Chapter 419: One Fist

Slaam-!

A giant flew in the air along with a heavy sound.

“Ugh!”

Tang Duk groaned and barely managed to land on his feet.

He looked in front of him, feeling shocked.

His eyes widened once he saw the sight in front. He also started to look around. Something was strange.

The small stars in the sky hid themselves.

When the bright stars disappeared, only darkness filled the forest.

It was silent.

The crickets in the grass also became dead silent.

Tang Duk sharpened his senses because of the sudden silence that came.

He instinctively knew just how much danger he was in.

What’s going on?

He was able to immediately realize that this was done artificially, but he still had to check his situation.

First,

I’ll try to break it out using sheer force.

Right as Tang Duk was about to make a heavy swing,

“…!”
He felt something strange.

It’s heavy.

His body felt heavy to move. He also found it difficult for him to use his strength.

Was this because of the mysterious field around him?

Crack!

Tang Duk grinded his teeth and swung his spear.

Despite him being restrained, he still wasn’t weak.

Swoooosh-!

His spear enhanced with Qi was harshly swung, and a strong sharp wave exploded outwards.

Craaack-!

He was able to see trees in the way being cut.

Tang Duk quickly moved his eyes during it.

He had to find it.

The person that was responsible for creating this situation.

Where is he? Just where are you?

He tried his best to find him, but he actually didn’t need to.

The person he was looking for, had no intention to hide in the first place.

I see him.

Blaze…

From a distance, a black flame was burning alone in the thick darkness.

It was as if his great presence was signaling that he was there.

Hah.

Tang Duk had to laugh after seeing the flame. He felt speechless.

So the rumors about him being the greatest prodigy wasn’t false.

How could such a presence come from a brat who was barely the age of twenty?

Gu Yangcheon watched Tang Duk while being wrapped in black flames, and his presence was not small at all.

Despite his flames being black, it still had the beauty of normal flames.

However, as colorful as it was, the ominousness contained inside the flame made it far from sacred.

How was he able to have such flames?

It was only fire, but Tang Duk wondered why he instinctively felt afraid of it.

Moreover, Gu Yangcheon’s black pupils from before was now shining in a purple light, and his sclera was now black.

…What is that?

Just his strange appearance alone made his presence overwhelming.

What was that creature?

The Heavenly Demon, huh?

That’s what the Lesser King of Hell described himself as.

Heavenly Demon. Did that mean he was a Demon sent from the heavens?

It wasn’t even his title, so why did the Lesser King of Hell call himself that?

During the fight, Tang Duk thought such a title suited the Lesser King of Hell quite well.

After all, his appearance didn’t differ from a Demon at all.

Tang Duk thought to himself.

For some reason, he kept being reminded of something.

The thing that Tang Bi Seung so desired.

The Celestial Martial Body.

An overpowering talent who became the youngest to reach Fusion Realm in history. Not only that, he felt no fear and had a presence that overwhelmed his opponents.

If Gu Yangcheon wasn’t what Tang Bi Seung was trying to create, then what was?
Crack.

Tang Duk ground his teeth at the thought.

Without realizing it, he thought to himself how he wouldn’t have been thrown out if he was like the bastard in front of him.

His plan was to not only rip apart the people of Tang Clan, but annihilate them as a whole.

Tang Duk wanted to completely erase the Tang surname from the world, yet he still felt a lingering attachment to his past.

Wake up.

Tang Duk became determined and pointed his spear at the flames.

I’ll kill them all.

It didn’t matter if the bastard in front of him was a Demon or possessed the Celestial Martial Body.

It also didn’t matter that he knew about his past.

The only important part was that the bastard was standing in the way of his revenge.

To destroy everything in his path.

That’s what he raised his strength for.

Slam-!

His spear swung in the air.

A powerful Qi wrapped around the blade and it shined in green light.

This light had no relations to Poison Art.

Unfortunately, it was just a small trace of Tang Clan left in Tang Duk’s body.

