Chapter 156
Chapter 156
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 156
Chapter Title: This Was It?
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Tang Gyujin hadn't actually rated Gong Sonbeom's skills all that highly.
She knew full well that he possessed the realm-transcending lightness skill.
But that was it. Nothing more.
She believed his Hundred Strike Technique would inevitably kneel before the Qingcheng sword.
That was precisely why she'd drawn her blade this time.
She'd long known he stirred up mid- and small-sect warriors to sow discord among them, so she planned to smash his face in and tie his hands and feet while she had the chance.
Yet it seemed Gong Sonbeom had hidden not just three-tenths of his power, but over five.
'Damn it!'
Tang Gyujin sensed the Wall Mountain Palm targeting her nape a beat too late.
There was no time to unleash the Azure Ghost Mask.
Only then did she realize.
An attack laced with extreme speed became a terrifying weapon in itself.
Even a simple strike could shatter boulders like a hammer blow, and a basic kick could slice iron like a blade.
Gong Sonbeom's Wall Mountain Palm was no different.
The third-rate palm technique that ronin practiced had evolved into a divine supreme art.
Fortunately, the Wall Mountain Palm was blocked midway.
It was Yu Sumin.
"Sister!!"
Yu Sumin shoved Gong Sonbeom away with all her might.
At the same time, the sword she gripped shattered, scattering into the air.
The Ami Sect had a tradition of bestowing demon-subduing swords upon disciples descending the mountain for missions.
Forged from refined iron, they boasted exceptional durability.
Yet even such a demon-subduing sword had shattered in a single blow, a testament to the sheer power of Gong Sonbeom's palm force.
Yu Sumin had suffered considerable internal injuries as a result, but she forced down the blood rising in her throat.
"Thanks, Sumin!"
Whoosh—
Tang Gyujin unleashed Flying Stream Step, shifting to Gong Sonbeom's rear.
Simultaneously, Heaven and Earth Sword Qi raked through the spot where he'd stood.
Slash!
With the sound of something being cleaved, Gong Sonbeom was bisected.
But.
Sss—
Incredibly, Gong Sonbeom's form blurred and vanished.
Phantom Shift.
"!"
As Tang Gyujin recoiled in shock, Gong Sonbeom ghosted up beside her.
Fwoosh!
Flying Heaven Four Steps
Annihilation Step
It was said Gong Sonbeom's Flying Heaven Four Steps consisted of four techniques: Instant Speed, Blunt Heaven, Hidden Form, and Annihilation.
Of these, Annihilation added tremendous destructive power to killing blows.
His Wall Mountain Palm, now shaking the very air, struck Tang Gyujin once more.
But Tang Gyujin wasn't fool enough to fall for the same trick twice.
She deployed Three Stream Whip to widen the gap, and the Wall Mountain Palm barely grazed her former position. The empty air shuddered.
Boom!
Rumble—
In her place now stood Sima Seonui.
Having ascended to transcendent realm in the previous battle and steadily refining her state through repeated insights since, her sword was razor-sharp.
Splat!
"Sword aura... I hear the sword fragrance of the Blue Heaven Sword Emperor is most fragrant, yet this youngest daughter's carries so many thorns."
Gong Sonbeom sneered coldly, pivoting toward her and launching his upright hand blade.
Flying Heaven Four Steps
Blunt Heaven Blade Hand
Clang!
"!"
Sima Seonui's sword was violently repelled.
Her sword aura had been blocked by bare hands.
Sima Seonui faltered for the briefest moment but swiftly unleashed her blade anew.
Sword Fragrance Spanning Miles.
Each whirlwind of sword wind seemed to carry the orchid scent symbolizing her.
But Gong Sonbeom used Phantom Shift once more to completely evade, already lurking in Sima Seonui's blind spot.
Then, a barrage of hidden weapons rained from the sky.
Tang Yeowon appeared, her green phoenix robe fluttering.
Pew-pew-pew-pew!
Yet Gong Sonbeom vanished again with Phantom Shift, and Tang Yeowon scoffed dismissively, extending her hand in another direction.
"Hmph! How long do you plan to run?"
To wield hidden weapons required exceptional dynamic vision.
Especially the Green Eye Technique, mastered since enlisting in the Green Admiral Division, renowned as the pinnacle among eye arts.
Thus, Tang Yeowon never lost track of Gong Sonbeom's movements.
If she couldn't pursue with her feet, she'd minimize movement and pin him down.
Hidden weapons excelled in such scenarios.
A dagger shot from Tang Yeowon's fingertips.
Soul-Reaping Dagger.
This dagger, named for harvesting souls, was so sharp it never failed to claim its marked prey.
Tang Yeowon often fought with one gripped in each hand.
Her moniker Heaven-Earth Phoenix stemmed from this.
