“Ugh, don’t make me laugh.”
The Eccentric Physician said with an aggrieved expression.
“Do you think this old man is ready to climb into a coffin already!” He vented his frustration as though he were truly indignant. “People may say I’m seventy, but judging by my inner energy and physical condition, I could easily live to a hundred or even a hundred and fifty!”
He pounded his chest emphatically.
“Don’t deep-cultivated martial artists often live as long as immortals? This old man has consumed plenty of elixirs too so I hardly have any white hair.”
After ranting for a while, he shouted again, still looking deeply wronged.
“My body is no different from when I was in my prime! And yet you tell me to give up just because I’m old? Why should I be the one to give up?”
“Who said anything about giving up?”
Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“That’s exactly why I tidied up your appearance, isn’t it?”
He pointed at the bronze mirror reflecting the Eccentric Physician’s face.
“From now on, do as I taught you: every single day, trim your beard and nose hair properly. And make sure you don’t smell—bathe daily and change your clothes.”
“Why bother? That’s such a hassle.”
“Then give up. If you can’t even take care of your own body, what makes you think you’re qualified to pursue someone else?” Bu Eunseol spoke firmly. “You spent your whole life as a physician, so you should understand better than anyone. How can you treat a patient with tuberculosis if he keeps drinking himself into a stupor night after night?”
The Eccentric Physician fell silent, having nothing to say in response.
In truth, his age wasn’t the real problem.
The issue was that he wanted a fairy-like companion while doing absolutely nothing to maintain himself.
As Bu Eunseol had pointed out, it was exactly like hoping tuberculosis would heal while continuing to binge drink.
“…So you’re saying if I just take care of my face, that’s enough?”
“Far from it. Appearance is merely the starting line. To reach the goal, you also have to refine your character. You need to learn consideration for others and a likable way of speaking.”
“Why should I have to do all that?”
“Who would want to eat fruit that looks perfect on the outside but is rotten inside?” Bu Eunseol stated decisively. “You also need to lower your standards. As you yourself said, there are many people in the martial world whose profound inner energy lets them retain their youth despite advanced age.”
He added once more, “From now on, just as you groom your appearance, groom your character as well.”
“Hmph. Easy for you to say.” The Eccentric Physician sighed. “Do you think this old man has never tried?”
“…”
“I’ve made efforts to fix this foul temper of mine. But innate nature cannot be changed.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“That’s true. But the very fact that you’re aware of it means there is still hope.”
Creak.
At that moment, a refined middle-aged man dressed in pale blue robes entered through the main gate.
It was Bing Hanpung—former Lord of the North Sea Ice Palace and current commander of the Martial Soul Society’s Glacial Vanguard.
“This is Commander Bing of the Martial Soul Society.”
The Eccentric Physician generally disliked outsiders from the northern regions. But he had heard that Bing Hanpung had joined the alliance called the Martial Soul Society and had recently performed many good deeds in the martial world, so he reluctantly offered a perfunctory greeting.
“Come in.”
Despite the Eccentric Physician’s utterly discourteous attitude, Bing Hanpung paid it no mind. He calmly and courteously brought his hands together.
“It is an honor to meet you. I am Bing Hanpung, currently in charge of the Glacial Vanguard of the Martial Soul Society.”
After the two exchanged greetings, Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“Commander Bing here may look middle-aged, but his actual age is similar to yours, Elder.”
The Eccentric Physician stared blankly at Bing Hanpung.
Practicing ice arts could halt aging. Profound inner energy could likewise halt aging.
Yet beyond youth or age, Bing Hanpung exuded an air of profound, almost otherworldly refinement from his entire being.
“So what are you saying I should do about it?”
“‘One who stays near ink grows black; a white heron does not flock with crows.’” Bu Eunseol spoke quietly. “Since Commander Bing happens to be on a period of leave, why don’t the two of you spend the next few days together? You will naturally absorb some of the Glacial Lord’s bearing.”
