Nano Machine c 131 to 140

 Chapter 131 Chapter 131: Hidden underground treasure (1) ‘So I can’t put him down with the White Dragon Blade…’ Yeowun narrowed his eyes. Baek Oh wasn’t a target he could deal with by using the Butterfly Blade Dance. Yeowun then placed down his blade and Baek Oh became excited. ‘No one can defeat the Poison Man!’ As Baek Oh stepped one step forward to finish it, Yeowun then brought the White Dragon Blade up in the air. The blade then shined with blue force qi. “Fool! So, you will fight to the end?!” Baek Oh then focused poison into his both hands and charged. That’s when Yeowun struck the blade into the ground. As the blade struck into the ground, all debris and clouds kicked up with a loud explosive sound, clouding everything around Baek Oh and Yeowun. “Foolish tricks!” Baek Oh knew where Yeowun was already. As Baek Oh charged in, with the sound of something being stacked up, Baek Oh felt terrifying demonic energy from within that he had never felt until now. ‘What is this…?!’ This was something Baek Oh felt when he met his eyes with Chun Yeowun right before he was struck. ‘This is dangerous. I must attack first!’ Baek Oh felt mysterious terror from the demonic presence and charged in. The poisonous energy within his hands formed to that of a giant demonic hand and charged forward. “DIE!!” And something unimaginable happened. The poisonous attack that he was certain no one will be able to defend was countered with countless sword strikes. “W-what is this?!” Baek Oh then saw the black sword he had never seen glowing with black light, that stormed through and came upon him. ‘I have to defend it!’ Baek Oh brought up his entire poison to form a defensive barrier around him but it was no use. “AAAAAAAARGH!” The black sword struck into his blood points this time and Baek Oh screamed in pain. The powerful sword cut through Baek Oh’s body and covered it with blood. ‘It’s a scream!’ ‘What’s happening?’ ‘I can’t see anything from the dust cloud!’ All the people heard was screaming coming within the dust cloud. As the dust began to settle down, they saw someone moving barely. “W-wait. Is that Elder Baek?!” “He’s drenched in blood!” The entire body was full of blood but the clothing surely looked like that of Baek Oh’s. And when Baek Oh’s body was revealed clearly, everyone turned silent. They were all in so much shock that they forgot what to say. Baek Oh who moved aimlessly and eventually fell down, had no head. Blood poured out like fountain from the neck where it lost its head. And when the dust died down, all people of the academy saw Chun Yeowun holding onto the head of Baek Oh. Poison came up as a dark cloud rose up from the blood. Baek Oh’s head had his eyes wide open with terror and shock, distorted with pain. And Yeowun felt the heat coming from the black sword that turned back to his armguard. ‘I didn’t think the Sword Force of the Sky Demon would have gotten so much stronger.’ Yeowun had unleashed the third formation of the Sword Force of the Sky Demon. With the powerful black sword, dark force qi that was created with ominous dark energy and the powerful formation of the sword force, it allowed Yeowun to unleash a powerful attack. It was so powerful that not even the Elder Baek Oh who had become the Poison Man can defend against. ‘It’s not there yet.’ But Yeowun wasn’t too satisfied. He was able to test himself through today’s duel. ‘I have to… become more powerful.’ His original goal was to defeat Baek Oh with just the Butterfly Blade Dance. He had gained many experiences through three years of battling with many avatars but he had earned new things in today’s fight against the Poison Man. ‘Just like Baek Oh who had his secret weapon, others will do too.’ Baek Oh, with such powerful weapon, was not the strongest man in the cult, so meant that there were people at the cult who can fight Baek Oh without the help of Nano. ‘Mother…’ As Yeowun looked down at Baek Oh’s head, he was reminded of his mother, Lady Hwa. Will this settle at least some score of his mother’s death? ‘This is only the beginning.’ This was only the beginning. At the result that no one expected, it was Hu Bong who broke the silence. “Master!!!!” And with that, all of Yeowun’s members began to shout in excitement. Until now, Yeowun had fought cadets or princes who were at a similar level of experience and power. Yeowun’s members trusted Yeowun but was ready for Yeowun’s loss and his death at this fight. But with not just defeating Baek Oh, Yeowun had killed him through his poison man state. “Ah…!” Mun Ku then wiped off the tear coming down on her face and thought. It felt like the world had crumbled down when she thought Yeowun was dead, but after knowing that Yeowun was safe, it made her heart pound heavily. ‘Why is my heart pounding like this?’ She thought it was due to the clothing wrapped around her chest, but her face was blushed red. She did not know what this feeling was, so she ignored it. And she shouted loudly like other members. “I can’t believe that…” “He… had become a monster. He cut off the head of the Elder of the Poison Clan.” “So, the blood of Chun flows through him.” “Haha… well. I am not so sure if it’s only due to the blood.” Instructors who watched above the stage were all shocked either. They thought Yeowun would not pass the sixth test and even were concerned that Yeowun will die from this test. Nobody had thought Baek Oh, infamous Poison Man who had massacred so many people would end up like that. ‘I didn’t even get to challenge you yet and you have gone way too far up now.’ Hou Jinchang thought. He wanted to duel with Yeowun after the yellow tag, but Yeowun was now just too powerful. But there was something that concerned him. Chapter 132 Chapter 132: Hidden underground treasure (2) ‘Well, whatever the case this is now a declaration of war.’ The war was to start the moment Academy was to be finished, but now Yeowun had cut off the head of one of the leaders of the six clans, so all the six clans were to now be wary of Yeowun. ‘But he used the poison to kill Chun Yeowun under everyone’s watch.’ Yeowun had every reason to kill as it was Baek Oh who tried to kill him first. And with the witnesses present, there was no way this will come back to Yeowun. But it was sure that the Poison Clan might do something. Chun Muyeon, from the Wise Clan clenched on his fist so hard that his nails stuck into his fist and turned away. “P-prince!” His members, who almost shouted with excitement from such an outstanding feat, quickly followed Chun Muyeonn out from the training ground. And just like everyone else, Lee Hameng was also astounded. ‘He cut the head off from Elder Baek with his Poison Man state…’ Lee Hameng wasn’t sure he himself would be able to do that. It was only four years. A mere boy without any knowledge of martial arts now had become so powerful that he was now on top five ranks of the cult. ‘Are we really going to have the Lord who will succeed his advancement?’ It made Hameng come to chills. Soon, with the poison all fading away, instructors came up to the training ground to clean up Baek Oh’s body. It was the leader of the Poison Clan, so they needed to be extra careful. With Sama Yi’s agreeance, Lee Hameng stood up and shouted at Chun Yeowun who was standing on the training ground. “Master Chun Yeowun, congratulations on passing the sixth test!” “Whoaaaaaaaaaa!” Every cadet cheered and roared with shouts. This was the first sixth test passed in seventy years. This was an outstanding achievement. Chun Yeowun too smiled with this and his members all ran up to him on the training ground. Ko Wanghur, with his nose and eyes red from tears, shouted. “Master! Congratulations!” “Congratulations!!” “Do we need to call you an elder now?! Haha!!” Ohjong spoke teasingly and everyone laughed with excitement. And as every Yeowun’s members were rejoicing, Sama Yi came down from his stage and was looking for someone. ‘Left Guardian, can I meet with my son before I go?’ ‘Sure. You can.’ Sama Yi had to go out of the academy as his job to be a witness was done, but he asked Lee Hameng to be allowed to meet with his son. “Father!” Sama Chak also wanted to say goodbye to his father, so Sama Chak quickly ran up to Sama Yi. “You have grown well, my son.” Sama Yi had heard that Chak had passed the fifth test from Lee Hameng. This was already a great feat that Sama Yi wanted to compliment his son of. And when they greeted with each other, Sama Yi sent a telepathic message to his son. [Chak… did you find a prince you want to side with during the competition?] [Oh! So you wanted to speak about that too!] [Huh?] [I had something to tell you before you go.] Sama Chak then seemed to be hesitant so Sama Yi spoke first. [Go ahead.] [Father. You told me to find someone from six clans, and I tried… but I’m sorry.] […] [I thought about it long and hard, but I want to side with Prince Chun Yeowun.] Before entering the academy, Sama Yi had explained about princes that Sama Yi wanted his son to side with. It was Chun Muyeon and Chun Yuchan. These two were talented genius that were likely to become the future Lord. But while spending time as a cadet within the academy, Sama Chak found himself being interested in Chun Yeowun instead. He hesitated due to his father’s advice, but he didn’t like Chun Muyeon. [Hmph.] And unlike Chak’s expectation, Sama Yi was smiling. [I am proud of you, my son.] [Huh?] [You have the same thought as me.] The reason Sama Yi spoke to Chak was because he changed his mind after watching the sixth test. This was the first time someone passed the sixth test in seventy years. And with the result, it was certain that Yeowun will now become the 12th Elder at least. If Yeowun who was not even in his twenties were this powerful, it was hard to imagine how powerful he will be in his later years. ‘We don’t need to side with six clans.’ The Samu Clan was already one of highest-ranking clans along with the Demon Dragon clan. And Sama Yi, who was already an elder, didn’t like the idea of being under the six clans. ‘Prince who is not from six clans!’ This was a great ally to have. If Yeowun was to become the heir, then it was sure to bring change to the cult from the current six clans system. [I agree with your thought, son. Prince Chun Yeowun is a worthy man.] [Oh! Then am I to do what I want?] Sama Yi smiled. [You may. Oh, and he might even become our future family, so make sure you look after him.] [Huh?] Sama Chak frowned. It seemed his father was thinking of having his sister Sama Young as the wife of Chun Yeowun. An hour later at the front of the Chief’s office… Chun Yeowun had come to the chief’s office with Lee Hameng. He had passed the sixth test so he had to be given privileges. And before going into the office, Hou Jinchang and two other instructors followed but they were told to wait outside for a moment. ‘Huh?’ And when Yeowun and Hameng walked into the office, Lee Hameng unleashed the energy and cut out the sound going outside. Yeowun was surprised. Then Lee Hameng suddenly knelt down on his one knee and bowed politely at Yeowun. “Prince. You have done well until now. Congratulations on passing the academy’s sixth test.” It was not his usual attitude that he did to every cadet. Chapter 133 Chapter 133: Hidden underground treasure (3) Chun Yeowun was shocked from the changed attitude of Lee Hameng. “I am not sure what this means, sir.” “You have passed every test of the academy, so I must now address you properly as the rightful prince and the son of the Lord.” “Oh…” Yeowun had passed all tests, so he was not a cadet anymore. All princes of the Lord had the right to become treated with respect, but he was only treated as mere cadet because that was the rule of the academy. Chun Yeowun was still dumbfounded and Lee Hameng continued. “It was rule of the academy… and I wasn’t certain until now, so I apologize for just watching you until now, prince.” Yeowun wasn’t sure what Lee Hameng was talking about. Lee Hameng then brought up his head and looked at Yeowun and spoke. “I am sure you are confused. Let me ask you frankly. Did you learn the founding of truth left by Father Chun Ma?” Yeowun became grim. He didn’t think Lee Hameng will talk specifically about that. ‘…So he knew.’ He had used the Sword Force of the Sky Demon in front of everyone two times when he fought Hou Jinchang and when he fought the criminal from the evil force. That was the only sword skill he had that he can defeat his enemy at the time, and was sure no one will recognize it. “I am not sure what you are talking about.” Yeowun decided to lie about it first. He wasn’t sure if he can trust Lee Hameng yet, as he was the Lord’s close advisor. Yeowun didn’t even tell his secret to his members, so he couldn’t just reveal to Lee Hameng yet when he wasn’t sure if Lee Hameng was his ally or foe. “Oh, I see. It is certain you can’t trust me yet.” Lee Hameng thought for a second and bowed to speak seriously. “I, Lee Hameng, Left Guardian of the Great Sky Demon Cult swear an oath to support Prince Chun Yeowun for the competition for the heir to the throne. As a proof, I ask you to hold my medal that shows me as a guardian.” Lee Hameng took out the red medal from his pocket and gave it to Yeowun politely. It was the medal that proved that Lee Hameng was a guardian. ‘Left Guardian… supporting me?’ Yeowun was shocked. This was not just simple support being given from any other members. This was huge that will shock every cultist. “Please, take it.” Yeowun hesitated for a second and spoke. “I am sorry, but I am not sure how I can trust you, a trusted advisor to the Lord.” Guardians were those who always followed orders from the Lord directly. They were not allowed to join in the competition outright and were only allowed to support the Lord and the Heir if chosen. So with that in mind, it was hard to believe what Lee Hameng was trying to do. This suspicion made Lee Hameng glad. ‘He has become very careful. He is very worthy.’ Even if Hameng was in the same shoes, he would have been suspicious. Lee Hameng thought he needed to explain further. “You are right. I am Left Guardian. Technically speaking, I am not in a place to support anyone. But I have something I must prioritize above everything else.” “What do you mean?” “We, guardians are bound to accept one who succeeds the truth as a real Lord.” “You mean…” “The truth left by Father Chun Ma who has created our cult.” Lee Hameng wasn’t lying. He took a deep breath and continued. “You must keep what I’m going to tell you as a secret.” Guardian family protected and supported the Lord for the entire history of the cult. Three families, divided up from Great Guardian, Left Guardian, and Right Guardian, were the founding families and always sided with the Lord starting from Father Chun Ma, to current Lord Chun Yujong. Unlike them, six clans weren’t there when the cult first started. It started with two apprentices of Sword Demon about five hundred years ago, but Guardians were there since the beginning. “Oh, wait. Right Guardians were only born five hundred years ago. They are ‘shorter’ in their history.” ‘Oh, so Teacher’s Guardian family wasn’t there from the beginning.’ This was because Right Guardian died five hundred years ago, that required a new Right Guardian entirely. “Not much know this.” Guardians were one of few people who knew most secrets of the cult. “And there is a secret that we Guardian families have kept it since 500 years ago.” “…” “The Sword Art of the Sky Demon that every Lord learns is not the real sword skill left by Father Chun Ma.” “…!!!” This was shocking news. Yeowun was shocked. If what Hameng said were to spread, this was enough to dismantle the entire cult. “Then you mean…” “The true sword skill that was taught to Lords were stopped.” About 500 years ago… the Demonic Cult did not have a Lord to have many wives at the six clans to create successor. The Lord at the time was given woman chosen by the Dark Fire within the Giant Altar at the shrine, woman who was called as the Demonic Lady. At the time, only the child born from the Demonic Lady was allowed to become the future heir, so there was no reason for a specific clan to rise in power. Chapter 134 Chapter 134: Hidden underground treasure (4) “That’s how it was for a long time until the day….” The Lord of Demonic Cult was originally required to set out upon pilgrimage after becoming a new Lord. Chun Muhey, Lord from 500 years ago, was also required for this and had set out for pilgrimage after five years of becoming the Lord. “And in that pilgrimage… the worst incident within the history of our cult had happened.” Every member who set out on the pilgrimage had come back as a corpse. That was when the Right Guardian at the time had died also, who didn’t have any successor. This required a new Right Guardian. The death of one of the top five warriors of Wulin brought a shock to the cult or the Wulin alike. “Who can kill the Lord who was one of the top five warriors of the Yulin?” “…Did you hear about the name, Blade God?” “Blade God!” Yeowun’s eye became wide with shock. He wasn’t familiar with a lot of powerful warriors of the Wulin, but he knew the name as a cultist. This was the only known person who Demon Sword, a legendary swordsman from the cult couldn’t defeat. They tied in the end, but Demon Sword had lost his right arm from that fight and had to be retired from battle afterward. “Then did the Sword Demon fight Blade God for revenge?” “Yes. But that fight didn’t happen right after. With the Lord being killed, a huge problem had brought upon our cult.” The biggest problem was the successor. Chun Muhey had one child between the Demonic Lady at the time but the child was a girl. And Chun Muhey who couldn’t have further child, had to leave for pilgrimage before it was too late, not realizing that it will be his death trip. “With the death of the Lord, we had the problem of having no successor and losing the sword skill left by Father Chun Ma at once.” The Sword Art of the Sky Demon was only taught with mouth and had no books. This was the worst case scenario for the Demonic Cult. “And to solve this problem, the Elder Council had chosen Sword Demon, First Elder at the time, as a Vice Lord at the time.” They couldn’t have 8 years old Chun Muhey’s daughter as a Lord yet, so they had to find an alternative. Fortunately, Sword Demon was talented in every way, not only in his sword skills. He had cleaned up and stabilized the cult very quickly. This was only because he had respects from all cultists. What Demon Sword wanted to solve fast after stabilizing the cult, was to find the Sword Art of the Sky Demon back. He had experience dueling the former Lord, but he didn’t know the breathing skill or the right flow so that had no way to be restored. “That’s when for the first time, someone not from the Chun family had entered the prison cave where Father Chun Ma had left his secrets.” ‘Ah…!’ Yeowun, who knew the secret to the prison cave, was astonished. The prison cave was originally a place known that Father Chun Ma had left his secret to the truth before he died. Only members of the Chun family were allowed to enter at first, but they couldn’t let the young girl to enter in hoping to find that. And with the thought to take what’s left in there, and create something better if that’s not possible, Chun Ma was blocked with a huge obstacle. “Everyone had entered the prison cave until now, but none had learned the founding of truth. Sword Demon failed it also.” “Why was that?” “It was possible to replicate the sword formation left by Father Chun Ma from the sword marking left on the pedestal, but it required breathing skill or the flow of energy to use it.” ‘…So no one unlocked that secret.’ Many members of the Chun family had entered the cave but none had unlocked the mystery behind it. Sword Force of the Sky Demon required the user to use the right breathing skill wrote on the shiny stone above the cave and the flow of energy hidden behind the poetry. “It was after three years when the Sword Demon came out of the cave.” After three years, Sword Demon had added his own understanding over the Sword Force of the Sky Demon and created new Sword Art of the Sky Demon. This was also very powerful that didn’t fall too far behind from the lost sword skill of the Lord, so every elder at the time agreed to teach it to the daughter of dead Lord. ‘Ah… so the current Sword Art of the Sky Demon was created by Sky Demon then…’ This was something that Yeowun did not know until now. This was the reason why there were sword markings left over the sword marking of Father Chun Ma on the back of each pedestal. But what he couldn’t understand was why the Sword Demon, who entered to learn the founding of the truth from the stone had damaged the pedestal with his counter sword skill. “Sword Demon then moved all pedestals who had Father Chun Ma’s finding into library floors of the Demonic Academy. I’m sure