Chapter 208
Chapter 208
Having assaulted the Western Sky Branchs camp and claiming the lives of two of the Seven Saints, Tang Cheon-Oh and Peng Mu-Hwe, the three Divine Demons rejuvenated their strength by engaging in qi circulation atop a hill, situated two hours away from the Western Sky Branch.
"Despite the loss of our Demonic Monarchs and Higher Demons, killing two of the Seven Saints was a substantial gain," remarked the Blood-Crazed Divine Demon Hyeok Ryeon-Pae.
"True. In this situation, it would have been ideal to eliminate Huangfu Chong of the Huangfu Family as well," expressed the Underworld Divine Demon Jong Ja-Ryang, regretfully.
No need for remorse. We can take out Huangfu Chong at any time if he's alone. The Tyrant Divine Demon Gu Pae-Cheon said.
But what should we do now? Ja-Ryang nodded and asked.
"Why don't we launch another assault on the Western Sky Branch's camp, wiping out Huangfu Chong and the remaining Absolute Realm masters?" Pae-Cheon proposed, presenting it as a straightforward course of action.
The Western Sky Branch would probably know that we'll attack again, so I wonder if they will remain there?
It is very likely that they will flee to avoid running into us. However, even if they attempt to flee, it's inconsequential. Once we decide, catching up to them is well within our capabilities," assured Pae-Cheon.
"Hmm, do you both not feel like we're leaving the easy tasks to the Myriad Tribulations Clan?" Ja-Ryang voiced his concern.
The Tyrant Cult, Blood-Crazed Clan, and Underworld Sect, assembled here, depleted their forces of Demonic Monarchs and Higher Demons in successive encounters with the Northern Sky Branch and the Western Sky Branch. Simultaneously, the remaining three factions grappled with the Southern Sky Branch, anticipating substantial losses. In contrast, the Myriad Tribulations Clan remained unscathed.
"The Myriad Tribulations Divine Demon having more Demonic Monarchs and Higher Demons doesn't make a significant difference. Numbers alone hold little weight against us. Our focus should be on shattering the Central Plains Murim Alliance and asserting dominance over murim. Once accomplished, the competition among us will determine the strongest to claim the title of Celestial Demon of the Nine Heavens," Pae-Cheon asserted.
Ja-Ryang and Ryeon-Pae nodded in accord. The prowess of the Myriad Tribulations Divine Demon's Demonic Monarchs and Higher Demons could be overcome by a single Divine Demon.
Even if the Myriad Tribulations Divine Demon aspired to the role of Celestial Demon through the use of his subordinates, such ambitions would prove futile as long as the other Divine Demons maintained a steadfast front.
Indeed, if the other Divine Demons collaborated and turned against the Myriad Tribulations Divine Demon, he would find himself in a precarious situation. Focusing on restraining the Myriad Tribulations Divine Demon and inadvertently making an error could jeopardize their overarching mission of conquering murim.
It was a moment where assessing the gains and losses of individual factions mattered less than wholeheartedly committing to the conquest of murim, overlooking any other considerations.
Then, lets not quibble over other matters and attack the Western Sky Branch again. Ryeon-Pae said firmly.
Ja-Ryang and Ryeon-Pae affirmed their accord once more. After a brief pause, the trio advanced towards the Western Sky Branchs camp. In two hours, they reached the campsite, finding it vacant. As anticipated, the Western Sky Branch's forces had concealed their tracks and retreated, forewarned of the imminent return of the three Divine Demons.
From the looks of it, they scattered and moved in different directions. Which direction should we give chase? Pae-Cheon said with a troubled expression.
The Western Sky Branchs forces intentionally dispersed in diverse directions to thwart the pursuit by the three Divine Demons. The trio, targeting the core martial arts masters of the Western Sky Branch, including Huangfu Chong, faced the challenge of deducing the escape direction. However, even with their expertise in tracking, deciphering the path wasn't something achievable with the naked eye.
Is there no other way? Ryeon-Pae asked Ja-Ryang.
I'll try to check through the souls roaming around this area. Ja-Ryang answered and closed his eyes.
Commencing with an enigmatic mantra, Ja-Ryang initiated the Underworld Soul Connect Spell, a sorcery enabling interaction with the souls of the deceased. Connecting telepathically with myriad wandering souls, he delved into their memories to witness the events that unfolded in the area.
