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Chapter: The Heavenly Demon

“Heavenly Demon…”

Geomseon immediately frowned upon hearing the introduction of the figure.

“It’s you.”

His voice was filled with force, as if he was suppressing his Qi with great effort.

“They say you turned Wudang into a ruin.”

[Ahh.]

The Heavenly Demon reacted to Geomseon’s words.

[That’s right. That did happen.]

It was as if he had briefly forgotten.

Geomseon’s expression soured further at that reaction.

This was an event that took place in the heart of Wudang, no less.

Not only did an intruder invade, but an Elder was also killed.

The Wudang’s standing almost faded because of it.

Yet, that individual seemed to have no memory of it.

[My bad.]

Noticing Geomseon’s reaction, the Heavenly Demon chuckled.

[It must have seemed trivial, so I forgot for a moment.]

“…Y-!”

Geomseon was on the verge of exploding at that remark.

“Grr…”

He bit down hard, forcing himself to endure.

He couldn’t lose his cool; there were too many eyes watching.

“I must ask… Are you the mastermind behind this incident?”

He posed the question to ascertain the truth first.

[Hmm.]

The Heavenly Demon nodded at Geomseon’s inquiry.

Then he said,

[You are mistaken about Wudang. It seems you have misunderstood something.]

Speaking as if he was about to enlighten Geomseon.

[I have never granted you permission to ask. Why do you inquire?]

“What…?”

[Don’t get the wrong idea.]

Suuuuuhh—

The Black Qi surrounding them thickened.

[I do not converse with insects.]

“…!!”

In a flash, Geomseon’s face turned scarlet as he was reduced to an insect.

[Still, I engage you because I am in a good mood today.]

Kuhuku.

With a chuckle, the Heavenly Demon stepped closer.

He was now a bit closer to the barrier.

[Were it not for that… you could not hold your head high before me.]

Such arrogance was absurd.

There were many powerful individuals imprisoned within the barrier.

Yet that Heavenly Demon had the audacity to be so arrogant.

It was something no one could comprehend.

At that moment, the Heavenly Demon slowly approached the barrier.

Underneath, there were those desperately trying to break free.

“U-!!”

Even though the old man hadn’t noticed, the Heavenly Demon must have seen, as most of them displayed animosity toward him.

They looked like they would pounce at any moment.

Even as he noticed that, the Heavenly Demon walked unbothered.

And at the moment he reached them.

[Stay still.]

Wuuuuuuuuung—!!!

“…!”

“Cough!?”

At the Heavenly Demon’s command, everyone froze like stone.

[Do not even dare to breathe until I grant permission.]

“…Cough….”

With just a single word, their breathing genuinely ceased.

What was happening?

With one word, he subdued dozens of people.

It was an overwhelming sight.

The Heavenly Demon quietly passed through them.

The martial artists could only tremble as they watched him go by.

Wuuu.

As he approached the barrier, the Energy Barrier shuddered. The force binding the feet of those inside was a mystery; its principles and weaknesses were unknown.

[It seems our preparations are cozier than we thought. You look quite fittingly like cattle in captivity.]

At the insulting remark, the expressions of those inside turned grim.

[Heh heh.]

Was the reaction amusing? The Heavenly Demon suddenly chuckled.

Then.

“…Now, clear this barrier at once.”

Was it the laughter that troubled him? Geomseon shouted with a reddened face.

“If you’re so confident, then receive my blade!”

Perhaps his pride had been severely scratched.

Geomseon seemed ready to engage the Heavenly Demon in life-and-death combat.

Such a sight from Geomseon was quite amusing.

[Not knowing your place, I’d love to show you what the sky is, but…]

Wuuu.

As the Heavenly Demon spoke, his foot slowly lifted.

At the same time, the body of the Elder, said to be from the Jiegal Clan, floated in midair.

[I have too many matters to attend to, to entertain you.]

“Are you fleeing?”

Sensing that he wouldn’t fight, Geomseon said mockingly.

However, the Heavenly Demon remained unfazed.

[Old man.]

The Heavenly Demon spoke to Geomseon.

[If you truly wish to fight me, how do you intend to face me?]

