Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 51

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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 51
The Blade Emperor Sect Master looking down at Kang Hyun opened his mouth.
“You fight quite well.”
When he stood there in that ridiculous posture, I had worried he might prove a disappointment.
Yet, unexpectedly, his mastery of the blade was exceptional.
In the beginning, his strikes seemed ineffectual—like jabbing rock with a skewer—but Maeng Sa-ryeon’s movements were gradually becoming sluggish.
From the pained expression and flushed skin, the Blade Emperor Sect Master discerned the reason.
‘A technique to channel cold energy.’
He was infusing frigid qi into his opponent’s body to cause internal injuries. Since it wasn’t a method typically employed in actual combat, my interest was naturally piqued.
“Twin blades and chains besides—you’ve accumulated quite the diverse arsenal. When did you teach him all this?”
“I didn’t teach him directly.”
“But didn’t you say you took him as a disciple?”
Despite the Blade Emperor Sect Master’s puzzled gaze, Yi Ma-je remained unmoved, arms crossed as he gazed down at the arena.
“Just because I wield a sword doesn’t mean I can demand he abandon the blade arts he excels at. Each person possesses different temperaments and strengths, so I judged it better for him to refine what he does well.”
“So you’re saying you didn’t teach him sword techniques?”
“Kang Hyun’s strengths lie in keen perception and broad awareness. Rather than honing a sword through external cultivation, wielding versatile twin blades suits him better. That’s why I didn’t force it upon him.”
The Blade Emperor Sect Master fell silent for a moment.
Yi Ma-je’s primary martial arts were naturally not limited to Gwangak Gyeol alone.
Sword techniques grounded in overwhelming external power—crushing opponents with the weight of Mount Tai while bewildering their senses with deceptive footwork—that was Yi Ma-je’s true martial way.
Yet he hadn’t taught his disciple sword techniques?
“I understand valuing a warrior’s bearing and mindset, but can that truly be called discipleship? Ultimately, if the disciple doesn’t inherit the master’s legacy, what meaning does it hold?”
Yi Ma-je shook his head.
“I have transmitted the sword techniques. The manner of their expression differs, that’s all.”
“What do you mean… He expresses sword techniques through twin blades? Is that what you’re saying?”
“Precisely.”
At this absurd claim, the Blade Emperor Sect Master let out a hollow laugh.
Swords and blades shared only the commonality of being edged weapons; they were entirely different instruments of war.
Blades, specialized in slashing and downward strikes with a single edge, differed markedly from swords, which could thrust using dual edges, in both theory and training methodology.
Moreover, dual blade techniques wielding two blades—their applications were practically polar opposites.
It was a principle the Blade Emperor Sect Master had felt in his skin and experienced firsthand.
Yi Ma-je spoke softly.
“Seeing it directly will be faster.”
Clang! Clang!
“Phew, so busy. Busy indeed.”
Kang Hyun wielded his twin blades relentlessly, pressing his opponent with swift strikes. Though Maeng Sa-ryeon was overwhelmed by the rapid blade work, his eyes still gleamed with lethal intensity.
Boom!
With a heavy metallic crash, Maeng Sa-ryeon suddenly dropped his stance and burst forward.
The moment the two blades crossed and separated, he seized that gap, driving low to target his opponent’s legs.
“Pathetic wretch! Die on the ground.”
Just as his thick arms moved with vicious speed to seize Kang Hyun’s legs.
Kang Hyun retreated a step and pulled the chain taut. With a sharp metallic ring, both blades were dragged forward, falling directly toward Maeng Sa-ryeon’s face.
“…!”
Maeng Sa-ryeon twisted his entire body in desperation.
Screeeech!
He escaped the danger of having his face slashed to ribbons, but he couldn’t evade entirely. His front garment tore, and a long wound was carved across his chest.
The protective technique he had taken such pride in had finally been pierced through.
Maeng Sa-ryeon felt rage surge to the very crown of his head.
Not from anyone else, but from this arrogant punk?
