Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened as he asked,
“Are you saying the Needle King fought a fierce battle with the Seven-Finger Demon Blade?”
“Yes? Yes, that’s right.”
Bu Eunseol shook his head in disbelief. After a long pause, he spoke again.
“The Seven-Finger Demon Blade is a legendary swordsman of the demonic path. Why isn’t such an event known in the martial world?”
“Well, that’s because…” About to answer with a puzzled expression, she noticed Bu Eunseol standing with wide eyes. “Why are you standing like that?”
“…”
“Is something wrong?” Only then did Bu Eunseol realize his mistake and slowly sat down. “No, it’s just… my internal energy became unstable for a moment.”
It was a rather flimsy excuse.
But he was so shocked that he didn’t realize it.
“I see. They say highly skilled masters sometimes suffer discomfort due to their immense true qi.” Recalling something, Jongri Sayu spoke in a suggestive tone. “As you know, my grandfather’s acupuncture has reached a divine level. With the Primordial Golden Needle, he can disperse the immense true qi gathered in the dantian through the Conception Vessel.”
Bu Eunseol’s claim of unstable energy was just a hasty excuse.
But she responded with utmost seriousness.
“If you wish, I can introduce you to my grandfather.” Jongri Sayu’s cheeks flushed slightly as she finished speaking.
To think of introducing a man she’d only met twice to her grandfather…
Even for someone as open with her feelings, this made her feel shy.
“But about the Needle King fighting the Seven-Finger Demon Blade…”
“Oh, that? Grandfather said it was a secret duel, so it wasn’t known in the martial world.” Jongri Sayu’s eyes sparkled with innocence.
Though a talented physician, she tended to show a naive charm in front of someone she liked.
‘Frustrating.’ Her beauty could enchant many men, but to Bu Eunseol, who needed precise information, it felt exasperatingly obtuse. ‘In that case, it’d be more accurate to hear directly from the Needle King than from her.’
Determined, Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice.
“Can you really introduce me to the Needle King?”
“Yes? Well…”
“Let’s go then.”
“Right now?” Jongri Sayu’s face reddened.
She hadn’t expected the usually aloof Bu Eunseol to be so bold.
“Don’t misunderstand.” Noticing her flushed cheeks, Bu Eunseol spun an obvious lie. “In truth, I’ve long admired the Needle King. How could I miss the chance to meet him in person?”
This was a contradictory statement.
When they first met, Bu Eunseol had remained indifferent despite recognizing her as the Needle King’s granddaughter. To suddenly claim he admired the Needle King was absurd.
But Jongri Sayu, caught in his intense gaze, smiled shyly without noticing the inconsistency.
“Shall we, then?”
‘She likes me.’ Bu Eunseol tilted his head, staring at the blushing Jongri Sayu.
Using a woman’s affection was something his character would never allow. But now wasn’t the time to be picky about methods.
Those who not only brutally killed his grandfather but stole his eternal rest.
He had to make them pay.
“But all I know is that you’re a disciple of the Thousand Swords Society?”
A flurry of thoughts raced through Bu Eunseol’s mind.
The Needle King’s family rarely appeared in the martial world but secretly investigated many matters through their disciples. If he clung to a flimsy Thousand Swords Society identity, he’d likely be exposed.
‘The Needle King, huh.’
From the moment he decided to confront the Beggar King, Bu Eunseol had thoroughly investigated the Seven Kings.
Unlike his public reputation, the Needle King was a complex and unique figure.
Especially since young martial artists constantly begged for his Primordial Golden Needle technique, he strongly avoided meeting them. Even if Jongri Sayu brought him to the Needle King, it was uncertain whether he’d get the answers he sought.
‘It’s said the Needle King reveres only Shaolin.’
The Needle King was proud, rejecting anyone—righteous or demonic—whom he didn’t acknowledge. But having been saved by a Shaolin monk in his youth, he deeply respected Shaolin.
