White Lotus Pavilion.
The once-bustling White Lotus Pavilion had grown quiet.
This was because Hyeok Sojin, who had been constantly explaining principles and demonstrating martial arts, was no longer there. In front of the now-empty training grounds of the White Lotus Pavilion, two figures stood facing each other: a man in worn gray martial attire and a young man clad in black.
They were Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin.
“Well, it’s been a while.” Raising both hands to channel his Divine Rift Demon Energy, Hyeok Sojin bared his fangs in an exaggerated smile. “Even after a month, you didn’t come looking for me, Brother Bu… I thought you’d completely forgotten me, frolicking in a field of flowers.”
Grind.
Clenching his teeth, he continued.
“To challenge me to a spar right when my work here is done—how gracious of you!” Hyeok Sojin’s heart was filled with frustration.
He had ventured into the martial world to advance his martial arts as quickly as possible.
Yet, because he accompanied Bu Eunseol, he had spent the entire month teaching the female disciples of the Affectionate Blossom Sect. With his time in the martial world so limited, Hyeok Sojin felt the loss keenly.
“Begin.” Bu Eunseol extended his hand with an impassive expression.
“Here I come!” Pouring all his pent-up frustration into his attack, Hyeok Sojin unleashed the Dark Heaven Demon Dragon Palm.
‘Huh?’ But as he launched his attack, Hyeok Sojin’s face betrayed confusion.
He had intended to unleash a simple, forceful palm strike… Yet, unwittingly, he had layered intricate techniques into his forms, enveloping Bu Eunseol’s body like a coiling dragon.
“Impressive technique.”
Boom! Boom!
Without dodging, Bu Eunseol used the Fist Demon Manifestation to neutralize the Dark Heaven Demon Dragon Palm. Seeing this, Hyeok Sojin couldn’t hide his inner bewilderment. He had only executed a single technique, yet Bu Eunseol countered with a vacuum strike in an instant… Was this technique unexpected?
“Take this!” Hyeok Sojin unleashed his Divine Rift Demon Energy to disrupt Bu Eunseol’s stance.
But seeing Bu Eunseol stand firm, he instinctively performed the Lute Flashing Hand and Ice Soul Phantom Killing Sword Technique, techniques he had been teaching.
‘Damn it, it’s become a habit.’ But something was strange. The advanced techniques, which he hadn’t even properly practiced, flowed as naturally as if he had honed them for years.
Clang!
Unable to block the combined techniques, Bu Eunseol finally drew his dark sword to parry Hyeok Sojin’s attack.
‘Just three techniques, and Brother Bu drew his sword?’ Astonished, Hyeok Sojin continued to unleash the demonic arts he had taught, flowing like water. It was as if his body moved on its own, executing the techniques instinctively.
Clang! Crack! Whoosh!
Whether wielding sword techniques, unleashing palm strikes, or flicking energy blasts… Not only were they executed smoothly and stably, but they felt as natural as if he had practiced them his entire life.
“Hmm.” As Bu Eunseol blocked Hyeok Sojin’s relentless attacks, a brilliant gleam flickered in his eyes.
Zing.
With a low hum from his dark sword, a radiant light shot toward Hyeok Sojin’s throat like lightning. He had finally unleashed the first form of the Supreme Heavenly Flow, Meteor Chasing the Moon.
‘I can’t dodge this!’ Hyeok Sojin instinctively knew he couldn’t evade the moment the light erupted from Bu Eunseol’s sword.
Clang!
But while his mind faltered, his instincts guided his body naturally.
With one hand, he used the Soul-Destroying Sword Technique to reduce the power of the incoming light. At the same time, his other hand unleashed Divine Rift Demon Energy to deflect the sword energy aiming for his throat as much as possible.
Slash!
The dark sword light grazed his cheek instead of his throat, sending strands of his hair fluttering. Though powered by only three seong of energy, he had blocked the Supreme Heavenly Flow, imbued with Bu Eunseol’s martial purity.
“Not bad.” Nodding with a satisfied expression, Bu Eunseol sheathed his dark sword back onto his back. “Your skills have improved far more than I expected.”
“More than you expected…” Only then did Hyeok Sojin, sensing something amiss, speak up. “What’s going on? I blocked one of your vacuum sword techniques in a single move.” Still dazed by his own actions, he nodded stiffly. “I’ve never even used Divine Rift Demon Energy to block a sword technique before.”
