After staring at the letter for a long while, Bu Eunseol sank into deep contemplation.
Then, in a calm voice, he spoke.
“For the time being, I will wander the martial world under the identity of the mercenary Seolso. Tell Seo Jinha to leave Majeon as well and handle matters in the martial world. Unexpected situations may arise.”
The Martial Alliance and Majeon were still locked in confrontation, and Seo Jinha was currently managing Majeon’s affairs in his capacity as the Martial Soul Command Lord.
If the standoff shifted?
They might summon him—the Martial Soul Command Lord—back.
By sending him to roam the martial world instead, Bu Eunseol intended to preempt any sudden developments.
“So suddenly?”
Tae Muryong’s expression changed.
Bu Eunseol always moved according to meticulous plans.
For him to suddenly head into the martial world meant something urgent had arisen.
“It’s nothing serious.” Bu Eunseol forced a smile. “Just some personal business.”
A lie.
Despite his extraordinary cunning and his usual mastery at concealing expressions and emotions, he remained strangely inept when it came to lying for the sake of others.
“Understood.”
Yet Tae Muryong showed no sign of doubt and simply bowed.
“Be careful out there.”
Bu Eunseol’s martial prowess was formidable so even against most experts, escaping with his life was no great difficulty.
The most Tae Muryong could do now was quickly analyze incoming intelligence and relay it—ensuring Bu Eunseol never fell into danger.
***
Bu Eunseol left the Martial Alliance at once. After disguising himself as the mercenary Seolso, he had Soyo fabricate traces of Seon Woojin’s movements.
Whoosh.
Crossing the western river basin and entering Sichuan, he headed straight for the Tang Clan manor.
‘The Tang Family Head must be in some kind of trouble.’
Tang Pae had suffered a prolonged serious illness but had recently shaken it off completely and recovered. With Tang Gon now fully prepared to succeed as the next Family Head, Tang Pae should have had no lingering regrets.
So why send such a letter?
—Martial Soul Command Lord. I challenge you.
If it had been an ordinary letter, Bu Eunseol would have laughed it off or visited the Tang Clan in good spirits.
But the letter had been written in blood.
That meant Tang Pae was deadly serious when he wrote the blood-oath challenge.
—Ten days from now, at the Heavenly Poison Grove on Tang Clan Mountain.
Moreover, the designated battleground was the Heavenly Poison Grove right in front of Tang Clan Mountain.
That place ranked as the Tang Clan’s fifth secret ground—following Hidden Shadow Palace, Myriad Poisons Abyss, Mysterious Martial Cave, and Heaven’s Outer Realm.
Logically speaking, when issuing a challenge, no one would propose fighting inside their own territory, let alone their family compound.
‘It can’t be the work of another faction, can it?’
Bu Eunseol’s heart grew inexplicably anxious.
Tang Pae was the father of his close friend Tang Gon.
Even back in his nameless days, Tang Pae had recognized his talent and treated him well.
If something had happened to such a man?
Regardless of righteous or demonic affiliations, Bu Eunseol would roll up both sleeves and settle the matter himself.
Whoosh.
Ascending Tang Clan Mountain in secrecy, Bu Eunseol arrived at the Heavenly Poison Grove.
Despite its ominous name, the grove was a beautiful bamboo forest filled with lush green stalks.
The Sichuan Tang Clan had first risen to fame in the martial world through bamboo-crafted hidden weapons and the Five Poisons Divine Sand. The Heavenly Poison Grove was the historic site where those varied bamboo weapons were originally developed—and it was also one of the clan’s secret grounds, embracing some of the most scenic views on Tang Clan Mountain.
Crackle.
Entering the grove, Bu Eunseol reverted to his true appearance.
As he stepped deeper inside,
Swish swish swish!
Suddenly hundreds of hidden weapons shot toward his body.
Whirl! Whirr!
The projectiles moved like living creatures, weaving freely through the air in every direction and sealing off all escape routes.
