After returning to Majeon, Bu Eunseol began preparations to enter secluded training once more.
However, the task he had prioritized—tracking down the whereabouts of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade—had been delegated to the Nine Deaths Squad and Yoo Unryong.
Over thirty years had passed since the Seven-Finger Demon Blade's disappearance, and even the Shadow Pavilion, the foremost intelligence organization of the Demonic Path, could not confirm whether he was dead or alive.
Moreover, those who had crossed paths with the Seven-Finger Demon Blade were, inconveniently, members of the orthodox sects—figures who had reached the pinnacle of martial prowess.
No matter how brilliant Bu Eunseol's intellect was…
Even with the combined might of the entire Demonic Path, uncovering the traces and secrets of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade in a short time was an impossible feat.
'Obsessing over something that cannot be resolved immediately is merely a waste of time.'
Bu Eunseol resolved to tackle the problems before him one by one.
The first task he undertook was to transcribe the principles of the Myriad Phenomena Sword Style, which he had grasped during his duel with the Heavenly Sword, into a martial text.
To reuse the martial insights gained in actual combat, it was essential to systematically record them as a martial manual. Relying solely on instinct and intuition to execute techniques had its limits, as they needed to be theoretically formalized. He also continued his research on the Seven Blood Forms.
Originally, the Seven Blood Forms were a saber technique.
Adapting it into a sword technique inevitably diminished its original power. Yet, using a great saber abruptly while in a state of unity with his Black Blade felt unnatural. Moreover, without knowing the true identity of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, openly employing his exclusive martial arts was unwise…
Thus, Bu Eunseol was diligently working to convert it into a sword technique.
'And then there’s the Ice Soul Sword…' When it clashed with the sword technique performed by the Sword Venerable using a mere branch, the blade of the Ice Soul Sword had cracked.
Yet Bu Eunseol had no intention of discarding it. For some inexplicable reason, it felt perfectly suited to his hand.
'If I send it to Master Iron, it should be fine.'
Wang Geol’s nickname was Master Iron.
His metallurgy was among the finest in the martial world, capable of manipulating any metal with ease. After sending the sword to Iron Staff Mountain, a response from Wang Geol arrived shortly after.
"The repair of this sword will require North Sea Black Iron, so it will take over a year to complete. Furthermore, this sword exudes the energy of Mysterious Yin. Unless you intend to master Yin-based martial arts, it’s best not to carry it on you."
As Bu Eunseol read the letter, he couldn’t hide his astonishment.
The final lines contained an unexpected revelation.
"Perhaps this sword is not a demonic blade but one crafted by the Baekri Clan three hundred years ago. They occasionally mixed North Sea Black Iron with metals like Kunwu and Black Gold to create weapons with extraordinary properties."
The Baekri Clan.
A mysterious family that had been deeply rooted in the martial world for generations. They possessed the ability to read the heavens and held profound, esoteric knowledge. Based on this, they crafted weapons with unique abilities.
Yet, three hundred years ago, they vanished as if they had evaporated—along with their manor, possessions, and even household items. The truth behind this bizarre incident remained unsolved. Now, their name only surfaced in tales told by grandparents to entertain their grandchildren.
And yet, the Ice Soul Sword—not a demonic blade, but possibly a creation of the Baekri Clan, which had vanished entirely, down to the last chopstick?
Master Iron was the martial world’s foremost expert on divine and ancient weapons, capable of discerning their authenticity and value.
His words could not be taken lightly.
'Baekri Muha.'
The name Bu Eunseol had heard from Baek Jeoncheon, the master of Manbak Hall, flashed through his mind. A mysterious figure known as the martial world’s greatest beauty thirty years ago. Could he also be connected to the Baekri Clan?
'Not everyone with the surname Baekri is a descendant of the Baekri Clan.' Shaking his head, Bu Eunseol set the letter down.
Idle thoughts could wait. There was too much to do now.
Having dealt with miscellaneous tasks, Bu Eunseol prepared to enter seclusion for martial training.
But his plans were inevitably disrupted.
Creak.
Just as he was about to close the door to the training chamber, a man dressed as a civil official hurriedly approached from a distance.
It was Yoo Unryong.
"Bu Eunseol." His eyes were sharp, yet the gaze within was calm and filled with the light of wisdom.
