Chapter 375 – Sacrificial Ceremony (5)

Transparent sunlight permeated the sky.

It was the time when people’s shadows were at their shortest.

People who had spread out mats and lay down in appearances indistinguishable between beggars or wandering swordsmen, masters of protective techniques standing with both feet together on high tree branches with folded arms, men and women of all ages sitting in palanquins surrounded by silk-clad bodyguards.

Among them, hardly anyone showed signs of boredom. As the sun rose higher, the excitement etched on most faces only grew deeper.

And then.

“They’re coming! They’re coming!”

“What? Finally…!”

“Where? Who is it?!”

There was an imposing presence filling the distant mountain path below. The sound of iron armor clanking at regular intervals also rang out. It gradually grew louder.

The crowd stirred like a swarm of bees.

“The Ten Perfections Sect! Ten Thousand Weapons Heavenly Lord has arrived! Leading his disciples!”

“He really responded… I wasn’t sure…”

“To think that the world-renowned Ten Perfections Sect Leader would display his martial arts before the public…!”

“Today I’ll cleanse my eyes with the Ten Thousand Forms Primal Origin Technique.”

The leaders of major factions are all beings difficult to see even in a lifetime. This is true not only for common people but also for renowned masters of the martial world.

They rarely appear unless the occasion matches their status, and even if they briefly share the same ground, it’s difficult to confirm their appearance with one’s eyes—like the sun in the sky.

For martial artists, it holds even deeper meaning.

Because the gestures and movements of peerless masters are imbued with supreme principles, and it’s said that just by watching briefly, one can broaden their knowledge and gain great enlightenment.

“Does this mean we’ll also see the Flower Shadow King? They say his appearance would make Song Yu and Pan Yue weep!”

“It can’t be that impressive. Rumors are always exaggerated.”

“Move aside! I can’t see! Move!”

“Stop pushing! I can’t go any further!”

“Martial artists have formed ranks! If you go any further, trouble will break out, so please stop…!”

The crowd densely filled the long ridge.

Scuffles broke out among the people.

Those trying to move even slightly forward stuck out their heads, and those unable to secure a view jumped up and down in place. All to capture the highest peak with their eyes.

Because it was an opportunity that would never come again in the world.

Both to witness the martial arts of peerless masters and to be the first to report the results of today’s competition to their respective groups.

Countless people thought this way.

Even if they couldn’t properly witness the fight, they had to keep their feet planted there.

A historic occasion. It was a hundred times better than blankly staring down at cracked ground where not even grass would grow.

How could they turn their backs and descend when they could see the peerless masters they had only heard of in rumors and normally admired?

Unlike the common people, the martial artists and high officials who had secured prime positions looked down and drooled.

“The Ten Perfections Sect… they really came…”

“Truly a terrifying presence.”

A group climbing the hill with unhindered steps.

They wore armor that glittered brilliantly in the sunlight.

A unified metallic sound spread from the joints of their armor, and at first glance, their appearance, exuding a strict military discipline, didn’t seem like that of martial artists.

Clank. Clank.

About forty people following the Ten Perfections Sect Leader, who wore dazzling white armor. The invisible energy waves were tremendous.

The aura flowing from their completely unified internal energy breathing pressed down on the grass.

Even though they were just walking.

There was a splendor like a military parade in Beijing. It was a ceremony only possible for those who had cultivated the same internal energy.

“Look at that bearing. Despite clashing with the Blood Flame Cult Leader, he’s been vigorously active recently…”

“The Ten Perfections Sect Leader is indeed in good health. It seems the rumors about him breaking several of the Tang family’s formations weren’t false.”

“The friends of the Sima Evil Path have reason to be confident. I wonder if the competition will proceed properly at this rate.”

“Pardon? Why do you think so?”

“Most martial artists are typically ignorant of worldly affairs. Unless they’re from a major faction.”

“Hmm…”

“How many swordsmen have lost their heads for failing to recognize famous martial artists? Surely there will be those who step forward seeking to impress the Thirteen Evil Sects that have become the dominant force. They may not be wise, but they’re quite powerful… for example, subordinate sects of the Ten Perfections Sect.”

“Ah! Come to think of it, this martial competition doesn’t have any set brackets, does it?”

“Anyone can participate. Frankly, even some nameless upstart who’s polished his sword a bit could challenge the Radiant Demon Wing Leader under the pretext of being insulted. Though riffraff wouldn’t dare to do so.”

“That’s meaningless. They wouldn’t even withstand three moves from the Radiant Demon Wing Leader, let alone the sect leaders of Emei and Qingcheng.”

“You’re viewing the Thirteen Evil Sects leaders, including the Ten Perfections Sect Leader, as mere brutes with strength. They’re no less capable of fighting for honor. Rather, they excel at toying with opponents. The art of taking large meat with small sacrifices.”

“I really don’t understand what you’re saying, Elder Floating Star…”

“Just wait and see. Actually, the outcome of the competition isn’t my concern; I just want to properly observe the Ten Perfections Sect Leader’s Ten Thousand Forms Primal Origin Technique.”

