Chapter 754: Appearance of a Hero (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 754: Appearance of a Hero (2)
“Heavenly Demon…”
The Sword Immortal’s brow furrowed the moment he heard the man’s introduction.
“Just as I’d heard,” he said, his voice strained as if he were forcibly suppressing his fighting spirit. “The one who laid waste to the Wudang Sect.”
[Ah.]
The Heavenly Demon responded with a casual tilt of his head.
[Right. That did happen.]
His reaction was so nonchalant it was as if he had momentarily forgotten the event. At that, the Sword Immortal’s expression soured even further.
This hadn't happened just anywhere; it was at the main mountain of Wudang. Not only had an intruder broken in, but an elder had been murdered. The incident had nearly shattered the Wudang Sect’s prestige.
And this man couldn't even be bothered to remember it?
[My apologies.]
Noticing the Sword Immortal’s reaction, the Heavenly Demon spoke with a light chuckle.
[It was such a trivial matter, I’d forgotten for a moment.]
“You—!”
The words nearly made the Sword Immortal erupt, but he clenched his jaw, managing to hold back. He couldn’t lose his temper—not with so many eyes watching.
“I will ask you… Are you the mastermind behind this incident?” He posed the question, seeking to confirm the truth first.
[Hmm.]
The Heavenly Demon tilted his head at the question. Then, he spoke as if he were teaching a slow-witted child a lesson.
[Old monster of Wudang. You seem to be mistaken about something.]
“What…?”
[This Venerable One never granted you permission to ask questions. How dare you pose one to me?]
Swoooosh.
The black aura permeating the area began to thicken.
[Do not misunderstand. This Venerable One does not exchange words with insects.]
“…!!”
Insects.
Instantly demoted to the status of a bug, the Sword Immortal’s face turned beet red.
[The only reason I deign to speak with you at all is that This Venerable One is in a good mood today.]
Heh heh.
With a low laugh, the Heavenly Demon began to walk, moving closer to the barrier.
[If that were not the case… you would not be able to hold your heads so high in my presence.]
His words were the height of arrogance. Considering how many masters were trapped inside the barrier and the sheer power they possessed, how could this man be so conceited? It was beyond their comprehension.
The Heavenly Demon slowly approached the barrier. Below, people were struggling desperately to dispel it.
“You…!!”
Though the Sword Immortal hadn't noticed them yet, the Heavenly Demon must have, as most of the martial artists below now directed their hostility toward him. They looked ready to charge at any moment.
Even seeing this, the Heavenly Demon walked on, unfazed. Finally, as he stood before them, he spoke.
[Be still.]
Wooooong—!!!
“…!”
“Kgh?!”
At the Heavenly Demon’s command, everyone froze like stone.
[Until This Venerable One permits it, do not dare even to breathe.]
“…Ghk… uhp…”
With a single phrase, their breathing truly stopped. How was this possible? He had subdued dozens of experts with just a word. It was an overwhelming display of power.
The Heavenly Demon walked silently through their midst. The martial artists could only tremble, forced to watch as he passed.
Woong.
As he neared the barrier, it vibrated. This was the power that bound the feet of those inside—a power whose principles and weaknesses remained a total mystery.
[It seems the cage I prepared is cozier than I thought. Your trapped forms resemble livestock. It suits you well.]
The expressions of those inside hardened at the insult.
[Tsk tsk.]
Was their reaction amusing? The Heavenly Demon let out a sudden laugh.
“…Dispel this barrier. Dispel it at once!”
Perhaps triggered by the laugh, the Sword Immortal shouted, his face flushed with rage. “If you are so confident, then let’s see you receive my sword!”
His pride had been deeply wounded. It seemed the Sword Immortal was ready to engage the Heavenly Demon in a life-and-death duel right then and there. To the Heavenly Demon, the sight was merely comical.
[You know not your place. If it were up to me, I would show you what the heavens truly are, but…]
Woong.
As he spoke, the Heavenly Demon’s feet slowly began to lift off the ground. Simultaneously, the body of the old man from the Zhuge Clan rose into the air with him.
[This Venerable One has too much to do to entertain your antics.]
“Are you running away?” the Sword Immortal sneered.
However, the Heavenly Demon’s reaction remained unchanged.
[Old monster.]
