Chapter 66: Heavenly Demon Divine Qi

“Why did the scenery suddenly……”

As the surprised Jin Cheon muttered to himself, Wi Mu-rin glanced back and smiled.

“Shrinking the Earth.”

“Are you saying this is the legendary Shrinking the Earth Technique that I’ve only heard of?”

“As you can see.”

Wi Mu-rin shrugged as if it were nothing.

“Among sorcerers, it is not a technique to be so surprised about.”

“My knowledge is limited, so this is the first time I’ve witnessed a proper sorcery.”

“That would be so. Those who can use proper sorcery are not that common.”

As someone from the Evil Spirit Guardian Clan, a family specializing in sorcery, Wi Mu-rin seemed to be able to use a considerable level of sorcery.

“May I ask one thing?”

“By all means.”

Wi Mu-rin readily nodded.

“Is the Cult Leader also skilled in sorcery?”

“Ah.”

Wi Mu-rin understood Jin Cheon’s meaning at once and wore a knowing expression.

“You must be wondering why I, a sorcerer, am his disciple.”

“If I have made you uncomfortable……”

“Not at all. It’s something anyone would be curious about.”

“Then……”

“When one reaches the state of divinity, martial arts and sorcery are no different than a single sheet of paper.”

“Is that so……?”

Jin Cheon did not quite understand Wi Mu-rin’s meaning.

No matter how all paths lead to the same destination, it would not be an exaggeration to say that martial arts and sorcery had almost no common ground…….

“Essence, qi, and spirit. Whether a martial artist or a sorcerer, it is the same that we handle the three dantian. It is only a matter of where one places the emphasis and how one manifests that power.”

“Ah.”

“His Holiness has already reached a state where the boundary between martial arts and sorcery is blurred, so it is not strange for him to give me teachings. Even though his roots are in the martial dao, teaching a commoner like me is not a difficult task for him.”

It was a statement far removed from common sense, but Jin Cheon felt he could vaguely understand its meaning.

‘Is that why the contents of the Heavenly Demon Scripture were like that?’

The Heavenly Demon Scripture was closer to a text describing how to handle ‘demons’ than a simple martial arts manual, and its contents were also on a different level from ordinary martial arts.

Jin Cheon thought that perhaps those contents were related to sorcery.

“Thank you for your kind words.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Wi Mu-rin replied as if it were nothing and continued to walk.

After walking for about two hours.

“From here, we will move slowly.”

Wi Mu-rin stopped using the Shrinking the Earth Technique and said.

“Is there a reason you are suddenly moving slowly?”

“From here on, we must not use our spiritual power recklessly. It is easy to attract the attention of nasty things.”

“What are nasty things?”

“Beings beyond human. For example……”

At that very moment.

‘Something is coming.’

Jin Cheon instinctively sensed that something dangerous was approaching quickly.

“Something is coming from that way.”

“What do you mean, something is coming? I don’t feel anything.”

“It is definitely coming. I don’t know what it is exactly, but there are many of them. At least several dozens.”

“What are you……”

Wi Mu-rin wore an expression of complete disbelief.

It might be different elsewhere, but in this Sea of Trees, Wi Mu-rin prided himself on having superior detection abilities than any other martial artist.

For him to feel nothing, yet for something to be approaching, was not easy to accept.

But that was only for a moment.

“……It’s coming.”

Wi Mu-rin soon understood Jin Cheon’s meaning and nodded.

Following that, the members of the Asura Blood Sword Unit also drew their swords in unison and prepared for the impending battle.

Unlike Jin Cheon and Wi Mu-rin, they had sensed the enemies’ approach with the pure instincts of a martial artist.

Soon, blood-soaked fiends, their bodies tattered as if torn to shreds by something, revealed themselves.

***

“Forest Killing Ghosts.”

Wi Mu-rin said, pointing at the fiends.

“They are the ones who entered the Sea of Trees and died, turning into evil ghosts. They are also the most common ones you’ll encounter here.”

“Are there many of them?”

“In the entire Sea of Trees, there would be about a few thousand. I don’t know the exact number. It’s such a vast place.”

The conversation ended there.

“Krrrrrr!”

“Kyaaaak!”

The Forest Killing Ghosts let out monstrous roars and rushed toward the group.

However, there was no need for Jin Cheon or the members of the New Demon Squad to step forward.

