The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 446
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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 446.
Bu Eunseol shook her head.
This was no time to surrender to despair.
What mattered was Hyul Geum Gang’s safety.
‘If this is an enemy I cannot defeat, I must ensure the Elder escapes unharmed.’
Hyul Geum Gang bore grievous wounds across his entire body—there was scarcely an unmarred inch of flesh.
“The Elder is in the process of withdrawing from Gangho to return to his rightful place.”
Bu Eunseol spoke with clasped hands, concealing the turmoil and anguish within.
“Your disciple shall attend to these troublesome matters first—please depart at once.”
Without hesitation, she drew the Glacial Soul Blade in one fluid motion.
The Glacial Soul Blade, repaired by Cheol Sa Bu and Wang Gyeol, now resembled a dark, weathered iron sword.
Yet it was sturdy enough to withstand her full strength, and when infused with inner power, it naturally emanated white sword energy—a function it had gained through their restoration.
Shhhk.
As Bu Eunseol walked calmly to the center of the open ground, the assassins surrounded her as if they had been waiting.
With over a hundred assassins forming a perfect encirclement, it was as though black walls had been erected on all sides.
Flash!
In that instant, Bu Eunseol’s Glacial Soul Blade, infused with inner strength, unleashed a colossal cross-shaped sword aura.
Whoosh!
A refreshing torrent of water-like energy erupted, toppling massive trees wholesale as they carved through the assassins.
Clang!
Yet these assassins were those deliberately dispatched by Sam Gye to eliminate Bu Eunseol.
Moving with mechanical precision and disciplined grace, they wielded their blades with such speed that they effortlessly deflected the unpredictable cross-shaped sword auras that poured down from every conceivable angle.
Bu Eunseol deployed the Meteor Pursuit and Farming Clouds Technique in succession, cutting through the assassins, yet—
They maintained perfect discipline, advancing and retreating in flawless coordination, their sword defense impeccable.
‘Has the Elder managed to escape safely?’
As the endless exchange of offense and defense continued, Bu Eunseol’s heart grew anxious.
With the assassins encircling her and their strange energy flooding the area, she could not sense Hyul Geum Gang’s position.
‘They could target the Elder. I must break free quickly.’
If she continued to prolong this engagement, the assassins might change their focus and strike at Hyul Geum Gang instead.
‘Could this entire situation be your design?’
As she felt her concentration fragmenting, Bu Eunseol bit her lip.
When executing martial techniques, body and weapon must merge into one, and the mind must remain focused to suppress the enemy.
But as worry for Hyul Geum Gang’s safety consumed her, her concentration fractured and her focus scattered.
Only someone who understood Bu Eunseol’s temperament and fighting style so intimately could orchestrate this.
And such a person could only be someone from the Sayoung Battle Division’s ranks, could they not?
‘Finish this quickly!’
Whirrrrr!
From Bu Eunseol’s left hand, as she unleashed her sword techniques, a strange sound of air rupturing spread forth.
A crimson-tinged whirlwind began to rage fiercely from her shoulder to her fist.
Boom!
Hundreds of crimson rays erupted like a fan unfurling, and a torrent of power descended upon the world with the weight of mountains.
I unleashed the Fist Demon Seven Forms at full strength.
Boom! Crash!
The cascading power became a maelstrom that devoured all things, yet flowed like a celestial dragon soaring through the void, piercing through the assassins’ bodies with grace.
Crack! Snap!
Thick trees on all sides snapped endlessly, and the dense Forest transformed into an Open Ground.
Until now, Bu Eunseol had never unleashed the Fist Demon Seven Forms consecutively.
Because not only was its power overwhelming, but its variations were so profound that even formidable adversaries could not easily defend against it.
Sizzle.
White smoke rose from my heated left fist as I ceased the assault.
Yet my expression remained grim.
‘Nine.’
Despite unleashing the Fist Demon Seven Forms with all my might, I had only felled nine assassins.
Moreover, they were assassins who operated outside the main formation, moving independently and launching scattered attacks.
The remaining assassins arranged in formation moved as one unified body, responding with perfect synchronization to completely neutralize the Fist Demon Seven Forms’ power.
‘They have studied every martial technique I’ve revealed so far.’
Before mastering the Glacial River Flow—
During my travels through Gangho, I had not completely erased the traces of my techniques left at corpse sites.
Especially the Fist Demon Seven Forms, which I had used carelessly multiple times, leaving numerous traces.
It appeared that Sam Gye had thoroughly examined and calculated every variation and nuance of the Fist Demon Seven Forms that Bu Eunseol had left behind, perfecting their defensive formations accordingly.
Otherwise, the assassins could not have achieved such flawless defense by pooling their power alone.