The Heavenly Demon looked down at him.
[If you truly wish to fight This Venerable One, in what capacity do you intend to face me?]
“If you’re just spouting useless nonsense, I have no intention of listening—”
[As the Sect Leader of Wudang? Or as the Leader of the Murim Alliance?]
“…”
The Sword Immortal suddenly fell silent, at a loss for words. Seeing this, the Heavenly Demon nodded as if he had expected nothing more.
[You mongrel who has not even realized your own essence. That is why you are not worthy of reaching This Venerable One.]
“What utter nonsense…!”
The Sword Immortal belatedly tried to retort, but the Heavenly Demon had already lost interest and was slowly drifting away from the barrier.
[I hope you bring a more pleasing answer next time.]
“Stop—! Dispel this barrier at once!”
[For now, watch from within your cage. Watch as the rotten peace you have created shatters.]
Boom—! Boom-boom—!
The Sword Immortal, filled with rage, repeatedly unleashed his sword aura. But as before, the energy was simply absorbed by the barrier, vanishing powerlessly.
[Be grateful for my generosity.]
The Heavenly Demon watched the Sword Immortal’s struggles with a thin smile.
[I came today merely to offer my greetings, so I will let this pass. There will not be a next time.]
Swoooooosh—!!!
The energy that had spread in all directions began to converge on the Heavenly Demon. Gradually, the black mist was sucked into his form.
[This is a festival This Venerable One has prepared, which also serves as a greeting.]
Everyone, from the countless people on the ground to those trapped within the barrier, stared at him. Their expressions ranged from fury to a faint, creeping fear. Some shouted, others trembled, but through it all, the Heavenly Demon’s voice remained crystal clear.
[So please.]
[I hope you enjoy it.]
With those final words…
Fwoooosh—!!!
Paaaang—!!
The sphere that had formed exploded, emitting a brilliant light. A moment later, when their vision returned, the Heavenly Demon and the Zhuge elder were nowhere to be found.
The being known as the Heavenly Demon had vanished. As proof, the people on the ground whose breathing had been forcibly stopped began to gasp for air.
“Hahk…! Keoheok!”
“Cough!”
Gasping for the breath they had held, they staggered, unable to even stand properly. The expressions of the others were much the same. Disappointment flickered across the faces of the civilians who hadn't managed to escape. They were looking at their supposed protectors—trapped and helpless before the very mastermind who had orchestrated this disaster.
Witnessing this, the Sword Immortal…
“Aaaaaaaargh—!!!”
Finally unable to contain his humiliation, he let out a monstrous roar.
* * *
Thump—!! Thump—!!
—Kill them all!
—Kgh—! Re-form the lines!!
—Protect the civilians!
Boom—! Kra-koom—!
The chaotic sounds of battle and harsh explosions raged on. The air was thick with the clashing internal energy of martial artists. Above, an unnatural phenomenon unfolded in the sky, alien to the carnage below.
Amidst the scene of disaster, a young man walked in silence.
He wore a dark gray uniform with faint gold thread embroidered into the fabric. On his finger was a black ring, signifying he was of the Peng Clan’s direct bloodline.
The Great Saint Blade, Peng Woojin.
Though he possessed handsome features, Peng Woojin exuded an eerie air as he walked steadily onward, supporting his father, the Dao King. They were some distance away from the main streets of Henan. It wasn't a place where the Peng Clan's martial artists would typically gather, yet Peng Woojin continued to walk in silence.
After walking for some time…
—Kill them!
—Just hold on a little longer! The ritual will be complete soon!
Clang—! Clang-clang—!!
The sounds of battle echoed from a relatively deserted area. Hearing the noise, Peng Woojin’s ears perked up. He stopped walking and carefully set down the Dao King. The unconscious Dao King collapsed limply.
Shing.
Simultaneously, Peng Woojin drew his weapon from his waist. It was a blade, thinner and somewhat smaller than the one his father, Peng Jeowoo, used.
Shhhk—!
As Peng Woojin took a single step forward, his surroundings blurred, and he vanished.
Shwiiik—! Kang—!!
He arrived, surprisingly, in the middle of the raging battle. He stood at the center of a brutal scene where blades clashed chaotically.
“Huh?!”
“What the—!!”
