The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 537
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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 537.
“Our Lord is truly something else.”
Tae Mu Ryong and every member of the Elite Division gazed at Bu Eunseol with satisfied smiles.
They felt immense pride in serving under such an exceptional commander, in being members of the Elite Division.
“Our Lord will surely rise to greater heights.”
The members now believed it with certainty.
Bu Eunseol would inevitably ascend to the pinnacle of the Murim Alliance.
If that were to happen, they too would need to cultivate abilities worthy of such a leader.
“Let us follow our Lord and continue our restoration efforts!”
The energized members cheered loudly as they followed.
And just as they reformed their ranks to move toward another village,
A low hum resonated.
A faint vibration emanated from his chest.
It was the subtle tremor of the Geuk Am Ma Geom concealed within his robes.
Turning his gaze, he could see the Murim Alliance warriors moving in formation far ahead.
They were the first-rank Geumma Division and the third-rank Cheolsa Division.
The Cheolsa Division was moving toward another village following the Geumma Division’s procession.
The third-rank division could not operate independently, so they were under the command of the first-rank.
‘This is…’
Bu Eunseol, carrying the Geuk Am Ma Geom in his robes, sensed something peculiar.
Not from the Geumma Division Lord or the Cheolsa Division Lord.
He realized that the demonic energy resonating through the sword came from an unremarkable member standing at the very end of the Cheolsa Division’s formation.
Bu Eunseol sharpened his perception and fixed his gaze upon the Cheolsa member.
The man’s body was extremely lean, his appearance utterly ordinary, and an unimpressive iron sword hung from his waist.
Yet the demonic energy did not emanate from that iron blade, but rather from the vicinity of his waist.
He was undoubtedly concealing a short dagger-type demonic sword similar to the Geuk Am Ma Geom.
Thud, thud.
As the Geumma Division’s formation drew steadily closer, the Geuk Am Ma Geom hidden within his chest resonated with an even deeper sword cry.
Bu Eunseol deliberately ignored the resonance and had the Elite Division clear the path.
“Lord Seon Woo.”
“Lord Yeo.”
“You must be working hard.”
“Not at all. Please continue your efforts.”
Yeo Su Ki, the Geumma Division Lord, exchanged light greetings with Bu Eunseol before leading his members slowly past the Elite Division.
And as the Cheolsa Division’s formation passed by Bu Eunseol,
A sharp gust erupted.
A keen wind flowed from the body of the Cheolsa member at the rear, brushing past Bu Eunseol.
It was akin to the murderous intent that radiates when a beast tears into its prey.
A faint smile.
As their eyes met, the member smiled faintly.
Yet her pupils blazed crimson, and her tongue flicked like a predator spotting prey.
The meaning was unmistakable.
―We’ll settle this soon, just the two of us.
That Cheolsa Division member had marked Bu Eunseol as her prey.
‘A third-rank sword brigade member wielding a demonic blade?’
Bu Eunseol found it incomprehensible.
That a mere foot soldier of the Cheolsa Division could possess a demonic weapon.
If that were true, then anyone with the Gongryeong Jiche—beggar or official—could obtain a demonic blade without distinction.
‘How intriguing.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed faintly.
What function could this demonic blade possibly possess that a mere third-rank member would dare treat a first-rank Lord of the Murim Alliance as prey?
I intended to uncover the reason.
Bu Eunseol sought out another village and continued the restoration work.
As deep night fell, the members of the Elite Division were sleeping in an abandoned house.
It was shabby enough to barely shield them from the night dew, with a roof full of holes, yet the members slept without complaint.
Days of continuous restoration work had exhausted them to the point where deep sleep was the only way their bodies could endure.
Yet they complained not and continued their labor with dedication.
So that the name Seon Woo Jin would become ever more widely known throughout the realm.
They poured their hearts and souls into the restoration work.
A night when the moonlight shone brilliantly.
Whoosh.
Confirming that all members were asleep, Bu Eunseol quietly slipped out of the camp.
Gazing at the distant moonlight, I deployed my lightness technique and slipped away from the village.
‘There’s nowhere else it could be.’
