Deep in the mountainside of Iron Staff Mountain.
From a dark cave, a man in tattered clothing emerged.
A strange figure. There was no other way to describe his appearance. His hair was wild and disheveled, and his clothes were so worn and grimy that they were caked with dirt.
“Hmm.” The man’s eyes, gazing at the distant sky, glinted with a lightning-like brilliance.
Though it was morning, he showed no signs of having slept, and his flushed complexion suggested he had been practicing internal energy cultivation all night.
Step, step.
The strange man stepped out of the cave and stood tall in a clearing within the forest.
“Hmph.” With a short exhale, the longsword tucked at his waist was suddenly in his hand.
Swish!
As he thrust his sword forward, a light like the glow of a sunset poured out, and chaotic sword shadows spread like the spokes of a fan.
Rustle, rustle, rustle.
In that instant, the trees surrounding the clearing toppled in droves. Moreover, the felled trees were cut at different angles and positions—a swordsmanship bordering on the divine.
“Hmm.” Despite performing such near-miraculous swordsmanship, the man’s expression was far from pleased. “It’s still like this.”
Crack, thud.
Cracks began to form in the blade he held, and it shattered into hundreds of pieces, falling to the ground. Muttering under his breath, the man headed toward a small waterfall near the forest.
Whoosh.
The mist from the cascading water brushed against his cheeks. Gazing at his reflection in the water below, he began to wash his face.
Phew!
After washing, he started to neatly tie up his disheveled hair.
As he did, a pale, white face slowly came into view. Long, cold, and steady eyes, a sharp nose, and tightly pressed lips…
A strikingly cold yet mysterious young man’s face was revealed.
It was Bu Eunseol.
“One year.” It had been nearly a year since he began staying in the cave.
His quarters in Nangyang were suitable for rest, but they were too bustling for honing his swordsmanship. While wandering Iron Staff Mountain, he found a cave near a waterfall, where he could see the sunrise and sunset. For the past year, he had been refining his swordsmanship there.
“Perhaps it’s due to combining the Heavy Sword Technique with rotational force.” Bu Eunseol clicked his tongue softly.
Based on Dan Cheong’s swordsmanship, he had integrated the martial arts he had learned—Sa Woo’s practical swordsmanship, the Hwa Wu Sword, the Unmatched Thunderbolt, and the insights and refined techniques gained from the martial world—to create a new sword art.
The Supreme Heavenly Flow.
Bu Eunseol named it the Supreme Heavenly Flow.
It encompassed all sword techniques scattered across the world while pioneering a new sword art never seen before. The problem was that each move of the Supreme Heavenly Flow carried such immense force that an ordinary sword couldn’t withstand it.
Snap.
At that moment, the sound of a breaking twig and a presence caught his attention. Turning his head, he saw a middle-aged man in white robes standing tall.
It was Baek Yeon, the Leader of the Peongan Corps.
“Your condition has improved.” After a year of martial training, Bu Eunseol appeared slightly leaner than before.
But to Baek Yeon’s eyes, Bu Eunseol’s body seemed honed to the sharpness of a single, razor-edged sword.
“Corps Leader.” Bu Eunseol clasped his hands, and Baek Yeon nodded.
“You’ve been working hard.” Baek Yeon’s eyes widened as he closely examined the destroyed trees around the forest.
This is…
Every sword technique has its characteristics, leaving traces of the wielder’s individuality and unique style in the moment it’s performed. But the trees Bu Eunseol had destroyed bore no such traces. They were cut simply and roughly, as if by a woodsman’s axe. By blending all techniques scattered across the world, no distinct characteristics were revealed.
“You’ve made great progress.” As Baek Yeon exclaimed in admiration, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“It’s still not at a satisfactory level.”
“What swordsmanship could possibly satisfy you?” Baek Yeon chuckled and continued, “Let’s head to Clear Breeze Pavilion. The Vice-Sect Leader is looking for you.”
Sensing something in Baek Yeon’s gaze, Bu Eunseol asked, “Is something the matter?”
After a brief pause, Baek Yeon nodded.
“There’s been a message from Majeon.”
“For me?”
“In a manner of speaking.” Baek Yeon took a deep breath and said, “A decision has been made regarding the treatment of the Ten Demon Warriors.”
***
Three steaming teacups were placed on the table.
Seated at the table in the guest hall of Clear Breeze Pavilion, Bu Eunseol listened intently to Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon.
