Chapter 750: Yeah, You’ve Got Quite the Yemper, too, Huh?
One-Slash Sword Supreme extended her snow-white hand forward.
Srrrk.
The cloth that had fallen to the ground flew into her hand. She neatly folded and arranged the cloth that had wrapped around the Heaven-Extinguishing Saber and tucked it into her robes.
“You lost the bet, so please grant my wish.”
She didn’t decline Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s concession. For her, accepting without refusal was the proper courtesy toward him.
“Alright.”
Blood Heaven Blade Demon drew out the Heaven-Extinguishing Saber that had been embedded before him and released his demonic energy.
He had concealed his demonic energy throughout their journey until now.
Jjeoeeoooeok!
The demonic energy tore through the air ahead, spreading outward. At first, it looked as though cracks were slowly forming across the icy floor, but the collapse soon accelerated.
Then, as if something long dormant was awakening from deep slumber—
Swaeeaaeeaaek!
The demonic energy ripped through space with terrifying force, flying toward the Blade King. It was a signal—the opening act of battle.
As the menacing energy surged toward them, the Dark Blood Four Blades covered their bodies with their Blood Wind Garments and raised their Protective Energy.
Phuaaaak!
The crashing demonic energy sent them sliding backward. That was how powerful it was.
Chwaaaak.
The Blade King stood and took the full brunt of the demonic energy. His hair fluttered wildly, and his robes whipped in the gust.
Even amid that overwhelming force, his gaze, still brimming with hostility, bypassed Blood Heaven Blade Demon and locked onto Geom Mugeuk.
“Coward.”
It was a taunt implying that Geom Mugeuk was hiding behind Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
At a glance, it seemed he was provoking Geom Mugeuk, but in truth, it was Blood Heaven Blade Demon whom he had provoked.
For he ignored the one who had unleashed the demonic energy and fixed his attention solely on Geom Mugeuk.
It was the kind of provocation that either of them could have responded to—but unfortunately for him, his opponent was Geom Mugeuk.
From behind Blood Heaven Blade Demon, Geom Mugeuk asked,
“Do you have one?”
It was unclear what he was referring to.
“Someone who’d make you look like a coward like this. You don’t, do you?”
In that instant, the Blade King’s face twitched. The one who had meant to provoke had ended up being provoked instead.
Looking at Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s back, Geom Mugeuk spoke.
“I trust my Left Wing the most.”
To Blood Heaven Blade Demon, those words sounded like this:
Don’t get angry.
But it wasn’t “don’t fall for the provocation.” It meant he believed Blood Heaven Blade Demon wouldn’t fall for something that petty.
That’s how provocation usually worked—you knew it was a provocation, so you didn’t fall for it, but it still got under your skin.
Yet Geom Mugeuk wouldn’t allow even that. Since this much consideration was shown to him by the Young Cult Leader, he ought to show a bit of composure in return.
“The Left Wing ranks higher, right?”
At his habitual question, Geom Mugeuk smiled and replied firmly,
“Of course, right below the Cult Leader comes the Left Wing!”
The Blade King, who had been listening to their conversation, turned to look at the calm Sword King standing beside him. The emotion in his gaze was clear. He simply couldn’t understand how someone like him could get entangled with that Young Cult Leader.
The Sword King stood with his arms crossed, showing no reaction whatsoever. Neither the Blade King on this side nor the Demon Supreme on that side could comprehend the relationship between him and Geom Mugeuk.
Blood Heaven Blade Demon stepped forward.
Geom Mugeuk didn’t intervene in this fight. Whatever their intentions were, whatever might be planned afterward—once Blood Heaven Blade Demon had taken the field himself, there was no stopping this battle.
When it was time to fight, one had to fight. Masters like himself or Blood Heaven Blade Demon grew the most only when they faced powerful foes in true combat.
The opponent was formidable, but Blood Heaven Blade Demon was no longer the man he used to be.
Since Geom Mugeuk’s regression, Blood Heaven Blade Demon had steadily improved his skills through constant training, and during this current expedition, he had consumed the legendary elixirs—the Stalactite Immortal Moss and the Immortal Peach Spirit Fruit.
And what Geom Mugeuk trusted most was the image of Blood Heaven Blade Demon sitting by the window, reading a book. Though it had nothing to do with martial arts, that tranquil daily routine held the very things that would protect him.
Of course, that didn’t mean this was a fight in which one could afford to relax.
The opponent was none other than the Blade King—the one who had once challenged the Sword King’s strength.
Geom Mugeuk provoked the Blade King one last time.
“Don’t worry. There’s an empty spot among those dolls over there where you’ll fit perfectly.”
The Blade King’s chiseled face grew sharper again. It was impossible to imagine any pleasant expression crossing that face.
The Sword King silently observed Geom Mugeuk.
Geom Mugeuk often said he liked his freedom, but whenever the Sword King saw him like this, one thought came to mind.
He always complained about being tied down by responsibilities and countless human relationships, yet the truth was—Geom Mugeuk was far freer than himself.
