Bu Eunseol drew his brows together.
"Are you serious?"
"Of course."
As Baek Jeoncheon extended his hand, Bu Eunseol stood up from his seat.
Srrrng.
When he drew the Silent Tiger Soul Sword, the pearl that had been resting in the iron box jumped into the empty air.
He had manifested the feat of psychokinesis.
Vmmmm.
Instantly infusing nine gapja of internal energy into the Silent Tiger Soul Sword, Bu Eunseol struck down at the center of the pearl in one breath.
Clang!
Along with a clear sound, a mysterious wave spread in all directions.
"Hmm."
Bu Eunseol unknowingly let out an exclamation.
Not only was there not a faint scratch despite using the Silent Tiger Soul Sword, which could cut diamond like tofu.
There was absolutely no sensation of striking anything at all.
"How is it?"
"It's only loud; it doesn't feel like I cut anything."
If he had to express it, describing it as a mismatch of attributes seemed correct.
It felt as though the wall of attributes possessed by that pearl could not be pierced through the laws or concepts of martial arts.
'A mismatch of attributes.'
For a moment, a strange thought crossed his mind.
Humans cannot surpass the power of nature.
However, one can harmonize with nature... and there was a figure who had achieved perfect Harmony with Nature.
'Father.'
"Now do you believe me? Dharma treasures bestowed by heaven are..."
Before Baek Jeoncheon could finish speaking,
Swaaaaah.
A mysterious radiance bloomed from Bu Eunseol's body.
At the same time,
Crrrack!
A brilliant true wave spread in all directions.
Using the Endless Heavenly Light Art, which combined the Three Divine Energies, and the profound principles of the Emperor's Step, which stood at the center of all power.
He had imitated the realm of Harmony with Nature.
Craaack.
In that instant, spiderweb-like cracks formed on the pearl floating in the empty air.
Vmmmm, vmmmm, vmmmm.
At the same time, continuous flashes were blinking from the pearl. As if it were writhing in pain.
'No way.'
Just as Baek Jeoncheon widened his eyes in surprise,
Shooooo.
The flashes disappeared, and before he knew it, the cracks that had been drawn on the pearl vanished in an instant.
Ultimately, he had failed to destroy it.
'As expected, is it not possible yet?'
To achieve Harmony with Nature, the Heaven and Earth Divine Energy is required.
As it stands now... he could not yet destroy a dharma treasure bestowed by heaven.
'Then what about the Unprecedented or the Seven Blood Tear Forms?'
The Unprecedented nullifies everything, and the Seven Blood Tear Forms possesses the power of death that defies the logic of nature.
'No, there is no need to expose the Vacuum Secret Art in front of Hall Master Baek.'
He did not yet completely trust Baek Jeoncheon. There was no need to reveal all of his full strength.
"It doesn't work."
Clack.
As Bu Eunseol sheathed the Silent Tiger Soul Sword with a tone of regret.
Baek Jeoncheon, who had been stiffly frozen, forced a smile and stealthily wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Did I not tell you."
Even while saying so...
Afraid he might try one more time, he quickly put the pearl back into the iron box.
"I said they are completely unaffected by the power exerted by humans."
"Then the same must be true for the Genesis Sun and Moon."
In the past, Bu Eunseol had seen the successor of the Sacred Domain leave behind a story about the Genesis Sun and Moon in the fake Saha Manor.
Since Baek Jeoncheon was a figure of the Sacred Domain, he had subtly probed about its whereabouts.
"The Genesis Sun and Moon is not just one."
Baek Jeoncheon spoke in a low voice.
"They are scattered in various forms and names across different parts of the world."
And he showed a strange smile.
"And the Command Lord has also seen one."
"What does that..."
"The sacred relic of Solidarity, which was called the sacrifice of Ratna Castle, is also the Genesis Sun and Moon."
It was a somewhat unexpected remark, but he immediately understood.
The sacred relic capable of bringing down rain.
It did not actually make it rain, but received a price to.
Bring future rain into the present; it was an 'advancement of causality'.
