Back then, during the time he lived as an orphan with lost memories, he believed he had been abandoned by the world and that no one cared for him.
However, through the infinite love of his grandfather, Bu Zhanyang, his frozen heart slowly melted. He became able to look upon the world with a straight gaze once more.
But after his grandfather’s death, his heart froze cold again.
The delicate hands that once carefully washed the dead became stained with blood.
The clear eyes that were once led by a warm touch to capture beautiful natural landscapes had transformed into the gaze of a cold-hearted Grim Reaper, piercing through the death of his enemies. The boy who was satisfied with a simple bowl of noodles.
The boy who fell asleep reading books under a lamp with the sound of fireflies as his companions at night... The boy who was grateful for just a peaceful day. Before he knew it, he had become the incarnation of death, making even the strongest under heaven tremble in fear.
While walking this path of blood without rest, even the people he held dear left him one by one. On the outside, he appeared calm... But for a long time, his heart had been slowly crumbling due to deep wounds.
Yet, upon hearing the sound of the prayer recited so earnestly, as if Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha were delivering suffering sentient beings. He had dropped a single tear without even realizing it.
“Benefactor, the wounds in your heart are deep.”
The novice monk who had been reciting the scripture was already standing near Bu Eunseol before he knew it.
“Exactly what kind of story do you have, for a hole so large to form in your heart at such a young age?”
Is it said that Buddhists with pure hearts can sometimes look into a person's soul? Surprisingly, the novice monk was peering into Bu Eunseol’s spiritual state at a single glance.
“Where is there a person in the martial world without a story?”
“Enough of a story to make you suddenly cry?”
“I did not cry.”
Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“I merely fell into a bit of sentimentality while listening to your prayer.”
“That tear did not stem from a brief sentiment. It was as deep as water buried in the furthest reaches... bursting forth after finding a path.”
When Bu Eunseol remained silent, the novice monk spoke.
“You asked where there is a person without a story? You are right. Even in a single blade of grass or a single pebble, a story is dwelt within each.”
“...”
“However, some stories are too heavy to bear alone, and some wounds are so deep that if suppressed inside, they fester and rot.”
The novice monk’s voice was clear and kind.
“In your gaze, I feel a winter colder than a blade-wind, and in your silence, I feel a wail more desperate than thunder.”
He spoke cautiously.
“Instead of keeping it in your heart, why not try releasing it through a story?”
“I did so long ago.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath and spoke.
“The wind carries away my painful sighs, and those grasses and trees listen silently to my sorrow.”
In an instant, the novice monk wore a surprised expression.
It sounded like words drifting like clouds but in reality, it was a statement containing deep profound mysteries. Despite being filled with wounds and sorrows that could not be emptied.
He was revealing that through deep insight and wisdom, he was slowly escaping from them.
“I see.”
Realizing that ultimately time would solve it, the novice monk looked into Bu Eunseol’s eyes, which were filled with infinite longing and loneliness, and pressed his palms together.
“I shall pray that you overcome your hardships and achieve enlightenment.”
After Jingak left, Bu Eunseol had lost his laughter. But as someone’s sincere concern seeped into his parched heart, a small, faint smile bloomed at the corners of his mouth.
“You do not seem to be a disciple of a Central Plains Buddhist sect.”
The novice monk had a stiff side to him, but his nature was noble and pure. Bu Eunseol asked him, feeling a genuine liking toward him.
“What brings you all the way to this distant place?”
“I suppose it’s quite obvious.”
The novice monk laughed somewhat shyly and spoke in a low voice.
“I came to train.”
“Training...”
Bu Eunseol suddenly had a strange intuition. A disciple of an outside Buddhist sect using the original martial arts of the Eight Emperors and Three Saints, entering the Central Plains specifically to train? Was that not remarkably similar to the situation of So Okrim, who was secretly continuing her training in hidden storehouses across the Central Plains?
“By any chance.”
Bu Eunseol asked cautiously, unlike his usual self.
“By any chance, are you not a disciple belonging to the Essence Three Realms?”
“You are...”
The novice monk retreated quickly as if greatly shocked. He then raised his fly-whisk in a defensive stance and asked.
“Were you a person of the Three Realms?”
The Essence Three Realms, which sought to protect the origin of the Baekri Family, was in constant opposition with the corrupted Three Realms. And those who knew the name Essence Three Realms itself were generally those belonging to the Three Realms.
“No, do not misunderstand.”
Realizing the novice monk was a person of the Essence Three Realms, Bu Eunseol wore a much softer expression.
“I am Bu Eunseol, a disciple of the Nangyang Pavilion. Rather, I am in constant opposition with the Three Realms.”
“Bu Eunseol.”
