Chapter 31
Chapter 31
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: Leaving Blade Leaf Valley
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*Chirp, chirp, chirp*
“Ugh…”
*Tap, tap*
*Chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp*
‘Chirping?’
This peculiar sensation on my face, along with the sunlight, was unmistakable… The feeling of three toes pointing forward and one back. This was…
A bird’s foot.
I knew it without even having to open my eyes.
Some birds were walking all over my face. I could even feel them tilting their acorn-sized heads this way and that.
Annoyed, I snapped my eyes open.
*Chirp! Chirp, chirp!*
The birds flew away in surprise.
I took a deep breath in and out, checking my body’s condition.
‘Not bad. No, have I ever felt better than this?’
After sitting up, I settled into a cross-legged position again to regulate my energy. So this was what an explosive increase in internal energy felt like.
I corrected some slightly twisted muscles and stood up.
My senses had sharpened, allowing me to feel the presence of animals and insects nearby. Just as I could perceive every single movement of the birds without opening my eyes, I could now clearly sense presences far away as if they were within arm’s reach.
I stood up and faced a massive boulder.
I extended my left foot back, bent my legs, and assumed a back stance.
I placed my left hand on my hip, clenching it into a fist, while extending my right foot forward and slightly bending my leg.
I decided to try a technique I couldn't use before due to my lack of internal energy.
I then brought my right fist up to the massive rock, which was about the size of a three-story house.
I attuned the eight rotating melodies in my dantian and guided them to the tip of my outstretched fist. Finally, they collided at a single point in the center of the surface touching the rock.
“Divine Arts of the Heavenly Demon, Eight Demons’ Blazing Art.”
*Cra-ack*
A fist mark was left on the rock, and from that mark, cracks began to spread across the entire surface.
Soon, the front face split open as sparks flew, and fragments from the massive rock scattered in all directions.
A sound that shook the very earth erupted, its epicenter originating from behind the rock.
I immediately checked the back of the boulder.
The front of the rock, struck by the Eight Demons’ Blazing Art, had cracked all over, emitting violet flames. But the back had been completely obliterated, torn through by a vortex of demonic flames.
“This… is the fifth stage.”
I was now confident I could win a one-on-one fight against the Golden Fang Poison Claw. Still, I needed to test my limits clearly, so I gathered my energy and headed back.
There was only one person in Blade Leaf Valley who could help me gauge my current abilities.
The master and strongest warrior of Blade Leaf Valley.
The Blade Leaf Demon.
***
—The Central Pavilion’s Training Ground
In the middle of the night, the Blade Leaf Demon and Mu-heun stood alone in the training ground.
There were no spectators.
They simply faced each other, holding a massive greatsword and a sword.
“Have you fully recovered after taking the elixir?”
“Yes, I have recovered completely. You know what this means, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“You are requesting a duel with a Transcendent Master. Do you truly understand that?”
“Congratulations on your recovery.”
“Hah…”
“I wish to learn from you.”
“Hahahahahaha! Very well! I shall teach you a thing or two!”
The Blade Leaf Demon thought Mu-heun was being reckless, but Mu-heun’s thoughts were different. And so, he continued the conversation with a jest.
Thus began the duel with the strongest warrior in Blade Leaf Valley.
Just as he had when fighting the Golden Fang Poison Claw, the Blade Leaf Demon swung his greatsword with deadly precision. It was a display worthy of a master who had reached the Transcendent stage. It even seemed he had completely mastered that realm after consuming the elixir.
Not to be outdone, I unleashed every technique I could currently use. A sword art more sublime than any other in the Cult. I swung a seven-strike Heavenly Demon Slash from the Heavenly Demon Sword Arts.
The powerful sword energy devastated the walls surrounding the training ground, but the Blade Leaf Demon evaded it with fluid footwork, as if he were treading on falling leaves.
Then, the Blade Leaf Demon, having closed the distance between us, shouted.
“Falling Flower Flowing Kick.”
A shockwave, incomparable to the one Un-pyo had used to shatter the ground, pressed down on the entire training ground.
What was interesting was that the wave didn't stop after a single burst but continued to flow like water.
