Chapter 305
Chapter 305
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 305
Chapter Title: The Golden Summit Divine Dragon and the Seven-Fingered Demonic Blade
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The Thousand Hands Tathagata Palm was Shaolin’s ultimate palm technique.
Moreover, weren't its hand forms so complex and its control of internal energy so demanding that young disciples couldn't possibly hope to learn it?
But this young man, as if he had practiced the Thousand Hands Tathagata Palm for decades…
He freely controlled the number of palm shadows, unleashing and retracting his internal energy without a hint of hesitation.
‘He's falling for it.’
A smile graced Bu Eun-seol's lips as he glanced at Zhongli Sixian, whose mouth was hanging open wide enough to dislocate his jaw.
In truth, the Thousand Hands Tathagata Palm he was performing was not the real thing.
Bu Eun-seol had faced the technique from both Gwang Yeon, Shaolin’s greatest prodigy, and the Buddha Honored One, Hong Hyeon.
Furthermore, thanks to mastering the essence of orthodox martial arts from the Martial Emperor's Archives, he could perfectly imitate their principles and flow.
He was mimicking the Thousand Hands Tathagata Palm of the Buddha Honored One and Gwang Yeon so perfectly that no one but a true Shaolin disciple could ever tell the difference.
‘I'll give them a perfect imitation of a Shaolin disciple!’
From the moment he had decided to meet the Needle King, Bu Eun-seol had resolved to pose as a secular disciple of Shaolin.
He would assume the identity of the Golden Summit Divine Dragon, Baek Mu-seong—a disciple the Buddha Honored One, Hong Hyeon, had taken in his later years, a peerless, heaven-sent prodigy of the martial arts.
A mysterious figure, spoken of like a divine dragon of legends.
As a disciple of one of the Three Honored Ones, Bu Eun-seol wouldn't need to deliberately lower his martial prowess, and it would also explain his immense internal energy.
‘If I'm the Golden Summit Divine Dragon, he'll surely talk.’
He couldn't force the Needle King's mouth open.
But he was confident that as Baek Mu-seong, the Golden Summit Divine Dragon and disciple of the Buddha Honored One, the man would tell him the story, even if he was reluctant.
“Ah!”
At that moment, with their Golden Stream Prairie Fire technique broken in a single move, the three disciples were thrown into a panic.
Bu Eun-seol seized the opportunity, unleashing a continuous barrage of the Thousand Hands Tathagata Palm.
*Boom! Boom! Boom!*
With a series of explosions, the three disciples who had unleashed the golden needles retreated.
They managed to block the force of the palms by executing the Golden Stream Prairie Fire's retrieval form, the Myriad Laws Return to One.
However, unable to withstand Bu Eun-seol's dense internal energy, they were pushed back.
“Use the forms of the Purple Clarity Net.”
At Zhongli Sixian’s command, the disciples drew out golden needles with both hands.
This time, they held a staggering eighty needles each.
Realizing the strength of Bu Eun-seol's martial arts, they intended to use an esoteric art specialized for offense.
*Flash!*
With a golden glint, more than two hundred and forty golden needles vanished simultaneously.
Watching the disappearing trails of light, Bu Eun-seol hesitated.
‘This is…’
The two hundred and forty golden needles unleashed by the Needle King’s disciples.
It was the equivalent of launching two hundred and forty different techniques at once.
To block an attack of this level, he would have to use the Formless Heavenly Flow, the As-You-Will True Incantation, or the Thirteen Nocturnes.
‘I have to dodge.’
*Papapak.*
He quickly executed the Ultimate Speed Shadowless technique, but a few golden needles still managed to embed themselves in his elbow and leg.
‘Hmm.’
Watching this, Zhongli Sixian let out an inward sigh of relief.
Even if the young man was a Shaolin disciple, what if a rumor spread that three of the Needle King’s disciples had been defeated in a joint attack?
There could be nothing more disgraceful.
