Chapter 164
Chapter 164
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 164
Chapter Title: A Warrior's Welcome
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*Whoosh.*
At that moment, Song Ak's sword form changed once more.
As an unexpected series of moves followed, Bu Eun-seol swiftly spun his body to evade the attack.
Song Ak then transitioned back to the Yin-Yang Sword, thrusting toward the vital points on Bu Eun-seol's chest.
‘This man’s swordsmanship is immeasurably profound.’
If Song Ak were using simple sword forms, changing them mid-sequence would not be difficult.
But to rapidly alter the forms of complex and esoteric sword arts like the Yin-Yang Sword and the Taegeuk Hye Sword—renowned as the most mystical in the world—mid-execution?
That was something nearly impossible unless one had not only practiced the sword for a very long time but also possessed a perfect understanding of the art.
‘Is this the difference in our years of training?’
Bu Eun-seol had not yet reached the state where he could freely transform the forms of the Mu-sang-cheon-ryu.
Thus, he could not quickly respond to Song Ak's constantly shifting sword forms.
*Swish, swish.*
In that time, Song Ak created dozens of circular sword flares around Bu Eun-seol.
It was the ultimate technique of the Taegeuk Hye Sword, a move that allowed for perfect self-defense by continuously drawing circular sword qi.
*Flash!*
Instantly, Bu Eun-seol unleashed a pure white, cross-shaped sword qi in all directions and rapidly changed his form to push back the circles of the Taegeuk Hye Sword.
But no matter what form he used, he could not break through the circular sword qi. And since it wasn't a killing technique, he couldn't block it with the Neung-hyeong-eo-geom either.
Furthermore, just as Bu Eun-seol's attack would end, the circular qi of the Taegeuk Hye Sword would sometimes transform into the sharp attacks of the Yin-Yang Sword.
‘This is the only way!’
Unable to destroy the circular sword qi that dominated the space, Bu Eun-seol deliberately exposed an opening.
Since he couldn't break through the defensive form of the Taegeuk Hye Sword, he would aim for the instant Song Ak launched an attack.
*Swish!*
At last, the Taegeuk Hye Sword shifted to the offensive.
In that moment, Bu Eun-seol drew upon his true qi with all his might.
*Whoooosh.*
Having reached the fifth stage of the Ban-geuk-sim-beop, Bu Eun-seol's internal energy surpassed that of three sixty-year cycles.
As he exerted his full internal energy, a tangible form of true qi began to condense on his Muk-geom.
“Hah!”
With a sharp cry, Bu Eun-seol launched his attack.
But instead of his Muk-geom, he spread his left hand wide and unleashed the Gwon-ma-chil-sik.
*Fwoooosh!*
An formless current of air spread in all directions as a tremendous storm of true qi poured onto the circular sword qi.
It was the fourth form of the Gwon-ma-chil-sik, the Heaven's Hand Destruction Form, said to destroy all things.
*Kwoooosh!*
Pushing back sword qi with a formless fist technique should be impossible.
However, because Bu Eun-seol had materialized his internal true qi, he was steadily pushing back Song Ak's sword qi.
“...!”
As his sword qi was pushed back by the immense power of the fist, a startled Song Ak halted his Taegeuk Hye Sword.
In that instant, Song Ak’s figure, which had been at the center of the circular sword qi, was revealed.
*Pah!*
Bu Eun-seol did not miss the opening and leaped toward the center where Song Ak stood.
The lingering circular sword qi tore at Bu Eun-seol's shoulders, but he paid it no mind and thrust out his Muk-geom.
‘The sword forms I’ve used so far won’t work!’
Song Ak's swordsmanship had reached a state of absolute mastery over heaven and earth.
If he missed this chance, only defeat would await him.
*Wooooong!*
With a low hum, the tip of the Muk-geom bent like taffy, constantly changing.
Finally, a sword form he had never attempted before.
The seventh form of the Mu-sang-cheon-ryu, which created one hundred and eight variations in a single strike to pierce through all of the enemy's defenses.
The Hoe-sin-myeol-ji, Annihilate Body and Mind, was unleashed.
*Charrang!*
In that same instant, Song Ak's Taegeuk Sword also created a brilliant light and clashed with Bu Eun-seol's.
Just as the two swordsmen's ultimate techniques were about to collide amidst a gust of wind and swirling dust,
“…”
Suddenly, the world grew quiet, and not a sound could be heard.
*Whoosh.*
A dry wind swept through the forest, clearing away the thick dust.
At last, the figures of the two men were revealed.
“…”
Bu Eun-seol stood tall, the tip of his Muk-geom resting against Song Ak's throat.
And Song Ak, his body twisted and arm extended, had his sword touching Bu Eun-seol's lower abdomen.