Bu Eunseol said calmly, “Haven’t you been teaching the disciples of the Affectionate Blossom Sect all this time?”
“That’s right.”
“Teaching others is akin to diligently practicing yourself. It also allows you to naturally grasp what you hadn’t understood before.” Turning away, Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice. “You’ve become far more proficient in various demonic arts than I anticipated. At this level, you can seamlessly use multiple demonic arts in real combat.”
“Brother Bu.” Finally understanding Bu Eunseol’s deeper intent, a wave of emotion surged in Hyeok Sojin’s chest. “I had no idea there was such profound meaning, and all this time, I was bitterly resenting you.”
Bu Eunseol turned away impassively.
“To advance your martial arts, you don’t always have to train or fight duels.” Gazing at the distant sky, he said calmly, “You can also develop your martial arts through the insights gained from various experiences.”
These were words Black Leopard had once told Bu Eunseol. And he had faithfully followed that advice, steadily advancing his martial arts while undertaking various tasks.
“It’s about time to leave.”
Having gained the support of Heaven and Earth Severing Sect and the Affectionate Blossom Sect under the command of the Demon Emperor, Bu Eunseol had achieved his goal.
Now, it was time to set out again.
At dawn, Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin, who had been meditating on their beds, rose simultaneously and quietly left their quarters.
They had come quietly, so they intended to leave quietly. But that was wishful thinking. As they reached the entrance of the Affectionate Blossom Sect, they found numerous disciples, elders, and even Geuk Hyeryeong waiting.
“Are you leaving now?”
“Pavilion Master.” Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin clasped their hands in respect, and Geuk Hyeryeong gave a kind smile.
“I heard you two were planning to slip away like thieves today. So this Pavilion’s family came out to wait for you first.” Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin exchanged wry smiles.
The Affectionate Blossom Sect was the martial world’s foremost intelligence organization. Their every move had been closely monitored here.
“Thank you, Young Masters.” At that moment, the disciples of the Affectionate Blossom Sect stepped forward and bowed respectfully, all facing Hyeok Sojin.
For over a month, except when sleeping, Hyeok Sojin had tirelessly taught them martial arts.
As a result, the martial prowess of the Hundred Flower Maidens, the top martial instructors and elite forces of the Affectionate Blossom Sect, had advanced by leaps and bounds.
“No need to thank me.” Smiling, Hyeok Sojin returned their gestures one by one.
Though he had taught them reluctantly, it had also elevated his own martial arts. As Bu Eunseol had said, teaching others was a form of training that honed one’s own skills.
“Shall we go, then?” With a broad smile, Hyeok Sojin turned to leave when a small girl in pale pink attire stepped out from among the disciples.
It was Geuk Hyebin.
“Ahh.” Approaching Bu Eunseol, she extended both hands.
In her tiny hands lay a colorful, freshly made five-colored tassel.
For a moment, Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile. It was likely crafted stitch by stitch with those small hands.
Swish.
Kneeling on one knee, Bu Eunseol accepted the tassel. He then drew his dark sword, still sheathed, and tied the tassel to the hilt. Watching warmly, Geuk Hyeryeong spoke in a low voice.
“That child has never learned embroidery. To give you a gift, she gathered colored threads from the disciples and made it stitch by stitch.” With a smile creasing her wrinkled face, she continued. “Since Hyebin was born, you’re the first person she’s ever made a gift for.”
“Thank you.” Bu Eunseol clasped his hands and bowed to Geuk Hyebin.
In response, she folded her eyes into crescent moons, offering a silent smile.
“And keep striving forward.” Bu Eunseol gently patted her head. “So that you may one day become the next successor to lead Majeon.”
“Ahh.” Geuk Hyebin nodded brightly, her smile radiant.
Her expression seemed to say, “I’ll try my best!” as if a sweet voice echoed in the air.
“Pavilion Master!” At that moment, a sharp voice rang out from the entrance as a young woman hurriedly ran up.
It was Mira Yeong, the head of the Hyebong Pavilion, guarding the entrance of the Affectionate Blossom Sect.
“What’s all this commotion?” Du Yakrang, standing beside the Pavilion Master, frowned, and Mira Yeong quickly answered.
“Three hundred warriors have set up a formation in front of this Pavilion’s entrance.”
“Three hundred warriors? What are you talking about?”
