‘That guy?’
Sensing the extraordinary aura emanating from Bu Eunseol, Tak Ilhwang poured his full strength into unleashing his blade techniques.
Whoosh!
As a torrent of blue blade aura surged like a tidal wave, enveloping Bu Eunseol’s body,
Tremble.
Bu Eunseol’s black sword quivered, then began to pursue the shadows of the incoming blade techniques like a specter.
The fifth technique of the Musang Heavenly Flow: Ten Thousand Swords Return to One.
It was an ultimate technique that replicated the enemy’s moves by following the trajectory of their incoming strikes.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
In a split second, Bu Eunseol’s black sword clashed with Tak Ilhwang’s blade. This time, he had no intention of analyzing the blade techniques or countering them. Tak Ilhwang was one of the Ten Great Sabers, his skill on par with Jeon Ilhon without the slightest inferiority.
“Ugh.” After exchanging over forty strikes in an instant, a groan escaped Tak Ilhwang’s lips.
Each clash of their weapons sent tremors through his bones and stung his wrists.
Bu Eunseol’s immense inner power shook Tak Ilhwang’s frame with every strike, like the Five Tiger Gate Blade Technique of the Pang family.
At this rate, far from cutting Bu Eunseol’s throat, his own wrist bones might shatter.
‘He’s trying to settle this with a single move.’ Tak Ilhwang realized Bu Eunseol aimed to break his bones and end the fight with this exchange. ‘And this sword technique…’
As a master who had roamed the martial world for decades, Tak Ilhwang instantly recognized that the sword path of Bu Eunseol’s Ten Thousand Swords Return to One mirrored his own Blood Flame Blade Technique.
Zing!
At that moment, Tak Ilhwang’s Blood Flame Blade blurred, then suddenly dispersed like mist.
Thud.
Bu Eunseol’s black sword, which had been scattering radiant light, lost its direction and fell to the ground. As Tak Ilhwang halted his attack and used an odd technique, the Ten Thousand Swords Return to One, which instantly mimicked the opponent’s sword path, was forced to stop.
Tap.
Quickly retreating, Tak Ilhwang regulated his breathing and reassessed the situation. Just as he prepared to attack again,
Flash!
A gleam burst from the shimmering Blood Flame Blade, causing Bu Eunseol to squint. Tak Ilhwang was standing with the sun at his back.
‘A heaven-sent opportunity.’ He had mastered a unique blade technique that could surely cut down an enemy when standing with the sun behind him. ‘Even at full strength, I can’t guarantee an easy victory.’
Tak Ilhwang instinctively knew Bu Eunseol’s skill was on par with his own. Rather than risking a life-or-death fight, he intended to unleash a deadly blade art to kill him in one strike.
“Good!” he shouted.
Whoosh!
With a battle cry, he leaped into the air above Bu Eunseol’s head. Simultaneously, he unleashed the Blood Flame Blade, sending sixteen streaks of blade light cascading endlessly toward Bu Eunseol.
Those sixteen streaks multiplied into thirty-two.
The thirty-two streaks then splintered into hundreds of radiant beams, pouring down on Bu Eunseol.
‘Try deflecting these as you did before!’ Tak Ilhwang, watching Bu Eunseol, wore a cruel smile. ‘The moment you do, you’re finished!’ As Bu Eunseol moved his black sword to parry the incoming blade lights,
Tap.
Tak Ilhwang’s body was suddenly behind Bu Eunseol. Though it appeared he had leaped into the air, it was an illusion created by the Blood Flame Blade and the sunlight.
Phantom Mirage Blade.
An ultimate blade art that, when facing the sun, could deceive the enemy with illusions and end their life in an instant.
‘It’s over!’ Tak Ilhwang swung his blade without hesitation at Bu Eunseol’s back, who was looking upward.
But something was wrong.
Despite clearly slashing through him, there was no sensation at the blade’s tip.
Flash!
At that moment, a tiny speck of light bloomed before Tak Ilhwang’s eyes. Following the speck, a long sword aura stretched endlessly, piercing through his forehead.
“…” Tak Ilhwang stared at Bu Eunseol with unfocused eyes.
Bu Eunseol, who should have been cleaved in two, was calmly sheathing his sword with an impassive expression.
Drip.
A single drop of blood trickled from Tak Ilhwang’s forehead.
Plop.
As the droplet hit the ground, Tak Ilhwang finally realized a crucial truth.
“So that’s how it was.” When he unleashed the Phantom Mirage Blade, Bu Eunseol had not countered the blade techniques but had instantly evaded.
Swift Beyond Shadow. That stealthy, lightning-fast movement technique had left an afterimage for Tak Ilhwang to see.
“The one deceived by an illusion… was me.”
Those were his final words.
Thud.
Tak Ilhwang, the Blood Sea Demon Blade who had terrorized the martial world alongside the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests, met an utterly futile end.
