Chapter 132 – Hazy, Unexpectedly (2)

“Tomorrow.”

As I was meditating in the guest room in the middle of the night, the Heavenly Demon came to visit me.

“…Didn’t you say that the training would start today?”

“I intended to, but that wicked woman held me for five hours, leaving me no choice.”

It seemed as if he were boasting about something.

There was no need to pay attention to such words.
I listened to the old man’s excuses with one ear and let them out through the other.

“I don’t have much time.”

“Understood. That’s your situation. Regardless, I’ve relayed the message. Come unarmed by noon tomorrow.”

Before leaving, the old man offered me a word of caution.

“Ah, your opponent in the sparring… They will be somewhat stronger than you, so bear that in mind.”

– Thud.

The door closed loudly.

The room darkened once more. I remained still for a while, my head bowed.
Though there was a place to lay down, tonight would be spent in fitful rest.

I leaned my back against the wall and closed my eyes.
A moderate level of discomfort actually made for a perfect resting place for me.

* * * * * *

On the day of the rain dance.

– Thump, thump, thump, thump.

The drumbeats were so loud they resonated within my heart.

Had rumors of the rain dance spread throughout the neighborhood? It was only natural that all the seats were filled, and the stairways were packed with people.

“Will you be alright?”

Dressed as a servant, Cheondo stealthily approached and asked me. Cheondo was wearing an outfit that was quite different from her usual attire. It resembled the clothing of the Yangin, as seen in dramas.

“Why are you dressed like that?”

“Because I usually hide my identity as a Socheonma. From my name to the fact that I am Master’s daughter.”

Ah, I see. It seemed that she completely concealed her status as the successor to avoid troublesome conflicts and to focus on cultivation.

There seemed to be a reason why Baekdo was treated like the eldest daughter.

Thinking of this, I felt a little disgusted with the old man who sent me up unarmed. Cheonma considered me someone who could handle a bit of conflict.

Well, from their perspective, I am a completely uncontrolled stone, so it’s only natural.

“Anyway, I’ll go now. Cheer up.”

Cheondo’s expression was brighter and more straightforward than yesterday.

– Thump, thump, thump.

The drumbeat sounded again. In front of me, a woman dressed in red, holding a true sword in one hand, appeared.

‘…A woman.’

She was said to be a little stronger than me. I unwrapped the bandages that had been wound around my wrist. The scar on the long, torn arm was revealed.

“Whoa.”

Exhaling, she slowly awakened her sharp reflexes. My heart cooled like ice.

As I collected my thoughts, the woman took a step toward me.

“Are you my secret combat opponent?”

The tone was arrogant.

“Yes.”

At my answer, the woman’s face contorted in displeasure.

“You don’t know that I am the leader of Dowon. Show some respect.”
“You’re not even my teacher, so there’s no need for formalities. If you’re here for the secret combat, focus on that.”

The leader’s face flushed with anger. In the distance, the Heavenly Demon and his daughters were watching the scene. Moreover, with numerous warriors and elders of the factions occupying the spectator seats, being disregarded was embarrassing for her.

I removed the blood-soaked bandages and laid them on the ground.

“You’re injured. Can you even fight properly? It’s laughable if you can’t last even a minute.”

I relaxed my shoulders to calm myself down.

“A dim-witted fool like you calls himself a disciple.”

I took a deep breath. Now, it seemed that my scattered focus was converging on a single point.

“Give up now. It would be better for you.”

“We’re not fighting with words, so be quiet.”

“…What?”

“Did you boil a train firebox instead of bamboo leaf syrup?”

She stretched out one arm, taking her stance. The woman had a bewildered expression, as if doubting her ears.

“Bamboo leaves, what? Heh heh heh.”

Soon, she chuckled and tightened her grip on her sword.

A primal surge of energy enveloped my body.

“Don’t regret this later. I, Hong-Yeon, will slice your throat right now.”

Thump- The exhilarating sound of drums abruptly ceased. Soon after, a short, staccato gong rang out.

-Dang~ Dang~

Hong-Yeon’s crimson form began to approach me.

-Thud!

The sound of her footsteps echoed clearly in my head. I could feel the flow of wind moving through her wounded skin.

My flesh trembled, and the sword drew near. I, too, responded and moved my body.

-Clang!

I deflected the crimson, undulating blade aimed at my shoulder with the side of my hand. Under normal circumstances, the attacker would have retreated after this, but Hong-Yeon pressed deeper into her stance.

“Hwa.”

Swiftly, Hong-Yeon pierced the outer part of my chest with her finger, not the tip of her sword.

– Poo-wook.

Hong-Yeon stepped back, wearing a sly grin.

