"My Lord.”
Dae Guhwi bowed his head, suppressing the pounding in his chest.
In the past, he had been favored, but after losing his beast control power, Dae Gon had turned away from him as if he were a different person. He had offered no help even while knowing full well the hardships Dae Guhwi endured from his jealous brothers.
Yet now, thanks to the aid of these two men, he had won the Grand Wild Cultivation Ceremony… Dae Gon might even resent that.
“These two are—” The moment Dae Guhwi stammered to speak,
“Be quiet.” Dae Gon’s low, solemn voice rang out.
Dae Guhwi broke into a cold sweat and stepped back.
“Return first.”
“What?” Startled, Dae Guhwi involuntarily raised his head.
Dae Gon’s expression was rigid, his bulging eyes blazing like the sun.
‘Is the Lord angry?’
Because these two were outsiders invited so suddenly? Or because I produced a champion?
Suppressing his tangled thoughts, Dae Guhwi gathered his courage and opened his mouth again.
"My Lord, I—”
“I said return.”
At Dae Gon’s stern words, Dae Guhwi bit his lip. He bowed and fled the tent as if escaping.
Once Dae Guhwi left, Dae Gon’s tiger-like eyes flashed as he stared at Nae Bihon.
“So.”
Snorting, he twitched his thick brows and spoke.
“Why has the Thunder God who dominates the Central Plains martial world hidden his identity to enter my palace?”
It turned out he had already discerned Nae Bihon’s true identity.
“You’d best answer carefully.” A mountain-like aura poured from Dae Gon’s body. “Unless you thought my palace was a place anyone could come and stir up as they please.”
The Grand Wild Cultivation Ceremony was a venue to gauge the successors’ abilities. He likely believed Nae Bihon had intruded into the Beast Palace without permission and ruined the tournament.
“Let my brother explain.” Since Bu Eunseol had planned everything, it was only right to leave the explanation to him.
At Nae Bihon’s words, Bu Eunseol nodded and stepped forward.
"My Lord, to be honest, Brother Nae has lost both his power and memories.”
Dae Gon’s eyes flashed. The Thunder God, one of the Four Gods, whose fame shone like the sun in the sky—had he truly lost all strength and memory?
Moreover, this was the Beast Palace’s main stronghold. If Dae Gon harbored ill intent, he could instantly kill one of the Four Gods and gain immense renown.
Yet Bu Eunseol continued with an unruffled expression.
“And to restore Brother Nae’s power, we need the Lord’s assistance.”
“Astonishing.” Dae Gon stroked his chin. “The Thunder God of the world has lost his power. And he needs my help…”
Stroking his chin again, he asked in an exceedingly low voice, “Why reveal all this so candidly to me?”
In negotiations, the greatest mistake is laying all your cards on the table.
“You speak as if you already trust me.”
“I do not trust the Lord.”
“Then?”
Bu Eunseol replied without hesitation, confidently.
“Because this is the Beast Palace.”
Those words carried countless meanings.
The Beast Palace operated on no schemes or tricks. Its lords had led through generations by trusting beast-like sharp senses and instincts.
Bu Eunseol knew this well and thus spoke everything openly.
“You trusted the palace, not me…” Unknowingly, Dae Gon wore a pleased smile.
As the lord guiding the Beast Palace, and as its disciple, it was the highest praise.
“If you say that, you must have studied my character in advance.”
“Indeed.”
Through the Death Spirit Corps, Bu Eunseol had learned that Dae Gon brimmed with pride as Palace Lord, despising strategists who solved everything with their heads.
Had Nae Bihon or Bu Eunseol flaunted their identities or schemed to meet him?
He would never have dealt with them.
Yet Bu Eunseol and Nae Bihon never revealed themselves to the end, willingly following the Beast Palace’s laws. They fought the Grand Wild Cultivation Ceremony silently even in unfair conditions and now stood here.
From this, Dae Gon would acknowledge their efforts thus far.
“So it is.”
Then Nae Bihon spoke out of turn. “I thought my brother trusted Guhwi.”
“Guhwi?” Dae Gon frowned. “The Thunder God’s eyesight must also be failing.”
Tsking, he said, “That boy can’t even awaken his beast control power and is ostracized by his brothers. In short, he’s a figurehead successor with no real authority.”
“You’re his father, yet you know nothing.” Nae Bihon declared boldly. “Whether he has power or not, Guhwi is loyal and upright. If you can’t trust a child like that, your eyes are mere ornaments—or blind.”
