14 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

**Chapter 14: On the Arena of Dorim Pyeong** Cheon Hui stood alone on the vast arena, eyebrows knitted in frustration. 'How did things turn out like this?' He retraced the events that had just unfolded. The Five Peaks Gathering had ended in disappointment, contrary to his expectations, and he was planning to return to Man Gyeong Gak to read martial arts texts. But then, out of nowhere, the master called upon him and commanded him to engage in a bout. ‘He must have been in a hurry.’ He had a good grasp of the master's intentions. Once a former leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult himself, he understood the mindset well. A duel to reclaim the shame of defeat. Judging by the crowd's reaction, it seemed effective. The interest was even greater than at the Five Peaks Gathering. 'What a bother.' Cheon Hui observed the crowd around him. Numerous eyes were fixed on him from all directions. The disciples of the Huashan Sect looked at him with concern, while those from the other four sword sects gazed with sneers or disbelief. It was somewhat expected. He was, after all, just a fourteen-year-old boy. And this perception extended beyond just them. Another unexpected duel had caused the elders of the four sword sects, who were once more seated in the honored seats, to quietly exchange words amongst themselves. “Did Huashan really have such a young top disciple?” At Jeok Woo Ja's question, all shook their heads, indicating ignorance. “Ah!” Suddenly, Elder Go Gyeong Ja of the Hangsan Sect seemed to recall something, letting out a brief sigh. “Do you know who he is?” Mu Yeong Ja urged, and Go Gyeong Ja nodded, whispering quietly. “You know the rumor, don't you? About the Plum Blossom Swordsmanship Master who took in an infant as a disciple. I remember the child's name being Cheon Hui.” “The Plum Blossom Swordsmanship Master...!” “So he's the disciple of that Plum Blossom Swordsmanship Master?” In an instant, their expressions changed. The moniker of the Plum Blossom Swordsmanship Master was indelibly etched in their minds. A comet who appeared at the past Five Peaks Gathering, showcasing overwhelming skills, he was hailed as one to lead the Huashan Sect into the future. Had he not fallen eight years ago along with his Plum Blossom Swordsmanship disciples to Baek Gui Seong's attack, the Huashan Sect's prestige wouldn't have waned like this. “Then that child is...” “The disciple of the Plum Blossom Swordsmanship Master.” The elders of the four sword sects tensed. Even though Cheon Hui was just a child, being the disciple of the renowned master changed his impression completely. As they directed their gaze towards Cheon Hui, they heard a sound. Thud. Gang Un stepped onto the arena. He, like Cheon Hui, was not at all pleased with the situation. In truth, he understood it well. With no Plum Blossom Swordsmanship disciples left in the Huashan Sect, the challenge couldn’t be accepted. This was a provocation. Aimed at tarnishing the Huashan Sect’s honor while elevating his own and the Hengshan Sect’s renown. Yet, the situation turned peculiar. Swoosh— Gang Un glanced at the boy in front of him. A boy, a full head shorter than himself. This petite youth, appearing no more than twelve or thirteen, had a sword hanging by his side, nearly dragging on the ground. Gang Un narrowed his eyes at the sight of the boy, questioning whether he could even wield a sword properly. ‘To think I'd be facing such a little guy instead of the Plum Blossom Swordsmanship disciples.’ “Sigh.” He let out a deep sigh, shaking his head slowly. ‘If at least the Plum Blossom Swordsmanship disciples were my opponents, I’d gain some fame. Winning this duel gives me no benefit.’ Finished with his thoughts, he approached Cheon Hui. Though feeling displeased, he respectfully clasped his hands together in a formal bow. Despite the opponent being much younger, the hierarchy dictated courtesy. “I look forward to our match.” Cheon Hui merely took a cursory look and gave a half-hearted gesture of acknowledgment, as if inconvenienced. Gang Un’s expression twisted with frustration at the indifference. ‘This kid...’ However, he forced his face back to calmness, withdrawing his gesture. As he stepped back, he murmured softly in a voice tinged with annoyance. “I have to end this as quickly as possible.” A muttered vow, barely audible. But unlike others, Cheon Hui's keen hearing caught the comment. ‘Is that so?’ Noting the dismissive tone of Gang Un, Cheon Hui curled one side of his lips. ‘Perfect timing.’ He needed an outlet for his frustration. He had traveled to witness the grand meetup of the Five Sword Sects, only to see children brawling. No real martial skills on display, no fierce competition. ‘Had I known, I wouldn’t have come here to watch.’ This was already infuriating enough. Now, he found himself dueling yet again, against a boy fresh out of adolescence. He had no choice but to comply with the master's command, which only worsened his mood. Steps echoing—echoing— While lost in their own thoughts, they halted with a gap of five paces between them. After a moment of locked gazes. Swish— Gang Un unsheathed his sword first. The White Lotus Sword gleamed under the sunlight, imbued with powerful internal energy. He fixed his gaze momentarily on his sword. Tock! He propelled himself with force. With no intention of showing leniency, his body soared upward, instantly channeling inner power to perform the Cloud Steps technique, closing the distance swiftly. The five-pace gap shrunk instantaneously. ‘I’ll end this in one blow.’ With this thought, he targeted Cheon Hui. It seemed as though the boy hadn’t even registered his movement. He rapidly swung his sword towards the boy's exposed shoulder. Whish! The wind cleaved, and energy surged. The technique being unleashed was Gale Sword Slash from the Wind Cloud Swordsmanship, his most confident move. Just as Gale Sword Slash was about to meet Cheon Hui’s unguarded shoulder— Clang! “Gasp!” Gang Un swallowed dryly, his face freezing. It was unclear when the boy had drawn his sword, but he had effortlessly parried his Gale Sword Slash. ‘How...’ His eyes quivered slightly. He hadn't seen the drawing of the sword, nor the swing. Beads of cold sweat trickled down his forehead. Tock! He hastily withdrew, regaining his composure. It wasn't just Gang Un who was taken aback. The audience witnessing the single exchange on the arena also expressed their astonishment. The ones most astonished were none other than the disciples of the Huashan Sect. “Did he... did he really block it?” “Phew, thank goodness.” “But how did he manage to block it?” Their hearts were in their throats. Although Master Jang Moon had commanded the duel between Cheon Hui and Gang Un, they hadn't believed Cheon Hui would win. Even now, the disparity was evident. Gang Un dominated the arena with an overwhelming aura, while Cheon Hui emitted just a faint sense of presence. It was akin to a rabbit facing a tiger. “Let the next attack also pass safely...” “Bless the heavens.” The disciples clutched their hands in silent prayer as they watched the arena. “How did he block it?” “Senior Brother’s Wind Cloud Swordsmanship was...!” The disciples from the Hengshan Sect were taken aback. Gang Un was among the most talented of their second disciples. For his technique to be thwarted by a mere boy was bewildering. Then, one of the disciples let out a chuckle. “Haha, Senior Brother Gang must have gone easy on him since the opponent is so young.” It seemed like a plausible explanation. How else could they comprehend the current situation? “Haha, Senior Brother, indeed.” “A mere stroke of luck.” As the Hengshan disciples relaxed, reassuming composure, Drip— Gang Un swiped the sweat from his brow. Unlike what the Hengshan disciples thought, he had not held back. He had, in fact, given it his all, seeking a quick victory. ‘But how was it blocked?’ Swallowing hard, he stared intently at Cheon Hui. The young boy held his long sword in delicate hands. No aura, no discernible internal energy. ‘...Was it just luck?’ Narrowing his eyes in contemplation. It didn't make sense unless it was luck. ‘A second stroke of luck won't happen.’ Gang Un summoned more internal energy. The strength of the Clear Bright Heart Skill gathered around him. Whoosh! His eyes shone with a sharp determination. With newfound resolve, he stepped forward with intent. Once more, he moved with the swift Cloud Steps technique. He sliced the air, gripping his sword tighter, aiming at Cheon Hui’s exposed side. Whish! As the sharp edge neared its target. “...!” Gang Un was startled. Cheon Hui’s tilted eyes now locked onto his, piercing through him with a gaze. ‘He’s tracking my movements...’ Smirk— As Cheon Hui’s lips curled into a grin. Flash! With a burst of light, lightning seemed to flash. Their swords clashed, locking them in a contest of strength. ‘The Flying Wind Slash Sword... blocked so easily?’ Angry and bewildered, Gang Un tried to press harder with his sword. “You wanted to see the Plum Blossom Swordsmanship, didn’t you?” A chilly voice reached his ears. With those words, a strong force pushed through the sword. Boom! Gang Un was knocked back. “What was... that?” He mumbled dumbfoundedly. The force he felt moments ago. Although it was just a sparing amount of internal energy, it carried immense counterforce. ‘It wasn’t luck...’ His face bore a subtle rigidity. But then he shook his head. He finally understood why Master Jang Moon had sent forth this young disciple. His grip tightened around his sword. ‘As expected of the Huashan Sect.’ Cheon Hui watched Gang Un assume a proper stance with newfound tension and let out a soft laugh. Then, he summoned the power of the Plum Blossom Divine Art. Whoosh! The internal energy of the Plum Blossom Divine Art spread throughout his body, emanating a gentle, pervasive aura. The atmosphere, entirely transformed. Onlookers marveled at the shift. “Such an aura..." “His martial prowess is astonishing for someone so young.” The audience could not hold back their admiration. The aura and presence now exuded by Cheon Hui contrasted greatly with his appearance. It was a domineering yet overwhelming energy, different from before. “Was he hiding his skills all along?” “No wonder Master Jang Moon requested the duel!” The mood among the spectators gradually shifted. The previously anxious eyes of Huashan's disciples now sparkled with anticipation, while those of the Hengshan Sect trembled with unease. “With such an impressive aura...” “Could Senior Brother Gang really...?” Even Cheongo, who had been observing the duel, widened his eyes. “It wasn’t guesswork, then.” Cheongo had thought he had a keen eye for judging martial abilities but had not expected such exceptional skill. Despite the seemingly low internal energy, Cheon Hui exerted an aura and presence that was overwhelmingly potent. Enough to overshadow Gang Un, who likely trained for over a decade. As he pondered. ‘Is such a feat possible?’ Questions rose within him. Cheongo, who knew Cheon Hui well, found the current situation puzzling. He knew Cheon Hui had learned martial arts, but the speed of his growth was absurdly rapid. ‘Could those watching this duel know? That Cheon Hui, who currently exerts such an overwhelming aura, has only been practicing martial arts for a mere month.’ As he pondered, Cheongo unconsciously swallowed his saliva. His eyes trembled as he observed Cheon Hui. Whoosh! Suddenly, Cheon Hui’s form blurred downward. “...!” Momentarily, Gang Un lost sight of Cheon Hui in the blink of an eye. And there he was, suddenly in front of Gang Un, staring him down. “Haah!” Quickly shouting a battle cry, he swung his sword ready to counter at a moment’s notice. A technique executed with all his might. Yet, his sword did not reach Cheon Hui. For Cheon Hui, wielding his own blade, easily deflected Gang Un’s strike. Using the subtle movements of a Plum Blossom Sword Technique, Cheon Hui deflected Gang Un’s swing effortlessly. Cheon Hui whispered calmly. “Watch carefully. This is the Plum Blossom Swordsmanship.” With the soft-spoken words. Whirl! A tremendous wind surged forth. Crimson plum blossoms that danced with the setting sun mingled with the whirlwind conjured by Cheon Hui, as if devouring the very earth and sky.