Chapter 36 - Heavenly Steel Dragon vs. Heavenly Demon II

Mana was colliding with one another to determine which chi was superior. One was the fiery violet that Dario produced while Master Tasuman held a crimson and black Aura. There was an unspoken language between the two powerful experts and their collision of mana. Such posturing is typically a “greeting” when initiating a fight, or, even a threat.

CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

Lightning began crackling as the two intense Aura fought. It was a stalemate that led Master Tasuman to lunge toward Dario. When it comes to a swordsman, footwork is mastered before wielding a sword and Master Tasuman displayed such a feat and the earth quaked for a brief second.

KACHING!!!

Sumihomura and Sijjin clashed and metal rang throughout the battlefield. That defense feels like a mountain. Master Tasuman thought as he saw Dario take his attack like it was nothing. In effect, The Swordmaster continued by placing his sword above his head. It looked slow and after-images of his blade were visibly seen, it was an attack that only the top swordsman can perform. In response, Dario swung Sijjin with a horizontal slash of sheer magnitude.

KACHING!!

Master Tasuman’s blade stopped the attack and created smoke from the after-shock. “It looks like you’ve found a Master to teach you,” The Swordmaster said in surprise at Dario’s swordsmanship.

Wielding Sijjin in his right hand, the Lord Disciple also performed what The Swordsmaster did by cutting the air in an “x” formation, detailing the after-images and the smooth transitioning of each movement. “Indeed. ‘He’ is the greatest Master that I could ever ask for.”

This time, Dario would lead the fight. As per usual, initiating a fight with the move, Fantasia, is as good as any other technique. Smooth and precise, the Lord Disciple did not miss a step. His martial arts elevated him to the realm of a true Heavenly Demon, but, his Master showed him an even greater dimension. One of refined elegance, yet, lethal and supreme.

Sword Techniques: [Heavenly Demon Swordsmanship - Form II, The Contentious Form]

Fantasia - A blindingly quick slash from a state of nothingness. Twice as fast as any normal attack.

-Form II defines the ultimate refinement of blade works and blade-to-blade combat. Swordmasters of Form II developed the “gallant” dance of one-on-one duels described as a linear cut and thrust style based around precision blade work.

Rank: EX Proficiency: 117%

The Swordmaster blocked the attack, but, his hands holding his sword were slightly shaking. W-What’s this? A one-handed sword art can be this powerful? Befuddled, Master Tasuman asked, “What’s the name of your sword art?”

“Heavenly Demon Form II, The Contentious Form.”

Such a poetic name for a light attack. Indeed, you are your father’s blood. The Blossom Sword Saint steeled himself and decided to no longer hold back as blossom petals began to manifest through his mana.

At a speed as fast as sound, the two met each other and performed many techniques in a short amount of time. Master Tasuman was able to incorporate his exclusive sword art with the techniques of the blossom sword manual that he stole. Combining the two was something that only geniuses could do.

Sword Techniques: [Skill - Full Blossom Bloom] Heavenly Infinite Petals - Consume substantial internal energy to stack damage every time an attack is performed. Requires the user to have vast amounts of High Qi to perform this skill. Rank: SSS Proficiency: 105%

The pressure from his sword is growing more intense. Thought Dario as he received multiple attacks from his former Sword Instructor.

Sword Techniques: [Skill - Infinite Blossom Macabre] -The final waltz of a 10-combo sword dance that conjures sword formations that follow any given move by half a second. A technique that maximizes the total damage output. Rank: EX Proficiency:103%

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Dario was able to block all combos, but, one. The last attack broke his guard and understood it wasn’t a move he could defend. In other words, it was a defense-breaker. However, the Lord Disciple wasn’t the only one who received damage.

?!

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The Swordmaster’s thigh was cut, and Dario’s arm was cut. My spine feels chilly… For such invincible swordplay to cut through my armor and steel-blooded flesh. And… that divine sword. Master Tasuman made a delightful smile reaching from ear to ear. It was an expression of extreme battle lust.

