Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 82

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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 82
Clatter, clatter.
A carriage painted black down to its wheels raced swiftly down the steep mountain path.
Inside that carriage, Cheon So-hyun gazed out the window.
‘Finally, I’m heading out into the world.’
An indescribable sense of anticipation kept drawing smiles to my face.
For a moment, the Medicine Hall Master’s commission mentioned in Sa Ma-ryang’s letter crossed my mind, but I pushed it aside. Though he had offered the Fleece Flower Elixir Division as compensation, it had to take a backseat in my priorities.
In this journey to the Central Plains, the foremost concern was Shaolin, and the second concern was also Shaolin.
‘I can look into it on the way back.’
Meeting those bald senior brothers and lifting the sect seal was the urgent matter at hand, so once I escaped the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, I planned to rush headlong toward Songshan.
The problem was.
“I am Ryu Jeong-hak, entrusted with overall command of this escort.”
An unexpected complication had attached itself to me.
“I serve as captain of the Yuyun Team among the Seven Dharma Protection Teams. I look forward to your cooperation.”
Cheon So-hyun quietly studied the giant seated across from me.
“…Cheon So-hyun.”
At first glance, he bore a resemblance to Yi Ma-je, but there were significant differences. If Yi Ma-je was a man armed with muscle, the man before me had a frame that was thick and massive in its very bones.
The interior of the carriage, spacious enough to comfortably fit eight grown men, felt cramped because of him.
Ryu Jeong-hak, reading the discomfort in Cheon So-hyun’s gaze, spoke calmly.
“I have incurred rudeness under the pretext of ensuring thoroughness. After we leave the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, I plan to maintain distance while providing escort, so I beg your forgiveness for the discourtesy of our shared quarters.”
“Maintaining distance while escorting? You mean to accompany me even after we enter the Central Plains?”
Ryu Jeong-hak nodded.
“I have received orders to ensure no disturbances occur in the Young Master’s vicinity.”
“Surely not for the entire duration of my departure?”
“That is correct, but is there some concern you wish to raise?”
“Concerns? There are plenty—more than enough to be troublesome. If you travel alongside me, you’ll inevitably draw attention, and that’s precisely the situation I need to guard against most.”
Though the Demonic Sect had maintained their seal for long years and exercised restraint, in the eyes of the Central Plains, they remained like a powder keg ready to explode at any moment.
Whether the White Path or the Black Path, everyone kept their guard up, watching warily over the fanatics’ domain. To travel alongside someone of such imposing stature would only invite danger.
Ryu Jeong-hak shook his head.
“Rest assured. I am fully aware of the reach of the unbelievers’ gaze. We will circumvent the mountain ranges and enter Gangseong Province without incident.”
His tone was as blunt as his straightforward appearance. One look at this man’s eyes—those of an obstinate wall—revealed a stubbornness that no persuasion could penetrate.
Cheon So-hyun regarded him with displeasure.
‘I cannot proceed with him accompanying me like this.’
If an escort remained at my side, it would not merely restrict my movements—it would make the very plan to lift Shaolin’s seal impossible.
Because this man would report back that I was not postponing or halting the Great Sect’s plans, but actively sabotaging them.
“Well, there are several things that trouble me. May I ask about them?”
“Please, ask freely.”
“When I met the Gwangmyeong Left Envoy the other day, he seemed to hope I would leave and cause chaos. So why has an escort suddenly been assigned?”
This was the most puzzling part. Was that not the mad Demon who desired to be caught up in the Central Plains’ power struggles, leading to conflict and ultimately war?
Ryu Jeong-hak answered quietly.
“The Chief Military Commander has made a direct petition to the Cult Leader’s Hall.”
“…The Chief Military Commander?”
“Yes. I cannot disclose the details of that matter, but as a result, the Gwangmyeong Right Envoy has taken full responsibility for this expedition. As you know, he prioritizes the sect’s welfare above all else, so the Yuyun Team has been assigned to provide escort.”
A furrow deepened between Cheon So-hyun’s brows.
The conversation he had shared with the Chief Military Commander came flooding back.
-You must reflect upon your true purpose. Is it genuinely to observe and study the martial arts of the Central Plains? Or are you merely seeking a pretext for rebellion?
So he had driven a wedge to prevent any foolish schemes from taking root.
Since the original justification for persuading the Cult Leader had been to observe the martial arts of the Central Plains, the Chief Military Commander had seized upon that very point.
