Bu Eunseol, who had been wearing a dazed expression for a while, shook his head.
“If it was done intentionally, there must surely have been a profound reason behind it.”
Even if his grandfather had done such a thing, it would only have been for Bu Eunseol’s own sake.
“If you are that certain, then thinking that way isn’t bad either.”
The expression on Gwijin-ja’s face was subtle and hard to read.
Seeing that look, Bu Eunseol felt uncomfortable. It almost felt as though the other man was doubting his grandfather.
‘I should stop asking any more about my background.’
The more he unraveled the circumstances of his own life, the more he found himself even suspecting his grandfather. If that was the case, he decided he would ask no more questions about the past.
‘I should also forget about the blood calamity at Saha Manor.’
In the past, his longing for his parents had been unbearably intense. After the identity of the culprit, the next thing he had desperately sought was his own roots.
But now he was no longer curious.
Only one thing truly mattered.
That the precious people around him would not get hurt.
The most urgent task at present was dealing with the Executioner.
“There is one last thing I would like to ask the Forest Lord.”
After taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol spoke in a clear, ringing voice.
“The truth is, the reason I came here was to deal with the Executioner.”
Murmur murmur.
As soon as the word “Executioner” left Bu Eunseol’s mouth, the surrounding sages began to stir with surprised expressions.
It was the first time they had ever seen a martial artist directly mention that mysterious being known only through ancient texts.
“May I hear your answer regarding this matter?”
Gwijin-ja shook his head.
“This Forest places great importance on fate and affinity.” Then, in a low voice, he continued. “That is precisely why I left the Various Laws Scripture out in the martial world.”
Gwijin-ja asked, “Dealing with the Executioner—does that mean you intend to kill him?”
“If possible… yes.” Bu Eunseol answered firmly. “The Executioner has appeared and begun interfering with the people around me.”
Murmur murmur.
At Bu Eunseol’s words, several sages whispered among themselves in disbelief.
—The Executioner is meddling with that young man’s associates?
The Executioner was not someone who simply targeted those with high martial prowess. He existed to restrain even the supreme powerhouses who broke the laws of the world.
And yet he had come for this young man?
“I see.”
Yet Gwijin-ja nodded calmly, showing no surprise.
“There are several ways to resolve the matter of the Executioner.”
Bu Eunseol’s expression brightened considerably.
He had not come to Diecai Mountain expecting to find a solution so easily and yet here was an answer—and not just one method, but several…
‘Then at least one among them must be a way to definitively deal with the Executioner.’
“The first is to create an entirely original power or martial art—one that has never appeared in the martial world before, not even in similar form. By doing so, you can avoid the Executioner’s pursuit.”
It was an absurdly unexpected method.
Create an original power or martial technique and evade the Executioner’s hunt?
‘Then does that mean the Righteous and Demonic Twin Heavenly Emperors and the Three Demons Three Venerables all avoided the Executioner?’
The supreme powerhouses of the current era did not rely on techniques passed down through generations. Instead, they used martial arts they had personally created—arts never seen before in the martial world.
Did that mean they had already escaped the Executioner’s restraint from the beginning?
“That is a condition impossible for me to fulfill right now.”
The martial arts Bu Eunseol had mastered were all pinnacle absolute techniques that reached the highest realm in their respective fields. But not a single one of them was something he had originally created himself.
The Supreme Heavenly Flow was a synthesis of Nangyang Pavilion swordsmanship.
The recently devised Martial Mist and Waves form borrowed from the Sword Venerable’s Natural Sword.
The Seven Fist Demon Forms had the Fist Man Heaven as its origin.
The Wishful True Binding, Thirteen Guiding Energies, Unmatched Thunderbolt, Radiant Sword Control, Seven Blood Tear Forms, and so on—
All were transcendent secret arts from masters of the current or previous generation.
Even the Harmony technique was a re-creation of one devised by the Sacred Sword Baekri Mujo… a technique of the Heaven-Breaking Emperor.
Because he had received one heaven-sent opportunity after another—opportunities others might only encounter once in a lifetime—he had never had the time to fully digest what he had learned, let alone create his own original technique.
“Are there no other methods?”
“Of course there are.”
To Bu Eunseol’s question, Gwijin-ja gave an even stranger solution.
“If you personally send away the person you currently love most, you can escape the Executioner’s pursuit.”
“What do you mean?”
“It is said that the Executioner finds people by seeing the color of their soul.”
Gwijin-ja spoke calmly.
“If you lose the one you love and fall into despair, that color is said to vanish completely.”
“It is similar in principle to mastering a method that eliminates emotion.”
“Correct. A person consumed by despair and suffering eventually becomes emotionless.”
