The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 305
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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 305.
The Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Palm was Shaolin’s supreme hand technique.
Given how intricate the initial variations were and the necessity of perfect internal energy control, wasn’t it a technique that young disciples simply couldn’t master no matter how hard they tried?
Yet this young man wielded the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Palm as though he’d practiced it for decades,
freely adjusting the number of palm strikes and deploying or withdrawing his internal energy without the slightest hesitation.
‘How easily they believe.’
A smile blossomed at the corners of Bu Eunseol’s lips as she glanced at Jong Ri Sa Hyeon, whose jaw hung slack in astonishment.
In truth, the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Palm she displayed was not genuine.
Bu Eunseol had faced the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Palm wielded by both Gwang Yeon, Shaolin’s greatest prodigy, and Buddha Sage Hong Hyeon.
Moreover, thanks to mastering the essence of Orthodox martial arts within the Martial Emperor’s Secret Archive, she could perfectly mimic the principles and flow of Orthodox techniques.
She was flawlessly imitating the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Palm of both the Buddha Sage and Gwang Yeon so perfectly that no one could distinguish the difference unless they were a Shaolin disciple.
‘I’ll play the role of an authentic Shaolin disciple perfectly!’
From the moment Bu Eunseol decided to meet the Poison King, she had resolved to impersonate a Shaolin lay disciple.
Specifically, a disciple taken in by Buddha Sage Hong Hyeon in his final years—a prodigy of martial arts blessed by heaven itself.
Geum Jeong Shin Ryong, known as a figure shrouded in mystery like a divine dragon, and his secular name was Baek Mu Sung.
As a disciple of one of the Three Sages, Bu Eunseol had no need to deliberately suppress her martial power, and her formidable internal energy would be easily explained.
‘If I claim to be Geum Jeong Shin Ryong, he might listen.’
There was no way to force the Poison King to speak.
But as a disciple of the Buddha Sage, Geum Jeong Shin Ryong Baek Mu Sung, she was certain he would speak regardless of his reluctance.
“Ah!”
At that moment, when the Golden Needle Poison Technique’s method suddenly broke, the three disciples were greatly startled.
Bu Eunseol seized the opportunity and unleashed a barrage of Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Palms in succession.
Boom, boom, boom!
As explosive sounds erupted, the three disciples who had unleashed their golden needles retreated backward.
Somehow, they deployed the Golden Needle Poison Technique’s recovery form, the Myriad Methods Return to One, to block the force.
Yet they couldn’t withstand Bu Eunseol’s formidable internal energy and were pushed back.
“Use the initial variations of the Purple Clarity Mesh Net.”
At Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s command, the disciples drew out golden needles with both hands.
This time, they wielded roughly eighty golden needles.
Recognizing Bu Eunseol’s powerful martial force, they intended to employ a secret technique specialized in offense.
Flash!
Along with a golden radiance, two hundred and forty golden needles simultaneously vanished.
Bu Eunseol hesitated as she watched the vanished light scatter.
‘This is…’
Two hundred and forty golden needles unleashed by the Poison King’s disciples.
It was equivalent to unleashing two hundred and forty different initial variations simultaneously.
To block this, she would need to deploy the Shadowless Heavenly Flow, the Wish-Fulfilling Seal, or the Thirteen Night Techniques.
‘I must evade.’
Pap, pap, pap!
She hastily deployed the Extreme Speed Shadowless Movement, yet several golden needles still pierced her elbows and legs.
‘Hmm.’
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon, observing the scene, exhaled a breath of inner relief.
No matter that he was a disciple of Shaolin, if rumors spread that three disciples of the Poison King had been defeated in combined assault?
There could be no greater humiliation.
Whoosh!
Yet something was amiss.
Golden qi began pouring forth from Bu Eunseol’s body, and then…
Ping!
The golden needles embedded in his flesh were being repelled outward?
“That is…”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s eyes widened.
“Prajna Transcendent Ability?”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s mouth fell open.
If the Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic was the supreme martial art of the Orthodox Path, then Prajna Transcendent Ability was Shaolin’s greatest secret technique.
One of the seventy-two ultimate techniques that even venerable masters with cultivation and martial prowess at their zenith could scarcely master…
How could a youth barely past his prime years wield such power?
‘This is…’
Bu Eunseol was equally astonished.
His body had been paralyzed by the golden needles.
He had drawn upon his full strength to mobilize his qi in any way possible, yet why had such an ability manifested?
‘Could it be because of that incident?’
Bu Eunseol recalled the Prajna Transcendent Ability that Mun Dae Seongsaeng, the Incense Master of Saixiang, had unleashed in his final moments.
