The Introverted Heavenly Demon - Chapter 85

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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 085
What If
“Sigh… this is not easy.”
Baek So Cheong extended her hand toward me as I lay sprawled on the ground, but I could not bring myself to grasp it and rise. Instead, I hung my head in defeat.
‘Why can’t I do this?’
Theoretically, I have already mastered the principles of absorbing an opponent’s force perfectly.
Yet when it comes to actual practice, executing it proves far more difficult than anticipated.
It feels as though I am missing something….
“Do not despair, Minor Sect Leader. The Half Moon Return Blade Technique is a secret art of the Dong Bang Family, after all. Learning it in merely five days was unrealistic from the start….”
“I have already promised to complete it within five days. Moreover, I need not master the technique itself—only the fundamental entry stage. If I cannot accomplish even this, I am unfit to be Sect Leader. It would be better to yield my position to Dong Bang Heon.”
These were not idle words.
Though I received instruction in the entry stage of the Half Moon Return Blade Technique from Dongbang Cheon, the true essence of this technique lies in how flexibly one can employ it in actual combat—this much cannot be overstated.
To properly execute the Half Moon Return Blade Technique in real combat, I must discern my opponent’s weaknesses within the flow of attack and defense, identify only those strikes infused with sufficient force to break their stance, and then unfold my counter-techniques.
Yet even now, immediately after my opponent announces their attack, I cannot mount a proper counter.
If this continues, I will not only fail the test of the Dongbang Family Head, but may be forced to abandon the techniques I worked so hard to learn at the entry stage itself.
Young Ho Bin, observing my anxious state, spoke.
“Did the Dongbang Family Head not explain some technique or method to you? Would it not help to retrace his words once more?”
A technique or method….
Upon hearing this, I began to carefully retrace the words Dongbang Cheon had explained to me, one by one.
As Young Ho Bin pointed out, there might be something I overlooked among what he told me that day in the Coniferous Forest.
‘He must have said to attack with all your strength!’
Wait—was it not the case that Dongbang Cheon told me something like that?
But before my thoughts could continue, a group of people entering the Training Grounds disrupted my concentration.
“Minor Sect Leader!”
A middle-aged man leading the group approaching me from afar greeted me with a warm smile.
It was Im Myeong Woon, one of the Family Heads of the Four Great Families.
Behind him followed the other Family Heads of the Four Great Families, and beyond them came what appeared to be servants from each clan, each pushing carts laden with various items as they approached me.
“Our lord is currently in training. What brings you here?”
Young Ho Bin stepped forward with barely concealed wariness, but I gestured for him to step aside and stood before them, receiving their greetings.
“It seems you are preparing to return to your families.”
“Indeed, Minor Sect Leader. We have come to pay our respects before our departure.”
Though earlier than originally planned, I had required Young Ho Bin’s assistance, so the training of their disciples was already complete.
The Family Heads had finished their hearing regarding me, met with the Sect Leader and the leadership of the Sect Headquarters to conclude matters concerning the Divine Sect’s affairs, and had no further business at the Headquarters.
I glanced sideways at the carts positioned behind the group and asked.
“But what are those things in the back?”
“They are humble gifts we have prepared in hopes of your continued prosperity, Minor Sect Leader. We fear our judgment may be lacking and hope you will accept them despite our inadequacy.”
“Hmm….”
The Four Great Families had clearly decided their position.
The respectful manner in which they now treated me since the hearing, and their eagerness to present gifts as they departed, could only be interpreted as their acknowledgment that they would no longer challenge the authority of the Minor Sect Leader, the current Sect Leader’s successor.
“I shall accept them gratefully. Please deliver them to Gwak Sam Chong Gwan. When do you depart?”
The faces of the Four Great Families’ Family Heads, who had been watching my reaction, brightened instantly.
My acceptance of their gifts signified that I would welcome the Four Great Families’ submission.
“I have decided to depart from the Sect Headquarters at dawn two days from now.”
“I hope you will forgive me for not escorting you far, as my trials are not yet complete.”
“Oh my, how could you say such a thing? The Minor Sect Leader must be terribly busy with affairs of state.”
“Sister, I apologize, but I would be grateful if you could escort the Family Heads in my stead.”
“Yes, Minor Sect Leader.”
By the time they departed, I would be undergoing my trial with Dongbang Cheon to test my progress with the Half Moon Return Blade Technique.
The fact that they were leaving without even checking the results suggested they believed I would naturally pass.
To avoid disappointing their faith in me, I had no choice but to pass the trial.
But then.
“Minor Sect Leader.”
Shortly after the Four Great Families’ Family Heads and their attendants left the Training Grounds, a woman approached me and greeted me again.
It seemed Jin Seol had come to the Training Grounds with the Family Heads to see me.
“Miss Jin. What brings you here?”
“I came because there is something urgent I must tell you.”
As she spoke, Jin Seol glanced around as if she had more to say.