Why?

Because the Asura Blood Sword Unit was with them.

“Clean them up quietly.”

“As you command.”

At the Blood Sword Commander’s order, the members of the Asura Blood Sword Unit swung their swords at the charging Forest Killing Ghosts.

Chwararak!

The Asura Blood Swords, crafted by the Demonic Armament Yeom Family, drew red arcs.

The charging Forest Killing Ghosts seemed to stop for a moment, then suddenly collapsed.

They had all been cut to pieces by the swords swung nonchalantly by the members of the Asura Blood Sword Unit.

“G-good heavens.”

“That is the Asura Blood Sword Unit……!”

The members of the New Demon Squad could not hide their amazement at the martial prowess of the Asura Blood Sword Unit.

To think they could cut those terrifying ghosts into pieces in an instant as if they were cutting tofu…….

But it was Jin Cheon who was even more surprised than the members of the New Demon Squad.

‘An immense sword skill.’

As they say, you see as much as you know.

The speed of the swords swung by the members of the Asura Blood Sword Unit, the power they contained, their sharpness, and their refined movements.

Their swords were close to the ideal that every swordsman should pursue.

It was not for nothing that they were called the strongest and worst martial organization of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

“Of all things, Forest Killing Ghosts. This is going to be tiresome.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“The Forest Killing Ghosts are the weakest here, but they are also the most tiresome. They are so noisy that they tend to attract the attention of all sorts of things.”

“Ah.”

“I was planning to go slowly, but it seems that won’t do. I’ll have to hurry.”

Saying so, Wi Mu-rin quickened his pace.

Wi Mu-rin’s words soon became reality.

A series of attacks by strange creatures of unknown identity followed.

Each time, the Asura Blood Sword Unit displayed their amazing martial prowess, perfectly protecting Jin Cheon’s party and proving their might.

Even in this perilous Sea of Trees, their martial power was truly overwhelming.

Thanks to the efforts of the Asura Blood Sword Unit, Jin Cheon’s party successfully reached their destination.

The Black Bamboo Forest was a huge bamboo forest located within the Sea of Trees, and the color of all the bamboos was black, like black iron.

Even the leaves were all black.

“……This is incredible.”

As soon as he entered the Black Bamboo Forest, Jin Cheon felt the concentration and amount of spiritual qi to be beyond imagination and couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

The concentration was so thick that he felt he could accumulate internal energy just by breathing, without the need to circulate his qi.

He felt he could understand why the First Heavenly Demon had trained here in this Black Bamboo Forest.

Of course, that was only for Jin Cheon; the story was different for the members of the New Demon Squad.

“Euk.”

“I-I can’t breathe well.”

For those who were not of the Heavenly Demon’s Physique, the strong spiritual qi seemed to have a negative effect.

“This way.”

Following Wi Mu-rin deep into the Black Bamboo Forest, they saw a mountain stronghold built on a wide open space.

“The Black Bamboo Courtyard. A mountain stronghold built for the personnel investigating the Sea of Trees to rest. There are a few other places like this, but…… this is the only one that can be called safe.”

“Are we to stay here from now on?”

“Probably.”

Wi Mu-rin said as if he couldn’t be sure.

“I have not received any other orders besides the one to guide you to the Black Bamboo Courtyard.”

“I understand.”

“Before I go, I’ll give you a few precautions. These are things you must remember to survive here, so I hope you will listen carefully.”

“I will take them to heart.”

Wi Mu-rin told Jin Cheon about how to live in the Black Bamboo Forest, gave him a few talismans, and then turned to leave.

“Then, I wish you good fortune in your martial endeavors. I hope you achieve as much as you desire.”

“Thank you, please travel safely.”

After Wi Mu-rin and the members of the Asura Blood Sword Unit left.

“Everyone, listen up. From now on, I will explain the things you must know.”

Jin Cheon passed on the taboos that Wi Mu-rin had taught him to the members of the New Demon Squad.

One. Never go outside the Black Bamboo Forest.

Two. Even within the Black Bamboo Forest, do not wander around at night.

Three. Absolutely avoid contact with people of uncertain identity.

Four. If you happen to encounter a spirit beast, do not approach it carelessly, and especially if it is a young one, avoid it at all costs.

Five. If someone disappears, never go looking for them.