I focused demonic energy into the tips of my toes. I created a ferocious counter-wave by colliding the eight strands of energy and causing them to explode.
Our exchange continued for several more rounds, and the sounds of thunderous clashes and earth-shaking booms echoed throughout the central pavilion.
My current level was the peak of the Supreme.
Normally, I wouldn't have been able to trade blows like this, even if the Blade Leaf Demon was holding back.
However, the martial art my Heavenly Demon master had passed down to me was truly worthy of being called a peerless divine art, allowing me to contend, to some extent, with someone several levels above me.
After a long exchange, the duel ended with the Blade Leaf Demon’s greatsword at my throat. My hands were already so drained of strength that I could barely hold the Sun and Moon Sword.
“I have lost.”
“I never imagined you were this strong.”
Just as I was humbly admitting defeat, Un-pyo, followed by the Blade Leaf Demon’s disciples and Pa-sun, came running over.
They flinched in surprise upon seeing the utterly devastated training ground.
In the middle of the ruined training ground, the Blade Leaf Demon stood with his greatsword planted in the ground, his hands clasped behind his back.
I cupped my fists in a salute towards him, though I was a complete mess.
“Thank you for your teachings.”
“You never cease to amaze me.”
Pa-sun and the disciples of Blade Leaf Valley saw that the two men were smiling.
“What… happened here, you two?”
“My lord, are you alright?”
The Blade Leaf Demon addressed his disciples.
“I was merely sparring with Young Master Sa. I know the loud noises must have startled you. My apologies.”
“N-No, it’s alright, Master.”
“Yes, thank you. I have a few things to discuss with Young Master Sa, so would you all please return now?”
“Yes…”
I also urged Pa-sun to leave, and they all obediently departed. Soon, only the Blade Leaf Demon and I remained.
“The peak of the Supreme, or… are you a Transcendent?”
“In terms of the amount of internal energy, the peak of the Supreme would be correct.”
“It’s hard to believe, but your martial arts resemble those of the Cult Leader…”
“……”
“Hmm… I see. Now I understand why the Cult Leader wants you to participate in the Divine Dragon Assembly.”
“Will there be many strong successors?”
“There will be many, yes… but you are too strong. I simply cannot believe you’ve only just passed your coming-of-age. There will likely be almost no one who can stand up to you.”
“Is there an age limit for the Divine Dragon Assembly?”
“Participants must be successors who have not yet reached the age of thirty.”
“Thirty… Thank you.”
“Still, don’t let your guard down. You never know. There might be another genius just like you out there.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
With those words, the Blade Leaf Demon and I left the training ground.
***
A few days later, I packed my things to leave Blade Leaf Valley. The Golden Fang Poison Claw’s body was placed in a coffin and loaded onto a cart, which Pa-sun and Un-pyo followed.
‘You’ll be a useful pawn, Poison Claw.’
There was no pity or guilt in my eyes as I looked at the dead Golden Fang Poison Claw.
That wasn't all. I also had the fruit of the Myriad Fragrance Blood Jade Tree, wrapped in a white cloth, tucked inside my robes.
On the day the fruit ripened, I had picked it, wrapped it in cloth, and then uprooted the tree and burned it.
Since I couldn't create the Myriad Fragrance Grand Restoration Formation, I would have to think about what to do with this.
After packing our belongings with Pa-sun and Un-pyo, we arrived at the main gate of Blade Leaf Valley. All preparations for our return to the main sect were complete.
But outside the gate, a large crowd had gathered.
“What is all this…”
I had grown fond of more than a few people here, so I had intended to leave quietly, deliberately setting out early in the Hour of the Rabbit. The only one who should have known about my departure time was the Blade Leaf Demon, so why were so many people here?
While I was puzzled, they paid me no mind and began to send us off in their own way.
The residents of Blade Leaf Valley scattered green leaves along our path, as if asking us not to forget their home.
The children smiled brightly, and the elderly wiped away tears.
And from the center of the crowd, the Blade Leaf Demon approached us.
“Blade Leaf Demon…”
“Ahem! Ahem! Goodness, were you trying to sneak away without even a final farewell? Look at them. How disappointed would they have been if you had just left?”
