179 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

EP.179 Chapter 18 - Yunnan, Battle of the Blood Demon (2) * * * The King of Beggars, Ma Ilsuk, gritted his teeth in mild irritation at the aura emanating from the demonic practitioner. 'Transcendent Peak.' Considering the information coming from the alliance and the relationship between the Demonic Sect and the Blood Heaven Sect, he could immediately identify who he was facing. "Elder." "Oh." The demonic practitioner's eyebrows lifted. Crack, as he clenched his fists tighter, the demonic practitioner said, "So, Zhongyuan has managed to learn quite a bit, it seems." "Are you thinking of acting like you're more than you are?" "It's not just acting." Inferno! The demonic energy surged from the demonic practitioner's body. The sound of Mok Liwon gasping in surprise behind him reached Ma Ilsuk's ears. "It’s exactly as it is. I am the 4th Elder of the Divine Sect. We stand in different places than beggars like you." The demonic energy gathered in the practitioner’s fists exploded toward Ma Ilsuk. Immediately, Ma Ilsuk wrapped his body in protective energy. Boom! Another explosion rang out, and Ma Ilsuk gritted his teeth enduring the shock. 'This guy is no ordinary opponent.' The thought came to him first. Before approaching so closely, the fact that he had completely hidden his demonic energy, or that he could harness such power even with a corpse on his shoulder, was proof enough. Moreover, he claimed to be the 4th Elder of the Demonic Sect. Considering that the 7th Elder—who battled Jin Geon of Tianjing—was said to possess ghost-like swordsmanship, this man likely had strength at the same level or greater. "The elders must be the true power of the Demonic Sect. If the seventh elder was at the Transcendent Peak, there must be at least eight more, including the little sect master and the Heavenly Demon, so there would be nine total." Such news brought fear, reminiscent of the Blood Incident. Ma Ilsuk quickly lunged forward. A swift, unintentional kick was delivered, but the 4th Elder easily defended with a lifted leg, then tossed the corpse he had carried and extended his fist. Boom! Once again, it was evenly matched. Successfully defending, Ma Ilsuk and his adversary engaged in another bout of power struggle. Grinning crookedly, Ma Ilsuk spoke. "From what you've been doing here, it seems the Blood Demon is indeed related to the Demonic Sect, isn't it?" "Do I have an obligation to tell you?" "If you don't want a beating, you should talk." "Seems like you lack the capability to be making those kinds of statements." "We'll see." It was a mindless showdown, channeling inner force at a standstill. Ma Ilsuk knew well this battle was disadvantageous for him. 'My martial arts are not suited for this type of contest.' Even among battles of transcendent realms, consideration of compatibility was crucial. The techniques Ma Ilsuk had mastered were all designed to inflict cumulative damage while exchanging offense and defense. Mindless power struggle could lead to a disadvantageous outcome. 'I’ll shake him off.' Yellowish energy began seeping out from Ma Ilsuk's body. Wrapping tightly around his arms and legs, it solidified. It was a powerful technique, and the 4th Elder seemed to realize it, quickly creating distance. "Too late, scoundrel." Ma Ilsuk took a stance. His palms spread, he drew them back with a small circular motion. Then, dashing forward, he thrust his palms out. Descending Dragon Eighteen Palms (降龍十八掌). An eighteen-palm technique with the most destructive power Ma Ilsuk could muster. Following the trajectory of his palm, an energy dragon formed, dancing toward the 4th Elder. The 4th Elder gathered demonic energy to form powerful protection around his body. "Befitting of a beggar’s method." First palm, second palm, third palm—all were blocked. Undeterred, Ma Ilsuk continued, driving the 4th Elder back further. 'It’s working!' He felt it—this technique was definitely affecting the 4th Elder. However, he couldn't be careless. Even if the opponent's techniques were diabolical, his power could still not be underestimated. 'Press the attack!' It was just as he completed the ninth strike. Boom! The 4th Elder disrupted the flow. Yet, he did not press further with his own attack. Ma Ilsuk sensed something was wrong. Every gaze, movement, and slight gesture of the 4th Elder was scrutinized. Only then did he realize it. "What...? Liwon!" "Too late." Somehow, the positions of the 4th Elder and Ma Ilsuk had switched. Effectively, the 4th Elder was now closer to Mok Liwon. Mok Liwon flinched. The 4th Elder surged toward him, extending his hand out. Fortunately, it was a hasty action. Sreee— Mok Liwon drew his sword. The blade emerged, entirely black, cloaked in dark energy. His pupils narrowed sharply, a long exhale escaping, and his hair stood on end, all noted by Ma Ilsuk. 