“…In short, Majeon has determined that the Ten Demon Warriors are not yet ready to face top-tier masters. So, they’ve decided to give them another year to refine their martial arts.”
“I see.”
“It’s a year—neither long nor short,” Baek Yeon said.
Dan Cheong frowned, his expression one of dissatisfaction.
“Refine their martial arts, and they give only a year? Just one year?” Muttering in an irritated tone, he continued, “The Majeon Leader should either end his seclusion or settle the succession and then retreat to a cave. Leaving the position vacant only strengthens the influence of the Ten Demonic Sects and the Elder Council, doesn’t it?”
Hearing Dan Cheong’s words, Bu Eunseol looked puzzled.
“Is Majeon being swayed by the Ten Demonic Sects or the Elder Council?”
“The current Majeon Leader hasn’t officially named a successor. So, the Ten Demonic Sects and the Elder Council are trying to steer the situation to their advantage.”
“I don’t quite understand.”
“Hmm. It seems an explanation of Majeon’s power structure is in order.” Dan Cheong gave Baek Yeon a meaningful glance, signaling him to explain since his own mouth was tired.
“Ahem.” Unable to withstand Dan Cheong’s intense gaze, Baek Yeon reluctantly began. “Have you heard that Majeon’s power is divided into three factions?”
—Majeon’s authority is split among the Majeon Sect Leader’s faction, the Elder Council, and the Ten Demonic Sects. The Elder Council, composed of past masters, holds significant influence.
Recalling Dan Cheong’s past words, Bu Eunseol nodded.
“Yes.”
“With power divided into three, naturally, each faction is pushing for a successor that suits their interests.” Baek Yeon’s brow furrowed as he continued. “The Majeon Leader’s faction wants an emerging demonic sect master free from the influence of the Ten Demonic Sects and the Elder Council. The Ten Demonic Sects, of course, want a successor from within their ranks.”
Finally, Bu Eunseol understood the situation. With no successor named for Majeon, the three divided factions were fiercely vying to exert influence in their favor.
“What about the Elder Council?”
“The Elder Council only wants someone who will solidify their power. They don’t care if it’s someone from the Ten Demonic Sects or an outsider. That’s why they’re generally neutral.”
Smacking his lips, Dan Cheong added, “The Ten Demon Warrior plan is known as the Majeon Leader’s initiative, but it was only possible with the Elder Council’s approval. For them, it’s a plan with no downsides.”
Baek Yeon said with a bitter expression, “And the one-year timeframe was pushed by the Ten Demonic Sects. Because you and the other Ten Demon Warriors are too exceptional.”
One mountain cannot hold two tigers. (Well in this case ten tigers)
The Ten Demon Warriors were so outstanding that they threatened to overshadow the established heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects. Thus, those heirs hoped the Ten Demon Warriors would clash with top-tier masters and perish.
“I understand.” Unlike the concerned Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon, Bu Eunseol’s eyes shone brighter. “Then I’ve been given another year of free time.”
A year—365 days—was a period that, depending on how it was used, could lead to a new destiny.
“Exactly. We called you here today to discuss how you’ll spend this year,” Baek Yeon said.
“Then I’ll go on a journey through the martial world,” Bu Eunseol replied promptly.
Baek Yeon’s brow furrowed. “Another journey?”
“Yes.”
“Wasn’t a year with the Nine Deaths Squad enough?”
“The missions of the Nine Deaths Squad were executed with all information and tactics prearranged.”
“What?”
“It was a time to learn everything about the martial world, but from another perspective, it wasn’t raw experience.” Baek Yeon sighed and shook his head.
The Nine Deaths Squad’s missions required risking one’s life, making thorough intelligence gathering a given. Yet Bu Eunseol called it “all prearranged.”
I can’t fathom what this kid is thinking.
Glancing at Dan Cheong, Baek Yeon spoke slowly, “Reaching the supreme realm isn’t something done in a short time. Honing practical martial arts isn’t always the answer.” Seemingly with a plan in mind, he continued without hesitation, “I want you to spend this year traveling the Ten Demonic Sects, building rapport with their heirs.”
“With the heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects?”
“Yes. In the meantime, I’ll ensure Majeon knows you’re not just a Ten Demon Warrior but a disciple of Nangyang.” Seeing Bu Eunseol’s confused expression, Baek Yeon elaborated, “If you visit the Ten Demonic Sects and forge bonds with their heirs while I establish you as Nangyang’s true successor in Majeon’s eyes, you can escape the shackles of being a Ten Demon Warrior.”
