Chapter 176
Chapter 176
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 176
Chapter Title: Blood Moon Grotto
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There are three stages to Metamorphosis.
The first is the expulsion of impurities from the body, revealing new skin like a child's.
The second is when teeth fall out and grow back anew, and the internal organs are remade.
And upon reaching the third stage, it is said that even the entire skeleton changes, and one obtains a body that transcends human limits.
As Bu Eun-seol continuously exerted his powerful true qi within the Immeasurable Celestial King Water, the phenomenon of the first stage of Metamorphosis suddenly occurred.
‘Why is this happening all of a sudden.’
Halt.
Bu Eun-seol stopped walking and stared at the pieces of skin that had fallen off in the Immeasurable Celestial King Water.
After a moment of deep thought, he finally realized the reason.
‘A portion of my dormant ki points must have been activated again…’
Within his body lay the pure true qi accumulated since childhood through a life-nurturing technique, and the Reverse-Polarity True Qi injected by Hyeol-geum-gang.
Although he had reached the fifth stage of the Reverse-Polarity Heart Law and converted some of it into internal energy, there was still true qi accumulated in his dormant ki points that had not yet been converted into power.
But as the pressure of the Immeasurable Celestial King Water pressed down evenly on his entire body, a portion of the true qi remaining in his dormant ki points was once again converted into internal energy.
Rumble.
As he roused his power once more, it felt as if thunder was rolling through his body.
Bu Eun-seol's internal energy, which had been at the level of three sixty-year cycles, had now reached four.
Flake. Flake.
Inside the transparent Immeasurable Celestial King Water, Bu Eun-seol's form, with his glistening, translucent skin, was as mysterious and beautiful as if a primordial celestial god had descended to earth.
‘A blessing in disguise.’
As Bu Eun-seol, having understood everything, stood still,
“...!!!”
a strange vibration came from behind him.
Turning his head, he saw Hyeok So-jin shouting something at the Immeasurable Celestial King Water.
—I thought you were dead! What on earth happened!
When his skin was shedding, golden motes of light and streams of qi had enveloped his body, so neither Hyeok So-jin nor Du Yak-rang had seen him undergoing the Metamorphosis.
That was why Hyeok So-jin had thought Bu Eun-seol had passed away when he stopped walking.
Nod.
Bu Eun-seol gave Hyeok So-jin a slight nod, as if to say not to worry.
He then turned and walked forward lightly.
He reached the end of the transparent wall containing the Immeasurable Celestial King Water. Just as he was about to finally exit,
“...?”
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed.
Only then did he realize something new.
‘I can't get out.’
The mysterious stones that could confine the immensely heavy Immeasurable Celestial King Water in the middle of the passage.
As long as they were exerting their power, it was impossible to get out.
“Old woman! We've reached the end, why haven't you drained the Immeasurable Celestial King Water?”
Hyeok So-jin protested, but the middle of the passage was filled with the Immeasurable Celestial King Water, so his voice didn't reach Du Yak-rang's ears.
Even if she wanted to save Bu Eun-seol, there was no way, as those mysterious stones were embedded within the Immeasurable Celestial King Water.
‘So they've been using this mechanism to fend off powerful enemies all this time.’
Bu Eun-seol crossed his arms and fell back into thought.
He was offsetting the pressure of the Immeasurable Celestial King Water with his powerful internal energy, but…
He couldn't last forever. If he didn't escape within fifteen minutes, he would eventually die.
“Hehehe.”
Watching him from beyond the transparent wall, Du Yak-rang wore a triumphant expression.
A chill filled Bu Eun-seol's eyes as he noticed her expression.
‘I'll break through.’
Taking a deep breath, he withdrew about half of the internal energy he was spreading outside his body.
The barrier of true qi enveloping him thinned, and it felt as if the bones throughout his body were shrinking.
‘An ordinary martial art won't do.’
Inside the Immeasurable Celestial King Water, which was as heavy as Mount Tai, neither sword arts nor palm techniques would be able to display their proper power.
‘In that case…’
Whoooosh.
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed, and a vortex began to flow from his right fist.
Simultaneously, the Immeasurable Celestial King Water, which had been as still as a solid, began to stir within the transparent walls.
Seven Forms of the Demonic Fist, Third Form.
He was about to unleash the essence of the Extreme Fist Arts, a technique that fiercely rotated immense fist power and concentrated it into a single point.
Whirrrrr.
The Immeasurable Celestial King Water, which had been surging violently like a stormy sea, was now coiled around Bu Eun-seol's right fist.
‘Self-Obliterating Annihilation!’
KWAAAAA!
As Bu Eun-seol thrust his fist forward, a violently rotating pillar of water formed from the Immeasurable Celestial King Water began to pour forward.
Vrooom! Vroooom!
