Clatter clatter.
The eight-horse carriage carrying Bu Eunseol had already entered Honam.
To take a short rest, Won Semun stopped the carriage in front of an inn. But as he got off the carriage, a youth in yellow robes sent a voice transmission to Bu Eunseol.
‘It’s a message from Iron Master. He orders you to stop by this pavilion before going to Majeon.’
He was a young member of Peongan Corps.
‘Iron Master?’ Bu Eunseol felt something odd but nodded.
Then he said to Won Semun.
“You return first. Tell the others that I’m stopping by Iron Staff Mountain for a bit.”
Won Semun, whose power had increased with Bu Eunseol’s help, had already sensed Bu Eunseol conversing with someone. He clasped his hands.
“Understood. Take care on your way.”
Bu Eunseol unfolded his qinggong and immediately ascended Iron Staff Mountain.
Thanks to the well-paved path from the entrance, he didn’t have to arduously move like the rugged mountain paths of the past. Finally entering Nangyang Pavilion, resounding shouts echoed, and the interior with large halls built came into view.
“You’re here.”
Iron Master Wang Geol, standing at the entrance, spotted Bu Eunseol and nodded.
He must have been waiting in front after hearing he was coming.
“What happened?”
“You’ll know if you follow.”
Wang Geol’s expression was grave.
The two walked shoulder to shoulder toward the outer west gate of Nangyang Pavilion. Walking on the path paved with blue stones, a majestic building surrounded by white-painted walls revealed itself. Upon arriving in this area, a medicinal smell wafted from somewhere, pricking the nose.
“This place is….”
“Probably, among this pavilion’s disciples, you’re the only one who hasn’t come here yet.” Wang Geol said calmly.
“It’s this pavilion’s recovery room.”
Nangyang Pavilion, which masters martial arts through real combat, inevitably produces many injured. Thus, they built a large building at the outer west gate, creating a recovery room where injured disciples could rest comfortably or receive treatment.
But Bu Eunseol, who had easily mastered all martial arts, had no occasion to come here.
Entering inside, the spacious interior had several doorless rooms.
And in one of them, a wide room with several beds attached, a boy was deeply asleep. And in front of him stood a middle-aged man in blue robes with hands behind his back.
It was the Vice-Sect Leader, Dan Cheong.
“Vice-Sect Leader.”
“You’ve come.”
As Bu Eunseol clasped his hands, Dan Cheong nodded. “I hear stories through the Peongan Corps every day… You’ve changed beyond recognition.”
Then, with a smile, he continued. “Baek Yeon and So Jeon are out in the martial world. They wanted to see you so much, but the timing didn’t match.”
“They’re busy, so it can’t be helped.”
“Huhuhu. Indeed, but are they busier than you?”
Though smiling, Dan Cheong’s brow was slightly furrowed. Seeing that, Bu Eunseol felt a bit heavy-hearted.
‘There’s trouble.’ Dan Cheong always smiled no matter what happened. He only failed to smile when standing before Nangyang Pavilion Master Ak Muryeong.
“What happened?”
“It’s Jeong Hyeon. Take a look at that child’s condition.”
Bu Eunseol had rescued thirty children kidnapped in the underground cave of Sahyang in the past. Among the rescued children, he sent fifteen who had nowhere to go to Nangyang Pavilion. Of them, ten became formal disciples.
Among the ten disciples, the one with the most outstanding talent, Akwi, received the name Jeong Hyeon at Nangyang Pavilion.
And the boy lying on the bed was him.
‘Why.’ Bu Eunseol furrowed his brow.
He had heard that Jeong Hyeon not only learned martial arts the fastest but had subtly become the leader among the young disciples.
Yet, suddenly suffering such severe injuries and lying there?
“Hmm.” Bu Eunseol stared intently at Jeong Hyeon’s face on the bed.
By now, he had grown into a handsome boy with thick eyebrows and a high nose bridge. While learning martial arts at Nangyang Pavilion, his shabby appearance had vanished, and he now exuded the aura of a young hero.
‘This is...’ A flash passed through Bu Eunseol’s eyes as he carefully examined Jeong Hyeon’s condition.
Weren’t all the scars left on his body wounds from Nangyang Pavilion’s martial arts?
“What’s this about?”
