The men in yellow robes briefly suppressed the wind.
[…Things in the martial world are not settled by my internal strength alone.]
Answering that, the child regained his senses.
[Haap!]
With a short shout, they surrounded Bu Eunseol as he passed, unfolding their fist techniques once more.
Six strands of fist force transformed into thirty-six shadows, pouring down like rain.
Kuong.
However, Bu Eunseol remained riding the wind, relying solely on his Protective Qi.
[Why do you not counterattack?]
Amidst the watery mass of the yellow-robed men, Bu Eunseol stood silently with his hands behind his back. He had already observed the martial arts of these men on the island where the Wood Buddha had been hiding.
‘The moment I place a burden on their fist force…’
He knew that by experiencing an extreme naturalness, one would instead suffer great injury from their own power. Thus, he was letting the wind flow without resisting.
[You use the tactics of a rat.]
The yellow-robed men realized Bu Eunseol’s strategy.
Pa-at!
Suddenly, they split into two groups; three continued to unfold their fist techniques, while the other three attempted to enter the mountain villa. However, when the six of them moved separately, the extreme naturalness was broken, revealing a flaw.
Bu Eunseol used the Heavenly Hand Void Wave to block the three men trying to enter the villa.
Gu-woong.
But as he unleashed the technique, a sound like a temple bell rang out, and Bu Eunseol’s body vibrated violently instead.
The unleashed Heavenly Hand Void Wave had not only changed direction toward him, but the sensation of the fist force had completely altered, rising in the form of the waves they utilized.
[No protective art will be of use.]
The yellow-robed men smirked, watching Bu Eunseol’s body vibrate like a bell in the waves.
[Whether you use fist techniques or draw your sword, that power will shake your very body.]
Bu Eunseol was a man who could unravel the principles of martial arts even in his sleep. Looking at the mysterious fist techniques of the yellow-robed men, he felt a surge of excitement instead.
“Then, I shall not hold back.”
Sreung.
Drawing the Silent Tiger Soul Sword, Bu Eunseol switched from the Heavenly Hand Void Wave to the Waning Moon, Dawn Star Form. The moment the massive cross-shaped sword qi poured toward the yellow-robed men—
Syu-uk.
In an instant, the sword qi vanished, and in its place, a sharp and keen energy became a massive wave.
Once again, it rang in Bu Eunseol’s ears like a temple bell.
The sharp sword qi of the Waning Moon, Dawn Star form, which could cut the heavens, had changed into an invisible wave and returned to his own body.
Swaek! Swiriririk!
Bu Eunseol swung the massive Nine Dragons Flashing Thunder form and the Dragon-Slaying Demon-Killer Sword Style from behind, pouring them toward the men. These two sword styles used extremely thin and sharp sword qi alongside the forms, making them difficult to convert into waves.
Gawongggg.
But it was the same.
Even though it was sword qi as thin as a hair, it once again became a wave that shook heaven and earth, returning to Bu Eunseol’s body.
“I see.”
Having witnessed a power that seemed more like a mysterious phenomenon than martial arts, Bu Eunseol finally grasped the identity and origin of the yellow-robed men's techniques.
“Imperial Palace martial arts… So you were the dogs of the government.”
The yellow-robed men were not simply returning the power. They were instantaneously neutralizing the Internal Strength contained within the martial art and creating a wave of equal force.
“There is no martial art other than those of the Imperial Palace that can not only neutralize internal energy like this but also transform it.”
As the yellow-robed men remained silent, Bu Eunseol’s expression hardened. Was the reason they were tracking Sama Gwang because the bloodbath at Saha Manor was related to the Imperial Palace?
“Why are you targeting him? Has he committed high treason?”
The yellow-robed men looked at Bu Eunseol without a word. Then, suddenly—
Jureureuk.
Their bodies became transparent, and with a pat sound, the six of them began to rush toward the villa as if spreading out in all directions.
Realizing Bu Eunseol’s martial arts were higher than expected, they seemed intent on killing Sama Gwang first rather than dealing with him.
Sreung.
At that moment, with a sword cry that shook heaven and earth, the Silent Tiger Soul Sword was drawn from its scabbard.
Saaaaa.
Simultaneously, mist began to rise in all directions, and the forms of the yellow-robed men attempting to enter the villa began to be perfectly revealed.
Supreme Heavenly Flow, Tenth Form: Martial Mist and Waves. The sword qi, like mist that accepts all things, instantly shattered their secret stealth arts.
Hwiririk.
Because the sword qi of the Martial Mist and Waves contained natural energy, the yellow-robed men could not return the sword qi into the form of waves as they had before.
Pat!
When the yellow-robed men were forced to retreat again, sharp energy began to pour down chaotically, like a gale and heavy rain falling from the sky. The subtlety of the Supreme Heavenly Flow, Fourth Form: Caged Bird Yearning for Clouds, which freely moves the unleashed sword qi, was unfolded.