'I hardly recognize him.'
In the past, Yoo Unryong had the quintessential look of a rebel, with a brash and impulsive personality. But when given a position matching his talents, his latent strategist’s instincts emerged. Not only had he become calm and wise, but even his appearance seemed transformed.
"We’ve finally found it." Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened. Had they uncovered all the information about the Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s whereabouts in such a short time?
But Yoo Unryong, with a bright expression, continued.
"The Azure Cloud Sea Palace."
Bu Eunseol had been searching for a sect possessing a heart method capable of fully restoring Seo Jinha, whose dantian had been destroyed. That sect was the Azure Cloud Sea Palace, renowned in the Western Regions for having the most exceptional internal energy techniques.
"While many sects in the outer regions train to open the upper dantian, only the Azure Cloud Sea Palace’s Ten Thousand Transformations Wheel can fundamentally achieve the Three Origins and Three Harmonies, allowing the Primordial Spirit to transcend."
When Bu Eunseol learned the Ban-geuk Method at Iron Staff Peak, Blood Vajra had explained the characteristics of various sects’ internal energy techniques. He had also mentioned that the secret to perfectly opening the upper dantian lay with the Ten Thousand Transformations Wheel of the Azure Cloud Sea Palace.
"What’s remarkable about the Ten Thousand Transformations Wheel is that, unlike other heart methods, it never fails to open the upper dantian."
Due to practicing a poisonous technique, Seo Jinha could not fully restore his energy with ordinary methods. Thus, Bu Eunseol had tasked Yoo Unryong with mobilizing the intelligence network to relentlessly search for the Azure Cloud Sea Palace’s location.
"We got lucky." Yoo Unryong took a deep breath and said, "Finding a sect that doesn’t reveal itself to the world is no easy task."
Bu Eunseol gave a bitter smile.
It was likely a reference to the elusive trail he had been chasing.
"I’ve written the details here." Yoo Unryong handed over an envelope and a small package. "I figured you’d want to move quickly."
Restoring Seo Jinha’s energy was something Bu Eunseol had long desired. Yoo Unryong instinctively knew that upon hearing this news, Bu Eunseol would prioritize this matter above all else.
"Well done." Taking the envelope and package, Bu Eunseol turned to leave, but Yoo Unryong, with a worried expression, spoke up.
"Are you going alone?"
When Bu Eunseol nodded, Yoo Unryong firmly stated.
"Absolutely not."
Until now, Bu Eunseol had roamed the martial world alone, facing countless dangers he shouldn’t have. Hadn’t the Sword Venerable himself recently appeared to exact revenge for the Heavenly Sword?
Bu Eunseol was now the heir of Majeon, responsible for numerous subordinates. He could no longer travel without escorts.
"Hmm." Bu Eunseol gave a reluctant look.
Yoo Unryong and Myo Cheonwoo were his closest aides.
When those closest to him objected, he had to respect their opinions. This approach was why Yoo Unryong and all his subordinates were fiercely loyal to him.
"If you insist, I’ll assign members of the Nine Deaths Squad." The Nine Deaths Squad rarely revealed themselves, making them ideal for guarding Bu Eunseol.
"Unryong, let him go alone." From behind, a man in azure robes approached with a leisurely stride.
It was Myo Cheonwoo.
"This is something they should do together." Myo Cheonwoo grinned and said. "I’d love to go along myself, but I’ll step back this time."
"Myo Cheonwoo, this isn’t a matter to take lightly." Yoo Unryong’s eyes flared at Myo Cheonwoo’s playful tone. "This is crucial for both Seo Jinha and him."
"I know. That’s why you hurried."
"What do you mean, you know?" As Yoo Unryong snapped, Myo Cheonwoo spoke with utmost seriousness.
[You wanted to give him a break, didn’t you?] At Myo Cheonwoo’s transmitted message, Yoo Unryong fell silent.
Recently, Bu Eunseol had been through too much. The loss of Yeong Munho, whom he had painstakingly found, and the life-or-death battle with the Heavenly Sword.
Even for a martial artist living with a blade at their throat, his path was paved with exhaustion.
And there was still a mountain of tasks to resolve.
Yoo Unryong wanted to give Bu Eunseol a moment’s respite from this tangled mess.
