Myriad Transformations Holy Physique.
The most mysterious constitution in the martial world, embracing the essence of heaven and earth and the principles of all creation in a single body.
It was said to appear scarcely once in ten thousand years, and that all the energy under heaven would reside within that body.
Furthermore, as they aged, they would naturally comprehend the world's energy and its flow, and master the principles of any martial art the instant they saw it once.
And once they surpassed the age of twenty, their intelligence and senses would be enhanced to a transcendent degree, allowing them to intuitively grasp all the laws of the world and the textures of energy.
It was truly the highest physical body a martial artist could be born with, literally a holy physique.
Yet this body was something that only the bloodline of the Baekri Family could possess?
'Does this mean the one who killed my grandfather was a member of the Baekri Family?'
Bu Eunseol felt dizzy.
Because he had heard that the Death Medicine Head who ruled the Poison Hall of the True Demon Palace, the Poison Spirit Demonic Lord, had ambushed the One-Eyed Immortal.
He had expected this entire situation to be a scheme of the True Demon Palace.
But suddenly, the Baekri Family bloodline?
"Is that true?"
"It is."
"Then why didn't my grandfather inform the Baekri Family of this fact?"
"At that time, he didn't know the Myriad Transformations Holy Physique was born only within the Baekri Family bloodline. Because of that, he could never find the fake to the very end."
The One-Eyed Immortal's eyes narrowed endlessly.
"He only discovered this fact by sheer coincidence near his final years."
Because the Myriad Transformations Holy Physique was a constitution that appeared only among the Baekri Family bloodline, his grandfather could never track down the fake to the end.
Bu Eunseol felt a sense of gloom.
If so, the one who had not only impersonated his grandfather but had also formed a bond with that pitiable woman and caused an illegitimate child to be born was none other than a member of the Baekri Family's bloodline?
"You cannot be certain it was a conspiracy of the Baekri Family."
At that moment, the One-Eyed Immortal spoke in a low voice.
"Even your grandfather, who saved countless people, lived his whole life being pointed at as an evildoer, didn't he?"
Bu Eunseol nodded.
Matters of the martial world were always complex; one could not accurately judge the inner details based solely on known facts.
Even if the one who impersonated his grandfather was indeed a member of the Baekri Family, it could not be seen as representing the stance of the Baekri Family as a whole.
In the end, the truth... was something he had to uncover entirely with his own hands.
"My grandfather lived his entire life receiving nothing but misunderstanding and resentment."
At Bu Eunseol's painful muttering, the One-Eyed Immortal nodded.
"Because there were almost none who knew his true self."
Gazing at the distant sky, she said.
"The current martial world is able to maintain this level of peace entirely thanks to his sacrifice. But since no one knows of it..."
Bu Zhanyang had not severed the spiritual veins of the Central Plains and destroyed the spiritual lands; rather, he had protected them from the clutches of the True Demon Palace.
The Fire Soul Land, which was gradually reviving, was the proof of that.
However, in life, he had been condemned as a great evildoer.
And in death, he was called the Great Murder Star of the demonic path, who had forsaken all light and vanished.
That he was the guardian of darkness who had secretly protected the martial world and everything in it...
That truth stayed hidden.
"You truly resemble him a lot."
At the One-Eyed Immortal's words, Bu Eunseol wore a proud smile.
"I hear that a lot."
"And you even have an audacity that he lacked."
The One-Eyed Immortal pulled out an old envelope from her bosom and handed it over.
"Take it."
"What is this?"
"It is the specific medicine he left behind for Neung Gyeong."
Bu Eunseol carefully accepted the envelope.
But inside, there was no spiritual medicine or spiritual herb; instead, there was a single piece of old paper.
It was a short letter, written personally by his grandfather.
'This is.'
As he read down the letter, Bu Eunseol wore a somewhat dazed expression.
'So that was it.'
Written there were contents he had not expected at all.
'If someone must become the evildoer...'
As he looked down at the letter, his eyes deepened.
If one person absolutely must bear the karma...
It should not be the One-Eyed Immortal, but himself, the grandson.
"Thank you."
Bu Eunseol bowed his head and expressed his respect to the One-Eyed Immortal.
Then, he spoke calmly.
"I think I understand why my grandfather entrusted this specific medicine to you, Aunt."
"Is affection also a disease?"
The One-Eyed Immortal wore a bitter smile.
"Because of his heavy lips and righteous personality... he unintentionally spread too much affection to too many women. It would have been better if he were simply indifferent."
Bu Eunseol could understand those words.
Because he was doing the same thing.
Creak.
Suddenly, the door to the cabin opened, and a figure in water-blue clothes slowly walked out.
It was Gongsun Dana, having taken off her wedding attire.
"Young Lady Gongsun."
It was astonishing.
