The moment Bu Eunseol's eyes wavered.
All along, Bu Eunseol had been firmly convinced that Seven-Finger Demon Blade was highly likely to be his grandfather.
But to think that the secret technique passed down by his grandfather, Bu Zhanyang, was the unique heart method of the Heavenly Emperor, Shin Domubi?
‘Does the Vice-Sect Leader know of the Heavenly Emperor’s martial arts?’
The Heavenly Emperor, Shin Domubi.
A peerless martial arts grandmaster said to have reached the pinnacle of orthodox martial arts, and the current leader of the Martial Alliance.
Yet, nothing was known about the martial arts he used or the extent of his prowess.
This was because he had never once engaged in a public duel. There were occasional challengers, but it was said they recognized the vast gap in skill and admitted defeat on their own.
"Have you fought against the Heavenly Emperor?" At Bu Eunseol’s question, Dan Cheong let out a soft chuckle.
Seeing that smile, Bu Eunseol immediately grasped one fact. "You fought the Heavenly Emperor, didn’t you, Vice-Sect Leader?"
"Indeed. After sparring with him, the Pavilion Master said in frustration, ‘One of that cunning fox’s techniques was a method to synchronize energy circulation and steal heart methods!’" Dan Cheong’s eyes narrowed faintly as if recalling that moment. "Well, not just the Pavilion Master, but the Ten Demonic Sect Leaders probably all know about it."
In that instant, Bu Eunseol’s expression was as if he had been struck on the back of his head.
"The Ten Demonic Sect Leaders fought the Heavenly Emperor as well?"
"Yes. The Hwa Wu Sword Sect Leader and the Blood Flame Blade Leader faced him alone, while the rest of the Ten Demonic Sect Leaders are said to have attacked him together."
Bu Eunseol’s mouth fell open in shock.
"Why hasn’t this spread throughout the martial world?"
"Doesn’t our Demon Emperor also go to great lengths to hide his martial arts and actions?"
"That’s…"
"Exactly. It’s only natural." Dan Cheong smiled faintly. "The abilities of those who have reached the pinnacle of the martial world are truly boundless. No matter how excellent an intelligence organization is, they can never uncover what those masters wish to conceal."
Bu Eunseol nodded slightly.
Even when he recently met the Profound Demon, Weiji Mu-a, he couldn’t gauge the extent of his martial prowess with his own abilities.
"Now, tell me. How did you do it?" Dan Cheong’s eyes sparkled as he asked.
"Did you meet the Heavenly Emperor?"
Cold sweat ran down Bu Eunseol’s back.
Originally, he had intended to speak honestly about the Cheonui Heart Method. But if the Cheonui Heart Method was the Heavenly Emperor’s martial art?
He couldn’t reveal this fact to Dan Cheong or any demonic figure.
Because this martial art was instilled in him by his grandfather, Bu Zhanyang, whose true identity was still unclear.
"In truth… while pursuing the organization making Human Flowers, I found a method in the texts they left behind." Bu Eunseol fabricated a plausible excuse. "There are only ten acupoints capable of containing energy cores. I thought they likely inserted them in the order listed, so I examined accordingly."
Even if Bu Eunseol’s words were true, statistically speaking, it was a reckless gamble.
But Dan Cheong nodded as if convinced.
"I see."
"Then I’ll return to Majeon."
At that, Iron Master spoke up. "The Ice Soul Sword is still under repair. As soon as it’s completed, I’ll send it via courier."
"Understood." As Bu Eunseol deeply bowed to the two, Dan Cheong took a deep breath.
"Bu Eunseol." And in an infinitely gentle voice, he said, "If you have any unsolvable worries or matters, come back to this pavilion anytime."
‘He’s figured it out.’
Dan Cheong had read the shock and confusion in Bu Eunseol’s eyes just moments ago. And he likely vaguely realized that Bu Eunseol had covered it up with a lie.
Yet, he deliberately pretended not to notice and acted convinced… showing just how much he trusted Bu Eunseol.
"Understood." Bu Eunseol bowed deeply once more.
And he felt it again.
No matter that he was the heir of Majeon or held immense power, his home was right here.
Nangyang Pavilion.
***
Upon returning to Majeon, Bu Eunseol secluded himself in his quarters.
The revelation he heard from Dan Cheong was far too shocking.
"There’s only one person in the world who possesses the secret to steal another’s energy circulation method."
"The Heavenly Emperor."
Bu Eunseol bit his lip.
His grandfather was a master from Shaolin.
Thus, it wasn’t particularly surprising that he learned a secret technique from the greatest master of the orthodox faction. Orthodox martial artists value connections greatly and generously pass down martial arts to those with whom they share a bond.
But what if, by some chance, his grandfather was Seven-Finger Demon Blade and had learned martial arts from the Martial Alliance Leader?
