Bu Eunseol, gazing at Yuk Jangcheon, asked directly.
“Is that old man someone from the Baekri family?”
If he truly was from the Baekri family?
The family that gave birth to the Three Families that dominate the world?
If it was them, who have secretly taken root in the martial world?
Then not only the bloodbath at Saha Manor, but also the culprit who killed his grandfather—or at least someone who knew about his grandfather’s blood kin—would surely be connected.
“I don’t know.”
But Yuk Jangcheon shook his head.
“He only said that he helped me on the day I was turning into a killing fiend while on his way back to his family.”
“Family…”
“Even after throwing away the rest of my life… it ends in defeat after all. Now, is it time for me to leave as well?”
Muttering lowly, Yuk Jangcheon shook his head once more and forced himself to stand.
“No, not yet.”
As he rose, his skin cracked and split like parched earth.
Yet he straightened his back and assumed his stance again.
“I cannot die yet!”
With a roar, Yuk Jangcheon once again unfolded his palm technique.
This time it was one he had not used until now—one he had somehow forgotten—the very palm art that had formed the root of his life: the Six Harmonies Palm Technique.
The technique he had first stepped into the martial world with, carrying dreams of soaring into the blue skies, the one he had fought countless powerful enemies with, struggling fiercely on the boundary between life and death, the one that had earned him the title of Palm King—the fundamental root of all his palm arts.
Saaaa.
Along with the sound of water, the Absolute Boundary slowly faded, and the scenery of Mokdan Fortress reappeared.
Once Yuk Jangcheon’s life force was completely drained after being struck by Seven Blood Tear Forms infused with the Sealed Demon Fragment, the Absolute Boundary shattered entirely.
The bewildered martial artists, upon seeing Bu Eunseol and Yuk Jangcheon reappear, widened their eyes and watched intently.
Kwa-rung! Paaa!
Even though the Absolute Boundary had broken, Yuk Jangcheon paid it no mind and continued to unleash the Six Harmonies Palm Technique without pause.
His internal energy was nearly depleted due to impending death, yet the profound moves he had accumulated over a lifetime of battles against powerful foes poured out ceaselessly.
His meridians were already shattered into fragments, his vision so blurred from fading life force that the entire world appeared hazy, yet with a martial artist’s instinct and the experience of countless battlefields he had survived, Yuk Jangcheon continued to unfold his own palm arts relentlessly.
Pat pat!
Each time his hand drew an arc through the air, sharp yet profoundly mysterious palm techniques poured forth.
This was transcendent palm learning that surpassed the limits of the Six Harmonies Palm Technique, containing his entire life and all his insights.
Boom boom!
Bu Eunseol tried to neutralize them swiftly with the Silent Tiger Soul Sword, but it was futile.
Perhaps because these were his final, deepest insights?
Even though he perfectly dissolved and unraveled the techniques, the palm forces continued to strike him without cease.
Sizzle.
Retreating, Bu Eunseol raised his sword to center guard to defend against the next attack but Yuk Jangcheon’s energy was exhausted; he could no longer chain attacks continuously, and his moves lagged by half a beat.
Swish.
Bu Eunseol seized that opening, drawing up his energy to create multiple layers of sword energy around his body.
For the sake of Yuk Jangcheon, who continued attacking relentlessly even as his life force faded—as the Sword King known as Seon Woojin, he intended to display the highest level of sword learning he could offer.
Paaa!
Though his attack rhythm had slowed, Yuk Jangcheon pressed forward regardless, continuing to unfold his palm technique.
Creak.
Bu Eunseol raised his sword to upper guard.
Then he closed his eyes and slashed diagonally with full power.
He unleashed the Heon Won Bright Sword with all 180 variations at maximum strength.
Flash!
A radiance as brilliant as starlight instantly enveloped the entire world.
And then a deathly silence fell.
Thud.
In the end, Yuk Jangcheon dropped to his knees.
The outcome had already been decided from the beginning.
