Heavenly Demon of Mount Hua - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

 

—–CROW—– 

 

In the past, his body had been exceptional.

 

The Demonic Spirit Body.

 

A body born with demonic energy, it allowed him to easily and quickly learn any demonic technique.

 

If he hadn’t been born with the Demonic Spirit Body, he wouldn’t have achieved the reputation of the Absolute Heavenly Demon or become the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult without learning the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.

 

That’s how special the Demonic Spirit Body was. But as he observed his current body, it reminded him of the Demonic Spirit Body.

 

‘More accurately, it’s the complete opposite of the Demonic Spirit Body.’

 

The twelve meridians, which had been completely blocked, were now wide open, and the eight extraordinary meridians, which had been a mess, were now as strong as an ox’s tendons.

 

Moreover, the energy of nature, mixed with the energy of the Purple Essence Pill, was rapidly circulating through his meridians, strengthening his pathways.

 

If it had ended there, he wouldn’t have been reminded of the Demonic Spirit Body.

 

But.

 

‘This is where it starts.’

 

His inner eye continued to descend.  Reaching his abdomen, it examined the lower dantian deep within.

 

The lower dantian, which had been hardened due to the blocked twelve meridians, had now expanded like a vast ocean, thanks to the influx of energy, and was pristine, without a speck of dust.

 

Like a newborn baby.

 

Even achieving the realm of rebirth wouldn’t have resulted in such purity.

 

This was a new sensation.

 

‘With this level of purity, I can achieve rapid progress cultivating any energy in the world.’

 

This was the greatest advantage of this currently unidentified body.

 

Its ability to accept all energies.

 

The Demonic Spirit Body, which contained demonic energy from birth, but also had opposing energies.

 

His current body, empty yet capable of accepting all energies, free and unrestrained.

 

Existence and nothingness, demon and emptiness.

 

The two bodies started from completely opposite points, but their strengths were the same.

 

‘And right now, this is better.’

 

If he were still Dokgo Guyeon, the Demonic Spirit Body would have been preferable, but for his current self, this body was optimal.

 

Moreover.

 

Not only did his mind contain countless martial arts techniques, but he also had the experience of learning and facing supreme martial arts.

 

And now he had obtained such an outstanding body as well?

 

It was like giving wings to a tiger.

 

The corners of his eyes curved upwards.

 

‘I only tried to treat the Yin Yang Great Spirit Blocked Meridian because my life was in danger, but luck was on my side. And it was a huge stroke of luck.’

 

Everything that had happened in just one day seemed to be smiling at him.

 

With a body like this, he could regain his former strength faster than expected.

 

After repeatedly observing his body with a satisfied expression.

 

‘This is enough for now.’

 

Having thoroughly grasped his body’s condition, he slowly opened his eyes.

 

Then he carefully scanned his surroundings.

 

The darkness had settled, engulfing the interior of the small hut like an abyss.

 

‘Time flies.’

 

Opening the window, he found that more time had passed outside than he had thought.

 

The full moon, shyly peeking out from the clouds in the sky, hung round and bright, and the pouring blue moonlight gradually dyed the Mount Hua Sect, which had been red during the day, a shade of blue.

 

He was captivated by the mystical yet captivating scenery.

 

‘Moonlight…’

 

Perhaps because he had only seen the luminous pearl in the cave for ten years, the blue moonlight he saw after so long was welcoming and gently melted his hardened heart.

 

Thud—

 

He immediately lay down, sprawling out.

 

‘Now all that’s left is martial arts… Which one should I try? The Heavenly Demon Divine Art after all? No, the Nine Heavens Demonic Art, which shows the fastest results?  First, I’ll solidify the foundation of my lower dantian with the Nine Heavens Demonic Art, then focus on the Return to Heaven Demonic Seal, and then the Heavenly Demon Divine Art…’

 

As he was thinking, he paused.

 

‘…Does it have to be demonic arts?’

 

He had already explored most of the demonic techniques in the Heavenly Demon Cult.

 

Would it be interesting to rehash the same things?

 

It didn’t appeal to him.

 

Besides, he wasn’t Dokgo Guyeon now, but Cheon-hwi, a disciple of Mount Hua Sect.

 

If someone detected his demonic energy, wouldn’t troublesome things happen, like being labeled a spy or a public enemy of the martial world?

 

Considering the future, he organized his thoughts.

 

He didn’t necessarily have to learn demonic arts.

 

Wouldn’t it be much more interesting to learn the martial arts of the righteous sects?

 

A cheerful smile spread across his face at the thought of learning new martial arts.

 

There were many manuals of righteous sects’ martial arts that he had plundered and stored in the Heavenly Demon Library, but he could only read them, not practice them.

 

Righteous techniques were incompatible with demonic energy.

 

But now he had a chance.

 

So, he put aside the demonic arts for now.

 

He calmly recalled the martial arts of the Mount Hua Sect.

