Chapter 99
Chapter 99
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 99
Chapter Title: Peng Yeonhwa's Wrath
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The Black Demon King stroked his chin and muttered to himself. It had ended in an instant, but it had been quite the spectacle.
The only regrettable part was that his opponent hadn't been strong enough, so Wi Seongcheon hadn't been able to unleash his full power. Even so, that split-second strike was more than enough to earn high praise.
"How was the west side?"
There was no one behind the Black Demon King. He was now sitting on the roof of a building, overlooking the sparring grounds from the VIP seats in the stands.
"It was entertaining on the eyes. But nothing surprising."
The western sparring ground had featured several noteworthy students. The Heavenly Person Mu Yeonjun, Sword Peak Woo Haryeon, and Power Bone Hwangbo Seongu. If you lowered the bar a bit, even the Beggars' Sect's Mokgeol Bangjun was decent enough to watch.
That was it. It had been pleasing to the eyes, but nothing shocking.
"If you'd come a little earlier, you would have seen something interesting."
The voice chuckled lowly.
"That's the pity. It was obvious the Heavenly Person or Sword Peak would win, so I don't know why I bothered going to the western grounds."
"The Poison Needle and Death Ghost spar had a predictable outcome too, but it was worth watching."
"So, did you pass it on?"
The Black Demon King asked in a bored tone.
"I did... but. Well. The choice belongs to the Poison Needle girl."
"You're a strange one."
The Black Demon King slowly rose to his feet. There was nothing more to see in the eastern sparring ground. Little Little Buddha Jinu’s match would come soon, but it held no value.
"If it were your Killing God Dark Current, anyone would covet learning it. To pass it on to the Tang Clan's Poison Needle... Were there no suitable candidates in the Black Forest?"
"There were. But the Poison Needle captivated me more than anyone in the Black Forest."
It was a resolute voice. No matter what else was said, Heavenly Killer wouldn't change his mind.
The master among the Ten Unorthodox Heroes, whose true name was unknown even beyond his moniker, had decided to pass on the technique that earned him the title Heavenly Killer to Poison Needle Dang Heeran.
Dang Heeran's final technique had thoroughly ensnared Heavenly Killer's heart.
"Do as you please. It's not my martial art, after all. But are you confident you can convince Poison Witch?"
"She won't refuse. In the end, it will bring prosperity to the Tang Clan."
"Right. Though it will be misfortune for the unorthodox sects."
The Black Demon King clicked his tongue and turned away. Before leaving the sparring grounds, he glanced at Wi Juseok sitting in the stands.
Heavenly Flower Sect Leader...
The Black Demon King furrowed his brow and muttered.
"He seems to be clinging to life."
"What will you do?"
"What kind of question is that? Leave him be. The current Heavenly Flower Sect Leader has no business with me."
Muttering thus, the Black Demon King leaped from the rooftop.
"But that Latent Dragon boy is quite tempting."
"You have a lot of greed."
"Greed grows with age."
His hearty laughter echoed across the sky.
* * *
She overheard the murmurs.
Paeng Yeonhwa steadied her mind and looked ahead. There was Yeong Sojin, smiling brightly.
The match hadn't even started yet, but she was already envisioning an easy victory.
"What's this about?"
Yeong Sojin sneered.
"Don't you hate standing in front of people?"
Paeng Yeonhwa didn't answer and drew the sword from her back. Seeing that calm face, Yeong Sojin let out a mocking laugh loud enough to be heard. Up until now, Paeng Yeonhwa had never once participated in practical lessons or semester evaluation matches between students.
She was sure to forfeit this time too... Though it was unexpected that she hadn't, nothing would change.
If anything, it was a golden opportunity. Yeong Sojin smiled radiantly and looked up at the stands. The Murim Alliance Leader was absent, but the other dignitaries were watching with eyes full of interest.
