmm… but in the end, it’s still external cultivation, isn’t it? If you’re focusing on physical enhancement, shouldn’t the goal be constant application rather than momentary bursts?
—You mean to employ it as dynamic technique? That’s impossible. The body cannot withstand such continuous strain.
—What a frustrating answer. Your very goal of raising your entire body’s durability to match a true blade already defies convention. Since you’ve set such an ambitious target, why not aim even higher? Stop saying it can’t be done—try it this way instead.
After that, the Third Prince offered various suggestions, as if determined to prove his words were not mere idle talk.
Most of it diverged from conventional demonic cultivation methodology—a martial logic entirely its own.
Whether he’d awakened to it alone or received instruction from the Cult Leader, the originality and precision were remarkable enough to inspire doubt.
—Ah, the sensation is quite different.
What amazed me most was that his advice actually worked. As I gradually extended the duration of application and glimpsed the next realm, constant operation naturally became my goal at the pinnacle level.
When the objective changes, the path transforms, and even the landscape one perceives shifts accordingly.
Of late, I had thrown myself into training with the same fervent passion I’d once wielded a blade with.
The sect masters of the Three Demon Sects listening to the two converse furrowed their brows.
‘Gwangak Gyeol? Isn’t that Cheon So-hyun’s exclusive technique?’
‘He didn’t even take the Third Prince as a disciple, so how…?’
The Demon Masters conversed as if unconcerned who heard them. It felt as though some intention lay behind it, making the sect masters hesitant to speak.
“So you’ve found someone worthy. At this rate, you’ll end up giving away even your humble dwelling. What, how much have you really seen?”
It was then that Do Je’s biting jest was thrown out.
“It seems the Demon Masters were all aware of this.”
Moon Yeo-il cut off Do Je’s words and interjected. His deeply subdued voice carried a chill that made one’s skin crawl merely hearing it.
Do Je turned his head expressionlessly, and Cheon So-hyun asked.
“Aware? What are you trying to say?”
“That the Divine Sect’s Third Prince has elevated his martial prowess so flawlessly—nay, so formidably. Had you given me advance notice, I wouldn’t have been so taken aback. What a shame.”
Moon Yeo-il continued, sweeping his gaze across the two Demon Masters.
“Though we’ve grown distant of late, I believed we shared a bond of long standing. It seems that was merely my delusion.”
“Now, now, Sect Master of Paihuang.”
The Red Cloud Sect Master hastily reached out to restrain him, but the scrape of a chair rang out irritably.
Moon Yeo-il had risen from his seat. He swept the hall with an angry gaze.
“Even after the Third Prince withdrew, the cheers continue unabated. Indeed, nothing stirs the disciples quite like the strength of the successors. As one of the faithful myself, I am overjoyed.”
Moon Yeo-il offered a hollow laugh.
“However, I cannot continue observing when my disciple has become a laughingstock. I apologize for the rudeness born of emotion.”
Do Je, who had maintained silence, slowly nodded.
“You’ve labored greatly. There was no intention to make a mockery, so I hope you won’t take it to heart.”
“How could I blame anyone for my disciple’s shortcomings?”
“If you wish to compose yourself, please return. I’ve prepared something worthwhile for the finale.”
“I’ll do my best.”
Moon Yeo-il, who had taken his stance, descended from the arena stage with long strides.
The Red Cloud Sect Master watched his retreating figure intently, his shoulders trembling faintly with rage.
‘He must be deeply disappointed.’
It was understandable. Throughout the entire match, Moon Yeo-il had been watching Gu Man-do, not the Third Prince.
‘If I were in his position….’
If it were merely a matter of defeat, he wouldn’t have displayed such raw emotion. But Gu Man-do….
The Red Cloud Sect Master shook his head, his gaze shifting toward the fighters awaiting their turn.
‘Sa-ryun, please be careful.’
* * *
“You’ve worked hard, Prince. You dispatched him quite cleanly.”
Kang Hyun handed a towel to Cheon So-hyun as he returned to his seat.
