SWNOVELXO Chapter 170
170th Chapter: Brazenly
As soon as the Heavenly Demon appeared, all the members of the Demon Sect, except for me, Sahyeong, Jeoksawol, and Heuksaryong, prostrated themselves and shouted.
Of course, Baek Cheon-hwa was no exception.
“Heavenly Demon descends! Ten Thousand Demons rejoice! New Religion reigns supreme! Ten thousand generations, ten thousand generations, ten thousand generations! We meet the Heavenly Demon Lord!”
It felt as if they had rehearsed it, with the same voices booming in the banquet hall at the same time.
Seeing this, the Heavenly Demon spoke in a languid tone.
“Greetings are enough. Get on with what you were doing.”
Only after the Heavenly Demon finished speaking did the Demon Sect members rise and begin to move.
“Whibong Yeon Sowol.”
The Heavenly Demon spoke softly.
“Today is a banquet where the Jeongsama exchanges with one another. Don’t ruin the banquet with petty arguments.”
The Heavenly Demon’s gaze fell on Jeoksawol.
Jeoksawol’s cheek twitched slightly.
She took a step back.
“If the Heavenly Demon senior says so, I understand.”
Hohohoho.
Jeoksawol laughed, covering her mouth with her hand.
Her gaze locked directly onto the Heavenly Demon.
*
[Hmph. Heavenly Demon. Why are you suddenly blocking this lady’s path? Didn’t your Demon Sect encourage fighting under the iron-blooded rule of the strong surviving?]
Jeoksawol’s dissatisfied voice flew into the Heavenly Demon’s ear.
Seeing her, the Heavenly Demon narrowed his brow slightly.
He already knew through his senses that Baek Cheon-hwa and Jeoksawol were on the verge of a confrontation even before arriving at the banquet hall.
That was also the reason he had quickened his pace.
[Yeomwang. It’s true that our New Religion encourages sect members to test their martial prowess against each other. But we do not endorse battles with exceedingly disproportionate skills. Unless teaching common sense, what meaning is there in tormenting someone through a duel of differences in power, especially against a considerably younger maiden? Moreover, calling her an ‘aunt’ when you’re obviously older? Yeomwang, as the top of the unorthodox, maintain your dignity. Do not bully a child.]
The Heavenly Demon’s gaze was fixed on Jeoksawol.
If it had been a duel with Lee Cheol-soo instead of Jeoksawol, the Heavenly Demon would have allowed it.
Lee Cheol-soo’s mastery had transcended the peak, yet his body still lingered at the peak.
Baek Cheon-hwa’s defeat would be evident, but it could have been significant learning for her. Though the Heavenly Demon himself had never faced defeat and reigned alone, he understood as common sense that an ordinary martial artist grows through their failures.
However, if the opponent was Jeoksawol, it was different.
She was a master of Hyeongyeong. Unless she expressed her full strength and taught, it would be impossible to accumulate learning in such a duel, especially when showing clear hostile emotions.
Moreover, for a master of Hyeongyeong to openly start a conflict with a girl less than half her age, calling her an aunt, was utterly shameless.
The Heavenly Demon had felt only slight interest in Baek Cheon-hwa, who hadn’t been particularly significant to him yet. But witnessing Yeomwang’s unfounded provocation against Baek Cheon-hwa stirred something in his heart.
‘Is this what the Goeryong meant by emotions?’
The Heavenly Demon’s brow tightened. It was an unfamiliar feeling he had never experienced before. It felt unpleasant, yet at the same time, enjoyable.
Even he, who was usually detached from emotions, couldn’t help but be astonished by this nonsensical spectacle.
Hearing the Heavenly Demon’s words, Jeoksawol smiled.
[Heavenly Demon, I am not here as the number one unorthodox, Jeoksawol, but rather as Whibong Yeon Sowol. I understand your concerns but will only use my strength as Yeon Sowol to face Baek Cheon-hwa, so rest easy.]
[I deny that. Yeomwang. If you say such things to me again, I will take it as a declaration of war.]