‘This is infuriating.’
Yet he could not simply withdraw. To break Shaolin’s seal, he had to remove the escort by any means necessary.
Cheon So-hyun called out through the carriage window.
“Hold on a moment.”
The escort holding the reins turned to look inside. When Ryu Jeong-hak nodded, the carriage came to a halt.
“Is there something uncomfortable, Young Master?”
“Far too many things. I have no taste for beating around the bush, so I’ll speak plainly. Turn this carriage around.”
“May I ask the reason?”
“This expedition requires no escort. This opportunity was hard-won through considerable hardship, and I have no desire to be constrained by unnecessary restrictions.”
“I understand your words perfectly, Young Master, but my duty is….”
“It’s fine. Withdraw now.”
Ryu Jeong-hak kept his mouth firmly shut, his gaze locked with Cheon So-hyun’s. After a tense silence, he made his refusal clear.
“That is impossible. My duty ultimately originates from the Cult Leader’s Hall. I will maintain sufficient distance to avoid hindering your travels, so please understand.”
It was the answer he had anticipated.
“You truly don’t listen to reason. Then step down from the carriage for a moment.”
Cheon So-hyun descended from the carriage, and Ryu Jeong-hak followed.
“What is this about?”
“How could I entrust my back to someone I’ve never met before? I need to gauge what kind of person you are, at least briefly.”
“Are you suggesting you wish to assess my martial prowess?”
“Wouldn’t that benefit us both? It may sound presumptuous, but isn’t the most important thing that both I and you return safely to the sect?”
“To be precise, only your safe return matters. My welfare is not a consideration.”
Cheon So-hyun nodded.
“All the more reason to verify it. Let us test what martial prowess you possess and how far I can trust and rely upon you. We still have time before departing for the Central Plains.”
Ryu Jeong-hak regarded him silently, while the escorts surrounding them exchanged glances with hardened expressions.
‘This could turn into an unfortunate situation.’
‘The Young Master would never avoid a confrontation.’
By assessing the escort’s martial prowess alone, he could reduce countless variables, and he was not one to miss such an opportunity.
The only concern was the possibility that the successor might sustain injuries in the process.
“Your words are correct, Young Master. Only by gauging each other’s martial prowess can we truly build trust and fulfill my duty. However….”
Thunk!
Ryu Jeong-hak drew the sword from his back and drove it into the ground. It was a massive, heavy greatsword large enough to conceal half his upper body.
“You should also know that in the process, your precious body may be inadvertently harmed.”
Cheon So-hyun let out a soft chuckle and settled into a relaxed stance.
“Surely you didn’t open this stage without such resolve. This is what I hoped for.”
“Very well.”
Ryu Jeong-hak infused his inner energy into his voice as he shouted.
“The successor shall display his martial prowess! Guards, turn your backs and establish a perimeter!”
“Yes!”
The resounding affirmation scattered on the wind before it could fully dissipate.
Cheon So-hyun’s silhouette shot forward like a beam of light.
‘Amitabha Buddha!’
His plan was to seize victory in the first exchange. He rapidly closed the distance and unleashed an Arhat Fist toward Ryu Jeong-hak’s vital points.
Kwaaaang!
Ryu Jeong-hak explosively drew the great sword he had driven into the earth.
The violent sword wind scattered stone debris as it collided with the fist energy, sending shockwaves rippling across the area.
“This time, I shall take the initiative.”
Ryu Jeong-hak immediately unfolded a continuous barrage of strikes, his blade cutting through the air.
Sweeping, thrusting, piercing—the movements were simple combinations that could hardly be called techniques, yet
‘…Why is it so fast?’
Cheon So-hyun felt his senses blur as he retreated repeatedly. The attacks seemed even faster because there was no wasted motion between each strike.
Now that he thought about it, the commander of the Seven Dharma Protection Teams held a position directly beneath the Protector Chief. Even accounting for modesty, it meant someone of Yu Baek’s caliber or higher. There was no room to conserve energy or probe cautiously.
‘This won’t do.’
Uuuuung!
Black light erupted from Cheon So-hyun’s eyes. He released the demonic energy he had compressed using the Red Palace Unobstructed Technique all at once.
Kwaaang!
Ryu Jeong-hak twisted his great sword to deflect the surging fist. His eyebrows twitched at the sharp pain that shot through his grip.
