Elder Nengyin nodded.
“Indeed. The ultimate teachings of the Sword Pavilion’s supreme sword technique, the Graceful Dream Sword, have always been passed down orally, and its variations were taught through direct demonstration.”
A deep resentment emanated from her wrinkled eyes.
“But because of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, the lineage of our pavilion’s greatest sword technique was severed, and its profundity lost. In truth, the power of the Graceful Dream Sword has been reduced to less than half of its original might.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
Until now, while wandering the martial world in secret, he had only heard rumors about the Seven-Finger Demon Blade. Yet, to think that such a figure had committed a brutal massacre in a sect that had protected the orthodox factions for generations?
“I don’t get it.” Bu Eunseol pointed out a flaw in Elder Nengyin’s words. “If the Seven-Finger Demon Blade committed such atrocities, why has no word of it spread through the martial world?”
“There are complex circumstances within our pavilion that cannot be explained to outsiders.” Elder Nengyin shook her head. “What I mean to say is that because of that vile Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Ok Yuha was unable to become the pavilion’s heir… and she contracted a sickness of the heart.”
Bu Eunseol let out a sigh.
It wasn’t just any matter—the Seven-Finger Demon Blade had slaughtered the pavilion’s elders. Such a grudge would not fade even after centuries.
‘But something’s off.’
From what he knew of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s actions, the man was not stained with blood and had even shown considerable kindness to orthodox martial artists. He was not someone who would ruin the life of the Sword Pavilion’s heir or slaughter its elders without reason.
“Well, what’s the use of dwelling on old tales? It’s all in the past.” As Elder Nengyin waved her hand, Bu Eunseol forcibly swallowed his curiosity.
“Understood.” Looking around, he said, “Then tell me about the Sword Pavilion’s energy circulation method. I’ll try infusing her with energy to revive her vitality.”
“I’m not sure if it’s possible.” Elder Nengyin shook her head with a grave expression. “Our pavilion’s techniques are so intricate that even explaining them might not make them comprehensible.”
“If the Wudang elder could do it, I should be able to as well.”
“The divine arts of Taoism and the mysterious arts of Buddhism share a common thread, making it possible. But aren’t you a mercenary of the martial world?”
Elder Nengyin sighed and continued,
“Besides, if Chunghyeon Jin exhausted so much energy, it’s likely he couldn’t fully grasp A-Yeon’s energy circulation.”
“I’ll do my best.”
At that, Elder Nengyin nodded as if she had made up her mind.
“Let’s go to a quiet place first.”
Following Elder Nengyin’s lead, Bu Eunseol entered a small hall located in the most secluded part of the Sword Pavilion.
A plaque reading Delicate Heart Hall hung above, suggesting this was a place where the pavilion’s disciples were taught the secrets of inner energy. The interior was empty, with only serene moonlight filtering through the window.
Elder Nengyin spoke in a low voice. “Explaining A-Yeon’s energy circulation method in a short time would be impossible. Instead, I’ll teach you the ultimate teachings of our pavilion’s foundational technique, the Milyeon Heart Technique.”
“You’re going to teach me an inner energy technique?” Bu Eunseol’s expression showed his surprise.
An inner energy technique is the core of any sect, never to be shared with outsiders, not even a single word.
“The life of our pavilion’s heir is at stake, isn’t it?” Elder Nengyin said calmly. “Besides, teaching the ultimate teachings doesn’t mean you’ll fully master the inner energy technique.”
In that moment, a flash of realization passed through Bu Eunseol’s mind. But he quickly nodded with a composed expression.
“I understand.”
“There’s no time, so I’ll begin teaching the teachings immediately.” Elder Nengyin started explaining the ultimate teachings of the Milyeon Heart Technique and its energy circulation method.
The Sword Pavilion’s inner energy technique was markedly different from typical orthodox inner energy techniques, and its methods were highly complex.
‘Are all Buddhist mysterious arts interconnected?’
The ultimate teachings Elder Nengyin explained were strikingly similar to the health-preserving secrets of the Muscle-Changing Sutra that his grandfather had taught him. This was because, like Shaolin, the Sword Pavilion’s inner energy techniques stemmed from cultivating a healthy body to deepen one’s understanding of Buddhist principles.
The difference lay in the nature of the energy.
While the Muscle-Changing Sutra’s health-preserving secrets generated warm energy to strengthen the body, the Sword Pavilion’s techniques produced a cool energy that could instantly calm a turbulent mind.