The answer came from Iron Master. “The ten disciples you brought always stayed together and practiced martial arts. But one day during sparring, they became ferocious and attacked each other as if to kill.”
With an incredulous expression, he continued.
“In the end, Jeong Hyeon knocked down all the other kids and tried to slit their throats with weapons. The instructor who discovered it rushed in and immediately restrained him.”
“You call this restraint?” Bu Eunseol wore an incredulous expression.
The marks engraved on Jeong Hyeon’s body were from three or four Nangyang Pavilion experts unleashing martial arts simultaneously.
“That was the best.” Iron Master said with a bitter expression. “Not only did Jeong Hyeon’s personality suddenly become ferocious, but his power surged several times. In the end, it took all three instructors teaching the disciples to subdue him.”
“Three instructors?”
In the past, Nangyang Pavilion taught martial arts haphazardly, but now they selected instructors and systematically taught disciples. And those selected as instructors were experts with rich real combat experience even in Nangyang Pavilion.
Experts who could become overlords of a region in the martial world, yet they couldn’t subdue a boy who had just entered, and had to act together?
Was Jeong Hyeon a divine being surpassing even Bu Eunseol’s talent?
“Does Jeong Hyeon have that much skill?” To Bu Eunseol’s question, Iron Master shook his head.
“This was the reason.”
Then he pointed to a wooden box placed beside the bed. When Bu Eunseol opened it, there lay a red bead mixed with blood.
“This is….” Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
It was an energy core.
energy cores don’t form only in spiritual beings.
If one accumulates immense inner energy of five hundred years, an energy core slowly forms in the human body as well. But these boys were far from energy cores; they had just learned inner energy heart methods. How could they form energy cores?
“This energy core’s power infused energy and evil qi into the children, including Jeong Hyeon.”
Wooong.
Bu Eunseol used void grasping to float the energy core in front of his eyes. As the eerily shining red energy core neared his face, a subtle yet familiar blood scent was felt.
It was the fragrance of Human Flowers.
‘So that’s it.’ Bu Eunseol finally realized.
The reason those secret forces cultivated Human Flowers in the underground city of Sacheon. They were using human essence blood to forcibly create Human Flowers, aiming to make artificial energy cores.
‘This was the goal from the start.’
The Bound Asuras and other puppets were probably byproducts from making these energy cores. As evidence, improved versions of Bound Asuras and other puppets hadn’t appeared successively.
“I heard you’ve been wandering the martial world, destroying organizations making Human Flowers.” Dan Cheong said calmly. “That’s why I called you. Your affairs are this pavilion’s affairs.”
In fact, Nangyang Pavilion doesn’t care about Human Flowers or energy cores, or the martial world’s situation.
As long as no one touches Nangyang Pavilion, all disciples only devote themselves to martial dao. But since Bu Eunseol showed intent to deal with Human Flowers-making organizations, they informed him.
To help him.
“I had Peongan Corps investigate those who made the energy cores.”
“Thank you. But this is my personal matter unrelated to this pavilion’s affairs.” Bu Eunseol said with a grave expression. “Doesn’t Peongan Corps have much to do? I’ll handle this personally.”
“Bu Eunseol.” Dan Cheong said in a gentle but solemn voice. “All disciples are a part of this pavilion. Thus, a disciple’s affair becomes the affair of the entire pavilion.”
Nangyang Pavilion intended to still be a shade for Bu Eunseol, who was once a young disciple, and now the heir of Majeon.
“Understood.” Suppressing the emotions rising in his chest, Bu Eunseol said politely. “However, I also have a usable intelligence organization, so please have Peongan Corps investigate within limits that don’t put them in danger.”
“Alright.”
“But, did you extract the energy core, Vice-Sect Leader?” To Bu Eunseol’s words, Dan Cheong bitterly shook his head.
“This child accidentally expelled it during the battle with the instructors.”
“Accidentally?”
“Since it’s an artificially made energy core, it wasn’t stored in the dantian. This small energy core was lodged in the Amun acupoint.”
Amun acupoint is the first acupoint of the Dumai meridian, the depressed spot when bowing the head and touching the back of the neck.
It’s densely packed with brain nerves, and mishandling it can cause paralysis or muteness.
Dan Cheong said with a bitter expression.
“I checked the other children’s Amun acupoints, but there were no traces of energy cores. In other words, they were arbitrarily injected into fatal acupoints.”
