Chapter 68: The Tang Clan's Storm - 2
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 68: The Tang Clan's Storm - 2
What truly separates the Super-Peak Realm from the Peak Realm?
This is a question that everyone, from a child first picking up a sword to a seasoned martial artist who has already reached a high state of cultivation, would find themselves curious about.
Some might say there is a massive, insurmountable wall between the Super-Peak and the Peak, and that the difference is as vast as the distance between heaven and earth.
Others might argue that, in the end, they are both human; if a blade cuts through their flesh, they bleed and die all the same.
However, both premises are flawed.
A martial artist at the Peak Realm can hardly leave a scratch on one who has reached the Super-Peak Realm.
The reason for this is the presence of Protective Qi.
Those who reach the Super-Peak Realm learn to manifest Protective Qi, a defensive technique that involves wrapping one's body in Astral Qi for protection. To wound someone at the Super-Peak, one must first break through this wall of Protective Qi.
Unfortunately, the strength of someone merely at the Peak Realm is insufficient to pierce it.
Then, what if the Protective Qi is absent?
A Super-Peak master does not keep their Protective Qi active at all times. One might think that a Peak-level skill could reach them then.
But that, too, is incorrect.
Even without Protective Qi, a Peak-level martial artist cannot reach a Super-Peak master. There is a barrier even more formidable than Protective Qi between them.
That barrier is Mastery.
To reach the sublime state of the Super-Peak, an immense level of mastery is required.
Of course, mastery is something that can be achieved in a short time if there is a significant difference in talent. However, for those lacking talent, it is so crucial that they might remain stuck at the Peak Realm for their entire lives, no matter how many years they spend training.
Because of this difference in mastery, no matter how many times a Peak martial artist swings their sword, they can never touch a master of the Super-Peak.
If having a vast amount of internal energy were enough to wield Sword Qi or Sword Astral, then the World's Greatest Martial Artist would have emerged from the Sect of Medicinal Sages, where they eat elixirs like common meals.
The gap between the two realms is truly beyond imagination.
*
Go Wol, the Evil Ghost Squad Leader.
As the leader of the Evil Ghost Squad—one of the Demonic Cult's strike forces—he was a master who had reached the sublime state known as the Upper Stage of the Super-Peak Realm.
Go Wol stared at the main gate of the Sichuan Tang Clan with a bored expression.
Behind him stood numerous members of the Evil Ghost Squad, all wearing hideous demon masks.
True to the clan's reputation, even the main gate was gargantuan in size.
"And the Tang Clan Head?"
"It has been confirmed that he exited through the south gate."
One of the Evil Ghost Squad members behind him answered.
The distance between the south gate and the main estate was such that even if one ran at full speed using a movement technique, it would take at least half a shijin.
Half a shijin was more than enough time to turn the Tang Clan into a sea of fire.
Moreover, with the Evil Ghost Squad on the move, that time would likely be cut in half.
Currently, there was no master within the Tang Clan capable of opposing him.
The Poison King had already walked into the trap they had set, and the Super-Peak masters, including the Great Elder and the Great Senior Elder, would be busy fighting over the succession within the Godok Hall by now.
In the end, the only forces left in the Tang Clan were the neutral elders and the women.
In short, the house was empty.
A smile spread across the bored face of the Evil Ghost Squad Leader.
The women of the Tang Clan were renowned throughout the Murim for their beauty, and he felt a throb in his groin just thinking about it.
The members of the Evil Ghost Squad seemed to feel the same, as they waited for his command with flushed, excited expressions.
"We have waited years for this day."
Go Wol turned around and began to address his men.
"Repay them for all the pain, resentment, and humiliation we have suffered. Strike, destroy, kill, and ravish to your heart's content! And burn everything that bears the name of the Tang Clan!"
"Yes, sir!!"
The squad members roared their response, their voices thick with excitement.
"Today, the Tang Clan is erased."
As soon as Go Wol finished speaking, the Evil Ghost Squad members began charging toward the Tang Clan's main gate one by one.
The fall of the Tang Clan would be the signal fire announcing the resurrection of the great Heavenly Demon.
The smile on the Evil Ghost Squad Leader's lips deepened.
It was the beginning of the Great Plan.
*
The first targets of the Evil Ghost Squad were the guards stationed at the main gate.
