The Heavenly Demon of the Blue Sky - Chapter 47

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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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Azure Heaven Heavenly Demon 047
At that very moment.
Dark clouds had hung over the Seomun Estate for days without lifting.
The magnificent halls of the renowned martial family, flourishing for centuries, had crumbled into sinister ash heaps, and whenever the wind blew, black cinders scattered like snowflakes.
Seomun Ho, patriarch of the Seomun Clan, stood by the lakeside at the back of his estate, limping heavily on his right leg.
It was a wound sustained in the terrible war against the Zhenzhou Yan Clan.
Before he could receive proper antidotes and treatment, the chaos that followed had left him crippled.
“Master…”
The remaining household members stood behind Seomun Ho in silent grief.
Before them, dozens of crematory furnaces burned, consuming the bodies of fallen clan members.
By the customs of martial families, the dead should have been buried in the earth to honor their spirits, but fearing the bodies might be turned into Jiangshi, they dared not bury them and chose cremation instead.
“…Young.”
With trembling hands, Seomun Ho opened the porcelain urn and scattered his son Seomun Young’s ashes across the still waters of the lake.
Watching the white powder disperse meaninglessly across the ripples, hot tears streamed down the aged father’s face.
His son had been a brilliant and righteous man since childhood—a source of great pride.
[Father. There are troubling rumors that Eon Tae-gyeong of the Zhenzhou Yan Clan has been desecrating graves. He must be plotting something sinister. Allow me to attend the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly and uncover the truth myself.]
If only he had understood the gravity of the situation then and stopped him…
Instead, his only son had been torn to shreds by Eon Tae-gyeong’s Jiangshi servants, who had allied themselves with the Blood Cult, and died a horrible death.
The bitter regret of sending his son to such peril gnawed at Seomun Ho’s bones.
Holding his son’s corpse, grief-stricken and weeping, Seomun Ho had personally ambushed the escort procession transporting Eon Tae-gyeong to the Martial Alliance.
Even the patriarch of the Zhenzhou Yan Clan had fallen prey to the Blood Cult’s seduction—how could he trust the Martial Alliance, which only cared about profit and reputation?
There and then, he had severed Eon Tae-gyeong’s head with his own hands, avenging his son.
But that was the beginning of an even greater tragedy.
The remaining members of the Zhenzhou Yan Clan, blinded by rage at losing their patriarch, had awakened all the Jiangshi sealed in the underground chambers and hurled themselves at the Seomun Estate.
Though he had barely repelled the horde of Jiangshi and annihilated the Zhenzhou Yan Clan, the price was devastating.
The family’s former glory was completely shattered, leaving only impoverished survivors and charred ruins.
‘Now only vengeance remains.’
After finishing his son’s funeral rites, Seomun Ho gripped his sword hilt with all his strength.
He swore an oath: he would exterminate the seed of the Blood Cult—those demonic wretches who had orchestrated all this tragedy.
But the rats of the Blood Cult, gnawing away at the world, were far more cunning and vicious than Seomun Ho imagined.
They could not have been unaware that now, since the Seomun Clan’s founding, was the weakest moment in its history.
Crack-crack-crack—Boom!
That night, from beneath the Seomun Estate, earth and soil erupted in explosion as assassins of the Blood Cult descended upon them.
It was a ruthless preemptive strike that gave them no time to rally their forces.
“Argh!”
“Enemy ambush!”
Seomun Ho fought desperately, dragging his injured leg until his body ran red with blood.
But the assault was beyond what the already depleted Seomun Clan could endure.
In the end, abandoning the ancestral seat his family had held for centuries, swallowing tears of blood, he had no choice but to flee with what few retainers remained.
The escape route, thick with darkness.
The groans of exhausted and wounded servants pressed heavily upon the night air.
Seomun Ho limped forward, his gaze turning desolately toward the heavens.
‘The Seomun Clan as it stands now cannot overcome this crisis alone.’
