Rustle.
The grass leaves, shining with an eerie, glass-like luster, turned black and spewed toxic fumes at the slightest touch of a toe. Every time the wind blew, golden powder drifted from somewhere, spreading a poisonous scent so thick it made one’s head spin.
‘Perhaps it is a relief that I did not learn poison arts.’
Poison is essentially a wicked and impure energy that harms life and contaminates the body. Furthermore, poison arts—which involve absorbing toxins into the body to accumulate internal strength or strengthen the physique—are completely contrary to the fundamental principles of orthodox martial arts. Orthodox arts seek clear and pure energy and consider the purification and expulsion of external poisons or evil energies to be the correct path.
However, Bu Eunseol had achieved an unprecedented realm, reaching the pinnacle of poison resistance without ever practicing poison arts. Consequently, he could accumulate powerful toxins as internal strength without having to consciously operate a poison cultivation technique.
‘It is quite pungent, but not a poison worth absorbing.’
From the perspective of Bu Eunseol, who had absorbed the Three Great Poisons of the World and the exotic toxins of Cheonchuk, the toxic air of this poisonous land—which could annihilate tens of thousands of troops—felt like nothing more than the cheap aphrodisiacs used by third-rate lechers.
After observing his surroundings for a long while, he tilted his head in confusion.
‘But why did the Martial Alliance announce such a poisonous land as a spiritual land?’
It was utterly incomprehensible. To declare a poisonous land as a spiritual land... if they had intended to carry out a secret experiment or task here, they could have handled it discreetly. If the purpose was to move eight thousand troops to Daephunghyeop, they could have simply called it a training exercise. Why go through the trouble of declaring it a spiritual land and publicly spreading rumors?
‘A lure.’
There was no other conclusion: the Martial Alliance already knew Daephunghyeop was a poisonous land and was using that fact to their advantage.
‘Predicting that demonic spies would surely be interested...’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes flashed.
‘Did they deliberately leak false information about discovering a spiritual land to set a trap, drawing the demonic forces into this dangerous poisonous land?’
He thought deeply, but soon shook his head. If that were the intention, leaking information secretly would have been far more effective.
‘Or perhaps a power struggle within the Martial Alliance.’
The Martial Alliance is a tangle of various forces and factions. Perhaps this rumor was a trick by one faction to lure a rival faction into harm’s way.
‘But the probability of that is slim.’
It was a possibility, but if that were the goal, it would have been much better to use the ‘Strategy of Killing with a Borrowed Sword’ to properly provoke an external force into a fight.
‘Then...’
Bu Eunseol steadied his breath and considered another possibility.
‘Are they intentionally inducing an invasion of external forces to lure them here as sacrifices to purify the toxins?’
From a different perspective, calling a poisonous land a spiritual land wasn't entirely wrong.
If toxins can be properly refined and utilized, they can yield effects no less potent than spiritual herbs. And the easiest way to purify toxic energy is through human essence and blood.
Perhaps the Martial Alliance intended to lure demonic forces here, drive them to their deaths, and use their essence to purify the land.
‘Or perhaps it is a desperate measure to divert attention here while they proceed with another secret matter.’
Given the circumstances so far, the last deduction seemed most likely. After all, the Martial Alliance is an entity that champions justice. They wouldn't be able to openly use the cruel method of sacrificing human lives to purify toxins.
Wheeeeee.
Just then, a bleak wind blew.
Bu Eunseol spotted something shimmering on a distant cliff and headed toward it. Slender stems hung from the crevices of the cliff, twitching as if sensing a presence like living creatures. Some flowers held liquid as transparent as dew, but the moment a drop fell, it melted the rock, leaving black spots.
‘Unless one has achieved a Poison-Resistant Physique or is a master who has transcended the level of six jia of internal strength to completely block toxins, this is a place one cannot even enter.’
Even the wind did not linger here; only the breath of poisonous herbs spread quietly. It was an extreme environment where not only humans but even poisonous insects found it difficult to survive.
‘What on earth is their purpose?’
Just as he stood at the edge of the cliff, lost in thought while gazing at the rising toxic mist—
Boom!
With a loud explosion, Bu Eunseol’s transparent figure was sent flying off the cliff. Someone had launched an invisible palm strike to ambush him.
Slide.