(Omitted)

There were nearly twenty things to observe, and since they were all taboos directly related to life and death, Jin Cheon repeated them over and over to educate the members of the New Demon Squad.

He did not want to see anyone lose their life in an unforeseen accident…….

***

The first day in the Black Bamboo Forest.

Jin Cheon and his subordinates ended the day by cleaning up the mountain stronghold.

There were so many cobwebs and a thick layer of dust, so it needed cleaning for people to stay there for a long time.

“We will begin our training in earnest tomorrow, so everyone get a good rest. Two people will take turns standing guard.”

“As you command.”

That night.

– There is no need to wake your subordinates. Come out quietly.

As the Iron-Blooded Demonic God’s Heart-voice was transmitted to his mind, Jin Cheon immediately left the mountain stronghold.

“Where are you going?”

“A call from His Holiness.”

“Aah, please be careful.”

Danmok Cheong, relieved that it was a call from the Iron-Blooded Demonic God, let Jin Cheon go.

After leaving the mountain stronghold and walking a little, another open space appeared, and the Iron-Blooded Demonic God was waiting for Jin Cheon there.

“I greet the Cult Leader.”

Nod, the Iron-Blooded Demonic God gave a slight nod and then opened her mouth.

“The Sea of Trees, the Black Bamboo Forest. A place where the First Heavenly Demon polished his martial arts, avoiding those who threatened him.”

“Ah……”

“This place is not just full of spiritual qi, it is overflowing with it, so there will be no better environment for your training.”

“I think so as well.”

Choosing the Black Bamboo Forest as the place for closed-door training was nothing short of an excellent choice.

Since the spiritual qi was abundant, he would be able to accumulate demonic qi faster and more in a short period.

“From today, along with the Heavenly Demon Scripture, I will teach you martial arts.”

“……!”

“What is commonly called the Heavenly Demon Divine Art is not a single martial art, but rather a collective term for all the martial arts used by the Heavenly Demon. From today, I will teach them to you one by one.”

At the Iron-Blooded Demonic God’s words, Jin Cheon’s heart began to pound.

For the past while, he had been studying the Heavenly Demon Scripture, interpreting and understanding its contents, so he had not learned anything that could be called a martial art.

But from now on, it would be different.

The greatest demonic art in the world…… thinking that he would learn the martial art that stood at the pinnacle of all demonic arts in the world, it was only natural for his heart to be overwhelmed with emotion.

“The beginning is to forge the Heavenly Demon Divine Qi, which can be called the heart art. All of the Heavenly Demon’s martial arts are based on the demonic qi of the Heavenly Demon Divine Qi, so it is impossible to manifest them without learning it.”

“Aah.”

“Assume the lotus position. I will guide your demonic qi according to the flow of the Heavenly Demon Divine Qi.”

“Yes!”

Jin Cheon assumed the lotus position as commanded by the Iron-Blooded Demonic God.

The Iron-Blooded Demonic God placed her two hands on Jin Cheon’s back and guided his demonic qi according to the flow of the Heavenly Demon Divine Qi.

After two hours had passed.

“How is it.”

“It is very good.”

A smile bloomed on Jin Cheon’s lips.

The flow of the Heavenly Demon Divine Qi, which he had experienced for the first time, was so ecstatic that it was not enough to describe it.

He had felt that the qi circulation he had performed when he first encountered the Heavenly Demon Scripture was also amazing, but the proper Heavenly Demon Divine Qi was even more than that.

“It is still too early to be impressed. The true value of the Heavenly Demon Divine Qi begins when you achieve the Demonic God.”

“What do you mean by achieving the Demonic God……”

“What is the greatest curse for those who have learned demonic arts.”

“Is it not demonification?”

Demonification was a symptom of turning into a demon due to the side effects of demonic arts, and there were often cases where one could never return to their original form.

Like the Blood Wolves who failed the Small Heavenly Cycle of the Reverse Heaven Heart Art and became demons forever…….

“The core of the Heavenly Demon Divine Qi is to maintain a constant state of demonification.”

“Th-that’s.”

“Maintaining a constant state of demonification while retaining one’s reason is the basic, and furthermore, going beyond a demon to become a Demonic God is the ultimate goal, which is the essence of the Heavenly Demon Divine Qi.”

The Iron-Blooded Demonic God’s statement completely overturned all the knowledge Jin Cheon had about demonic arts until now.

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