84 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

**Chapter 84** The martial arena located in the center of the Murim Alliance was abuzz. Typically only opened during the alliance's festivals or martial arts competitions, today the arena was exceptionally accessible to the eager crowd that had gathered. Faces alight with grins and anticipation crowded the space. The reason for such excitement? The martial duel about to unfold was not between ordinary experts. On one side, the pride of the Zhongnan Sect, the Zhongnan Sword Sage. On the other, the emerging absolute powerhouse raising the reputation of the Mount Hua Sect, the Mount Hua Divine Sword. Indeed, it was a duel between these two. The very thought caused the crowd entering the arena to buzz with excitement. “In my lifetime, I never thought I’d witness a duel between masters of such transcendent skill.” “What are you waiting for? Let’s get in quickly.” “We might not find any seats if we're late.” As noisy as it was inside the martial arena, the outside was just as lively. “Why are you blocking us?” “Please, let me in too!” The public duel confirmed only two days earlier between the Zhongnan Sword Sage and the Mount Hua Divine Sword had everyone on edge. “There’s no more room available.” In less than the span of a single hour, the arena was fully booked. As the arena buzzed with crowd energy... “I’m uneasy.” Seated in a vantage point with a clear view of the arena, Hyeon-jin's eyes flickered with anxiety. He understood that Hyeon-do was strong. But his opponent was a master who had ascended to the transcendental level long ago, a renowned absolute expert. His concern deepened. “Will our senior brother be alright?” “Things look pretty exciting though,” remarked Cheon-hwi beside Hyeon-jin, awaiting the duel in high spirits. ‘I wonder if the martial arts of the Zhongnan Sect have changed.’ Casting an interested glance at the arena, he observed as two shadows emerged. The Zhongnan Sword Sage and Hyeon-do appeared almost imperceptibly fast. “I’ve heard of your reputation and always thought I would like to meet you someday.” The Zhongnan Sword Sage chuckled ruefully. “Never imagined it would be under such circumstances.” “I feel the same way.” Hyeon-do spoke with a stiff tone. Concerning the Zhongnan Sword Sage, he had heard tales enough to wear his ears out. The man was a revered hero who had emerged into the martial world at the advanced age of seventy, displaying unparalleled prowess. “I heard they call you the Mount Hua Divine Sword who vanquished the Hundred Ghosts.” “That title is far too generous.” “Is that so?” The Zhongnan Sword Sage's eyebrows arched. He then drew his sword. From the aged scabbard emerged a well-maintained blade. Though it couldn’t be dubbed a treasured or famed sword, in his grasp, it transformed. “Wow! It's the Yuro Sword!” “That must be the Yuro Sword of the great Zhongnan Sword Sage!” The once ordinary sword became a famed blade. “A beautiful sword,” Hyeon-do commented, observing. The sword was unremarkable. Yet when held by him, it was different. The Zhongnan Sword Sage caressed the blade. “This is Yuro, my companion since the day I set foot in the Zhongnan.” “That explains it.” Hyeon-do couldn’t help but admire. It meant that they had been together for at least several decades. And yet it looked newly forged, a testament to the care it received. ‘Different from other Zhongnan priests. The rumors were true after all.’ The demeanor and attitude of the Zhongnan Sword Sage. Moreover, unlike the greedy priests of the Zhongnan Sect, his treatment of his sword was different. He was the very hero spoken of in legends. Thud. Hyeon-do, too, took hold of his sword and drew it. It was the sword inherited from his master, blended with cold steel. “You possess a good sword yourself,” noted the Zhongnan Sword Sage. Hyeon-do smiled softly at that. “It’s the sword passed down by my master. This is Baekseol, my companion.” The warm smile shared brought a mutual grin from the Zhongnan Sword Sage. “Baekseol, a splendid name.” “Indeed, it is.” What began as a light exchange between the two soon escalated. With a fierce surge of energy, internal skills were unleashed simultaneously. Then, the wind began to roar. “Gasp!” “Ahh! Such incredible energy!” Spectators shielded themselves from the swirling tempest, focusing intently on the arena. The vortex between the two swords seemed fierce enough to tear apart their space, like a dragon’s claws. Then Hyeon-do spoke while brandishing his sword. “I will commence first.” “Come at me.” The moment words ended. Boom! A shockwave swept through the arena. Watching intently through the storm, the crowd gaped at the sudden disappearance of the whirlwind. In its stead, the tremor from the clash of blades reverberated through their heads, capturing their minds. “When did senior master become so…?” Hyeon-jin stared blankly at the arena. The power displayed by the Zhongnan Sword Sage and Hyeon-do defied belief. Clench! The intensity involuntarily tensed his fists. Cold sweat began to dampen his robe as it trickled down his forehead and back. ‘This is what a true master is…?’ The two were of a different league altogether. Could they even be human? Just watching from afar sent tremors through his body as if struck by an internal earthquake. Despair threatened to envelop him. ‘I must be like senior master…’ He gritted his teeth with determination. A sharp pain radiated from his clenched fist as warm liquid seeped forth. ‘No, even beyond senior master!’ Snapping his head upwards, he widened his eyes. Just as he absorbed the duel before him... “You’ve truly improved.” Cheon-hwi also watched the clash, acknowledging Hyeon-do’s progress. Perhaps the battle with the Hundred Ghosts had helped, as Hyeon-do’s prowess had advanced significantly compared to before. Cheon-hwi’s gaze tracked Hyeon-do’s swift movements as he unfolded his rapid footwork. At this rate, I might release my grip. Previously rigid due to following traditional forms, his swordsmanship now showed signs of liberation. He had transcended set techniques to reach formless swordsmanship. This meant he could now manifest any technique he desired. ‘Once he reorganizes into techniques that suit him, Mount Hua's Taiyi Illusionary Sword Technique will reach new heights.’ Learning existing forms, dismantling them, and then claiming them as one’s own. That was true mastery. After breaking through the barrier of transcendental skill, Hyeon-do’s prowess was rising steeply. Though still below the leader of the Hundred Ghosts, he far surpassed the level of a sect leader. "Still, it’s a bit disappointing. Given who the opponent is." Cheon-hwi's gaze shifted to the Zhongnan Sword Sage. The duel appeared evenly matched from a casual observer's perspective, but Cheon-hwi saw the truth clearly. The Zhongnan Sword Sage was holding back. "Hmm. There's no difference in internal energy, but the gap in experience and skill is evident." Surprisingly, the Zhongnan Sword Sage's internal energy wasn't much greater, despite the age disparity. But that wasn't the issue. There was a more significant gap at play. “Given the current state, the Zhongnan Sect is inevitably stronger than the Mount Hua Sect.” Cheon-hwi murmured, eyes piercing through the swordsmanship of the Zhongnan Sword Sage. He recognized it; it was the Zhongnan Sect's sword technique, the Thirty-Six Heavenly Swords. However, it subtly differed, enough to transform the original technique entirely. ‘The variegated nature of the technique remains, but its potency has significantly improved.’ The Thirty-Six Heavenly Swords consisted of grand, versatile techniques targeting thirty-six vital points. But the version being wielded by the Zhongnan Sword Sage now? It was streamlined, with fewer changes. What emerged was a perfected essence—unnecessary techniques discarded, enhancing what remained to its zenith. 'Just as I reinvented the Plum Blossom Sword Technique into the Seven Absolute Blossoms, someone skillful has reworked this too.' Cheon-hwi watched with keen interest. As the duel progressed to an advanced stage, his expression turned cold. ‘What's the purpose of this?’ He was baffled. Though the displayed martial skills were dazzling and powerful to the eye... ‘This is why the orthodox sects fail to progress.’ The more he watched, the more his interest faded. The duel was mere spectacle. The Zhongnan Sword Sage's Thirty-Six Heavenly Swords impressed, but it was a surface-level display. ‘Does he not intend to win at all?’ Seeing the Zhongnan Sword Sage intentionally retreat, even when he had chances to overpower Hyeon-do, diminished Cheon-hwi's interest. It wasn’t just one-sided. Hyeon-do, too, had opportunities to inflict critical damage but didn’t seize them. Both fighters were showing consideration for each other. ‘What a letdown.’ Propping his chin in his hand, Cheon-hwi watched with a sidelong glance. The moment arrived when both duelists drew back. Thud. Retracting, the Zhongnan Sword Sage widened his eyes in feigned surprise. “…Impressive skill.” Hyeon-do caught his breath and replied. “Phew. It was just luck. I nearly fell to one strike.” “Hehe. Modest words.” The Zhongnan Sword Sage chuckled softly. "I already sensed during our exchange that you wouldn't fall easily to a single strike." “Is that so.” “It’s hard to determine a winner with just this.” The Zhongnan Sword Sage's words resonated gently across the arena, causing ripples among the crowd. “He, he acknowledged the Mount Hua Divine Sword…” “They’re recognized as equals!” The audience erupted in cheers, as if adding fuel to a raging fire. “Shall we continue?” The Zhongnan Sword Sage, using the heightened atmosphere, was the first to step forward. There was neither sound nor force. Yet he vanished in an instant. It was almost like spatial teleportation. Whoosh! With a light leap, the Zhongnan Sword Sage appeared before Hyeon-do. ‘…Fast!’ Surprised by the rapid speed, Hyeon-do leaned back urgently. Swipe! A sharp blade grazed past his forehead, slicing a lock of his hair. "Ugh!" ‘Need to stabilize my stance...’ Just as he tried to reinforce his stance, pressing strength into his knees. “Not yet.” Against all expectations, a voice came from below. At once, sword energy surged from all sides. "This is truly the Zhongnan’s outmaneuver..." The sword energy engulfed Hyeon-do. “Thirty-Six Heavenly Swords!” Facing the palpable sword pressure, Hyeon-do's gaze trembled. 'Don't underestimate sword energy!' Grinding his teeth, he released his internal power. The yin and yang forces of the Taiyi Mysterious Art imbued his hands and his sword. “Haap!” With a fierce cry, explosive sounds followed. Bang, bang, bang! In rapid succession, flowers blossomed around Hyeon-do as he wielded his sword. “Plum blossoms!” “That’s the Mount Hua Sect’s sword blossoms!” The crowd, witnessing the famed sword blooms they had only heard of, clenched their fists in excitement. Having dispelled the Thirty-Six Heavenly Swords, Hyeon-do raised his sword and slashed downward with force. Whoosh! As if to cleave the air, the sword was poised to strike the Zhongnan Sword Sage’s shoulder. Clang! The clash of metals, the sword deflected away. “What in the world!” Hyeon-do, perplexed, looked towards the Zhongnan Sword Sage. A dark aura, adorned with twinkling stars, enveloped him. One of Zhongnan Sect’s most distinct and domineering martial arts, the Cosmic Strong Divine Art. The Zhongnan Sword Sage firmly planted his foot on the ground. Thunk! With a force leaving a visible print in the arena’s floor, he launched swiftly towards Hyeon-do, weapon swinging. Having unleashed the Milky Way Gliding Shadows, he continued to clash swords with Hyeon-do. At the conclusion of the duel, spanning an extended moment... “……” The audience watched, mesmerized. As everyone was absorbed by the swift movements and echoes of their duel... Tap— The two, who had furiously exchanged blows, retreated to their positions with satisfied expressions. “Truly, Mount Hua.” “Indeed, Zhongnan Sect. Or rather, the true essence of the Sword Sage's blade.” The two acknowledged each other momentarily with smiles. “Let’s call it here.” Accompanying those words, the Zhongnan Sword Sage sheathed his sword. “What do you mean…?” Hyeon-do, surprised, widened his eyes as the Zhongnan Sword Sage approached. “I apologize.” He offered a soft apology. “It seems my followers made a mistake. Focused as they were on external matters, they neglected what lay within.” Understanding at last, Hyeon-do smiled gently, sheathing his sword in reverse. “Thank you for your concession.” “It was originally the Mount Hua Sect's to begin with.” The Zhongnan Sword Sage spoke gently. “At last, it returns to its rightful place.” Though some spectators were confused by the seemingly abrupt end to the duel... “Huh?” "What, what's happening? Is it over?" "That was truly an incredible duel!" With someone's outburst as a pivot, any remaining confusion dissolved, giving way to eruptions of cheer from all directions. "Yes, indeed! What a magnificent duel it was!" "Wow! To think these two are with the Murim Alliance; it is truly a blessing for the alliance!" "Zhongnan Sword Sage!" "Mount Hua Divine Sword!" The chants for both fighters grew louder and louder. "I'll visit your sect and make sure to convey my regards." The Zhongnan Sword Sage glanced at the bewildered priests of the Zhongnan Sect standing behind him as he spoke. "Thank you." Hyeon-do responded with a smile, to which the Zhongnan Sword Sage softly smiled back before turning away. "Hehe, perhaps we shall meet again someday." And with that, the pavilion returned to the embrace of the Mount Hua Sect after so many years.