Shaaa!
Yu Cheongrim’s body shot forward once more, like a bullet.
To swiftly end the children’s suffering, So Okrim was hurling Yu Cheongrim’s body as if it were a hidden weapon.
“Help! Somebody save me!”
Each time Yu Cheongrim’s desperate scream erupted,
Thud!
the boys staggered back as though struck by an iron mace.
Shaaa!
Whenever So Okrim moved her fingers, Yu Cheongrim’s body surged forward like a massive catapult projectile.
Bubble bubble.
Under the influence of Living Mirror Wooden Man, Yu Cheongrim’s eyes—flying at bullet-like speed—had rolled back white.
Eventually, he could no longer even scream, only foaming at the mouth.
Splaaash.
In the end, all ten boys were rendered unmovable after being struck by the massive “weapon” that was Yu Cheongrim.
She had avoided vital points and used him like a blunt instrument, so the children’s lives were not in danger.
Shaaaa.
When So Okrim released the iron wires of Living Mirror Wooden Man,
Thud.
Yu Cheongrim, now covered in blood, collapsed unconscious on the spot.
“Ughhh.”
Seeing the boys he had controlled reduced to combat incapacity, Cheonwoong’s lips twisted as he stood in the coffin.
His expression was like that of someone whose cherished toys had been broken.
So Okrim gazed at Cheonwoong—who still retained a trace of innocence—with sorrowful eyes.
“Now, big sister will set you free.”
Cheonwoong could never return to an ordinary human body.
Thus, she intended to personally grant him eternal rest with her own hands.
“Huuu!”
With a loud cry, Cheonwoong raised the massive entrails connected to his lower body.
At the same moment, crimson mist spread in all directions, forming strange vortices.
Rumble rumble.
The entire hall began to shake.
If Cheonwoong unleashed the power he had gathered, not only So Okrim but the whole hall would collapse.
Whoooosh.
A gentle breeze stirred around So Okrim’s body.
At the same time, brilliant light lingered in her hands.
The light resembled the texture of the Harmony Bu Eunseol wielded.
“Kaaah!”
With an eerie shout, the massive entrails surged toward So Okrim.
Simultaneously, she thrust both palms forward.
Cheonwoong’s body began to sparkle with radiant light, and soon the interior of the hall was filled with blinding brilliance.
It was as if millions of stars floating in the cosmos had descended to earth.
Shaaaa.
When the dazzling specks of light faded, Cheonwoong stood atop the coffin in ordinary form.
Thud thud.
So Okrim approached him with a calm expression.
Hug.
She spread her arms and embraced Cheonwoong’s body.
“I’m sorry.”
So Okrim murmured softly.
“Big sister came too late, didn’t she?”
Then, with trembling fingers, she carefully pressed a blood point on Cheonwoong.
It was a fatal death point that could end life instantly.
Drip drip.
Blood began flowing steadily from the mouth of the boy nestled in her arms.
Yet a smile lingered on his lips, and his eyes gazing at So Okrim grew clear.
“Thank you… big sister.”
Cheonwoong spoke calmly as he breathed his last.
Only at the moment of death did he regain clear consciousness and recognize So Okrim.
Hug.
Cheonwoong tightly embraced her in return.
So Okrim sobbed silently.
Warmth slowly ebbed from the small, soft body.
Tears flowed endlessly, and her crumbling heart made her body tremble without cease.
“And… in the next life, we’ll definitely meet again.”
Memories of happy times with So Okrim flashed through Cheonwoong’s mind like a revolving lantern.
Shaaaa.
Nestled in So Okrim’s arms,
Cheonwoong slowly breathed his last with a smile on his face.
His peaceful passing resembled a child soundly asleep in his mother’s embrace, unaware of the world's problems.
***
Xiaohua Pavilion, a famous landmark of Suzhou, collapsed in an instant.
It had been a den of evil that kidnapped children to turn them into elixir ingredients.
The Martial Soul Society had swiftly gathered evidence and demolished the place.
At first, people did not believe it.
