Chapter 223
“So, what’s the deal with this guy in the golden dragon mask?”
The Dharma Guardian of the Su Shin Sect, Dokgo Jun, was hiding his true appearance behind that mask. I was really curious about his face.
“I’ve never seen his bare face thanks to that mask.”
It gave off this eerie aura that made anyone feel a chill of fear and pressure. As I pondered over who Dokgo Jun was, the Sword Demon chimed in.
“What brings you all the way here?”
Dokgo Jun replied without the use of the Six Harmonies Assembly this time.
“The Sect Leader didn’t join the Assembly of the Eight Demons, did he?”
His voice was a tad soft, but a man’s voice nonetheless, and it carried a level of decorum and formality. The Sword Demon nodded heavily.
“I had personal matters to take care of, so I couldn’t make it.”
“We in the White Lotus Sect have known all along that the Lord of Shadowless Gate is the true leader of the Central Plains Martial Sects. So without you, the Assembly is kinda pointless.”
“……”
“That’s why I came to talk to you directly.”
The Sword Demon glanced around and said, “Are you here to conquer me by force?”
“Not today. I just want to understand the reasons behind your absence.”
“Which reasons are you referring to?”
“The reasons why you didn’t show up due to personal matters.”
Dokgo Jun’s tone was peculiarly not arrogant or defiant at all. Compared to other Dharma Guardians like Han Baek-ryeong or Yongbi Cheon, he came across as notably docile. It was the first time I saw a Dharma Guardian using such a gentle tone.
The Sword Demon answered, “I was busy discovering and training in the Divine Arts Technique.”
“The Divine Arts Technique…?”
“For a martial artist, martial arts are more critical than life itself. But that doesn’t excuse not informing the others at the Assembly.”
Then the Sword Demon apologized, “If I upset the White Lotus Sect, I truly apologize. But please understand.”
“……”
After a moment of silence, Dokgo Jun looked at me and asked, “Who’s this boy?”
“A new Dharma Guardian from the main text, named Baek Woong.”
“I see, a peerless talent indeed. Congratulations to the Sect Leader.”
“Thank you.”
Dokgo Jun said with his arms crossed, “Does the Divine Arts Technique relate to this boy?”
“It’s a different matter altogether. I stumbled upon that knowledge at Manjangan Cliff, while Baek Woong just recently entered due to connections with his predecessors.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“Please put aside your doubts. We’re not bold enough to cross the White Lotus Sect.”
The Sword Demon seemed to have a crafty plan, mixing truth with lies to confuse the Su Shin Sect’s Dharma Guardian. Although it was true he trained in the Divine Arts Technique, he didn’t want to draw attention to any other elements. The fact that the world’s Sword Demon acted so low-key in front of a Dharma Guardian was remarkable.
Eventually, Dokgo Jun said, “Fine. I’ll get to the point.”
“I’m all ears.”
“The White Lotus Sect has been biding its time for far too long. It’s about to announce our intentions to the world. We hope the Sect Leader and the Eight Demons will be at the forefront of this.”
Upon hearing this, the Sword Demon let out a short sigh.
“You want me to concede?”
“I promise I won’t be an obstacle to your endeavors. Just remember that you now stand as allies of the White Lotus Sect.”
“……”
While he changed the subject, his intentions were plain as day.
The White Lotus Sect aimed to take control over the Central Plains Martial Sects and the Eight Demons!
On the surface, it’s supposed to be allies, but in reality, the Eight Demons would end up under the White Lotus Sect.
‘It looks like Dokgo Jun wanted to gather the Sect Leaders of the Eight Demons at the Assembly, but since the key player the Sword Demon didn’t show up, he came to talk in person.’
The Sword Demon was clever enough to grasp what was going on. He stayed silent, pondering, and then said, “You could have sent a messenger instead of coming in person!”
“We share a fate of some sort. Consider this a matter of courtesy.”
“So what exactly does the White Lotus Sect want? Complete control over the martial world?”
In response to the Sword Demon’s question, Dokgo Jun answered, “That’s not too hard. The Sect Leader seeks more than that.”
“Then…?”
“First, please give me a definite answer.”
Swish…
The Sword Demon deliberately drew his sword loudly. With his skill, he could pull it out without a sound, but he chose to make a noise. With a sly smile, he said, “How about a hundred moves match before we talk?”
“……”
“You want to see what I’ve learned from the Divine Arts Technique, don’t you?”
It seemed the Sword Demon was convinced that Dokgo Jun wasn’t here to annihilate the Shadowless Gate. He was simply seeking a duel for personal gain.
Dokgo Jun looked somewhat surprised and said, “Surely it won’t be a life or death match?”
“Of course not! How could I recklessly challenge a Dharma Guardian? I just want to expand my understanding of martial arts.”
“In that case, let’s have a match.”