"Didn't you say just a moment ago that dharma treasures bestowed by heaven cannot be destroyed by humans?"
Bu Eunseol had definitely seen the sacred relic of Ratna Castle disappear into the sky.
"It was not destroyed, but merely disappeared."
Baek Jeoncheon said.
"Since its power was no longer needed, it simply vanished."
He was speaking as if the Genesis Sun and Moon could think.
"If the names are diverse, the forms could also be diverse."
At that time, Yu Cheong-rim had said that the black liquid he saw in Ratna Castle was also hidden in the Heavenly Grace Medicine Forest, the main base of the Infinite Realm.
"What I saw was all black liquid, but... isn't liquid something that can be contained anywhere."
Baek Jeoncheon nodded.
"That is correct. The Genesis Sun and Moon is passed down in various forms."
"How many Genesis Sun and Moons are there in the world?"
"No one knows that."
It was a somewhat surprising statement.
It was said there were nine Nine Heavens Cloud Splendor Pearls, yet they didn't even exactly know the number of Genesis Sun and Moons.
"However, there is a legend that the Genesis Sun and Moon appears on its own when human desires become desperate."
At those words, Bu Eunseol thought of Naria.
Her desire to steal the power of the Full Moon was desperate and intense, so perhaps she might have obtained the Genesis Sun and Moon.
"Then even outside the borders, like the Western Regions, Dongying, or Cheonchuk... factions gathered to realize their desires might possess one."
"I suppose so."
Bu Eunseol felt a doubt.
The Genesis Sun and Moon that appears according to human desires.
Could that truly be called the greatest treasure of the martial world? Might it instead be a demonic entity that curses humans?
'The Heavenly Demon Emperor.'
Suddenly, Bu Eunseol remembered one fact.
"Then the Heavenly Demon Emperor must possess one as well."
A figure like the Heavenly Demon Emperor would absolutely not just sit back and watch such a treasure.
'Perhaps the Hall Master searching for the treasure is not to treat an injury.'
"That is unknown. Lord Sado's True Classic of Martial Arts cannot be gauged by anyone, and he uses unique techniques unprecedented in the martial world."
Clack.
Having put the pearl back into the iron box and then into his embrace, Baek Jeoncheon said.
"Now, please speak."
He spoke calmly.
"I will pay the price for this matter."
Since Bu Eunseol had fulfilled his request at the risk of his life, Baek Jeoncheon also intended to pay the appropriate price.
"Then I will ask."
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
Exhaling a murky breath, he asked with an exceedingly serious expression.
"The Moon Wheel Sage King said that in the Infinite Realm in the Central Plains, there is a high probability that the treasure of the Yona Tribe, one of the Four Holy Clans of Cheonchuk, is sleeping."
"You mean you are searching for the whereabouts of the Yona Tribe's sacred relic."
"That is correct."
Bu Eunseol asked immediately.
"But thinking about it, I'm not sure if it is possible for a sacred relic to be kept in the Infinite Realm, which occurs randomly."
To enter the Infinite Realm.
One must catch the moment when the leylines of the Central Plains or the flow of Heaven and Earth Energy twist according to a specific cycle.
But how could a treasure be kept there every time?
"The Infinite Realm is not a space, but a kind of phenomenon."
"A phenomenon."
"That is correct. The Infinite Realm is not just a simple piece of land, but can be called a 'phenomenon' where land from another space temporarily overlaps."
Baek Jeoncheon said.
"If the Yona Tribe's sacred relic is sleeping there? It is sleeping within the phenomenon called the Infinite Realm."
"So that was the meaning."
Even when he heard it from the Moon Wheel Sage King, he had somewhat accepted it as such a concept.
However, since he couldn't know if that was accurate, he had asked.
"I want to know the place where the Yona Tribe's sacred relic is kept."
At Bu Eunseol's question, Baek Jeoncheon made a troubled expression.
"Unfortunately, neither this station nor I... know the location where the Yona Tribe's sacred relic is. However."
Having taken a short breath, he stared at empty space and said.
