Chapter 151: Combined Attack (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 151: Combined Attack (1)
The Wind and Thunder Sword wielded by Jin-cheon carried the devastating attribute of lightning.
Having drawn in the raw energy descending from the heavens before unleashing his thrust, a brilliant flash of lightning tore through the sky the moment the Wind and Thunder Sword’s energy touched the earth.
Rumble!
The bolt struck the monster’s head directly. Its massive frame slammed into the ground and tumbled for thirty meters before finally crashing into a nearby house, burying itself beneath the rubble.
“Finally...!”
“Not yet.”
Seok Myeong raised a hand, cutting off Jin-cheon just as he was about to cheer.
At his warning, Beopgye and Yu Yeok-gil tightened their grips on their swords and moved to Seok Myeong’s side.
“We need a plan. Since even that didn't work, we need a different approach,” Jin-cheon said, and the others nodded in grim agreement.
They had all tested their respective sects' secret techniques at least once. Now, they had to face the bitter reality: none of them had been effective.
“That monster’s destructive power is earth-shattering, and the protective Astral Energy formed by its overflowing inner qi is incredibly thick. Furthermore, its movement speed is second to none,” Beopgye spoke first, his voice heavy.
“However, as it was just caught by Abbot Beopgye’s attack, it seems vulnerable to unpredictable, shifting strikes. Also, perhaps because it lacks reason, its situational awareness isn't particularly high,” Jin-cheon of the Wudang Sect added.
“Even so, unless we have a way to end its life in a single blow, defeating it will be impossible,” Yu Yeok-gil of the Mount Hua Sect said, grinding his teeth in frustration.
“In my humble opinion, I believe that energy from earlier might make it possible. Taoist Seok Myeong, can you use that energy again?” Beopgye interjected.
“It won’t be easy. As the Great Monk said, that creature moves with incredible speed fueled by its extreme inner qi.”
Seok Myeong shook his head.
That was the first time he had used Black Ink Energy against the creature. The Black Ink Energy was faster, if anything, than the attacks of Jin-cheon or Yu Yeok-gil. Even so, the creature had evaded it with even greater speed. It seemed the beast’s instincts warned it that his Black Ink Energy was uniquely dangerous.
“If I can just land a hit, I believe I can end this... but landing that hit is nearly impossible.”
“Then we just have to pin it down.”
At that moment, Beopgye made a daring suggestion.
“I see. We will take on that role.”
Surprisingly, Jin-cheon and Yu Yeok-gil nodded immediately. It was as if they had reached an understanding through their eyes alone as they spoke one after another.
“The three of us will distract it. Taoist Seok Myeong, please prepare that strike again.”
They could all sense it instinctively—the only one here capable of bringing down that monster was Seok Myeong.
Seok Myeong let out a low groan and nodded. “I will do my best.”
While they spoke, the thick dust finally cleared, revealing the monster walking toward them with an air of chilling arrogance.
The Rising Stars watching the scene couldn't believe their eyes.
“This is revolting...” Jin-cheon muttered.
There was no change in the monster’s expression. There weren't even any significant wounds. Their hope that it might have taken at least some damage was completely shattered.
“Let’s go.”
After a brief exchange of looks, they charged.
*
The first to strike was, as expected, Beopgye.
His ever-changing attacks overwhelmed the monster’s movements, which were fast but lacked refined technique.
This time, he employed the Black Tiger Fist. It was a style designed to strike vital points with surgical precision, his hands lashing out like a tiger clawing with its forepaws.
Beyond targeting vitals, the Black Tiger Fist served another crucial purpose: it was highly effective at breaking the flow of an opponent's attack and creating distractions, using flashy hand movements to force the enemy's total focus onto the user.
That was why Beopgye had chosen it.
Tap. Tap-tap-tap!
For several exchanges, the monster appeared to be pushed back by Beopgye. It was a high-level martial art based on physical techniques that closed the distance as much as possible. It incorporated "Severing Fists" to break and seal attacks, "Cradling Fists" to lift the opponent, and "Pushing Fists" to drive the enemy back—a style taught only to the elite within Shaolin.