If Bu Eunseol had heard this explanation the moment he first entered the Sage Forest, he would not have believed it. But Gwijin-ja was looking directly into Bu Eunseol’s soul in a way no one else could.
That mysterious ability alone gave the words far greater weight.
“Is there yet another method?”
Gwijin-ja gave a wry smile. “As far as is known, those are the only two ways.”
Bu Eunseol’s face fell in devastation.
Since this was the Forest Lord of the Sage Forest—the one said to know all the knowledge in the world—there would surely be no further methods.
In the end, he had failed to find a method he could use immediately.
“I understand. Thank you.”
As Bu Eunseol showed signs of leaving, Gwijin-ja’s eyes gleamed.
“Are you going to use the second method?”
“How could I possibly?”
“Then you plan to seclude yourself somewhere quiet and create an original martial art.”
“Something like that.” Bu Eunseol gazed at the distant sky with eyes full of silence. “Wandering the martial world alone, devising a new martial art, catching the Executioner’s tail… and killing those who commit such cruel acts.”
After taking a deep breath, he continued. “I will probably end up slaughtering them.”
“Killing the Executioner? That is impossible.” Gwijin-ja shook his head. “Not even the Baekri Family or the True Demon could eliminate the Executioner. They are part of the laws themselves.”
“What are the laws?”
“Exactly what the word means—laws. Unchanging truths.” Gwijin-ja answered calmly. “No one can fully explain the laws. Just like the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening—they simply happen, but no one knows precisely why.”
“I see.”
The answer was the same as the one given by Manwol.
Which meant… perhaps even Gwijin-ja knew about the laws but was deliberately not explaining them fully.
‘I cannot force an answer.’
Swallowing his thoughts, Bu Eunseol calmly brought his hands together.
“I believe there is no such thing as the impossible.”
He bowed respectfully.
“Thank you once again for your kindness.”
The Sage Forest had been destroyed by his grandfather and was barely clinging to its lineage yet Gwijin-ja had recognized Bu Eunseol’s good roots and shown him such generosity.
Even bowing hundreds of times would not be enough to express his gratitude.
“Why do you not ask about that?” Gwijin-ja asked. “Why, despite being Bu Zhanyang’s grandson, this Forest Lord is treating you with such kindness.”
Honestly, he was curious—but he did not dare ask.
Gwijin-ja had shown him enormous goodwill for no apparent reason.
“I believe there must be a deep story behind it, but I do not presume to ask…”
[It was a mistake on the part of this Forest.]
At that moment, Gwijin-ja’s calm voice transmission reached him.
[We touched something that absolutely should not have been touched, and the Seven-Finger Demon Blade tried to stop it.]
Bu Eunseol was greatly shocked. Something that should not have been touched in the Sage Forest?
[The Heavenly Mechanism Star.]
Gwijin-ja sent the transmission with a pained expression.
[The king of sages, the guide of truth—we artificially created him. In order to build a world of sages.]
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
They had artificially created Heavenly Mechanism Star? Then Chu So… he was a monster made by the Sage Forest?
[From the previous generation—no, from distant generations before that—the goal of this Forest was to create a leader to guide the sages: Heavenly Mechanism Star. And finally, thirty years ago… the preparations were completed.]
Deep shadows fell over Gwijin-ja’s eyes.
[But the Seven-Finger Demon Blade learned of it. He wiped out all spirit creatures, spirit fields, and spirit herbs, and attacked this Forest.]
[…]
[An artificial Heavenly Mechanism Star is no different from creating a disaster capable of annihilating the world.]
When Bu Eunseol remained speechless, Gwijin-ja looked apologetic.
[However, we could not bring ourselves to tell this truth to the disciples of this Forest. If they learned the reality… they would not be able to bear the despair and sorrow.]
‘So that was it.’
No matter how benevolent a person might be, it would be difficult to accept the bloodline of the sworn enemy who slaughtered one’s martial brothers and sisters. Yet Gwijin-ja had treated Bu Eunseol with utmost courtesy and answered everything…
It was precisely because the Sage Forest had committed a grave sin against the martial world.
[Then… Chu So was created by the Sage Forest?]
[Chu So?]
[Yes. He is the current Heavenly Mechanism Star.]
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Gwijin-ja narrowed his eyes.
[The sages of this Forest who carried out that project escaped long ago, hiding from Bu Zhanyang’s attack. However…]
He gazed at the distant sky, started to speak, then shook his head.
[This too is the will of heaven. This Forest will accept it with humility.]
Though the words were somewhat cryptic, Gwijin-ja’s expression was so pained that Bu Eunseol did not press for the reason.
“Um, Forest Lord.”
At that moment, a young man who appeared to be in his early twenties carefully stepped forward from among the sages behind Gwijin-ja.