Someone’s help was desperately needed—but to whom could he reach out?
Even the Zhenzhou Yan Clan, which had been a steadfast pillar of the Orthodox Faction for centuries, had become blind to empty ambition and made themselves lapdogs of the Blood Cult, bringing rebellion upon the land. Now no one in the martial world could be trusted without hesitation.
The Martial Alliance was no different. Relations had become irreparably estranged when he attacked the escort procession transporting Eon Tae-gyeong.
‘Is this the end, then…’
In that moment of profound despair, as Seomun Ho let out a bitter sigh, a single thought flashed through his mind like lightning.
No—not a family.
A single person.
A young talent who had faced annihilation by the Blood Cult yet had torn open the sky anew from the ashes through sheer will.
He was also the benefactor who had revealed the truth of his son’s death and identified Eon Tae-gyeong as the culprit.
‘If someone asks whom I can trust now, it is only that man.’
Seomun Ho tore at his fluttering sleeve with trembling hands.
Relying on the wavering moonlight, he wrote a blood letter with the desperation of a drowning man grasping at straw.
—Whistle.
As he whistled, an exceptionally keen hawk he had long cherished came flying and perched upon his shoulder.
He bound the red cloth firmly around the hawk’s leg, then slowly stroked its feathers with his calloused hands.
“Now the fate of all that remains of the Seomun name rests entirely upon your wings.”
His eyes reddened. In a low voice, he whispered to the hawk.
“I harbor no resentment, even if I do not return. So…….”
Seomun Ho’s eyes blazed with resolve as he hurled the hawk into the open sky with all his strength.
“Fly south with vigor, toward that boundless expanse of heaven!”
Whoosh—!
The hawk, bearing fervent wishes upon its wings, tore through the pitch-black night and shot southward like an arrow.

* * *
Days later, in the Training Ground of the Namgung Main Residence.
“Hold the formation!”
“Show no opening!”
Dust and the youthful cries of resolve erupted without pause.
Standing on the platform, I observed the scene in silence.
‘They’re taking proper shape.’
These were the fledgling recruits of the Namgung Clan and the members of the Hyomyeong Company.
Mere months ago, they could scarcely grip a sword properly.
Now they had grown quite adept at the Iron Sword Ten Techniques, the foundational sword art of Namgung, and the newly taught Self-Defense Nine Wall Divine Fist.
Several of the most talented squad leaders had even begun mastering the Heaven Wind Sword Method, a level beyond.
Most encouraging of all was the completeness of their execution in the Heaven and Earth Success Formation, the practical battle array.
Like a single wave, they moved in perfect harmony, fluidly shifting between defense and attack.
Measured against the standards of the Heavenly Demon in my former life, who had bathed a hundred thousand mountains in blood, they were yet mere pups in motion.
‘But they stake everything they have and clash with all their might.’
Their grim determination to restore the Namgung name alone deserves acknowledgment.
I nodded slightly, satisfied.
Such rapid progress was not solely the fruit of my instruction.
“Aha! Your footwork is tangled! That’s where the staff slips through!”
“Amitabha Buddha! Your vision has narrowed from clinging to technique!”
Throughout the Training Ground, the beggars led by Jang Ho of the Beggar Faction and the Shaolin monks led by Hye Gwang conducted rigorous sparring sessions.
The scholars from the Jegal Clan who had recently joined were also playing their part admirably.
“The flow of the formation is good, but the transitions lack variety. Here lies the Gate of Life!”
Thanks to such diverse exchanges, the Hyomyeong Company grew steadily.
This varied cross-training extended beyond the younger generation alone.
“Exhale.”
Yu Hwa and I took turns sparring with Jang Ho, Hye Gwang, and Jegal Un.
We clashed martial techniques without rest, leaping toward new heights.
While sharpening our internal strength, I also kept watch on affairs beyond.
Afternoon, in the family head’s study.
