“Give up,” Heonwon Damcheong said with a bitter expression.
“Why die painfully fighting me?” He gazed at Bu Eunseol with calm eyes. “End it yourself. That’s the mercy I offer you.”
Despite the terrifying threat from the Sword Venerable, Bu Eunseol’s eyes remained steady.
“You think I’ll just sit and die?”
“So you’ll fight?” the Sword Venerable said with a wry smile.
In truth, him personally attacking Bu Eunseol was like an adult striking a newborn.
Bu Eunseol was a young prodigy just entering the ultimate realm, while he was a grandmaster who had long reached the boundless realm.
“I found that boy, the Heavenly Sword, while wandering the world, seeking a quiet place to retire. I had no intention of taking a disciple,” the Sword Venerable said, his face etched with pain. “But he was so pitiful. His parents were slaughtered by bandits, and a head injury left him unable to remember their faces or even his own name.”
His eyes deepened, recalling that tragic time.
“So I named him the Heavenly Sword, hoping he’d become a sword of justice to make this world righteous.”
Bu Eunseol no longer cared about the Heavenly Sword’s past. Yet he listened silently, understanding the sorrow of someone seeking vengeance.
He, too, lived for revenge and still walked that path.
“But before he could become a true sword of justice, he fell to your schemes and became a vengeful spirit,” the Sword Venerable said, his eyes filled with grief. “Even as a cold corpse, his honor has fallen to the ground, and the name Heavenly Sword is shunned even by the orthodox.”
His tone was polite, but every word blamed Bu Eunseol. Only then did Bu Eunseol understand why the Heavenly Sword lacked proper character.
‘He pitied him and failed to discipline him strictly.’
A disciple or child must be raised with love but disciplined firmly for their wrongs.
Otherwise, they believe the world bends to their will.
“Did it have to come to this?” the Sword Venerable asked.
He had trusted the Heavenly Sword, inheritor of his swordsmanship’s essence, and hadn’t come to Seokgwang Plain. But upon hearing of his disciple’s beheading, he pursued Bu Eunseol, believing he had won through vile schemes.
Yet, seeing Bu Eunseol draw his sword, he recognized that his true prowess surpassed the Heavenly Sword’s.
Unable to find a just cause for revenge, he was grasping for any excuse.
“Master and disciple are cut from the same cloth,” Bu Eunseol said coldly. “No need for words. Strike now.”
Bu Eunseol’s body radiated the aura of a grandmaster overlooking the world. His bold, majestic presence rebuked the Sword Venerable’s excuses more powerfully than a thousand words.
The Sword Venerable knew.
Using despicable tactics to win was the Heavenly Sword’s way. He simply couldn’t bear the grief of losing his beloved disciple and sought someone to vent his anger on.
“You grew up righteously,” the Sword Venerable said, his expression a mix of apology and pain. “I admit I raised my disciple poorly.”
Staring into Bu Eunseol’s eyes, he continued, “And I know that striking you myself violates the martial world’s code.” With a deep sigh, he spoke honestly. “But… I cannot help but seek vengeance for that pitiful boy.”
“Do it,” Bu Eunseol replied calmly. “No one here will blame you.”
The Sword Venerable realized Bu Eunseol’s spirit was not only noble but also untainted by the demonic path.
The Middle Way.
Astonishingly, the heart of Majeon’s heir adhered to the Middle Way, not the demonic path.
“Very well,” the Sword Venerable said, as if making a great resolve, picking up a branch from the ground. “This is my stubbornness, so I won’t take your life.”
Raising the branch to mid-stance, he added calmly, “Instead, I’ll take one of your arms.”
This was likely the greatest leniency he could offer.
With Bu Eunseol’s talent, he could likely regain his skill with a left-handed sword.
“I don’t care, so attack properly,” Bu Eunseol said.
“What?”
“You know it’s shameful, so you’re imposing limits on yourself.”
Holding the Ice Soul Sword, he continued calmly, “Strike.”
The Sword Venerable had broken through the ultimate realm long ago and comprehended the ultimate principles of the sword. Yet his understanding of human affairs seemed lesser than Bu Eunseol’s.
“I’m ashamed. Truly ashamed,” the Sword Venerable said, shaking his head with the branch in hand. “I’ll take your arm and leave the martial world forever, never to show my face again.”
He added calmly, “Strike first. If I attack, you won’t even get to use your swordsmanship.”
It wasn’t a threat but sincere consideration.
Bu Eunseol nodded, summoning all his energy and unleashing the essence of the Supreme Heavenly Flow.
Whoosh!
A dark sword aura, like a ferocious dragon, enveloped Heonwon Damcheong’s body.
“Fine swordsmanship,” the Sword Venerable exclaimed.