Bu Eunseol did not bother dodging. Instead, he snatched each one individually with his hands.
Pap pap pap!
The moment they entered his grasp, the weapons scattered countless tiny needles in all directions.
Ting ting ting.
Yet the needles failed to pierce his hand. Even those that brushed his body fell away like raindrops striking an invisible wall.
Clap clap clap.
Suddenly, applause rang out. From within the bamboo grove emerged a tall, imposing figure.
Dressed in fine silk robes and sporting a neatly trimmed, abundant beard, it was a man of commanding presence.
None other than the Sichuan Tang Family Head, Tang Pae.
Though he had entered old age, his profound inner force kept him looking no older than middle-aged.
“It’s been a while.”
In Tang Pae’s hand was an intricately carved bamboo tube.
It was the Black Bamboo Full-Explosion Cylinder—the very weapon that had just unleashed the barrage of hidden projectiles at Bu Eunseol.
“Have you been well, Family Head?” Bu Eunseol greeted him warmly.
Tang Pae—who had been rumored to be bedridden—now appeared fully recovered, exuding an aura far more formidable than before.
“Your martial prowess has far surpassed even this Family Head’s expectations.”
Yet something was strange about his demeanor.
Unlike the warm welcome of the past, Tang Pae’s expression was icy, his gaze sharp and cold.
“Are you prepared?”
“For what?”
“Did you not receive the challenge?”
Bu Eunseol looked puzzled.
“Are you truly intending to spar with me?”
“Spar? Hardly.”
Tang Pae spoke evenly.
“As written in the challenge letter, I intend to engage you in a life-or-death duel.”
A life-or-death duel.
A fight that ended only when one side lay dead.
Why would Tang Pae—who bore him no grudge—want to fight him to the death?
“May I hear the reason?”
“Are you not a seed of the demonic path?”
“…”
“If I had dealt with you the moment we first met, the martial world would have known greater stability. But I let you be, and you grew far too large.” Tang Pae continued calmly. “Even now, I shall kill you to restore righteousness to the martial world—and elevate the honor of my clan.”
Bu Eunseol stared blankly.
He could not tell whether Tang Pae was truly serious or merely jesting.
“Are you speaking in earnest?”
“If not, why would I waste precious blood to write a blood letter?” Murderous intent surged in Tang Pae’s eyes. “Since we cannot coexist anyway, let us forget the bonds of the past.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
Tang Pae’s gaze and aura were solemn; there was no trace of jest.
He was genuinely prepared to fight Bu Eunseol to the death.
“Bu Eunseol!”
But at that moment—
A hearty shout rang out, and a figure came running from afar.
A tall man with a prominent nose—the young Tang Clan heir, Tang Gon.
Whoosh.
Tang Gon threw his arms around Bu Eunseol in a fierce embrace.
“How long has it been?!”
He pounded Bu Eunseol’s shoulders enthusiastically for a long while before finally letting go.
“Father.” Only then did Tang Gon notice Tang Pae and speak awkwardly. “You were here as well.”
“How did you know to come here?”
“I detected unusual movement near the Heavenly Poison Grove… so I came to check.” Tang Gon flashed a wide grin, showing white teeth. “I never dreamed this friend would be here.”
The mercenary Seolso had been set up as a disciple of the Bullet King, Bullet King, in order to resolve matters at Wudang. In other words, he was no longer a mere wanderer but a figure of considerable weight.
Bu Eunseol had deliberately left traces of Seolso’s movements unhidden when heading toward the Tang Clan—to test the level of their intelligence network.
‘I’m glad there’s no problem.’
Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile.
In the current martial world, victory or defeat hinged less on how quickly one drew a blade and more on how swiftly one obtained information.
If Tang Gon had failed to detect his arrival?
Bu Eunseol would have immediately discussed reorganizing and improving the Tang Clan’s intelligence apparatus.
But Tang Gon had operated it far better than expected.
“I see.”
