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chapter 34
“Are you saying that’s true?”
Upon arriving in Gwangju, the Sword Spirit party immediately sought out the Shinchangyi Family.
At Shinchangyi, those including the head of Cheonmyeong Mountain Villa had already gathered, along with Hyeon Jin-myung, the second son of the villa, and the elite Cheontaeon Corps (Sword Heaven Squad), who had come to Shinchangyi for the matter involving Hyeon Jin-myung.
Moreover, Gon Man-wook, the head of the Minghwa Merchant Guild—one of the top ten trading guilds active in Guangdong Province—and the guild’s martial unit, the Minghwa Sword Hand Corps, were also present.
They were all gathered in the hall, wearing shocked expressions at the news brought by Moon Shadow Disciple, Naeng Yeo-seol.
The information she delivered was nothing short of shocking.
“Of course, Head!”
Eui Je-min of the Lightning Spear, though technically subordinate to the head of Shinchangyi, spoke freely, as Naeng Yeo-seol was the Grand Elder of the Moon Shadow Sect.
“We met the demonic beings at Jeongho Mountain and, fortunately, were able to defeat them. On our way back, we ordered that their corpses be secured at Gaebang, so by now the bodies should have been collected and are being transported here.”
Eui Je-min looked around at the audience.
“Does that mean many demons have already entered the Central Plains?”
These were the demons that had retreated thirty years ago over the Gobi Desert.
Though they had fled, the Central Plains martial world had suffered tremendous losses, and everyone had been preparing diligently to prevent a repeat. But one thing was certain: demons were a force to be feared.
“That, I do not know. But there is something strange.”
“Strange?”
Eui Je-min asked Naeng Yeo-seol on behalf of those present, who were curious.
“This time, after killing the demons, we recovered their martial arts manuals containing demonic techniques and burned them. However, it turns out the manuals were not originals, but copies.”
For a moment, the hall fell silent.
“Copies… you mean…”
Everyone knew what would follow but hoped it wasn’t true.
“It seems the demons deliberately spread these manuals.”
Her words caused a ripple of unease.
Those in the hall felt their shoulders tense slightly. If Naeng Yeo-seol’s words were true, countless martial artists could have already acquired and mastered demonic techniques.
“The demons we encountered were mostly in the ‘Entrance to Demon’ stage.”
“Entrance to Demon?”
“For convenience, I’ve classified them: those gradually succumbing to demonic energy are ‘Entrance to Demon,’ fully possessed ones are ‘Overcoming Demon,’ those who have transcended demonic influence and can think independently are ‘Super Demon,’ those who have completely overcome it are ‘Ex-Demon,’ and those who attain enlightenment through demonic techniques and surpass human limits are ‘Divine Demon.’”
Sword Spirit explained these stages to the assembly.
“In other words, the demons currently active are martial artists who acquired demonic techniques not from the Gobi Desert survivors but from the manuals spread by other demons.”
“If that’s true, it’s a serious problem. Internal threats could be more dangerous than external ones, and it will breed suspicion among us…”
“Exactly. Thirty years ago, demons fought using raw power, but now they plot intrigues as well. They undoubtedly plan to create chaos within the martial world and sow division among us.”
“This information must be reported to the Martial Alliance.”
“Indeed. Also, the demons we killed at Jeongho Mountain were agents of the Black Curtain.”
“What?”
“Fortunately, Jang Myeong of the Sword of Remnants recognized them. They were assassins called Guiyeong Osal, part of the Black Curtain’s operatives. Through their conversation, we confirmed the Black Curtain is their stronghold.”
“Is that true?”
Hyeon Tae-ryeong, head of Cheonmyeong Mountain Villa, asked with anger on his face. Naturally, his wrath was directed at the Black Curtain, since his son Hyeon Jin-myung had been killed by demonic techniques.
“They said so, but I don’t fully believe it. My feeling is that the demonic energy influenced their answers.”
“But the fact that it came from them must mean some connection, right?”
“As I said, demons want our division. Suspicion is fine, but don’t link it prematurely. Investigations will reveal the truth. Until then, don’t rush judgment.”
Those who had lost children might see things differently, but Naeng Yeo-seol, with her extensive experience in the martial world, steered the conversation to ensure proper investigation before action.
“That seems wise.”
Eui Je-min also agreed, hoping a thorough investigation would guide their next steps.
