Bu Eunseol shook his head firmly.
[Instead, I will reveal my true identity and request an audience with the palace lord. I will ask her to transmit the Wind and Cloud Divine Energy to me.]
[Would the Wind God Palace, which walks the orthodox path, truly transmit their secret divine energy to you, Brother Bu? Moreover, the fact that they are holding this consort-selection conference shows that the current situation in the Wind God Palace is far from normal.]
In truth, Bu Eunseol was already aware of that much. But because of him, he could never permit Hyeok Sojin to become a live-in son-in-law of the Wind God Palace.
[Even if you became their live-in son-in-law, do you think the palace lord would permit the transmission of the Wind and Cloud Divine Energy to an outsider?]
[Who said anything about asking for permission to transmit it? If we did that, it would be the same as announcing to the entire world that I possess the Wind and Cloud Divine Energy.]
Bu Eunseol fell silent.
In fact, the Crystal Divine Energy he himself possessed had not been granted with the permission of the Divine Water Palace. He had blocked the vicious power of their deputy palace lord and absorbed it through taoist secret texts, hadn’t he?
[If I fail, then give up at that point. That much is acceptable, isn’t it? If you leave, Brother Bu, I’ll have to leave too.]
Seeing the desperate light in Hyeok Sojin’s eyes, Bu Eunseol let out a deep sigh.
[Sojin.]
[Please, I beg you.]
Hyeok Sojin knew Bu Eunseol’s personality all too well.
Even if it cost him his life, Bu Eunseol would never force himself to participate in this consort-selection conference.
That was why, instead of persuading him, Hyeok Sojin intended to become the live-in son-in-law of the Wind God Palace himself.
[Is it really necessary to go that far?]
[I’m old enough as it is. Marrying a beauty wouldn’t be such a bad thing, would it?]
[What about the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect? They want a live-in son-in-law.]
Hyeok Sojin bared his white teeth in a grin.
[The ground is just a place where old men are managed anyway; being its leader means nothing more than that. Grandfather would be delighted if I quickly got married and gave him a grandchild.]
[Sojin.]
[If you want to stop me, cut my throat and stand up from your seat.]
Hyeok Sojin knew exactly how severe Bu Eunseol’s injuries were.
If not treated in time, they could become irreversible and grow even worse.
He was staking his own life to heal Bu Eunseol.
Seeing the blazing resolve in Hyeok Sojin’s eyes—hot enough to melt iron—Bu Eunseol let out a long, deep sigh.
If their positions were reversed, he would have done exactly the same.
[I understand.]
In the end, Bu Eunseol sat back down.
[But if anything becomes truly dangerous, I will immediately withdraw.]
[Understood. Thank you.]
At that moment, Elder Hyang shouted.
“Now, one by one, come forward and infuse your internal energy into the Five Elements Stone.”
She continued firmly.
“At least three lights must emerge for you to pass. If fewer than three lights appear, I ask that you quietly leave our palace.”
Having heard everything, those present nodded.
Without hesitation, they descended to the first floor and placed their hands on the Five Elements Stone.
“Ooh…”
An exclamation burst forth.
When Yeo Mungi infused his energy, along with Li Fire Energy, the Zhen Wood Energy and Dui Metal Energy appeared—three lights in total.
“Hohoho.”
He wore an arrogant smile.
Though his talent was exceptional, because he was an illegitimate son he had always been overlooked and excluded from the line of succession.
But if he obtained the Wind and Cloud Divine Energy and became a great duke of the Wind God Palace?
The position of Jiangnan Martial Alliance Leader would mean nothing.
Moreover, he would gain the peerless beauty of the Wind God Palace as his wife… truly killing two birds with one stone.
“Ooh—”
But then another exclamation erupted.
When Zhuge Seoun infused his energy, four lights emerged.
At that, Yeo Mungi’s eyes twisted.
“Don’t worry. The number of lights does not indicate talent.”