No matter what Dan Cheong did, he couldn’t recklessly touch energy cores whose locations were unknown.
“Wouldn’t examining the energy circulation reveal it?”
“The inner energy heart methods these children learned were created by the pavilion master. No matter how I look, the energy circulation is too complex to decipher.”
“The pavilion master who’s in seclusion?”
“When these guys arrived at Nangyang Pavilion, he briefly came out of seclusion. Hearing you sent them, he personally checked their bone structure and imparted inner energy heart methods.” Dan Cheong wore a peculiar smile.
“He said that since Blood Vajra is no longer here, there’s no one to impart inner energy heart methods to these children.”
Nangyang Pavilion Master Ak Muryeong also realized these children’s talents were peerless and imparted powerful inner energy heart methods comparable to Ban-geuk Method.
“Then, where are the other children?”
To Bu Eunseol’s question, Dan Cheong opened his mouth. “Due to the artificial energy cores triggering demonic nature, they’re temporarily locked in the wall-facing cave. Since the pavilion master is in seclusion, we’re waiting.”
“I see.” After thinking for a moment, Bu Eunseol nodded. “There’s no need to wait.”
“Hmm?”
“I’ll locate the energy cores and deal with them.”
Dan Cheong and Iron Master looked at each other and tilted their heads. No matter how great Bu Eunseol’s martial talent, he couldn’t decipher the heart method imparted by Nangyang Pavilion Master Ak Muryeong.
“Well, fine.” Then Dan Cheong readily nodded and said. “You might have some miraculous method again.”
Bu Eunseol had always accomplished the impossible.
Knowing that well, Dan Cheong had developed firm trust in Bu Eunseol. Bu Eunseol went with Dan Cheong and Iron Master to the wall-facing cave at the end of Iron Staff Mountain.
Bu Eunseol had thought the nine children would be meditating and reciting heart incantations there.
To suppress the triggered demonic nature from evil qi, they had to constantly recite heart incantations. But unexpectedly, weren’t the children looking at martial arts books with blank faces?
“Those energy cores don’t show any particular energy unless they see blood or get excited.” To Wang Geol’s words, Bu Eunseol nodded.
“So during sparring, the energy cores’ power triggered the demonic nature.”
“Yes.”
As Bu Eunseol approached, the children put down their books and all bowed their heads. Not only Jeong Hyeon, but all the children had shed their shabby appearances and were exuding the dignified aura like scions of martial families.
‘I’m not sure if it’s possible.’
Bu Eunseol approached the boy at the front and asked.
“What’s your name?”
“It’s Gang Un.”
“A good name.” Bu Eunseol placed one hand on his Dazhui acupoint and said. “No need to tense. I’m just going to check your body.”
Then, he slowly raised the Cheonui Heart Secret.
Then, the energy circulation method occurring in Gang Un’s body began to occur in Bu Eunseol’s body as well.
‘The pavilion master created an inner energy secret similar to the Ban-geuk Method.’
Bu Eunseol, who synchronized the energy circulation through the Cheonui Heart Secret, wore a surprised expression. The inner energy heart method they learned could use both yin and yang qi like the Ban-geuk Method, showing excellent energy circulation.
Thus, even after synchronizing, Bu Eunseol felt no particular discomfort.
‘It’s so similar that I can’t tell instead.’ After thinking for a moment, Bu Eunseol spoke to Gang Un and the other children.
“All of you, stand up and attack me.”
In an instant, the children all opened their eyes in surprise. Looking at the children in the cave, Bu Eunseol said.
“You can unleash killing intent. Don’t hold back; attack with full power.”
Wang Geol shook his head at that. “We finally stabilized them, and you want to trigger the demonic nature again?”
“I think I can find where the energy cores are only if they use energy intensely.”
“How?”
Bu Eunseol said honestly. “Because I learned a secret to temporarily synchronize with others’ energy circulation.”
“What? What nonsense…” As Wang Geol widened his eyes, Dan Cheong, who had been in deep thought, waved his hand.
“Let’s watch for now.” Having obtained Dan Cheong’s permission, Bu Eunseol said to the children again.
“Attack without worry. Even if your demonic nature erupts, I’ll handle it immediately.”
