The Appearance of the Demonic Sect - 2
Nungbigye looked curious and asked, "What is the Desolation Unleashing Blade?"
"It's another incomplete technique," Haegong explained. "The one who created it theorized it was possible but believed it to be practically impossible... Hmm, Gukgwang has truly surpassed human limits. However, he'll likely struggle to use it again; it consumes a tremendous amount of inner energy. He might even have sustained some internal injuries by now…"
Taking advantage of the moment when countless swordsmen were reduced to mere fragments, shattering the formation, Gukgwang charged in. His deadly sword techniques made short work of many swordsmen, who fell before they could even mount a proper defense. Just then, a middle-aged man in black at the rear shouted out.
"Deploy the Hundred Wolf Sword Formation!"
Instantly, the swordsmen regrouped, arranging themselves into five separate formations. With the reestablished formation, Gukgwang no longer had easy prey. Each formation surrounded him, launching sequential attacks in a wheel formation to wear him down with constant pressure. Their intent was clear: they knew they couldn't defeat him outright, so they aimed to sap his strength through relentless, repeated strikes. Gukgwang readied himself to unleash his ultimate technique once more, caring little about his own condition. The thrill of fighting until his body could endure no more brought him a twisted sense of joy.
"Hiyaah!"
A menacing blue light shot forth from his blade, and though the swordsmen, having suffered a severe blow the first time, attempted to evade quickly, his attack outpaced their evasive maneuvers. Despite this, their losses were fewer than before. For Nungbigye, however, the sight was anything but pleasant. The elite Thousand Wolf Brigade, among the finest in the Demon Sect, had been nearly decimated. Haegong, watching, finally spoke up.
"Incredible. To execute the Desolation Unleashing Blade twice in succession... But his body must be in shambles, and his inner energy greatly depleted. If we don't take him out now, we'll regret it for generations."
"Agreed, Haegong," Nungbigye replied. "But let me warn you… if his techniques start to change, don't look back. Retreat as fast as you can."
Haegong's face showed a hint of confusion. "His techniques… change?"
"After suffering a critical injury before, he lost his memory and hasn't been able to use the Demon Sect's martial arts," Nungbigye explained.
Haegong scoffed dismissively, finding the idea almost laughable.
"Hmm, you're overreacting," Haegong muttered dismissively. "High-level martial arts are all similar—barely a sheet of paper's difference between them. Whether he uses the Imperial Palace's techniques or the Demon Sect's, it shouldn't make much difference..."
"That's not the case," Nungbigye replied. "If he regains his memory, it won't just be his techniques; he'll reclaim the level of mastery he once achieved. And that's the real problem."
"Mastery?" Haegong asked.
"Yes. He was a supreme expert who even the sect leader couldn't control—one who had surpassed ordinary limits."
Shocked, Haegong pressed further, "Surpassed limits? Are you saying he's a Profound Realm master?"
"Indeed, you could call it that."
"Then there's even more reason to ensure he doesn't leave here alive."
At that moment, a black-robed warrior approached at a run.
"Reporting in."
"What is it? Where is the Flame King's heir?"
"The Flame King's unit is currently engaging the Black Wind Brigade. Despite the absence of their commander, they're putting up unexpected resistance. To eliminate them entirely, it would take at least two more double hours…"
Nungbigye's frustration flared. "Gal! Tell Han Jungpyeong to understand the greater threat here and abandon the pursuit immediately. Have them regroup and come here as swiftly as possible."
"Yes, sir!" The black-robed warrior shot off like an arrow, carrying out the order.
Watching him disappear, Nungbigye grumbled, "This situation is taking a dull turn. If I'd known it would come to this, I would've brought the Heavenly Demon Blood Sword Squad... Well, I have no choice now. It seems I'll have to step in myself."
Haegong
Gukgwang was slashing through the panicked swordsmen, scattering them as the formation crumbled. Suddenly, with an odd feeling, his body instinctively shifted sideways. At that moment—
"Urgh!"
Though he avoided a critical hit, the blow was powerful. What was that? Breaking through my Wall of Evil Emperor Strength and managing to strike me… Could it be…?
As Gukgwang scanned his surroundings, he saw a figure in black approaching. There he is. A formidable master.
In a flash, Gukgwang sliced through four swordsmen attacking from the side and braced himself for the new adversary. A thin trickle of blood dripped from his lips.
My energy is draining too fast. And that last invisible, soundless strike… It didn't do major damage, but it rattled my insides. Am I destined to be buried here…?
At that moment, Haegonggong, who had been watching Gukgwang closely, spoke to Neunbigye.
"Say, can't you leave this one to me?"
"What?"
"Haha, masters of this level are rare. I'd like to test my skills, you see…"
Reluctantly, Neunbigye nodded, unable to refuse Haegonggong's request. "Yes, I'll let you handle it."
"Give me a sword."
A warrior in red standing nearby drew a sword and handed it to Haegonggong. He took the weapon and, without even adopting a defensive stance, began to walk slowly toward Gukgwang. Neunbigye couldn't believe what he was seeing.
What is he relying on? The martial arts of the Imperial Palace are nothing special… That last technique, the Descent of Heavenly Destruction, was impressive, but it seemed like a crude sword art that consumes far more energy than our sect's techniques. His chances don't look good. I wouldn't mind if he died, but who would uphold the pact with the Imperial Palace?
Nevertheless, with Haegonggong stepping in, Neunbigye wasn't in a position to interfere. Haegonggong was almost unknown but was one of the Emperor's most powerful protectors, the commander of the Imperial Guard—a select group of supreme martial artists, rumored to number fewer than a hundred, according to the intelligence-run Sambidae.