 

Their martial arts were truly dazzling.

 

Flowers blooming and a rich plum blossom fragrance scattering every time a sword was swung…

 

A snicker escaped his lips.

 

It was a comical sight to imagine.

 

It was like advertising his presence to the enemy in every direction.

 

‘But it was visually appealing.’

 

It was much more pleasant to watch than the monks’ fistfighting, the beggars’ staff-wielding, or the Wudang Taoists’ strange habit of drawing circles with their swords.

 

‘Now, should I learn those?’

 

With that thought, he recalled the techniques of the Mount Hua Sect, gathering dust in a corner of the Heavenly Demon Library.

 

The Qian Yuan Clear Heart Technique, the Nine Palaces Overturning Heaven Sword, the Immortal Cloud Solitary Peak, the Nine Palaces Steps, and the Jade Ring Mystic Steps he had witnessed firsthand.  Then he suddenly paused.

 

‘Come to think of it, the Jade Ring Mystic Steps…’

 

He suddenly recalled the movement technique Hyeon-ryeo had demonstrated this morning.

 

‘Was that the Jade Ring Mystic Steps?’

 

The Jade Ring Mystic Steps he knew was, as its name suggested, a steep yet illusionary movement technique, like polished jade.

 

But the Jade Ring Mystic Steps she had demonstrated only involved rapid movement; it lacked the subtle feints that should have been present.

 

‘Maybe it wasn’t? It was similar, though.’

 

As he pondered the Jade Ring Mystic Steps, his thoughts deepened along with the darkening night sky.

 

***

 

The next morning.

 

He slowly stretched and got up.

 

The slight stiffness he had felt until yesterday was completely gone, and he felt light.

 

“Then…”

 

He muttered as he got out of the old bed.

 

“Shall we go?”

 

He had gathered information by listening for three days; now it was time to explore on foot.

 

He put on the red and black robe he had noticed upon arriving.

 

Then he looked at the sword placed to one side.

 

It was probably his master’s.

 

A three foot three inch long sword.

 

It wasn’t a sword for a young Taoist.

 

He turned away.

 

Opening the door of the small hut, the characteristically cold morning air filled his lungs.

 

“Phew… Refreshing.”

 

The hut was located on Nak-an Peak, one of the peaks of Mount Hua.

 

Perhaps because it was a high altitude.

 

The surrounding scenery was visible at a glance.

 

First, he saw the steep peaks, as if carved with a knife, and around them, beautiful plum blossom trees were in bloom.

 

‘It’s a pleasant sight, unlike the dreary Tianshan.’

 

The Tianshan Mountains were higher and grander than Mount Hua.

 

But they didn’t exude such a pleasant, invigorating energy.

 

Because of the perpetual snow and wild beasts.

 

Still, thanks to those beasts, he had managed to live well in that barren environment.

 

Perhaps because he recalled the chewy wolf and tiger meat he occasionally hunted and ate before entering seclusion for ten years, his mouth watered.

 

He would have to eat some meat later.

 

Thinking about the extension of his current plan, he hurriedly set off.

 

Step— Step—

 

He descended along the narrow mountain path, slowly taking in the surrounding scenery.

 

The fragrance of the plum blossoms in full bloom tickled his nose, and the occasional large pavilions caught his eye.

 

After walking for a while.

 

The steep mountain path gradually leveled out.

 

And along it were numerous large pavilions.

 

The Pearl Plum Blossom Pavilion where the second-generation disciples resided, the Flowerless Pavilion where the third-generation disciples resided, and the Martial Training Pavilion where the first-generation disciples resided.

 

However, unlike the information he had gathered, all the pavilions were quiet.

 

Then he heard a faint sound.

 

“Hah! Hah!”

 

Focusing his mind and perking up his ears, he heard shouts from afar.

 

That must be either the Do-rim Plain, the second-generation disciples’ training ground, or the Sa-mong Plain, the first-generation disciples’ training ground.

 

He racked his brain, using the shouts as a clue.

 

Soon, a rough map of Mount Hua Sect formed in his mind.

 

Then, if he went this way…

 

He abruptly changed direction.

 

After walking for a while, he stopped at a slightly dilapidated pavilion.

 

Found it!

 

He looked at the signboard clearly written at the entrance: the Ten Thousand Classics Pavilion.

 

The library, which housed and organized all the martial arts manuals of Mount Hua Sect, was quite tall, consisting of three floors.

 

‘Now, let’s take a look at the martial arts of Mount Hua Sect.’

 

He approached the silent Ten Thousand Classics Pavilion and grasped the closed door handle.

 

Creak—

 

As soon as the door opened, he was greeted not by books or bookshelves, but by a middle-aged Taoist.

 

“Oh, isn’t it Hwi?”

 

The middle-aged Taoist with a wrinkled face rushed over and stroked his head.

 

‘Is stroking heads a form of greeting here? My hair’s going to wear out.’

