Chapter 238: All the Same Heart
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Seol Hu-yong’s eyes widened greatly in surprise.
‘THAT IS…?’
Wonder lingered in his greatly wavering eyes.
A vivid crimson current connected with Ximen Yue.
Light linking eye to eye.
It was a mysterious martial art.
No, perhaps calling it an extraordinary ability would be more correct.
Anyway, it was something he’d never seen before.
It seemed to be some kind of skill that had actually existed in the martial world of the past or secretly existed in the present.
After all, wasn’t Cheol Ryu-heun someone who had inherited the true transmissions of the Sword Emperor Buk Ga-sin, Evil Emperor Yul Cheon, and Martial Immortal Dongbang Ya?
‘RIGHT, it’s nothing to be surprised about at this point. Just take this horse I rode here for example…’
Seol Hu-yong glanced at Divine Wind beside him and smiled soundlessly.
‘Still… What kind of power does that have?’
From ancient times, there were several famous mystic martial arts that used the naked eye, and one of them was Shaolin Temple’s secret transmitted absolute learning Sumeru Eye, representing the orthodox martial world.
It was once also named Prajna Heart Eye.
Sumeru Eye was an eye technique that manifested abilities based on sacred Buddhist power, and those exposed to that light had their upper dantian mercilessly destroyed.
Therefore, they became crippled or met death.
Since it was a secret absolute learning containing such lethal essence, violating the monastic Buddhist precepts of Shaolin Temple, only the reigning Grand Master could learn it.
The demonic path called it Brahma Heaven Eye, and the unorthodox faction commonly called it Buddha Achievement Eye.
Among others, there was Wudang Sect’s Supreme Harmony Eye said to readily suppress the heterodox paths of all schools, the Murong Family’s Emerald Revealing Eye that neutralized extremely wicked black sorcery, and the Beggar Sect’s Striking Dog Firm Eyes optimized for countering lust-stimulating Lustful Demon Art, all of which were supreme martial studies in the same ability category, sharing common ground with Shaolin Temple’s Sumeru Eye.
The light that Cheol Ryu-heun’s eyes emitted probably wasn’t much different.
That’s why he was even more curious about the exact essence and wondrous application.
Meanwhile.
‘HEUP!’
When the crimson light invaded his eyes, Ximen Yue felt as if his breath was suddenly blocked.
Following that.
TEOLKEOK!
A shock spread throughout his body.
As if a massive wave was crashing down.
His body’s acupoints and meridians pulsed like wild horses.
It was painful.
So much that he thought his whole body might tear apart.
At that moment, an indifferent voice was heard.
“The medicine’s effect has begun.”
As soon as Cheol Ryu-heun’s words ended, Ximen Yue’s mind became hazy.
‘THIS IS…’
* * *
“KEOK!”
“AAAK!”
Death Screams.
Swift Wind Squad’s Third Squad fell one by one, and the chaotic battlefield was cleaned up.
In the midst of that.
KUNG!
Third Squad Commander Nu-heum, having slammed his back against a large boulder, vomited up crimson blood.
“KKEOHEOEOE…!”
It was the effect of being struck by the magnificent sword energy that swept in.
It was precisely the power of Whirlwind Sword Lord Ximen Jwa’s Great Wind Sword Scripture absolute technique, Wild Whirling Wind Stream Sword.
True to the radiant reputation of being included among Shaanxi’s Four Great Martial Fiercest, the sword technique’s power was incredibly terrifying.
Nu-heum had difficulty controlling his body.
As strength left his hands, his sword fell to the ground.
TTAENGGURANG-
That was a sound no different from announcing the battle’s end.
All directions became silent.
The premier elite group, Flash Wind Squad, had finally subdued Swift Wind Squad’s Third Squad in its entirety.
TEOLSSEOK.
Nu-heum, having slumped down, cast his gaze forward.
Not too far away.
Ximen Jwa stood with his sword lowered and spoke.
“Getting the picture now?”
You cannot handle me.
That was the meaning.
Nu-heum glanced at the sword that had fallen on the ground and let out a bitter smile.
“HUT. Indeed… It was a wall too difficult to climb.”
It was a murmur like talking to himself.
At that moment, Ximen Jwa stowed the divine artifact Ten Thousand Direction Sword, symbolizing the lofty position of family head.
“Excellent.”
“Are you… mocking me like that? Family Head…”
“Not at all. Look.”