Jeoksawol’s insides churned with indignation at the Heavenly Demon’s declaration.
She had sought to attract attention by confronting Baek Cheon-hwa. Yet, the Heavenly Demon had intruded and obstructed her, even ordering her to maintain dignity.
No one else knew her identity besides the Heavenly Demon, and now that she was Yeon Sowol, why should she bother with maintaining dignity?
Once she had admitted to her feelings, Jeoksawol decided to go all out. She believed that would be more effective in attracting Lee Cheol-soo’s affection.
[Hmph. Heavenly Demon, this is uncharacteristic of you. I’ve heard you were completely uninterested in your family. Suddenly obstructing this lady’s event for the sake of your family? Are you trying to play the father role now, having neglected your own daughter?]
Jeoksawol might have been the top unorthodox, but she was also the revered leader of Hao Mun.
She was aware of the vast information network she maintained, especially regarding the Heavenly Demon, and how he had no interest in his family. He had neglected seven wives and many children.
Jeoksawol had never experienced proper parents or mentors when she was young. Therefore, she could not understand the Heavenly Demon’s actions.
Now suddenly caring?
The Heavenly Demon’s eyes slightly shook at her question.
‘Play the father role?’
From an objective standpoint, it was true that the Heavenly Demon had failed to act as a proper parent.
However, until now, no one had pointed that out directly. Even Goeryong had only hinted at it indirectly.
Yet, now Jeoksawol, hiding her identity, had brought up the issue of being a father.
He could handle those words from anyone else but not her.
More so, not long ago, he had begun to take an interest in Baek Cheon-hwa, seeing her quickly learn the techniques from the broken scriptures of the Heavenly Demonic Destruction Technique, which he had passed to her.
As per Lee Cheol-soo’s words, Baek Cheon-hwa’s potential was rapidly blossoming.
But suddenly, those words came forth.
Feeling emotions rare within him, the Heavenly Demon let his energy surging up surge toward Yeon Sowol.
[I have always been that child’s father. Yeomwang, do not provoke me further. If you’re looking for a bloodbath between our sect and the unorthodox, then so be it.]
Jeoksawol, receiving the Heavenly Demon’s energy, replied, somewhat irritated.
[You’ve changed a bit, Heavenly Demon. Fine. If you insist, I’ll withdraw for now, considering your circumstances.]
Hearing Jeoksawol’s mental message, the Heavenly Demon released his force. His gaze caught Baek Cheon-hwa.
“Ah, Father…”
Baek Cheon-hwa’s voice trembled.
She knew that her father had stopped the duel for her sake. Ever since she received the broken scriptures of the Heavenly Demonic Destruction Technique, he had oddly focused his interest on her.
Baek Cheon-hwa still could not believe that.
“…Goeryong is a strong person recognized not just by the White Path’s hypocrites but also by the Colorful Horse. Do not provoke him unnecessarily with words. If you’re a New Religion sect member, prove yourself through martial skills, and as the New Religion’s So Cheonma, demonstrate your worth through actions against the Orthodox Sect, not just words.”
Upon hearing the Heavenly Demon’s words, Baek Cheon-hwa’s violet eyes trembled.
So Cheonma.
Though commonly referred to as such in public, it was not an officially recognized title in the New Religion like the Five Demons. It was merely a nickname that arose from the awe of her skills and martial abilities derived from being the daughter of the Heavenly Demon.
The Heavenly Demon, her father, had never once called her that.
But today, the Heavenly Demon had referred to her as So Cheonma himself. Baek Cheon-hwa’s body shivered.
With trembling hands, she prostrated again.
“P-Please, forgive me!”
At Baek Cheon-hwa’s reaction, the Heavenly Demon felt something fill his heart, contrary to Jeoksawol’s earlier provocation.
The Heavenly Demon looked toward Lee Cheol-soo.
‘Is this the pleasure of the heart, Goeryong, that you spoke of?’
Though still uncertain, it probably was.
