Chapter 460

Chapter 460
## Chapter 460. Uncertain Conviction (2)

—

A nascent source of darkness lay directly before his vision. It was a germ of malice and the grim destiny of a predetermined tragedy—the future killer (*Hyung-su*) destined to drive thousands of practitioners within the White Path into utter madness. Yet, that very entity was currently spilling its own blood, acting solely for the protection of his followers.

Without a doubt, based on the portents of the dream, this was the entity that needed to be stopped—the demon who would eventually transform into a companion in the days to come. There were times when the exact progression toward a specific destiny remained incomprehensible. Even so, turning a blind eye was not an option. A vast majority of the events that transpired across the world were occurrences that could never be envisioned by human thought alone. It was a past for which he had felt a deep, agonizing remorse. Because of that, without fail, he could not look away.

Gu Song-baek was bleeding profusely. That vulnerable figure stood at the absolute forefront, maintaining his ground even while staring directly at demise. His life could have been extinguished with the slightest exertion.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Yong So-ah found himself immobilized. It was not due to any dread regarding his own phantasmal arts. Nor was it because Jin So-un, who was actively attempting to rescue the man, inspired any terror. Rather, a particular phrase—

[*Well, if I were Sect Leader Gu, I would want to sweep away the Martial Alliance even if I had to join the Demonic Cult.*]

Within Yong So-ah’s consciousness, which typically remained as serene as ‘Clear Mirror and Still Water’—

[*If you are that certain, then kill him.*]

—sparked a minor disturbance.

[*Because perhaps, it might be that your actions cause Sect Leader Gu to become like that!*]

That slight unrest prompted Yong So-ah to remember the ‘jade-pin powder.’

“…….”

Had an individual completely ignorant of his circumstances uttered those words, he would have paid them no mind. The consequences of ignorance (*mu-ji*) were invariably agonizing. However, the person who had triggered this internal unrest possessed knowledge regarding him. On top of that, that very individual had successfully intercepted his own strikes—a feat no other person had achieved.

Those assertions from Jin So-un did not simply vanish as empty talk. They sowed a tremor deep within Yong So-ah’s spirit. The tremor expanded into a ripple, which rapidly surged into a great wave. Yong So-ah, who possessed the capability to slay the future murderer with a solitary blow, merely observed the unfolding events in silence, refusing to sheath his blade.

—

*Peo-peo-peo-peong!*
*Kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwak!*

In accordance with the sweeping movements of the colossus’s talons, the landscape surrounding the Geon-cheong Hall area shifted continuously. Pre-existing structures crumbled to dust, and the courtyard that had previously been paved with smooth marble was transformed in an instant into a jagged, treacherous expanse of shattered stone. The vitality radiating from the misty titan grew progressively more intense. The expressions of the onlookers turned increasingly grim with every passing moment, but conversely, a sense of relief began to settle over me.

‘Fortunately, there is no indication of a Unified Body (*Hap-il-che*).’

Heo Gwan-jung was exhibiting the characteristics of a Soul-Lost Person (*Sil-hon-in*) with absolute clarity. A Demonic Spirit Transformation triggered under such abrupt circumstances was prone to spiraling out of control at any juncture. And running amok meant, in essence, that he was incapable of advancing beyond the Descended Body (*Gang-rim-che*).

Given that he had achieved the status of a Black Coffin, and had even become a Captain at such a youthful age, he had to be an operative whom the Mad Demon Seed had invested a tremendous amount of resources into cultivating. It was an immense stroke of luck that his true nature was exposed here before he could ascend to an even loftier rank within the Martial Alliance. Provided we utilized enough time, he could be neutralized without sustaining catastrophic casualties.

‘The true issue is situated elsewhere.’

Yong So-ah emerged from the confines of the Ten Thousand Fog Formation. His weapon remained unsheathed in his grip.

‘This is truly maddening.’

Reflecting on Gu Song-baek’s critical injuries and bleeding state, I needed to isolate him immediately so he could obtain medical attention. However, I couldn’t simply command him to retreat from my position, out of fear that Yong So-ah would strike him down the moment Gu Song-baek created any distance between us. Under these parameters, it was far more prudent to confront Heo Gwan-jung concurrently at close range.

‘An expedited clash and a rapid resolution.’

There was no margin to waste time in a prolonged engagement against him.

“*Mun-ju-nim*!”

