Chapter 223
Chapter 223
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 223
Chapter Title: Celestial Realm
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Celestial Realm
Water God Style Dharma Protector Lion Dokgo Jun's true face was hidden behind his golden dragon mask. Naturally, I was curious about what he looked like.
'I've never seen his bare face because of that mask.'
The mask instilled an inexplicable sense of fear and intimidation in whoever faced it. As I pondered what kind of man Dokgo Jun might be, the Sword Demon spoke.
"What brings you all the way here?"
This time, Dokgo Jun replied without using the Six Harmonies Divine Form.
"The Gate Lord did not attend this gathering of the Eight Demonic Lords."
His natural voice was somewhat soft, but unmistakably masculine. He also spoke with proper courtesy and decorum. The Sword Demon nodded gravely.
"I had some important personal business that I couldn't put off."
"We of the White Lotus Church already knew that you, the Shadowless Gate Lord, are the true leader ruling the Central Plains' unorthodox sects. Without you, the gathering of the Eight Demonic Lords held no meaning."
"......"
"That's why I came in person."
The Sword Demon glanced around before speaking.
"Have you come to force my submission by force?"
"I have no intention of doing so today. I simply wish to hear your reasons."
"What reasons do you mean?"
"Why you chose not to attend due to personal circumstances."
Curiously, Dokgo Jun's tone carried almost no arrogance or domineering air. Compared to fellow Dharma Protectors like Han Baekryeong or Yong Bicheon, he could even be called remarkably gentle. It was the first time I'd seen a Dharma Protector speak so mildly.
The Sword Demon answered.
"I was late because I discovered a divine ultimate technique and was cultivating it."
"A divine ultimate technique...?"
"For a martial artist, martial arts are more important than life itself. But that's no reason I could announce to the other Eight Demonic Lords, is it?"
The Sword Demon followed up with a cupped-fist salute.
"If I've offended the White Lotus Church, I apologize. But please understand."
"......"
Dokgo Jun fell silent for a long moment. Then he glanced at me standing beside the Sword Demon and asked.
"Who is that young man?"
"He's the young master's new Dharma Protector. His name is Baek Woong."
"Indeed, a once-in-a-generation prodigy. Congratulations on your great fortune, Gate Lord."
"Thank you."
Dokgo Jun, arms crossed, continued.
"Is that divine ultimate technique related to this young man?"
"It's a separate matter. I happened upon the ultimate technique at Mount Manjang, while Baek Dharma Protector joined us recently through an ancestral connection."
"That's hard to believe."
"Please set aside your doubts. We lack the audacity to defy the White Lotus Church."
The Sword Demon was artfully mixing truth and lies to confuse the Water God Style Dharma Protector. It was true that he'd cultivated a divine ultimate technique, but he was trying to divert attention from other factors. For the Sword Demon of the world to humble himself like this was also a tactic that would work on a Dharma Protector.
Dokgo Jun soon said.
"Very well. Then let me get to the point."
"I shall listen attentively."
"For a long time, our White Lotus Church has bided its time in the shadows. Now, we intend to reveal our ambitions to the world. We hope that you, the Eight Demonic Lords and Eight Demonic Sects—including the Gate Lord—will lead the vanguard."
At those words, the Sword Demon let out a short sigh.
"You wish for my submission?"
"We have no intention of obstructing your path in the future. Simply keep in mind that you are allies of the White Lotus Church."
"......"
He had skirted the issue, but his intent was clear.
The White Lotus Church aimed to take control of the Central Plains' unorthodox sects and the Eight Demonic Sects!
Nominally allies, but in reality, the Eight Demonic Sects would become subordinates of the White Lotus Church.
'They probably planned to gather the lords of the Eight Demonic Sects at the gathering and secure their agreement, but with the key figure—the Sword Demon—absent, the Dharma Protector came in person to negotiate.'
The Sword Demon was sharper than me, so he must have grasped the implication long ago. After a thoughtful silence, he said.
"You could have sent a messenger. Yet you came yourself."
"We share quite a connection, after all. Consider it a gesture of respect."
"...What does the White Lotus Church desire? Unification of the martial world?"
In response to the Sword Demon's question, Dokgo Jun replied.
"That wouldn't be so difficult. Our Church Lord desires something greater."
"And that is...?"
"First, give us your firm answer."
Srrrng...
The Sword Demon deliberately drew his sword with a ringing sound. Despite his skill allowing him to unsheathe it silently and without presence, he made noise. Smiling faintly, he said.
"Before that, would you care for exactly one hundred exchanges?"
"......"
"It seems you'd like to see for yourself what this divine ultimate technique I've cultivated is like."
The Sword Demon seemed convinced that Dokgo Jun hadn't come to destroy the Shadowless Gate. Thus, he proposed a spar for personal gain.
Dokgo Jun said, sounding surprised.
"Not a battle to the death, I presume?"