Elder Hyang spoke calmly.
“As long as there are three, it makes no difference in obtaining the Wind and Cloud Divine Energy.”
Yeo Mungi’s stiff expression softened somewhat, and he returned to his seat.
Next came the youth who always wore a smile on his lips.
When he infused his internal energy into the stone, four lights emerged as well.
So far, five people had produced three lights.
Only Zhuge Seoun and the smiling youth had produced four.
“My turn.”
Hyeok Sojin placed his hand on the stone and infused his energy.
Once again, an exclamation burst forth.
He too had produced four lights.
Now it was Bu Eunseol’s turn.
‘In any case, it won’t work.’
Already during the Ten Demonic Battle Tournament, he had clearly realized he possessed no special constitution or innate heavenly talent.
Moreover, he had confirmed that fact once more through the Boundary Prosperity Jade so he harbored no expectations whatsoever.
Thud.
Bu Eunseol raised his internal energy.
As he had expected, the Five Elements Stone showed no reaction at all.
“Hm?”
But Elder Hyang wore a puzzled expression.
Since he had infused internal energy, at the very least the light of Li Fire Energy should have appeared.
Why was there no reaction whatsoever?
“Has the Five Elements Stone broken?”
Tilting her head, Elder Hyang extended her own hand, and in an instant three lights emerged.
“It’s perfectly fine.”
“Perhaps I simply possess no such ability.”
At Bu Eunseol’s calm words, Elder Hyang tilted her head again, then her eyes flashed.
“Surely not… you.”
In an utterly chilling voice, she said, “You used disguise.”
Bu Eunseol flinched inwardly but feigned ignorance.
“What do you mean?”
“When one employs face-altering disguise techniques, the Five Elements Stone does not react.”
As Elder Hyang nodded while looking around, white-robed disciples poured out and surrounded Bu Eunseol.
“Did our palace’s event seem like child’s play to you?”
Before he could even respond, Elder Hyang declared firmly.
“Reveal your true identity. Otherwise, I will regard you as a spy who came to disrupt our palace’s proceedings.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
From Elder Hyang’s attitude, it was clear that even if he tried to leave now, she would not permit it.
‘In any case, didn’t I intend to reveal my true identity from the beginning?’
He had anticipated that his disguise would be discovered the moment he first assumed it.
Moreover, when he had originally set out for the Wind God Palace, hadn’t he planned to reveal his true self?
Crack, crack.
In the end, Bu Eunseol released the Face and Bone Shifting Art.
His tied hair came loose, revealing a peerlessly handsome visage like a painting come to life.
“That person is…”
Elder Hyang’s eyes widened to the point of tearing.
The successor of Majeon.
The foremost young grandmaster of the demonic path—the Martial Soul Command Lord.
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
As Bu Eunseol revealed his true appearance, not only Zhuge Seoun but every man present had their eyes flash with shock.
“I came here unintentionally and was forced to conceal my identity.”
Looking at Elder Hyang, Bu Eunseol clasped his hands together.
“I harbored no ill intent, so I ask for your magnanimous understanding.”
It was a dignified yet courteous greeting befitting a demonic grandmaster.
“If you wish, I will leave the Wind God Palace this very moment.”
But Elder Hyang’s expression was strange.
It seemed as though she was so overjoyed she hardly knew what to do with herself—or perhaps she was desperately suppressing an emotion that threatened to burst forth.
“No, there is no need.”
Fixing her peculiar expression, Elder Hyang spoke calmly.
“Since you have undone your disguise, I will acknowledge your participation in the consort-selection conference. Place your hand on it.”
The elder, who had earlier looked ready to strike at any moment, now forced a smile.
Bu Eunseol felt a vague sense of unease.
Moreover, to allow continued participation in the conference simply because the disguise had been removed?
‘What exactly does she want?’
[Brother Bu, we’re already riding the tiger. Haven’t they formally permitted your participation?]