“You called the Glacial Lord here just for that?”
“Indeed.”
The Eccentric Physician’s mouth fell open.
“Are you insane? You summoned the Glacial Lord for something like this?”
“That’s my business. Now get started. I still have to finish cleaning the manor.”
“You-”
At that moment, Bing Hanpung gave a warm, kindly smile and gently guided the Eccentric Physician outside.
“Come, let’s go.”
“But I-”
Even as he waved both hands in protest, the Eccentric Physician had no choice but to let Bing Hanpung lead him out.
Waiting there was a splendid eight-horse carriage gleaming in the sunlight.
Clack-clack.
Inside the carriage facing each other, Bing Hanpung chatted amiably with the Eccentric Physician.
At one point he glanced out the window at Bu Eunseol, who was still tidying the manor.
‘He really goes overboard.’
For a moment, an inscrutable feeling rose in Bing Hanpung’s chest.
In such a short time, Bu Eunseol had seen through the Eccentric Physician’s personality and his deepest desires, immediately sent a letter to Bing Hanpung via the Death Spirit Corps, and—while casually grooming the old man’s appearance—had not only captured his interest but even laid plans to draw him closer and eventually recruit him into the Martial Soul Society.
All in half a day.
‘Is something like this even possible?’
Having led the colossal North Sea Ice Palace for so long, Bing Hanpung had observed countless human hearts and natures.
Yet what Bu Eunseol displayed now went beyond mere exceptional strategy.
It was almost like a fortune teller, as though he could peer straight into a person’s entire life and even the lifelong regrets they hid deep in their heart.
‘Could he possibly be… the Great Lord?’
Legends in the martial world spoke of prophecy-like figures who appeared sporadically across generations.
People who, as if by divine will, could see through every affair of humanity.
In the past, the Dharma Seeker Mo Ryun… had he not awakened supernatural insight in his thirties and begun to read the secrets of heaven?
‘No, surely not.’
Bing Hanpung swallowed a groan and clenched his fist tightly.
Others might not know, but he did.
Those so-called prophets ultimately destroyed the world and ruined countless lives.
Hadn’t Mo Ryun’s erroneous prophecy created innumerable victims across the martial world?
Another such figure must never be allowed to appear.
‘Or perhaps one of the Hundred and Eight Stars?’
Among the Hundred and Eight Stars was said to be the Heavenly Secret Star, a being who could foresee every possible future branching from infinite paths and, with insight transcending time and space, even manipulate the flow of fate.
‘No, impossible.’
Both prophets and the Heavenly Secret Star were existences that ruined the world.
Bu Eunseol was merely exceptionally clever.
He could not possibly be a prophet or one of the Hundred and Eight Stars.
***
Naturally, the Eccentric Physician was recruited into the Martial Soul Society.
Bing Hanpung possessed the decisiveness and wisdom to rise to the position of Palace Lord among the five great families of the North Sea Ice Palace, as well as an embracing tolerance that allowed him to get along with anyone.
Just as Bu Eunseol had predicted, the Eccentric Physician became captivated by those very qualities.
Whether eating, dealing with people, or handling any task, he admired Bing Hanpung’s generosity and grace and began naturally trying to emulate them.
And that proved more effective than any other form of instruction.
In the end, the Eccentric Physician joined the Martial Soul Society not because he agreed with its banner, but because he was won over by Bing Hanpung’s character and came along almost instinctively.
Bewitching Soul Platform.
A place so breathtakingly beautiful it could entrance anyone—yet right now an atmosphere thick with tension filled the air. Because this was the negotiation site meant to resolve the conflict between the Martial Soul Society and the Zhongnan Sect.
Though it was called a “negotiation,” in reality it was little more than a declaration of all-out war.
Proving as much, the Zhongnan Sect had summoned every renowned righteous expert active in Shaanxi and brought them all here.