He thought as he took his seat in the main area of the banquet hall.
Baek Cheon-hwa slowly stood up.
The crowd in the banquet hall murmured and stepped back. Naturally, a martial arena was formed. It was a common occurrence in the Demon Sect, governed by the rule of the strong surviving, to engage in fights while sharing drinks at a banquet.
No one was flustered.
“A duel between So Cheonma and Goeryong?”
“Of course, So Cheonma will win, right? The Lord has also recognized her, no?”
“But Goeryong is not so easy to underestimate. The Colorful Horse has directly acknowledged him, and even the lord has mentioned him.”
“I’ve heard when he fought sword naked with the Sword Dragon Jin Paeseon in the Yongbong Society, he wielded sword techniques, albeit imperfectly.”
“If that’s true, it would indeed be a close match.”
They were already analyzing the duel between So Cheonma and Goeryong. Some even set up a betting table on the spot.
This was an everyday occurrence in the Demon Sect. Baek Cheon-hwa, who had stood up, soon found herself faced with Lee Cheol-soo standing in the center of the martial arena.
Champion of the Yongbong Society. The number one of the Orthodox in the post-stimulation indicator. A disciple of the Gongdong Alliance.
And a contender acknowledged directly as strong by his father. She had mistakenly thought he was simply a libertine indulging in pleasures. Baek Cheon-hwa thought so.
Then, she had to win.
The pride of So Cheonma bubbled within her.
She spoke.
“Goeryong Lee Cheol-soo. Draw your sword. I shall face you according to the New Religion’s ways.”
Lee Cheol-soo laughed upon hearing Baek Cheon-hwa’s words.
*
“Bwahahaha, hohohoho, heh, heheheheh!!”
I let out an upgraded laugh worthy of a grown man.
I released a laugh modeled after Do-hwang’s boisterous laughter, striking a stylish pose while sweeping back my hair that was slicked up.
Finally.
At last.
This day has come. The day I get to duel the So Cheonma Baek Cheon-hwa. Hehehe.
I felt the gaze of the Heavenly Demon.
I sensed the stares of Jeoksawol, Heuksaryong, and Sahyeong.
I could feel the attention of the entire crowd. In this moment, I felt alive.
Swish.
I drew the newly acquired iron sword, now of moderate quality, before heading to the Demon Sect. The blade sparkled under the sunlight in Xinjiang.
“Good. I, Baek Do-jeil’s post-stimulation indicator Sword Dragon Lee Cheol-soo, will comply with your Demon Sect’s barbaric rules. I shall concede the first move to you.”
Now I’m a master too.
Conceding the first move is a must to maintain style. I emphasized being the Sword Dragon and Baek Do-jeil as I waved my hand toward Baek Cheon-hwa.
“Conceding the first move? Goeryong, I will make you regret that arrogant statement!”
Unlike the orthodox side, Baek Cheon-hwa leaped into action without hesitation. Her dark sword gleamed darkly.
Swishswishswishswishswish!
Black demonic energy flowed from Baek Cheon-hwa’s blade, rising like a mirage and then shifting into a thread.
It was the signature of a master, the Swords Qi (劍絲). The dark sword, wrapped in the Swords Qi, shot straight at me.
Countless black lines painted my vision. I narrowed my brow slightly.
‘This is a martial art I’ve never come across.’
Of course, I had heard about the famous techniques of the Demon Sect even within the Imperial Palace.
As far as I knew, So Cheonma Baek Cheon-hwa’s mother came from the Demon Sword Sect. The supreme absorption technique of the Demon Sword Sect was the Heavenly Remnant Demon Sword (天殘魔劍). A technique meant to strike through the heavens with a sword imbued with demonic energy, wielded rapidly with overwhelming momentum.
However, the sword Baek Cheon-hwa wielded now lacked the overwhelming demonic energy typical of the Heavenly Remnant Demon Sword. Though the demonic energy emanated similarly, its unpredictable movement patterns and dazzlingly complex form made it impractical compared to the Heavenly Remnant Demon Sword.