“You worthless insect, not even worth a single punch!”
Kang Hyun spun the chain and laughed.
“How pathetic, Sa-ryeon. Words like that only mean something when you can actually land a blow. You’re old enough to know better—or do you not know? You don’t know?”
Maeng Sa-ryeon clenched his teeth.
Though skill and character rarely align, this was surely crossing a line.
The fact that he was losing to a fool who possessed not a shred of a warrior’s dignity crushed his pride beneath its weight.
“Don’t speak so recklessly!”
Maeng Sa-ryeon drew his inner force to its limit and deployed his fist technique once more. It was the Shadow Fist—the Red Cloud Sect’s signature technique, capable of splitting even massive boulders in a single strike.
It was one of the techniques he took great pride in, and yet….
“Swish swish, what are you doing? Why are you just flailing about by yourself?”
Maeng Sa-ryeon’s movements had already become noticeably sluggish. His emotions had spiraled, his breathing had grown ragged, and an inexplicable force was disrupting the harmony of his inner energy.
“The same technique doesn’t mean the same execution. The depth differs, the weight differs—that’s what I’m saying.”
Thud! Thud!
Kang Hyun thrust his blades forward while continuing to mock him.
“Who do you think you’re comparing yourself to? My face is burning from shame. Did you aim for that? Were you aiming for that?”
“Just shut up!!”
“Hahahaha!!”
Kang Hyun burst into laughter and pressed his assault forward.
Ever since I resolved to enter the tournament and threw myself into training, I had grown sick to death of fist techniques. Every single movement of mine had been corrected by fists—it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that.
-Your stance collapsed again? What? Water? A few sips of water won’t kill you. Shut up and fix your posture! Don’t release your inner force for even a moment!
-Think of it as death the moment you loosen those sandbags. There are things I hate most… no, there are several, but if I had to pick the two biggest ones, it’s slackers and liars who deceive me.
-Get up and keep rolling! If you don’t give it everything, you won’t eat dinner!
Kang Hyun swallowed a bitter laugh.
I’m the one who prepares the meals—so why would I have no dinner?
The Third Prince possessed an almost supernatural talent for driving people to their limits. He knew exactly what caused suffering, how to inflict greater pain, and he pursued it relentlessly.
The problem was that the results were extraordinary.
I could feel my stamina and inner force gradually building, but my body screamed as if it might lose consciousness.
Crash!
In any case, the ordeal had borne fruit. Maeng Sa-ryeon was an opponent I couldn’t have confidently faced before.
“Phew, that was close.”
Maeng Sa-ryeon’s fist had stopped inches from my face. My body was momentarily frozen solid by the layered ice technique.
“Well then, how shall I prepare you? Your body’s become quite sturdy—I can’t afford to be careless anymore. You should be prepared to lose an arm.”
Maeng Sa-ryeon’s pupils trembled.
Kang Hyun’s lips curled up slightly.
“However, a gentleman does not trouble himself unnecessarily. Should you wish to concede even now, I shall cease. Trampling upon a budding sprout leaves a bitter taste, after all.”
Crack.
Whether he was gathering his inner energy or not, Maeng Sa-ryeon’s body convulsed intermittently. Clenching his teeth as if writhing in agony, he forcibly peeled apart his frozen lips.
“…Try it then. Did you truly believe such crude attacks would land? Once I recover my breathing….”
“Why cling to such stubborn pride? If you merely bent your ego a little, you could feast to your heart’s content on meat you adore.”
Kang Hyun extended his paired blades and gathered his energy.
As the blades carved through the void, blade energy flowed out in an elongated stroke like brushwork, coalescing in the empty air.
“Regrettable.”
Maeng Sa-ryeon desperately deployed his defensive technique. As the blade energy surged forth, shattering the ground beneath it, his master’s counsel flashed through his mind.
-The Yi Ma Je’s swordsmanship is a martial art that embodies flowing flowers.
The assessment that it was delicate despite his massive frame had left a lasting impression.