Crash!
Undeterred, I continued to pour forth another dozen seconds of sword techniques.
Meteor Chasing Moon and Remnant Moon Reflecting Stars. And even the initial form of Dense Tide Drifting Clouds…
I layered variations to create greater force, weaving multiple transformations to prevent them from calculating my changes.
But it was futile.
The assassins perfectly defended against the three sword forms of the Shadowless Celestial Flow that I favored, and occasionally even counterattacked.
‘They’re telling me to unveil new techniques.’
Until now, the assassins had focused solely on defense, never attacking aggressively.
In other words, they were waiting for me to reveal new martial techniques.
‘As if saying I must expose all my cards to protect the elder.’
My eyebrows rose sharply.
I possessed the Jade Finger True Formation and Thirteen Night Technique, which could be called my ultimate trump cards.
And the Sae Oe Demonic Arts poured forth with terrifying inner power, along with the Glacial River Flow and the Yeol Ha Grand Celestial Technique.
And finally, the Blood Crimson Seven Forms of the Chilji Demonic Sect, which could be called my final hidden card.
But if I were to unleash these ultimate techniques?
I would be handing over all my martial enlightenment and methods to Sam Gye with both hands.
Yet if I could not eliminate the assassins quickly, Hyul Geum Gang could be placed in danger.
‘Very well.’
With my resolve set, five-colored radiance flowed from my body.
There was no need to laboriously deploy multiple martial techniques—I would sweep away the Assassins in a single, decisive strike.
By interweaving the extreme yin and extreme yang martial arts, I sought to unleash the “harmony” that would manifest the power of Breaking Heaven’s Precedent in one breath.
Crack.
As I drew upon the incomplete technique, my qi and blood twisted painfully, and my muscles and bones seemed to contort with agony.
Such a reckless attempt would only further devastate my body’s condition.
Yet it mattered not.
Bu Eunseol had come here to safely escort her master, Hyul Geum Gang, to Cheon Ryong Temple.
To allow him to fall into danger because of her? Such a thing was utterly unacceptable.
Whoooosh!
Then came the sound of a tempest unleashing,
Crash!
With a thunderous boom, one of the flesh walls the Assassins had constructed crumbled to dust.
Turning back, I saw that Hyul Geum Gang had unleashed his power through his severed left hand.
“Master.”
“Perhaps… I was not being considered a full threat.”
Sam Gye possessed exceptional intelligence networks and was aware that Hyul Geum Gang’s body was in terrible condition, half-dead.
Therefore, he had not committed him as a full force, instead treating him as merely Bu Eunseol’s burden.
But this was a grave miscalculation.
Boom! Crash!
Each time Hyul Geum Gang unleashed his power, the Assassins were sent flying without even time to scream.
Though he did not deploy lethal force, his formidable inner strength shattered bones in a single breath.
Despite his body’s abnormal state, the inner force Hyul Geum Gang had cultivated through the Half-Extreme Heart Method for so long was thick enough to cleave heaven and earth.
The freedom and subtlety of his inner power’s application had reached a realm that even Bu Eunseol could not dare to match.
‘Can Master truly deploy martial arts in that condition?’
Bu Eunseol could not believe it.
Hyul Geum Gang, who had been in such a moribund state that even walking was difficult, could unleash such devastating martial techniques?
Crash! Boom!
Hyul Geum Gang spared no effort in deploying his palm technique, pouring forth his power without restraint.
He had ventured into Gangho to settle all past grievances once and for all, with no intention of employing martial arts.
Yet now he poured his inner strength without reservation to save Bu Eunseol from danger.
‘Master’s martial prowess is of this caliber?’
Bu Eunseol was struck with even greater astonishment at Hyul Geum Gang’s martial skill.
She had known his inner force ran deep, but she had never anticipated that his martial techniques had reached such an exalted realm.
‘Had Master not exercised such restraint, the political landscape of Gangho would have shifted once more.’
Hyul Geum Gang, who had devoted his entire life not only to immersing himself in martial arts but also to maintaining a monk’s discipline and never squandering his original essence.
The pure inner force he unleashed displayed the power of divine thunder and perfect equilibrium.
In particular, the palm technique of Cheon Ryong Temple he employed—the Great Luo Heavenly Dragon Seal—was counted among the most formidable palm methods in all of Gangho, a supreme technique.
As the Great Luo Heavenly Dragon Seal erupted through his mighty and majestic Half-Extreme true qi, it was as though he hurled an entire mountain.
A fierce and savage power poured forth relentlessly.
‘This is sufficient.’
Bu Eunseol twisted the Glacial Soul Blade firmly in her grip.
The Assassins had mechanically honed only the techniques to face Bu Eunseol in solitary combat.