‘A double agent.’ If that were true, his grandfather was highly likely a double agent sent by the orthodox faction, or rather, the Martial Alliance.
‘So that’s how it was.’
Only then did the scattered pieces in Bu Eunseol’s mind come together. Why his grandfather hid his identity. And why he was killed.
‘If this is true, the arrow should naturally point toward Majeon.’
If his grandfather, Bu Zhanyang, was Seven-Finger Demon Blade, an invincible swordsman who inherited both orthodox and demonic martial arts?
The one who would need to kill him, no matter what, would be the demonic faction, and specifically, Majeon. In fact, didn’t the culprit use a terrifying demonic sword technique?
‘Looking back, it was the sound of weapons clashing.’
The ominous yet clear metallic sound Bu Eunseol heard while playing dead and emerging from the iron coffin.
Now that he thought about it, it was clearly the sound of weapons clashing.
But wasn’t his grandfather unarmed at the time? Then why was there the sound of weapons clashing? Could he have fought by seizing the enemy’s weapon?
"No way."
But the culprit had forced his grandfather to offer both arms, which were then severed.
It was likely a threat, using Bu Eunseol’s life, who was staying at Pyeongan Funeral Home, as leverage.
From the start, his grandfather wasn’t in a position to kill the culprit.
"What’s certain is that the culprit’s martial arts were formidable enough to dominate the martial world."
It was clear that his grandfather had mastered Shaolin’s supreme inner energy method and even knew the Heavenly Emperor’s unique secret technique.
To launch an attack against such a master?
That alone proved the culprit was a figure of extraordinary martial prowess.
If one were to narrow down those in the demonic faction with such prowess, it would only be the Demon Emperor, the Three Demons, the Ten Demonic Sect Leaders, or perhaps the Chief Instructor.
"Perhaps the culprit is within Majeon itself."
Bu Eunseol clenched his fist tightly.
Whether his grandfather was Seven-Finger Demon Blade or not was no longer important.
But if his grandfather was connected to the Heavenly Emperor?
The culprit’s identity would inevitably belong to the demonic faction.
"And the forces creating Human Flowers are likely not unrelated to my grandfather’s death."
If they were figures at the pinnacle of the martial world, they would inevitably be involved in the martial world’s affairs. Perhaps the ones creating Human Flowers were also highly likely to be connected to the culprit who killed his grandfather.
"Then I must first find those manufacturing Human Flowers."
Until now, all information about Seven-Finger Demon Blade had come coincidentally, as a byproduct of resolving other matters. But chasing the trail of Seven-Finger Demon Blade without clues was less effective than pursuing these tangible leads.
For now, that was the better choice.
"Summon the captains." Having made up his mind, Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice.
He intended to pursue the clues of the artificial energy cores and once again uncover their true nature.
***
Disguised as the mercenary Seolso, Bu Eunseol secretly left Majeon.
"Just how far have the descendants of Eight Emperors and Three Stars taken control of the martial world?"
Using Human Flowers to create artificial energy cores was a near-impossible, revolutionary feat.
Yet they had succeeded.
To achieve such results, decades, perhaps even centuries of research would have been necessary. If so, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the martial world had long been in the grasp of Eight Emperors and Three Stars’s descendants.
"Perhaps the descendants of the Medicinal Star among Eight Emperors and Three Stars orchestrated this."
That was Yoo Unryong’s opinion.
If they could artificially create energy cores, they must possess medical skills reaching the heavens. Thus, it was highly likely that the descendants of the Medicinal Star among Eight Emperors and Three Stars were involved.
"As you predicted, my Lord, figures that could be called killing stars have recently appeared across the martial world."
That was the response from So Jamyeong, whom he had asked to investigate in advance.
If they fed artificial energy cores to the children kidnapped in Sahyang long ago, it was obvious they would have tested them on others as well. Artificial energy cores showed no particular side effects outwardly, but when excited, uncontrollable killing intent would erupt.
This meant those who consumed artificial energy cores would inevitably cause incidents.
Thus, Bu Eunseol had predicted that figures known as killing stars would soon appear in the martial world.
"Recently, a tremendous killing star appeared in the Imgangbu region."
At So Jamyeong’s words, Bu Eunseol concluded the meeting and immediately headed to Imgangbu. If he could capture that killing star, he would surely seize the tail of the forces creating artificial energy cores.
Whoosh.
Bu Eunseol tirelessly employed qinggong and arrived at Seomok Mountain in Imgangbu in one breath.
Due to the incident with the Black-and-White Witch, Bu Eunseol had become adept at tracking and investigating someone’s whereabouts. Upon inquiring in the vicinity, it was said that a killing star, driven by slaughter mania, had indeed appeared around Seomok Mountain, attacking martial artists.
