The secret chamber was filled with ancient parchments and books.
Mysterious incantation patterns and complex geometric diagrams were engraved here and there in unknown languages.
At a gleaming table sat a young man with endlessly clear eyes.
He was a figure who had not only mastered knowledge in every field but also possessed mysterious abilities akin to a prophet, based on his exceptional intellect.
The Heavenly Mechanism Star, Chu So.
He was deep in thought.
“My Lord, it is Bang Il.”
A low voice came from outside the door at that moment.
“Come in.”
Click.
At Chu So’s words, the door opened, and a middle-aged man in official attire entered and bowed politely.
This was none other than Chu So’s confidant, the strategist Bang Il.
Though he could not compare to Chu So, he was a rare master of strategy and tactics in the martial world, thus he commanded troops in his stead or issued various missions. He was profoundly knowledgeable in astronomy and geography, capable of understanding natural phenomena yet, without ever having the chance to fulfill his ambitions, he had been aging in obscurity.
Chu So, recognizing his talent at a glance, appointed him as the strategist to fill his vacancy and valued him highly.
“The Absolute Demonic Blade Project seems to be gradually reaching completion.” Bang Il began his report cautiously. “Those who have passed through the eight gates are emerging one after another. They appear quite confident, no longer even bothering to hide.”
Hearing this, Chu So gave a faint smirk.
“That deathless old monster is still up to pointless nonsense.”
Shaking his head, he spoke again.
“What about Yangseol Rin?”
“As you predicted, she has changed.”
Bang Il continued his report carefully.
“And she is in close contact with the Martial Soul Command Lord of Majeon. As the Lord anticipated, she is quietly sharing the information we deliberately leaked this time.”
He spoke in a low voice.
“Upon checking the situation, they are treating each other with far more familiarity than necessary. It certainly does not seem like a mere cooperative relationship.”
“Hmm.”
A low hum escaped Chu So’s lips.
There was nothing in the world he could not understand, and he could predict a considerable portion of what was to come.
But this matter, he could not foresee at all.
Just like the case with Gongsun Dankyung, he could see nothing ahead.
“How strange. The Heavenly Grace Star… was born with a temperament utterly uninterested in the opposite sex.” Chu So stroked his chin.
He had long planned to take control not only of the Jungson family but also the Yangseol family.
As part of that, he had applied various great arts to Yangseol Rin, manipulating her memories. Moreover, just like Gongsun Dankyung, the Heavenly Grace Star was an Absolute Lonely Star destined to live alone without ever pairing with the opposite sex throughout her life.
Proving as much, both women had never given their hearts to any man even after passing thirty.
Yet suddenly, Gongsun Dankyung fell for Seon Woojin, and Yangseol Rin had her heart stolen by the heir of Majeon.
“Would it not be better to apply the great art once more and bind her tightly?”
“No more.”
Chu So shook his head.
“If we tamper with her mind any further, she could become an idiot. All our efforts up to now would be for naught.”
He nodded as if having made a decision.
“It seems I will have to meet that person in person after all.”
Chu So tilted his head and said,
“The Martial Soul Command Lord. What kind of charm does he possess that he could steal the heart of Yangseol Rin, an Absolute Lonely Star?”
“Are you saying you will deal with him?”
Most who see Chu So’s face die.
Because his identity and appearance must never be revealed.
In fact, nearly everyone who had seen or known of Chu So up to now had been killed.
“Of course not. He is the heir of Majeon. He cannot be killed yet.”
Chu So smiled faintly.
“I truly wish to see him once.”
As he smiled brightly, his pure white teeth gleamed even in the darkness.
The Heavenly Mechanism Star, Chu So.
The man who secretly maneuvered the world was finally about to reach out directly toward Bu Eunseol.
***
Bu Eunseol liked alcohol.
Whenever he had free time, he would drink with the captains of the Death Shadow Corps or the Supreme Corps members.
But ever since learning of the existence of the Executioner, such things became unthinkable, and he could no longer go to Majeon, the Martial Soul Society, or even the Azure Sky Alliance.
If Manwol’s prediction was correct, there was a grace period of sixty days.
If he failed to resolve this issue within that time? The person closest to him would die by his own hand.
Until he found a solution… he must not grow close to anyone.
After safely escorting Seong Suryeo back to the Seong family estate, Bu Eunseol felt inexplicably melancholic.
Because of his own affairs, an innocent commoner had nearly been sacrificed.