‘This is one way to generate powerful energy.’ As Bu Eunseol was lost in thought, Elder Nengyin spoke.
“Even though the Milyeon Heart Technique is a foundational technique, its principles align with our pavilion’s supreme technique, the Enlightenment Heart Technique. In fact, the Enlightenment Heart Technique’s full name is the Enlightenment Milyeon Heart Technique.”
“I see.”
“I’ll recite it once more, so try memorizing it.”
Bu Eunseol memorized the teachings as Elder Nengyin recited them again. Then, using the health-preserving secrets of the Muscle-Changing Sutra as a foundation, he began circulating his energy.
Humm.
His mind became infinitely calm, and all the sounds of the world were blocked out.
At the same time, a faint blue light lingered at Bu Eunseol’s brow.
“You…” Elder Nengyin, noticing the faint light at Bu Eunseol’s brow as he recited the teachings, asked in shock, “What did you just do?”
“I merely tried circulating energy in a similar way to the technique you taught me.” At Bu Eunseol’s response, Elder Nengyin’s eyes widened.
The ultimate teachings of a technique only explain the fundamentals of energy generation. To circulate inner energy, one must meticulously learn the complex divine techniques under a master’s guidance.
If one recklessly circulates energy, it’s like dousing oneself in oil and jumping into a fire. At best, one becomes crippled; at worst, one bleeds from all seven orifices and dies. Yet, just by hearing the ultimate teachings, had he discerned the circulation method of the Enlightenment Milyeon Heart Technique, the pavilion’s supreme technique?
‘No way.’ But the faint light at Bu Eunseol’s brow—wasn’t that the Pure Divine Light that appears when one masters Buddhist secret arts to their peak?
‘Not only did he grasp the inner energy technique from the teachings, but this vibration…’
The vibrations and light emanating from Bu Eunseol’s body—weren’t they the energy waves that only appear in martial arts grandmasters with over four jiazi of power?
‘Could it be…’
A flash of realization crossed her mind.
At that moment, a strange glint appeared in her eyes.
Only now did she understand how this young mercenary could stand up to Ok Yuha without faltering and deliver such sharp rebukes, and how he possessed such overwhelmingly powerful energy.
‘So that’s it.’ In that instant, a sinister and malicious glint flickered in Elder Nengyin’s eyes.
It was not an expression the benevolent elder of the Sword Pavilion should have shown.
“Don’t misunderstand.” Having sensed her intentions from her gaze, Bu Eunseol said calmly, “I’ve studied a similar technique before.”
“I see.” Elder Nengyin quickly adjusted her expression and hurriedly changed the subject. “Do you know why A-Yeon went out into the martial world again?”
“I don’t.”
“She once went to Majeon to gather information about the Five Poisons Sect. After returning, she often wore a worried expression.” Elder Nengyin sighed and continued, “From that day, she devoted herself to mastering her sword techniques. She even learned the Graceful Dream Sword, our pavilion’s supreme technique, but her expression remained somber.”
‘Perhaps sparring with my subordinates diminished her confidence.’
A-Yeon had sparred with the pavilion’s lieutenants and barely achieved a narrow victory over Yoo Unryong. Thus, Bu Eunseol thought she might have become disheartened as a result.
“When the Black-and-White Witch appeared, she boldly ventured into the martial world, but it ended in misfortune. This elder bears some blame for not stopping her despite knowing her complex state of mind.”
“How could that be your fault?”
Uncharacteristically, Bu Eunseol offered a word of comfort. It was due to his guilt that A-Yeon’s demonic affliction was related to him.
“By the way,” Elder Nengyin said abruptly, “There’s a young master in Majeon, said to be the greatest talent of the demonic path. Do you know of him?”
“I’ve heard some stories.”
“They say his martial arts are unmatched, and his appearance is peerlessly striking.”
“Well, martial world rumors are always exaggerated, aren’t they?”
“Heh heh. Perhaps.” Elder Nengyin smiled and said, “This elder has spoken nonsense. Can you grasp our pavilion’s energy circulation?”
“To some extent, yes.”
“A-Yeon is our pavilion’s heir. She must not come to harm.” Elder Nengyin looked at Bu Eunseol intently and spoke in a gentle voice.
“Please take good care of her.”
Bu Eunseol and Elder Nengyin left the Delicate Heart Hall and arrived at a large hall far from the center of the Sword Pavilion. A plaque reading Medicine Stone Pavilion hung above, and the air was thick with the scent of herbs. Disciples, likely herbalists, were busily preparing medicines.
