Chapter 207: The Blade's Tip is Aimed
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‘Not a fight but a hunt? WHEW, this isn’t good. The signs…’
A swordsman in his thirties frowned while lost in thought.
Sitting alone on a rock in a forest where moonlight and darkness mingled, his identity was none other than Won Song, the Vice Squad Commander of the Third Squad of the Gale Squad within the Ximen Family .
‘To think all the rumors related to Cheol Ryu-heun were true…’
Won Song was thinking about today’s shocking morning duels.
-Not long ago, the new sect Leader of the White Peak Sword Sect, Cheol Ryu-heun, traveled around the Hunan region defeating dozens of renowned masters.
-Word is that even Blue Robe Sword Noble Do Yun, the Broken Mountain Sword Manor Master who was among the Five Supreme Martial Experts of Hunan Province, was miserably defeated by his hands.
-Cheol Ryu-heun, whose momentum has risen through this series of exploits, is scheduled to face off against Severing Finger Sword Venerable So Cheon-ak, the Sword Seal Sect Leader and one of the Six Extremes of Hubei, at the great plain west of Wanju.
-As many people have been saying recently… Cheol Ryu-heun is supposedly the person who will seize the title of Hunan’s First Martial God.
When those surprising rumors first flew in, he was half in doubt, but having come here and confirmed the reality, he finally realized.
Cheol Ryu-heun’s tremendous skill.
That the rumors were by no means exaggerated.
No.
Rather, the series of rumors fell short.
Just looking at the lineup of powerhouses Cheol Ryu-heun had dueled this morning.
That’s right.
In fact, Severing Finger Sword Venerable So Cheon-ak had been just the beginning.
He had even defeated Hungry Wolf Blade Demon Jinjo Jeok-je, a master of blade techniques in the Five Supreme Martial Experts of Hunan Province, Jade Qilin Yeo Yong-jeo, called the rising star of the Six Extremes of Hubei and a master of spear techniques, and even Black Silken Sword Sovereign Wei Ta-gong, the distinguished swordsman of the unorthodox faction ranked among the highest.
It was truly shocking.
Furthermore.
What was as surprising as the victory results was the process of the duels.
Throughout, Cheol Ryu-heun had boasted overwhelming martial might.
Though he exchanged blows without rest, not a trace of fatigue could be found.
Was that all?
He had not only perfectly mastered his own sect’s White Peak Sword Art, but also displayed the Four Dragon Sword Styles of the previous generation hegemon Ascending Heaven Sword Dragon, and even executed Reverse Heaven Sword Forms of the ancient ruler Evil Emperor Yul-cheon.
Thus Cheol Ryu-heun became the owner of the brilliant title Hunan’s First Martial God.
Also, as the finishing touch, he obtained supreme seniority.
Ten Ultimate Martial Saint Immortal Muhyeon and Taoist White Cloud Sword Duke Cheon Mu, who contended for the top among the Six Extremes of Hubei and Five Supreme Martial Experts of Hunan Province respectively, officially declared:
Cheol Ryu-heun had already obtained the true transmission of the Martial Immortal Dongbang Ya and Sword Emperor Buk Ga-shin in addition to Evil Emperor Yul-cheon.
Green Forest Martial Buddha Gung Roe and Thunder Cloud Sword Duke had also publicly paid respectful courtesy while clearly acknowledging Cheol Ryu-heun’s standing.
Now, his high seniority and position were beyond what martial artists of this generation could match.
‘I can only be amazed.’
Moreover, the existence of Ye Woon-rang, the disciple of Red Dragon Sword Squad Captain Hong So who was said to be the Dragon Martial Gate’s descendant, and former Nine Demon Alliance Leader Gal Jung-heon, was equally shocking.
Worry came first.
Because of the plan Cheol Ryu-heun had boldly announced today.
The so-called Sun Moon Demon Cult hunt.
Cheol Ryu-heun had asserted that they wouldn’t be able to help but appear before him.
‘What could it be? The hidden meaning…’
Currently, the Sun Moon Demon Cult’s movements were connected to the Divine Martial Sword?
That, he hadn’t known.
Because he hadn’t heard anything from Ximen Yue.
Anyway, Cheol Ryu-heun’s bold declaration meant that the Sun Moon Demon Cult members would set White Peak Sword Sect as their top priority target and act to confirm the presence or absence of the Divine Martial Sword?