The dark clouds over the martial world were growing thicker by the day—matters even his martial prowess and forces could no longer resolve.
Normally, he would have madly roamed the martial world or devised schemes to settle this but following Manwol’s advice… he decided to first cleanly organize his complicated state of mind.
‘Isn’t life inherently a solitary thing, after all?’
For once, he wandered the martial world aimlessly.
He happened upon a small inn tucked away in a secluded alley and entered to drink alone.
After his grandfather died, he had always locked himself away in solitude.
Only occasionally did passing connections make things briefly lively; most of the time, he spent long periods alone.
―The time spent alone is extremely precious and holds immense benefits.
Suddenly, he recalled what his grandfather, Bu Zhanyang, had once told him.
Bu Zhanyang had advised that time alone was profoundly valuable and should never be wasted.
―Quiet moments free of external stimuli are the only times when humans can engage in truly creative thinking.
Bu Zhanyang had said with a gentle expression.
―Humans are creatures who expend mental energy just by being with others. But when alone, the fatigue of the soul can recover, and emotional stability returns.
Yet young Bu Eunseol had shaken his head.
―I still like being with Grandfather more. I hate being alone.
Bu Zhanyang had laughed heartily and nodded.
―This old man will always be by Seol-ah’s side.
‘Grandfather.’
Snapping out of the memory, Bu Eunseol stared into empty space with unfocused eyes.
In childhood, he had not understood those words but now, having reached great heights in martial arts, he fully comprehended the meaning behind his grandfather’s words.
Humans create will through the mind, and act through that will.
To achieve goals, one must first move the soul.
If the mind is not at ease, the body tires.
If the mind is not firm, wounds come.
If the mind cannot be controlled, true ability cannot be displayed.
In the end, time spent alone is precious rest—time to regulate and refine the soul, the very root of humanity.
‘Did Lady Manwol give that advice with this in mind as well?’
Indeed, the Executioner’s appearance had left Bu Eunseol’s soul in an extremely worn state. Even if that had not been her intention, time alone like this was certainly necessary for him right now.
As he calmly reflected on various matters while drinking alone… the impatience caused by the Executioner faded, and his soul gradually returned to the peaceful state of everyday life.
Before he knew it, night had deepened.
Most of the drinkers in the inn had left, leaving only a young man seated in the corner, a middle-aged man in splendid silk robes, and Bu Eunseol—three people in total.
The young man’s appearance seemed pure yet carried a decadent beauty. It felt as though brightness and darkness coexisted within him.
The middle-aged man in silk robes had the typical air of a great wealthy merchant. He wore a ring studded with diamonds and was adorned with expensive ornaments hanging all over his body.
‘Their common point is that they all love alcohol.’
Bu Eunseol smiled inwardly.
Those who truly enjoy drinking pay no mind even if fire breaks out nearby or people start fighting—they simply drink.
Drinking time is extremely precious, time spent entirely on oneself, so they never waste it.
Proving as much, the silk-robed elder and the young man paid no attention to each other, fully immersed only in drinking.
Glug glug.
Bu Eunseol sipped from his filled cup multiple times in small portions.
Gulp.
The silk-robed elder used a large bowl as a cup and drained it boldly.
The young man in the corner lifted the entire bottle like someone mad for alcohol and drank.
The world was silent; only the sounds of the three drinking filled the inn.
From the innkeeper’s perspective, customers who lingered late into the night were not exactly welcome but since all three were drinking enormous amounts in their own ways, he could hardly say anything.
Still, one thing bothered him—the young man drinking in the corner.
His face was handsome, but his clothes were soaked with sweat stains, and his shoes were worn out.
―Something feels off.
Innkeepers who run places alone are extremely wary of shabby-looking heavy drinkers.
A penniless drunk could easily cause them to lose a month’s earnings in one go.
Especially this innkeeper, who had worked in inns since youth and saved enough to open this small place and run it alone.
He had considerable experience handling such situations.
“Young master.”
After some hesitation, the innkeeper spoke very politely to the young man gulping down liquor.
“Drinking too much is bad for the body. How about stopping now?”
Clack.
At the innkeeper’s words, instead of replying, the young man pulled a large lump of silver from his robes.
He knew the innkeeper was saying this out of worry about the bill.
“Oh my!”
Seeing the large chunk of silver, the innkeeper beamed and picked it up.
“Well, indeed—drinking in one’s youth is like taking a tonic. Do you need more side dishes?”
“Side dishes are also alcohol.”