But upon seeing the horrific corpses of children piled in Xiaohua Pavilion’s secret warehouse, they could not deny it.
‘The Martial Soul Society has done another great deed.’
Following the Ghost Children, the Martial Soul Society had once again uncovered forces disturbing the martial world and saved many lives.
Moreover, after that day, several of the numerous orphanages in the Central Plains vanished.
Along with them, high officials and notables who frequented Xiaohua Pavilion succumbed to strange illnesses and died slowly.
Yet such facts never became public.
By the time the Martial Soul Society’s agents finished uncovering and concluding all the atrocities discovered at Xiaohua Pavilion, Bu Eunseol, So Okrim, and Yu Cheongrim stood facing each other in a separate wing of nearby Anpyeong Inn.
Though they had not captured the core or head of the Returning to One Realm, they had learned that the society had used children from orphanages created by the Infinite Realm for experiments and quietly caused corrupt high officials to meet sudden death.
These pieces of evidence would soon make it impossible for the entire martial world—and even the imperial palace—to tolerate their existence, becoming the trigger to eternally eradicate the Martial Soul Society.
Furthermore, a bitter enmity had formed between So Okrim, who possessed mysterious martial arts and influence, and the Returning to One Realm.
For Bu Eunseol, this meant gaining a reliable ally; for the Returning to One Realm, it meant acquiring another troublesome foe.
The only regret was that the children So Okrim subdued had instantly stopped breathing upon Cheonwoong’s death.
They had already been little more than corpses. They had likely moved only through the energy flowing from Cheonwoong’s body, much like the ability once displayed by a servant of the Jungson Family.
“I owe you one.”
So Okrim looked at Bu Eunseol and nodded calmly.
“Thank you for helping with this matter.”
She reached out and patted Yu Cheongrim’s shoulder.
“You really went through a lot this time.”
Yu Cheongrim shook his head, “Hardship? We haven’t even started yet.”
“Huh?”
“I’ve already completed all preparations to infiltrate Xiaohua Pavilion.” Yu Cheongrim whispered in a very serious tone. “Who do you think I am? I just obtained information that a courtesan named Yak Hong is entering the place.”
Glancing around, he continued in a hushed voice.
“I’ve perfectly mastered Yak Hong’s movements, face, and skills. Infiltrating as a courtesan will definitely uncover Xiaohua Pavilion’s secrets.”
Bu Eunseol gaped at Yu Cheongrim, who was speaking so earnestly.
It was as if the memories of the past three months had completely vanished.
“Brother Yu, are you all right?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well…”
As Bu Eunseol blinked, So Okrim sighed and whispered to him.
“I used the Living Mirror Wooden Man on him—the shock must have been too great.”
“Living Mirror Wooden Man?”
“Yeah. I couldn’t bring myself to subdue the children with my own hands… so I used it on him. Like a hidden weapon.”
So Okrim casually explained that she had used the Celestial Emperor’s technique to wield Yu Cheongrim’s body like a projectile.
“Sounds like he hit his head.”
“Right?”
As Bu Eunseol opened his mouth to speak, So Okrim waved her hand dismissively.
“I know. I went a bit too far this time.”
Then, placing both hands on Yu Cheongrim’s shoulders—his eyes sparkling innocently—she said, “I suppose I’ll have to keep him around for a while, both to treat him and to pass on some martial arts.”
“Him?”
“I owe him a lot this time.”
“Good thinking.”
Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
Though So Okrim phrased it that way, it seemed she had grown quite fond of Yu Cheongrim.
“And he needs to get stronger…”
But her next words sent a chill down Bu Eunseol’s spine.
“So he can endure the Living Mirror Wooden Man perfectly fine next time.”
Bu Eunseol’s mouth fell open.
It seemed Yu Cheongrim must have been a tyrannical villain who committed atrocities in his previous life… or a traitor who toppled an entire nation.
“Hm? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Well… it’s good that Brother Yu will grow stronger.”
Bu Eunseol quickly changed the subject.
