Chapter 129
Chapter 129
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 129
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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The Sword Demon looked surprised at my words. Seomun Hye just stood there with wide eyes, unable to keep up with the sudden turn of events. After a moment of thought, Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong spoke.
"I didn't expect such a flat refusal."
"I'm sorry."
"Is there something wrong with my daughter?"
I had anticipated that question. It was only natural for any parent with a daughter to ask, even if it weren't the Sword Demon. I continued, thinking that any hesitation here might lead to more misunderstandings.
"No, it's not that. I simply have my own circumstances."
"What circumstances? Do you have a fiancée?"
"Not exactly..."
"Speak plainly."
I hesitated, unsure how to respond. Should I say that because of my reincarnation ability, I couldn't afford to grow too attached to people? But I doubted I could fool the Sword Demon with some lie made up on the spot, so I pressed on.
"I'm sorry. I hope you understand."
"..."
Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong's expression didn't change much. He showed hardly any emotional shift at all. After a long pause, he said,
"Very well. However, you are my daughter's benefactor, so I must repay that debt. Is there nothing you wish to ask of me?"
What I could gain from the Sword Demon.
In my previous life, I had received a month of swordsmanship instruction from him. That had been a major turning point, allowing me to reach the Super Peak realm. It would certainly help this time too, but deep down, I felt that wasn't what I needed.
To save time in the first place, I had been darting around using Thunderbolt and Shadow Cape like flashes of light across the land and seas. Right now, building a force that could achieve my goals in the shortest time possible mattered more than my personal training. After some thought, I said,
"Please form an alliance with my Anti-Heaven Alliance."
The Sword Demon's eyebrow twitched.
"Anti-Heaven Alliance?"
"You probably haven't heard of it."
"Indeed. I haven't. Is it the organization you belong to?"
"Yes."
The Sword Demon interlaced his fingers and said,
"That's quite sudden. Of course, since it has a genius like you in it, it's no ordinary place, but what exactly is this sect?"
"It's neither righteous nor evil. It simply pursues a goal."
"Vague words. I've never seen any such group turn out decent."
The Sword Demon pointed it out sharply. I felt frustrated, unsure how to explain what the Anti-Heaven Alliance was. Even if I said we fought against the Demon Subjugation Hall and demons in the Imperial Palace, would he believe it? And how could I prove the Demon Subjugation Hall or demons existed? Even if I did prove it, would the Sword Demon truly ally with the Anti-Heaven Alliance?
So I answered calmly for now. Recalling Mangnyang's posture when convincing General Hwang, I met his eyes directly and chose my words carefully.
"The Anti-Heaven Alliance has not yet revealed itself to the world. But when the time comes, it will surface. And then, we'll need many allies."
"You're asking me to consider an alliance, even if it's in the future?"
"Yes. Please give it positive consideration."
"..."
The Sword Demon crossed his arms and fell deep into thought. A while later, he shifted, resting one fist against his chin and closing his eyes as if dozing. An awkward silence stretched on for nearly half a shichen, until the Sword Demon, who had been silently pondering, spoke.
"Let me ask one thing."
"Yes."
"Are you the top expert of the Anti-Heaven Alliance?"
I answered without hesitation.
"For now, yes. But soon, far stronger experts will join us."
"Hoh...?"
The Sword Demon chuckled as if amused.
"Experts of that caliber? I couldn't possibly not know them. You're saying you can recruit those at the pinnacle of the martial world?"
"Yes. They will definitely join."
"Interesting."
The Sword Demon continued.
"Very well. Then come find me once your faction is on track. I'll consider the alliance positively then."
"Thank you."
"And don't worry about the women. Since it's my daughter's wish, I'll take good care of them."
"Thank you again."
I sighed inwardly. I hadn't secured the alliance, but getting this much from the Sword Demon was fortunate enough. With the Anti-Heaven Alliance still lacking substance and power, expecting more would be greedy. The top demonic sect wouldn't extend a hand to outsiders so easily.
As the meeting ended and I prepared to leave, Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong said,
"You're in too much of a hurry."
"Pardon?"
"Why not have a spar instead?"
