SSS-Class Revival Hunter - Chapter 83

WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: ZERO_SUGAR

◈ SSS-Class Revival Hunter ◈

Chapter 83: Sword Dance (1)

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Sword Heart.

Only after winter had repeated itself for so long that So BaekHyang could no longer remember the temperature of those winters did she begin to feel her way toward that realm.

The Sword of the Heart.

It was when she no longer was known as 'The Fragrance of Snow' but as 'The Heavenly Demon' that So BaekHyang started to glimpse this realm.

......I see it......

The woman who was So BaekHyang, now the Heavenly Demon, muttered.

......A realm untrodden by any warrior lies ahead......

......It seems as distant as the Pure Land......

......But if it's visible, is there any place unreachable?......

Her heart pounded with excitement.

The Sword Heart is a realm known only in legends. Killing Heart: the mere intent to kill, the harboring of murderous will in one's heart, causes the target to die instantly. No need for a sword. No need for words. She, at last, had that realm before her.

......Heavenly Demon......

If only.

......Our revered lord......

If only she were given time.

60 years to dedicate solely to training.

If only that were possible.

......Please relieve us of this resentment......

People knelt before her.

......The officials demand marten fur as taxes. My father went hunting and never returned, leaving us unable to pay. We are to pay taxes based on the number of family members, so my grandmother, nearing her end, has decided to disappear to reduce our taxes......

......Heavenly Demon......

There were so many bowed before her.

......There was a drought last year, and another this year, leaving us with nothing to eat. Yet we have been ordered to build a reservoir and raise embankments. They say it is to prevent next year’s drought, but how are bodies that have eaten nothing supposed to lift and stack stones?......

......My daughter was taken and has not returned......

......Heavenly Demon......

They were numerous.

The Heavenly Demon quietly looked up at the snowy mountains.

If she had 60 years, a period solely dedicated to training, she would ascend to a realm no warrior in the history of the martial world had ever reached. It was an undeniable fact. But still.

......Lead the way......

The Heavenly Demon stood up, her dark robe fluttering.

......There are so many I must cut down......

Abandon the world or herself?

The Heavenly Demon easily discarded her personal desires.

To hold no desire even for the desire to pursue martial greatness.

That had always been her life.

That day, too, you cut down those who had frozen the world.

You just couldn't cut down winter itself.

-Originally,

The Guardian Spirit knelt down.

-A warrior using another's mouth for a duel is absurd. It's unprecedented rudeness and would become a laughingstock in martial history.

The Guardian Spirit sat respectfully in the snow, a posture I had never seen before. It was his own form of etiquette, reserved for those he recognized as worthy opponents.

-But even knowing it's laughable, I must request this duel.

The Sword Emperor looked straight at the Master.

-My alias is Sword Emperor. In the world known as the Ten Thousand Sword Realm, I was acknowledged as the number one. I implore your forgiveness for my rudeness and request a verbal duel.

Then, he bowed his head.

"......."

“Disciple?"

The Master blinked.

“Why don’t you speak the technique? The duel has already begun.”

Naturally, the Master couldn’t see or hear the Guardian Spirit. She didn't see his etiquette.

“……Master.”

“What’s the matter?”

“You must have known that I use strange magic.”

“You mean the magic that returned my children and the Martial Alliance’s zombies to their original states?”

The Master chuckled, her laugh fleeting as if it might vanish any moment.

“I’ve chosen not to ask anything of you. Silence is a virtue. I just thought you were a messenger sent by the Jade Emperor out of pity for me.”

The Master rested her head on my thigh, smiling. Her head shook slightly with each laugh, highlighting her diminished weight.

“…I know one more kind of magic.”

The Master’s time was running out. I needed to be concise.

“One of them is a spell to summon ghosts.”

“Hmm?"

“There is a ghost beside me right now who possesses profound knowledge of martial arts. He was called the greatest under heaven in the lands beyond the borders.”

“Ah ha! The greatest warrior of the outside world! Impressive.”

The Master giggled, apparently taking it as a joke.

“Fine. I shall duly acknowledge the ghost summoned by my disciple as an opponent for a verbal martial duel."

"......."

I looked at the Guardian Spirit.

He sat silently in a formal position.

“So, what technique will the ghost of the greatest warrior present?”

“...He says he will yield to you.”

"Uh-huh?"

“Master, he said he would yield the first three moves to you.”

The Master’s expression lost its mirth.

“Arrogant. No disciple of mine would say such a thing. It’s definitely a cheeky ghost. I’ll strike with the fifth technique of [Twelve Cloud Dragon Swords], the Rising Swift Dragon Sword, at the Acupoint of Swift Water.”

1st move.

-I respond with the sixth technique of [Earth Dragon Martial Staff], Eastern River Cave Dragon as a feint, then step back with Divine Floating Step.

The Guardian Spirit immediately countered without hesitation.

I didn’t understand what [Twelve Cloud Dragon Swords] or [Earth Dragon Martial Staff] were. My knowledge was limited to Divine Art of the Demonic Heaven. I just relayed the duel verbally.