I sensed her intention and quickly introduced her to Baek So Cheong.
“Sister, this is Jin Seol, a Disciple of the Ma Yeon Palace. Miss Jin has helped me greatly in preparing for this family trial.”
“Ma Yeon Palace Disciple Jin Seol greets Baek Young Lady. Please forgive my late introduction.”
Baek So Cheong received Jin Seol’s greeting with a smile and responded.
“So you are Miss Jin. I have heard much about you from the Minor Sect Leader. You are indeed as beautiful as I heard.”
“Sister, when did I ever tell you about Miss Jin?”
“Ah….”
A faint blush crept across Jin Seol’s pale complexion, and when I glanced at Baek So Cheong, her expression seemed unusually mischievous compared to her usual demeanor.
“Young girl, I am hardly deserving of being called a beauty. Baek Young Lady, you are truly as beautiful as the rumors suggest.”
“Please, Miss Jin. If I may ask, how old are you this year?”
“I have just turned twenty.”
“My goodness. That makes you six years older than the Minor Sect Leader and two years younger than me. You are in your prime, aren’t you?”
“…?”
“Sister. ‘In your prime’? What kind of rude remark is that?”
“Why? Does the Minor Sect Leader not prefer older women? Six years is just right.”
“Good heavens, it seems you are saying all manner of strange things.”
Jin Seol’s cheeks flushed deeper than before, and the smile on Baek So Cheong’s face grew more mischievous.
Baek So Cheong had recently taken particular delight in teasing me this way.
“In any case, let us be close friends. Do visit Jeokwol Palace often.”
“Thank you for your kind words, Baek Young Lady.”
Baek So Cheong soon drew close to Jin Seol, grasped both her hands firmly, and smiled brightly.
Jin Seol seemed somewhat uncomfortable, yet she did not dislike Baek So Cheong’s warm welcome.
In any case, the sight of these two exceptionally beautiful young women, who were called the Twin Beauties of the Divine Sect among the younger disciples, standing together was indeed as lovely as a painting.
Hmm… This is hardly the time to be making idle conversation.
“Miss Jin, you said you had something to tell me?”
“Yes, if it’s not too much trouble, could I speak with you privately for a moment?”
“It’s not a problem, but….”
In that instant, a thought about the Half Moon Return Blade Technique that I had abandoned mid-contemplation suddenly reconnected in my mind.
“Miss Jin. Before that, could you help me with something?”
“Pardon?”
“Actually, I received instruction in the Half Moon Return Blade Technique, a counter-technique, from Dongbang Cheon, the Family Head. I need a training partner to help me practice.”
Baek So Cheong and Young Ho Bin simultaneously tilted their heads, their faces marked with question marks.
Two first-rate martial artists were already assisting me, so they wondered if I truly needed additional help.
“Could I be of assistance to you, Minor Sect Leader?”
Jin Seol asked me the same question, seemingly thinking along similar lines, but I answered with confidence.
“Of course. Are you not yourself a first-rate martial artist? Moreover….”
Jin Seol happened to be one of only three first-rate martial artists under thirty in the entire Sect Headquarters, possessing martial prowess more than sufficient to aid my training.
But there was something even more important than that.
“The truth is, my progress doesn’t advance well when practicing with Young Ho and my sister.”
“Minor Sect Leader?”
At this point, Baek So Cheong and Young Ho Bin displayed expressions of bewilderment tinged with considerable disappointment.
I could not claim to misunderstand their feelings.
It was not that their abilities were lacking.
Rather, I was confident that my judgment—that the two of them could not effectively aid me in practicing the Half Moon Return Blade Technique—was sound.
“Do not misunderstand. It is simply that because these two cannot attack me with their full strength, our practice does not progress well. We have known each other for so long and are close—surely this is unavoidable, is it not?”
“Ah….”
This stemmed from the inherent nature of the Half Moon Return Blade Technique itself.
Since it is a technique that redirects an opponent’s attack by utilizing the martial force contained within it, a proper counter-strike cannot manifest unless the opponent’s attack carries genuine killing intent.
Of course, if the technique’s mastery were to deepen, matters would differ, but since I am still in the foundational stages of the Half Moon Return Blade Technique, my reasoning should hold true.
Why else would it be said that in the process of a father transmitting this technique to his child, the child sometimes dies?
Is it not because the one transmitting must attack with all their strength for the technique to be properly executed?
Therefore, Jin Seol, who harbored no particular affection for me, was the only suitable training partner.
After hearing my explanation, Jin Seol, who had been lost in thought for a moment, finally spoke.
“Minor Sect Leader. But… do you think I could do this properly?”
“Of course. I believe you can.”
“Even if… I were to harbor romantic feelings for you?”
“…!”
At Jin Seol’s sudden bombshell confession, my pupils, along with those of Baek So Cheong and Young Ho Bin, dilated sharply.

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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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