Chapter 511: That Is Why Your Martial Arts Will Be Strong
Chapter 511: That Is Why Your Martial Arts Will Be Strong
The Elder has gone there.
Geom Mu-geuk thought of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon. He pictured the man walking alone, a massive blade strapped to his back.
Ja Gyeong had gone to settle matters there, believing he was more than a match for the old man.
—Master might be in danger.
Worry was etched deep into Seo Dae-ryong’s face.
—How do we find out where that is?
At Seo Dae-ryong’s question, Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze naturally shifted toward Ja Gyeong.
Ja Gyeong, who had been speaking with Bang Cheong-mun, the leader of the Bongsan Sword Gate, glanced back at them. He offered a gentle, easygoing smile. Seeing that, Geom Mu-geuk knew his intuition was correct. Ja Gyeong considered this situation a success.
Geom Mu-geuk smiled broadly back at him. The moment Seo Dae-ryong saw that smile, he knew: Geom Mu-geuk was beginning to swing wide the gates of hell.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke to Ja Gyeong.
“I have something to ask our 'New Hero.'”
“Speak,” Ja Gyeong replied.
The Orthodox martial artists standing nearby held their breath, listening intently to the exchange.
Geom Mu-geuk asked point-blank.
“Where is it?”
A faint, fleeting smile touched the corners of Ja Gyeong’s mouth. He knew exactly what Geom Mu-geuk was asking. Of course, since everyone was watching, Ja Gyeong feigned ignorance.
“I haven't the faintest idea what you mean.”
Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes turned cold and sunken.
“There is something you don’t know about me.”
As Geom Mu-geuk’s attitude toward Ja Gyeong shifted, the surrounding Orthodox martial artists grew tense. Ignoring them, Geom Mu-geuk continued, his eyes fixed solely on Ja Gyeong.
“The reason you are alive right now isn't because of these Orthodox people. It’s not because of whoever is backing you, either.”
Each of Geom Mu-geuk’s words was low, yet piercingly cold.
“You are alive because of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon. I simply didn't know the exact nature of his entanglement with your lot. So, I will ask again. Where is Elder Blade Demon right now?”
Ja Gyeong looked Geom Mu-geuk straight in the eye and answered.
“I truly do not know what you are talking about.”
He was certain that Geom Mu-geuk would never dare attack him in a place filled with Orthodox martial artists. His eyes said as much: So? You’re going to attack me here, with all these Orthodox masters present? If you do, it’ll only confirm that you were the ones behind everything.
“Why are you doing this?” Ja Gyeong asked aloud.
Geom Mu-geuk knew this wasn't the kind of person who would speak just because he was asked; moreover, he was exceptionally skilled at the art of deception. Then again, if he weren't, how could he have hidden his identity as a demonic cultist and lived so perfectly as a chivalrous hero?
Geom Mu-geuk turned to Bang Cheong-mun.
“Please step back for a moment, along with everyone else.”
Bang Cheong-mun was taken aback by the sudden demand. Judging by what had just been said, it seemed the Young Cult Leader and the Huangquan Pavilion Master truly believed the Blue Cloud New Hero was the culprit.
“What do you intend to do?”
“I will reveal who the culprit is right before your eyes.”
Ja Gyeong shouted to Bang Cheong-mun.
“Do not fall for the Demonic Cult’s trickery! Please, help me!”
Even if the Blue Cloud New Hero hadn't asked for help, the situation was not one where the Orthodox leaders could simply step aside. Just as Bang Cheong-mun was about to refuse—
Splash.
Bang Cheong-mun flinched. Before he knew it, he was floating in the sky.
What in the world...?
But as he looked again, it wasn't the sky. He was standing on water, but the surface was so clear that it reflected the heavens perfectly, creating the illusion that he was adrift in the clouds.
The moment he realized this—
Plunge.
Bang Cheong-mun sank into the water. He struggled and resisted, but it was futile. The surface drifted further and further away. His breath grew tight. As the pitch-black darkness of the abyss was added to the terror of suffocation, Bang Cheong-mun could no longer endure.
...I’m going to die like this!
In that instant, the vision vanished.
Geom Mu-geuk was staring at him in silence. Bang Cheong-mun realized then: what he had just experienced was Geom Mu-geuk’s aura.