But to avoid interrupting Yuk Jangcheon’s final struggle, to allow his martial spirit to unfold his palm arts to the very end, Bu Eunseol had deliberately matched him move for move.
Drip drip.
All 180 variations poured into his body, completely shattering his meridians yet because his life force was already extinguishing, Yuk Jangcheon felt neither pain nor agony.
Psssh! Gush gush gush.
Crimson lines were drawn across his body, and fresh blood poured out in torrents.
“How futile.”
On his knees, Yuk Jangcheon looked up at the sky with an utterly bitter expression.
“Everything…”
Despite sacrificing all for revenge, he had ultimately failed to defeat Seon Woojin.
The emptiness and regret were beyond words.
“What a regrettable life it was.”
Yuk Jangcheon slowly closed his eyes, which had captured his dimming vision.
Human lives take many forms, and their endings are likewise varied.
It is said that people facing death become detached from everything, but even on the brink of death, Yuk Jangcheon could only feel endless regret.
Because he had never once achieved any of the goals he had set.
The ambitious Nine Heavens Society he had built was ultimately destroyed by betrayal.
His dream of ascending to the Limitless Realm had also gone unfulfilled.
When he was summoned back to the Martial Alliance, he had resolved to become the next Alliance Leader without fail, yet in the end he left in disgrace, pointed at and scorned.
In his bitter resolve, he had obtained a fated encounter with a mysterious old man, hoping to cast off his foul reputation and die leaving behind a brilliant name.
But he achieved nothing at all.
“Is this truly my end?”
Yuk Jangcheon looked up at Bu Eunseol with unfocused eyes.
But his vision had almost completely failed; all he could see was a hazy world.
“My wretched life.”
—Waaaa!
At that moment, cheers erupted from all directions.
And those cheers rang clearly in Yuk Jangcheon’s ears, even though his sight was gone.
Even in death, Yuk Jangcheon had refused to give up and fought with everything he had, displaying every profound variation of his palm arts until the very last.
That outstanding palm technique, and the all-out duel he gave, had sufficiently stirred the hearts of the martial artists.
His desperate, fierce struggle had moved them regardless of victory or defeat.
“I see.”
Hearing the cheers, Yuk Jangcheon smiled.
“So my life wasn’t entirely in vain after all…”
With those final words, Yuk Jangcheon wore a peaceful smile.
He had given his all to reach the goals he desired.
Never once had he turned his eyes toward idle things.
A life lived earnestly.
Though he ultimately failed to achieve his goals, he had poured everything into the race without regret.
What more was there to lament or regret?
Swoosh. Thud.
As Yuk Jangcheon’s body collapsed, a solemn atmosphere enveloped Mokdan Fortress.
Bu Eunseol clasped both hands together and bowed respectfully toward Yuk Jangcheon, who had departed with a smile free of regrets.
Creak.
Then all the watching martial artists likewise bowed their heads deeply in respect.
Even though he had been defeated by a young grandmaster, his display of giving everything until the very end was worthy of anyone’s admiration.
***
Yuk Jangcheon’s funeral was held with great grandeur.
Though he had left the Martial Alliance in disgrace toward the end of his life, he had been a master of palm arts who dominated an era and lived up to the title of Palm King.
The Martial Alliance held his funeral with the highest honors reserved for top elders, and countless martial artists lamented the fall of one of the martial world’s great stars.
His daughter, Yuk Cheongah, had long been estranged from him and could not be called a normal father-daughter relationship.
Yet upon his death, she quietly presided over the funeral.
The Martial Alliance regretted her outstanding wisdom and ability and urged her to return but she politely declined, and once the funeral ended, she quietly disappeared.
When Yuk Jangcheon left the Martial Alliance, she too had left.
No one knew where she was or what she was doing.
—Is she leaving the world because she can no longer pursue revenge?
This fight had been initiated by Yuk Jangcheon from the start.
Seon Woojin had admitted defeat from the beginning and shown no desire to fight.