“It’s the Flame Soul Corps of the Death Spirit Sect.” Bowing her head, Mira Yeong spoke urgently. “Though the Death Spirit Sect successor has left, it seems the Flame Soul Corps has been stationed in the Gyerim region all this time.”
She caught her breath and continued.
“When they heard this Pavilion was funding Nangyang and Heaven and Earth Severing Sect, they brought their warriors here…” There was no need to hear the rest.
Hearing that Geuk Hyeryeong supported Nangyang instead of Death Spirit Sect, the enraged Flame Soul Corps was staging a show of force.
“No need to pay them any mind. Activate the Repelling Stone Field immediately.” Du Yakrang scoffed, but Mira Yeong bowed again.
“Well… the Repelling Stone Field was destroyed this time.” Du Yakrang’s expression changed instantly.
The sole reason no one could enter the Affectionate Blossom Sect without permission was the Repelling Stone Field, an ancient defensive mechanism. But since Bu Eunseol had destroyed it, there was no longer any device to fend off external threats.
‘There’s a spy.’ Veins bulged on Du Yakrang’s forehead.
The destruction of the Repelling Stone Field was so secretive that even she had momentarily forgotten about it. Yet the Death Spirit Sect had immediately learned of it and brought the Flame Soul Corps?
There was undoubtedly a traitor within the Affectionate Blossom Sect colluding with the Death Spirit Sect.
‘That’s not the priority right now.’ As Du Yakrang racked her brain, Geuk Hyeryeong asked in a calm but low voice,
“What are they demanding?”
Mira Yeong answered respectfully. “They say it’s fine if you don’t support Death Spirit Sect, but you must remain neutral as before. If you refuse, they’ll have the Flame Soul Corps invade this Pavilion immediately.”
If three hundred elite Death Spirit Sect warriors stormed in at once, the damage would be catastrophic.
“They dare threaten this Pavilion?” Geuk Hyeryeong, incredulous, let out a laugh.
The Affectionate Blossom Sect was one of the ten pillars upholding the demonic path. To threaten it was tantamount to making an enemy of the entire Ten Demonic Sects.
“Let them do as they please.”
“Pavilion Master, this isn’t something to take lightly.” At Geuk Hyeryeong’s cold command, Du Yakrang spoke cautiously. “The moment this Pavilion supported Nangyang’s successor, this became part of Majeon successor struggle.”
Geuk Hyeryeong’s expression grew grave, her brow furrowing.
Du Yakrang was right. This situation wasn’t about factional disputes but part of the process of selecting the Ten Demonic Sects successor. Thus, no faction under Majeon could intervene or assist.
“Don’t worry.” Bu Eunseol, who had been listening silently, stepped forward with a nonchalant expression. “This is my problem, so I’ll handle it myself.”
“What? What are you talking about?” As Geuk Hyeryeong glared, Bu Eunseol respectfully clasped his hands.
“Then.” Before anyone could say more, he strode toward the entrance.
“Brother Bu.” Hyeok Sojin, hurriedly following, spoke urgently. “Are you insane? The Flame Soul Corps may have started as a unit, but it’s now one of the six great battle corps of the Death Spirit Sect.”
“And?”
“And? Even setting aside the three hundred elite warriors trained in the Evil Spirit Jade Blood Spear, the leader of the Flame Soul Corps, Yo Byeolbom…”
“Didn’t you say you wanted to walk the martial path?” Bu Eunseol paused his steps.
Standing tall, he gazed into the darkness of the long passage where the Repelling Stone Field once stood. His presence exuded the overwhelming dignity of an absolute master.
“This is the martial path.” At that moment, Hyeok Sojin’s eyes widened.
This is the martial path.
This was Bu Eunseol’s martial path.
Fighting life-and-death battles, with blood and flesh flying, in a world where enemies could appear at any moment…
This was the true beginning of the martial path.
“Are you confident you can win?” At Hyeok Sojin’s question, Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile.
Winning or losing isn’t important.
His smile seemed to say that. Bu Eunseol strode through the darkness, exiting the Affectionate Blossom Sect’s passage.
“He’s insane. He was always insane…” Watching his back, Hyeok Sojin finally understood.
How Bu Eunseol had reached such a profound martial realm at such a young age. Why he could remain so detached.
“I’m insane too!”
Muttering as if spitting, Hyeok Sojin ran toward the exit where Bu Eunseol had gone.
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