“What a fine saying. Then allow me to bring out some splendid ones.”
Grinning widely, the innkeeper brought out not cheap white liquor but aged yellow wine he had carefully stored in the cellar.
Even though the liquor had changed, the young man drank without comment.
“There’s a very clean valley nearby with excellent water—perfect for brewing superb liquor.”
Even after receiving better liquor, the young man still drank it down in huge gulps like a horse drinking water.
“How is it? To your taste?”
Slightly disappointed that no praise came, the innkeeper subtly probed.
The young man frowned.
“Who cares about the taste? Liquor is just medicine.”
“What do you mean, medicine?”
“Physical pain can be stopped with medicine, but pain of the heart can only be eased with a drink.”
Draining the bottle again, the young man continued.
“Where in the world is there a fool who savors and critiques the taste of medicine while taking it?”
Realizing the young man’s mind was not clear, the innkeeper nodded along with unfocused eyes.
“Yes, yes. Drink plenty.”
But the silk-robed elder saw it differently. He sensed profound insight hidden in the young man’s words.
“Can liquor truly heal the heart?”
The young man smirked. “If it had no such effect, why would anyone swallow something this bitter and astringent?”
The words sounded quite amusing to the elder, who spoke in a low voice.
“This old man is merely curious whether liquor can be medicine for the heart.”
But the young man turned his head as if uninterested, avoiding the answer.
The elder then took out a single banknote and placed it on the table.
“If you answer, this money is yours.”
“No need.”
The young man grinned.
“Fortunately, I live a life satisfying enough that I don’t need to beg favors from anyone.”
When the young man refused, the elder placed another banknote.
“But this money will make your life even more abundant and comfortable.”
“My, my—you’ve lived your life all wrong, old man.”
Seeing the enormous sum written on the note, the young man clicked his tongue instead.
“What use is that scrap of paper?”
“Scrap of paper, you say.”
The silk-robed elder sighed and shook his head.
“Only the rich, who can spend money like water without it ever running dry, can say such things.”
Then he spoke calmly.
“But precisely because they know the value of money, they never utter such words.”
“Nonsense.”
The young man waved his hand as if seeing a plague ghost, looking at the banknote.
“Drunks like us are satisfied with just one drink. Having that much money would only bring worries.”
“Worries?”
“Wouldn’t such a huge sum only invite disaster for a powerless drunk?”
The young man shook his head.
“Worrying who might steal it, how to protect it—only such anxieties would arise.”
The silk-robed elder looked disappointed.
“Then all the rich in the world must live unhappy lives, while the poor live happily.”
He rose from his seat.
“I thought there was some profundity in your answer and felt a momentary interest… but you were just a drunk fond of sophistry.”
Shaking his head, the silk-robed elder placed a large piece of silver on the table and walked out.
Whether the elder left or not, the young man emptied another bottle and muttered in a low voice.
“The old man lived in vain. Trying to protect possessions only brings endless worries and crushing responsibility… To call that being rich…”
Shaking his head, he grabbed a new bottle.
“When drunk on liquor, only that moment exists—so what could be happier than this…”
Then he murmured softly.
“Being rich means knowing this truth.”
At that instant, Bu Eunseol, who had been silently drinking, stopped his hand.
He was greatly moved by the young man’s mutterings.
“When drunk on liquor, only that moment exists…”
Unconsciously, he repeated the words.
The young man glanced at Bu Eunseol and chuckled.
“Can a drunk like you truly savor my words?”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
In truth, he had deeply understood the young man’s words that the silk-robed elder had completely failed to grasp.
“Just now, that elder interpreted your words merely as the attachment and pain wealth brings.” He continued explaining. “But what you spoke of was not simply the attachment and pain of wealth… but the desires and goals that arise the more one possesses.”
Human desire is infinite.
Yet sadly, what can fulfill desire is finite.
And the young man had said he lived a satisfying life.
In other words, possessing more could destroy that complete satisfaction, and he was wary of being thrown into an inescapable cycle.
“Hmm, indeed.”
The young man let out an admiring sound at Bu Eunseol’s interpretation.
Then he spoke mysteriously.
“No matter how tightly locked a heart may be, a single drink can open it. Isn’t that so?”
Nodding in agreement, Bu Eunseol looked into the young man’s sparkling eyes and asked.
“Generally, young people make mistakes when drunk, but it seems you are different.”
“If one fears intoxication in youth, what can one ever learn later?”
The young man shrugged.
