The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 161
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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 161.
“Ugh!”
The flying blade that should have reached Eum Wi instead pierced the brows of his subordinates on either side.
“Strike that bastard down at once!”
At Eum Wi’s cry, the Hyeonok Pavilion disciples surrounding Bu Eunseol began unfurling their White Horse Ribbons.
Whoooosh!
With an eerie tearing sound, dozens of White Horse Ribbons writhed like living serpents, boring toward Bu Eunseol’s body.
“Hmph.”
Bu Eunseol scoffed and lightly evaded the White Horse Ribbons.
In that moment, the Hyeonok Pavilion disciples shifted their formation into a double encirclement.
Those advancing forward compressed their White Horse Ribbons into sword-like shapes to attack Bu Eunseol at close range, while those remaining hidden unleashed their ribbons from a distance.
Snap! Whoooosh!
At close quarters, the White Horse Ribbons transformed into swords and spears, targeting my vital points. From afar, the ribbons stretched to their maximum length, seeking every opening.
‘Eliminate the nearest threats first, one by one.’
Though the formation appeared chaotic, the strategy was simple.
I merely needed to methodically dispatch each advancing enemy in turn.
In that instant, crimson radiance bloomed from Bu Eunseol’s left fist.
As I violently drew forth the inner qi from my body to unleash my martial technique, semi-polarized light crystallized not only in my eyes but across my knuckles.
Boom!
Simultaneously, five streaks of lightning erupted from my left hand.
The seventh form of Fist Demon—Extreme Lightning Soul Howl—had been unleashed.
“Scatter!”
Realizing that the formless fist force pouring forth was too overwhelming to block with their White Horse Ribbons, the Hyeonok Pavilion disciples dispersed in all directions.
Whoosh!
Yet as if waiting for their retreat, black radiance poured forth from the Silent Blade.
Flash!
Each time the black light tore through the void, the retreating Hyeonok Pavilion disciples collapsed like felled logs.
“Argh!”
“Ahhh!”
Those who were struck or grazed by the blade instead screamed in agony.
The thirteen streams of formidable power contained within the Silent Blade melted their meridians as if pouring forth flames.
“That bastard!”
As Bu Eunseol shattered their formation in an instant, Eum Wi’s composure cracked.
He knew well that Bu Eunseol, who had consecutively defeated masters of the Great Realm, was a supreme expert.
Yet he had sent the formidable masters of Hyeonok Pavilion who wielded powerful killing techniques, and they crumbled in moments?
‘Could this wretch be a master of formation theory capable of breaking through our pavilion’s formations in a single breath?’
In truth, this was Eum Wi’s miscalculation.
Since entering the Murim, Bu Eunseol had continuously engaged in battles against formation users and fought one against many.
Thus I had become an expert at dismantling the formations deployed by multiple opponents.
“Argh!”
“Kugh!”
Screams erupted in succession.
Not a single one of Hyeonok Pavilion’s disciples could withstand Bu Eunseol’s blade.
No matter what formation they deployed, no matter what technique they unleashed—she shattered and swept them all aside in a single stroke.
“Impressive technique.”
Eum Wi, biting his lip, cried out.
“Deploy the White Horse Five Poison Formation!”
The White Horse Five Poison Formation.
It was an absolute formation that alternated the use of poisoned throwing blades coated with the deadliest toxins.
But this was Eum Wi’s second mistake.
‘Sloppy.’
I had experience facing the entire Blood Ghost Party of Hell Blood Castle.
Because of this, I could freely control my breathing and deploy the Poison Suppression Technique while naturally executing my martial arts without constraint.
In short, the poisoned blades of the White Horse Five Poison Formation posed no obstacle to me whatsoever.
Scrape. Scrape.
With each dance of my silent blade, the Hyeonok Pavilion disciples fell like bundles of straw.
From my right hand poured the Limitless Heavenly Stream; from my left, the Seven Fist Demon Techniques.
And whenever disciples attacked from a distance, flying blades invariably answered their assault.
It was the blade technique from the Secret Record of Flying Blades.
‘This is when the true essence of the Secret Record of Flying Blades reveals itself.’
The Secret Record of Flying Blades that Dang Pae had transmitted was not merely written with methods for throwing blades to eliminate enemies.
It also expounded upon the tactical utility of throwing blades—creating opportune moments or halting an opponent’s movements.
“Argh!”
“Kwaagh!”
Then, screams erupted continuously from the rear as well.
Turning to look back, I saw Ah Yeon wielding a pale-white blade, striking down Hyeonok Pavilion disciples.
Her technique was not particularly sharp, yet those struck by her blade could no longer move.
“That woman… was she a disciple of Geom Gak?”
Seeing the swordplay Ah Yeon displayed, Eum Wi let out a scoff.
“Hmph, a mere disciple of Geom Gak…”
But Eum Wi, laughing with such confidence, did not know.
