Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
In the end, those words meant that he himself might be a descendant of the legendary Baekri family.
Considering that his father, Baekri Muha, was the successor of the Three Realms and had earned the reputation of the Martial World’s Greatest Swordsman, it was not an impossible story.
“Let us suppose I am of the Baekri family.” Bu Eunseol wore a regretful expression. “Is there any need for this?”
“What do you mean?”
“Is there truly a need to sacrifice so many lives to prevent this so-called annihilation?” Then, with utmost seriousness, he continued, “If preventing annihilation requires sacrificing countless people, what value would that hold?”
“…”
“If the world can only be protected through the sacrifice of people, would it not be better for it to simply perish?”
Biyeon spoke calmly. “There was a time when I held the same thoughts as you.”
“…”
“But soon, you too will come to understand. Annihilation does not merely mean the end of the world.”
“What does that mean?”
“You will know someday. Even if I told you now, you would not comprehend.”
Joy and sorrow filled Biyeon’s long, narrow eyes at the same time.
“Now, I am the only one left in the Ancient Sword Forest.” She drew a deep breath. “In truth, half my body has already become Black Divine Energy. That is probably why I do not die even though the vessel has been shattered.”
She was asking Bu Eunseol to kill her.
“If you wish to take your own life, do it yourself.”
Bu Eunseol could not kill Biyeon.
She was no villain; everyone in the Ancient Sword Forest had merely sacrificed their own bodies in an attempt to complete the Black Divine Energy.
He had no right to take their lives.
“I cannot do it myself. I told you—half my body… has become Black Divine Energy.” Biyeon spoke with a lonely expression. “I have waited for this moment for so very long.”
Her eyes seemed to dream.
“Life, after all, is but a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow. It is a dream and a phantasm… and in the end, it quietly vanishes without form, like foam or a shadow.”
Biyeon smiled as she spoke.
“Send me off… with a smile.”
“No.”
Bu Eunseol bit his lip.
He had thought the forces of the abyss were composed solely of evildoers.
But the Ancient Sword Forest had simply held their own convictions, attempting to birth Black Divine Artifacts to save the world.
From his perspective, the Hidden Abyss People who had aided the Ancient Sword Forest were closer to true evil.
“You wish to destroy the Three Realms, do you not?” Biyeon said calmly. “When you shattered the vessel, I glimpsed it briefly—your heart.”
Just as Bu Eunseol had seen the memories of the grudges remaining in the vessel, Biyeon too had glimpsed fragments of his memories.
“This forest has long been enemies with the Infinite Realm. They sought to seize what we possessed.” Biyeon spoke soothingly. “I will tell you the secrets of the Infinite Realm. So that you may destroy them.”
“There is no need to destroy the Infinite Realm.” Bu Eunseol said earnestly. “Do not give up on life. Even if the world is harsh, good days will come if you keep living.”
“I know. But I am far too old, and I have lived far too long.”
Biyeon gazed steadily at Bu Eunseol.
By now, her lips were gradually drying out.
Only then did Bu Eunseol realize.
Now that the vessel was broken and everyone else in the Ancient Sword Forest had ended their tenacious lives and passed on…
If he left her as she was, she would age into a hideous, withered form…
And remain alone in the Ancient Sword Forest for who knew how many lonely years.
“Of course, I feel sorry for him.”
Biyeon thought of Seok Chi-haeng, who had guarded the entrance to the Ancient Sword Forest for so long, always watching over her.
He had wandered the martial world until fate brought him to her side… and stayed with her for a lifetime.
Yet regrettably, Biyeon had been far too old and could not accept Seok Chi-haeng’s feelings.
“It will not be easy to kill me.” Before Bu Eunseol could respond, Biyeon smiled faintly. “When attacked, my power activates on its own. Then you could be in danger. You might even die.”
“…”
“But… you will do it, won’t you?”
Bu Eunseol nodded gravely.
The image of Biyeon aging alone, sick and waiting only for death, seemed to reflect in his eyes. If this was the wish she had longed for across endless years… he had no choice but to grant it.
“Not for the information on the Infinite Realm.”
Shing.
Bu Eunseol drew his sword.
“For your sake.”
“Thank you.”
She smiled brightly and closed her eyes.
“Everything… will turn out well.”
Nod.
Bu Eunseol nodded, then poured inner energy into the Silent Tiger Soul Sword.
As though sensing the killing intent, brilliant light began flowing from Biyeon’s left eye.
The light gradually filled half her body…
And became a single mass of transparent, gentle radiance that reflected Bu Eunseol’s own appearance like a mirror.
