As Bu Eunseol opened the door, he saw a young maid standing with her head deeply bowed.
Her appearance was striking, yet her face, devoid of makeup, trembled slightly. Despite her gentle voice, it was clear she was a maid serving in the bath for the first time.
Instantly grasping the situation, Bu Eunseol let out a sigh and said, “It’s alright.”
“Young Master,” she replied softly.
“Don’t worry, just go back.” Bu Eunseol saw through the maid’s inner thoughts. “I’ll speak to the lord myself, so there’ll be no trouble for you.”
“Th-thank you, my lord,” she stammered.
Only then did the maid, as if a weight had been lifted, bow deeply and leave. Hearing the light sound of her footsteps, Bu Eunseol sighed again. Jin Yuhwa had likely sent this strikingly beautiful maid to curry favor with him, forcing her into the role without regard.
‘No helping it. He’s one of the Nine Deaths Squad, after all.’ The Nine Deaths Squad, never knowing when death might come, were as uninhibited as assassins when it came to embracing women. With a bitter smile, Bu Eunseol dried his damp body and stepped out of the pavilion.
The world was silent, with only the lonely moon illuminating the earth. Gazing at the moonlight with deep eyes, Bu Eunseol turned his attention to the roof of the opposite pavilion.
“Hm.” In a low voice, he said, “Can’t sleep?”
Tap.
At that moment, a tall shadow landed on the ground from the pavilion’s roof. It was Hyeok Sojin.
“Brother Bu,” he said, holding a large gourd bottle.
While the warriors drank and rested, he had been alone on the roof, drinking.
“Just feeling troubled, that’s all,” Hyeok Sojin said, looking down at the empty gourd with a wry smile. “We’re about to enter Majeon, and I’m worried it’ll be the same as before.”
Hyeok Sojin had been unable to withstand the aura of the Demon Emperor and had to turn back at the gates of Sacred Demon Hall—an unforgettable humiliation for the heir of Heaven and Earth Severing Sect.
“Don’t worry,” Bu Eunseol said. “If you meet the Demon Emperor this time, you’ll be able to handle it.”
“How do you know that?” Hyeok Sojin asked.
“Because you’ve grown again through this ordeal.”
“Is that so? Then why can’t I feel it myself?” Hyeok Sojin’s face showed deep disappointment. “As expected, I’m still far off.”
Watching him, Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile. He, too, had once returned to Nangyang after dealing with matters in the martial world, unaware that his martial arts had greatly advanced.
‘When you master such principles, you can discern even the phenomena and changes within your own body. Those who reach that level are called grandmasters of martial arts.’
Recalling the words of Dan Cheong, Bu Eunseol said quietly, “I only understood this principle after seeking guidance from Vice-Sect Leader Dan Cheong and Peongan Corps Leader.”
“What do you mean?” Hyeok Sojin asked.
“That sensing the phenomena and changes in one’s body is something only a grandmaster of unparalleled martial arts can do.” Bu Eunseol explained in detail the insights he had gained from Vice-Sect Leader Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon.
“I see,” Hyeok Sojin said, nodding with a bright expression after listening for a while. “I really didn’t know.” Clapping his hands in delight, Hyeok Sojin’s face suddenly darkened. “But there’s another thing troubling me.”
“What is it?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“All this time, haven’t you been roaming the martial world alone?”
“And?”
“But this time, leading the Rootless Brigade… I realized numbers can’t be ignored.” Hyeok Sojin continued with a heavy expression. “I’m worried that the other members of the Ten Demonic Sects might come for you with a large force. There are no restrictions in the fight between heir candidates.”
The Ten Demonic Sects were no small martial schools. If they brought a proper army, even if Bu Eunseol’s martial arts were several times stronger, he wouldn’t be able to stop them.
“That could happen,” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “But they won’t bring a large force. If they try, they’ll likely come with just a single troop or unit.”
“No way,” Hyeok Sojin countered. “Haven’t you already crushed several of the Ten Demonic Sects’ troops? They wouldn’t repeat the same mistake.”
“The heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects are all full of pride,” Bu Eunseol said firmly. “Even if White Horse Temple, Hell's Blood Fortress, or Death Command Sect failed, they’ll believe they won’t.”
“Will they?”
“Probably.”
“Then that’s a relief.” Despite the reassurance, Hyeok Sojin’s expression remained uneasy.
