Chapter 420: Azure Dragon River (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 420: Azure Dragon River (1)
Crack-! Craaack-!
“Ough…!”
I lay there, enduring the pain as my Heaven Destruction Art worked to mend my shattered body. My qi flow gradually stabilized, beginning a faint, sluggish circulation through my vessels once more.
The recoil from the battle had left me physically broken, but at least I could breathe properly again. I finally released the breath I’d been holding.
“Huff… Huff…”
As I panted heavily, the man tending to my injuries clicked his tongue in disapproval.
“Tsk, tsk… I told you not to do this. You have no one to blame but yourself for ending up in this state.”
“…Whew…”
Having his support had cut my recovery time in half. But the ordeal wasn't over yet.
Crack.
A fresh wave of agony screamed from my muscles, a stark reminder of the lingering damage. Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself up, pretending I was fine.
I looked at the man who had helped me. Disappointment was clear in his eyes.
“What a mess.”
“…How did you find me?” I asked, wiping the blood from my face with my hand. I was speaking to the Dishonored Venerable.
How had he gotten here? I was certain I had concealed my presence when I left.
I was already shocked that someone had come to my aid, but the fact that it was him was even more surprising. I was grateful, but I needed answers. I had been meticulous, checking my surroundings and masking my qi as I departed. The White Ripple Sword was with me, and she wouldn't have made a mistake.
That could only mean the Dishonored Venerable had gone to great lengths to track me.
…This old man.
Just when had he started following me? I hadn't sensed a thing. Even as one of the Three Venerables, he was still at the Peak Realm. There should have been a limit to his abilities. It should have been impossible for him to evade my senses so completely.
And yet, I was the one who failed to detect him?
The contradiction left me deeply unsettled.
As if reading my mind, the Dishonored Venerable smirked. “Child, you can run all you want, but you will never slip from my grasp.”
“…”
“I had a feeling you were going to stir up trouble… Just as I suspected, you slipped out under cover of night to use that technique. Were you really so impatient?”
Chuckle…
I swallowed nervously as he spoke. His mockery was expected; what truly mattered was how much he had witnessed.
Just how much did he see?
That was my real concern. The Dishonored Venerable knew I possessed strange powers, but not the specifics. Yet, in my fight against Tang Duk, I had held nothing back. I had attempted to turn him into a Demonic Human, infused my techniques with Demonic Qi, manifested a territorial field with my Red Heaven in its evil aspect, and unleashed black flames. There was no way to explain all that away as the work of an ordinary martial artist.
If he demanded a thorough explanation, I would be in serious trouble.
“…”
I had no plausible story ready.
As I wrestled with my anxiety, the Dishonored Venerable spoke again.
“Child.”
“…Yes.”
“It seems we need to have a little talk.”
“…”
Damn it.
A cold sweat broke out on my brow.
“What was that you displayed during your fight?”
“…”
As I feared, he had gone straight to the heart of the matter. How should I respond?
“About that…”
Should I confess the origin of my Demonic Qi? Or explain why I had hunted down Tang Duk? My mind raced with possibilities. I even worried I might have to reveal my regression.
The Dishonored Venerable fixed me with an intensely serious gaze, his eyes promising he wouldn't let me off easily. Just as I resigned myself to speaking, thinking I had no other choice…
“So about that…”
“How did you merge different types of qi and wield them simultaneously?”
“To be honest, I- …Huh…?”
I had braced myself to confess everything, but his question made my eyes widen in shock. It was completely unexpected.
Merging different types of qi?
“…What do you mean?”
“When you executed the One Fist technique, you clearly blended the heat from your Gu Flame Wheel Art into it. Am I wrong?”
“Yes.”
During my battle with Tang Duk—before it devolved into my attempt to demonify him—I had simultaneously activated my Gu Flame Wheel Art and Heaven Destruction Art. On top of that, I had performed the One Fist technique, incorporating the heat I had learned from the Dishonored Venerable directly into the strike.
The evidence was plain to see: a massive scar was burned into the ground where Tang Duk had fallen. It looked as if a great demon had scorched the earth, the residual heat of the Gu Flame Wheel Art lingering palpably.
“How did you achieve such a thing?”
“…”
He pressed the question with unwavering seriousness, but I needed to process the situation first. Of all the questions he could have asked… this was his priority?
“That’s what you’re curious about?”
“Hmm? Should I be curious about something else?”
His response made me reconsider. Perhaps he hadn't seen everything after all? That was a possibility. Maybe he hadn't been following me from the start and had arrived late, missing the full extent of the fight.
Just as that thought took hold, he continued.
“I told you before, I have no interest in prying into whatever secret power you’re hiding.”
“…”
I bit my lip slightly. His words confirmed he had seen it all. The Dishonored Venerable had encountered Demonic Qi when he faced the Heavenly Demon. Back then, he hadn't pressed me for details, and even now, after witnessing so much, his only question was about the technical fusion of two Mind Arts.
