There are three stages to the process of Bone Transformation and Rebirth.
The first stage expels impurities accumulated within the body, revealing new skin as pure as that of a child.
The second stage involves the shedding and regrowth of teeth, while the organs within the body are renewed.
And upon reaching the third stage, it is said that even the skeletal structure transforms, granting a physique that transcends human limitations.
As Bu Eunseol continuously unleashed formidable energy within the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, the phenomenon of the first stage of Bone Transformation and Rebirth suddenly manifested.
‘Why is this happening all of a sudden?’
Thud.
Bu Eunseol halted his steps, staring at the fragments of skin that had fallen away within the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water. After a moment of deep thought, he finally realized the reason.
‘The dormant blood vessels have been reactivated…’ Within his body, pure energy accumulated through lifelong cultivation techniques and the Ban-geuk Energy injected by Blood Vajra lay dormant.
Although some of it had been converted into internal energy upon reaching the fifth level of the Ban-geuk Method, a portion of unconverted energy still remained stored in his dormant blood vessels. However, as the pressure of the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water enveloped his entire body, a part of the dormant energy in his blood vessels was once again transformed into internal energy.
Rumble.
As he circulated his energy once more, it felt as though thunder roared within his body.
Bu Eunseol’s internal energy, previously at the level of three gapja (a unit of internal energy), had now reached four gapja (around 240 years).
Plop, plop.
Within the transparent Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, Bu Eunseol’s radiant, translucent skin shimmered, resembling an ancient celestial deity descending to earth—mysterious and beautiful.
‘A blessing in disguise.’ Having understood everything, Bu Eunseol stood still for a moment.
“…!!!” A strange vibration echoed from behind.
Turning his head, he saw Hyeok Sojin shouting something toward the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water.
“I thought you were dead! What in the world happened?!” When his skin had shed, golden specks of light and currents of energy had enveloped his body, preventing Hyeok Sojin and Du Yakrang from witnessing the Bone Transformation and Rebirth process. Thus, when Bu Eunseol stopped moving, Hyeok Sojin had assumed he had perished.
Nod.
Bu Eunseol gave a slight nod toward Hyeok Sojin, as if to say there was no need for concern. Then, turning his body, he lightly stepped forward. He reached the end of the transparent wall containing the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water.
Just as he was about to exit, “…?”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed sharply. He had just realized something new.
‘I can’t get out.’ A mysterious stone capable of trapping the immensely heavy Immeasurable Heavenly King Water in the middle of the passage was exerting its power, preventing his escape.
“Old hag! I’ve reached the end—why aren’t you draining the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water?” Hyeok Sojin protested, but the passage was filled with Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, so his voice didn’t reach Du Yakrang’s ears. Even if she wanted to save Bu Eunseol, the mysterious stone embedded within the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water left her with no options.
‘So this mechanism has been used to fend off powerful enemies all along.’ With his arms crossed, Bu Eunseol sank into thought again. Though his formidable internal energy was counteracting the pressure of the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, he couldn’t withstand it indefinitely. If he didn’t escape within a short time, he would eventually die.
“Heh heh heh.” Du Yakrang, watching from beyond the transparent wall, wore a smug expression.
Noticing her look, a cold glint flickered in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
‘I’ll break through.’ Taking a deep breath, he withdrew about half of the internal energy he had been projecting outward. The protective barrier of energy surrounding his body weakened, and it felt as though his bones were being crushed.
‘Ordinary martial arts won’t do.’ In the heavy, mountain-like pressure of the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, techniques like swordplay or palm strikes would fail to unleash their full power.
‘In that case…’
Wooosh.
A vortex began to swirl from Bu Eunseol’s right fist as his eyes flashed. At the same time, the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, which had been as still as a solid mass, began to ripple within the transparent wall.
Seven Fist Demon Forms, Third Form.
He was about to unleash the essence of Extreme Chaos Roar, concentrating immense power into a single point through ferocious rotation.
Roar.
The Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, which had surged like a stormy sea, began to coil around Bu Eunseol’s right fist.
‘Heaven Hand Void Break!’
Boom!
As Bu Eunseol thrust his fist forward, a fiercely rotating pillar of water formed by the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water surged ahead.
Wooong! Wooong!
The entire passage trembled as if struck by an earthquake, and even the transparent stones embedded in the walls began to shift.
Crack. Crackle.
