“Pavilion Lord, are you all right?”
Bu Eunseol supported the fallen Ok Yuha.
A sharp dagger was deeply embedded in her lower abdomen.
“I’m fine.”
Ok Yuha spoke calmly, even as she staggered.
“That demoness is vicious. Even though A-Yeon is no longer in her spirit, she kept up the act the whole time—just to create this situation and break me…”
“Pavilion Lord, say no more.” Bu Eunseol swiftly sealed her acupoints to stop the bleeding and turned to the Sword Pavilion disciples.
“Treat the Pavilion Lord at once. I’ll handle things here.”
At his words, the disciples rushed forward and supported Ok Yuha.
“A-Yeon is no longer of this world… You must execute the demoness borrowing her body.” Ok Yuha pleaded earnestly, blood trickling from her mouth.
“That is the only way to preserve A-Yeon’s honor—and the Sword Pavilion’s.”
Bu Eunseol nodded gravely.
“Rest easy and receive treatment.”
The Sword Pavilion disciples carried Ok Yuha away, swiftly unleashing their qinggong.
Once they were gone, A-Yeon—no, the demoness Eunra—smiled faintly.
“If you had joined forces with her from the start, you could have subdued me easily. Why didn’t you?”
“…”
“Did you know that forcing me down wouldn’t restore the original personality?”
Bu Eunseol sighed and shook his head.
Despite having the skill to overwhelm Ok Yuha’s swordsmanship, Eunra had deliberately drawn out the fight, leaving deep scars on her master’s heart.
Cruel tactics.
“A-Yeon is truly gone.” Bu Eunseol nodded. “Then there’s no choice.”
“You think you can win?” Eunra smiled coyly.
She was utterly cunning and ruthless enough to stab her own master, Ok Yuha, without hesitation.
“Wonder if you have something different this time?”
Eunra deliberately mimicked A-Yeon’s voice, radiating leisure.
In a duel between masters, tension usually hung taut like a drawn bowstring.
Yet Eunra remained utterly relaxed.
Part of it was her sharply elevated martial arts, but more than that—she knew Bu Eunseol could not kill her.
“You went to the trouble of bringing the Sword Pavilion rabble here, desperately hoping to undo the brainwashing. What a pity.” Eunra wore a playful smile. “But why help A-Yeon? You never spared her a glance before. Feeling regret now that the fish has slipped away?”
Bu Eunseol did not answer. He simply drew his sword.
Words were pointless against this opponent.
He would subdue her with martial arts at once.
Shing!
His Silent Tiger Soul Sword flashed with ferocious light.
An icy chill colder than frost poured toward her body.
Feigning a sword technique, he unleashed the full might of the Heavenly Glacial Secret in a single burst.
“Impressive.”
Sensing the invisible torrent, A-Yeon drew a wide circle.
A fierce vortex formed, instantly reversing the freezing chill that seemed capable of icing the world.
Truly astonishing swordsmanship.
Whoosh.
Undeterred, Bu Eunseol unleashed the Heavenly Glacial Secret once more.
As if determined to land it no matter her technique.
“Planning to freeze me solid and then undo the brainwashing?”
Smiling playfully, A-Yeon circled him rapidly with swift movement, continuously pouring out sword techniques.
Whirr!
Her swordsmanship was extraordinary, instantly forming an invisible barrier around them.
Yet the power of the Heavenly Glacial Secret was immense.
Even grazing it froze the skin and stung like needles.
“Your inner force is truly remarkable.”
Eunra continued mimicking A-Yeon’s voice while wielding her sword.
Her own swordsmanship had risen dramatically and even amid the pouring Heavenly Glacial Secret, she spotted openings in Bu Eunseol and counterattacked.
The terror of merged personalities lay here: no matter the situation, she could coldly and swiftly assess the enemy’s movements and mental state from head to toe.
No matter how profound Bu Eunseol’s swordsmanship or how overwhelming his true qi arts, she instantly found flaws and struck back.
‘Indeed.’
Bu Eunseol could only admire Eunra’s fighting style.
No matter what martial art he unleashed, she waited for the exact moment of release, then countered with precise movements, like a starving lion pouncing on prey.
Was that not something possible only upon reaching the perfect realm of Nangyang Heart Eye, which even he had yet to fully master?
‘Subduing her is impossible.’
Amid the flashing blades and swords, Bu Eunseol’s eyes grew colder.
Since subduing her was impossible, in the end, he would have to pour out full power and fell her.
Humm.
Black true qi spread from his back, wrapping around her.
He had unleashed the Wishful True Binding.
Thud thud thud!