The practitioners from both the Mosan Sect and the Tae-eul Sect combined their strengths to launch a synchronized assault on Heo Gwan-jung. A *Sa-je* from the Tae-eul Sect attempted to obstruct his path, but they were unable to completely halt Heo Gwan-jung, who was advancing with irresistible might. Consequently, the brunt of the devastation shifted toward the disciples of the Mosan Sect.

“Keua-ak!”
“Keu-heok!”

Channeling the full measure of the Jade Clear Heavenly Superior Power, I immediately executed the Twin Heaven Sword Formula to draw the pressure away from the Mosan Sect faction.

*Chwa-reu-reu.*

Radiant golden sword-qi fanned out across the area, encircling the misty colossus like cascading blossoms. Beneath the onslaught of detonating sword-structures and sword-qi, the attention of both the titan and Heo Gwan-jung, who had been pressuring the Mosan Sect members, pivoted sharply toward my direction.

*Gguaaa-ak—*

Unholy energy needled and pricked at my flesh, as though my offenses were of no consequence to them.

‘So you choose to act with such arrogance.’

Once more, I gathered the Jade Clear Heavenly Superior Power. A brilliant golden aura ignited along the edge of the Red Light Sword. I unleashed the Great Heaven Sword Technique. Multitudes of illusory blades manifested in the air, yet the titan and Heo Gwan-jung closed the distance with massive strides, entirely unperturbed by the display.

‘Just a moment more, a fraction more…….’

The adversary’s hubris and my own restraint became intricately woven like a web. The precise instant the foe stepped into the center of the tightly arranged trap arrived. Having anticipated that exact second, I released the accumulated sword-qi.

*Swaaaa-eaek—*

As the sword-qi infused with the Jade Clear Heavenly Superior Power burst forth, the misty colossus staggered backward.

*Kwa-kwa-kwang!*

Heo Gwan-jung ground his teeth with such ferocity that blood began to seep from his mouth.

“The mere dregs of the Tae-eul Sect……!”

What did this fool just say?

“Who exactly are you calling a third-rate sect!!!”
“…….”

*Swaaaa-eaek—*

A torrent of golden sword-force surged directly toward Heo Gwan-jung. The misty colossus, which was actively reconstructing its own form, shielded Heo Gwan-jung protectively and swept its Eighteen Azure Claws out with a single limb.

*Kwa-kwang!*

Upon impact, the digits of the misty titan were completely severed, yet they regenerated almost instantaneously.

“This is insanity…… is that creature truly living or what……”

Eun-ho’s astonished whisper indicated he had discerned the true nature of the Subduing Demon Madman precisely as it was. It was impossible to destroy the primary vessel before neutralizing the Descended Body, and yet the Descended Body would not dissipate unless the primary vessel was slain. This was a veritable weapon of mass destruction deployed by the Demonic Cult against the orthodox path.

Heo Gwan-jung unleashed the Eighteen Azure Claws, and I intercepted the strike by deploying the Ascension Blade, while simultaneously delivering a counterstrike against Heo Gwan-jung with the Red Light Sword.

*Kwa-jik!*

A heavy, fracturing impact echoed through the clearing, yet Heo Gwan-jung remained uninjured. It appeared the misty titan had altered its composition to shield its host.

“It matters little how much you attempt to shield him!”

I brought the Red Light Sword down once more, heavily laden with concentrated sword-force.

*Kwang!*
I drove it down, and,
*Kwang!*
I struck downwards again.
*Kwang!*

As if a massive pile were being hammered into the earth, Heo Gwan-jung’s lower limbs were forced deep into the soil up to his patellas.

*Gguaaaa-ak—*

The Descended Body roared with the ferocity of a wild beast. The physical dimensions of the Descended Body, which had absorbed the blunt force intended for Heo Gwan-jung, had diminished significantly without anyone consciously realizing it.

‘The moment for its release is drawing near.’

I rapidly transmitted a mental message to everyone present.

*- The moment I provide the indication, everyone drop to the earth.*

The Descended Body, its crimson eyes gleaming with malice, shuddered violently before its structural form abruptly disintegrated.

“Now!!!”

In that precise instant, razor-sharp blades composed of dense smoke erupted outward in every direction.

*Seu-geok—*

It was an unmistakably clean, shearing sound.