The spear enhanced with green Qi made a fluid curve in the air, shooting out energy.

Dragon Spear.

It was the most basic spear technique used by the Murim Alliance.

It was the most common, and easiest spear technique to learn.

This was the only martial technique that Tang Duk learned. He had to learn it in order to survive.

Because it was the only thing he knew, he had to practice and grind it a ton, and even managed to reach Fusion Realm using this technique.

Managing to reach the very difficult Fusion Realm using such a common technique, it really showed just how impressive Tang Duk’s body was.

Gu Yangcheon moved when he saw the attack.

Clang-!

“…!”

He deflected the great spear using his fist. He had no hesitation rushing in while making harsh movements.

Tang Duk was shocked for an instant, but he quickly spun his body around and fixed the position of his spear.

In that short instance, Gu Yangcheon didn’t give Tang Duk any time and reached his fist out against Tang Duk.

Black Fiery Fangs of Beast.

Starting from his hand, giant flames in the shape of a wolf charged toward Tang Duk.

Rooaaar-!

An overwhelming amount of flame poured out in a large radius, engulfing the sight.

The area instantly turned into a messy field of flames, but Gu Yangcheon’s gaze was looking to the side, not forward.

He opened his hand.

In an instant, heat condensed into one spot.

After a moment, the condensed heat took the shape of a marble.

It was similar to the Flaming Spheres he used in the past, but it was now much more defined, black in color and was vibrating slightly.

Rotation.

Gu Yangcheon didn’t forget about what his father taught him.

When he focused on the rotation of his Qi, it felt as if his techniques became stronger.

Gu Yangcheon looked in front along with this thought.

He wasn’t able to feel Tang Duk’s presence from where black flames burned.

Despite him having a large body, he was able to quickly dodge the attack.

Where did he go? Gu Yangcheon didn’t think for long.

If he didn’t know where his opponent was, then all he had to do was destroy the paths that his opponent would take.

Gu Yangcheon threw the black sphere on the ground without hesitation.

Woong-!

The Flaming Sphere vibrated for a moment after making contact with the ground.

Swoooosh-!
Then, it exploded an ungodly amount of heat and started to devour everything in sight.

The black flame in the explosion was already impressive, but the tornado-like wind wave that exploded along with it was powerful as well.

The trees near the explosion had their roots pulled out due to the wind wave.

Right after, they were all turned into ashes due to the flames.

After the explosion, once the short storm came to an end, Gu Yangcheon stood in the same spot as before and looked around.

Everything was in ruins except for the spot he was standing in.

Not too far away, a giant holding a spear stared at Gu Yangcheon, kneeling down.

“Huff… Hah…”

He didn’t seem to have taken much damage as he protected himself with a Qi barrier, but he wasn’t able to completely avoid the attack judging by his rough breathing.

Gu Yangcheon had to become extremely shocked at the sight.

I was right to be worried.

The bastard’s level was definitely below the Black Dragon’s, but he had a higher immunity against Demonic Qi.

It seemed like Gu Yangcheon was right about saying that Demon’s blood gave more immunity to Demonic Qi to the one possessing it.

That was a big problem for him.

Moreover, he was able to notice Tang Duk’s movement becoming faster.

Did that mean he was getting used to it?

To my Demonic Qi?

With that thought, Gu Yangcheon moved around the Demonic Qi inside Tang Duk’s body.

Then, the Demonic Qi inside Tang Duk’s Dantian started to twirl and went on a rampage.

Did Tang Duk notice? Gu Yangcheon was able to feel Tang Duk blocking the Qi.

Judging by that, it seemed like Gu Yangcheon’s assumption was correct.

It was obvious it wasn’t only Gu Yangcheon that felt something, as Tang Duk got back up to his feet and rubbed his abdomen.

As if he felt more comfortable than before, he spoke with a smile.

“So it’s not poison.”

“Why do you think that?”

“If it was, then I wouldn’t be standing here like this.”

