The next day, I went to the Black Fists training grounds.
Naturally, I had assumed that the Black Fists, being the most skilled, would have the fewest members.
But when I got there, I saw that the Black Fists were the most numerous.
This was the result of the Fist Demon's efforts.
He had built them up from the basics, continuously discovering those with the potential to reach the level of the Black Fists.
One could say they were the true Iron Fists.
I saw skilled individuals everywhere who could easily serve as squad leaders or branch masters for the Main Sect's elite units.
The gazes directed at me were varied, from those looking with curiosity to those showing hostility.
The reason for their hostility was simple.
They were the Black Fists, having trained for as short as seven or eight years, or as long as a dozen years to reach this level.
So how could they be pleased when I had broken through the Third Fist and reached the Black Fists in just over ten days? Among them, there were probably some who wondered, 'Could the Second Young Master be aiming to become the Fist Demon?'
Among them, one person stood out.
A woman with her hair tied up tightly and bandages wrapped around her hands and wrists.
Her strong, determined eyes were her most charming feature.
I knew who she was.
Cheon So-hee.
She was the next Fist Demon.
With that slender body and small fists, she was the woman who would overcome all competition among the Black Fists here and inherit the title of Fist Demon.
After the Main Sect was sealed by Hwa Mugi, the Fist Demon would pass on the title of Demon Sovereign to her and go into seclusion.
The Fist Demon was ultimately unable to break down the cliff.
He had dedicated his entire life to martial arts training, but he never reached the level of mastery where he could shatter a cliff with a single punch.
It occurred to me that if he had reached a level of mastery where he could destroy the cliff, he might have sought out Hwa Mugi for revenge.
I didn't realize it then, but looking back now, it seems so.
With my regression, the fates and relationships of everyone are changing.
Therefore, I shouldn't judge these people by past standards.
I need to see them with a new perspective and new standards.
Just look at the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Evil Heart Laughing Demon.
If Hwa Mugi were to kill me, would those two just stand by? I have a feeling they wouldn't.
"I heard the Second Young Master passed the Red Fists with ease."
The man who approached me as he spoke was Do Gang.
Just as I knew of Cheon So-hee, I also knew this man.
Do Gang was the one who competed with Cheon So-hee for the position of successor until the very end, and when he was passed over, he left the sect.
"On behalf of the Black Fists, may I ask you a question?"
"Ask whatever you wish."
"Why did you come to the Eastern Fist Hall? Why do you want to learn fist techniques?"
"If you are worried that I might take the position you all have dedicated your lives to obtaining, you need not be. I did not come here to become the Fist Demon."
I spoke to them calmly.
"I am the one who will become your Heavenly Demon."
Because of the things I had done since my regression, no one showed any sign of disrespect.
They probably thought about the possibility of me becoming the Heavenly Demon, which would make it difficult to speak carelessly.
However, no one went out of their way to curry favor with me either.
For now, the Eastern Fist Hall was still closer to the First Young Master's side.
"By the time I become the Heavenly Demon, one of you will have become the Fist Demon. I look forward to working with you in advance."
At that, Do Gang asked again.
"Why is someone who will become the Heavenly Demon here?"
"I came because I want to become stronger. To learn fist techniques and become stronger."
It was also a way to boost the pride of the Iron Fists.
For me to say that I wanted to learn the fist techniques they were learning to become stronger.
Among the gazes focused on me was Cheon So-hee.
Her exceptional aura was one thing, but I particularly liked the look in her eyes.
It was a gaze filled with a will that would not give up once a goal was set, resembling the Fist Demon.
‘I’m counting on you, next Fist Demon!’
Just then, the Fist Demon appeared.
As with the previous training sessions, he did not give me any special attention.
"Let's begin."
At the Fist Demon's single command, the training began.
The Black Fists also focused their training on the forms.
The Fist Demon was someone who valued fundamentals, and he considered performing the forms with precision to be the most important thing.
I carefully observed the movements of the Black Fists.
On the first day, I only watched.
I could have demonstrated them if necessary, but I thought it wouldn't be a good choice for either the Black Fists or myself.
And so the first day, where I only observed, passed.
The next day, I continued to just watch.
The Black Fists triumphantly displayed their pride, as if to say, 'See, this is different from the Red Fists, isn't it?'
The Fist Demon sent me a telepathic message.
—You must have already mastered them, so why are you not following along?
—The Red Fists were one thing, but I should at least preserve the dignity and morale of the Black Fists.
—Why care for them when you've only just met?
—Because they will one day be my subordinates, so I must care for them.
From a distance, I could see the Fist Demon scoff.
*
On the third day, after training ended and everyone had dispersed, Cheon So-hee approached Geom Mugeuk.
On the first day, when Geom Mugeuk had said he would be their Heavenly Demon, something had stirred in her heart.
