Book 7 Chapter 21

Cheonsal's Soul Summoning Sword and Na Yerim

- The correlation between charming women and rejuvenation

"You damn rat!"

Cheonsal didn't want to believe his sword was only at a level that even a young punk could dodge.

Therefore, Cheonsal had to kill Biryu-yeon.

A blue killing intent flickered in his eyes. He decided to get a little more serious.

Forty-fourth (44) Soul Summoning Ghost Spirit Sword Technique (招魂鬼靈劍法)

First Move (第一招)

Ghost Spirit Suppressing Soul (鬼靈壓魂)

His sword moved slowly forward, extending towards Biryu-yeon. It was an incomparably slower speed than just moments before. However, the immense power contained within its sluggish speed was terrifying.

Cheonsal's sword displayed its true value when wielded slowly rather than quickly. Despite his lean physique and slender sword, he had mastered the Heavy Crushing Sword technique. The Crushing Sword technique is one that uses sword energy to suppress and crush the opponent. It is one of the most powerful sword techniques.

The ground trembled and violently heaved. An intangible pressure flew towards Biryu-yeon without mercy.

"Kwah Kwang!"

Another ear-splitting roar struck their ears. This time, Biryu-yeon didn't move an inch. There was no need to move.

Where Cheonsal's sword was aimed, Na Yerim stood with her sword drawn, instead of the rat Biryu-yeon. Ever since he first saw her, her gaze had bothered him. It was best to eliminate future trouble in advance.

Before he could even shout 'Danger!' to warn her, the sharp sword energy cut through her.

"Chya-ra-rang!"

Sword against sword, they collided in one spot, letting out a shriek. Na Yerim's sword had narrowly blocked the Ghost Spirit Suppressing Soul, the first move of Cheonsal's Soul Summoning Ghost Spirit Sword Technique.

"Hoo-ooo-ooo!"

The Cheon Guan monks watching let out sighs of relief, patting their chests. But the situation was not yet resolved. It was too early to sigh in relief.

Cheonsal's sword pressed in on Na Yerim with sheer momentum. It was truly sword energy worthy of being called the Sword Demon.

"Uuuung! Uuuung!"

Her beloved sword, Okryeong (玉靈), held in Na Yerim's delicate hands, wailed with rising energy. White, mist-like sword energy enveloped her sword.

She slightly furrowed her delicate eyebrows. She thought she had dispersed most of the force, but there was still power left. Her arm throbbed with pain. Her sword turned white as if frost had fallen. A silver mist bloomed around her as if protecting her.

"Girl! What is your name?"

Cheonsal asked with a look of wonder. A girl, who seemed no older than twenty, had blocked his heartfelt strike. Moreover, even to his old eyes, she was a beauty so stunning it would make one's eyes pop out. If his cultivation had been even slightly lower, he might have been enchanted by her beauty.

"Swish!"

Then, as if forbidding any further pleasantries, Biryu-yeon blocked his path.

"How insolent!"

A vein pulsed on Cheonsal's forehead. Biryu-yeon stared at him with a face full of mockery. His mouth continuously dripped with sneers.

"Aren't you being a bit too brazen for your age?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't you think it's too late to be trying to seduce women at your age? You should consider your age."

"What? What an insolent punk!"

Cheonsal was consumed by a sense of victimhood, feeling he was being subjected to all sorts of indignities by this green young man. That sense of victimhood became a killing intent, radiating outwards from within him. Killing intent surged from Cheonsal's body.

"Your fervent passion for rejuvenation and your diligent efforts in cultivation may be exemplary, but wouldn't it be unsightly if it's excessive! Your intentions are noble and commendable, but cultivating patience would be a better lesson!"

Blue flames leaped from Cheonsal's aged eyes.

"I've never seen anyone as insolent as you in my life. Of course, you say that only when you're prepared to die, right?"

"If you can kill me, trying would be a good challenge. You intend to kill me?"

"Of course. Why do you ask when you know it so well?"

Cheonsal's sword tip was already extended, threatening Biryu-yeon's life. For a master like Cheonsal, it was a simple technique to take an opponent's life the moment the sword tip was aimed.