And now, a single white blossom engulfed his entire body.
‘…So bloodline cannot be deceived after all.’
The Do Je watching from the stands narrowed his brow with rare astonishment.
The talent of a thousand transformations and ten thousand variations.
An assessment never absent when discussing the Previous Left Envoy.
A martial master of legendary standing who perceived his opponent’s techniques, interpreted them independently, and ultimately made them his own.
Though his reputation was pitiful in other respects, in martial prowess none could dispute his absolute mastery.
‘He inherited it all intact.’
I realized this blood-soaked creature possessed a similar disposition.
He had unfolded the Yi Ma Je’s Flowing Flower Sword Style as his own blade technique—the essence within was completely identical, even if the achievement and depth remained immature.
‘If one possessed such talent, would it truly be possible to learn martial arts by mere observation, as he did?’
Suddenly, the Do Je’s gaze turned toward the spectator stands.
“Waaaaaaaa!”
“This is exhilarating! Tear him apart!”
“Come now! Show some spirit! Please, live up to your size! I’ve wagered everything on you!”
The spectators erupted in fervent cheers.
Whereas the previous match had seen the Third Prince dominate the arena with overwhelming prowess, this one was a contest of equals exchanging techniques.
The heat intensified as the back-and-forth exchange neared its conclusion.
“Hahahaha! You’re all so young, so very young!”
In that moment, the Do Je’s gaze settled upon the middle-aged man who had just burst into hearty laughter.
The character for “Association” emblazoned across the shoulders of the man who had just arrived fluttered unusually large.
Crack.
Then, Heon Won-mok of the Red Cloud Sect behind him gripped the armrest of his chair with crushing force.
Crackle, crackle, crackle!
As if his strength had reached its limit, wounds multiplied across his disciple’s skin. Pressed and lacerated, the flesh gradually turned pale before his eyes.
‘It’s nearly time. Just a little more… just a little longer, Sa-ryun. Hold on.’
He was still a disciple with much to learn. Setting aside clan aspirations and such, Heon Won-mok opened his eyes wide with nothing but the hope that his student would return safely.
Just as he was about to leap forward, his body tensing with anticipation.
KABOOOOOM!
A deafening explosion erupted, the pottery vessel vanished, and thick white smoke billowed upward.
Kang Hyun’s eyes widened as he swung his twin blades wildly.
“What, what is this?”
Something had hurtled through the air in an instant, completely shattering the vessel.
“Remarkable martial skill indeed.”
Chang Sun emerged from the center of the smoke. He sheathed his sword and clapped his hands loudly, announcing in a booming voice.
“Please welcome our victors with applause and cheers! The winners of this arena match are Kang Hyun and Maeng Sa-ryeon!”
“Huh?”
Kang Hyun glanced around in bewilderment.
‘Has that much time already passed? Wait, what about the others?’
“Uuuugh….”
“Ugh, my arm, my arm!! Someone call the Physician!”
Kang Hyun let out an incredulous laugh. It seemed they had slaughtered each other until none remained standing—warriors crawling across the ground surrounded him on all sides.
“Huff, huff.”
Maeng Sa-ryeon, who had barely endured the vessel’s explosion, swayed unsteadily. He fixed Kang Hyun with a murderous glare.
“I’ll come find you.”
Kang Hyun scoffed and turned away.
“Do as you please.”
* * *
Cheon So-hyun watched Kang Hyun awkwardly waving to the cheering crowd.
“Nearly had his face smashed in and he’s pleased about it.”
For a victor, his appearance was quite pitiful.
Blood streamed from his torn skin, and his garments hung in tatters.
“Still… his training remains insufficient, doesn’t it?”
Cheon So-hyun’s eyes gleamed as he murmured ominously.
“Young Master.”
“Hmm?”
Turning to identify the speaker, a smile played across Cheon So-hyun’s lips.
“When did you arrive?”
“I’ve just arrived. Have you been well in my absence?”
Sa Ma-ryang offered a respectful bow with a smile.

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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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