Hearing Hyeok Sojin’s transmission, Bu Eunseol had no choice but to place his hand on the Five Elements Stone.
Yet still, there was no reaction whatsoever.
“Eliminated.”
Bu Eunseol shook his head as though helpless.
“No.” Elder Hyang spoke decisively. “When the Five Elemental Energies reach their extreme, it is possible for nothing to appear at all.”
A murmur spread through the hall at the unexpected reply.
In short, it meant Bu Eunseol possessed the optimal conditions for obtaining the Wind and Cloud Divine Energy.
“The previous palace lord was the same at first.”
It was a lie.
Whether the Five Elemental Energies reached their peak or not, the Five Elements Stone only discerned their presence or absence.
This man’s body contained not a trace of them.
Nevertheless, the successor of Majeon must pass through the gates without fail.
Not to transmit the Wind and Cloud Divine Energy—but for revenge.
‘The opportunity for vengeance has come on its own.’
Elder Hyang bit her lip.
The reason the previous palace lord had died screaming was because the foremost figure of the demonic path—the Demon Emperor Sado Muryeong—had brutally murdered her.
‘Though I could not kill the Demon Emperor, I can kill his successor.’
Elder Hyang swallowed a vicious smile.
Since Bu Eunseol had voluntarily entered the consort-selection conference, she would never let this chance slip to kill him.
***
Those who passed through the Five Elements Stone numbered seven in total, including Bu Eunseol.
In truth, whether it was a consort selection or a marriage recruitment, most such events ultimately came down to martial combat.
But the Wind God Palace appeared to have no intention of holding any such contest. Instead, they led the group deep into the palace.
After walking for some time, they reached an area with several buildings, their doors left open.
Straining his eyes, Bu Eunseol saw bamboo blinds hanging inside each doorway, with another layer of fine silk veils draped beyond.
From their appearance, they seemed to be places for quiet seated meditation or tranquil tea drinking.
“Then we shall now begin the true consort-selection conference.”
Elder Hyang, who had led the seven young men here, spoke in a loud voice.
“This is the area where our palace’s disciples perform heart-method cultivation. Inside each building sits one of our sect’s mid-level experts who has mastered an outstanding heart method.”
She looked around at the young men and continued.
“If you receive the word ‘pass’ from them, you advance.”
“I don’t understand.” Yeo Mungi curled his lips into a sneer. “How exactly are we supposed to obtain a pass? Are we supposed to threaten them or something?”
“That would also be acceptable.”
Elder Hyang smiled faintly instead.
“Whether by intimidation, suppression, or any other means—it doesn’t matter. As long as you hear the word ‘pass’ from them, you advance.”
At those words, the others wore expressions of stunned disbelief.
What kind of ability did the women inside possess that the elder could speak so confidently?
‘Is she planning to use mind-seizing techniques?’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed.
Though his super-senses had vanished, his five ordinary senses remained intact.
Through the open doors, he caught the faint scent of Soul-Seizing Fragrance—used covertly by masters of mind-seizing arts.
[Sojin.]
[I know.]
Hyeok Sojin, apparently having smelled it as well, replied in a low voice.
At that moment, a peculiar transmission rang in both their minds.
[They are probably verifying identities once more… or checking whether we might pose a threat to the Wind God Palace.]
It was Zhuge Seoun’s transmission.
No matter that it was called a consort-selection conference, they were in the process of unconditionally handing over a secret divine energy—the power of one of the Four Gods, the Wind God.
It was only natural that they would filter out anyone with impure intentions, even if it meant resorting to mind-seizing techniques or worse.
[You’ve probably already guessed, but as long as you prove you mean no harm to the Wind God Palace, you will pass. The important thing is: never resist the mind-seizing technique.]
When Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin looked at him with puzzled expressions, Zhuge Seoun turned his head.
[I’m repaying a previous debt with this advice. Of course, this alone doesn’t fully settle it.]