*Ku-gung.*
*Wa-reu-reuk.*

Every partition wall and structural pillar within a span of three *jang* was completely severed. I quickly scanned our surroundings. Because the group had remained vigilant against the volatile state of the Descended Body, no one had sustained mortal injuries. During that brief interlude, Heo Gwan-jung forced the Descended Body to manifest once more over his shoulders. The volume of this newly formed Descended Body was merely half the scale of its predecessor. From the beginning, defeating the Subduing Demon Madman of the Mad Demon Seed required grinding them down through this exact method of attrition.

“However, a certain individual has no intention of granting us that time.”

The moment I pressed the assault against Heo Gwan-jung once more, the bastard opted to retreat.

“Jin So-un……”

The man, who was clearly losing his sanity entirely, was salivating as he uttered my name repeatedly.

“Speak up! You absolute lunatic, say something!”

Yet Heo Gwan-jung possessed no desire to engage my blade directly. Pivoting on his heel, he redirected his momentum and surged toward the gathered members of the Mosan Sect.

“Ah, this wretched bastard……! Everyone!”

As though they had anticipated the shift, Geum-pyo and Dong-ryong stepped forward to obstruct his path. Heo Gwan-jung immediately altered his trajectory again, sprinting toward the spot where Eun-ho was positioned.

“Curse it…… why are you rushing toward me!”

Eun-ho unleashed a flurry of sword-qi alongside a panicked shout. The sword-qi born of the Small Heaven Sword Technique, which he had deployed in a frenzy, flew straight toward Heo Gwan-jung’s critical pressure points.

*Pok, pok, pok, pok.*

The miasma of the Descended Body shielded Heo Gwan-jung’s vulnerable areas. His advance remained entirely unhalted…….

“W-Wait! Stay back! I am not your target! Go over that way, look over there!”

That idiot, I am fairly certain he just directed his finger straight toward my position…….

*Seu-geok—*

At that exact juncture, Sa-ryeon ambushed the Descended Body and Heo Gwan-jung simultaneously from a blind spot. The *So-hwa* sword, heavily enveloped in sword-qi, inflicted a far more substantial blow than the offensives launched by Dong-ryong or Eun-ho.

*Gguaaaa-ak—*

The Descended Body thrashed its Eighteen Azure Claws toward Sa-ryeon in a spasm of agony.

*Kwa-ga-ga-ga-gwak*

‘It seems the efficacy of demon-subduing arts remains identical to my previous life.’

Evidently, the sacred energy residing within the *So-hwa* Sword dealt far greater damage to the Descended Body. Taking advantage of the opening, Dong-ryong and Geum-pyo advanced rapidly to maintain the pressure, causing the Descended Body to oscillate precariously.

‘I must conclude this before the third manifestation of the Descended Body can materialize.’

The subsequent replication carries a far more destructive backlash than the initial occurrence. To permanently eliminate the bastard, I had to intercept the replication process and slay the primary host during the brief transition period. At this current moment, the only individuals present capable of employing the demon-subduing (*hang-ma*) disciplines to suppress unholy miasma were myself and Yong So-ah.

‘I would literally rather perish than request his assistance.’

Furthermore, if Yong So-ah actually moved to assist, it would only deepen my misgivings.

“Cha-aat!”

My gaze then landed on Gu Song-baek, who was desperately swinging his blade at the absolute vanguard of the conflict.

‘Yes, that is a far better alternative!’

I swiftly barked an order to Eun-ho.

“Keep him occupied!”
“What? Why is it always me!”
“If I command you to occupy him, just do it!”
“……Ah!”

Understanding the severe repercussions of the initial replication, Eun-ho grasped my intent flawlessly and moderated the intensity of his strikes.

*- Mun-ju-nim!*

Gu Song-baek flinched slightly upon recognizing that he had received a direct mental transmission.

*- Are you capable of executing the Spell-Binding Art?*
*- The Spell-Binding Art…… you mean?*
*- Correct.*
*- I am familiar with the technique, but against a monstrosity of that nature…….*

I comprehended his hesitation perfectly. In this current era, attempting to restrain such a terrifying adversary using a ritual technique reserved for ceremonial performances would seem absurd to an outsider. However, in ancient times, both the Spell-Binding Art and the Demon-Subduing Talisman were genuine methodologies utilized to combat fiends.

…

*- The moment I provide the signal, I require you to direct that technique precisely toward Heo Gwan-jung.*

Hearing my directive, he appeared momentarily taken aback, but swiftly gave a firm nod of agreement.