Hummm.
Then Biyeon’s form vanished.
In her place appeared a middle-aged man clad in white, exuding a noble aura.
Baekri Mujo.
The very master against whom, among all the experts Bu Eunseol had directly crossed swords with, he had never once gained the upper hand.
‘This is no illusion.’
Bu Eunseol swallowed hard at the sight of Baekri Mujo before him.
‘It has perfectly replicated the ability in my mind.’
The power of Biyeon fused with Black Divine Energy…
Seemed to manifest the figure of someone the enemy judged absolutely unbeatable.
Flash!
Brilliant radiance burst from Baekri Mujo’s hand.
His unique sword art, the Sacred Sword, unfolded instantly.
Rumble.
The light became a massive galaxy pouring toward Bu Eunseol.
Bu Eunseol dodged swiftly, but was slightly exposed to the radiance.
Sizzle.
Agonizing pain as though his meridians were burning, and his insides churned.
“Ptoo.”
Blood spurted from his mouth as he suffered internal injury in an instant.
‘It is real.’
Biyeon had not lied.
Her ability fused with Black Divine Energy was beyond what Bu Eunseol’s martial prowess could easily counter.
Because the figure before him was the true Baekri Mujo, displaying the exact might of the sword art he had once wielded.
‘She has materialized a figure from another’s mind…’
If this were mere illusion, it would not affect Bu Eunseol, who had achieved Spirit Regulation Harmony.
Yet the Baekri Mujo before him wielded swordsmanship at the exact same level as the real one Bu Eunseol had fought.
In other words, she had materialized the Baekri Mujo within Bu Eunseol’s spirit.
‘Materializing mental images is said to be a manifestation ability of Cheonam Castle and a characteristic of the Baekri family.’
But there was no time to ponder the thoughts rising in his mind.
Flash!
In that interval, pure white radiance poured repeatedly from Baekri Mujo’s treasured sword.
The Sacred Sword.
The absolute sword art created by Baekri Mujo could neither be blocked nor easily evaded.
Swish! Humm! Swish!
Bu Eunseol unleashed the Swift Beyond Shadow at full power, but the Sacred Sword’s speed was like light itself, catching his movements in an instant.
Attempt close combat, and the Sacred Sword expanded fan-like to envelop him.
Attack from afar, and it fired arrow-like beams of light in relentless volleys.
Moreover, in this place he could not properly exert his inner energy; both the Extreme Yin-Yang and the Orthodox-Demonic Invincibility arts were completely sealed.
The only thing he could wield was Divine Spirit Energy.
Considering the power of Baekri Mujo’s Sacred Sword… the only thing capable of meeting it was Thunder Spirit Energy.
Crackle.
As he gathered Thunder Spirit Energy, purple flames began sparking from his Silent Tiger Soul Sword.
Yet upon seeing those flames, a great realization flashed through Bu Eunseol’s mind.
―Do you think you can clear the trials just because your martial arts are strong?
Biyeon’s earlier words suddenly returned to him.
―Every trial inside the tower belongs to the realm of enlightenment, not something that can be broken by force.
The Gate of Martial Arts in the Ancient Sword Forest’s tower was not meant to be overcome by martial power.
It emphasized enlightenment.
‘Rather than using powerful and superior martial arts, one must employ the right technique suited to the situation.’
Clank.
Bu Eunseol, gazing at the pouring light, sheathed the Silent Tiger Soul Sword.
Meanwhile, Baekri Mujo continued unleashing the Sacred Sword upon him without the slightest error.
But something was different.
The ultimate realm he had felt at the Gate of Martial Arts.
Adaptation to the moment.
The true terror of the real Baekri Mujo was not the power of that Sacred Sword.
It was his ability to predict the enemy’s moves and seize the perfect instant to unleash it flawlessly.
But the Sacred Sword pouring down now was merely the Sacred Sword.
And that gave Bu Eunseol a thread-thin opportunity.
Flash!
Once again, the Sacred Sword poured precisely toward him.
Yet it was only a Sacred Sword meant to kill Bu Eunseol.
It lacked the essence of the true Baekri Mujo’s martial refinement.
Shing!
Crimson flames erupted from Bu Eunseol’s Silent Tiger Soul Sword as it emerged from the scabbard.
Time in the world froze, and only the red-hot Silent Tiger Soul Sword advanced forward.
At last, he had found a flaw in Baekri Mujo’s flawless Sacred Sword.
Flash!
The light that had dyed the entire world white vanished completely.