Then Elder Hyang shouted.
“Now enter.”
The participants, who had been standing blankly, each entered the building before them.
After exchanging glances with Hyeok Sojin, Bu Eunseol stood before the building directly in front of him.
“You may come inside.”
At the cold female voice, Bu Eunseol lifted the bamboo blind and stepped in.
A rather narrow room came into view, where a gaunt middle-aged woman with cold eyes sat waiting.
“I am Ok Jeong, Lord of the Morning Mist Hall.”
As she greeted him, Bu Eunseol returned the courtesy politely.
“I am Bu Eunseol, disciple of the Nangyang Pavilion.”
“The successor of Majeon—the Martial Soul Command Lord.”
Ok Jeong stared straight at Bu Eunseol.
“You are quite handsome.”
She swept her gaze over his face and body, then spoke coldly.
“You’ve probably never experienced anything unsatisfactory in your life. You must have walked a smooth, gilded path, yes?”
“…”
“I’m looking forward to seeing how you intend to satisfy this hall lord.”
Soul-Seizing Fragrance, said to steal a person’s mind and soul, wafted thickly throughout the room.
Since it was not a poison, internal energy could not block it, and the room was small with poor ventilation.
Continuing a conversation in such a confined space would make defending against the Mind-Seizing Great Method far from easy.
“…”
Bu Eunseol gazed steadily at Ok Jeong for a moment.
As one aged, one’s true nature appeared on the face.
The eyes, expressions, and voice revealed one’s deficiencies.
After a long moment of contemplation, Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“I would like to have a drink. Preferably something very strong.”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Ok Jeong’s lips curved upward.
The most common tactic men used to capture a woman’s heart was to ply her with alcohol.
‘He’s simpler than I thought.’
Ok Jeong wore a sneer.
“Of course I can provide alcohol. But this hall lord will not drink.”
“As you wish.”
At Ok Jeong’s low command to someone behind her, a table soon arrived bearing strong liquor, fruit, and rice cakes.
Bu Eunseol slowly poured liquor into his cup.
The alcohol they had brought was, as he requested, extremely potent, with a deep fragrance.
He lifted the bottle, filled his cup to the brim, and slowly brought it to his lips.
Bu Eunseol’s way of drinking was quite distinctive.
He filled the clear cup to the brim with clear liquor, yet instead of downing it in one gulp, he sipped it little by little.
The speed at which he emptied the cup was neither fast nor slow—perfectly steady.
Watching him, Ok Jeong unconsciously swallowed.
The disciples of the Wind God Palace lived in a cold region and favored strong liquor.
When such a peerlessly handsome man drank that fierce alcohol with such sweet relish, it was only natural for her mouth to water.
“In truth, my childhood was not a good one.”
After slowly emptying one bottle, Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“One could even say I lived more miserably than most.”
Each time Bu Eunseol spoke, a thick aroma of alcohol spread outward.
Since Ok Jeong enjoyed drinking, she felt no particular aversion to the rising scent.
“And so?”
“The earliest memory that comes to mind is living in the sewers. On the verge of starving to death, I found a rat half-eaten and discarded by some beast… and I chewed it.”
Bu Eunseol recounted his wretched past in an even tone.
Though he was normally sparing with words, once he began speaking he became an eloquent speaker who could seize the listener’s soul.
She had intended to pay little attention to whatever he said, yet because he told the story so captivatingly, she found herself listening despite herself.
“After that day, I never went hungry again. I realized there was nothing in the world that a human could not eat.”
Bu Eunseol slowly emptied another cup.
The room was not large, and the two sat facing each other, so Ok Jeong could not help but inhale the breath Bu Eunseol exhaled—mixed with the strong scent of liquor—and gradually felt her own mind grow languid.
‘I must stay alert.’
Ok Jeong was not supposed to listen to his ramblings; she was supposed to uncover every secret he held.
There was no need to keep listening to his sob story.