'The Heavenly Slaughter Star is reacting!' In that case, he wouldn’t be captured so easily. It was a correct assumption. Mok Liwon twisted his body at an unnatural angle, swinging his sword. Creak, the sword deflected off the protective energy, but a moment of opportunity was created. Ma Ilsuk immediately closed the distance. Kicking with full force, he drove the 4th Elder away from Mok Liwon. "Hrgh!" The 4th Elder tensed his muscles, intending not to be moved too far. Ma Ilsuk taunted him. "Still ready to talk about knowing your place? Afraid to fight, aiming for children instead." "If it’s the sect’s directive, what does shame matter?" "Must be tough serving a pathetic demonic master." The 4th Elder's eyes widened in fury. As expected, being the lackey of a mongrel, he was highly sensitive to insults against his master. Ma Ilsuk laughed heartily. "Did your master tell you to beat everyone who insults him?" "Gaarrrgh!!!" Crash! A massive wave of demonic energy burst from the 4th Elder's body. With thunderous footsteps, each step resounded like shattering. A chilling sensation coursed up Ma Ilsuk's spine. "Liwon! Keep back!" "Yes!" Summoning all of his internal energy, Ma Ilsuk grasped the club at his waist. "Only a stick for a mongrel!" --- **Terms Translated:** - Elder (장로): "Elder" in this context refers to a senior ranking official in the sect, highlighting a position of authority. - Zhongyuan (중원): This was preserved as it refers to the geographical and cultural heartland of China, often considered the most civilized area. - Mongrel (개새끼/개새): While harsh, the term was maintained in translation for its strong connotation and as an insult in the martial arts and demonic context. - Transcendent Peak (초월): Used to denote an extreme level of martial prowess, fitting within the realm of Murim legends. - 4th Elder of the Divine Sect (신교의 4장로): Kept to denote rank and affiliation within the sect hierarchy. **Character Gender:** - Mok Liwon (목리원)/Black Ink Sword (흑묵검) -> He - Ma Ilsuk (마일석)/King of Beggars (걸왕) -> He **Additional Context:** The passage showcases a high-stakes confrontation between powerful martial artists, highlighting techniques and strategies in a battle for dominance. It reflects typical themes found in wuxia literature, such as internal struggles between different sects and the deep honor culture prevalent in martial societies. In a rapid motion, the energy aura was overlaid onto the club. It solidified into an irregular crystalline form, emitting a sharp energy. Eventually, fists and club collided. *CRASH!* The sound was loud enough to make the ears ring. Following that, the 4th Elder leaned in with his head, veins prominent. A headbutt. 'Damn relentless bastard!' Ma Ilsuk made a fist with his left hand, which wasn't holding the club, and aimed at the 4th Elder's forehead. It was a mistake. Crunch, Ma Ilsuk felt the energy penetrate down to his finger bones. "Damn it, your head really is solid…!" A grin appeared on the 4th Elder's face. Ma Ilsuk ground his teeth. "Such a mongrel-like martial art!" The technique of hardening one's head—what kind of rootless martial art was this? Ma Ilsuk clicked his tongue and began swinging the club. But it wasn't just a reckless swing. The essence of the Dog Beating Staff Technique (打狗棒法), the signature martial art of the Beggars’ Union, began to seep into Ma Ilsuk's movements. Clang! Clash! Ka-bang! Considering it was a clash of energies, the shock transmitted to both was far beyond ordinary. Ma Ilsuk persistently targeted the 4th Elder's head. If the cumulative impact could reach even a solid head, it would break; that was his judgment. Knowing this, the 4th Elder blocked critical strikes with his arms, maintaining the offensive and defensive exchange. During this, Ma Ilsuk shouted out. "So! Did your master tell you to find out about the Blood Demon's great method? Or was it originally your technique?" "I have no obligation to tell!" "Looks like you can't talk without your master's permission, just like a mongrel!" "Gaarargh!!!" *Boom!* The odd-angled headbutt from the 4th Elder targeted Ma Ilsuk's arm. Ma Ilsuk blocked the headbutt with his already injured left hand. Sprains, for sure the bones of the fingers felt damaged. "How long do you think you can hold out?" "Longer than you!" shouted Ma Ilsuk, swinging his club toward the forehead. The 4th Elder raised his right arm. At that moment, Ma Ilsuk's eyes shone. 