The Cheolsa Division member had marked Bu Eunseol as prey.
And surely she anticipated that I would not evade this confrontation.
Then she would be waiting in a place where we could duel without restraint while all the members slept.
And in this region, there was only one place where one could freely wield a blade.
Rumble!
As I ventured into the deep forest, a waterfall-carved gorge came into view.
The endless roar of the falling water could mask the clash of weapons.
Upon reaching the waterfall’s vicinity with my lightness technique, I drew the Geuk Am Demonic Blade.
‘After today, I must stop carrying this around.’
Each demonic blade possessed different functions.
Someone could sense the demonic energy first and launch a surprise attack, or I could be assaulted at any moment and place.
With Seon Woo Jin’s identity, I cannot freely display my martial prowess, so carrying a demonic blade like this
is a situation where I must bear considerable risk.
‘She hasn’t arrived yet, it seems.’
Waiting for the Cheolsa Division member, I gazed toward the distant sky.
Countless stars scattered across the night sky flickered and cast forth their beautiful light.
‘But something doesn’t add up.’
Several questions suddenly surfaced in my mind.
The Cheon In Sect had offered sacrifices to awaken the demonic blades, and Bu Eunseol had obtained the Slaughter Blade there.
But Wang Cheol and the members of the Cheolsa Division hadn’t obtained their blades from Geom Chong—they’d found them by chance while wandering through Gangho.
‘Then did they scatter the awakened demonic blades across all of Murim?’
It was possible.
Most of the demonic blades in Geom Chong had been empty after all.
But to scatter demonic blades across all of Gangho just to find a Gongryeong-type whose location and purpose remained unknown?
That was a plan that made no sense.
‘Then did they create demonic blades that only a Gongryeong-type could find?’
As I pondered this, I shook my head.
If such technology existed to craft weapons based on specific types, Gangho would have already produced weapons tailored to every conceivable type.
Whoosh.
At that moment, a white silhouette descended before me with a sharp cutting sound from the distance.
It was the Cheolsa Division member whose gaze I’d met earlier.
“So you’ve come after all.”
The member smiled leisurely and clasped his hands respectfully toward me.
“I am Gok Jeong of the Cheolsa Division.”
“Seon Woo Jin.”
As I returned the courtesy, Gok Jeong smiled faintly.
“So that’s what it was.”
It was a scornful laugh filled with contempt.
“You packaged yourself so grandly as a dragon of the Merchant Realm. Yet you’re nothing but a charlatan.”
“A charlatan?”
“Hehehehe. Don’t play dumb.”
Gok Jeong curled his lips and let out a snort.
“Wasn’t it through the demonic blade’s power that you saved the Chief and the members of the Hwan Woo Sword Brigade?”
He shook his head as if finding it absurd.
“How audacious. You’ve been rising in rank by borrowing the demonic blade’s power.”
Gok Jeong had been under the impression that I’d been accumulating achievements through the demonic blade’s abilities all along.
From the perspective of the Murim Alliance members, such a misunderstanding was understandable.
After all, someone who’d started as a Third-Rank Lord had become a First-Rank Lord in less than a year.
‘He’s quite confident.’
If I had truly risen to First-Rank through the demonic blade, it would be evidence that I possessed that level of ability.
Yet Gok Jeong was treating me with ease, as if I were already caught prey.
That meant Gok Jeong was equally confident in his martial prowess.
‘I need to gather as much information as possible.’
I composed my expression to appear as unthreatening and relaxed as possible.
While cutting down the enemy would be satisfying, I needed to extract various pieces of information first.
“Has the Emissary come looking for me?”
“An emissary?”
Gok Jeong’s eyes were filled with confusion.
“What emissary are you talking about?”
“The Samgye Emissary.”
“Sam Gye?”
Gok Jeong furrowed his brow and muttered in a low voice.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Upon hearing his response, Bu Eunseol could now be certain of one thing.
Possessing a demonic weapon did not necessarily mean the Samgye Emissary would visit and explain its nature.
‘Then Wang Cheol must possess some extraordinary ability.’
The Samgye Emissary had said
that Wang Cheol possessed a remarkable aura, and that was why he had shared such information.