While people from various circles were looking up, the Ten Perfections Sect procession, led by the Sect Leader Ten Thousand Weapons Heavenly Lord, ascended to the appointed hill. At that moment, the clanking sounds ceased in unison.

“It’s quite spacious. Suitable for displaying movement techniques.”

The Ten Perfections Sect Leader muttered with a face bearing a genial smile.

As he looked around, stroking the blade at his left waist, the leisurely aura characteristic of an absolute being emanated from him.

A subordinate beside him slightly bowed his head.

“It’s called Gengui Peak, Gengui Ridge.”

“A hill where stars gather together. I didn’t know Sichuan had such a high and wide peak.”

“It’s where they buried the deceased Dragon Phoenix Twin Poisons…”

“Dragon Phoenix Twin Poisons?”

“The direct descendants of the Tang Clan Leader. The siblings who were used as sacrifices for the Golden Wing Sect’s formation that day.”

“Ah, I’ve enjoyed their names as drinking snacks before. I thought the aliases of today’s youngsters were truly exaggerated.”

The Ten Perfections Sect Leader slowly nodded his head.

And suddenly turned his gaze.

“Of course… for a martial artist of your caliber, using terms like dragon and phoenix for those aliases wouldn’t be so ridiculous.”

It wasn’t directed at his subordinate.

The Ten Perfections Sect disciples who had turned their gaze with their leader flinched.

Enough to make their thick armor emit a small noise. This was because their wide eyes caught sight of a black fluttering robe hem.

When had he arrived… There was a faint cluster of light breaking through the gaps in the undergrowth.

Saaaa—

It disappeared, flowing down in fragments at the feet of the young man standing in the middle of the hill.

It was clearly the propulsive energy waves of lightness skill, but it was more mystical than anyone else on the hillside today.

Along with the face of the young man who gave a dreamlike impression in the breaking sunlight at this moment.

Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin.

An ancient quality emanated from his expressionless face.

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader.”

One of the Ten Perfections Sect disciples muttered like a groan.

At that moment, a massive cheer erupted from the crowd surrounding the hillside. It was as if even the atmosphere had greatly shaken for an instant.

Waaaaaah—!

“When did he…? What kind of movement technique is that…?”

“That appearance… it’s the Flower Shadow King! The rumors were understated!”

“So he was such a magnificent man?”

“I adore you! Please look over here just once!”

“Today I’m truly enlightened!”

Those greatly excited waved their hands and shouted.

The fervor was tremendous. This was because the challenge letter copied by the Tang family had been posted throughout Sichuan Province.

He had created words no one dared imagine, and staked his supreme status as a Black-rank of Desolate Fortress to post them everywhere.

The host of the martial competition.

The youngest squad leader of the Divine Sword Group.

The master who bestowed the Myriad Heavens Flower Rain on the Tang family.

Along with several well-known achievements, there was hardly anyone in Sichuan Province who didn’t know Jeong Yeon-shin’s name.

The rumor that the Tang family, the largest noble clan in Sichuan, regarded him as their teacher also earned their favor. It was obvious which side the majority of the crowd supported.

But among the participants in the competition, none paid attention to this. Because their fate would be determined by the martial arts they possessed.

Sreung.

As the Ten Perfections Sect Leader stroked his wrist, his elbow guard made of pure white iron made a chilling sound.

“Why is that?”

He asked.

“What?”

Jeong Yeon-shin’s answer was indifferent.

He had quickly activated the Ten Li Gentle Light, concerned that Venerable Cypress Flame might arrive first, but in the end, he hadn’t even seen the Golden Wing Sect Leader’s hair.

‘What could be their intention?’

At that moment, the Ten Perfections Sect Leader split his mouth horizontally.

“This is different from what was written in the challenge letter. Where are the other two? I mean Venerable Cypress Flame and Qingcheng’s young Taoist.”

“Bring your two first.”

“I asked first. You should answer.”

The Ten Perfections Sect Leader said with an enigmatic smile. It was very characteristic of the Sima Evil Path.

Jeong Yeon-shin inwardly swallowed the words “Pure Demon Alliance’s half-corpse” and “Golden Wing’s dull root.” It was a place where many were watching.

If he lowered his opponent, he couldn’t rise. Here, he needed to show his innate dignity to suppress the miscellaneous beings of the Sima Evil Path.

He spoke slowly. It was a voice flowing from his heart.

“Do you still think you’re a great general while sucking the marrow from the common people’s bones? A mere traitor pretending to be a noble person.”

“Are you speaking to me?”

“You must not know shame.”

Jeong Yeon-shin concluded definitively.

He didn’t wait for a proper answer. Since childhood, he had been skilled at asking and answering on his own, and it was extremely rare for him to seek satisfactory answers from others.

It was the same since entering the martial world. His innate insight was profound.

‘Let’s defeat this one first.’

There was no way the Pure Demon Alliance Leader and Golden Wing Sect Leader would truly be absent. They must be watching from somewhere.

