“Nonsense!”
Gok Jeong roared and gripped his daggers with both hands, charging madly at Bu Eunseol.
“You waited for me for exactly the same reason, didn’t you!”
His bloodshot eyes and frenzied rush made him look like a madman searching for a companion to drag with him to hell. Bu Eunseol calmly watched the oncoming man, then reversed his grip on the jet-black Demon-Killer Sword.
“Let us end this.”
Thud!
A dull impact rang out, the sound of a blunt weapon smashing into thick meat.
Shhh.
The Gok Jeong in front of him vanished, and in the same instant the real Gok Jeong appeared behind Bu Eunseol’s back.
The charging figure had been nothing more than an illusion created by the demonic sword and moonlight.
The true Gok Jeong had attempted a lethal strike to the vitals from behind.
Yet Bu Eunseol had instantly sensed the real body and driven the pommel of the jet-black Demon-Killer Sword deep into Gok Jeong’s lower abdomen.
“How…?” Gok Jeong stared down at his stomach in disbelief. “This killing move should have been impossible to detect.”
“Did you truly believe you could grow strong using only the demonic sword’s power without ever training martial arts?” Bu Eunseol sighed. “The martial world is filled with techniques like this.”
The reason Bu Eunseol had broken the move so easily was simple: he had once defeated a nearly identical technique—Phantom Mirage Blade of the Blood Flame Blade Sect’s master, Tak Ilhwang.
And because Gok Jeong’s version relied solely on the demonic sword’s ability, it lacked the profound subtlety of the original.
To Bu Eunseol’s eyes, it looked like a child charging with his eyes closed.
“Even evading invisible attacks is not difficult for seasoned masters with rich experience in the martial world.”
Having reached the height of the Supreme Heavenly Realm, Bu Eunseol’s senses had instantly recognized that the figure made of light and sword qi was an illusion, and the real body was behind him.
In the end, all the demonic sword abilities Gok Jeong had been so proud of were, to Bu Eunseol, nothing remarkable.
“So that’s how it was…” Thick blood trickled from the corner of Gok Jeong’s mouth as his body trembled like an aspen leaf.
“I was nothing but a frog in a well.”
It appeared to be only a light stab to the lower abdomen with the pommel, but his lower dantian had been completely shattered.
As his inner energy slowly leaked out of his body, he was suffering agony akin to death.
“Even if you possess such senses, without reaching a realm that transcends time and flow you should not have been able to counterattack.”
“Have you been fighting only with the demonic sword’s power until now?”
Bu Eunseol had already grasped the general situation.
The reason Gok Jeong could wield the Shape-Dividing Sword Art, and then suddenly another sword art, was entirely due to the power contained within the demonic swords.
“You already knew—why ask?”
Bu Eunseol shook his head. “I didn’t know. I only realized it after watching you.”
Gok Jeong stared blankly at him. Bu Eunseol’s eyes were filled with pure essence, and an unapproachable majesty flowed from his entire body.
“Could you… have already reached the Supreme Heavenly Realm?” Only then did Gok Jeong understand everything and let out a hollow laugh.
“Hah… ha ha ha!” He shook his head as though it were absurd. “So that’s it. You weren’t using the demonic sword at all—you were simply showing your true skill…”
“…”
“No matter how excellent the demonic sword, it could never bridge that gap.”
Gok Jeong’s own martial attainment had not even reached the pinnacle. Yet the moment the demonic sword allowed him to unleash tremendous sword arts in an instant, he believed he could defeat anyone.
He stopped laughing and looked toward the distant sky with a pained expression.
“I thought that with the Shape-Dividing Sword and Hell’s Violet Cloud Sword I could conquer the world…”
Despair filled his eyes.
His dantian was utterly destroyed—he could no longer live as a martial artist.
“In the end, I could not.”
Pshk.
Without hesitation, he plunged the dagger into his own heart.
Bu Eunseol had known he would take his own life, but he did not stop him. He had been the one to destroy the man’s dantian; he had no right to interfere.
Zhing. Zhing.
A low sword cry rang from Bu Eunseol’s waist.
The Silent Tiger Soul Sword was weeping, yearning to devour the demonic swords.
“So as long as the demonic swords exist, we are fated to fight.”
The demonic swords each possessed unique abilities; some, like the Thousand Soul Blood used by Cheon Hwain, even moved of their own will regardless of the wielder’s intent.
Even if no one knew that defeating every demonic sword bearer would make one supreme in the martial world…
They would still have no choice but to fight one another.
Because defeating another bearer made you stronger.
Because obtaining a new demonic sword granted immense power with almost no effort.