Although the Essence Three Realms did not form large groups like the Three Realms and instead operated small-scale factions to carry on the will of the Baekri Family, he could not be ignorant of the Great Master of the Demonic Path who made the entire martial world tremble.
“But how do you know about the Essence Three Realms...”
Even if the novice monk was a person of the Essence Three Realms. Since Bu Eunseol did not yet know his exact identity, he spoke vaguely without mentioning So Okrim.
“I have bumped into people from the Essence Three Realms in passing. That is how I came to know.”
“I see.”
It wasn't a very convincing statement, but the novice monk nodded.
“I am a disciple of the Essence Three Realms based in Mount Changbai, known as Hyega.”
“Hyega.”
The Buddhist name Hyega belonged to a disciple of Bodhidharma and the person who laid the practical foundation of the Zen sect. In Buddhism, they do not casually use the name of a progenitor, so Central Plains sects do not give out such names.
‘Furthermore, if it is Mount Changbai.’
That was the place where Soyo was learning martial arts from Ji Shuryeon.
“Did you learn the original source of the Glacial Great Emperor's martial arts?”
Bu Eunseol guessed that the mysterious true qi he displayed earlier was extreme yin energy.
However, because the wicked energy had been entirely removed and replaced with a righteous one, he judged it was not the Glacial Great Emperor's martial arts he had constantly clashed with, but likely the true original source of the Glacial Great Emperor's martial arts.
“It is similar. Though it is not the true Glacial Great Emperor's martial arts.”
It is a great rudeness to pry deeply into the martial arts of another sect. Bu Eunseol was forced to change the subject.
“Do you not meet with other successors of the Essence Three Realms?”
“Generally, no.”
Hyega spoke calmly.
“Because we know all too well what happens when a power grows too large.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
If they were people of the Essence Three Realms, they could be considered allies.
“The Central Plains martial world is treacherous, so travel as cautiously as possible.”
He had perceived that Hyega not only possessed a pure personality but was also ignorant of the ways of the world. He then took out the Martial Soul Command Lord medallion from his breast and handed it to him.
“If you need help, go to the largest inn in the provincial capital and hang this medallion at your waist. Then, someone will step forward to help you.”
The reason Bu Eunseol showed such kindness was none other than his heart-rending prayer. Because he couldn't strike the Hwa Wu Sword Sect immediately, his spirit was full of indignation and grief.
However, through the sound of the prayer Hyega recited, he had gained a degree of great comfort and stability. Also, knowing his nature was very clear and pure, he wanted to offer help.
“It is alright.”
Hyega shook his head, refusing the Martial Soul Command Lord medallion.
“However, this humble monk has much to do now...”
He then pointed inside the cave and said.
“I trust the Command Lord can take her to a safe place.”
Seeing his heavily furrowed brow, it seemed there were complicated circumstances. Bu Eunseol asked once more, unlike himself.
“Do you truly not need help?”
“Of course.”
“I understand.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“I shall take that woman to a safe place.”
Hyega wore a smile and pressed his palms together politely.
“I thank you. Then.”
He then vanished into the air in an instant, scattering a mysterious radiance.
“A mysterious movement technique.”
Judging by that movement technique alone, the martial arts of the Essence Three Realms were on a different track from ordinary martial world martial arts. They were not active in the martial world, but since they were constantly developing their martial arts and striving. Surely, before long, they would be able to recover the original power of the Baekri Family.
‘I should wake her.’
Entering the cave, Bu Eunseol looked at the woman who was unconscious as if sleeping. Was she roughly twenty years old? She had an untainted face and a graceful atmosphere.
Woooong.
Bu Eunseol quickly cleared her acupoints. Then, with a heavy exhale, the woman took a deep breath and opened her eyes.
“Where is...”
Waking up, the woman looked at Bu Eunseol with fearful eyes and scanned her surroundings.
“Do not worry. The one who intended to harm you is dead.”
Seeing Bu Eunseol’s righteous appearance and the outer garment covering her body, the woman nodded.
“Thank you.”
“It was not my doing. The one who saved you was a novice monk, but he had circumstances and had to leave first.”
“I see. I will surely repay the favor to both you and that monk.”
The woman stood up and left the cave. However, her shoes were gone, and her soles were covered in blood and discharge. Her soles had been torn while running to escape the Blood-Faced Wolf Lord.
“I shall escort you to a safe place.”
The woman’s face turned red and she shook her head. This was a deep mountain valley, and one couldn't call a carriage... in the end, was he not saying he would carry her?
“Do not worry.”
Perceiving her inner thoughts, Bu Eunseol pulled up his internal energy.
Float.
Suddenly, her body rose lightly about a foot from the ground.
“I will never lay a hand on you, so simply tell me the location.”
Bu Eunseol said this, judging from her clothing and appearance that she did not live in the provincial capital or a village.
“This is...”