Swishhh…
Dokgo Jun loosened his arms and seemed to gather his martial power. A significant aura flowed from his body as he readied himself for battle. Even as a Dharma Guardian, he didn’t seem to underestimate the current Sword Demon.
‘He must be different from Yongbi Cheon, who underestimated Lee Kwang…’
Typically, one wouldn’t be wary of an opponent they had once easily defeated in fifty moves. The Su Shin Sect’s Dharma Guardian, Dokgo Jun, was a cautious character who didn’t take anyone lightly. It also meant he sensed something different from the current Sword Demon.
The Sword Demon entered the Intermediate Stage stance. With perfect form that revealed no openings, he launched at Dokgo Jun.
“Please teach me!”
Clang!!
The first clash was between the Sword Flame and the Qi of the Sword. The thick blue Sword Flame emanating from the Sword Demon collided with the fierce Qi from Dokgo Jun, resulting in an explosion that echoed through the ground.
‘Was that an explosion?’
I was taken aback by the first strike. Normally, the Sword Flame should be reducible by any perfected Qi, meaning it would either be overwhelmed, consumed, or deflected. The explosion indicated that the Sword Demon’s Sword Flame held power comparable to Dokgo Jun’s Qi!
The Sword Demon unleashed five techniques, attacking Dokgo Jun, who began employing an unusual technique I had never seen before. It was like his body flowed like water, incredibly agile and flexible.
Crash…
Watching the clash unfold between the Sword Demon and Dokgo Jun, I gulped. Even though I had enhanced my internal power with intent, I could still only understand about 30% of their exchange.
‘This is too deep…!!’
The Sword Demon’s sword techniques looked like the Shadowless Soul-Removing Sword Technique but seemed to utilize the Cave-Collapsing Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword techniques I’d learned. Occasionally, I also spotted movements from Tai Chi Yau Ji Willow Sword and Seven Stars Formation. But there were also remarkable changes that sprouted from those, and I couldn’t discern them all.
What amazed me was Dokgo Jun. I figured I might fall into openings, unable to fend off the Sword Demon’s techniques, but Dokgo Jun calmly defended against them without stepping back. It implied he was fully aware of the Sword Demon’s every move.
What extraordinary experts!
Thud!
The Sword Demon unleashed the Heavenly Five Divine Decisions, launching two streams of Qi, but Dokgo Jun effortlessly swept them away using his soft拳 technique. After a dozen exchanges, feeling satisfied, Dokgo Jun remarked, “You’ve become at least twice as strong since the last time I saw you.”
“But I still can’t see your full potential.”
Dokgo Jun’s desire to win him over grew stronger.
Suddenly, he clenched his fist tightly with one hand.
“This is getting exciting. Let’s reveal some secret techniques now.”
“That’s what I was hoping for.”
Wouuu!
In that moment, I thought an explosion would erupt from Dokgo Jun’s body. However, what I felt was merely a release of power. It was evident he unleashed compressed internal power!
……!!
Yet, at that moment, I gasped, feeling my muscles tense up. This surge of power from Dokgo Jun’s internal explosiveness exceeded my maximum capacity! His Heavenly Spirit Pill demonstrated what it meant to wield limitless internal power!
The Sword Demon braced himself, seemingly managing to withstand this force without budging. He narrowed his eyes, glaring intensely at Dokgo Jun, before striking swiftly with his sword.
Darkness split apart. The Sword Demon’s fast sword danced through the air, piercing the fleeting moments of battle before reaching the area right in front of Dokgo Jun’s throat. But offensively, he wasn’t the only one able to tap into the Heart Command Technique.
Ping!
When Dokgo Jun’s index finger flicked, he deflected the Sword Demon’s blade, sending the Sword Demon spinning five times in mid-air. Even though he quickly regained his composure, once Dokgo Jun unleashed thirty-six claws of Qi infused with his aura, the Sword Demon was left bewildered.
Bang! Boom!
At that moment – I lost sight of the movements of the two men. It seemed like they moved at some insane speed, and while I caught glimpses of Dokgo Jun’s Qi wielding or waterfall-like dynamics, each movement was combined with extraordinary speed and intricacy, rendering them beyond my current grasp.
‘Monsters…!’
I trembled all over. Even though I had adjusted to mastering intent and Heart Command Technique, I could feel a stark disparity in their levels. Their combat was so intricate that I could only grasp the significance of a few key points within all that was happening. Stepping into their world would leave me critically wounded in no time.
Shh!
The Sword Demon’s Qi wielding rang through the air. Unlike before, he seemed capable of unleashing three of them at once, and aside from one physical sword, the other two appeared conjured by his intent. When he flicked his finger, those Qi blades distorted the space as they darted forth at terrifying speeds.
Clang! Boom!