Her graceful arm sweeps evoked phoenix wings in flight, the daggers raining like falling feathers post-soar.
Boom!
But this Soul-Reaping Dagger appeared to have missed its mark.
"Fleeing? Lightness skill is simply my specialty. Just as Sima young lady wields the sword and Tang young lady hurls hidden weapons, I merely use lightness skill as my main weapon."
The dagger was caught between Gong Sonbeom's index and middle fingers.
A sign his handiwork matched his footwork.
Tang Yeowon yanked hard on the silk thread linked to the dagger.
Gong Sonbeom released it without resistance, stepping into Flying Heaven Four Steps once more.
Whoosh!
Tang Gyujin and Sima Seonui's sword qi struck his former position again.
Gong Sonbeom reappeared far from them.
"Four against one. A bit much for me, but let's give it a go."
Gong Sonbeom sneered coldly, rolling up his sleeves.
His bold demeanor stirred something in the warriors' hearts.
"Whoa!"
"The Flying Heaven Tiger was this strong...?"
"Even the Four Talents' joint assault can't even graze his robes!"
The onlookers gasped in unison at Gong Sonbeom.
Those who'd inwardly scorned his origins now acknowledged his prowess; his followers puffed with pride at such a grand display.
'This is all because of me—'
Bae Hyein stomped her feet.
All this conflict stemmed from her, so if any of the Four Talents were hurt, it'd be her fault too.
She stepped forward to call it off, insisting no apologies or compensation were needed—she'd handle it.
But Tang Gyujin extended a hand to stop her.
"It's fine, Bae young lady. Stay back."
Bae Hyein felt more worry than joy at Tang Gyujin knowing her name, despite being a mere low-rank warrior.
"B-But—"
"This is my fight now. All of you, fall back."
Tang Gyujin strode forward.
Tang Yeowon, Yu Sumin, and Sima Seonui, already in position, turned their gazes to her.
A faint azure ghostly energy crept over Tang Gyujin's stern face.
The Azure Ghost Mask Technique activated.
It signaled her intent to get serious.
"No helping it. But if you look like you're hurt, I'm stepping in."
Tang Yeowon sighed softly, withdrawing her Soul-Reaping Daggers and stepping back.
She knew why Tang Gyujin was so hostile to Gong Sonbeom.
The rumors he'd spread among ordinary warriors about Yunhwi were utterly vile and base.
"No. It won't come to that. Heh heh heh heh!"
Tang Gyujin launched herself.
Whoosh—
Azure ghostly energy blazed like flames, swiftly forming a mask over her face.
The sword qi laced with ghostly energy grew far more grotesque and ferocious than before.
Each stroke targeted vital points and acupoints with ruthless precision, making one question if this was truly a righteous sect's swordsmanship.
"Such vicious attacks, every one. They say the wicked ghost sent from the Tang Clan to Qingcheng has grown sharp fangs—clearly referring to you, Thousand Leaf Immortal!"
"What're you babbling, you half-chewed pumpkin-faced bastard?"
Tang Gyujin's voice, half-distorted like a specter's, was eerie and chilling, far from her prior politeness.
Gong Sonbeom chuckled.
"Personal insults aren't really my style, but whatever—let's go till the end."
"Heh heh heh! Yeah! Let's keep going! Come on over! I'll carve your limbs nice and pretty for you! That'll improve your ugly mug, right? Huh?"
"Such frightful words from such a pretty face. But even four of you couldn't catch me—wonder if you can alone?"
"That's not for you to worry about! So just get caught nicely!"
"Pass."
Gong Sonbeom dodged the densely weaving sword qi with mocking jabs, attacks grazing perilously close each time.
Tang Gyujin seethed with fury.
"This bastard? Keep scurrying like a rat?"
She realized he was toying with her.
"Let's see if you can keep it up. Huh?"
The azure ghostly energy flared brighter.
Sword qi split into six streams, sweeping the surroundings.
Screeech!
Heaven and Earth Ultimate Gate
Heaven and Earth Monstrous Fury
"...Tch."
Gong Sonbeom instinctively retreated in haste.
He sensed even a graze from this sword qi could be fatal.
And indeed.
The Heaven and Earth Sword Qi infused with ghostly energy gleamed pale blue.
Twisted specters mottled within, howling ghostly wails.
Growth in the last battle wasn't limited to Sima Seonui. Tang Gyujin had advanced too.
With her Azure Ghost Mask Technique's evolution, she could now infuse ghostly energy into sword qi and aura.
Thus, each of the six streams brimmed with distinct grudges.
Hatred to rend foes asunder.
Malice to drag them into damnation.
As the saying went, 'cure poison with poison'—her master Woo Ho's training had shaped the Azure Ghost Mask into a weapon for slaying the wicked.