It was phrased as a gentle invitation, but it felt almost coercive. The situation made it hard for me to refuse outright. Besides, a spar with Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong would undoubtedly benefit me, so I thought it a good opportunity and replied,
"Please grant me a match."
Soon, the Sword Demon and I ascended to the sparring ground. It was late at night, so the Shadowless Sect experts who had followed lit torches around the area. The Sword Demon glanced at the Muramasa on my waist and said,
"What is that blade?"
"It's the famed sword Muramasa."
"Muramasa!! May I see it?"
"As you wish."
When I handed over Muramasa, he examined the blade intently, as if entranced. He let out a gasp of admiration.
"Indeed, a demon blade. It seems to suck in human lives."
After fully inspecting Muramasa, the Sword Demon returned it to me. I sheathed it and drew my sword. Though the Japanese blade and sword looked similar, their techniques were entirely different, so I couldn't wield the blade recklessly.
Observing my stance, the Sword Demon said,
"Who is your master?"
"It's difficult to say..."
"I've never heard of a genius capable of raising someone like you, Baek Woong. Even the Three Great Righteous Eccentrics like Mount Tai Old Man or Shaolin's Venerable Mingho couldn't produce someone like you. It's impossible without someone whose martial arts have reached the heavens."
I felt a bit embarrassed. I hadn't realized the Sword Demon held me in such high regard. But it seemed a sincere evaluation, as he continued,
"That's why I'm getting greedy."
"...?"
"How about a wager?"
"A wager?"
"In this match, if you can last two hundred exchanges against me, I'll ally with the Anti-Heaven Alliance without question. I'll promise full support. But if you can't, you'll become my son-in-law and disciple."
It was a sudden proposal.
Win: Secure alliance with Anti-Heaven Alliance and support!
Lose: Become son-in-law and disciple...?
Mid-thought, I blurted out in surprise,
"Pardon? Son-in-law means..."
"Marry my daughter."
"Gasp!!"
"The Shadowless Sect's ultimate arts are never taught outside the bloodline, so it can't be helped, haha."
Seeing the Sword Demon laugh heartily, I felt a complex mix of emotions. In a way, win or lose, it was like drawing a winning ticket. But marriage to Seomun Hye didn't appeal to me. Plus, becoming the Sword Demon's son-in-law and disciple meant I couldn't predict how much I'd be entangled with the Shadowless Sect.
"What if I refuse the wager?"
"No alliance."
"..."
I regretted bringing it up. It felt like I'd exposed a weakness and been caught. In truth, at this point, the Anti-Heaven Alliance hadn't even made its debut, so it wasn't exactly a weakness. That's why Mangnyang hadn't forced me into a marriage alliance with the Shadowless Sect.
However, the power of the Imperial Palace I'd felt during the assault in my twelfth life was beyond imagination—terrifyingly formidable. Especially knowing they had transcendent eccentrics beyond the Super Peak level made me feel the need for as many allies as possible.
After agonizing, I finally nodded.
"Understood."
I had to try first. It would let me gauge the gap between the Sword Demon and me, and sparring with a sword master at the transcendent level would help greatly in the future. As I steeled my resolve, the Sword Demon said approvingly,
"Good. Let's start without swords."
The match began, but the Sword Demon didn't draw his blade. Like last time, he stood empty-handed, relaxed. He had reached a realm where he could wield sword qi freely without a sword, making one unnecessary. Yet I knew even in that state, the Sword Demon was overwhelmingly powerful, so I tensed and thought,
'The insights of Jang Sambong that Yeo Dongbin displayed... Recreating them perfectly with his body...'
It was recent, so the bodily memory remained vivid. I drew forth Baek Woong Knot from within to enhance my potential, while simultaneously pulling up Jang Sambong's insights from my subconscious. Amid the flood of realizations racing through my mind, I discovered one sword art.
'Let's use this.'
Insight
Bending Void Slash
From the foundational sword stance, I naturally swung horizontally.
Whoosh
The speed wasn't particularly fast, but before Bending Void Slash could fully unfold, the Sword Demon seemed to sense something. He dodged its trajectory and swung his left palm.
Boom!!