[Knowing that, you’re sending him off alone with Seo Jinha?] Yoo Unryong sent a transmitted message, and Myo Cheonwoo nodded.
[If he’s followed on that long journey, he’ll worry about the safety of his escorts. That’ll tire him out even more.]
Yoo Unryong closed his mouth.
Upon reflection, it made sense.
Even if a covert escort followed, they couldn’t evade Bu Eunseol’s senses. If he had to worry about his escorts as well, it would only exhaust him further.
'Will it be alright?'
In truth, Bu Eunseol’s martial prowess was not a concern. No matter the danger, he could likely escape on his own.
What Yoo Unryong truly worried about was Seo Jinha. With most of his energy lost, any dangerous situation could put Bu Eunseol in a difficult position.
"Hmm." Yoo Unryong let out a low groan and looked into Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
His gaze was always still.
It looked upon the world with cynicism, like an enlightened monk detached from all worldly concerns.
Even his own life.
'So that’s it.' Yoo Unryong finally understood Myo Cheonwoo’s intent.
Bu Eunseol cared little for his own safety but meticulously looked after those around him, despite his aloof demeanor. If they truly wanted to give him a break, they had to take a slight risk and let him go with Seo Jinha alone.
[Seo Jinha is an emotional person. He’ll be a source of rest for Bu Eunseol.] Myo Cheonwoo smiled at Yoo Unryong.
If Bu Eunseol traveled with Seo Jinha and saw more of the world… he might realize that the martial world wasn’t always a desolate, lonely place.
That time would not be wasted.
"Alright." Yoo Unryong took a deep breath and nodded. "Just make sure the Nine Deaths Squad erases their tracks."
Though he said this, his furrowed brow showed he was still uneasy.
"At least use a disguise. It’ll help avoid unnecessary conflicts."
"You sound like a nagging mother-in-law." Myo Cheonwoo teased, pushing Bu Eunseol’s shoulder. "Go on, hurry up. Give Seo Jinha my regards."
"Will do." Uncharacteristically, Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile as he stepped out of the residence.
He had sensed their transmitted conversation but didn’t know its contents.
Yet, he could feel through their gazes how much they cared and worried for him.
***
Two men were galloping across the plains on fine steeds.
On the left was a pale man with long hair tied in twin braids, and on the right was a man in dark gray robes.
They were Seo Jinha and Bu Eunseol.
'His body has nearly fully recovered.'
Glancing at Seo Jinha riding beside him, Bu Eunseol nodded.
Trained at Nangyang Pavilion, Seo Jinha had regained his health.
Nangyang Pavilion developed martial arts through real combat, risking life itself. Thus, they were more adept than any Demonic Sect faction in understanding the human body and possessed various secret methods for treating injuries.
His once-stiff tendons now moved fluidly, and his body brimmed with vitality. His slightly pale complexion wasn’t due to poor health but because he had learned the basics of the Beast Way in a dark cave.
'Master Iron accepted my suggestion.'
Bu Eunseol had proposed a new method for Nangyang Pavilion disciples to learn the Beast Way. Instead of blinding them by striking the Victory Blood Point to heighten bodily senses, they would train in a dark chamber where no light entered.
"The Beast Way is difficult to master because it deprives humans of their primary sense—sight—in an instant."
Bu Eunseol had researched a method to train the Beast Way in a dark chamber instead of blinding the practitioner and shared it with Nangyang Pavilion. In the process of recovering, Seo Jinha had also trained in this method.
Huff, huff.
At that moment, the horses began to breathe heavily, showing signs of fatigue.
"Whoa, whoa." Bu Eunseol and Seo Jinha stopped their horses by a large tree and took a brief rest.
"But do I really need to learn an outer region’s heart method?"
Seo Jinha hadn’t been surprised when Bu Eunseol came to Nangyang Pavilion and suggested they head to the Western Regions. He trusted Bu Eunseol would keep his promise to restore his energy.
But as they neared the Western Regions, a question arose.
At Nangyang Pavilion, he had learned martial arts from various masters. Through this, he discovered that the martial world held far more diverse heart methods than he had imagined.
In particular, the pavilion master, Ak Muryeong, possessed a mysterious power and was said to have restored the energy of a Tianlong Temple monk, Blood Vajra, whose dantian had been completely destroyed—a legendary feat.
