Henan Branch of the Nine Deaths Squad
Returning to the Henan branch, Bu Eunseol personally prepared Yeong Munho’s body for burial.
It was partly out of respect for a fellow Ten Demonic Warrior, but also to study the wounds on his body to find clues to defeat the Heavenly Sword. Though Yeong Munho had lost most of his internal energy, as a Ten Demonic Warrior, he had fought the Heavenly Sword barehanded for dozens of exchanges.
Moreover, knowing he couldn’t win, he tenaciously held on.
“Yeong Munho…” Bu Eunseol’s eyes trembled slightly.
Yeong Munho’s desperate resistance against the Heavenly Sword was to leave marks of his techniques on his body.
“This is that guy’s swordsmanship.”
Yeong Munho knew Bu Eunseol would examine his body.
Thus, he endured fiercely, imprinting the Heavenly Sword’s techniques onto himself. This left Yeong Munho’s body in a gruesome state, but it allowed a detailed study of the Heavenly Sword’s sword techniques.
Shudder.
Bu Eunseol lowered his head. No matter how cold his personality, he was still a man with warm blood.
“I must stay calm.” Bu Eunseol steeled his resolve.
He couldn’t afford to let emotions squander the opportunity Yeong Munho had created with his life.
“Mind, internal energy, body, and swordsmanship… no obstacles whatsoever.”
As Bu Eunseol carefully cleaned Yeong Munho’s body, his eyes narrowed. The sword marks left by the Heavenly Sword showed no hesitation, containing only a singular sword intent.
Humans contemplate a thousand things while eating and unravel ten thousand worries while sleeping.
But the Heavenly Sword had fused his internal energy, spirit, and body into one. This allowed him to unleash lightning-fast, flawless swordsmanship.
“I couldn’t do that.” But Bu Eunseol was in the opposite situation.
His mind lingered in indecision, with the Wishful True Binding and Tranquil Awakening clashing. His innate coldness conflicted with the acquired warmth instilled by his grandfather, Bu Zhanyang.
the Heavenly Sword focused his heart on a single sword to face his enemy.
But Bu Eunseol’s mind, body, and even inner emotions were in conflict.
“In my current state, I can’t counter the Ten Thousand Forms Single Technique.”
If the Wishful True Binding and Tranquil Awakening couldn’t unleash their full power, he’d have to defeat the Heavenly Sword with the Supreme Heavenly Flow. But the Heavenly Sword had honed a single sword his entire life, and the Sword Venerable’s Ten Thousand Forms Single Technique was near perfection.
A practical sword art that evolves through combat couldn’t overcome the Heavenly Sword, who had mastered the essence of the Sword Venerable’s techniques.
“I don’t need to defeat him with swordsmanship.”
Bu Eunseol wasn’t comparing martial prowess. If it meant killing him, he’d use hidden weapons or poison without hesitation.
Rustle.
At that moment, Yeong Munho’s slightly curled fingers began to move.
An ordinary person would have jumped in shock. But Bu Eunseol, who had been preparing the body, recognized it as postmortem rigor.
‘…I see.’ As Yeong Munho’s fingers slowly uncurled, a great realization flashed through Bu Eunseol’s mind. ‘The root problem was mastering both righteous and demonic supreme heart techniques simultaneously.’
Bu Eunseol’s personality was naturally inclined toward indecision. He had an innate coldness and the acquired warmth taught by his grandfather.
But martial arts were different.
Mastering both the supreme demonic and righteous heart techniques was akin to splitting his spirit in two. The conflicting techniques caused a division in his mind.
“Were you frustrated? Even in death, you’re imparting enlightenment.” Yeong Munho’s fingers were now fully uncurled, as if symbolizing emptiness.
‘With your current skill, uniting righteous and demonic arts is impossible. Why not create something entirely new?’ Until now, Bu Eunseol had studied the Emotion-Severing Secret and Tranquil Awakening, trying to unite them.
But was unification necessary? If he emptied his mind into a state of nothingness, couldn’t a new heart technique be born?
Yeong Munho was offering this advice.
“It’s impossible now…” Looking at Yeong Munho, Bu Eunseol spoke with a resolute voice, as if making a vow. “But I’ll find a new martial art to fill the gaps in the Wishful True Binding and Thirteen Guiding Energies as soon as possible.”