As the duel between Gukgwang and Haegonggong began, Neunbigye's worries quickly proved unfounded.
Of course. He wouldn't face that monster unless he had a solid plan.
Haegonggong's swordsmanship relied on speed, but it was more than mere swiftness; its power was extraordinary. His sword emitted a faint blue glow, signaling a constant flow of potent inner energy. And his footwork was astonishingly swift. As Gukgwang was gradually forced backward, Neunbigye looked on in shock.
To think such martial arts exist in the Imperial Palace… Neunbigye couldn't resist asking the warrior in red standing beside him.
"What martial art is that?"
The warrior, slightly smug, replied, "That is the Divine Art of the Jade Essence Manual."
Sensing his pride, Neunbigye flattered him further, knowing people often reveal more when their mood is lifted. "It's truly remarkable. With such powerful martial arts, it's surprising there aren't more elite fighters in the palace."
The warrior gave a bitter smile. "There's a reason for that."
"What do you mean?"
"This martial art possesses unparalleled power, but it requires a specific limitation on the body."
"Limitations? Like it must be learned from a very young age, or it requires a unique physique?"
"No, only eunuchs can practice it. The only ones who can learn it are the elite guards of the Imperial Guard."
"Why is that? I'm quite curious."
"The Jade Essence Manual, when practiced by men, triggers an inner fire due to a surge of yin energy, leading to a madness that consumes them. For women, they can't withstand the intense yin energy buildup that overwhelms their own natural yin, pushing them to a state of extreme imbalance. However, we eunuchs have just the right internal energy balance, as the yang energy in our bodies controls the surge of yin without igniting that inner fire. Thus, only eunuchs can practice it. But because of its great power, only the elite eunuchs of the Imperial Guard, who are on duty by the Emperor's side day and night, are granted the privilege of learning the Jade Essence Manual. Now you understand?"
Hah, so fewer than a hundred have mastered it. And this man here doesn't even come close to Haegonggong's level… The Jade Essence Manual isn't all it's made out to be, Neunbigye thought, though he kept his praise outwardly polite since the information was valuable.
"Oh, I see. This has been an eye-opening experience. Truly a powerful art."
While they conversed, the duel between Haegonggong and Gukgwang was nearing its climax, showcasing the limits of human speed and power. Gukgwang was using the pinnacle techniques of the palace arts: the Wall of Evil Emperor Strength, which shone with a faint golden aura to protect him, combined with Golden Emperor Steps, the fastest movement technique of the Imperial Martial Arts, allowing him to unleash various traditional martial moves. In contrast, Haegonggong's martial arts were dark and strange, hardly resembling anything from the palace's repertoire. To an onlooker, it might have seemed like a demon from an unorthodox sect clashing with a divine general of the palace.
The duel was now in its final stages. Their skills were evenly matched, or perhaps even tipped slightly in Gukgwang's favor, as his honed instincts and reflexes granted him an edge in evasion and reaction. Yet, Haegonggong, well-versed in palace techniques, could avoid Gukgwang's attacks with ease. After half an hour of intense swordplay, Gukgwang realized one thing for certain.
He's reading my moves. The longer this drags on, the more it favors that monster. I don't have much energy left, and I've already sustained internal damage. It's time to use my trump card…
Haegonggong noticed a slight delay in his opponent's movements. Heh, saving his energy, is he? Soon enough, he'll try to land a decisive blow. So, what should I do? Knowing that Gukgwang's strongest technique, Destructive Celestial Flow Blade, could be unleashed at any moment, Haegonggong couldn't afford to let his guard down. To counter, he drew upon the most powerful defensive technique recorded in the manual: the Furious Petal Guard Steel Aura. As his energy surged, his speed slowed slightly, putting them once again on an even playing field.
Then, suddenly…
"Hyah!" A radiant burst of golden light shot out, illuminating the night sky. Blindingly bright, five whirling currents of energy streaked toward Haegonggong. He barely dodged three of them, but the remaining two struck him directly.
"Guh!" However, the currents failed to penetrate the Furious Petal Guard Steel Aura, causing only minor impact. Staggering briefly, Haegonggong quickly steadied himself and struck out with a precise sword thrust.
Strange… His sword encountered no resistance.
Heh, trying to flee, are you? As his vision cleared, Haegonggong saw Gukgwang in the distance, the faint gleam of golden light trailing from his retreating figure.
"Take this!" Haegonggong roared, thrusting his sword straight into the air, sending a piercing strike hurtling toward Gukgwang.
Thud!
Sensing the sharp force racing toward him, Gukgwang threw himself aside in a desperate evasion. Yet the blade found its mark, piercing him squarely in the back.
"Gah!" Feeling the sword embedded in him, Gukgwang gripped the protruding blade in front with his hands, channeling his energy to prevent Haegonggong from controlling the weapon as he staggered forward, blood trailing in his wake.
"Damn it… I'll get you…!" he muttered, bitterness flooding his voice. Heh, I never thought I'd end up saying 'I'll get you' like this…
But there was little else Gukgwang could do to dispel his fury.
"After him!" At that command, warriors dressed in black and red surged forward, chasing after Gukgwang with lightning speed. Behind them, warriors clad in yellow who had decided that no one was left to kill within the mansion followed suit.
Inside General Ok Yeongjin's mansion, not a single living soul remained. Ok Yeongjin's body lay decapitated in a corner, and even the captains of the elite forces, summoned under the pretense of a strategy meeting, had all been slaughtered. Every man, woman, and child in the household, including servants—and even the family's dogs—met the same grim fate.