However, Namgung Un soon gave a sly smile.
While Bu Eunseol’s cold and aloof personality was rare, he too possessed a charm that was uncommon in the martial world.
“Hey, come on now. Since we’ll be working together as mercenaries anyway, isn’t it a bit strange to keep calling me ‘Young Master’?”
“No,” Bu Eunseol replied curtly.
“Let’s just do it, then. Brother Seol.”
“You’re already doing it without my permission.” As Bu Eunseol frowned with a sour expression, Namgung Un burst into hearty laughter.
“Hahaha! You’re right. Since it’s come to this, why not just go with it?” Pointing to his own face, he flexed his arm proudly. “If Brother Seol loses to the Purple Spear, then I’ll be the next…”
“Hey, you damned fool! You slipped up again, didn’t you?” a voice interrupted.
“Oh, my apologies, Grandma.”
“Grandma? How many times have I told you to call me the Medicine God Hall Master, you rascal…?”
“Hahaha! Now that you mention it, Grandma, you’ve got quite a loud voice. Back in your younger days, I bet…” For a while, the Medicine God Hall was filled with the clamor of Namgung Un’s chatter and the Hall Master’s booming shouts.
At the same time, in the Mun Elegance Hall.
This was the residence of Yeon Jami, the Palace Master of the Divine Maiden Palace.
In the garden of the Mun Elegance Hall, bathed in Munlight, Yeon Soha and Yeon Jami walked side by side.
“Did you take a liking to that man?” Yeon Jami asked.
Yeon Soha shook her head. “I’m not sure.”
“Not sure? Then why did you give him the Divine Origin Pearl?”
After a moment of hesitation, Yeon Soha spoke softly. “The Namgung Hall Master strongly recommended him. She told me to trust her, that I’d regret it if I let him slip away.”
“The Namgung Hall Master… said that?” Yeon Jami’s expression turned strange.
Namgung Sea, a daughter of the Namgung family, was not only exceptional in martial arts but also had a discerning eye that rivaled Yeon Jami’s own. For Namgung Sea, someone Yeon Jami trusted more than anyone, to have persuaded Yeon Soha? It was hard to believe.
“That’s odd. The Flower-Dissolving Hall Master Hall wouldn’t say such a thing,” Yeon Jami muttered, shaking her head before asking again, “So, you gave him the Divine Origin Pearl just because of her words?”
“Not exactly,” Yeon Soha replied, slightly lowering her head. “His martial arts were impressive. His inner strength, in particular, is surely on par with the Hall Masters of our palace.”
“Inner strength and martial arts are two different things,” Yeon Jami pointed out.
“No, I could tell. He’s incredibly strong.”
“So, you liked him because he’s strong?” Yeon Jami pressed.
Blushing faintly, Yeon Soha shook her head. “It’s not that. He… he risked his life to obtain the Divine Origin Pearl—for me.”
Yeon Soha was still a naive young girl, unfamiliar with the ways of the world. Seeing a man risk his life to win her favor must have seemed impressive, perhaps even admirable.
“Soha,” Yeon Jami sighed. “You’re too naive about the ways of the world. Men are the sort who’d risk their lives for treasures and women.”
“That can’t be true,” Yeon Soha protested, blinking innocently.
Yeon Jami shook her head. “Regardless, that man won’t do.”
“What?”
“I created the Heavenly Twenty-Four Formation to select an outstanding young talent from an orthodox sect to be your match. It wasn’t meant for a mercenary like him.”
“But I’ve already made my choice,” Yeon Soha insisted.
Yeon Jami shook her head firmly. “How could someone with an unknown background be suitable for you?”
“It’s common in the martial world for people to hide their origins,” Yeon Soha countered.
“True. That’s why I’ve arranged for him to face the Purple Spear,” Yeon Jami revealed.
“The Purple Spear? You mean he has to fight the Three Hall Masters?” Yeon Soha shook her head in disbelief. “That’s too unfair. Why must he fight again?”
“He’s only shown his inner strength, not his martial arts. If he’s to be your match, we need to confirm which sect he belongs to,” Yeon Jami explained.
“But he won’t accept such an unfair challenge,” Yeon Soha argued.
“He already has,” Yeon Jami replied with a sigh. “He accepted without hesitation.”
“I see. No matter the obstacle, his resolve is firm…” Yeon Soha’s cheeks flushed again.
“Don’t misunderstand,” Yeon Jami warned, shaking her head. “As I said, men are obsessed with such things.”
“What if he faces the Purple Spear and still nothing is revealed? Will you allow it then?” Yeon Soha asked.
For a moment, Yeon Jami was at a loss for words. She let out a low groan before responding, “Let’s… talk about this again tomorrow.”
“Mother,” Yeon Soha said firmly, her tone resolute for the first time. “You hold the esteemed position of Palace Master, revered by all. If you don’t keep your word…”
“Alright,” Yeon Jami said, forcing a smile and nodding. “I’ll keep my word.”
***
The following day, at the Divine Maiden Palace’s Grand Training Ground.
Nestled deep in Mount Wu, the Grand Training Ground of the Divine Maiden Palace was paved with stones that gleamed as if carved from ice. As people from the Divine Maiden Palace began to gather for the spar, Namgung Un, still not fully recovered, was being supported by Black Leopard as he climbed onto the training ground alongside Bu Eunseol.
“Brother Seol,” Namgung Un whispered suddenly with a serious expression. “Seeing how they’ve gathered people here, it seems they’re planning to use a formation. You should be careful.”
Silver Reflecting Stones were the best material for practicing formations. Given that the training ground was filled with such stones, it was obvious they intended to employ a formation.
“No need to worry,” Bu Eunseol replied, stepping forward confidently.
