189 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

EP.189 Chapter 19 - Blue Sea, Father and Son (9) * * * Mok Liwon experienced illusions not much different from those he encountered during the Tang Family's prohibition. Naturally, he had developed some resistance since then and had gained the strength to withstand the formation, finding it not too challenging to endure. Thus, wanting to assist others, Mok Liwon wandered through the formation for quite some time, and eventually, the formation was dissolved. ‘It has been resolved!’ The fog cleared away. The people around him, who had been speaking harsh words, all disappeared. And in their place, Mok Liwon saw something. “King of Beggars!” It was Ma Ilsuk, kneeling. Judging by his rough breathing and the sweat streaming down his cheeks, he appeared to have been caught in quite a severe illusion. Mok Liwon hurriedly approached Ma Ilsuk and examined his condition. “Are you alright?” “…Ah, it’s you, Liwon.” Ma Ilsuk took a deep breath and stood up shakily. “Yes, it seems the formation has been dissolved well.” “King of Beggars, you don't look well. What on earth….” “Don’t worry about it. These formations that stir old memories become harder to endure as you age because the longer you live, the more memories you want to keep buried.” With that, Ma Ilsuk lightly patted Mok Liwon's shoulder. “Let’s move on to the next formation. As long as it's not another illusion formation, I will manage the enemies that flood in. Can I count on your support?” Mok Liwon nodded. If it's not this kind of formation, even if the senses are deceived, it was possible for the Heavenly Slaughter Star to cut down the enemies along the path they tread. Ma Ilsuk smiled in satisfaction. “Good. Let’s go.” With that, he and Ma Ilsuk dashed forward. “There you are again.” As soon as they passed through the place where the formation had dissolved, someone appeared. A fierce aura surrounded a man with hideous scars across his face. He was an adversary they had encountered at the Blood Demon Battle among the Four Elders of the Heaven Demon Sect. “You've crawled back here after taking a beating to seize an opportunity.” Ma Ilsuk grinned, grasping his staff tighter. The corner of the Four Elder’s mouth twitched. “…Let’s see how long you can keep that up.” “Do you know? The fiercer the mad dogs, the more effective the stick. You seem lacking in manners, so I shall discipline you once more.” Veins bulged over the Four Elder's eyes. His bitten lips flagrantly betrayed his emotions. It was deep anger. The Four Elder launched himself at Ma Ilsuk. “Liwon!” As if to join forces, other demonic beings in the vicinity surged together. The presence of the Transcendent Peak Realm among them marked them as an elite force. Mok Liwon swiftly drew his sword and began systematically cutting down the demonic beings obstructing Ma Ilsuk’s path. “I leave the rest to you!” At that moment, Mok Liwon felt a sensation as if his head was buzzing loudly. Glancing at Ma Ilsuk, he saw that he, too, was experiencing the same. ‘A formation!’ The second formation. It was a formation designed to cause headaches the more energy you exerted. * “It’s a formation that suppresses energy release. You know how to resolve it, don’t you?” Zhuge Byeok said. His breathing was labored. Although they had completed emergency treatment, there was no way the wound piercing his back could be alright. Zhuge San’s lips were tightly shut. “Don’t you know?” “…I know.” “There are two crucial points. You need to trace and sever both life gates at the same time. I’ll take the closer one.” Without waiting for a response, Zhuge Byeok departed. Zhuge San had to remain for a moment, unable to leave immediately. Emotions surged within him. It wasn't merely the fury burning like before. -…There wasn’t a moment when I didn’t love you. Those words somehow diluted his resentment. Knowing that Zhuge Byeok wasn’t a man to fabricate words, and realizing they were sincere, Zhuge San clenched his fists. -The patriarch was just awkward. His mother’s words echoed. Perhaps that was what shackled him. Even while hating Zhuge Byeok so deeply, perhaps it was that phrase that prevented him from giving up all hope. ‘Mother…’ Indeed, as you said, he is so awkward. Thus, forgiving is not easy. Neither is hating. What should I do? A long sigh escaped him. Though he tried to compose his feelings for quite a time, it was difficult. Zhuge San washed his face with dry hands and gathered his thoughts. ‘…What are you doing, San?’ Now was the time for the mission. Hesitating for such emotional reasons would only risk the martial artists suffering alongside him, as well as put Ma Ilsuk and Mok Liwon in danger. ‘Let’s go.’ Zhuge San cloaked himself in energy. The gathered energy focused around his eyes, enhancing his perception. Finally, Zhuge San also began to see the life gates of the formation. Gritting his teeth, Zhuge San moved forward. * Finding the life gates was quick. Zhuge San’s knowledge of formations was already closely trailing Zhuge Byeok’s expertise. To compensate for lacking in martial prowess, he had devoted himself to formations, ensuring no errors. With a ripping sound— The formation dissipated. Since Zhuge Byeok had indicated the moment to dismantle it, there was no delay between them. The headache that worsened with increasing energy vanished. Zhuge San exhaled. ‘Next….’ It was the final core formation. Not knowing what form the next formation might take, he needed to regroup with Zhuge Byeok first. Facing him again when his emotions were still unresolved stirred an unnecessary awkwardness within. ‘…Later.’ Let’s think about it later. About Zhuge Byeok’s words, his reply, and their relationship. For now, it wasn’t the time to ponder over those matters. * Upon the dissolution of the second formation, Zhuge Byeok felt slightly relieved. ‘The formation was targeting me.’ The formation that muddled intellect the stronger one’s energy was, indeed targeted at him, where cognitive ability and combat proficiency were directly proportional. Zhuge Byeok lifted his gaze toward the sturdy barrier of the core area. Inside that place would be the creator of this formation. Receiving Ma Ilsuk’s help was impossible. ‘Are there indeed two elders?’ Ma Ilsuk’s aura clashed with that of a Transcendent Master of demonic energy. With the energy clash intense enough to cause a tingling sensation even here, there was no room for him to assist further. --- Terms: 1. Formation (진법) - Used in a context where it refers to strategic or magical arrays used to create an effect. 2. Life Gate (생문) - Referring to critical points in a formation that, if disrupted, can deactivate the formation. 3. Heaven Demon Sect (천마신교) - Possible alternate could be Great Heaven Demon Sect, used as a formidable martial sect's name. Terms retained from the list that fit in this context: 1. Transcendent Peak Realm (초절정) - Refers to high-level martial prowess. 2. Blood Demon Battle (혈마전) - Could also refer to instances of conflict involving blood demons or demonic forces. 3. Heaven Demon Sect, Four Elders, Formation usage - Contextually implies formidable martial arts organizations and strategic form usage. Additional Context: - The passage depicts a scenario with martial artists navigating through challenging formations, requiring teamwork, strategy, and significant skill in martial arts. - Emotional and familial tensions are layered into the narrative, especially between Zhuge San and Zhuge Byeok, implying deep-rooted history and strained family ties. Moreover, the energy emanating from within was unmistakably at the level of a Transcendent Demonic Energy. It clearly seemed to be deliberately scattering energy, as if trying to lure Zhuge Byeok in. The injury to his waist was painful, but there was no other choice. The only fortunate aspect was that the opponent was also a foe utilizing formations and sorcery. His lack of physical strength could be compensated with exceptional understanding. Zhuge Byeok advanced. ‘Not San.’ There is a transcendent demonic being. A cunning one. If they have a human weakness, they would relentlessly exploit that point. At the age of 20, it is indeed commendable to have reached the Peak Realm, but it's still only the Peak Realm. Bringing Zhuge San with him might pose to be a hindrance if they entered together. ‘Lives….’ If a life had to be sacrificed, Zhuge Byeok thought that it should be his own. Creak― As Zhuge Byeok approached, the barrier opened. Inside were fifty or so demonic beings and a gaunt old man resembling a scholar. “So you are the True King. I've heard you're quite knowledgeable about formations.” The old man grinned. Zhuge Byeok unsheathed his saber. “Are you an elder?” “Yes.” The old man got up from his seat. “I am the Sixth Elder, Cheon Giyul, of the Heaven Demon Sect.” “We are not acquaintances to exchange pleasantries.” “Don’t be so stiff. It was you who penetrated my formation all the way here. I wish to exchange a few words. Plus, you deserve some praise.” The eyes of Cheon Giyul, the Sixth Elder, narrowed. “No matter how capable you are, it seems it was not easy to arrive unscathed.” The carefree laughing demeanor couldn’t hide his composure. Zhuge Byeok narrowed his eyes, trying to discern his intentions. ‘Stalling for time?’ If that were the case, it would be prudent to assume he had added a certain twist to the formation. Some formations activate only after a set time has elapsed since the target enters. Zhuge Byeok’s eyes, rolling around, confirmed the presence of a hundred demonic beings. Indeed, whatever trick it might be, Zhuge Byeok felt a sense of urgency that he mustn’t allow the opponent to buy time. “I said there’s no need for small talk.” With a crack, Zhuge Byeok tossed a jade stone onto the ground. Simultaneously, his form blurred. That was not the end. All the jade stones that bounced in all directions became the pillars of a formation, completing a densely packed, dynamic-type formation. The peak of simplified formations. It aimed to mimic formations that required dozens or hundreds of people, using one’s power alone. Moving like a shadow, Zhuge Byeok reached right in front of Cheon Giyul before anyone knew it. At the moment when Zhuge Byeok was about to swing his short saber. “You have keen senses, indeed. But your mind seems a bit hasty. Is it the injury causing distress? Or something else?” Cheon Giyul chuckled lowly. The sense of unease came immediately afterward. Clang―! Two beings of the Transcendent Peak Realm blocked Zhuge Byeok. Put another way, it was astonishing how Zhuge Byeok, a transcendent being himself, was blocked by just two beings at the Transcendent Peak Realm. Zhuge Byeok swallowed a breath. He soon realized. ‘Qi Dispersal?’ A formation that disperses energy? No, if that were the case, these demonic beings would also be affected. What Cheon Giyul used was a different kind of formation. “He disrupted our internal energy. He linked my dantian to theirs. Since their demonic energy is depleted, I lose my power as well.” “Are you questioning to confirm? If so, I’ll answer. Yes. You guessed correctly.” Cheon Giyul dissipating all his demonic energy had one more meaning besides provocation. It was about expelling all the internal energy he had inside. Zhuge Byeok realized the miscalculation in his heart. Cheon Giyul spoke. “Of course, the realization came too late.” Cheon Giyul raised his hand. Then the demonic beings charged at Zhuge Byeok. It was a crisis. “Looks like none of them are worried about me.” Without Zhuge San, it would indeed have been a crisis. --- Terms: 1. Demonic Energy (마기) - Used here to indicate a type of mystical, dark energy associated with demonic beings. 2. Dantian (단전) - A term for the energy center located in the lower abdomen used in martial arts for storing qi or internal energy. New Terms: 1. Cheon Giyul (천기려) - A name for a character, translated as "Cheon Giyul," incorporating his title as the Sixth Elder. 2. Qi Dispersal (산공) - Presented as a technique or formation that disperses internal energy. Additional Context: - The passage describes a tense strategic and tactical battle within a martial arts setting, highlighting Zhuge Byeok's attempts to navigate demonic influences and traps. - The complex internal conflicts between characters such as Zhuge Byeok, Zhuge San, and the opponents are underlined by strategic maneuvers and formations during combat, emphasizing the cerebral aspect of martial arts battles in this novel's context.