Leaving the Sichuan Tang family, Bu Eunseol was aimlessly heading south.
While riding in a carriage, he diligently read the Hidden Blade Treasury given to him by Tang Pae. The hidden weapon techniques recorded in the manual weren’t particularly remarkable. However, the section on throwing knife techniques, the foundation of hidden weapon arts, was detailed and comprehensive.
‘Now I understand why throwing knife techniques are considered the root of all hidden weapon arts.’ According to the Hidden Blade Treasury, throwing knife techniques didn’t rely solely on speed and skill. Instead, they pursued the steadfastness of the practitioner’s spirit. This was akin to the principle of Sword Intent Unity, where master swordsmen harmonize their sword and spirit, sharing a common thread with such martial truths.
‘Truly, the Sichuan Tang family.’ There was a reason why great sects and noble families endured through generations in the martial world.
Tang Pae, who had seemed merely fierce and cold, was indeed a grandmaster of hidden weapons, perfectly suited to lead the Tang family. Moreover, the techniques of throwing knives and fist arts shared a common principle.
That principle was the balanced distribution of power. To deliver a powerful punch, a stable lower body, waist, and fist were necessary. Similarly, to launch a throwing knife swiftly, the same conditions were required.
All streams return to one source. Martial arts may seem to branch out in many directions, but their essence and principles ultimately converge into a single truth.
‘But… they left out the core of throwing knife techniques.’ To reach the pinnacle of throwing knife mastery, one needed the Finger Perception Method, which heightened the sensitivity of the fingers.
Masters of hidden weapons were said to see, hear, and feel everything through their fingertips. However, this secret was passed down as a closely guarded tradition, and the Tang family was no exception.
‘A pity, but it can’t be helped.’ By then, the carriage had reached Nanjing.
Upon entering the city, Bu Eunseol stopped the carriage and stayed in a private room at a nearby inn with Black Leopard. Black Leopard, who had silently followed Bu Eunseol all this time, could no longer contain his curiosity and spoke.
“Young Master, are you looking for something?” He looked at Bu Eunseol, who was calmly gazing out the window, and asked again. “It feels like you came here for a specific reason.”
After a brief silence, Bu Eunseol spoke slowly.
“The reason I set out into the martial world this time was to advance my sect’s practical martial arts to the next level.”
“Beyond what you’ve already achieved?”
“Exactly. But wandering aimlessly would only waste time.” Through his experiences with the Tang family, Bu Eunseol had realized two things.
Continuing his journey like this might eventually expose his identity and background. And wandering the martial world aimlessly wouldn’t provide as many opportunities to fight strong opponents as he had hoped.
“I don’t quite understand what you mean.”
“You can’t just pick fights with strong opponents without cause.”
“Oh.” Black Leopard let out a small exclamation, as if he finally understood.
He knew Bu Eunseol thirsted for battles with formidable foes.
But there was a problem. Bu Eunseol’s skills were among the best of the younger generation, making it difficult to find masters capable of matching him in combat.
“But as far as I know, there aren’t any masters in Nanjing worthy of sparring with you, Young Master.”
Bu Eunseol gave an uncharacteristic grin.
“There’s the Red Sky Veil here, isn’t there?”
The Red Sky Veil.
The largest mercenary market in Shaanxi, its scale three to four times larger than the Dongpyoseorang in Guizhou. Unlike the Dongpyoseorang, which primarily handled jobs from beyond the Central Plains or the merchant world, the Red Sky Veil attracted tasks from martial factions across the Central Plains.
“Are you saying you’ll become a mercenary, Young Master?”
“Not a mercenary, but a way to easily find strong opponents.”
“But to become a mercenary, you’d need to completely change your identity.” Since winning the sword competition at the Dongpyoseorang, Bu Eunseol had made a name for himself in the martial world.
To suddenly abandon his hard-earned reputation and live as a mercenary was unthinkable.
“I know. I’ll need to change my appearance entirely.”
“You’ve learned disguise techniques too, Young Master?”
Ignoring Black Leopard’s astonishment, Bu Eunseol activated his Face-Changing Bone-Shifting Technique. His face slightly contorted, and his sharp jawline became broader and blunter.
Crunch.
Thanks to his significantly enhanced internal energy, he could adjust his bone structure with ease. As his frame widened, his large eyes narrowed slightly, and his nose became a bit lower. Tying his long hair up roughly, he transformed into the image of an ordinary mercenary warrior, indistinguishable from any other.
“You can… freely change your face?” Black Leopard’s jaw dropped, but Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“It’s just a slight adjustment of facial muscles and bones.”
“Oh, I see.” Black Leopard, who primarily handled covert intelligence-gathering tasks as an information mercenary, had learned techniques similar to the Face-Changing Bone-Shifting Technique. “Then I’ll try changing my face too.”
Pop, pop.
However, Black Leopard’s internal energy wasn’t strong enough to significantly alter his bone structure. Still, with his eyes reshaped and cheeks fuller, he looked like a different person.
“How is it, Young Master?”
“The appearance is decently altered, but there’s still an awkwardness. Your sharp aura is still noticeable.”
“What?”
“Disguising isn’t just about changing your face. You need to become an entirely different person.”
“A different person…”
“Exactly. To do that, you need to change everything you carry, your clothes, and most importantly, your voice, your gaze, and even your mindset.”