“He said he responds with the sixth technique of [Earth Dragon Martial Staff], Eastern River Cave Dragon as a feint, then steps back with Divine Floating Step.”

“Hmm…”

The Master furrowed her brows.

“I counter with the seventh technique of [Great Taichi], Torrent Flurry Kick.”

-I use the second technique of [Flesh Killer Fist], Double Ground Hands as a feint, then dodge with Steel Plank.

The Master’s delicate eyebrows wrinkled further.

“I attack with the sixth technique of [Tangmyo Six Swords], Cheonmyo Six-Rhythm Strike.”

-I use Mandarin Duck Kick, then retreat with Plum Blossom Chaotic Steps.

"......."

Three moves passed in an instant.

I couldn’t grasp the exchange that unfolded between them.

But the Master was now silent.

-You.

The Guardian Spirit spoke calmly.

-I can guess how you lived. After reaching the peak, you had no time for training, busy with cult affairs. You saw the threshold of the Life and Death Realm but didn't pursue it. Why? You were too busy. Managing the cult alone took up all your 24 hours. You were too occupied taking care of your family and sect members to spare time for training.

Then he continued.

-Do you know what’s the most frustrating?

The corner of the Guardian Spirit’s mouth twisted.

-That even with all that, you were still known as the greatest. There's no need to strive higher.

Because you're already at the peak. Comfortable, recognized by everyone. No need to make an effort. In your own words, you’re heaven itself.

"......."

-Poor thing. Your misfortune is that you were the absolute strongest in this martial realm.

The Guardian Spirit crossed his arms.

-Let me show you what lies beyond the heavens.

I didn't relay these words.

It felt unnecessary.

"Hm."

The Master slowly lifted her head.

Leaning slightly against me, she assumed a seated position on the snow.

“Seems like he’s not just any random warrior.”

The Heavenly Demon.

Origin, The Veritable Records of the Heavenly Demon.

The Absolute Greatest of All Times.

The Demonic Sect.

-Of course. Who do you think I am?

The Sword Emperor.

Origin, Ten Thousand Sword Realm.

The Greatest Warrior of the World.

The Orthodox Faction.

“Alright. I won't go easy on you.”

-Come at me as much as you like.

A Martial Duel…

Commences.

"I'll start with the first technique of Flaming Blood Dragon, Explosive Ascension, striking upward at the chin."

-Suddenly mimicking the Orthodox Faction, huh? Counter with the first technique of Great Eight Techniques of the Cloud Dragon, once striking the ground, then upward with the fist.

One move.

"I'll switch Explosive Ascension to the third technique of Execution Blade, Gentle Fierce Strike, aiming for the Fountainhead Acupoint to kill the momentum."

-Oh, really now? Let's see, should I counter or... Alright, I'll mix in the principles of Order of Life and Death with Estuary Butterfly to match.

Another move.

"......."

As the verbal duel continued, the Master's breathing grew more labored.

In winter, her breaths turned whiter.

The Master clenched her left hand, grabbing her knee firmly. With her right, she tightly held my hand. She was trembling. Her tremors were transmitted to me through our clasped hands.

“...How long do you intend to keep your filthy foot planted on my fingers? I will tear it away with Flaming Leeching Chin Strike, the second technique of Demonic Leeching Dharma.”

-Just a mere strike back and you're losing your temper. I'll immediately retreat from the strike and roll in mid-air, Lazy Mule Roll, while simultaneously performing the fourth technique of Divine Chariot Spin, Hill of Life and Death, targeting the right Greater Bone, Sun Valley, and White Tiger Acupoints.

"I'll retreat three steps with Reigning Steps of the Heavenly Demon!"

The Master seemed delighted.

-Mimicking the Demonic Sect now? I'll counter with Sword of Freezing Death to follow suit.

Yes.

The Great Axe Sage of the martial alliance was never a [Match] for the Master.

Undoubtedly, the Great Axe Sage was the strongest in the Orthodox Faction of this world. He was the only one who could possibly stand against the Master. But wasn't it proven in the final Orthodox-Demonic Great War? If both gave their all in a duel, the victor would always be the Master.

A duel with a foregone conclusion.

Perhaps, that's why the Master delayed the resolution of the Great Orthodox-Demonic War to the 990th round.

Like a child savoring a candy that will eventually melt, cherishing it as long as possible.

"I'm sorry."

That's why the Great Axe Sage, in the timeline where he faced a bad ending, said to the Master.

"I'm sorry I was weaker than you."

"I was the weaker one."

"Kill me."

Squeeze.

Unconsciously, my grip tightened.

“Foolish! I strike the Inyeong acupoint with the second technique of Execution Blade!”

-Impossible. I dodge with Steel Plank and retaliate with Explosive Ascension at the same time.

"Aha."

At last, Master’s laughter welled up. It was neither sorrowful laughter nor a fleeting smile. Her pounding heart filled it completely, making the laughter bloom red.

"My disciple, this ghost you've summoned is indeed the best!"

"……Yes."

