Heavenly Inquisition Sword Novel - Chapter 278
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Chapter 278: Between Vengeance and Yearning
The leader of the Yoomyung Cult was an enigma shrouded in mystery.
People didn’t even know whether the leader of the Yoomyung Cult was a man or a woman.
Thirty years ago, when the Yoomyung Cult fought against the heroes in the southern Yangtze, the leader never revealed themselves.
Because of this, many considered the leader to be merely a symbolic figure.
However, recently, the organizational structure of the Yoomyung Cult had begun to be revealed.
“Above the Demon Warriors and the Great Demon Generals stands the Heavenly Demon King!”
“The Heavenly Demon King is the leader!”
Those who had experienced the strength of the Demon Warriors and the Great Demon Generals started to realize the formidable presence of the leader, the Heavenly Demon King.
Although they had never faced the leader in person, the fear towards this individual was immense.
And now, that leader was standing before them.
Even Jang Mudeok, the Apprentice of the Supreme Tao, was left breathless for a moment.
“Are you really the leader of the Yoomyung Cult?”
“Yes. As true as it is that you are the Apprentice of the Supreme Tao.”
“Then, I suppose you’re responsible for the missing people on the mountain and the massacre at Mansubang, also known as Myriad Blessings Manor.”
“I can’t deny it. It was the work of my loyal servants, the Eight Emperors.”
“Where are those who went up the mountain?”
The Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors pointed to a garden in the courtyard.
“They have become nutrients for those trees. Now they’re doing something much more valuable than anything they did in life.”
“Hmph!”
Jang Mudeok let out a sound of disgust. It was clear that the woman had killed them all and buried their bodies in the garden. Saying it with such serenity was something Jang Mudeok had not seen even in the worst demons he had faced.
‘I can’t reason with this witch.’
The followers of the Shinmo had surrounded the area, ready to fight. The situation was clear: only combat remained.
‘I must kill this witch for the peace of the world.’
Jang Mudeok slowly unsheathed his sword while fixing his gaze on the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors.
“Your tongue is as venomous as befits the leader of the Yoomyung Cult. Killing innocent people and using them as fertilizer for your garden… Today, I will punish you in the name of the heavens.”
“Hehe. Speaking in the name of the heavens… You’re quite arrogant. When did the heavens grant you that authority? Don’t fool yourself. You just want to kill me because you don’t like me.”
The Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors stood up from her seat.
Jang Mudeok watched silently as she put on her shoes and stepped out into the courtyard.
Jang Kangho looked at his father. If his father faced the leader, he and the Black Turtle Division could take care of the eight followers.
As if reading his mind, Jang Mudeok spoke.
“Vice-leader, lead the Black Turtle Division and neutralize those eight. If they resist, kill them.”
“Understood.”
The warriors of the Black Turtle Division grouped around Jang Kangho and slowly advanced toward the temple’s entrance.
The Holy Mother paid no attention to their movements, confident in her followers’ abilities.
The Eight Emperors were disciples she had trained for forty years, more loyal and skilled than any Demon Warrior or Great Demon General.
“Do you think your Black Turtle Division can defeat my Eight Emperors?” asked the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors.
“Yes, I do.”
“What a pity. Today, you’ll see that belief crumble. The Eight Emperors are on a level between the Demon Warriors and the Great Demon Generals.”
Jang Mudeok shuddered at her words. If that were true, the Black Turtle Division wouldn’t be able to handle those eight.
“Nonsense. If it were true, you would have conquered the world by now.”
Jang Mudeok launched his attack, deploying the Wind and Thunder Technique.
The Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors deflected the attack with her ceremonial fan.
Chachang-!
After blocking the Wind and Thunder Technique, Jang Mudeok switched to the Raging Thunder Technique.
Kwakakakaka-!
The wind and thunder swirled around the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors, but she calmly deflected them.
Jang Mudeok unleashed three consecutive sword strikes, releasing a powerful energy that fell upon the head of the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors.
He expected to see the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors defeated, but she merely smiled.
“Did you really think this trick would affect me?”
Jang Mudeok looked in disbelief. The Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors was unscathed, as if she hadn’t received any blows.
“Unfortunately, your energy couldn’t penetrate my defensive shield.”
Hearing about the defensive shield, Jang Mudeok was stunned. That was a legendary skill that only a few absolute masters could achieve.
“Is that… really a defensive shield?”
“Hehe. Yes, it’s one of the skills of true masters.”
“How…?”
Jang Mudeok couldn’t help but ask.
“I’ve spent years perfecting my technique.”
The Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors looked at him intently.
Jang Mudeok glanced at the remaining warriors of the Black Turtle Division. Only three were still standing: Jang Kangho, Mu Beop, and Moyong Hwang.
In less than seven minutes, they had been nearly annihilated.
“Retreat! Retreat now!”
Jang Mudeok shouted to his son and the others, who were fiercely fighting the Eight Emperors.
As he lunged forward to help them, the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors appeared before him, blocking his path.
“You don’t understand. I have no interest in conquering the world. If I wanted to, I would have done it years ago.”
“Then, what do you desire?”
Jang Mudeok channeled all his energy into his sword, ready for one last desperate attempt.
“I seek only to attain the truth and transcend. I have no interest in this fleeting life.”
“Madwoman! You commit massacres and speak of transcendence! Don’t you fear divine punishment?”
Jang Mudeok attacked with all his might, but the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors deflected the blow and pushed him back with an explosion of energy.
KWAAANG-!
Jang Mudeok staggered back, coughing up blood.
“Kuh!”
He saw three deep footprints at his feet.
The sound of a brief scream made him lift his head, seeing Moyong Hwang fall, split in two.
“Get out of my way, witch!”
Jang Mudeok charged forward again, determined to save his son and the others, but the Eight Emperors had already killed them all.
With no other option, he jumped over the courtyard wall, attempting to escape the temple while the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors laughed.
“What a fool, Apprentice of the Supreme Tao! Justice and injustice are human inventions. The heavens don’t distinguish between people. If you ever wish to reach the legendary state, come find me.”
“Madwoman! Who would want to listen to your words?”
Jang Mudeok covered his ears, running towards the valley, determined not to hear more.
Upon reaching the base of the mountain, the Demon Warriors didn’t dare stop him.
Jang Mudeok ran nonstop, his eyes bloodshot and his ears bleeding.
To avenge his son, he would have to reach the legendary state.
Between vengeance and the yearning for that power, Jang Mudeok wrestled ceaselessly.
Fifteen days later, he returned alone to the Justice Alliance, broken and without company.
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