***
Nangrim Mountain, Seven Swords Ridge
Near the seventh peak stood a small hut.
But now, it was an empty clearing, with a large stone coffin and a wooden one placed within. Inside the wooden coffin was Yeong Munho, meticulously prepared by Bu Eunseol.
His face, vibrant as in life, looked happy.
Bu Eunseol slowly dug the earth.
He carefully buried the stone coffin, placing the wooden one inside to protect the body from wild animals or external elements.
Soon, a small grave mound appeared where the hut once stood.
The old Bu Eunseol would have sworn vengeance against the Heavenly Sword before this grave.
But that wasn’t what Yeong Munho would have wanted.
Instead, Bu Eunseol offered a prayer solely for his happiness.
“In your next life…”
Gazing at the mound, Bu Eunseol murmured softly,
“May you be born in a place free of grudges and live happily…”
***
Bu Eunseol immediately returned to Majeon.
Originally, his destinations were the White Horse Temple and the Death Command Sect, to investigate the unknown traces of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade.
But his goal had changed.
‘If I can’t handle what’s before me, how can I seek revenge?’
Blood-red light streamed from Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
the Heavenly Sword.
He would start by killing that righteous madman.
***
Suppressed Demon Pavilion Conference Room
At the center of the large table sat Bu Eunseol, flanked by Myo Cheonwoo and Yoo Unryong.
Myo Cheonwoo and Yoo Unryong.
Fellow Ten Demonic Warriors who escaped Hell Island, they were Bu Eunseol’s closest allies.
Silence hung heavy in the room.
Yoo Unryong and Myo Cheonwoo cautiously observed Bu Eunseol’s expression.
His eyes were frozen like glaciers, devoid of emotion. They exchanged tense glances, knowing that Bu Eunseol’s emotionless demeanor signaled he was planning something formidable.
“What happened?” Unable to bear the silence, Myo Cheonwoo spoke cautiously. “Did something bad happen during your journey?”
Bu Eunseol glanced at them and said in a low voice, “From now on, use all resources to investigate the Heavenly Sword.”
“the Heavenly Sword?” Myo Cheonwoo blinked. “The Golden Divine Eye, the Sword Venerable’s disciple?”
“Yes.” They exchanged puzzled looks.
Golden Divine Eye, the Heavenly Sword.
Years ago, he gained fame by eliminating evil sect groups harassing civilians. But he had since rarely appeared in the martial world. Why investigate him now?
“He killed Yeong Munho.” At Bu Eunseol’s words, their faces darkened.
“Yeong Munho? The one who went to the Death Command Sect?”
“Yes.”
“What do you mean? How could he kill Yeong Munho, who was already dead?” Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol calmly recounted everything.
How he used the Nine Deaths Squad to search for surviving Ten Demonic Warriors.
How he finally reunited with Yeong Munho, living as an herbalist…
Only for him to be brutally killed by the Heavenly Sword, the man who massacred the Black Wind Stronghold. And that the Heavenly Sword was one of the previously unidentified righteous masters.
“…” When Bu Eunseol finished, a deathly silence filled the room.
It was unthinkable.
One of the mysterious righteous masters was the Sword Venerable’s disciple, the Heavenly Sword. And he matched Bu Eunseol, the demonic path’s greatest young master?
“Such a thing happened.” Yoo Unryong, silent until now, nodded.
He knew Bu Eunseol regarded the Ten Demonic Warriors as kin. After spending a fortune to find Yeong Munho… the Sword Venerable’s disciple brutally killed him.
Though Bu Eunseol sat calmly, his rage must be piercing the heavens.
“From the start, the stronghold pitted the Ten Demonic Warriors against the righteous masters.” Yoo Unryong, deep in thought, spoke softly. “Though it was part of selecting a successor, that order has never been rescinded.”
Myo Cheonwoo, arms crossed, nodded. “So, the Ten Demonic Warriors and righteous masters can never coexist.”
Bu Eunseol, listening silently, fixed his gaze on the window.
“He’s never revealed his tracks, so investigating him will be difficult. Mobilize all available personnel to find his whereabouts.” Turning, Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed with intensity. “I’ll handle the rest.”
“Understood.” After a moment’s thought, Yoo Unryong replied instantly. “I’ll use every intelligence network to locate him.”
He continued cautiously, “Based on your story, you’ll need time to refine your martial arts.”
