Chapter 728: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (36)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 728: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (36)
The Sword Demon.
He was the Captain of the Ghostly Sword Army, the Demonic Cult’s premier slaughter unit.
His cultivation was known to be at or above the Fusion Realm, and in terms of raw strength…
‘The lower ranks of the Ten Great Masters.’
That was his approximate standing.
He didn't possess overwhelming individual strength compared to the absolute peak, but the true nature of the Sword Demon was best witnessed in the heart of a battlefield.
I had gained my own infamy partly for being a traitor to the Orthodox Faction, but even without that, it was because I was a being specialized in mass slaughter. Between my spreading flames and my bottomless reserves of internal Qi, my power was tailor-made for war. My notoriety exploded the moment I appeared on a battlefield.
The same was true for the Sword Demon.
He practiced a sword art that showed no hesitation in killing, manifesting a killing intent that laid waste to everything around him. He was a man perfectly suited for the carnage of war.
Yes, the manifestation of killing intent.
That was the reason he came to be called the Sword Demon. It was also the proof that confirmed his fate as the Heavenly Killing Star.
He never gave the technique a name himself, but in the Central Plains, those who saw it called it Killing Steel.
Killing intent isn't something directly emitted from the dantian. It is, quite literally, the raw emotion of wanting to kill an opponent. It is released when that emotion mixes with a martial artist's Qi. The intensity of the killing intent is determined by the sheer strength of that murderous desire.
Of course, there can be differences depending on the martial artist's realm, but that is merely a contributing factor. The source of killing intent is pure emotion.
The Killing Steel used by the Sword Demon was an extension of this, making it a ridiculously overpowered trait.
‘The Sword Demon enjoyed slaughter and possessed a bottomless well of killing intent. That's why his Killing Steel was so potent.’
Because his desire to kill was endless, his Killing Steel never wavered. And since it didn't distinguish between friend or foe, it was an incredibly difficult power to face.
So, I had often wondered.
‘Is the Sword Demon actually strong without his Killing Steel?’
He was a Fusion Realm martial artist, to begin with. There was no way he was weak, but wasn't the reason he could reign among the strong—regardless of his level—because he was the Heavenly Killing Star?
That's what I used to think.
‘But his body itself is a literal lump of talent.’
After facing the Sword Demon of my past life and the Seong Yul of my current one, I had to adjust my perspective. He was strong. Not only was he much stronger than others his age, but he was at a level where he wouldn't be outshone even when compared to the geniuses known as the Six Dragons and Three Phoenixes.
However.
‘That's about it.’
If we were talking about the pursuit of ultimate strength, it was a bit disappointing. He wasn't extremely superior to the others; he was just at the level of a genius.
‘It sounds funny to say just a genius.’
A genius isn't some common mutt, so describing him that way was a bit reductive, but… it meant he wasn't a monster on the level of Namgung Bi-ah or Wi Seol-Ah.
In other words.
‘For Seong Yul to rise to the Sword Demon's level, he has to make use of his Heavenly Killing Star.’
Honestly, even without it, it might be possible to get him there if I fed him elixirs and trained him for a few years.
‘But I don't have that kind of time.’
I was short on manpower and short on time to raise them. Besides, why would I waste precious elixirs on him? Even if I were to give them to someone, it wouldn't be him.
So, what should I do? To use Seong Yul without killing him, I had to make him strong. And to make him strong, I had to awaken and utilize his Heavenly Killing Star.
‘That Heavenly Killing Star...’
The Heavenly Killing Star was a strange phenomenon said to be born once a century. A being born for slaughter, who kills humans until the moment of its death, and in the end, even kills itself.
How should I make use of this creature, this evil spirit in human skin? Can I even control him in the first place?
‘It is possible.’
If anyone could do it, the Heavenly Demon did, didn't he? The Sword Demon operated as a Demonic Human. Even though he ran around like a madman, he ultimately followed the Heavenly Demon's orders. Moreover, after I crushed him in my past life, he even followed my words to some extent.
It was just those below him, like the Deer King, who were of a similar level and hopelessly disobedient...
This was proof that I could control him if I turned him into a Demonic Human.
‘That's why I tried to corrupt him.’
Find him, corrupt him, and make him crawl. That was the original intention of our meeting.
‘But an unexpected variable arose.’
I still hadn't been able to bring myself to corrupt him.
Trivial pity. A sliver of hope. A damned sense of kinship.
It was something I did while wrapped in emotions I found disgusting in myself. Whether I should call it fortunate or not, the actual result wasn't bad.
