Novel

Yoo Ho-jeong slowly closed his eyes.

His hollow logic resulted in the splurge of action that happened first thing in the morning because of the Factions beliefs. It was the desire of wanting to kill the Minor Heavenly Demon that made Yoo Ho-jeong meet his own end. He did not feel sorry for the desire and paid accordingly.

Yoo Ho-jeong was looking up at the sky, while Lee Sungmin looked down at him with gloomy eyes. Blinking his eyes, Yoo Ho-jeong opened his mouth to say something, but he couldnt speak. Instead, it was red blood that spat out from Yoo Ho-jeongs mouth.

Yoo Ho-jeong failed to stop Lee Sungmins spear. His armor, his trusted line of defense, which gave him the nickname Ironclad couldnt protect him. Yoo Ho-jeong tried to kill Lee Sungmin, and Lee Sungmin dealt with him in sincerity and strength. And so the result was apparent.

Yoo Ho-jeong raised his trembling hand and fumbled around to feel his chest. The hole in his chest was deep enough to see the other side, but the blood was so thick that it could only be seen in a red hue. Yoo Ho-jeong vomited blood continuously. He moved his bloody lips, smiled and looked at Lee Sungmin.

That choice  youll regret

I wont.

The Orthodox faction was going all out to kill the Minor Heavenly Demon, but in fact, it was no different from asking Yoo Ho-jeong to commit suicide. Yoo Ho-jeong did not resent the decision. There must have been a good reason, he tried to convince himself before.𝑅ead new chapt𝒆rs on novel𝒃in(.)com

Just as he believed he was right, so did Lee Sungmin. Lee Sungmin sighed. He didnt want to regret it even if he was a pushover. To some people, Wijihoyeon may seem evil. After all, she was like a main character in Eria. Maybe one day she would really become one.

But, not for Lee Sungmin.

Well, thats for sure., Yoo Ho-jeong muttered.

He did not resent Lee Sungmin. It was true that Yoo Ho-jeong tried to kill Lee Sungmin. He was dying due to blood loss. Thats usually how one would die; in battle, if you were in the Murim. Yoo Ho-jeong was a warrior and had long known that one day he would come to this end. That was probably the reason why he closed his eyes without resentment.

And that was how Yoo Ho-jeong died.

It was not a good feeling to kill others with regrets. It was someone Lee Sungmin didnt want to kill. Although their relationship was short lived, he was known as a martial artist with a high reputation, ahead of Lee Sungmin as a no-class. Even though he said he was narrow-minded, he was a long-standing and outstanding warrior of the Orthodox.

[Cry me a river.]

Heoju muttered. Lee Sungmin knew what Heoju was getting at. By killing Yoo Ho-jeong, he was setting his path in stone. His nickname as a meritorious warrior would be thrown down the drain along with his nickname Ghost Gun. If he wanted to live a life on his own terms he needed to firm his resolve.

Lee Sungmin then turned around to face the Heavenly Demon and the resting Wijihoyeon.

Lets go.

Arent you gonna at least send him off?

In his chest, the artificial spirit form of Rubia grumbled and asked. Lee Sungmin passed by Yoo Ho-jeongs body.

The road we have to walk, there will be many others to bury besides him., he answered.

Eyes from the spectators around the South Gate were demeaning. People were running from the entrance. They hurled abusive words at Lee Sungmin.

He dismissed it. He wouldnt listen to them anyways. Because he didnt want to spark conflict within them, Lee Sungmin opened his eyes to look at them.

But they didnt come after him. They saw how Lee Sungmin killed the Ironclad right in front of them. None of the fighters in the area could hold a candle to Lee Sungmin. Moreover, they wouldnt fight just for words when they had their own lives to value.

The Ironclad had wasted his life.

Lee Sungmin didnt know but there was a lingering feeling of discomfort in the corner of his heart. Was that narrow-minded belief in justice worth risking ones reputation and life? He was disturbed by how the factions convinced good people and warriors in their beliefs, only to take it to such extremes and lose their lives pitifully.

And so they left Rubes.

Arent you tired?

Lee Sungmin stopped walking down the trail.

A man stood under the shade of a tree not far from him. Without his definitive and firm voice, Lee Sungmin wouldnt have noticed that a man was standing there. As such, the presence of the man was faint. But, even that was an understatement.

He was in total stealth and transparency.

I saw the fight with the Ironclad. He was a peak master of the Orthodox, however he was pretty easy to deal with, wasnt he?

The man was wearing a large overcoat, and a pair of large, voluminous  boots. The sleeves were wide and long, so Lee Sungmin couldnt see his hands. He walked out of the shade waving his long sleeve.

Is the Minor Heavenly Demon asleep?, Amzone asked.