*Woooong!*
But something strange happened.
A golden current of energy began to pour out of Bu Eun-seol’s body…
*Piiing!*
And weren't the golden needles embedded in his body being repelled and shot back out?
“That is…”
Zhongli Sixian’s eyes widened.
“The Great Prajna Power?”
Zhongli Sixian’s jaw dropped.
If the Yijin Jing was the greatest divine art of the orthodox faction, then the Great Prajna Power was Shaolin’s ultimate esoteric skill.
It was the supreme martial art among the Seventy-Two Esoteric Arts, one that even high monks who had reached the pinnacle of their power and skill could not easily master… How could a young man in his early twenties possibly use it?
‘This is.’
Bu Eun-seol was just as surprised.
The golden needles had paralyzed his body.
He had simply mustered all his energy to try and move somehow. Why on earth had such an ability manifested?
‘Is it because of what happened back then?’
Bu Eun-seol recalled the Great Prajna Power that Scholar Mun Dae, the Lord of Sahyang, had unleashed in his final moments.
At that time, the Great Prajna Power had been absorbed into Bu Eun-seol’s meridians, causing a slight conflict.
He had thought nothing of it, but could that power still be latent within his body?
“He won!”
Just then, Zhongli Sayu, who had been watching from beside Zhongli Sixian, let out a cheer.
If he could still move after being struck by the golden needles, there was no need to watch this contest any longer.
“Hmm.”
Zhongli Sixian nodded.
‘There’s no room for doubt anymore.’
The Great Prajna Power was a true Shaolin art that could not be mastered without at least twenty years of arduous training.
Therefore, unless Bu Eun-seol had been training since he was a newborn, he could never have displayed it…
Zhongli Sixian jumped to the conclusion that Bu Eun-seol was a secular disciple of Shalin and that a great master had infused him with the Great Prajna Power.
“This old man has lost.”
Zhongli Sixian offered a faint smile.
At that, Zhongli Sayu ran over, smiling.
“Young Master Baek. That was truly amazing. How can you still move after being hit by needles in your vital points?”
Hearing her words, a thought flashed through Zhongli Sixian's mind.
‘Wait, Baek Mu-seong. If it's Baek Mu-seong…’
In the orthodox martial world, which placed great importance on seniority, there were some rising talents whose skills were high but whose faces and names were not well known.
These were individuals who had attained a very high rank at a young age.
If they were to roam the Jianghu freely, it would create the comical situation where even the masters and elders of various sects would have to bow to them.
And a name, which had remained as a tiny memory in Zhongli Sixian's mind, resurfaced.
‘The Golden Summit Divine Dragon, said to be the Buddha Honored One’s disciple?’
Could this handsome young man truly be Baek Mu-seong, the Golden Summit Divine Dragon, the secular disciple of the Buddha Honored One, Hong Hyeon, also known as the Living Buddha?
The one who had never shown his face but was rumored to have defeated even the previous generation's masters of the demonic path?
“You… you were… the great disciple of Grandmaster Hong Hyeon.”
Zhongli Sixian’s attitude had changed.
It wasn't because of the young man's high rank.
It was because the Shaolin high monk who had used his internal energy to save him in his childhood, his benefactor, was none other than the Buddha Honored One, Hong Hyeon.
Bu Eun-seol put on an innocent act and clasped his hands.
“My apologies. As I mentioned, due to my master's orders…”
In any case, the Golden Summit Divine Dragon had rarely ever shown himself in the Jianghu.
Moreover, since the Needle King himself was not active in the Jianghu, the probability of them crossing paths was extremely low.
Thus, Bu Eun-seol was comfortably playing the part of Baek Mu-seong.
“I understand. I understand.”
Zhongli Sixian beamed and gestured to his disciples.
“Escort Young Master Baek to the Heavenly Inquiry Pavilion.”
The Heavenly Inquiry Pavilion.