Peng Woojin’s sudden appearance caused a moment of confusion, but that bewilderment was short-lived.
Slice—!
A cruel sound echoed. Someone’s head was severed and rolled across the ground. At Peng Woojin’s hand, the head of a man in a black uniform had been cut off. As the others’ eyes widened at the instantaneous strike…
Sh-sh-sh-sh-shk—!!!
Peng Woojin’s hand moved so fast it became a blur.
“Keoheok!”
“Kuaaaaargh!!”
Screams erupted from all directions. They began to fall, brutally cut down by his slashes.
Thud-thud-thud.
Mangled corpses scattered across the ground, and blood soaked the earth. In contrast, Peng Woojin, the architect of this slaughter, remained utterly impassive. His face showed no emotion whatsoever.
Just then, someone approached Peng Woojin as he quietly observed the carnage. It was the group that had been fighting his victims.
“Th-thank you for your help.”
Their faces were filled with relief and bewilderment, the fierce battle having ended in an instant. At the sound of the voice, Peng Woojin’s gaze shifted toward them. They wore light blue uniforms with white embroidery—the mark of the Murim Alliance.
The one at the forefront spoke first. “I am Mo Woonseong of the Blue Dragon Army. Are you the Great Saint Blade, Young Master?”
Nod.
When Peng Woojin affirmed with a nod, Mo Woonseong’s face brightened.
“Ah—!! I knew it…! Thank you so much. It was a sudden ambush, and we were unable to respond properly.”
“What is happening?” Peng Woojin asked.
Perhaps because he had just saved them, Mo Woonseong was quite friendly in his response. “It seems… an attack has occurred in Henan. They say that sky is also their doing.”
Peng Woojin listened to the explanation and glanced behind them. He saw they were all wearing the same uniform.
“An attack… you say.”
“Yes… They’ve not only targeted our reconnaissance teams but have somehow managed to strike at our weaker points, making it difficult to respond—”
“Perfect.”
“Pardon?”
Slice.
“Huh?”
It felt as if something had grazed his neck. Wondering what had happened, Mo Woonseong clasped his throat.
Gush—!
Blood streamed from his neck. Slowly, his head began to slide off.
“Swordsman Mo?! What is this all of a sudden—!”
The others cried out in shock, but…
Shhhlick—!!
The one who had spoken was swiftly cut in half at the torso. It was the same kind of slash as before. Without even a chance to ask a proper question, every member of the Murim Alliance was dead within seconds.
There was far more blood than before.
Splash.
Every time Peng Woojin moved, the wet sound of his footsteps echoed. In the space where everyone now lay dead, Peng Woojin turned his back without hesitation. He slowly walked back to where Peng Jeowoo was.
As he reached his destination…
“Kgh… hhh…”
Surprisingly, Peng Jeowoo was beginning to regain consciousness. He let out a series of pained groans, his face contorted in agony as he opened his eyes.
“…Where… is this…?”
“You’re awake,” Peng Woojin spoke calmly.
Peng Jeowoo’s eyes turned to his son. “…Young Lord.”
“You should have slept a little longer. You must be in great pain.”
“Where am I… Huh!” As he was about to ask, a memory suddenly surfaced, and Peng Jeowoo reacted violently. “That… bastard…! That son of a bitch… where is he…?”
Peng Woojin smiled faintly. He knew exactly who his father was talking about.
“Are you referring to Young Master Gu?”
“Yes. That damn blood relative of the Gu Clan… Where is that bastard?!”
The son of Gu Cheolun, who deserved to be torn to shreds. Where was that damned brat who had put him in this state? Peng Jeowoo ground his teeth as he asked.
“I wonder. I’m not sure,” Peng Woojin’s response was devoid of emotion.
However, the delirious Peng Jeowoo failed to notice. “If you don’t know, then find him. Find him even if you have to mobilize the entire clan’s forces!”
“…Hmm.”
Had he been consumed by madness? Peng Woojin looked at his father’s pathetic state and asked, “What do you plan to do when you find him?”
“What do you mean? I’ll tear him to pieces! Yes, I’ll rip him apart as if mincing meat and send him to that bastard Gu Cheolun as a gift! Heheheh!!”
