“The Ignorance True Binding…”
Ignorance was the name of the Demon Emperor.
Did the Demon Emperor create a martial art named after himself?
Bu Eunseol shook his head. From the contents of the manual, it was clear that the Ignorance True Binding was derived from the Buddhist concept of “Ignorance Binding.”
Ignorance Binding. It referred to the afflictions arising from ignorance of truth and phenomena.
All things in reality are not eternal and unchanging but merely phenomena perceived by the senses of eyes and ears. If one perfectly mastered the Ignorance True Binding, they could see through truth and phenomena clearly.
But something was strange. Why would the Demon Emperor, an unparalleled grandmaster overseeing the demonic world, choose a Buddhist term to create a martial art secret?
“It’s incomprehensible,” Bu Eunseol muttered, stroking his chin and shaking his head. “At the Demon Emperor’s level, does the distinction between righteous and demonic factions cease to exist?”
What did a name matter, anyway? The important thing was that mastering the Ignorance True Binding would allow one to freely alter the form of their true energy…
And through tangible true energy, one could perceive and understand various phenomena, achieving an astonishing secret. Expanding one’s senses through tangible true energy. This was a feat only martial artists who had reached the Heavenly Realm could accomplish.
‘A realm naturally attained could be explained through a martial art?’ Reading the manual, Bu Eunseol shook his head in disbelief.
If this were possible, there would be martial arts like “Transcendent Realm Martial Arts” or “Heavenly Realm Martial Arts”… Such a thing was theoretically impossible.
Bu Eunseol let out a low groan. He realized he lacked the ability to fully comprehend or savor the essence of the manual authored by the Demon Emperor.
‘No choice. I’ll just have to learn it.’ Casting aside stray thoughts, Bu Eunseol began memorizing the manual.
On the final day of the ten allotted days, he had reached a level where he could somewhat execute the Ignorance True Binding.
Was it coincidence? The manual stated that mastering the Ignorance True Binding required at least 300 days of rigorous training.
Yet the Ignorance True Binding’s energy circulation method perfectly matched that of the Ban-geuk method. Thus, Bu Eunseol was able to execute it to some degree in such a short time.
“Let’s test it.” As Bu Eunseol raised his internal energy, his eyes flashed not with the Ban-geuk Light but with a golden radiance.
Swish.
When he extended his fingers, dozens of shimmering, thread-like forms appeared. He had materialized the powerful true energy flowing through his meridians.
Rustle.
Moving his fingertips, a box-like shape formed with a flash of light. Doubling his true energy and waving his hand, the box transformed into the intricate shape of a key.
Click.
Placing the key made of true energy on the table, Bu Eunseol instantly perceived the table’s texture, temperature, and even the invisible shape of its legs.
“The senses are fully transmitted… but the form is still only at this level,” he noted.
After just a brief execution, sweat beaded on his forehead, and his energy and blood felt tangled, causing dizziness.
“But with more practice, I could create even more intricate forms.” If other martial artists saw this, they would be astounded.
With internal energy exceeding one cycle (60 years), one could faintly materialize true energy; with three cycles, the form could be maintained somewhat clearly. But materializing true energy typically meant emitting explosive aura as energy waves during full exertion…
Or infusing it into a weapon to create something like a sword aura. Nowhere in the martial world was there a manual for creating intricate, varied forms at will. Yet Bu Eunseol, having created a complex key shape, was dissatisfied.
“Using it once requires waiting for my energy and blood to stabilize…” he murmured, a conflicted light in his eyes.
To use the Ignorance True Binding repeatedly, he needed to master the Emotion-Severing Secret, which eliminated emotions and even the mind to fortify the spirit. Without it, he could only use it for brief moments, as now.
“If I can use the Ignorance True Binding, I could claim to have stepped into the Heavenly Realm.”
Had he not met Geuk Hyebin, he would have unhesitatingly mastered the Emotion-Severing Secret.
But Bu Zhanyang had taken the emotionless young Bu Eunseol by the hand, showing him nature and teaching him the beauty of the world. He taught him how to observe and live among people. Bu Zhanyang had planted the seed of emotion in Bu Eunseol’s barren, desert-like heart.
How could he return to his former self?
“I’ll find my own way. To use the Ignorance True Binding freely without the Emotion-Severing Secret.” The greatest gain here was a martial art that confirmed his entry into the Heavenly Realm. “If I can reach that realm… I could be considered to have fully attained the Heavenly Realm…” Suddenly, Bu Eunseol’s eyes flashed.
He realized he had been unconsciously fixated on the Heavenly Realm.
