The Max Level Hero Has Returned! Chapter 616

Chapter 616

What if a newbie mastered the martial style that had been created by Hark Jun-Seong for over decades? At first, Hark Jun-Seong might have found it amusing. But what if that newbie had reached an overwhelmingly higher realm than Hark Jun-Seong himself? It would be confusing and astonishing.

“I can’t believe it… I can’t believe it!!” Hark Jun-Seong, who was once called a hero and the Limitless, now refused to accept the reality, as he emitted a fiery dragon’s blade energy.

However, the blue dragon blade energy circling around Davey seemed to have a life of its own, biting and tearing apart Hark Jun-Seong’s qi and subduing him in an instant. Such was Daveys approach to Hark Jun-Seongs martial arts. It was still the same martial art, but Hark Jun-Seongs was utterly crushed by Daveys, which was at a higher realm.

“How… How can you What are you??” Hark Jun-Seong shouted in agitation.

Davey responded by slowly emitting a more intense blue flame energy toward him. He then swathed the entirety of his body with the force of intangible energy, asking with a cheeky grin, “Curious?”

Hark Jun-Seong instinctively nodded. Hark Jun-Seong had thought Yu Gil-Tae was defeated because Yu Gil-Tae was merely a corpse that had been revived. But when Hwa Ok-Ran was also defeated, and when he saw his martial arts being replicated and even bested by a higher realm, Hark Jun-Seong knew. The young man before him was not just any ordinary youth.

Daveys grin grew wider at the curiosity Hark Jun-Seong just admitted, and he then said, “Then, keep wondering.”

It was enough to grind the once heroic warrior’s mental fortitude into dust.

* * *

Breath hitched in his throat.

Han Ja-Seong, after realizing he was the grandson of Dokgo Jun, found Davey astonishingly powerful. Before being dragged here, he heard rumors that Celestial Maidens descended from heaven to talk about the existence of the Spirit Realm. Although Davey seemed human, he often spoke as if he had lived for ages. This made Ja-Seong believe that Davey was truly a being from the Spirit Realm with special powers. Why did his identity matter in the end? He was Ja-Seong’s savior, who showed him a new path.

“Hmph…”

However, no matter how much Han Ja-Seong thought about it, the answer to this trial eluded him. Ja-Seong gritted his teeth as his master stood silently before him with his sword raised. As he gazed at his master, a strong yearning washed over him. All Ja-Seong wanted was to cry and be embraced by his master, but the man he was looking at was not his master, despite having the face that undeniably belonged to Cheon Geum.

The one in front of him was only a remnant left in the corpse of a deceased master that had become an enemythe most difficult opponent Han Ja-Seong had ever encountered. The thought of fighting a life-and-death battle with his master made him want to scream, but he wilfully suppressed it. He continued to desperately fight because he could not leave his master’s body like that.

“Haahh!” He unleashed his energy explosively as he charged forward.

[Your effort would not be wasted. As long as you’ve worked hard, you will be rewarded.]

Davey had said to him before he left.

And Ja-Seong agreed with Daveys words. He had helped Han Ja-Seong, who was once a mere low-level warrior, to grow this much. But it still was not enough. He had daringly infiltrated the evil Ak Rim Sect to avenge his master, but he ended up being overwhelmed by the enemies and ultimately got captured. And now, Davey was displaying overpowering strength against beings once called the Limitless, and just watching his battle could fill anyone, including Han Ja-Seong with awe.

Davey was even intentionally drawing out time to give Han Ja-Seong a chance. While he did not know why Davey was going this far for him, one thing was clear: Han Ja-Seong could not let Davey down. He had to win.

Slash… Clang, clang, clang!!!

Barely dodging his masters Heavenrend Divine Art, Han Ja-Seong wiped the sweat off his brow, cautiously countering. Yet, against the master who invented the Heavenrend Divine Art, Ja-Seongs own martial knowledge was too shallow. While he had learned the Heavenrend Divine Art his whole life, it ended up becoming his weakness because his opponent was the master of this martial style. What should he do now?

Though Han Ja-Seong had learned the Heavenly Destroyer Divine Art, he unwittingly used the Heavenrend Divine Art, forgetting the might of his own body.

“What must be done to win?”

Clang!

While his body understood, his heart lagged behind. The Heavenly Destroyer Divine Art became his everything, but utilizing it to strike down his master meant casting aside all his memories with him. Training with Master Cheon Geum had been his entire life. As he was contemplating, the jiangshi of Cheon Geum seemed to briefly smile as he approached.