But now that the exceptional master Hyul Geum Gang had entered the fray, they found themselves utterly unable to respond.
Boom! Crash!
As Hyul Geum Gang’s palm force pushed the Assassins back,
Flash!
Bu Eunseol unleashed the Formless Celestial Stream at full power in rapid succession.
With the two masters’ martial techniques achieving perfect offensive and defensive harmony, backed by the Anti-Extreme Heart Method—the supreme inner cultivation secret—
They were truly manifesting the power of Martial Extremity.
‘I’ve been relying far too heavily on inner strength all this time.’
Hyul Geum Gang could discharge thirty-odd strikes with a single breath of true qi, each one precisely targeting vital points.
‘Because I’ve only mastered powerful martial techniques, my body has always been too rigid. My frame feels even stiffer than the elder’s, doesn’t it?’
Moreover, through observing Hyul Geum Gang’s exquisite palm methods and his abundant combat experience,
He was indirectly learning the master’s skillful tactics while simultaneously recognizing his own shortcomings.
‘I’ve been acting like a wealthy young lord all along. Spending gold just to drink a cup of tea.’
Bu Eunseol had reached the extreme limits of inner strength far too quickly and had mastered far too many powerful martial techniques.
Because of this, without employing any special tricks or tactical variations,
He could fell enemies in a single breath.
But Hyul Geum Gang, despite possessing formidable inner strength, was using it appropriately and subtly.
Moreover, when deploying martial techniques, he elevated their power through exquisite variations in his methods.
It was the wisdom of a magnate who enjoyed a magnificent feast while spending little—true mastery.
“Huff, huff.”
Bu Eunseol and Hyul Geum Gang stood back-to-back, breathing heavily.
After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the forest was suddenly strewn with fallen Assassins in all directions.
With Hyul Geum Gang’s assistance, Bu Eunseol had easily subdued powerful enemies using ordinary martial techniques and simple methods.
Moreover, to avoid breaking Hyul Geum Gang’s path of repentance, he had rendered the Assassins combat-ineffective rather than taking their lives.
“The stench is unbearable.”
Hyul Geum Gang, observing the fallen Assassins, furrowed his brow.
Whether they had consumed artificial inner cores or some poison, a foul reek emanated from their flowing blood.
Had the two of them not mastered the Anti-Extreme Heart Method, which could resist toxic qi,
Even in victory, they would have collapsed from the poison’s intoxication.
“You’re quite skilled at this!”
Hyul Geum Gang, catching his breath, glared at Bu Eunseol with wide eyes.
“Giving Bin Seung good experience as he tries to settle all debts and depart!”
He spoke with fury burning across his entire face.
“What kind of excuse is this?”
“Isn’t your epithet Hyul Geum Gang, Elder?”
Bu Eunseol spoke with shameless composure.
“Since the path of blood debt must be repaid, shouldn’t the road of return also be paved with blood?”
Hyul Geum Gang, momentarily stunned,
“Hehehehe! Hahaha!”
He burst into laughter, nodding his head.
Gazing toward the distant sky, he laughed heartily for a long while.
“After all, I am Hyul Geum Gang—my path can only be one of blood! Wahaha!”
Thick blood streamed from his chest and back as he laughed.
Until now, he had been conducting penance and accumulated countless wounds beyond measure.
Moreover, the assassins sent by Sam Gye this time were not Bu Eunseol, but formidable enough to handle any master.
They were warriors of tremendous power.
Yet facing such assassins with a battered body meant his form could not possibly remain intact.
“Master.”
“It’s fine. As you said, I was never merely Bin Seung, was I?”
Hyul Geum Gang smiled.
And with great effort, he rose and began to walk.
“I shall escort you to Cheon Ryong Temple at once.”
“No need.”
Hyul Geum Gang spoke calmly.
“If I were to use divine techniques, how could I ever cleanse this blood from my body?”
“Master…”
As Bu Eunseol’s eyes darkened, Hyul Geum Gang forced a smile.
“Only by spilling all the blood within my body can I, Hyul Geum Gang, become Cheol Geum Gang once more, can I not?”
And he walked on, blood trailing behind him.
Bu Eunseol’s expression twisted in anguish, yet she dared not block his path.
Hyul Geum Gang had suffered grave wounds even before entering the Demonic Path, and now he walked forward heedless of his life, seeking to wash away the bloodstain flowing through his body.
How could she possibly stop him?
Bu Eunseol followed behind him with a pained expression.
Step by step.
The sun set, night fell, and dawn broke once more.
Before Hyul Geum Gang and Bu Eunseol, who had walked endlessly, a great temple appeared.
Cheon Ryong Temple.
