The Heavenly Demon of the Blue Sky - Chapter 63

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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, Episode 063
To prepare for the Blood Cult’s invasion, Namgung moved with the precision of an interlocking gear system.
From the window of the Clan Head’s office, he gazed down across the domain.
“Screeeee—!”
A hawk’s cry, piercing high through the sky, split the air above Cheonju Mountain.
The talents of the Seomun Clan, led by Seomun Ho, and Namgung Gyeong’s scout unit had released the birds to maintain rigorous vigilance.
At the slightest suspicious sign, the two deputy clan heads of Taesan—Ak Jin and Hwangbo Gang—would immediately lead mounted patrols, raising clouds of dust in swift response.
In the main headquarters’ medical hall, Dang So Yeon and the talents of the Sichuan Dang Clan worked without pause alongside Namgung’s physicians, constantly preparing vast quantities of antidotes.
Yeo Hwa’s Hyomyeong Unit, the Shaolin warrior monks under Master Hye Gwang, and Jang Ho’s Beggar Clan members were organized into squads, fortifying the entire Namgung village with an iron grip.
Inside and out, the defenses had grown immovable.
Knock, knock.
With the sound of knuckles against the office door, Jegal Un appeared.
In his hands he carried the Corpse Resurrection Technique, obtained not long ago after slaying the Corpse Demon.
“Regarding the secret manual that you instructed me to decipher, Clan Head, I have achieved results of considerable significance.”
Though his face showed exhaustion, his eyes gleamed with the keen brilliance of a scholar.
He set the papers on the desk and explained what he had uncovered.
“It is a truly horrifying demonic art—one that forcibly seizes and confines the vengeful spirit and vital essence of the dead before they scatter. Because it violates the natural order and principle of the world, the creatures born from it rampaged like monsters.”
And the means by which to control that rampage was none other than talismans.
Jegal Un withdrew from his sleeve a talisman inscribed with crimson characters on yellow paper.
“As you know, the primary materials for crafting these talismans are the blood of a rooster brimming with Yang Energy, cinnabar, and ash from a peach tree struck by lightning. Chicken blood has long been revered as imbued with spiritual essence, and in shamanic rituals is it not employed as a sacred medium to cleanse impurity and repel malevolent spirits?”
“Yet the Blood Cult reversed that principle.”
“Precisely. They wove together materials of pure Yang Energy with incantations of demonic art, creating a leash that suppresses vengeful spirits seeking liberation, forcing them into submission to obey the sorcerer’s commands.”
Jegal Un shook his head slowly, exhaling softly.
“I have heard that the Blood Cult itself once originated as a sect of Daoists devoted to cultivation in ancient times. Yet now they desecrate tombs, refining rotting corpses, and enslaving even the very souls of the dead. Fallen though they are, they remain human—how can they show such contempt and defilement toward the deceased? It is utterly tragic.”
I gazed out the window and answered in a bitter voice.
“The living, blinded by desire, are far more cruel than any ghost.”
“…Clan Head.”
“The Blood Cult’s ultimate goal is not simple pleasure. They seek to devour the blood, flesh, and very souls of others to secure their own eternal existence. What do you think would become of the world if the Blood Cult were to dominate all under heaven?”
I turned to face Jegal Un, my eyes cold and grave.
“The living would suffer endless torment as test subjects, and the dead would have their bones shattered to be forged into corpse demons. An eternal hell would open—a moment’s peace in sleep forever denied.”
“Such a fate must never come to pass. Fortunately, by deciphering the secret manual, we have learned the method to craft these talismans that control the corpse demons.”
Despite his hopeful words, a dark shadow fell across Jegal Un’s face.
“However… there is one problem.”
“What is it?”
“The Blood Cult was willing to freely teach the Corpse Resurrection Technique to outsiders like the Jinjueon Clan, which suggests the technique they possess is surely ancient or inferior. I cannot guarantee that these talismans will exert proper restraint against the higher-tier corpse demons we will face going forward.”
With continued research and experience, they might enhance the talismans’ efficacy, but for now there was no certainty they would work as needed.
As I listened to Jegal Un’s anxious report, I stroked my chin thoughtfully.
‘If individual talismans lack power…’
As always, when direct force fails, one must find another way.
I found a method in my mind to amplify the talismans’ efficacy.
“Even if individual strength is weak, when organized into a system and gathered in formation, cannot great power be generated? The talismans, as part of nature itself, should make this possible.”
I then issued a new command.
“If a single talisman’s controlling force is insufficient, why not weave thousands of talismans together into one vast net?”
I tapped the talisman on the desk with my finger.
“Beyond the protective talismans distributed to soldiers individually, we place countless talismans throughout Namgung at strategic locations in advance. And if we bind their power together using the Jegal Clan’s Qimen Dunjia and formation methods? The talismans’ power would amplify, transforming the entire area into a massive barrier that corpse demons cannot easily penetrate or traverse.”