He had definitely struck her sleep acupoint.
How could she have woken up so quickly?
"Do not forget who taught the Command Lord the Taoist secret and the Five Animal Frolics."
Because she too had deeply mastered the Taoist secret, she was able to quickly undo it even after her sleep acupoint had been struck.
"Is that the spiritual medicine the Seven-Finger Demon Blade left behind?"
Gongsun Dana looked at the letter Bu Eunseol was holding.
'This is troublesome.'
Recalling the contents of the letter, Bu Eunseol immediately put it in his bosom and shook his head.
"There was no spiritual medicine."
"Then what is that?"
For a moment, all sorts of thoughts flashed through his mind, but he soon spoke calmly.
"It is a writing my grandfather left behind. The Immortal gave it to me, having kept it."
"May I see it as well?"
"It would be better if you did not look."
"Why is that?"
"I will speak honestly."
Wearing a troubled expression, Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice.
"In truth, my grandfather and the One-Eyed Immortal were extremely close. Enough to promise their future together."
That was an undeniable fact.
The items used for the wedding ceremony just now were all things she had prepared, believing in his grandfather's promise.
"But Palace Master Neung interfered, pushing the two apart, and they eventually broke up."
"What did you say?"
"There was no medicine. Young Lady."
At Bu Eunseol's words, Gongsun Dana asked the One-Eyed Immortal in disbelief.
"You clearly said you had the medicine. That is why we even held the wedding ceremony."
"Actually, the Immortal did not force the wedding ceremony because she hated my grandfather."
"What do you mean?"
Bu Eunseol let out a deep sigh and lowered his head.
"She orchestrated this wedding ceremony because she hated you, a disciple of the Divine Water Palace. Because if she did that, you would be chased out of the Divine Water Palace."
"How could that be."
Shocked, Gongsun Dana shook her head in denial.
"I cannot believe it!"
Then she shouted at Bu Eunseol.
"Then why did the Seven-Finger Demon Blade go out of his way to leave a letter in our palace... saying that the medicine to cure the Palace Master was in the Fire Soul Land?"
"He hoped the Palace Master would come here and learn the truth."
Bu Eunseol said with an apologetic expression.
"He said that only then would the long-standing feelings between the two of them be resolved, and her body would improve as well."
"How could that be... I cannot believe it."
"It does not matter whether you believe it or not."
Bu Eunseol spoke coldly.
"This time, the Immortal decided to overlook today's matter out of her connection with my grandfather and for my face."
"What do you mean, overlook it?"
"She said she would act as if the announcement of the marriage with you never happened. So you can return to the Divine Water Palace with peace of mind."
"Is that true?"
Gongsun Dana asked, looking at the One-Eyed Immortal as if she could not believe it.
"Is everything the Command Lord said true?"
"It is."
The One-Eyed Immortal spoke coldly.
"Because of Neung Gyeong, that vixen-like girl, this Land Lord and the Seven-Finger Demon Blade ended up breaking apart."
She sneered as she scanned Gongsun Dana with an arrogant and insolent expression.
"Yet how dare a disciple of the Divine Water Palace seek out this Land Lord... so I held the wedding ceremony. To humiliate the Divine Water Palace."
And she added.
"There is no medicine. However, since you brought Bu Zhanyang's grandson..."
She tossed a small medicine bottle from her bosom at Gongsun Dana's feet.
"It is this Land's spiritual medicine, Fire Soul Liquid. If she is lucky, the Divine Water Palace Master will be able to live until this day next year."
Gongsun Dana clenched her fists as she looked down at the medicine bottle on the floor.
She was a disciple of the Divine Water Palace.
She could not bow at the waist to accept medicine thrown down like a silver coin bestowed upon a beggar.
And she knew all too well that even if the Palace Master took the spiritual medicine, her condition would not improve.
"You may kill a disciple of our palace, but you cannot insult one."
Gongsun Dana shouted with a resolute expression.
"Fire Soul Land Lord. I challenge you!"
"A challenge?"
"You insulted my master and mocked me. Today, one of us will surely die."
"Young Lady Gongsun."
At that moment, Bu Eunseol stepped forward.
"As I told you, the Immortal is someone who has a special connection with my grandfather."
"So what?"
"How could I just stand by and watch the two of you fight?"
"Do not think about stopping me."
Gongsun Dana spoke coldly.
"She broke her promise and humiliated me. A disciple of our palace will never suffer insult, even if it means dying."
"That is not what I meant."
Bu Eunseol spoke coldly.
"I meant that I cannot just stand by and watch you harm my aunt."
"Aunt?"
"Since she was someone who formed a bond with my grandfather, is it not natural that this body becomes her nephew?"
Bu Eunseol spoke coldly.
"Since an aunt cannot directly lay a hand on someone beneath her... if you step forward, I will have no choice but to face you."