She had bet her life on martial arts and had given up on love entirely.
So, it wasn't a feeling between a man and a woman.
It was some other kind of fateful pull.
She had come to find Geom Mugeuk to confirm what it was.
"I am Cheon So-hee."
"A pleasure."
"I heard you learned the forms up to the Red Fists' training just by watching."
"That is correct."
"You won't be able to learn the Black Fists' forms just by watching."
"They are certainly incomparably more difficult."
"Then why don't you ask to be taught?"
To that, Geom Mugeuk gave an unexpected answer.
"I have already learned them all."
He might have been different with others, but he spoke honestly to Cheon So-hee.
It was from a desire to have a different kind of connection with her.
Cheon So-hee flinched in surprise, and then a faint sneer touched her lips.
She was absolutely certain that it was impossible to learn by just watching.
The words, 'Useless pride only makes a person look pathetic,' almost came out.
"I'm curious, whether you truly have a keen eye, or if you are just bluffing."
She put it nicely.
After all, if he was the type to bluff, such advice wouldn't work on him, and on the off chance she was wrong, she would be making a mistake.
"Well then, I'll be going."
As she walked a few steps away, Geom Mugeuk shouted from behind her.
"If what I said is true, then grant me one favor."
She turned and asked.
"And if it's a bluff?"
"I will grant you a favor."
"Alright."
Seeing how she agreed without hesitation, she was convinced it was a bluff.
Cheon So-hee walked away, wondering what kind of favor to ask for.
At the same time, she felt disappointed that it wasn't some fateful pull after all.
*
Her disappointment lasted only a day.
The next day, in front of everyone, I performed the forms that the Black Fists had learned.
When I executed the forms perfectly, everyone was shocked.
Cheon So-hee's surprise was the greatest of all.
—You, did you really learn it just by watching?
Her disbelieving telepathic message came through.
—Didn't I tell you I did?
Her eyes trembled.
How could she know? That I was the one who passed through the Little Heaven Grotto in a single day, a feat that took an average of three years and even my father two months.
It wasn't the Fist Demon's signature martial art; I could execute the fist techniques the Black Fists were learning just by watching.
—Don't forget about granting my favor.
—Of course.
I always keep my promises.
The Fist Demon called me to the front.
"Come forward."
For the first time, the Fist Demon had me stand before the Iron Fists.
"Do you know why I permitted you to train?"
"What is the reason?"
Then, the Fist Demon's gaze turned to the Black Fists.
"These children have never fought a true master before. Will you show them what the martial world is like?"
Surprisingly, he was asking me to let them experience real combat.
Of course, once one reached the level of the Black Fists, they would have had various experiences.
The Fist Demon, like the other Demon Sovereigns, would have duties to perform for the sect, and the Black Fists here would likely be the ones sent out into the Central Plains to handle them.
They must have experienced real combat many times in the process.
But they had probably never met a true master.
My eyes met the Fist Demon's.
He was genuinely concerned for his subordinates.
His words were right.
The Fist Demon is smarter than he looks.
The Fist Demon is purely a man mad for martial arts.
"You still don't know how frightening a sword can be."
It was a difficult thing to say for the Invincible Fist Demon, but it was for his subordinates who were brimming with pride.
If he was showing this much consideration.
"Then I'll have to let them know."
When I readily agreed, the Fist Demon's expression brightened.
"Will you take on about twenty of them? Or perhaps ten?"
The Fist Demon seemed apologetic about asking me to give all of his dozens of subordinates this experience.
This was certainly not an easy favor to ask, and it would be a great drain on the mental energy of the one accepting it.
"No, since we're doing it, I'll take on all of them."
A look of joy and gratitude flashed across the fearsome Fist Demon's face.
It was a truly unfitting and awkward emotion, and a sight not often seen.
Seeing that precious expression is payment enough for the lesson.
When I turned to look at the Black Fists, my aura had already turned cold.
"There are many kinds of masters. Moderately skilled masters, strong masters, and true masters. Let's start with when you meet a moderately skilled master. Now, come forward one by one."
The Black Fists stepped forward one by one.
Their faces were filled with confidence.
They believed that even if they couldn't defeat me, they wouldn't lose easily.
I sent a telepathic message to the Fist Demon.
—They are the ones you taught, Fist Demon.
Will this be alright?
—Turn them into a disorderly mob.
That is my intention for creating this occasion today.
I faced them one by one.
"Your current opponent possesses the skill to defeat you in thirty moves."
The opposing Black Fist showed a determination as if to say, 'You think it will go your way?' He might have wanted to teach me a lesson.
He probably wanted to give this uninvited guest a proper taste of his fists.
Especially here, with the Fist Demon watching.
Knowing that sentiment well, I faced him in a way that wouldn't crush his pride.