“Such useless words, I have no intention of—”

[Is that as the Sect Leader of Wudang? Or as the leader of the Alliance?]

“…”

Geomseon’s mouth suddenly fell silent.

His words were caught for a moment. Seeing that, the Heavenly Demon nodded as if he expected it.

[You, who do not even recognize your own essence. That is why you are unworthy to reach me.]

“Stop talking nonsense…!”

Geomseon desperately tried to continue, but the Heavenly Demon was already losing interest and slowly distancing himself from the barrier.

[Next time, bring a more pleasing answer.]

“Stop—! Immediately… release this barrier!”

[Now, observe. Watch as the rotten peace you’ve created shatters.]

Bang—! Bangbang—!

Geomseon poured his Qi into the Sword Intent in anger but, of course, it was absorbed by the barrier and disappeared helplessly.

[Be grateful for my mercy.]

The Heavenly Demon smiled, watching Geomseon’s futile struggles.

[Today, I came merely to greet you. So I shall let it pass this time. But there will not be another.]

Suuuuuhhh—!!!

The Qi spread all around began to converge toward the Heavenly Demon.

Gradually, the Black Fog was being sucked into his surroundings.

[This is a festival prepared by me, coinciding with my greeting.]

Everyone, from those on the ground to those within the barrier, was staring at him.

Expressions of anger and fear intermixed among them.

Some screamed, while others trembled, but amidst it all, the clarity of the Heavenly Demon’s voice was distinct.

[So please.]

[Enjoy yourselves thoroughly.]

With those parting words.

Fwoooosh-!!!

The formed sphere exploded, releasing blinding light.

And before long, when the vision cleared again, both the Heavenly Demon and the sphere floating in the sky were nowhere to be found.

That Heavenly Demon had taken the Elder away.

The proof was that the breath of those on the ground, who had stopped, was now resuming.

“Cough…! Hack!”

“Gluck!”

As they gasped desperately for air, everyone staggered, unable to maintain their proper stance.

The expressions on the others were the same as well.

Disappointment faintly flickered on the faces of the civilians who hadn’t escaped.

They gazed at themselves for being trapped ineptly before the instigator of the disaster.

Seeing this, Geomseon could no longer contain himself.

“Aaaaaah!”

Finally unable to hold back, he let out a beastly roar.

Bang-!! Bang-!!

– Kill them all-!

– Cough-! Rearrange the positions!!

– Protect the civilians-!

Bang-! Krakow-!

In the chaotic uproar caused by the ambush, the atmosphere worsened.

With the air thickened by the martial artists’ bets.

And the bizarre phenomena unfolding in the sky all pointed to a disaster being realized.

Among all this chaos, a young man walked quietly.

In dark martial robes.

With a faint golden embroidery flowing through.

A young man donned with the black ring symbolizing the direct bloodline of the Pang family.

Bi Seongdo, Peng Woojin.

With handsome features but an unsettling aura, Peng Woojin steadily continued onward, supporting his father, the Sword King.

Away from the vicinity of Hanam.

This wasn’t the location where the martial artists of the Peng family gathered, yet Peng Woojin resumed his silent stride.

After a while of walking—

– Kill them-!

– Hold on a bit longer! The sorcery will be complete shortly!

Clang-! Clangclan—!!

From somewhere with sparse human presence, sounds of battle emerged.

Peng Woojin’s ears perked up at the noise.

He halted his progress and carefully set down the Sword King, who had lost consciousness.

The Sword King collapsed helplessly.

Swish.

At the same time, a blade was drawn from Peng Woojin’s waist.

It was a thinner and slightly smaller sword than his father, who wielded a sword made for him.

Swish-!

As Peng Woojin took a step forward, the surroundings shifted and he arrived somewhere new.

Swoosh-! Slash-!!

The place he arrived was surprisingly in the midst of the battle.

A slaughterous chaos was unfolding at its center.

“Huh!?”

“What the—!!”

The moment of bewilderment spread as Peng Woojin appeared unexpectedly.

However, that confusion was brief.

Swish-!

A brutal sound echoed as someone’s head rolled and hit the ground.

It was the head of one wearing a black martial robe, severed by Peng Woojin’s swift hand.