"Command Lord!"
Gongsun Dana trembled with a sense of betrayal.
"Is that something you should say to me right now?"
"What is there to gain by fighting my aunt? Let us just return quietly."
"How... how could you do this to me?"
Gongsun Dana shouted, fighting back bursting tears.
"She promised to give me the spiritual medicine, then insulted me. How can you just turn a blind eye after going through that with me!"
"My aunt's only intention was to insult the disciple of the Divine Water Palace, and she separately apologized to me."
Bu Eunseol spoke with a troubled expression.
"If you fight my aunt, the relationship between the Fire Soul Land and the Divine Water Palace will immediately worsen."
He added in an earnest voice.
"Is there really a need to do this when the Palace Master's health is poor?"
"You are..."
Pearl-like teardrops fell from Gongsun Dana's eyes.
Just a moment ago, he had poured out all sorts of sweet words... claiming he would risk his life to save the Palace Master, that he would resolve everything...
And now he was cutting her off so coldly?
"The Palace Master always said this."
Holding back her sobs and wiping her tears, Gongsun Dana glared at Bu Eunseol and said.
"Men are not a trustworthy breed!"
Riiiip.
Then, she tore her sleeve and threw it at Bu Eunseol's face.
"My bond with you ends with this!"
Paat!
And in a flash, she unleashed her movement technique and left the Fire Soul Land.
"..."
Bu Eunseol silently stared at the spot where Gongsun Dana had left.
With his head bowed, he looked as if he were carrying a heavy mass of iron weighing tens of thousands of gwan on his back.
"Both grandfather and grandson are exactly the same."
The One-Eyed Immortal let out a deep sigh.
"Even if it means being cursed yourselves, you try to protect others."
She shook her head with a pained expression.
"In my youth, I did not know either. Why he sometimes had such a lonely look in his eyes."
As the One-Eyed Immortal continued speaking, it seemed as if an endlessly deep darkness was spreading around her.
"Perhaps that child too... will realize it when she reaches my age. Why you acted this way."
Bu Eunseol, smiling forcedly, shook his head.
"I merely hope that the wounds in her heart heal quickly."
"But why did you go out of your way to play the villain?"
The One-Eyed Immortal clicked her tongue.
"It was a matter that would have been resolved by secretly ordering someone anyway."
Bu Eunseol showed a dry smile.
"Because sometimes, there are matters that can only be tied up if someone becomes the sinner."
Was it said that salvation always stands upon someone's ruin?
Something unbearable happens.
And whether it be a god or anything else, people will invariably find a target to resent.
Everyone in the world criticized his grandfather and pointed fingers at him.
But he silently endured it and walked the righteous path.
And Bu Eunseol, too, was trying to walk such a path.
"You must not."
The One-Eyed Immortal grabbed Bu Eunseol's shoulders with both hands and spoke.
"You absolutely must not follow in those footsteps."
Bu Zhanyang had devoted his life for others, and in the end, he could not bear fruit with anyone.
And now there was his grandson, Bu Eunseol.
She absolutely could not let him live such a life as well.
"You must absolutely form a family. Do you understand?"
That closely resembled the earnest request of the Divine Water Palace Master Neung Gyeong.
Bu Eunseol smiled as he looked into the worried eyes of the One-Eyed Immortal.
"I understand."
Bu Eunseol bowed his head and politely expressed his respect.
"Then, I will come again next time."
"Do not come."
The One-Eyed Immortal coldly turned her body and walked into the Fire Soul Land.
"That is for the best for both of us."
Bu Eunseol resembled Bu Zhanyang far too much.
Enough to revive the longing and resentment she had barely suppressed for decades.
Like that, without even looking back, she returned to the depths of the Fire Soul Land.
* * *
The chilly scent of medicinal herbs heavily filled the air in the bedchamber.
Having returned to the Divine Water Palace, Gongsun Dana immediately headed for the secret chamber where the Palace Master was undergoing closed-door cultivation.
Ruuuumble.
As the mechanism leading into the secret chamber moved, a dark and long corridor stretched out.
Today of all days, to her eyes, the passageway leading to the Palace Master's quarters felt much longer than usual.
"Palace Master."
As she knocked on the door and carefully stepped inside, the sight of Neung Gyeong sitting in a formal posture with a pale face came into view.
She was known to be undergoing closed-door cultivation, but in reality, she was recuperating and resting her body.
The appearance of the Divine Water Palace Master, who had collapsed and regained consciousness not long ago, had become gaunt.
The majesty of the Divine Water Palace Master who shook the martial world was nowhere to be found, and only the image of a frail woman suffering from illness remained.
"Your disciple has returned."
As Gongsun Dana expressed her respects, the Divine Water Palace Master slowly opened her closed eyes.