But since I couldn’t block it with my own foundation, I had thought it was a lie.
Yet it was the truth?
‘Could it be because of the aura I released in the warehouse?’
As Bu Eunseol pondered deeply, Gok Jeong spoke.
“No need for lengthy words. Let us begin.”
“Wait.”
Bu Eunseol asked with a puzzled expression.
“Why do you wish to fight me?”
“That’s a strange thing to say.”
“I am genuinely curious, so I ask.”
“Then why did you come here and wait for me?”
Bu Eunseol spoke quickly.
“I have never clashed with those who obtained demonic weapons like you. That is why I came out of curiosity.”
At that, an icy gleam flashed across Gok Jeong’s eyes.
“Is that how you have survived until now?”
Whoosh.
He drew a small blade from his waist.
Though called a demonic weapon, it bore the ordinary form of a common sword seen anywhere.
But the moment the blade emerged from its sheath,
A deep resonance echoed.
With a sensation as though a dozen paces around became a vacuum, Gok Jeong’s presence transformed entirely.
He was no longer an ordinary member of a third-rate division, but rather emanated the aura of a supreme swordmaster who had dominated Murim for decades.
‘Is this also the function of the demonic weapon?’
It was incomprehensible.
His demeanor changed so drastically merely by drawing the blade?
‘Or has he been concealing his true strength all along with a body of the Gongryeong Jichae?’
Those with the Gongryeong Jichae possess talents capable of excelling in all fields.
If so, questions still remained here.
How could Gok Jeong, who possessed a hollow spirit body, possibly hold a position as a mere member of the Third-Tier Elite Division?
“Let’s finish this quickly.”
A crimson killing intent poured from Gok Jeong’s eyes.
Whoooosh!
Sword flowers bloomed as if petals were scattering in all directions, immediately enveloping Bu Eunseol’s body.
Thud.
Bu Eunseol immediately deployed her movement technique to evade,
Shwish, shwish, shwish!
Holes began to pierce through the rocks and trees touched by the petal-like sword flowers.
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened as she observed the traces of sword flowers carved into the rock and wood.
The sword technique Gok Jeong had unleashed.
Could it be the Fragmented Form Sword Technique of In Ho Jeong, the master who shook the Murim two hundred years ago?
‘A swordsman who couldn’t even read left behind a sword manual?’
The Silent Swordsman, In Ho Jeong.
He had been abandoned in a forest as a child.
Then a swordsman from Danseolmun named In Baek Ryang discovered the young In Ho Jeong, who had transformed into a beast-like creature, and raised him.
Having lived in the wild for far too long, he never properly learned to speak, let alone read characters.
However, because he grew up alongside beasts in the forest, he possessed beast-like senses and possessed exceptional eyes for observing nature.
By learning the sword techniques of Danseolmun from In Baek Ryang and drawing parallels to the forms of nature, he created the Fragmented Form Sword Technique.
However, the power of the Fragmented Form Sword Technique was unexpectedly pathetic.
Then, when In Baek Ryang died from an illness of unknown origin, In Ho Jeong wandered the Gangho alone.
Unable to speak properly and retaining a beast-like savagery, he was scorned and mocked by numerous figures in the Murim.
As the severity gradually intensified, In Ho Jeong gradually transformed into a cruel person.
When beast-like killing intent and cruelty emerged, his Fragmented Form Sword Technique suddenly began to display its power.
That sword technique was created when he possessed beast-like savagery.
To properly display its power, killing intent and cruelty were necessary.
Once an unstoppable sword technique was perfected, he became a demonic person who committed murder and depravity without hesitation.
Eventually he became a Murim criminal and was pursued, but instead he slaughtered all his pursuers and escaped freely.
The Fragmented Form Sword Technique.
It possessed such vicious and cruel power that even the most exceptional masters could not defend against it.
Thus, In Ho Jeong, who had wreaked havoc on the Murim and committed evil deeds for a long time, was suddenly discovered as a corpse in the Deep Mountain Valley.
Many Murim figures analyzed the cause of his death, but no traces of external trauma were found.
Then people said he had received heavenly punishment and died.