The woman bowed her head in amazement as Bu Eunseol not only lifted her into the air without lifting a finger. But also said they could move in this state.
“I failed to recognize a deity.”
‘This woman is also innocent.’
“It is nothing much.”
In the history of the martial world, the number of people who reached such profound internal energy to showcase such a feat could be counted on one's fingers.
“Anyone can do this if they train their martial arts diligently.”
Seeing the naive woman, Bu Eunseol told a kind lie and immediately unfolded the Land-Flight Technique.
“Now, let us depart.”
The place where the woman lived was a mountain villa deep in the mountains, far away from any village. While moving with her, Bu Eunseol heard the general circumstances.
Supporting her sick grandfather, she said she occasionally stopped by the provincial capital to obtain daily necessities and medicine. Then, while trying to return after eating at an inn, she had fallen into the evil clutches of the Blood-Faced Wolf Lord.
‘Was she not a commoner?’
A flash of interest appeared in Bu Eunseol’s eyes as he looked at the villa in the distance. It was called a villa, but its location was a remote spot even among the deep mountain valleys where no one went.
A place with such treacherous terrain would be difficult even for a young and nimble herb-gatherer to traverse easily. Furthermore, building a large villa in such a place was something ordinary commoners could not do; only a martial artist who had trained in martial arts could.
Surely, her grandfather was a martial artist who had trained in superior martial prowess.
‘There will be nothing good about meeting him unnecessarily.’
Returning in a state of having suffered hardships with a dark-skinned man would surely lead to misunderstanding or great shock.
Float.
Lowering the woman below the villa, Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice.
“It seems we have arrived, so I shall take my leave.”
Realizing his consideration, the woman bowed her head politely to show her respect.
“Please at least tell me your name. I will pray for your longevity every morning and evening.”
At her untainted and clear behavior, Bu Eunseol smiled in spite of himself. From the descendant of the Essence Three Realms, Hyega, to this woman. Meeting innocent people after a long time made his heart feel warm.
“If warriors who live by the sword were to have longevity, that would be a strange thing in its own right.”
Tossing a joke in a playful voice unlike himself, he took a medicine bottle containing a Potential Demon Divine Pellet from his breast.
“Have your grandfather take this. Then his illness will be cured as if washed away.”
Knowing that she lived while supporting her grandfather in seclusion while hiding her identity. He had shown kindness, feeling that her situation was similar to his own.
“How could I dare... I cannot accept it.”
The woman waved her hands, feeling the fragrant scent spreading even though the bottle hadn't been opened yet.
“It seems like a precious spirit medicine, so please use it when you need it, benefactor.”
“It is alright. I have many such medicines.”
Bu Eunseol smiled and pressed the bottle into her hand.
“It is because seeing you live while supporting your grandfather does not feel like someone else's business.”
And just as he was about to depart by unfolding his movement technique—
“Suwol-ah.”
At that moment, with a shaky voice, a pale-faced old man stumbled out and opened the door. The old man, who had been waiting for his granddaughter to return with all his heart, seemed to have come out in a hurry upon hearing her voice after being anxious when she didn't return on time.
“Exactly what happened...”
The moment the old man, who had found his granddaughter, Suwol, was about to approach with joy—
“Y-You are...”
Upon seeing Bu Eunseol’s face, his mouth suddenly hung open as if he had seen a ghost.
“U-Ugh!”
Did he not suddenly run back inside to hide?
“Grandfather!”
Suwol quickly followed as her grandfather, who lacked even the strength to stand, ran inside with all his might to flee. Bu Eunseol wore a blank expression for a moment. It was because he had perceived the gaze of the old man who looked shocked while pointing at him.
‘He looked as if he had surely mistaken me for someone.’
In his life, Bu Eunseol had never seen a face similar to his even once. If there was only one person who looked like him, it was only his father, Baekri Muha.
‘I must confirm this.’
“Grandfather, exactly why are you doing this?”
Suwol’s voice could be heard from inside. Realizing that the old man might be someone who knew his father, Bu Eunseol immediately entered the villa.
“Excuse me, young lady.”
As Bu Eunseol opened the door and entered—
“Aaaargh!”
The old man, who was going inside while supported by Suwol, screamed again and ran out.
Float, whoosh!
He then unfolded a movement technique like lightning and exited the villa in an instant.
Crash!
But perhaps because his power didn't hold, he ultimately failed to clear the wall and fell straight to the ground.
“Grandfather!”
Suwol ran out in great shock. But the old man lay unconscious without moving a muscle.
“Grandfather is...”
As Suwol started to sob, Bu Eunseol immediately ran out and checked the old man’s condition.
“Do not worry. He has merely lost consciousness for a moment.”
He said those words, but his expression was dark. Upon checking the pulse, there was a strange energy in the old man’s body that was eating away at his life force. At this rate, he would pass away within a few months.