“Ah…”

Slash!!!

Master Cheon Geum’s sword lightly sliced Ja-Seong’s abdomen.

Thud!!!

And as Ja-Seong collapsed, Master Cheon Geum sheathed his sword and declared,

[Ultimate Heavenrend Divine Art]

It’s coming!!

Instinctively raising the sword as a shield, Ja-Seong clenched his teeth against the jiangshi of his master that was charging at him.

[Scattering Blossom Flash]

Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang!!!

There was a rain of flashes, and before his blade could stop yet another flash of light that rained down on him

Slash, slash, slash, slash, slash!!!

A disturbing sound of flesh being cut filled the air as blood spattered from his body. He was defeated by his master’s martial art.

‘No… My master’s art was even stronger… It’s like… He’s holding back…’

As Ja-Seongs mind was filled with doubts, he lifted his head slowly. With an empty gaze, he looked at his emotionless master who was pointing his sword at him. The sight made his eyes well up with tears that slightly blurred his vision all too soon.

Why must he battle to the death with his master? Why had it come to this? It was a test; he must win. But winning was as difficult as the weight in his heart he would be carrying should he succeed. Maybe it would be easier to perish. As he was pushed to the brink, something stirred within him.

Thud!!!

The jiangshi struck Ja-Seong across the face with the flat of his sword. It was a hard hit, and the impact caused a chilling sound. But at the very least, Ja-Seong was fortunate he wasnt hit by the edge of the sword, and he had his qi protecting him.

‘Get up.’

At that moment, something jolted Ja-Seong. He looked up blankly just to see his master gazing back, expressionless. Why did the jiangshi spare his life? Had he used the sword’s edge, Ja-Seong would now be dead. Yet, he survived.

“Master… Could it be…” Ja-Seong murmured, still startled.

As Cheon Geum resumed his fierce assault, Ja-Seong clenched his teeth.

“What should I do, Master?!”

The master did not respond, but someone else spoke up to give him an answer.

“Why think so complicatedly? To defeat those who killed your master, you must be stronger than him. You just have to win, that’s it.”

Ja-Seong, whose face was already pale, turned to look at Davey.

“Urgh… Ugh…” Hark Jun-Seong was battered and bloodied as Davey held his head casually, having easily subdued him.

“We don’t have much time left.”

“Ugh… Uh, impossible. How could you… How can such a young man master the ultimate realm of this martial art that even I could not achieve…”

“Who knows. If you train for several decades longer, you might get it.”

“Don’t spout such nonsense!”

“Where does this audacity come from, the belief that time revolves around you?”n0ve(l)bi(n.)co/m

Two blue flames, which were formidable displays of solidified energy in the form of dragons, danced around Davey as if they were alive. This strength was not merely a matter of realm; it was beyond what humans could reach, supposedly even beyond the realm of the Heavenly Destroyer known in this era.

“That old man is much stronger.” Davey’s comment made Ja-Seong flinch. It was as if Davey just read the thoughts that had been running in Ja-Seongs head as he faced his master. “But there’s no rule that a disciple can’t surpass the master.”

Following those words, Davey gave a stern warning while he still gripped Hark Jun-Seong’s head. “This is your last chance. There won’t be another one. If you fail, I’ll sever the lineage of the Heavenly Destroyer Divine Art myself.”

The warning signified Daveys willingness to retract the power. The power had become Ja-Seong’s, but Davey could seal or destroy his energy center if Davey wished. In an instant, Ja-Seong’s thoughts raced about what he must do and what he desired. The master was his precious family.

“One thing I forgot to mention. Your sister, Yun Hee-Ryeong, has lost her qi. She can’t cultivate it again, nor can she wield her former strength. The problem is, given her temper, there are quite a few seeking revenge on her.”

What?! Ja-Seong was stunned. His astonishment was clear on his face as he stared at Davey, who had freed Hark Jun-Seongs head and had begun restraining him by oppressing him with incredible energy instead.

“The martial world is dominated by strength. Despite existing common sense, extraordinary things happen,” said Davey. “Since your sister isn’t someone who’ll sit still, she’ll likely be targeted soon. She may be a martial artist, but she is also a woman. If you don’t protect her, she may face dreadful fates.”