Yet on the Martial Soul Society’s side, only a young woman holding the position of military strategist, and one rugged-looking mercenary swordsman acting as her escort, stood waiting.
“Let’s cut to the chase.”
Elder Seop Unsaeng of the Zhongnan Sect glared coldly at Dam Yuyeon.
“The Martial Soul Society proclaims itself an alliance that stands between righteous and demonic paths, yet it continues to operate the Mercenary Market.” He raised the corner of his mouth. “To expand its power as a coalition of martial sects while simultaneously running a mercenary market—does that make any sense?”
“What exactly doesn’t make sense?” Dam Yuyeon replied calmly. “Our Society is a neutral force between righteous and demonic paths. We are not clashing with any righteous or demonic sect. Naturally we can operate a mercenary market, can we not?”
“Isn’t a so-called neutral coalition still a martial faction in the end?”
Seop Unsaeng declared firmly.
“Operating a mercenary market while acting as a martial power? Our sect absolutely cannot tolerate such behavior.”
The Zhongnan Sect seemed to have thought this through carefully. Rather than picking a fight without reason, they had come armed with a fairly clear justification.
“And if we refuse to stop?”
Seop Unsaeng announced in the tone of an ultimatum.
“Either abandon the mercenary market and operate purely as a coalition or run only the mercenary market. Choose one.”
Dam Yuyeon furrowed her brow.
The Zhongnan Sect had brought forth a surprisingly plausible pretext.
For the righteous sects obsessed with legitimacy, this was precisely the kind of issue concerning sectarian orthodoxy that they could never overlook.
“I will say it again. As a martial coalition, we absolutely cannot tolerate anyone exerting influence over an autonomous mercenary market-”
Thud. Thud.
But then footsteps approached from somewhere.
Soon after, an elderly man with neatly combed hair strode confidently up to the pavilion of the Bewitching Soul Platform.
Though his frame was small and his features rather ordinary, his hair was impeccably groomed, his thick, lustrous beard perfectly trimmed, giving off an air of dignified elegance.
It was none other than Jeung Pyeong, the Eccentric Physician, who, with Bu Eunseol’s help, had undergone a complete transformation in both appearance and demeanor.
“Elder!”
Seop Unsaeng’s face brightened when he saw the Eccentric Physician; he hurried forward.
The Eccentric Physician’s exceptional medical skills had saved many righteous experts, and he enjoyed close relationships with the headmasters of the Nine Great Sects. For such a figure to appear here out of the blue—it was like gaining a thousand-strong army unexpectedly.
“It has been far too long.”
“Elder Seop. Indeed, it has been a while.”
“What brings you here, Elder?”
The Eccentric Physician nodded and said, “I heard the Martial Soul Society needed to have words with the Zhongnan Sect, so this old man hurried over in a single stride.”
“Thank you!” Seop Unsaeng, believing the Eccentric Physician had come to lend them strength, broke into a wide smile.
“If the Elder would bestow some sharp admonishment, nothing could be better.”
“Good.”
The Eccentric Physician nodded and spoke decisively.
“Then stop picking fights with the Martial Soul Society.”
Seop Unsaeng, who had been beaming, instantly turned the color of rotten pig liver at the shocking reply.
“What…?”
“This old man has now joined the Martial Soul Society. As an Elder of the Elder Hall, no less.”
Thump.
Seop Unsaeng’s eyes widened as though he had been struck on the back of the head.
“You… have entered the Martial Soul Society’s Elder Hall?”
“Indeed.”
“B-but why…?”
“Upon investigation, I found that the Martial Soul Society is truly doing a great deal of good.” The Eccentric Physician spoke as though it were obvious. “The Society uses force only to protect ordinary people from those who disrupt the martial world.”
“Elder…”
Seop Unsaeng was so bewildered his head spun.
“The Martial Soul Society may call itself a righteous-demonic coalition, but in truth it’s a bizarre gathering of outsiders.”