I was reviewing accumulated administrative reports.
Flutter, flutter—!
Beyond the window, a hawk stained crimson dipped and circled through Namgung’s sky.
‘What is this?’
Its movements were unlike those of an ordinary mountain bird. I rose and flung the window wide.
“Chirp…….”
As if it had been waiting, the hawk descended to the windowsill with labored wingbeats, then collapsed as its strength gave way.
Drawing close, I found its feathers matted with blood throughout.
“Is it wounded?”
I gently parted the feathers, but found no injury, mercifully.
The blood was not the hawk’s own—it had simply flown without rest over vast distances until its strength was spent.
I fetched a water bowl and moistened its beak.
Chirp-chirp-chirp—! The hawk drew breath with difficulty, then rubbed its head gratefully against my hand.
“Rest now.”
I untied and unfolded the blood-stained cloth bound tightly around its leg.
[Our clan has been reduced to ash by the Jiangshi horde of the Zhenzhou Yan Clan and the assault of the Blood Cult, and we have fled for refuge. We have no room for pride and cast aside shame to beseech the Namgung family head for salvation—Seomun Ho]
A blood letter penned by the Seomun Clan’s family head.
‘So it has come to pass.’
Fury rose within me at the Blood Cult’s vile machinations—embedding themselves beneath others’ feet and scheming to strip away all they possess.
Just then, Jegal Un arrived at the study, followed closely by Hye Gwang and Jang Ho.
“What troubles you, family head? Your expression is grave.”
Without a word, I cast the blood-stained cloth onto the table.
As the three read the blood letter, their faces hardened instantly.
“In days past, the Seomun Clan was consumed by murderous intent and we could not mediate. Now, having been ambushed by the Blood Cult and seeking aid, I believe we should intervene.”
Jegal Un spoke the Seomun Clan’s motto in a bitter voice. Hye Gwang and Jang Ho felt the same way.
“Amitabha Buddha…. If the Seomun Clan crumbles like this, the Orthodox Faction alliance will suffer an irretrievable loss.”
“You speak truth—we must help them! Who else could possibly do so if not us?”
All three shared the same conviction.
Now that the Blood Cult had toppled the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and risen as a colossal power.
Securing the Seomun Clan—bearing the same thirst for vengeance—would benefit me as well.
Like acquiring a long-term pawn that would never betray me.
“But the situation isn’t favorable.”
I tapped the National Map lying on the table and spoke.
“If Seomun has abandoned their main residence and taken to flight, the enemies’ offensive must have been formidable. They’ll have mobilized pursuit forces extensively to ensure the patriarch and remaining family members are utterly destroyed. To counter this, we’d need to dispatch considerable numbers of our own.”
I judged it impossible under present circumstances.
“The Namgung forces have only just begun to take proper shape, but we’re not in a position to spare significant troops and still guard our base. If enemies see an empty nest and strike, all this will come to nothing. The wandering masters staying on Cheonju Mountain are similarly unavailable for deployment.”
I had no wish to rescue others only to see Namgung fall into peril.
My own clan’s safety came first—only then could we attempt greater things.
“Then I shall dispatch a messenger eagle to our main residence. The patriarch’s request would surely move them to send reinforcements.”
“Shaolin stands ready as well! How could we turn our backs on a matter of confronting demons?”
“The Beggar Faction will call upon beggars across the realm for aid!”
All three rushed forward, each offering to mobilize their forces.
Their hearts were admirable, but I shook my head slowly once more.
“Even if permission comes through, assembling and organizing martial artists on such a scale, then marching them to the Seomun Clan’s retreat route—it takes far too long. The Seomun will all be dead long before we arrive.”
This was a critical moment. We needed not just numbers, but speed.
“Hmm…… What shall we do, then? Namgung Clan Leader.”
Jang Ho struck his chest in frustration and heaved a deep sigh.
Bang—!