Looking at Tang Gon, Tang Pae wore an expression that could have been admiration or regret.
“But Father, you…”
“I sensed the presence of a suspicious figure, so I came to investigate. It turned out he had entered near our clan grounds. I summoned him here—partly to show him one of our secret sites.”
In truth, outsiders—those not of direct blood—were never permitted to enter the Tang Clan’s secret grounds.
But Bu Eunseol was a benefactor of the clan, and his bond with Tang Gon was closer than that of blood brothers.
Tang Gon therefore nodded without suspicion.
“I see.”
“Let us return to the main compound now.”
Understanding Tang Pae’s implication, Bu Eunseol nodded and played along.
“Understood.”
The Tang Clan was wealthy, yet extremely strict in its use of money.
Because manufacturing and researching expensive hidden weapons and poisons could easily drain their coffers if spending was careless.
Thus frugality was deeply ingrained in the clan.
Even when receiving honored guests, banquets usually featured only Sichuan’s famous Jiannan Spring wine and perhaps six of their beloved spicy dishes.
But tonight the banquet hall was filled with delicacies covering a table large enough for twenty people—more than sixty different exquisite dishes.
The Tang Clan’s entire kitchen staff had poured their hearts into the preparations, purchasing every fine ingredient available nearby.
Even at Tang Pae’s seventieth birthday, the spread had not been this lavish.
Even if the emperor himself visited, they would hardly have prepared such extravagance.
But Bu Eunseol had saved both the Tang Clan and Tang Gon from crisis multiple times.
On the Family Head’s orders, the cooks had spared no expense.
“Forgive me for leaving first.”
After entering the hall and sharing three cups of wine with Bu Eunseol, Tang Pae rose.
“My body has only recently recovered; I tire easily.”
The words sounded like consideration—leaving Bu Eunseol and Tang Gon to enjoy the night in peace.
“Thank you.”
As Bu Eunseol clasped his hands, Tang Pae left the hall with an impassive expression.
Though he smiled, a shadow lingered in his eyes.
‘What exactly is the Family Head thinking?’
From the situation, it was clear Tang Gon had no idea his father had sent the challenge letter but no matter how much one tried to hide it, the truth would eventually surface.
So why go to such lengths to act behind Tang Gon’s back?
‘It was deliberate.’
A man like Tang Pae would never believe he could fool Tang Gon’s eyes and fight Bu Eunseol in the Heavenly Poison Grove undetected.
‘His declaration of a life-or-death duel is sincere as well.’
Judging by the resolute look in his eyes, Tang Pae was fully prepared to fight Bu Eunseol to the death.
Then why deliberately arrange things so that Tang Gon and Bu Eunseol could share one last heartfelt reunion?
While Bu Eunseol was lost in thought,
“It’s been a long time.”
A sweet, indescribable fragrance accompanied a woman in blue robes as she approached his side.
It was Tang Cheong.
“I can’t even remember how long it’s been.”
The girlish liveliness of her youth had vanished.
In its place stood a beautiful lady whose fame as Sichuan’s foremost beauty now seemed almost understated.
“Lady Tang.”
Bu Eunseol gave an awkward smile and bowed politely.
When they had met by chance at Shaolin, Tang Cheong had instantly recognized him despite his disguise as Seolso.
It turned out she had mastered the secret art of distinguishing people by scent.
Though his identity had been exposed, Tang Cheong kept his secret and thanks to her, he had discovered the mechanism leading into the Blood Shaolin…
He had always harbored warm feelings toward her.
“You’ve become even more dashing.” Tang Cheong smiled prettily and lifted a delicate jade-white hand to raise her cup. “Please allow me to pour for you as well.”
“Our little Cheong has changed. That wild tomboy…”
At Tang Gon’s teasing remark, Tang Cheong whipped her head around and shot him a sharp glare.
“…I’ve become a proper lady now. It’s about time I got married.”
As Tang Gon spoke with unfocused eyes, deliberately changing the subject, Tang Cheong blushed and lowered her head.