“Let’s go in.” Following Elder Nengyin’s guidance, they entered the Medicine Stone Pavilion. In the corridor, over a dozen disciples stood guard with stern expressions.
As the pavilion’s heir was in critical condition, they were vigilantly protecting her.
Their eyes were filled with worry, likely for A-Yeon’s safety. From their demeanor alone, Bu Eunseol could tell how A-Yeon usually treated the pavilion’s disciples.
Step, step.
Following the long corridor, they reached a small room.
The interior was simple yet elegant.
On a wooden bed covered with bedding, a beautiful woman in white robes sat cross-legged, circulating her energy.
It was A-Yeon.
In the process of expelling the Ice Energy, her True Yang Energy, tied to her life force, had been severely damaged, leaving her on the brink of death.
Moreover, still trapped in her demonic affliction, her face was pale and sickly. Thanks to the pavilion’s masters infusing her with powerful energy and Chunghyeon Jin rekindling the spark of her True Yang Energy, she had recovered this much.
‘Her condition has worsened.’ Bu Eunseol inwardly clicked his tongue.
A-Yeon was even thinner and frailer than when she was in the coffin. Yet, despite this, her face glowed with a beauty like moonlight.
Click.
The door opened, and a middle-aged woman with a cold expression entered.
It was Ok Yuha.
“Pavilion Master.” Elder Nengyin’s expression showed unease.
Having just persuaded Bu Eunseol, another outburst from Ok Yuha could ruin everything.
“Don’t worry. I’m only here to ask for your help.” Turning to Bu Eunseol, she said, “I’ve been discourteous several times. Please don’t take it to heart and treat A-Yeon properly.”
Her eyes were cold, but they lacked the arrogance of before. Her tone and voice had shifted from that of a young, haughty girl to a solemn, dignified middle-aged woman.
It seemed her earlier mistake had restored her clarity of mind.
“Understood.”
“Please, do your best.” Ok Yuha left quietly, careful not to provoke Bu Eunseol.
Elder Nengyin, with a relieved expression, said, “Excellent disciples are guarding this place, so focus on the treatment without worry.”
She, too, slowly left the room.
With both gone, the room was filled with silence.
Bu Eunseol carefully sat behind A-Yeon, who was circulating her energy. She seemed oblivious to his presence, her eyes tightly closed as she focused on her energy circulation.
‘The Soul-Seizing Spirit Words hasn’t been undone.’ Her eyes twitched occasionally, and her brow was furrowed. Likely due to her demonic affliction, the Soul-Seizing Spirit Words remained unresolved, causing her to see endless illusions.
Bu Eunseol cautiously sat cross-legged behind her.
Having never been alone with a woman in a room, the sweet fragrance of her body unsettled his mind.
Carefully, he raised his inner energy and placed his right hand on her Dazhui acupoint. As the soft sensation of her skin reached his palm, his mind grew even more conflicted.
‘If I can’t maintain a clear mind, we’ll both fall into a demonic affliction.’
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol activated the Heavenly Glacial Secret.
His body instantly cooled, his stray thoughts vanished, and his mind became as clear as a pristine lake. The extreme Yin energy within the Heavenly Glacial Secret produced an effect akin to the Cold Heart Technique.
Humm.
As he infused her with Ban-geuk Energy, the energy within her body began to resist.
But Bu Eunseol, familiar with the Enlightenment Heart Technique’s energy circulation, didn’t forcefully suppress it. Gently adjusting his power, he infused energy in harmony with her circulation, avoiding forceful injection.
‘This will take some time.’ Bu Eunseol understood why the highly skilled Chunghyeon Jin had become exhausted.
With this method of energy regulation, it would take at least three days and nights of continuous infusion to barely restore her body.
‘No choice but to try.’ The foundation of Bu Eunseol’s inner energy was the Ban-geuk Method, rooted in Shaolin methods. Thus, his energy was not only profound but also exceptionally stable. Unlike ordinary martial artists, he wouldn’t fall into exhaustion even after three days of energy infusion.
Humm!
As the moon set and dawn broke, a warm energy began to rise from deep within A-Yeon’s Dantian.
Like pure fire, it burned away impurities in her body.
‘Now it’s working.’
Her True Yang Energy, tied to her life force, began to rekindle, her complexion quickly regained color, and her unstable energy circulation smoothed out.