The sister of Tiger Vessel. The monster created by the Paeng Clan defying Heaven's will. Rumors abounded, but this was their first time seeing her in person, so their gazes toward Paeng Yeonhwa mixed curiosity, interest, displeasure, and more.
'Perfect.'
Stages like this, drawing such attention, were rare. Rather than wandering the world slaying demonic beasts and defeating demon heads in acts of heroism, showing one's prowess on a stage like this was far better for building fame.
Ding.
Yeong Sojin drew the sword from her waist. The bell on the hilt rang with a clear sound. Paeng Yeonhwa regulated her breathing and glared at the bell.
'Ah.'
Their eyes met.
In the stands behind Yeong Sojin. Wi Seongcheon, who had just sat down in an empty seat with a sigh of relief, came into view.
Fortunately, it hasn't started yet. Thinking that as he took his seat, Wi Seongcheon met Paeng Yeonhwa's eyes and flashed a toothy grin.
"Fool."
Seeing that bright smile made the words slip out unwittingly. At Paeng Yeonhwa's giggle, Yeong Sojin's brow furrowed. Fool? Is she talking to me? No, more than that—why is she suddenly grinning? She had her lips pressed tight just moments ago.
"Unbelievable."
Boom!
The match began. Instantly, Yeong Sojin's eyes took on a faint red glow. The Red-Eyed Soulshake Sword, which had earned her the moniker Red-Eyed Lang Lang, was activating. The sword held before her chest swayed slowly. The bell's sound, moving with the sword, no longer rang ethereally. The deep, sinking tone burrowed into the ears and shook the heart.
"Have you ever experienced a sonic technique?"
"Huh!"
Startled by the voice right beside him, Wi Seongcheon jolted upright. But just before he leaped high, a hand shot out and pinned his shoulder.
Wi Seongcheon froze in an awkward pose.
"Why so startled?"
The one gripping Wi Seongcheon's shoulder was the Black Demon King. Wi Seongcheon calmed his pounding heart and swallowed hard.
He wasn't the only one startled by the Black Demon King's sudden appearance. But the Black Demon King ignored the others' stares and fixed his gaze solely on Wi Seongcheon.
"Y-You spoke so suddenly, of course I was startled."
"Then should I not speak suddenly? Must I announce it first? Asking permission is still speaking suddenly, isn't it?"
The Black Demon King sneered. At a loss for words, Wi Seongcheon cleared his throat lowly.
"...Is that a sonic technique?"
"It's a type of sonic technique. It shakes the soul with bell sounds infused with qi."
The Black Demon King's lip curled up slightly. He turned his head to watch the sparring ground.
"Sonic techniques have clear limits, but if one surpasses them, they become tricky and irritating martial arts."
"Limits?"
"Those with steadfast minds aren't greatly affected by sonic techniques. Even those with profound inner strength are the same."
Wi Seongcheon's expression hardened slightly at those words. The Paeng Yeonhwa he knew couldn't be called steadfast-minded. Sure enough, Paeng Yeonhwa's face had noticeably paled.
"Moreover, that girl's art mixes sonic technique with illusion arts. It can't be called a righteous sect technique at all. It's ultimately a demonic art derived from evil sorcery."
"Well, what matters is the one using it."
"True. Her master, Wind Cloud Kirin, made a name as a hero."
Yeong Sojin moved. The slowly swaying sword shot forward in an instant, targeting Paeng Yeonhwa.
Paeng Yeonhwa's reaction was a beat slower than an attack. She hurriedly dragged her foot back and swung her sword sideways.
Clang!
Amid the sharp metallic clash, the bell sound mingled in.
Yeong Sojin's sword pressed Paeng Yeonhwa with flashy changes. Paeng Yeonhwa retreated repeatedly, focusing on defense. Just as the Black Demon King said.
Yeong Sojin's Red-Eyed Soulshake Sword ensnared the opponent in powerful hypnosis by blending sonic technique and illusion. The bell sound shook the soul, and the red eyes bewitched the mind.
