Heavenly Demon Divine Saint - Chapter 83

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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 83
The carriage rapidly traversed the ridge and broke free from the Ten Thousand Great Mountains.
Days of relentless travel followed—stopping at inns to rest, then boarding the carriage once more. Throughout this journey, Cheon So-hyun devoted most of his attention to observing the changes within his own body.
‘How peculiar. How is this even possible?’
The lingering sensation from his martial exchange with Ryu Jeong-hak had yet to fade.
The Palace Absorption Returning True technique was originally a martial art that required the stages of absorption, refinement, and acceptance into the Dantian. Yet in that moment, he had been able to utilize it through absorption alone.
‘How exactly?’
Was it possible because the qi had already been purified of impurities?
If that were true, the applications would be limitless. It meant practical adaptation in real combat was feasible.
It would prove invaluable in shaking off those fanatics who clung to him under the guise of protection. There was much that needed verification.
Cheon So-hyun suddenly exclaimed.
“The more I dwell on it, the more unjust it feels! Wait, stop for a moment!”
“Yes? What is the matter?”
“I simply cannot accept it. Does Master Yu not understand what this departure means to me, how difficult an achievement I have earned?”
“I comprehend your feelings, Young Master, but that matter is already settled….”
“Is it settled merely because we spoke of it? What of this sudden surge of frustration? Blast it, what an opportunity this is… My mind is utterly unsettled. Let us have another martial exchange.”
The clash resounded with tremendous force!
Ryu Jeong-hak withdrew his great sword, his expression showing bewilderment.
‘Again, that sensation of demonic qi being drawn inward….’
After an intense exchange of moves, they reached a lull, and the match naturally concluded.
“Truly wondrous. The absence of qi disturbance sets this apart from other heterodox techniques aimed at absorption. Might I inquire about the origins of this martial art?”
“I taught myself.”
As Ryu Jeong-hak regarded him quietly, Cheon So-hyun added further.
“I learned it alone. I speak truthfully—that is all there is to it. So please refrain from pressing further. I myself am still discovering its nature, so there is little I can articulate.”
“Do you mean to say, Young Master, that you have created this martial art yourself?”
“In a manner of speaking, yes. Though it is hardly a remarkable technique.”
At his affirmation, a glimmer of admiration flickered across Ryu Jeong-hak’s eyes.
So he truly was a descendant of the Cheon Family.
He understood far too well what qualities were necessary to create a martial art, and how much profound insight and self-correction were required. Only admiration could flow forth.
“Now I understand why the Cult Leader granted your departure. We shall endeavor diligently to ensure we do not become a burden to your endeavors, Young Master.”
“There is no need to exert yourselves so. We are not marching to war. Let us proceed at leisure, peacefully.”
Ryu Jeong-hak nodded in acknowledgment.
“Yes, I shall do my utmost.”
At such a rigid response, Cheon So-hyun swallowed a sigh inwardly. His gaze remained fixed upon his own palm.
‘Interesting.’
It proceeded exactly as he had theorized. With properly refined qi, immediate utilization was indeed possible.
The Heavenly Demon technique of the Tenth Complete Formation or the external qi of heaven and earth would trigger resistance the moment they invaded the meridians, necessitating refinement. Yet when the qi had already passed through a cultivation method, the situation differed entirely.
Strangely, the moment the Spiritless qi made contact with the opponent’s demonic qi, the latter cowered like a pup before a tiger, unable to fully manifest. Consequently, there was virtually no rebound from the demonic qi.
Of course, the efficiency was not as high as the qi he had painstakingly accumulated over time, but it was undeniably a formidable asset.
‘This may prove more useful than anticipated.’
What remained was merely to ascertain the limits of this ability. If I could absorb not just demonic energy but other types of qi as well, it would become an infinitely profound technique.
Just as I was thinking I needed to verify this immediately.
Ryu Jeong-hak’s voice cut through my thoughts.
“Young Master, if we take this path and descend the mountain, we shall enter Gangseong Province within half a day. Is there any sect you wish to visit beforehand?”
What kind of nonsense was this?
“Eh? A sect? What do you mean?”
“Is the purpose of this departure from the sect not to broaden your martial knowledge and experience?”
‘Ah… was that what he meant.’
Cheon So-hyun let out an awkward cough at Ryu Jeong-hak’s puzzled gaze.
“Gangseong Province tends to be treated as a borderland, so I haven’t particularly noted any places. I was planning to enter first and assess the situation.”
“In that case, I have some pre-compiled information. Perhaps you should take a look.”