Bu Eunseol’s words carried stability and an irresistible magic. Seeing the hesitating children, Bu Eunseol said again.
“Anyway, those energy cores will gradually melt in your bodies and erode your humanity.” Then, he slowly extended his hand. “You can let it burst. No, let it burst. That way, I can confirm quickly.”
Shaat!
Then, sharp energy poured toward Bu Eunseol’s face.
A boy on Bu Eunseol’s side immediately used a bizarre claw technique to slash at Bu Eunseol’s carotid artery.
It was not only unbelievably fast but also contained astonishing power.
‘This much.’ Bu Eunseol wore a surprised expression.
To exert this level of power just with the artificial energy core’s strength.
Cheok.
Bu Eunseol instantly used the Grasping Technique to catch the boy’s wrist.
At the same time, unfolding Cheonui Heart Secret to synchronize energy circulation, Bu Eunseol felt a prick near the Taiyang acupoint.
He felt a sensation as if immense energy was surging from near the Taiyang acupoint momentarily.
‘They’re all settled in dangerous acupoints.’
The locations where those small artificial energy cores lodged in the body. They were all places hard to attack by enemies, constantly defended, or acupoints that cause fatal injury upon impact.
Jiing!
Bu Eunseol unfolded Wishful True Binding to create a very sharp and precise blade.
Pat! The sharp blade pierced into the boy’s temple. Then, passing by dangerous blood vessels, it changed into a pincer shape.
Shuuk.
As he retracted the materialized Wishful True Binding, a very small red bead fell to the floor from the Taiyang acupoint.
It was the artificial energy core.
—Haaap!
The children, excited upon seeing blood, all charged at Bu Eunseol.
Pat! Piing!
The moment the children’s attacks touched his body, Bu Eunseol unfolded Cheonui Heart Secret to synchronize energy circulation, and immediately unfolded Wishful True Binding.
Soyo acupoint, Bongmi acupoint, Gimun acupoint, Noehae acupoint… .
The hiding places of the energy cores were all hard-to-attack, fatal death acupoints if hit. But Bu Eunseol, while evading attacks, precisely unfolded Wishful True Binding, avoiding dangerous nerves and vessels to extract the energy cores.
“Truly miraculous.” Watching, Dan Cheong exclaimed in admiration.
To move qi so precisely while evading enemy attacks. Wasn’t that proof that Bu Eunseol had fully reached the state of Void Energy, Peaceful Mind?
Dududuk.
The red energy cores rolling on the floor soon reached nine. And the boys were all trembling, bleeding from their acupoints. The accumulated true energy was flowing out along with the energy cores.
“Iron Master.” Bu Eunseol took out a porcelain bottle containing five pills from his bosom and handed it to Iron Master. “If you divide the pills in here in half and feed them, their exhausted mind and body can recover quickly.”
Iron Master smelled the fragrance from the porcelain bottle and nodded.
“It’s Mount Hua Sect’s Purple Dawn Pill.”
“Yes. I obtained it by chance while wandering the martial world.”
Then Dan Cheong approached and exclaimed. “Amazing.”
Unable to hide his astonishment, he said. “I saw that technique of materializing true energy at Seokgwang Plain while you fought the Heavenly Sword. But how did you find the acupoints where those energy cores were embedded?”
Bu Eunseol replied honestly. “As I said, I learned a secret to temporarily synchronize with others’ true energy circulation.”
“You’re good at jokes too.” Dan Cheong chuckled and said. “Don’t tell me you met that guy while wandering the martial world and received martial arts from him.”
As unexpected words flowed out, Bu Eunseol’s eyes sparkled.
Could it be that Dan Cheong had met his grandfather Bu Zhanyang and knew he had mastered such a secret?
“What do you mean?”
“There’s only one person in the world who has a secret to steal others’ true energy circulation methods.”
‘It’s the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, as expected.’
His grandfather was a Shaolin expert but an unknown figure in the martial world.
If Dan Cheong could recognize the skill, it must be Seven-Finger Demon Blade, and ultimately, the two must be the same person.
But the words that came from Dan Cheong’s mouth were unexpected.
“The Heavenly Emperor.”
Looking at Bu Eunseol, Dan Cheong said calmly.
“In martial history, the only one who used such a technique is the Heavenly Emperor, Shin Domubi. Him alone.”
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