At last, Hyul Geum Gang had returned to his cherished home, the place he so desperately desired.
“Hmm.”
Hyul Geum Gang hesitated for a moment, gazing up at the stone steps.
Did he have the right to ascend Cheon Ryong Temple in such a blood-soaked state? Was he worthy of returning here?
Creak.
Then the gates of Cheon Ryong Temple, which had been closed, swung open.
As if they understood his anguish and torment.
Step by step.
Seeing this, Hyul Geum Gang summoned his courage and began to ascend the stone steps.
Thump. Thump.
His body had already turned pale as if all the blood had drained away, and his eyes had grown dim and distant.
Yet the fact that I could reach Cheon Ryong Temple at all—
it was born from an earnest desire to die here.
At last, reaching the end of the stone steps, an elderly monk with snow-white brows stood before the Daeung Hall.
It was Jeong Young Dae Sa, Hyul Geum Gang’s master and the abbot of Cheon Ryong Temple.
Thud. Thud.
Hyul Geum Gang approached Jeong Young Dae Sa with trembling steps.
And he knelt.
“I, I am….”
Hyul Geum Gang dared not call himself a disciple before Jeong Young, and opened his mouth with his head pressed to the ground.
“I have committed far too many sins. I have come to wash them away with death.”
Hyul Geum Gang spoke with all his remaining strength.
“Though I can never again be a disciple of this temple, though I cannot wash away the transgressions of those years….”
“….”
“From this temple, Dae Sa… I beseech you to punish me….”
Hyul Geum Gang’s throat tightened, and he could speak no further.
Shame and regret consumed me.
How could bleeding like this now ever wash away the mistakes of the past?
Had I only caused my master’s heart greater suffering through this meaningless act?
Yet Hyul Geum Gang gathered his courage once more and spoke.
“I earnestly beseech you to punish me.”
Jeong Young Dae Sa drew a deep breath and gazed upon Hyul Geum Gang.
“Hoeng Deok.”
With a skeletal hand upon Hyul Geum Gang’s shoulder, Jeong Young Dae Sa offered a compassionate smile.
“You are already a disciple of this temple.”
Pitter-patter.
At those words, clear tears streamed from Hyul Geum Gang’s eyes.
Jeong Young Dae Sa had already forgiven Hyul Geum Gang—no.
His disciple Hoeng Deok had already been forgiven.
“Master… Master!”
Hoeng Deok wept tears of blood at Jeong Young Dae Sa’s feet.
Through my mind flashed the foolish days of the past.
And within those memories, the compassionate gaze of my master was forever etched.
“Master! Master!”
Seeing Hoeng Deok’s anguished sobs, Jeong Young Dae Sa pressed his palms together.
“Amitabha Buddha.”
And with a compassionate expression, he placed his hand upon Hoeng Deok’s back.
“The sea of suffering knows no end, yet turn your head and the far shore awaits….”
Hearing his words, Hoeng Deok seemed to achieve great enlightenment, his face brightening with a radiant smile.
And as if all life had been exhausted, he fell backward limply.
“Elder!”
Bu Eunseol, who had been standing outside the door, rushed forward and caught him as he stumbled.
She immediately infused him with her Anti-Extreme True Qi.
With a soft breath, Hoeng Deok’s eyes fluttered open, and he gazed at Bu Eunseol with a tender, benevolent smile.
“How difficult it is to sever the bonds of Gangho.”
“Elder. Elder.”
Tears streamed down Bu Eunseol’s cheeks as well.
Hyul Geum Gang’s serene and compassionate smile overlapped in her mind with the memory of her grandfather Bu Chanyang’s death.
“Poor child. You have always hidden your tender heart beneath a veil of coldness, living with quiet acceptance.”
Watching her, Hoeng Deok reached out and wiped away Bu Eunseol’s tears.
“I pray that you will achieve your aspirations and reach the realm of the Great Circle.”
“Elder.”
“…And should you one day be able to return the complete Anti-Extreme Heart Method to our sect, Bin Seung will be grateful to you even from the depths of hell…”
With those words, he left behind a gentle smile and closed his eyes.
Dong, dong, dong.
The bell tolling within Cheon Ryong Temple rang out, announcing his passing into nirvana.
Bu Eunseol held Hoeng Deok close, her body trembling with silent sobs.
After a long while, the senior monks of Cheon Ryong Temple approached and carefully lifted Hoeng Deok’s remains.
Hoeng Deok had accumulated countless karmic debts in his youth, but at last he had resolved them all.
And he had become a disciple of Cheon Ryong Temple once more—the place he had longed to return to.
What regrets could remain?
Upon the lips of Hyul Geum Gang, now departed from this world, lingered a smile like that of an enlightened Buddha.
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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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