That Ah Yeon was no ordinary Geom Gak disciple, but the designated successor—the future Sword Lord.
“Aaargh!”
“Kueeegh!”
Screams continued to pour from the rear, and the formation was collapsing.
“How is this possible?”
Eum Wi’s expression grew increasingly rigid.
No matter how formidable my martial arts were, he had brought a hundred Hyeonok Pavilion disciples with him.
If he prolonged the engagement, there had to be some way to handle this.
Yet this woman, whom he had merely thought a Geom Gak disciple, was unleashing attacks rivaling my own level of power?
As Ah Yeon cut down every disciple of Hyeonok Pavilion positioned at the rear, the formation crumbled beyond recovery.
“This… this can’t be…”
Eum Wi’s mouth fell open.
In less than a quarter of an hour, the hundred-some disciples of Hyeonok Pavilion had been reduced to half their number.
Crack.
Eum Wi ground his teeth, his expression twisted with bitter regret as he shouted.
“Retreat!”
As the disciples of Hyeonok Pavilion and Eum Wi withdrew, the rain that had been pouring down as if waiting for this moment began to ease.
Patter, patter, patter.
Blood streamed across Bu Eunseol’s entire body.
Most of it belonged to the disciples of Hyeonok Pavilion, but my own frame bore numerous wounds both large and small.
“I find this incomprehensible.”
Ah Yeon sheathed her sword and approached Bu Eunseol, speaking.
“The Ten Demonic Gates supposedly do not encroach upon one another… so why is the White Horse Sect attacking you?”
Bu Eunseol spoke with an unbothered expression.
“Because I killed the White Horse Sect Lord’s grandson.”
“What did you say?”
Ah Yeon’s eyes widened in shock.
How could a Ten Demon Immortal of Nangya Sect possibly kill the grandson of the White Horse Sect Lord?
“If such a thing had occurred, why hasn’t it spread throughout the Murim?”
“The affairs of the Murim are not as simple as you imagine them to be.”
“There’s no need to make such a fuss over a trivial matter.”
Though my words were dismissive, Ah Yeon’s expression had hardened considerably.
Killing the grandson of the White Horse Sect Lord was no trivial matter—it meant having incurred a blood feud with one of the Ten Demonic Gates.
‘This one possesses not only ruthless technique but formidable martial prowess as well.’
She furrowed her brows deeply as she gazed upon the corpses of the Hyeonok Pavilion disciples scattered around Bu Eunseol.
In the time it took her to dispatch fifteen disciples, Bu Eunseol had cut down thirty-eight.
“…”
Yet even after the battle had ended, Bu Eunseol did not leave the spot.
Instead, I bent down and began to carefully examine the fallen bodies.
My gaze was grave and serious, as if appreciating a masterwork of art.
“An inch too shallow. That’s why they could still swing the White Horse Whip twice even after being struck…”
Now it became clear—Bu Eunseol was reviewing my own techniques by examining the wounds upon the corpses.
‘Is this person in their right mind?’
Ah Yeon’s brows knitted together tightly.
To scrutinize one’s own swordsmanship by pressing one’s face against freshly deceased bodies still warm with death?
“…I see.”
But Bu Eunseol paid no heed and continued to observe the corpses intently.
Finally, upon examining the wounds on the bodies that Ah Yeon had dispatched, I spoke coldly.
“You’re wasting effort on meaningless technique.”
“Pointless?”
Bu Eunseol kept her gaze fixed on the corpses as she spoke flatly.
“Are you worried? That I might discern your sword technique from the wounds?”
“Not at all. Even if one predicts variations in technique, it changes nothing.”
Swordsmanship varies drastically in power depending on who wields it.
For instance, the horizontal slash technique of the Horizontal Celestial Army could never be the same whether executed by a third-rate martial artist or the greatest swordmaster under heaven.
“If there were something to be gained from the wounds left behind, the Murim would have long since established groups dedicated to studying corpses professionally.”
Ah Yeon spoke with confidence, yet how could she have known?
That Bu Eunseol had reached the pinnacle of the Wild Beast Path—the realm of Empty Heart Penetrating Spirit—and could sense and perceive things invisible to ordinary people.
“Hmm.”
After examining all the wounds on the corpses, I nodded slowly.
‘The sword truly knows no limits.’
The sword technique I had left behind bore restrained killing intent, yet it was exquisite and ever-changing.
By engaging in combat with me, Ah Yeon had unknowingly broadened my horizons.
Whoosh.
Rising to my feet, I led my drenched body forward once more.
As if unwilling to let me escape, Ah Yeon followed close behind.
Upon emerging from the dense forest, an ancient temple came into view at the foot of the mountain.
Without hesitation, I made my way there, passing through the temple gate, and the crumbling Daeung Hall appeared in the courtyard ahead.