A warrior’s instinct—a premonition only those who had faced countless life-and-death battles could feel.
“The warriors have recovered somewhat, so we’ll return soon,” Bu Eunseol said in a low voice, turning away. “Rest. At dawn, we’ll use qinggong to head straight to Majeon.”
“Understood,” Hyeok Sojin said, slinging the gourd over his shoulder with a grin as he left the pavilion.
But that plan fell apart.
At dawn, black-clad warriors began gathering one by one in front of Eunjang. Hyeok Sojin’s instinct had proven eerily accurate.
Creak.
As the gate opened, warriors in black masks with a strange sheen stood solemnly in formation. They exuded a sharp aura, and at their waists hung bladeless swords. Bu Eunseol’s eyes glinted as he gazed at the masked warriors.
Their swords had unusually narrow blades.
Blood Flame Blades.
The pinnacle of the domineering blade art of the Ten Demonic Sects, the Blood Flame Blade Technique, was perfectly structured, allowing even an ordinary person to become a first-class swordsman. For the talented, progress was unimaginably swift.
The Blood Flame Blade Sect, a rival to the Hwa Wu Sword Sect, the greatest demonic sword sect, had surrounded Eunjang’s entrance.
“Hm.” Bu Eunseol’s eyes deepened.
The Blood Flame Blade Sect was incomparable to White Horse Temple or Hell's Blood Fortress, standing as a great pillar of blade arts alongside the Hwa Wu Sword Sect. Their appearance meant they had prepared an unavoidable strike.
Step, step.
The formation parted, and a muscular man stepped forward. His face was deathly pale, with sharply slanted eyes, like a blade transformed into a man.
“I am Tak Ilhwang,” he declared.
Blood Sea Demon Blade, Tak Ilhwang.
A fearsome swordsman of the Blood Flame Blade Sect, one of the Ten Great Sabers despite rarely appearing in the martial world. As Bu Eunseol’s gaze fixed on the masked swordsmen, Tak Ilhwang smirked. “You’ve heard of our Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests, I presume.”
The Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests.
Terrifying swordsmen who relentlessly pursued and killed enemies of the Blood Flame Blade Sect.
Tak Ilhwang, one of the Ten Great Sabers, and the undefeated Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests were the Blood Flame Blade Sect’s trump card.
‘The Blood Sea Demon Blade and the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests…’
Something felt off.
As Bu Eunseol sank into deep thought, sensing an inexplicable unease, the middle-aged man in front spoke coldly, staring at him.
“Bu Eunseol, I’ll give you a choice.”
“…”
“Return to Nangyang as is, or face death.” Tak Ilhwang’s expression was like that of a death-bringing Yama.
Each of the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests was a master of peak skill, having comprehended the Blood Flame Blade Technique to at least the fifth level. In other words, Bu Eunseol could never defeat them, even if he were reborn.
“Nonsense,” Bu Eunseol said calmly, extending his hand. “No need for words. Make your move.”
“Hah, relying on that rabble behind you?” Tak Ilhwang sneered.
“Perhaps.”
Tak Ilhwang chuckled. “I know. They’re the Rootless Brigade, sent by the Demon Emperor to deal with the Marauders.”
“And?”
“Once the Marauders mission is over, they won’t risk their lives for you.” Instead of replying, Bu Eunseol drew his black sword.
Shing.
As the low hum of the sword rang out, Tak Ilhwang snorted.
Clang.
But as Bu Eunseol drew his weapon, thirty Rootless Brigade warriors followed suit, drawing their own.
“Well, well, joining in?” Tak Ilhwang tilted his head, still composed despite the unexpected situation. “What do you hope to gain by meddling in the heir candidates’ fight?”
Wi Cheongyeong, his bangs covering his face, stepped forward. “We don’t care about the heir fight. We just protect our leader.”
“Remarkable,” Tak Ilhwang said, tilting his head.
The Rootless Brigade was a selfish group with no sense of loyalty. Yet they were willing to risk their lives for Bu Eunseol, a mere temporary leader?
“You really mean it,” Tak Ilhwang said, his surprise giving way to a sneer. “It doesn’t change much, though.”
With a nod, the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests behind him stepped forward slowly. Even on the brink of battle, their eyes were calm, devoid of tension. Having fought countless battles without a single defeat, their victories had numbed their emotions.