It felt like hundreds of rays were crashing down. In an instant, the area within a twenty radius was obliterated by this sword energy whirlpool, and it felt like no human could withstand this attack. However, the Su Shin Sect’s Dokgo Jun effortlessly sidestepped the Sword Demon’s strike, stretching out his left hand to respond.
Water Spirit Method. Secret Technique. Light Sphere.
In that world shaped by intent and Heart Command Technique, Dokgo Jun whispered his secret technique, the Light Sphere, launching it at the Sword Demon. This was the first time he demonstrated the Su Shin Sect’s secret technique! It seemed that the Sword Demon realized this attack was the most powerful strike yet, as he summoned his energy to utilize the Qi wielding.
“Ugh!”
Boom! Crash! Boom!
The Light Sphere missed, resulting in three deafening noises that echoed through the area. It appeared to have barely slipped by, yet the Sword Demon was visibly shaken, his back heaving intensely. Sweat trickled down his forehead and nose, indicating that he had exhausted all his energy to fend off that attack.
It felt as if the Light Sphere hid some concealed power.
As Dokgo Jun landed back on the ground, he remarked, “You’re truly impressive. Aside from the Sect Leader and Dharma Guardians, you’re the first to fend off the Light Sphere.”
“Phew…”
The Sword Demon caught his breath, mumbling heavily, “You let me off easy.”
Dokgo Jun replied almost teasingly, “Isn’t this a friendly match?”
“Indeed…”
I was wide-eyed, hearing their conversation.
‘He let him off easily?’
Did that mean Dokgo Jun didn’t use all his strength in that fierce and high-level battle where I could barely grasp the situation? If the Sword Demon’s words were true, Dokgo Jun must surely be a monster among monsters.
And I was certain.
‘Dokgo Jun is at least a level above the Wind Spirit Sect’s Sword Demon Yongbi Cheon!’
Even at my lower level, I could feel the stark differences in their abilities. What I had just witnessed showcased not just a disparity in internal power but also Dokgo Jun’s overwhelming mastery of martial arts.
No matter if it was Lee Kwang or Jin So-cheong, fighting against Dokgo Jun would yield the same result as before. The Su Shin Sect’s Dharma Guardian was a being of a distinct caliber among the Dharma Guardians.
Dokgo Jun finally spoke up, “I perceive the Sect Leader holds remarkable talent. Why not take the plunge and join our sect?”
“What do you mean?”
“If you join the Su Shin Sect, within ten years, you’ll surpass all other Dharma Guardians.”
“……!!”
This was an unexpected proposition.
The Sword Demon seemed shaken, and a slight hum escaped his lips. Given that he faced Dokgo Jun head-on, the allure of joining the Su Shin Sect was undeniable. But eventually, the Sword Demon let his sword drop and replied, “I agree that the martial arts of the Su Shin Sect are indeed unparalleled. If not for the Twelve Joules’ martial arts, no one could withstand them.”
“That’s absolutely true.”
Confidently, the Sword Demon gazed back, asserting, “But as a member of one clan, I wish to make my own martial arts the best in the world rather than learn something already deemed as number one.”
“I see… what a shame. Your talent is second to none, apart from the Sect Leader in my eyes.”
With a bittersweet tone, Dokgo Jun continued, “Now, tell me—will you stand as an ally of our White Lotus Sect?”
“I will.”
“That’s the answer I was hoping for.”
Dokgo Jun turned, twirling around dramatically. He added, “If you have further thoughts in the future, do visit the Su Shin Sect. I’ll have a nice gift waiting for you.”
WHOOSH!
No sooner had Dokgo Jun vanished into the air than the fog that had enveloped the area lifted, as if a water dragon had swept through. The Sword Demon sheathed his sword and remarked, “Looks like I’ve survived this one.”
“……”
“What are you doing? Hurry up and train!”
I mumbled gloomily, “Is it truly possible to defeat such a monster through practicing the Cave-Collapsing Sword and Heavenly Contraction Sword?”
The Sword Demon chuckled softly, “I believe it’s possible. I don’t consider today’s defeat due to the intricacies of martial arts.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s a matter of experience. That guy has honed his martial arts for decades, while I’ve only been learning the Divine Arts Technique from you for a year. If I focus harder on my training from now on, I believe I can catch up.”
“I see!”
The Sword Demon wasn’t feeling despair. On the contrary, it seemed he had discerned a clue to improve his martial arts, feeling invigorated. Clenching my fist, the Sword Demon remarked, “However, even if I catch up, what can I do about his boundless internal power? That’s just too unfair.”
“……”
“Well then, perhaps I’ll have to seek others’ assistance to raise my level.”
“Others? Who do you mean…?”
With the Sword Demon’s next words, I sensed that our future plans were about to change drastically. “Go visit the Bright Dragon of the Wudang Sect.”