Bu Eunseol’s transparent shadow, which had fallen below the cliff, wavered like water for a moment. Fortunately, his Protective True Qi had shielded his body, but because his internal energy was shaken, his stealth was briefly broken, revealing his form.
Hummmm.
Regaining his senses, Bu Eunseol quickly dispersed his Wind-Cloud Divine Qi and hid behind a nearby rock.
Step, step.
Then, a figure walked slowly toward where Bu Eunseol was hidden. It was an old man wearing a wide bamboo hat with a long veil draping over his face. His body was so gaunt and his skin so dark and dull that he looked like a bizarre wooden doll wearing a veil.
“My, a big fish has been caught.”
The man in the bamboo hat stared at the partially revealed Bu Eunseol and laughed lowly. Due to his extremely hoarse voice and withered eyes, it truly felt like a wooden doll was speaking.
“The Martial Soul Command Lord.”
The man accurately saw through Bu Eunseol’s identity and let out a raspy laugh.
“Did you intend to send your subordinates ahead to confront the Heaven’s Will Corps while you sneaked in here to grasp the reality of the situation?”
The man saw right through Bu Eunseol’s strategy.
‘I suppose it couldn't be helped.’
Bu Eunseol, who had been perfectly hidden with his Wind-Cloud Divine Qi, lamented inwardly.
Because he had become so excessively righteous, his Beast Way senses had weakened, and he was in a state where it was difficult to unleash the essence of demonic martial arts. Furthermore, with his mind and body in disarray, it was only a matter of time before he was detected by such a master.
“It’s no use continuing to hide like a rat. I have already sensed your presence.”
While one can achieve perfect concealment by shrouding oneself in Wind-Cloud Divine Qi, once a presence is detected and imprinted on the hypersensitivity of a master, one can no longer hide.
Slide.
Bu Eunseol eventually withdrew his Wind-Cloud Divine Qi and slowly revealed himself.
“How did you know?”
“Isn't it obvious when you're stalling for time in front of the Heaven’s Will Corps?”
Surprisingly, the man had realized that the Death Shadow Corps were stalling for time in a strange manner and had immediately entered the Daephunghyeop valley to find and ambush Bu Eunseol.
‘A formidable master.’
He had faced many powerful individuals, but this man in the bamboo hat possessed a very unique aura. It felt extremely similar to when he first met the Buddha Lord in the past.
‘First, I must extract information.’
Having made up his mind, Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice.
“Please do not misunderstand.”
He clasped his hands and said, “I only came to quietly grasp the situation after hearing that the Martial Alliance had claimed the spiritual land first.”
Contrary to his thoughts, an excessively moderate tone and an upright atmosphere flowed out.
‘Here it goes again.’
Bu Eunseol, swallowing a bitter smile inwardly, unconsciously brought his hands together.
“You seem to be a high-ranking member of the Martial Alliance. If it is not a discourtesy, may I ask your honorable name?”
The man in the bamboo hat stared at Bu Eunseol, who was acting politely like an orthodox martial artist, for a moment in silence. Then, he surged his internal power and moved his fingers.
Hummmm.
A sharp sword qi tinged with blue light was instantly formed at his fingertips. He had extended his materialized true qi to shape a sword of light.
Sizzle.
When a pebble at the man’s feet lightly touched the sword qi, white smoke rose and a hole was instantly pierced through it. This happened even though he hadn't applied any particular force. Seeing this, a look of surprise crossed Bu Eunseol’s face.
“Profound Sound Elder?”
One who can create the Primordial Void Light Blade—a blade of true qi capable of cutting anything—with five streaks of Finger-Power, and who can unleash the Heavenly Universe Palm Force, a long-distance palm strike that no master can detect. There was only one such person: the grandmaster of the orthodox faction who shook the martial world a hundred years ago and is the current head of the Elders Hall of the Martial Alliance.
The Profound Sound Elder, Jwa Jacheong.
“Not bad.”
The Profound Sound Elder twisted his lips with a face full of pride. “To recognize this Hall Master’s martial arts.”
He had become the head of the Elders Hall fifty years ago and had not appeared since then. Why would a man who had essentially retired from the martial world suddenly appear in this poisonous land?
‘Setting up the Heaven’s Will Corps in the front and having the head of the Elders Hall appear in the back... I see.’
With the appearance of the Profound Sound Elder, Bu Eunseol guessed that yet another unexpected event had occurred.
