Swish! Pop!
Drawing his Ice Soul Sword, Bu Eunseol left traces of the Seven Blood Tear Forms’ fourth form, Desiring Death, No Place Found, across the landscape.
Though he had mastered the complete essence, his practice time was short. He had only used up to the third form in combat.
But seeing Jeong Cheon’s fourth form, Desiring Death, No Place Found, he grasped its practical application.
He could now execute a fairly refined Desiring Death, No Place Found.
Dash!
Leaving traces diligently, Bu Eunseol moved again. Reaching a peak, he saw a vast frozen lake beneath the snow-covered Heavenly Mountains.
In a world that seemed entirely frozen, spotting the pure white lake… Bu Eunseol instinctively paused.
His grandfather, Bu Zhanyang, had taught him to appreciate the grandeur and mystery of nature, as well as its beauty. At the dizzying heights of the Heavenly Mountains, seeing the frozen lake, time seemed to stand still.
Bu Eunseol felt the indescribable majesty of nature and a profound inspiration.
“Human ability may seem limitless, but how can it compare to nature?”
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol gazed endlessly at the lake below.
“…!”
Spotting something in the lake, Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened. Unable to hide his shock, he descended to the frozen lake.
Bending down, he touched the solid ice with his fingertips.
“How.”
There was no need to use Void Heart Command.
He could feel faint, sharp traces with his fingertips.
They were nearly invisible to the naked eye—traces of a technique.
Someone had performed a technique on this vast lake.
“How can a human wield such power?”
Astonishingly, the traces on the lake were left by a single person.
In a single stroke.
Across the entire expanse of the lake.
“So that’s it.” Following the sharp traces, Bu Eunseol recognized a form.
Desiring Death, No Place Found.
The technique etched on the lake was an infinitely expanded version of the Seven Blood Tear Forms’ fourth form.
“The outcast was here too.”
The outcast, who gave Jeong Cheon the manual and hid in the Heavenly Mountains.
He must have passed by here, paused by the lake’s beauty like Bu Eunseol, and, in a surge of inspiration, unleashed the Seven Blood Tear Forms on the lake.
Since snow fell year-round and ice accumulated, no one would see the traces.
“Is such a thing possible with one stroke?”
Bu Eunseol knew the complete essence of the Seven Blood Tear Forms. But he had only performed up to the third form in combat. The fourth was executed haphazardly, mimicking Jeong Cheon.
From that experience, he thought he had somewhat mastered Desiring Death, No Place Found’s essence…
But seeing the form on the lake, Bu Eunseol realized something.
The essence was just the essence.
The Seven Blood Tear Forms he had performed were mere baby steps.
Depending on the practitioner’s ability, the form’s power could vary vastly.
“To think a technique bound by the meaning of death could transform into such a free-spirited form.”
The form etched on the lake…
Wasn’t imbued with the loneliness and solitude of a wanderer seeking a place to die.
Instead, it depicted the journey of a free-spirited wanderer seeking the meaning of death.
In other words, it showed how diversely the Seven Blood Tear Forms could transform based on the concept of death.
“I see.”
Even the same painting could be interpreted differently.
Likewise, the same essence could be interpreted in varied ways.
Bu Eunseol was entranced by the interpretation of the essence in the lake.
How much time had passed?
Jingle.
A bell sound snapped Bu Eunseol back to reality.
Looking around, he saw black shadows densely surrounding the lake.
While he was lost in a trance, puppets had gathered around.
Their numbers were ten, twenty… no, over a hundred.
Puppets possessed tenacious vitality beyond human limits and knew no fear.
Enhanced by the Ignition Pill, they had immense power. Moreover, Bu Eunseol stood on a slippery lake.
Unable to firmly plant his stance on such a surface, he couldn’t fully unleash his martial arts.
Normally, he would have used his movement technique to escape the lake, widen the distance, and exploit the loosened encirclement to defeat them.
But now, he had no such intention.