Wooyong.
As the concentrated internal energy poured out, the yellow-robed men tried to use their Imperial Palace martial arts again to return it as a wave.
But that was their mistake.
In truth, those were not sword qi created by internal energy, but a sword wind created through the Wind-Cloud Divine Qi. The yellow-robed men realized this too late; it was already too late to evade.
Pa-pa-pa-pat!
The sharp sword qi pierced their vital points. Having no way to dodge, they attempted to minimize the damage by unfolding protective martial arts like the Iron Cloth Shirt. However, the Wind-Cloud Divine Qi contained the principles of the Wind-Piercing Void and Needle, which penetrate all things.
Jureureuk.
In the end, unable to block the essence of the Wind-Cloud Divine Qi, blood trickled from their ears and nostrils. However, because their level of internal cultivation was very high, they managed to avoid the disaster of their bodies exploding.
The eyes of the yellow-robed men flashed.
Only then did they realize that not only was Bu Eunseol’s martial arts incredibly precious, but the Imperial Palace’s secret arts—the peak of all martial arts scattered in the martial world—did not always work.
[It cannot be helped.]
Simultaneously, the six men lined up.
Cheok.
They suddenly aligned themselves in a single file.
It was a matter of aligning their balance as one. Divine light flowed out, and a wind carrying energy blew from their bodies.
Jeobeok.
They took one step forward simultaneously.
Kwa-ong!
With a massive vibration, the ground where Bu Eunseol stood sank by about a foot. Suddenly, an immense pressure began to crush everything within thirty feet of Bu Eunseol.
‘Limitless Pressure?’
They were unfolding the power of the Limitless Realm—a power that transcended the logic of martial arts by combining the strength of the six yellow-robed brothers.
Bu Eunseol tried to move with his Swift Beyond Shadow, but they countered with the amount of power they unleashed.
Kwa-ong!
It was useless.
As the vibration rang out again, Bu Eunseol’s body shook violently.
The Limitless Pressure they used did not target a specific area like typical martial arts; it exerted a crushing force on the recognized enemy and the surrounding space.
‘If I cannot avoid it…’
Moreover, he could not sense the attack until just before it hit.
‘I will break through.’
Raising his energy, Bu Eunseol dug into the flank of the yellow-robed men standing in line. But a strange thing happened.
Though they were clearly standing in a line facing forward, as soon as Bu Eunseol moved to the side, they were already lined up again, facing the direction he was charging.
‘Is this also the Limitless Pressure?’
They hadn't just changed direction. With transcendental power, they had forcibly twisted the very direction of the enemy's attack to face their front, where they could exert their full power.
Invisible and undetectable pressure began to pour down on Bu Eunseol like rain.
‘I must break that formation.’
If each of them were masters capable of unfolding the Limitless Pressure individually, they wouldn't have bothered maintaining the formation. The fact that they insisted on it was clear evidence that they could not exert such transcendental power without combining their strengths.
Chuchut!
Running with his hyper-senses pushed to the limit, Bu Eunseol scattered nearly a hundred and eighty strands of sword qi, attempting to sever the formation of the yellow-robed men who were stuck together like a centipede. But even as the sword qi carved through them, only sparks flew.
Tu-tu.
Due to a powerful counter-force, the Silent Tiger Soul Sword—which held enough power to stack mountains—was bounced back instead.
Uniting their bodies into one was an act that exposed their weaknesses, but the yellow-robed men had already perfectly covered those flaws.
Chik-chik-chik! Kwa-ong!
Bu Eunseol and the lined-up men clashed continuously, turning into streaks of black and yellow light. Bu Eunseol’s swordsmanship was exquisite, ensuring not a single strike was wasted, but the six men endured the sharp sword qi as if they had Diamond Indestructible Bodies.
‘It’s taking quite a while to recover.’
As the attack continued, Bu Eunseol’s eyes flickered. He felt a wave of true qi rising from the manor.
Sama Gwang was once a brilliant swordsman known as the greatest sword in Gangnam. Even if he hadn't practiced for twenty years, that skill wouldn't have vanished. As soon as he recovered his martial arts, he was spreading an immense shockwave toward the sky.
‘It is done.’
The reason Bu Eunseol had not used his full martial arts and internal energy until now was to buy time and protect Sama Gwang and Suwol while they continued their meditation inside the villa.
[If your meditation is finished, take Lady Suwol and flee.]
Sensing that Sama Gwang had finally finished his recovery, Bu Eunseol sent a Thousand-Li Sound Transmission.
[The villa will soon collapse.]
[I shall fight with you.]
Upon hearing Sama Gwang’s transmission, Bu Eunseol snorted.