“First, let us go inside and treat him.”
Bu Eunseol carried the old man inside. He then had him take the Potential Demon Divine Pellet and injected Ban-Geuk True Energy to make the medicine take effect quickly.
Woooong.
As the pure true qi penetrated the acupoints and spread the medicinal energy through the body, the old man’s complexion improved instantly.
‘It is certainly not a disease.’
If the body had been weakened by illness. It wouldn't improve so quickly just by taking spirit medicine and having true qi injected.
‘However, there is an energy fundamentally eating away at the body.’
Strangely, that couldn't be treated even with the Potential Demon Divine Pellet, nor could it be annihilated with internal energy.
‘It seems I must find the cause for a cure to be possible.’
“Mmm...”
At that moment, the old man, who opened his eyes again, realized he was lying in his house and that Bu Eunseol was injecting true qi into him. Perhaps thanks to the medicinal energy and the true qi, he did not have a seizure like before and lay there calmly.
“Grandfather.”
Suwol, who had been watching the situation, held his hand while sobbing as he opened his eyes.
“Are you alright?”
The old man looked at Suwol and nodded. He then glanced at Bu Eunseol and spoke.
“Who is this person?”
“He is the one who saved me.”
Suwol calmly explained everything that had happened. After listening for a long while, the old man nodded and looked at Bu Eunseol.
“I have behaved disgracefully toward the benefactor who saved my granddaughter.”
“It is alright.”
As Bu Eunseol replied calmly, the old man spoke to Suwol.
“Could you leave us for a moment? This old man has something urgent to discuss with this gentleman.”
Suwol wore a curious expression, but knowing her grandfather’s expression was very serious, she nodded.
“Yes.”
When she left, the old man spoke with a solemn expression, changing his manner of speech.
“You probably guessed... but the reason I was shocked to see you was because you look exactly like someone I know.”
He then spoke with the utmost caution.
“The greatest secret of the martial world, Baekri Muha.”
The old man slowly opened his mouth.
“What is your relationship with him?”
“He is my late father.”
“As I thought.”
The old man nodded with a tragic yet somewhat resigned expression.
“This old man is Sama Gwang, who was called the Divine Sword of the Ends of the World in the past.”
‘The Number One Sword of Gangnam?’
Bu Eunseol was greatly shocked.
This shabby old man was the greatest master of the sword in Gangnam and a famous hero of the previous generation? Why was a swordsman of such brilliant reputation living in seclusion in a place like this?
“This too must be the will of heaven.”
Even after muttering that, he hesitated and pondered for a long while. Finally taking a deep breath, the old man, Sama Gwang, spoke calmly.
“This old man was a close friend of your father.”
He continued in a low voice.
“Back then, Baekri Muha—Brother Baekri—dealt with all the Seven Great Villains who tormented the commoners and troubled the world.”
“...”
“In the process of trying to deal with them, he also saved this old man's life when I was ambushed and on the verge of death.”
Back then, Baekri Muha tracked down the Seven Great Villains who committed atrocities against commoners as well as martial artists. He dealt with them one by one, and met Sama Gwang in the process.
Although there was a large age gap between the two, they became close friends who transcended age. That friendship continued for a long time until Baekri Muha married Saya, the Holy Maiden of the True Demon Family, and built the Saha Manor.
“This old man was actually more proficient in mechanical formations than in sword studies so I gave much help in building the Saha Manor.”
Sama Gwang had one secret that others did not know: he was from the Jegal Academy. He was called the greatest practitioner of formations in the martial world and was at a level rivaling Gongsun Hwa-uk, who succeeded the legacy of the Ghost Valley Academy.
“But someone approached this old man, somehow knowing that I was helping to build the Saha Manor.”
The eyes of Sama Gwang, lying on the bed, were becoming wet.
“He demanded the detailed blueprints of the mechanisms installed inside the Saha Manor. This old man naturally refused, but that devilish man threatened me with the lives of my child and granddaughter.”
Bu Eunseol couldn't help but glare.
The moment he heard about the person demanding the blueprints, he intuited that from Sama Gwang meeting his father to helping create the mechanical formations of the Saha Manor, it was all that man's meticulous arrangement.
Sama Gwang spoke in a moaning voice as if muttering.
“Furthermore, he said that this matter was something that could save the lives of countless people.”
“...”
“That no matter what happened, it was something that must be done.”
Bu Eunseol clenched his fists. Previously, the old man of the Sacred Domain had said his mother relayed that this happened due to someone's betrayal.
“Exactly who is he?”
“The Heavenly Emperor.”
Sama Gwang, who was shedding tears of regret, continued with an even more shocking story.
“The one called the greatest of the Righteous Path was actually a devil wearing a human face.”
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