I’ve only ever felt this way when I fought you, God of War!!

Such a sensation made time slow down for The Swordmaster as he recalled a memory from days long past. I grew unhappy with my own progress, seeing no way to live in peace. The sun shined brightly as Master Tasuman looked at the sky for a brief second. Living in peace was what made my resolve weak, yet, why could I not surpass you, Asura?

“I see. The Pugilist King, Demon Lord Baal. You killed him, is that right?”

“...” Dario stood emotionless. “You’ll be joining him soon enough,” it was a cold and bitter remark.

“So it really was you. I knew someone on par with The Heaven’s Respected 10 would be able to do it. I’ll admit it,” surprisingly, The Swordmaster qualified Dario’s power and gripped both his hands on the grip a little bit tighter.

CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

Master Tasuman’s Aura was so powerful to the point of manifesting lightning. “Come, son of Asura! This will be a battle where I’ll have to fight with everything on the line.” Black and crimson Aura covered his sword in a brilliant flame.

He’ll bring out his Ultimate Techniques from now. The Swordmaster’s perfected Blade Aura increased his power and made a downward swing.

?!

Dario dodged by performing a high-leveled footwork exclusive to the Heavenly Demon. It looked like several after-images of shadows were moving in a linear path with extreme speed.

Apparently, Master Tasuman’s downward swing was an initiation of a sword combo. As such, a horizontal slash from the right connected with Dario’s parry. Still, it did nothing to stop the sword dance being performed by The Swordmaster. This time, he bent over as Sumihomura spun around his back which Dario smoothly bent backward to dodge.

Then, in a flourish that seemed like a flowing river, and a whirlwind horizontal slash, Dario looked as if he was busy keeping up as he was visibly seen blocking both these attacks, but, the last combo lead to a compressed Aura Technique that looked like an overhead strike completing the sword dance.

Aura Techniques: [Skill - Blossom Flare Outburst] -An overhead strike twisting from the back for a maximum implosion compressed with the full bloom of lotus flowers. Rank: EX Proficiency: 102%

A bright ray of red with black outlines pierced the sky and made the earth shake. Dario was struggling to block the attack as he placed his other hand on his sword to reinforce his defense. Seeing him in a stalemate, Master Tasuman parried Sijjin by letting go of his pressure for a quick second.

!!

The sudden pressure released shocked Dario, but, the trickery was easily countered with an Aura Technique of his own.

Aura Techniques: [Skill - Flare Flash] -Initiates an instant release of Hi Qi from a drawing blade stance. The fastest quickdraw technique is quickly drawn to surprise or attack a foe. Rank: EX Proficiency: 118%

Drip. Drip.

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Blood fell from Master Tasuman’s eye as a downward cut made his left eye blind. His face showed no pain but hardened.

?!

Surprised, Dario did not sense an attack as soon as he cut The Swordmaster’s eye. S-Since when…?! Dario thought as he had less than a split second to react.

Witnessing his inevitable demise being cut in half, The Swordmaster’s face expressed a mischievous smile with his tongue out as if he was awaiting a meal. However, Dario’s footwork was still fast enough to dodge by a hair’s breadth.

Reacting even faster when his eye was cut, Dario’s evasion was a counter-attack as he evaded around The Swordmaster and slashed from the blindside. You shadow-like bastard. Master Tasuman’s inner darkness swallowed him whole as he expressed his true self. Quite fast despite taking my blade. They fought some more and rampaged like madmen. Impressive… simply impressive! Despite being cut and losing blood all over, The Swordmaster praised his opponent’s swordplay. How impressive of you to make me reveal my full power despite being less than a quarter of my age! Dario!

Stuck in a state of battle ecstasy, Master Tasuman recalled another memory while skirmishing. Leader… No, Asura Courtwell. Do you see this? His mind had a picture of the God of War overlooking the Omen Nation’s former capital, Kadessa on the tallest tower. His arms were folded, looking down below the skies befitting those of supreme power. As someone incapable of producing children, I grew in envy. Even your son has become so strong to fight on par with me until the end.