‘…’

A crimson magical flower bloomed from the punctured area. Blood gushed incessantly, staining my clothes a bright red.

“The more you move, the worse the bleeding will be.”

Hong-Yeon’s smug expression remained. I sealed the wound with my healing power.

“The moment you allowed the attack, you—”

The World Tree’s power to heal injuries is maximized the deeper and more severe the wound. It’s useless if the injury leads to death, but as long as it doesn’t kill me instantly, I won’t crumble.

“-Huh?”

Hong Yeon was caught off guard when things did not unfold as she had anticipated.

Ignoring this, she adjusted her stance once more. This time, she also increased her magical power, severing the connection with the World Tree and scattering black petals at the center of her disarmed state.

*Thud!*

Black Peach Tree.

Petals sprouting from the ground swirled around me, forming a whirlwind. The expanded magical power manifested as a black aura on the surface of the skin.

By now, it was only natural for Hong Yeon’s eyes to reflect her astonishment.

“…Ah!”

Admiring exclamations could be heard all around. The clamor produced by the collision of magical powers swallowed even the projectiles.

“It seems there was a reason to believe after all.”

Hong Yeon, reciting her incantation, revealed her own magic as well. A floral scent wafted from the tip of her nose as the power of the trees gradually turned red.

Crimson Maple.

Five-pronged leaves began to spread where she stepped.

*Tap, tap.*

Surrounding Hong-Yeon, seven swords entwined with leaves ascended.
The crimson, lance-like sword on her back resembled the edge of autumn leaves.

“Apex Thrust.”

Victory Sword.

“As you seem to be displaying your full power, I will respond in kind.”

Hong-Yeon’s eyes blazed like deep red flames.

“…Blossoming.”

Her red garb vanished, revealing the skin around her shoulders.
The maple leaves covering her body split apart like sawteeth, guarding her form.

‘Lignification.’

A power of a different nature.
An absolute strength derived from a god’s blood, protected to this day.
This time, no wooden aspect was visible.
Each tree person’s lignification took a unique form; Hong-Yeon appeared to maintain her human appearance.

“Come.”

At Hong-Yeon’s command, I charged forward.

The wind stirred, scattering petals all around.

Piercing through the concentrated autumn leaves, he gathered magic in both hands.

– Swish, swash.

The sword gradually lengthened. The number of red protrusions on his back effortlessly surpassed thirty.

“Flight of the Heavenly Sword Dance.”

Dozens of swords cascaded down with a single gesture.
Narrowing his eyes, he braced himself for the onslaught.

– Kwa-aaaah!

Swords rained down, embedding themselves into the ground.
As he moved, the number of swords that exceeded dozens eventually reached a hundred.

– Kwa-gang, kwa-ga-gak!

He forced a gap open and approached, leaving afterimages on both sides while tirelessly advancing.

The ground, struck by the swords, cracked and formed a crater.
His field of vision narrowed, and only then did Hong-Yeon, who had seemed so far away, appear before him.

“…Where do you think you’re going!”

– Bam!

Precisely one strike. He aimed for her heart.
Hong-Yeon, who blocked the blow by crossing her swords, was repelled by the impact.

I attempted to run forward once more, but my legs weakened and I momentarily ceased moving.

“Can you even accomplish more with that body?”

I heard Hong Yeon’s mocking laughter ahead of me.

Dozens of swords embedded in my shoulders and back.

“Turned into a hedgehog, you’re now incapable of anything. You can’t even approach me.”

My eyes trembled. My heart still pounded, blood spurting from my body.
I had rested enough.
I kicked off the ground and advanced once more.

“…You truly are insane.”

*Crash!*

Once more, I drew nearer.
Although a sword lodged itself in my back, from the second attempt, it was simpler.

Closing the distance, I scattered blood and threw punches.
Hong Yeon’s sword swiftly parried each and every strike.

“Get away from me now!”

Clearly exasperated with the situation, Hong Yeon swung the sword she held towards my neck.

*Clang!*

I shattered the sword by biting down on it with my teeth.

A fragment of the sword grazed my cheek, leaving a wound, and my face was reflected in the scattered shards of metal.

One more step.

– Kwajik!

…I can’t move forward. The sword that descended from the sky precisely pierced through my left shoulder blade.

As if to make me feel the difference in skill. Hong-Yeon unleashed magic from her fingertips.

“You’re like a beast. You are surely the one who will bring ruin to our Do-Won.”

The sword embedded in my body. The sword that penetrated my left shoulder rotated once.

– Kwajik!

One arm flew off with an unpleasant sound.

But these arrogant individuals are often most careless when they are convinced they have won.

