The Introverted Heavenly Demon - Chapter 83

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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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The Introverted Heavenly Demon Episode 083
Dongbang Family Head
It was an unexpected turn of events.
I was walking along a deserted mountain path, following Dongbang Cheon.
‘What kind of hearing is this?’
Dongbang Cheon said he wanted to verify my abilities in a place where we were alone, just the two of us.
He even added to the Sect Leader, ‘Don’t worry, I won’t kill him.’
What I hadn’t anticipated was that the Sect Leader accepted Dongbang Cheon’s request without hesitation.
I had no idea what Dongbang Cheon might do under the pretext of verifying my abilities, yet the Sect Leader agreed to his demand.
Did he not care if his precious son suffered harm at the hands of the Dongbang Family Head?
“This should be far enough.”
When a fairly spacious open field appeared in the middle of the coniferous forest, Dongbang Cheon came to a halt.
“Impressive skill.”
“…?”
“I never imagined you’d completely subdue them in such a short time. They may have their foolish moments, but they are Family Heads of prominent houses, after all.”
Dongbang Cheon claimed he wanted to verify my martial prowess, yet he suddenly began praising my performance at the hearing.
Now that we were alone, his speech naturally became more casual, and with the additional remarks he tacked on, it was somewhat ambiguous whether this was genuine praise or not.
“Just as you said, they were foolish individuals.”
“…?”
“They receive stipends from the Main Sect, yet they doubt the abilities of the one the Sect Leader has marked as his successor, comparing me to the young master of your esteemed house. Their foolishness goes beyond mere lack of judgment—it borders on incompetence, does it not?”
I returned his pointed remark in kind, though as an introvert, I inwardly worried whether I was provoking Dongbang Cheon’s displeasure.
Considering what lay ahead, deliberately antagonizing him in this manner was hardly a wise course of action.
Yet for some reason, I had no desire to appear cowed before this man.
“Your gaze remains sharp even now.”
Dongbang Cheon, however, seemed unaffected by my words, and instead gazed at my face while muttering this cryptic observation to himself.
“You must have been misunderstood many times because of that gaze…”
His cryptic words ended there.
I struggled to conceal my timid heart as I asked Dongbang Cheon a question.
“More importantly, you said you wanted to verify my martial abilities. How do you intend to do so?”
When I cut to the point without prolonging the conversation, Dongbang Cheon smiled as if amused.
“You’re fourteen years old, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm. Then you’re at an age when martial prowess grows by leaps and bounds. Judging by the internal energy I sense—more than ten years’ worth—the rumors that you’ve already surpassed the first rank seem to be true.”
“…Yes.”
“What about a sparring match with me?”
“…!”
“No, that would be premature.”
When the word “sparring” left Dongbang Cheon’s lips, I couldn’t help but flinch in surprise, if only for a moment.
Though it was difficult for me to properly gauge his level at my current stage, the rumors I’d heard and the energy I sensed made it clear he had reached the pinnacle or beyond.
With such a vast gap in martial prowess, I would inevitably be overwhelmed the moment we began sparring, and I might even suffer irreversible internal injuries.
Of course, if that truly came to pass, even for someone of his stature—a senior so far removed in generation—it would be a shame so profound he could never walk with his head held high beneath the heavens.
Therefore, Dongbang Cheon surely had no intention of engaging in a martial contest from the very beginning.
“Let us do this instead.”
It did not take long for Dongbang Cheon, who had been lost in thought, to speak again.
“I shall impart to you one of my martial techniques here and now.”
“Pardon?”
“And five days hence, I shall evaluate here how much you have mastered that technique.”
“I’m not entirely certain I understand….”
“What is there not to understand? Considering your age—a time when you should be learning—this method is the most equitable. Rather than assessing your current martial prowess, I shall test your potential by observing the speed at which you acquire new techniques.”
I blinked, turning over Dongbang Cheon’s words in my mind.
Yet no matter how much I pondered, the fact remained that I could not fully comprehend his proposal.
Of course, the evaluation method he proposed was sound and posed no problems in itself.
What I could not understand was that the one making this proposal was none other than the Dongbang Family Head.
“So you’re saying you will teach me a martial technique, Senior?”
“Indeed. Have you heard of the martial techniques of our family? If there is a technique you wish to learn, speak freely.”
“Any technique at all, sir?”
“Yes, any technique whatsoever.”
From a family that had competed for generations over control of the sect, he was offering to teach me a martial technique?
And without compensation?
Could this be some kind of trap?
Perhaps he intended to assassinate me under the guise of teaching me martial arts?
As such suspicions flooded my mind, I felt an overwhelming urge to abandon all thoughts of qualification and verification.