Unable to withstand the pressure of the spiraling Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, cracks began to form in the stones.
‘That guy?’ Du Yakrang’s mouth fell open as she witnessed the scene.
Crash!
Finally, the stones, unable to endure the pressure, shattered, and the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water poured out like a bursting dam.
Whoosh.
The unleashed Immeasurable Heavenly King Water rushed down the slanted passage toward the exit where Hyeok Sojin stood.
‘The power… has increased.’ Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened as he observed the force of his own technique. Thanks to his enhanced internal energy, the power of his fist technique had grown stronger than before, even without exerting his full strength.
Tap.
Lightly leaping to the side of the passage, he landed beside Hyeok Sojin.
“Brother Bu, are you alright?” Instead of answering, Bu Eunseol nodded.
Having shielded himself with a barrier of energy, his clothes were barely wet despite the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water.
“You’ve been hiding your true power all this time. And that fist technique just now…” As Hyeok Sojin began to offer praise, Bu Eunseol spoke coldly to Du Yakrang.
“Have I passed the test?” Du Yakrang was speechless.
The Immeasurable Heavenly King Water passage was originally the ultimate defensive mechanism designed to block powerful enemies attempting to enter the Affectionate Blossom Sect. Even if someone could withstand its pressure with internal energy, the Repelling Stone Field would keep the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water in place, preventing entry or escape.
Yet Bu Eunseol had not only escaped but had turned the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water itself into a weapon, shattering the absolute barrier in an instant.
‘To think his martial arts were this formidable.’
Du Yakrang’s eyes trembled.
‘And now that the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water passage is destroyed, what are we to do…?’
The cost to create the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water passage was astronomical, easily exceeding ten million taels. Moreover, the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water itself was a rare and precious substance.
The mysterious defensive mechanism that had protected the Affectionate Blossom Sect was now gone forever.
‘Now is not the time for such thoughts.’ Du Yakrang quickly regained her composure. Rather than dwelling on financial losses, she needed to focus on sending these fearsome intruders away.
‘No choice, then.’ With a venomous glint in her eyes, Du Yakrang bit her lip. ‘Given the level of his internal energy, no one could stop him if he used his martial arts.’
Just as she was about to step on the Silver Shadow Stone to activate another mechanism,
Rustle, rustle.
The sound of dozens of light footsteps approached from behind Du Yakrang. At the same time, dozens of women, led by an elderly woman with neatly combed hair, emerged from within. The old woman’s sparse wrinkles resembled the bark of a withered tree. She appeared well over a hundred years old at first glance. Yet her deep, clear eyes, filled with radiant energy, made it clear she was no ordinary elder.
“Pavilion Master.” Du Yakrang bowed respectfully toward the old woman.
This tree-like elder was none other than Geuk Hyeryeong, the Pavilion Master of the Affectionate Blossom Sect.
“There’s no need for further tests.” Geuk Hyeryeong’s deep gaze was fixed on Bu Eunseol. “With that level of internal energy… any test would be meaningless.”
It seemed that a special mechanism in the passage had allowed Geuk Hyeryeong to observe the entire process.
“Bu Eunseol, disciple of Nangyang, greets the Pavilion Master.” Bu Eunseol bowed respectfully, and Hyeok Sojin clasped his hands together.
“Hyeok Sojin of Heaven and Earth Severing Sect pays respects to the elder.”
Normally, a few words of praise might have followed. But Geuk Hyeryeong merely nodded, saying nothing.
Though they were all part of the Ten Demonic Sects, Nangyang and Heaven and Earth Severing Sect had no interaction with the Affectionate Blossom Sect. Moreover, since she had already decided to support another successor, she had no reason to favor Bu Eunseol or Hyeok Sojin.
“Take them to the Blood Moon Cave.”
With a brief command to Du Yakrang, she turned away without looking back.
‘Blood Moon Cave, huh.’ Bu Eunseol gave a wry smile. No matter how unique the Affectionate Blossom Sect was, they wouldn’t name a place meant for honored guests a “cave.”
The Pavilion Master of the Affectionate Blossom Sect was still treating them as unwelcome intruders.
***
Following the guidance of the maids, Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin stepped inside, their expressions turning peculiar.
The name Blood Moon Cave evoked images of a demonic lair where blood was drained for eternal life.