His appearance was somewhat ordinary, but his sparkling eyes held a mystical brilliance that could be seen clearly even from ten li away.
He was Han Sangja, the youngest disciple of the Sage Forest, yet possessing outstanding wisdom.
“If it is acceptable, may I tell him a method to resolve this matter?”
Rubbing his hands together, Han Sangja smiled and asked.
“Would that be all right?”
The sight was exactly like a mischievous grandson asking his grandfather for permission.
But at that moment—
“You’re trying to go outside again!”
With a sharp shout, a middle-aged man grabbed Han Sangja by the ear.
It was Han Sangja’s master, Jeokcheong-ja.
“I apologize, Forest Lord. It seems this fellow still hasn’t given up his absurd dream of going out into the martial world.” Jeokcheong-ja pulled Han Sangja’s ear even harder. “You keep saying you want to go out to the martial world. Did you think I didn’t know you’ve been secretly gathering all the news from the martial world?”
Gwijin-ja looked at Han Sangja’s face.
His ears were large like a Buddha’s, his gaze gentle, his face carried a bit of softness, and his features were perfectly balanced.
Anyone could see he possessed the most auspicious physiognomy.
“What is the method?”
When Gwijin-ja asked, Han Sangja answered confidently.
“Didn’t that young hero say he would eliminate the Executioner who is harming him?”
Han Sangja declared boldly.
“Though the Executioner is called a law, it is possible to find the one who wields it.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Heavenly Fragrancer.”
Han Sangja grinned, showing white teeth.
“If we bring that person, wouldn’t we be able to confront him using the method recorded in the Mysterious Heavenly Principles?”
Realizing what Han Sangja meant, Gwijin-ja gave a faint nod.
“If the Heavenly Fragrancer is willing to take the risk, then such a method could indeed be attempted.”
“Forest Lord, what exactly is this young man talking about?”
At Bu Eunseol’s question, Gwijin-ja did not answer. Instead he looked toward the distant sky.
“Is this too fate?”
With a low sigh, Gwijin-ja nodded toward Han Sangja.
“Go with him.”
“Forest Lord! You mustn’t!”
When Jeokcheong-ja protested in alarm, Gwijin-ja shook his head.
“It will be all right.”
“But…”
“If fate can be avoided, that would be good as well.”
Jeokcheong-ja bit his lip, then bowed his head.
Like Gwijin-ja, he was a sage capable of reading the heavenly secrets, and he too knew why the Sage Forest had been destroyed.
“I understand.”
With a deep sigh, Jeokcheong-ja nodded toward Han Sangja.
“I permit it.”
“Thank you!”
Han Sangja bowed deeply. Bu Eunseol approached and asked.
“How exactly can the Executioner be stopped?”
“I will explain on the way.”
Seeing Han Sangja push forward so decisively, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“You cannot come with me. You too will end up dying at the Executioner’s hands.”
“You came to this Forest seeking an answer, which means there is still some time left, does it not?” Han Sangja spoke with the confidence of a fortune-teller. “There is no need to rush this matter. It must be planned perfectly and meticulously.”
Though Han Sangja’s expression carried a hint of playfulness, profound wisdom shone in his eyes.
In the end, Bu Eunseol sighed helplessly and nodded.
“Very well.”
He brought his hands together toward Gwijin-ja and the sages.
“Thank you once again for your great kindness.”
At that moment Han Sangja scratched his head and said, “For this task, may I take the Immeasurable Light Secret and the Heavenly Bird Divine Book?”
The Immeasurable Light Secret was the greatest treasure of the Sage Forest, capable of measuring every concept existing in the world. The Heavenly Bird Divine Book contained the most profound knowledge held by the Forest.
“No, those must remain in this Forest…”
When Jeokcheong-ja tried to stop him, Gwijin-ja nodded.
“Yes. For this task, they will be necessary.”
[Forest Lord. What if that person finds them?]
To Jeokcheong-ja’s transmission, Gwijin-ja replied.
[It is fine. He will absolutely not find them. No—he will not even need them.]
By then Han Sangja had run back into the Forest and returned, a large cloth bundle already tied to his back.
He had already packed the books and treasures.
“Thank you.” Then Han Sangja smiled brightly and said, “I will use them carefully and return them.”
He bowed respectfully once more to Gwijin-ja and his martial brothers and sisters.
“Then I’m off!”
Afraid Jeokcheong-ja might change his mind, he quickly followed Bu Eunseol outside.
Watching the two depart, Jeokcheong-ja let out a sigh.
“Wasn’t it an unchangeable fate?”
To Jeokcheong-ja’s anguished question, Gwijin-ja answered calmly.
“No. It will change.” Gwijin-ja shook his head. “That man possesses the power to overturn fate.”