“I must walk a path no one has tread. Reach a realm no one has achieved.” Recalling this forgotten truth, his eyes glowed with a mystical light.
The Demon Emperor had once said, “If you aim to rule over all, you must not climb the stairs others have built.”
“I will walk a new path no one has traveled. And this Ignorance True Binding… will be my guide.” Muttering softly, Bu Eunseol let out a deep sigh. “But the name Ignorance True Binding is too stark…”
After a moment of thought, his eyes sparkled. “I’ll call it the Wishful True Binding.”
Wishful.
Like the powers of the Buddha, it meant achieving anything the mind desired. Through the Wishful True Binding, Bu Eunseol would cast aside the stairs others had built… and leap toward a new, uncharted path.
***
Inside the Sacred Demon Pavilion.
The Demon Emperor, looking down at Bu Eunseol, who stood with hands clasped and head bowed below the dais, nodded.
“Well done.” Seated on his grand throne, he continued in a low voice, “There’s nothing better than addressing your shortcomings. Especially if it becomes a stepping stone upward.”
Astonishingly, just by looking at Bu Eunseol, the Demon Emperor seemed to discern what martial art he had learned and the essence and insights it entailed. This was likely possible because he had reached the edge of the Limitless Realm.
“You’re qualified,” the Demon Emperor said, nodding as Bu Eunseol looked up with a puzzled expression. “Give the other one a task as well.”
With that, he turned and vanished. Bu Eunseol couldn’t hide his confusion at the Demon Emperor’s brief words.
“I’ll explain the rest,” a low, gentle voice said.
Swish.
From the shadows on the left emerged a figure. A tall, scholarly middle-aged man, lean but with large, deep eyes that radiated wisdom at a glance.
It was Baek Jeoncheon, the master of Manbak Hall.
“Hall Master,” Bu Eunseol said, clasping his hands in surprise.
It was shocking that Baek Jeoncheon appeared alone in the Demon Emperor’s Sacred Demon Pavilion, and even more so that Bu Eunseol hadn’t sensed his presence until he emerged.
‘The Hall Master is this skilled?’ Despite his high position, Baek Jeoncheon was often undervalued as merely a strategist. But in reality, he was a formidable master.
‘It makes sense.’ Baek Jeoncheon, alongside Chief Instructor Hyeok Ryeon-eung, managed the operations of the Ten Demonic Warriors.
A mere strategist couldn’t handle such a critical role. Moreover, appearing in this context meant he had the Demon Emperor’s deep trust.
“It’s been a while, Brother Bu,” Baek Jeoncheon said with his usual faint, gentle smile. “They say meeting a scholar after three days warrants a fresh perspective… You never cease to amaze me.”
Despite his high rank in Majeon, Baek Jeoncheon always humbled himself and elevated others. Bu Eunseol felt anew the formidable nature of this man.
“Have you been well?” Bu Eunseol asked.
Baek Jeoncheon blinked in slight surprise. “It seems you’ve tasted much of the martial world.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m just surprised,” Baek Jeoncheon said with a faint smile. “I didn’t expect such a greeting so soon.” It was a light jest, likely to ease Bu Eunseol’s tension.
“Anyway, time is short, so I’ll explain quickly. You’ll have to embark on another arduous journey.”
“What must I do?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“To inherit the position of successor, you need not only the Demon Emperor’s approval but also the consent of the Ten Demonic Sects and the Elder Hall. In other words, you must gain the approval of the forces upholding Majeon.”
Baek Jeoncheon’s gaze was solemn yet warm, like a teacher looking at a student.
“Thus, to become Majeon’s successor, you must prove not only martial prowess but also the ability to lead.”
It was obvious.
As Bu Eunseol listened intently, Baek Jeoncheon continued, “While you were out in the martial world to solidify your position as a successor candidate, others chosen by the Ten Demonic Sects and the Elder Hall were given tasks to prove their abilities.”
‘So that’s how it was.’ Unlike other candidates, Bu Eunseol had no support base. Thus, he had spent four months traveling through Heaven and Earth Severing Sect and Affectionate Blossom Sect before returning to Majeon. Meanwhile, other candidates had been handling various tasks.
“The position of Majeon’s successor isn’t determined by martial prowess alone. With various forces under the Ten Demonic Sects, you must prove your ability to lead them.” Pausing briefly, Baek Jeoncheon said with a calm gaze, “Consider this task as part of the process to separate the wheat from the chaff.”
“My task has been decided, then,” Bu Eunseol said.
“Yes, but…” Baek Jeoncheon sighed and shook his head. “Honestly, it’s an unreasonable task. The Ten Demonic Sects and the Elder Hall have conspired to impose an absurd mission on you.”