Gasps erupted from the surroundings. It seemed everyone had felt the same pressure, though each felt it differently. The stronger one's martial arts, the greater the fear they experienced.
That beautiful sky, the water, and the abyss. Could a human truly possess such an aura? Could he neutralize them with nothing but his spirit?
Bang Cheong-mun couldn't believe it. He had heard rumors that the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult was strong, but he hadn't imagined it was to this extent.
If he truly wished it... we would all be slaughtered.
Bang Cheong-mun stared at Geom Mu-geuk with a heart full of dread. Those eyes were as clear and deep as ever. It occurred to him that the man might be exactly like the aura he had just displayed—a deep abyss hidden behind a clear gaze.
In contrast to his terrifying aura, Geom Mu-geuk spoke calmly.
“I give my word as the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. If I am mistaken, I will take full responsibility.”
What if this was a demonic plot? A scheme to kill the Blue Cloud New Hero...
In that moment, Bang Cheong-mun realized something. A man this powerful wouldn't go to such lengths to harm a mere wandering hero—someone who wasn't even the Murim Alliance Leader or a squad leader of the Demon Extermination Squad. He wouldn't stake his name on it.
Bang Cheong-mun spoke to the other leaders.
“Since the Young Cult Leader of the Divine Cult has gone this far, let us step back for a moment.”
The leaders of the invited sects exchanged glances. A few felt they should intervene, but after witnessing Geom Mu-geuk’s overwhelming aura, they didn't dare step forward. Even if problems arose later, Bang Cheong-mun, who had made the decision, would have to bear the responsibility.
Once they had retreated, Geom Mu-geuk turned back to Ja Gyeong.
“You tried to corner the Huangquan Pavilion Master to force him to use the Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form, didn't you?”
Ja Gyeong maintained his denial to the end.
“Is this your way? Framing and eliminating anyone who stands in your path?”
“Yes, this is our way. Yours and mine. Our way.”
“I, the Blue Cloud New Hero, shall never yield to the threats of the Demonic Cult! Come at me, Young Cult Leader!”
Those words weren't meant to provoke Geom Mu-geuk; they were meant to incite the Orthodox martial artists. Then, Geom Mu-geuk said something unexpected.
“I am not the one who will face you.”
Geom Mu-geuk turned to Seo Dae-ryong.
“Huangquan Pavilion Master.”
“Yes, Young Cult Leader.”
“Deal with this man.”
Seo Dae-ryong was inwardly shocked; he hadn't expected to be the one fighting. But it was the following voice transmission that truly startled him.
—Kill him using the Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form! Use it from the very first strike.
Seo Dae-ryong’s eyes widened. You want me to actually kill him?
He wasn't sure if he could, but he had a more pressing concern. If I kill him, how will we find out where Master is?
However, Seo Dae-ryong quickly shook off his doubts. If Geom Mu-geuk said to kill, he would kill. There had to be a reason.
“I will face him.”
Seo Dae-ryong stepped forward.
“I suppose the Young Cult Leader intends to step in only after I’ve exhausted my internal energy,” Ja Gyeong sneered.
He had tried to block Geom Mu-geuk from intervening, and Geom Mu-geuk was playing along.
“Even if the Huangquan Pavilion Master loses, I will not step in. I swear this, too, on the name of the Young Cult Leader.”
Since Geom Mu-geuk had taken this stance, Ja Gyeong stopped trying to provoke the Orthodox martial artists. Otherwise, he would have found a way to drag them in; he knew exactly how to manipulate their pride and honor.
But if it was just this Huangquan Pavilion Master? He could kill him. He was well aware of the man's level of skill.
I’ll kill you with my own hands.
The two men stood facing each other.
—Didn't I tell you? Everyone in this world has an adversary.
Seo Dae-ryong replied to Ja Gyeong’s voice transmission. Seeing that Geom Mu-geuk was putting him forward instead of fighting himself...
—It seems I really am that adversary.
With that final transmission, the two clashed. From the very first move, Seo Dae-ryong unleashed the Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form.
Swooooosh!
An attack of immense power tore through the air.
Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form, First Form: Extermination Blade Single Strike.