…

*- I understand. Proceed with your move.*

Acknowledging his assent, I lunged forward into the fray alongside Gu Song-baek.

“Fall back!”

Upon my command, my *Sa-je* quickly disengaged. Scores of clustered sword-qi erupted from my blade, descending like an absolute deluge upon Heo Gwan-jung and his accompanying Descended Body.

…

*Gguaaaa-ak—*

The shriek torn from the Descended Body was so deafening that Heo Gwan-jung’s own cries were entirely drowned out. Shortly thereafter, the Descended Body shuddered violently as its structure completely gave way.

“*Mun-ju-nim*!”
“I have it!”

Sect Leader Gu drew forth a collection of talismans from within his garments and flung them into the air. Simultaneously, as he narrowed his eyes and intoned a swift mantra, the talismans that had been drifting like autumn foliage attached themselves to various points across Heo Gwan-jung’s frame as if guided by an internal will.

“Eeeeeek!”

Heo Gwan-jung found himself utterly immobilized, unable to twitch so much as a single strand of hair, precisely like an individual bound securely by heavy cordage.

“What in the world is the meaning of this……”

It was an outcome that astonished even Gu Song-baek, the very practitioner who had initiated the technique. Concurrently, the exact fraction of a second the shattered Descended Body attempted to transform into a storm of blades to lacerate the surroundings—

*Hwa-reu-reuk!*

From my bare palms, having already stowed away both the Red Light Sword and the Ascension Blade, the **Holy Fire Demon-Slaying Hand** erupted into being. Those brilliant, golden-hued flames consumed the residual fragments of the Descended Body within a heartbeat.

*Seu-geok—*

Incinerating the remaining fragments, I charged directly at Heo Gwan-jung without a moment’s delay.

“N-No!”

My hands plunged clean through Heo Gwan-jung’s torso, igniting his physical form from the inside out.

*Gguaaaa-ak—*

The Descended Body, attempting to manifest once more, tried desperately to expand its volume to envelop Heo Gwan-jung again. Yet even as it shielded him, it recoiled as though experiencing profound agony, caught in a state of absolute paralysis—

*Ggu-uu-aa-ak—*

—before finally flickering out of existence entirely.

*Tuk.*

Heo Gwan-jung’s physical frame collapsed heavily onto his knees before slumping to the earth. At long last, the nightmare had drawn to a close…….

“*Mun-ju-nim*!”

A wave of absolute horror washed over me as I observed Gu Song-baek’s condition.

“*Jin So-hyeop*……”

Gu Song-baek was missing his lower leg. It was devastatingly apparent that a lingering fragment of the Descended Body I had failed to incinerate had severed Gu Song-baek’s limb. Shaking with a sudden surge of fury, I snapped my head around to glare at Yong So-ah.

“What do you intend to do now?”
“…….”

Yong So-ah offered an unreadable glance toward Gu Song-baek before shifting his focus back to me. I pressed him once more.

“I demanded to know, what do you intend to do.”

An even more profound stillness descended upon the already quiet courtyard. While the rest of the onlookers might remain oblivious, I was acutely aware. Microscopic fractures had begun to mar his flawless, porcelain-like visage. Before long, Yong So-ah turned around without a word and departed from the grounds of the Mosan Sect. Following his departure, my gaze locked onto the remaining Black Coffins.

“One from among your own ranks was actively practicing unholy arts. Can you declare with absolute certainty that this entire undertaking was devoid of error?”
“…….”

An organization that had arrived to pass judgment on forbidden arts had utilized an operative who wielded something remarkably similar to those exact forbidden practices. Through this failure alone, they had completely forfeited their authority. Shortly thereafter, the Black Coffins likewise began to file out of the Mosan Sect premises one by one.

“*Jin So-hyeop*……”
“I offer my deepest apologies…… *Mun-ju-nim*.”

I lowered my gaze, consumed by a profound sense of mortification, but a comforting warmth suddenly enveloped my hand.

“You have my gratitude, *Jin So-hyeop*. It feels as though, through your actions, it has been definitively demonstrated that righteousness still endures within the Jianghu. I shall hold this benevolence in my heart forever.”

Despite having surrendered a leg to this conflict after already losing an eye, Gu Song-baek wore a expression of deeper fulfillment than he ever had before, right before slipping into unconsciousness. I silently contemplated that peaceful countenance.