‘…Such power?’
For a moment, his hand twisted and he nearly dropped his blade.
A swordmaster who had devoted himself entirely to his weapon nearly losing his cherished sword—such a thing meant death, and a chill ran through him.
‘I must finish this quickly.’
The energy dormant in his dantian surged forth all at once.
Scattered sword qi seized control of the air, creating a heavy sword pressure that bore down upon Cheon So-hyun’s entire body like a crushing force.
Simultaneously, a thunderous roar erupted from the sword strike in Ryu Jeong-hak’s grip, and crimson sword energy extended outward like lightning.
Boom!
Ryu Jeong-hak’s eyes widened as he suppressed an exclamation.
Cheon So-hyun’s figure, struck directly by the sword energy, was scattering in a pattern like a lotus flower.
What was even more astonishing was that despite employing such a profound movement technique, his energy manipulation remained flawless.
Uuuuung!
Cheon So-hyun closed the distance in an instant using the Lotus Formation Ninth Stage. His hands ignited pitch-black with a sound like swarming bees.
Sensing the ferocious energy wave against his skin, Ryu Jeong-hak immediately unfolded a palm technique with his opposite hand.
Kwagwagwakwang!
Palm force collided with palm force, and shockwaves erupted in all directions. Within the thunderous roar, the hands of the two men drew ever closer.
Their forces clashed repeatedly, canceling each other out, until the moment their blades finally met.
A brilliant flash erupted.
A fierce, radiant light blazed from Ryu Jeong-hak’s eyes.
In that instant, a tremendous sword wind swept forth, ravaging the surrounding mountains and vegetation.
“M-Master!”
‘Damn it!’
A sensation like something being sucked into my palm threw my energy control into disarray. Ryu Jeong-hak, flustered, hastily dispersed the dust cloud.
“Young Master! Are you unharmed!”
The panicked guards rushed forward, only to gasp in shock at the sight that revealed itself.
“H-How is this possible?”
It had been a strike delivered with genuine intent. I had braced myself for torn flesh or, at worst, the catastrophe of severed limbs.
Yet Cheon So-hyun appeared far too unscathed. Rather than indignation or alarm, he was simply staring intently at his own palm.
‘…This actually works?’
The demonic energy that had seeped in from outside was burrowing through my meridians, circulating in a familiar pattern.
It was the form of Gwangak Gyeol, which fortified the bones and sinews of the entire body while generating a protective aura.
‘The Tenth Complete Formation required a refinement process, didn’t it?’
For some reason, the demonic energy I had absorbed through the Suction Reversal Technique was being utilized without any issue whatsoever.
Ryu Jeong-hak asked, his voice mingling bewilderment with relief.
“How on earth….”
Cheon So-hyun’s gaze sharpened.
“That’s what I’d like to ask you. What exactly did you do at the end?”
“…Pardon?”
“Your sword energy overlapped several times in a single instant. The speed increased proportionally, and I couldn’t respond in time.”
Ryu Jeong-hak regarded him with admiring eyes. Had he truly discerned the essence of his technique in that brief moment?
“It is the critical technique of the Black Tortoise Double Sword Form that I have mastered. Since it consumes excessive energy, I do not employ it unless facing a dire crisis—a life-saving technique, as it were. I never expected to use it in a martial contest. It seems I have greatly misjudged your martial prowess, Young Master.”
Cheon So-hyun nodded.
“Then you should return.”
“Pardon?”
“How can you serve with such poor judgment of character? Since I cannot trust you with my back, go return and deepen your cultivation.”
At the playful rebuke, Ryu Jeong-hak finally broke into laughter, and the guards released their tension with sighs of relief.
“I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”
Ryu Jeong-hak sheathed his great sword and assumed a fist salute, offering his respects.
“I have sufficiently confirmed that you are strong enough to require no guard. However, one must never lower their guard. I will remain vigilant and prepared to handle any variable that may arise.”
Cheon So-hyun regarded him with displeasure.
I wished he would simply disappear, but there was no sign of him yielding.
His stubborn demeanor was matched only by his pride, leaving no option but for him to withdraw of his own accord.
“Tsk, very well.”
The hardship ahead seemed all too clear, yet there was a way to manage it.
‘Fine. Let’s see how long he can keep up.’
Soon I would be leaving the Demonic Sect for the Central Plains.

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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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