"Of course not? How could I dare challenge a Dharma Protector so rashly? I simply seek to glimpse the heights of martial arts in pursuit of the Way."
"In that case, I'll indulge you for a few exchanges."
Shuuu
Dokgo Jun uncrossed his arms. He assumed a martial stance, and a formidable aura emanated from his entire body as he prepared for combat. It seemed even a Dharma Protector wasn't underestimating the current Sword Demon.
'Unlike Yong Bicheon, who looked down on Lee Gwang...'
Normally, one wouldn't treat so cautiously an opponent they'd shattered in fifty exchanges in the past. This meant Water God Style Dharma Protector Dokgo Jun was a prudent man who didn't underestimate foes easily. It also implied he sensed something different in the current Sword Demon.
The Sword Demon adopted a mid stance. His flawless posture betrayed no openings. Soon, he lunged at Dokgo Jun.
"Please, one exchange!"
Kaaang!!
The first clash was between sword flame and hand ganglion. The deep blue sword flame extending from the Sword Demon's blade collided with the energy from Dokgo Jun's left hand and exploded. Qi scattered, shaking the ground.
'An explosion?'
But at that first move, I flinched. Sword flame was typically an extension of sword qi, no match for fully formed energy. It would usually be pushed back, devoured, or deflected. For it to explode meant the power in the Sword Demon's sword flame rivaled Dokgo Jun's hand energy.
The Sword Demon pressed with five more moves, while Dokgo Jun began using a bizarre footwork I'd never seen. It was as if his body turned to water and flowed—strangely fluid and lightning-fast.
Pabababang
Watching their exchange from the side, I swallowed hard. I'd already enhanced my vision with intent to follow their bout, but already about thirty percent was beyond my ability to discern.
'Their moves are too profound...!!'
The Sword Demon's swordsmanship resembled the Shadowless Soul-Severing Sword, but it actually incorporated the Coiling Dragon Sword and Tianzhu Sword I'd taught him. He also occasionally used variations from the Taiji Subtle Fluid Sword and Seven Star Evasion Form. But profound changes derived from those were beyond my insight.
What was astonishing was the Dharma Protector. Even I couldn't withstand three of the Sword Demon's moves without exposing an opening, yet Dokgo Jun calmly blocked them with hand energy without moving more than three steps from his spot. In other words, he was reading every move and variation of the Sword Demon.
Truly monstrous experts!
Ttadang
The Sword Demon fired two strands of qi using the Mysterious Heaven Five Gods Decree, but Dokgo Jun deflected them with soft fist techniques. After precisely ten more exchanges, Dokgo Jun said, intrigued.
"You're at least twice as strong as when I last saw you."
"But your full capabilities remain unseen."
"That only strengthens my resolve to bring you to our side."
With that, Dokgo Jun suddenly clenched his fist tightly with one hand.
"I'm getting into it now. From here, I'll use secret techniques as well."
"Just what I hoped for."
Wuuuuu
In that instant, I thought a massive explosion erupted from Dokgo Jun's body. But what I'd perceived as an explosion was merely the release of qi—he'd simply detonated his compressed energy.
"......!!"
Yet in that moment, I felt suffocated, my muscles contracting. Dokgo Jun's compressed internal energy explosion vastly exceeded my maximum output. His Heavenly Spirit Core clearly demonstrated what infinite internal energy unleashed endlessly looked like.
The Sword Demon straightened his intent to withstand the pressure without flinching. He glared sharply at Dokgo Jun and thrust his sword with blinding speed.
Darkness parted. The Sword Demon's swift sword moved like a living thing, agilely piercing the moment of extremity and reaching Dokgo Jun's throat in an instant. But only the Sword Demon could reach the realm of intent and mind—Dokgo Jun had already deployed his defensive form.
Ping
Dokgo Jun's index finger flicked the Sword Demon's sword tip, sending his body spinning five times in midair. Though the Sword Demon quickly dissipated the rotational force, Dokgo Jun followed with thirty-six palm strikes infused with qi, putting him in a bind.
Kukwangkwakwang
At that moment—I lost track of their movements. Something moved at tremendous speed, and I glimpsed qi-controlled swords and waterfall-like palm strikes flying wildly. But each incorporated such insane speed and changes that my current skill couldn't parse their moves!
'M-Monsters!'
My body shuddered. Even after growing accustomed to intent and familiar with the mind realm, enhancing my skill and insight far beyond before, I couldn't glimpse their martial heights at all. Amid the flashing exchanges, I could only grasp the essentials. If I entered that fray, I'd suffer a fatal wound in less than ten exchanges.
Wiiing
The Sword Demon's qi-controlled sword hummed in the air. Unlike before, he could now deploy three, with the true sword excluded—the rest seemingly conjured by his intent. As his fingers twitched, the qi-controlled swords distorted space at terrifying speed and shot forth.