Moreover, it had been a perfectly fair duel with no room for complaint… so Yuk Cheongah could not even take revenge on the man called Seon Woojin.
Meanwhile, Bu Eunseol, having ended the fight with Yuk Jangcheon, was also lost in deep turmoil.
He had finally realized what Seven Blood Tear Forms truly was as a blade art, and what the Sealed Demon Fragment signified.
“The old man who gave Yuk Jangcheon that power…”
The old man Yuk Jangcheon spoke of had said he was on his way back to his family.
There are countless families in the martial world, but the only one capable of granting such power—the only one that could transform even a human’s form into an invincible existence—was the Baekri family.
Because until now, no one had ever appeared who possessed power capable of such a feat—not the power of the Hundred and Eight Stars, nor any mysterious sorcery.
Of course, it could have been someone from the Yangseol family or the Jungson family.
But seeing that power destroyed by Seven Blood Tear Forms unfolded through the Sealed Demon Fragment…
“It must be the Baekri family.”
Bu Eunseol wore a pained expression.
If that deduction was correct?
Then only one conclusion could be drawn.
“My grandfather attempted to kill people from the Baekri family using the power obtained from the Sealed Demon Fragment.”
Seven Blood Tear Forms.
It could store the Sealed Demon Fragment in true-energy form within the body and when unfolded through that power… it produced blade energy that became the absolute polarity to the Baekri family’s power.
And with Grandfather’s level of skill?
He could have mercilessly slain even the divine talents of the Baekri family with that power.
Swish.
Moving mindlessly with movement technique, he arrived—as though drawn by something—at the ruins where Saha Manor once stood.
After staring blankly at the place for a long while, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“Just what was Grandfather trying to do?”
Why massacre so many people?
Why, despite achieving such terrifying martial prowess, did he regret his past life and wipe the corpses clean?
“He completed the blade art needed to perfect the Absolute Demonic Blade Project.”
According to the Buddha Venerable’s words, the original plan of the Absolute Demonic Blade Project was intended to halt the conflict between the True Demons and the Baekri family from the very beginning.
In that case, it wasn’t so strange that Grandfather had tried to cut down both sides using Seven Blood Tear Forms.
But why?
Why was Grandfather the only one who could use Seven Blood Tear Forms?
The plan called the Absolute Demonic Blade Project.
Even the name alone suggested that Seven Blood Tear Forms could not have been created by Grandfather alone.
So why was that blade learning usable only by Grandfather, and why could no one else inherit it?
Why did Grandfather place the manual of Seven Blood Tear Forms in the hilt and abandon it on a remote island?
Who possesses the main body of the great sword?
“And… what exactly am I?”
Everything he had uncovered so far:
His father was Baekri Muha, descendant of the Baekri family.
His mother was Saya, the Holy Maiden of the True Demon.
Yet he still did not know why his memories had not returned, nor what was sealed in his baihui acupoint.
“This is where I lived.”
Unlike before, looking at the ruins where Saha Manor once stood, his chest ached strangely.
Every trace of the estate that had once been here had completely vanished; only an endlessly desolate and painful feeling lingered.
“I thought roots no longer mattered.”
He had no memories of his parents and had even thought that perhaps those memories—if they existed—were not whole.
But now he knew.
That they were his parents, and that they had given birth to him here and raised him with love.
“Father. Mother.”
For the first time in his life, calling out to his parents, tears streamed down.
He had never felt affection before.
However, just calling them once…
An unbearable, venomous longing rushed over him.
“I will uncover how the two of you died and make sure to punish those who led that blood case.”
If the memories that had surfaced until now were not fabricated, then his father and mother had hurriedly evacuated him after losing their power, desperately wishing only for his survival.
That meant something had gone wrong with the plan, and the situation had escalated urgently.
Now that he had found his roots, what remained was another revenge.
Not only must he find the cruel culprit who murdered his grandfather and confirm the fate of the remaining blood kin, he must also track down and punish those connected to his parents’ deaths.
“The answer may be hidden within the endless conflict between the Baekri family and the True Demon.”