Namgung Un smacked his lips, then glanced at the silvery stones reflecting on the ground, his eyes sparkling. “Wait a minute. These Silver Reflecting Stones are practically silver ingots, aren’t they? Heh heh.” Leaning toward Black Leopard, who was supporting him, he whispered, “Do you happen to have a sturdy knife or something?”
“No knife, but I’ve got two daggers,” Black Leopard replied.
“Such a pity. With stones this size, you could pry a few from the corners without anyone noticing,” Namgung Un mused.
As Namgung Un rambled on, a cold voice cut through from behind. “When will you ever grow up?” Namgung Sea was approaching with her attendants.
“Auntie, you’re here!” Namgung Un said, struggling to clasp his hands in greeting.
Bu Eunseol also bowed deeply. “Hall Master.”
“I’m sorry,” Namgung Sea said sincerely to Bu Eunseol. “Even I couldn’t stop the Palace Master’s whims.”
She continued, “Why not just reveal your true identity? If you did, the Palace Master would surely approve without all this fuss.”
For Bu Eunseol, that was the last thing he wanted to hear. If I got that approval, I’d be in trouble.
Tightening the inner strength used for his disguise technique, Bu Eunseol shook his head. “I’ll never reveal my identity.”
“You’re as stubborn as ever,” Namgung Sea remarked.
At that moment, Yeon Jami, Yeon Soha, and numerous experts from the Divine Maiden Palace appeared. Yeon Soha, in particular, seemed displeased with the spar, her brow furrowed.
“Thank you for accepting the spar,” Yeon Jami said as she approached.
Bu Eunseol nodded lightly. “It’s nothing.”
“Then let’s begin,” Yeon Jami declared.
At her words, Namgung Sea called out sharply, “Begin!”
Three middle-aged women dressed in blue robes ascended the training ground with cloud-like movement techniques. The woman at the forefront clasped her hands toward Bu Eunseol respectfully.
“I am Yak Ran, Master of the Ice Hall.”
“Seolso,” Bu Eunseol replied, using his alias.
The two women behind her also clasped their hands. “I am So-a, Master of the Spiritless Hall, and I am Geum Seon, Master of the Violet Hall.”
Bu Eunseol returned the gesture, and Yak Ran spoke in a calm tone. “The Purple Spear Formation of our palace incorporates the movement of a formation, so we three must fight together.”
“I’ve already been informed,” Bu Eunseol replied nonchalantly.
Yak Ran extended her hand. “Draw your weapon.”
Bu Eunseol leisurely raised one hand. “These hands are my weapons.”
Yak Ran nodded and drew a short spear from her back. With a click, the purple-tinted pole extended, transforming the short spear into a long one. So-a and Geum Seon followed suit, extending their spears and assuming their stances.
They’re strong, Bu Eunseol thought, a faint smile playing on his lips as he observed their stances. Not only were they masters of spear techniques, but they were also highly specialized in countering fist-based martial arts.
They’ve clearly chosen this formation to counter me. Yeon Jami, having heard that Bu Eunseol was a master of fist techniques, had deliberately selected the Purple Spear, which was its natural counter.
A spear technique that incorporates formation movement. While there were many spear masters in the martial world, and the Demonic Sects had the fearsome Death Spirit Spear, Bu Eunseol had never properly faced it in the Hell Realm, nor had he ever fought a master of long spears in the martial world. The thought of facing such a unique spear technique made his heart race, as if he had just tasted fine wine.
“Strike first,” Bu Eunseol invited.
At his words, the spears held by Yak Ran, So-a, and Geum Seon began to trace wide circles in unison.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Typically, spear techniques focused on thrusting, with occasional sweeping or slashing motions. However, the Purple Spear Formation employed spinning and pushing techniques, with few lethal moves. The constantly rotating spears were visually striking.
Swish! Whoosh!
The three spinning spears pressed toward Bu Eunseol’s body. He dodged their attacks with ease, observing the movements of the Purple Spear Formation.
The power and range are growing. The spinning spears accelerated, their power increasing with each rotation. After evading just six or seven moves, more than half the training ground was filled with the shadows of their spears.
Are they trying to force me to reveal my martial arts? The range of the wind generated by the three encircling spears grew wider. With such a tight and relentless barrage, it was nearly impossible to use fist techniques effectively.
The Divine Maiden Palace Master, knowing Bu Eunseol was a fist technique master, had chosen this strategy to expose his true skills.
Fine, I’ll show you. Dodging the relentless spear shadows, Bu Eunseol’s body blurred. He unleashed the supreme movement technique, Swift Beyond Shadow.
Find the weakness in their spear technique! As Bu Eunseol moved at blinding speed, the Purple Spear Formation countered by rapidly expanding its spear shadows, seemingly intent on eliminating any space for him to maneuver.
Whoosh! Swish!
As time passed, the Grand Training Ground became filled with the shadows of Bu Eunseol and the Purple Spear. Bu Eunseol’s Swift Beyond Shadow combined movement and footwork, shifting directions eighty-three times in a single step. The Purple Spear Formation, utilizing the Silver Reflecting Stones, wove reality and illusion together.
It was like a battle between an unbreakable shield and a spear that could pierce anything.
Ugh. But Bu Eunseol was at a disadvantage. The three women alternated their spear shadows, while Bu Eunseol had to exert his full strength to evade them. Without infinite stamina and inner strength, it was clear his movements would eventually falter.
Swish!
At that moment, a spear tip grazed near Bu Eunseol’s shoulder. Emboldened, the three Hall Masters spun their spears even faster.
The faster they go… the more openings they create? Observing the accelerating Purple Spear Formation, Bu Eunseol suddenly realized something.
There was a limit to the variations of techniques a human hand could produce. Excessive speed could reduce even intricate moves to simplicity.
Extreme speed undermines precision.
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