Cheon So-hyun accepted the paper Ryu Jeong-hak offered and unfolded it. It was filled with the names of various sects and unfamiliar names listed in rows.
“What is this?”
“A compilation of sects that can be destroyed without consequence, eccentric masters settled in dangerous regions, and the identities of skilled experts located in Gangseong Province. I have carefully selected ten sects from both the White Path and Black Path, so you may choose freely.”
Cheon So-hyun stared at him in bewilderment.
What did these demons take the people of the Central Plains for? Destroyed without consequence?
“That is strange talk. Is this not a situation where we should avoid drawing attention?”
“Precisely—as long as your origin from the Divine Sect does not come to light. Given your exceptional skill in concealing your aura, Young Master, you should have no difficulty operating under the prepared identity.”
Cheon So-hyun suppressed a hollow laugh. What bewildered him even more was the density of information contained in the paper.
This was not information that could be gathered in a day or two.
It detailed everything from renowned masters who had recently made their names known to those who had recently gone into hiding, along with the inns and merchant companies of various families across the regions.
It was clearly information compiled while preparing for war, and I couldn’t help but sigh. Most troubling of all was that the list contained a familiar name.
“What sort of place is this Yuhyeon Merchant Company?”
“I have heard it is a merchant company that has grown its influence in the underworld of Gangseong Province while dealing in various goods in recent times.”
“The underworld? You mean the Black Path forces?”
“Indeed, though is something troubling you?”
Cheon So-hyun furrowed his brow as he examined the paper.
Originally, Shaolin Temple was a place where wealth accumulated day and night without distinction, as pilgrims from all corners of the realm flocked to make offerings.
It was common practice to conduct trade with external merchant companies to dispose of accumulated goods or distribute them among the common people, and Yuhyeon Merchant Company was one such company.
‘But they became Black Path? Why?’
I found it even harder to believe because I had some acquaintance with the Danju.
-With Master Hye Gwang seeing me off, I scarcely know where to place myself. I thought I would depart without seeing you this time.
-Not see me? I heard Yu Danju had come, so I should have rushed out barefoot. Haven’t we built up that much of a connection? Hmm, or was that just my thinking? Then I fear I might feel a bit disappointed.
-Haha, how could that be! It is fortunate timing. I happen to have several bottles of exquisite fire liquor procured from Sichuan Province… No, do not refuse. Please allow a humble merchant the opportunity to accumulate merit as well!
He was certainly a man with a merchant’s keen eye for reading people, without any narrow-mindedness, and easy to converse with.
‘But why?’
Cheon So-hyun narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the paper, then asked Ryu Jeong-hak.
“What sort of sect is this Gwi Jeong Bang?”
“A minor faction in the southern region of Gangseong, a Black Path force that has gained renown solely through the martial prowess of its master. It is also the primary trading partner of Yuhyeon Merchant Company.”
“It says here that it has been rapidly expanding its power recently?”
“That’s correct. The newly arrived member’s martial prowess is said to rival the Master’s own. Where he obtained such fortune, I cannot fathom—a brigand who once lived by plunder and pillage has now sprouted wings. Are you interested in this matter?”
“Of course I am. You know I cannot overlook such things.”
A sharp gleam ignited in Cheon So-hyun’s eyes.
The Master of the Yuhyeon Merchant Company was a man of inherent virtue.
Questions cascaded upon one another—why had such a principled merchant entangled himself with the Black Path? Had he merely stumbled into some senseless power struggle?
‘I must investigate this thoroughly.’
If I delved into the Gwi Jeong Bang, I would eventually uncover the truth of this matter, and when I finally met the Master, I could also discern the circumstances surrounding Shaolin.
He was a merchant who had maintained connections with Shaolin for many years, after all.
‘I must make haste.’
Harboring secret concerns about whether some other matter lay behind Shaolin’s closure of its gates, I quickened my pace.
“Let us depart at once! These wretches are truly despicable.”
* * *
The Heart Chamber of Gwi Jeong Bang.
“Ahahaha!”
A giant seated upon the upper platform burst into hearty laughter, his massive frame still slick with lingering heat and blood that clung to him in patches.
The giant, Yong Gol, turned his gaze toward his subordinate.
“Obtaining you has been the greatest fortune of my life. I have long been crushed beneath factional struggles, my spirit withering away, but now at last I can unfold my ambitions. You are of an entirely different caliber from those useless fools who merely consume resources! Haha!”
“You are too kind. It is only thanks to your excellent guidance that I, a mere spy, have come so far.”
Wi Yeong-ha, a subordinate with sharp features, bowed respectfully. Yong Gol’s smile deepened at the sight.