Leaning forward, I clenched my right fist. They noticed it too late and tried to widen the distance, but it was already too late.

– Perok!

One strike. It shattered the ribs and continued forward, sending a shock through the internal organs.

Seeing Hong-Yeon attempting to retreat, I stretched my leg forward.

The sword that approached from behind now penetrated my right arm. I thrust my face in once again.

If both arms are useless, use your mouth.
I bit into my opponent’s shoulder, tearing away a chunk of flesh.

“Argh! Ugh!”

Hong Yeon, her face contorted in intense pain, widened the distance between us.
The swords flying around lost their concentration and fell to the ground.
Blood poured from her hand, clutching her injured shoulder.

“Dammit… Such a deranged bastard.”

When I infused my magic, the swords embedded in my body were pushed out and fell to the floor.
After catching my breath for a moment, I looked around.

I could see my severed arm in the narrowed field of view.
I picked it up and pressed it to the area where it had been cut off.

-Crunch, crackle!

Bones and flesh aligned with a disturbing sound.
Veins stood out, blue and angry, on the skin.

The more severe the injury, the stronger my power becomes.

Even though the nerves were severed along with the tendons, the mercilessly torn arm was quickly restored.

“……”

Astonishment spread across Hong-Yeon’s face.

“Are you human?”

She took a step forward. Hong-Yeon’s mana had been significantly depleted, so even if she wielded her sword again, it would be far less effective.

He could handle that much with his bare hands.

He approached Hong-Yeon, his entire body drenched in blood. The terrified woman’s eyes entered his line of sight.

-Paang!

He parried the unleashed sword once more. The once-solid blade disintegrated as if its binding had unraveled.

Magic that does not last once the mind is unsettled. This religious leader must not be accustomed to suffering, resorting to such spells.

Of course, that had been his target all along.

The neurotoxin that the Heavenly Demon had sprayed on him previously still lingered in his blood. Its effects remained potent, as it had not yet been neutralized.

“Damn it, I…”

Before long, Hong-Yeon, who had overcome her petrification, uttered words admitting defeat.

Before her lips could even part, he hooked his foot and pushed his chest, toppling his opponent.

“Ugh!”

Climbing on top of Hong-Yeon, he raised his tightly clenched fist. Blood from his own body soaked her face.

A blow to the blood-stained area.

*Crack!*

He felt the sensation of her nose breaking at the end of his fist.

“Please… stop. I get it–”

But he didn’t stop.

At any moment, the World Tree of Time could reach the end of its lifespan and return them to reality. This fight was nothing short of a waste of time. Heaven might die. Cornus might, too. Even the future of their daughter was not guaranteed.

Time was of the essence.

He had only detoured into this battle to awaken his true potential.

“…Stop.”

His onslaught continued despite her pleas.

*Crack!*

The sound of a desperate strike echoed through the unarmed battlefield. The once fiercely burning combat zone for the warriors now lay eerily silent.

As I was about to deliver one more blow,

– Whirik, Pak!

A final sword flew from behind, piercing my raised right hand.

It was a futile resistance. Nonetheless, I struck down without a care.

“Gasp… choke, gurgle.”

I continued to move my fists diligently.

– Perok!

“Kkeu, kkeu, kkeu.”

How many times had I struck?

“Stop it.”

As I was about to raise my fist again, an old man who had approached suddenly grabbed my wrist. A strong force held my hand.

“To you, it may be a worthless life, but she has lived as a pushover in my stead. That’s enough.”

The Heavenly Demon said that without this woman, he would be too busy.

I quietly spoke to him.

“If that were the case, I should have stopped when my arm fell off. Are you joking? One more strike is acceptable in this state.”
“…I see it that way too. People don’t die so easily.”
“Release me.”

The old man silently let go of the wrist.

– Pow!

With the final strike, Hong-Yeon’s head flew backward. The opponent’s blood stretched out from the clenched fist.

Rising from the spot, Heaven wiped the corner of her eyes. As she loosened her jaw, a clump of blood fell from her mouth. The old man, who had been watching, shook his shoulders with a weary expression.

“I’ve seen many, but you’re worse than those who lose their senses under the influence of drugs.”
“It’s necessary. This way, the others won’t dare to approach.”
“…To me, it seems like you did it just because it irritated you.”

How Heaven would see me, I didn’t know… but that wasn’t my concern now.

I struggled to my feet.

I felt as though I might lose consciousness and fall backward at any moment. Biting my tongue, I forced my body to stay alert.

As I withdrew the blade embedded in the back of my hand, it transformed into blackened autumn leaves, vanishing as if consumed by flames.

From that moment on, I never succumbed to unconsciousness again.