The Great Heavenly Demon Sovereign - Chapter 8

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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 8.
After completing her training at Nangya Sect, Bu Eunseol returned to the cave.
As I stepped inside, a peculiar expression crossed my face. Unlike when I first entered the cave, I could now perceive countless sensations.
Insects crawling across the cave floor, the flow of musty, humid air… Information I could never have detected before now flooded my awareness as vividly as if I were seeing it with my own eyes.
‘I need to recover my body quickly.’
I was in an utterly exhausted and depleted state.
I had walked without rest for an entire month to reach Demon Palace, and the moment I arrived, I engaged in a life-or-death battle.
Above all, the reason I felt such severe exhaustion was because I had mastered the Beast Path.
‘There’s simply too much I’m sensing.’
Detecting and perceiving countless things meant my mind had to process an equally vast amount of information.
Having only just mastered the Beast Path, I unconsciously subjected every sensation to endless analysis.
Even while sitting still, I was as exhausted as if I were simultaneously writing with one hand and reading with the other.
‘I need to sleep, even if just a little.’
I suppressed the overwhelming sensations flooding through my entire body and closed my eyes.
But even in sleep, the Beast Path’s senses do not fade.
For a martial artist, this is an incomparable advantage. Yet for rest, it becomes an obstacle.
Drip.
At that moment, a single water droplet fell from the cave ceiling.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
‘That’s it!’
Counting the water droplets falling at a steady rhythm, I suddenly understood.
‘I must seal the overwhelming sensations like water droplets falling one by one.’
Taking a deep breath, I slowly closed my eyes.
And I began practicing to gradually dull the razor-sharp senses of the Beast Path.
In truth, what I was attempting was a practical method that even the masters of Nangya Sect, who were accustomed to the Beast Path, found difficult to master.
Concentrating with all my strength to recover my body quickly.
Without realizing it, I was independently mastering the technique to finely control the Beast Path’s senses.
Drip.
Finally, after counting three thousand three hundred and forty-two water droplets falling.
Having significantly reduced the Beast Path’s sensory input, my fatigue dissolved as if I had slept deeply.
Rising slowly and stepping out of the cave, I found that dawn had already broken.
“Where should I go now.”
Standing in the clearing before Stone Mountain, I gazed once more at the parchment depicting the locations of the martial masters.
In the midst of my serious contemplation, Sa Woo’s words suddenly came to mind.
―Do you know that time spent learning martial arts on Hell Island is infinite?
If this were true, then I did not have much time left to learn martial arts.
Then I needed to grow stronger as quickly as possible, and more efficiently.
“There is no choice.”
I nodded as I gazed at one location on the parchment.
It was the location of Hwawoo Sword Sect, said to be the strongest among the Ten Demonic Gates.
The masters of the Orthodox Path wielded swords.
The masters of the Demonic Path wielded sabers.
This was a choice as immutable as the unwritten laws of the martial world.
Unlike swords, saber techniques were tyrannical in nature, unbound by rigid forms and principles. Because their power was formidable and the Demonic Path revered such dominance, all practitioners chose the saber.
That was before the Hwawoo Sword Sect was established.
Seven hundred years ago, Jeok Hwa Woon, the Hwawoo Sword Emperor, descended upon the Demonic martial world like a comet—a supreme master of the blade whose prowess rivaled even Cheon Ma Dae Je, the founder of the Demonic Path itself.
He gathered all the scattered sword techniques of the Demonic Path, which lacked systematic organization, and ultimately created a single sword art: the Hwawoo Sword.
This technique, as if conjuring a rain of fire falling from the heavens, became the supreme sword art of the Demonic Path and eventually elevated the Hwawoo Sword Sect to the foremost position among the Ten Demonic Gates.
“This is the place…”
Bu Eunseol had followed the map deep into Stone Mountain on Hell Island.
Before her stood a martial training complex consisting of five buildings, including the Training Grounds.
“The Hwawoo Sword Sect’s training complex…”
Though constructed of aged timber, it appeared as magnificent as a palace compared to Sa Woo’s modest dwelling.