[There is no need. If you are truly curious, just watch from a distance.]
Bu Eunseol’s voice contained a hint of excitement.
The martial arts of the yellow-robed men were of a level that could not be easily overcome. The appearance of such strong enemies did not bring fear, but always made his heart race. The stronger the enemy, the stronger he would become.
Pat.
At that moment, a white light rose above the villa. Sama Gwang had taken Suwol and escaped to safety.
Instantly, a brilliant light flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“From now on, I will crush you… and find out who is behind this.”
Hwa-woooong!
With a vibration that shook the heavens, a massive sword qi nearly a hundred feet long extended from the Silent Tiger Soul Sword. To protect the two in the villa, he would now activate all the internal energy he had been suppressing.
“Try returning this.”
Paaaaaa!
The massive cross-shaped sword qi poured toward the yellow-robed men.
Kwa-ong! Kwa-ong!
As Bu Eunseol unleashed his true strength, it felt as though the earth was shaking and the sky was tearing apart. As he poured out his full-power Supreme Heavenly Flow Forms, the yellow-robed men moved their positions, seemingly unable to withstand it indefinitely. Nevertheless, they suffered no damage, and their formation did not break.
Paaaa!
Then, mist rose from Bu Eunseol’s body once more.
The Supreme Heavenly Flow Tenth Form.
The natural sword technique that returns all artificial power to nothingness would surely break them.
Hwiririk! Hwiririk!
As the Martial Mist and Waves style spread, the yellow-robed men leaped into the sky, moving as if they were a small dragon dancing in mid-air.
Ku-ung! Ku-ung!
Meanwhile, the undetectable waves of massive pressure continued to press down on Bu Eunseol. Not only did the energy linger wherever it was unleashed, but even a grazing hit would drain a chunk of his internal energy. Unless he fled completely, defeat would be inevitable.
Jureureuk.
Bu Eunseol could not perfectly dissipate the pouring pressure, causing his clothes and flesh to tear in places. However, a brilliant light burst from his eyes instead. The more he was injured, the more his fighting spirit soared, and his mind raced to analyze the enemy.
‘I had to sever the space.’
He finally realized.
The reason the formation of the yellow-robed men did not break was not simply because they stood close together, but because they had separated the space.
—That is why Bu Zhanyang first cut through the space of the Martial God Lord.
In the past, the Martial God Lord had separated the space around his body like an absolute boundary, preventing Bu Eunseol’s attacks from entering in the first place. The method of the yellow-robed men was similar.
Kiiiiiii!
With a mournful cry that shook the heavens, ink-colored sword qi spread from the Silent Tiger Soul Sword. In an instant, the air around the villa evaporated, and even the mountains and trees held their breath.
The absolute saber art of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade Bu Zhanyang—the Seven Blood Tear Forms, an ultimate demonic blade that brings equal death to all living things—was unfolded.
[It is the Seven Blood Tear Forms!]
Shouting briefly, the yellow-robed men scattered in all directions as if they had been waiting for this.
Ki-iiing. Ki-iiing.
Simultaneously, they deployed the pressure they were unleashing in extremely short, repetitive bursts. By exerting their Limitless Pressure to the maximum, they were suppressing the saber energy of the Seven Blood Tear Forms.
Kiii!
The tactic was effective; the saber energy from the Silent Tiger Soul Sword could not spread properly. Like a bird being grabbed by its legs just as it tries to fly into the sky, they had pre-empted the space to cut off his power.
‘The Imperial Palace has even researched how to counter the Seven Blood Tear Forms.’
Swiiiiik!
In the meantime, Bu Eunseol closed the distance through the waves of pressure.
Ji-ji-jik.
Purple lightning was now spreading across his body.
Thunder Spirit Energy.
He was rushing forward while infusing his body with the most powerful and pure energy of nature.
‘I will integrate the Thunder Spirit Energy!’
This wasn't something anyone had taught him; it was a conviction he felt instinctively. He knew that if he infused the Seven Blood Tear Forms with Thunder Spirit Energy, he could cast off that pressure.
Flash!
As he unfolded the Seven Blood Tear Forms once more—
Heuuuu! Heo-eong!
This time, the mournful cries were accompanied by ear-piercing wails and screams, a low and eerie sound.
Ra-woooong!
Simultaneously, the ink-colored saber energy infused with Thunder Spirit Energy instantly enveloped their bodies.
Gi-ing! Gi-ing!
The yellow-robed men turned forward again, attempting to defend against the Seven Blood Tear Forms by unleashing their Limitless Pressure.
Hwiririk!
But the massive saber energy turned into six strands of whips, wrapping around their bodies. The Seven Blood Tear Forms infused with Thunder Spirit Energy could freely control its direction in the air, much like the Caged Bird Yearning for Clouds style.