Jegal Un’s eyes widened as though they might burst from my audacious proposal.
“Heavens…! Weaving together shamanic sorcery and Daoist formation methods—such disparate arts as one…! It is a truly novel approach.”
“I merely offered a thought without knowing if it would work. What do you say—will you take it on?”
“Of course. I cannot guarantee success as you say, but it is an idea worth pursuing. I shall stake the Jegal Clan’s name on making this succeed!”
This undertaking would prove valuable experience for the Jegal Clan as well.
Jegal Un, recognizing this too, wore an expression alight with passion.
He gathered the talisman and secret manual and strode from the office with determination.
“Summon all the Jegal scholars! We shall overlay a special formation beneath the Azure Heaven of Namgung!”
Several days later.
Jegal Un and the talents of the Jegal Clan worked day and night without rest, drawing thousands of talismans in rooster’s blood, positioning them with precision along the outer walls and key passages of Namgung.
And finally.
“Clan Head! We are activating the Formation Eye!”
In the courtyard below the office, Jegal Un raised the White Feather Fan and cried out.
“Deploy the Taiyi Evil-Repelling Grand Formation!”
Taiyi spoke of the pure, sacred essence of Daoism, while Evil-Repelling meant to drive away malevolent forces.
A grand formation meant literally a vast Formation Method or barrier.
“Heed my command!”
The talented members of the Jegal Clan placed their hands on the talismans and poured their energy into them.
Whoooosh—!
At that same instant, thousands of affixed talismans blazed with crimson light.
Weaving together like a spider’s web, they formed a vast, transparent hemispherical barrier that engulfed the entire Namgung domain.
It was a spectacular sight, as though a birdcage had descended to swallow Namgung whole.
For a moment the air shimmered like heat haze, but soon the landscape settled back into serene calm.
“Mm, excellent.”
Living, ordinary people felt no obstruction or oppressive weight whatsoever.
They perceived only a refreshing coolness, as though a pleasant breeze had brushed their cheeks.
But the moment a Corpse Demon animated by unholy Demonic Art set foot within this barrier, everything would change.
The suppressive force emanating from thousands of talismans would act like a vast swamp, pressing down upon the body with crushing weight.
In truth and in fact, a snare had been completed—the living catching hold of the dead man’s trouser cuff.
“Success, Clan Head! We shall continue expanding the barrier’s reach outward and reinforce its density!” Jegal Un called out eagerly, fanning himself below the window.
Jegal Un waved his fan enthusiastically from beneath the window.
I nodded lightly, leaning against the office window.
I lifted my gaze and slowly surveyed Namgung spread out beneath the clear sky.
Jegal Un, perspiring as he refined the barrier.
Beyond him, Yeo Hwa driving the Hyomyeong Unit in the training grounds.
Jang Ho and Hye Gwang, laughing and bantering as they inspected weapons.
Dang So Yeon and the physician hurrying back and forth with medicinal herbs.
Seol Hwa attending to household affairs, Yeon Hwa and Han Seok San reinforcing the watchtower.
Below them, Seomun Ho, Ak Jin, and Hwangbo Gang leading hawks and horses.
And Namgung Gyeong, organizing merchant goods on the platform, who caught sight of me and waved brightly.
With one heart and one purpose, each labored at their post to give their utmost.
‘Not bad at all.’
My enclosure, my people, and my Namgung.
At this strange, unfamiliar sense of security that filled one corner of my chest—
I exhaled the smoke from the tobacco pipe I held between my lips in a long plume, and smiled with an ease and clarity uncharacteristic of myself.
* * *
At that same hour, in a vast underground cavern nestled beneath some unknown ruins.
In that place where chill dampness and the stench of blood hung thick, dozens of heavy coffins stood in grotesque rows, perfectly aligned in columns and lines.
Screeeech—!
From within those coffins came a constant, bone-chilling chorus—bones twisting, nails raking against wooden planks.
“Hehehehe… Perfect. Absolutely perfect!”
Sin Ma, the commander of the Blood Cult’s sorcerous unit, the Blood Spirit Squad, shuffled forward on his lame leg between the coffins, laughing with sinister relish.
The corpses of masters, exhumed from the ancestral grounds of the Jinjueon Clan.
Those bodies, which in life had boasted formidable martial prowess, had now been refined through Sin Ma’s Demonic Art into instruments of slaughter that knew neither pain nor fear.
For the vengeance of his dead brother and his master Sa Do Mu, all that remained was to wait for the moment to march upon Namgung.
Pad, pad.
Then suddenly, several black-clad figures appeared at the entrance.
“I grant you credit for swiftly exhuming the graves of the Jinjueon Clan and securing the corpses of those masters.”