They were performing their duties as usual when they saw a group of people swarming toward the Sichuan Tang Clan.
The intruders were all dressed in dark black robes and wore demon masks so hideous they would haunt one's dreams. It was clear they did not come with good intentions.
"Who goes there!"
One of the gate guards drew his sword and pointed it at them.
The other guard put a whistle to his lips, ready to call for reinforcements at a moment's notice.
"I just wanted to ask for directions..."
One of the masked men approached the guard and spoke.
"Stay back!"
Despite the guard's warning, the man in the demon mask continued to walk toward him.
"D-Die!"
When the man was right in front of him, the guard swung his sword.
Whoosh!
But his blade only cut through empty air, hitting nothing.
'What?!'
While the guard was frozen in confusion—
Stab!
"Guh..."
The Evil Ghost Squad member's sword pierced his throat.
'When did...?'
Thud.
The guard's body went limp and collapsed. He was dead instantly.
"...Directions to hell, that is," the man added in a playful voice.
Peep—!
The other guard, having witnessed his comrade's death, quickly blew his whistle. He had to alert the interior of the Tang Clan immediately.
"Enemy attack!!!"
After blowing the whistle, he channeled his internal energy and bellowed at the top of his lungs.
That shout became his final words.
Slash!
The man's sword sent his head flying.
The man in the demon mask was instantly drenched in blood.
"Haa... haa... haa..."
At the sight of blood, the Evil Ghost Squad members began to groan with excitement.
They had waited for this moment.
The long-awaited time for slaughter.
CRASH!
The squad members smashed through the main gate and charged inside.
"Enemy attack!"
"Call the direct-line descendants!"
Hearing the whistle and the sound of the gate being destroyed, the Tang Clan warriors drew their swords. Some began running to call for reinforcements.
"Enemy attack!"
"Everyone, take up arms and prepare for battle!"
"Evacuate the women!"
Before long, hundreds of warriors appeared. In that short span of time, a massive number of Tang Clan fighters had gathered.
They quickly surrounded the Evil Ghost Squad members and began to release their killing intent. With hundreds of people pouring out their energy, the pressure was immense.
Go Wol, watching the swift response, was impressed.
'As expected of the greatest clan in the Central Plains.'
They must have been thoroughly trained for such an event. Everyone was performing their role perfectly.
It was fun.
He could feel the formidable strength of the Tang Clan.
It was delightful.
The thought of tearing down this greatest clan of the Central Plains with his own hands.
It was then.
"You bastards!"
A voice thundered through the courtyard, vibrating with significant internal energy.
The owner of the voice emerged from among the Tang Clan warriors, walking with a slight limp.
"Where do you think you are, barging in like this!"
It was Tang Bang-han, an elder of the Tang Clan. A neutral elder who had stayed out of the succession struggle, he had been resting in his quarters when the cry of an enemy attack sent him rushing out.
"It's Elder Tang Bang-han!"
"The Elder is here!"
"Elder!"
The Tang Clan warriors began to cheer at his appearance. Elder Tang Bang-han had reached the Super-Peak Realm only recently. His arrival was like gaining an army of ten thousand.
Tang Bang-han felt a surge of pride at the warriors' cheers. He truly felt that his treatment had changed since he reached the new realm.
"Do not worry, for I am here!"
Tang Bang-han shouted boldly as he scanned the invaders. The figures in pitch-black uniforms and hideous demon masks exuded an inexplicable sense of intimidation.
Furthermore, the aura they emitted was stronger than he had imagined.
'Hmm.'
Tang Bang-han swallowed hard. The aura itself was extraordinary.
'Today will be more costly than profitable.'
If these men clashed with the Tang Clan warriors, the casualties would be immense. Their breathing was so refined that he might have been in trouble himself if he hadn't reached the Super-Peak Realm.
Tang Bang-han gathered his internal energy. He intended to launch a surprise attack to inflict as much damage as possible.
It was then.
Screeeech!
A chilling sound of rending air came from behind.
Tang Bang-han quickly threw himself out of the way.
K-K-K-K-K-K!
A deep sword mark was carved into the spot where he had just been standing. Someone had unleashed a Sword Wind.
"Who is it!"
The Sword Wind had come from the roof of a nearby pavilion. Tang Bang-han looked toward the source and raised his voice.
"Hey, old man. Let the kids play with the kids, and you play with me."