“One cannot call such things hardship. In this harsh world, are nameless orphans so rare?”
“You mean you’ve lived a life more wretched than mine?”
Unlike his usual demeanor, Bu Eunseol curved his lips into a smile.
At that, Ok Jeong replied with an utterly cold expression.
“I was swept up in war. My family all died, and my mother was violated by soldiers.”
She bit her lip.
“From that day onward, my mother became mad. Every day she would beat me, then weep loudly, saying she was sorry.”
“…”
“Then at some point, saying that I too might suffer the same pitiful fate… she tried to kill me.”
Ok Jeong’s eyes reddened.
“The days I nearly died at my mother’s hands are too many to count. One day she made up her mind and tried to cut my throat with a sickle.”
She stopped mid-sentence, suddenly snapping back to her senses.
She realized she had been speaking words she should never have uttered.
But then Bu Eunseol said, “Yet here you are, alive and well, Hall Lord… so in the end, your dear mother passed away alone in misery, I suppose.”
At his wild conjecture, Ok Jeong bit her lip.
“Not at all. In the end, I was struck by my mother’s sickle and dying. But fortunately, the palace lord discovered me as I lay dying.”
Ok Jeong had lived a wretched life and was on the verge of death at her mother’s hand.
But she had been saved by the previous Wind God—the palace lord—and became a disciple of the Wind God Palace.
“How fortunate.”
Bu Eunseol nodded, unaware of the full truth.
“Coming to the Wind God Palace must have freed you from that painful life.”
“Freed?”
Ok Jeong bit her lip.
How strange.
No matter how hard she tried to remain calm, she could not shake the despair and sorrow welling up in her chest.
“Quite the opposite. Seeing my dying mother at the palace lord’s hand, I thought—how fortunate.”
Unable to suppress her grief, she wore a bitter smile.
“Now she won’t suffer anymore. Now I won’t have to agonize every day over whether to kill my own mother… I despised myself for thinking that.”
Tears streamed down.
Finally, hot tears poured from Ok Jeong’s eyes.
Having heard it all, Bu Eunseol let out a deep sigh.
He too had lived through an age of war and endured a wretched existence.
He did not even remember his parents; the memories he had eventually found had been forcibly implanted fakes.
Yet Ok Jeong possessed clear memories of her parents—and precisely those memories had become a cruel, sorrowful past that tormented her.
Chorrr.
Without a word, Bu Eunseol filled her cup to the brim.
The clear liquor in the transparent cup released a pungent fragrance that tickled the nose.
But he did not empty it.
It was an act of empathy for Ok Jeong, who carried such a wretched past—a cup filled for her sake.
Ok Jeong looked at the cup with bewildered eyes.
Then suddenly her eyes widened.
She had sensed the transparent ripple of true qi emanating from the cup.
“Surely not.”
Ok Jeong’s voice trembled.
Only now did she realize that Bu Eunseol had painstakingly spread his internal energy to create a barrier of true qi, preventing any sound from leaking outside.
“It’s all right. No one heard.”
Ok Jeong could not comprehend it.
Why had she poured out her wretched past—something she had never spoken of before—to this man?
“I did it on purpose.”
Reading her mind, Bu Eunseol gave a calm smile.
“It was not on a mere whim that I asked for the liquor table.”
From the moment he saw Ok Jeong’s face, he had understood many things.
Her eyes held a vicious past and her lips carried secrets she had never told another soul.
And from her dry voice, he could glimpse the emptiness and painful life hidden behind her coldness.
‘Am I becoming like the Demon Emperor?’
Though gravely injured in the battle with the Fist Man, Bu Eunseol had gained the confidence and certainty that he could fight a master of the Limitless Realm.
As a result, his understanding of the martial scriptures had taken another great leap forward.
And as proof of that… just like the Demon Emperor or the Martial Sovereign, he had gained eyes capable of peering into another’s soul.
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