Thus, it pierced their vital points from angles that could neither be dodged nor blocked.
Paa!
In that moment, a spray of blood scattered in the air.
Ta-ak.
The yellow-robed men kicked off the ground and vanished in an instant. Realizing they couldn't possibly block the Seven Blood Tear Forms, they chose to intentionally sacrifice their limbs to create an opening and flee rather than facing the entangling sword qi.
“Huu, huu.”
Bu Eunseol gasped for breath.
In truth, the martial arts of the yellow-robed men were so high and their power so great that even using his true strength, it would normally take over a hundred exchanges to decide the match. However, with the Seven Blood Tear Forms infused with Thunder Spirit Energy, he had suppressed them in an instant.
“It was a combination style.”
He finally realized. The Seven Blood Tear Forms, like the Supreme Heavenly Flow Forms, could apply every technique and be integrated with any power.
—Even if you obtain the Saber Secret, you won't be able to use it.
Those were the words of his grandfather, who had left the Saber Secret in the realm of the Martial God Lord in the past. He had guaranteed that no matter what master obtained the secret, they wouldn't be able to use the Seven Blood Tear Forms properly. Because not only must one's mind and soul align with the secret, but one must also be able to mix and combine various powers. His grandfather believed he was the only one with such an ability.
“That is why I could use it.”
Like Bu Zhanyang, Bu Eunseol—despite having an ordinary body—could mix any power. Therefore, like his grandfather, he could combine various martial arts and strengths with the Seven Blood Tear Forms to exert terrifying power.
“Huu.”
Exhaling a heavy breath, Bu Eunseol muttered lowly.
“Grandfather was fighting against the entire martial world.”
The Seven Blood Tear Forms could counter the Baekri Clan, the True Demon kin, and even the martial arts of the Imperial Palace. That meant his grandfather had been facing the entire martial world alone.
“Why did Grandfather leave the martial world without hesitation?”
Looking at his saber techniques alone, his grandfather was one of the absolute greatest warriors in martial world history, whose every move shook all the factions. So why did he retire so readily?
Prureut.
At that moment, the sound of breaking air was heard, and a figure in ornate monk robes came rushing from afar. It was Hyega, the novice monk of the Pure Triple Realm.
Ta-ak.
As he landed on the ground, his condition was wretched. He had sharp sword wounds all over his body, and red blood was flowing continuously from his thigh. Hyega looked back and forth between the collapsed villa and Bu Eunseol and said, “Are you alright?”
“What do you mean?”
“You were attacked by the experts of the Imperial Palace because of me.”
With those words, Bu Eunseol understood the entire situation.
‘They weren't chasing Sama Gwang; they were pursuing Hyega.’
Hyega’s internal energy method was very unique and emitted a strange scent. Since Suwol had been injected with his True Qi, she emitted the same scent. The yellow-robed men had attacked the villa under the mistaken assumption that Hyega was staying there.
“I’m sorry. I forgot that I had injected my internal energy into her.”
Hyega had been surrounded by the Imperial Palace experts tracking him and was engaged in a fierce battle. While arguing with them, he realized his pursuers were tracking him by the scent of his internal energy method. He suddenly thought of Suwol. If so, Suwol would surely be mistaken for a target and killed.
Realizing this too late, he had fought like a madman to shake them off and rushed here immediately.
“First, stop the bleeding.”
Originally, Bu Eunseol intended to harshly scold Hyega for his reckless behavior. However, seeing how he had run at full speed despite the severe injury to his leg out of a single-minded desire to save Suwol, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
“Ah.”
Hyega quickly tapped his pressure points to stop the bleeding. Only then did he see his mangled leg. The muscle was torn so badly that it would take at least two months to fully recover.
“Do you have a grudge against the Imperial Palace?”
At Bu Eunseol’s question, Hyega bowed his head with an incredibly embarrassed expression.
“It turned out that way.”
“What do you mean, it turned out that way?”
“While entering the Central Plains… I found a field that sickens the minds and bodies of people, so I burned it all down.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes blinked for a long time.
“Are you talking about opium?”
“That’s right. You know of it?”
Hyega said proudly, “There was a massive opium field, so I burned it all.”
Bu Eunseol’s mouth fell open. The management of opium is primarily handled by the Imperial Family and high-ranking officials. And he burned it all down?
“All of it… you mean?”
“Yes. Every bit of it.”
Hyega smiled brightly.
“But as it turns out, that opium field was managed by the Empress Dowager.”
Bu Eunseol almost burst out laughing.
Opium was generally used as a source of funds for high-ranking officials. But of all people, he had touched the opium field of the terrifying Empress Dowager—the one who held the greatest power in the Imperial Palace and was said to be conspiring with various martial world forces. It was only natural that the Imperial Palace experts were tracking him with eyes set on killing.
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