Their swords had reached each other's bodies at the same time, making it impossible for either to thrust.
*Drip.*
Blood trickled down Song Ak's neck, nicked by the sharp tip of the sword.
“Your internal energy is remarkable.”
Though both had extended their swords at the same time, Song Ak's blade had failed to touch Bu Eun-seol's skin by a paper-thin margin.
The immense qi contained within the Hoe-sin-myeol-ji had pushed his sword back just slightly.
“Internal energy is also a part of martial arts, so I suppose this is my defeat.”
Despite Song Ak's words, Bu Eun-seol's expression was not pleased.
‘I still have a long way to go.’
The Hoe-sin-myeol-ji was a form created based on Dang Cheong's swordsmanship, which produced one hundred and eight variations in a single strike.
Had he executed the form perfectly, Song Ak's head would have already been severed.
But he had only managed to create eighty-one variations.
*Click. Clack.*
As if by agreement, they both sheathed their swords at the same time.
The two were evenly matched in swordsmanship. The only difference was the level of their internal energy.
Song Ak wore a bittersweet expression.
“Among the younger generation, I thought Gwang-yeon was the only one who could be my match… but it seems there was another hidden dragon.”
“Gwang-yeon?”
“A Great Righteous Master from Shaolin. Due to his low rank, he remains a mere sweeping monk, but his martial skill is said to be the greatest talent in Shaolin.”
Finishing his words, he gazed intently at Bu Eun-seol and said.
“Today, I admit defeat. But next time will be different.”
As Bu Eun-seol nodded, Song Ak cleared his throat and spoke.
“Instead, let’s have a drink before we duel next time. What do you say?”
A smile as bright as sunshine played on his lips.
Bu Eun-seol, who had been staring at Song Ak, let out a low sigh and nodded.
“Alright.”
“It’s a promise.”
Grinning to reveal his white teeth, Song Ak used a movement technique and vanished into the air.
Bu Eun-seol, who had been silently watching him leave, suddenly spat a pebble-sized clot of blood onto the ground with a retch.
“Ugh.”
Bu Eun-seol's eyes wavered like ripples on water.
The Mu-sang-cheon-ryu, composed of six forms in the first half and four in the second, was a sword art that compiled all of Nang-ya-gak's swordsmanship.
In particular, the four latter forms, created based on Dang Cheong's teachings, were techniques that could truly only be used upon reaching the pinnacle of mastery.
“As expected of Wudang. They truly stand shoulder to shoulder with Shaolin.”
Recalling Song Ak's swordsmanship, he shook his head.
What if he hadn't reached the fifth stage of the Ban-geuk-sim-beop?
He wouldn't have even been able to force himself to use the Hoe-sin-myeol-ji, and Song Ak's sword would have pierced his abdomen.
“This is not an internal injury that will heal easily.”
He had always recovered from internal injuries with ease, but this time was different.
It wasn't an injury from an external impact, but a deep internal wound caused by his qi and blood flowing in reverse from forcibly executing the sword form, one that could not be easily healed.
It would be about three more days until he reached the Demonic Palace.
But there was no guarantee that enemies wouldn't come before then.
“It doesn’t matter.”
Bu Eun-seol does not yield to any ordeal.
As if he were a man made of steel, incapable of feeling pain, he silently walked on.
* * *
The dark sky was gradually beginning to brighten.
Having hurried on his way, Bu Eun-seol entered Chengdu, the city where the Demonic Palace was located.
Just half a day's walk more, and he would arrive at the Demonic Palace.
The area around the town was bustling like a market day, with merchants from all over setting up stalls along the streets.
As he walked with heavy steps, he suddenly came to a halt.
The world abruptly fell silent, and the merchants and people on the road began to part, retreating as if making way.
Soon, the only things left on the street were overturned stalls and vegetables and fruits rolling about, kicked up by the desolate wind.
But Bu Eun-seol walked on as if he had seen nothing.
And at the end of the road, what looked to be over three hundred martial artists were lined up like soldiers.
“They’ve all gathered.”
The warriors blocking the entire main road were none other than the masters of the Hell Blood Fortress and the White Horse Temple.
But Bu Eun-seol looked at them with a placid expression.
At the head of the formation stood three familiar martial artists: Ok Gi-ryung, Eum Wi, and Jin Ja-myeong.
“Bu Eun-seol. You will never set foot in the Demonic Palace!”
At Jin Ja-myeong's shout, a smile touched Bu Eun-seol's lips.
“We’ll see.”
Bu Eun-seol's internal injuries had not yet healed. Moreover, having walked nonstop for three days and nights, his stamina was completely depleted.
Yet, he squared his shoulders and walked forward with confidence.
“Let’s give it a try.”
Bu Eun-seol's steps were as stately as a lion's and heavier than Mount Tai.