Ximen Jwa, with those words, lightly shook his left arm.
A cut wound was visible on his forearm.
The blood line drawn long across it was carved by Nu-heum’s sword.
“Yue, that boy is truly remarkable. That he raised you to this level…”
“KEUM! If someone who knows that… why did you discriminate?”
The instant Nu-heum’s eyes bulged, Ximen Jwa shook his head.
“You don’t understand.”
“……”
“The head who leads a household isn’t decided solely by martial talent.”
“KEUK… Until the end…!”
At that moment, Ximen Jwa fired a finger wind.
PIPING- TUTUK-!
When he struck the demon acupoint, Nu-heum’s entire body was paralyzed.
“Now watch what happens. Whatever anyone says… Yue is my precious son.”
Then Ximen Jwa issued a command to the surrounding Flash Wind Squad.
“Now, let’s clean up here and go see the villa.”
“YES! Family Head!”
* * *
KKUNG!
Won Song, having been knocked backward, crashed hard face-first on the ground.
TREMBLE TREMBLE…
His body shook on its own.
It was the effect of pouring out a lot of internal power in a short time.
But the opponent showed no wavering.
Despite receiving all that internal power…
The swordsmanship the opponent executed was outstanding.
And so was their internal power level.
Gust Sword Knight Ximen Ang.
He was indeed the Ximen Family’s eldest son.
True to his status as the person designated as the next family head, the majesty of swordsmanship harmonizing swiftness and ferocity was first-rate.
Living up to his alias, his series of sword strikes were like a gust of wind.
The instant even a small opening showed, he relentlessly pressed in like fiercely blowing wind, sending sparks flying.
Gale Wind Ten Swords, one of the Ximen Family’s sword path absolute teachings, had reached maximum cultivation – an aura as if a real gale had transformed into a person and was rushing in.
Talent comparable to Ximen Yue’s.
Moreover, he had further developed by learning the Great Wind Sword Scripture.
That wasn’t all.
Second son Divine Wind Sword Talent Ximen Yu’s swordsmanship was also outstanding.
Especially the wondrous application of sword energy compressed to a point and rapidly fired was tremendously threatening.
Divine Wind Nine Swords.
A swordsmanship that maximized speed, so physical strength and internal power were rapidly depleted, but Ximen Yu had minimized the disadvantages with innate talent.
Though evaluated as the lowest among the three sons of Ximen Jwa, the standard was high from other households’ perspective.
Won Song hurriedly checked his surroundings.
Unfavorable battle situation. No… It was on the verge of defeat.
The number of subordinate unit members barely still standing was merely five.
‘CHIT!’
Having ground his teeth PPADEUDDEUK!, Won Song raised his body.
Then Ximen Ang’s form, positioned nearby in front, entered his eyes.
Was it the leisure of a victor?
He wasn’t even pointing his sword tip.
Seeing that, Won Song’s mood twisted further.
“Finish it!”
He rose, knowing he couldn’t win.
Because he didn’t want to die lying face-down on the ground.
However.
SSWAESSYOK!
Along with a sharp sound, a sword shadow flew in.
PEOPEONG-!
Simultaneously with a crisp piercing sound.
SPINNING.
Won Song’s form flipped upside down and collided with the ground.
Meanwhile, the remaining Third Squad personnel had fallen.
It was a foreseen result.
They were outnumbered, and couldn’t handle Ximen Yu’s power.
As if announcing the end, Divine Wind First and Second Squads all stowed their swords in unison.
CHEOLKEOK, CHEOLKEOK, CHEOLKEOK…
Ximen Ang and Ximen Yu also put away the Three Great Wind Swords of the household – Wind Might Sword and Wind Motion Sword.
Soon Won Song, who had been lying on the ground, laboriously raised his head.
Before he knew it, Ximen Ang had approached right in front.
SEUK.
His lofty figure, harmonized with the pale moonlight, once again filled Won Song’s eyes.
“There, I’ve finished it. As you wanted.”
Hearing Ximen Ang’s words, Won Song’s eyes rippled like waves.
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN…?”
“We won, didn’t we? So it’s over.”
Only then did Won Song realize.
‘WA-WAIT…!’
Now he saw – no one had died.
Everyone had merely fainted.
Most had suffered sword wounds, but the number of those in critical condition was absolutely zero.
Ximen Ang squatted down before him and spoke.