Thud, thud, thud.
Before Bu Eunseol’s eyes now stood Biyeon, clutching her throat as blood flowed.
“So that is how it was.”
Bu Eunseol wore a slightly moved expression.
The moment he unfolded the Supreme Heavenly Flow Style, he understood.
Since she had created the Gate of Martial Arts, she too must have deeply mastered the profound principle of adaptation to the moment.
Through this fight…
She had shown consideration, allowing him to once again experience that principle in real combat.
“I thought you could do it.” Biyeon smiled faintly. “I truly believed you could destroy a world like this.”
Spurt.
Blood finally gushed from her throat.
As Bu Eunseol quickly supported her, Biyeon wore a faint smile and struggled to open her mouth.
“Go to the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest.”
“Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest?”
“The one called the Medicine Immortal, Ilmongja—he is the Heavenly Deity of the Infinite Realm.”
Thump.
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
The Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest was the greatest medical forest in the Central Plains, founded by Ilmongja, revered as the Medicine Immortal for saving countless lives.
Yet it was the headquarters of the Infinite Realm, and its Heavenly Deity was Ilmongja?
“The Infinite Realm constantly searched for and attacked our forest. Yet even knowing their headquarters… we could not strike them.”
Gush, gush.
As blood poured, Biyeon’s face clutching her throat turned pale as paper.
“Will you show me your true face?” Biyeon said with a smile. “So that I may remember you even in the afterlife.”
Crack.
Bu Eunseol immediately used the Face and Bone Shifting Art to return to his original appearance.
His tied-up hair came loose, revealing his picturesque features.
“You…”
In that instant, Biyeon’s eyes widened.
“How can this be…”
Her mouth moved faintly, then she froze with eyes still wide open.
She had died without finishing her words.
“Why did you react to my face…”
Bu Eunseol could not understand.
Biyeon’s shock at seeing his face—perhaps because he resembled someone?
Or was there another reason?
“In any case, everything will come to light.”
Bu Eunseol decided not to wonder further.
As he continued his journey through the martial world and strove onward, the mysteries that had puzzled him were gradually unraveling.
Whether it was the Returning to One Realm, the Clear River Realm, the Infinite Realm, or another Ancient Sword Forest…
All of them would eventually be exposed to the world and utterly destroyed.
Because they possessed Black Divine Artifacts.
Because he bore the fate of destroying Black Divine Energy.
“And it will begin with the Infinite Realm.”
At last, he had identified the Infinite Realm’s main base and the true identity of its Heavenly Deity.
Now was the time to smash the Infinite Realm and its Heavenly Deity—one of the Three Realms that had toyed with the martial world at will.
***
Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest.
This place was a medical forest founded by Ilmongja, called the Medicine Immortal, and the most renowned medical institution in the martial world, revered by countless people.
It treated the poor and boys who had not yet reached adulthood completely free of charge—not taking a single coin.
In contrast, it charged the wealthy exorbitant fees.
The rich grumbled about this policy.
Yet because the physicians of the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest possessed such sublime medical skills, those suffering grave illnesses inevitably came here.
By continuing to aid the poor with free treatment, the forest lord who founded it, Ilmongja, earned the reverence of countless people.
The world, out of respect, called him the Medicine Immortal.
Around noon, under warm sunlight.
A gaunt young man staggered toward the entrance of the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest.
His features appeared neat, but his hair was disheveled, his clothes soaked with filth.
His shoes were worn through from a long journey, his big toe poking out.
Not only was his appearance dirty, but his complexion was extremely pale, and he coughed incessantly.
He seemed gravely ill.
“How may I help you?”
As the youth approached, a middle-aged man speaking with guards at the gate addressed him.
It was Eom Jeok, the chief steward of the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest.
“I…”
The youth hesitated briefly when addressed not by a guard but by the evidently high-ranking Eom Jeok, then struggled to move his parched lips.
“My name is Im Jipyeong, from Fujian. I heard that here, anyone under adulthood is treated for free without condition…”
“Ah.” Eom Jeok scanned Im Jipyeong from head to toe and nodded. “Of course.”
With a gentle smile, he took Im Jipyeong’s hand and led him.
“Please come in first. We can talk inside.”
Guided by Eom Jeok’s hand, Im Jipyeong entered the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest.
“Oh…”
Gazing at the vast front courtyard, Im Jipyeong’s mouth fell open in awe.
Inside, numerous pavilions stood densely packed, and large crowds moved busily about.
Long lines of patients stretched before each pavilion.