Moreover, since most of the candidates for the Ten Demonic Hall positions on Hell Island had gathered here, the sounds of commotion echoed from within.
“What brings you here?”
A gatekeeper stood before the complex, his piercing gaze revealing him to be a master of considerable martial skill.
“I have come to learn the martial arts of the Hwawoo Sword Sect.”
Bu Eunseol answered respectfully, and the gatekeeper pointed toward the complex.
“The training complex is divided into three levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—each with its own assigned instructor.”
The gatekeeper’s cold expression turned toward the small building on the left.
“Go to the beginner’s hall.”
Bu Eunseol walked slowly toward the small building the gatekeeper had indicated.
Despite its humble exterior, the interior was surprisingly sparse—much like the modest training halls one might find in any fortress.
At the far end of the hall, where weapons were displayed, stood a small office, and within it sat the Black-Robed Man in composed stillness.
‘This person…’
Bu Eunseol’s expression flickered with surprise.
The man seated in the office was none other than the Black-Robed Man who had escorted the children aboard the vessel.
‘So he was a master of the Hwawoo Sword Sect.’
“You again.”
Upon noticing Bu Eunseol, the Black-Robed Man’s expression grew puzzled.
“What brings you here?”
“I have come to learn the martial arts of the Hwawoo Sword Sect.”
“You wish to learn the sword techniques of this sect?”
The Black-Robed Man found this peculiar.
The sword techniques of the Hwawoo Sword Sect, which encompassed all Demonic Path sword arts, were as profound and vast as the martial knowledge of Shaolin, making them extraordinarily difficult to master.
Consequently, those who wished to learn sword techniques or pursue the supreme sword art of the Demonic Path had entered the complex long ago.
“You wish to learn this sect’s sword art only after a fortnight has passed?”
“Yes.”
At her confident reply, the Black-Robed Man’s expression darkened with displeasure.
‘Perhaps this talent was merely a misguided assumption.’
He cleared his throat and spoke in a low voice.
“Those who entered the pavilion before you have already completed their training and are mostly in the intermediate chamber. Several of them came with deep understanding of sword techniques, yet they still haven’t advanced to the upper chamber.”
The Black-Robed Man, looking down at Bu Eunseol, spoke again.
“The sword techniques of this sect are the most expansive and time-consuming among all Demonic Path martial arts.”
“What you mean is….”
“In learning this sect’s sword techniques, a mere fortnight can widen the gap in training to the difference between heaven and earth.”
“I understand.”
When Bu Eunseol’s eyes remained unchanged, the Black-Robed Man asked with a puzzled expression.
“What exactly have you been doing for the past fortnight?”
“I studied martial arts at Nangya Sect.”
“Nangya Sect?”
The Black-Robed Man spoke as if he couldn’t comprehend.
“You were at Nangya Sect for a fortnight?”
“Yes.”
The Black-Robed Man, who had been pondering something, asked again.
“Did you perhaps learn the Beast Path Technique?”
“Yes.”
The Black-Robed Man furrowed his brow.
The Beast Path Technique, the foundational martial art of Nangya Sect, was not only extremely difficult to learn, but nine out of ten practitioners lost their lives.
Yet she had been there for a fortnight in perfect condition?
‘She must have given up after half-heartedly attempting it.’
A fortnight would not have been enough to even master the basics of the Beast Path Technique.
The Black-Robed Man’s eyes gleamed with obvious contempt.
“It’s not too late even now—choose a different chamber. Elsewhere, you could easily catch up to a fortnight’s worth of training according to your abilities.”
The Black-Robed Man’s expression, as if looking at something bothersome, bore a striking resemblance to someone somewhere.
Specifically, Sa Woo, who had been burying his body in the ground before Mo Wok.
“Thank you for your concern and advice.”
Bu Eunseol cupped her hands with an impassive expression.
“However, I will learn the Hwawoo Sword Technique.”
“Hmm.”
The Black-Robed Man nodded as if there was nothing to be done.
“What is your name?”
Bu Eunseol bowed respectfully and cupped her hands.
“I am Bu Eunseol.”