Black Leopard couldn’t hide his astonishment and said, “I understand what you mean, but… I don’t know how to do it.”
‘The Nine Paths Enlightenment Technique isn’t exclusive to our sect.’ After a moment of thought, Bu Eunseol taught Black Leopard the principles of the Nine Paths Enlightenment Technique.
After absorbing the explanation, Black Leopard’s eyes widened in amazement.
“I see now. That’s why my disguises always felt lacking and awkward, no matter how well I did them.” Black Leopard was exceptionally sharp, grasping ten things from a single lesson.
As he quickly comprehended the essence of the Nine Paths Enlightenment Technique and began altering his face, gaze, and demeanor, Bu Eunseol felt an unexpected sense of satisfaction.
‘So this is what it feels like.’ Suddenly, he recalled the fond look in his mentor’s eyes from Hell Island, watching him with pride.
Teaching a brilliant technique to a talented individual felt like creating a second self—an oddly exhilarating sensation.
“But what about the Black Blade?” The Black Blade, with its blade and scabbard radiating a mysterious dark sheen, was highly conspicuous.
“I’ve prepared for that.” Bu Eunseol mixed various chemicals from a box and began applying them to the Black Blade’s surface.
The glossy black blade soon transformed into an ordinary, rusted longsword.
“Young Master, won’t that make the sword unusable?” No matter how carefully applied, paint wouldn’t adhere to a divine weapon.
If it clashed with another weapon while infused with energy, the paint would surely chip off.
“I won’t use it for now.” Bu Eunseol looked down at his hands.
While living as a mercenary, he intended to use fist techniques from the Fist Demon Path instead of the Supreme Heavenly Flow.
“You’re going to use fist techniques?”
“Yes.” Black Leopard looked puzzled.
The Nangyang Pavilion had produced many outstanding masters over generations, but they were all swordsmen. Not a single one was renowned for fist techniques.
‘Does the Nangyang Pavilion have fist techniques?’
Swallowing hard, Black Leopard cautiously said, “Still, shouldn’t you carry some kind of weapon?”
“I plan to use throwing knives.” As Bu Eunseol lifted his sleeve, a sharp throwing knife appeared between his fingers.
On the way to Nanjing, he had fully memorized the Hidden Blade Treasury from Tang Pae. That day, he had visited not only shops but also a blacksmith to purchase several throwing knives.
“Sealing your ultimate techniques to hide your identity… isn’t that too risky?”
“Of course, if a situation calls for drawing my sword, I will.” Bu Eunseol rubbed his hands together, a faint smile on his lips. “That’s why I’m going to the mercenary market.”
“…I see.” Black Leopard swallowed hard.
If anyone else had said this, Black Leopard would have inwardly scoffed. A moment’s lapse could cost a master their life. Fighting in real combat while suppressing ultimate techniques was akin to gambling with one’s life.
But when Bu Eunseol said it, it didn’t seem foolish or arrogant.
‘Just how many supreme techniques has the Young Master mastered?’ The thought that Bu Eunseol had mastered not only swordsmanship but also a variety of formidable techniques sent chills down Black Leopard’s spine.
“Why are you staring?”
“Huh? Oh, nothing.” Snapping out of it, Black Leopard altered his gaze, voice, and clothing.
The sharp, vibrant aura vanished, replaced by a slightly dull demeanor.
“How is it, Young Master?”
“It’s passable.”
“Oh, but there’s something else I’m worried about.”
“What?”
“The Red Sky Veil has ordinary mercenaries, but it’s also full of criminals and ruffians hiding their identities.” Unlike the Dongpyoseorang, which maintained strict order under the Boss’ command, the Red Sky Veil would handle any job for the right price.
As a result, it attracted many criminals in hiding, and battles to the death among mercenaries were not uncommon.
“I’m worried you might encounter trouble there, Young Master.”
“All the better.” Bu Eunseol bared his white teeth in a grin. “I hope there are plenty of strong rogues.”
The next day.
Bu Eunseol and Black Leopard, traveling by carriage, passed the main road and stopped in front of a large building on the outskirts of Nanjing. The massive gate, painted red like a fortress, bore a gleaming plaque.
Red Sky Veil.
The mercenary market where mercenaries from not only Shaanxi but also Hunan and Hubei took on jobs. Its exterior resembled the grand estate of a wealthy lord.
“Young Master, this way.” With countless mercenaries coming and going, there were no guards, and the gate of the Red Sky Veil stood wide open.
Upon entering, they saw a hall labeled Crystal Hall, bustling with numerous warriors. At the entrance, a large wooden board labeled Free Contracts caught the eye. Papers densely covered with writing were pinned to it, with mercenaries gathered in small groups.
It was likely a notice board for mercenaries to find jobs.
“It’s impressive.” Bu Eunseol marveled.
He had heard the Red Sky Veil was larger than the Dongpyoseorang in Guizhou, but he hadn’t expected it to be so sophisticated, like a prominent sect. On one side of the elegantly decorated Crystal Hall, dozens of partitions were set up, with a platform in front.
Mercenaries were conversing with figures at the platform or exchanging items. It seemed to be a place for discreetly accepting jobs or receiving payment for completed tasks.
“I hope there are plenty of jobs to fight strong opponents.” At Bu Eunseol’s words, Black Leopard spoke in a low voice.
“Young Master, to take on jobs, you’ll need to register as a mercenary first.”