“What did you just say?”
An indescribable, overwhelming aura burst from Dae Gon.
It filled the vast tent, pressing down on Nae Bihon’s body.
“Are your ears failing too?” Yet Nae Bihon’s once-gentle face froze like eternal ice. “I said if you can’t trust a child like that, your eyes are ornaments—or blind.”
Silence fell for a long moment.
If Dae Gon’s anger erupted here, Bu Eunseol would have to face all thirty thousand disciples of the Beast Palace.
“Heh heh heh. Ha ha ha ha!” Suddenly, Dae Gon roared with laughter.
The sound boomed, shaking the entire tent.
“Yes, exactly. If you can’t trust a child like that, your eyes are ornaments.” Stopping his laughter, he wore a bitter expression.
“Guhwi watched his mother die horribly, and witnessing that tragic death sealed his talent.”
Nae Bihon looked puzzled.
So he cared deeply for Dae Guhwi?
“Then why not help the boy?”
“I am the lord guiding the Beast Palace before I am a father. I cannot lavish attention on one child alone.” In a low voice, he sighed. “And to become a warrior leading the palace, one must overcome any hardship alone.”
Surprisingly, Dae Gon had always believed in Dae Guhwi.
Because he had inherited outstanding talent.
He would surely escape despair on his own and display astonishing ability again.
“So, Brother Nae, what do you desire?”
In truth, Dae Gon had instantly recognized the flash Nae Bihon used when destroying the Gate of Ten Thousand Beasts mechanism as Thunder Divine Energy.
Yet he neither pointed it out nor questioned it.
Because the great master of the Central Plains, the Thunder God, had deliberately lowered his status and identity to serve under Dae Guhwi.
Considering the Thunder God’s name and position, he could have demanded a private audience with no objection. Yet he entered under his son and fought the Grand Wild Cultivation Ceremony.
That sincerity alone made Dae Gon inevitably favor Nae Bihon.
Nae Bihon glanced at Bu Eunseol, who stepped forward at once.
“We need the Field of Divine Spirits.”
“The Field of Divine Spirits. I see.”
The Field of Divine Spirits was a divine artifact capable of drawing heavenly lightning.
In the past, the Beast Palace used it to repel evil energies lingering near the palace and purify the land. But with no further need for lightning’s power, it had been stored in the treasury.
“I’ll lend it.” Dae Gon answered readily, without lengthy words.
He asked nothing of benefits or reciprocal deeds. He could feel that this young man and Nae Bihon were the type who repaid any favor without fail.
‘Good fortune.’ Bu Eunseol inwardly sighed in relief.
He had chosen to enter the Beast Palace by exploiting Dae Gon’s cherished Dae Guhwi.
Dae Gon might have guessed the scheme and taken offense.
But the gamble succeeded.
Dae Gon understood their efforts and quietly rejoiced that they had helped Dae Guhwi. Because he cared for the boy deep down.
Had the Death Spirit Corps not provided that information? Bu Eunseol could never have obtained the Field of Divine Spirits so easily.
“However.” Dae Gon rose and said, “There is one condition.”
Taking a deep breath, he continued. “Guhwi is material capable of mastering the Power of the Wild to its pinnacle. Yet despite his outstanding talent, he has not bloomed.”
Rising, Dae Gon’s presence poured out intimidation like a colossal elephant.
“Take him with you, give him various experiences. Help him manifest his beast control power once more.”
“That is—” Bu Eunseol could not answer easily.
This journey was less a perilous martial world trek and more a visit to hidden sects seeking cooperation.
“The remaining path is not a dangerous martial journey but merely visiting sects to gain their aid.”
“No matter. I’ll be satisfied if you simply take him along.” Dae Gon smiled faintly. “You already have a record of splendidly blooming a young martial genius’s talent.”
In that moment, Bu Eunseol realized Dae Gon had grasped his identity.
‘Because of the Power of the Wild.’
Thanks to mastering the Power of the Wild, Bu Eunseol could instantly absorb the Beast Palace’s beast martial arts. And the only one to master the Power of the Wild at a young age was Nangyang Pavilion’s successor, Bu Eunseol.
And that Nangyang Pavilion successor Bu Eunseol had bloomed the talent of Heaven and Earth Severing Sect’s successor, Hyeok Sojin… a fact known to the entire martial world.
“Anyway, once the Field of Divine Spirits is used up, someone will need to retrieve it. I’ll entrust that to you.”