The most fearsome characteristics of the Black Tiger Fist were its ability to nullify continuous attacks and the way it could seamlessly imbue qi even during rapid-fire strikes.
Indeed, a faint current of energy flowed from Beopgye’s subsequent strikes immediately after he blocked the creature’s attack. After two or three more movements, a light began to shimmer on his fists. By the time he executed the final Cradling Fist, the qi in the air transformed into a Fist Wind that surged forward like a solid wall of pressure.
The expressions of those watching brightened.
Beopgye’s striking technique was perfection itself. At this rate, it looked as though they could win without even needing a final blow.
“Krrra-ang!”
However, the monster’s reaction immediately following its roar shocked everyone.
With its jaw still broken and its body convulsing, the monster reached out and snatched Beopgye’s fist mid-air.
“Ugh! Hmph!”
And then, everyone saw it. Beopgye’s face turned pale, and his body began to slowly twist.
“Aaaargh!”
As the Shaolin monk was caught, Jin-cheon, who had been keeping his distance and staying alert, belatedly lunged forward.
“Hah!”
There was no time to gather energy or add finesse to his swordsmanship. He charged straight in and thrust his sword into the monster’s body.
Swish! Stab-stab-stab!
Jin-cheon stabbed the monster relentlessly. Seeing Beopgye in such agony, he thrust his blade without mercy or hesitation.
“He-he-he-he-he!”
But the monster did not retreat. Even though the sword pierced its body several times, it continued to crush Beopgye’s hand as if it felt no pain at all.
“Kuaaaaakh!”
The Shaolin monk’s limbs began to rapidly wither. Yu Yeok-gil, who was watching, joined the fray.
“Cha!”
He stabbed his sword, imbued with Sword Aura, into the monster’s legs, shoulders, and chest. When it still didn't move, he thrust his blade directly into the monster’s eye.
Squeltch! Crack!
With the sound of a bursting eyeball, the monster's head was flung back. At that depth, the tip of the sword must have scrambled its brain. As he pulled the sword out, thick, dark blood poured down the monster’s face.
“Haha...”
A smile began to bloom on Yu Yeok-gil’s face, thinking it was finally over. But the smile faded instantly.
“Grrrrrrr!”
The monster was still holding onto Beopgye’s hand. It was an act that defied common sense. That single strike should have destroyed its brain.
“Kh... Aaaagh!”
Beopgye, who had been enduring by biting his lip, finally let out a blood-curdling scream. His right hand, caught in the monster’s grip, was losing all vitality. His veins bulged, turning a hideous shade of black, and the expressions of the onlookers distorted in horror.
He’s being eaten alive.
That thought flashed through everyone’s minds.
“You monster!”
“Stop.”
The enraged Yu Yeok-gil tried to move again, but Jin-cheon blocked him. When Yu Yeok-gil turned a questioning gaze toward him, he saw Jin-cheon’s eyes were fixed on Beopgye’s right hand.
“The more you stab it, the more the Great Monk’s wound opens up!”
“What?”
It was true. Beopgye’s hand had already turned into something resembling gnarled tree roots up to the wrist.
“Cu-cut off my hand!”
Grit!
Beopgye, barely maintaining consciousness, shrieked the order.
Yu Yeok-gil hurriedly raised his sword, but he hesitated, unable to bring it down. It was the same for Jin-cheon.
“Kh!”
Though they had been staring at his hand, they couldn't bring themselves to swing. This was the right hand of a martial artist—and not just any martial artist, but the "Little Divine Monk," the most promising talent in Shaolin and a future pillar of the martial world. Jin-cheon knew this better than anyone, and he couldn't make the decision, fearing the consequences.
“Hurry! Before it’s too late! Before its demonic art reaches my heart meridians, hurry!”
Beopgye continued to scream. The dark blue veins bulging from his wrist were already reaching his shoulder. Even at a glance, the hand was in tatters. There was no hope for recovery.