The entire passage shook as if an earthquake had struck, and even the transparent stones set into the walls began to move.
Crack. Craaack.
Unable to withstand the pressure of the swirling Immeasurable Celestial King Water, cracks gradually began to appear in the stones.
‘That bastard?’
Just as Du Yak-rang, watching the scene, opened her mouth,
KRA-KOOM!
The stones finally gave way under the pressure and shattered, causing the Immeasurable Celestial King Water to pour out like a burst dam.
Ruuuuuumble.
The spilled Immeasurable Celestial King Water rushed down the inclined passage toward the exit where Hyeok So-jin was.
‘The power... has increased.’
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened as he observed the fist power he had just unleashed.
Because his internal energy had been augmented, the power of his fist technique had increased compared to before, even though he hadn't used his full strength.
Tap.
He lightly leaped, ran along the side of the passage, and landed beside Hyeok So-jin.
“Brother Bu, are you alright?”
Bu Eun-seol simply nodded in response.
Having blocked the Immeasurable Celestial King Water with a wall of true qi, Bu Eun-seol's clothes were almost completely dry.
“So you've been hiding your true power until now. And that fist technique just now…”
Just as Hyeok So-jin was about to offer a word of praise, Bu Eun-seol spoke coldly to Du Yak-rang.
“Have I passed the test?”
Du Yak-rang was speechless, as if struck dumb.
Originally, this Chamber of Immeasurable Celestial Water was the ultimate defense mechanism, designed to stop formidable foes trying to break into Muhasuyujeong.
Even if one had the internal energy to withstand the pressure, as long as the Repulsion Stones were pushing back the Immeasurable Celestial King Water, it was impossible to advance.
But Bu Eun-seol had shattered this absolute, inescapable formation—one that prevented both entry and exit—in a single blow, by turning the Immeasurable Celestial King Water itself into a weapon.
‘I never imagined his martial arts were this incredible.’
Du Yak-rang's pupils were trembling.
‘And now that the Chamber of Immeasurable Celestial Water is destroyed, what am I to do…’
The cost to fill the Chamber of Immeasurable Celestial Water was easily ten million nyang, or even more.
Moreover, the Immeasurable Celestial King Water is a rare and precious substance, difficult to obtain…
The mysterious defensive formation that had protected Muhasuyujeong was now gone forever.
‘This is no time to be thinking about that.’
Du Yak-rang quickly regained her composure.
This wasn't the time to calculate financial losses; she had to send these terrifying uninvited guests away.
‘I have no choice.’
A venomous glint in her eyes, Du Yak-rang bit her lip.
‘Judging by this fellow's level of internal energy, if he uses his martial arts, no one will be able to stop him.’
Just as she was about to step on the Shadow-Hiding Stone to activate another formation,
Rustle, rustle.
From behind Du Yak-rang came the light, rustling footsteps of dozens of people.
At the same time, dozens of women and, at their center, an old woman with neatly combed hair, were walking out from within.
The old woman's sparse wrinkles looked like dried, twisted tree bark. At a glance, she appeared to be well over a hundred years old.
However, her eyes were deep and clear, filled with a sharp glint, making her look anything but an ordinary old woman.
“Jeongju.”
Du Yak-rang bowed her head respectfully to the old woman.
This old woman, who resembled a withered tree, was none other than the Jeongju of Muhasuyujeong, Geuk Hye-ryeong.
“There is no need for any more tests.”
Geuk Hye-ryeong's deep eyes were fixed on Bu Eun-seol.
“With that level of internal energy... any test would be meaningless.”
It seemed this passage had a special device, as Geuk Hye-ryeong had apparently watched the entire process.
“Bu Eun-seol, a disciple of Nang-ya-gak, greets the Jeongju.”
As Bu Eun-seol politely clasped his hands in a bow, Hyeok So-jin also brought his hands together.
“Hyeok So-jin of Jeok-cheon-mak-ji greets you, Elder.”
Normally, she would have offered a few words of praise.
But Geuk Hye-ryeong merely nodded without saying a word.
Although they were all part of the Ten Demonic Sects, Nang-ya-gak and Jeok-cheon-mak-ji had no interaction whatsoever with Muhasuyujeong.
Furthermore, since she had already decided to support another successor, she was naturally not pleased with Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin.
“Bring them to the Blood Moon Grotto.”
After speaking briefly to Du Yak-rang, she turned without a backward glance.
‘The Blood Moon Grotto.’
Bu Eun-seol gave a bitter smile.
No matter how unique a sect Muhasuyujeong was, they wouldn't give a place for honored guests a name ending in 'Grotto'.
The Jeongju of Muhasuyujeong was still treating the two of them as unwelcome intruders.
***
Following the maids' guidance, Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin entered, their expressions turning strange.
The name 'Blood Moon Grotto' evoked images of a demonic den where one sucked blood to achieve eternal life.