Infused with the Crystal Divine Energy, the Wishful True Binding became tough as raw rubber.
Yet as Eunra swung her sword, the protective layer melted away like snow.
“What a strange technique.”
As Eunra swung continuously with utmost leisure,
Boom!
Suddenly, purple light flashed from Bu Eunseol’s left hand as a fist force surged forth.
He had executed the Heaven Hand Void Break with Thunder Spirit Energy.
Bang!
His switch from Wishful True Binding to the Seven Fist Demon styles was faster than light.
From A-Yeon’s perspective, she had been fending off bizarre true qi swords—only for a crimson-whirling fist force to suddenly erupt.
With a thunderous roar, she was flung five chang away.
Sizzle!
As Bu Eunseol closed the distance with lightning movement,
Flash!
Purple lightning began zigzagging from his Silent Tiger Soul Sword.
The ultimate swift killing sword—Unmatched Thunderbolt Form—was unleashed.
“No way…!” A-Yeon shouted defiantly as she attempted a counter.
Slash! Slash!
But the pouring killing sword bizarrely bent, digging toward her throat.
He had instantly shifted Unmatched Thunderbolt Form into Nine Dragons Flashing Thunder.
“Urk!”
In the end, Eunra groaned and retreated.
Unable to perfectly block Nine Dragons Flashing Thunder, a wound appeared on her left forearm.
No matter how exquisite her martial arts, no matter how flawless her techniques or how instantly she pierced enemy flaws, without matching speed and power, it was useless.
Once Bu Eunseol resolved to pour out true force, she could not dare to counter.
“How dare you…!”
Eunra roared, attempting the ultimate move of Dreamlike Enlightenment Sword.
But that was her mistake.
Bu Eunseol had already received the full essence of Dreamlike Enlightenment from A-Yeon herself.
Shing.
Crimson light bloomed from the Silent Tiger Soul Sword, now sheathed.
Anticipating her Dreamlike Enlightenment Sword move, he seized the moment, preparing to unleash the Meteor Chasing the Moon Form.
“This is A-Yeon’s body!”
Realizing his sword technique would kill her, Eunra screamed.
“You don’t care if she dies?!”
With just the initiating stance of Meteor Chasing the Moon Form, Eunra already tasted death.
She who had dreamed of roaming the martial world in A-Yeon’s body, now faced true death and thrashed in terror.
“No choice.” Bu Eunseol gripped his Silent Tiger Soul Sword tightly and spoke coldly. “If the brainwashing isn’t undone, you’ll keep targeting me endlessly.”
Eunra had nothing to say.
Even if she swore not to, those eyes would never believe her.
Seeing the thick killing intent in Bu Eunseol’s gaze, her body stiffened.
‘No!’
Humm.
Just as crimson light whirled from his Silent Tiger Soul Sword, ready to strike,
“Stop!”
At that moment, a thunderous shout rang from the distant sky, accompanied by tremendous force surging toward Bu Eunseol.
Boom!
With an explosion, the spot where Bu Eunseol stood caved into a deep crater five chang wide.
Tap.
Simultaneously, a gray shadow descended beside A-Yeon.
An old man with phoenix-like long eyes, radiating sharp aura.
At his fingertips swirled force capable of collapsing the heavens.
‘The Bullet King?’
Eunra’s eyes widened.
Standing beside her was none other than the Bullet King, newly appointed lord of the Martial Alliance.
“Are you all right?”
Receiving Bukgung Ryeong’s solemn gaze, Eunra quickly composed herself and bowed.
“Thanks to you, Elder, I’ve saved my life.”
Swish.
Bukgung Ryeong pointed at Bu Eunseol with a finger condensed with Inner Bullet Energy and roared.
“You scoundrel! This girl appears to be a Sword Pavilion disciple—why would you wield your blade so murderously?”
“None of your concern.”
“What?”
Killing intent poured from Bukgung Ryeong’s eyes.
Known for his solitary martial independence, he was said to despise demonic practitioners utterly.
“You helped me a bit on Ghost Island—does that mean you show no respect?”
“I didn’t help; I took pity.” Bu Eunseol replied coldly. “If you have a conscience, step aside. I’m doing the right thing.”
“The right thing?”
Bukgung Ryeong despised arrogant youths. Even if demonic, for this young whelp to answer insolently—killing intent surged instantly.
“Get lost. Before I kill you.”
Fierce force whirled like a storm at Bukgung Ryeong’s fingertips.
“Don’t interfere and go your way. This isn’t your affair.”
“What a laughable fellow. You think you’re qualified to order me?”
Float.
A small pebble on the ground rose to Bukgung Ryeong’s fingertip.
“Last warning. Get lost.”