That was when the study door burst open and Namgung, who had been out on reconnaissance, rushed in breathlessly.
“Clan Leader! An urgent letter has arrived from Taishan!”
I scanned the message quickly. The content was singular, but it came from two senders.
[I heard news that the Zhenzhou Yan Clan has been annihilated. I worry whether the flames of war have spread to the Namgung Clan in southern Anhui Province. To inquire after your wellbeing. At the recent Dragon-Phoenix Assembly, I received great favor from you. Should you require assistance at any time, please do not hesitate to speak—I shall welcome it with gladness. – Ak Jin of Shandong / Hwangbo Gang of the Hwangbo Clan]
“……Ha.”
Right. I’d forgotten about these two.
A thin smile played at the corner of my mouth as I finished reading the letter.
Shandong, where these two families ruled, lay close to Shanxi where the Seomun Clan dwelt.
“I’ve found a way to rescue Seomun without depleting our forces.”
The calculation finished swiftly.
“A messenger moves far faster than an army. If I can borrow swift troops from the Ak and Hwangbo strongholds in Shandong afterward, we can reach the Seomun Clan in time.”
I set the letter on the table and turned to the three of them.
“I’ll serve as the messenger myself. The three of you will guard Namgung.”
“You mean to charge recklessly into enemy territory once again!”
“Clan Leader! However vital righteousness may be, you cannot keep throwing your life away for others! This cannot stand!”
Jegal Un and Jang Ho flushed crimson with alarm and tried to dissuade me.
Master Hye Gwang, too, clasped his hands and exhaled a profound sigh.
“Amitabha Buddha…… In this chaotic age, martial artists scatter and gather, each pursuing only their own wealth and safety…… How is it that the young Namgung Clan Leader alone possesses such selflessness?”
All three looked at me with deep concern.
“What nonsense are you spouting? It’s not for their sake.”
I held back my irritation and spoke curtly.
“I’m helping because I intend to work the Seomun Clan to the bone. Same as you.”
This was the truth. I saw no reason to hide my self-interest.
“So stop worrying about me and do your jobs well. With the Zhenzhou Yan Clan reduced to ash, security across the region has collapsed—embers may yet reach southern Anhui. While I’m gone, double the perimeter patrols. Understood?”
I issued the command coldly and turned to leave.
“Ugh……!”
Behind me, someone’s breath caught, and I heard hot air being drawn sharply inward.
Namgung stood trembling, clutching a brush dripping wet with ink.
“Ah—! Clan Leader……!”
“What is it now?”
“What manner of weighty and gentle severity is this!”
“What?”
With tears streaming down his face, Namgung launched into an impassioned speech directed at the three of them.
“Our Clan Leader worries more about a mere spark that may reach those left behind than about the mortal peril toward which he travels! Moreover, he strips away his own noble act of rescue as mere cold calculation, all to ease your minds—behold such Mountain-like magnanimity!”
“That’s not—stop it!”
I protested, but this damnable fool had clearly been blinded by admiration once again.
“……Ah!”
Jegal Un covered his mouth with the White Feather Fan, his shoulders trembling violently,
“How vast and deep must your heart be? To concern yourself with us when you bear such trials yourself!”
Jang Ho struck his own chest with his fist, his eyes reddening with emotion.
“As the clan leader wills…… we shall remain here and ensure all is prepared.”
Hye Gwang, visibly moved, pressed his palms together and bowed his head.
“No, listen to me for a moment——”
“Then let’s go out and do our part for Namgung!”
They locked arms as one and rose from their seats, striding from the room.
This accursed Orthodox Faction den, where any word became transmuted into noble sacrifice the moment it left your lips.
Watching these bright-eyed fanatics who refused all reason, I pressed my fingers to my forehead as the blood drained from my face.
“……This is going to drive me mad. Really.”
Only the helpless sigh of the former Heavenly Demon Exalted One hung heavy in the study.

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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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