Chapter 51
“That footwork!”
“Could it be the Demonic Phoenix Flowing Steps?”
“What? That’s the Demonic Phoenix Flowing Steps?”
“That’s the signature martial art of the Demon Empress!”
“The successor of the Demon Empress has appeared!”
“The Heavenly Demon’s disciple has inherited the legacy of the Demon Empress!”
With each step Shin Seol-ha took, the demonic practitioners shuddered with awe.
Even though she hadn’t launched a single attack, her footwork alone proved her worth.
A martial art that had been considered a legend due to the lack of a successor.
The appearance of this advanced martial art, said to rival even the Heavenly Demon Divine Art, sent the competition arena into a frenzy.
“Lord Cult Leader, was the martial art you taught the First Young Lady truly the Demon Empress’s techniques?”
At the VIP seats in front of the stage where the Eight Extremities rounds were underway, many prominent figures gathered, a sight rarely seen during tournaments.
The heads of five of the Six Great Demon Clans, along with the leaders of the Shura Corps, King of Hell Corps, Killing Ghost Corps, and Blood Shadow Corps, all watched the match intently.
“There’s someone down there with sharp eyes.”
The Heavenly Demon, Jeok Yeo-gwang, confirmed with a nod, leaving the gathered leaders stunned.
They hadn’t expected him to pass down the Heavenly Demon Divine Art to a newly appointed disciple, let alone the martial arts of the Demon Empress.
“Look at the elegance of the First Young Lady’s movements. How could one not recognize the flowing grace of a phoenix?”
Gong Pae-cheon, the strategist of the Demonic Cult, praised Shin Seol-ha with a look of awe.
“She’s truly extraordinary. To grow this much in such a short time, it seems I’ve chosen an excellent disciple, wouldn’t you say?”
“This is all thanks to your wisdom, Cult Leader.”
“I heard she used to be a maid. Is that true?”
“Commander Mae, what do you think? To my eyes, it seems I’ve taken in a genius.”
“Indeed, if she truly was a maid, then she’s undoubtedly a genius. Her movements are far beyond what one would expect from someone who has just begun learning martial arts. She’s a talent worth coveting.”
Mae Garim, the commander of the Shura Corps, recognized her potential at first glance.
They say promising trees show their potential early.
Mae Garim, known for identifying and nurturing exceptional talents in the cult, couldn’t help but admire Shin Seol-ha’s skills.
“Are you saying you’d like to recruit the First Young Lady into the Shura Corps?”
Yoo Sung, the commander of the King of Hell Corps, interjected with a displeased tone.
“It’s just a figure of speech. How could I covet the Cult Leader’s disciple?”
“It’s not entirely impossible.”
“What do you mean, Commander Go?”
All eyes turned to Go Ji-ryang, the leader of the Killing Ghost Corps.
“It wouldn’t be unprecedented. If the cult requires the First Young Lady’s strength, she could certainly participate in missions. Isn’t that right, Strategist Gong?”
“If such a situation arises, it would be necessary.”
It wasn’t unusual for the Heavenly Demon’s disciple to lead the charge in battle.
“However, isn’t that a matter for the distant future? The First Young Lady has only just begun and still has much to learn from the Cult Leader.”
“How far has the First Young Lady mastered the Demon Empress’s martial arts?”
Yeo Gong, the head of the Thousand Blood Clan, asked, plunging the atmosphere into silence.
The martial arts of the Demon Empress, passed down solely through the Heavenly Demon, had found a successor after over a hundred years.
If Shin Seol-ha were to fully master them, the balance of power within the cult could shift dramatically.
While the birth of an ultimate master was a joyous occasion for the cult, it was not without concerns for those in key positions.
“Hm.”
The Heavenly Demon, who had been listening silently, smiled faintly.
“For now, let’s focus on the match. Perhaps the answer will reveal itself.”
It was an order to cease chatter and concentrate on the battle.
Though many faces still brimmed with questions, none dared to defy the Heavenly Demon’s command.
Their gazes returned to the arena.
Swoosh!
The sound of blades cutting through the air echoed repeatedly.
“Hyaaah!”
Frustrated by Shin Seol-ha’s elusive movements, Im Woong roared and swung his saber with all his might.
Swish!
Dodging the blade that nearly grazed her shoulder, Shin Seol-ha stepped back and to the side.