Indeed, looking around, I could feel the deep sense of disappointment from the residents. I couldn't remember the last time I had felt something like this.
“Before you go, I have a gift for you.”
“A gift, you say?”
The Blade Leaf Demon presented us with parting gifts.
“First, these are weapons forged by the blacksmith of Blade Leaf Valley from cold iron.”
“W-Weapons?”
“You already have a fine sword, so you won’t need one, but the same can’t be said for Un-pyo and Pa-sun, can it?”
“Ah, yes… you’re right.”
The Blade Leaf Demon picked up a spear and handed it to Pa-sun.
“Here, take it. This is Pa-sun’s Spear, made in your name.”
Pa-sun’s Spear.
It had a black shaft with white, thorn-like patterns, and at one end was a sharp blade forged from cold iron.
“Pa-sun’s Spear is inscribed with a formation diagram that allows it to absorb and manifest internal energy more quickly. When you use your internal energy, the formation on the shaft will absorb it, increasing the speed at which you can swing and thrust the spear.”
“T-Thank you!”
Pa-sun bowed his head deeply. This was likely his first-ever weapon, so it must have held great meaning for him.
“Next, Un-pyo.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Take this. I had this Black Cloud forged for you.”
Black Cloud.
It was similar to the greatsword Un-pyo usually used, but its blade was black. There was a circular cutout in the center of the blade, and the entire weapon was inscribed with a formation diagram to increase its destructive power.
“It will maximize your strength, which is your greatest asset. Handle it with care.”
“Yes, thank you, Master.”
Un-pyo replied, his voice slightly choked with emotion, and the Blade Leaf Demon patted him on the shoulder.
“And finally, Young Master Sa, my gift for you is this.”
“This is… is this not Phantom Illusion Grass?”
“Oh, so you recognize it immediately. I heard it’s a rare herb that grows only in Blade Leaf Valley, but no one here knows how to use it. But you would, wouldn’t you?”
Phantom Illusion Grass was indeed a rare herb I had only ever read about in texts.
It was known that when combined with certain objects, it could create illusions capable of deceiving even a master warrior at least once. Its uses were limitless.
“Thank you… so much.”
‘He’s surprisingly thoughtful.’
“Well then, stay healthy.”
“Yes, and if you ever need my help, feel free to visit anytime.”
“Thank you.”
After bidding farewell to the Blade Leaf Demon, we departed.
Towards the main sect of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, in the Hundred Thousand Mountains.
As we left, the Blade Leaf Demon and Un-gak spoke.
“He’s finally gone, Master.”
“Yes, Un-gak. You look like you have many questions.”
“Yes…”
“What is troubling you?”
Un-gak hesitated for a moment before speaking.
“I question whether it was right to entrust that fellow Un-pyo to Young Master Sa. While Young Master Sa is our benefactor, the rumors about him are not very good. They say he used to be a scoundrel… and it seems he hasn’t been learning martial arts for very long…”
‘Even if he’s getting stronger quickly for now, it’s not likely to last…’
“Heh heh, Un-gak. What do you think Young Master Sa’s level is?”
“Isn’t he a Peak Master?”
“No.”
“Then…”
“Young Master Sa is at the Supreme level. And he was growing even during our duel. He could probably defeat the Golden Fang Poison Claw in a one-on-one fight by now.”
“……!”
“Isn’t it astonishing? I’ve never seen anyone grow strong so quickly.”
“Th-That’s impossible.”
“I felt it during our duel. He isn’t just strong in internal energy. His swordsmanship, the mastery of his techniques, his use of ki, his ability to conceal his presence, his use of all his senses, his combat instincts… everything about him was so strong, it’s unbelievable for someone his age.”
“……I understand. In the end, even while calling him a benefactor, I was the one who was looking down on him.”
The Blade Leaf Demon said with a smile.
“Don’t blame yourself. I wouldn’t have believed it either if I hadn’t fought him myself. And I know you only said that because you were worried about Un-pyo.”
“Master. We disciples will also train hard.”
“Yes, I will guide you. Tell everyone to gather.”
“Yes!”
Thus, the winds of change that Mu-heun had stirred caused everyone in Blade Leaf Valley to strive harder, and they would one day return as a formidable force for Mu-heun.