“As if that were up to me.”
Even as she said it, she stole a glance at Bu Eunseol.
Unable to withstand the heat of her gaze, Bu Eunseol quickly changed the topic.
“I’m glad to hear the Family Head has fully recovered.”
“Indeed. There was a time I worried he might not make it.”
“What exactly happened?”
“I’m not entirely sure. Three months ago, all of a sudden…”
Tang Gon explained calmly.
Tang Pae had fallen victim to a mysterious illness, becoming so weak he could not even move but three months ago he suddenly rose from his sickbed, completely recovered.
Tang Gon had been overjoyed.
Yet from that day onward, Tang Pae began behaving like a different person.
He abandoned all clan duties and secluded himself in the Mysterious Martial Cave to train in martial arts.
Though Tang Gon could not understand the behavior, he did not mind much.
He was simply grateful his father had risen from what seemed like his deathbed.
“Training in the Mysterious Martial Cave…?”
Bu Eunseol wore a dazed expression.
Training to regain strength after rising from illness was not strange in itself.
But the Mysterious Martial Cave was different.
It was the extreme training chamber for mastering the Tang Clan’s Eight Great Secret Arts—a place hardly suitable for someone who had only just recovered.
‘Hmm.’
Bu Eunseol felt he could faintly grasp Tang Pae’s intentions.
But he could not be certain.
Only that the challenge letter had not been sent in jest.
“I see.”
“By the way, what brings you here so suddenly? In times as chaotic as these.” Tang Gon asked with both joy and concern. “Coming to our clan like this—aren’t you putting yourself at risk?”
The martial world was currently in turmoil, with Majeon and the Martial Alliance locked in extreme confrontation.
For Bu Eunseol—Majeon’s successor—to visit the Tang Clan at such a time posed considerable danger to the clan.
But Tang Gon asked, “Aren’t you putting yourself at risk?”—concerned solely for Bu Eunseol’s safety.
“I’m fine.” Feeling the transcendent warmth of Tang Gon’s friendship, Bu Eunseol replied evenly. “I simply missed you after so long and wanted to see you.”
Another lie.
One told for Tang Pae’s sake as much as Tang Gon’s.
A father would never wish his child to know of his suffering.
As long as Tang Pae did not speak of it himself, nothing should be revealed.
“You missed me?”
Tang Gon’s mouth fell open in astonishment.
His lifelong friend—who had always stared wide-eyed and stiff as a log—was saying such words.
The joy was overwhelming.
“I was thinking of staying at the Tang Clan for a little while. Would that be all right?” Bu Eunseol asked cautiously. “Of course I’ve completely erased my trail. No intelligence network in the martial world should know I’m here.”
“What kind of talk is that?”
At those words, Tang Gon burst into laughter and spread his arms wide.
“Even if the entire martial world knew you were here, I wouldn’t care! Stay as long as you like—make yourself at home!”
Even after the banquet ended, Bu Eunseol drank with Tang Gon deep into the night.
After emptying six jars of Jiannan Spring, Tang Gon—unable to handle the drunken flush—staggered.
“Oof.”
“You should go rest now.”
“What are you saying? There are still over a hundred jars of Jiannan Spring left in the clan cellar.”
“Today isn’t the only day.” Bu Eunseol spoke calmly. “I came a long way, so I’m a bit tired.”
“Ah, right! I didn’t think of that. Sorry.”
Only then did Tang Gon scratch his head and wave.
“Then rest well tonight. Tomorrow we’ll start drinking from broad daylight!”
With his nose red like a drunkard’s, he rose and waved goodbye.
He no longer looked like the young heir of the mighty Sichuan Tang Clan, but rather like a boy returning from a joyful romp with his childhood friend.
Unconsciously, Bu Eunseol smiled and waved back.
‘If I had spent my childhood with him… it would have been truly joyful.’
Once Tang Gon left, Bu Eunseol sat on the bed and circulated his inner force.