One step, two steps…
As he drew closer, killing intent flared in the eyes of the warriors from the White Horse Temple and the Hell Blood Fortress.
A battle of one against three hundred.
It was an impossible fight he could not hope to win. And just as the prelude to that battle was about to begin,
“Who dares to block the path of this Gak’s successor!”
A thunderous shout echoed through the sky. At the same time, twenty masters descended from the air behind Bu Eun-seol, landing one after another.
*Thud.*
The first to land was a man with a great broadsword strapped to his back.
And behind him, warriors carrying a variety of weapons were lined up in a pyramid formation.
They all wore casual expressions as if they were out for a stroll, but an aura as imposing as Mount Tai flowed from their bodies.
“Grand Commander?”
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
They were none other than the members of Nang-ya-gak's Changsin Unit.
“Brat, have you been well?”
“Grand Commander. How…”
“You did well.”
Sojeon said, placing a hand on Bu Eun-seol's shoulder.
“As a disciple of Nang-ya-gak, you showed not a shred of shame.”
As Bu Eun-seol lowered his head, the Vice Commander, Je Un, who stood behind Sojeon, grinned.
“Bu Eun-seol. That was quite a dramatic entrance. It was cool.”
The unit members behind them also laughed heartily and chimed in.
“Isn’t he the kid we practically raised from the start? Of course he’s got to be that good!”
“When all this is over, make sure you come to the Changsin Unit, Bu Eun-seol!”
“Stop talking nonsense. Why would the next Lord of Nang-ya-gak come to the Changsin Unit?”
Bu Eun-seol, who had walked unflinchingly toward an army of three hundred despite his injuries.
Watching him, the members of the Changsin Unit felt a swelling pride, and their morale soared to the heavens.
“Sojeon…!”
Jin Ja-myeong’s mouth fell open as he recognized Sojeon, the Grand Commander of the Changsin Unit.
He was a warrior of Nang-ya-gak who possessed overwhelming martial might, a man who could take on a thousand foes.
And weren't his subordinates also monsters said to be capable of annihilating entire sects with just a few members?
*Shuffle, shuffle.*
The group from the Hell Blood Fortress and the White Horse Temple, including Jin Ja-myeong, took a step back.
No matter how fierce and brave they were, they could not face the Changsin Unit, which was known for wiping out entire sects.
“Move aside!”
At Sojeon's roar, the masters of the Hell Blood Fortress and the White Horse Temple who were blocking the road faltered.
If they did not move, they would have to clash with the Changsin Unit right here.
Of course, they did not fear death… but they hesitated because the outcome was all too obvious.
Jin Ja-myeong, Eum Wi, and Ok Gi-ryung exchanged glances, sweat beading on their brows.
Then, as if they had no other choice, they nodded.
*Shwaaak.*
The three hundred martial artists then split into two lines, opening a path.
“Hmph. To think the Ten Demonic Sects are nothing but thugs who rely on numbers.”
Despite Sojeon's scorn, they could not say a word.
They wouldn't have a retort even if they had ten mouths.
After all, three entire divisions of the White Horse Temple and the Hell Blood Fortress had joined forces to surround and kill a single young disciple of Nang-ya-gak.
“Go and do well.”
As Sojeon clapped him on the back, Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands and bowed deeply.
“Then, I will be on my way.”
Once more, Bu Eun-seol began to walk.
One step, two steps… At last, he stood tall before the masters of the Hell Blood Fortress and the White Horse Temple.
Bu Eun-seol then paused for a moment and looked over the lined-up warriors.
He looked not at enemies, but with the dignified air of a commander reviewing his own troops.
“...!”
The warriors who met Bu Eun-seol's gaze unconsciously straightened their postures.
An absolute master.
From that young man emanated the presence of an absolute master who held the world beneath his feet.
*Creeeeak.*
When Bu Eun-seol finally reached the end of the road, the massive, tightly shut gates of the Demonic Palace began to slowly swing open.
At the entrance to the Demonic Palace, warriors in black uniforms were lined up in two endless rows, their swords raised high.
He was a candidate to be the successor of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, who would one day rule the Demonic Palace…
And this was to pay respect to Bu Eun-seol, who had overcome all manner of trials to arrive at the Demonic Palace.
*Ssk.*
As Bu Eun-seol strode forward with dignity,
*Clank, clank, clank, clank, clank…*
The warriors of the Demonic Palace began to lower their swords as he passed, paying their respects once more.
The lines of warriors stretched all the way to the very heart of the Demonic Palace.
At the end of the path, a grand pavilion with a presence that seemed to press down upon the earth greeted him.
‘So this is the Seong-ma-gak…’
At last, he had arrived before the Seong-ma-gak, the Sacred Demonic Pavilion, where the Demonic Heavenly Emperor was said to reside.