At that time, the Prajna Transcendent Ability had been absorbed into Bu Eunseol’s meridians, causing only minor turbulence.
He had thought it inconsequential, yet that power still lay dormant within Bu Eunseol’s body?
“We won!”
At that moment, Jong Ri Sa Yu, who had been watching beside Jong Ri Sa Hyeon, cried out in jubilation.
Since he could move his body despite being struck by the golden needles, there was no need to observe this duel any further.
“Mm.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon nodded.
‘There is no room for doubt any longer.’
Prajna Transcendent Ability was a supreme Shaolin martial art that required at least twenty years of rigorous cultivation to master.
Therefore, unless Bu Eunseol had begun learning martial arts as an infant, he could never have wielded Prajna Transcendent Ability, which meant…
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon concluded that Bu Eunseol was a lay disciple of Shaolin and had received the Prajna Transcendent Ability infused by an eminent master.
“I have lost.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon smiled faintly.
Then Jong Ri Sa Yu came running over with a laugh.
“Baek Mu Sung. You were truly remarkable. How were you able to move your body after being struck at such a vital point?”
Hearing those words, a thought flashed through Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s mind.
‘Wait. Baek Mu Sung. If that is Baek Mu Sung…’
In the Orthodox Path’s Murim, which valued hierarchy, there existed late-blooming masters whose martial prowess was high yet whose appearance and names remained obscure.
They were individuals who possessed far too high a status for their young age.
If these people wandered through Gangho recklessly, the masters of each sect and even their elders would find themselves in an absurd situation where they had to bow and scrape.
And a single name surfaced in Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s mind, preserved there as the faintest of memories.
‘Geum Jeong Shin Ryong, a disciple of the Buddha Sage?’
Could this beautiful young man truly be the lay disciple of Buddha Sage Hong Hyeon, known as the Living Buddha?
Was this Geum Jeong Shin Ryong, Baek Mu Sung, who had defeated even the previous masters of the Demonic Path without revealing his true form?
“You… you were… a senior disciple of Hong Hyeon Dae Sa.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s demeanor had shifted.
It was not because of his high status.
In childhood, a great monk of Shaolin had saved him by expending his inner energy. That benefactor was none other than Buddha Sage Hong Hyeon.
Bu Eunseol feigned ignorance while clasping her hands together.
“My apologies. As I mentioned, it was due to my master’s orders…”
In any case, Geum Jeong Shin Ryong had rarely revealed himself in Gangho.
Moreover, since the Poison King also refrained from Gangho activities, the probability of them meeting was extremely slim.
“I understand. I understand.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon smiled broadly and gestured to his disciples.
“Guide Baek Hyeop to Cheon Mun Gak.”
Cheon Mun Gak.
There, a table laden with food so abundant that its legs bent under the weight had been prepared.
And the wine placed upon the table was a hundred-year-old plum blossom wine that even Jong Ri Sa Hyeon was reluctant to drink.
However, the dishes themselves consisted of fresh fruits and various vegetables prepared with care.
These were considerate offerings, knowing that even lay disciples of Shaolin avoided meat when possible.
“How has Hong Hyeon Dae Sa been faring lately? Is he in good health?”
At Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s question, Bu Eunseol smiled enigmatically and replied.
“The last time I saw him was at the Geum Hwang Tower within the Murim Alliance. He is in good spirits and well.”
This too was not a lie.
Bu Eunseol had truly met Buddha Sage at the Geum Hwang Tower and had confirmed with her own eyes that he was in good health.
She had simply not mentioned the fact that she was the successor of the Demon Palace. She was speaking only the truth.
“Indeed. I had forgotten that the Dharma ceremony at the Geum Hwang Tower this year was presided over by the Dae Sa.”
All suspicion seemed to dissolve as Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s face brightened.
“Elder, now may I hear the story…?”
“Ah, yes.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon finally smiled and opened his mouth.
“At that time, a severe plague was ravaging Hwangju. Unable to bear it, I went there and happened to encounter Chil Ji Ma Do Bu Janyeong.”
* * *
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon, who had been treating patients all day at the Plague Isolation Camp, wiped the sweat from his brow.
To treat the old plague, one had to not only replenish depleted qi but also eliminate the plague parasites within the body in one fell swoop.
He had brought large quantities of the Taiyin Water Moon Pill and the Pure Spirit Powder, both excellent for treatment, yet the amount was woefully insufficient.
“I brought so much, and yet here we are.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon wiped the sweat from his brow and gazed toward the distant mountains, nodding to himself.