Now, I fully understood the Great Axe Sage's feelings.

"Among those I know, he is probably the strongest."

"Where did you hide such a powerful warrior, only to introduce him now!"

A little frustrated.

"Such a powerful martial artist, I've never encountered in my lifetime!"

No.

I was far more frustrated.

"I'll mix in the techniques of Divine Martial Heaven to twist his arm and kill his momentum. Then, I'll retreat four steps with the Reigning Steps of the Heavenly Demon!"

-Oh dear. You already retreated three steps, and now another four? I think it is fair to say you are starting to tuck your tail. I close the distance with one step of Divine Floating Step, then use Midsummer Downpour imbued with Sword Aura.

“Aha! Midsummer Downpour with Sword Aura! So you are saying you have tired of probing. Very well. I draw it in with Sword of Parched Death and redirect it, then immediately reverse my grip and unleash the first through third techniques of Shining Torrent Dragon, striking Heavenly Pillar, Great Vertebra, and Body Pillar in order!”

I didn’t understand the martial duel unfolding between them.

I couldn't even visualize the clash in my mind.

I knew what Sword of Parched Death was, but I didn’t know what Shining Torrent Dragon was. I knew what Lazy Mule Roll was, but I had no idea what the stance for Life and Death of Divine Chariot Spin was.

Not knowing, and unable to picture it, I wasn’t even allowed to try to fathom their movements.

Their swordplay and martial dance were beyond my comprehension.

-Then, I'll counter with a Butterfly Filling Sword mixed with Order of Life and Death, stepping back and then unleashing the Supreme Ultimate Heavenly Sword!

“Not bad at all. Not bad!”

Ah.

If only I could be your worthy opponent.

If only I could be the sole recipient of your hopes.

I wanted you to spend your last moments in life, happy only because of me.

But I can't see.

At most, all I could see and hear was,

“Good. I evade obliquely using the principles of ■■ Movement Technique.”

-I counter with ■■■ Sword, the third technique of ■■ Art!

Just this much.

I can't see your swords.

“Very well. I answer with ■■ Kick, the second technique of ■■■.”

-I pursue with the ■■■ Method of ■■■■!

“Good. I will strike your ■■ and ■■ with ■■■■ Sword of ■■■■!”

-You are getting impatient. I dodge with ■■■■, then use ■■■■ to aim at your neck.

“I deflect it, then strike ■■■ with ■■■■■, the tenth technique of ■■■■!”

-Using ■■, I turn ■■■■■ aside with ■■■■. After countering, I whirl ■■, the ■ ■■ ■■ of ■■■■■, and ■■ it.

“■■■■, then ■■■, striking ■■ and ■■■...”

It was dark.

The realm where the two danced was so far beyond.

"Then, after countering…"

That’s when it happened.

The Master, who had been gasping for breath, turned to look at me.

"......."

For a moment, time seemed to stop.

The Master’s gaze.

Her dark eyes rested on my face.

"......Yes."

A small smile graced the Master’s lips.

“My disciple, the day is cold.”

"......."

“The season repeats into winter, and this place becomes a perpetual snowfield. A snowfield is a harsh battlefield for martial artists. Every step sinks deep, requiring constant use of stepping techniques.”

The Master touched the snow.

Delicate snowflakes clung to her fingertips.

“That’s why battles on snowfields always focus on destabilizing the opponent's stance. Understand, my disciple? There’s no need to stubbornly aim for the neck or waist. Just pressure them into losing their footing.”

“That is why your ghost and I are each trying to take away the other’s space. We are narrowing the room in which the other can move.”

The Master.

“Using a lot of kicks serves the same purpose. Not just to strike the opponent, but also to scatter the snowflakes, obscuring vision a bit. Hmm, quite a desperate fight, isn’t it?..."

The Master whispered in my ear.

“Close your eyes.”

Her left hand gently covered my eyes.

“I can see the opponent.”

“……Yes.”

“A mighty and noble master. He must be quite large. Almost twice the size of me, right?”

I pictured the Guardian Spirit in my mind.

“Yes."

“A huge bear-like master, breathing heavily. There he stands, confidently smiling, beckoning me to come at him. Given the difference in physique, he must be confident…”

As the Master’s whispers continued, the Guardian Spirit’s figure became clearer.

"How could I possibly overcome the natural difference in physique? I accept it. But I remember my strengths. I can move faster than him. Above all, I am familiar with snowfields. I'll perform the Printless Snow Walk more skillfully than him…”

“Yes."

"It's a long-term battle. Understand, my disciple. I am aiming for a prolonged fight."

Ah, the Master playfully commented.

“But that fellow has seen through my plan. His movements become hurried. His swordplay quickens. He charges at me like a wild boar---."

Soon.

"But fear not. It's all as expected. I step back, lightly, retreating---."

Before my eyes.

"I draw him in.”

The scene unfolds before me.

"Continuously retreating. My steps are light, ever so light. He, like a real wild boar, charges, stirring the snowflakes in all directions---."

As winter repeats, the world becomes an eternal snowfield.

The Master, she steps back.