A light explosion rang out, followed by a vacuum wave surging toward me. I realized he had blocked Bending Void Slash with sword qi even before it gained momentum. Instead of pressing the attack, the Sword Demon said in wonder,
"Impressive. What technique is that?"
I replied in a deflated voice.
"You blocked it before I could show it, so what can I say?"
"My apologies. Blocking danger at the source is basic."
"Then."
Hummm
I unfurled the Illusion Knot of the Ten Thousand Victories Sword Arts, gradually expanding my domain. When peak experts clashed, it often became a battle of domains—a barrier fight—rather than simple strikes. Attacking from a safe space while dragging the enemy into unstable ground was fundamental. Thus, higher-level martial exchanges resembled a game of Go in domain control.
The Sword Demon countered my shift. Still swordless, he spread his arms, disrupting the qi as he slowly advanced. With Baek Woong Knot active, I was confident in my reaction speed.
Swoosh
Our slowly encroaching domains collided for the first time. No explosive boom echoed; sword shadows scattered as they invaded each other's space. I spun my body three times, swiftly deflecting the Sword Demon's attacks with Ten Thousand Victories Sword Arts, while he repelled my sword shadows and closed two steps.
Before I could blink, the Sword Demon's right palm glowed brilliantly. A cylindrical qi blast erupted, too fast for me to evade. I hastily surged my power to deflect it.
Thud!
A heavy sound rang out as my right foot sank deeply into the sparring platform. I'd succeeded in blocking, but the immense recoil forced me to redirect it with Flower Realm. The ability to unleash such power regardless of attack timing meant the Sword Demon had reached the Intent realm.
'A super expert on par with Lee Gwang...!!'
Gritting my teeth, I decided to try another of Jang Sambong's insights.
Insight
Heavenly Contraction Sword
As I swung, space contracted sharply, beginning to suck in nearby objects. When Yeo Dongbin used it, the pressure could drown a tentacle toad dozens of feet across in water, but my clumsy attempt only produced strong suction. Unlike before, however, the Sword Demon couldn't easily neutralize Heavenly Contraction Sword and was pulled in.
Dust clouds rose as space warped.
"Hmm!"
The Sword Demon's eyebrow twitched. He swung his hand, unleashing dozens of formless sword qis like embroidery threads. They wrapped the air, striking Heavenly Contraction Sword's core. The compressed pressure exploded outward.
Kaboom!
Simultaneously, the Sword Demon slipped in with elusive footwork, targeting my solar plexus like last time. Back then, I hadn't even realized what hit me, but with Baek Woong Knot improved and my level higher, I detected his attack from five inches away. I retreated, deflecting it.
Screech
Undeterred by the block, the Sword Demon thrust his fingers, shaping formless sword qi into a blade for another strike. His illusory footwork in the air was fantastical. Though I hadn't anticipated this progression, I stubbornly defended.
Bang!!
A dull roar echoed as the Sword Demon and I were both pushed back a zhang. Smoke hissed from my sword blade, and his fingers reddened slightly. The momentary clash had caused a massive qi collision. Dusting his hand, the Sword Demon muttered,
"Blocking One Finger Sword and then Spiral Scripture too... Excellent."
"..."
"That's seventy exchanges so far. I've seen enough of your skill. Now I'll acknowledge you and use my sword."
With a pull from the air, a Blue Steel Longsword from the sparring ground flew into the Sword Demon's hand. I asked,
"You can wield sword qi without a sword, so why use one?"
The Sword Demon smirked.
"Foolish question. I've reached the No-Sword realm, but naturally, using a sword is stronger. It just means my overall power has risen."
"I see."
"Your swordsmanship is truly unique and superb. It carries the air of a grandmaster, so do your best to entertain me."
Whoosh
"Gasp..."
In that instant, the Sword Demon's full-body fighting spirit nearly made me stagger back. Something felt off. I'd only sensed such aura from Lee Gwang or, in the Twelve Rites, Sect Leader Saulabi or Elder Jo Uiseon. And every time, I'd been brutally thrashed.
The Sword Demon's eyes flashed red for a moment. As he raised his energy, dense killing intent poured out.
"You seem to be holding something back. Use it properly, or I might not control myself and kill you."