"I do know the information of the person who obtained the sacred relic that was kept in the Infinite Realm."
"Then it must be the Heavenly Demon Emperor."
Bu Eunseol made a somewhat deflated expression.
It was said that a figure expected to be the Heavenly Demon Emperor's disciple used the Heaven and Earth Divine Energy.
If so, the one who obtained the treasure in the Infinite Realm must be the Heavenly Demon Emperor.
Ultimately, unless he defeated him, the Yona Tribe's sacred relic could not be found.
"No."
At that time, an unexpected answer returned.
"The one who obtained the sacred relic kept in the Infinite Realm is precisely the Buddha Venerable."
When an unexpected answer returned, Bu Eunseol could not hide his surprise.
"If the Buddha Venerable obtained the Yona Tribe's sacred relic."
Bu Eunseol made a bitter expression.
"The sacred relic must have already been destroyed."
The Buddha Venerable's personality is meticulous, absolutely not the type to leave behind any future troubles.
If he had obtained the power of the sacred relic?
There is no way he would have just left it alone.
"It is too early to jump to conclusions."
Baek Jeoncheon showed a strange smile.
"Do not the sacred relics of the Four Holy Clans also possess the power of nature? They too might be difficult to destroy with human power."
He continued.
"And there is a high probability that it is being kept in Shaolin."
"Shaolin?"
Bu Eunseol narrowed his brow.
"Would the Buddha Venerable have hidden the Yona Tribe's treasure in Shaolin?"
"The current Shaolin is different from the past. It has become the most heavily guarded fortress under heaven."
Baek Jeoncheon spoke in a tone full of conviction.
That expression was as if he knew that Bu Eunseol had once set foot in Blood Shaolin.
'Infiltrating Shaolin is no longer a difficult task for me.'
Bu Eunseol knew the location of the mechanism that allowed one to stealthily infiltrate Blood Shaolin, located deep within the Pagoda Forest.
Therefore, entering the Shaolin grounds itself was not that great a barrier.
'However...'
There must be another reason why Baek Jeoncheon, the Master of Manbak Hall, asserted it so strongly.
'I will have to carefully formulate a plan again.'
Bu Eunseol's mind spun as fast as lightning.
The numerous number of cases, from the approaching future to possibilities beyond that, were continuously being drawn without rest.
At that time, Baek Jeoncheon cautiously opened his mouth in a low voice.
"I do not recommend going to Shaolin right now."
Bu Eunseol's eyes narrowed.
"Why is that?"
"Finding the tracks of a divine dragon-like figure like the Buddha Venerable is impossible, but if he enters a specific area... the story changes."
Baek Jeoncheon withheld his words for a while, then whispered lowly.
"The Buddha Venerable is currently in Shaolin."
The Buddha Venerable's tracks cannot be chased even by the greatest intelligence organization in the martial world.
However, the Sacred Domain has definitely planted eyes and ears in the leadership of every alliance and great sect.
Naturally, they must have planted them in the command of Shaolin as well.
The moment the Buddha Venerable stayed in Shaolin, they were able to capture his tracks.
"I hope my story was of help."
Having finished his story, Baek Jeoncheon smiled.
When Bu Eunseol did not answer, he slowly turned his body.
"Then."
"Hall Master."
Bu Eunseol, who had been sunk in deep thought for a while, opened his mouth.
"The information you gave me just now seems somewhat meager as a price for risking my life to enter Mansangchongji."
"If the Command Lord felt that way, then it must be so."
Baek Jeoncheon nodded.
"Is there something else you wish to ask?"
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol opened his mouth with an exceedingly serious expression.
"Will you grant me one request?"
* * *
Deep in the heart of the Central Plains, in the land of Henan, rises Mount Song, the progenitor of all mountains.
In the embrace of that eternal mountain range lies Mount Shaoshi.
And there stood Shaolin, the holy land of the orthodox factions that had silently guarded the distant ages.
Shaolin is not a simple sect.
It is the great origin where martial arts containing the logic of all creation first sprouted.
It can be called the massive root of orthodox martial arts.