“Bu Eunseol.”
The Black-Robed Man, murmuring softly, pointed to himself.
“I am Jin Gak, who oversees the beginner chamber. Call me Instructor.”
“Understood, Instructor.”
“Have you perhaps learned the sword before….”
Jin Gak, observing Bu Eunseol’s posture with the iron sword at her waist, shook his head.
“…There’s nothing.”
“How did you know?”
“Any martial artist who has learned even a modicum of swordplay keeps their hands loose enough to draw at any moment.”
Jin Gak narrowed his eyes as he spoke.
“But you show no signs of having studied the blade.”
“That’s correct. I have never learned swordplay.”
“Honesty is admirable, but this is troublesome.”
Jin Gak stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“The sword arts of our sect are profoundly complex—even the most gifted disciples struggle to master them.”
“I see.”
“Moreover, having never learned any swordplay at all, your training will take considerably longer.”
Jin Gak spoke with a look of regret.
“My final counsel: it is not too late even now. Go study under a different master.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I will master the sword arts of Hwawoo Sword Sect.”
“Very well.”
Recognizing the unwavering resolve in Bu Eunseol’s heart, Jin Gak nodded.
“Follow me, then.”
Jin Gak led Bu Eunseol to the center of the Training Grounds and spoke.
“The sword technique I will teach you now is called the Hwawoo Thirteen Forms. Within these thirteen moves lies the profound mystery that establishes the foundation of Hwawoo swordsmanship.”
Thump.
As Jin Gak stamped his foot, a massive parchment unfurled from the ceiling of the Training Grounds. It was inscribed with intricate illustrations and characters of remarkable precision.
“These are the forms and practical methods of the Hwawoo Thirteen Forms. For now, study these diagrams and practice your sword work accordingly.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression grew troubled.
I had never even learned martial arts, much less studied secret manuals. Yet now I was being told to learn from the diagrams alone.
‘There’s no choice.’
Focusing my mind, I drew the iron sword and began moving according to the illustrations on the parchment.
‘Hmm.’
I had assumed the posture exactly as shown in the diagram, yet something felt wrong.
The sword’s path was uneven, wavering like the gait of a drunkard.
Jin Gak, observing this, wore an expression of utter bewilderment.
“Do you not know how to read sword diagrams?”
“Isn’t it enough to simply follow the postures?”
“That is true, but…”
Jin Gak exhaled a deep sigh.
“Why are you not using the techniques written beside them?”
“Techniques… you mean the text?”
“They are written next to each move. Read them.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression grew uncomfortable.
“Relax the entire body, allow the flow to become one…”
The characters inscribed beside the sword diagrams were not ordinary words, but martial principles—the profound secrets of martial technique itself.
However, to Bu Eunseol, who had never learned martial arts even once, it appeared merely as strange and incomprehensible doctrine.
“To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what it means.”
“If you’d ever seen the Martial Arts Manual even once, you’d understand it as basic fundamental teaching.”
As Jin Gak regarded her with eyes of bewilderment, Bu Eunseol bit her lip.
‘It will come out eventually anyway.’
Unlike the Beast Path, which was called Esoteric Learning Beyond the World, the swordplay of Hwawoo Sword Sect was orthodox martial technique of the Demonic Path in the Central Plains.
If she continued to hide the fact that she had never learned martial arts, she would ultimately be unable to learn even a single sword technique.
“To speak honestly, I have never actually learned martial arts at all.”
“You’ve never learned martial arts?”
“That’s correct. My master… suddenly passed away, so I was unable to learn martial arts.”
“You’re saying you never learned at all?”
“Yes.”
Jin Gak’s expression became one of utter disbelief.
“Even if this place teaches only elementary swordplay, you’re telling me I must instruct you from the very fundamentals of martial arts?”
“…I apologize.”
“Hmm.”
Jin Gak exhaled a heavy sigh that seemed to come from the depths of his chest.
He wanted to cry out, ‘Go learn the basics first, then come back!’
But when he saw the burning intensity in Bu Eunseol’s eager eyes, he found himself unable to speak those words.