‘Could it be?’
I furrowed my brow.
An unpredictable and dazzling, yet practical demonic technique. One like that existed in records. It was the martial art used before the Heavenly Demon ascended to the Heavenly Demon status, one he had shaped with his innate talents throughout his life.
It was the martial art that earned him the title of Two Demon, resembling the Heavenly Demonic Destruction Technique, specifically the technique of the Heavenly Demonic Destruction’s Martial Method.
In his previous life, the Heavenly Demon had not passed down this secret martial art to anyone, not even to his offspring.
After Baek Murang rose above him and acquired the Heavenly Demon Technique, it was just like the previous Heavenly Demons that they had only utilized the technique while improving through whatever knowledge they had.
But unlike his previous life, in this one, Baek Cheon-hwa unexpectedly brought forth the Heavenly Demonic Destruction’s Martial Method. The Heavenly Demonic Destruction’s Martial Method was more of a whole-body technique rather than a sword technique. But how?
Had he passed down the supreme absorption technique, which he had never taught anyone, to Baek Cheon-hwa this time?
Had Baek Cheon-hwa reinterpreted the Heavenly Demonic Destruction’s Martial Method into her sword techniques? I had known Baek Cheon-hwa had outstanding talent but never to this extent.
‘This won’t do. I can’t afford to spar casually.’
Originally, I had planned to parry lightly and win subtly, but facing a new martial art like that made half-hearted battling impossible.
I wasn’t a genius like Sahyeong, capable of instantly grasping newly encountered martial laws. Yet, I couldn’t afford to lose either. So, I needed to adjust my tactics.
I summoned the Primordial Unity Energy Technique. The yin and yang energy surged, explosively amplifying my inner strength.
The foundational principle of Gongdongpa Mugong is the Reverse Taeguk. Gongdongpa’s intent is to suppress magic with magic. The internal energy forged through the Reverse Blood Technique resembles the attributes of the external techniques rather than the purely orthodox ones.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The explosive black energy trembled the surroundings. The black energy rising from the iron sword soon stretched like a thread.
The moment the swordsmanship transformed into Swords Qi, I countered So Cheonma’s attack.
Boom—!
Energy exploded with a thunderous noise.
“Ugh!”
So Cheonma bit her lip. To completely seal her unpredictable sword techniques and win neatly, I needed to overpower her with my next attack. Boom. The iron sword howled. I forced my will into the sword. My heart, filled with the Middle Dantian, hurt. Gritting my teeth, I layered my will on the rising Swords Qi.
Swishswishswishswishswishswish!
Black starlight descended upon the blade. At the moment when the sword technique was fully realized, I launched the Ultimate Move of the Demon Sword Technique at her.
Boom-AAAAHHHH!!
The final technique of the Final Demon Sword Technique unleashed the ferocious aura toward So Cheonma and exploded.
“Kuha?!”
The bluestone beneath cracked, sending a cloud of dust into the air, obscuring the view. The cry of So Cheonma rang out. As I condensed my inner strength, I could see her figure soaring upward through the dust, soon falling back to the ground.
Boom!
So Cheonma’s body slammed into the ground. I strode towards her, pointing my iron sword at her neck.
“I have won. So Cheonma.”
The moment I declared victory.
The banquet hall fell dead silent, an eerie stillness enveloping the space.
No.
Why does the atmosphere feel so somber?
At that moment, when I felt a sense of unease, Baek Cheon-hwa’s face flushed red.
She glared at me.
I could roughly guess what she was about to say. To preempt her words, I decided to speak first.
“So Cheonma, what’s with that look? Are you unable to accept the results of losing to a libertine hypocrite with a twisted morality in the first move?”
I was sure that was her sentiment. See? Did that hit home?
As I silently chuckled, thinking so, it was then that Baek Cheon-hwa made a shocking bombshell declaration.
“However, why didn’t you tear my clothes off? You— you didn’t truly fight me?!”
No way.
What is this crazy girl saying?