‘No choice, then.’ Bu Eunseol gave a faint nod.
To approach the Needle King, he had no choice but to masquerade as a Shaolin figure. And as a mythical figure, like a dragon, who never appeared in the martial world and could never be exposed.
“I’m not from the Thousand Swords Society.” Having made up his mind, Bu Eunseol answered slowly.
“You must have misunderstood because I was traveling with their disciple, Yoo Hwaryeong.”
“I knew it.” Jongri Sayu nodded.
Bu Eunseol’s prowess was too exceptional for a Thousand Swords Society disciple.
In fact, back then, only Yoo Hwaryeong had revealed her identity, while Bu Eunseol said nothing. Her only clue to finding him was the Thousand Swords Society, so she investigated their base.
“Then which sect are you from?”
“I can’t reveal my sect due to my master’s orders. However…” Having meticulously planned in his mind, Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice.
“My name is Baek Museong. And I assure you, I mean no harm to you or the Needle King.”
“Baek Museong… I see.”
She murmured softly, blinking.
No matter how much she thought, she had never heard of a young master with such a name in the martial world.
“I trust you, Young Master Baek. But if you don’t reveal your background honestly, my grandfather might not perform the Primordial Golden Needle technique.”
“I don’t need the Primordial Golden Needle. I only wish to meet the Needle King in person and have a conversation.” Bu Eunseol gazed into her eyes with a faint smile. “Didn’t we overcome a crisis together in Underground Chengdu? I believe the Needle King won’t turn me away harshly, considering that.”
As Bu Eunseol deliberately sent a warm gaze, Jongri Sayu felt her breath catch.
“Alright, fine.” Taking a deep breath, she leaned out the window briefly.
In a very soft, low voice, she whispered something strange. Bu Eunseol discerned it was a secret code sent to her subordinates lingering nearby.
‘She’s sending a message.’ She was likely ordering her subordinates to return while informing them she was bringing Bu Eunseol.
“Then I formally invite you to our home.” At Jongri Sayu’s words, Bu Eunseol respectfully clasped his hands.
“Thank you.”
He clenched his fists tightly.
Soon, he would meet someone who knew the tracks of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade from forty years ago.
***
The estate where the Needle King’s family resided was located on Golden King Mountain in Jinju, not far from Huangzhou Prefecture.
Originally, the Needle King Clan was based near Lake Chao in Anhui, but in the Needle King’s generation, they relocated to Jinju.
Moving a clan’s ancestral base meant giving up countless advantages. Yet, for some reason, the Needle King had moved to Golden King Mountain without hesitation.
At the foot of Golden King Mountain, the Needle King’s estate.
The estate was built with the dense forest of Golden King Mountain at its back.
Surrounded by a crystal-clear lake, the estate was filled with plum trees. Whenever a spring breeze blew, white petals scattered like snow, and the subtle fragrance of plum blossoms spread in all directions.
Stepping off the carriage, Bu Eunseol and Jongri Sayu walked side by side, climbing the steps to the estate’s entrance.
Creak.
The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed as a servant stepped out.
“You’ve arrived.” Bu Eunseol showed a slightly surprised expression.
Not only was the man’s gait steady, but his eyes radiated a blade-like aura.
And that subtle presence.
It was undoubtedly something only a high-level demonic martial artist could exude. Why was a demonic master serving as a servant in the Needle King’s household?
“Uncle Do.” Jongri Sayu smiled brightly, but the middle-aged man spoke with a serious expression.
“The master is greatly displeased. You should go see him quickly.”
In truth, Jongri Sayu had ignored Jongri Sahyeon’s orders to return and continued her travels in the martial world. It was under the pretext of providing more medical aid, but really, it was to find Bu Eunseol.
“Alright, I’ll go now.”
“And this person is…?” As the middle-aged man pointed at Bu Eunseol, she cleared her throat.
“Oh, this is Young Master Baek, who saved me in Sichuan’s Underground Chengdu.”