He had sensed I was conserving Thunderclap. Unsure of its nature, his gambler's instinct had detected my trump card. But I hesitated inwardly.
'Should I use Thunderclap?'
Lee Gwang had said Thunderclap was a decisive battle art that massively boosted power, but as a hidden weapon, it must never be exposed lightly. Fundamentally a breathing method and qi flow, it risked other sects deciphering its secrets if mishandled.
Thus, Thunderclap was forbidden unless resolved to kill the mortal enemy outright. I only used it when I could kill perfectly at full power with no witnesses.
'Hmm... Let's assess the situation first.'
What bothered me was that the Sword Demon before me was a transcendent peak expert, one of the top three sword masters in the Central Plains. Undoubtedly a martial genius himself. If he deciphered even a bit of Thunderclap and devised a counter or similar ultimate technique, what then? It wouldn't just mean getting dusted by Lee Gwang later—I could be killed, and who knew how much stronger the Sword Demon would become.
Just in case, I called out to Yeo Dongbin.
[Yeo Dongbin! Help me.]
Her response came from the heavenly realm.
[Young one. Why call me for a fight with a human?]
[Well... you see...]
[Don't call unless it's a demon.]
The connection cut off.
Yeo Dongbin wouldn't come out unless it was against demons. With no choice, I bit my lip and steeled myself. The Sword Demon spoke with a hint of anger.
"Daring to hold back before a superior? Do you want to die?"
"I'm sorry. This ultimate art cannot be revealed."
The Sword Demon exuded cold fury.
"Fine. Have it your way!"
It happened then.
Hummmm
"......!!"
It was abrupt. The Sword Demon's energy expanded massively, his sword floating in the air, concentrating immense power. I could sense unfathomable force coiled within it. Recognizing the realm, I cried out in shock.
"Qi Sword Control!"
The ultimate sword realm whispered only in legends of the martial world!
Pffft
In an instant, my arm was severed. I couldn't react—not with Baek Woong Knot or anything—standing dumbfounded. The speed was beyond biological reaction, making defense impossible. Only Thunderclap might preserve my limbs with minimal damage.
'He was serious... I really needed Thunderclap to survive...'
Suddenly, I understood the feelings of the demons struck by Yeo Dongbin's Qi Sword Control. I'd wondered why those powerful demons couldn't dodge or block and just burst apart, but at this speed and force, it was inevitable.
The true terror of Qi Sword Control wasn't the sword manipulation, but the insane speed and destructive power itself.
The Sword Demon bellowed hoarsely.
"You've barely entered transcendent peak and dare hold back! Fine... Face the consequences of your choice!"
True to his hot-tempered nature when angered, he was far more heated than before, contrasting his usual calm elegance. In other words, my choice had touched his reverse scale.
Numb to the pain of my severed arm, I thought blankly.
How did it come to this?
Then I reached a conclusion.
Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong was a born iron-blooded gambler!
He held victory sacred, unforgiving of any half-hearted underestimation. Fighting him demanded full commitment, life or death.
It was then.
Seomun Hye screamed.
"Eeeek!! Father, stop!!"
At that moment, as Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong prepared another Qi Sword Control, he faltered. His rage-filled face regained reason. Seeing my severed arm, he looked flustered.
"...Oh, damn."
As I staunched the bleeding, he said,
"I have no face."
He picked up my arm and pressed it to the stump. Infusing qi, intense pain hit, my head feeling like it would split.
"Ugh..."
Moments later, my arm dangled loosely but was reattached. He'd used his pure inner energy for acupuncture healing.
'Good thing the cut was clean.'
With follow-up treatment, I could reattach it without disability. Still, having my arm cleanly severed was a shock, leaving me speechless and still. Seomun Hye rushed over, tears streaming.
"Are you okay?!"
"......"
"Father!! How could you..."
As Seomun Hye glared reproachfully, Seomun Daeryong fell silent, at a loss. Then he said,
"My apologies. When anger clouds my head, I see nothing else."
Regaining my wits, I replied.
"No, I was rude in a duel with a master."
"Heh... My biggest blunder in a decade."
Sword Demon Seomun Daeryong sighed and said,
"Please stay longer. I lost the match."