In the instant of the strike, others widened their eyes in shock.

Shiiii—!!!

Peng Woojin’s hands moved with such speed that they could barely be seen.

Suddenly,

“Cough!”

“Aaaah!”

Screams erupted from all directions.

Starting to fall one after another from the deadly strikes.

Thud, thud.

As the slaughtered bodies sprawled across the ground, blood soaked the earth.

Yet, as that situation unfolded, Peng Woojin remained eerily calm.

His expression bore no trace of emotion.

At that moment, someone approached the quietly observing Peng Woojin.

They came from among those who were just fighting before.

“Th-Thank you for your help.”

With the sudden end of the intense battle, they wore expressions filled with disarray.

Hearing their voice, Peng Woojin turned his gaze toward them.

Dressed in light blue martial robes with white embroidery, they were members of the Martial Alliance.

The one at the forefront stepped up to speak to Peng Woojin.

“I am Mo Unseong from the Dragon Spear Brigade. Are you Bi Seongdo, the young warrior?”

Nodding.

As Peng Woojin affirmed, Mo Unseong’s expression brightened.

“Ah—!! So it’s really you! Thank you so much! It was such a sudden fight, so we couldn’t respond adequately.”

“What happened?”

Having just assisted in the fight, Mo Unseong was particularly amicable towards Peng Woojin.

“Well… it seems there’s been an ambush in Hanam. They say the skies above are also their doing.”

Listening to the explanation, Peng Woojin cast a glance back.

Now noticing they were all wearing the same attire.

“An ambush…”

“Yes… The scouts are unable to respond as they have broken into a comparatively weaker area…”

“Sounds perfect.”

“Yes?”

As he said so,

“Huh?”

It felt like something grazed his neck.

Wondering what was happening, as Mo Unseong clutched his neck.

Gurgle-!

Blood began to flow down from his neck.

Slowly, his head fell.

“Mo, a member?! What’s happening—!”

With Mo Unseong’s death, shock spread among the others.

Swoosh-!!

Those who spoke also met a similar fate, their upper bodies severed, leading them to death.

A strike identical to before.

Within a few seconds, the members of the Alliance fell one by one, unable to even voice their questions.

A far greater pool of blood surrounded them now.

Splash.

Each time Peng Woojin moved, wet footsteps echoed.

In the space where everyone had perished, he turned without hesitation.

Then he slowly walked toward the location where Peng Zhou was.

Upon reaching his destination.

“Cough…”

Surprisingly, Peng Zhou began to regain consciousness slowly.

“Ugh… aa…. Wh-where…?”

“Are you awake?”

As he looked at Peng Zhou, Peng Woojin asked flatly.

Peng Zhou’s eyes found his son.

“…Lesser Clan Leader.”

“Would it not have been better to sleep a bit longer? It must be quite painful for you.”

“Where am I…? Cough!”

Attempting to ask, suddenly, Peng Zhou reacted violently at the memories flooding back.

“Th-that brat…! Where is that bastard…?!”

That brat.

As Peng Woojin heard the description of someone, he couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Because he had an inkling of who that was.

“Are you referring to Gu Gongja?”

“Yes. That damn Gu Family bloodline… where is that bastard…?!”

The son of Gu Cheolun, who deserved to be torn apart.

Where could that wretched fellow be, the one who had done this to him?

As Peng Zhou gritted his teeth, he asked.

“Well, I’m not sure.”

Peng Woojin’s response was devoid of emotion.

However, Peng Zhou, who was not in his right mind, didn’t notice.

“Find him. Use all the strength of the clan to locate him.”

“…Hmm.”

Perhaps he was tinged with madness.

Seeing his father in such a state, Peng Woojin asked.

“What do you plan to do once you find him?”

“What else? I will tear him apart. I’ll send his remains as a gift to that bastard Gu Cheolun. Heheheh!”

“…”

Peng Zhou’s eyes were filled only with revenge and resentment.

His broken, pitiful appearance.

Watching that, Peng Woojin subtly nodded without being noticed.

“I understand.”

“Now, we must inform the other Elders…”

Woosh-!

“…Cough…!?”