“I see. Then I’ll look after Young Master Baek for a while.” After a moment’s hesitation, Jongri Sayu shook her head.
“No, he’s coming with me.”
“That won’t do, Miss. You know the master’s strict rules.”
Due to his exceptional medical skills, Jongri Sahyeon had been heavily harassed by martial artists in the past. Thus, he refused to meet anyone unless they were at the level of a sect leader, And he particularly loathed young martial artists desperate for his Primordial Golden Needle technique.
“I know, that’s why I’m bringing him.” Jongri Sayu’s expression was resolute.
Knowing full well his rule against meeting young martial artists, she intended to bring Bu Eunseol along anyway.
“You have to help me with this, Uncle.”
“What do you mean…?”
“My life depends on it.” As she sent a transmission with a flushed face, the middle-aged man finally understood the situation.
With a reluctant expression, he nodded. Even if a scolding was inevitable, he had no choice but to let them in.
“Understood.” Bu Eunseol followed Jongri Sayu to the heart of the estate.
Disciples who appeared to be under the Needle King’s tutelage were busily moving about, brewing medicinal concoctions with various ingredients. The pleasant fragrance suggested they were making large quantities of elixirs.
‘Is that it?’ Bu Eunseol suddenly recalled the faces of those addicted to human flower.
Perhaps the Needle King was creating an antidote to neutralize that drug’s effects.
‘Then he’s like the Bullet King?’ Though the Needle King was said to avoid martial world activities, he sent his granddaughter to scout the martial world’s affairs.
That suggested he, too, might be pursuing certain individuals, like the Bullet King.
“Don’t be too nervous.” Mistaking Bu Eunseol’s deep thoughts for anxiety, Jongri Sayu smiled. “My grandfather may seem stern, but he’s actually a kind person.”
The word “grandfather” was like home to Bu Eunseol—always missed, warm just to think about.
He gave her a faint smile.
“I believe so, seeing you.” It was both a longing for his grandfather and an acknowledgment of her spirited nature.
But Jongri Sayu misunderstood, her cheeks flushing red.
“You’re naughtier than you look.” Seeing her blushing face, Bu Eunseol quickly changed the subject.
“That servant I saw earlier seemed like a demonic master. How is he here?”
“Your perception is impressive. No one has ever recognized Uncle Do’s demonic origins at a glance.” Unable to hide her surprise, she answered softly. “My grandfather saved him when he was dying near West Lake in Zhejiang long ago. To repay that kindness, Uncle Do became a servant of our household.”
“I see.” It wasn’t entirely surprising for a demonic master to join the righteous path.
In the demonic path, those without power or influence receive no respect.
Moreover, reaching the peak of the demonic path often erases tyranny and even changes one’s character. Thus, in their later years, some demonic figures join the righteous path.
‘He doesn’t seem to have much prejudice against righteous or demonic paths.’ Bu Eunseol nodded, finding it unexpected.
Most righteous martial artists recoiled at demonic figures.
Yet the Needle King, a staunch righteous figure, had taken in a demonic person? Surprisingly, he showed leniency toward the demonic path.
‘Perhaps he’s from the Blood Flame Blade Sect.’
The middle-aged man called “Uncle Do” not only excelled in swordsmanship but wore a uniquely shaped blade.
Bu Eunseol wondered if he might be from the Blood Flame Blade Sect. However, there was no history of a master from the Ten Demonic Sects joining the righteous path.
Thus, Bu Eunseol’s speculation was merely a possibility.
“This is where my grandfather is.” Passing through a moon gate with a hole in a large wall, they entered a small path lined with blooming flowers.
Plum trees stood on both sides of the path.
Beyond the path, an elegant house came into view.
As the breeze blew, plum blossoms fluttered, making the house look like a dwelling of immortals. In front of the garden stood an old man with a sage-like air, hands clasped behind his back. Though thin, he was over six feet tall, with phoenix-like eyes full of dignity.
