Five streaks of lightning fire poured from Bu Eunseol’s fist. It was the technique of the second move of the Fist Demon Seven Forms, the Extreme Lightning Roar.
In response, the masked man’s fingers moved gracefully through the air, as if playing a zither.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Crash!
As the two powerful forces collided head-on, waves of energy rippled outward in succession.
“Is that the kind of power a human can unleash…?” Namgung Un, watching the scene, stood with his mouth agape.
Each time the two clashed, the sky darkened, and it felt as though a raging storm was pouring down from somewhere. Moreover, the range of their fist and claw techniques expanded with each exchange, forcing both sides’ camps to retreat dozens of paces further back.
Boom! Boom!
In the midst of this, Bu Eunseol and the masked man clashed once more.
“Ugh.” Each time his fingers collided with the masked man’s, Bu Eunseol felt an overwhelming pressure crushing his entire body.
Astonishingly, the masked man’s internal energy was nearly on par with Bu Eunseol’s, who had reached the third level of the Ban-geuk Method.
‘I need to create distance.’ Bu Eunseol channeled his internal energy, pulling the crimson shadow of his claws back toward himself.
Sensing a possible trick, the masked man slowed his assault and stepped back cautiously.
‘Now’s my chance.’ Seizing the opportunity, Bu Eunseol unleashed Swift Beyond Shadow.
The masked man, realizing Bu Eunseol’s intent too late, pursued relentlessly to block his retreat.
Swish!
But as Bu Eunseol, using Swift Beyond Shadow, swiftly changed directions in midair, he finally escaped the range of the claw technique.
“Your movement technique is impressive. To think you could escape the grasp of the Heavenly Net Claw Shadow.” The masked man sneered as he looked at Bu Eunseol, who had retreated. “But if that’s all you’ve got, you’re as good as dead.”
As if preparing a final strike, a red haze began to rise from the masked man’s body.
It was clear he was gathering all his internal energy for a decisive blow.
“There must be a flaw.” Swift martial arts techniques often lack precision and adaptability.
Having realized this truth in the battle between the Purple Spear and the Heavenly Blade, Bu Eunseol regulated his inner breath, maximizing his energy output.
Crack.
The moment the masked man’s body, emitting a bone-cracking sound, was enveloped in a red mist—
Flash!
His body became a streak of light, closing the distance in an instant and targeting Bu Eunseol’s vital points.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Eighty-nine claw shadows poured forth with the momentum to crush a mountain.
‘I can’t dodge this!’ Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed.
He instinctively knew that the Fist Demon Seven Forms couldn’t counter this sudden attack.
Flash!
At that moment, a dark radiance surged from his back.
Hum! Hum! Hum! Hum!
With a sword cry resembling the tolling of a temple bell, the Black Blade unsheathed itself. Simultaneously, a black sword aura, shaped like a great roc spreading its wings, struck all eighty-nine claw shadows.
It was the Nine-Life Technique, a fusion of the Soaring Form Sword and the Return to Origin.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
As the claws and divine sword clashed, a deafening metallic sound rang out, and dust billowed in all directions.
Whoosh.
As a dry wind swept through Blade Tyrant Sect, the shadows of the two figures standing in the clearing became visible.
“Ahh!” Namgung Un shouted, pointing at the masked man.
“Brother Seol won!”
Blood dripped from three of the masked man’s fingers. Unable to withstand the sharpness of the repeated clashes with the Black Blade, the tips of his fingers had been sliced.
“The Yeongsasin Sword?” The masked man narrowed his eyes, staring at the Black Blade, which glimmered with an eerie light under the sunlight. “So you’re the one who won the Dongpyoseorang Jeongmu Tournament.”
‘His internal energy is formidable.’ Bu Eunseol silently gripped his sword.
The clash of their immense internal energies had left both Bu Eunseol and the masked man with minor internal injuries. Though he had gained the upper hand in this exchange, Bu Eunseol’s expression was far from pleased.
The level of his Fist Demon Seven Forms, still not fully mastered, had been insufficient to block the masked man’s final move. In the end, he had been forced to unleash the Supreme Heavenly Flow, which left him in a sour mood.
“Heh heh heh.” The masked man let out a low chuckle, speaking in a delighted tone. “To block the Crimson Jade Blood Demon Claw at your age. Truly impressive.”
“Crimson Jade Blood Demon Claw?” Bu Eunseol’s brow furrowed.
Though he knew more about martial sects and techniques than anyone, he had never heard of such a technique.
“Let’s continue.” Bu Eunseol spoke coldly. “We haven’t seen the end yet.”
Neither had fully unleashed their true skills. If Bu Eunseol could properly wield the harmony within the Supreme Heavenly Flow, he could engage the masked man in a true battle.
Clank.
As Bu Eunseol raised his Black Blade, the masked man shook his head.
“No, let’s stop here.” His gaze was not on Bu Eunseol but fixed on the Blade Tyrant Sect camp.
“Are you admitting defeat?” Wang Inhwa, watching from afar, asked. The masked man glanced back at the Heavenly Tremor Sect camp.
