Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect - Chapter 54

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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 54
The day after Cheon Hui arrived at Huashan Sect.
Knock—knock—
“……Are you there?”
“Ugh—”
Cheon Hui, who had fallen asleep in his quarters for the first time in ages, woke to the sound of commotion drifting in from outside in the early dawn.
“What is it?”
Still half-asleep, his eyes bleary, he rose and pulled the door open with an irritated expression.
“What’s all this noise before dawn…….”
He started to complain, then stopped short.
“My apologies for the early hour.”
At the sight of Hyeon Cheong, Cheon Hui’s brow furrowed.
“What brings you here at this hour?”
“There’s something I need to confirm.”
Cheon Hui scratched the back of his head.
If it had been Jeok Geom or Seol Ran, he would have thrown them out on the spot—but his visitor was Hyeon Cheong.
“Sigh. Come in.”
“Much obliged.”
Hyeon Cheong strode into the room with long steps.
He glanced around the space, then spoke to ease the heavy atmosphere that had settled.
“Nothing has changed here from before.”
“There’s nothing that needs changing.”
Cheon Hui’s indifferent reply drew a light chuckle from Hyeon Cheong, who sat down. Cheon Hui settled across from him and asked.
“So, why did you come?”
“I’ll ask you directly—was it you who brought down Baek Sa Shin?”
Hyeon Cheong’s voice was low.
When Cheon Hui saw Hyeon Cheong watching him with a grave expression, his brow tightened.
‘……He already knows.’
Hyeon Cheong’s eyes held no flicker of doubt—he must have already heard that this was Cheon Hui’s doing.
And that thought proved correct.
Hyeon Cheong had visited Hyeon Do the night before.
―Was it Cheon Hui?
A question stripped of all preamble.
Yet it carried absolute certainty within it.
He had heard rumors that Hyeon Do had brought down Baek Sa Shin and annihilated Baek Gwi Seong’s entire household, and he rejoiced—but he could not believe it wholly.
Though both were masters of the Heavenly Martial Realm, Hyeon Do was not yet Baek Sa Shin’s equal compared to one who had dwelled in that realm for so long.
And on top of that, to have wiped out Baek Gwi Seong’s line entirely?
Even with the help of Bi Yeon Geom Gun, it would have been impossible.
‘But if it were Cheon Hui…….’
Then it might be possible.
Hyeon Cheong’s faith in Cheon Hui’s ability, built up over years of observation, ran that deep.
And that suspicion proved right.
―Since the sect leader knows of Cheon Hui’s talent, I have spoken of this—but this matter must be kept secret. Should it become known that the one who defeated Baek Sa Shin was not me, but Cheon Hui, a calamity like that which befell our youngest disciple might occur.
―Do not worry about that. I too have no wish to see such a thing come to pass…….
Hyeon Cheong gave his assent as if it were obvious.
Why had Baek Gwi Seong harbored such enmity?
Because the talent of their youngest disciple, Mae Hwa Geom Hyeop Hyeon Gang, had become known, and Baek Gwi Seong had grown jealous.
But if the existence of Cheon Hui, whose talent surpassed even the youngest disciple’s, were to come to light?
This time, it might not be the Yukhwang Sect, but Sa Heuk Ryeon that would move directly.
Just then, Cheon Hui’s lips parted.
“Yes.”
“As I thought…….”
Hyeon Cheong’s eyes widened greatly.
Though he had already confirmed it with Hyeon Do, hearing it directly from Cheon Hui stirred his emotions.
At once, he reached out with both hands to grasp Cheon Hui’s, bowing his head deeply.
“I am truly sorry and grateful. A burden that should have been ours to bear…….”
His voice trembled with moisture.
“I am truly grateful.”
In that moment, Cheon Hui felt something strange wash over him.
When had anyone ever thanked him with such sincerity?
It wasn’t something he remembered doing before.
‘Not a bad feeling at all, actually.’
With his heart at ease, the warmth of his hand felt comforting.
“Thanks to you, I’ve finally resolved a long-held regret.”
“Is that so? Well, I’m glad to hear it.”
Hyeon Cheong slowly lifted his head.