Watching Geom Mugeuk made him realize that true freedom wasn’t something one felt in isolation, but something gained by being deeply connected with others. Just like how one needed two wings to fly.
The Blade King slowly drew his blade.
“I always wanted to cross blades with you at least once.”
However, he drew only one of his two blades—the crimson Blood Blade. From his eyes radiated confidence and superiority, declaring that one blade was more than enough to kill his foe.
Blood Heaven Blade Demon didn’t let that arrogance pass.
“Don’t you need two chopsticks to eat properly?”
He might have seemed calm lately, but his personality was never what one would call polite.
Swaeaeaeaeak!
The two dashed toward each other.
Kaaang!
The Heaven-Extinguishing Saber and the Blood Blade clashed in midair.
Though it was merely blade against blade, an overwhelming force erupted outward.
“O old Demon Supreme, isn’t that blade heavy for you now?”
“If it’s too heavy to handle, I can always use those twin blades.”
Swaeaeaeaeak!
The Heaven-Extinguishing Saber pushed him back, slicing through the air.
Kaaang!
The small Blood Blade blocked the enormous saber with tremendous force. That tiny blade was holding back such a massive weapon.
Kakakakang!
Their blades clashed in midair, sending sparks flying.
It was completely different from the clash of swords. Each strike carried enough power to shatter anything it struck, the weapons hurling themselves toward each other with devastating might.
A natural question arose in the minds of those watching.
How are those blades not breaking under such force?
Every exchange brought that same tension to their chests.
Swaeak! Swaeak!
The Blood Blade flew at Blood Heaven Blade Demon in rapid succession.
Those attacks were swift, and the trajectories the Blood Blade carved always brushed against death itself.
They were strikes that would surely cleave through the opponent’s torso.
But at the very last instant, the trajectory that reached for death—
Kaaang!
—was severed by the Heaven-Extinguishing Saber.
No one had believed that such a massive saber could possibly keep up with that speed.
Yet the Heaven-Extinguishing Saber deflected every oncoming strike.
Kaang! Kang! Kaaang!
Blood Heaven Blade Demon wielded his saber like a shield. He maximized the advantages of a great blade, blocking every attack with the smallest of movements.
The Blade King’s speed increased even further.
Dozens of blade lines woven from their weapons streaked across the air like threads of light.
With every collision, blinding flashes erupted, and sparks burst like fireworks.
They weren’t using any secret arts that stirred inner energy—it was purely a contest of strength and speed, a clash of momentum.
This alone was enough to kill.
A battle of pride between men who wielded blades.
Their blades grazed each other’s faces. They narrowly avoided strikes that could have blown their heads apart. Only by dodging this closely could they defend against the next attack.
A single unnecessary movement meant death.
Ordinary masters fought against their opponents. But those who had reached the pinnacle fought against their own fear.
One-Slash Sword Supreme, watching the fight, turned her head toward the quiet heat radiating beside her.
Geom Mugeuk was staring intently at the battle, his full focus locked on it—as if he were fighting alongside them.
She could tell. If a truly dangerous moment came, Geom Mugeuk would intervene.
Even if he were later scolded—again and again—by Blood Heaven Blade Demon, he would intervene without hesitation.
She could feel it—his burning resolve never to let Blood Heaven Blade Demon die.
And Geom Mugeuk must have been hoping—hoping that Blood Heaven Blade Demon would grow even stronger through this fight.
Her gaze returned to Blood Heaven Blade Demon.
He was smiling as he fought.
‘He’s enjoying this battle.’
The thrill of a battle against a true formidable foe was passing through her as well. A fiery desire welled within her—to rush in and fight alongside them.
‘Orabeoni, we no longer need to long for our younger days. For now, we are living through times far more blazing than back then.’
Just then—amid the fierce clash!
An unexpected strike came from Blood Heaven Blade Demon. The Blade King couldn’t comprehend it.
‘A thrust with a great saber?’
A reckless move always came with a price.
It was the perfect opening to deflect the saber aside, slide along its flat, and slash in an instant! Just as the Blade King moved on instinct—
Whirururururururu!
The incoming Heaven-Extinguishing Saber spun. The speed at which such a massive saber rotated was beyond belief—so fast it tore the air apart as it came hurtling toward his chest.
‘I can’t dodge it!’
In that fleeting instant, countless thoughts raced through the Blade King’s mind.
If he simply dodged, he would surely be struck by the spinning edge. If he tried to parry at an angle, his own blade would fly out of his hand. Retreating was already too late. A clumsy dodge would only make it worse!
Tuh-eong!
A thunderous explosion rang out.
The Heaven-Extinguishing Saber stopped in midair—its rotation halted.
Even though his attack had been blocked, Blood Heaven Blade Demon was smiling.
It wasn’t only the Blood Blade that had stopped the saber. In the Blade King’s other hand was the Black Blade. He had no choice but to draw it—crossing his twin blades to halt the spinning strike.
Blood Heaven Blade Demon grinned.
“Now it’s two blades, huh?”
Flames seemed to flare within the Blade King’s eyes, feeling humiliated.
His aura grew even fiercer.