"If my dantian can be restored, I’d rather not learn an outer region’s heart method." At Seo Jinha’s question, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
"We’re not restoring your dantian."
"What does that mean?"
"We’re not here to learn an outer region’s heart method but to open your upper dantian." Bu Eunseol explained calmly. "Even if your dantian is restored, it would take at least ten years of rigorous training to rebuild your original energy."
"Well, that’s true."
"But a heart method that uses the upper dantian doesn’t accumulate energy in the dantian. It generates vital energy directly within the body." Bu Eunseol recalled the blue-eyed masked figure he had met with Yoo Hwaryeong in the underground city. Though his energy had been amplified by a fire pill, he had opened his upper dantian at a young age, displaying tremendous power.
"Someone who possessed immense energy through their lower dantian can instantly recover their former strength by opening the upper dantian. Not only that, but they can amass even greater internal energy."
"Then why don’t martial artists open their upper dantian?"
"How many martial artists would willingly dismantle the energy they’ve accumulated over a lifetime?" Bu Eunseol explained matter-of-factly. "Even if they dismantle their energy and attempt to open the upper dantian, failure means losing everything."
Bu Eunseol’s expression grew serious.
"That’s why we’re going to the outer regions. They have a method that guarantees success in opening the upper dantian."
After resting, the two resumed their journey.
They switched horses or carriages tirelessly, and when that wasn’t feasible, they used qinggong. Having retrained his body at Nangyang Pavilion, Seo Jinha could perform some qinggong with Bu Eunseol’s assistance.
Before long, they arrived at Lhasa, the capital of the Western Regions.
"Are you going to keep the disguise on?" Upon entering the city, Bu Eunseol used the Face and Bone Shifting Art to assume the face of a mercenary, Seolso.
Seo Jinha, however, wasn’t fond of it.
Where was the open, river-like face? Now, a plain, ordinary man with a topknot stood before him.
"Call me Seolso. I’m in disguise."
"Ugh, fine." Seo Jinha shrugged and smacked his lips. "By the way, this is nice. I’ve always wanted to visit this place."
Gazing at the open landscape, Seo Jinha smiled brightly.
"We’re going to Potala Palace, right?"
"No."
"Huh?" Seo Jinha said in surprise. "Didn’t we come here to learn Potala Palace’s internal energy technique?"
Potala Palace was renowned not only as the seat of the Dalai Lama but also for its internal energy techniques that utilized the upper dantian. When Bu Eunseol said they were heading to the Western Regions to open his upper dantian, Seo Jinha assumed they were going to Potala Palace. That’s why he hadn’t asked any questions until now.
"Then why are we in this barren place?"
"The Azure Cloud Sea Palace." Bu Eunseol said calmly. "We need to obtain their secret heart method."
"What? The Azure Cloud Sea Palace?" Seo Jinha couldn’t hide his astonishment.
The Azure Cloud Sea Palace was a mysterious sect in the Western Regions that never revealed itself to the world, and no one had ever confirmed its location.
Yet, it was famous due to tales of its extraordinary martial arts. Occasionally, they sent young boys and girls into the martial world to find disciples. Even so, the martial skills of these children were said to overpower seasoned martial artists.
If they reached adulthood and mastered the sect’s true techniques, their power would be unimaginable.
"How on earth did you find it?"
"The term ‘Cloud Sea’ also refers to the sea of clouds seen from a mountaintop." Bu Eunseol gave a subtle smile. "So I had Yoo Unryong investigate every mountain in the Western Regions where a sea of clouds could be seen."
"What?" Seo Jinha couldn’t hide his disbelief.
The Western Regions had countless high peaks where one could look down on clouds. To find the Azure Cloud Sea Palace with just that clue?
"There was no other way." To restore Seo Jinha’s energy, Bu Eunseol had spared no expense in manpower and resources.
"So, the Azure Cloud Sea Palace is here?"
"It’s near Namugnim."
"Then why are we here?"
"To enter that place, we need to obtain the Great Wish Mirror from Kwangyang Temple, not far from Potala Palace. It’s needed to pierce through the cloud sea."
The Great Wish Mirror was a treasure of Kwangyang Temple, said to emit a light imbued with evil-dispelling energy when infused with internal power.