The tone was provocative. It made no sense for Davey to lie. The shocking news about Yun Hee-Ryeong losing her qi was one thing, but the more grave thing was the credibility behind Davey’s words. Protecting Hee-Ah and their big sister could only be done by Ja-Seong now. Silently, Ja-Seong gripped his sword, feeling the bloodied hand tremble.

With a face that had become serious with rekindled resolve, Ja-Seong stared silently at his master. He then raised his sword slowly, murmuring resolutely at a very low volume, “I will definitely protect Hee-Ah and our big sister.”

Then, with life-risking determination etched on his face, he continued whispering, “My life…”

Simultaneously, a bluish energy current started gathering on his sword. The blade energy was too clean and thin compared to the earlier rough and barely manifested energy. It was like witnessing a miracle.

“In a righteous place.”

Master Cheon Geum was his teacher and as good as a father albeit not by blood.

“Protecting my family is your teaching. I will fulfill it.

Shh…

His body’s dormant abundant qi flowed into the sword. His effort might have been short-lived, but the understanding obtained from watching the Heavenly Destroyer Divine Art’s secret, combined with the insight gained from Davey, resonated. The symbol of ultimate art. This was the Flower Blade energy.

Ja-Seong’s Flower Blade energy immensely shocked Kwak Do-Young and Hyo-Yeong, who knew his realm. And their astonishment was evident in the expressions on their faces. No martial artist could become a supreme warrior overnight from tertiary or secondary tiers.

His master lunged forward again to unleash the ultimate technique of the Heavenrend Divine Art. Ja-Seong calmly raised his sword to deflect and thrust downward with a sweeping motion.

His master wielded the Heavenrend Divine Art’s ultimate technique, Scattering Blossom Flash, which was a lineage technique virtually unheard of besides Cheon Ji-Hee. The bodies of normal people could not handle it, but Ja-Seong’s body was under the effect of Heavenly Spirit Physique. His body must have been extraordinary.

Ja-Seong was trying to emulate a skill. But it wasnt the Scattering Blossom Flash of Heavenrend Divine Art. Instead, Ja-Seong was trying to copy the blade energy that Davey used. Complete imitation was out of the question, but if he could mimic even a fraction, that would suffice.

[Heavenly Destroyer Divine Art]

[True Heavenly Sword Dance]

[Scattering Blossom Flash]

His body rippled with clear, blue energy waves. And while the movements mirrored his master’s, the blade energy exuded an even more powerful aura.

Clang!!!

Ten strokes of blade energy was followed by eight more that adorned the sky. Even Kwak Do-Young was shocked to see the sudden display of rapid attacks that were exchanged back and forth.

Ultimately, it soon came to an end. Ja-Seong collapsed, vomiting blood. And there was his master, who was wounded but was still standing strong. The jiangshi ofMaster Cheon Geum then approached the fallen Ja-Seong.

“Ja-Seong!!!” Some people urgently called out to him.

However, Davey, who should have saved him, remained silent as he observed closely. Then, when Cheon Geum reached Ja-Seong, something remarkable happened. The undead jiangshi

“My goodness…”

Without a word, the jiangshi of Cheon Geum knelt and started stroking Ja-Seong’s head as he laid there.

“Master…”

“Im proud of you…”

As he saw his master weep, Ja-Seongs own tears streamed down his cheeks. “Master… Master… Ugh… Master!!”

As they were shrouded by inconsolable grief, Cheon Geum held the immobile Ja-Seong, gently patting his back.

“You’ve suffered so much. My youngest, you were truly brave… You’ve grown up so splendidly.”

His tender words toward Ja-Seong tugged at the hearts of everyone. But their reunion was tragically interrupted by an unexpected voice.

“Hey! Three minutes left. Say whatever you need to say.”

Silence followed Daveys remark. After dismissing Hark Jun-Seong’s soul with an internal burst, he engulfed and incinerated it with his sword that was enveloped by black flames.

“The dead should just go silently.”

With not a scratch gained from his fight against three powerful entities, Davey won as if he was merely swatting flies with a flyswatter. The fight was that easy for him, even if they were monsters from the era of the Heavenly Destroyer. Handily disposing of such monstrosities indicated something simple. Davey was indeed above the realm of the Limitless. He might not care to witness his own actions, but other martial artists were intent on not missing a single move.

And having dealt with all matters, Davey spoke to Cheon Geum, “The test is passed. The master went easy, but for a brat who learned martial arts less than a month ago, to reach the Absolute realm deserves a reward.”