 

As he looked at Hyeon-cheong, the middle-aged Taoist and Master of the Ten Thousand Classics Pavilion, who was stroking his head after the Sect Leader, the Taoist’s mouth dropped open.

 

“Oh, as the Sect Leader said, you’ve safely overcome the crisis. So, what brings you to the Ten Thousand Classics Pavilion?”

 

“I wanted to read some martial arts manuals.”

 

Perhaps because he wasn’t used to speaking formally, his words were halting.  However, Hyeon-cheong was more surprised by the content of his words than the awkwardness of his speech.

 

“Martial arts manuals, you say?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Hahaha, I see.  You’ve recovered and now you’re interested in martial arts.”

 

Hyeon-cheong laughed heartily, as if pleased. He stepped aside and said,

 

“Since this is your first visit, let me explain.”

 

The interior of the Ten Thousand Classics Pavilion came into view.

 

‘Oh?’

 

The corners of his mouth twitched.

 

Although smaller than the Heavenly Demon Library, the Ten Thousand Classics Pavilion was much larger than an ordinary pavilion.

 

And it was filled with books, the characteristic smell of paper permeating the air.

 

“On the first floor, you’ll find various miscellaneous books and widely known martial arts manuals. On the second floor are manuals for nominal disciples. And on the top floor, the third floor, are manuals containing the secret techniques for the true disciples of our sect.  Nominal disciples who haven’t received a title can only access up to the second floor, but as a true disciple and direct disciple, you can browse anywhere in the pavilion.”

 

The corners of his mouth twitched.

 

‘How many books are there in total?’

 

A pleasant laugh escaped his lips as he imagined the numerous martial arts manuals he would soon be reading.

 

For the first time, he felt satisfied with the outcome of the Eternal Immortal Reign Supreme Law, which he had been constantly dissatisfied with.

 

“Haha.”

 

Hyeon-cheong chuckled.

 

Looking at Cheon-hwi with sparkling eyes, he stroked his patchy beard, which he hadn’t trimmed in a long time.

 

‘I thought he wasn’t interested in martial arts, but he must have been hiding his true feelings, worried about causing concern because of his poor health.’

 

He felt a pang of sympathy.

 

The child brought by his youngest junior brother.

 

At first, everyone thought he would inherit his master’s legacy and become the next best swordsman of Mount Hua, but the moment they saw him, everyone realized.

 

That the child’s body was in a terrible state.

 

‘Haha, but to think it would be resolved with the Purple Essence Pill and my junior brother’s medical skills… If only my youngest junior brother could have seen this…’

 

Tears welled up in his eyes.

 

His youngest junior brother had been a treasure of Mount Hua.

 

He possessed a natural talent that could restore the waning reputation of Mount Hua Sect and was expected to reach the Heavenly Martial Realm at a remarkably young age.

 

But it had all become a mere dream.

 

Eight years ago, he lost his life in a battle against Baek Gwi-seong, and because of that, Cheon-hwi had become even more withdrawn.

 

‘It’s a relief that his body has recovered.’

 

Perhaps it was a case of misunderstanding breeding misunderstanding.

 

Hyeon-cheong’s gaze became even warmer.

 

But Cheon-hwi, completely captivated by the Ten Thousand Classics Pavilion, didn’t notice and immediately went inside.

 

‘Hmm, it’s a shame, but I’ll start with the third floor.’

 

Cheon-hwi forced his reluctant feet to move and climbed the stairs with large strides.

 

Reaching the third floor, his eyes shone at the sight of the bookshelves filling his vision.

 

Cultivation methods, sword techniques, fist techniques, spear techniques, earth techniques…

 

Scanning the labels on each bookshelf, Cheon-hwi stopped at one spot.

 

He looked at the label on the side of the bookshelf: “Movement Techniques.”

 

He immediately turned and scanned the titles densely packed on the bookshelf.

 

Ink Cloud Thunder, Heavenly Dragon Emerging from Clouds, Slaughter Hand One Step, Nine Palaces Steps, and more.

 

All the well-known movement techniques of Mount Hua Sect were gathered here.

 

Tsk.

 

His eyes were naturally drawn to several movement techniques, but he forced himself to look away and continued searching.

 

“Jade Ring Mystic Steps, Jade Ring Mystic Steps…”

 

He muttered softly as he searched for the Jade Ring Mystic Steps, and before long…

 

“There it is!”

 

He reached out and pulled out the book.

 

Seeing the martial arts manual clearly titled “Jade Ring Mystic Steps,” he felt a thrill.

 

A new martial arts manual after so long.

 

His eyes began to redden with excitement, and a twisted smile formed on his lips.

 

It reminded him of the time when his subordinates called him the Martial Mad Ghost.

 

Flip!

 

The moment he opened the manual.

 

“Huh? This is the Jade Ring Mystic Steps?”

 

A bewildered voice escaped his lips.

 

—–CROW—–