Bu Eunseol instinctively knew that this phenomenon signified he had reached the threshold of the Fourth Realm of the Ban-geuk Method.
“Upon reaching the Fourth Realm, one can generate Protective True Energy, capable of shielding the entire body, akin to the Mysterious Gate Energy.” Recalling Blood Vajra’s words, Bu Eunseol gazed at the distant sky.
“It’s like donning armor made of powerful true energy to protect the body. But it’s not omnipotent.”
Protective True Energy could only block attacks infused with internal energy, such as punches or palm strikes. It couldn’t defend against sharp weapons like swords or sabers.
“To block weapon attacks, one would need to reach the Fifth Realm and materialize internal energy…” Since entering the martial world, the only time Bu Eunseol had fought a master of fists and palms was against Myeongin, the mysterious masked disciple from the Tyrannical Sect.
As no other enemies had attacked with bare-handed techniques, he hadn’t yet felt the necessity of Protective True Energy.
“Now, shall I refine my swordsmanship?” Bu Eunseol closed his eyes again.
He no longer practiced sword forms like the Supreme Heavenly Flow or other techniques with a blade in hand. He had determined that it was more important to integrate the insights gained from real combat into his martial arts and to further solidify his mental fortitude.
‘Yeo Hwanjin. His genuine swordsmanship surpassed mine.’ Yeo Hwanjin’s Flowing Cloud Sword Technique, which even Swift Beyond Shadow couldn’t fully evade, was the pinnacle of fluid swordsmanship, a refined expression of Daoist sword arts specialized in defense and counterattacks.
‘Yet even a master of such martial prowess failed to master his mind.’ What Bu Eunseol had discerned with his sword was merely a fraction of Yeo Hwanjin’s habits and quirks when executing the Flowing Cloud Sword.
Thus, while he could block the Flowing Cloud Sword, he hadn’t reached a level where he could secure victory. However, Yeo Hwanjin, flustered by having his habits exposed, felt fear and a sense of crisis toward Bu Eunseol.
This led to impatience, causing him to recklessly use the Hundred Links Form without seizing the precise moment.
‘If he hadn’t been impatient… there wouldn’t have been even a chance for him to lose to me.’
Bu Eunseol mentally replayed his fierce battle with Yeo Hwanjin. After deep contemplation, he nodded as if he had realized something.
‘In the end, what determines victory or defeat isn’t the sword technique used, but whose mind is more resolute.’
Refining swordsmanship in his mind was a form of mental sparring. Mental sparring required an exceptional teacher to align imagined concepts with the principles of martial arts. Yet Bu Eunseol could advance his swordsmanship simply by organizing the insights gained from combat.
Contemplation and meditation.
This was a method of mental sparring practiced only by grandmasters who had experienced countless battles. But Bu Eunseol had grasped the secret to advancing his martial arts simply by deeply pondering the sword and its principles.
‘To think it’s come to this.’
When Bu Eunseol came to his senses, another day had passed. He had only intended to meditate and practice internal energy briefly, yet two days had slipped by in that spot.
“Hmm.” His throat felt dry, and hunger crept in.
Bu Eunseol considered calling the maid stationed outside but shook his head.
‘I’ve stayed indoors too long. Let’s go out for a bit.’ The Jinyang area boasted grand and vibrant taverns, rivaling the bustling streets of Hwangju.
Bu Eunseol exited the garden of the annex and entered the main building of Unrae Guest House. It was around lunchtime, and the hundred-plus tables on each floor were packed with guests.
“Welcome, young master!” A waiter spotted Bu Eunseol and hurried over, bowing eagerly.
This was the man who had rented all five annexes, typically reserved for high-ranking officials, and always tipped generously. Thus, all the waiters at Unrae Guest House treated Bu Eunseol like a deity.
“Shall I escort you to your usual spot on the third floor?” Bu Eunseol surveyed the bustling interior and clicked his tongue.
Seeing the tables filled to the brim, it felt overwhelmingly chaotic.
“No, I’ll eat in the annex.” He pulled a silver coin from his sleeve and handed it as a tip.
“Oh, young master, you don’t have to… I haven’t even served you!” The young waiter waved his hands, but Bu Eunseol couldn’t help but smile.
It reminded him of Black Leopard, who was likely training alone in martial arts at Dongpyoseorang.
“Take it. I’m giving it because I want to.” When Bu Eunseol offered the silver again, the waiter bowed so deeply his head nearly touched the ground.
“T-Thank you, sir!” Leaving the bowing waiter behind, Bu Eunseol headed down the path to the annex.
But at the entrance to the annex, a sharp female voice rang out.
“Why on earth not?!” As Bu Eunseol, hands clasped behind his back, reached the entrance, he saw the head manager of Unrae Guest House arguing with a young woman. “I’m telling you, I’ll pay extra!”