There, a grand table was laden with so much food that its legs seemed ready to buckle.
And the wine on the table was a hundred-year-old plum wine that even Zhongli Sixian considered too precious to drink.
However, the dishes consisted of fresh fruits and various vegetable creations.
It was a considerate spread, knowing that Shaolin, even its secular disciples, avoided meat whenever possible.
“How has Grandmaster Hong Hyeon been lately? Is he well?”
At Zhongli Sixian’s question, Bu Eun-seol smiled enigmatically and said,
“The last time I saw him was at the Golden Emperor Pagoda within the Murim Alliance. He is hale, hearty, and well.”
This, too, was not a lie.
Bu Eun-seol had indeed met the Buddha Honored One at the Golden Emperor Pagoda and had seen with his own two eyes that he was well.
He was telling only the truth, just omitting the fact that he was the heir to the Demonic Cult.
“That’s right. I had forgotten that the Grandmaster was presiding over the ceremony at the Golden Emperor Pagoda this year.”
Zhongli Sixian’s face brightened, all his suspicions seemingly resolved.
“Elder. Now, may I hear the story…?”
“Ah, of course.”
Zhongli Sixian finally smiled and began to speak.
“At that time, a terrible plague was sweeping through Hwangju Prefecture. Unable to stand by, I went there and happened to see the Seven-Fingered Demonic Blade.”
***
After treating patients all day in the infirmary, Zhongli Sixian wiped the sweat from his brow.
To treat consumption, one not only needed to replenish the depleted qi but also had to instantly exterminate the consumptive parasites within the body.
He had brought a large supply of the highly effective Great Yin Water Moon Pills and Clear Spirit Powder, but the amount was woefully insufficient.
“Even after bringing so much, it’s still not enough.”
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Zhongli Sixian looked at a distant mountain and nodded.
“It's a shame, but I’ll have to gather some bamboo and elm to make some Bokryeong-samreung-tang.”
He immediately left the infirmary and headed for a nearby mountain.
Having gathered medicinal herbs his entire life, he could tell what kind of herbs grew in a place just by looking at the terrain.
As he followed a path up the mountain, he let out a small sound of surprise.
“Well now, this soil looks like it could even grow Blood Ginseng Fruit.”
He had come with no great expectations.
But the mountain was home to more good herbs than he had thought.
Not only that, the soil seemed perfect for growing Blood Ginseng Fruit, which was said to grant longevity to ordinary people and instantly boost the internal energy of martial artists.
*Step, step.*
As he walked through the forest untouched by human feet, a wide clearing on the mountainside soon came into view.
In front of it was a small cave, and next to it, a martial artist was leaning against a wall, breathing heavily.
His entire body was stained with blood, and the great saber he held in his arms emanated an ominous black light.
“Damn.”
Zhongli Sixian let out a cry.
On the ground where the martial artist sat lay the roots of what appeared to be a Blood Ginseng Fruit.
‘Too bad. That fellow already ate it all.’
As he stared at the roots, his eyes suddenly met those of the panting martial artist.
In that instant, Zhongli Sixian felt a shiver run down his spine. He had perceived that this man was a master who had achieved an incredible level of martial prowess.
“You are…”
As he began to speak politely, Zhongli Sixian’s eyes widened.
He had only just noticed that the martial artist had only two fingers on his right hand.
“The Seven-Fingered Demonic Blade…”
Zhongli Sixian’s voice trembled slightly.
The martial artist before him, soaked in blood, was none other than Bu Zan-yang, the Seven-Fingered Demonic Blade, known as the greatest killer star in the martial world and a cruel demon of slaughter.
“Dressed as a physician, yet your spirit has reached the Stage of Astonishment… I see.”
The martial artist, Bu Zan-yang, wore a slight smile.
“You must be the heir of the Zhongli family, the one whose acupuncture skills are said to have reached a divine level.”
A glint appeared in Zhongli Sixian’s eyes.