Bu Eunseol sighed.
With the Lord of the Beast Palace saying this much, he had no grounds to refuse.
“Understood. However, I cannot guarantee he will master the Power of the Wild on this journey.”
“Of course. As I said again, taking him along will satisfy me.”
“Understood.” When Bu Eunseol nodded, Dae Gon spoke with an unprecedented gentle expression.
“I entrust him to you.”
It was like politely sending a child to an excellent master.
Dae Gon truly cared for Dae Guhwi, merely regretting his unbloomed talent. But now with a good teacher, he believed the boy would surely master the Power of the Wild.
"My Lord!” Then, with a cry like a scream, Dae Guhwi burst frantically into the tent.
Behind him, the guards watching the tent flustered and dragged him out.
“Sorry! We told him he couldn’t re-enter, but he insisted…”
“Enough. Let him be.” Dae Gon dismissed the guards.
“What brings you?”
“Well…” Dae Guhwi looked at Bu Eunseol and Nae Bihon.
Hearing Dae Gon’s booming laughter, he had thought something terrible happened.
—The Lord never wanted me to win.
He must have examined the two men’s inner energy, realized they weren’t his subordinates but hastily assembled, and in anger struck at them.
— I can’t just stand by!
He couldn’t let the two who trusted him for the tournament die by the Lord’s hand. Risking his life, he had forced his way back in.
‘What is going on?’
Yet now, nothing seemed amiss, and smiles even lingered on their faces?
“Why did you return?” At Dae Gon’s question, Dae Guhwi stammered,
“I… thought the Lord disliked them and struck out.”
“What nonsense.” Dae Guhwi could not meet Dae Gon’s solemn gaze and lowered his head.
“Because… you wouldn’t want me to win.”
Dae Gon frowned.
Only now did he realize Dae Guhwi not only resented him but harbored deep misunderstanding.
A common misconception stern fathers receive from their children.
“All I did… was bring these two, enter the tournament, and gain profit by chance.”
“Meeting capable men like them is also your ability.” Dae Gon said in a low voice. “I waited long. For you to break free. And for good connections to reach you.”
Dae Gon knew well that Dae Guhwi was constantly checked by his brothers. And that his subordinates for the tournament had suffered severe injuries because of it.
But heaven helps those who help themselves.
Dae Guhwi never gave up, striving endlessly, and thus connected with outstanding men to win the tournament.
“But why until now…” Dae Guhwi bit his lip. “Why treat me so coldly?”
Unable to contain the surging grievance, Dae Guhwi demanded, “Why ignore the baseless jealousy and ostracism from my brothers?”
“Hah.” Dae Gon’s face twisted with complex emotions as he sighed deeply.
“To become material to lead the palace, one must overcome trials alone. The lord cannot favor one with special talent.” Shaking his head, he looked down at Dae Guhwi. “But now that you’ve won, subordinates in the palace will gradually follow you. Do your best from now on.”
At this utterly unexpected reply, Dae Guhwi wore a dazed expression.
He had always resented Dae Gon’s heartless attitude, thinking of him as a cruel father who couldn’t bear his son’s incompetence.
But in truth… because he believed in him, believed he would shatter trials himself.
He had calmly waited.
“Return.” Deeming his words too long, Dae Gon spoke coldly again. “The talk isn’t over. Interrupt once more, and I’ll punish you severely.”
Emerging outside, Dae Guhwi gazed at the distant sky with a dreamy expression.
‘Was I a foolish child?’
The next lord to lead the Beast Palace must never yield to any trial.
The father he had resented had merely believed and waited. It was he who had misconstrued and misunderstood that intent.
Then from now on, things must change.
‘I… will try again.’ Dae Guhwi clenched his fists tightly.
After losing his beast control power, he had abandoned any thought of becoming lord. He only wanted to be recognized as his father’s son, clinging to the successor position.
But his heart had changed.
He would regain support and compete fairly with his brothers.
‘Mother, watch over me.’
From now on, he would devote everything to manifesting his beast control power again.
And if he could bloom his talent once more… Dae Guhwi could become the successor to lead the Beast Palace.
***
Contrary to its name “Field,” the Field of Divine Spirits was a sleek metal rod.
It also had layered folding mechanisms to adjust its length.
By Dae Gon’s order, Dae Guhwi carried the Field of Divine Spirits and left the Beast Palace with Bu Eunseol and the others.
“Please take good care of me. Great Hero Nae, Master Seol.”
