Chapter 142
Chapter 142
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 142
Chapter Title: The Blood Shadow Sword Awakens
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Unlike the Sword King, who merely saw his vision obscured by the blood mist, the Sword Demon's situation was different. The blood-red mist was laced with demonic qi. It was such a faint amount that even the Sword King hadn't noticed it, but the Sword Demon could tell for sure.
"Blood-red demonic qi... So this is the power of the Blood Shadow Sword."
This demonic qi undoubtedly had some special effect. It seemed the claim that the Blood Shadow Sword was the key to escaping the Golden Demon Art wasn't just empty talk.
As the Henan Escort Bureau was engulfed in the blood mist, Blood Shadow's eyes gleamed.
"Has the Blood Shadow Sword finally begun to awaken?"
They said that when the Blood Shadow Sword awoke, it would drown everything in blood. The phrase "drown in blood" was usually metaphorical for countless deaths, but in the case of the Blood Shadow Sword, it referred literally to this spectacle.
"At any rate, it's just as Wol Young told me."
Blood Shadow muttered softly and raised one hand. At that moment, the Shadowless unit members mixed among the martial artists began to move.
The blood mist that had enveloped the Henan Escort Bureau started to settle bit by bit. And in an instant, it vanished completely. To be more precise, the Blood Shadow Sword had absorbed all of it.
Dan Hyeong-u simply stood there holding the Blood Shadow Sword. What he had done was nothing special. He had merely circulated the Three Talents Miraculous Art. After reaching the limit of the Three Talents Miraculous Art, Dan Hyeong-u had shattered that wall and rebuilt it. It had become a completely new Three Talents Miraculous Art.
The original intent of the Heavenly Qi Master was that when the extreme essence of the Three Talents Miraculous Art flowed into the Blood Shadow Sword, its shell would automatically crack open.
But Dan Hyeong-u's Three Talents Miraculous Art had surpassed that of the Heavenly Qi Master. As a result, an unexpected situation unfolded—one even the Heavenly Qi Master couldn't have foreseen. That was why the blood mist had blanketed the entire Henan Escort Bureau. Normally, it should have only enveloped the person holding the Blood Shadow Sword.
"Drown everything in blood" meant that the wielder's vision would be obscured by the blood mist.
Everyone, including the Sword King, focused on the Blood Shadow Sword in Dan Hyeong-u's hand. A bewitching blood-red glow emanated from the blade. The Blood Shadow Sword was still emitting qi, but it felt less like demonic qi and more like something ghostly.
Paaat!
The Blood Shadow Sword shone brilliantly. And then that light vanished in an instant, all sucked into the sword.
"Heh. Truly impressive. The Heavenly Qi Master... what a fearsome man."
The Sword King shook his head and muttered.
The Sword Demon continued to stare piercingly at the Blood Shadow Sword in Dan Hyeong-u's hand. Before long, no more demonic qi leaked from it. Nor did the bewitching blood-red glow. It had become nothing more than a dull iron sword.
The Sword King and Sword Demon weren't the only ones shocked. Everyone watching was floored. When was the last time they'd witnessed such a bizarre event? And to think a single sword had caused it all—truly astonishing.
As they stood there in shock, urgent footsteps approached. Soon, an escort gasped for breath as he rushed up and shouted toward Hyeong Pyo.
"Bureau Chief! Big trouble. The martial artists...!"
Before the escort could finish, Hyeong Pyo's expression twisted. He was well aware that martial artists had been gathering near the Henan Escort Bureau lately. Though they hadn't publicly announced possessing the Blood Shadow Sword, they hadn't denied the rumors either—effectively the same thing.
The martial artists had shown remarkable restraint until now. Of course, that was proof of how formidable the names Sword King and Sword Demon carried.
"Are the martial artists demanding to see me?"
The escort nodded grimly at Hyeong Pyo's words.
"Yes. But the mood is far from ordinary."
"I figured as much. They've all seen this blood mist..."
Hyeong Pyo couldn't possibly be unaware of the rumors swirling in Heo Chang. Everyone there—not just him—had heard that the Henan Escort Bureau held the Blood Shadow Sword, and that it concealed the secret of the Heavenly Qi Master's final martial art. The rumors had spread far and wide.
No one in Heo Chang was ignorant of the Blood Shadow Sword rumors, and they'd even reached Henan in force, with whispers that Shaolin Temple might send someone.
"So, who exactly wants to see me?"
"Martial artists have gathered like clouds. And leading them is Iron Blood Fist Jin Pyo."