The wounds on Bu Zan-yang’s body looked quite deep.
Normally, he wouldn’t dare to challenge him, but now, he felt he could take the man’s head in an instant.
“Are you planning to make a move?”
Sensing his intent, Bu Zan-yang shook his head.
“You seem to wish to make a great name for yourself in the martial world.”
“Not at all.”
Zhongli Sixian said coldly.
“But if I deal with a great killer star like you, I can save the lives of the innocent people who would die by your hands in the future. How could I miss such an opportunity?”
“Innocent people… I see.”
Bu Zan-yang leaned against the wall and spoke nonchalantly.
“Then make your move.”
Instead of answering, Zhongli Sixian pulled needles from his bosom.
“All of this is the karmic retribution for the evil deeds you have committed. Do not resent me.”
Then, he immediately unleashed the Golden Stream Prairie Fire technique toward Bu Zan-yang, who was leaning against the wall.
*Chwarararak!*
The hundred golden needles he shot forth paused momentarily in the air, forming a perfect circle.
*Shwaek!*
Then, they shot toward Bu Zan-yang’s vital points from different directions and at different speeds.
‘Has he given up?’
As Bu Zan-yang remained seated, Zhongli Sixian’s eyebrows twitched.
To think he would try to block the Golden Stream Prairie Fire technique while sitting down, a technique that was difficult to block even while standing.
No matter how outstanding his saber techniques were, he couldn't possibly avoid this.
But then, something unexpectedly astonishing happened.
*Chaang!*
Bu Zan-yang drew his blade with the speed of lightning and began to calmly dismantle the Golden Stream Prairie Fire technique.
*Tang! Tang! Tang!*
Every time the black lightning-like glint decorated the air, the descending golden needles seemed to melt away.
“Not a chance!”
With a great roar, Zhongli Sixian made the airborne needles rotate in a circle and once again unleashed different ultimate moves, but…
*Chwaak!*
With a sound like parting water, all the needles floating in the air vanished.
Simultaneously, a pitch-black blade was resting against Zhongli Sixian’s throat.
Bu Zan-yang, having destroyed the Golden Stream Prairie Fire technique in an instant, had closed the distance like lightning and pressed his great saber against him.
“How…”
Staring down at the blade, Zhongli Sixian was utterly dumbfounded.
He couldn’t even perceive how the seated Bu Zan-yang had shattered his technique.
He hadn't even been able to sense how the man had put a blade to his throat.
‘The martial arts of the Seven-Fingered Demonic Blade… have they reached this level?’
The tips of Zhongli Sixian’s fingers trembled.
He had remained undefeated until now with his Golden Stream Prairie Fire technique, which unleashed a hundred different forms with a hundred golden needles.
But he wasn't even a match for ten of the Seven-Fingered Demonic Blade Bu Zan-yang’s moves…
“…”
Zhongli Sixian slowly closed his eyes.
He had eyes, yet he failed to notice the gap in their martial prowess, and he was a physician, yet he had failed to properly assess Bu Zan-yang’s condition…
He felt as if his eyes were utterly useless.
But something was strange.
Even after a considerable amount of time had passed, the great saber at his throat remained frozen in place, unmoving.
“What are you doing?”
As Bu Zan-yang remained still, Zhongli Sixian opened his eyes again and spoke with irritation.
“Kill me quickly.”
“I hear the Needle King, who uses golden needles as a weapon, wanders the Jianghu, treating the sick for free.”
“What does that have to do with you?”
“If I were to kill a man like you, I too would face heavenly punishment.”
*Click.*
Sheathing his blade in an instant, Bu Zan-yang turned away.
“Go back.”
Zhongli Sixian wore a puzzled expression.
The Seven-Fingered Demonic Blade, called the greatest killer star of the demonic path, was known to be a maniac of slaughter, mad for blood and carnage.