"Not bad."
The Black Demon King muttered. Wi Seongcheon nodded in agreement. She wasn't in the advanced class for nothing. Yeong Sojin's art wielded great power against humans. On top of that, her swordsmanship was excellent.
"Ho-a, that is."
"...Pardon?"
"She's responding, albeit slowly."
At those words, Wi Seongcheon let out a small exclamation. It was just as the Black Demon King said. Against Yeong Sojin's relentless sword strikes, Paeng Yeonhwa was responding surely, if sluggishly. Dodges began mixing into her pure defense.
"This is quite enjoyable."
The Black Demon King smiled faintly. Wi Seongcheon didn't reply, focusing on Paeng Yeonhwa's movements.
"It's worlds apart from five years ago. Back then, Ho-a's mind would have shaken the moment the Red-Eyed Soulshake Sword began."
"...Did you meet her in person five years ago?"
He couldn't help but ask. The Black Demon King nodded.
"I had time. And curiosity. So I went to see her myself."
In the empty Paeng Clan estate, Paeng Yeonhwa lived alone. She hadn't left the clan destroyed by extermination. Without a single servant in that vast, eerie mansion, Paeng Yeonhwa swung her sword like a madwoman.
"The clan wealth remained, so living wasn't too hard. But she looked like an abandoned kitten, left to fend for itself."
"...Did you invite her to join the unorthodox sects out of pity?"
"Not at all. I was tempted. The Paeng Clan's swordsmanship is impressive, but not to covet. But Ho-a's blood... that was impossible to resist."
The Black Demon King bared his teeth in a grin.
"Martial arts can be learned anew anytime. But blood, the body—those are hard to replace. You know that well."
Wi Seongcheon nodded unwittingly. The reverse flow of Heavenly Flower Chain Art forcibly altered one's innate meridians. The training was nightmarishly horrific, something he never wanted to endure again.
"The world calls what the Paeng Clan did defying Heaven's will. But the result is splendid, isn't it? In the end, the Paeng Clan created a monster far beyond humans. Ho-wan and Ho-a. Over generations, they bred and mated beastkin underground to craft the ideal vessel. At the same time, they reworked the Paeng swordsmanship into an art perfectly suited for non-human monsters."
It was the heinous taboo no one dared speak of. Wi Seongcheon had heard the rumors but never once brought it up with Paeng Yeonhwa.
"The fruit of centuries of the Paeng Clan's blood, sweat, and tears—now lost to extermination—is Ho-wan and Ho-a. How could one not be tempted? I ended up leaving after refusal, though."
"...You didn't take her by force."
"What use is dragging someone who refuses?"
The Black Demon King chuckled. Oh! The crowd exclaimed loudly. Paeng Yeonhwa's sword knocked away Yeong Sojin's blade, and her body surged close to Yeong Sojin.
"Eek!"
Yeong Sojin's face twisted. Paeng Yeonhwa's pallor was gone. The vividly activated One-Mind Immovable Heart Resolve gripped her soul firmly. The unease from the initial bell sound was no longer felt.
"I hate you."
Paeng Yeonhwa spat curtly. As Yeong Sojin swung her leaping sword down, the sword in Paeng Yeonhwa's hand spun.
Crack!
The hilt struck Yeong Sojin's wrist hard.
"Ack!"
A scream burst from Yeong Sojin's mouth. Her numbed hand released the sword.
Yeong Sojin's sword clattered to the ground, and Paeng Yeonhwa's left hand—unoccupied by the sword—shot out.
Slap!
Yeong Sojin's head snapped to the side. For a moment, she couldn't comprehend what had happened. Her ears rang sharply, and her cheek burned like fire.
The inside of her cheek, nicked by her canine, throbbed with pain and the taste of blood.
'A slap!'