Lee Sungmin looked at Amzone with a stiff expression. Although he was standing in front of Lee Sungmins eyes not too far away, he still felt his presence wavering. It was a queer feeling. The Crazy Heavenly Demon, who was standing behind Lee Sungmin, also looked nervous.

The curse of Qian Zun is getting stronger, isnt it? I cant believe its working on a warrior in the Transcendence Realm. Whoo-hoo! Youre the best. Ive never felt great about curses, but I have to admit that its working.

youwho are you?, asked Lee Sungmin.

Beyond the Heavens.

Amzone revealed his affiliation without hiding it.

Have you heard from Minor Heavenly Demon about the Six Divinities? Im one of them, Amzone.

Lee Sungmin felt incredibly unlucky.

He thought hed eventually meet a master from Beyond the Heavens someday but he never imagined that today was that day. It had only been about two hours since they left the South Gate of Rubes.

You dont look so great.

Amzone muttered and curved the corners of his mouth to a toothy grin. He took off his vest and put it down next to him.

You dont have to be too afraid. I dont intend to kill you. I just want to test you a little.

Test?

Ive met a lot of talented and potential young fighters, but Whew! Ive never seen someone as great as you.

So youre basically going to do nothing about us Is that really all?, questioned Lee Sungmin.

Thats not true.

Amzone burst into laughter. He replied with a tint of maliciousness, looking at Wijihoyeon, who was sleeping behind Lee Sungmin.

And to take the Minor Heavenly Demon.

Lee Sungmins expression hardened and went ice-cold. From the time he heard Amzone state his identity as one of the Six Divinites from Beyond the Heavens, the eyes of Crazy Heavenly Demon went cold and emitted a blood-curdling killing intent. He strode forward and spat out.

Is the Swordmaster Zoan coming?

Ah! Crazy Heavenly Demon.

Amzones gaze turned to the Crazy Heavenly Demon.

You havent yet forgotten that you lost to him 10 years ago. Sadly, he didnt come here. But why are you looking for the Sword Prince? Do you want to take your revenge from what happened ten years ago?

If its possible.

Its impossible, because your skills wont even touch Zoans hair.

Amzone uttered with a menacing grin full of arrogance.

Dont skip the line. Beyond the Heavens is no longer interested in you. If a decade has passed and you have not reached the realm of Transcendence, then thats your limit and your fate. Our group is by no means amiable to the unqualified.

Amzone warned him and then looked at Lee Sungmin.

Im going to be taking the Minor Heavenly Demon. It would be nice if she came along willingly but, I dont think things will go that way because shes sleeping like a little birdie hehe!

Im not giving her to the likes of you.

Oh? And whys that? Do you even know what Beyond the Heavens is? Do you know the reason why were trying to take her with us? Are you really going to butt in our business and try to stop us when you dont know anything? Think about it. We could have killed the Minor Heavenly Demon a hundred times over, but we didnt.

You cursed her

Thats what Qian Zun did hastily. He was shocked that he couldnt defeat the Minor Heavenly Demon with his sheer martial ability.

Amzone answered like that without a single reaction evident on his face.

Thats why Im here, because Qian Zun cant move. With the curse from the Heavenly Sorcerer of the Six, the Minor Heavenly Demon has been reduced to this. Even with the casters ability he could easily kill her right now. But the Minor Heavenly Demon did not die and came to Rubes. Why do you think thats been the case up till now?

Lee Sungmin could not answer. Amzone didnt need Lee Sungmins answer, so he gave the answer to his own question in advance.

Ive done a lot of work for a little bird in the sky that Minor Heavenly Demon is not aware of. I have killed many who have come to recognize and threaten the Minor Heavenly Demon behind the scenes, I did that to protect her from the shadows. At the South Gate, the Ironclad was deliberately left alone. I just wanted the Minor Heavenly Demon to despair at her helplessness. I never expected that youd step in and protect her.

So? We dont have any malice towards the Minor Heavenly Demon. In fact were more or less an unopened present for her. Do you even know what her fate is?

What?

You dont seem to know. I dont have to explain it to you, but thats fine. Our interests seem to be in sync.

Amzone shook his right hand lightly. The wide sleeve rolled down his arm and revealed his hand. He held a dagger the size of his palm and lifted it up and spun it like a flashlight.

I have to test you and take her with me. You want to stop me dont you?

Where is Qian Zun?

Dont beat around the bush, Ghost Gun.

Theres no reason to tell you why I need to know. You seem to have a lot of interest in both of us, but if you want answers or compliance you need to be stronger than your opponent. But, are you sure youre the stronger one?

Lee Sungmin talked with a blanklessly cold expression that betrayed the anxiousness he was feeling at the sudden situation.