It was Jongri Sahyeon, the Needle King, one of the Seven Kings.
“Grandfather.” Seeing Jongri Sahyeon standing like a lofty crane, Jongri Sayu spoke with a nervous expression.
“Grandfather.”
“You rascal.” Meeting her gaze, Jongri Sahyeon glared with a stern expression. “How long has it been since I ordered you to return? Where have you been gallivanting?”
His voice boomed like a temple bell, and an imposing aura rose from him like clouds. Even the usually confident Jongri Sayu couldn’t lift her head and spoke in a low voice.
“Well… I saw so many sick people while traveling.”
“Nonsense.” Jongri Sahyeon looked down at her with a solemn gaze. “The Spring Attire Team said you’ve been stirring up every intelligence network to find some Thousand Swords Society disciple. What are you thinking?”
“Grandfather!” Her face flushed red, and Jongri Sayu waved her hands. “That’s not true. There really were many sick people.”
“Hmph.” Snorting, Jongri Sahyeon’s gaze finally landed on Bu Eunseol standing behind her.
“Who’s this?”
“He’s the one who saved me in Sichuan…”
“Sichuan?” As Jongri Sahyeon blinked, Bu Eunseol stepped forward and clasped his hands. “This disciple, Baek Museong, greets the Needle King.”
Tilting his head, he looked at his granddaughter with furrowed brows.
“Is this the Thousand Swords Society disciple you couldn’t stop praising?”
“Well… I misunderstood; he’s not from the Thousand Swords Society.”
“Hmm.” Displeased at his embarrassed granddaughter, Jongri Sahyeon finally turned his gaze to Bu Eunseol’s face.
‘Hmph. He looks like he could steal souls.’ His appearance was as if crafted with divine care, his skin glowing faintly. Even Jongri Sahyeon, who thought looks were mere skin, couldn’t help but marvel.
However, compared to his appearance, his presence was ordinary, with no trace of true qi waves. According to his granddaughter, his martial prowess was exceptional, almost as if he had returned to youth.
But seeing him now, wasn’t he far too ordinary?
‘Sayu wouldn’t misjudge.’ His granddaughter, who inherited his medical legacy, wouldn’t misjudge martial prowess.
‘Then he’s reached Return to Simplicity…’
He shook his head.
To reach Return to Simplicity, one needed not only martial skills but peak internal energy. No matter how talented, a young person’s cultivated energy had limits.
“You saved our Sayu in Sichuan.” Swallowing his rising doubts, Jongri Sahyeon spoke,
“That’s an exaggeration. I merely did my duty and offered a little help.” Bu Eunseol replied in a clear voice, clasping his hands as if he were a proud disciple of a righteous sect.
“Hm.” Jongri Sahyeon nodded, letting out a soft hum. “Well, since you’ve come this far… let’s not stand here. Come have some tea.”
And he naturally reached for Bu Eunseol’s shoulder.
‘He’s testing my martial arts.’ Though Bu Eunseol instantly saw through his intent, he didn’t avoid the touch.
‘Exactly what I wanted.’
His Return to Simplicity had already reached Perfect Creation. Even a grand master at the Infinite Realm couldn’t discern anything unless Bu Eunseol actively used his martial arts.
Tap.
Finally, the wrinkled hand lightly patted Bu Eunseol’s shoulder. At that moment, the smile on Jongri Sahyeon’s lips slowly faded.
At the same time, a blade-like glint rose in his eyes.
“Young man.” Stopping his steps, Jongri Sahyeon stared at Bu Eunseol for a long time before speaking. “Which sect are you from?”
“What do you mean?” As Bu Eunseol asked calmly, Jongri Sahyeon raised the corner of his mouth and extended his palm.
Between his middle and index fingers was a hair-thin golden needle.
It was the Primordial Golden Needle, the divine artifact symbolizing the Needle King.