“Anyway, we must track down the Returning to One Realm.”
They were closely connected to the Jungson Family, and above all, they had stolen his grandfather’s corpse.
Even if the world ended, he could never forgive the Returning to One Realm.
“Yes. I’ll mobilize all my power to find those bastards.”
Bu Eunseol nodded, then waved to So Okrim and Yu Cheongrim.
It was time to part.
“Then, until next time.”
“Yeah. See you soon.”
So Okrim flashed a rare smile, revealing white teeth.
She would return after making Yu Cheongrim stronger.
And as long as they shared the common enemy of the Returning to One Realm, they would meet again in the martial world.
It would not be long before he saw her once more.
***
Bu Eunseol immediately returned to Majeon.
His returning steps were light.
‘This is how we bring them down—one by one.’
Though the Returning to One Realm had schemed again using the Bound Asuras left by the Infinite Realm, Bu Eunseol had uncovered it, foiling their plan to research Bound Asuras.
In the end, every orphanage across the Central Plains was shut down.
If he continued dismantling them piece by piece like this… sooner or later, just as with the Infinite Realm, he would find and destroy the Returning to One Realm’s main body.
Flap flap.
As Bu Eunseol executed qinggong, the sound of bird wings reached his ears.
He immediately halted and moved into the quiet forest, where Soyo’s thousand-li sound transmission entered his ear.
[There’s contact from the Supreme Branch.]
Bu Eunseol stopped and listened closely.
[Baek Museong. He requested a private meeting.]
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
Ever since Baek Museong returned to the Martial Alliance, Bu Eunseol had repeatedly requested a private audience.
But Baek Museong had coldly refused every time.
Yet now he suddenly requested to meet first? Why the abrupt change of heart?
‘Returning to Majeon can wait.’
Bu Eunseol had much to ask Baek Museong.
How he had obtained and presented the fake Hyeok Ryeon-eung’s head to return to the alliance, how he healed his arm, how he had unleashed the Seven Blood Tear Forms at Gang Okji back then…
But he had not asked, nor could he.
The answer was already clear.
The mere fact that he could use the Seven Blood Tear Forms proved Baek Museong had joined the Three Realms.
Even so, Bu Eunseol’s feelings toward him remained unchanged.
People befriend or abandon others based on convenience but someone like Bu Eunseol… once he gave his heart, it never changed.
Even knowing Baek Museong had betrayed him…
Bu Eunseol maintained unwavering friendship.
As night fell, the owner of a small inn lit the flower lantern hanging outside the door. Opening the old door and stepping inside revealed a quiet atmosphere and neatly wiped tables.
Bu Eunseol, seated by the window in the corner, ordered three bottles of white liquor.
The white liquor sold here was very cheap.
Yet its taste was anything but cheap.
Bu Eunseol loved this place he had discovered by chance.
Whenever he wanted a drink while in the Martial Alliance, he quietly visited here.
He had not even told the Supreme Branch members he cherished so much about this tavern’s location. If word spread and everyone flocked here, this tranquil atmosphere would vanish completely. Thus, only two people had ever drunk with Bu Eunseol here.
Bukgung Ryeong and Baek Museong.
The two shared quite a few common traits.
Both were from orthodox sects and had very high status. Both were true drinkers who knew how to enjoy liquor…
And both possessed personalities Bu Eunseol could genuinely like.
But when the inn door opened and a white-robed man strode toward the table…
Bu Eunseol realized one of them had completely changed in temperament and character.
Eyes once gentle and kind—filled with warmth at mere eye contact—were now sharp as blades.
Lips that once slightly revealed white teeth had darkened, altering even his appearance.
It was Baek Museong, who had returned triumphantly to the Martial Alliance.
‘It’s not just his appearance.’
Bu Eunseol could feel it.
The change was not merely external. The aura and personality flowing from his entire body were utterly different.
Where once there had been leisure born of high status and superiority, now there was the relaxed ease only a true master could exude.
“If you have something to say, say it.”
Baek Museong, seated opposite, spoke leisurely.