“Hmph. Do you think this old man would join without understanding even that much?”
The Eccentric Physician said with a resolute expression.
“All the commanders—including the three great ones—abandoned their original sects and came to the Central Plains martial world. Even the Mercenary Corps is led by a demonic figure, while the Swift Thunder Corps is commanded by the righteous hero Thunder God.”
He added one more sentence.
“The Martial Soul Society is truly a coalition that transcends righteous and demonic paths.”
Seop Unsaeng swallowed dryly.
He realized that no words would get through.
“Um… Hero Jang.”
In the end, Seop Unsaeng turned to look at Jang Manjung, the righteous expert waiting behind him.
But the Eccentric Physician greeted Jang Manjung first.
“It’s been a while. How is your esteemed father?”
In the past he had treated Jang Manjung’s father, Jang Wonsang, for illness. Because of that, Jang Manjung treated the Eccentric Physician almost like a great-uncle of the family.
“O-of course, Elder.”
Jang Manjung bowed his head, not daring to meet the Eccentric Physician’s eyes.
‘This won’t do.’ Seop Unsaeng looked back at the other righteous experts waiting behind.
Yet every single one of them avoided his gaze or lowered their heads.
All of them either owed the Eccentric Physician a personal debt or had deep ties to the elders of their own sects through him.
‘Damn it.’
Beads of sweat formed on Seop Unsaeng’s forehead.
With the Eccentric Physician now on the Martial Soul Society’s side, any justification for pressuring them had vanished.
‘We should have just openly declared war.’
He had dragged righteous experts from all over Shaanxi along, hoping to gain a righteous pretext for challenging the mercenary market.
But with the Eccentric Physician’s appearance, the righteous experts stood like mute dummies who had swallowed honey—not a single one spoke up. Outside help was now impossible.
“Elder, regardless of anything else, the Martial Soul Society is still a martial faction. Operating a mercenary market is simply absurd, isn’t it?”
“The mercenary market cannot be seen as purely a commercial marketplace. It has clashed with orthodox sects many times as well.”
The Eccentric Physician spoke calmly.
“Righteous sects obsess over legitimacy and orthodoxy. But for a group that openly declares itself between righteous and demonic paths, composed of people from all backgrounds… what orthodoxy or justification are you even looking for?”
The Eccentric Physician continued with a sharp gaze.
“If the Zhongnan Sect truly wants to find fault with something, it would be better to wait until the Martial Soul Society has clearly committed a wrongdoing and then raise the issue at that time, wouldn’t it?”
Seop Unsaeng shut his mouth.
When an elder of the Eccentric Physician’s stature was determined to take their side, obtaining external support became nearly impossible.
And they could hardly charge in with only the Zhongnan Sect’s own forces…
They had lost all ability to press the Martial Soul Society.
“…Understood. Since Elder the Eccentric Physician says so… for now, we shall set aside the question of legitimacy.”
Like a condemned criminal being led to execution, Seop Unsaeng bowed his head and descended from the Bewitching Soul Platform. The other righteous experts, having nothing left to say, gave the Eccentric Physician half-hearted greetings and hurriedly scrambled down after him.
Smirk.
The Eccentric Physician looked at Bu Eunseol and grinned.
“How was that? This old man’s majesty?”
Even while spending time with Bing Hanpung, he had frequently been scolded by Bu Eunseol.
So this time he wanted to puff out his chest a little and show off.
“I didn’t say anything crude, and I persuaded those fellows politely, didn’t I?”
Nod.
Bu Eunseol nodded and gave a thumbs-up.
It was the exact look of a mother bird watching her fledgling.
***
Martial Soul Hall, grand meeting hall.
“Thanks to Elder the Eccentric Physician of the Elder Hall, the negotiations with the Zhongnan Sect concluded smoothly.”
Dam Yuyeon said in a bright voice.
