Chapter 751: Yes, You Come In Too
Chapter 751: Yes, You Come In Too
The Blade King had awakened the ferocious nature of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
It was a side of him that Gu Cheon-pa had kept buried deep within ever since meeting Geom Mu-geuk. The Blade King had stirred the same ruthlessness that had once driven Manak Sanin to suicide—the volatile temperament from a time when Gu Cheon-pa possessed no faith in humanity.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon was a man of two faces: that savage beast, and the scholar who enjoyed the quiet company of books.
“Sometimes, even I get confused about which one is my true self. Well, I suppose it doesn't matter.”
Whoosh!
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon swung the Heaven Extermination Great Blade, loosening his muscles with a casual air.
The auras radiating from the two men were already locked in combat. To a common thug, it would feel like standing in a back alley where a brutal gang war was about to erupt; to a true master, it felt like standing in the middle of hell.
It was a first for the Blade King—encountering an enemy whose energy complemented his own cold, terrifying aura so perfectly.
“Old Demon Lord, we are of the same ilk.”
The Blade King spoke with sincere conviction, but the Blood Heaven Blade Demon rejected the notion immediately.
“The fact that I find being called ‘the same ilk’ more offensive than being called ‘old’ tells me one thing—at least I know what kind of person I want to be.”
These words were directed not at the Blade King, but to himself—and simultaneously to Geom Mu-geuk and the One Flower Sword Venerable.
Geom Mu-geuk didn't let the comment slide.
“Elder, you look the most impressive when you’re reading your books.”
A faint smile played on the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s lips.
He realized that throughout his long years as a Demon Lord, even while reading all those books, he had never seriously contemplated what kind of person he was. Even after meeting Geom Mu-geuk, he had spent more time trying to understand the young man than looking at himself.
The reason such thoughts surfaced now was likely because he saw his own past reflected in the Blade King’s cold, heartless aura. It was his own hidden nature, a part of himself he wanted to dismiss as a mere memory.
Behind them, Tae-su’s eyes trembled as he overheard their conversation.
When the Blade King first called the Blood Heaven Blade Demon an "Old Demon Lord," Tae-su thought he had misheard. He assumed it was some other title that happened to start with "Demon."
But just now, he had heard it clearly.
A Demon Lord? He’s actually a Demon Lord of the Demonic Cult?
Was there anyone in the Murim who would dare use the title "Demon Lord" if they weren't a high-ranking member of the Cult?
Tae-su’s heart hammered against his ribs. He immediately sent a message via Voice Transmission to Ji Han.
— Did you know that man was a Demon Lord of the Demonic Cult?
Even as he sent the message, he inwardly hoped for a denial.
A Demon Lord? What nonsense are you talking about? You must have misheard again. Or perhaps: He raises a thousand horses, so isn't it natural he'd be called a "Demon Lord"? He desperately hoped for some delusional explanation like that.
But Ji Han’s response was devastating.
— I knew they were both Demon Lords.
Tae-su nearly gasped aloud. A chill ran down his spine.
Why did I never once consider the possibility that they were cultists?
The answer was simple: Geom Mu-geuk. Looking at that man, how could anyone associate him with the Demonic Cult?
Only now did Tae-su realize how absurdly he had misunderstood the situation.
Right, there was no way this was just an escort agency. There was no way these people were mere escorts and leaders.
Given the momentum and martial prowess of the enemies—the Sword King and the Blade King—what kind of cargo would an escort agency have to be carrying to attract such foes? Even if they were transporting the most precious treasure in the world, enemies of this caliber wouldn't just appear.
Yet, even with the truth revealed, it was still hard to believe.
He had shared a carriage with Demon Lords? He had gone swimming with them?
The legendary Demon Lords had stood in line just to eat five-spice pork?
Weren't Demon Lords supposed to be the kind of people who slaughtered everyone in the queue and the customers alike, then sat amidst the corpses and barked at the cook to "Bring out the pork"?
— The two of them are the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable of the Eight Demon Lords.
Since the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s identity was already out in the open, Ji Han saw no reason to keep it from Tae-su anymore.
Tae-su couldn't wrap his head around the fact that the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One Flower Sword Venerable had been by his side all this time. These were figures he had only heard of in legends. He had never even met anyone who had actually seen them in person.
— Then who is that young man?
Geom Mu-geuk joked comfortably with the two Demon Lords and treated them without any reserve. Who on earth could he be?
Ji Han revealed Mu-geuk’s identity as well.
— He is the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
— !
Startled out of his wits, Tae-su cried out.
“Don’t lie to me!”
He immediately clamped his hand over his mouth. He had been so shocked that he’d shouted out loud instead of using Voice Transmission.
Every eye in the room turned toward him.
Among them was Geom Mu-geuk. With a look that suggested he knew exactly why the man had shouted, Mu-geuk spoke.
“Do you understand now? Why I told you to meet my father before making a decision?”
Mu-geuk shifted his gaze from the terrified Tae-su to Dan So-jin and the scarred warrior from the Unorthodox Path Alliance standing beside him.