A bright smile bloomed like a flower across his weathered face—one Cheon Hui had never seen before.
“Then I suppose I can’t remain locked away doing nothing anymore. I’ll visit again later.”
With those weighted words, Hyeon Cheong released his grip and left the stone chamber.
“Sleep’s scattered to the winds.”
Cheon Hui ran his fingers through his tousled hair and stepped outside, settling at the cliff’s edge.
“Might as well sort through what happened back then.”
He closed his eyes and summoned the memory of his opponent.
A man who manifested like wisps of smoke against pitch-black darkness, radiating pure white light.
Baek Sa Shin.
In that vision, he had begun to unleash the technique Baek Sa Shin had deployed at the end: Gucheon Ap Noe.
‘So that’s how it works.’
Recalling the technique Baek Sa Shin had executed, he slowly drew up his Internal Energy.
Whiiiish—
Tangible qi blossomed faintly across his entire body, his Sect Robe fluttering in response.
‘Channel the energy this way…’
Cheon Hui’s eyes slowly opened.
For a brief moment, he began to mirror the technique Baek Sa Shin had wielded, his hands moving.
Then, as his hands swept in a wide arc—
Shhhhhh—
A vortex manifested in the space where only a faint breeze had blown moments before, drawing all the surrounding air toward its center.
“There it is.”
He stared intently at the vortex—more precisely, at the space compressed by Internal Energy.
“If I draw up more energy from here and compress it forcefully to seal my movements just slightly—”
A leaf that drifted into the distorted space was completely crushed into powder.
A moment passed.
Whiiiish—
He gathered back the Internal Energy he had drawn up.
The violent vortex vanished in an instant, and quiet returned.
‘It works, but I couldn’t use it in actual combat.’
It was a formidable technique, but its shortcomings were equally glaring.
Despite deploying it for only a brief moment, most of the Internal Energy that had existed in his Lower Dantian was already gone.
“Damn. If only I had more Internal Energy.”
Of course, he could deploy it anytime he wished.
But whether he should drain that much power to do so—the answer was an absolute no.
“If I understood the Heart Technique he’d mastered, maybe. But as it stands, it’s only half-baked.”
He recalled Baek Sa Shin as he had been.
The Gucheon Ap Noe had been deployed with his unique Internal Energy, and its power was overwhelming.
Even someone as sparing with praise as himself had no choice but to acknowledge his martial prowess.
And for good reason—hadn’t he been forced to deploy Jeoldae Gunglim Gong against him, a technique he had sworn not to use in this lifetime?
“I need to build more Internal Energy.”
Cheon Hui contemplated his Lower Dantian.
Mae Hwa Shin Gong was a supreme Heart Technique.
He could even claim it was the finest martial art he knew.
But due to insufficient Internal Energy and physical limitations, it had not fully blossomed.
This Mae Hwa Shin Gong had to bloom completely.
Entirely and utterly.
Once that happened, he had no doubt he could claim no rival under heaven—or across all of history, for that matter.
But that was only if it fully bloomed.
For now, he had been overwhelmed and driven back even by Baek Sa Shin.
“I have to make the Mae Hwa Shin Gong bloom.”
Cheon Hui’s blood-red eyes gleamed with intensity.
He had always possessed a fierce competitive spirit.
Whether against enemies or allies, whether in martial arts or in any absolute technique—it made no difference.
He had to bring all under heaven beneath his feet.
Yet deploying the Jeoldae Gunglim Gong against merely Baek Sa Shin wounded his pride deeply.
“This will never happen again.”
* * *
The next day at Unjung Pavilion.
Jang Mun In swept his gaze across those already seated before his arrival.
“Ah, it seems we’ve been holding these grand councils quite frequently of late.”
Jang Mun In regarded those around him, each barely suppressing their excitement, and moistened his lips.
“We’ve gathered today to make an announcement of considerable importance.”
A brief silence fell.
Jang Mun In, pleased by the atmosphere, nodded slightly before speaking.
“We intend to open the Mountain Gates of Huashan Sect within the year.”
“……!”
“……You mean……!”
Several stood abruptly.