“She is a Sword Pavilion disciple.” Bu Eunseol pointed at Eunra with a resigned expression. “And she’s been brainwashed by a vicious force. If we don’t subdue her quickly, who knows what will happen.”
“Brainwashed?” Eunra shook her head. “No. He’s lying.”
She spoke with utmost innocence.
“I’m A-Yeon, disciple of the Sword Pavilion. Not long ago, I reported the Martial Soul Command Lord’s evil deeds to the Martial Alliance and our pavilion.”
“Evil deeds?”
“He violated me, and now treats me like a madwoman. Claiming I’ve been brainwashed and such.”
Killing intent instantly flowed from Bukgung Ryeong’s eyes.
“You’re just like the rest.” His voice grew utterly sinister. “As expected, all demonic practitioners deserve death!”
Boom!
With an explosion, the floating pebble pierced Bu Eunseol’s body.
Or appeared to.
He had dodged like lightning, leaving an afterimage that made it seem pierced.
Boom! Rumble.
The great tree where he stood exploded, scattering in all directions.
The Inner Bullet Technique was truly terrifying.
“Quick as a rat.”
As Bukgung Ryeong prepared to unleash more Inner Bullet Technique, black true qi formed a massive wall, trapping him.
Bu Eunseol had layered the Wishful True Binding multiple times to confine him.
“Good! Let’s settle the unfinished duel from Ghost Island here!”
Bukgung Ryeong snorted, extending his fingers—explosions shattered the layered Wishful True Binding.
Even infused with the Crystal Divine Energy, it could not block the unparalleled might of Inner Bullet Technique.
Boom boom boom!
Amid explosions and dust, a precarious exchange continued.
Eunra silently watched their fierce battle.
Then her eyes suddenly grew cold.
‘This could be a trap too.’
She had received all memories and information about Bu Eunseol from A-Yeon.
She knew he possessed outstanding intellect.
‘The Martial Alliance lord and heir of Majeon.’
Through Clear River Realm intelligence, she knew they had nearly clashed on Ghost Island but were interrupted by the Returning to One Realm.
Their current actions matched that information.
‘But.’
An impossible pairing—yet perhaps.
They might be staging this fierce battle together.
Even if not staged, it was a dragon-tiger struggle where victory was uncertain.
Eunra decided to retreat first and plan for later.
But then.
Whoosh.
A whistling sound came from the distant sky, and soon a blue-robed Taoist appeared beside Bukgung Ryeong.
‘Song Ak?’
Searching A-Yeon’s memories, Eunra’s eyes widened.
The young Taoist was Song Ak—Wudang’s great master and widely regarded next sect leader.
Song Ak stood beside Bukgung Ryeong with righteous-filled eyes.
“Elder, what is happening?”
It seemed Song Ak had been traveling with Bukgung Ryeong.
“This demonic scum is harassing a Sword Pavilion disciple yet acts brazenly.” Bukgung Ryeong said in great anger. “If we don’t kill him, he’ll keep tormenting orthodox children.”
“Lady A-Yeon?”
Song Ak asked in shock.
“What on earth has happened?”
At his question, Eunra quickly rolled up her sleeve, revealing the missing Palace Guardian Cinnabar mark.
“I trusted him… and he ruined me. Now he tries to kill me.”
“Hah.”
As Eunra sorrowfully lowered her head, Song Ak sighed deeply.
“Demonic is demonic, after all.”
Shing.
Drawing his Ancient Pine Sword at once, he unleashed sword techniques toward Bu Eunseol without hesitation.
“Elder, I’ll assist you.”
Clang clang clang!
As Song Ak poured Wudang swordsmanship in close quarters,
Boom! Boom!
Bukgung Ryeong struck openings from outside with Inner Bullet Technique.
Bu Eunseol’s martial arts overwhelmed Song Ak, but at critical moments, the Inner Bullet Technique blocked him repeatedly.
‘They’re really fighting.’
Watching from afar, Eunra smiled with joy.
Bukgung Ryeong was known as a solitary wanderer—there was room for friendship with Bu Eunseol.
But Song Ak was different.
Wudang, alongside Shaolin, was a pillar of the Nine Great Sects—never compromising with the demonic.
He could not possibly stage this with Bu Eunseol.
“Urgh.”
Under their combined assault, even the renowned Martial Soul Command Lord let out a muffled groan.
He wanted to disengage, but Bukgung Ryeong sealed retreats while Song Ak wielded the Taichi Wisdom Sword.
In the end, he could only defend, trapped.
He deployed various arts to barely block their attacks, but wounds accumulated as time passed.
‘But he mustn’t die.’