“Liquor is precisely the mysterious medicine that can turn foolishness and mistakes into wisdom. Isn’t that right?”
“Indeed.”
When Bu Eunseol slapped his knee in admiration, the young man looked at him suspiciously.
“Did you really understand what I said?”
“Young people often make frequent mistakes when drunk.” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “But in other words… isn’t the enlightenment gained through mistakes the very path to true wisdom?”
“Hah.”
The young man suddenly let out a great sigh, then looked at Bu Eunseol and said,
“After searching the whole world, I never found one… yet here was a drinking companion versed in the Way of Liquor.”
“Is there really a need to seek a drinking companion?”
Bu Eunseol said placidly.
“Wherever you go in the world, as long as there is liquor, you are never lonely. It’s like a friend who always comforts you with kind words.”
“Hahaha, that’s true too. Well said.”
The young man happily raised his thumb.
“Some sage once spoke of the joys of life: ‘People find joy in various ways, but true joy comes when sharing a cup of liquor.’”
The young man took one of his bottles of yellow wine and sat at Bu Eunseol’s table.
“Without liquor, neither joy nor pleasure can be fully felt… what is contained in the cup is the purest joy.”
Then, looking at Bu Eunseol, he extended his own cup.
“And when this joy and pleasure are shared, they double. Will you join me?”
“Joy and pleasure, you say.”
Bu Eunseol gazed down at the clear liquor in the cup.
There, rather than joy, it seemed he saw the passage of his own life.
“When light disappears, so does shadow.”
Bu Eunseol lightly clinked his cup against the one offered.
“Just as the ripples in a clinked cup eventually still… life flows in the same way.”
It was his way of saying that even this chance meeting with the young man and drinking together was part of life—so he would not refuse.
Satisfied with Bu Eunseol’s response, the young man drained his cup in one go instead of replying.
Bu Eunseol watched and emptied his own.
Thus, the two drank and talked until before dawn.
The innkeeper watched them for a while before falling asleep.
Eventually, the young man, drunk, slumped his head onto the table and snored soundly.
Swoosh.
Bu Eunseol quietly rose from his seat.
Leaving behind silver worth several times the liquor bill, he silently and slowly exited the inn.
“……”
For a while, silence hung over the inn.
Swoosh.
Then the sleeping young man slowly rose.
The eyes of the young man who stood were not the bleary, drunken gaze of a sot. They held radiant light capable of illuminating the entire world, clear as well water reflected in an autumn sky.
Creak.
He stood and walked out of the inn.
“No matter how outstanding a master, none can detect a technique like Spiritual Energy Concealment.”
The young man had been using Spiritual Energy Concealment—a legendary technique already lost in the martial world—to perfectly hide the energy within his body.
Pop pop.
Releasing Spiritual Energy Concealment, profound brilliance flowed from his eyes.
Merely a sparkle appeared in his pupils, yet his appearance became even more mystical, beginning to emanate an auspicious light as if an immortal from the heavens had descended as a human.
The Heavenly Mechanism Star.
The young man was none other than Chu So.
At that moment, a low, dry voice came from the void—the voice of the subordinate who always guarded him.
“Why did you let him go just like that?”
If Chu So deemed someone useful, he would either kill them or turn them into a puppet with great arts.
Yet with Bu Eunseol, he had done neither.
“His martial arts were truly remarkable.”
Chu So murmured in a low voice.
“He has achieved Spirit Regulation Harmony—had I rashly used Soul-Seizing Great Art, I might have suffered a counterattack instead.”
Then he wore a peculiar smile.
“And killing him would be too much of a waste.”
“Why is that?”
“Not only is his martial arts outstanding, but his wisdom feels like that of an old man who has lived a hundred years.”
Up to now, except for a few figures in the martial world, most people had felt like monkeys unworthy of conversation to Chu So.
But Bu Eunseol was different.
He possessed wisdom and insight as deep as Chu So’s own, and above all, conversation flowed naturally.
It had been a truly long-awaited, pleasant exchange.
“Is that so?”
The subordinate, catching Chu So’s bright smile while still in the inn, could not hide his surprise.
He treated most humans not as individuals but as tools.
Yet a short conversation had produced such an expression.
“Let’s leave him be a little longer.”
Chu So turned with a pleased smile.
“He seems like he will be very useful in the future.”
The subordinate’s expression darkened.
That smile of Chu So’s was one he had never seen even once from childhood until now—a pure smile free from the fate of the Heavenly Mechanism Star.
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