No martial artist who dreamed—even in their sleep—of becoming stronger could ever resist that temptation.
Hummm.
Bu Eunseol channeled his energy, and the two demonic swords Gok Jeong had held flew into his hands.
Yet he felt no reaction, no ability.
“If the Emissary spoke true, only those with the Void Spirit Physique can awaken a demonic sword.” Bu Eunseol pondered a moment, then shook his head. “For a force on the level of the Three Realms to scatter demonic swords across the martial world… could their true purpose be to make Void Spirit Physique bearers kill one another in order to find an heir?”
The Three Realms could simply select and train any outstanding talent they desired.
With their vast intelligence network, they could easily locate anyone possessing the rare Void Spirit Physique. There was no reason to give random martial artists demonic swords that only Void Spirit bearers could wield, thereby granting them the chance to awaken one.
“Which means…” A sharp glint flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
It was far more likely that Wang Cheol and Gok Jeong had not “happened” upon their swords by chance—someone from the Three Realms had deliberately placed the blades in their hands while making it appear accidental.
―If you survive until the very end, you can become the ‘sword’ of our realm.
The Emissary’s words suddenly echoed in his ears.
―Heh heh heh. Let us call it something similar to an heir.
The Emissary had probably thought there was no harm in telling Wang Cheol—who was consumed by the desire to grow stronger and knew nothing of the Three Realms—such things.
But Bu Eunseol’s intellect far surpassed imagination, and he was deeply versed in various demonic arts and sects.
He knew exactly how terrifying the Three Realms were and what kind of power they wielded.
“Something similar…”
After thinking for a long while, Bu Eunseol’s eyes shot wide open.
“They need a vessel for some grand technique.”
While staying in Shaolin’s repentance cave, Bu Eunseol had idly read the secret arts left behind by great demonic practitioners. Most were techniques already known to the martial world, but among them was the Soul-Chasing Codex of the Ghost-Demon Ancestor, master of burial arts and sorcery.
It catalogued every great technique in existence—both real and theoretical—including the legendary Borrowed Corpse Revival Method.
Nearly all techniques that used human beings as components placed extreme importance on the ‘vessel’—that is, specific physical conditions.
“So the Three Realms are researching something akin to a great forbidden art.”
Until now, the Infinite Realm had tried to remodel the human body using puppets and drugs.
Then this new faction of the Three Realms might be attempting to tamper with the human body through forbidden arts or unique secret methods.
“In that case, the ‘sword’ must refer to someone among the Void Spirit Physiques who possesses yet another special condition.”
The new Three Realms had not simply scattered demonic swords across the martial world.
They had deliberately placed demonic swords in the hands of Void Spirit Physique bearers, then intended to use those who met one final special condition as their ‘swords.’
And because the status of that ‘sword’ was extraordinarily high, the Emissary had called it “something similar to an heir.”
“But I still cannot understand it.”
If the three divided Realms combined their strength, none could stand against them. Yet the Realms were in conflict with one another, and from what had been revealed so far, each clearly pursuing different banners.
He had thought that once the new Realm’s purpose was revealed, the goals of the Infinite and Clear River Realms would also come into clearer focus.
Instead, it only grew more complicated.
“The one certainty is that they are trying to create the strongest being.”
The reason the Infinite Realm had continuously improved humanization and experimental puppets was likely to create the ultimate Bound Asura capable of receiving the martial arts of the Eight Emperors and Three Saints.
Proof of this lay in the evolving experimental soul humans; the Bound Asuras that So Okrim had destroyed on the mountain had displayed a wide variety of martial techniques.
―You are all mistaken!
The words of Nobong, former Beggar Sect Leader and Infinite Realm spy, suddenly rang in his ears.
Nobong had described his actions as sacrificing the cow for the greater good.
And if that were true?
Then the Three Realms, who hid their true identity, harbored an extremely dangerous purpose.
Was it possible that Nobong had committed those acts to restrain or check them?
“No—if that were the case, why split into three Realms at all?”
If even that was wrong…
Then perhaps all three Realms shared the same ultimate goal and were merely pursuing different methods to reach it.
‘I have no choice but to see this through to the end.’
The fortunate part was that through this series of events he had grasped at least the outline of the demonic swords’ secret and the Three Realms’ designs. If he used this demonic sword contest as a path, he might be able to infiltrate the Three Realms and unravel the mystery.
Hummm!
At that moment the Silent Tiger Soul Sword let out another low cry.
It hungered to devour Gok Jeong’s two demonic swords and the jet-black Demon-Killer Sword.
Zhing!
Even after Bu Eunseol injected Thunder Spirit Energy, no pattern or light appeared on the Silent Tiger Soul Sword’s blade.