“Hard work? They were nothing but chaff.”
“Still, there were fifty of them, weren’t there? No matter how weak, if they rushed at you in a mob, I’d think anyone would be exhausted.”
It wasn’t entirely wrong. Since excessive modesty didn’t suit his nature, he gave a brief nod.
“And yet, they were making such a fuss about the Three Demon Sects’ first disciples and favorites for the championship. Turns out they weren’t much—they were eliminated right from the start.”
“Hmm… I’m not so sure.”
Cheon So-hyun gazed intently at his own hands.
Despite the fierce battle, thanks to the power derived from the Gwangak Gyeol, nothing had broken or been seriously injured.
Only minor cuts remained.
The essence of the Gwangak Gyeol was to strengthen the body by increasing the density of bones, marrow, and muscles.
Achievement was divided into ten stages, from the first to the tenth, and from the fifth stage onward, it was said one could affect objects, just as Yi Ma-je had hardened a wooden staff.
Through his training thus far, Cheon So-hyun had reached the second stage of mastery.
Even that alone was remarkably effective. Not only had his strength and durability improved, but the efficiency of his inner energy had increased as well.
The Gwangak Gyeol was such an exceptional secret art that it rivaled the external martial techniques of Shaolin, and he was reaping its benefits. Yet Gu Man-do’s single strike had pierced through that defensive barrier and left a wound.
“It’s not a lack of skill—it’s a rotten spirit. If you assume everyone’s like that bastard, you’ll be in for a rude awakening.”
Just then, Chang Sun’s voice rang out loudly.
“Thank you for your patience! The fighters for the next arena stage, please enter now!”
Kang Hyun clenched his fists and rose from his seat.
“Ah! It’s my turn now. I’ll be back in a flash.”
“Yes, don’t dawdle unnecessarily.”
“Ha, when have you ever seen me dawdle?”
“I’ve seen it so often I’m sick of it.”
From the repeated trials at Unam Peak to capture Poison Horn Demon Beast, and now preparing for the Turyong Tournament at Cheon So-hyun’s Residence, I had come to understand Kang Hyun well.
“Take this seriously. If you don’t, you might end up with that unlucky face of yours slashed open.”
At the earnest warning, Kang Hyun paused. Then he smiled softly and replied.
“How could I be careless in a place like this? I’ll be back shortly.”
* * *
“Well then, begin!”
At the signal to start, the fighters merely glanced at each other.
Everyone had witnessed the previous matches, so they were cautious about stepping forward recklessly—calculating what calamity might befall them, and wondering how they would cope if a formidable opponent like the Third Prince existed.
“Tsk tsk, look at all those empty heads spinning away. If you came to fight, then fight. Stop wasting time with those wandering eyes.”
Kang Hyun, standing among the fighters, drew his blades.
‘I can’t afford to waste time in a place like this.’
He understood well what this tournament meant to the Third Prince.
It was an unavoidable obstacle he had to overcome to achieve his goal of persuading Do Je. The Third Prince was truly staking everything on this endeavor.
Having received considerable help in various ways, he had decided to participate in order to repay even a fraction of that debt.
Clang!
Kang Hyun gripped his twin blades, extending one hand forward while raising the other above his head.
His stance was excessively wide between the legs, with his center of gravity shifted backward—it resembled a ridiculous dance move.
“Come on!!”
In truth, this posture was the optimal stance for utilizing the twin blades, the chains attached to their hilts, and blade techniques to their absolute limit. But the fighters, ignorant of this, saw only something absurd.
‘What is this idiot doing?’
‘Ignore him.’
No one paid him any attention. The common logic circulating through their minds was simple: eliminate the strong first. That was their shared priority.
“Damn, this bastard really….”
Cheon So-hyun, watching from the sidelines, squeezed his eyes shut as if he couldn’t bear to look. Meanwhile, the fighters’ attention shifted toward Maeng Sa-ryeon, the chief disciple of the Red Cloud Sect.

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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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