At the mention of Iron Blood Fist Jin Pyo, Hyeong Pyo's face changed. Iron Blood Fist Jin Pyo was one of the Ten Great Experts. He clung to the bottom rung, said to be on par with the Martial Alliance Leader. He'd briefly fallen from the Ten Great Experts with the rise of the Sword Demon and Alliance Leader Jeong Cheon, but reclaimed his spot after the Martial Emperor and Paeryong died.
Like the Sword King, Iron Blood Fist belonged to no particular faction. Or rather, he couldn't. He had a fiery temper and boundless greed. He was no leader of men.
The current situation was that the martial artists had banded together around the strong Iron Blood Fist. It would likely dissolve on its own given time, but for now, it posed a serious threat to the Henan Escort Bureau.
"What will you do?"
The escort asked cautiously, glancing around. The Sword King, Sword Demon, and Dan Hyeong-u were all nearby. Anyone of note in the Henan Escort Bureau knew how strong Dan Hyeong-u was.
Recognized escorts could train at the central training grounds where the Sword King and Sword Demon practiced. Naturally, they'd seen Dan Hyeong-u face them both at once.
"Ugh. Guess I have to meet them."
Hyeong Pyo replied, then looked at the Sword King and Sword Demon.
"Could you lend a hand, just a bit?"
The Sword King and Sword Demon nodded at his request.
"Sure. Iron Blood Fist isn't even worth my time. Though if that guy steps in, I might not get a turn."
Hyeong Pyo gave a slight smile at the Sword King's words. With just those two, nothing major would happen. They couldn't fight every martial artist, so they had to resolve this somehow—show the Henan Escort Bureau's strength, hand over the sword, or persuade them.
As Hyeong Pyo stepped forward, the Sword King and Sword Demon followed. Dan Hyeong-u began walking slowly as well. He still hadn't confirmed where the sword's fate led. Or more accurately, no decision had been made yet.
As Dan Hyeong-u followed, the others trailed behind him too.
Kkiiik!
The firmly shut main gate of the Henan Escort Bureau slowly creaked open. The martial artists gathered outside tensed and stared at it.
Some gripped their weapons nervously, others swallowed dryly, and some trembled. But Iron Blood Fist Jin Pyo, standing at the front, simply watched the gate calmly.
Soon, the gate fully opened. And one man stepped out—the Henan Escort Bureau Chief, Hyeong Pyo.
Hyeong Pyo politely cupped his fists toward the assembled martial artists.
"I am Hyeong Pyo, Chief of the Henan Escort Bureau."
His words and demeanor were confident, his presence in no way overshadowed by Iron Blood Fist up front. Though his martial skill fell far short, his self-assurance backed him up. Behind him stood the Sword King and Sword Demon—top three among the Ten Great Experts.
Iron Blood Fist's brow furrowed briefly at Hyeong Pyo's boldness. He'd expected the bureau chief to quake before him, but this composure soured his mood. Spotting the Sword King and Sword Demon behind, however, he had no choice but to nod.
'A worthless fox borrowing the tigers' prestige.'
He didn't like it, but he couldn't take on both the Sword King and Sword Demon at once. Even with all the martial artists here, victory afterward would be uncertain.
'He said he'd help, but I can't fully trust him yet.'
Iron Blood Fist recalled the man named Ha Byeok he'd met before coming. Ha Byeok was a skilled warrior, but far below a Ten Great Expert like himself. The problem was the nameless man behind Ha Byeok. He was no subordinate—doubtful any Ten Great Expert could beat him.
'If he'd deliberately concealed his aura, even I wouldn't have noticed.'
Iron Blood Fist eyed Hyeong Pyo, then confirmed the Sword King and Sword Demon standing firm behind him. They too exuded a subtle pressure, intent on overwhelming him with presence.
The combined aura of two Ten Great Experts was immense. Though Iron Blood Fist was one too, he barely scraped the bottom.
He glared at them with a stiff face. It was taxing, but not frightening. Their pressure paled against the far more overwhelming aura of that recent encounter.
'Plenty of chance for victory. If he keeps his word.'
Confidence swelled in Iron Blood Fist's heart.
"We've heard the Henan Escort Bureau is keeping the Blood Shadow Sword."
Hyeong Pyo let out a quiet sigh at Iron Blood Fist's words.
"Ha. That's right. But what's the problem...?"
Iron Blood Fist faltered momentarily. Thinking about it, there was no issue. The bureau had earned the sword through their own prowess. No one could complain.