Whoosh!
In an instant he burned away the alcohol poison and opened his eyes sharply.
Tang Pae was not the type to drag things out.
He would surely come looking for him again tonight. Bu Eunseol needed to prepare himself mentally.
Whoosh.
The thought had barely finished when a faint sound of breaking air came from outside.
Bu Eunseol instinctively knew it was Tang Pae summoning him.
The distant sound stretched long.
As though beckoning him to follow.
Swish!
Bu Eunseol immediately stepped outside and unfolded his movement technique.
He had been staying in the inner courtyard, adjacent to Tang Gon’s residence.
Though countless experts stood guard, having mastered Swift Beyond Shadow to perfection, Bu Eunseol slipped past their senses with ease.
Whoosh.
Leaving the Tang Clan compound, Bu Eunseol caught sight of a shadow streaking across the distant sky like a meteor.
He did not hurry to catch up, maintaining a deliberate distance and moving slowly.
The leading shadow finally arrived at a small clearing in the middle of dense forest.
“To slip out of the inner courtyard so easily. You really aren’t someone to take lightly.”
Turning around, Tang Pae looked somehow different.
His once neatly combed hair now hung loose.
His skin tone and the light in his eyes had subtly changed.
Only then did Bu Eunseol understand why Tang Pae had sent such a letter.
Why he had summoned him to a place where Tang Gon was bound to discover it.
‘His desire for a life-or-death duel clashed with his wish for one last heartfelt reunion between Tang Gon and me.’
Rage and sorrow welled up in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
The Three Realms—the Clear River Realm—had to be eradicated.
Otherwise, once again, they would extend their wicked hands toward the people he cherished.
“Family Head.”
Bu Eunseol wore a grave expression.
The old Tang Pae would never have had any reason to accept the temptations of the Clear River Realm but when he had fallen so gravely ill that he could not rise from his bed… he would have had no choice but to accept their offer.
“You seem to have already figured it out without my explanation.”
Tang Pae—his eyes and skin tone now altered—smiled as though reading Bu Eunseol’s thoughts.
“I know very well how exceptional your martial prowess is.” With a cold smile, he continued. “But the Tang Clan’s Eight Great Secret Arts cannot be blocked by martial skill alone.”
A chilling aura flowed from Tang Pae’s eyes.
“Let me show you just how powerful demonic martial arts can be.”
Crack.
Bu Eunseol clenched his fist tightly.
If he could avoid this fight, he wanted to.
No—if he simply fled right now, that would be the end of it.
But Tang Pae had clearly received the great art of the Clear River Realm.
If Bu Eunseol irresponsibly disappeared, the Tang Clan could become a puppet of the Clear River Realm.
Worse still—Tang Gon himself could be endangered.
“I understand.”
Resigned to everything, Bu Eunseol extended his hand.
“Make the first move.”
“Insolent brat.”
Rumble.
A cold radiance spread across Tang Pae’s body.
The energy flowing from him was no longer the Tang Clan’s martial arts.
It carried a bizarre, eerie wave—like the power of the Black God Energy or some sorcery.
Swish!
In that instant, something razor-sharp pierced toward the space between Bu Eunseol’s brows.
The speed was blindingly fast; the opening move utterly abrupt.
Had Bu Eunseol not mastered the Beast Way, he might not have sensed the attack at all.
Clang!
Twisting his body, a sharp iron awl grazed past his forehead.
Even without direct impact, his skin split and blood trickled down.
That tiny iron awl had carried truly terrifying force.
“As expected.”
Seeing Bu Eunseol evade the iron awl so easily, Tang Pae nodded and extended both hands.
“Try receiving this as well.”
As he spread all ten fingers, sharp breaking sounds rang out. Black, razor-thin lines shot forth.
Ten Fingers Eternal Return.
The supreme secret technique of hidden-weapon mastery—one that could only be unleashed at the pinnacle of the art—was now being deployed from his hands.
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