‘Because he listened to me.’
I didn't know what he was thinking by following me, but he was more useful than the others. If I told him to raise his sword, he raised it. If I told him to cut, he cut.
I could see hesitation when he killed people. He felt a greed for murder, yet tried desperately to hold it back. At that time, he was still human.
And that made me hesitate. So I asked myself: So what?
Was I just going to leave him as he was? I asked, and the answer had long been decided. This was a turning point where I had to make a choice eventually. Perhaps it was a choice I should have made a little sooner.
“Haa... haa!”
A heavy energy surged across the arena. It was much clearer when I checked with my Mind’s Eye. With Seong Yul at its center, an anomaly was occurring in the space around him. The concentration of killing intent was becoming too dense for the air to hold.
‘Wow.’
A sound of genuine admiration escaped me. It was a sight I had seen in my past life, but the feeling was different now. The killing intent being emitted was so potent it resembled Combat Qi.
“Haa... haaa!”
His pupils shone. A terrifying vitality seeped into his yellow eyes—a vitality filled with a chilling emotion.
Slaughter.
The single-minded desire to kill his opponent, no matter the cost.
How could it be so honest and so clear? It seemed I wasn't the only one who felt this change, as a ripple of unease spread through the audience.
"Wh-what is this? I feel a chill."
"I suddenly feel suffocated..."
The ordinary people were rubbing their arms, their bodies reacting instinctively to the change. It was far from the cold season, yet a frost began to settle within the killing intent.
If ordinary people could feel this much, the reaction from the martial artists was naturally more intense.
"...Shouldn't someone stop that?"
"That kind of killing intent in a tournament match?! What the hell is the judge doing!"
It was killing intent so strong it made one's body freeze stiff. At the very least, it wasn't the kind of energy an Orthodox Faction martial artist should ever unleash—especially not in a mere tournament match.
I narrowed my eyes at Seong Yul.
‘Does a little push make him turn into that right away?’
As soon as his Heavenly Killing Star was unleashed, its true value was immediate. It was ready to burst out at a moment's notice. I could tell how much he had been suppressing it.
He was like a beast. His wild nature had bloomed, leaving only instinct in his stance.
"Kill—."
Kwagagagak!
There it was. Emitting a wave of Killing Steel, Seong Yul rushed at Peng Woojin.
Clang!
Sparks flew as the blades clashed.
‘He's gotten faster.’
His speed had increased dramatically. I couldn't tell if it was because his hesitation had vanished or if it was a specific trait of the Heavenly Killing Star.
‘His muscles have changed, too.’
They were tougher and stronger, rapidly adapting to handle the increased speed. The killing intent was even starting to seep into his very skin.
Clang! Kwaang!
A shockwave erupted with every clash.
‘His strength has increased as well.’
Along with his speed, his raw power had risen. The question was whether this was a buff from the Heavenly Killing Star or simply the release of the power he had always possessed.
The important thing was: ‘Either way, it's been unleashed.’
A small push, and he changed so easily. This was the first time I'd seen it properly in this life. I'd always knocked him out if he seemed dangerous, so this was the first time I'd seen Seong Yul surrender his body to his killing intent.
My impression?
‘He's strong.’
Seong Yul, having become the Heavenly Killing Star, was certainly formidable. He was at the perfected Peak Realm—the very edge of it. He may not have broken through the wall to the Fusion Realm yet, but he had unleashed every possibility his body was capable of.
The speed, the flow of his Qi, and the resulting increase in power—everything was beyond imagination. The Killing Steel raging from all directions was incomparably powerful.
It was just that...
Kwagagak!!
His opponent was far from ideal.
‘That crazy bastard.’
Peng Woojin shattered all the Killing Steel with a single swing of his Black Steel sword. I let out a dry laugh as I watched him.
‘What even is that?’
Seong Yul was drawing out his maximum power, yet Peng Woojin was facing him as if it were nothing.
‘He surpassed the Fusion Realm long ago.’
When I saw him in the arena before, Peng Woojin was already at the perfected Peak Realm. Now, with the passage of time, he had firmly reached the Fusion Realm.
He was strong.
‘He hasn't reached the Mind’s Eye, but even so.’
He might even be stronger than the Heavenly Dragon or Wi Seol-Ah. The level Peng Woojin was displaying was that high.
‘…No. At that level...’
He might have already surpassed his father, the Dao King. He wasn't even showing his full power yet.
And what's more.