A portly elder of the Blood Cult appeared, flanked by his personal guards.
“However, you have moved without reporting to the sect. Return at once with the Corpse Demons of the Jinjueon Clan!”
Sin Ma’s brow twitched at the peremptory command.
He regarded the unwelcome visitor with disdain, raising his eyebrows.
“Return to the sect? I am on the very brink of commencing my blood vengeance!”
“There will be other opportunities. For now, obey the order.”
There had been reasons the Blood Cult had not hastily deployed its Corpse Demons before now.
It was difficult to obtain intact corpses of true masters suitable for resurrection.
“Already the existence of Corpse Demons has been exposed to the Martial World because of the Jinjueon matter. Look at the Seomun Clan—they have burned all their fallen kin to ash, denying us even that resource.”
For this reason, the Corpse Demons Sin Ma had acquired from the Jinjueon Clan were all the more precious.
“All of these are assets of the sect. Do not waste them on petty personal vengeance. Surrender them at once.”
The elder ordered his guards to begin moving the coffins.
But Sin Ma stepped forward to block the way, his eyes flashing with sinister malice.
“Nonsense! How is the exposure of the Corpse Resurrection Technique my fault? I merely followed the sect’s orders. It was my brother who stepped forward to remedy the situation, and he was slain by the Namgung Clan Head. How can I stand idle knowing this? These coffins will be used to annihilate Namgung and settle the debt of my brother’s anguish!”
“What?! You wretch! When Sa Do Mu fell, you and your entire unit came under my command! Are you now refusing an order from your direct superior!”
The elder exploded in fury, bearing down on Sin Ma.
“Come to your senses! The Namgung Clan Head has already rescued the Seomun Clan from Shanxi and led the martial masters of Taesan back to Cheonju Mountain with confidence! Is that all? He has received the Beggar Clan, Shaolin, and even the Jegal Clan as guests, assembling an iron-clad force! And you think to lead a mere squad into that tiger’s lair? What madness possesses you!”
The elder, citing the gap in actual military strength, was attempting to break Sin Ma’s resolve.
Yet Sin Ma only let out a bitter, scornful laugh, as though appalled by the elder’s audacity.
“Khrhr…… You? My superior?”
Dragging his staff, he shuffled forward toward the elder with deliberate, creaking steps.
“When my master died, you crept about bearing bribes to claim his seat for yourself—and now you presume to reprimand me as though you were my true master? It’s repugnant beyond measure.”
“Y-you impudent dog!”
At Sin Ma’s relentless insults, the elder’s face flushed a deep crimson.
The warriors guarding the elder surged forward as well, their killing intent radiating in palpable waves.
“How dare you!”
At that very moment, countless shadows began to crawl forth from the thick darkness of the underground cavern.
“……?!”
The corpse assassin squad of the dead Gu Ma, who had remained in the sect.
The Blood Spirit Squad—a grotesque sorcerous unit that followed Sin Ma.
And even the cruel disciples who had once owed great debts to Sa Do Mu in life.
The number of figures emerging from the darkness had already reached several hundred.
Not merely a single unit, but an elite force assembled that could grind even a single elder to dust without leaving bone or sinew behind.
“Eeek……!”
Confronted by the ominous killing intent that surrounded him, the elder’s courage drained away, and he found himself stumbling backward.
Sin Ma had already sidled close enough to whisper into his ear like a serpent.
“So, if you are to be my superior, keep your wits about you.”
“Ungh…….”
“If you wish to continue drawing breath and swaggering about the sect, then watch—watch us grind the Namgung to pulp and erase them from the world.”
At Sin Ma’s sinister threat, the elder nodded, all color drained from his face.
“Y-yes, I shall. I’ll hold my tongue and remain quiet in my corner.”
Then, dusting off the elder’s shoulders with a pat-pat, Sin Ma curled his lips into a bitter smile.
“If the Seomun Clan was rescued safely, what became of the pursuing forces?”
“The riders of Manshu Ma Valley lost control and were savagely torn apart by the wolves they rode. The wolves themselves suffered grave internal injuries and died to the last beast.”
Sin Ma was not one to sympathize with bad news or others’ misfortune.
“Excellent. Kehehehehe.”
He burst into mad laughter, his staff thudding against the ground again and again.
“Need we worry about lacking material to forge into Corpse Demons? We already have plenty of corpses lying about.”
“Surely you don’t mean……!”
Then, whipping his head around, he bellowed to his subordinates.
“At once—scour every last corpse of those wolves and every body from Manshu Ma Valley and bring them here! What good does it do the Namgung’s Clan Head to gather his own forces when the dead rise again and come tearing at us from before his very eyes? The best he can hope for is that it’s all a nightmare, or he’ll be pissing himself in terror! Kehehehehe!”

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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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