Bu Eunseol nodded, as if he had expected it.
Nangyang Pavilion had little interaction with the other Ten Demonic Sects. Bu Eunseol even had poor relations with the Hwa Wu Sword Sect, White Horse Temple, and Hell's Blood Fortress.
Moreover, he had outright rejected Elder Jeok Bung’s proposal. No one in the Ten Demonic Sects or the Elder Hall viewed him favorably. In such a situation, a task tailored to his circumstances was unlikely.
“It doesn’t matter. Whatever it is,” Bu Eunseol said confidently.
Baek Jeoncheon nodded with an inwardly pleased expression. ‘That attitude befits a successor of Majeon.’ Though his appearance was refined and beautiful, his will was like steel, unyielding to any trial.
Neither he nor Hyeok Ryeon-eung had misjudged this man.
“Understood. I’ll convey the task assigned to you,” Baek Jeoncheon said, unfolding a scroll from his robes and reading solemnly.
“Bu Eunseol, heir of Nangyang Pavilion, is appointed as the temporary leader of the Rootless Brigade. Lead them to expel the Marauder Sect from Shaanxi and eliminate its leader, Jeon Ilhon, to proclaim Majeon’s authority to the martial world.”
With a displeased expression, he cleared his throat and continued, “The deadline is three months. If you fail, do not return to Majeon but go back to Nangyang Pavilion and await further instructions.”
“I accept the command,” Bu Eunseol said, clasping his hands respectfully.
Baek Jeoncheon, tucking the scroll away, said with a gloomy expression, “Frankly, this is an absurd task. To expect you to handle the Marauder Sect, which even Majeon couldn’t resolve, with just the Rootless Brigade?”
The Marauder Sect.
A faction based in Yulin, near the northern edge of Shaanxi. Though the Mount Hua Sect and Zhongnan Sect were present in Shaanxi, the Marauder Sect was so small that neither paid it much attention.
But its leader, Jeon Ilhon, was not only skilled in martial arts but also adept at expanding his influence and manipulating others. Using a newly devised saber technique as a pretext, he gathered many disciples, selecting those from humble backgrounds to slowly encroach on local commerce.
Moreover, Jeon Ilhon personally wielded his saber, annexing nearby demonic factions to grow his sect. As his influence grew, so did his fame and power. Before long, the Marauder Sect dominated not just Yulin but the entire Yan’an region.
Mount Hua and Zhongnan, which had ignored it, regretted their oversight, but it was too late. Expelling the Marauder Sect would require both sects to accept significant losses, as it had grown into a major faction.
“We’ll handle it,” Majeon had declared.
As the Marauder Sect absorbed demonic factions and seized control of Yan’an’s commerce, Majeon sent large forces multiple times to deal with it.
“We can’t let Majeon’s forces pass through!” Mount Hua and Zhongnan protested each time.
If Majeon stationed a large force in Shaanxi to deal with the Marauder Sect, it would be like driving out a wolf only to let a tiger into the house.
“Moreover, the Rootless Brigade is a temporary unit of Majeon’s troublemakers,” Baek Jeoncheon said with a displeased expression. “Hence the name ‘Rootless’—lacking foundation.”
“Is that so?” Bu Eunseol replied nonchalantly, but Baek Jeoncheon’s frown deepened.
“To be honest, this task is closer to urging you to abandon your candidacy.”
“…”
“According to Majeon’s intelligence, the Marauder Sect has over 3,000 disciples. And Jeon Ilhon, before becoming its leader, was one of the Ten Great Saber Ghosts.”
The Ten Great Saber Ghosts.
The ten most skilled saber wielders in the demonic martial world. Each possessed unique techniques, and their martial prowess had reached the Transcendent Realm.
Among them, Jeon Ilhon wielded an ancient saber called the Ghost Soul Saber, cutting down countless foes with mysterious techniques. In his youth, he was known as the Ghost Soul Demon Saber, a fearsome title.
“Even if you could kill Jeon Ilhon…” Baek Jeoncheon trailed off.
Even for Bu Eunseol, it was impossible. A demonic faction that even major righteous sects like Mount Hua and Zhongnan couldn’t easily touch, to be expelled with just thirty members of a ragtag brigade?
Baek Jeoncheon, Majeon’s greatest strategist and master of cunning plans, was saying this.
“Shaanxi…” Bu Eunseol murmured, then suddenly broke into a bright smile.
As Baek Jeoncheon looked puzzled, Bu Eunseol nodded, showing his white teeth. “It’s not a difficult task.”
Comments