Dan Cheong, listening quietly, frowned.
“So, you’re telling him to spend a year building ties with the heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects?”
“Exactly.”
“To solidify his position as Nangyang’s heir and avoid fighting top-tier masters?”
“Precisely.” Baek Yeon said with a serious expression, “Except for one latecomer from the Jeomchang Sect, the martial achievements of top-tier masters have all reached the transcendent realm, earning them recognition as the next generation’s grandmasters.”
“I understand what you mean, but doesn’t that disregard the martial philosophy Nangyang pursues?” Dan Cheong said with a wry smile.
“Our sect hones martial arts through real combat and seeks the ultimate path through extreme battles. Yet you’re telling him to avoid fighting by building connections?” But Baek Yeon’s gaze remained resolute.
“This kid’s potential and talent are extraordinary, but his time training is too short.” Turning to Bu Eunseol, he continued, “There’s no need to risk your life in battle before that peerless talent can fully bloom. The Ten Demonic Sects know this, which is why they gave the Ten Demon Warriors just one year.”
Dan Cheong’s expression showed dissatisfaction. For a disciple of Nangyang, such a plan was unthinkable.
But… he must have devised this to protect the kid in his own way. Knowing Baek Yeon had put much thought into protecting Bu Eunseol, Dan Cheong couldn’t outright oppose the plan.
“Hmm.” Sighing, Dan Cheong asked Bu Eunseol, “What do you think?”
Bu Eunseol remained silent for a moment. If his goal had been to climb to a high position, he would have followed Baek Yeon’s advice without hesitation.
But that wasn’t what he sought.
“I…” Bu Eunseol’s tightly closed lips finally parted. “I still want to test myself further through a journey in the martial world.”
“So you’ll let yourself be swayed by the schemes of the Ten Demonic Sects?” Baek Yeon said with a regretful expression. “To become an exceptional martial artist, you must know when to lower yourself. If there’s a chance to avoid a blade, you don’t need to stubbornly knock it away with your hand.”
But Bu Eunseol’s expression didn’t waver. His resolute gaze was answer enough.
“Look, Baek Yeon…” Dan Cheong sighed, watching him. “Do you think this kid would crouch down when a blade comes flying?”
“It’s a matter of convincing him. One who doesn’t know how to lower themselves can never become an exceptional martial artist,” Baek Yeon replied.
“Isn’t there an example?”
“What do you mean?”
“Our Sect Leader and the Majeon’s Sect Leader. Neither ever bowed to anyone, always standing firm and independent.”
Standing firm and independent. Acting according to one’s convictions without yielding to others.
The current Nangyang Sect Leader and Majeon’s Sect Leader were masters who overlooked the martial world, heedless of and reliant on no one.
The reason was simple. They were stronger than any faction.
Does the Vice-Sect Leader think this kid could reach that level? Meeting Dan Cheong’s gaze, Baek Yeon bit his lip. No. They were born as supreme masters. This kid is different.
Though Bu Eunseol possessed astonishing talent, he was merely an exceptional martial prodigy. Baek Yeon didn’t believe he could reach the terrifying heights of figures like the Majeon’s Sect Leader or Nangyang Sect Leader.
“This kid is Nangyang’s greatest prodigy. Is there a need for him to tread such a difficult path?” Dan Cheong smiled faintly at Baek Yeon’s words.
“It’s precisely because he’s exceptional that he wants to walk the difficult path.” Turning to Bu Eunseol, he said, “The Ten Demonic Sects find the Ten Demon Warriors, who are far more outstanding than expected, burdensome. They don’t want another competitor in the already chaotic succession battles.” Dan Cheong gave a faint smile.
“But no matter what anyone says, you’re a disciple of our sect. That’s what Baek Yeon wanted to tell you… Do you understand?”
“I understand well.” Bu Eunseol also gave a faint smile.
Though the Ten Demon Warriors were created to confront top-tier masters, Nangyang recognized Bu Eunseol as a true disciple. And Baek Yeon had devised various plans to protect him from danger.
I’m receiving undeserved affection from this sect.
Dan Cheong then asked, “Let me ask again. What will you do for the next year?”
“I’ll journey through the martial world.” At Bu Eunseol’s unwavering answer, Dan Cheong nodded.
“Good. Then go to Dongpyoseorang.”
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