In the endless swordplay that is hard to track with one’s eyes, The Swordmaster was enjoying himself as he laughed in ecstasy. Envy… yes. Still, I strove to struggle all this time even though I knew full well how disgusting my inferiority complex was.

!!

Master Tasuman was growing as the battle raged on and his reminiscence powered his chi. Asura, If I can’t surpass you until the end, then I’ll do it by killing your son! Isn’t that what I have to do?! The Swordmaster was readying a technique that all Sword Saints know, Sword Rain. In an eclipse of crimson and black energy, The Swordmaster swung Sumihomura downward perfectly and a linear red line cut the space.

Aura Techniques: [Skill - Formless Steel Brandishing Dragon Blade] Sword Rain - A two-handed downward swing capable of slashing castles. Restricted to those who have fully amalgamated with the sword. Rank: EX Proficiency: 120%

Stronger than the average Sword Rain because of the wielder and his experience, Dario did not block the attack but jumped high into the heavens.

?!

The Swordmaster turned around and saw a violet star in the sky.

Aura Techniques: [Skill - Meteor Soul] -Aerial attack that gathers chi in the sky to propel the user for an impact from the heavens. Rank: EX Proficiency: 120%

KACHING!!!!!

Master Tasuman successfully blocked the attack, for a moment. As the immense pressure began pushing him back, Sumihomura slowly began to crack.

!!

The Damascus Black Steel, one of the best metals found with a mana sensitivity fit for the Divine Realm?! Pushing his blade into a crescent swing to push away the attack, The Swordmaster was able to avoid having Sumihomura into further damage. Shit… to hell with it!

The swordplay between the two continued and The Swordmaster’s stamina was beginning to wane. It didn’t matter when that much since he was putting everything on the line. And as such, Master Tasuman blasted Aura Techniques.

In this intermission of the battle, Dario made himself look weak by making it look like he was solely relying on his evasive maneuvers. Such acting was to put himself several steps ahead of the battle. It was calculated as Dario felt that The Swordmaster’s swings were getting too desperate, therefore, the next expectation was for an Ultimate Technique. And, metaphorically speaking, the chess board was in the Lord Disciple’s favor.

To put the icing on the cake, Dario lowered his guard and The Swordmaster took advantage of the occasion. All is according to my plans. Dario’s thought produced a confidence that could make one conceited. After all, not many plans can fall through each step of the way. With that said, The Swordmaster performed an Ultimate Technique with his last bit of chi.

Ultimate Techniques: [Skill - Steel Dragon Phantom Slash] -The perfected Sword Rain achieved by setting a unique nature to the skill. Can split the land, sea, or air. Rank: EX Proficiency: 120%

KABOOOOOOM!!!!!

It was a slash that was capable of one-shotting a full-fledged Dragon. Hollow World could see a mushroom-like dust cloud high in the sky. Cough!! Spat! Dario was visibly spitting blood out from his mouth after the attack. Not bad… Lord Uncle. His acting was still being played at this critical juncture.

“Dario Courtwell, you’re more amazing than your father. However, the one who aspires to be the Sword God rues this day,” Master Tasuman spoke like an old man from his time, archaic and antiquated. Yet, such speech from such men speaks volumes to their greatness.

Placing that two-handed Sumihomura high in the sky with an upper stance, an executioner move was about to take place. As The Swordmaster came closer, Dario stopped acting and unleashed his full power by moving at a speed that could not be followed, not even by the Blossom Sword Saint.

“World Splitting Slash,’ an upward swing made the whole world stop for just one second.

“Ho… you can’t be… serious…” Master Tasuman’s words were softly spoken.

TING!

Sumihomura had been cut cleanly in half alongside The Swordmaster. Falling to his knees, Master Tasuman’s chest gushed out blood. He looked at the sky and saw Dario with the background of the sky showing the stars and space.