you too had seen the pedestal on each floor?” “…Yes. I have.” He couldn’t lie about not seeing these as these stones were placed at the middle of each floor. “The heavy markings left on the back of each pedestal was left by Sword Demon himself.” “Why did the Sword Demon destroy the pedestal so much?” He knew that this was due to Sword Demon’s effort to counter the Sword Force of the Sky Demon. But there was no reason for Sword Demon, who was not even a member of the Chun family, to destroy the treasure left by Father Chun Ma like that. “Sword Demon already copied down sword tracings that Father Chun Ma had left made a book of sword art book already.” “Oh.” So the damage wasn’t just made out of whim. Sword Demon couldn’t destroy the tracing without leaving a record of it, so he already had organized it before leaving his mark over it and had placed it at the Lord’s palace. But without the breathing skill or the flow of energy, it was useless. “But the damage left on the pedestal… it was inevitable in some way.” Chapter 135 Chapter 135: Hidden underground treasure (5) The death of leader of the Demonic Cult was not something to be considered lightly. Demonic Cult officially announced Blade God as an enemy and traced him down. The enemy was someone that no one really knew who he actually was. “Only surviving cultist said the killer introduced himself as Blade God. That was our only clue.” The Blade God who had killed Chun Muhey, the Right Guardian, and entire Guardian forces disappeared after the incident. Many cultists were dispatched to look for him but they couldn’t find a trace. “It was two years ago when he reappeared.” The place he appeared was the capitol for the Force of Justice. It mountain where the Sorim Monastery was located, where all martial art had begun that no evil force nor cult can go easily. “And surprisingly, Monk Kong Wun, one of another top five warriors of Wulin was killed there.” Death of Kong Wun, a respected figure for all people of Yulin brought a shock to everyone. All the Force of Justice began to search for this mysterious killer. Over two thousand warriors from the Force of justice searched through to find the Blade God, but was only left with over hundreds of deaths. “How did he do that?” “It was after two years when the Blade God reappeared again.” When the Blade God reappeared, he went after another top five warriors, the strongest warrior of the forces of evil, Yuk Jingkem. And because of the last incident where he was tracked, Yuk Jingkem’s body was found ten days after his death. “What…” “So it was now apparent that Blade God was after warriors from the top five of Wulin.” With three out of five being killed, Blade God’s name spread through the entire land. People of Wulin was now considering the Blade God to be the most powerful warrior above all. The only one who left within those top five was the Chung Ming of the Martial Clan, and the Sword Demon. “Sword Demon was certain that he will come for him.” When Chun Muhey was killed, Sword Demon had checked on blade wounds left on the bodies. Sword Demon was a powerful warrior, but the blade tracing left on these bodies showed the Blade God to have unimaginable power and was sure he can’t defeat him. Sword Demon thought he needed to fight against something equal to, or stronger and chose the tracing of Sword Force of the Sky Demon to do just that. “Elder Council who couldn’t bear to lose even Sword Demon agreed on allowing Sword Demon practicing his sword against the tracing left on the pedestal.” ‘Oh, so that’s why there were counter sword skills!’ So, tracings were left by Sword Demon to train himself so he can fight against the Blade God. But what’s still a mystery was that all sword movements that made up of counter sword skill was comprised of ordinary sword movements, which was not understandable just by listening to Lee Hameng’s story. “Sword Demon’s guess was accurate.” After exactly four years, Blade God had appeared at the Demonic Cult. “So, he killed Chung Ming too.” “Yes. The Sword Demon was the last in line.” Blade God, who now wielded the title of the top warrior of Wulin, had come straight to the castle of Demonic Cult and challenged Sword Demon. And the result was a tie, as known to everyone. “It was a tie, but the Sword Demon had suffered great consequences. He had lost his right arm.” “What happened to the Blade God after that?” “After fighting against Sword Demon for three days and nights, he had disappeared and never returned.” Blade God’s appearance was over after that. There were rumors revolving around whereabout and what he had become after that, but there was only one thing that was certain. Blade God was the only one who had earned the top seat with the blade. “The cult changed after that.” Sword Demon, with losing his right arm, walked down from the seat of Vice Chief. And with that, Chun Muha, now sixteen years old daughter of former Lord had become a new Lord. It was the first female Lord, and leaders of the cult took its chance and spoke to change the long ritual, as they will not be able to have successor through the old Demon Lady system. Chun Muha, who did not have much power as she was still just a young girl, couldn’t object the elders. So, the ritual that continued for 300 years was finally disposed and brought the new clan system. Chun Muha took a total of five husbands, with two being apprentices of Sword Demon who later founded Wise clan and Sword clan. Other three were apprentices of first to three elders, each from current Blade, Poison and Lust clan. “Sword Demon, after retiring from his Vice Chief position had created the Demonic Academy to train future warriors.” The place where the Sword Demon chose to create the academy was the place where the prison cave and the Demon Seal Cave, where Chun Ma’s truth was hidden. Why did the Sword Demon choose this place above all other places? Lee Hameng, after finishing every story looked at Yeowun straight into his eyes. “Do you know why I have told you this story?” Yeowun have thought about for a second and asked. “…Are you trying to say Sword Demon’s purpose for creating the Demonic Academy here wasn’t just to train future warriors?” Chapter 136 Chapter 136: Hidden underground treasure (6) Lee Hameng smiled, proving that Yeowun’s answer was correct. “Yes. He had two purpose. One of it was to find the real successor who will succeed the truths that Father Chun Ma had found through his swords.” “If that was the reason, why did he created the academy here?” Yeowun didn’t seem to understand the reason and Hameng continued to explain. “When Sword Demon retired, elders now took control of the cult.” Sword Demon had to be Vice Chief against his will, but he was still a loyal cultist. He couldn’t succeed the Sword Force of the Sky Demon fully, but he believed that there will be a future member of the Chun family who will truly succeed the secret left behind Father Chun Ma. Sword Demon then believed he had to protect the prison cave