Boom boom boom boom boom!
Heh heh heh heh—
Sword qi and aura raged. Ghostly energy clawed and pierced the ground.
'The sword's nature has completely changed. Fight like before, and my limbs really will get "prettily" carved off.'
Sensing true peril, Gong Sonbeom unleashed the Flying Heaven Four Steps' ultimate technique.
Flying Heaven Four Steps
Four Steps Death Road Manifestation
With each step, his form multiplied, totaling four.
Instant Speed, Blunt Heaven, Hidden Form, Annihilation.
Four Gong Sonbeoms, each deploying a variant Flying Heaven Four Steps, battered Tang Gyujin.
Boom! Boom! Boom boom!
Rumble, rumble, ruuumble—
Instant Speed Gong Sonbeom's flashing hands boomed like thunder, shattering the Heaven and Earth Sword Qi specters.
Blunt Heaven Gong Sonbeom's kicks wielded immense destructive force like blunt weapons; Hidden Form Gong Sonbeom's steps erased his presence, his stealthy assaults piercing blind spots.
If moments ago Gong Sonbeom faced four women, now Tang Gyujin faced four Gong Sonbeoms.
'His speed is so blinding it makes the four feel solid as clones. Best treat them as four simultaneous foes.'
「Heh heh heh! Then we're two against four—so two each? Right?」
'Exactly!'
Yet Tang Gyujin didn't yield an inch, pressing her assault more ferociously.
Her aura whipped storms as if dancing with the Azure Ghost Mask.
Instant Speed Gong Sonbeom had a fatal flaw: inability to control his velocity.
Heaven and Earth Sword Qi herded him into a dead end, then three streams tore him apart.
Blunt Heaven Gong Sonbeom packed devastating power but was slower than the others.
Heaven and Earth Sword Qi deflected his assault sideways, then looped back to sever his throat.
Hidden Form Gong Sonbeom was too silent to track.
So Tang Gyujin baited him with an arm. Lure and eliminate.
Hidden Form Gong Sonbeom sensed the trap but couldn't resist.
He revealed himself, only to be bisected by vertically erupting Heaven and Earth Sword Qi from the ground.
Splurt!
But she wasn't unscathed.
Her left shoulder tore open, blood spurting.
"Sister!!"
Too grave an injury for swordplay.
Still, Tang Gyujin sought the last: Annihilation Gong Sonbeom.
Neutralize him, and it ended.
'Where? Not behind again—'
「No!!」
The Azure Ghost Mask screamed.
"Right here."
"!!"
Annihilation Gong Sonbeom appeared dead ahead.
He grinned savagely, as if reading her thoughts.
After such brutal combat, not a scratch on him—not even dust on his gold-threaded robes from meals.
His face beamed with ecstatic anticipation, as if awaiting this precise moment.
In that instant, a thought flashed through Tang Gyujin's mind.
'No way... it was all a trap?'
Driving Bae Hyein into a corner. Inciting the Four Talents' wrath. Drawing all eyes here. Provoking enmity with her.
All a gamble he'd orchestrated!
'To elevate his fame above ours?'
It had seemed off from the start.
With his lightness skill, dodging Bae Hyein's error should've been trivial. Why hadn't he?
Perhaps he'd waited for their intervention?
Ruuumble!
Gong Sonbeom unleashed Wall Mountain Palm again.
Annihilation amplified it, the air igniting wildly as thunder aura enveloped his palm force.
"!!!"
No escaping this.
Tang Gyujin hastily circulated qi to erect a sword barrier.
She steeled to sacrifice an arm.
Then someone wedged between them, bare-handedly countering Gong Sonbeom's palm technique.
BOOM!
Crackle crackle!
Thunder aura sprayed wildly. The ground scorched black, the air thick with ozone.
"Sister!!"
"We can't get close like this—"
Tang Yeowon, Yu Sumin, and Sima Seonui rushed toward Tang Gyujin but halted midway.
The one who'd saved her was smiling.
A smile so chilling it chilled spines to the bone.
Like the grin of the death god Yama overseeing demise.
They dared not speak.
"Yunhwi...?"
Tang Gyujin stared at Yunhwi in stunned confusion.
Over half a year by his side, yet this was new.
No—once before.
Back when they'd met at Do Seonghyeon.
It had been exactly like this.
But Yunhwi ignored all around, fixing on Gong Sonbeom.
Precisely, on Gong Sonbeom's right hand gripped in his left.
"So this was it? What you were banking on."
He'd tried hiding his nature, but Yunhwi's keen senses pierced through.
The eerie thunder aura in the Wall Mountain Palm.
It was unmistakably the signature ultimate of the Soul-Slaying Phantom Sect: Immortal-Slaying Palm.
Reincarnation Demon God Legend