"Sometimes, attempting the impossible for rejuvenation is also good for cultivating a progressive spirit. It's much more pleasant to see than trying to seduce women."

Cheonsal found Biryu-yeon's lingering smirk on his lips irritating. He disliked that smile so much he wanted to twist and kill the person. The mockery and contempt in that smile were pushing his temper to the brink.

"You've spoken too much. Die!"

"Shoong! Weeeeeng!"

The moment his words ended, a silver line was drawn in the air. It was a terrifying speed.

The swordplay was so fast it was unbelievable for someone who had been using the Crushing Sword technique! It was confusing to discern his true form.

It was as if he was demonstrating what lightning-fast speed was.

"Chae-eng!"

However, Cheonsal's single, swift strike ended in unfortunate failure. A woman's sword had blocked his sword. Her sword even carried a chilling aura.

"Are you interfering?"

Cheonsal glared at Na Yerim, his eyes glowing with an ominous light. Na Yerim nodded slightly, indicating affirmation. No particular emotion was yet reflected on her face. Only her expression grew deeper.

Biryu-yeon hid behind the hem of a woman's skirt again.

'Hmm… The fact that she stood in front of me, blocking Cheonsal's sword, does it mean she admits I am weaker than him?'

For now, it seemed to be the case, but he couldn't guarantee if she felt any sympathy. Not a shred of emotion was visible on her face. Biryu-yeon's mind briefly flickered with the thought that this might be a failed plan.

'I shouldn't have trusted Yeomdo after all!'

Perhaps the reason for failure lay in trusting someone who shouldn't have been trusted. Biryu-yeon wanted to calmly retrace the causes of failure one by one. But Cheonsal didn't seem to want to give Biryu-yeon that leisure.

"Hiding behind a woman, how pathetic!"

Cheonsal roared indignantly.

"How dare you make such a sexist remark!"

Biryu-yeon vehemently retorted from behind the woman.

"Why did you block for me?"

Biryu-yeon asked.

"It is the duty of the strong to protect the weak."

Cheonsal scoffed at Na Yerim's answer.

"To crush the weak mercilessly is the duty and right of the strong! It is a very greedy, tempting, and attractive fruit! Irresistible! Keke!"

"Your values have nothing to do with me."

Her voice remained chillingly calm.

"They soon will. Because you will soon become weak!"

Cheonsal's eyes began to shine with an eerie, demonic glow.

"Jji-reung! Jji-reung!"

A demonic bell sound echoed in his ears.

Na Yerim shivered with a chill and tremor, as if a venomous snake's red tongue had licked her cheek. A warning of danger loudly sounded in her mind. However, as a disciple of the Sword Empress, she could not sheathe a sword she had drawn in vain.

She adopted an increasingly cautious stance. Not a hint of carelessness remained in her heart. Carelessness, even the slightest oversight, could inflict a fatal wound upon her.

The sword energy emanating from her body grew colder.

"Why?"

Despite having the upper hand, Cheonsal's expression was far from bright. His face was as if he had chewed a handful of bitter herbs. His face gradually hardened like a stone statue.

"Why… why isn't it working?"

His snake-like, slit eyes and stern face were filled with questions. He was gripped by an unprecedented puzzle. The sharp sword intent radiating from his entire body became increasingly agitated. Despite having the advantage, he was anxious.

"Why doesn't my Ghost-Demon Eye (鬼妖眼) work on you?"

"……"

Na Yerim saw no need to answer the question and had no desire to. The more anxious he became, the more advantageous it was for her. She maintained her unwavering stance.

Cheonsal's face grew increasingly grim. While pretending to converse, he had subtly used his Ghost-Demon Eye, but it had become useless.

"Khuhuhu! I'm sorry, but I can no longer afford to let you live! I absolutely cannot let you live. Keeping you alive when my secret technique doesn't work on you carries too great a risk!"

Thick killing intent surged from his entire body. It was a sharp killing intent that felt like needles pricking the skin. All his murderous intent became a sharp sword, aimed at her.

Biryu-yeon, hidden behind her skirt, had to consider what action to take next.