Yeong Sojin's eyes widened. Swordless, she didn't care. With her reddened eyes gleaming, she lunged to grab Paeng Yeonhwa's hair.
Slap!
Yeong Sojin's face whipped sideways again. It didn't end there. Paeng Yeonhwa grabbed Yeong Sojin's collar with the slapping hand and yanked her close.
Crack!
Paeng Yeonhwa's forehead smashed into Yeong Sojin's nose.
"Argh!"
Yeong Sojin's straight nose crumpled, spurting blood. Paeng Yeonhwa exhaled sharply and tilted her head back.
Thud!
This time, it smashed into her lips. The plump lips burst, blood spraying.
"That must hurt..."
Paeng Yeonhwa's brutal assault made even Wi Seongcheon, watching from afar, shudder. Beside him, the Black Demon King roared with laughter.
"Y-You, mongrel bitch!"
The barrage of slaps and headbutts left Yeong Sojin's head spinning. Humiliation and rage boiled over. Screaming, she clawed at Paeng Yeonhwa's hair.
Mongrel bitch.
She'd heard it plenty. When entering the Heavenly Academy, Yeong Sojin was the first to spit it. She whispered "mongrel" every time she saw Paeng Yeonhwa, pointing fingers as if to be heard. Not once had Paeng Yeonhwa ever lunged at her over it. She believed it wouldn't erase the contempt.
What did it matter? If insults came whether idle or acting, wasn't it better to do as she pleased? Yeong Sojin yanked her hair, but Paeng Yeonhwa didn't make a sound of pain.
Instead, she jammed the sword hilt still in her grip into Yeong Sojin's solar plexus.
"Guh!"
Yeong Sojin's body folded. Paeng Yeonhwa kneed her lowered chin.
Crack!
Yeong Sojin's head snapped back. Paeng Yeonhwa panted, grabbing her hair with her hand.
"Hey."
The pull raised Yeong Sojin's brows. As Paeng Yeonhwa swung her hand, Yeong Sojin's head whipped with it.
"If you ever call me mongrel again."
Crack!
The hair ripped out by the roots fluttered from Paeng Yeonhwa's fist. Yeong Sojin rolled on the ground, screaming as she clutched her scalp. Where hair should be thick, only bumpy skin remained.
"You'll die."
Paeng Yeonhwa growled fiercely, glaring at her. Both slapped cheeks were red and swollen, nose crumpled and lips burst from headbutts, scalp patchy.
More than rage or humiliation, shame and grievance surged.
Paeng Yeonhwa glared at the sobbing Yeong Sojin, then exhaled deeply. She whipped her head toward the supervising professor.
The professor, dazedly alternating glances between Paeng Yeonhwa and Yeong Sojin, belatedly snapped to and cleared his throat loudly.
"V-Victory to Paeng Yeonhwa!"
Hearing the declaration, Paeng Yeonhwa steadied her breath. Her heart pounded wildly. She glanced around the stands.
Belated cheers and applause rang out. The tension finally eased. Legs wobbling, she steadied them and turned her gaze.
Wi Seongcheon, meeting her eyes, smiled radiantly and waved. Seeing it made her heart race oddly.
Paeng Yeonhwa slyly lowered her hand to grip her tail. Sure enough, it was swishing.
"That was a good show."
The Black Demon King chuckled and rose. Wi Seongcheon, clapping, glanced at him.
"Where are you going?"
"Doesn't seem like more fun ahead, so I'm off."
"Flame Flower senior's match is still coming."
"The outcome is obvious."
[Not curious about the Heavenly Flower Sect Leader?]
The telepathic message made Wi Seongcheon's face stiffen.
[I don't know everything about Heavenly Flower Sect, but I know a little about its leader.]
Wi Seongcheon glared silently. At the look, the Black Demon King chuckled and patted his shoulder.
[If you're curious about your father, come find me tonight.]
Leaving those words, the Black Demon King departed the stands.
"...Sorry."