“Brother Bu,” Hyeok Sojin said, stepping forward with a serious expression. “We’ll handle these guys. You take the big-faced one.”
Without hesitation, he rushed toward the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests, spreading his arms.
Flash!
A purple glow burst forth, followed by thin, sharp silver threads spreading in all directions.
It was the Blood Silk of the Divine Rift Demon Art.
Swish!
The Blood Silk, moving like a living creature, pierced through gaps and disrupted the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests’ formation in an instant.
“We’ll take the flanks!” Wi Cheongyeong shouted, as the second team split left and right, unleashing throwing knives with their movement techniques.
“We’ll hit the front!” Won Semun and his warriors charged forward, swords drawn.
“We’ve got the rear!” Jo Namcheon’s third team naturally encircled the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests’ rear.
Clang! Clash!
The sound of clashing weapons rang out as the battle between the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests and the Rootless Brigade began. At first, the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests swung their blades with sneers, but their eyes soon grew strange.
The Rootless Brigade were supposed to be a chaotic group of ruffians, but now their movements were coordinated, their attacks and defenses disciplined. They fought like seasoned veterans, fearless in the face of life and death.
“Don’t try to win!” Hyeok Sojin shouted. “Hold them off until Brother Bu deals with that guy!”
The Rootless Brigade warriors roared, wielding their weapons with precision. Seeing their unity, not only the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests but even Tak Ilhwang gaped in shock.
“What’s going on?” The Rootless Brigade, expected to fall like straw, were holding their own against the swordsmen. “Those are the Rootless Brigade?”
They were no longer the ruffians of the past.
Their skills had soared, and their victory over Marauders’s hundred-plus elites had given them unshakable confidence, allowing them to stand firm against the fearsome Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests.
Tak Ilhwang let out a hollow laugh. “Incredible. In such a short time, you turned Majeon’s rabble into elite warriors.”
“Where are you looking?” Bu Eunseol’s low voice cut through as a dark sword aura slashed toward Tak Ilhwang’s neck.
In a flash, Bu Eunseol had drawn his black sword and aimed for his throat.
Clang!
A clear metallic sound rang out as sword and blade collided. Tak Ilhwang grimaced, as if he’d drunk bitter wine, his hands tingling from the immense force in Bu Eunseol’s sword.
‘This guy?’ Tak Ilhwang’s brow twitched. ‘His martial arts have advanced even further?’ He had thoroughly investigated Bu Eunseol, including his temperament and martial prowess. Yet, Bu Eunseol’s skills seemed to have progressed beyond what they were when he left Majeon.
‘He advanced his martial arts again in such a short time?’
“Good!” Tak Ilhwang shouted, brushing aside his doubts and raising his inner power.
Whoosh!
A blue blade aura surged, enveloping Bu Eunseol.
“Let’s have some fun!” Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed sharply as he faced the onslaught of blade aura. ‘I need to break his blade techniques as quickly as possible.’
In the past, the hardest foes in Hell Island were those trained in the Blood Flame Blade Technique. The more it clashed, the more intricate and powerful its techniques became. A moment’s lapse could multiply the blade’s light, so it had to be suppressed early.
Flash!
As four streaks of blade light poured forth, Bu Eunseol’s black sword sliced through the air, disrupting the blade techniques.
Tremble.
But in that instant, the blade’s tip quivered, and the four streaks doubled into eight.
Clang!
Despite the unpredictable angles, Bu Eunseol’s black sword precisely deflected all eight streaks.
“Not bad!” Tak Ilhwang laughed, thrilled that Bu Eunseol had countered his move, and unleashed another blade technique. “Try blocking this!”
Clang!
Sparks flew as the black sword and blade clashed in midair.
Blade Light and Sword Shadow.
The rapid exchange of blade and sword techniques filled the air with chilling energy. The space around Bu Eunseol and Tak Ilhwang seemed devoid of air.
Clink!
As if synchronized, they closed the distance, their weapons clashing again.
‘I’ll settle this here.’ The Blood Flame Blade Technique wasn’t just about visible moves. Its power grew exponentially with each strike.
Boom!
A vortex of energy erupted from Bu Eunseol’s body as he unleashed his full inner power.
Swift battle, swift victory.
He had to cut down Tak Ilhwang as quickly as possible.
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