However, the interior of the Blood Moon Grotto was filled with a warm and classical atmosphere, like a place where a princess from a fairy tale might live.
In front of uniquely shaped pavilions reminiscent of flowers were gardens of rare and beautiful plants, and in the center stood a pond and a gazebo.
Women in colorful clothes would offer a light greeting whenever they saw Du Yak-rang pass by.
But toward Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin, they sent curious glances, sometimes even smiling freely and revealing their white teeth.
‘Even for a sect of women, the atmosphere is different.’
If the Shin-nyeo-gung exuded mystery and solemnity, Muhasuyujeong radiated splendor and vitality.
“Wait inside. The Jeongju will be here shortly.”
Entering through a large door in the center of the Blood Moon Grotto, they found a space resembling a banquet hall in a tavern.
It was neat and tidy, but the furnishings were old, suggesting it wasn't a frequently used space.
“Thankfully, it's not a real grotto.”
Hyeok So-jin remarked with a bitter smile as he looked around.
“This is just like the situation at my home sect. It seems you were a step too late, Brother Bu.”
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol closed his eyes and heightened the senses of his Beast Dao.
Because no matter how he looked at it, the Blood Moon Grotto did not seem like a place meant to welcome them.
“I don't think you need to worry.”
Hyeok So-jin, having perceived that Bu Eun-seol was heightening his senses, smiled faintly.
“The Jeongju came out to meet us, after all, didn't she? If she had ill intentions, she wouldn't have guided us this deep into Muhasuyujeong.”
The Jeongju, Geuk Hye-ryeong, was a female master who had reached the Supreme Celestial Realm.
If she had wanted to kill Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin, she could have simply acted at that moment.
“She probably saw your martial arts and wants to weigh her options. Which successor would be more helpful.”
Opening his eyes, Bu Eun-seol gave a faint smile.
“It's either negotiation or death.”
“You mean she's hidden traps?”
“Mechanisms.”
Bu Eun-seol scanned his surroundings with eyes full of interest.
“I can hear the faint sound of metal grinding in various places. If the negotiations don't go well, she'll activate them immediately.”
Swoosh.
Just then, with the sound of rustling robes, the old woman, Geuk Hye-ryeong, walked out, dressed in splendid, silver-shining clothes.
“Quite impressive.”
Sitting at the head of the table, Geuk Hye-ryeong looked at Bu Eun-seol and offered her first word of praise.
“If you can sense the mechanisms in the Blood Moon Grotto... then you're at a level where you can speak with me.”
Hyeok So-jin's jaw dropped.
What Bu Eun-seol had said was true. Geuk Hye-ryeong was prepared to draw her sword at any moment.
“Jeongju, this doesn't seem right.”
Hyeok So-jin looked at Geuk Hye-ryeong with a confident gaze.
“Are you suggesting we negotiate with a sword at our throats?”
“Hahaha. Negotiation?”
Geuk Hye-ryeong let out a laugh that sounded like scraping metal.
“I said you were at a level to speak with me.”
And she moved her withered-tree-like lips.
“The ones who can negotiate with this old woman are the powerhouses who have the world of Murim under their feet, not youngsters like you.”
Muhasuyujeong, which possessed the greatest financial power in the world.
From their perspective, even the successors of the Ten Demonic Sects might seem like greenhorns who were not yet fully ripe.
“Consider it an honor just to be able to speak with me.”
Geuk Hye-ryeong wore a cold smile.
“I allowed you into my home as an investment in the future.”
An investment in the future.
This referred to the outstanding potential Bu Eun-seol had shown in the Chamber of Immeasurable Celestial Water.
“Now, you speak.”
She looked at Bu Eun-seol and said in a low voice.
“How you intend to please me.”
Geuk Hye-ryeong hadn't come to propose a negotiation.
—What will you give me?
That was what she was saying.
In short, if he couldn't make an offer that would move Geuk Hye-ryeong's heart, he would be kicked out immediately.
“This old woman is not only the wealthiest in the world, but I also have connections with countless powerhouses.”
As Bu Eun-seol remained silent, Geuk Hye-ryeong narrowed her eyes and smiled.
“So I wonder... what could a successor of Nang-ya-gak possibly give me.”
Would this lead to ruin, or would he guide the conversation to a successful conclusion?
It all depended on Bu Eun-seol's next words.
If his answer was not even slightly satisfactory?
He would be immediately thrown out, or in the worst-case scenario, make an enemy of Muhasuyujeong.
“You, who are not the powerhouses with the world at your feet.”
‘As I thought, that was the answer.’
In that instant, the furrow in Bu Eun-seol's brow smoothed out.
The answer was in what Geuk Hye-ryeong had just said.
Muhasuyujeong, a place abundant in everything.
He had found the one thing they lacked.