-In addition to Ascending Heaven Sword Dragon’s true transmission, even the appearance of an official descendant… Does that mean the Divine Martial Sword exists within White Peak Sword Sect?
-No, the Divine Martial Sword wasn’t at the place where the true transmission was arranged.
Recalling the exchange between Wei Ta-gong and Cheol Ryu-heun, Won Song judged it to be a lure tactic.
‘Then it’s likely that from the Cult Leader’s perspective, they’ll try to confirm the presence or absence of the Divine Martial Sword… I must inform them of this quickly.’
At that moment, the small footsteps of several people were heard.
SAK, SASAK, SAK…
Won Song quietly turned his head and spoke without wariness.
“Did you find out?”
“Yes.”
Along with the answer, swordsmen appeared at a nearby spot.
A total of seven squad members.
One of them reported in a low voice.
“It seems detailed plans were discussed at the noon meeting led by Cheol Ryu-heun, but apart from the representatives of each sect including the Wudang Sect Leader, no one knows the contents. They appear to be proceeding thoroughly in secret. I’m sorry. It seems difficult to find out more. Given the situation where Absolute Masters of Five Martial Paragons and Six Polar Stars caliber have joined en masse, using connections to investigate risks getting our tail stepped on…”
“As I thought… I understand. It was already expected. So, how is the Sword Seal Sect’s situation?”
“Both the leadership who were at the duel scene and the leadership waiting within the Sword Seal Sect have all been taken into custody by the government. I heard that even the region’s top military officer Gwan Hang-woo, whose personal martial prowess rivals the upper Six Extremes of Hubei, and his thousand elite troops under command were mobilized.”
“Gwan Hang-woo… They really set out to clean them out.”
“Yes. Now the Sword Seal Sect’s downfall is predetermined. Since everyone including So Cheon-ak will take medicine to destroy their dantian and receive punishment, even if they finish their prison time and get out, a comeback as martial artists will be impossible.”
At that, Won Song, who had been listening, nodded and spoke.
“This is why the government is scary. They’re friendly while taking bribes but cut things off sharply when it’s disadvantageous.”
“So what do we do now?”
At the squad member’s worried question, Won Song’s eyes flashed.
“You mustn’t become weak-hearted. I’m a bit worried too, but… there’s something Cheol Ryu-heun doesn’t know either.”
“Pardon?”
“The Sun Moon Demon Cult Cult Leader’s true martial might.”
“Ah…”
“If you think only the two rejuvenations are everything, you’d be mistaken.”
“That’s right.”
“Today, Cheol Ryu-heun showed no sign of fatigue. It was truly impressive. But the Sun Moon Demon Cult Cult Leader wields nearly infinite energy through his new martial art. If Cheol Ryu-heun experiences that directly, he’ll realize the absolute limit of martial arts. No, wait. Even just the Young Master’s martial might alone…”
Won Song recalled what Cheol Ryu-heun had said along with those words.
-Didn’t I say earlier? That it’s not a fight but a hunt. And… This sect’s blades have already begun the hunt.
“He doesn’t know. The fact that the Young Master is the successor of the Sun Moon Demon Arrival Technique… It’s a cunning scheme to shake us using a type of psychological warfare tactic. So we follow the orders from above as always.”
The seven squad members answered in unison.
“We will keep that in mind.”
“Now, let’s leave. Reporting today’s events is the priority.”
Thus, the Gale Third Squad including Vice Squad Commander Won Song disappeared with covert movement.
* * *
Just before transitioning to the second watch (9-11 PM).
Beneath the crescent moon sky where moonlight scattered, two people carrying bundles were walking along a forest path.
One was a man in his forties with a bushy beard and sturdy frame, and the other was a young man with a nimble build and striking features.
This place was deep in the mountains, so it was very quiet all around.
Perhaps because of that, the occasional owl hoots came across even louder.
How long had they walked?
In the distance ahead of the two wordlessly walking the forest path, a worn house near a hill came into view.
That seemed to be their destination.
Before long, the two men who had stepped onto the yard of a dwelling that looked like it would collapse if a strong wind blew spoke in low voices.
“Elder Gam, are you here?”
“We brought some medicines for your ailments.”
At that, words came from beyond the lit door.
“Aigoo. How kind of you at such a late hour. Wait just a moment. I’ll come out right away.”
Suddenly.
SWISH.