“A picture that was once only fragments is now finally coming together. Thanks to you, I can at last realize the dream I have harbored for so long.”
“Where did the picture you envisioned first begin?”
“Begin? You always fixate on the strangest details. Most would wonder about the end or the process.”
“Is there anything more vital to a great undertaking than reflecting upon its origins?”
“Ha, true enough. The motivation was simple—to mutilate a betrothed lover, to plunder a family estate, to negate everything a single man had accomplished. And when I witnessed such a man, despite suffering such indignities, bow his head in submission rather than rage, a mad exhilaration surged through me. That fool who strutted about with the Black Path insignia on his shoulders.”
Yong Gol’s eyes curved like crescents. A gaze filled with contempt fell upon the man below.
“Just like that wretch there.”
The man trembled violently, his head pressed to the ground. His fingernails, which had been clawing at the floor, were broken, and tears of blood streamed from his eyes.
Crack.
He was the man who had once ruled as Master of Gwi Jeong Bang. Yet the Gwi Jeong Bang Master’s wrath was not directed at Yong Gol, but at his subordinate.
“How dare you poison me…!”
Had he been able to draw even half of his original power, he would never have suffered such humiliation.
“Hmm?”
Wi Yeong-ha crouched down to meet his gaze.
“Master, what troubles you? You appear quite aggrieved.”
“You ask as though you don’t know! Cough…”
“I merely wondered. Still, given the years I served you, I shall hear your grievance. Let go of your resentment before you depart.”
“You bastard…! If only you hadn’t laced my wine with mountain poison, or better yet, if I had never taken you in, I wouldn’t have fallen to that wretch…! Ugh!”
Wi Yeong-ha stomped upon the trembling Master’s head as he spoke.
“Your words make no sense. I understand you built your power through such cunning methods yourself—so why do you claim to be wronged?”
“Gasp… you didn’t employ such vile schemes as you…”
Crash!
Yong Gol tore up the stone tiles from the floor and hurled them. A massive pile of rubble crashed down upon the Gui Jeong Bang Master, crushing the breath from his body.
“Pathetic wretch. The weak deserve death. Such is the way of the Black Path.”
Yong Gol clicked his tongue disapprovingly as he addressed his assembled subordinates.
“Let this be a lesson to you all—remember well the fate of the defeated.”
“Yes, sir!”
Yong Gol brushed the dust from his hands and turned his gaze toward Wi Yeong-ha.
“But where is that money-grubbing fool? Wasn’t he supposed to arrive so we could devour him along with Gui Jeong Bang?”
“We sent word to him, so he should be rushing here as we speak. For now….”
Screech!
In that instant, the door screeched open violently. Both Yong Gol and Wi Yeong-ha’s eyes snapped toward the entrance.
A subordinate burst through, his face drained of all color.
“What is the meaning of this?”
“S-sir, there is an urgent report!”
“Then report it!”
“A stranger has appeared at the Main Gate, attempting to remove the signboard….”
Yong Gol’s brow furrowed.
“The signboard? Is he trying to challenge our sect?”
“I am uncertain, sir….”
It was at that moment.
Crash!
The entrance collapsed, and the reporting subordinate was buried beneath the rubble.
Through the billowing dust, the silhouette of a man wavered into view.
An intruder, radiating malevolent killing intent, swept his gaze across the chamber.
“Swarming about like insects—how utterly repulsive.”
Wi Yeong-ha immediately signaled his subordinates with a glance. Given the number of potential enemies who might appear, nothing would be surprising at this point.
A subordinate stationed behind the door instantly drew his blade.
Thud!
The man seized the subordinate’s wrist without hesitation, twisted his body, and drove the blade into the man’s shoulder.
“Ahhhhh!”
“Kill him!”
Thus the battle began.
Yong Gol roared commands to slit the intruder’s throat, and his subordinates surged forward in unison.
“You fools cannot even distinguish heaven from earth… Very well, I shall teach you a proper lesson.”
Cheon So-hyun swept a kick across an enemy’s chest, leaped into the air, and drove his fist forward, advancing without restraint.
He slipped past the flurry of swords, spears, and iron weapons with razor-thin margins before striking precisely at an opponent’s brow.
‘Amitabha Buddha!’
As I rained down blows and shattered bones, sweeping through their ranks, some began to falter and retreat, overwhelmed by the momentum.
A subordinate sprawled on the ground groaned as he cast a desperate gaze toward the dais.
“B-big brother….”
Cheon So-hyun seized the man’s head and hurled it onto the platform.
“Get down here, you swine. My neck aches.”

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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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