She could now anticipate Im Woong’s every move.
It was as if she had entered a runner’s high—her spirits lifted, and her mind sharpened.
Time seemed to slow down.
Even as Im Woong’s saber came dangerously close again, it failed to so much as brush a strand of her hair.
“Now!”
Jeok I-geon’s telepathic voice rang in her mind.
Already prepared, Shin Seol-ha struck at Im Woong’s back, aiming her fist.
It hit!
Clang!
A clear, bell-like sound reverberated across the stage.
Moments later.
“Ughhh!”
Im Woong let out a pained scream, rolling across the ground.
His bear-like belly rippled as if waves were crashing through it.
“Ughhh!”
Blood gushed out of Im Woong’s mouth like a torrent before his massive frame collapsed.
It was my first victory.
“Waaaaaah!”
The cheers of the demonic practitioners erupted, and in a surge of impulse, I raised one hand high.
The crowd went wild.
“It’s the descent of the Demon Empress!”
“The phoenix has returned to life!”
Oh no.
This wasn’t the reaction I was aiming for.
It’s true that I inherited the legacy of the Demon Empress, but my current skills don’t even reach the tips of her toes.
Being hailed as the reincarnation of the Demon Empress only filled me with shame.
“Ahaha…”
Now that I had already raised my hand, I had no idea what to do next.
At that moment, I noticed the Heavenly Demon in the VIP section.
Master, hello there!
Embarrassed, I awkwardly waved my hand toward him.
Did you see that, Master?
Just two more victories, and I’ll win the tournament.
I promise to do my best not to disgrace you.
I muttered this silent pledge to myself as I clumsily descended from the stage.
***
On the highest floor of Mado Hall, with a full view of the competition arena, someone watched Seol-ha’s match with their hands clasped behind their back.
It was Tak Joong-hak, the head of the Hyunma Tak Family.
For some reason, his body trembled slightly.
He couldn’t tear his eyes away.
As Lord Sim had said, the resemblance was uncanny, as though his late daughter Seonhwa had returned to life.
“…Cheon-young.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Can someone truly resemble another this much? She’s not even a twin.”
“……”
“Answer me. Are you certain that child isn’t Seonhwa?”
“The Heavenly Demon’s disciple is said to be seventeen this year.”
“Right. You would recognize Seonhwa’s face. That’s why you brought me here today, isn’t it? To confirm it for myself.”
How similar could they possibly be?
Even with Lord Sim’s constant emphasis, Tak Joong-hak hadn’t expected this extent.
“I must meet this child’s grandmother myself.”
“I will escort you.”
It had been a long time since Tak Joong-hak displayed such anger.
With a heavy heart, Cheon-young led him to Shin Geum’s noodle shop.
Meanwhile, Shin Geum, the person they sought, wasn’t far away, cheering enthusiastically for Seol-ha.
Beside her stood Pyo Jin-yang, standing watch as though on alert.
“Yes! You did it, my dear!”
As the match ended in Seol-ha’s victory, Shin Geum beamed as if it were her own.
“Are you out of your mind?”
Pyo Jin-yang couldn’t understand her at all.
“Didn’t Strategist Gong promise to help? You need to escape as soon as possible before your identity is revealed!”
“I can’t leave my granddaughter behind.”
“That granddaughter of yours! I understand you’re worried about Seol-ha, but she’s the Heavenly Demon’s disciple now. Who would dare harm her? Even if something happens, both Strategist Gong and I are here to protect her. Lady, trust us and leave already!”
‘Ha, “lady,” he says…’
It had been a long time since she’d been addressed that way.
“You’re unusually naggy today. If this keeps up, I won’t help you anymore.”
“Are you threatening me with your medical skills?”
“I’m just asking you to stop so I won’t have to.”
When Seol-ha disappeared from sight, Shin Geum finally turned around.
“I’ll leave the rest of the matches to you. It’s almost time to open the shop.”
“Why not just take the day off and watch the finals?”
“This is enough. It seems the Heavenly Demon and the Second Young Master taught her well.”
It was a responsibility that had once been hers.
Though it stung a little, Shin Geum decided not to dwell on it.
“Well then, I’ll be on my way.”
Moving with practiced ease, Shin Geum quickly vanished.
She reappeared soon after at her modest noodle shop, no larger than five square meters.
—
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