He forgot the constraint of not fully using his martial arts and the numerous tactics in his mind.
He only wanted to stand here. He didn’t want to move a single step.
Clang.
Bu Eunseol drew his Ice Soul Sword.
Looking at the surrounding puppets, he said softly.
“Come at me, meat sacks.”
Jingle jingle jingle!
The bells rang out from all directions as the puppets charged frantically.
But Bu Eunseol’s gaze was already fixed on the distant sky, no longer on them.
Recalling the essence of the Seven Blood Tear Forms, his heart filled with loneliness and sorrow.
An eerie impulse to slit his own throat surged within him.
The Seven Blood Tear Forms Bu Eunseol interpreted…
Outwardly resembled a demonic technique… but in truth, it wasn’t about slaying enemies but yearning for one’s own death.
The struggle of an invincible wanderer filled with sadness and grief.
But the one who performed the technique on the lake saw death as a journey.
Even the joy of a wanderer heading to an unknown destination was woven into it.
Bu Eunseol wanted to emulate that emotion.
Whoosh!
Hundreds of sword energies rose from Bu Eunseol’s body. Despite this, the puppets swung their broadswords, charging at him.
“Those without souls can’t savor the meaning of death.”
If they were human, they would have fled at the terrifying sight. But these were puppets, unable to distinguish life from death.
Even seeing Bu Eunseol’s Seven Blood Tear Forms, enlightened by the lake’s traces, they charged without fear.
Slash!
A miraculous event occurred.
The puppets clearly dodged the scattered sword energies as they charged.
Yet, where they pierced through, Bu Eunseol was absent, and only sharp sword energies awaited.
The Desiring Death, No Place Found Bu Eunseol interpreted turned a hundred yards into a space of death in an instant.
But the outcast’s Desiring Death, No Place Found didn’t attack with sword energies… it controlled the enemy’s movements by scattering them.
Every movement to avoid the energies exposed vulnerabilities.
‘Now, combine it with the original essence.’
Understanding the outcast’s interpretation, Bu Eunseol advanced the form further.
Closer to the original essence of the Seven Blood Tear Forms.
A form of one who yearns for death.
Swirl!
The chaotically scattered sword energies of Desiring Death, No Place Found began to guide all enemies within a specific space toward death.
It transformed into an ultimate technique that manipulated both the enemy’s body and spirit.
Slash! Slash!
But the puppets, unable to perceive death’s meaning, charged bravely.
Splatter.
Clumps of blood sprayed, staining the lake.
The once-transparent lake turned a chilling blood-red.
Silence descended.
Drip drip drip.
Blood dripped endlessly from the tip of the Ice Soul Sword, pointed downward.
In less than a quarter-hour, he had beheaded over a hundred charging puppets in one stroke.
But Bu Eunseol’s eyes were filled with stillness.
There was no joy in victory or excitement from mastering a new form.
Instead, he was contemplating the desolate heart of Bu Zhanyang, who created the Seven Blood Tear Forms.
‘What did he feel watching his enemies’ deaths? Perhaps his own death?’
The Seven-Finger Demon Blade likely believed only death brought peace. Hence, his endless yearning for it.
“He had no attachment to life…” Bu Eunseol said, gazing at the distant sky.
“Then why did even slaying enemies cause him pain?”
Clank.
Sheathing his Ice Soul Sword, Bu Eunseol sighed deeply.
Without aligning one’s spirit with the essence of the Seven Blood Tear Forms, it would merely be a flashy technique.
Thus, even a prodigy like Jeong Cheon couldn’t master a single form properly, falling into despair akin to ruin. Had he overcome his obsession with surpassing Bu Eunseol and his burning ambition…
He, too, might have mastered a different form of the Seven Blood Tear Forms.
“The Seven Blood Tear Forms cannot be wielded by a martial artist consumed by intense desire.”