‘That crazy bastard. He's not being pushed back.’
With the sole intention of killing his opponent, Seong Yul—who had surrendered his body to that impulse—endured minor wounds and pressed forward. His instinct-driven actions were enough to intimidate almost anyone. It was just a tournament match, not a life-or-death duel, yet Seong Yul advanced tenaciously. It was a terrifying sight.
But.
‘That guy is the same.’
As if refusing to be outdone, Peng Woojin acted just like Seong Yul. He was smiling. That crazy fucker was actually smiling. He possessed a tenacity similar to the Heavenly Killing Star. What in the world was he?
‘He can smile in a situation like this?’
What could be so enjoyable? Peng Woojin's face was filled with a thrill, as if he were deeply moved by the violence.
Splat!
Blood splattered. The mix of killing intent and fighting spirit was suffocating to watch. It had long passed the point of being a mere tournament match. The judge couldn't even find an opening to intervene in the face of such brutal energy.
‘Well, now.’
Watching them fight so fiercely, one might think Seong Yul had a chance to win. I didn't think that for a second.
‘He can't win.’
There's a limit to how much a difference in level can be overcome. It was impossible. That's why I had asked Peng Woojin for a favor instead. I told him I had something to check with Seong Yul, so I asked him to just hold out for ten exchanges.
Just don't take him down in one blow. That's what I asked.
Peng Woojin had agreed to my request in exchange for a few conditions. The conditions were a bit fucked up, but it was fine. He had accepted, after all.
Just then.
Chomp!
"Heek!"
"H-his neck!?"
I narrowed my eyes at the murmurs. I had missed it for a moment while lost in thought. I quickly checked and saw what had happened.
"Hah."
I assessed the situation and let out a sharp breath. There was a wound on Peng Woojin's neck. Looking at the mark, it was a bite. From a distance, I saw Seong Yul spit a piece of flesh from his mouth.
‘Did he bite his neck?’
He wasn't a dog; why would he bite his neck? Has there ever been such a chaotic match?
‘And what is that guy doing to let that happen?’
Even with his neck bitten, Peng Woojin's enjoyment seemed to have doubled. His face was full of laughter. It was getting scary now.
The match grew increasingly heated. Watching them fight as if to kill, the spectators could only swallow dryly.
‘…Is it about time?’
I judged the situation as I watched. It seemed there was nothing more to see, and it would be dangerous to leave them be any longer.
Fwoooosh!
As soon as I thought that, a tremendous amount of internal Qi began to rage across the arena. It was an energy I felt from Peng Woojin, and I knew it the moment I saw it.
‘He's planning to end it.’
He intended to finish the match. Furthermore, the same was true for Seong Yul. With blazing eyes, he grit his teeth and began to gather all the killing intent he had been emitting into a single point.
Watching that, I gave a slight nod. This was the last thing I'd watch—the final confirmation. Seong Yul was gradually being buried in his own energy.
I whispered as I looked at him.
[Stop.]
I sent the telepathic voice imbued with the power of the Dragon’s Word.
Flinch!
The Heavenly Killing Star—no, Seong Yul's body—stiffened instantly.
It worked.
‘It's effective.’
I smiled brightly as I confirmed his state. The Dragon’s Word worked. Even though he was consumed by the Heavenly Killing Star, the Dragon’s Word was still effective. It meant he could be controlled.
Then.
‘To what extent?’
Now it was time to confirm that. This fight was a stage prepared solely for that purpose.
Thump!
I focused power in my heart. My Qi churned, maintaining a steady flow.
Swoosh.
I slowly mixed my Qi with my breath. I looked at the man about to go berserk and spoke.
[Now.]
[Disappear.]
"...Gack...!?"
The moment the words were delivered, Seong Yul's body trembled violently.
Fwaaaaa!
Then, the killing intent that had enveloped him vanished in an instant. As the energy sustaining his body faded, Seong Yul immediately staggered.
Thud!
He collapsed powerlessly to the ground. Amidst the sudden turn of events, Peng Woojin's eyes widened in surprise.
"What? What was that?"
"What just happened all of a sudden?"
"They were fighting so well, why...?"
The audience, unable to understand the situation, voiced their confusion, but the result didn't change.
"Peng Woojin of the Hebei Peng Clan wins!"
The judge, who had rushed up, assessed Seong Yul's condition and declared the winner. Peng Woojin was the victor.
Waaaaaah!