A pain pierced through his chest.

At the sudden agony, Peng Zhou lowered his head.

Something was lodged in his chest.

“Cough…”

Blood surged forth, and veins began to rise up his neck.

“Y-you…?!”

Peng Zhou looked at Peng Woojin in disbelief.

Because the blade had pierced through his heart.

“W-what are…you doing…?”

“Is that a strange question to ask?”

At Peng Zhou’s inquiry, Peng Woojin laughed.

It was a bright smile that hadn’t been seen in a long while.

“No matter how useless a father you are… you must have figured this out by now.”

“…Cough…!”

“I am currently.”

Guuuuuuh.

He pushed the blade deeper, then spoke to Peng Zhou.

“I am inheriting the position of Clan Leader, Father.”

“…Y-you wretched brat…!”

“When I was young, perhaps you wouldn’t remember, but I always had a question.”

Was it just as he began speaking?

Or perhaps a bit later? It didn’t matter much.

What mattered was.

“How long will you remain useless, Father… I used to wonder. But now I think I know.”

Peng Woojin felt convinced.

“You will be useless from the moment you are born until the day you die.”

“…Ugh…!!!”

Desperately, Peng Zhou grasped the blade in an attempt to escape.

But Peng Woojin’s blade did not budge.

“Cough…! Cough…!”

The pain intensified, and blood continued to flow.

As he lost consciousness, reality blurred.

“Ugh…! Why…! How….”

What was the reason?

Peng Zhou could not comprehend.

Why would Peng Woojin betray him?

Only questions filled his mind.

Moreover, this inquiry was one Peng Woojin understood fully.

“Indeed. You would not understand, Father.”

At this point, excluding himself, there was no one else who could inherit the clan leadership.

The bloodlines of other branches were useless. They were all pathetic excuses.

So, even without doing this, he would have inherited the Clan Leader position.

“It doesn’t matter. You wouldn’t understand anyway.”

Peng Woojin genuinely couldn’t care less.

“Please, just die uselessly until the very end.”

There was no place for incompetence in the Peng family he would lead.

Fwoosh-!

“Cough…!?”

As the blade pulled out from the heart, blood gushed from Peng Zhou’s chest.

“Ha… ha… ah….”

Breathing as if yearning for life, Peng Zhou took several labored breaths before his eyes lost their vitality.

In one of the Four Great Clans, the head of the Hanam Peng family.

The Sword King, Peng Zhou, met his end.

“…”

As Peng Zhou succumbed to death, his son watch ed silently with a slightly stiff expression.

There were still a few matters regarding the tasks left to handle, so he was about to move toward them.

Wuuu.

“…!”

Peng Woojin sensed something approaching.

He quickly moved.

At that moment.

Swoosh—!!!

An unknown object swiftly flew toward Peng Woojin’s previous spot.

Boom—!!

It hit the ground and triggered an immense explosion.

Debris flew everywhere, and dust filled the air.

“…”

Such was the extent of the shock, the ground lay in disarray.

“Hehehehe.”

Amidst the dust, a menacing laughter resounded.

Hearing that, Peng Woojin frowned.

Fwoooosh—!!

A harsh wind blew, scattering the dust and revealing the figure within.

A giant clad in dark garb with unkempt green hair wielding a weapon as large as himself, locked his gaze onto Peng Woojin.

Who could this be?

Questions filled his mind, but rather than ask, Peng Woojin tightened his grip on the blade.

Whoever it was, they had to die here.

Moreover.

“It’s you.”

The man, like Peng Woojin, exuded a killing intent.

“You’ve been a strong one felt even from afar. You must be the one.”

Gggggggrr—!!

The man violently gathered his Qi as Peng Woojin’s eyes widened.

‘…Color?’

In a gray world.

Color began to emerge in Peng Woojin’s dim vision.

The man gradually transformed into a hue of purple.

It was beautiful.

Without realization, such thoughts crossed Peng Woojin’s mind.

Yet, whoosh—!

He swung the sword first.

On the blade, dark energy gathered.

The man also swung his weapon as if to convey that no words were needed.

Kuhhugh—!!!

The clash of blades signified the start of a life-and-death contest.

 

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