But seeing him in person, not only were his martial arts unbelievably transcendent, but his eyes were filled with nothing but a sense of emptiness.
“After killing so many people until now, are you saying you’re now afraid of heavenly punishment?”
“Who knows.”
Leaning against the wall again, Bu Zan-yang’s eyes were filled only with desolation.
“The dead were those who had to die, and the living survived because they deserved to live, wouldn't you say?”
They were words he couldn't understand.
But Bu Zan-yang’s appearance as he gazed into the void seemed as if he had transcended all of life's affairs.
Only then did Zhongli Sixian surmise that Bu Zan-yang, known as a vicious killer star, actually carried a complex story within his heart.
“Hurry up and go.”
Bu Zan-yang wiped the blood from his lips and said,
“If you stay with me, your fate too may be chosen by the god of death.”
“I don't believe in things like fate.”
Zhongli Sixian then took out a long, finger-sized golden needle from his bosom and strode toward Bu Zan-yang.
“When you’re injured, you might think any elixir will help, but that’s not actually the case.”
And without hesitation, he placed the golden needle into Bu Zan-yang’s shoulder.
“The Blood Ginseng Fruit you ate boosts internal energy, but its effects are too strong. For someone who has lost as much blood as you have right now, it’s actually harmful.”
As Zhongli Sixian placed the golden needle, the bleeding from Bu Zan-yang’s arms and legs stopped instantly.
But the blood flowing from his back did not.
“Take off your outer clothes and turn around.”
Seeing the serious expression on Zhongli Sixian’s face, Bu Zan-yang showed a weary smile.
“If anyone saw this, you would be branded a traitor to the orthodox faction.”
“What does justice or evil have to do with a doctor treating a patient? Stop talking and turn around.”
Bu Zan-yang hesitated for a moment before turning his body.
His back was in tatters, filled with peculiar hidden weapons.
“Poison Darts from the Mad Blood Poison Marsh.”
The hidden weapons embedded in his back had reverse barbs; if forcibly removed, they would tear out chunks of flesh.
They were the genuine hidden weapons, Poison Darts, from the Mad Blood Poison Marsh, one of the most treacherous places in the martial world.
*Click.*
But as Zhongli Sixian lightly twisted his golden needle, the reverse-barbed weapons were extracted smoothly, and blood poured out.
Lightly pressing on the acupoints to stop the bleeding and applying wound medicine, Zhongli Sixian frowned.
The scars on Bu Zan-yang’s back were not only from the Poison Darts but also included traces of the esoteric arts of the Ten Demonic Sects.
The marks of the White Demon Whip and the Four Spirits Spear were there.
“Have you moved on from killing others to your own demonic sects destroying each other?”
At Zhongli Sixian’s words, a deep darkness fell over Bu Zan-yang’s eyes.
But he said nothing.
*Swish, swish.*
After wrapping Bu Zan-yang’s back with clean bandages, Zhongli Sixian dusted off his hands.
His medical skills were truly at a level where his touch could make new leaves sprout from a dry branch.
A wound that would have taken another physician half a day to painstakingly treat, Zhongli Sixian had cleaned and treated in just a quarter of an hour.
“Now there are no debts between you and me.”
Bu Zan-yang, having put his clothes back on, wore a bitter smile.
“There never were any debts to begin with.”
Feeling much lighter, Bu Zan-yang turned to leave. Then he turned his head and said one last thing.
“Forget everything you saw today. For the sake of your own future.”
Zhongli Sixian could feel it.
Those words were genuinely for his own good.
Bu Zan-yang, known as the most savage, crazed killer star in the demonic path, was not actually such a vicious person.
“I will.”
Zhongli Sixian said, the corners of his mouth lifting.
“I have no desire to ever get involved with a killer star like you again.”
Contrary to the cold words, their gazes were filled with goodwill.
Between the masters of the orthodox and demonic paths, whose roads were entirely different, a faint friendship was beginning to bloom.