The Silent Swordsman In Ho Jeong, who had briefly enjoyed invincibility while wreaking havoc on the Murim.
He had no disciples, and yet Gok Jeong suddenly uses the sword technique of a swordsman who couldn’t even read?
Clang!
In the meantime, sword flowers scattered around Bu Eunseol’s body.
This time, instead of petal shapes, they took the form of swaying reeds.
Because the Fragmented Form Sword Technique was created from forms found in nature,
The things depicted by those sword flowers were mostly plant forms that could be seen anywhere.
Whoosh! Whoooosh!
Yet the power was far from any ordinary swordplay.
Unlike the gentle appearance of the sword formations, the might of the Fen Xing Sword Method was truly enough to shatter the boundary between heaven and earth.
Merely as the sword formations grazed past, Bu Eunseol’s garments tore asunder, and the very earth trembled.
“Your Divine Method is swift indeed.”
Gok Jeong let out a cold laugh as Bu Eunseol evaded the attack by stepping outside the range of the Fen Xing Sword Method from the start.
“Then let me try this.”
Whoooosh!
As he swung his blade, circular sword formations bloomed endlessly in the space around him for about six zhang.
He continuously surrounded the vicinity with sword formations, blocking Bu Eunseol’s escape routes, leaving no way forward or back.
His intention was to force a direct confrontation.
‘Good.’
Shing.
Bu Eunseol drew the Geuk Am Ma Sword she held.
Without hesitation, she unfolded the first move of the Iron Sword Thirteen Techniques: Wooden Rain Stone Man.
Slash! Slash!
Moo Ae Ja’s Iron Sword Thirteen Techniques were specialized in counterattacks.
Therefore, when deployed this way as an offensive move, the sword path became far too gentle, lacking any sharpness whatsoever.
“Hmph, what a mediocre swordplay from nowhere.”
Gok Jeong, having discerned that Bu Eunseol’s swordplay lacked such sharpness, spoke with ease.
“There is no need to drag this out—let me end it in one breath.”
Slash! Slash! Slash!
Gok Jeong transformed the Fen Xing Sword Method to block Bu Eunseol’s moves, then ceaselessly created sword formations in the void.
Whirrrr!
The sword formations embroidering the empty space began to coil around Bu Eunseol’s entire body like a shroud.
As countless sword formations ensnared Bu Eunseol’s form, Gok Jeong’s lips curved into a smile.
‘It is finished.’
Whirrrr…
Yet from Bu Eunseol’s body, a whirlwind erupted, and the dozens of sword formations that had consumed his form poured forth toward Gok Jeong.
He had unfolded the counterattack form of the Iron Sword Thirteen Techniques, redirecting the sword moves.
Screeeech!
The redirected sword moves possessed power several times greater than the swordplay Gok Jeong had deployed.
“A unique swordplay indeed.”
Yet Gok Jeong remained unperturbed, meeting the redirected sword moves head-on.
The Fen Xing Sword Method could not only manifest the forms of nature but also contained within it the very principles of nature by which all living things are born and perish.
Therefore, it could ceaselessly generate sword formations without ever tiring.
“Let us see how far you can redirect!”
With a thunderous cry, Gok Jeong ceaselessly unleashed his sword moves.
Crash! Screeeech!
The sword moves Bu Eunseol redirected and those Gok Jeong unleashed collided endlessly.
The Divided Form Sword Method continuously generated sword energy, while the Iron Sword Thirteen Techniques rotated the enemy’s force and sent it back endlessly.
“Hmm.”
Bu Eunseol let out a brief hum.
When the relentless straight-line sword technique met the curved sword technique that sent force rebounding in great arcs—
Inevitably, the curved sword energy that returned the attack fell one beat behind.
‘Seon Woo Jin’s limitation.’
Bu Eunseol possessed far too many martial arts to use as stopgaps, while Seon Woo Jin still lacked what could be called a primary sword technique.
Fortunately, the variant of the Sword Void Returning to Origin technique recently obtained was a sword method comparable to the Blood Dew Seven Techniques.
Yet it remained an incomplete sword form, and its power was so tremendous that it carried the disadvantage of backlash.