Having heard from Dae Gon that Nae Bihon was the Thunder God overlooking the martial world, Dae Guhwi’s attitude had become extremely cautious.
“What care is needed?” Nae Bihon smiled openly. “You’ve already mastered excellent martial arts. Just draw it out again—no need to worry excessively.”
“Thank you.”
The two conversing warmly looked like father and son.
Bu Eunseol wore a faint smile and nodded.
“Then let us depart.”
Leaving the Beast Palace, Bu Eunseol’s party headed straight for Yunnan.
There lay a sect possessing the second divine artifact to revive Nae Bihon’s Thunder Divine Energy.
The Valley of Lost Souls.
Despite its grim name—where even souls forget—this place was where masters weary of the martial world secluded themselves, or those in anguish sought refuge.
Because entering the Valley of Lost Souls allowed one to forget painful memories and live in peace.
However, not just anyone could enter.
Only those who naturally passed the Ghost Valley Gate set by the Valley of Lost Souls could enter the valley.
The Ghost Valley Gate did not harm people; it was said to screen those with reason to enter… those with unforgettable pain. If unqualified to enter the Valley of Lost Souls, one would wander inside the Ghost Valley Gate and eventually exit naturally.
Once, many in the martial world sought to enter the Valley of Lost Souls.
Rumors spread that once inside, one could live happily, never leaving again. Indeed, some martial masters who entered, at their families’ and sects’ requests, had emerged from the Valley of Lost Souls.
—I hate the outside. I’ll return to the Valley of Lost Souls.
But all who emerged wished to return.
It was like a fairy realm with only happiness and beauty, incomparably happier than the outside world.
Eventually, those pulled out by sects and families returned to the Valley of Lost Souls.
—Let’s go to the Valley of Lost Souls too!
As such rumors spread, countless people flocked to the Valley of Lost Souls.
—There are conditions to enter the Valley of Lost Souls.
Then the Valley Lord spoke to the crowds.
—First, you must be a despairing martial artist; second, you must pass the Ghost Valley Gate.
Despite those conditions, multitudes rushed to the Valley of Lost Souls. But contrary to expectations, those who hurriedly entered emerged disappointed.
Life in the Valley of Lost Souls was far from prosperous or happy by ordinary eyes.
—The legend of the Valley of Lost Souls was nonsense.
As those who entered spread the word, the fervent interest in the Valley of Lost Souls vanished instantly, and even its existence was forgotten.
On the mid-slopes of Cheonpung Mountain in Yunnan stood an uninhabited mountain lodge.
Perhaps due to the eerie mist rising everywhere, the closed lodge gate looked like the entrance to hell.
Step, step.
Yet then, three shadows pierced the mist and approached. It was Bu Eunseol’s party.
“So this is the mechanism testing those entering the Valley of Lost Souls.” Muttering as he gazed up at the lodge, Nae Bihon wore a worried expression matching Dae Guhwi.
“Can we enter too?” Knowing the valley’s tales, he looked anxious.
“According to the old rumors, only martial artists full of worry and care could enter.” Bu Eunseol replied calmly. “If we cannot enter, we must make it so we can.”
He absolutely had to enter the Valley of Lost Souls and obtain the Profound Hunt Stone.
To find the Blade Emperor’s descendant.
And to recover the true Nae Bihon sealed in oblivion.
Step, step.
Bu Eunseol walked toward the lodge without hesitation.
Creak.
Entering, the old door opened on its own.
Inside was pitch black, like a giant monster with its dark maw wide open.
“Let’s go.” At Bu Eunseol’s words, Nae Bihon and Dae Guhwi followed.
Thud.
The lodge door closed.
Instantly, darkness filled everything.
Likely a mechanism had been activated.
Whoosh.
Then suddenly, intense light bloomed before their eyes, and the surroundings began turning white.
As the light faded, an unbelievable scene unfolded.
The dark lodge interior had transformed into a bright garden blooming with flowers, fragrant scents wafting.
Whoo.
A soft, warm breeze blew from somewhere.
Each time it brushed their hair, faint memories began flowing into their minds.
The happiest moments of their lives.
For Bu Eunseol, those were the memories with his grandfather Bu Zhanyang.
‘A formation can do this?’
Bu Eunseol could not hide his shock.
Having reached Spirit Regulation Harmony, he could block any intrusion into his spirit.
Yet merely seeing the surroundings, smelling the fragrant flowers… evoked happy memories?
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