Even in victory, I tried not to trample on his self-esteem.
The first Black Fist threw a punch and charged in quickly.
His fundamentals were solid, and he had confidence.
His footwork was especially good.
As expected of martial artists who trained in fist techniques, they are proficient in footwork.
After thirty moves, the first Black Fist's side was stained with blood.
It wasn't a deep cut, just a light one that drew blood.
"I have learned much."
He politely clasped his fists and retreated.
Although he had drawn blood, his expression was one of satisfaction from the long-awaited real combat.
Who was his opponent? How could the content of the duel not feel substantial?
The second Black Fist was also cut on the side in exactly thirty moves.
The third was the same.
At that, the waiting Black Fists began to stir and murmur.
They had resolved to hold out somehow, but they couldn't last beyond thirty moves, nor could they dodge the sword flying at their sides.
Having seen their comrades fall, they should have been prepared.
But they couldn't do it.
It wasn't that I suddenly increased my skill at the thirtieth move to cut them down somehow.
I faced them with the same speed and power as from the beginning, but without fail, at the thirtieth move, they would expose their side.
That was why everyone was surprised.
A single emotion dominated them all.
How can this be?
Only one person, Cheon So-hee, who came out last, barely managed to dodge, and was cut on the thigh instead of her side on the thirty-first move.
Indeed, she was the one with the most outstanding skills among them.
The way they looked at me had already changed.
It was no longer 'Let's see what you've got,' but 'What will you show us now?'
"Until now, I was a master who could defeat you in thirty moves. Now, I am a master who can kill you in ten moves."
The Black Fists came forward one by one, their resolve even firmer.
This time, I faced them much more quickly than before.
"A ten-move opponent would feel something like this."
I pushed them back quickly and fiercely.
Thirty moves and ten moves might not seem like a big difference, but to the one on the receiving end, the feeling would be on a whole other level.
Everyone was shocked and flustered.
They had been confident that with their skills, they could beat up anyone.
When the ten moves passed in a daze, a sword was already pointed at their necks.
In an instant, a black sword was piercing their hearts.
A chillingly sharp blade was tapping their arms.
If I hadn't held back, their necks would have been severed, their hearts pierced, and their arms cut off.
Their initial confidence and arrogance were nowhere to be seen.
This must have been the feeling the Fist Demon wanted his subordinates to experience. 'Don't get cocky just because you're a Black Fist.
There are masters out there who can tear that black martial robe you worked so hard to earn to shreds in an instant.'
And so, I gifted them all the surprise of a ten-move opponent.
It wasn't just my swordsmanship that surprised them.
I was facing so many people in a row, yet my breathing hadn't even become ragged.
It was time to conclude the session.
"Now, a one-move opponent. They are not easy to meet, but they certainly exist in this martial world."
At the words 'one-move opponent,' everyone tensed up.
They were about to come forward one by one again, but this time, I changed my method.
I fully released my aura.
My aura dominated the space, causing the Black Fists to feel as if they were sinking into the deep sea.
The Black Fist who was walking forward felt suffocated and unknowingly took a few steps back.
Shhh.
The Black Demon Sword drew itself.
Chrrrrrrrrrrrk.
And in front of my chest, it began to split.
The Black Fists were horrified as the Sword Qi instantly split into twenty copies.
It was the first time they had seen such a thing.
A sword splitting into sword-shaped Sword Qi.
Shwik-shwik-shwik-shwik-shwik-shwik-shwik-shwik-shwik-shwik!
The Sword Qi shot out in all directions like rays of light.
Screams erupted from all sides.
The sword-shaped Sword Qi had stopped right in front of the faces of the Black Fists standing at the front.
It flew so fast that there was no time to dodge.
None of them could have blocked my Flowing Heaven Form, which I had mastered to the Twelve-Star Great Mastery.
Everyone stared in astonishment at the sword-shaped Sword Qi floating before their eyes.
They wouldn't know.
That stopping them all at once in front of their faces like this was a far more difficult and superior technique than piercing them all at once with Sword Qi.
At this moment, the only person who could think that far would be the Fist Demon.
Sssssssss.
As the brilliant clusters of light scattered, all the Sword Qi in front of their eyes vanished.
The real Black Demon Sword, which had been floating in the air, was now in front of Cheon So-hee.
I had sent the real sword at her, the strongest among the Black Fists.
It was a consideration and a sign of respect for her.
And I imbued my feelings into the sword.
'What you are seeing now is reality.
The swords that will fly at you in the future will never disappear before your eyes.
I hope you never forget this moment.'
The Black Demon Sword floating before her crossed the air and returned to me.
The Black Demon Sword sheathed itself.
As I heard the clear metallic click, I calmly said to the Black Fists.
"You all just died."