Float.
Bu Eunseol used Void Grasping to lift all three demonic swords—including the jet-black one—into the air.
Flash! KWAAAAAH!
Like lightning, he swung the Silent Tiger Soul Sword, and the three demonic swords shattered into countless fragments in midair.
***
The death of a lowly Iron Thread Corps warrior caused no ripples.
Gok Jeong had always lived quietly, unnoticed. No one cared that he had suddenly taken his own life in a reed field.
That is precisely why martial artists desperately strive for fame.
Even in death, there is no equality.
Orthodox martial artists preach that life is precious and cannot be exchanged for anything, but that is merely naive fantasy that refuses to face reality.
Lives are not equal.
Their weight differs absolutely from person to person.
Ascending Martial Pavilion—Yuk Jangcheon’s office.
Yuk Jangcheon clapped Bu Eunseol on the shoulder and beamed.
“You have done well.”
Bu Eunseol had perfectly completed the flood restoration mission.
His skillful and outstanding leadership had overwhelmingly surpassed the achievements of every other unit dispatched by the Martial Alliance.
Moreover, the Supreme Branch had helped only the most difficult commoners and vagrants—those ignored by both government and Alliance.
Word of it spread widely, and the praise of the common people was endless.
“You always exceed expectations.” Yuk Jangcheon was delighted.
Though his daughter Yuk Cheongah would not even show her face, Bu Eunseol handled everything so flawlessly that the void was barely felt.
“I heard Hall Master Sang has already prepared another fine mission, knowing you would once again achieve great merit.” At Yuk Jangcheon’s words, Sang Gu-baek, who had been standing respectfully, stiffened.
“What is the matter?”
“Well…” Sang Gu-baek spoke with an embarrassed expression. “The mission to escort the Cold-Faced Divine Physician has been reassigned from the Supreme Branch to the Heavenly Order Corps.”
“What did you say?” Yuk Jangcheon’s brow furrowed.
Why had a mission clearly assigned to the Supreme Branch gone to the Heavenly Order?
“It seems… Hall Master Yuk declared it part of her original plan and exercised her discretion to reassign it.”
“She changed Corps to funnel the mission to Baek Museong.”
“Exactly.”
Yuk Jangcheon’s face twisted.
Yuk Cheongah always planned far ahead. At this rate, she could steal every major mission meant for Ascending Martial Pavilion.
If that happened, the Supreme Branch might be left with nothing but watching from the sidelines.
“It is all right.” Bu Eunseol replied nonchalantly. “We have been running without rest until now; a short break would not hurt. If we appear too eager, it might actually look bad.”
He spoke to soothe Yuk Jangcheon’s foul mood. But Yuk Jangcheon was not the type to stay quiet.
“Do not worry. This Hall Master will handle it personally.”
It was not only for Bu Eunseol’s sake.
If Bu Eunseol could not continue earning merit and advancing, it would affect Yuk Jangcheon’s own path to power. The small consolation was that aside from recruiting Baek Museong, the Dragon Coiling Pavilion Lord had achieved no notable merit so far.
“Baek Museong and I go back quite far, you see.”
If Yuk Cheongah was a strategist who read the flow of the times, Yuk Jangcheon was a master at achieving his goals through connections. Since he had built considerable friendship with Baek Museong in the past, resolving this matter would not be difficult.
‘No matter how clever one is, in the end everything is decided by relationships between people.’
Yuk Jangcheon smiled confidently, rose from his seat, and left.
His destination was the Heavenly Order Pavilion, where Baek Museong resided.
***
Lotus Hall—Yuk Cheongah’s office.
Across the desk from Yuk Cheongah stood a tall, imposing man.
His eyes were clean and upright, as though untouched by a single speck of worldly dust.
It was none other than Golden True Dragon Baek Museong, newly appointed captain of the second-grade sword Corps under Dragon Coiling Pavilion.
“I must have seemed quite untrustworthy to you.” A hint of anger flickered in Baek Museong’s righteous eyes. “Or did I appear so lacking that I needed to kick away the ladder others were meant to climb?”
Yuk Cheongah asked calmly, unsurprised.
“My father, Hall Master Yuk of the Ascending Martial Hall, came to see you, I take it.”
“He did.” Baek Museong replied with utmost gravity. “Hall Master Yuk smiled while speaking, but most of what he said was severe criticism of me.”
“…”
“He asked if I was so desperate for merit that I had to steal another grandmaster’s work.”
“I see.” Yuk Cheongah nodded as though she had expected everything.
“Allow me to ask you this first, Captain Baek.”
“Speak.”
“Did you not declare that your goal is to become Heavenly Emperor?”