Bu Eunseol’s technique was flawless, without any gaps or weaknesses. To wield such stable and exquisite swordsmanship at his age was remarkable. Without attacking, the Sword Venerable stood in place, effortlessly dodging the strikes.
Boom!
Anticipating the dodge, Bu Eunseol unleashed the Mountain-Severing Fist with his left hand.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Two sharp streams of energy targeted the Sword Venerable’s flanks.
“Impressive technique,” he remarked, still standing in place.
The Supreme Heavenly Flow and Thirteen Guiding Energies vanished like melting snow.
“This feels like an orthodox technique…” the Sword Venerable said, tilting his head as he looked at Bu Eunseol. His eyes held only curiosity, with no trace of wariness toward the Thirteen Guiding Energies.
‘It won’t work,’ Bu Eunseol thought, biting his lip at the Sword Venerable’s relaxed demeanor.
He had faced many masters in the boundless realm—the Demon Emperor, the Elder Sect Leader, the Nangyang Pavilion Master, and even a Hwa Wu Sect master.
All possessed unimaginable prowess, yet they remained human, bound to the mortal world.
But once the fight began, the Sword Venerable seemed like an immortal who had briefly donned a human form to descend to the world.
No matter what technique he used, it didn’t touch him. Though he stood close, he felt millions of miles away.
Swish.
The branch in the Sword Venerable’s hand moved gently.
A small glow fell toward Bu Eunseol’s shoulder.
It was thin but brimming with vibrant life force. Though it didn’t touch his skin, it felt as if it pierced through his shoulder, flesh, and bone.
A living sword technique.
With this single move, Bu Eunseol realized the Sword Venerable’s greatness.
The Myriad Phenomena Sword Style wasn’t just a compilation of orthodox swordsmanship—it encapsulated all natural phenomena, creating a living sword art.
Tap.
The glow reached Bu Eunseol’s shoulder but couldn’t penetrate.
Hum.
He had already unleashed the Wishful True Binding, fully protecting his arm. Yet blood flowed, and his flesh was deeply cut.
‘Now!’ A brilliant light flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes. Knowing the Sword Venerable had declared he’d take his right arm, he anticipated the strike would target it.
He unleashed the Wishful True Binding, preparing a final counterattack.
Seek victory in crisis.
Recalling a phrase from the Seven Blood Forms’ principles, a fiery resolve surged in his chest.
He couldn’t defeat the Sword Venerable.
So why not become a madman and perish with him?
Life Lodges, Death Returns.
The first form of the Seven Blood Forms, the supreme art of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s Demonic Path, unfolded once more from Bu Eunseol’s hand.
Hum!
Hundreds of sword spheres rose around Bu Eunseol and the Sword Venerable.
This world is just a temporary stay.
Recalling the Seven Blood Forms’ principles, a lonely, desolate feeling welled up. Like someone craving death, he plunged into the sword spheres without hesitation.
Flash!
Bu Eunseol, merged with his weapon, became a radiant halo, passing through the towering foe like Mount Tai. At point-blank range, he unleashed Swift Beyond Shadow and Life Lodges, Death Returns, striking the Sword Venerable in the blink of an eye.
“…” Silence fell over Seven Swords Ridge for a moment.
Clang!
A strange sound came from the Ice Soul Sword as Bu Eunseol held his stance after passing through the Sword Venerable.
Cracks like spider webs spread across the blade.
Rip.
At the same time, the Sword Venerable’s right sleeve tore slightly. Despite pouring everything into this strike, he had only cut his sleeve.
“How…” the Sword Venerable muttered, his eyes wide.
Not because he had been struck.
He realized Bu Eunseol’s technique was not swordsmanship but a blade art—the Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s technique.
“Who are you?” Heonwon Damcheong’s expression grew strange.
“Is the Seven-Finger Demon Blade still alive?”
Bu Eunseol wasn’t surprised. The Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Bu Zhanyang, was a contemporary of the Sword Venerable. It wasn’t unlikely they had clashed.
“Are you his disciple?” Heonwon Damcheong asked again, receiving no reply. “Or his kin?”
Bu Eunseol wore an odd expression.
As the top unorthodox master of his time, the Seven-Finger Demon Blade should have been at odds with him. Yet Heonwon Damcheong’s expression held not hostility but a mix of longing and astonishment.
“How can you wield his blade art?”
“No need to know,” Bu Eunseol replied.
He had no intention of explaining how he acquired the Seven Blood Forms.
Heonwon Damcheong’s expression grew complex. “Then I’ll have to ask your body.”
He shook the branch again.
Dozens of living glows appeared in Bu Eunseol’s eyes. Each held a spirit, adjusting speed and angle to his movements.
Thud.
Bu Eunseol extinguished them with all his might.
That fleeting moment felt endless. Yet the glows didn’t vanish; they seemed to turn into dark clouds as they met his sword techniques.