It would have been critical for Tang Duk if it was real poison instead of Demonic Qi, but Gu Yangcheon didn’t expect Demon’s blood to do such a favor for Tang Duk.

“I admit, the Lesser King of Hell.”

“…admit what?”

“You are strong. I’m even shocked. For you to show such power at your age…”

“Get to the point.”

Tang Duk made a terrifying smile.

“I was able to know from your attack just now. However, you are still weak, at least compared to me.”

“…”

Swoosh-!

He swung his spear shortly, sending out a wave.

The wind wave blew away all the black flames around him.

Gu Yangcheon admitted it.

He knew that he was weaker than Tang Duk in the first place, and he knew that he was in danger since Demonic Qi wasn’t working against him.

It was possible for him to use more Demonic Qi, but it was a big risk.

It required Gu Yangcheon to use an extreme amount of Demonic Qi on an opponent like Tang Duk, but he had to use much more than normal due to his giant physique, so it became harder for Gu Yangcheon to risk a longer fight.

Gu Yangcheon knew that as well.

“I told you, didn’t I? To not be so full of yourself. You little brat, are you still willing to fight me?”

Tang Duk likely knew as well.

He showed anger being shocked at first, but he showed confidence once he learned his situation.

He believed that he was going to win.

Gu Yangcheon smirked after seeing Tang Duk’s behavior.

He was for sure in danger due to the unexpected situation he was put in, but he for some reason wasn’t worried, nor did this let it affect his emotions.

However, he was a little disappointed.

I guess my method isn’t going to work in the end.

He learned that he wasn’t going to succeed using his own method.

Along with that thought, he decreased the size of his Destructive Flame Art.

“Hmm?”

Tang Duk couldn’t help but scoff at Gu Yangcheon’s decreasing flames.

“What, are you giving up no- “

Right as he was about to mock him, Tang Duk held his spear again and got back into his stance.

He felt a change from Gu Yangcheon.

Huh?

It was the same feeling as before.

Gu Yangcheon still felt ominous, and he still had an overwhelming presence, but it felt as if something was wrapping around all of those things.

No, was it better to describe it as him standing on a strong foundation?

Tang Duk didn’t know. However, he was certain that something was changing.

Crack.

While watching Tang Duk’s reaction, Gu Yangcheon started to move as if he were stretching his body.

It’s painful.

He wondered if he wasn’t going to feel anything at first, but it was disgustingly painful as he expected.

Gu Yangcheon was now using a new type of Qi.

He filled his heart with Demonic Qi, wrapped his body with Destructive Flame Art.

Then, he covered his whole body with the Heaven Destruction Art.

He was reminded of when the Dishonored Venerable told him not to use it in a real battle, but he decided to put those words aside for now.

Combing all of those things resulted in great pain.

That’s the first thought Gu Yangcheon had.

Despite that, he instead felt comfort because he was so used to the sensation.

Was it him being used to pain, or its Qi?

He didn’t know, but he felt comfort from it.

So I guess it’s not a problem even if I use all three?

Gu Yangcheon was slowly moving his body to test this.

He used two at the same time before, but he didn’t know what would happen if he used all three of those things at once.

Unlike his worries, he didn’t run into any problems for now.

There was one difference, which was the fact that his Combat Qi was starting to boil.

Gu Yangcheon observed Tang Duk in front of him.

It seemed like the bastard noticed the aura from the Heaven Destruction Art as well as he was being cautious.

He’s pretty sharp, huh?

It should have been impossible for anyone to see, but Tang Duk noticed a change and became more tense. With that thought, Gu Yangcheon took a step forward.

His body continued to boil, but his mind cooled down.

Unlike his Combat Qi that rose from his body, his gaze became colder.

Why was there such a change?

Was it because of the Heaven Destruction Art?

It didn’t feel that way.

Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter.

Gu Yangcheon had to focus on his opponent in front of him for now.