'Now!' The club in Ma Ilsuk's hand began displaying exquisite finesse. Following a peculiar flow, the trajectory curved and finally struck down on the previously vulnerable left side of the 4th Elder's neck. There was a cracking sound, likely indicating a fracture. "Urgh…!" The 4th Elder gritted his teeth, enduring it. As expected, since the martial arts used headbutts, the neck was trained as well. "Once more!" In a seamless motion, the club struck the other side of the 4th Elder's neck. The 4th Elder recoiled. His eyes were fierce, as if he meant to tear and kill Ma Ilsuk. Ma Ilsuk sneered and continued to press the 4th Elder. For eighteen years. He had lived away from the martial world, staying with Sword Saint Mok Seon-oh for that long a time. How many times had he dueled with Mok Seon-oh? It was laughable. He had sparred countless times with a man who had already surpassed the transcendent peak. Yet, now his opponent was merely at the transcendent peak, making this manageable. Crunch! Ma Ilsuk shattered the arm raised by the 4th Elder in defense. "What is the altar for?" "Ergh…!" "What is your relationship with the Blood Heaven Sect?" "Guh!" Though he pressed hard, attempting to glean any information, the 4th Elder kept his mouth tightly shut. Would he truly learn nothing this way? Frustration welled within Ma Ilsuk. "Heavenly Demon's Reign! Command of Ten Thousand Demons!" Demonic practitioners poured in. 'Damn it!' So focused was he on the 4th Elder, he hadn't noticed them entering! Ma Ilsuk quickly assessed the situation. Then thought of what might be their primary objective. "Liwon!" "I'll block them!" Ten demonic practitioners entered—two at the transcendent peak and eight at the peak realm. Certainly, Mok Liwon could handle it. Thus, Ma Ilsuk refocused on the 4th Elder. Yet the attempt was futile. "Retreat!" Their senses were finely tuned, gauging their strength voraciously like mad mongrels. Ma Ilsuk did not specifically try to stop them. 'A prolonged battle would be hard on me too.' The environment allowed for endless reinforcements on their side, but they had left the alliance without even fully revealing their destination. If one more elder aligned with their side, it wouldn't be the best outcome. "Master of Beggars!" "Let them go." Ma Ilsuk watched them fade into the distance, catching his breath. Mok Liwon approached belatedly. "Are you injured?!" "Wouldn't you know?" After fighting for his life again, exhaustion clung to him. But he couldn't honestly voice those thoughts, so Ma Ilsuk pretended to be fine. "But I pummeled more of them." He grinned as Mok Liwon finally began to smile in relief. As expected, it must be said, he was consistently one who raised alarm. "But you truly are remarkable! Even as someone who prides himself on following a sword, I momentarily lost track of the trajectory of your club! The stroke, so exquisite, was breathtaking amidst the danger…." "That's enough, just follow." Ma Ilsuk abruptly cut off, heading back towards the direction from which the altar stood. 'I’ll destroy it.' He could see they intended to do something more with it, and he couldn't just leave it. Ma Ilsuk approached the altar filled with bloodstains. And with full force, he brought the club down on it. *CRASH!* With a sound, the altar collapsed. At that moment. "...!" Ma Ilsuk's eyes widened in shock. "Master of Beggars…!" Mok Liwon also called out, greatly astonished. Beneath the broken altar, a passage leading underground was revealed. Next Chapter Preview --- **Terms Translated:** - Heavenly Demon's Reign (천마군림): A martial art or technique assumed to demonstrate control or dominion. - Command of Ten Thousand Demons (만마앙복): A technique or call denoting widespread influence or power over demonic figures. - Dog Beating Staff Technique (타구봉법): A martial technique that is a signature of the Beggars’ Union. **Character Gender:** - Mok Liwon (목리원)/Black Ink Sword (흑묵검) -> He - Ma Ilsuk (마일석)/King of Beggars (걸왕) -> He **Additional Context:** The dramatic fight scene showcases classical wuxia themes of honor, ferocity, and technique. This duel emphasizes strategic and skilled combat, as well as hints at the complexities of loyalty and affiliations within martial arts factions. The uncovering of the passage beneath the altar hints at deeper secrets and further challenges awaiting, possibly going deeper into the conspiracy involving their opponents.