Bu Eunseol nodded readily.
“I know.” In his current state, he couldn’t decisively defeat the Heavenly Sword.
He needed to abandon his fixation on the two heart techniques and reach a new realm through emptiness.
***
Days later, Yoo Unryong visited Bu Eunseol’s office, his face pale.
“We found the Heavenly Sword’s whereabouts.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s coming to the stronghold.” Bu Eunseol’s eyebrow twitched in confusion, and Yoo Unryong added, “He’s coming openly as the Martial Alliance’s envoy.”
“The Martial Alliance’s envoy?” Bu Eunseol’s eyes grew strange.
the Heavenly Sword, who never revealed his tracks, suddenly became the Martial Alliance’s envoy?
“That madman’s up to something.” Frowning, Yoo Unryong sighed. “He went to the Martial Alliance, reported his feats, including destroying the Black Wind Stronghold, and requested a position.”
To summarize the explanation:
The Heavenly Sword suddenly visited the Martial Alliance, revealing all his covert achievements and requesting a fitting status. After deep discussion, the Martial Alliance granted him the position of leader of the top sword brigade under the Divine Might Corps.
This was for his feats in eliminating troublesome groups like the Black Wind Stronghold and Five Dragons Clan, which harmed civilians but couldn’t be subdued. As this spread, interest and fame in the Heavenly Sword grew among both righteous sects and commoners.
“He’s clever.” Bu Eunseol frowned.
The Heavenly Sword had made an enemy of Bu Eunseol, the Demon Emperor’s successor. Roaming alone risked attack. But by revealing his feats and gaining a position in the Martial Alliance…
He became someone even Bu Eunseol couldn’t touch lightly.
“Why is he coming to the stronghold?” At Bu Eunseol’s question, Yoo Unryong replied gravely, “The Ten Demonic Warriors.”
Pausing, he continued with a baffled expression,
“He says he’s coming to end the conflict between the Ten Demonic Warriors and the righteous masters.” As the Demon Emperor’s gate opened wide, a carriage bearing the Martial Alliance’s flag entered.
Click.
The carriage stopped at the stronghold’s center, and its door slowly opened. A towering man with a greatsword on his back stepped out.
His eyes sparkled like gems in the sunlight, his demeanor gentle. A smile often graced his lips, giving a slightly foolish appearance. But in reality, he was a peerless martial prodigy with exceptional physique and intellect.
Known as Golden Divine Eye but more often called the second Sword Venerable, he was the Heavenly Sword, the Sword Venerable’s disciple.
“So many people came out.” Seeing the Demon Emperor’s members waiting, the Heavenly Sword waved both hands.
“Nice to meet you! Hello!”
His incessant waving made the members frown.
His actions and expression felt frivolous and playful. At that moment, a middle-aged man in refined scholar’s robes approached, offering a light bow.
“Welcome to our stronghold, Hero Cheon.”
the Heavenly Sword’s eyes changed as he looked at the man. Despite his scholarly air, an immense aura poured from him.
“You are…?”
“I am Baek Jeoncheon, leader of the Manbak Hall.”
“Ah, the one who hears heaven’s words and understands human hearts…” the Heavenly Sword waved enthusiastically with an exaggerated expression. “I’ve long heard of Master Baek’s fame.”
“You flatter me.” Baek Jeoncheon smiled faintly, extending a hand. “Follow me.”
Guided by Baek Jeoncheon, the Heavenly Sword ascended to Dokmyeong Pavilion. Looking up at it, he tilted his head curiously.
“Is the Demon Emperor not here?” Despite it being his first visit, the Heavenly Sword knew the stronghold’s layout precisely.
But Baek Jeoncheon, unfazed, replied calmly,
“The Demon Emperor recently entered seclusion. All affairs are currently overseen by the Chief Instructor.”
“I see. By the way…” the Heavenly Sword grinned playfully. “I heard the Vice-Lord has been missing for a long time. Why hasn’t the Demon Emperor chosen a new one?”
Even as the Sword Venerable’s disciple, meddling in the stronghold’s affairs was bold. If it were another leader, they’d have rebuked him coldly or told him to mind his own business.
But Baek Jeoncheon replied with a cryptic smile, “Who knows? The Lord must have deep plans.”
‘Not someone to underestimate, as expected.’ Baek Jeoncheon seemed like an ignorant scholar but had a remarkable presence.