Like the sect leaders of Qingcheng and Emei who were observing the movements of the two Thirteen Evil Sects leaders at this moment.

“Come.”

Jeong Yeon-shin said.

“Hmm. I was quite disappointed at the Tang family.”

The Ten Perfections Sect Leader’s face regained its composure as he raised one eyebrow.

“It wouldn’t be bad to properly compare our martial arts here.”

Thud.

He stepped one foot forward. Simultaneously, a whoosh— arose as his aura pushed outward.

It was then.

“You’re not a match!”

With a thud! sound, a martial artist of fist techniques ascended the hill. He was wearing hand wraps.

He appeared to be middle-aged.

The scar diagonally crossing his face was impressive, and the faint heat haze rising around his body was also intense. It was a tyrannical protective energy.

“Iron Follower Demonic Fist!”

Several people in the crowd shouted from one side.

It didn’t stop there. Because there wasn’t just one.

Thud! Thud!

“No matter how high your Black-rank status in Desolate Fortress, you’re still just a mere squad leader, how dare you…”

“Your opponent is the leader of a major faction. You’re not qualified.”

A man holding a large axe laughed heartily, and a woman wielding a thin sword like a needle spoke definitively.

They all surrounded themselves with strong energy waves.

Whoosh!

Mixed with the strongly pressing wind came the cries of the crowd.

Remnant Extreme Corrupt Axe Xing Qi-zhong, Piercing Demon Sword Hui Su. Names that even Jeong Yeon-shin had heard once or twice since coming to Sichuan.

They were said to be among the most powerful in Sichuan’s Sima Evil Path who didn’t belong to major factions.

“This has become awkward for me.”

The Ten Perfections Sect Leader stepped back with a smirk.

When a peerless master of the Sima Evil Path appears, there are those who take him as their leader, pose as strong figures, and engage in plunder. They’re not disciples but subordinates.

Among them, particularly powerful ones are called the Great Demons of the Sima Evil Path. Literally meaning great devils.

This is the harm created by the absolute beings of the Sima Evil Path. In civilian areas, they’re considered more terrifying than the Thirteen Evil Sects leaders.

Famine.

While it’s difficult for Desolate Fortress to fill the ranks of the Divine Sword Group, it’s extremely easy for the absolute beings of the evil path to create followers and guests.

Even if that peerless master meets death, it’s extremely rare for evil path practitioners to return to the righteous path.

“They call us a group of monkeys, so let’s share a light punch. I request a life-or-death duel.”

Iron Follower Demonic Fist said, vigorously clashing his two fists together.

“Radiant Demon Wing Leader, didn’t you call us too? Looking at your challenge letter, it seems you’re desperate to devour the evil path companions of Sichuan.”

Rustle.

He slowly moved sideways with light footwork. So that he could retreat at any time.

“……”

Jeong Yeon-shin didn’t answer. He just stared blankly at the Ten Perfections Sect Leader beyond the shoulders of the three Great Demons.

A gentle curve formed on the Ten Perfections Sect Leader’s lips.

“What should we do? If the Radiant Demon Wing Leader draws his sword here, according to the rules of the martial competition, he would have to descend from here…”

The Sima Evil Path’s scheme.

Duels between sect leader-level peerless masters are not conducted as consecutive victories. Even friendly sword exchanges are the same.

With countless interests and honor intertwined, everything that could become a variable afterward or be embroiled in disputes must be excluded… Because the presence of each person weighs as heavily as the world.

“They have their opportunity too. Since they’re not martial artists under my command, I can’t say anything. Of course, if you want to face them and bring out another master, that would be fine too. Since it’s a life-or-death duel, you’d have to stake your life…”

“Excellent. Are there more?”

“Initially, you pointed to all the Sima Evil Path, so it’s not particularly petty… Hmm?”

It was when the Ten Perfections Sect Leader raised his eyebrow.

In the mind of Jeong Yeon-shin, who had made eye contact with him.

‘Fan Dragon.’

A dragon holding a fan in its mouth rose up, then tightly coiled around the sword at his waist.

Then, as the divine sword Remaining Thunder emitted a clear wooong— sound.

Slowly.

“…!”

A single horizontal line was added over the ridge in the distance. It was colorless, without any hue.

Buaaaaaang—!

Following the light of energy waves that belatedly flashed in a straight line from there, blood streaks were etched on the necks of the three Great Demons. It was completely instantaneous.

Their protective energy was torn apart by the blade of Remaining Thunder that had struck like lightning, and with a sound like tearing paper, their bodies fell sideways as their heads bounced off.

Soon after, the divine sword Remaining Thunder returned, drawing an elegant trajectory.

Sreung—

Jeong Yeon-shin placed one hand on the hilt of Remaining Thunder, which had sheathed itself very smoothly. When he slightly raised his eyelids, he saw the face of the Ten Perfections Sect Leader wearing an astonished expression.

“You, from the beginning you intended to…”

He said. Jeong Yeon-shin slowly parted his lips.

“The duel continues.”

“What?”

“How could monkeys be called people?”