With a slight nod, he replied, “I suppose you could say that.”
At that, Gwan Dokgun, the leader of Heavenly Tremor Sect, rushed forward, shouting at the masked man.
“Then that means our sect has lost this fight?”
“It can’t be helped. It seems Blade Tyrant Sect’s fate has not yet run its course.” The masked man, gazing at Bu Eunseol standing tall like a heavenly general descended from the skies, turned away without hesitation.
“I won’t accept this!” Bloodshot veins bulged in Gwan Dokgun’s eyes. “The fight isn’t over! Keep fighting!”
“Shut up.”
“What did you say?” As Gwan Dokgun bristled, a yellowish killing intent rose like a haze from the masked man’s eyes.
“What have you done all this time to squeal like a pig?” In that moment, Gwan Dokgun felt the hairs on his body stand on end.
It was as if a colossal monster loomed behind the masked man, its maw gaping wide.
“How dare you speak such insolence to the sect leader…!” Gwan Dokgun’s shout was cut short.
Swish.
As the masked man’s finger touched near his heart, Gwan Dokgun’s head tilted at an angle, and he collapsed suddenly.
“Argh!” With a sound like a pig being slaughtered, Gwan Dokgun’s massive body rolled on the ground.
His eyes rolled back, foam spewed from his mouth, and he writhed as if enduring excruciating torture akin to bone-crushing agony.
Thud.
Finally, Gwan Dokgun, in unbearable pain, died with his eyes rolled back.
“…”
A deathly silence fell over the Heavenly Tremor Sect.
No matter how brash Gwan Dokgun’s personality was, he was still the leader of a sect. To kill such a master with a single finger…
“Let’s go.” The masked man and his companion walked through the ranks of Heavenly Tremor Sect as if nothing had happened.
Though countless Heavenly Tremor Sect disciples watched closely, none dared to block his path.
“Our sect will leave Sangyang by this road.” After a long silence, Kang Junghwan, the Earth Division Leader of Heavenly Tremor Sect, stepped forward to Wang Inhwa and spoke. “And as long as Blade Tyrant Sect stands, we will never set foot on this land again.”
Despite Kang Junghwan’s devastated expression, Wang Inhwa nodded calmly. This battle had been sparked by Heavenly Tremor Sect’s unilateral ambush. It was only natural they bear full responsibility.
“Well done, Young Master.”
“Brother Seol, that was incredible. Thanks to you, my eyes have been opened.” As Black Leopard and Namgung Un approached Bu Eunseol to talk, Mun Kwang and Wang Inhwa stood behind him, their faces filled with gratitude.
“Young Master Seol.”
“You are the savior who rescued our sect from crisis. Allow this old man to bow to you.” As Wang Inhwa attempted to bow, Bu Eunseol quickly stopped him.
“I am merely a hired mercenary.”
“How can such words express your kindness? Our sect…” As Wang Inhwa’s words grew lengthy, Bu Eunseol turned away without lingering.
“My work here is done. I’ll take my leave.”
“We’ll hold a banquet for you. Stay a little longer.”
“No need.”
As Bu Eunseol turned to leave, Mun Kwang hurriedly followed, saying, “At least take your payment before you go. You’re not returning to Red Sky Veil, are you?”
Mun Kwang had sensed it.
Bu Eunseol was no mere mercenary. And now that his identity as the winner of the Dongpyoseorang Martial Arts Tournament was exposed, he wouldn’t return to Red Sky Veil.
“It wasn’t for money.” With those words, Bu Eunseol turned away without hesitation. Black Leopard and Namgung Un followed him.
The Blade Tyrant Sect leader, Mun Kwang, and others could only stare blankly at the scene.
***
Bu Eunseol’s party left Blade Tyrant Sect and arrived at a village near Anho (Wild Goose Lake) after departing Sangyang.
“Brother Seol, let’s wet our throats first.” After days of relentless battles filled with blood and slaughter, all they had consumed were tasteless rations and water.
Moreover, they had traveled day and night using qinggongs to reach this village, so exhaustion was inevitable.
“Hm.” Surveying his surroundings, Bu Eunseol headed toward a small inn in sight.
But Namgung Un shook his head with a serious expression.
“Let’s drink something good today. My treat.” Namgung Un chose the largest and most lavish inn in the village.
Taking a seat in a private room on the third floor of the pagoda-style building, he ordered thirteen dishes and expensive Fenjiu liquor in abundance. However, Black Leopard sat in a corner without touching the food, and Bu Eunseol remained seated with his arms crossed.
The reason was Namgung Un’s grave expression.
“Brother Seol.” After a long silence, Namgung Un poured liquor into a cup and asked, “Or should I call you Brother Bu now?”
The winner of the Dongpyoseorang Martial Arts Tournament. The mysterious master who killed the Blood Demon Lord of Hell’s Blood Fortress.
It was well-known in the martial world that his name was Bu Eunseol.
