200 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

EP.200 Chapter 20 - Clash and Torrent (6) * * * It was a night when the full moon shone brilliantly. Sa Baek-woon sat on the floor of a prepared inner room, gazing at the moon with a spear resting on his thigh. Whenever he was about to enter a major battle, it had become a customary routine for him. "18 years, isn't it?" It was back then when he last partook in a blood-drenched battle. The final day of the Blood Sect, when the head of Dan Chunhwa, the Blood Demon, fell, and Mok Seon-oh, the Sword Saint, left the Jianghu. Since that day, Sa Baek-woon hadn't engaged in a life-and-death battle. He felt a sense of shame at that realization. "Even so, I dared to call myself a warrior..." A wry smile involuntarily spread across his face. While it was undoubtedly important to uphold his position as the leader and protect Central Plains Murim, he couldn't help but feel anxious as the moment of war approached. "Baek-woon, can you fight?" He wasn't afraid of death; rather, he feared the helpless collapse before the enemy. Despite having trained continuously, he knew better than anyone that in actual combat, the only thing he could rely on was his sharpened senses. "Hopefully..." He sincerely hoped he wouldn't lose too meaninglessly. With that wish in his heart, he immersed himself in meditation. * The next day, most of Central Plains' forces gathered at the border of Xinjiang. It was an army numbering in tens of thousands, and the other side was no different. "It seems they've chosen to break through directly." Sa Baek-woon spoke, and Nae-gakju Kyeon-gweol nodded in agreement. "Yes, a truly demonic choice." "What do you mean?" "It means they've lost their sanity and are plunging into the jaws of death." Sa Baek-woon chuckled dryly. He was a man who had abandoned even his own ego and dedicated his life to the peace of the Murim Path. For such a man, he couldn't forgive the Demonic Sect. When he stated his judgment reflecting his true nature without any hesitation, the anxiety that had resided within him seemed to dissipate slightly. "Should I make a speech?" "It would be good to do so. However, today, you stand here as a warrior. There is a more excellent way for you than shouting from the platform." "You mean I should stand at the forefront." "Yes." "You intend to drive me into the jaws of death." "I know better than anyone that you're not the kind to fall here." "What about you, Nae-gakju?" "What do you mean?" "Can you make it out alive today?" It was a question asked with a more serious demeanor. Sa Baek-woon knew it well. The horrors of war are indifferent to whom they strike. No matter how skilled or experienced a warrior might be, it's war that causes them to fall victim to a blind blade. The slight provocation rooted in worry and trust immediately hit the mark. "You tend to underestimate me too much, Leader." Kyeon-gweol replied with his trademark stern face. "I, too, am a warrior who has reached the peak." "I'll take that as meaning there's no need to worry." "You may have to apologize for worrying." "Indeed, I might have underestimated you too simply, Nae-gakju." Sa Baek-woon slung the spear over his shoulder and stepped forward. "Let's return for a drink together." Upon saying that, Kyeon-gweol followed behind him. As Sa Baek-woon walked, he observed the warriors splitting apart on either side. They were all fellow fighters he relied on and children he needed to protect. Being the leader of the Murim Union carried such weight and responsibilities. By silently exchanging glances with the warriors, he found himself at the forefront before he knew it. It was then that Sa Baek-woon looked beyond the Xinjiang border. His body, having reached the transcendence, imbued renewed vigor into his aged form. Thus, he could see what others could not. "It's filled with demons." Beyond that border lay the Demonic Sect's camp, with tens of thousands of forces similarly amassed, and at its forefront stood the Young Heavenly Demon. "Finally, it's time to repay past humiliations." Whoosh—! As the spear swung grandly, a fierce sound echoed. Witnessing the Demonic Sect's lackeys who had tarnished the Azure Dragon Martial Assembly made his blood boil. "No other words are needed." With those final words, Sa Baek-woon shouted. "Charge—!" Boom! As Sa Baek-woon advanced, the ground shook. * "Wona, you must focus on protecting the warriors as much as possible." Ma Ilsuk spoke. Mok Liwon wore a face of resentment. "I wish to stand at the forefront too!" "Do you think you can do it?" Mok Liwon's shoulders flinched and tensed. He understood the weight of Ma Ilsuk's words. He referred to the Heavenly Slaughter Star. In a large-scale war like this, the Heavenly Slaughter Star would soar to unprecedented heights. Moreover, given the opponent was demonic, the Supreme Demonic Physique might react, causing him to lose control if he wielded his blade recklessly. "...King of Beggars." "Your spirit is commendable, and your intention to wield your sword for righteousness is noble. But you must face reality. That is the path of a warrior." Ma Ilsuk gripped his staff tightly. "I cannot look after you. This battlefield is not one to be underestimated." Before Mok Liwon could respond, Ma Ilsuk began sprinting towards the battlefield. Mok Liwon gritted his teeth. "…He's not wrong." Nor did he tell him to simply stand by and watch. Once, Mok Seon-oh had said, "The battlefield is like a living organism completed by countless individuals fulfilling their roles." Protecting allies, not merely defeating enemies, was also a vital role on the battlefield. "For now...!" He had to endure. * Boom—! As a blast resounded, the war commenced. The forces from both sides unfolded broadly, and the battlefield began to flow chaotically. Even with tens of thousands of troops involved, the battle had devolved into chaos. However, key areas within the battlefield, the core where transcendental warriors clashed, undeniably existed. Screams echoed from all around. They were mercilessly swept away merely because they were near the space where transcendental warriors fought. Such was the intensity of the aura of transcendence. "You, it must be you!" The Venom King, Jin-geon, crossed swords with an elder wielding a massive saber. "The Fifth Elder! I heard in the reports!" --- **New Terms:** 1. Sa Baek-woon (사백운) - A character engaged in introspection and preparation for an upcoming battle. He values duty and honor but feels the pull of battle anxiety. 