According to the words of Jade Qilin Sect Leader Un Jeong, Grandfather’s blood kin had become part of the Baekri or True Demon bloodlines.
His parents too were of Baekri and True Demon blood… in the end, they could not escape the yoke of the two great forces.
“Brother Baek.”
Looking at the ruined Saha Manor, the memory of his first meeting with Baek Museong here suddenly came to mind.
Back then he had met him as Seon Woojin and had been able to interact freely without restraint.
But now, he could no longer meet him under the identity of Seon Woojin.
“How stifling.”
When frustration welled up, there was no medicine better than alcohol.
“The reason humans could invent alcohol… is because we are animals capable of feeling pain even while doing nothing.”
Muttering lowly, he turned to fetch wine and headed toward Chengdu.
But not long after he left,
Swish.
A figure in white robes descended once more upon the ruins where Saha Manor had stood.
It was none other than the person Bu Eunseol had just yearned for—Baek Museong.
Slaaash.
Upon arrival, he immediately opened the gourd bottle he carried and poured wine onto the ground.
He had been periodically visiting the ruins of Saha Manor for a long time.
In truth, his memories of this place were incomplete but he knew that someone had sacrificed themselves because of him.
Yet the time spent here had been the most beautiful and happiest moments of his life.
Looking around, it felt as though he could see not ruins but the beautifully adorned interior of the estate.
—You must protect them.
The memory surfaced of a dignified figure stroking his head.
Whenever he recalled that face, sweetness and bitterness rose in Baek Museong at the same time.
Gulp gulp.
He began drinking the wine he had brought.
Whenever his heart felt stifled.
Whenever unresolved emotions surfaced.
He always came here to drink.
That alone prevented the waves of wretched, sorrowful emotions that covered his heart from crossing the boundary.
Only the warm gaze looking at him remained.
—Don’t you want to have everything?
But all of it had been shattered.
The one who had destroyed all his happiness, who had ignited the hidden desires in his heart… the one with the voice of a wicked viper.
—The opportunity to achieve everything you desired has come.
“Ughhh.”
Baek Museong clutched his head.
The personality that had already split in two had merged, but why did this memory continue to torment him endlessly?
Tss tss tss.
Then, as though a faint sound of breaking air came from afar, a gray shadow suddenly appeared before Baek Museong.
Baek Museong was doubly startled.
First, because even with his sharp super-senses he had not detected the shadow’s approach in advance.
Second, because the figure that appeared before him was the most famous young grandmaster of the demonic path.
“I’ve caught a big fish.”
Baek Museong smiled coldly.
“To think I would see the leader of the demonic path here.”
His voice was full of confidence.
No matter how great the Martial Soul Command Lord’s martial prowess was, he had absolute certainty of victory.
At present, he had achieved terrifying progress unmatched by anyone, and had reached a level where he would never lose to anyone.
Click.
Placing his hand on his sword hilt, killing intent gleamed in Baek Museong’s eyes.
Seeing Bu Eunseol stride into his sanctuary without a word made him feel as though his nest had been invaded.
“Golden True Dragon, Baek Museong.”
Bu Eunseol was equally shocked.
Why had he come to Saha Manor?
Why did they keep encountering each other whenever he came here?
Countless thoughts surged in his mind, but he forced himself to speak calmly.
“Contrary to the rumors, your temper is quite impatient.”
“My sword is as fast as my temper.”
Bu Eunseol looked at Baek Museong and said calmly. “I merely passed by coincidentally, found the desolate scenery here to my liking, and came with wine.”
Forcibly suppressing the desire to acknowledge Baek Museong as an acquaintance, Bu Eunseol slowly extended the gourd bottle in a gesture full of goodwill.
“There will be plenty of chances to fight another day.”
And he showed a smile free of malice.
“So… would you care for a drink?”
If it had been in the past, even if he would not drink with someone from the demonic path, he would not have shown hostility.
But now, for some reason he felt so displeased—
Crash!