Eunra smiled faintly.
A-Yeon’s personality was firmly sealed, yet always reacted fiercely to Bu Eunseol.
If he died?
An intense reaction might awaken her.
His death must be prevented.
Eunra drew her sword and cried brightly.
“I’ll help too!” She charged in, wildly swinging her sword at Bu Eunseol.
Her swordsmanship was sharp and agile, but her chaotic attacks continuously disrupted the perfectly coordinated strikes of Bukgung Ryeong and Song Ak.
“Don’t interfere. We’ll handle it.” Bukgung Ryeong shouted sternly, and A-Yeon shook her head.
“But…”
“Your interference only complicates things!”
As Bukgung Ryeong turned to shout, his pouring Inner Bullet Technique slackened slightly.
Seizing the chance, Bu Eunseol spun and fled.
But Song Ak’s insight was extraordinary.
Predicting the escape, he unleashed Taichi Wisdom Sword’s ultimate move—Heaven and Earth Without Mercy.
Whirr!
Heaven and Earth Without Mercy was no killing technique—it simply blocked retreat with unpredictable moves.
“Haah!”
Eunra interfered again, destabilizing the move.
“No chance!”
In the end, Bukgung Ryeong unleashed Inner Bullet Technique to seal Bu Eunseol’s escape.
Thud!
Then something strange happened.
Bukgung Ryeong’s Inner Bullet Technique, meant to block escape, collided with Heaven and Earth Without Mercy, and by coincidence struck Bu Eunseol’s back precisely.
Boom!
Hit in the back, Bu Eunseol lurched forward.
Stab.
Simultaneously, Song Ak’s sword qi pierced his chest in an instant.
“We’ve got him!” Bukgung Ryeong cheered.
“Haah!”
Tremendous inner force waves burst from Bu Eunseol’s body. He unleashed Wishful True Binding again to block their follow-ups.
Spurt!
But using it caused blood to spurt three feet from the chest wound.
“Urgh.” Bu Eunseol let out a low groan.
The chest wound from Song Ak’s sword qi was grave, but worse yet, the inner force strand from Taichi Wisdom Sword had pierced his protective true qi and burrowed deep into his meridians.
“Urgh.”
Spitting blood, Bu Eunseol fell to his knees.
Blood poured endlessly from his chest, and his eyes gradually dimmed.
“Lady A-Yeon.”
Even as he died, Bu Eunseol looked at Eunra and spoke in a low voice.
“Come back now.”
Gush.
Blood clots poured from his mouth.
The inner force strand had finally shaken and severed his heart meridians.
Thud.
In the end, he collapsed forward and breathed his last.
Heavy silence descended over the foot of Wushan.
“For a young demonic master who dominated the martial world, what a vain end.”
Bukgung Ryeong nodded and said to Song Ak, “You’ve done a great deed.”
Song Ak shook his head with an embarrassed expression.
“No. It was mere luck thanks to your Inner Bullet Technique striking true.”
“But since he’s the heir of Majeon, we must handle this quietly.” Bukgung Ryeong glanced around. “No one within a hundred zhang…”
Continuing, he felt an odd gaze.
He noticed Eunra’s expression twisting strangely from afar.
“Why is your face like that?”
“Well, it’s just…”
Eunra shook her head and smiled.
“He can’t possibly be dead, right?”
“What do you mean?”
Instead of answering, Eunra approached Bu Eunseol’s corpse.
She examined it closely.
‘He must have used the Ghost Devouring Great Method.’
She couldn’t believe it.
In A-Yeon’s memories, Bu Eunseol was a divine being descended from heaven.
But the intellectually brilliant heir of Majeon was dying so meaninglessly?
“Quite an amusing plan.”
Eunra touched him with her fingertips, observing. She smiled, but her eyes trembled involuntarily.
“Really.”
Having checked every vital sign, Eunra’s eyes cleared.
“…He’s dead.”
Neither Ghost Devouring Great Method nor Heaven-Reversing Soul Return Art. His heart meridians were shaken by Taichi Wisdom Sword qi, and all life force had vanished.
He had truly passed.
“Huuu.”
A sound—groan or laugh—leaked from her mouth.
“Ahahaha!”
Amazingly, even after confirming Bu Eunseol’s death, A-Yeon’s personality did not emerge.
“Perfect. This is perfect.”
Eunra nodded with relief.
Her only lingering worry had been one thing: the man A-Yeon obsessed over—Bu Eunseol.
But now he was dead, and A-Yeon’s personality remained asleep.
There was nothing left to fear.
With martial arts unmatched among female masters and her identity secured, she could forget this man and roam the martial world freely.
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