“You begged so desperately for a private meeting, after all.”
Even his once-friendly tone and gaze had changed.
Yet Bu Eunseol showed no sign and merely smiled.
“What’s the rush?”
He poured liquor into the prepared cup.
“Have a drink.”
Baek Museong silently regarded Bu Eunseol, then picked up the cup.
He briefly savored the aroma before downing it in one gulp.
“Now speak.”
There was much to say.
—Where exactly did you get Hyeok Ryeon-eung’s head and how did you behead it?
—Which of the Three Realms taught you the Seven Blood Tear Forms?
—How did you heal your arm? What exactly did the Three Realms demand of you, Brother Baek?
But instead of asking those things… Bu Eunseol simply said what he had wanted to say all along.
“I missed you. I’m glad you look healthy.”
Bu Eunseol wore a calm smile.
“Have you been well?”
For a moment, Baek Museong’s expression turned strange.
He had expected Bu Eunseol to ask many questions—and he had intended to answer none.
He had come merely to mock his curiosity.
Yet the words he longed to hear were concern and well-wishes?
“Did you waste my precious time just to say that?”
“Is there anything more important than asking after Brother Baek’s well-being?”
“Hmph.”
Baek Museong snorted coldly and rose from his seat.
“I’ve wasted my time.”
As he turned to leave, Bu Eunseol’s low voice came from behind.
“If Brother Baek had wanted it, I would gladly have yielded the Commander position.”
Pause.
Baek Museong, about to turn, froze and coldly faced him.
“Yield?”
“Yes.”
“If you yield, I become a Commander?”
Baek Museong sneered.
“You don’t seem to want the position much anyway.”
“Far from it. I need it. Desperately.”
“Then why say you’d yield it to me?”
Bu Eunseol answered with shadowed eyes.
“Because it’s not more important than Brother Baek.”
Words brimming with the deepest brotherhood.
Even Baek Museong, who had worn a constant cold sneer, could no longer maintain his cynical expression.
The friendship between men is calm like clear water, yet its strength is like steel.
It never wavers in any situation, and even if only one person possesses it, its greatness can endure for a lifetime.
“Hahaha.”
As if unable to bear the weight of that burning friendship, Baek Museong let out an exaggerated laugh.
“You still want to play this pathetic friendship game even now?”
Baek Museong turned coldly and walked out of the inn. But he soon paused and spoke calmly.
“Let me give you one piece of advice.”
“…”
“Go climb a high cliff right now and jump. With that soft mindset, forget becoming a Commander—you’ll die soon.”
With those words, Baek Museong turned and left the inn.
Watching him go, Bu Eunseol let out a deep sigh.
The words were utterly ruthless and cold—yet he sensed faint traces of friendship lingering within them.
‘Brother Baek.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed endlessly.
What on earth had happened to Baek Museong? How had he become a completely different person?
What could he possibly desire that led him to join a place like the Three Realms?
Clack.
Baek Museong boarded the waiting carriage outside the tavern. The coachman immediately set off.
Clippity-clop. Clippity-clop.
The carriage sped along the official road.
But Baek Museong, sitting rigidly inside, gradually twisted his face into something hideous.
—It’s not more important than Brother Baek.
Bu Eunseol’s voice echoed endlessly in his mind.
And those still, unwavering eyes…
Within them lay a heart like an indestructible diamond.
“Ugh.”
Suddenly, he clutched his head with eyes closed.
Bu Eunseol’s gaze and voice—filled with friendship—were tormenting him.
“Ughhh.”
After clutching his head for a long while,
“Baek Museong.”
He murmured his own name lowly.
Hoo.
Then his expression and eyes changed completely.
“If you plan to come out like this, I’ll erase you from my mind entirely.”
Muttering to himself, murderous intent surged blue from Baek Museong’s eyes, and his skin seemed to darken.
“Remember well. You are merely a shell.”
With those words, his complexion returned to normal.
As if nothing had happened, Baek Museong’s gaze and expression turned glacial—cold and merciless.
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