“And what if they turn out to be innocent?”
Gon Man-wook asked.
“That’s why we investigate. We have ways to uncover the truth, so don’t worry.”
Naeng Yeo-seol didn’t rely on blind faith; she understood the techniques of amplified demonic energy, so verifying would be straightforward.
Though Gon Man-wook and Hyeon Tae-ryeong looked displeased, they dared not voice it in front of Naeng Yeo-seol.
“Head!”
A voice called from outside.
“What is it?”
“People from Gaebang have arrived, bringing carts full of corpses.”
They exchanged glances.
“So they’re here. Go and check. Also, inform the Myeongsa Sect to come here.”
“Understood.”
Sword Spirit was in the annex with Jin A-seol, supervising her practice of the martial arts she had learned from Naeng Yeo-seol.
“That’s not how you do it. Like this.”
Sword Spirit adjusted Jin A-seol’s posture.
“When I was your age, I remembered everything I saw and heard in one go.”
“Pfft, how would I know if I’m not looking? Besides, you can’t even do martial arts.”
“Why can’t I? I’m the greatest in the world!”
“Then show me.”
“I said, martial arts isn’t something you practice to show others!”
“Always with that line! Stay out of my way, you’re in the way.”
Jin A-seol shouted at Sword Spirit, then returned to practicing the basic Moon Shadow Fist techniques she had learned.
It was the Moon Shadow Fist, a foundational art every disciple of the Moon Shadow Sect must learn.
Observing another sect’s martial arts is forbidden, but Sword Spirit justified it as helping Jin A-seol improve, so he lectured her at every opportunity.
Though Jin A-seol protested, she secretly enjoyed bickering with him.
“You must extend your leg strongly, then spiral your fist like this to generate power.”
“Like this.”
“Ugh!”
Her fist struck Sword Spirit’s abdomen.
“Hey, how can you punch like that all of a sudden?”
“You said you’re the greatest. Can’t you dodge it?”
“Don’t expect all great masters to dodge everything.”
“Why not? Aren’t great masters supposed to dodge all attacks?”
“No. The greatest master controls the fight by attacking first, so there’s no need to dodge.”
Jin A-seol tilted her head. That made sense. If the opponent is subdued before striking, no defense is needed.
Sword Spirit smiled faintly at her contemplation.
“That’s true, right? You’re not lying to me?”
“You’ve just been tricked all your life?”
“Tch, because you always lie!”
Sword Spirit pouted. Though still young, he found entertaining the experience of teaching a child like Jin A-seol.
“I never lied to anyone. People just didn’t believe me.”
“Because it was a lie, you see.”
“Enough. Focus on your training. I’ll watch. It’s rare to have the greatest master teach you.”
Jin A-seol shook her head, assuming the fighting stance of the Moon Shadow Fist.
“No one will believe you’re the greatest. Haah!”
Sword Spirit nodded as Jin A-seol displayed the form.
Despite his nagging, she had talent. Her natural ability allowed her to perform the moves smoothly, though lacking in strength and internal energy for full effect. With training, that would improve.
“That’s not it!”
Bored, Sword Spirit teased her again.
“Fine. I’ll show you myself. Watch carefully.”
Jin A-seol scoffed.
“How do you even know Moon Shadow Fist?”
“I have my ways. I’ve seen you practice many times. Just watch!”
Sword Spirit assumed the stance, took a deep breath, and moved—demonstrating the Moon Shadow Fist without using internal energy, relying solely on physical motion.
Even without internal energy, the air seemed to slice through space.
“Remember this well.”
He slowed his movements so Jin A-seol could observe every step. Yet the flow remained smooth. Sword Spirit incorporated the principles of Chun Nam-yeon’s blunt sword, enhancing the form.
Jin A-seol watched intently, trying to memorize each motion.
“When you’ve memorized it, nod your head.”
He repeated the form until she fully understood the sequence. Jin A-seol’s mind gradually organized the previously chaotic steps.
‘He’s amazing.’
But moments later, she muttered, irritated, “I thought you were cool, but you’re such an annoying guy.”
“Done learning?”
“Yes!” She puffed her cheeks triumphantly.
“Now show me.”
“You’ll see! Watch closely!”
Jin A-seol executed the Moon Shadow Fist for Sword Spirit.
Unlike before, her movements radiated power.
‘This is how you learn—bit by bit.’