"The Blood Shadow Sword is a highly dangerous item. It could unleash a bloodbath across the jianghu. Does the Henan Escort Bureau truly have the qualifications to possess it?"
"Are you doubting the Henan Escort Bureau's strength? Questioning whether we can protect it?"
Iron Blood Fist's face twisted slightly at Hyeong Pyo's sharp retort.
'This puny worm has some nerve.'
Iron Blood Fist pondered. Part of him wanted to crush Hyeong Pyo on the spot; another urged restraint.
Killing him would spark battle immediately. But then, would the martial artists behind truly back him?
Iron Blood Fist decided to hold back for now, steadying his breath. He glared at Hyeong Pyo with eyes tinged with killing intent.
Hyeong Pyo was slightly startled by the gaze but showed no outward reaction. Such mild killing intent was mere child's play compared to training under Dan Hyeong-u and the others.
"Those gathered here are heroes of the Righteous Heart Society, formed to protect the jianghu's peace and justice."
Of course, it was a blatant lie. Righteous Heart Society was a name coined by Ha Byeok of the Shadowless unit.
There were many martial artists here, but none had heard of the Righteous Heart Society. Yet no one objected—they tacitly endorsed Iron Blood Fist's approach. That spoke to the immense allure of the Blood Shadow Sword and the Heavenly Qi Master's final technique.
"I temporarily represent the Righteous Heart Society. From our perspective, the Blood Shadow Sword—capable of shaking the jianghu's sense of justice—should be properly destroyed."
Hyeong Pyo sighed inwardly. Their schemes were transparent, as were the motives of the swarming martial artists.
"So you're saying we should destroy the Blood Shadow Sword?"
"It would be ideal if the Henan Escort Bureau handled it themselves, but to avoid any unfortunate incidents, we'll take care of it. Transparently."
Hyeong Pyo shook his head at Iron Blood Fist's words. Truly vexing. Refusal meant all-out war. Iron Blood Fist was drumming up support from the crowd behind—blind man's bluff, but it created a pretext.
The martial artists surrounding the bureau numbered in the hundreds. Without the Sword King, Sword Demon, or Dan Hyeong-u, it would fall in moments.
'This is utterly pointless bloodshed.'
Thinking that, Hyeong Pyo stared straight at Iron Blood Fist.
Iron Blood Fist grinned, baring his teeth, his face openly gleaming with greed. Hyeong Pyo had no choice but to decide now. Whichever way he chose, the sword would be his.
"Give me time to think."
In the end, Hyeong Pyo opted to buy time, however little. Stall, disperse the mob-driven martial artists, and devise a bloodless solution.
'I wonder if acquiring the Blood Shadow Sword was the right call.'
With that thought, he awaited Iron Blood Fist's response.
"I don't see why you need time to think. Just hand over the Blood Shadow Sword, and it's done. We'll handle the rest."
Such brazen words. Hyeong Pyo's face twisted slightly. Where did this confidence to demand it outright come from?
The bureau had the Sword King and Sword Demon. Though a Ten Great Expert, Iron Blood Fist was a notch below either—and they had two.
As Hyeong Pyo opened his mouth to retort, someone gripped his shoulder.
"Enough. These guys came prepared—no point talking. Force is the answer here. Isn't that the way of the jianghu?"
It was the Sword King. He pushed Hyeong Pyo back and glared at Iron Blood Fist. Killing intent seeped from his body, gradually dominating the nearby space.
The martial artists caught in the Sword King's killing intent froze like flies in a web, only able to stand and sweat coldly. Only then did their fear of a Ten Great Expert surge.
"Haap!"
Iron Blood Fist shouted. A fierce qi wave erupted from him, shredding the web-like killing intent strand by strand.
The now-freed martial artists stumbled back a few steps.
"Impressive, Sword King. But the Righteous Heart Society here numbers over a hundred. Even masters can't do much with just two."
The Sword King smirked at Iron Blood Fist's words.
"I'll handle you, even if you're a bit lacking. But what about the Sword Demon over there? You didn't bring another Ten Great Expert, did you? Divine Spear Mae Gyeom maybe?"
Divine Spear Mae Gyeom ranked at the top of the Ten Great Experts—stronger than the heads of Wudang or Shaolin. But he shunned crowds, unlikely to appear here.
"Hmph. Someone even stronger is prepared—no need for your concern."
The Sword King looked intrigued at Iron Blood Fist's reply.