Moreover, he referred to the Demon Emperor as ‘Lord’ in his presence. The Heavenly Sword instantly deduced Baek Jeoncheon wielded immense authority and astonishing martial prowess.
“The Martial Alliance’s envoy has arrived.” At Baek Jeoncheon’s soft announcement, a low voice came from within Dokmyeong Pavilion’s office.
“Let him in.” Baek Jeoncheon clasped his hands to the Heavenly Sword. “Have your discussion.”
the Heavenly Sword returned the courtesy and entered the office.
Despite entering the office of the Demon Emperor’s second-in-command, his expression and gait remained relaxed. But upon seeing the elderly man, Yeop Hyocheon, his smile vanished.
‘…!’ the Heavenly Sword realized Yeop Hyocheon, who looked ordinary, was a martial artist capable of overturning heaven and earth.
‘The leader of the Seven Kings…’ Hiding his shock, the Heavenly Sword smiled broadly and clasped his hands. “The Heavenly Sword, captain of the Divine Might Corps, greets the Chief Instructor.”
Yeop Hyocheon, looking at the Heavenly Sword, let out a gasp. “Well, I thought no one in the martial world could compare to our Martial Soul Command Lord…”
He exclaimed with admiration,
“Heonwon, that old man, stayed hidden for so long and raised such a prodigy.” Smiling, Yeop Hyocheon extended a hand.
“Sit.” Offering the Heavenly Sword a seat, he called for tea. “How is old Heonwon?”
Yeop Hyocheon asked warmly. “It’s been twenty years since we last met at Chungyak Mountain.”
Known as the Dark King, Yeop Hyocheon had clashed with the Sword Venerable, the righteous path’s greatest sword, at Chungyak Mountain twenty years ago.
The result was astonishingly a mutual defeat. Yeop Hyocheon’s meridians were severely damaged by the Sword Venerable’s strikes, requiring three years of seclusion.
But the Sword Venerable wasn’t unscathed. His right leg was struck by Yeop Hyocheon’s One-Hand Dark Heaven Technique, leaving him slightly lame.
“My master also sends his regards to the Chief Instructor. He said once his complex affairs are settled, he’d like to face the One-Hand Dark Heaven Technique again.”
‘He’s lying.’ Yeop Hyocheon’s eyes narrowed.
The Sword Venerable, over a hundred years old, had long withdrawn from martial affairs. He wouldn’t be burning with competitive spirit to say such things. But Yeop Hyocheon smiled calmly and nodded.
“Tell him I’m always ready.”
He continued, “So, what brings the renowned sword brigade leader of the Martial Alliance to our humble stronghold?”
‘The old man knows and still asks.’ Inwardly sneering, the Heavenly Sword clasped his hands and said, “The Divine Might corps captain proposed we stop the unnecessary war of attrition between the righteous and demonic paths.”
Swallowing a laugh, he continued, “I agreed and came to formally convey that intent.”
“War of attrition?”
“The Ten Demonic Warriors.” the Heavenly Sword said with a surprised expression, “I hear the Demon Emperor’s successor is also a Ten Demonic Warrior. If such conflicts continue to pit our prodigies against each other, wouldn’t that be troublesome?”
Though he spoke thus, his eyes gleamed with killing intent and madness.
Yeop Hyocheon narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the Heavenly Sword.
His dilated blood vessels and resilient muscles suggested physical talent surpassing even Bu Eunseol. Moreover, his abnormally clear eyes gave an eerie chill.
‘Heonwon Damcheong. That old man took a madman as his disciple.’ Seeing the Heavenly Sword’s mad disposition, Yeop Hyocheon smiled faintly. ‘This will be interesting.’
In terms of madness, Bu Eunseol, called the Mad Sword, was no different. And he had no intention of making peace with the Martial Alliance. Yeop Hyocheon was intensely curious how Bu Eunseol would handle this madman.
“But with the Demon Emperor absent, we can’t decide this matter.”
“Heh, when the Demon Emperor enters seclusion, he delegates full authority to me.”
“I see.” Tapping the greatsword on his back, the Heavenly Sword flashed a bright smile, showing white teeth.
“Will you accept?”
The Heavenly Sword was indeed a madman.
Knowing he was no match for Yeop Hyocheon, he deliberately tapped his sword, provoking even him.