The outcast, seeing Jeong Cheon’s obsession with strength, taught him the Seven Blood Tear Forms, which could only be mastered by shedding all attachments.
But Jeong Cheon’s obsession was deeper than the outcast anticipated. Thus, giving him the manual with the forms… became the catalyst that drove him to his death.
“Haa.” Bu Eunseol let out a deep sigh.
To master the Seven Blood Tear Forms, one must view life and death as equal. Only by letting go of all attachments and achieving transcendence could it be wielded.
“Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Seven-Finger Demon Blade.”
The more he mastered the Seven Blood Tear Forms, the more his admiration for the Seven-Finger Demon Blade grew.
He faced his own death incessantly while cutting down enemies. What he cut wasn’t his enemies but himself, bound by countless attachments.
“Bu Zhanyang, weren’t you an unrivaled warrior who rivaled the greatest masters?” A sigh escaped Bu Eunseol’s lips. “Why did the deputy lord of Majeon, an invincible warrior revered by martial artists, seek transcendence like a Buddhist monk?”
The more he mastered the Seven Blood Tear Forms, the more his reverence and respect for the enigmatic Seven-Finger Demon Blade surged.
Step step.
Having defeated all the puppets, Bu Eunseol walked calmly.
His spirit, having performed Desiring Death, No Place Found, was in harmony with the Seven-Finger Demon Blade of the past. Hiding loneliness and pain, he walked the snow-covered path ceaselessly, like a man forged of steel.
“….”
Suddenly, he sensed a presence.
Looking up, he saw a middle-aged man in tattered martial robes. His face was hidden by a veil, but his eyes were filled with loneliness.
In contrast, his aura was resolute, and a bold crescent blade hung at his waist.
“Who are you?” A faint hostility gleamed in the man’s eyes. “How can you use the Seven Blood Tear Forms?”
‘He’s come.’
Bu Eunseol snapped to attention and looked at the man.
Having survived the Three Realms’ pursuit alone for so long, he likely possessed exceptional martial skills, vast martial experience, and countless battles on the edge of life and death.
“I am Bu Eunseol.”
“Bu Eunseol?”
The man’s eyes flashed as he looked at him.
“Wait.” Scanning the surroundings, he nodded. “No, they’re moving on.”
Bu Eunseol was slightly surprised.
He hadn’t heard any sounds, yet the man sensed where the puppets were heading.
‘Perhaps it’s only natural.’
The Seven-Finger Demon Blade was an invincible warrior. If he had learned his technique, he would naturally possess such skill.
Considering the passage of time, he might have achieved martial arts beyond Bu Eunseol’s imagination.
“Bu Eunseol, a humble martial artist, greets the elder.”
Bu Eunseol clasped his hands respectfully.
Through the Seven Blood Tear Forms, he had come to respect Bu Zhanyang of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, if only slightly. Thus, the middle-aged man who had learned his technique felt like a senior disciple.
“Where did you learn the Seven Blood Tear Forms?” The man’s voice was solemn and low.
Bu Eunseol clasped his hands and answered.
“I obtained its essence by chance.”
“Essence?” The man asked, puzzled. “Where did you obtain it?”
If he were an ordinary martial artist, he might have told the truth.
But Bu Eunseol hesitated.
The man only recognized the Seven Blood Tear Forms and hadn’t revealed anything about himself.
‘I must be cautious.’
Bu Eunseol had never trusted someone in a short time. He always judged after long periods and shared experiences.
Because a person’s character and intentions couldn’t be known quickly.
“I found it in a cave near Gold King Mountain.”
Bu Eunseol referenced the place where the Seven-Finger Demon Blade and the Needle King had met.
“Gold King Mountain?”
“Yes.”
“Hmph.” The man’s eyes flashed as he sighed. “So, you’re one of the Three Realms’ spies.”
“What do you mean?”
“He never left behind any essence. Nor did he wish his martial arts to be passed down.”
A glint sparked in the man’s eyes.