“Kuaaaakh! Hu-hurry...”
Flash!
In that instant, a sword flying from the side fell upon his wrist. Beopgye’s hand was severed cleanly.
“...!”
It was Seok Myeong. He had thrown his sword, pushing past the hesitating men.
As Beopgye stumbled, Seok Myeong caught him and quickly pressed his pressure points to staunch the bleeding.
“Are you alright?”
Beopgye felt his consciousness fading. He murmured something, and as he collapsed, he managed to squeeze out one last sentence.
“Tha-thank you...”
When Seok Myeong looked up, sharp gasps escaped Jin-cheon and Yu Yeok-gil, who were staring at the monster in disbelief.
“What in the world is this...”
Squelch, squirm.
The monster’s wounds were healing. Its face was knitting back together. The head that had been pierced by Yu Yeok-gil’s sword was regenerating before their eyes.
“Just... what kind of sorcery is this...”
As Jin-cheon’s voice trailed off, Seok Myeong answered.
“It is the Demonic Energy Absorption Art.”
“...!”
The Rising Stars were struck with horror. While they stared at the monster with disbelief, Seok Myeong took a step forward.
“I will fight it now!”
“It’s too dangerous alone.”
Seok Myeong shook his head at Jin-cheon’s words.
“As you can see, this thing’s body is nearly invincible. Also, it’s a creature that evades the moment it sees my Sword Aura. I have no choice but to clash blades with it directly.”
No one spoke. They had sensed it—that firing from a distance was not the answer. They had to close in and pierce its heart.
Yu Hwa, who had been listening, couldn't contain herself.
“Stop this and call for help! No matter how great you are, there’s nothing you can do. How can you face a monster that didn't even flinch when everyone attacked it together?”
“I can do it.”
“What?”
“There are circumstances I cannot speak of now, but regardless of the level of martial arts, I am the only one who can kill this thing.”
“Ha. You...”
Grip.
Yu Yeok-gil pulled back the hand of the exasperated Yu Hwa.
“Senior Brother?”
“Let us watch and see what the Great Hero does.”
“Yes, let’s watch.”
As Jin-cheon and Yu Yeok-gil supported Beopgye and stepped back, Seok Myeong glared at the monster. The creature, as if sensing Seok Myeong’s intent, glared back.
Inhale.
Seok Myeong relaxed his entire body. Then, he took a few steps toward the creature.
‘It’s a creature that takes the swords of others with its body but evades only my energy. I have no choice but to lure it in with simple swordsmanship without imbuing it with Black Ink Energy, and then cut it down in one go.’
Seok Myeong paused for a moment. Just as he was about to spring forward, the monster lunged first, as if it had been waiting for that exact moment of tension.
Crunch!
“How?!”
Seok Myeong was horrified. The monster’s movement was terrifying, closing the distance in the blink of an eye.
Normally, a first-rate expert can estimate an opponent's movement and speed the moment they leap. Even with techniques like Void Treading Step or Thousand-Pound Weight, the range of movement does not deviate significantly from the initial burst. There is a limit to how fast one can circulate the inner qi that serves as the foundation.
But the monster was different. Not only was its running speed beyond common sense, but its acceleration was unnatural. If its speed at the start of the leap was fast, it became two or three times faster by the time it reached its target.
Caught off guard by this unpredictable acceleration, Seok Myeong was unable to prepare his defense, leaving his chest wide open.
Thump!
“...Seok Myeong!”
“...Taoist!”
The expressions of Jin-cheon, Yu Yeok-gil, and Yu Hwa distorted instantly.
“Cough!”
Seok Myeong let out a sharp groan.
“Grrrrrrr!”
The monster clung to the recoiling Seok Myeong with blinding speed and grabbed both of his hands. It was clearly intending to unleash the Demonic Energy Absorption Art, just as it had done to Beopgye.
At that moment.
“This is exactly what I wanted.”
The corners of Seok Myeong’s mouth curled into a faint, cold smile.