It was true that looking directly at the sun could briefly dull one’s senses. But Bu Eunseol, who had reached the realm of Ban-geuk Control, would remain unaffected even if he stared at the sun for an entire hour.
“You chose the wrong final move,” Bu Eunseol said, shaking his head as he looked down at Tak Ilhwang, who died with eyes wide open in disbelief. “You should have unleashed the true essence of the Blood Flame Blade Technique, not a phantom blade art.”
Had Tak Ilhwang fought with all his strength, the outcome might have been uncertain. But instead of risking a dangerous fight, he sought an easy victory. And the result… was a futile death he couldn’t even comprehend.
Clang! Ching!
Meanwhile, the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests were still fiercely battling the Rootless Brigade warriors. Though the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests’ skills were overwhelming, the Rootless Brigade, under Hyeok Sojin’s command, fought with perfect coordination, moving as one.
Yet, they couldn’t seize the upper hand.
“Hm.” Bu Eunseol, observing the battle, let out a strange hum.
The reason the Rootless Brigade struggled despite Hyeok Sojin’s transcendent skill was that one of the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests was shockingly close to the transcendent realm.
‘One of the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests has reached the edge of transcendence?’
Whoosh.
Bu Eunseol leaped forward, drawing his black sword toward the exceptionally skilled Dyed Guest.
Shing.
As the sword’s hum echoed, millions of specks of light converged into a single beam.
The Meteor Chasing the Moon unfolded.
Swish!
At that moment, a wide Blood Flame Blade gleamed silver, spreading like a fan to form a vast curtain of light.
Clang!
With a resounding metallic clash, the heaven-splitting Meteor Chasing the Moon was halted in an instant.
It was blocked by a single stroke, despite the form’s speed and the power of a heavy sword.
Tap!
The Dyed Guest who blocked the Meteor Chasing the Moon rushed toward Bu Eunseol’s chest like a charging beast.
“So the Blood Flame Blade Technique includes chaotic swordplay?” Bu Eunseol muttered, swinging his black sword to condense its edge.
As he prepared to cut down the charging Dyed Guest,
Swish!
Suddenly, the Dyed Guest formed a hand blade with their left hand, striking toward Bu Eunseol’s chest.
“…!” A glint flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
The move was utterly unexpected. Not only that, but to use a hand blade instead of the perfectly good Blood Flame Blade?
Flash!
Though the reckless attack was incomprehensible, Bu Eunseol unhesitatingly slashed at the hand piercing toward his chest.
Clang!
Despite the sword striking the hand, a metallic sound rang out, and the black sword was repelled. It turned out this Dyed Guest had mastered not only the Blood Flame Blade Technique but also fearsome hand techniques.
Swish!
Seizing the moment, a soft, white glow pierced toward Bu Eunseol’s chest—or so it seemed.
Snap.
Bu Eunseol had grabbed the Dyed Guest’s sharp hand with his bare hand.
‘How…?’ The Dyed Guest stared at their captured hand.
Even if caught by iron tongs, it should have shattered. How could it be seized with a bare hand?
“You thought the Seven Demon Fists was just a fist technique?” Bu Eunseol said.
They must have easily deduced he had mastered a fist technique. But the Seven Demon Fists was the pinnacle of fist and palm techniques, framed as a fist art. It could be unleashed as a grasping technique without needing to manifest as a fist.
Using the Seven Demon Fists like a grasping technique, Bu Eunseol deflected the hand strike and seized the wrist like a hook.
Whoosh!
But then, the Dyed Guest’s left foot moved stealthily, aiming deep at Bu Eunseol’s lower body.
It was the Iron Arrow Blood Net Kick Technique, devastatingly effective at close range. Though unexpected, Bu Eunseol dodged the kick as if he had anticipated it and struck with a single fist.
Boom!
With an explosive sound, the Dyed Guest’s body was sent crashing into a wall.
Thud.
The Dyed Guest quickly rose, but the mask was torn by Bu Eunseol’s force and fluttered away in the breeze. A stunningly beautiful face was revealed under the sunlight. Rosy lips, pale skin, and large, luminous eyes.
The exceptionally skilled Dyed Guest was, shockingly, a young woman.
“It wasn’t Do Cheonlin who sent you…” Bu Eunseol said.
“What do you mean?” the woman asked with a venomous glare.
“If Do Cheonlin had sent an assassin, it wouldn’t have been so sloppy,” Bu Eunseol replied calmly.
From the moment Tak Ilhwang and the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests appeared, Bu Eunseol had sensed something was off.
Do Cheonlin.
That cunning man wouldn’t have sent just Tak Ilhwang and the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests to kill him.
“I see. You’re Do Cheonlin’s sister.” Bu Eunseol’s memory for faces and physiques rivaled that of a physiognomist.
There was no need for deep thought—her appearance was strikingly similar to Do Cheonlin’s, like twins.