‘There’s no helping it yet.’
In truth, this was a setting created by Shin San Ja, and it was a natural one at that.
If a figure suddenly descended from the heavens wielding overwhelming martial arts?
The identity of Seon Woo Jin could never be perfect.
Shin San Ja had arranged it so that even if Seon Woo Jin became a powerful figure capable of stirring the Murim Alliance, there would be no aftermath to deal with.
He had set it up so that Seon Woo Jin would undergo a growth process befitting such strength.
Thud, thud, thud!
Eventually, as the piercing sword energy dug in, blood began to spray across Bu Eunseol’s body.
The sword energy of the Divided Form Sword Method tore the skin with merely a graze, and its sharp force burrowed into the meridians.
Boom!
When the Extreme Darkness Demon Sword finally collided with the sword energy of the Divided Form Sword Method, Bu Eunseol was driven back several paces by the explosive sound.
“The opening is wide!”
As Bu Eunseol’s stance scattered, Gok Jeong seized the opportunity without hesitation, unleashing his ultimate technique—the Returning Yellow, Turning Green.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Like autumn leaves scattering in the wind, hundreds of sword energies filled all directions of heaven and earth.
As sword force that filled even the blue sky poured down, Bu Eunseol seemed as though time itself had stopped.
‘It’s similar.’
In that instant, the variations of the Sword Void Returning to Origin technique surfaced in his mind.
No matter how brilliant and endless the techniques of the Divided Form Sword Method were, they could not compare to the variations of the Sword Void Returning to Origin.
‘But is there any need to deploy such a sword technique?’
Bu Eunseol realized he had been too bound by Orthodox Sect sword techniques.
It was likely due to the gap and regret between his original sword method—the Musang Cheon Ryu style, in which he was versed in Demonic Path sword techniques—
And the Orthodox Sect sword techniques that still fell short of that level.
‘What does it matter if it’s an Orthodox Sect sword technique?’
Thud! Swooooosh….
As Bu Eunseol unleashed his sword technique recklessly, all the techniques of the pouring Divided Form Sword Method vanished as if washed away.
It was like the falling fox rain suddenly ceasing and the sky clearing, with sunlight pouring down.
Unconsciously, he had deployed something that was neither Demonic Path sword technique nor Orthodox Sect sword technique.
“You too!”
As Bu Eunseol annihilated his attack with that strange sword technique, Gok Jeong’s eyes widened.
“You were hiding yet another sword!”
And suddenly, he drew another short blade from his bosom.
“But I have one too!”
Flash!
As he swung the short blade, a transparent shadow suddenly rushed toward Bu Eunseol.
In reality, it was an invisible phantom, yet detectable through the Demonic Eye.
It was as if an invisible sword aura had taken human form and was charging toward Bu Eunseol.
‘What is this?’
Whoosh!
As Bu Eunseol quickly evaded the form, the towering tree standing beside her split into two pieces.
But the sword aura did not disappear and rushed toward Bu Eunseol once more.
Remarkably, Gok Jeong had created a sword aura that pursued Bu Eunseol relentlessly, as if it were a living creature.
“How do you like it!”
Gok Jeong laughed with supreme confidence.
“How long can you keep evading?”
Bu Eunseol deployed her movement technique in all directions, dodging the assault.
An invisible, razor-sharp something chased her like a living being.
Since it was neither qi nor sword aura, it could not be deflected.
Clatter-clatter-clatter!
As Gok Jeong swung the short blade frantically, the phantom form accelerated further.
It transformed into various curved patterns and pursued Bu Eunseol’s body.
“So that’s what it is.”
Yet she evaded the attacks with unhurried composure, speaking without the slightest concern.
“Each demonic blade possesses a unique function, and you seek to steal them.”
Bu Eunseol finally understood.
Why Gok Jeong had targeted her.
Each demonic blade possessed its own exceptional ability.
Those with the Demonic Spirit Body could wield all of them simultaneously.
In other words, each demonic blade obtained was equivalent to gaining a terrifying martial technique of the highest caliber.
For any martial artist seeking even the slightest increase in strength, it was an irresistible temptation.
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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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