Cheers erupted. It was a rough and savage match, but the reaction showed the crowd had enjoyed it nonetheless. Though the winner himself, Peng Woojin, was wearing a strange expression.
‘Well, well.’
His eyes were completely devoid of laughter. Expressionless black eyes—his displeasure was palpable. He sheathed his sword and looked toward me. It seemed he had noticed that I had done something.
Sure enough.
-What is the meaning of this?
Peng Woojin sent a telepathic message my way.
-What do you mean?
I played dumb.
-Even for you, Young Master Gu, this is quite displeasing.
Of course, it didn't work. I heard a tone from Peng Woojin I'd never heard before. The man who was always playing strange pranks sent a heavy, serious tone this time. It was proof of how upset he was.
-I didn't do anything. However, since you kept your promise, I will remember what you said.
-...
There was no proof. I left nothing behind, so there was no fear of being caught. Knowing that, Peng Woojin could only glare at me. Was he that displeased about not being able to finish the fight properly?
A few seconds passed as I met Peng Woojin's gaze.
-I understand.
Peng Woojin erased his expressionless face and once again wore a smile.
-I have some regrets, but since you are here in the end, I will let it go. Instead...
He was smiling, but it wasn't a real smile. It was something perhaps even more uncomfortable.
-If we happen to meet here, I hope you will give me even greater pleasure than Young Master Jin did.
-...
Pleasure, he says. I didn't know exactly what he meant by that.
But.
-Yes. I'll try.
I dared to guess. It probably wouldn't be that difficult.
* * *
The tournament continued after that.
The match thick with killing intent between Peng Woojin and Seong Yul became a topic of conversation, leading to a short delay, but there were no major problems. At most, two people forfeited their upcoming matches out of fear.
"I'm back."
Tang Soyeol, who had just finished her match, arrived. I waved at her.
"Good work."
The result of the match was Tang Soyeol's victory. Her opponent's level had barely surpassed the perfected Peak Realm, so there was no chance of her losing.
"Huhu."
Perhaps because of her consecutive victories, Tang Soyeol laughed happily. "What if I end up winning the whole thing?"
"Then I'll have to congratulate you," I said with a chuckle.
"Congratulations? No present or anything?"
"What kind of present?"
"...Um... that is... uh..."
Tang Soyeol, who had been speaking, suddenly closed her mouth. Then she glanced nervously to the side, where Bongsun was sitting.
What? Why was she looking at Bongsun?
"What? You want me to give you her?"
"...Young Master. Bong... no, Lady Pi isn't an object."
"Close enough."
"Huh? What about me?"
As if she had a sixth sense for when people were talking about her, Bongsun tilted her head. I got annoyed for some reason and smacked her on the head.
"Kyak! What, why'd you hit me...?"
"Just because you're annoying."
"Then while you're at it, a little more—"
"Shut up."
"Okay."
Bongsun naturally shut her mouth, and Tang Soyeol, watching this, let out a shallow sigh. I chuckled at that and said, "Anyway, I'll think about a present."
"You don't plan on giving me one anyway."
"Who knows. If you really win, it might be a different story."
Who knows? You never know what might happen in this world.
"So. You go win, too."
"Huh?"
I said, looking at Bongsun. Seong Yul was still unconscious on the ground. It didn't matter. I had confirmed what I needed to, and Seong Yul didn't need to advance any further.
But Bongsun was different.
"I'd like you to go as high as possible."
In Bongsun's case, the higher her rank, the better it would be for me later. It was also necessary for my plans.
"Oh... You'll be happy if I win?"
"Of course."
"Cult Leader. As expected, you and I should mate—"
"On second thought, I don't think you need a tongue."
"I'll shut up!"
She pressed her fingers firmly against her lips. I considered actually pulling it out but barely managed to restrain myself.
"Stop with the nonsense and get ready."
"Okay!"
The match was uncertain, but if she aimed to kill, she could kill her opponent. That meant their levels were similar, which also meant Bongsun could win if she did well.
-Yung Pung of Mount Hua and Pi Yeonyeon of the Xi'an Pi Clan, please prepare for the next match!
Before long, the announcement we were waiting for came.
"I'm off!"
Bongsun, realizing it was her turn, stood up with her staff. I watched her and said tiredly, "Go win."
"Yup! Got it!"
Hearing my words, Bongsun walked off energetically.
And not long after that...
"Oh! Cult Leader!"
Bongsun appeared, covered in bruises, and ran toward me.
"I lost! That guy was super strong!"
"..."
I had to cover my face at her cheerful words.