‘Countering changes their nature?’ A flash sparked in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
The tip of the Ice Soul Sword trembled.
Myriad Phenomena Sword Style.
Using the Shifting Heaven’s Force he learned from the Heavenly Sword, he countered the Sword Venerable.
Swish.
As swordsmanship clashed and glows collided, a sound like tearing silk rang out.
When the enveloping light faded…
Drip, drip.
Bu Eunseol’s clothes were torn, his pockets fully exposed. The Sword Venerable hadn’t aimed to kill but to reveal the weapons and items hidden in his clothes.
“What’s this?” He stared at the small sword hanging at Bu Eunseol’s waist.
Though only the size of a dagger, its hilt was disproportionately large, like that of a great blade.
“Journey?” he exclaimed. “You’re his successor.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened. Astonishingly, he even recognized the Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s sword.
“For even the Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s successor to appear…”
The Sword Venerable said “even,” but Bu Eunseol, too shocked, didn’t notice. Finding the Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s trail was one of his goals.
“How do you know him?”
“Is this heaven’s will?” Heonwon Damcheong’s expression was strange, a mix of worry and joy.
He looked up at Bu Eunseol’s unwavering eyes, radiating noble resolve. Sighing deeply, he said something unexpected.
“Of course, heaven doesn’t send divine beings alone—it always sends worthy rivals.”
The Twin Heavens of Orthodox and Unorthodox, the Three Demons and Three Venerables.
The martial world always had rivals, sometimes appearing from unexpected places. Isn’t it said that the martial world is filled with eccentrics and masters like grains of sand?
“You’re called the greatest prodigy of the unorthodox path, but the martial world has many prodigies who could rival you,” he said.
Though abrupt, it was understandable.
The Heavenly Sword was a prodigy on par with Bu Eunseol. So, too, might be the Martial Alliance Leader’s disciple or kin, or the disciples of the other Three Demons and Three Venerables.
“At least ten or more,” he added.
Bu Eunseol frowned. No matter how vast the world, believing there were over a dozen like him was hard to accept.
“You’ll soon understand,” the Sword Venerable said, gazing at the distant sky. “Why the successors of such renowned masters haven’t yet appeared in the martial world.”
His words were cryptic.
Bu Eunseol instinctively followed his gaze to the night sky.
Brilliant stars shone, illuminating each other.
“Perhaps your emergence as such a prodigy… is fate,” the Sword Venerable muttered with empty eyes, shaking his head. “But I’m leaving the martial world, so what does it matter?”
Muttering incomprehensibly, Heonwon Damcheong tossed the branch aside.
“I’m going,” he said in a low voice, turning away. “With this, he and I owe each other nothing.”
“Sword Venerable!” Bu Eunseol shouted, but his presence had already vanished.
“The Seven-Finger Demon Blade… who was he?”
Unlike his reputation as a brutal killer, the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Bu Zhanyang, had another side. But to owe a debt to not only Jongri Sahyeon, the Needle King, but also the Sword Venerable, a titan of the orthodox path?
Did he deliberately don the mask of a ruthless killer to achieve some purpose?
‘No, Majeon isn’t that simple,’ Bu Eunseol thought, shaking his head.
The Demon Emperor could see into others’ hearts.
Alongside him were Jeok Bung, the Hwa Wu Sword Sect Master, and the Nangyang Pavilion Master.
And the Demonic Hall, filled with great demons whose identities and abilities remained hidden, was the heart of Majeon.
If he had desperately hidden his identity, the Seven-Finger Demon Blade could never have become the sect’s second-in-command.
“…” No matter how much he thought, no answers came.
Bu Eunseol reached down and picked up Journey from the ground.
If Bu Zhanyang, the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, was the Salt Master, this sword was his grandfather’s keepsake.
“Grandfather,” he said, carefully tucking Journey into his robes, his eyes misting as he looked at the night sky.
The tangled circumstances were too complex to grasp.
“I don’t understand. I just don’t.” He lowered his head.
Why did the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, called a killer, have another side?
If his grandfather was the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, why did he abandon all glory and hide his identity as a salt master?
And who killed him, and why?
‘If the Seven-Finger Demon Blade did many good deeds, why weren’t they known?’
No matter what anyone said, Bu Zhanyang was a great killer acknowledged by the martial world, having brutally slaughtered countless masters of both paths.
Jongri Sahyeon, who rarely appeared, might be an exception. But if the Sword Venerable, active at the time, saw another side of Bu Zhanyang, how could it remain unknown?
“Let’s go back.” No matter how much he pondered, no answers came.
Sighing deeply, he began to walk.
Thanks to the Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s sword, he had narrowly escaped losing an arm to the Sword Venerable.
But Bu Eunseol felt no joy.
If he could have learned the full truth, even at the cost of an arm, he would have been truly happy.
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