“I did. But I have no intention of rising through unjust means.”
“Unjust… is it.” Yuk Cheongah let out a deep sigh.
“Did you believe the Martial Alliance was a fair place?”
She continued in an icy voice.
“Do not be mistaken. This is a place where conspiracies and power schemes run rampant, where connections and factional allocation outweigh actual skill.”
“…”
“If you were not the disciple of the Buddha Venerable, if you lacked ties with the Alliance leadership, do you think you could have become a second-grade captain?”
“Of course I would not have become second-grade so quickly. But—” Baek Museong’s eyes did not waver.
“I would have reached Heavenly Emperor even if I had started as a lowly warrior.”
Baek Museong.
He was neither overconfident nor arrogant.
He genuinely believed it.
He believed that with his talent he could have risen to Heavenly Emperor no matter where he began.
“Heh. Such confidence is good.” Yuk Cheongah shook her head with a wry smile. “That very confidence is why I chose you as my partner.”
“Then you will return the mission to its original corps?”
“No. That will not happen.”
“You still do not trust me?”
“Absolutely not.” Yuk Cheongah declared firmly. “I know your ability is outstanding and that it is not mere arrogance. If I did not believe that, I would never have reached out to you first.”
“Then why—”
“Seon Woojin.” Yuk Cheongah stared straight at Baek Museong. “That mission will go to Captain Seon.”
“Seon Woojin… you mean the Supreme Branch Master.”
“Correct. Though he hails from the merchant world, he is a genius on par with you, Young Hero Baek.”
“On par?”
Yuk Cheongah nodded with absolute certainty. “His intellect and martial prowess are exceptional, and he excels at everything. Whatever task you give him, he performs it as though he has done it his entire life.”
“Oh?”
“Moreover, he possesses the insight and wisdom of an eighty-year-old elder when it comes to understanding people.” She continued with utmost seriousness. “What I fear is not your ability. It is Seon Woojin—what he might do, what he might be planning.”
For a moment Baek Museong wore a blank expression.
The geniuses comparable to him were all young grandmasters whose names rang throughout the martial world. He had never once imagined that a mere first-grade captain of the Alliance could be his equal.
Moreover, Yuk Cheongah was notoriously stingy with praise.
For her to praise someone to the heavens like this?
“He must truly be remarkable.”
“He is. So remarkable that I cannot understand why he remained in the merchant world until now…” Yuk Cheongah’s expression hardened mid-sentence.
A strange smile had appeared on Baek Museong’s lips.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Nothing, truly.”
“Do not misunderstand. He is—”
“I do not misunderstand. I am merely…” Baek Museong flashed his white teeth. “…curious about the man the Hall Master praises so highly.”
He cupped his hands.
“I will do as the Hall Master commands this time. But please refrain from such actions in the future.”
He turned to leave, adding calmly, “If you truly trust me, that is.”
“You still wish to become a Hall Master?”
“Of course. But if I do not fight fair and square, what meaning is there in becoming one?”
As expected—he was upright and stubbornly principled.
Yuk Cheongah nodded as though she had no choice.
“Very well.”
As soon as Baek Museong left the office, Yuk Cheongah’s eyes gleamed.
“How fortunate.”
Staring at the empty seat he left behind, a peculiar smile spread across her lips.
“He is even more upright and honest than I expected.”
In truth, forcibly taking away Seon Woojin’s mission had been a test.
She wanted to see whether Baek Museong would become her obedient puppet or turn out to be another uncontrollable schemer like Seon Woojin.
Fortunately, Baek Museong was a good man who retained purity despite his outstanding talent.
That meant she could manipulate him as much as she wished.
“Still, it is a little regrettable.”
There was not a trace of malice in Baek Museong’s mind. To put it nicely, he was filled only with hope and passion; to put it harshly, he underestimated the world.
A man like that could never stand against someone as deeply scheming as Seon Woojin.
“I suppose I will have to steer him personally.”
From Yuk Cheongah’s perspective, she had obtained an excellent piece.
A man who emphasized justice and fairness could be controlled simply by fastening the leash of justice and fairness around his neck.
And Baek Museong possessed tremendous ability while knowing nothing of corruption.
“I no longer need anyone I cannot control.”
She had already cast aside not only Seon Woojin but her own father, Yuk Jangcheon.
“I am curious, Seon Woojin. Once you learn of Baek Museong’s ability, how long will you remain so relaxed?”
Yuk Cheongah wore a calm yet cruel smile.
As soon as the wounded pride of Baek Museong carried him out the door, he headed straight for one place:
The Supreme Pavilion—where Seon Woojin resided.
