30 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 30 The man who emerged through the gate, the Patriarch of the Dominance Sect, glared at the young Taoist apprentice who had dared to speak down to him. But then his eyes widened at the scene around him. “What in the world...?” Surrounding the young Taoist were the sect’s disciples, clad in Dominance Sect uniforms, groaning or lying in pitiful states on the ground. As he hurriedly assessed the situation... “...!” The Patriarch's expression shifted dramatically. The men collapsed around the young Taoist were none other than members of the elite Execution Squad and the Bloodshadow Assassins. 'The Bloodshadow Assassins are... slain...' His mind raced. Among the Dominance Sect, Bloodshadow Assassins were ranked among the top five in martial prowess. Yet, they had fallen, seemingly in less time than it takes a drop of rain to hit the ground. And it wasn’t just them, but also the Execution Squad. 'This brat must be at least at the pinnacle of martial mastery!' Just as the Patriarch processed this realization— A wicked grin stretched across Chun Hui’s face, revealing his white teeth against the darkness as he eyed the Patriarch. “So, you’re the Patriarch?” The Patriarch's eyebrows furrowed in anger. The sheer audacity of this boy, who looked far too young, daring to disrespect him. A murderous aura surged around the Patriarch, causing his robe to swell ominously. “You impudent wretch!” Who was he, after all? In Shanxi Province, his prowess was renowned, and throughout the martial world, he was respected as the Blade of the Wheel. Moreover, he was the leader rapidly growing the influence of the Dominance Sect! “Are you responsible for this mess?” “Who else would it be? Besides, unless your eyes are mere decoration, you should know already.” Chun Hui’s condescension seemed clear as day, causing the Patriarch’s brow to twitch with rage, a vein throbbing visibly. “Do you have any idea—” He barked out but stopped abruptly. He finally began to see what the young Taoist was wearing. Black as the night, the robe was marked with crimson patterns reminiscent of blood, catching his eye particularly where his sleeves bore chaotic, interwoven designs. ‘Could it be... a plum blossom?’ The Patriarch was taken aback. There was only one place in the entire martial world with robes bearing a plum blossom. ‘Surely, it can't be that the Icy Demon Ghost and the Execution Team have failed in their mission!’ As he bit his lip in realization— “Master!” “Patriarch!” A hundred warriors appeared at his side, immediately falling to their knees. These were none other than the Dominance Sect’s final tier of warriors, the Dominance Sky Brigade. The Patriarch glared down at the youth leading them, barking furiously. “What were you doing till now, letting things get this far?” “My deepest apologies.” The young man, the chief student of the Dominance Sect and leader of the Dominance Sky Brigade, So Jeong-myeong, trembled under the baleful gaze of his master. He hastily bowed himself low. “I will address the situation swiftly.” The Patriarch narrowed his eyes on So Jeong-myeong’s bowed head. 'Although he's no match for the Bloodshadow Assassins by himself, with the Sky Brigade’s combined might, they stand unmatched in the sect.' The Patriarch mentally smiled. So Jeong-myeong may be his apprentice, but the Patriarch harbored no paternal affection; to him, the boy was merely a weapon, nothing more, nothing less. 'Not that I think it’ll turn the tide, but we can at least gauge our opponent's capabilities.' Having concluded his calculations, he spoke. “Then what are you waiting for? Finish this.” “Yes, Patriarch!” With a cold gaze, the Patriarch issued his command. So Jeong-myeong and the Sky Brigade rose swiftly, energized by his words. So Jeong-myeong locked eyes with Chun Hui. “And just who might you be?” “How dare you, insolent fool! As if wreaking havoc in our domain wasn't enough, you dare speak to the master in such a manner? I'll straighten your errant ways!” The fervent declaration from So Jeong-myeong brought brightened expressions to the Dominance Sect members. “The chief of the Sky Brigade has stepped in!” “With the Sky Brigade, even that one...!” Receiving cheers and trust from his comrades, So Jeong-myeong's confidence only grew, his shoulders straightening as his pride soared. ‘Ha ha, if I prove myself here, the next in line for Patriarch is surely mine.’ As he chuckled inwardly and drew his sword— ‘I wonder if this counts as post-meal exercise.’ Chun Hui observed the advancing enemies, counting around two hundred Dominance Sect members paralyzed with fear, plus the hundred warriors ready to attack. Every single individual he felt within his sphere. “An instant should suffice.” Despite his calm demeanor, Chun Hui’s words carried a chilling weight. He cracked his neck as if preparing for the task. Huwhii! The Sky Brigade members swarmed like ants, brandishing their blades at Chun Hui. “No matter how skilled you are, you won’t escape our joint assault!” As they prepared to execute their collaborated attack— Step— Chun Hui took a single step forward, and those rushing felt a shock strike their chests. “Ugh!” Dozens were sent flying back. “Wh-what is this...?” Before the combined attack could be executed, So Jeong-myeong watched in shock as the Sky Brigade members scattered like fallen leaves. Thump! Pain flared in his chest. And that was his end. “...!” The Patriarch's gaze shook as he watched So Jeong-myeong, fallen with a crushed chest. 'In a single strike?' A cold sweat dripped from his brow. Others, oblivious to the swift series of events, stood puzzled, while the Patriarch had witnessed it all. The appearances and disappearances of dozens of phantom strikes. 'Since when did the Mount Hua Sect harbor such a talent...?' His mouth felt dry as sandpaper. “Sa-save... urgh.” In the midst of it all, Chun Hui continued eliminating one by one. The once-confident Sky Brigade were now cold corpses, and those who survived stood frozen, unable to even contemplate fleeing. Such was the overpowering presence of Chun Hui. “Then...” He moved his gaze left to right. Gulp! In a heartbeat, the Patriarch’s disciples averted their eyes, unable to take Chun Hui’s stare. “So, only a hundred left?” He took stock of them all. Thud. Lightly, he kicked off, and the massacre continued without challenge. “P-Patriarch!” “Help us!” The Dominance Sect members ran desperately towards the Patriarch, begging for aid. “...Cease.” The Patriarch finally made his move. Drawing the sword at his waist, he stared down the advancing Chun Hui, determined. Ssssh— The sword was of a unique design. The blade was considerably wider than a typical saber, yet about six inches shorter in length. The Patriarch of the Dominance Sect draped the blade over his shoulder and murmured in a low voice, “I see you have some potential.” Chun Hui, who had been looking at him with an expression as if observing an insect, now seemed slightly more interested, perhaps finally meeting someone who appeared somewhat human. “Ah, so you do have some judgment, unlike your lackeys, seeing as you’re the leader of a sect.” “Why is a Taoist from the Mount Hua Sect attacking us?” the Patriarch inquired. Chun Hui let out a chuckle, amused. The question was purely rhetorical, revealing too obvious an intention. “Are you feigning ignorance?” he replied. “...” The Patriarch’s eyes darkened. So, this adversary was completely aware of the circumstances and had come for the Dominance Sect purposefully. “Is there anything you want?” “What do I want? Not much… Oh, wait, there is one thing.” Chun Hui's dismissive tone shifted as a thought unexpectedly crossed his mind, and a smirk played across his lips. “What is it? I might accommodate if it means settling matters here...” the Patriarch tried to negotiate, but the realization of his mistake struck him hard. Chun Hui’s eyes grew icy. “Your head.” “Inconceivable.” Realizing that persuasion was futile, the Patriarch unleashed his internal energy in a fierce burst. “Well, stating the obvious.” Chun Hui's smirk deepened, tinged with derision. A slight tick in the Patriarch’s eyebrow betrayed a flicker of anger, which he quickly suppressed as he assessed Chun Hui with cold, scrutinizing eyes. "So you came alone, it seems." “You might want to revoke your earlier statement. Your eyes are as ornamental as I thought,” Chun Hui added scornfully, looking at the Patriarch with disdain. “So, alone then. Who else would there be?” A slow smile spread over the Patriarch’s face. “I see... alone, you say.” Chun Hui mirrored the smile. “Why? Do you think you can kill me because I'm alone?” “Certainly.” The smile vanished from the Patriarch’s face, replaced by steely resolve. A powerful aura surged outward, crafted from the same rotational inner energy technique taught by a nameless renegade monk in his youth, known as Revolving Heart Technique. It glinted in his eyes. ‘Victory probability: over seventy percent.’ He coolly calculated his chances. Facing an undoubtedly formidable opponent, he still felt confident. He trusted in the legacy of the Revolving Heart Technique and the Revolving Blade Technique, which had not only made him a master in Shanxi Province but also famous across the martial world. As he gripped his saber tightly, a small smile played on his lips as he looked at Chun Hui, expecting to see him daunted by the mounting pressure of the Revolving Heart Energy. ‘He’s overwhelmed by the Revolving Heart Technique's presence.’ But could he really perceive the truth? That Chun Hui wasn’t immobilized, but simply saw no necessity in reacting, finding the enemy unworthy of further aside from deflecting glances. ‘Finally, a leader who’s a bit better than his underlings.’ Chun Hui assessed the Patriarch’s aura. The quality and quantity of his internal energy were indeed leagues apart from his subordinates'. ‘His power surpasses the Midwind Brigade member by far.’ The aura enveloping him was slightly stronger than the greatest opponent Chun Hui had faced since leaving the martial world—only just surpassing the Icy Demon Ghost in prowess, making his robes billow. As his internal energy enveloped his saber, its hue altered, forming a blade aura. “I’ll end you.” The Patriarch lunged forward. In an instant, he closed the distance with Chun Hui, drawing his saber diagonally in a fierce strike. The blade aura transformed into a wind blade. Whoosh! A massive vortex tore through the air. This was the Revolving Flash, the fastest and swiftest strike within the Revolving Blade Technique. Chun Hui raised his palm as the maelstrom of blade wind approached. In that split-second, when the Patriarch caught a glimpse of the victorious glimmer in Chun Hui's eye, Clang! Sparks flew. “...!” The Patriarch's eyes widened, nearly bulging. A white palm had effortlessly halted the blade imbued with aura. “Th-the Revolving Flash is...!” he stammered. “Revolving Flash?” Chun Hui's lips curled slyly. “Bit much for something so lackluster.” “You!” The Patriarch bit his lip hard. Then, gathering all his inner force once more, he pressed forward, slashing furiously. Whoosh— Chun Hui twisted his waist, evading the blow. But the Patriarch pivoted, prepared this time for Chun Hui to dodge—ready to deploy the Revolving Sky Slash. Ting! Chun Hui's palm struck the broad part of the blade, deflecting it. “Ugh!” The jarring force snaked up from the saber, distorting the Patriarch’s face in pain. But it wasn't over. Chun Hui seized the wrist holding the saber and twisted it without hesitation. Crunch! The hand bent at an unnatural angle. “Aaaagh!” Succumbing to pain, the Patriarch released his grip on the weapon. Thud— Within a blink, the chain of attacks left the Patriarch clutching his twisted wrist, groaning. “How did you counter the Revolving Sky Slash... with a mere technique?” “Technique? Just a flick of the wrist.” Chun Hui downplayed the confrontation effortlessly. The Patriarch, however, was gripped with disbelief. “A-a flick of the wrist?” “Killing a chicken with a cow cleaver... Ah, but you aren't even a chicken,” Chun Hui said with disdain, needling the Patriarch’s pride so deeply his face crumpled like a sheet of paper. Yet, he found himself at a loss for words. The stark disparity in their skills had been made painfully clear in that brief exchange, leaving him stripped of his arrogance. ‘I can’t win.’ The confidence he once rated at seventy collapsed, washed away. With an ashen face, the Patriarch sought any chance for survival, mentioning the powerful ally that had previously backed him. “I-I have the support of the Hundred Ghost Sect.” “I know about that.” “You know!?” The brief response shook the Patriarch. “Yet you do this?” “Get your facts straight. You made the first move, which brought about this mess.” “If you kill me, the Hundred Ghost Sect will not leave you be,” he warned. “How so?” “No matter you’re from the Mount Hua Sect, the Hundred Ghost Sect will—” “Really? That sounds quite entertaining.” Chun Hui’s amused tone rattled the Patriarch, prompting him to shout. “Y-you madman!” “Madman, you say? Such a tender phrase. But did you know?” Chun Hui channeled his internal energy into his palm. “Everyone who’s spoken that word to my face is now dead.” Suddenly, Chun Hui’s robes billowed dramatically. Boom! A thunderous explosion erupted. In the aftermath, the Patriarch spewed blood and innards from his mouth, his eyes losing their light as life slipped away. "Just wait there a moment." Chun Hui looked down at the dying man, offering words he thought might bring some solace. "I'll make sure to send them along to join you."