No one could tell what move would come next, so Geom Mugeuk spoke to everyone.
“Alright, everyone, fall back further.”
Geom Mugeuk pulled Ji Han, Tae Soo, Danso Jin, and the Unorthodox Alliance warriors back. At the same time, he motioned for Danso Jin and the Unorthodox Alliance warriors to come closer to him.
The two, who had been standing a bit farther away, came quietly toward Geom Mugeuk.
While everyone’s attention was fixed on Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Blade King, Danso Jin discreetly handed something to Geom Mugeuk.
When he received it, he saw it was a single pill.
—The antidote to the poison you were struck with earlier.
—How can I trust that?
—Because I know you, you’re a man who can see the truth. I believe you’ll make the wise choice.
Geom Mugeuk looked at him in silence. It didn’t really matter—whether the pill was poison or not.
—I’ll trust you.
Right in front of him, Geom Mugeuk swallowed the pill. It wasn’t poison after all. It seemed to be a genuine antidote.
—I trust you. But do you trust me?
To Geom Mugeuk’s question—asking if he truly stood on their side—
—If I hadn’t trusted you, I never would have come here in the first place.
After that final transmission, he said nothing more.
Why had those people sought out this man? And why was he helping him?
There was yet another question.
Why had that Unorthodox Alliance warrior been ordered to be spared?
The Iron-Masked Man had said so earlier—that someone had given the command to keep him alive.
From the tone of his words, the one who issued that order was neither the Sword King nor the Blade King.
‘There’s still an enemy who hasn’t appeared yet.’
Geom Mugeuk was certain of it.
If they had called upon both the Sword King and the Blade King, it meant they had staked almost everything on this battle. At the same time, there were still enemies remaining.
Geom Mugeuk stayed on edge, never allowing his focus to waver.
For now, he intended to protect Danso Jin and the Unorthodox Alliance warriors that the Alliance Leader had sent—as best he could.
The Blade King spoke coldly.
“O old Demon Supreme, you are worthy to face my twin blades.”
“Right, boasting is something best done while you’re still young. Once you’re old, it’s too bothersome to even do that.”
Blood Heaven Blade Demon never lost in a battle of words. Geom Mugeuk believed that came from all the reading he did.
Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Blade King rushed toward each other.
Kaaang!
The Heaven-Extinguishing Saber was blocked by the twin blades.
The Blade King swung them down rapidly—the two blades crossed in a terrifying storm of slashes.
Two blades triumph over one.
Without that conviction, he never would have chosen twin blades in the first place.
He had believed that with his dual sabers, he could surely overpower the opponent.
Yet the Heaven-Extinguishing Saber did not yield to either blade.
Their intense exchange reached its peak—
When the two unleashed their full strength, there was no explosion, but silence—an instant in which sound devoured sound.
Then—
Kwaaaang!
A deafening roar followed.
Jrrrurk—
The one forced several steps back was the Blade King. Blood Heaven Blade Demon had overpowered him with sheer internal energy.
“You’ve grown this strong?”
There was genuine surprise in the Blade King’s dry voice.
Blood Heaven Blade Demon had indeed become stronger.
He could feel the vitality surging within him. It wasn’t merely a matter of the quantity of inner energy.
The flow of qi within his body felt youthful, filled with vitality. The vigor of renewed life, combined with the refined control, that had become a second habit for the seasoned Blood Heaven Blade Demon, produced an extraordinary effect. His mind worked faster, his true energy moved more fluidly and his body obeyed faithfully. This was beyond what could be accomplished through just increase in internal energy.
‘Yes, this was how it felt back then.’
That feeling of being able to fight all day long tirelessly.
Fwoooosh—
Suddenly, the moon engraved upon the Blood Blade and the sun etched upon the Black Blade began to shine.
The Blade King started releasing an even stronger aura.
An energy so tremendous that it started distorting the surrounding space itself.
Swaaahhhhh—
Tae Soo and Ji Han trembled uncontrollably.
This was the first time they had ever felt such terrifying aura—one that seemed capable of tearing their bodies apart even at this distance.
Geom Mugeuk released his own inner energy to shield the four standing behind him.
If not for that, the sheer force of the aura alone would have caused them internal injuries.
Yet Blood Heaven Blade Demon remained utterly unfazed amid the storming tempest of the Blade King’s aura.
Through that aura, one could clearly tell what kind of man the Blade King was—
Cold, merciless, heartless, and cruel.
There wasn’t a shred of warmth within him.
“Yeah, you’ve got quite the temper too, huh?”
From Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s body erupted demonic energy—
far stronger than what he had unleashed before.
Swaaaahhh—
It was a violent, feral demonic energy unlike anything Geom Mugeuk or One-Slash Sword Supreme had ever seen.
He had hidden it from everyone for a long time.
As Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s demonic energy intertwined with the Blade King’s aura, the place felt as though it had turned into the very heart of hell itself.
Resting the massive Heaven-Extinguishing Saber on his shoulder, Blood Heaven Blade Demon spoke.
“Regardless, after enduring all that filth and temper, this is who I’ve become.”