However, since Dongbang Cheon had obtained the Sect Leader’s permission to test me, I had no choice but to accept his proposal.
Besides, as a Minor Sect Leader, I could not afford to show fear and flee.
Moreover.
‘If all goes well, this could become an extraordinary opportunity.’
Viewed differently, I had seized the chance to freely acquire one martial technique from the Dong Bang Family—a rival house with considerable renown throughout the Kangho Murim.
Once I reached the conclusion that there was no need for further deliberation, my mind grew lighter.
“Then let us proceed as you suggest. You did say I could choose any technique I wish, correct?”
“Of course. Have you made your decision?”
“Yes, I have.”
I possessed some knowledge of the martial techniques of the Dong Bang Family.
I briefly considered which technique to select, but in truth, there was little deliberation required.
There was a technique I needed at this very moment, and the Dong Bang Family’s version of it was regarded as superior to the Sun and Moon Divine Sect’s—earning the evaluation of being unparalleled throughout the Kangho.
“Please teach me the Counterattack Form.”
“The Counterattack Form, you say….”
Upon hearing my words, Dongbang Cheon narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chin with his thumb.
“I said any technique would be acceptable, but you certainly make a bold request. Are you asking this knowing of our family’s Half-Moon Returning Blade Form?”
“Of course I am aware of it.”
“Whether you truly understand it or not, that technique is the supreme skill that has elevated the Dong Bang Family’s renown throughout Tianxia in this age. It is regarded as a counterattack form without equal in the Kangho Murim….”
“Yes, Senior. That is precisely why I wish to learn it.”
“Then you are aware that this technique is a secret martial art passed down only to the Family Head’s successor? It has never been taught to anyone outside the direct bloodline of the Dong Bang Family.”
Dongbang Cheon’s eyes gleamed with a sharpness I had never seen before as he posed the question.
“I am aware. That is exactly why I wish to learn it. Did you not say I could request any martial art I desired?”
Of course, I understood that what I was asking for would be difficult for Dongbang Cheon to accept.
To ask for the family’s secret techniques after being told any martial art would be taught to me—wasn’t that the mentality of a thief?
This was, in essence, a means to pressure Dongbang Cheon.
A way to impose psychological burden on him, forcing him to retract his words moments after speaking them, despite my unreasonable request as a junior.
“You certainly have nerve. I like that. Very well, then.”
“…?”
Wait—he’s actually accepting this?
“Are you truly certain, Senior?”
“Of course. You have clearly made your resolve known, so it would be improper of me as your senior to refuse, would it not?”
Sufficient resolve?
The moment I heard those words, an uneasy thought crept into my mind—had I made a terrible mistake?
“Listen well, Minor Sect Leader. The Half-Moon Returning Blade Technique of the Dong Bang Family is a martial art passed down only to the legitimate heir, and throughout generations, many have suffered grave injuries or death when learning it without adequate preparation.”
“….”
“If your talent is insufficient, you could die learning the Half-Moon Returning Blade Technique. Surely you were not unaware of this?”
“Wait, please.”
I had never once considered that learning a martial art would require me to stake my very life.
Only then did I realize the magnitude of what I had just done, and a chill ran down my spine.
“I will give you time to reconsider.”
Dongbang Cheon folded his arms and tilted his head back slightly, looking down at me as he spoke.
My mind became hopelessly tangled.
An opportunity had come to obtain a supreme martial art I desperately needed, but if it required risking my life, anyone would hesitate.
Yet surprisingly, my deliberation did not last long.
I steeled my resolve and asked Dongbang Cheon a single question.
“Senior, did Dong Bang Heon receive instruction in the Half-Moon Returning Blade Technique?”
“…Yes, he did. At fourteen years old—your current age.”
“Then that is sufficient.”
“I ask once more. Learning the Half-Moon Returning Blade Technique could result in your death or permanent disability. Are you truly resolved?”
“Yes. I humbly request that you teach me the Half-Moon Returning Blade Technique.”
“Hmm.”
Dongbang Cheon’s expression grew grave as he seemed to contemplate my words.
But I was confident I would harbor no further doubts or regrets.
Though I had never met him in person, Dong Bang Heon was the only true rival for the Sect Leader position, with rumors of talent rivaling my own and proven capability.
If Dong Bang Heon could achieve it, so could I.
And if Dong Bang Heon succeeded where I failed, perhaps I should abandon my claim to the Sect Leader position altogether.
Dongbang Cheon posed a question to me.
“I have been curious about this since the Hearing.”
“Yes, Senior.”
“Why do you do such a thing?”
“What do you mean?”
“It is not easy for someone your age to stake their life on something. What is the driving force that propels you toward a place where death awaits?”

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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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