Crackle, crackle, crack.
After gathering branches from the surroundings and kindling a fire, I finally settled onto my haunches beneath a corner platform.
Sizzle.
White vapor rose from Ah Yeon’s body as she arrived.
She had used her inner energy to instantly dry both her body and wet clothes.
‘Why won’t she dry herself?’
Any martial artist could swiftly draw upon their inner energy to warm their body and dry their garments in moments.
Yet Bu Eunseol sat in the corner, her drenched form untended, despite the fire she had kindled.
‘She truly is strange.’
I had thought her a ruthless demonic swordmaster who slaughtered reclusive masters of great virtue.
Yet the actual Bu Eunseol showed no emotion, like an eminent Buddhist monk, and every movement carried discipline and severity.
“…!”
Staring intently at Bu Eunseol, illuminated by the firelight, Ah Yeon suddenly grasped something and furrowed her brow.
She had realized that she was unconsciously devoting deep interest to Bu Eunseol.
‘Me, interested in her?’
She was merely one of the Ten Demon Experts of the Demonic Path that I was meant to cut down…
Since meeting Bu Eunseol, my spirit—once as still as a lake—had grown somewhat turbulent.
A unique aura. Formidable martial prowess tinged with killing intent. And exceptional beauty besides…
She possessed every quality that would draw the interest of any woman in the world.
‘This cannot continue.’
The sword learning of Geom Gak could be expressed in a single principle: ‘Stillness.’
If she could not maintain the serenity of spirit that a venerable monk who had cultivated the Way of Zen possessed, her swordsmanship too would inevitably descend into mediocrity.
Hmm.
Drawing a deep breath, she activated her profound energy.
Clarity flooded her mind, and all the turbulent emotions dissolved away.
Shing.
At that moment, Bu Eunseol rose to her feet and drew the sword from her back.
“What is it?”
“Enemies have come.”
“Enemies?”
Ah Yeon blinked her eyes.
What enemies could possibly arrive at this tranquil Abandoned Temple?
‘Ah.’
Then her senses triggered an alarm. Only now did she detect the aura of a massive force approaching this place.
‘She sensed them before I did?’
Her heightened perception, honed through cultivating the profound energy of Geom Gak, was in no way inferior to the masters of this age.
Even lost in deep contemplation as she had been, how could Bu Eunseol have noticed before her?
Thud thud.
Bu Eunseol walked out from the Daeung Hall.
Watching her stride out without hesitation, Ah Yeon finally grasped a single truth.
‘There was no need to stop her.’
After all, her body would soon be drenched in blood once more.
Therefore, there was no point in drying her wet form.
Click.
Ah Yeon, who had drawn her sword and was about to step outside, shook her head.
“After all, he is not my enemy.”
In the past, she had become entangled with Bu Eunseol without knowing it, but now things were different.
She unfurled her movement technique and leaped onto the roof through the gaping hole above.
From atop the roof, she would merely observe Bu Eunseol’s battle.
* * *
The courtyard before the Daeung Hall was packed with roughly a hundred masked warriors clad in blood-red robes.
The eyes of these warriors held no whites—they were entirely blackened.
Grotesque warriors in crimson garments with eyes of pure black.
From a distance, they appeared as demons that had torn through the depths of hell itself to feast upon human flesh.
“So it is Dokro Hall this time.”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, an elderly man without a mask emerged from among the warriors.
“You know well.”
The old man’s entire body was darkened as though charcoal had been painted across his skin.
When he opened his mouth, his white teeth appeared like the grotesque fangs of some beast.
He was Jin Ja Myeong, the Master of Dokro Hall of Hell Blood Sect.
“I sent the Blood Water Sect, yet they ended up clashing with those Wudang dogs and destroyed themselves.”
Jin Ja Myeong’s eyes sharpened as he spoke.
“Now that you’ve recognized the Old Master, you must understand the terror of the Blood Wraiths, yes?”
Blood Wraiths.
They were poison humans created by Hell Blood Sect, injecting five supreme toxins through a vessel called the Poison Furnace into their bodies.
They felt neither pain nor fear, moving like machines solely to kill their enemies—beings that bordered on demonic creatures.
“How presumptuous. After the Blood Ghost Party and Blood Water Sect, now the Dokro Hall crawls forth.”
“Hmph, your fate with this sect was never meant to end well.”
A dark mist as black as death swirled within Jin Ja Myeong’s eyes.
“You can never reach the Demon Palace.”
“Every time we meet, you prattle on and on… how tedious.”
“What did you say?”
As Bu Eunseol raised the Silent Sword, a crimson mist began billowing from her entire body.
The sheer power of her inner energy made the vital qi tangible, visible to the naked eye.
“The road ahead is long…”
Within the crimson mist that enveloped Bu Eunseol, her eyes blazed with a radiance like the sun itself.
“Dispose of them quickly!”
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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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