Baek Museong sent a wind blade that shattered the wine bottle Bu Eunseol had offered.
“Enough nonsense. Prepare to fight.”
As Baek Museong immediately sharpened his edge, Bu Eunseol felt a touch of sorrow.
Was it because he had thrown himself into the Three Families and received the great method?
Or because failing to win Gongsun Dankyung had cast darkness over his heart?
The spring-breeze-like smile of the past was gone; now he had become a blood-soaked killing star.
“Must it really come to this?”
At Bu Eunseol’s words,
Kwaaang!
Baek Museong unleashed palm force without another word.
It was the Buddha Venerable’s Thousand Hands Tathagata Palm.
Whoooong whoooong whoooong whoooong!
Yet the Thousand Hands Tathagata Palm he unfolded was not a Buddhist palm technique.
It carried thick killing intent and complex variations, as though it were a demonic palm art.
Bu Eunseol responded lightly with the Fist Demon Manifestation Form.
Kwaaang!
After obtaining the complete Seven Fist Demon Forms from the Fist Man, his fist arts had risen to an indescribable height.
Thus he was able to extinguish dozens of palm shadows created by Baek Museong with a single fist.
“Excellent fist arts!”
Baek Museong roared and poured out fierce palm force.
Whoooong! Pat pat pat!
Repeatedly bringing his hands together and separating them, hundreds of hand shadows containing the profound mysteries of supreme martial arts poured toward Bu Eunseol’s body.
Kwa-rung!
Yet Bu Eunseol, with an expressionless face, poured out fist power and neutralized the palm forces.
‘This man…’
Baek Mu-seong furrowed his brow.
Bu Eunseol’s gaze was vacant, focused solely on defense.
There was no will to fight.
He even seemed prepared to flee the moment Baek Museong extended just two or three more killing moves.
‘The one who differs from the rumors is you yourself.’
Baek Mu-seong’s excitement cooled.
The young grandmaster of the demonic path, the Martial Soul Command Lord, was known not only for his cold and ruthless personality but also for never shying away from any challenge.
Yet now he seemed somehow dazed, his movements lacking strength.
“Hmph.”
Baek Museong felt his burning fighting spirit suddenly extinguish.
“Let’s end it here for today.”
Creak.
In the end, Baek Museong halted his palm technique.
“If we meet again elsewhere, you had better be prepared.”
Even he himself did not understand why he was withdrawing so easily, but Baek Museong coldly turned away.
Paaat.
As Baek Museong vanished in an instant,
“Hm.”
Bu Eunseol swallowed a hollow groan with a dejected expression.
Seeing Baek Museong here at Saha Manor—not as Seon Woojin but as his true self—an inexplicable sorrow and grief had surged within him.
If Baek Museong had continued pouring attacks, he would have used qinggong to leave this place.
Throb.
Suddenly his baihui acupoint ached and for a moment, it felt as though his childhood appeared before his eyes.
“Ugh.”
He wanted to recall it clearly, but the memories refused to connect.
The harder he tried, the further the memories seemed to recede.
Boom.
In frustration, Bu Eunseol struck the ground.
“What am I supposed to do?!”
His cry that shook the heavens carried deep sorrow and regret.
It would have been better to have no memories at all.
It would have been fine if they never came back.
Yet fate seemed to mock him, repeatedly granting him only fragmented memories.
Paaang!
Feeling stifled, Bu Eunseol unfolded Swift Beyond Shadow and soared high into the empty air.
Kwa-woooo!
Until now, he had never run without purpose.
But as unbearable pain and suffocating frustration surged, making it hard to breathe, he wandered aimlessly like a wounded beast.
Kwa-rung!
A band of water vapor formed in front of Bu Eunseol.
The sun that had already set had risen and set again—four times in total.
While he ran endlessly like that,
Psssh.
Behind him came the sound of a branch snapping, followed by a shadow falling weakly down the mountainside.
Soyo—who had chased after him with all her might—had finally fallen like a bird with broken wings.
She crashed to the ground.
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