***

Across the battlefield, everyone stopped for a split second and saw that the sky was showing the cosmos even though it was still daylight hours. Dario had performed an Ultimate Technique at the level of the Divine Realm.

COUGH! COUGH!!

Blood spewed from Master Tasuman’s mouth.

Cough!

Dario also coughed blood out but not that much.

“It looks like you were deceiving me all this time. Kuku! To think I would be done in by the same deceit I had done to your father. The Heaven’s must be laughing at me.” Cough! “So… what’s the name of the one you call ‘Master?’”

“Lord Vicegerent.”

“Kuku… still, you mock me?”

“Lord Vicegerent has returned after 10,000 years,” Dario stated as plainly as can be.

“Lord Vicegerent… Hoho. Looks like I won’t be seeing the ‘god’ of the Omen people. I guess, no matter how much I struggle… My fate is set in stone, huh?” Master Tasuman’s time was coming to a close. Knowing this, Dario would ask The Swordmaster about some things.

“Lord Uncle. Why did you betray my father and our people?”

“...” The Swordmaster spoke no words but his eyes showed regret in them. Such eyes would reveal the truth.

Looking at the broken half of Sumihomura, Master Tasuman saw the reflection of Dario and remembered his old friend, Asura Courtwell. He thought to himself.

I wanted to become the strongest. This would be his final reminiscence of his old friend. The image of Asura Courtwell towered in his mind like a titan, whilst, he was but an insignificant insect. But, as I became stronger in my life, I knew to reach higher than a Demonic Master of the Omen Nation. I wanted to surpass the God of War, Asura Courtwell… And become greater than the Heaven’s Respected 10.

-I wanted to be the world.

“As I became stronger with the sword, my ambition grew to a voracious black hole. I filled my need to become stronger with endless greed. That obsession to become stronger became nothing but an ugly sin.”

Dario looked down at his Lord Uncle as if he was to be the judge of his crimes, “My father said that you were better than him with the sword.” The Lord Disciple knelt and plunged Sijjin straight into The Swordmaster’s heart.

Stab.

Master Tasuman saw his nephew’s eyes and witnessed an anger that could embroil the world. You have a right to be angry. Thought The Swordmaster. Dario pulled out Sijjin and approached closer for Master Tasuman to hear his words.

“You and the rest of the traitors could not win against yourselves. So much so, that even your sword had grown weak. I felt it through your blade.”

“Kuku!” Cough! Spat! Master Tasuman was aware of his sword which had become lackluster as he practiced new martial arts. Therefore, he laughed in acknowledgment and spat blood out.

Dario continued, “In the end, stealing the Blossom Sword Arts had dulled the perfection of the Formless Steel Brandishing Dragon Blade. After all, it was you who said that one needed to focus on one thing to truly become great.”

“Ku… ku,” Master Tasuman’s laugh was weak, a sign that he had a moment left. “You’ve learned from your Sword Instructor well, young Dario. It’s a shame… that your father won’t be here to see his son be his own man.”

With those last words, The Swordmaster, one of the great traitors to the Omen Nation, fell to the ground. Dario stood and witnessed the last seconds of his former Sword Instructor.

“Now, there are five left.”

Looking up at the sky and the split caused by the Ultimate Technique, World Splitting Slash, a sense of relief overcame Dario as he exhaled a breath of air. This hatred and anger… will it do me like it did those whom I once called my family?

From the corner of the Lord Disciple’s consciousness, a voice ranged out to him. Of course, it won’t! Your hatred was what fueled “us” all this time! Have you forgotten your sister?!

This was when the other half of the Heavenly Demon had found the right opportunity to show himself to Dario at this time.

Never forget! Revenge is all we have to live for!!!

Ultimate Techniques: [Skill - World Splitting Slash] -A slash that is top-class in damage dealing. Capable of cleaving through the material world and disregards any form of physical or magical defense. Consumes a lot of mana. Rank: EX Proficiency: 114%