“I’ll have to make do with bamboo and elm bark—perhaps a Poria and Ginseng decoction.”
He emerged from the Plague Isolation Camp and headed toward the nearby mountain.
Having spent a lifetime harvesting medicinal herbs, I could identify any plant simply by observing the terrain’s contours.
As I climbed the mountain path, I let out a soft exclamation.
“Hmm, soil like this would be perfect for Blood Ginseng Fruit to flourish.”
I hadn’t come with high expectations.
Yet the forest was abundant with excellent medicinal herbs scattered throughout.
More than that, there was even a chance of finding Blood Ginseng Fruit—the legendary fruit that granted longevity to ordinary people and instantly enhanced inner power for martial artists.
Crunch, crunch.
As I walked deeper into the untouched forest, a wide clearing on the mountainside came into view.
Before it stood a small cave, and beside it, a martial artist leaned against the wall, breathing heavily.
Blood stained his entire body, and the great sword cradled in his arms gleamed with an ominous black light.
“My goodness.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon gasped.
On the ground where the martial artist sat lay what appeared to be the root of a Blood Ginsium Fruit.
‘What a shame. He’s already consumed it all.’
As I stared at the root, my gaze suddenly met that of the breathing martial artist.
In that moment, I felt a chill run through me. Simultaneously, I discerned that he was a master of tremendous martial prowess.
“You are—”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon spoke with utmost courtesy, then his eyes widened.
Only then did I notice the martial artist’s right hand bore only two fingers.
“Chil Ji Ma Do…”
My voice trembled slightly.
The blood-soaked martial artist before me was none other than Chil Ji Ma Do Bu Chanyang—the most lethal killer in Murim, the ruthless Killing Ghost.
“Dressed in Haeng Rim garb, yet your martial foundation has reached the Realm of Astonishment… I see.”
Bu Chanyang’s lips curved into a smile.
“So you are the legitimate heir of Jong Ri—the one whose acupuncture has reached the divine realm.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s eyes gleamed with intensity.
The wounds covering Bu Chanyang’s body appeared grievously deep.
Under normal circumstances, I would never have dared approach him, but now it seemed I could sever his throat in a single strike.
“Will you make your move?”
Bu Chanyang, sensing my intent, shook his head.
“Eager to make a name for yourself in Murim, are you?”
“That is not it.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon replied coldly.
“But if I eliminate a legendary killer of your caliber, countless innocent lives could be spared. How could I let such an opportunity slip away?”
“Innocent lives… I see.”
Bu Chanyang spoke calmly, still leaning against the wall.
“Then strike.”
Instead of answering, Jong Ri Sa Hyeon drew needles from his robes.
“All of this is the karmic retribution for the evil deeds you have committed. Do not blame me.”
Then, toward Bu Chanyang leaning against the wall, he immediately unfurled the Golden Thread Needle Formation.
Whoooosh!
The hundred golden needles shot forth, hovering momentarily in the air before forming a perfect circle.
Screech!
And in the next instant, they burrowed into Bu Chanyang’s vital points from different angles and speeds.
‘Has he given up?’
As Bu Chanyang remained seated, Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s eyebrows twitched.
To attempt blocking the Golden Thread Needle Formation while sitting, when it was already difficult to defend against while standing?
No matter how exceptional his martial techniques were, it was inescapable.
But then something unexpected occurred.
Clang!
Bu Chanyang drew his blade like lightning, and rather than unraveling the Golden Thread Needle Formation, he was methodically dismantling it?
Clang clang clang!
With each flash of black lightning that adorned the air, the cascading golden needles vanished as if melting away.
“Impossible!”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon, having declared this with a thunderous voice, rotated the suspended golden needles in a circle and unleashed a barrage of different techniques once more,
Splash!
With a sound like water being cleaved, all the golden needles suspended in the air disappeared.
Simultaneously, a dark blade rested beneath Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s neck.
Bu Chanyang, having destroyed the Golden Thread Needle Formation in one breath, had closed the distance like lightning and pressed his great sword against him.
“How…”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon, staring down at the blade, was utterly astounded.
How had Bu Chanyang, seated in place, managed to break through the Golden Thread Needle Formation?
He could not even sense how the blade had come to rest against his own neck.
‘Has the martial prowess of Chil Ji Ma Do risen to such heights?’
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s fingertips trembled.
Until now, he had remained undefeated with the Golden Thread Needle Formation, unleashing a hundred needles in different techniques.
Yet Chil Ji Ma Do Bu Chanyang had neutralized it in mere seconds…
“…”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon slowly closed his eyes.