“What do you mean?”
“His visit was completely unforeseen. Moreover, he possesses the most ordinary body in the world in both name and reality.”
“The most ordinary…”
As realization dawned on Jeokcheong-ja and his mouth fell open, Gwijin-ja showed a faint smile.
“Yes. Therefore, it will surely succeed. Haven’t we lived long enough already?”
Jeokcheong-ja’s expression grew solemn.
In the past, the Seven-Finger Demon Blade had severed the lineage of the Sage Forest. But fate repeats and cycles again and again, does it not?
Gwijin-ja had known all this yet steadfastly preserved the lineage to nurture a single seed.
And that seed of hope… would be Han Sangja.
“From today onward, there is no need to guard the entrance.” Gwijin-ja spoke to Seok Gyeong-ja standing far away. “You have worked hard all this time.”
“Why is there no need to guard it anymore?”
Gwijin-ja gave an utterly dry smile.
“Because that is the natural order.”
“Natural order…”
Seok Gyeong-ja’s eyes turned clear and transparent.
He faintly understood the meaning behind Gwijin-ja’s words.
“Forest Lord, surely you don’t mean…”
He started to speak but saw that Gwijin-ja was already walking far away.
***
After leaving Diecai Mountain, Bu Eunseol boarded a boat with Han Sangja and slowly headed back.
It was so they could have a deeper conversation.
“Exactly how do you plan to deal with the Executioner?”
At Bu Eunseol’s question, Han Sangja began explaining fluently like flowing spring water.
“The Heavenly Fragrancer is completely unknown in the martial world, but it is a special constitution capable of perfectly resonating with and mimicking the fragrance emanating from another person’s soul.”
“Soul fragrance?”
“In simple terms, you could call it a person’s aura. Aura itself can be seen as the fragrance of the soul.”
According to Han Sangja’s explanation, aura was also a kind of soul fragrance emanating from the soul, and the Heavenly Fragrancer could perfectly contain every fragrance of the heart that flowed from a human being.
Moreover, if desired, it could perfectly imitate the fragrance coming from another person’s soul.
“So you’re saying, Brother Han, that you will create someone with the exact same aura as me to lure the Executioner?”
In truth, Han Sangja was a dao-title, so his family name was not actually “Han.”
But when the young grandmaster renowned throughout the world called him “Brother Han” so familiarly, Han Sangja nodded happily.
“Correct. As the rumors say, the Command Lord is exceptionally wise.”
Unlike the sages of the Sage Forest who were ignorant of martial world affairs, he had repeatedly sneaked out, and thanks to that he knew a great deal about the current state of the martial world and its major figures.
However, because he did not know appearances by sight, at first he had failed to recognize that Bu Eunseol was the famous Martial Soul Command Lord.
“The Executioner distinguishes people by the color of their soul. That is why, whether through disguise or hiding, he can always find them.”
“How do you know all this, Brother Han?”
“The existence called the Executioner is one of the great mysteries that this Forest has continuously researched. There are quite a number of research materials and books on that being.”
“Then you must also have considerable information about the Abyss Faction.”
“The Abyss Faction—you mean the forces that have not yet revealed themselves? Of course.”
Han Sangja smiled calmly.
“Otherwise, would we have left the Various Laws Scripture in the martial world and preserved information about the Executioner in picture form?”
The Sage Forest was a place that researched and advanced every field of study scattered across the world while pursuing truth.
Since they had gone so far as to draw the Executioner’s behavior in picture books to inform the world, it was only natural that they possessed abundant research materials and information about such a being.
“In any case, returning to the main point… If there were a person with the exact same soul color as you, the Command Lord, how do you think the Executioner would react?”
After posing the question, Han Sangja quickly answered it himself.
“Then surely merely turning the people around you into puppets would no longer suffice. The Executioner would have no choice but to come and confirm it personally.”
Watching Han Sangja’s delighted expression, Bu Eunseol realized something.
The Sage Forest.
They were people who researched all the knowledge in the world and pursued truth.
Han Sangja was also a sage of that place.
In the end, the being called the Executioner that was giving Bu Eunseol such headaches was, from his perspective, nothing more than an enjoyable research subject to be uncovered someday.
“Wouldn’t it be enough to send two Executioners?”
“It is said that each Executioner is assigned only one target. Most likely the technique for tracking soul fragrance involves resonating with the target’s soul fragrance.” Han Sangja explained rapidly. “But since a person cannot suddenly become two, the Executioner will have no choice but to come and verify the situation personally.”
“If he confirms it visually from a distance, won’t it be exposed immediately?”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Han Sangja curved his eyes into crescents.
“That is precisely why I brought the Heavenly Bird Divine Book and the Immeasurable Light Secret, isn’t it?”
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