Yet the interior of Blood Moon Cave was filled with a warm, elegant ambiance, reminiscent of a princess’s chamber from a fairy tale. Before the uniquely flower-shaped pavilions stood gardens blooming with exotic plants, and at the center was a pond with a gazebo.
Women in vibrant clothing greeted Du Yakrang lightly as she passed. But toward Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin, they cast curious glances or flashed bright smiles, showing their white teeth without reservation.
‘Even for a sect of women, the atmosphere is distinct.’ If the Divine Maiden Palace exuded mystery and solemnity, the Affectionate Blossom Sect radiated vibrancy and vitality.
“Stay here. The Pavilion Master will arrive soon.” Entering a large gate at the heart of Blood Moon Cave, they found a space resembling a banquet hall in a tavern. It was clean and refined, but the worn furnishings suggested it wasn’t frequently used.
“Well, at least it’s not an actual cave.” Hyeok Sojin, surveying the interior, gave a wry smile. “It’s just like the situation at my sect. Looks like you’re one step behind, Brother Bu.”
Instead of responding, Bu Eunseol closed his eyes and heightened his senses through the Beast Way technique. No matter how he looked at it, Blood Moon Cave didn’t seem like a place meant to welcome them.
“No need to worry.” Noticing Bu Eunseol sharpening his senses, Hyeok Sojin grinned. “The Pavilion Master herself came out, didn’t she? If she had ill intentions, she wouldn’t have guided us this far into the Affectionate Blossom Sect.”
As a master of the Pinnacle realm, if Geuk Hyeryeong had wanted to kill Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin, she could have acted immediately.
“She’s probably weighing her options after seeing your martial prowess. Deciding which successor would be more useful.” Opening his eyes, Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile.
“It’s either negotiation or death.”
“Are you saying she’s hiding assassins?”
“Mechanisms.” Bu Eunseol scanned his surroundings with intrigued eyes. “I can faintly hear the sound of metal scraping. If negotiations fail, they’ll activate them immediately.”
Swish.
At that moment, the sound of rustling fabric accompanied the entrance of Geuk Hyeryeong, clad in shimmering silver robes.
“Not bad.” Sitting at the head of the table, Geuk Hyeryeong looked at Bu Eunseol and offered her first words of praise. “To sense the mechanisms of Blood Moon Cave… you’re worthy of speaking with this Pavilion Master.”
Hyeok Sojin’s mouth fell open. Bu Eunseol’s words were true. Geuk Hyeryeong was prepared to draw her blade at any moment.
“Pavilion Master, this doesn’t seem right.” Hyeok Sojin looked at Geuk Hyeryeong with bold eyes. “Are you saying we should negotiate with a sword at our throats?”
“Heh heh heh. Negotiate?” Geuk Hyeryeong let out a laugh like metal scraping. “I said you’re worthy of speaking with me.” Her lips, resembling withered bark, moved.
“Those who can negotiate with this Pavilion Master are the great powers who hold the martial world at their feet, not youngsters like you.” As the wealthiest sect in the world, the Affectionate Blossom Sect might see even the successors of the Ten Demonic Sects as mere fledglings.
“Consider it an honor to even have a conversation with this Pavilion Master.” Geuk Hyeryeong wore a cold smile. “I’ve brought you here as an investment in the future.”
An investment in the future. She was referring to the exceptional potential Bu Eunseol had displayed in the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water passage.
“Now, speak.” She looked at Bu Eunseol with a low voice. “Tell me how you’ll please this Pavilion Master.”
Geuk Hyeryeong hadn’t come to propose negotiations.
“What can you offer me?” That was what she was saying.
In other words, if Bu Eunseol couldn’t present an offer to sway her heart, they would be expelled immediately.
“Not only is this Pavilion the wealthiest in the world, but we also have connections with countless great powers.” As Bu Eunseol remained silent, Geuk Hyeryeong narrowed her eyes and smiled. “So I’m curious… what can a former member of Nangyang offer me?”
Would it lead to ruin or a successful dialogue?
It all hinged on Bu Eunseol’s single response. If his answer wasn’t satisfactory, they would be expelled at best—or, at worst, make an enemy of the Affectionate Blossom Sect.
“You, who are not among the great powers who hold the martial world at their feet.”
‘So that’s the answer.’ At that moment, Bu Eunseol’s furrowed brow relaxed in an instant.
Geuk Hyeryeong’s words had revealed the solution.
In the Affectionate Blossom Sect, where everything was abundant, he had found the one thing they lacked.
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