If it had been the Seo Dae-ryong of a few days ago, Ja Gyeong might have been able to block the attack using the Orthodox martial arts of the Blue Cloud New Hero. But Seo Dae-ryong’s internal energy had improved significantly after consuming the Blue Jade Divine Pill, and he had received direct instruction in practical combat from Geom Mu-geuk.
This was not an attack that could be blocked casually.
BOOM!
Two bursts of Gang Qi collided in mid-air. Ja Gyeong was shocked and flustered. It was far stronger than he had anticipated.
He’s this powerful?
The problem was that the attack was so fast and overwhelming that he was forced to use the Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form to defend himself. If he hadn't, his arm would have been severed.
The watching Orthodox martial artists couldn't hide their surprise at the unexpected display of power. Because the exchange happened so instantaneously, they hadn't yet clearly realized that the Blue Cloud New Hero had used the same martial art. Only Bang Cheong-mun, the most skilled among them, tilted his head slightly in confusion.
Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form, Second Form: Extermination Blade Wave.
Blade Qi surged out like a tidal wave. If the first form had required everything he had to block, how could he possibly stop the second? Once again, Ja Gyeong countered with the Extermination Blade Wave.
KABOOM!
Along with an ear-splitting explosion, a violent blade wind swept in all directions, pushing the spectators back. At the second clash, Bang Cheong-mun’s eyes widened, and the other leaders took on expressions of dawning realization.
And when the third form, Extermination Blade Blood Wind, collided, everyone knew.
“It’s the same martial art!”
“The New Hero has mastered the Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form!”
Everyone was aghast at the fact that Ja Gyeong knew the technique. Only now did Seo Dae-ryong understand Geom Mu-geuk’s intent. By displaying the Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form himself, everyone would recognize that Ja Gyeong was using the exact same art.
It was only possible because Geom Mu-geuk had perfectly gauged the skills of both men. In the end, Seo Dae-ryong had achieved exactly what Ja Gyeong had tried to do to him.
If you want to live, you’ll have to use the Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form!
Now that his secret was out, Ja Gyeong openly radiated demonic energy and lunged at Seo Dae-ryong. Seo Dae-ryong swung his blade to meet him.
Clang!
The two great blades collided with a thunderous roar. The impact vibrated through their hands. Surprisingly, what Seo Dae-ryong felt was this: I can handle this!
If he couldn't, he would have lost his grip on the blade. Though he had started learning high-level martial arts late, he had trained harder than anyone.
—I don't have enough time to train.
To that complaint, Geom Mu-geuk had once told him:
—That is why your martial arts will be stronger.
—Pardon?
—The experience of living your life earnestly during the day can sometimes overcome training that consists of nothing but swinging a blade all day long. Trust yourself! Trust your experience, and trust your own intelligence!
Normally, Ja Gyeong would have possessed superior skill. However, he had an unforeseen weakness: having used Orthodox martial arts for so long instead of his demonic arts had become a shackle. Conversely, Seo Dae-ryong was in a state of peak sharpness.
Thus, the two fought a neck-and-neck battle.
Slash! Clang! Clang!
Lethal strikes flew in succession. Sparks flew every time their blades, swinging as if to cleave the sky, struck one another. The ground was gouged deep, and the rocks decorating the flower garden were shattered into fragments.
Seo Dae-ryong was in a trance. He didn't even realize he was engaged in a fight that left the watching Orthodox martial artists slack-jawed. The training he had squeezed into every spare moment, sacrificing sleep, was guiding him.
And at the decisive moment, his body moved exactly as Geom Mu-geuk had taught him. Utilizing his footwork, he twisted his body and brought his blade down with a light, almost throwing motion.
Swoosh!
Splurt!
In an instant, both men froze. The one coughing up a mouthful of blood was Ja Gyeong. Seo Dae-ryong’s blade had passed through his shoulder and was buried deep in his torso.
Seo Dae-ryong’s hands trembled. This was the moment he had finally killed an opponent after a desperate struggle against a master. When he was learning it, he had thought it was just another technique, but in actual combat, that one move was a killing stroke that decided victory and defeat.
You taught me such an incredible technique so casually?
Ja Gyeong looked up at Seo Dae-ryong, his face contorted with rage.
“You... you bastard.”