“The Three Realms have set countless traps. Pretending to help me or sending spies in various ways.”
Bu Eunseol could understand his reaction.
Having evaded the Three Realms alone for so long and thwarted their schemes, how cautious and suspicious must he be?
Most would have spoken honestly by now.
But Bu Eunseol, despite the man’s sharp reaction, concealed the truth.
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t believe me. I have a question.”
“What?”
“What is your relationship with the Seven-Finger Demon Blade?”
The man snorted.
“Why should I tell you?”
“Because I am the heir of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade.”
“What?” The man looked at Bu Eunseol with disbelief.
“You claim to be his heir?”
“Yes.”
“You think obtaining the essence makes you his heir?”
“Take it as you will.” As Bu Eunseol answered cryptically,
“Fine.” The man’s eyes gleamed coldly. “Then prove it.”
“How?”
“Come at me.” The man tapped the handle of his crescent blade. “If you can perform all seven forms against me, I’ll acknowledge you.”
With a resolute expression, he stared at Bu Eunseol.
“If you prove it, I’ll tell you everything I know.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
Proving he was the heir by demonstrating the technique wasn’t an unreasonable demand.
The Seven Blood Tear Forms were known only to him and this man.
It would be definitive proof.
But Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“My skills are lacking, and I’ve only mastered three forms.”
“Three forms?”
“Yes. But I can recite the entire essence, so why not verify that?”
“Hmm.”
Narrowing his eyes, the man said.
“Alright, recite the essence. But if you get it wrong…” Looking at his crescent blade, he said coldly.
“I’ll cut your head off immediately.”
“Very well.” Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol began reciting the essence.
“Absorb the Pure Qi, Seeking Life in Death, Shrink Like a Dragon…”
Each word of the essence Bu Eunseol recited held profound principles. The man closed his eyes, narrowing them, as if verifying its accuracy.
Bu Eunseol glanced around, stepped closer, and made a troubled expression.
“Must I recite it all?”
“Yes.” Sighing, Bu Eunseol nodded reluctantly. “Understood.”
Without hesitation, he drew his Ice Soul Sword like lightning and slashed at the man’s neck.
Flash!
A purple lightning bolt zigzagged, slicing toward the man’s neck.
Pop!
Astonishingly, the Unmatched Thunderbolt, executed at point-blank range, missed.
The man twisted his body like lightning at the moment the strike was unleashed.
But it left a long gash near his shoulder.
“Heh heh heh.” Despite being struck, the man lowered his head and chuckled softly. “How did you know?”
Raising his head, his eyes were black. The eerie glint suggested not drugs or external factors but a special technique.
“There was nothing to suspect.”
“I almost fell for it.” Bu Eunseol snorted. “Pretending to be suspicious was clever, and verifying the essence was a solid method.”
“And?”
“But if the one testing doesn’t know the true essence, isn’t that strange?” Bu Eunseol smiled coldly.
“Even though I mixed in the general principles of the Nangyang Pavilion’s martial arts from the start, you didn’t show a hint of doubt.”
Bu Eunseol’s suspicion was extraordinary.
He hadn’t fully trusted the man and had mixed the Nangyang Pavilion’s general principles into the Seven Blood Tear Forms’ essence.
“The Nangyang Pavilion, I see.” The man gave a wry smile.
Both the Nangyang Pavilion’s martial arts and the Seven Blood Tear Forms were pinnacle demonic techniques. Even when mixed, there was no awkwardness.
“Impressive. You kept your intentions hidden and maintained suspicion to the end.” The man’s deep voice shifted to that of an old man. “No wonder you’ve survived, thwarting the Three Realms’ plans time and again.”
Crack.
As if shedding his disguise, the man’s frame shrank, and his eyes behind the veil looked different.
‘It’s him.’
Bu Eunseol instinctively knew.
This was the masked old man who had driven Jeong Cheon into the abyss, luring him to the Three Realms’ underground fortress and turning him into a broken man.
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