For those unable to enter, simple beds were arranged at regular intervals across the wide courtyard. Dozens of physicians in medical attire hurried between pavilions, followed by young attendants carrying decoctions. There was none of the usual sight of medical halls demanding payment before even taking a pulse.
Truly a medical forest in every sense.
The Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest was a place where genuine physicians devoted themselves tirelessly to healing patients.
“That side is crowded, so come this way.”
Without sending servants, Eom Jeok personally led Im Jipyeong to a pavilion deeper inside.
He guided him to a place lined with beds and spoke with a kind expression.
“To begin treatment, I need to know a few things.” The middle-aged man asked in detail about Im Jipyeong’s residence, name, and when the illness began.
“I am eighteen years old. The illness first appeared one year ago. After finishing my studies at the academy, while walking along Seomun Grand Road…”
Having diligently memorized Im Jipyeong’s details, Eom Jeok extended his hand and began taking his pulse.
“You were already weakened by illness, and the long journey has greatly damaged your body. Rest here for now.”
He glanced at a following guard and said, “Tell the Ten Battle Pavilion to bring a bowl of decoction to replenish qi and blood.”
The guard bowed and left.
Soon, a young attendant brought steaming decoction.
“Thank you.” Im Jipyeong drank it down without hesitation.
Warmth spread through his body, and the accumulated fatigue seemed to melt away.
“How do you feel?”
“I feel energized.”
“You must be tired—rest your eyes here for a bit. I will soon send physicians to treat you properly.”
“Thank you.”
Perhaps due to the medicine, his eyelids grew heavy, and drowsiness flooded in.
Im Jipyeong, wearing an embarrassed expression, closed his eyes on the bed the moment Eom Jeok stepped out.
“Hmm.”
Shortly after, Eom Jeok returned with a young physician to where Im Jipyeong lay in deep sleep.
He observed the sleeping Im Jipyeong closely, then took his pulse once more.
“As expected of one born with the Golden Spirit Flower Constitution, he absorbs medicine exceptionally well.”
Eom Jeok’s previously gentle expression turned utterly sinister.
He extended all ten fingers and began thoroughly checking Im Jipyeong’s body.
“A usable body. Very usable. We only need to cure the lung disease.”
He drew a thick, long needle from his robes and drove it forcefully into the sleeping Im Jipyeong’s dantian.
Not a single drop of blood emerged despite the deep insertion.
He had struck precisely the Qi Sea acupoint.
“From today, treat him with medicine. And…” Eom Jeok whispered extremely softly into the young physician’s ear.
The physician, listening respectfully, nodded repeatedly and bowed.
Im Jipyeong’s condition gradually improved.
Drinking the decoctions provided by the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest, receiving acupuncture, eating well at every meal, and sleeping deeply…
The symptoms of shortness of breath and utter lack of vitality slowly faded.
His complexion brightened, and his sallow skin gradually regained its healthy tone.
But at some point, his condition worsened again.
“Is my illness incurable?”
To Im Jipyeong’s question, the treating physician replied calmly, “Chronic illnesses do not heal at once—they improve, then worsen, repeatedly. Do not rush; it requires long, patient treatment.”
“I see.” Im Jipyeong nodded with an apologetic expression. “I am sorry for imposing so long.”
Though he said so, a smile played at his lips.
Good meals came at every meal, and treatment was free.
For him, who had lived in poverty for so long, time in the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest was like paradise.
Several days passed like this.
‘Hmm.’
Late at night, Im Jipyeong, who had been soundly asleep on his bed, slowly opened his eyes. His gleaming eyes scanned the darkness repeatedly, then he rose with utmost caution.
Was he going to relieve himself?
Emerging from the pavilion where patients stayed, he glanced around before slowly moving toward the deeper parts of the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest.
‘The physicians checking my condition arrive in about half a shichen.’
Over the past few days, Im Jipyeong had pretended to sleep while noting the times physicians visited at night.
He had seized a moment when no one moved about and slipped out secretly.
Swish.
He glided between pavilions with a peculiar, sliding gait.
Then, feeling some discomfort, he stopped and looked down at his lower abdomen.
‘They struck the dantian properly.’
Im Jipyeong wore a confident smile.
Despite his dantian being sealed, he could freely circulate inner energy.
Hummm!
As he raised his inner energy, blue energy resembling ocean waves surged in his eyes.
Astonishingly, no method could restrain his inner force.
He practiced the Jade Body Mysterious Harmony Energy—the heavenly ultimate art of the Gyeongha Sect, known three hundred years ago as the martial world’s supreme internal art.