“Call me what you like.” At Bu Eunseol’s calm reply, Namgung Un downed the yellow wine in his cup.
“Seeing as Red Sky Veil knows nothing of your true identity, you must be hiding not only your name but your appearance as well.”
“That’s right.”
Namgung Un turned to Black Leopard. “You too, brother?”
“Yes.” Black Leopard, as if resolving himself, said to Bu Eunseol, “Is it alright if I show Young Master Namgung my true appearance?”
“Do as you wish.” With permission granted, Black Leopard immediately removed his disguise and clasped his hands toward Namgung Un.
“Young Master, I am actually Black Leopard, a mercenary from Dongpyoseorang.”
“As I thought. So you’re the Black Whirlwind.” Nodding, Namgung Un turned to Bu Eunseol. “Won’t you show your face, Brother Bu?”
“Too bothersome.” At the cold reply, Namgung Un’s face fell with a hint of sadness.
“We’ve fought back-to-back in battle. Isn’t it a bit much to keep your appearance hidden?”
“That’s how the martial world works.” Filling his empty cup with liquor, Bu Eunseol said calmly, “It’s best not to reveal your true self and to always conceal at least thirty percent of your skills.”
Namgung Un’s expression remained unconvinced.
“That’s not wrong, but… it feels oddly melancholic.” After emptying his cup, Namgung Un spoke in a low voice. “The martial world may be ruthless, but it’s not just a place of killing and being killed.”
Bu Eunseol neither affirmed nor denied the statement, simply drinking his liquor. He looked as though he were left alone between heaven and earth. For reasons unknown, Namgung Un felt he glimpsed Bu Eunseol’s true self in that moment.
‘His nature isn’t cold. Something has caused his heart to freeze entirely.’ Namgung Un was naturally playful and warm-hearted. He wished for his surroundings, and the entire world, to be filled with warmth.
“Brother Bu.” As if making a decision, Namgung Un picked up the liquor bottle.
He respectfully filled Bu Eunseol’s cup.
“Please accept my cup.” Then, he extended his own empty cup toward Bu Eunseol.
“Will you fill mine as well?” The request to fill his cup carried a weight far too grave for a mere gesture.
Staring intently at Namgung Un’s face, Bu Eunseol let out a sigh. He understood the deeper meaning behind “filling the cup.”
“I’m just a mercenary.”
“And I’m known as the wastrel of my clan.” Namgung Un smiled as he spoke. “A mercenary and a wastrel. Don’t they go well together?”
Though he spoke lightly, Namgung Un’s eyes held the dignity of a lion, and his entire being exuded a bold, noble aura. He disregarded worldly etiquette and rules but was a man with the spirit of a hero.
“Are you planning to return to your clan?”
“Yes.” Namgung Un extended his cup once more, respectfully. “Will you fill my cup?”
“Do you even know who I am to say such things?”
“I trust my eyes. Even if you were an evildoer scorned by the world, I’d still believe in you, Brother Bu.” At Namgung Un’s resolute words, Bu Eunseol let out a deep sigh.
All he wanted was to roam the martial world and fight the strong. Why did bonds keep forming?
“Bonds are like the natural cycle of creation and destruction.”
Suddenly, the words of Bu Zhanyang, spoken while performing a memorial for his deceased lover, echoed in his ears.
“A seed naturally meets the earth and becomes a flower, and that flower naturally encounters rain and wind. Bonds are just as natural.”
“Like how you met me, Grandfather?”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Bu Zhanyang had burst into hearty laughter and nodded.
“Exactly. That’s how it is.”
Bu Eunseol realized.
Bonds between people cannot be stopped. They must be allowed to flow naturally.
Crack.
In that moment, Bu Eunseol’s face rippled like water. Simultaneously, a radiant visage, like sunlight scattered across a lake, was revealed. He had undone his face-altering technique, revealing his true appearance.
‘That’s Brother Bu’s real face.’
In that instant, Namgung Un understood. Why Bu Eunseol had kept his appearance hidden all this time.
‘If he had revealed this face, the young lady of the Divine Maiden Palace wouldn’t have let him go—nor would the palace leader herself.’
Namgung Un had always thought his own looks were unmatched, but compared to Bu Eunseol’s true face, it was like the difference between the sun and a firefly.
“Once you see Brother Bu’s face, you’ll never forget it.” At Namgung Un’s praise, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“Here.” He lifted the liquor bottle and filled Namgung Un’s cup.
“Thank you.” Overjoyed, Namgung Un extended his cup. “From now on, just call me Un.”
He then pulled a sharp golden needle from his robes. It was the Golden Needle Token, a sacred relic symbolizing the direct lineage of the Namgung Clan.
Namgung Un smiled sheepishly.
“Come visit the clan sometime when you’re free.”
“I will.” Though he said so, Bu Eunseol shook his head faintly.
In the unpredictable journey through the martial world, who knew when he’d have the chance to visit the Namgung Clan?
But one thing was certain.
Thanks to Namgung Un, the Namgung Clan would rise to even greater prominence.
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