Mu-geuk had already sensed that Dan So-jin knew his identity.
However, the scarred man from the Alliance didn't seem surprised by the situation either. It appeared he, too, was aware of the identities of Mu-geuk and the two Demon Lords.
Regardless, one thing was certain: the existence of these people was vital to the masterminds behind this. Especially Dan So-jin.
In the meantime, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Blade King charged at each other once more. As their radiating auras grew more intense, their movements shifted.
The higher a master’s realm, the less emotion they pour into their attacks.
But these two did not hide their feelings.
It was an exchange between masters who wore their hearts on their sleeves.
I don't like you! That sentiment was embedded in every strike, carrying a murderous intent that screamed of a resolve to kill.
Clang! Clang! Clang-clang-clang-clang!
The three blades clashing sounded as if they might shatter at any moment.
Every time the twin blades crossed, it looked as if the moon were setting and the sun were rising. With every swing of their weapons, powerful Blade Winds whipped into howling tornadoes. Anyone who didn't bolster themselves with internal energy would have been swept away by the sheer force.
Beyond the fray, the Sword King watched Geom Mu-geuk.
The Sword King could tell that Mu-geuk was prepared to intervene the moment the Blood Heaven Blade Demon fell into danger. That was why Mu-geuk wasn't looking at the Sword King; he was completely absorbed in the fight, unwilling to miss a single breath so he could step in at the perfect moment.
Yes, you are that kind of person.
A man who struggled never to lose those he cherished, a man who cared for others more than himself, yet a man who was more free than anyone else.
Boom!
The Heaven Extermination Great Blade slammed into the ground, blocking an incoming strike.
The Blade King followed up immediately, lunging at the Blood Heaven Blade Demon behind the great blade. His body contorted like a snake as he unleashed a rapid strike. It was a decisive blow.
!
But the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was no longer behind the weapon. A single thought flashed through the Blade King’s mind in that split second.
There’s no way he let go of his blade!
As that thought turned into a sense of crisis, the Blade King instinctively threw himself aside.
Whooooosh!
Rumble!
A palm force struck the spot where the Blade King had just been standing. The ground shattered, and the Heaven Extermination Great Blade, which had been stuck in the earth, tilted. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon, who had been perched on the hilt, landed on the ground and reclaimed his weapon.
The moment the Blade King’s attack had been launched, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon had leaped onto the hilt of his grounded blade. It was a move made in anticipation of the Blade King’s immediate ambush behind the weapon.
“You’re quite good.”
The Blade King acknowledged the move.
He hadn't expected the Blood Heaven Blade Demon to use such an unorthodox tactic. It was a move that didn't suit the man at all, nor did it match the flow of the previous exchange. That was exactly why it had been so threatening. Perhaps that was why he had omitted the word "old" this time.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
When they clashed again, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s fighting style had changed. His blade work had become faster.
One would have expected him to use brute strength against the swift twin blades, but instead, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon increased the speed of his massive great blade.
This was the first time Geom Mu-geuk had seen the Blood Heaven Blade Demon move the Heaven Extermination Great Blade with such speed and lightness. In this fight, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon was likely feeling and learning a great deal.
Clang-clang-clang!
The Heaven Extermination Great Blade grazed the Blade King’s shoulder. In the process, the Red Blade and Black Blade grazed the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s neck and thigh.
Even in the heat of their savage battle, they strictly maintained the boundaries of their combat zone. Despite the terrifying clash, not a single doll standing nearby was knocked over.
However, the zone of combat began to shift.
It slowly moved toward where Geom Mu-geuk’s group was standing. This was intentional on the Blade King’s part. He figured that fighting near his allies would force the Blood Heaven Blade Demon to be more cautious.
But that was a miscalculation.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon didn't care at all. The Blade King didn't realize how much the Demon Lord trusted Geom Mu-geuk and the One Flower Sword Venerable.
Ultimately, this choice backfired and provoked the Blade King’s temper.
It was because of Geom Mu-geuk.
The Red Blade, aimed at the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, missed and whistled past Mu-geuk’s face.
Whooooosh!
Despite the blade passing by with immense momentum, Mu-geuk didn't move an inch. He just stood there.
In that moment, the Blade King saw it—Geom Mu-geuk was smiling at him without even blinking.
Arrogant brat!
But in a fight against the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, that momentary flare of temper proved dangerous.
Clang!
Splat!
The Blade King managed to block the incoming great blade with his twin swords, but blood sprayed from his waist. If the cut had been any deeper, the Heaven Extermination Great Blade would have cleaved him in two.
It was the first time blood had been drawn since the fight began.
At the sight of his own blood, murderous intent exploded from the Blade King’s eyes.
Hummmm.
Red and black Blade Gang began to coat the Red Blade and Black Blade.
In response, Blade Gang also enveloped the Heaven Extermination Great Blade. The pure white energy looked as if snow were falling upon the steel.
Watching from the side, the One Flower Sword Venerable noticed that the color of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s Blade Gang had changed. It hadn't been that pure white before.
He really has changed. His realm of martial arts has evolved.