‘If she wishes to learn, then I must teach her.’
Jin Gak, his lips creasing with fine wrinkles, spoke with an expression of resigned acceptance.
“Release the Way of Relaxed Transmission means that when you unfold your swordplay, you must release all tension from your body and move with fluidity. In particular, you must absolutely release the tension held in your abdomen and waist.”
“I don’t understand how to release the tension in my abdomen and waist.”
“You must calm your mind and dispel your tension. When your body becomes rigid, tension naturally enters your abdomen, and when tension enters your abdomen, your body hardens. And what is called the Way of Flowing Harmony means…”
Jin Gak began teaching the swordplay, unraveling the doctrine one principle at a time.
This was Bu Eunseol’s great fortune.
If she had entered the Elementary Hall from the beginning and learned swordplay alongside the countless candidates of the Ten Demonic Gates?
She could never have received such detailed instruction.
But now, with only Bu Eunseol in the Elementary Hall, Jin Gak had no choice but to teach her with meticulous detail, however reluctantly.
“Yes. That’s how you do it.”
Fortunately, Bu Eunseol grasped things quickly.
Jin Gak was teaching her swordplay with painstaking care, as if she were his direct disciple.
Four days later.
Bu Eunseol was unfolding her swordplay while wielding an iron sword.
Thanks to Jin Gak’s detailed instruction, she had become capable of executing the Thirteen Forms of Hwawoo in merely four days.
Whoosh. Swish swish.
Bu Eunseol executed all the sword forms slowly but with remarkable precision.
Jin Gak, observing her, spoke once more.
“Faster than I expected. You have a natural aptitude for swordplay.”
“Thank you.”
“Hmm. I’ve mastered the foundational forms and learned the sword techniques….”
Jin Gak, who had been lost in thought for a moment, nodded his head.
“Now, imagine an enemy stands before you and execute the Hwawoo Thirteen Forms.”
“An enemy… you say.”
“Indeed. This is the test to advance to the intermediate level.”
“A test.”
The opportunity had arrived sooner than expected.
Bu Eunseol steeled herself, drew her iron sword, and began the sword forms.
But as the first form unfolded sluggishly, Jin Gak shook his head.
“Did I not tell you? You must imagine an enemy before you and execute the sword forms as though in actual combat.”
“As though in actual combat… you mean.”
“Yes.”
Jin Gak spoke with a solemn expression.
“If you cannot conjure an imaginary enemy and merely demonstrate sword dance, you fail. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“An imaginary enemy, then….”
“It means you must imagine a real enemy standing directly before you. Only then can I perceive the sword intent embedded within your forms.”
“I understand.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
‘An imaginary enemy….’
As she focused her mind, her vision blurred, and suddenly the tragic image of her grandfather surfaced.
And gradually, a single dark shadow materialized before her.
That shadow was surely the master who had driven her grandfather to his death.
Shing!
Bu Eunseol drew her iron sword with all her might and executed the first form of the Hwawoo Thirteen Forms—Whirling Wind Without Cause.
Crack!
A brilliant flash of light tore through the empty air as if she wielded a swift blade.
‘Huh?’
Jin Gak, watching the first form Bu Eunseol had executed, narrowed his eyes.
‘Something feels off.’
As he tilted his head in confusion, he saw Bu Eunseol twist her body and execute the third form, Flowing Cloud Misty Veil, and his eyes widened.
‘What is this?’
The Flowing Cloud Misty Veil form should be executed softly and fluidly, like clouds drifting and mist spreading.
Yet the Flowing Cloud Misty Veil that Bu Eunseol executed flowed with sharp killing intent, as if she were wielding the Heavenly Demon technique.
Moreover, the peculiar trembling of the sword’s tip made it difficult to predict the blade’s trajectory.
‘The sword form is subtly different.’
When one executes a sword technique, there are only two possible outcomes.
Either the sword form and technique are executed precisely, producing the intended power, or they are not.
Yet Bu Eunseol’s sword technique, though imprecise in form, had become even more powerful and sharp.
‘Could it be… that this girl possesses the rare talent to freely transform sword techniques?’

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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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