Tang Duk watched Gu Yangcheon walk up with caution.

He didn’t know what to expect.

Moreover, he still continued to feel the strange sensation.

What’s happening?

How many surprises did this bastard have?

He already had a monstrous appearance and Qi, but he added something on top of that.

As Tang Duk gulped nervously at the mysterious change of his opponent, Gu Yangcheon disappeared from his sight.

“…!”

Tang Duk immediately moved.

He swung his spear.

Tang Duk may have lost Gu Yangcheon in his sight, but he didn’t let his presence escape.

His presence was clearly to his-

Pow-!

“Ugh!?”

Tang Duk felt a presence from his flank, but a fist dug into his abdomen straight from in front.

What was that? His whole body vibrated. Thankfully, he was able to withstand the attack.

Tang Duk used his spear technique against Gu Yangcheon without breaking posture,

Tap-!

But before Tang Duk was able to finish his gesture, Gu Yangcheon reached his hand out and slightly turned the spear’s pathing.

The difference seemed minimal, but the result was completely different.

Swish-!

Because of that small difference, the Qi flowing from Tang Duk’s body scattered away, leaving an opening as he failed to execute his attack.

“Shit!”

How unbelievable…!

Tang Duk immediately tried gaining distance from Gu Yangcheon.

Tap.

However, Gu Yangcheon was faster.

A relatively tiny fist compared to Tang Duk’s giant body, made contact with his chest.

It felt light.

Gu Yangcheon only placed his fist on Tang Duk’s chest. Despite that, Tang Duk was able to know.

Something was about to happen from the tip of this small fist.

Woong…

First, he felt a small impact.

Fist covered in flames started to smear a very tiny impact in Tang Duk’s body.

The impact was so small that it felt as if it was being kind, as it wasn’t going to do any damage.

However, that only lasted an instant.

Once Tang Duk’s body started to gain some distance from Gu Yangcheon, the impact started to show its true self.

Cggggk-!

Craaash-!

“Agghhhhh!”

A vibration devoured Tang Duk’s body as a whole and started to disorder the blood vessels inside him.

The heat inside the vibration only made the pain worse.

Slam, slam, slam, slam-!

Dozens of impacts exploded in Tang Duk’s body in just a second. Then, the impact escaped Tang Duk’s body and exploded outwards as if it felt frustrated by the small space inside his body.

Swooosh-!

The impact left Tang Duk’s body, blowing everything behind him.

A great wind wave exploded outwards along with heat, and it made a huge trace behind Tang Duk’s back shortly after.

Once the explosive impact came to an end,

Thud…

Tang Duk went down on his knees.

Judging by his white eyes, it was certain that he lost consciousness.

Then, his giant body slowly fell to the ground.

Slam-!

Once Tang Duk lost consciousness and collapsed,

“…Cough.”

Gu Yangcheon coughed out blood as if he were waiting for it.

Splat-!

Blood splatted on the ground.

The first technique of Heaven Destruction Art.

Gu Yangcheon was feeling the aftermath of using the One Fist technique.

His consciousness shook.

The blood vessels and Qi inside his body started to move wildly due to the aftermath.

Fuck.

It felt as if he was going to collapse any second.

He wasn’t worried about his body as Heaven Destruction Art was going to fix him by itself, but it was a problem for him to lose consciousness right now.

Tang Duk wasn’t dead yet.

His body may have been heavily damaged, but he still wasn’t dead and it was a big problem for Gu Yangcheon if Tang Duk were to wake up first.

Gu Yangcheon tried his best to hold onto his consciousness with that thought, but he reached his limit because of the pain he felt.

In the end, right as he was about to collapse to the ground,

Tap.

Someone suddenly appeared and supported Gu Yangcheon so he didn’t fall to the ground.

“Sigh…”

The one supporting him, let out a disappointing sigh and spoke with a hollow tone.

“I finally took in a disciple at my age, but he is this insane… tsk, tsk.”

It was the Dishonored Venerable.