The soul's memories proved fragmented, requiring mental exertion to sift through countless fragments and extract the desired information.
Persisting in his search, Ja-Ryang delved unwaveringly through the memories of the lingering souls until, at last, he uncovered the sought-after information. Swiftly, he halted the Underworld Soul Connect Spell upon achieving his objective.
How did it go? Ryeon-Pae asked.
I found the direction where Huangfu Chong and the Western Sky Branchs Absolute Realm masters went.
Really? Which way is it?
First of all, the Western Sky Branchs Absolute Realm masters scattered in many different directions. It will be difficult to chase after all of them.
There is no need to pay attention to the other bastards. Huangfu Chong is our target. Pae-Cheon said.
Ja-Ryang nodded and said, Huangfu Chong fled in that direction with the Sichuan Tang Familys people.
Ja-Ryang pointed.
Lets move immediately.
Responding to Ja-Ryang's guidance, Pae-Cheon instinctively flew in the indicated direction, with Ja-Ryang and Ryeon-Pae closely following suit. Once the trio determined Huangfu Chong's trajectory, the subsequent pursuit resembled a straightforward game of tag.
Despite the caution exercised by the Sichuan Tang Familys martial arts masters and Huangfu Chong, their movements left distinct traces discernible to the three Supreme Realm master Divine Demons. Relentlessly, the three Divine Demons trailed the visible tracks they left behind.
Huangfu Chong, accompanied by the Sichuan Tang Familys Patriarch, Tang Ku, and the Four Peerless Tang Masters, led their familys martial arts masters in a flight toward Hubei Province. Huangfu Chong's strategic recommendation prompted the decision to unite forces with the Southern Sky Branch, particularly where Baek Mu-Gun was situated.
Recognizing the slim chances of prevailing solely against the Western Sky Branch, the Western Sky Branch concurred with the proposal to merge with the Southern Sky Branch, situated in Hubei Province.
To mitigate the risk of the Divine Demons pursuing their tracks, the group decided to split up during their journey towards Hubei Province. While acknowledging that one of the groups might be pursued by the three Divine Demons, those accompanying the other groups would likely evade detection and escape their pursuit.
"Since there are no signs of pursuit yet, it appears we're not being chased," Tang Ku remarked as their group paused for a break.
It is too early to be relieved. We shouldn't let our guard down until we join up with the Southern Sky Branch."
Thats true. But I wonder if the Southern Sky Branch will be fine. They have to deal with three of the Nine Celestial Demons Sects factions and the Sky Beast Palace.
They should be able to stop them since the Thunder Gods successor has gone to the Southern Sky Branch.
Is the Thunder Gods successor that strong?
"Judging by the prowess demonstrated by the Heavenly Thunder Divine Sword Guyang Hwi, the successor to the former Thunder God, he could likely handle three Divine Demons with ease."
"Hmm, even if the Thunder God's successor triumphs over all the Divine Demons of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, it remains a concern. We lack the capability to control him, especially with the demise of all the Seven Saints, save for Uncle Huangfu."
"If the ongoing conflict with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect concludes in this manner, murim will likely fall under the dominion of the Loyal Heart Alliance," Huangfu Chong remarked with a sigh.
Had the Seven Saints successfully eliminated Mu-Gun as initially intended after his fierce clash with the Divine Demons, murim would likely still be under the dominion of the Seven Great Families. However, with the demise of all the Seven Saints except Huangfu Chong, the prospect of getting rid of Mu-Gun now seemed nearly impossible.
Their only hope lay in the possibility of Mu-Gun meeting his end alongside the Divine Demons. Yet, given the unfolding circumstances, that outcome appeared increasingly unlikely.
At times like this, we, the Seven Great Families, would have to be more united.
"Even if the Seven Great Families unite, there's doubt whether we can surpass the might of the Thunder God's successor."
"We'll find a solution for sure, as long as we don't give up."
I hope that really is the case. Anyway, we should focus on the Nine Celestial Demons Sect. Our current priority is to overthrow them.
Indeed.
Well then, lets keep moving.