“Let go!” the woman snapped, wrenching her arm free from Bu Eunseol and stepping back irritably.
She was Do Chaeryeong, Do Cheonlin’s youngest sister.
Since childhood, she had admired and idolized her brother. She often visited him or watched him converse with others. But at some point, the name “Bu Eunseol” began to come up in his conversations.
“He’s truly remarkable! Aside from those ‘two,’ no one in our generation could match him.”
Do Cheonlin, known as the Perfect Scholar for his excellence in martial arts and various fields, was the greatest figure in her eyes. Yet, he praised someone else—a person who needed to be killed.
In the end, she persuaded Tak Ilhwang and brought the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests into the martial world. She intended to personally kill Bu Eunseol, the man who held both her brother’s love and hatred.
“Hm.” With a deep sigh, Bu Eunseol looked down at Do Chaeryeong and said solemnly, “With this, my debt to him is settled.”
Do Cheonlin, the young master of the Blood Flame Blade Sect.
He had always opposed Bu Eunseol’s rise as an heir candidate. Yet, despite continuous attacks from White Horse Temple, Hell’s Blood Fortress, and Death Command Sect, he never once sent the Blood Flame Blade Sect’s forces.
From Do Cheonlin’s perspective, joining them could have given him a chance to bring Bu Eunseol down. That restraint was likely a form of goodwill toward Bu Eunseol. Bu Eunseol’s eyes, turning to face her, glowed with a crimson light.
“But this is the only time. If you come for me again, you’ll risk your life. Not just you, but everyone from the Blood Flame Blade Sect.”
Clench.
Biting her lip, Do Chaeryeong gripped her wrist, staring at the bodies of Tak Ilhwang and the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests.
“The sect will handle the bodies, so leave them as they are,” she said.
“Fine,” Bu Eunseol replied.
With a tap, she used her movement technique and swiftly left the scene.
***
Boom.
The massive gates of Majeon were opened by the guards. A young man in white and another in blue walked side by side, their steps measured. It was Bu Eunseol and Hyeok Sojin.
Step, step.
Behind them followed warriors covered in wounds, large and small, marching in formation. Their black uniforms were torn, their bodies scarred, yet their eyes burned fiercely, exuding sharp energy.
These were the Rootless Brigade warriors.
They were supposed to return healed, but the ambush by Tak Ilhwang and the Twelve Blood-Dyed Guests had left them battered once more.
“Is that the notorious Rootless Brigade?” Passersby gaped in shock. The Rootless Brigade, once scorned and despised, now radiated the aura of battle-hardened heroes.
Bu Eunseol and the Rootless Brigade arrived at the grand training ground of Majeon. A towering platform stood there, atop which sat the Demon Emperor in a black dragon robe, seated on a grand chair.
Beside him stood Yeop Hyocheon, the Chief Instructor, while below were warriors in black uniforms emblazoned with the Twin Dragon Crest—the leaders of Majeon.
Only the three great leaders—Cheonsal, Amcheon, and Myeonhon—who held special roles and carried out covert missions, were absent. On the path to the training ground, Majeon’s Guard Corps stood solemnly in formation on both sides.
Step, step.
As Bu Eunseol and the Rootless Brigade ascended to the training ground,
Salute.
The armed warriors saluted as they passed.
Majeon, a powerful alliance encompassing a million demonic warriors. Unlike the Martial Alliance, which championed justice and righteousness, this mighty organization was driven solely by wealth and power.
Thus, Majeon always promised generous rewards to warriors who achieved great deeds, ensuring greater loyalty.
“Eliminate the Marauders and its leader!” Bu Eunseol and the Rootless Brigade had completed an impossible mission and returned. To honor their achievement, the Demon Emperor and key figures had come to greet them.
Step, step.
They finally passed the Guard Corps and reached the base of the platform where the Demon Emperor sat.
Bow.
Bu Eunseol clasped his hands in respect, and Hyeok Sojin and the Rootless Brigade warriors followed suit, bowing deeply.
“Rootless Brigade Leader Bu Eunseol,” he said in a resonant, low voice, clasping his hands once more.
“I have fulfilled the Demon Emperor’s command and returned.”
Nod.
The Demon Emperor, seated on his grand chair, gave a slight nod.
Yeop Hyocheon, standing beside him, spoke in a low voice. “Though this was a mission to select an heir candidate, Leader Bu has once again proclaimed Majeon’s might to the martial world and achieved great merit.” Looking at Bu Eunseol, he continued to the Demon Emperor, “According to the laws of our order, a great reward is fitting.”
“Hm,” the Demon Emperor said, gazing down at Bu Eunseol. “Speak your desire.”
Instantly, all Majeon warriors, except Yeop Hyocheon, looked puzzled. Though defeating the Marauders was impressive, it didn’t warrant the offer to “speak your desire.”
Swish.
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath and declared in a loud voice, “I wish to formally become a leader of Majeon.”
Cine