Whoosh.
Just as Bu Eunseol felt relieved, the True Yang Energy within her body erupted again.
Hiss.
As the scorching energy surged, threatening to melt her meridians as before, Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
‘This won’t do.’
Her True Yang Energy was like an untamed wild horse. After a day of coaxing it into stability, it was now, in just half a moment, revealing its wild nature again.
Hiss.
White steam began to rise from her body.
If left unchecked, A-Yeon would burn to ashes and die.
‘I can’t use the Heavenly Glacial Secret again.’ Using Ice Arts again would extinguish the heat, but her True Yang Energy would be permanently snuffed out, leading to her irreversible death.
‘There’s only one way.’
After a moment’s hesitation, Bu Eunseol bit his lip.
Instead of the Ban-geuk Method, he activated the Sword Pavilion’s Enlightenment Heart Technique.
Humm!
As he did, his body began to tremble faintly.
No matter how much it embodied the energy of nature, the Ban-geuk Method was a demonic art.
Its teachings were inherently destructive, entirely different in principle from the Muscle-Changing Sutra or Enlightenment Heart Technique, which awakened the body’s vital energy and nourished the meridians.
Circulating an orthodox technique based on a demonic foundation caused Bu Eunseol to feel as if his body were being torn in two.
‘Was it too much?’
Spurt.
Blood trickled from Bu Eunseol’s lips.
If he continued infusing energy like this, he, too, would sustain critical internal injuries.
‘Seol-ah, you’ve been through so much.’ As a massive counterforce surged through his meridians, Bu Eunseol felt a momentary dizziness.
At the same time, his grandfather’s gentle voice echoed in his ears.
‘Didn’t I tell you to take it easy?’
‘Am I falling into a demonic affliction too?’ Realizing he was succumbing to a demonic affliction, Bu Eunseol bit his lip.
The lingering effects of the unresolved Soul-Seizing Spirit Words were now affecting his mind as well.
‘Seol-ah.’ In that moment, the world turned white, and the surroundings suddenly transformed into the interior of the Pyeongan Funeral Home from ten years ago.
Bu Eunseol was a child again, carried on his grandfather’s back.
‘What a vivid illusion.’
But something was strange.
Though he was clearly immersed in an illusion, reliving his childhood, wasn’t he maintaining his current calm state of mind?
‘The illusion she and I see must be entirely different. So this is the power of the Soul-Seizing Spirit Words.’
The secret art of the Illusion King—
It showed one’s deepest desires as if they were real while simultaneously stealing the soul of another.
The scene before him, his grandfather’s warm back, felt no different from reality. If Bu Eunseol had one wish, it was to reunite with his grandfather, whether in this life or the next.
Feeling his grandfather’s voice, warm embrace, and kind gaze, his mind wavered greatly.
‘What does it matter if it’s an illusion?’ Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile.
Unknowingly, he was sinking deeper into the demonic affliction.
***
On a bitterly cold winter dawn, Bu Eunseol was asleep, carried on his grandfather Bu Zhanyang’s back.
Despite being told to stay inside due to the cold, Bu Eunseol, determined to help his grandfather, had worked tirelessly in the freezing weather at Taepyeong Street.
As a result, he had fallen ill.
“If I personally infuse energy to clear your meridians, you’ll recover quickly.” Glancing back at the sleeping Bu Eunseol, Bu Zhanyang murmured softly. “But that’s only a temporary fix. It’ll only lead to you falling ill again.”
Pausing for a moment, he smiled faintly.
“It’s about time I teach you how to generate energy and clear your meridians.”
Bu Zhanyang began reciting divine technique teachings to the sleeping Bu Eunseol like a lullaby.
It was a mystical art that allowed one to synchronize their energy circulation with that of another through physical contact.
“The Cheonui Heart Secret is, as the name suggests, like donning the robes of the heavens, granting immediate divine abilities.” Bu Zhanyang continued in a low voice. “Mastering this secret allows you to not only understand my energy circulation but also instantly synchronize with it.”
But Bu Eunseol, deeply asleep, couldn’t hear all of his grandfather’s words. Yet, the teachings were being etched into his mind like a brand.
The Wisdom Light Heart Language.
Bu Zhanyang was using a Buddhist secret art to forcibly implant the teachings into Bu Eunseol’s mind.
And the sleeping Bu Eunseol, unconsciously, began to learn the secret, mimicking his grandfather’s energy circulation.