He looked as if he couldn't believe he had lost to Seo Dae-ryong. To lose not to the Young Cult Leader, but to this scrawny wretch? Thinking it was pathetic even to be angry, he forced a smile at Seo Dae-ryong.
“...If you kill me, you’ll never find where the Blood Heaven Blade Demon is.”
The moment he heard Ja Gyeong refer to his master as the 'Blood Heaven Blade Demon,' Seo Dae-ryong felt a sense of relief. This man... he isn't Master’s disciple!
Ja Gyeong tried to use the Blade Demon’s name to survive, but it didn't work on Seo Dae-ryong.
“I was told to kill you, so I'm sure he has a plan.”
The moment he finished speaking, Seo Dae-ryong brought his blade down.
Slice!
Splatter!
Ja Gyeong’s body was split in two, collapsing to either side. The scent of blood filled the air, and the Orthodox martial artists watched with stunned faces.
Seo Dae-ryong didn't see them. The only person he looked for was Geom Mu-geuk. Geom Mu-geuk was looking back at him with a smile.
—Well done, my right hand.
Those few words made Seo Dae-ryong’s heart swell. He was so moved that he felt he could brag about this fight all night—no, for the rest of his life. With his list of boasts growing longer, Seo Dae-ryong grew once more today.
Bang Cheong-mun spoke to Geom Mu-geuk.
“The Young Cult Leader was correct. That man was the culprit.”
He was now certain Ja Gyeong was the perpetrator. A man famous as an Orthodox hero had mastered the Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form? Such a thing was impossible unless he was part of a grand conspiracy.
Through today’s events, the truth would be known to the Orthodox Murim. This had been a plot designed to drive a wedge between the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Orthodox factions.
Geom Mu-geuk bid farewell to Bang Cheong-mun and the other martial artists.
“Thank you for believing me.”
In truth, they had believed him partly because of his overwhelming power, but they were grateful he put it that way.
“If you ever need help, do not hesitate to speak. We will assist you.”
“I shall. Then, we will take our leave for today.”
Geom Mu-geuk and Seo Dae-ryong hurried away from the scene.
“You have an idea of where Master might be, don't you?”
“No.”
Seo Dae-ryong was shocked by Geom Mu-geuk’s answer.
“Then why did you tell me to kill him?”
“He wasn't the type to talk anyway. He would have only stalled for time.”
Seo Dae-ryong had to agree with that.
“I still have a long way to go. Seeing how restless I am... You aren't worried at all, are you, Young Cult Leader?”
He had thought Geom Mu-geuk was relaxed because he trusted the Blade Demon.
“If you mean the Elder, I am worried. How could I not be worried about that stubborn old man who hates being a burden to others?”
At that, Seo Dae-ryong revealed his true feelings.
“Right? I’m worried sick, too. But why are you so calm?”
“Because there is something I trust.”
“I might not trust your master, but I trust my father.”
Geom Mu-geuk trusted his father, and he trusted the relationship between his father and the Blood Heaven Blade Demon. When he had first met the Blade Demon after his regression, the old man had been confident that even if he killed the Young Cult Leader, the Cult Leader would forgive him. He trusted that bond.
“As long as this matter involves their past, my father won't just sit by and watch. He is not the type of man to leave his business to others.”
*
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon pushed open the gate and entered.
The training ground, which would normally have been bustling with people, was empty. He crossed the desolate grounds and entered the main hall. A single person was sitting in the grand tutor's chair. The Blade Demon walked slowly toward him.
The person in the chair spoke.
“Why do you not ask? Whether I killed everyone who was here?”
His voice, echoing through the hall, was phlegmy and cracked, deep and desolate like the parched earth of the borderlands. Yet, it was intense, like a hook scratching at one's heart.
“Because I know you haven't killed them yet.”
The Blade Demon’s tone was calm and respectful.
“And why is that?”
“Killing them wasn't the goal of this scheme, was it? The goal from the start was to draw me and the Cult Leader here.”
Having reached the base of the platform, the Blade Demon looked up. An old man sat in the chair atop the stairs. His withered wrinkles made it impossible to even guess his age. However, the light emanating from his eyes was as powerful as staring directly into the sun.
The Blade Demon’s eyes trembled as he looked at the old man.
“It has been a long time, Master.”