“…”
Peng Jeowoo’s eyes were filled with nothing but revenge and resentment. It was a broken, wretched sight. Watching him, Peng Woojin gave a slight, unnoticeable nod.
“I understand.”
“Good. Then first, to the other elders…”
Stab—!
“…Keok…!?”
A sharp pain pierced his chest. The sudden agony made Peng Jeowoo lower his head. Something was embedded in his chest.
“Cough…”
Blood gushed out, and veins bulged all the way up Peng Jeowoo’s neck.
“You… bastard…?”
Peng Jeowoo stared at Peng Woojin in disbelief. His son’s blade had pierced his heart.
“What… is the meaning… of this…”
“You ask a strange question.” Peng Woojin smiled. It was a bright, genuine smile, the likes of which he hadn’t shown in a long time. “Even for an incompetent father… surely you should know this much.”
“…Cough…!”
“Right now, I am…”
Squelch.
He pushed the blade deeper.
“...in the process of succeeding the position of Lord, Father.”
“…You… bastard…!”
“When I was a child, so young I can barely remember, there was something I was always curious about.”
Was it around the time he started to form words? Or perhaps even later? It didn't really matter. What mattered was…
“I was so curious as to just how long you would remain incompetent, Father. But now, I think I know.”
Peng Woojin was now certain.
“You were born incompetent, and you will die incompetent.”
“…Grrrrr…!!!”
Peng Jeowoo desperately tried to break free, gripping the blade tightly. But Peng Woojin’s blade didn’t move an inch.
“Keoheok… ghk… keok…”
The pain intensified, and the blood continued to flow. His consciousness began to fade.
“Huk… ghk…! Why…! How…”
Peng Jeowoo couldn’t understand. Why would Peng Woojin betray him? He was filled with nothing but questions.
And Peng Woojin understood his confusion. “That’s right. You wouldn’t understand, Father.”
He was already the Young Lord, and besides him, there was no one else to inherit the position. The other branch families and relatives were incompetent—a bunch of useless, wretched fools. Even without doing this, the position of Lord would have been his eventually.
“It doesn’t matter. Even if you don’t understand.” Peng Woojin truly didn’t care. “So, just die as you have lived—incompetently.”
The Peng Clan he would lead had no need for incompetence.
Shluk—!
“Keok… heok…”
The blade was pulled out, and a torrent of blood erupted from Peng Jeowoo’s chest. He gasped a few more times as if clinging to life, but it wasn't long before the light in his eyes faded.
The Lord of one of the Four Noble Clans. The Lord of the great Peng Clan of Hebei. Such was the end of the Dao King, Peng Jeowoo.
“…”
Peng Woojin stared silently at his father’s corpse, then turned away with a hardened expression. There were a few things left to take care of.
Woong.
“…!”
Peng Woojin’s instincts flared. He moved instantly.
Shwiiiiiiiiiiik—!!!
An unknown object flew rapidly toward the spot where Peng Woojin had been standing.
KABOOOOM—!!
It struck the ground, causing a massive explosion. Shrapnel flew in all directions, and a cloud of dust billowed up. The impact was so great that the ground was left in ruins.
“Heheheheh.”
From within the dust cloud, a laugh filled with malice echoed. Peng Woojin’s brow furrowed.
Fwoooosh—!!
A fierce gust of wind blew, clearing the dust and revealing the figure within. A giant of a man in dark clothes with disheveled green hair came into view. He was gripping a guandao as large as his own body, glaring at Peng Woojin.
Who is he?
The question arose, but rather than ask, Peng Woojin tightened his grip on his blade. It didn't matter who he was. This man had to die here.
And likewise…
“So it’s you,” the opponent said, radiating killing intent. “The strong one I could feel from a distance. It was you.”
Guwaaaaaaah—!!
As the man violently drew up his energy, Peng Woojin’s eyes widened.
Color?
In his world of monochrome gray, color began to bleed into Peng Woojin’s vision. The man was gradually being dyed in a vibrant violet light.
Beautiful.
The thought unknowingly crossed Peng Woojin’s mind, but he didn't hesitate.
Vweeeeng—!
Peng Woojin swung his sword first, black Qi coalescing on the flat of the blade. As if to say words were unnecessary, the man also swung his guandao.
Kugagagak—!!!
As steel clashed against steel, the life-and-death duel began.