"Solid information." Bu Eunseol’s gaze grew hazy as he looked at the distant sky. "From now on, I must handle as many things as possible alone."
Originally, he had intended to inform Majeon about the artificial energy cores and send a large number of pursuers. But this incident made him realize there was a high chance that Eight Emperors and Three Stars’s forces or spies had taken root within Majeon or the Ten Demonic Sects.
This meant the culprit who killed his grandfather might be among them. He had to handle everything as secretly and alone as possible.
"I no longer even know what’s demonic or orthodox."
The martial world is divided into demonic and orthodox, seemingly united in solidarity.
But ultimately, what separates these two paths is merely profit and power.
The demonic faction calculates gains and losses, while the orthodox faction is obsessed with fame and expanding influence. And spies exist everywhere. As Bu Eunseol continually experienced these truths, even the distinction between demonic and orthodox was becoming blurred in his eyes.
Whoosh.
He arrived at a village near Seomok Mountain.
Upon arrival, Bu Eunseol immediately surveyed the surroundings and gathered information by questioning people.
And finally, he found the trail.
He confirmed that the killing star, presumed to have an artificial energy core, was hiding near Okryusa, a now-abandoned temple.
Clang! Clang!
But something unexpected happened. As Bu Eunseol arrived near Okryusa, the sound of weapons clashing rang out continuously.
‘There’s someone else here.’
Doubling his movement technique, Bu Eunseol rushed toward the source of the sound. Inside Okryusa, in the courtyard of the crumbling main hall, two shadows were fiercely clashing weapons.
Swish! Whoosh.
The figure in black robes wielded a great saber, while the man in blue robes and a mask used a thin, slender sword. But contrary to their weapons, the black-robed masked figure’s saber technique was swift and agile. Meanwhile, the blue-robed figure’s sword technique, despite using a slender sword, was heavy and grand.
‘That must be the killing star.’
Bu Eunseol immediately discerned that the black-robed figure was the killing star hiding near Okryusa. Not only was there thick killing intent in the black-robed figure’s eyes, but a dark aura emanated from their entire body.
The blue-robed figure had likely tracked the killing star before Bu Eunseol and was trying to capture them.
Boom!
At that moment, the black-robed figure’s saber technique changed.
Suddenly, they swung the great saber like a raging storm, unleashing saber winds to pressure the blue-robed figure.
Whoosh!
The blue-robed figure’s mask was blown off by the wind, revealing their face.
Bu Eunseol was greatly surprised.
The blue-robed figure wielding the slender sword was none other than Namgung Un, the youngest son of the Southern Palace.
‘His skills have improved tremendously.’ The light, carefree demeanor of the past was completely gone, and his entire body exuded the sharp aura of a master swordsman.
In the meantime, Namgung Un had become an exceptional swordsman, almost unrecognizable.
Whoosh!
But the black-robed figure, who had been wildly unleashing saber strikes, suddenly bent their great saber in an eerie manner. Despite pouring all their strength into the saber strikes, Namgung Un wasn’t pushed back, so they seemed to be unleashing their final technique.
Swish!
The great saber, bending like a whip, aimed for Namgung Un’s side.
But Namgung Un, unfazed, raised his golden needle sword to the sky.
Hum!
A strange vibration echoed, and a tremendous pressure poured down from the sky.
At the same time, the black-robed figure’s saber failed to pierce Namgung Un’s side and futilely struck the ground.
Namgung Un hadn’t used the Sky-Soaring Sword but a heavy, powerful sword technique instead.
"That sword technique…"
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened as he watched.
The sword technique Namgung Un used.
Wasn’t it exactly the same heavy sword technique used by the mysterious masked figure who had targeted Dan So-ok in the past?
"Ugh." Unable to withstand the pouring pressure, the black-robed figure groaned loudly and retreated. "I’ll get you next time!"
The black-robed masked figure employed movement techniques to escape into the air. They realized they couldn’t handle Namgung Un with their skills.
Boom!
At that moment, a massive force descended from the sky, blocking the masked figure’s escape route.
It was the force unleashed by Bu Eunseol.
"Urk." The black-robed figure quickly twisted their body, but the force grazed their shoulder.
Groaning, the black-robed figure landed back on the ground and attempted to flee in another direction.
Swish!
But in that instant, Namgung Un’s sword shot out like lightning, lightly piercing the black-robed figure’s chest.
"Argh!" The black-robed figure let out a pained scream.
The flesh wound wasn’t deep. But the immense internal energy poured through, crushing their organs in an instant.
"Ugh." As the black-robed figure staggered, spitting dark blood, Namgung Un swiftly sealed their acupoints.
Pop. Thud.