A person appeared in one corner of the yard.
Without any presence or sound.
Like a ghost.
Wearing a dark bamboo hat and long robe, they seemed assimilated with the darkness.
“Elder Gam – is his name Gam Tae?”
The two startled men whipped their heads to the side.
At that moment, the black-robed figure laughed.
It was too dark to see well, though.
“From your reaction, it’s certain.”
Suddenly, the surrounding air felt as if it was rapidly turning cold.
Immediately after.
FLUTTER FLUTTER, FLUTTER FLUTTER-
Five identically dressed figures appeared.
Their robe hems fluttering as if there was no longer need to hide their presence.
“I already know you’re martial artists.”
As the black-robed figure who had first spoken came forward with the five behind and spoke.
“What!”
“Who are you!”
The two men, having let out sharp shouts, drew swords hidden in their bundles.
However, the black-robed figure was completely composed.
“Go in, confirm him, and bring him out.”
One black-robed figure behind received the order and moved like wind toward the worn house.
TAK.
The moment the door closed.
The lead black-robed figure radiated vicious formless killing intent.
“I ask. You’re clearly martial artists belonging to a martial sect… What is your relationship with Gam Tae?”
At that, the man in his forties glared.
“HA, who are you people!”
“Us?”
The black-robed figure snickered, then emitted a chilling gaze.
“We belong to a sacred place that serves the sun and moon. Looking at you, it doesn’t seem like you’ll readily talk…”
Trailing off, he sent a hand signal.
HWIRIK, HWIRIRIK-
The four behind spread out like a folding screen.
The lead black-robed figure smirked and spoke again.
“Guess there’s no choice but to make you kneel and find out through torture.”
Right at that moment.
KWAJIK-!
Simultaneously with the dwelling’s door being destroyed.
SHUAAT- PEOGEOK!
The black-robed figure who had gone inside was ejected and impaled on a tree.
“KEO…”
Impaled on a tree with a single sword piercing his lower abdomen.
KKULREOK KKULREOK.
Blood poured onto the ground, spreading a pungent smell.
As the black-robed figure group was shocked at the unexpected situation.
STEP, STEP, STEP…
A figure walking out the door spoke in a heavy voice.
“So, you came looking for Gam Tae? Sun Moon Demon Cult.”
Simultaneously, the black-robed figure group was shocked again.
‘How can this be…! They know about us?’
He wasn’t Gam Tae.
Rather, the county magistrate of Wuyang who had hidden his original identity.
That’s right.
It was Ju Yu-gang.
Also,
The two men who had just thrown that sword were Deputy Country Magistrate Ban Bu-bong and bodyguard Dam Maeng-gi.
As Ju Yu-gang lightly waved his right hand, the sword that had pierced through the black-robed figure was pulled out and instantly severed his head.
SEUGEOK- CHYUHAAT!
Seeing that, the lead black-robed figure’s complexion turned pale white.
‘Sword control technique!’
The remaining members were the same.
As Ju Yu-gang retrieved the sword, his eyes radiated killing intent.
“Sun Demon Assembly, affiliated with the high-ranking position of First Seat within Sun Moon Demon Cult. That’s what you are.”
The Sun Demon Assembly, having had their identity pierced, internally wavered.
How did he come to know that?
With everyone’s minds confused, Ju Yu-gang’s voice bored into their ears.
“I deliberately leaked information about Gam Tae. As expected, Sect Leader Cheol’s prediction was accurate.”
In an instant.
DEUDEUDEUDEUDEU… KUKUKUKUKU…
The surrounding air and ground vibrated.
From the effect of formless energy Ju Yu-gang had released.
“Only one of you will be able to live. As a subject of torture.”
A sharp sound burst.
PIIIING-!
A horizontal sword control technique strike.
The sword, having drawn a rapid trajectory, dropped down and bisected one Sun Demon Assembly member.
CHYUHAAK-!
Perfected-level internal power was loaded in it.
KWAKWAKWANG…!
The ground where the sword had struck down caved in like a large pit.
Ju Yu-gang’s six directional transmitted voice echoed greatly in the dust-clouded space.
-Go ahead and try to run. At the end there will only be hell waiting.
Cheol Ryu-heun’s hunting blades.
The peak-level powerhouse Ju Yu-gang, unknown to the world, had now also become one of them and began aiming at the Sun Moon Demon Cult’s heart.