Seo Jinha’s jaw dropped again.
"You’re going to take a treasure from Kwangyang Temple? How?"
"I have a plan." Bu Eunseol, with his brilliant intellect, always accounted for every variable in his strategies.
Not one of his plans had ever failed.
"But…" Seo Jinha realized a critical flaw in this plan. "Even if we get the Great Wish Mirror, what sect would teach their internal heart method to an outsider?"
A sect’s internal heart method was, in essence, the sect itself. Thus, the highest heart methods were taught only to the most talented and loyal disciples.
For an unrelated outsider to receive such a transmission?
"They will teach it." Yet Bu Eunseol spoke with confidence.
"They will."
"Hmm." Seo Jinha didn’t press further.
Having come this far, he had no choice but to trust.
The two soon reached the bustling center of the market. A large inn, crowded with people, came into view. Inside, merchants in exotic attire and a variety of colorful characters filled the space.
As they entered, all eyes turned to Seo Jinha.
Unlike Bu Eunseol, who had disguised himself as an ordinary figure, Seo Jinha’s striking appearance and noble aura drew attention.
However, with Bu Eunseol having reached the state of Return to Simplicity and Seo Jinha possessing almost no energy…
To anyone watching, they looked like young masters from a noble family, ignorant of martial arts.
"Young masters, this way." Fortunately, one table was free, and the two sat down.
"Got any good liquor?" At Seo Jinha’s question, the waiter bowed.
"Our inn sells homemade fruit wine." At those words, Bu Eunseol recalled the fruit wine given to him by Guyang Cheongjeong of the North Wind Sect.
'It was quite good.' Just as Bu Eunseol was about to order, Seo Jinha spoke first.
"Then five bottles of fruit wine, three of your best dishes, and one bowl of noodles."
"I’m sorry, but our inn only serves meat noodles, plain noodles, and barley bread…"
"Then one meat noodles, one plain noodles."
"I’m fine with just the wine." At Bu Eunseol’s words, Seo Jinha grinned.
"Both are for me. The noodles you ate back then looked delicious."
Bu Eunseol let out a faint chuckle without realizing it.
Back then, the first food he ate after surviving Hell Island was noodles.
And the first person he spoke to was Seo Jinha.
He was remembering that moment and wanted to eat noodles like Bu Eunseol did.
'It’s been a while since I’ve seen him smile.'
Seo Jinha could sense it too.
Bu Eunseol lived in a desolate, lonely world of his own making. But the world was worth living in, and coming out like this to enjoy good food could lift one’s spirits.
Seo Jinha hoped Bu Eunseol could feel a bit of simple happiness.
And see the world a little differently.
Clink.
The waiter swiftly placed a wine jug on the table. Bu Eunseol, feeling a sense of nostalgia, quickly downed a cup of fruit wine.
"Hm?"
"What’s wrong?"
"Nothing." Bu Eunseol gave a bitter smile and set down his cup.
Only after tasting this inn’s fruit wine did he realize that what Guyang Cheongjeong had given him wasn’t ordinary fruit wine.
'I was too naive.' The fruit wine he’d just drunk tasted like fermented vinegar, making him grimace with every sip.
Shaking his head, Bu Eunseol was about to refill his cup when—
"Please, stop it!"
"Heh heh heh. Your resistance only makes you cuter." From the corner of the inn, a woman’s voice and a lecherous laugh intertwined.
Looking closely, a middle-aged man who had been sitting near the entrance had approached a woman by the window and was harassing her. He wore a large, circular saw-like blade on his back, and his Sun Blood Point protruded prominently.
'The Twin Blood Wheels?'
Bu Eunseol and Seo Jinha’s eyes flashed simultaneously.
At a glance, they recognized the man as Maeng Mukgeuk, the Twin Blood Wheels—a master of bizarre weapons from the Great Desert, infamous for his heinous acts. Having violated countless women and brutally killed numerous martial artists pursuing him, he was a public enemy of the martial world.
The other patrons in the inn, recognizing Maeng Mukgeuk, remained silent, mouths shut. His martial prowess was so formidable that even the elders of major sects couldn’t easily confront him.
But why was someone active in the Great Desert causing trouble here?
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