Those who’d caught their breath blinked uncertainly, then asked carefully.
“You mean we are to accept disciples?”
“Indeed.”
Those standing seemed to lose their very souls.
They had thought today’s council was convened to announce news of Hyeon Do and Baek Gwi Seong.
But to accept disciples……!
All were left dazed by Jang Mun In’s shocking announcement.
Jang Mun In continued with a smile.
“It’s been quite some time since our mountain took in disciples, hasn’t it? Our finances have finally stabilized and our reputation has grown bright. Moreover, there are surely many who wish to enter our gates now—when else should we open them if not now?”
With each word Jang Mun In spoke, all nodded silently in agreement, their heads moving up and down.
Just as things were flowing in this direction.
“Wait, Jang Mun In!”
Hyeon Heo, who had lost himself to bewilderment, regained his senses.
“The Red Rank Disciples are not yet skilled enough to teach martial arts. And the Heavenly Rank Disciples are too few to teach the incoming students.”
“Don’t worry about that.”
“How can we not worry…….”
“Fortunately, I haven’t come too late.”
At the sudden voice that had interjected, all eyes turned sharply.
“This voice…….”
Those who saw Hyeon Cheong were astonished.
Hyeon Cheong’s appearance at the council was unprecedented—he rarely attended such gatherings.
“Have you come to attend the council?”
“Why else would I be here?”
“Please, take this seat.”
Jang Mun In gestured to the empty chair beside him.
“Then I shall.”
As Hyeon Cheong took his seat, Jang Mun In spoke to those still in shock.
“Hyeon Cheong has offered to take charge of the newly admitted disciples.”
“……Gasp!”
All caught their breath in an instant.
“Hyeon Cheong will……?”
“Am I not sufficient?”
“No, no, that is not it!”
Hyeon Heo spoke in startled haste.
“It’s merely shocking that you, who were recovering martial arts at Mangyeong Pavilion, will now teach disciples directly…….”
“There is no longer any need for that.”
Hyeon Cheong smiled broadly.
“Hyeon Do has achieved what I have long sought.”
At his mention of Hyeon Do, all recalled the topic they had nearly forgotten.
“Ah, now that you mention it, Hyeon Do defeating Baek Sa Shin…….”
“It is true.”
Hyeon Do answered with a smile.
“At last, the vendetta…….”
“Infinite Buddha.”
“Has been settled.”
All had tears glistening in their eyes.
From the moment they heard the rumor, they had been trembling with joy, but hearing it directly from the man himself felt entirely different.
By the time everyone’s delight became impossible to conceal,
“Are there still concerns?”
Jang Mun In asked, looking at Hyeon Heo.
“None, sir.”
“Then I take it all are in agreement to open the Mountain Gates of the Huashan Sect.”
“Excellent! We are pleased.”
“We have waited for this moment.”
“Amitabha Buddha.”
Jang Mun In glanced toward Hyeon Do.
The two exchanged glances and smiled.
Only four people here knew the true extent of Cheon Hui’s abilities.
Jang Mun In, Hyeon Ryeo, Hyeon Do, and Hyeon Cheong.
Only those whose connections with Cheon Hui ran deepest.
For that reason, none of them had spoken a word about Cheon Hui’s true martial power or his real identity.
It was then.
Tap-tap-tap!
Everyone’s head turned downward.
A Taoist priest descended beneath the clouds, executing swift footwork as he entered Unjung Pavilion.
“Who dares interrupt a conference—”
As the Master of Wulian Pavilion’s brow furrowed, the priest’s foot crossed the threshold of Unjung Pavilion.
“My—my apologies. I am breathless. Forgive the intrusion, but I have come with urgent news that cannot wait.”
The Taoist priest who had entered so suddenly, Cheon Su, the Vice-Master of Jae Ryeong Pavilion, bowed with utmost courtesy.
Despite his formal manner, something in his hurried demeanor struck Jang Mun In as ominous, and he spoke.
“What is the matter?”
Cheon Su lifted his head at once.
His eyes, urgent and strained, swept across everyone in Unjung Pavilion as his mouth opened.
“A letter has arrived from the Mae Hwa Alliance!”

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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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