“Your expression clearly says you find it questionable. Vice Squad Commander Won.”
“WH-WHY…”
“Are you asking why we didn’t kill?”
“……!”
“My answer is one. Aren’t you all members of the household?”
“……!”
Won Song’s gaze wavered again.
An unexpected shock struck his chest hard.
He never expected to hear such words…
Win or lose, he had thought one side would end in death.
With that resolve, he had drawn his sword and fought.
But the opponent was speaking as if embracing everything.
Ximen Ang, as if reading that heart, spoke again.
“When my family goes astray, it’s my role to set them right. As the household’s eldest son…”
“KEUM…”
Won Song somehow felt the urge to cry.
How to explain this current feeling…
Ximen Ang, wiping sweat from his forehead, posed a quiet question.
“I ask again. If Yue gives up, will you follow?”
“……!”
“I know well. You were captivated by the power Yue showed. So you dreamed of treason. Like boarding a runaway carriage. But somewhere in your hearts, there must still have been hearts that cared for the main house… If Yue now chooses a different path, I believe you will follow that.”
“Young Master… Won’t… Change…”
“No.”
“……?”
“Sect Leader Cheol said. If the demonic energy is cleanly washed away, Yue will also recover his true nature.”
“THAT’S…!”
“It’s possible. And I believe. If it’s Sect Leader Cheol’s ability.”
“EVEN SO…”
“He won’t change? You say that even after seeing me?”
At Ximen Ang’s meaningful words, Won Song flinched.
“You know well. That Elder Brother was once a scoundrel.”
Ximen Yu approached and stood beside him, speaking thus.
Ximen Ang who had smirked nodded.
“Right. As my little brother said, I was a scoundrel.”
Then he looked at Won Song.
“Who fixed that?”
“The Third… Young Master…”
“That’s right. It was Yue. Without that kid, I wouldn’t exist today. I valued his humanity above all, beyond his genius. But at some moment, I began sensing a subtle change.”
It referred to the private spar with Ximen Yue conducted confidentially under father Ximen Jwa’s orders two years ago.
At that time, Ximen Ang had clearly seen.
At the final stage, Ximen Yue suddenly exerted excessive internal power, causing internal injuries to him and then smiling…
-AAAT! Elder Brother! I’m sorry! I was too absorbed in the swordsmanship…!
Ximen Yue had apologized in a fluster.
But before that, a smile had passed by.
It was momentary.
Flashing up quickly like light, then vanishing…
“The accident during the private spar back then. I’ve finally realized that it was the influence of a demonic heart. Through Sect Leader Cheol’s words… Therefore, I must return Yue’s true nature to the way it was before. Afterward, we’ll talk and if there’s any grudge, I’ll resolve it all. Let me say it in advance. I… have the intention to give up even the next family head position for Yue’s sake.”
“……!”
Won Song showed a surprised look, then soon bowed his head while murmuring inwardly.
‘Young Master… It seems we misunderstood him for a long time. I think the destination of this perilous journey is coming into view.’
Suddenly, tears streamed down.
Because complex emotions impossible to describe had tangled in his heart.
“KEUHEUP… ELDEST YOUNG MASTER… I, I AM…”
“Vice Squad Commander Won.”
“YES…”
“It’s not time to cry yet. Save those tears for after the youngest has returned to normal.”
* * *
Zhongnan Sect’s main gate opened.
DEOLKEODEOK!
Following that, Sun Moon Demon Cult Patriarch Aryun-nan and the visiting leather-caped man walked out from within.
“HUT, it was a good meeting. Then take care.”
When Aryun-nan slightly bent his waist, the leather-caped man quietly nodded.
Wordless greeting.
TEONG-
Zhongnan Sect’s main gate closed again.
The leather-caped man stood still for a moment, then gazed at the night sky.
Then.
SSIK.
A faint smile formed at the corner of his mouth.
“Too many stars.”
Having withdrawn his gaze, he spoke inwardly.
‘So this is martial world? There’s too many stars. So they must be eliminated. The light that illuminates the world… one is enough.’
Simultaneously.
PAK!
Kicking off the ground, he dashed quickly, fluttering his clothes.
‘HUHU. Foolish fools. The Divine Martial Sword was already destroyed by that person long ago. Yes, run wild as much as you want. You who chase illusions and burn with desire. For the great purification of the martial world that we have planned…’