The man on the roof, Evil Ghost Squad Leader Go Wol, spoke to Tang Bang-han in a bored tone.
Tang Bang-han grew tense at the man's words. The man was clearly murmuring quietly, yet his voice was as clear as if he were whispering right in his ear. This was proof that he had reached at least the same realm.
'This man is not below me.'
Tang Bang-han swallowed his nerves. He had intended to kill a few of those demon-masked bastards to give the Tang Clan warriors an advantage. This man's appearance had ruined his plan.
In a confrontation between masters, one must not show even the slightest opening. The moment an opening is allowed, one could suffer an irreversible wound.
If he were to attack the squad members now, that man would undoubtedly strike him without hesitation.
'I'll take him down first!'
Having made his decision, Tang Bang-han sent his internal energy to his Yongcheon points and leaped onto the pavilion.
Tap.
Landing on the roof, Tang Bang-han glared at the man.
"Fine, I'll deal with you first!"
"At least I won't be bored."
A smile appeared on Go Wol's previously bored face. Since the main forces of the Tang Clan were all gone, he had been feeling quite dull. The appearance of a Super-Peak master was a welcome surprise.
Go Wol chuckled and began to emit a sinister, murderous aura.
Tang Bang-han flinched at the intensity. It was a sickening level of bloodlust. Was this man some legendary mass murderer?
Tang Bang-han also flared his internal energy. If he lost the battle of wills here, he would be at a disadvantage.
Tang Bang-han's internal energy and Go Wol's murderous aura clashed, beginning a struggle for dominance.
Go Wol continued, as if finding the situation amusing.
"Interesting. I didn't expect a master like you to be left behind. What's your name?"
"I am Tang Bang-han, the 'One Hand, Certain Poison,' an elder of the Sichuan Tang Clan! And who the hell are you to invade our front yard?"
At Tang Bang-han's answer, Go Wol let out a deep laugh.
"I am Go Wol, the leader of the Evil Ghost Squad. A strike unit leader of the Demonic Cult."
Tang Bang-han's eyes widened to the size of saucers. The Evil Ghost Squad, which was said to have been annihilated twenty years ago, had appeared at the Tang Clan.
And the Demonic Cult?
Weren't the remnants of the Demonic Cult who survived the Great War of Righteousness and Demons twenty years ago currently hiding in the Hundred Thousand Mountains?
How could the Demonic Cult suddenly appear here?
"The Demonic Cult? You bastards still haven't learned your lesson after being crushed twenty years ago!"
"How long are you going to talk about the past? Clinging to old glories is a habit of the elderly."
Tang Bang-han's face flushed red at Go Wol's remark.
"Do you really think the likes of the Demonic Cult can overcome the Tang Clan and the Cheonmu Alliance?!"
Tang Bang-han's voice was full of conviction. The Demonic Cult had been defeated twenty years ago. Their leader, the Heavenly Demon Emperor, had died at the hands of the Absolute Martial God, and their pride, the Black Armored Cavalry, had been wiped out by the Poison King.
They were all gone, but the Absolute Martial God and the Poison King were still alive. There was no way they could win.
"He has returned."
Go Wol's words sent a chill down Tang Bang-han's spine.
"No way..."
"The Heavenly Demon has returned!"
Go Wol's voice was filled with ecstasy. Tang Bang-han frowned at the sight.
"Don't be ridiculous! I saw with my own eyes the Heavenly Demon being turned into a bloody mist by the hands of the Absolute Martial God, Lee Jae-won. And he's back? What kind of nonsense is that!"
Tang Bang-han had indeed witnessed the destruction of the Heavenly Demon when he went to provide support during the Great War. That man had certainly been reduced to a bloody mist by the Absolute Martial God. The idea of a dead man returning was absurd.
"He is a god because he can perform miracles."
Go Wol's voice was filled with absolute certainty.
"Crazy bastard."
Tang Bang-han shook his head. It seemed this man was beyond reason.
Tang Bang-han gathered his internal energy and poisonous Qi.
"Engrave the shame of twenty years ago into your soul once more, you ghost of the past."
"It will be different this time."
Finishing his sentence, Go Wol drew an ink-colored sword.
Tang Bang-han unleashed a massive amount of poisonous Qi toward Go Wol.
The battle between two Super-Peak masters had begun.