“The only thing I care about is whether you can reach the pinnacle of the Heaven Destruction Art. Nothing else. Beyond that, I will not interfere in your affairs.”
“I…”
My first thought was that his obsession with his martial art was truly insane. Even after seeing all that, his focus remained singularly fixed. It was utterly baffling.
Whether he sensed my disbelief or not, he pressed on. “So, how was it? Did it feel easier to control?”
“Not at all,” I answered honestly. Combining the Heaven Destruction Art with the Gu Flame Wheel Art had only made it more difficult to maintain. The outcome was the same as before.
I glanced at the devastation left by my technique. The power was undeniable, but the fact that I could only use it once without destroying myself remained a critical flaw. The state I was in now was proof enough.
Hearing my answer, the Dishonored Venerable’s expression fell slightly.
“Hmm…”
Why was he disappointed? He already knew my limitations.
Without another word, he withdrew his hand and stood up. “It wasn’t a bad idea, but I suppose it’s meaningless if one cannot sustain more than two Mind Arts at once.”
“Are you planning to attempt it yourself?”
“Don't talk nonsense. Do you think the world is full of freaks like you?”
“…”
The sudden insult made me frown involuntarily, but he turned away as if it were nothing and began to leave.
“Elder, are you going…?” I asked, shocked.
“Of course. Where else would I go at this hour? It’s the middle of the night.”
“You’re just leaving me here?”
Was this old man serious? He was going to leave after just patching me up? While I was relieved he hadn't demanded an explanation, his abrupt departure felt like leaving a job half-finished.
Noticing my expression, he retorted, “You clearly didn’t want me here. Why are you making that face now?”
“When did I ever give that impression?”
“The White Ripple Sword, and that girl. Don’t you have business with that tall child?”
“…” He wasn't wrong, so I had no rebuttal. Just how much did this old man know?
“You chose to do this alone because you didn’t want me involved. I understand that, which is why I’m respecting your privacy.”
His words made me curious. “Then… why did you follow me this time?”
He let out a short laugh. “I explicitly warned you not to use that technique in a real fight. I had a bad feeling, so I followed you, though I truly didn’t think you’d be reckless enough to actually use it. Child, do you not understand the purpose of a warning?”
“…” I regretted asking.
Tsk, tsk… He clicked his tongue as I averted my eyes. “You could have died here tonight if I hadn’t come. Do you realize that?”
“…I am thankful.”
“I’m sure you are. It feels like I’m begging for your gratitude at this point.”
It was the truth. If the Dishonored Venerable hadn’t intervened, Tang Duk might have killed me. I was genuinely grateful, but he seemed skeptical.
“There will not be a next time,” he said, his tone colder than usual. “If you disregard my warning again, do not expect me to save you. I may have high hopes for you, but I have no intention of taking a fool who cannot control himself as my disciple.”
His words were harsh and cold, but they were the truth. I nodded. “I understand.”
Satisfied with my response, he leaped away and vanished into the night without another word. He was keeping his promise not to interfere.
He must have been burning with curiosity about everything he’d seen. How could he leave so easily? I truly couldn't understand that man.
Was he really so single-minded that nothing existed for him beyond his martial art? If so, then he was truly a madman.
I stared into the darkness where he had disappeared, then turned my head. My gaze fell upon the unconscious form of Tang Duk.
I began walking toward him. No matter what had transpired with the Dishonored Venerable, I couldn't forget my original purpose for coming here.
Every step sent a jolt of pain through my body. The elder’s help had accelerated my recovery, but the aftereffects of the technique were still severe.
Gritting my teeth against the pain, I finally stood over Tang Duk. Looking down at his motionless body, I knelt and reached out my hand.
A flicker of worry remained. Will it work in my current condition?
Tang Duk was unconscious, but I was barely holding on myself. Forcing a Fusion Realm martial artist, one resistant to Demonic Qi, to become a Demonic Human was a tremendous strain.
But if it didn't work… I'll just have to kill him.
The alternative was simple. I didn't hesitate. Placing my hand on his back, I began channeling Demonic Qi directly into his heart.
* * *
Rustle.
I walked through the field of tall grass. The loud chorus of crickets fell silent as I approached.
Was it because of the lingering traces of my Demonic Qi and killing intent? Or was it because of the aura I could feel emanating from ahead?
It was likely the latter.
I didn't have far to go before a sharp, metallic scent hit my nostrils, growing stronger as I neared my destination. I frowned.
This is…
The smell of blood. A thick, coppery odor carried on the wind from not far away.
I pushed through the darkness until I reached the source of the smell. The reason for its intensity became immediately apparent. The ground was drenched in it.
“Oh, you’re here?” a voice called out.
Someone stood welcoming me, her boots planted in a wide, bloody puddle she had created.
It was the White Ripple Sword.
“…”
The sight left me speechless. Her cheerful greeting starkly contrasted with the horrific scene around her.