and the Demon Seal Cave and created the Academy so that no clans could think to have their hands on. “Sword Demon had left works to guardians before his death.” It was to tell Guardians, who knew all the truth, to take turns to be chief of the Academy and when they find someone who succeeds the truth of Father Chun Ma, to help him to become the Lord. Sword Demon’s hope had not come to true for 500 years and it was now only an old legend that stayed within the guardians. “And while I stood beside the Lord, I have seen his Sword Art of the Sky Demon countless times within the battlefield. Do you think I will not recognize the sword skill you used?” “…” When Lee Hameng first saw the Sword Force of the Sky Demon that Yeowun had used against Hou Jinchang, he was so shocked. It was sword formation more accurate and powerful than the current Sword Art of the Sky Demon. He thought maybe this was the true finding of the truth of the sword left by Father Chun Ma, that Sword Demon had spoken of. But he couldn’t reveal all this to Chun Yeowun yet, as he couldn’t be sure yet. There was a possibility that Yeowun was just taught by Chun Yujong, the current Lord. ‘Let’s keep an eye on him.’ And when he saw Yeowun using the sword formation again against criminal from the evil force, he was able to confirm it. Chun Yeowun was the true successor who guardians had waited for so long. And it was long wait until Yeowun was to pass through the Demon Seal Cave and pass the sixth test. Lee Hameng asked again in shaking voice. “Let me ask you again, Prince. Did you succeed the truth of Father Chun Ma?” ‘Ah… I guess I can’t lie then.’ Yeowun, who now was told of truth behind the Demonic Academy, couldn’t avoid answering. He then nodded at the question and Lee Hameng’s eye turned red and shouted while bowing down on the ground flat. “Left Guardian Lee Hameng, at service of the true successor to Father Chun Ma!” Chun Yeowun was the person that Guardians had waited for 500 years. He couldn’t hold back his excitement and happiness. Yeowun, who became surprised at such a reaction suddenly became curious at one thing. “Left Guardian, can I ask you one question?” “Of course.” “…Can you stand up first?” “Yes, sir.” Lee Hameng then got up and knelt on his one knee again. It was as if Hameng was considering Yeowun as his master. Yeowun felt weird to see Left Guardian, who only kneels toward the Lord, kneeling at him. “You said there were two purposes for creating this Demonic Academy here. What is the other purpose?” “That’s… it’s better I let you see it for yourself.” Lee Hameng then brought back the energy barrier that cut out the noise and guided Yeowun outside the office. Lee Hameng then guided Yeowun to the library. “Huh?!” The instructor who stood guard at front of the library was shocked to see Chief Lee Hameng’s appearance and bowed. “Chief, welcome.” “Instructor Sung. Long time no see.” “Yes, sir. But why…?” It was weird to see Lee Hameng who never visited the library to come together with Chun Yeowun. “We are going down to the underground treasure room.” “Huh? Y-you mean… did he pass the sixth test?!” Lee Hameng nodded and the instructor turned to Yeowun with a shocked look. All other guards who were there were also shocked and turned to Yeowun. It was only natural, as only those who passed the sixth test were allowed to enter the underground treasure room. As far as they know, there weren’t any who had passed the sixth test in the past 70 years. The instructor who had worked in the academy for less, thus had never had a chance to open the door to the underground treasure room until now. “C-congratulations Master Chun! I-I mean Elder Chun!” If Yeowun had passed the sixth test, it meant he had defeated one of twelve elders. He was a Master just about a month ago, so it was surely very fast ascend to the top. “Can you open our way now?” “Y-yes, sir!” Lee Hameng asked and the instructor guided them in. As they entered the library building, they turned to the right and found a hidden staircase down to the underground. ‘So, there was an underground floor.’ He was told before the sixth test about the existence of such a place, but it was true. As they walked down, there were thick metal door and three guards at grandmaster level standing guard. “Welcome, Chief.” Chapter 137 Chapter 137: Hidden underground treasure (7) “Open the door to the treasure room.” All three guards flinched at Lee Hameng’s order. They then turned to Yeowun with a shocked look. They had figured they will never see the metal door being opened until their time was over at this place. ‘This young man defeated an elder?’ Chun Yeowun had a pale white face with coldness surrounding him. With the body restructuring, his skin had cleared up and blood points were now invisible that he just looked like a noble who didn’t learn any martial art. If these guards who were super master level warrior couldn’t feel anything at Yeowun, it meant that Yeowun was surely at the superior level. ‘To think I would get to open this door…’ The leader of three guards took out the key from his pocket. Yeowun then glanced over at the metal door that had three keyholes. One was held by instructor for taking care of logs, one was held by the guard and last one was held by Lee Hameng. ‘So, you need all three keys to open this door.’ It was heavily guarded, even more so than the fifth floor to the library. “I’ll count, sir. One… two… three!” At once, three people placed their keys and turned in unison on the count of the guard. At that moment, the wall on both sides of the door trembled and the metal door divided up into half and opened the way in. It was closed for so long that the thick and ragged old metal door creaked severely as it opened through. Cold air began to seep out from it. Outside was always cold, but the interior of the library was usually warmer. But this place was different. It was very chilling. ‘What is this smell? Leather?’ It was a weird smell. It smelled a bit rotten, but had mixed smell of medicine. A lot of smells were mixed, but it was not bad compared to the black liquid Yeowun found from the Demon Seal Cave. The guard then lit the fire up on the wall and brightened the interior. “Oh!” Yeowun gasped with astonishment. The wall of the interior had a faint glow of blue light. “It’s cold pearl stone.” The instructor whispered to Yeowun. The cold pearl stone was the stone that wielded coldness within it. This was why the interior of this room was cold. “Follow me, please.” Lee Hameng took up the fire and walked inside toward the corridor. As they walked in, they were soon at large five-sided room. On the other side to the corridor was a large table also created with cold pearl stone, that had a human arm and leather that seemed to be human skins. “What is this place?” This treasure room was not something Yeowun had expected. “This is the second purpose.” Lee Hameng then pointed at the table and offered Yeowun to go closer. Yeowun had cut down many right arms of princes so seeing an arm wasn’t all that weird, but seeing it preserved like that was what made him feel weird. As he walked towards it, the smell of medicine became stronger. ‘Was it worked on to have it from being rot?’ It seems the arm or skins were processed to preserve it. And when Yeowun got up to it, his eyes shook. “This…?” He didn’t know when saw from afar, as the arm was lifeless and bony, but the arm had full of scars. And all other skins also had sharp wounds over it. It was a scar left from a blade. “Blade… markings?’ Blade markings weren’t simple. All of it had sharp energy within it. Yeowun now had very advanced skills to simulate after coming up to the superior level. Yeowun closed his eyes and saw a figure unleashing the unique blade skill that caused these injuries. Unlike the sword skills that had mixes of slash and stab, the blade only had formation made from slash, but it was very unique. ‘This is impossible… how can such a blade skill exist?’ Yeowun tried fighting it with his butterfly dance, but he wasn’t sure if he can defend over then two formations. If he wanted to fight this, he needed counter sword skill of Sword Demon or the formation from Sword Force of the Sky Demon. ‘This is like an entirely different level of blade skill.’ Yeowun then opened his eyes again. Focusing longer might have put him in a trance. Lee Hameng then got up to him and spoke. “Can you see what this is?” “…Is it the right arm of the Sword Demon?” The arm’s hand was shaped as if it was holding someone. From looking from the fingers, it was sure to be holding a sword when it was cut off. Lee Hameng became astonished and spoke. “Yes, that is correct. It is the right arm of the Sword Demon.” “And these skins?” “These are skins from the Lord and guards who were killed 500 years ago.” “…Blade markings from the Blade God.” So these arms and skins were preserved to leave the blade markings left by Blade God. Yeowun was shocked to see this preserved at the underground floor to the library. Yeowun then glanced around, and saw bookshelves at one side of the wall that had three books. [True Demon Sword Art] [Twenty Four Demon Sword] [Analysis of the Blade God’s Blade Formation] The True Demon Sword Art was legendary sword skill left by Sword Demon. He had two apprentices, but was known to not giving them his own sword skill. But this was where Sword Demon’s relic was at. He wasn’t sure what other two books were, but these were certain to be left by Sword Demon also. ‘Oh…!’ Chun Yeowun then realized the reason for this underground treasure room’s existence. “So, this place was to find the successor to the Father Chun Ma, and also to find true apprentice that will succeed the will of the Sword Demon.” Lee Hameng then smiled. “Yes. To be more precise, it is to train a future warrior who might be able to counter the blade skill of the Blade God.” Chapter 138 Chapter 138: Hidden underground treasure (8) The Sword Demon did not take in any apprentices. Two warriors that he taught sought after power and ambition, rather than the understanding of the sword. The reason for the Sword Demon teaching these two warriors was to train warriors who can protect the young daughter of the deceased Lord. But these two eventually forgot their purpose and began to pursue their ambition. This disappointed the Sword Demon and he denied accepting these two as his real apprentice. “You said the Sword Demon fought the Blade God and tied?” The Sword Demon was the only one who survived after fighting against Blade God. He had lost an arm in result, but the Sword Demon put a stop to Blade God’s undefeated record and made him disappear. “There is one thing the Sword Demon spoke of before he died.” “And what is that?” “The Blade God disappeared in the middle of the fight. The Sword Demon said that he just said he tied because the Blade God disappeared.” While fighting, the Blade God cut off the Sword Demon’s arm and stopped the fight to disappear. “The Blade God said he will return, so the Sword Demon waited three days for him to return, but he did not return afterwards.” The Sword Demon was worried of Blade God’s return as he had lost an arm and used up too much of his energy that made his martial arts to deteriorate. But even after fifteen years when the Sword Demon died, Blade God did not appear. But the Sword Demon was worried that Blade God or his descendant might reappear and died while worrying for the future of the cult. “And 500 years had passed. I don’t think Blade God’s descendant will appear again, but I hope you can counter the blade marking left by the Blade God and continue on the will left by the Sword Demon.” ‘Ah…’ Lee Hameng bowed again and Chun Yeowun nodded. the Sword Demon who was worried about the cult even in his dying bed, was truly a loyal cultist. Lee Hameng then walked out of the treasure room with a smile. ‘I will give you the key to this place. You can get out from inside without a key, but you will need this if you come back in.’ Unlike other library floors, this underground treasure room was free to enter anytime Yeowun wanted. But Yeowun did not need to return here or stay long time in this place. When Lee Hameng left, Yeowun quickly scanned all three books that was left by the Sword Demon. ‘The Sword Demon’s true skill book. I am lucky.’ The True Demon Sword Art had the core elements of the Sword Demon’s sword skill, that had unique sword movements that required flow of energy. ‘It’s better than martial art of six clans… but…’ It was not much better than Sword Force of the Sky Demon nor the counter sword skill. Yeowun thought maybe teaching this to one of his members who use sword might be a good option. But for the Twenty Four Demon Sword, it was a new sword skill that the Sword Demon created by countering three Sword Force of the Sky Demon’s formation. ‘This is amazing.’ The counter sword skill was created to counter only the Sword Force of the Sky Demon, but this was entirely new sword skill created from that counter sword skill as a base that was very powerful. This sword skill was the creation that the Sword Demon tried to use it against the Blade God. ‘Analysis of the Blade God’s Blade Formation.’ This was record of analyzing the blade markings. Demon Sword have tried hard to counter the blade markings even until he died, but the recordings didn’t see much advancement. It was only natural. Yeowun then walked up to the table where arm of the Sword Demon and skins were left. ‘I’m sorry to say this, but if he had fought longer, he would have lost.’ Every cultists admired the Sword Demon. Lee Hameng too said he continues to follow the will of the Sword Demon, so Yeowun did not say this. But the blade formation left in this preservation was beyond imagination. ‘This is almost equal to the power of the Sword Force of the Sky Demon!’ The blade formation left by the Blade God was as powerful as Sword Force of the Sky Demon. The blade formation left on the arm was almost as powerful as fourth formation of Father Chun Ma. ‘Let’s check it. Nano, start the augmented reality.’ [Activating Augmented Reality on the user’s sight.] Yeowun’s eye began to shake and white lines were created, showing augmented reality in Yeowun’s vision. ‘Nano, can you scan the markings on that arm and create a 3D image?’ [That is possible, Master.] ‘Simulate the blade markings left on the arm and let it fight against fourth formation of the Sword Force of the Sky Demon.’ [Yes, Master. Activating duel simulation between two formations.] White lines began to take shape into two human figures. Two figures each with blade and sword then began to fight against each other. Two powerful attack collided against each other and the result came quickly after. Just by one movement, the Sword Force of the Sky Demon’s fourth formation countered Blade God’s blade formation, but was pushed back three steps. The accuracy of formation was better with Sword Force of the Sky Demon, but the power of Blade God’s blade skill was more powerful. “This is amazing!” Yeowun was astounded. This gave him a conclusion. The blade skill left by the Blade God was as powerful as the Father Chun Ma’s sword skill. But if the blade marking left on the Sword Demon’s arm was the last formation of this skill, then it was weaker than the Sword Force of the Sky Demon and if there was something beyond this that was more stronger, than it was probably only martial art that might be that can counter Sword Force of the Sky Demon. ‘Counter the blade skill? No.’ The Sword Demon left this to find someone who can counter this, but for Yeowun, he had Nano who could simulate the formation left on the arm accurately. Yeowun smiled. ‘Blade skill equal to the Sword Force of the Sky Demon… this is best that can happen.’ Chapter 139 Chapter 139: Scheme (1) It had been seven days since Chun Yeowun had passed the sixth test. It was now three years and seven months since the first day of the Demonic Academy. From the over one thousand cadets that first entered, there were now only sixty-four cadets remaining. Just like other times when the Heirship Competition was going on, this time too had trained many talented warriors. 56 fourth stage cadets. 7 fifth stage cadets. 1 sixth stage cadet. This was the best result in recent history of the academy, with still five more months left for academy to be over. But competition-wise, it was entirely different from what had happened from the past. This was because of Chun Yeowun, who was not from any of the six clans. In most cases, princes from each clans would have passed the fifth test and will be competing against themselves to create their own forces but five princes were expelled from the acadcemy already. Chun Yuchan, one of likely heir to the throne had expelled already, and Chun Kungwun, rising rival to the Wise Clan, had his arm cut off and walked out of the academy. With ten cadets who were related to the Sword Clan also leaving, there were now a total of fifty-three cadets left. Eight cadets who joined Chun Kungwun within the academy changed their side to Chun Muyeon, and now Muyeon’s forces had total of 26, most number. Only candidates left within the acaemy were now Chun Yeowun and Chun Muyeon. With five more months to go, it was now the beginning of final competition. At the northwest of the academy, there were many cadets gathered in large open space. It was cadets who were members who supported Chun Muyeon as the heir. But there were no Chun Muyeon here. One who had the most influence aside from Chun Muyeon was Mu Jinyun, from the Wise Clan and Guk Shin from a top-ranking clan. These cadets were gathered to talk about how to terminate Chun Yeowun, biggest obstacle that was in place in front of Chun Muyeon. “We didn’t have any order from the Prince himself. Is it okay we decide on what to do on ourselves?” Mu Jinyun then shook his head at one of cadet’s question. “No, it’s not that the Prince did not give us order. He had placed me to do what it takes in place while he focuses on his martial art.” “Hmm…” ‘Did the Prince made him to work on his behalf?’ After being influenced by Chun Yeowun who had passed the six thest, Chun Muyeon was trying hard to train his martial art on the training room. Maybe this was a right choice. Chun Yeowun was now within top ten ranks of the Demonic Cult. Wise clan was still top ranking clans outside the academy, but Chun Muyeon was now left far behind in terms of competition, so if he were to compete, he needed to at least become a superior level warrior and pass the sixth test. “While the Prince focuses on his training, we have to be prepared on our side. We can’t let Chun Yeowun be or we might lose our chance forever.” Chun Yeowun was becoming powerful as the days went by. If they weren’t able to take care of him before the remaining days, there was a chance Chun Muyun will not win the competition. “Jinyun, you are right but how are we supposed to fight the one who killed the leader of the Poison Clan? Isn’t it better to recruit those ten cadets who did not side with anyone yet?” Other cadets nodded at Guk Shin’s words. Within the academy, there were no one who can defeat Chun Yeowun, even if it included everyone. He had become so powerful that combined forces of everyone can barely hope to make a scratch on his body. “Who said we need to fight Chun Yeowun himself?” “Huh?” “How are we compared to his forces?” Mu Jinyun asked and it was Kyo Mingsu who answered. “In terms of forces, they have three established grandmasters: Mun Ku, Ko Wanghur and Bakgi. I’m not sure about the rest as we aren’t sure about if they took the test, but as far as we can see, there would be at least three or four more grandmaster level warriors in their group.” Kyo Mingsu’s guess was accurate. Hou Sangwha, Wu Sojung, Ja Wumin, and Che Takim had become grandmasters, but they had not become established yet and couldn’t take the fifth test. “But we have two established super master level warrior here, and six early stage of the grandmaster level, and the rest of us are at the end stage of the master level. So we are equal or a bit higher in terms of power against them.” Chun Muyeon’s members were comprised of high-ranking clans that averaging skill level was higher. Mu Jinyun had become established grandmasters recently but didn’t take the fifth test yet. “…I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but this kind of power balance doesn’t matter.” Ki Chan, a cadet who used to be under Chun Kungwun, jumped in. He had experienced Chun Yeowun overpowering nineteen cadets including Chun Kungwun with the absolute power. Others were also powerful but if they couldn’t do anything about Chun Yeowun, this theorycrafting was useless. “Hah! Are you scared already because you were beaten once?” “Ugh, you too saw what monster he is on the sixth test.” “Yes, I know. That’s why we have to deal with him with plans.” Mu Jinyun spoke confidently and everyone became curious. Just three days ago, he didn’t have any plan at the