The Eccentric Physician had joined the Elder Hall, and the Bewitching Soul Platform talks had ended successfully.
Of course, the Zhongnan Sect was not fully convinced, but the Eccentric Physician was an elder of the martial world to whom countless righteous practitioners owed their lives. He had saved innumerable injured or gravely ill martial artists including elders and disciples of Mount Hua and Zhongnan.
They had no choice but to reluctantly accept his mediation.
But that was not the main topic of today’s meeting.
“And we have received some strange information.”
Dam Yuyeon continued with a grave expression.
“According to the information brokers, a mysterious vault has been discovered—and it is said to be a secret archive created by one of the legendary Three Families.”
“The Three Families?”
“Yes. It appears someone deliberately spread forged treasure maps to create confusion.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed.
“Then either a colossal power like the Three Realms or an Abyssal group created the treasure maps… or the real Three Families created fake ones.”
Contrary to rumor, the legendary Three Families had not vanished. They simply continued their activities in secrecy within the martial world.
Yet now treasure maps supposedly made by those Three Families were being openly circulated by information organizations?
Only forces on par with the Three Families such as the Three Realms or the abyssal groups—or the genuine Three Families themselves could pull off such a thing.
“Exactly. If the real Three Families still exist, they would never tolerate such rumors being spread in their name.”
If someone else had dared to use the Three Families’ name for this scheme, the true Three Families, still lurking quietly in the martial world, would never allow it.
In other words, either an organization with power and intelligence networks rivaling the Three Families had moved—or it truly was the genuine Three Families.
“We mobilized not only our capable agents but also the commanders of the Swift Thunder Corps, Glacial Vanguard, and Mercenary Corps yet we found nothing. Many martial artists had already visited the site before us.”
Dam Yuyeon’s eyes sparkled.
“It seems they deliberately spread the rumor to lure a specific person to that location.”
By deliberately invoking the legend of the Three Families and spreading word of the treasure maps, yet nothing being found at the site… the most likely explanation was that the person they were waiting for had not yet arrived.
“The Three Families, huh.”
A strange premonition stirred in Bu Eunseol.
A gut feeling that perhaps the one they were calling… was himself.
“I’ll go take a look.”
Dam Yuyeon spoke calmly, as though she had expected this. “We anticipated as much and have already prepared the Society’s elite members.”
“I’ll go alone.”
“It’s dangerous. The Lord’s safety is the safety of the entire Society.”
Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“No, it isn’t.”
Then he declared firmly, “The Martial Soul Society must become strong even without me. Just like the Martial Alliance or Majeon.”
The two great coalitions—righteous and demonic—remained formidable even if their supreme leaders vanished.
No force could easily invade them.
But at present, the Martial Soul Society relied heavily on Bu Eunseol’s intellect and strength.
To complete the Tripartite Balance of the Martial World and establish a stable tripod-like power structure, the Society itself—not Bu Eunseol as an individual—had to become the center.
“I understand. However…”
Dam Yuyeon narrowed her eyes.
She knew Bu Eunseol had reached the realm of Transcendent Origin, making him untouchable by ordinary forces.
Yet the reason he refused escorts or troops was because he placed his subordinates’ lives above his own safety.
And that fact had always weighed on her heart.
“The enemy is powerful and always ready to ambush the Lord at any moment.” Dam Yuyeon began trying to persuade him. “If something dangerous happens to the Lord, it would be meaningless even if the rest of us survive.”
“I understand. From now on, I will definitely bring an escort force.” Despite her earnest plea, Bu Eunseol merely smiled lightly. “But this matter is extremely strange. It seems better to investigate quietly, which is why I plan to go alone this time.”
At Bu Eunseol’s resolute words, Dam Yuyeon had no choice but to nod.
“…Understood. Then please be careful.”
“I will.”
At that moment, he had no idea.
That this journey would finally reveal in full detail the very origin of the Three Realms that he had so desperately wanted to uncover.
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