As the sealed figure collapsed,
"Phew." Namgung Un let out a long sigh and looked around. "Who might you be?"
Whoosh.
As Bu Eunseol descended from the air, Namgung Un’s eyes widened as if they would tear.
"You…" Staring at Bu Eunseol’s disguised face as the mercenary Seolso, Namgung Un spread his arms and rushed forward.
"Brother Bu!" Like a child, he tightly embraced Bu Eunseol and jumped with joy. "It’s been so long! Haha!"
Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile.
Namgung Un had grown tall enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Bu Eunseol, who was over six feet, and his build had become sturdy. Yet his innocent, childlike smile and pure expression remained unchanged.
"You’ve improved by leaps and bounds." Throwing a compliment, Bu Eunseol asked, "And that technique you just used didn’t seem like the Sky-Soaring Sword."
"Haha, that?" Namgung Un scratched his head with a shy smile. "Even though I kept refusing, the Palace Master forcibly put me in the running for the successor… so I had to learn the first three forms of the Southern Palace’s Emperor Sword Form."
Bu Eunseol’s gaze grew heavy.
"So the sword technique that masked figure used… was the Southern Palace’s Emperor Sword Form’s first three forms?"
"Are you the only one who learned the first three forms of the Emperor Sword Form?"
"No way." Namgung Un shook his head. "My elder brothers learned it long ago. But since I wasn’t a candidate for Palace Master, I hadn’t learned it until now."
"I see." A deep furrow formed on Bu Eunseol’s brow.
In the end, the masked figure who commanded the assassins and attacked Dan So-ok was one of the Southern Palace’s direct bloodline.
"But is something wrong?" Noticing Bu Eunseol’s stern expression, Namgung Un cautiously asked. "Your expression looks serious."
‘There’s no need to tell him about this yet.’
"It’s nothing. I was just surprised and asked." Quickly adjusting his expression, Bu Eunseol exclaimed in admiration. "The Southern Palace’s heavy sword technique is truly unparalleled."
The praise was sincere.
The Emperor Sword Form was known to be extremely difficult to master.
Those without talent in swordsmanship could practice their entire lives and still not grasp its basics. Yet Namgung Un, who learned the first three forms late, was already wielding them proficiently.
His playful nature had overshadowed his true worth, but he was a rare martial genius.
"No big deal. How have you been, Brother Bu?" Namgung Un scratched his cheek. "Oh, no. Should I call you Lord now?"
"You knew."
"When you fought the Heavenly Sword… I was lucky enough to be there." Namgung Un rubbed his nose shyly.
He had witnessed the duel between Bu Eunseol, the heir of Majeon, and the Heavenly Sword, the disciple of the Sword Venerable.
Thus, he learned that Bu Eunseol, whom he thought was merely the slayer of the Blade Tyrant Sect Leader and the winner of the Martial Alliance Tournament, was actually the heir of Majeon, shaking the martial world.
"How could I dare call myself your brother?" Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile. "To someone who will become the Palace Master of Southern Palace."
When he met Namgung Un as a mercenary, things were different. Now, he was the heir of Majeon, and Namgung Un was a candidate for the leader of the Southern Palace, the top of the eight great clans.
Bu Eunseol had already reached the pinnacle of status, so it didn’t matter for him. But Namgung Un still had a long way to go. Bu Eunseol was worried that associating with him might cause harm.
"That’s harsh." Namgung Un bared his white teeth. "Have you forgotten my oath? Even if you’re an evildoer despised by the world, my faith in you won’t waver."
“I trust my eyes. Even if you were an evildoer scorned by the world, I’d still believe in you, Brother Bu.”
Back then, when parting with Bu Eunseol, Namgung Un had said this.
And he still remembered and upheld that oath.
"Nothing’s changed."
Namgung Un was rumored to be a wastrel, but in reality, he was a person of great character and magnanimity. The reason Bu Eunseol could swallow his disdain for humanity during his martial journey was precisely because he met someone as good as Namgung Un.
"By the way, you’re still the same, Brother Bu."
"What do you mean?"
"Just… everything." Namgung Un grinned widely.
Even as the heir of Majeon, he showed no arrogance.
His speech and demeanor were unchanged, and his martial prowess had reached an unfathomable level compared to before.
Namgung Un was immensely proud that Bu Eunseol was his sworn brother.
"Same goes for you." Namgung Un was still a good person, someone who saw the world brightly.
And his playful, rough nature remained intact.
"Hahaha. One’s true nature doesn’t change easily, does it?" Namgung Un laughed, showing his white teeth. "But what brings you here?"
Bu Eunseol answered honestly. "Artificial energy cores."
"Huh, how did you know about that?"
Namgung Un blinked and said something strange.
"Could it be that the Divine Mountain Sage approached you too?"
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