If the Martial Alliance had truly discovered a spiritual land, or if they intended to use this poisonous land, there would be no need to bring out a man like the Profound Sound Elder, who had lived in seclusion within the Alliance for fifty years and didn't even show his face in the Elders Hall.
‘Something is happening within the Martial Alliance.’
“Seeing that Hall Master Jwa has led his heavy footsteps here, it is clear that some mishap has occurred within the Martial Alliance.”
He hadn't intended to speak so politely. But contrary to his intention, a respectful attitude and tone flowed out naturally.
“There is no need for you to be curious,” the Profound Sound Elder said with a cold expression. “Because you are going to die anyway.”
Whish!
In an instant, the blue blade of the Primordial Void Light Blade pierced toward the space between Bu Eunseol’s eyebrows.
Flash.
Bu Eunseol tilted his head to avoid it and instantly retreated.
The Primordial Void Light Blade created by the Profound Sound Elder can cut through anything with just a light touch. One must never approach within close range.
Swish!
Before he knew it, the invisible long-distance palm force, the Heavenly Universe Palm, attacked his left and right. The Heavenly Universe Palm was not only powerful, but it was also a unique palm technique of the Cloud-Heart Transformation Garden Sect, which insisted on single-succession and was fired at moments where there was no time to dodge.
‘My senses have become too weak.’
No matter how legendary the palm technique was, and no matter how great a master the Profound Sound Elder was, he couldn't perfectly deceive the hypersensitivity of the Beast Way.
However, due to the mismatch between mind and body, along with the influence of the personality mixed with his father's, even his deep-seated Beast Way senses had weakened, making it difficult to avoid the attacks.
Boom!
Another explosion erupted, and Bu Eunseol’s body shook.
Hummmm.
As the dust cleared, Bu Eunseol was revealed, sparking with light as he gathered his strength. Since evasion was impossible, he had concentrated his massive internal strength to create a body like the Indestructible Diamond Body. Even if he couldn't properly unleash demonic martial arts, his internal power hadn't disappeared.
“Please do not be agitated.”
He had been attacked several times without reason. In the past, he would have delivered a stinging counterattack in the time it took to speak, but the current Bu Eunseol spoke calmly without getting angry.
“Let us talk first. Where in the world is there a matter that cannot be resolved through dialogue...”
Boom! Bang, bang, bang!
But he was struck thirteen times by the Heavenly Universe Palm Force and pushed back.
“Hall Master Jwa!”
Bu Eunseol was greatly enraged inwardly.
The Profound Sound Elder’s age was over a hundred and thirty, yet his actions were more impulsive than a mountain bandit who suddenly swings a sword at travelers and merchants on a rugged mountain pass.
When the old man suddenly unleashed killing moves, Bu Eunseol wanted to shout, ‘Are you using such lethal hands without discernment even at your age?’
But from his mouth came:
“Despite your advanced age, your vigor is quite impressive!”
...Extremely refined words popped out.
“Is this brat mocking this Hall Master?”
When Bu Eunseol spoke so politely even after being hit by his ambush attacks, the Profound Sound Elder thought he was being sarcastic and flashed a blue light in his eyes.
“Try taking this as well!”
And he began to swing the Primordial Void Light Blade even faster.
Swish, swish, swish, swish!
Every time the Profound Sound Elder swung the Primordial Void Light Blade, the surrounding trees and rocks were instantly sliced like tofu with a strange sound. Bu Eunseol retreated every time, but the Profound Sound Elder pursued him tenaciously, firing the Light Blade and the Heavenly Universe Palm.
‘I can no longer avoid it.’
Schwing.
Along with a sword hum like the tolling of a death bell, the Mukhon Sword (Silent Tiger Soul Sword) finally revealed itself.
Flash, flash, flash!
Instantly narrowing the distance, Bu Eunseol went against the Profound Sound Elder’s Primordial Void Light Blade.
Clang!
As the Silent Tiger Soul Sword and the Primordial Void Light Blade collided, sparks flew in the air.
Glint.
In an instant, the gaze of the Profound Sound Elder behind the veil flashed.
The Primordial Void Light Blade was like a divine sword or precious saber that could cut anything. However, there was only one thing it couldn't cut: a weapon infused with internal strength of over eight jia.
If one unleashes terrifying internal power, a strong vibration wave is generated. And that vibration wave can disrupt the power of 'Light-Striking,' which is the secret essence of the Primordial Void Light Blade that allows it to cut anything finely.