Also, even when evil great demons stormed like a mad wind to overthrow the orthodox martial world.
Shaolin held firm without wavering, establishing itself as the Mount Tai and North Star of the martial world.
It was like a beacon looked up to by all martial artists.
Whenever the sound of the Dharma drum echoed over the mountains and rivers, the righteous energy of the world stood centered around Shaolin.
Shaolin, which can be called the living history and eternal central axis that has led the orthodox martial world without wavering.
However, that place had now completely changed.
'What on earth is going on here.'
Bu Eunseol, who had secretly left Majeon and infiltrated Shaolin, doubted his own two eyes.
The profound sandalwood scent and warm sound of sutra reading that used to fill the interior had vanished without a trace.
As if he had entered a massive cemetery, a silence devoid of any vitality was sending chills down his spine.
'Has there been a mishap?'
The gait of the monks coming and going within the grounds was not the bearing of practitioners, but was imbued with the discipline of martial artists without an inch of error.
Forming groups of three or five, they were thoroughly scouring every corner of the grounds following designated routes.
As if trying to root out something hiding within the grounds.
As if to prove it.
The monks, keeping their hands hidden inside their sleeves, were drawing up their internal energy so that they could emit palm force at any time.
The merciful temple that used to provide peace and rest.
With a suffocating tension flowing through it.
Had become a massive powder keg ready to swallow everything with even a single spark.
'Has Shaolin's guard become so strict because of the Buddha Venerable?'
Pondering for a moment, he moved stealthily and headed toward the location of the Pagoda Forest.
'The mechanism itself has completely changed.'
In the past, if one moved a stone installed in the Pagoda Forest, a hidden mechanism would operate, creating a passage to enter Blood Shaolin.
But now, it had changed into a cunning trap.
If one were to touch that stone?
The bell would ring, and countless martial monks would rush out simultaneously and surround him.
Furthermore, a gruesome array formation that was hard to believe Shaolin had installed was densely spread around it.
The moment one broke the mechanism, the Soul-Bewildering Formation that causes loss of senses, along with.
The Heart Sound Stone and Blood Silkworms that made escape impossible were also laid out.
'In this case, there is only one way.'
Since Shaolin was determinedly keeping an internal guard.
The routes to stealthily infiltrate Blood Shaolin were all blocked.
Ultimately, he decided to use the method he had thought of beforehand.
Swoosh.
Leaving Shaolin once again, he.
Arrived at the Majeon Henan branch and put on the formal attire symbolizing the authority of the Martial Soul Command Lord.
And taking a splendid palanquin from the branch, he headed to Shaolin once again.
The road leading up to the mountain gate meandered along the ridge, with many steep slopes.
However, those carrying the palanquin and running were all masters of Majeon, so they leaped up the narrow, steep dirt paths and stone steps as if flying.
Pitter-patter.
Hearing the news that Majeon's palanquin had arrived, the Guest Reception Hall Master rushed out breathlessly and greeted Bu Eunseol.
"For what reason have you suddenly visited our temple."
The every move of a demagogue of the Demonic Path like the Martial Soul Command Lord is the top priority tracking target for orthodox intelligence organizations.
But for him to suddenly appear in front of Shaolin's mountain gate without any warning?
"Please deliver this visiting card to the Abbot of Shaolin."
Bu Eunseol politely extended a visiting card from his embrace.
"Say that the successor of Majeon, the Martial Soul Command Lord, requests the Abbot for an urgent matter."
It was an exceedingly polite attitude, but the Guest Reception Hall Master was struck dumb.
For generations, Shaolin has despised the Demonic Path.
Whenever the time came for the Demonic Path to rise.
It was because Demonic Path factions always invaded and attempted countless invasions and plunderings.
No matter how peaceful the atmosphere of the current martial world is.
For the ringleader of Majeon, the Martial Soul Command Lord, to come alone without notice and request the Abbot?
Moreover, isn't Shaolin currently in a situation where they are maintaining a strict guard internally due to various matters?
"Currently, our temple strictly forbids the entry of outsiders."
"Just deliver the visiting card."