We need to work together.

The Crazy Heavenly Demon communicated via telepathy. This was not the time to take pride. Amzone, the one in front of him, was the strongest person Lee Sungmin had ever faced. Lee Sungmin alone wouldnt be able to handle him.

Will you help me?

I will.

The Crazy Heavenly Demon answered without hesitation. Amzone laughed as he watched the Crazy Heavenly Demon communicating with telepathy, obviously trying to pull something on him.

Are you thinking of working together? Thats not bad either. YeahCrazy Heavenly Demon, if you join forces, I wont kill you, either.

Crazy Heavenly Demons face was distorted from Amzones arrogant remarks that hit right at his pride as a martial artist. He started to rouse his internal energy and it started to pulsate strongly enough his hair started to flutter violently. Lee Sungmin took out his hand and put on Rubias spirit form.

What, what?!

It may be dangerousPlease keep Wijihoyeon safe.

Rubia hesitated and nodded her head. The Crazy Heavenly Demon carefully laid Wijihoyeon down as he examined the movements of Amzone. Wijihoyeon was still asleep with a pale face. Rubia approached her and carefully held her in her arms.

Im worried that the annoying ones will see it., said Amzone.

Amzone put his hand at his shoulder, as he was saying so. What he took out was a transparent sphere that came into one hand. He shook it lightly, and soon threw it up into the sky.

-Paat!

The sphere gave off a bright light and surrounded them. Lee Sungmin and the Crazy Heavenly Demon looked around, bewildered by the heterogeneity felt in the space itself

Dont be surprised. Im just blocking the space around here. Isnt it more comfortable to fight without others?

Thats how Amzone began to strut along.

Its a promise I just made to myself. I wont touch the Minor Heavenly Demon until I overpower you two.

Lee Sungmin didnt listen to the words till the end. With all his might, he shot straight at Amzone with his spear as he released his techniques.

2-step Gentle Ripples technique Nine Heavenly Spears Technique : 2nd move Nine Dragons Annihilation Blood Gale Nova

The Crazy Heavenly Demon didnt just stand still either. He ran after Lee Sungmin. Their bodies were both covered in a blood-scarlet mist, and the  Crazy Heavenly Demons steps shook the ground every time he stepped forward.

In the face of the two rushing, reckless and swift attackers, Amzone stood motionless. He shook the dagger lightly with his right hand.

BAM!

The dagger was then fired at them. It fell right in the path of Lee Sungmin, who was quickly narrowing the distance from Amzone, who was stretching out.

Gwa-a-a-a-a-ang!

The ground exploded. Lee Sungmins body reeled backwards as the ground cracked apart and rocks overturned. The dust spreaded out in all directions. Without panicking, Lee Sungmin swung the spear widely and scattered the dust.

Ugh

Lee Sungmins body suddenly stiffened. A warning from his sixth sense passed through Lee Sungmins body faster than that. Pakapak! There were dozens of daggers embedded in the ground, Lee Sungmin shuddered slightly. Beyond the dust, the dagger thrown by Amzone grazed Lee Sungmins body, and the internal energy force for self defense that he used failed to disperse the trajectory of the dagger.

I didnt get you there., Amzone said while waving his empty hands.

Before he knew it, Amzone held a disk the size of a palm. After putting it on his index finger and twirling it, he glanced at the Crazy Heavenly Demon, who was close to the disk.

Huh!

The bloody mist from the Blood Gale Nova from the Crazy Heavenly Demon exploded towards Amzone, but his body disappeared like smoke. Standing next to the Crazy Heavenly Demon, Amzone passed by him with a gentle step. The Crazy Heavenly Demon contorted his face and thrust his fist at Amzone, and this time it was the same. Amzone was like a goblin with two eyes but no substance. Every time Crazy Heavenly Demons fist touched Amzones body, he turned into a wisp of smoke and disappeared.

[The air is different]

Heoju said in admiration. Lee Sungmin jumped over the dagger embedded in the ground and rushed back towards Amzone. Amzone glanced at the spear and blew away the disk that was twirling with his finger. It cut through the air, turning fiercely, and making no sound. The disk that flew through the line aimed for Lee Sungmin. Lee Sungmin fired his spear clad with the blood-red aura at the disk. But the disk did not get pierced. As soon as it reached, the disks trajectory changed. It passed by the neck of Lee Sungmin, turning softly in the air.

Sheeeeeeen!

Blood flowed from his thinly cut skin at the neck. Lee Sungmin was startled and raised his hand to wrap the wound around his neck. If it had been cut deeper, it would have been fatal.

I wont kill you.

Is what Amzone said with his ever malicious smile.