“Does your internal power amount to nearly five hundred years?”
At Jwa Jacheong’s shout, Bu Eunseol wore a sneer. And he wanted to shout bitingly:
—It’s not that my power is great, but isn't it that your power, old man, has regressed while you were huddled in the back room of the Martial Alliance for decades?
However...
“Wouldn't the strength of a young man be more vigorous than that of the elderly Hall Master Jwa?”
Once again, these words burst out in a polite voice.
“Why not stop suffering in your old age by getting caught up in the storms of the martial world, and instead go down to your hometown and enjoy a peaceful retirement?”
In an instant, the eyes of the Profound Sound Elder rolled back until only the whites showed. It was so polite that he couldn't find fault with it, but it was a way of speaking that strangely scraped his insides.
“I see you have time to wag your tongue.”
“It seems to be thanks to Hall Master Jwa’s generosity.”
“I heard your personality was extremely cold, but was it a false rumor?”
“To think you have even grasped this Command Lord’s personality...” Bu Eunseol wore a somewhat embarrassed expression. “I feel as though I am receiving Hall Master Jwa’s excessive interest and love.”
“Shut up!”
As Bu Eunseol rattled his tongue without pause, the Profound Sound Elder doubled his internal power.
Clang. Clang. Clang.
The Silent Tiger Soul Sword and the Primordial Void Light Blade constantly sparked as the exchange continued at close range. Jwa Jacheong was using the legendary orthodox sword technique, the Namhwa Cloud Sword, with his Primordial Void Light Blade. In contrast, Bu Eunseol was swinging his sword haphazardly without a fixed form.
And that wasn't because he liked the Profound Sound Elder or didn't want to hurt him.
‘The Supreme Heavenly Flow won't come out.’
The mild and warm energy within his body was preventing the activation of demonic sword arts.
Bu Eunseol felt great frustration, but he had no choice but to counter the moves of the Namhwa Cloud Sword using the principle of ‘Formlessness Breaking Form.’ Surprisingly, perhaps due to the influence of his soul, even the mysteries of Formlessness Breaking Form were spreading in a shape very similar to orthodox sword arts.
“Do you dare to insult this Hall Master!”
The Profound Sound Elder grabbed the back of his neck in fury. He thought Bu Eunseol was intentionally imitating orthodox sword arts to toy with him.
“Do you think orthodox sword arts are easy!”
“It is not because orthodox sword arts look easy, but because Hall Master Jwa’s sword moves are so grave and elegant...”
“...”
“That I found myself unconsciously admiring that dignity and trying to emulate it, which is likely why they have become similar.”
“Quiet!”
Swish!
The Profound Sound Elder unfolded the ultimate moves of the Namhwa Cloud Sword in a jumble to prevent Bu Eunseol from blocking them.
Nonetheless, that dark iron sword accurately captured the moment the moves were poured out and cut off their flow.
Tsk, tsk, tsk!
When the Profound Sound Elder realized Bu Eunseol was seeing through his moves in advance, he began to swing the Primordial Void Light Blade on his fingers like a windmill.
Clang!
A strange sound echoed as the Silent Tiger Soul Sword and the Primordial Void Light Blade collided. The two continued their exchange at a distance close enough to touch each other's faces.
“You're still holding up, I see!”
“Thanks to Hall Master Jwa’s consideration, I have gained some leisure...” His lips rose on their own, showing a generous smile. “It feels as though I can continue a comfortable exchange as if practicing.”
Bu Eunseol unconsciously closed his eyes.
If this were truly the way his father, Baekri Muha, spoke... there would have been an uncountable number of people in the martial world who died of frustration.
“Fine! Very well!”
Completely provoked, the Profound Sound Elder swung the Primordial Void Light Blade crazily like a whip to cut Bu Eunseol down. However, the blade of the Silent Tiger Soul Sword also contracted like a dagger and skillfully blocked those sharp moves.
Sizzle!
Although it was the Primordial Void Light Blade that could cut anything, once it faced the Silent Tiger Soul Sword and Bu Eunseol’s internal power, it became nothing more and nothing less than a Finger-Sword that any martial artist could create.
‘This fellow hasn't high internal power; he just obtained a good sword.’
The Profound Sound Elder couldn't believe Bu Eunseol’s internal power level. So he shouted sarcastically, “A brat has luckily obtained a divine sword.”