"As I told you, right now our temple..."
"This Command Lord has had a few ties with the revered Buddha Venerable in the past."
Cutting off his words, Bu Eunseol stared intently at the Guest Reception Hall Master and said.
"Even considering that, I believe you will not coldly turn me away."
In that instant, the light in the Guest Reception Hall Master's eyes changed.
The fact that the Buddha Venerable was currently in Shaolin was truly one of the top secrets of the martial world.
But out of nowhere, the Martial Soul Command Lord of Majeon comes hinting that he has grasped that fact?
"...I understand."
The Guest Reception Hall Master turned his body with a stiff face.
"I will deliver the visiting card to the Abbot, so please wait a moment."
Not long after, Shaolin's mountain gate opened, and the Guest Reception Hall Master came outside again.
"The Abbot has said that people of the Demonic Path cannot enter the temple, so he asked you to come to Bodhi Cave."
He pressed his palms together in a hapjang.
"Please follow this poor monk."
And he led Bu Eunseol down a narrow path that seemed fit only for animals.
The path was steep and rugged.
Underfoot, dry branches broke, and the soil wet with night dew was slippery.
However, the Guest Reception Hall Master's steps were as natural as flowing water.
His wide sleeves never once caught on a branch, and he never once stopped his steps.
Bu Eunseol calmly followed behind him like a shadow.
In fact, his eyes were not on the Guest Reception Hall Master's back, but tracking the flashing energies all around.
'There are martial monks here as well.'
Everywhere leading to Bodhi Cave, trained martial monks were hiding.
How long had they climbed?
The Guest Reception Hall Master stopped his steps in front of a wide rock above a slope.
At that moment, a fierce wind blew, shaking the robes of the two people.
"If you cross the ridge following the pine forest path you see over there, you will be able to look up at Bodhi Cave. There is only one path, so you won't get lost."
Where the tip of the Guest Reception Hall Master's finger pointed was a massive cliff standing like a folding screen halfway up the mountain on the opposite side.
And at the waist of that cliff, a deep, black cave like a dragon's mouth could be seen.
It was exactly Bodhi Cave.
"I understand."
"Then."
As the Guest Reception Hall Master turned away, Bu Eunseol executed a movement technique like flying.
And in one breath, he stepped inside Bodhi Cave.
After walking deep inside the cave for a long time, he could soon see an old monk with a benevolent appearance standing before his eyes.
It was exactly Shaolin's Abbot Gonggong.
"Abbot."
"Command Lord."
The two politely paid their respects to each other.
However, the conversation that followed was incredibly bloodcurdling.
"Have you come to make this temple your grave?"
"Would that be possible? Only."
Bu Eunseol asked subtly.
"I came to ask after the well-being of the Buddha Venerable."
"The Venerable is like a dragon flying through empty space; he leaves traces, but his true form cannot be grasped."
"I heard he was in Shaolin."
"Even if he stays in our temple, I do not think there will be any occasion for the Command Lord to see him."
"Then I will ask just one thing."
Bu Eunseol said in a low voice.
"Do not think of this Command Lord as a person of the Demonic Path, and please answer with an open heart."
"Speak."
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol asked.
"Is Shaolin in good health?"
Shaolin was deeply involved in the Absolute Demonic Blade project trying to implant the Chain of Samsara.
For Shaolin, called the Mount Tai and North Star of the orthodox martial world.
Having produced the Buddha Venerable, who leads the orthodox martial world while living as long as an immortal.
To be silent about the crisis of the martial world made absolutely no sense.
Especially using a vicious grand method.
The actions of the Buddha Venerable raising military forces were truly the abyssal faction itself.
In other words, Shaolin might be in a situation where it has been encroached upon by that old monster called the Buddha Venerable.
"I am asking if it is the Shaolin that this Command Lord knows."
Instantly, Gonggong's complexion turned red and blue.
Right now, Bu Eunseol had come alone to Shaolin.
And right to the Abbot's face, he was asking if Shaolin was still upholding the righteous energy of the world.
Whether it was functioning properly.
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