Her jewel-like eyes, set in her bloodless face, looked like a candle whose life was fading out.
"So you went to the Fire Soul Land after all."
Gongsun Dana had read the letter Bu Zhanyang had secretly left behind in the secret library.
And she had pleaded with the Palace Master to go to the Fire Soul Land, but the Palace Master had firmly opposed it.
However, seeing her disciple's appearance, she guessed that Gongsun Dana had ultimately gone alone.
"That is correct."
"I see."
Neung Gyeong asked with a peculiar smile.
"What did Yang Yeong say?"
Yang Yeong was the One-Eyed Immortal's real name.
Originally, the two had been good friends.
But they both fell in love with the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Bu Zhanyang, at the same time, and eventually became rivals in love.
However, the Divine Water Palace Master still thought of the One-Eyed Immortal as a good friend.
"This disciple..."
Recalling Bu Eunseol's cold attitude, Gongsun Dana bit her lip.
There was no such thing as a spiritual medicine.
What Bu Zhanyang had left behind was merely a letter containing content that mocked the Divine Water Palace Master.
"I see, so that was it."
Seeing Gongsun Dana's expression trying to hide her grief, Neung Gyeong wore a faint smile.
"There was no medicine, was there."
"How did you know that."
"In truth, this Palace Master was good friends with her. And my health was poor even back then."
As if reminiscing about the past, Neung Gyeong's eyes deepened endlessly.
"He felt sorry that the two of us grew apart because of him. That must be why he left such a letter in our palace."
She shook her head.
"Hoping I would visit the Fire Soul Land and reconcile with her."
Gongsun Dana opened her eyes wide.
To think that the One-Eyed Immortal and the Palace Master had been on good terms long ago, and that they had a falling out because of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade?
"As time passes, even long-standing feelings are bound to be sorted out."
The Divine Water Palace Master shook her head.
"He probably encouraged reconciliation, but it seems Yang Yeong's heart has not yet softened."
Gongsun Dana kept her mouth shut.
The letter had stated that the Seven-Finger Demon Blade had loved the One-Eyed Immortal more, not the Divine Water Palace Master.
She could not bear to convey such a story to the sick Palace Master.
"I know. She must have treated you coldly."
Neung Gyeong shook her head.
"Yang Yeong, that child is still unable to let go of her anger toward me for stealing his heart."
The Divine Water Palace Master was gravely mistaken.
The letter had stated that the Seven-Finger Demon Blade loved the Fire Soul Land Lord, the One-Eyed Immortal, more than the Divine Water Palace Master.
However, Gongsun Dana nodded while keeping that fact hidden.
"That is right. In the end, she did not let me into the Fire Soul Land and chased me out."
And she lied with her head bowed.
Because the truth would have been too cruel for a master who had grown ill while waiting for one person her entire life.
"So that was it."
Neung Gyeong let out a sigh and closed her eyes again.
A heavy silence flowed for a moment.
"Palace Master."
Gongsun Dana was about to open her mouth again.
Booooom!
Along with a massive roar that shook the entire Divine Water Palace, screams erupted from outside.
Crack, crackle.
Following that, the sound of the formation enveloping the palace being destroyed echoed out.
"Palace Master! Our palace is under attack!"
Not long after, a bleeding disciple threw open the door to the closed-door chamber where Neung Gyeong was and shouted.
"Masked men of unknown identities are dismantling the formation and striking down the disciples!"
Neung Gyeong glared with wide eyes.
It was something she had never even imagined.
How dare they attack the Divine Water Palace, renowned under heaven, head-on?
Hearing those words, Gongsun Dana bit her lip.
'The Palace Master must not step forward.'
If the disciples learned that the Palace Master's health was poor? Morale would plummet significantly, and their defenses could be easily breached.
She bowed respectfully to Neung Gyeong.
"Your disciple will go take a look."
Then she immediately rushed outside.
The entrance to the palace was chaotic, like hell on earth.
Over a hundred masked men exuding dark and bizarre energy were overwhelming a thousand disciples of the Divine Water Palace.
Every time they left black afterimages in the air, the disciples of the Divine Water Palace were heavily injured, and screams echoed in all directions.
Furthermore, their movements seemed to transcend human limits, so swift that they could not be followed by the eye.
Because of this, the formation of the Divine Water Palace, which could be called peerless under heaven in its sturdiness, was gradually collapsing.
"Three Realms?"
Gongsun Dana bit her lip.
There were countless factions in the martial world.
But those who wore such bizarre masks and employed martial arts of unknown origin were, in all likelihood, the Three Realms, one of the abyssal forces the Death Shadow Corps had always shared information about.
'But why?'
For generations, the Divine Water Palace had not involved itself in the martial world and had not built grudges or debts with other factions.
So why had they suddenly invaded the Divine Water Palace for no reason?
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