Bang!
Before Bu Eunseol could answer, the Profound Sound Elder launched another ambush attack, sending his body flying backward.
In truth, Bu Eunseol’s sword skill was much higher than the Profound Sound Elder’s. However, because his Beast Way was not being properly exerted, he couldn't sense the Heavenly Universe Palm Force and was being hit repeatedly.
Hummmm!
The Profound Sound Elder didn't miss the opportunity when Bu Eunseol’s posture was broken; he performed a ghost-like movement technique once again, narrowing the distance quickly and unfolding the Namhwa Cloud Sword.
Slash!
Bu Eunseol unfolded Wishful True Binding, but scatter, the formula that touched the Primordial Void Light Blade dispersed in an instant.
And that was a fatal mistake.
“Got you.”
A hoarse voice flowed from the Profound Sound Elder’s face hidden inside the bamboo hat. “The Primordial Void Light Blade has the effect of scattering the enemy's internal power when it collides with the demonic qi martial arts.”
And he shouted excitedly, “You won't be able to use your power properly now!”
‘So that was it.’
Even though he hadn't been hit directly, Wishful True Binding could be seen as an extension of the true qi within his body to the outside.
In other words, through the path of the materialized true qi, the function of the Primordial Void Light Blade was no different from having penetrated his body.
Thrum.
In an instant, he felt the Ban-Geuk True Energy and the energies of Extreme Yin and Extreme Yang, which were barely circulating within his body, decrease in a lump. Not missing that opportunity, the Profound Sound Elder swung the Primordial Void Light Blade crazily once again.
Flash, flash, flash!
The Profound Sound Elder, swinging his sword like a ghost with blue eyes while wearing a bamboo hat, was no exaggeration to call the Grim Reaper itself, running wild to take Bu Eunseol to hell.
‘Eh?’
But it was strange. Even though the energy within his body had decreased in a lump, wasn't his swordplay unfolding naturally as before?
‘Does it mean it’s fine as long as it's not demonic sword arts?’
Martial arts are divided into orthodox and demonic.
This is because the pursuit methods and techniques for controlling the body and soul are completely different.
Bu Eunseol’s roots were in the martial arts of the Nangyang Pavilion, and that path was strictly demonic. However, because his body and mind were currently filled with upright energy, the power of demonic martial arts had decreased significantly, but if he performed orthodox martial arts, their power was increasing greatly.
Swish! Swish!
Now, even if he unfolded and swung haphazardly, only orthodox martial arts were deployed. Not only swordplay, but he was also using footwork for evasion, making sword-finger gestures, and even his expression and gaze... were changing to be perfectly orthodox.
“You!”
Jwa Jacheong was furious. “Do you dare to mock this Hall Master!”
He had been in a state of suppressed rage ever since the boy had been mocking him with polite words. When he mistook that Bu Eunseol was deliberately performing orthodox movements to ridicule the function of the Primordial Void Light Blade that suppressed demonic martial arts, he completely lost his grip on reason.
“I will never let you die easily!”
“Is there a way to kill someone with difficulty?” Bu Eunseol asked politely. “To think that Hall Master Jwa has practiced such a power... it is truly a strange tale of the martial world.”
“Hyaaa!”
Unable to contain the erupting rage, the Profound Sound Elder charged like a rhinoceros to have a head-on confrontation, disregarding injury. “If you're a man, stop dodging like a rat and come at me!”
Bu Eunseol was also not one to avoid such a fight. “Very well!”
Hop!
But contrary to his face, which agreed with a solemn expression, wasn't his body starting to retreat dozens of yards while looking straight at the Profound Sound Elder? As Jwa Jacheong’s murderous intent amplified, Bu Eunseol’s body automatically refused a head-on confrontation and began to move away on its own.
“Don't run away!”
“I am not running away!”
“If you're not running away right now, then what is this?”
Bu Eunseol rattled on without pause even while retreating backward. “Are you saying you don't know the difference between running away and retreating at your age?”
Somehow, every action and word of Bu Eunseol was provoking the Profound Sound Elder.
‘This makes things even more difficult.’
In the end, it was obvious that the old man would go berserk and charge.
“You brat—!”
As expected, the Profound Sound Elder, with thick veins standing out on his face and his eyes rolled back, began to charge like a madman.
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