She looked barely twenty, with clear skin and lively eyes—a beauty. Her demeanor and stern gaze suggested she was the pampered only daughter of a prominent family, accustomed to ordering others around.
“It’s not about the money,” the head manager said, avoiding her gaze with an awkward expression. “All the annexes are fully booked.”
“Fully booked? Are you joking? They’re clearly empty!”
“They’re not empty; the guests are just temporarily away.”
“Don’t lie to me!” The woman pointed around, frowning. “Are you saying all the guests in the five annexes left at the same time? Does that even make sense?”
“No, well… the truth is, all the annexes were rented out by one person a month ago.”
“One person?” As the woman furrowed her brow in disbelief, the head manager spotted Bu Eunseol approaching.
“Young Master Bu!” The manager bowed deeply. “Did you step out for a bit?”
“Just took a short look around. Keep up the good work.” As Bu Eunseol calmly passed by, the woman pointed at him.
“So, is he the one…?”
“Yes,” the manager replied.
The woman, like a spirited colt, rushed toward Bu Eunseol.
“Wait a moment!”
“...?”
“Are you the one who rented all the annexes?”
“Yes.” As Bu Eunseol nodded and turned away, the woman’s eyes widened, her mouth agape.
‘What… is this face?’ The half of his face visible through his translucent hair, shimmering in the sunlight, exuded a breathtaking beauty, like a masterpiece crafted by a divine artisan.
“Have something to say?” Bu Eunseol asked.
Snapping out of it, the woman shook her head.
“Well…” After a deep breath, she steeled herself and spoke with determination. “I heard you’re using all five annexes by yourself?”
“That’s right.”
“Perfect, since you’re alone.” She nodded as if relieved. “I’ll take the Seogang Courtyard.”
“What do you mean?”
“For the next three days, I’ll use the Seogang Courtyard. Don’t worry, I’m not asking to use it for free.” She rummaged through her pouch, shook her head, and pulled out a stack of promissory notes.
‘A martial artist?’ Bu Eunseol narrowed his eyes, noticing the sword at her side.
Ordinary women typically carried light, decorative longswords, but hers was broad with strange patterns etched into it.
‘A demonic sword, no less…’ Realizing her sword was suited for demonic swordsmanship, Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed further. ‘Carrying a stack of notes and spending freely—she’s definitely from a prominent family.’
“This should be more than enough compensation, right?” she said, holding out the notes.
Bu Eunseol glanced at them and smirked.
“No need.”
“Not enough? Fine, I’ll give you five thousand taels.” When Bu Eunseol began walking away without responding, she bit her lip. “Alright, ten thousand taels!”
Ten thousand taels could buy a modest estate on the outskirts. But unfortunately, she’d picked the wrong person to flaunt her wealth to. Bu Eunseol had amassed roughly eight hundred thousand taels from his covert missions. Unless he was buying priceless treasures or rare artifacts, he couldn’t spend it all in a lifetime of extravagance.
“With that, you could rent out all the annexes of nearby inns,” he remarked.
The woman shook her head firmly.
“No. I need the Seogang Courtyard.”
Her persistence prompted Bu Eunseol to ask, “Why?”
“I heard that Master Sammuk, the legendary painter and calligrapher, always stayed at the Seogang Courtyard when he visited Jinyang,” she said with a serious expression. “I came all this way, after a long journey, specifically to stay in the Seogang Courtyard, where Master Sammuk’s traces remain. Do you understand?”
Master Sammuk had left a personally inscribed plaque at the Seogang Courtyard as a gift to the owner of Unrae Guest House, who had treated him with great hospitality. It was even said, half-jokingly, that Unrae Guest House became Jinyang’s finest inn because of that plaque.
“I plan to stay for three days to admire Master Sammuk’s calligraphy. So, I’d appreciate your cooperation.”
Bu Eunseol let out a chuckle. It turned out this naive young lady from a martial family was traveling alone to visit famous sites.
“I refuse.” He had rented all five annexes to rest quietly and refine his martial arts and insights.
If she moved in, his peace would be shattered instantly.
“What did you say?”
“I said I refuse.”
“You’re really…”
“By the way, something’s odd.” Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile. “Judging by how you throw money around, you seem to be from a prominent family, yet you’re traveling alone without retainers or escorts?”
“What’s that got to do with you?”
“If you had retainers, they’d have told you I’m not someone who negotiates.”
“Hey!”
“Look for an annex at another inn.” Bu Eunseol turned to the head manager coldly. “Manager Jin, I said I dislike disturbances.”
“My apologies,” the manager said, bowing to Bu Eunseol before addressing the woman politely. “Please leave.”
The woman glared at Bu Eunseol for a moment before reluctantly departing. But her eyes, as she left, held not just resentment but a tenacious determination.
‘Trouble.’
Bu Eunseol had a gut feeling.
Her presence would soon disrupt the peaceful routine he had maintained.
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