As Huangfu Chong rose, accompanied by Tang Ku and the Sichuan Tang Familys masters, their intention to continue their journey was interrupted by a sudden change in Huangfu Chong's expression.
A visible stiffness overcame him as he sensed three formidable energies rapidly closing instrong demonic energy coupled with a Supreme Realm aura, unmistakably emanating from the approaching Divine Demons.
Everyone, prepare for battle. Huangfu Chong said with a firm face.
No way, right?! Tang Ku looked at Huangfu Chong.
Huangfu Chong nodded.
Shouldn't we run away?
Its already too late.
As soon as Huangfu Chong finished speaking, the three Divine Demons appeared in front of them.
Here you were. Pae-Cheon said, delighted to see them.
With no inclination for conversation, Huangfu Chong swiftly unleashed the Heavenly King Manifestation, channeling the Absolute Profound Principle of the Heavenly King Divine Fist Art. The figure of the Heavenly King materialized above him, and its one hundred and eight fists propelled toward the oncoming Divine Demons.
In tandem, Ryeon-Pae activated the Blood-Crazed Divine Demon Star, positioning himself in front of Pae-Cheon and Ja-Ryang.
The one hundred and eight fists of the Heavenly King relentlessly pounded Ryeon-Pae, enveloped by the Blood-Crazed Divine Demon Star. Each formidable strike held the power to shatter megalith stones instantly.
However, even with the earth-shaking force behind each blow, Huangfu Chong couldn't breach the defenses of the Blood-Crazed Divine Demon Star. Ryeon-Pae, subjected to Huangfu Chong's onslaught, staggered back a mere five steps.
Despite having previously encountered Ryeon-Pae's Blood-Crazed Divine Demon Star in battle, Huangfu Chong couldn't help but be astonished at its formidable defensive capabilities. Simultaneously, Tang Ku and the Sichuan Tang Family initiated their attacks, aligning with Huangfu Chong's assault.
I will take care of them. Ja-Ryang said and stood in their way.
Ja-Ryang faced the simultaneous onslaught of attacks from eight Absolute Realm masters of the Sichuan Tang Family. In response, he invoked the Underworld Evil Spirit Palm, releasing a menacing energy of vengeful spirits that coalesced like clouds. This formidable force clashed with the attacks unleashed by the Sichuan Tang Family's masters, effortlessly deflecting all their efforts.
The mastery exhibited by Ja-Ryang left them astounded, witnessing his ability to single-handedly repel their combined assaults.
Amused by the futility of their efforts, Ja-Ryang chuckled and extended both palms once again. Scores and hundreds of evil spirits emanated from his hands, hurtling toward the Sichuan Tang Familys masters like cannonballs. In a startled response, the martial artists hastily defended themselves. The ensuing explosion resonated with a thunderous roar, forcefully propelling them backward.
Scatter and launch an encircling attack! Tang Ku shouted at his familys martial arts masters.
Responding to Tang Ku's commands, the martial artists swiftly dispersed, encircling Ja-Ryang from left and right.
"You lot are doing something pointless," Ja-Ryang chuckled as he observed them.
Surrounded, defending against the opponent's attack would grow more challenging for him. On the contrary, it presented an opportunity to strike back effortlessly.
With a swift move, Ja-Ryang soared toward one of the Sichuan Tang Family's masters encircling him. Vanishing momentarily, he reappeared behind his target. Before the target could react, Ja-Ryang's right palm connected with their head, instantly crushing it and causing them to fall forward.
Once more, Ja-Ryang vanished from sight.
Everyone, watch your back! Tang Ku shouted.
Reacting reflexively, the Sichuan Tang Family's masters turned to shield their backs. Seemingly toying with them, Ja-Ryang materialized behind one and delivered another forceful blow to the head.
I was mistaken.
Tang Ku acknowledged the impossibility of halting Ja-Ryang with their skills, a sentiment shared by the other martial arts masters. Despite this realization, they clung to their fighting spirit, resolved to exert every effort, even if it meant facing death. The Sichuan Tang Family's masters attempted various strategies to hinder Ja-Ryang, yet the outcome remained unchanged.
Ja-Ryang claimed the lives of the Sichuan Tang Family's Absolute Realm masters one after another. In the end, Tang Ku, the sole survivor, met his demise as Ja-Ryang's palm crushed his head.
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