time, but it seemed he had come up with some plans. “Guk Shin, it is important we recruit remaining cadets too. We have to recruit Sama Chak and Huan Ya at least.” These two members were from top-ranking clans, the Samu Clan and Ghost Illusion Clan that everyone wanted. Their fathers were Sama Yi, the 9th Elder, and Huan Yi the 11th Elder. But Chun Muyeon did not actively recruit others unlike Chun Yuchan or Chun Kungwun, so they didn’t do anything until now. But things changed. “If we can take them in, we can come on top.” “…I’m not sure about Huan Ya though.” Guk Shin frowned. Huan Ya was from highest-ranking clan, but there was a reason other princes didn’t recruit him. He had terrifying faces and dark and gloomy aura about him that no one wanted to come close. “We can’t choose what to take or not at this point.” “…Okay.” “I heard Chun Yeowun is busy training in the private training room in recent days. He rarely even comes to dinner.” “You’ve done some research.” “Yes. Information is a vital key to the victory.” “Now is the best chance. We’ll cut down Yeowun’s arms and legs and go after him at the end.” Chapter 140 Chapter 140: Scheme (2) Guk Shin and other cadets were dumbfounded at that word. Even if they succeed in taking care of Yeowun’s members, it just felt like they were angering the demon. “Are you insane? Two princes lost their arms while trying to attack his members. Chun Jongsum who attacked Bakgi were even destroyed of his internal energy.” Chun Yeowun was famous also due to his infamous deeds. Everyone who fought against him were all severely injured that made everyone to become fearful. Even Guk Shin feared Chun Yeowun. “You are a coward too.” “What?” Guk Shin frowned and Mu Jinyun smiled. “We will not fight him by ourselves.” “What are you talking about?” “He is a monster, like you said. We don’t need to fight him ourselves.” “Are you saying there is someone who will fight him?” Guk Shin became surprised. It seemed even the Chief Lee Hameng was not going to defeat Yeowun anymore. Then who out there might be willing to attack him? “Hmph. There are four people who hate him more than anything.” As Mu Jinyun spoke the names of four cadets, others became surprised and confusing. They knew these four was still within the academy, but didn’t think they would hold the grudge for so long. “Wow. If that really succeeds, then it might really give us a chance.” “Yes. We’ll cut his arms and legs while he’s busy.” “If he’s not going to stop us, then we can do it. When will we start?” If it wasn’t against Chun Yeowun, Guk Shin was confident to defeat anyone. He wanted to fight Ko Wanghur the most. “We will do it next dinner time. I already talked with those four cadets. But it is better if we can let Sama Chak and Huan Ya join us before.” “Sure. Let’s go try to recruit them now then.” The next day in the late afternoon, Chun Yeowun was busy training in a private training room. He had found sword skills left by Sword Demon and tracing of blade formation left by the Blade God and acquired a total of six blood formation from it. Chun Yeowun was very happy at acquiring such powerful blade skill, but there was a problem. The blade marking didn’t have energy flow. Without the flow of energy way, it wasn’t possible to perfect the formation. For the True Sword Demon Art left by the Sword Demon, he also left the breathing skill and the path of energy flow, but the blade markings were just markings. But Yeowun wasn’t disappointed. Three years and four months of training didn’t only grow Yeowun. After analyzing through all saved martial arts, Nano was able to simulate and create a path of energy flow that can make each formation to be used with its utmost power. Even if the created path wasn’t what the original creator intended, it was created from Nano’s analysis so it was either equal to or better than the original. Yeowun’s White Dragon Blade moved weirdly and created countless blade swings that shoot through the air with a strong impact. It was quite different from Butterfly Blade Dance that focused on being quick. Each blade movement came from a weird angle that was hard to connect from one to another, so mere movement was powerful enough to cut down the enemy in just one formation. “Whew.” After finishing up the formation, the floor of the room had many tracing of blade marks. He didn’t even use any qi, but the power unleashed from the blade attack was so powerful that created such markings. “Hahahahaha! I did it, Nano!!” Yeowun didn’t laugh out loud usually, but he was so happy to successfully use the formation in perfection. He had tested every energy flow Nano created in the past eight days and finally found the one that worked best. It finally allowed him to use the first formation of the Blade God’s blade formation. If the Sword Demon saw this with his own eyes, he would have been shocked. [I will now start analyzing for the path of energy flow required for the second formation.] Nano then began analyzing the second formation. Yeowun who had gone over the same formation hundreds of times in a day became exhausted and sat down to recover his internal energy. ‘Oh… I’m hungry.’ His energy was restored but it did not solve his hunger. It was now almost dinner time, so Yeowun decided to finish today’s training here and left the training room. The winter season brought the sun to go down faster so it was very dark outside. Yeowun went straight to the cafeteria. Inside of the cafeteria was bright, but there were no crowds anymore, as not many cadets were left. There had been over fifty workers within the cafeteria in the past, but the number of workers also went down to twenty. ‘Hmmm.’ Yeowun smelled spiciness within the cafeteria and saw a large pot of red soup that had meats, mushrooms and various vegetable that filled the entire cafeteria with its smell. It was a very spicy soup that made ones that eat sweat from the heat even in such cold winter. ‘I wanted spicy food!’ Yeowun then went up to take the bowl and a young worker filled the bowl from the large pot and gave it to Yeowun. The worker, however, shook his head tremendously, maybe due to the heat from the bowl. Yeowun became curious and looked at the worker. He seemed he was tense and sweating severely. “…Are you okay?” “Oh, Uh- yes. I-I’m okay. It’s just too hot to be in front of this pot all day.” The worker then gave the bowl to Yeowun. The heat from the pot was surely hot, but it felt weird and Yeowun thought it strange. And there was one who was watching Yeowun carefully at the corner of the cafeteria. He was also taking the soup, but his eyes did not pull away from Chun Yeowun. He saw Chun Yeowun sitting down with a confused look as he looked down at the soup. ‘Did he find out…?’ He then saw Chun Yeowun tasting on the soup with his chopsticks. After tasting the soup a bit with his tongue, Yeowun frowned. But soon after, he began holding up the bowl and began to drink down the soup. The man who watched him grinned. ‘There we go!