2. Kyeon-gweol (견궐) - Referred to as "Nae-gakju," showing his significant status within the organization, reflecting strategic thinking and confidence. 3. Young Heavenly Demon (소천마) - Represents an individual of high rank in the Demonic Sect, noted for his battle stance and strategic position. 4. Azure Dragon Martial Assembly (청룡 비무회) - A reference to a past event or place that holds historical importance for the characters involved. **Translation Notes:** - The full proper names and titles were preserved to maintain the authenticity of the narrative and the complexity of relationships and hierarchies. - Emotional and reflective internal monologues were retained to convey the characters' depth and development. "It seems the Demonic Sect had a mole within Central Plains. We should hold them accountable later." The Fifth Elder, the old man who annihilated Wudang, muttered to himself. Jin-geon ground his teeth. His profound anger was directed at the elder's dismissive attitude, as if Jin-geon was of no concern, and the elder's malicious deeds. "Let's see how long you can maintain your composure." Creaking! Their swords clashed, producing a disconcerting sound as they twisted against one another. Simultaneously, Jin-geon's green energy crystallized over his blade. It was Qi. "At least you'll serve as some entertainment." The Fifth Elder also overlaid a dark crimson Qi onto his weapon. "Let's play." The Fifth Elder twisted his lips into a smirk. * Namgung Hyuk stood on the battlefield with Wonmyeong. "There, over there." "Amitabha, it's a vile aura." "Shall I go first?" "I understand you're asking out of courtesy." Wonmyeong smiled faintly. Having spent years understanding the kind of man Namgung Hyuk, the Sword King, was, he had already decided how to respond. "Go ahead. It's said to be the Seventh Elder over there." "I've heard he's dubbed the Swift Sword." "Your interest is piqued, isn't it?" "I merely considered that his swiftness might be challenging for you." "No need to make excuses." "...Then I shall be on my way." "Yes." "And you..." Namgung Hyuk's words trailed off. Wonmyeong clasped his hands together in response. "Today, I shall have to open the realm." "I won't worry unnecessarily then." Namgung Hyuk unsheathed his sword and headed in the direction saturated with the stifling aura of demonic energy. "See you later." Boom! Namgung Hyuk's form quickly shrank into a dot. Wonmyeong chuckled heartily and spoke. "Wona." "Yes, Master." "You should go too. Remember what you must..." "It’s equanimity, right?" "It’s reassuring that you know." "I will return." Il-un's presence faded into the distance. Only then did Wonmyeong erase the smile from his face. The overwhelming screams all around heightened the sensation of the battlefield's horror, reaching his very skin. 'So it has come to this.' He couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment, wondering if the Buddha meant for this old body to endure the chaos of turbulent times. Wonmyeong lifted his head. In the direction opposite to where Namgung Hyuk had departed, he also sensed the presence of a mind that had attained transcendence. "Let's see, shall we?" Wonmyeong walked slowly. The opponent's energy wasn't moving, assuredly waiting for him. He continued to walk towards the front lines. Repelling all incoming attacks with his Qi, he arrived at his destination and saw an old man. "You've arrived." He was an elder with empty eye sockets. His hair was unkempt, and his beard unruly. His face was covered with grime, yet the robe he wore shimmered like a precious artifact. "I am Wonmyeong of Shaolin." "Wonmyeong, known for your Buddhist phonics, I know the name." The old man tapped the ground with the sword he held, saying. "I am Baek Yaheum, the Second Elder of the Divine Cult. Apologies, I couldn't seek you out amidst this war as I can't see." "Despite that discomfort, why did you join the war?" "This sword craves blood. Isn't it a bothersome companion?" Baek Yaheum grinned slyly. Wonmyeong likewise burst into a hearty laugh. "As you say." Wonmyeong tightened his grip into a fist. "Indeed a troublesome friend." Was there any need to say more? The two launched towards each other simultaneously. **See the next chapter** --- **New Terms:** 1. Jin-geon (진건): Referred to as "Venom King," displaying his combat skills and strategic importance within the narrative, indicative of his fiery determination and unforgiving nature towards his foes. 2. Namgung Hyuk (남궁혁): As the "Sword King," he exhibits mastery and experience in swordsmanship, leading a strategic position on the battlefield. 3. Wonmyeong (원명): A monk with profound understanding of the battle arising amidst turmoil, maintaining serenity and wisdom in the chaos. 4. Baek Yaheum (백야흠): Second Elder of the Divine Cult, characterized by his missing vision yet formidable presence on the battlefield due to his sword's insatiable thirst for blood. **Translation Notes:** - Proper names and titles are again maintained to preserve authenticity, reflecting each character's unique role and personality within the unfolding battle. - Emotional tension and interactions between characters convey depth, honor, and the ethical principles guiding their decisions in war.