Even with eyes open, he had failed to perceive the gap in martial skill, and despite being a physician, he had not properly assessed Bu Chanyang’s condition…
He felt his eyes were utterly useless.
Yet something was strange.
Even as considerable time passed, the great sword pressed against his neck remained frozen in place, unmoving.
“What are you doing?”
As Bu Chanyang made no movement, Jong Ri Sa Hyeon opened his eyes again and spoke with irritation.
“Kill me quickly.”
“I have heard that the Needle King, who uses acupuncture needles as weapons, wanders the Gangho treating the sick and injured without charge.”
“What does that have to do with you?”
“If I were to kill someone like you, I too would face divine retribution.”
Click.
In an instant, Bu Chanyang sheathed his blade and turned away.
“Leave.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s expression grew puzzled.
Chil Ji Ma Do, known as the Demonic Path’s foremost killing sage, was reputed to be a slaughter fiend intoxicated by blood and carnage.
Yet seeing him now, his martial prowess was transcendent beyond words, and his gaze held only an air of desolate emptiness—nothing more.
“After killing so many all this time, now you fear divine punishment?”
“Perhaps.”
Bu Chanyang, leaning against the wall once more, had only silence in his eyes.
“Those who died deserved to die, and those who live deserve to live—is that not so?”
It was incomprehensible.
Yet Bu Chanyang’s gaze into the void seemed to transcend all the sorrows of human existence.
Only then did Jong Ri Sa Hyeon realize that Bu Chanyang, known for his vicious killing nature,
carried complex and painful stories within his heart.
“Go quickly.”
Bu Chanyang wiped the blood from his lips as he spoke.
“If you remain with me, the Reaper’s hand may reach you as well.”
“I do not believe in fate.”
With that, Jong Ri Sa Hyeon drew a slender golden needle from his robes and approached Bu Chanyang with measured steps.
“When one is wounded, it may seem that any medicine will help, but in truth, it does not.”
Without hesitation, he placed the golden needle against Bu Chanyang’s shoulder.
“The blood ginseng you consumed enhances inner force, but its potency is too strong—for one who has lost so much blood, it would do more harm than good.”
As Jong Ri Sa Hyeon applied the golden needle, the bleeding from Bu Chanyang’s arms and legs ceased at once.
Yet the blood flowing from his back did not stop.
“Remove your outer robe and turn around.”
Seeing the gravity in Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s expression, Bu Chanyang offered a weary smile.
“If anyone sees this, you’ll be branded a traitor to the Righteous Path.”
“Where is the crime in a physician treating his patient? Stop talking and turn around.”
Bu Chanyang hesitated briefly, then turned.
His back was shredded like a rag, embedded with countless strange projectiles.
“Poison markers from Gwang Hyeol Dok Ji.”
The projectiles lodged in his back had barbed edges—if torn out forcefully, they would rip away chunks of flesh.
They were genuine poison markers, the signature weapons of Gwang Hyeol Dok Ji, one of Murim’s most dreaded forces.
Click-clack.
Yet as Jong Ri Sa Hyeon rotated the golden needle gently, the barbed projectiles slipped out smoothly, and blood poured forth.
As Jong Ri Sa Hyeon tapped the blood sealing points and applied wound salve, his brow furrowed.
The scars etched upon Bu Chanyang’s back were not merely poison markers, but also bore the marks of the Ten Demonic Gates’ supreme techniques—
the traces of White Demon Palm and Spirit Spear.
“Is it now that the Demonic Path destroys itself, unable even to kill?”
At Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s words, deep shadows fell across my eyes.
But I said nothing.
Swish, swish.
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon dusted off his hands after wrapping clean bandages around my back.
His medical skill was of such caliber that a withered branch would sprout fresh leaves at his touch.
Where another physician would fret and labor for half a day, Jong Ri Sa Hyeon had healed the wound completely in mere moments.
“Now there is no debt between us.”
I pulled my clothes back on and offered a bitter smile.
“There never was one. Debts are meaningless.”
With my body now feeling lighter, I turned to leave. Then I paused and spoke once more.
“Forget everything you saw today. For your own future’s sake.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon could sense it.
Those words came from genuine concern for him.
Bu Chanyang, known throughout the Demonic Path as the most savage and deranged killer—he was not truly such a vicious man.
“I will.”
Jong Ri Sa Hyeon’s lips curved upward as he spoke.
“I have no wish to become entangled with a killer like you ever again.”
Despite the coldness of his words, their gazes held nothing but goodwill.
Between two masters of vastly different paths—Orthodox and Demonic—a fragile friendship was beginning to bloom.
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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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