Finally, the Blade King unleashed his signature technique.
Both men had been fighting cautiously, but the relatively younger Blade King was the more impatient of the two. The fact that the Sword King was watching only added to his frustration; he was embarrassed that he couldn't kill an old man while the other king looked on. Though perhaps unintentional, in this moment, the Sword King’s mere presence acted as support for Geom Mu-geuk.
Sun and Moon Dark Blood Blade Technique
First Form: Blood Dragon Heaven-Breaking
The Blade King stepped forward with his right foot, stomping the ground as he thrust his blade. The floor split open as a red surge of Gang Qi, shaped like a dragon, roared forth from the Red Blade.
Roooooar!
The Gang Qi, flying with its maw wide open, was not an attack that could be blocked with ordinary Blade Gang.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon unleashed his own signature technique.
Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form
First Form: Extermination Blade Single Strike
It was a technique of the Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form, now far more powerful than it had been before he left the Cult.
Shrieeeek!
A single, swift, and incredibly powerful line of Gang Qi erupted from the Heaven Extermination Great Blade.
Splat!
The head of the charging dragon was severed, and the trailing Gang Qi dissipated into the air.
He neutralized it that easily? The Blade King wasn't surprised or flustered. His opponent had already shown enough skill; it would have been more of a trap if he couldn't neutralize it.
The Blade King immediately transitioned into the second move.
Sun and Moon Dark Blood Blade Technique
Second Form: Sun Wheel Extreme Slash
This time, the Black Blade emitted a blinding radiance.
Clang!
With a sharp, metallic ring, Blade Gang poured out like rays of sunlight. Dozens of strands of energy rained down toward the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
The move used to counter the Sun Wheel Extreme Slash was the Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form, Second Form: Extermination Blade Wave.
Rumble!
The Blade Qi extending from the Heaven Extermination Great Blade flowed like a massive wave. It wasn't the same wave the Blood Heaven Blade Demon had shown before; it was deeper and more majestic.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The dozens of strands of Blade Qi were swallowed by the wave and swept away. One could clearly see the enemy's energy failing to penetrate and being pushed back by the tide.
However, the aftermath of the collision shook the walls and the very foundations of the earth. At this rate, using even larger techniques might cause the cave to collapse.
But the Blade King didn't hesitate. He was determined to kill the Blood Heaven Blade Demon even if the cave buried them both. He pushed his internal energy to its absolute limit.
Third Form: Blood Blade Chain
Rings of Gang Qi came flying toward his opponent. They looked like red-hot iron chains flying through the air without a fixed path. They curved and twisted unpredictably, making it impossible to tell where or how they would strike.
Heaven Extermination Demonic Blade Form
Third Form: Extermination Blade Blood Wind
Multiple blades of Qi erupted from the Heaven Extermination Great Blade, spinning as they flew.
In the next instant, the Blade King’s eyes widened. This was a powerful attack, incomparable to the previous two.
Snap! Snap! Snap!
The spinning blades of Qi accurately severed the links of the Gang Qi chains. Once the chains were broken, the energy lost its erratic path and flew straight ahead.
Crash!
Geom Mu-geuk and the One Flower Sword Venerable swung their weapons to neutralize the stray energy flying toward them. If those strikes had hit the back wall, the entire place might have come down.
“Old Demon Lord, let’s end this!”
The Blade King pushed his internal energy even further. The sun and moon engraved on his blades began to glow with an intense light. It was the moment when the sun and moon were about to rise simultaneously.
Suddenly, the Sword King glided forward and blocked the Blade King’s path.
The Sword King had fearlessly intervened in the fight, even though he could have been attacked by both men.
No matter how agitated he was, the Blade King couldn't bring himself to unleash a technique on the Sword King. The radiance on the Red and Black Blades slowly faded.
“You dare interfere in my fight?”
The Blade King glared at the Sword King with a terrifying gaze that looked ready to tear him limb from limb.
The Blade King wasn't the only one who was angry.
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon pointed his great blade at the Sword King. Demonic energy, still far from exhausted, flickered around his body.
“Fine, you come in too!”
The Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked ready to take on the Sword King as well. Of course, he only said it for the sake of momentum; he could already feel that the Sword King’s martial arts were superior to the Blade King’s.
That was when Geom Mu-geuk stepped forward.
“Please, restrain yourself. That man, who looks even older than you, is your opponent anyway.”
After getting a dig in at the Blade King, who kept calling Gu Cheon-pa "old," Mu-geuk turned his gaze to the Sword King.
When asked why he had come, the Sword King had said he came to protect the person Geom Mu-geuk was trying to kill.
“Brother Ak, I don’t think the person you need to protect is him. Who is it?”
Mu-geuk was certain the target wasn't the Blade King.
He was right. The Sword King hadn't stepped in to save the Blade King.
The Sword King’s gaze shifted toward the back.
Creak.
Then, the door at the far end of the chamber swung wide open on its own.
From within, a beautiful melody began to flow out—a tune that stood in stark contrast to the thunderous, bloody battle that had just taken place.