Kwarrung!
It was like hundreds of light beams crashing down. In an instant, a twenty-zhang radius was devastated by a vortex of sword qi—no human could endure such an assault. Yet Water God Style Dharma Protector Dokgo Jun, who evaded the Sword Demon's attack with ease, floated in the air with his left hand extended long.
Water God Style
Secret Technique
Bright Light Orb
From the world of intent and mind realm, Dokgo Jun invoked his secret technique, Bright Light Orb, unleashing it at the Sword Demon. It was the first time Dokgo Jun revealed a Water God Style secret technique. Realizing this was the strongest strike yet, the Sword Demon raised his aura and used qi-controlled sword.
"Ugh!"
Tadang
Tang
Taaang
The Bright Light Orb produced three impact sounds before barely grazing past. For a secret technique, it seemed anticlimactically deflected, but the Sword Demon who'd blocked it heaved greatly at the back. Sweat beaded on his forehead and nose bridge—he'd expended all his mental and qi energy on that defense.
The Bright Light Orb seemed to hide some concealed power.
Dokgo Jun, ceasing his sky-walking and landing, said.
"Impressive indeed. Excluding the Church Lord and Dharma Protectors, you're the first to block the Bright Light Orb."
"Huu..."
Catching his breath, the Sword Demon said gravely.
"You're going easy on me."
Dokgo Jun replied leisurely.
"Isn't this a friendly spar?"
"Indeed..."
Hearing their exchange, my eyes widened.
'He was going easy?'
In that fierce, high-level battle where I couldn't even grasp the prelude or progression, Dokgo Jun hadn't gone all out? If the Sword Demon was right, Dokgo Jun was a monster among monsters.
And I was certain.
'One... no, at least two levels above Wind God Style Dharma Protector Yong Bicheon!'
Even from my low realm, I could clearly sense the disparity. What he'd shown wasn't just an internal energy gap—Dokgo Jun's martial enlightenment was vastly superior too.
Even Lee Gwang or Jin So-cheong would fare no differently against Dokgo Jun. The Water God Style Dharma Protector was a cut above the rest.
Dokgo Jun said.
"I believe your talent is exceptional. Why not join our Church at this opportunity?"
"What do you mean?"
"If you enter the Water God Style, you'll surpass the other Dharma Protectors within ten years."
"......!!"
It was an unexpected invitation.
The Sword Demon groaned, clearly tempted. Having directly clashed with Dokgo Jun's prowess, the allure of Water God Style martial arts was irresistible. But soon, he lowered his sword and said.
"I acknowledge the Water God Style's arts as the world's finest. Without the Twelve Rites' martial arts, no one in the world could withstand them."
"You're right."
The Sword Demon gazed at him proudly and declared.
"But as the patriarch of my sect, rather than learning the world's finest, I wish to make my own martial arts the world's finest."
"I see... A pity. Your martial talent is the greatest I've seen, save the Church Lord."
Dokgo Jun, sounding bitter, continued.
"Now, your answer. Will you become allies of the White Lotus Church?"
"We will."
"That's the response I wanted."
Dokgo Jun spun around. Then he said to the Sword Demon.
"If you ever reconsider, visit the Water God Style by all means. I'll prepare a fine gift."
Paat!
Moments later, Dokgo Jun soared into the sky. At least ten times faster than the sedan bearers sky-walking while carrying the Church Lord's palanquin at Mount Hwang, it was clear this wasn't mere sky-walking but the legendary Dance of the Air. Dokgo Jun's internal energy had transcended humanity by several stages.
Shuuu
Once Dokgo Jun vanished from the area, the fog enveloping everything like a blindfold finally dissipated. It was as if a water dragon had swept through. Sheathing his sword, the Sword Demon said.
"You've spared my life."
"......"
"What are you doing? Hurry and come inside to cultivate."
Feeling dejected, I muttered.
"Is it really possible to defeat a monster like that by mastering the Coiling Dragon Sword and Tianzhu Sword?"
The Sword Demon chuckled at my question.
"I think it is. Because I don't believe today's defeat was due to the profundity of his martial arts."
"What do you mean?"
"It's a matter of proficiency. That man has honed the world's finest martial arts for decades in a single breath, while I've only had a year since you taught me the ultimate techniques. With diligent further study, I can catch up."
"I see!"
The Sword Demon wasn't despairing. On the contrary, from that recent bout, despite sensing the level gap, he'd found a clue to matching the Water God Style's arts. Energized, I clenched my fist, but the Sword Demon said, looking troubled.
"Hmm... But even if I match his martial level, that infinite internal energy is impossible to counter. Far too unfair."
"......"
"Well, with things as they are, I'll have to seek help from others to improve my level."
"From others? Who do you mean..."
At the Sword Demon's following words, I sensed our future plans would change drastically.
"Let's go find the Wudang Sect's Dark Dragon Child."