Bodies lay scattered everywhere, pierced through by countless sword strikes, their blood saturating the earth. Droplets fell from the tip of her blade, and her once-white robes were now streaked and spattered with red. She smiled, her face smeared with blood, radiating a terrifying aura. Was it the smile itself, or the sheer carnage, that made it so unsettling?
I had asked her to deal with the bandits, and she had gladly accepted, even questioning if such a trivial task was sufficient. I hadn't hesitated; these bandits belonged to the Unorthodox Faction. Judging by the scene, she had thoroughly eradicated all of them.
Noticing my expression, the White Ripple Sword offered an awkward smile. “I don’t look my best right now, do I? Is it that bad?”
She wasn't wrong, but my bothered look wasn't about her appearance. “Not really. I was just thinking it will take a long time to get the smell of blood out of your clothes.”
“Aha…?”
She was more than capable of a cleaner execution. Why make such a mess? I wondered what had provoked such violence.
She answered my unspoken question. “I may have gotten a little angry. They were somewhat… disrespectful.”
“…Hmm.”
It seemed the bandits had made a fatal mistake when they encountered her. I had brought her for this exact purpose, but the result was far more brutal than I had anticipated.
Whatever. I should just be glad the plan had succeeded.
“But, Yangcheon,” she said, interrupting my thoughts.
“Yes?”
She pointed a finger. “Who’s that friend?”
Where she pointed, a giant of a man stood covered in blood, biting his lip so hard it nearly bled. It was the bandit leader, a man who would have been called the Green King in the future.
Tang Duk.
Shaking with silent rage, he could only stare at the corpses of his followers.
Even so, “Greet her,” I commanded.
“…”
Tang Duk had no choice but to obey. He made a stiff, fist-in-palm salute toward the White Ripple Sword.
She tilted her head in confusion, clearly unable to comprehend the situation.
Ignoring her reaction, I introduced him with a grin. “He’s my new escort.”
A tremor ran through Tang Duk’s shoulders at my words, a clear sign of his fury. But I knew he was powerless to resist. I had made sure he couldn't even speak without my permission.
Seeing him like this confirmed one thing: Tang Duk had become a Demonic Human. My goal had been achieved.
* * *
The sun was beginning to rise by the time I returned to the camp. I quickened my pace, worried I would be late, and thankfully managed to arrive on time.
I acted as if nothing had happened, joining the others for breakfast, though it was just an act. The pain was still very real.
I’m dying over here…
The recoil hadn't subsided, and forcibly turning a Fusion Realm martial artist into a Demonic Human, even while he was unconscious, had taken a heavy toll. My condition was poor, but I couldn't afford to show any weakness, so I endured the pain in silence.
Namgung Bi-ah looked at me with strange eyes when she woke up, but she didn't ask any questions. Her silence was unexpected; I had anticipated an interrogation.
Instead, it was someone else who questioned me later that morning.
“Young Master Gu, who is that person?” Tang Soyeol asked, pointing at Tang Duk, who stood behind me. He now wore a face covering I had provided for him.
“He’s an escort.”
“An escort?”
“Yes. Lady Mi sent me another one.”
“Ah…! Lady Mi.” Tang Soyeol nodded, accepting the explanation without a hint of doubt. Having the White Ripple Sword here made using Lady Mi’s name a perfect cover.
The only thing I needed to be cautious about was Tang Duk’s reaction.
-Stay still, I cautioned him mentally, sensing the surge of emotion from behind me. I could feel him trembling, his fists clenched tightly.
It was because of Tang Soyeol. She was a blood relative of the Tang Clan, the very person Tang Duk wanted to kill most.
Seeing this, a thought occurred to me. I wonder… if the Poison King knows any of this.
The Celestial Martial Body Plan, of which Tang Duk was a victim, had been terminated by Tang Bi Seung. But I found it hard to believe his descendants were completely ignorant of the affair. While it might have been Tang Bi Seung’s personal ambition to elevate his clan, it was possible his descendants shared similar aspirations.
My thoughts turned to Tang Soyeol herself, and the future I knew awaited her—the Poison Queen.
The current Tang Soyeol was merely a talented young prodigy, but her future self was on an entirely different level. She would become the Ten Thousand Poisons Immunity, the Poison Queen—a realm of poison resistance not even the legendary Poison Emperor, Tang Bi Seung, had achieved.
Watching her now, I found it difficult to see the potential for such greatness. She was undoubtedly skilled, but she paled in comparison to the true monsters of this world. To be blunt, it was hard to call her a genius. The idea that she reached such heights through hard work alone seemed… improbable.
It made me wonder. It reminded me of the experiments conducted to artificially create the Celestial Martial Body.
Perhaps Tang Soyeol’s future power wasn't solely born from effort…
An ominous thought crept into my mind.
I saw Tang Soyeol tilting her head, puzzled by my intense gaze. I shook my head in response.
No matter how dark the Tang Clan’s past had been, I had to believe they were not evil now.
No, I needed to believe that.