15 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Episode 15 The Plum Blossom Sword Technique was a fine sword style, but it fell short of being an absolute art. To be precise, as far as Cheon Hwi's discerning eyes could see, it was a technique that left much to be desired. Comprised of twelve moves in the first half and twelve in the latter, this sword technique, consisting of twenty-four forms in total, had been known through generations for aiding the plum blossom swordsmen of the Huashan sect in overcoming both righteous and evil adversaries. Furthermore, when mastered, the sword emitted a blooming radiance and fragrance, captivating attention and spreading its name across the martial world. Even he, once the leader of the Heavenly Demon Sect nestled in Tianshan, was aware of it. ‘No, now I’m the most knowledgeable about the Plum Blossom Sword Technique, more than anyone.’ Cheon Hwi's eyes gleamed brilliantly. He believed he understood the intensity and flaws of the Plum Blossom Sword Technique better than anyone in the current Huashan sect. ‘Having faced the so-called Plum Blossom Divine Sword master with this very technique, and now having mastered it myself.’ He recalled the details of the technique. Gentle yet fierce. It held principles fitting of a technique renowned as the pinnacle of phantom swords. However— ‘Its limitations were clear, even back then.’ It lacked the qualities of an absolute art. Certainly, it was an excellent sword technique, but to label it as an absolute art? That was an absurdity. Compared to the Heavenly Demon Sect's Absolute Heavenly Demon Sword, the Heavenly Descendant Blood Dragon Sword Technique, Wudang’s Tai Chi Wisdom Sword, or the Zixia Sword Method demonstrated by the Plum Blossom Divine Sword master, the Plum Blossom Sword Technique was noticeably lacking. This was the conclusion of himself, the former leader of the Heavenly Demon Sect, and Absolute Heavenly Demon. ‘That's why I changed it.’ Cheon Hwi reminisced about a month ago. About the time he performed the sword dance. When he comprehended the principles of the Plum Blossom Sword Technique and performed the sword dance, he gained insight into the technique. And noticed what was lacking. The gentle phantom sword imbued within the Plum Blossom Sword Technique was indeed fierce and sharp. But merely possessing this did not qualify it as an absolute art. The moment he realized this, he devoted most of his time to transforming the Plum Blossom Sword Technique into something that could rival an absolute art. For it had to become at least an absolute art to be considered a technique worthy of his mastery. ‘It took some time, but…….’ Cheon Hwi’s gaze darkened. As he reformed the Plum Blossom Sword Technique, the twenty-four original forms dwindled to seven. In those seven forms, he encapsulated the essence of the Plum Blossom Sword Technique, infusing it with his unique dominance to create a new sword technique. The Seven Techniques of the Plum Blossom Sword. Whhhhhh— Alongside the tempest sweeping over the plains, a thick fragrance of plum blossom enveloped the area. "……!" "What the!" Taken aback by the fierce wind, Kang Woon and the crowd struggled to regain their composure. Kang Woon, in particular, was unable to withstand the force pushing against him and was sent flying. Thud— As he rolled about three jang on the ground, he quickly braced himself with both hands and rose to his feet. "Ugh!" Yet, he could not entirely shake off the impact, releasing a brief groan. Then, he gasped for air, trying to calm his frayed nerves. “Heup, heup.” Trying to soothe his startled heart, he stared at Cheon Hwi in disbelief. ‘W-What just happened?’ Cheon Hwi looked at Kang Woon in disdain, who had collapsed like he'd been struck by the Supreme Heavenly Demon Force, unable to withstand the infused energy. ‘Not even able to endure this, and rolling on the ground as if struck by the Supreme Heavenly Demon Force.’ Since the duel had commenced, he intended to vent his frustration properly. In the manner Kang Woon had wanted. But his opponent was far too weak. ‘Tsk, let’s just finish this.’ Swoosh— After raising his sword, Cheon Hwi pointed it squarely at the now-frozen Kang Woon. It was a casual gesture but— ‘What is this?!’ Kang Woon found it hard to retain his composure. The instant the sword pointed at him, the once seemingly small Cheon Hwi appeared massive. As Kang Woon paled in the face of this immense pressure, the sword in Cheon Hwi's hand began to move. Swwwoosh! From the sword sprung forth a myriad of blossoms. Plum blossoms, holding the hues of a sunset, bloomed beautifully. "……!" At that moment, as Cheon Hwi's sword gave rise to the blooming plum blossoms, the crowd erupted in shock. What was sword blossoms? It was known as a feat only achievable by truly mastering the Plum Blossom Sword Technique. Thus, seeing Cheon Hwi, who was merely fourteen, produce sword blossoms shocked them to no end. "At such a young age……." "Already evoking sword blossoms!" As exclamations of disbelief filled the air— Suddenly! The leaders and seniors of the Huashan sect, upon witnessing the sword technique Cheon Hwi wielded, had abruptly risen from their seats. "……!" "That just now!" They too were taken aback by the sight of the sword blossoms. Yet what left them even more astounded was Cheon Hwi's sword technique itself. "Wh-What sword form is that?" "How can such a form evoke sword blossoms……." “Plum Blossom Falling? No, it's too sharp for that. Could it be Plum Blossom Shadow Making Rivers……?” Confusion ensnared them. The forms of the Plum Blossom Sword Technique showcased by Cheon Hwi were entirely new to their eyes. As they puzzled through possible forms, one by one, they shook their heads and muttered quietly. "That's not the form of the Plum Blossom Sword Technique." "But it’s indeed the Plum Blossom Sword Technique." "What on earth is this paradox…….” Their eyes quivered intensely. While the sword blossoms indicated it was undoubtedly the sect’s Plum Blossom Sword Technique—paradoxically, it was not. A contradictory statement. Yet there was no other way to accurately describe the sword technique Cheon Hwi was displaying. While they grappled with the situation— ‘Hahaha, to think he would transform the Plum Blossom Sword Technique.’ Hyeon Do watched Cheon Hwi evoke sword blossoms atop the stage with satisfaction. Unlike the other senior members of Huashan, he could make sense of the situation. Naturally, he was also surprised. Cheon Hwi had altered the Plum Blossom Sword Technique. And in his view, it was more concise and powerful than its original form. In his former self, he might have protested such absurdity vehemently, but now he readily accepted it. ‘Because it’s Cheon Hwi.’ Given how, over the span of a month training with Cheon Hwi, he had witnessed countless unbelievable moments. As Hyeon Do recalled the extraordinary occurrences of the past month involving Cheon Hwi... "Did you know about this?" An astonished voice resonated in his mind. Turning towards the honored seat, he saw the Jang Moon In looking at him. Though appearing composed, Hyeon Do, who had known him for a long time, recognized his surprise. He immediately projected his thoughts back. "I did not know either." "Haha. This is astonishing, truly astonishing." The Jang Moon In expressed his admiration. Though he himself was confounded, the joy he felt far outweighed anything else. He continued to watch Cheon Hwi with gleaming eyes. The overwhelming talent of Cheon Hwi was a blessing bestowed upon the present Huashan sect. ‘The heavens are indeed watching over our sect.’ Thinking this, his lips curled upwards in an irrepressible smile. Though mildly irked by Cheon Hwi’s alteration of the Plum Blossom Sword Technique without informing him, his elation was much greater. As everyone gazed at Cheon Hwi with eyes filled with amazement and disbelief— Whoosh— Cheon Hwi's aura transformed abruptly. Instead of pointing at Kang Woon, the sword that birthed plum blossoms now aimed toward the sky, unleashing an immense force that permeated the martial arts arena. For a moment, the winds ceased in Dorim Plain. An overwhelming stillness settled over the dueling ground, as Kang Woon, shaking under the pressing aura, gritted his teeth. “I won’t lose!” His eyes alight with determination. He recalled the rigorous training endured and the mastery of sword techniques leading up to this day. He gripped his sword firmly with both hands. Then, he infused his sword with all the inner strength he possessed from the Qingming Heart Art. In that instant, a faint aura clung to his sword. Though dim, it was indeed a genuine sword energy. Having poured his entire internal power to barely evoke this, Kang Woon glared at Cheon Hwi. He overcame the sense of oppression and took a bold step forward with his left foot. “Haap!” With a resonant shout, he raised his sword high and swung it towards Cheon Hwi. This was the final ultimate move of the Wind and Cloud Sword Technique. A form that summoned both winds and clouds. The manifestation of Wind and Cloud Appearing. ‘A sword aura.’ Upon witnessing Kang Woon's earnest execution of the Wind and Cloud Manifestation, Cheon Hwi remained indifferent. While sword aura was a sign of reaching the level of a first-rate swordsman, to him, it was something trivial, a sight he had grown accustomed to. Swoosh— Cheon Hwi directed his internal power through the hand gripping his sword with an impassive expression. Thin threads of energy spread from his sword in an instant, transforming into blooming plum blossoms all around him. As Cheon Hwi beheld the sword blossoms blooming around him, he raised his sword high. Whoosh— At the moment his sword pointed towards the sky, the winds that had halted once again began to blow. In the gentle breeze, the plum blossoms blooming from Cheon Hwi’s sword started to dance. Swhiss! The sword swung downwards. The first form of the Seven Techniques of the Plum Blossom Sword. A Dance of Plum Blossoms in the Wind. Plum blossoms covered the sky. At the moment a single plum blossom collided with Kang Woon’s full-power Wind and Cloud Manifestation— Flash! A dazzling light burst forth and in an instant, the plum blossoms that had filled the martial arena vanished. As if the battle that had transpired was merely an illusion. “…….” Silence reigned over Dorim Plain. There was no sound, no aftershock. Kang Woon and Cheon Hwi stood, facing each other from across the sparring ground. Kang Woon’s sword tip was extended towards Cheon Hwi’s throat. Yet, contrasting this, Cheon Hwi's sword had already been withdrawn. At a glance, it seemed as if Kang Woon had won. But then— Crack— A fissure ran through Kang Woon's sword. The ominous sound grew, eventually shattering the sword into countless fragments. Clatter— Pieces of the sword fell to the ground. Kang Woon gazed dumbfoundedly at the sword, now devoid of a blade. It had taken just a single plum blossom. Only one had struck, and yet Kang Woon’s full-power Wind and Cloud Manifestation had crumbled without resistance, with his sword utterly shattered. Swish— Cheon Hwi looked at the stunned Kang Woon, then turned around without hesitation. He slowly descended from the martial stage. Clack— Clack— Footsteps echoed in the hush. At that very moment, red plum blossoms fell like rain, softly landing around him as he left the sparring ground. As though heralding the dawn of a new era for the Huashan sect.