Chapter 180
Chapter 180
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 180
Chapter Title: The Path of the Murim
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Baek-ryeon-gak.
The once-bustling Baek-ryeon-gak had fallen silent.
This was because Hyeok So-jin, who had always been interpreting scriptures and demonstrating martial arts, was gone.
And in front of the empty training grounds of Baek-ryeon-gak, a man in a worn gray martial arts uniform and a youth in black robes stood facing each other.
It was Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin.
“Ah, it's truly been a while.”
Raising both hands and drawing up his Sin-yeol-ma-gi, Hyeok So-jin revealed his canines in an exaggerated smile.
“A month passed, and you didn't seek me out at all, Brother Bu… I thought you had completely forgotten me and were frolicking in a flower garden.”
*Grind.*
Clenching his molars tightly, he continued.
“To think you'd request a spar right as my work is finished. I am eternally grateful!”
Hyeok So-jin's heart was filled with resentment.
He had come to the Murim to advance his martial arts as quickly as possible.
But because he was accompanying Bu Eun-seol, he had spent the entire month teaching the female disciples of Muhasuyujeong.
His time in the Murim was extremely limited. Hyeok So-jin felt like he was dying from the wasted time.
“Begin.”
As Bu Eun-seol extended a hand with an indifferent expression,
“Then here I come!”
Hyeok So-jin unleashed the Am-cheon-ma-ryong-jang, filled with all his pent-up frustration.
*'Huh?'*
But Hyeok So-jin, who had initiated the attack, looked rather bewildered.
He had intended to simply pour out his palm energy in a fierce and straightforward manner…
But he had unknowingly layered profound techniques into his moves, unleashing them in a coiling torrent toward Bu Eun-seol's body.
“A fine technique.”
*Boom! Boom!*
Bu Eun-seol did not evade, instead using Gwon-ma-cho-hyeon to dissipate the Am-cheon-ma-ryong-jang.
Seeing this, Hyeok So-jin couldn't hide his inner bewilderment.
*I only used one move, yet he used his true art right away… Was my technique that unexpected?*
“Take this!”
Hyeok So-jin unleashed his Sin-yeol-ma-gi, trying to break Bu Eun-seol's stance.
But upon seeing him stand firm, he unknowingly executed the Bi-pa-seom-su and Bing-hon-hwan-sal-geom he had been teaching all this time.
*'Damn it, it's become a habit.'*
But something was strange.
Weren't these ultimate arts, which he hadn't even properly trained in, flowing as naturally as if he had practiced them diligently for years?
*Clang!*
Unable to block the combined techniques, Bu Eun-seol finally drew the Muk-geom to parry Hyeok So-jin's attack.
*'I've only used three moves, and Brother Bu already drew his sword?'*
Astonished, Hyeok So-jin continued to unleash the demonic arts he had been teaching, one after another, like flowing water.
It was as if his body was moving on its own, executing the martial arts automatically.
*Clang! Papapapak! Piiing!*
Moreover, whether he was using sword arts, unleashing palm techniques, or flicking finger energy…
Not only were they executed smoothly and steadily, but they also felt as natural as if he had practiced them his entire life.
“Hm.”
As he parried Hyeok So-jin's continuous attacks, a brilliant light bloomed in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
*Ziiiing.*
With a low hum from the Muk-geom, a radiant light shot toward Hyeok So-jin's neck like a bolt of lightning.
He had finally unleashed the first form of Mu-sang-cheon-ryu, Yu-seong-chu-wol.
*'I can't dodge this!'*
From the moment the light bloomed from Bu Eun-seol's sword, Hyeok So-jin instinctively knew he couldn't evade it.
*Charrarang!*
But unlike his mind, his instincts guided his body naturally.
With one hand, he used the Myeol-hon Sword Art to reduce the power of the cascading light.
Simultaneously, with his other hand, he unleashed Sin-yeol-ma-gi to deflect the sword energy aimed at his neck as much as possible.
*Swish!*
At the same time, the ink-black sword light grazed past his cheek instead of his neck, sending his hair flying.
Although Bu Eun-seol had only used thirty percent of his power, Hyeok So-jin had blocked the Mu-sang-cheon-ryu, which was imbued with the essence of Bu Eun-seol's martial arts.
“Not bad.”
Nodding with a satisfied expression, Bu Eun-seol sheathed the Muk-geom back on his back.
“You've improved more than I expected.”
“More than you expected…”
Only then did Hyeok So-jin, sensing something was off, speak up.
“What in the world happened? How did I manage to block your ultimate sword art in a single move?”
He shook his head with a stiff expression, still dazed by his own accomplishment.
“And I've never even tried using Sin-yeol-ma-gi to block a sword technique before.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“You've been teaching the disciples of Muhasuyujeong all this time, haven't you?”
“I have.”
“Teaching something to others is the same as practicing it diligently yourself. You also come to naturally grasp things you hadn't realized before.”
Turning around, Bu Eun-seol said in a low voice.
“You've become far more proficient in various demonic arts than I anticipated. At this level, you should be able to use them appropriately in real combat without any trouble.”
“B-Brother Bu.”
Finally understanding Bu Eun-seol's profound intentions, Hyeok So-jin was overcome with emotion.
“I didn't know you had such deep intentions… I've been resenting you so much all this time.”
Bu Eun-seol turned around calmly.
“To enhance your martial arts, you don't necessarily have to train or fight decisive battles.”
Gazing at the distant sky, he said calmly.
“You can also advance your martial arts through the insights gained from various experiences.”
Those were words Heuk-pyo had once said to Bu Eun-seol.
And he had faithfully accepted that advice. While handling various tasks, he was steadily enhancing his own martial arts.
“It's about time to leave.”
Having gained the support of Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji and Muhasuyujeong under the Ma-cheon-je's command, Bu Eun-seol had achieved his goal, so it was time to depart once more.
At the crack of dawn,
Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin, who were meditating on their beds, rose at the same time. They then quietly slipped out of their quarters.
They had arrived quietly, so they intended to leave quietly as well.
But that was just wishful thinking.
When they reached the entrance leading out of Muhasuyujeong, numerous disciples, elders, and even Geuk Hye-ryeong were standing there.
“Are you leaving now?”
“Sect Leader.”
As Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin clasped their hands in respect, Geuk Hye-ryeong gave a benevolent smile.
“I heard you two were planning to sneak away like thieves today. So our family here at the manor decided to wait for you.”
Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin both gave a wry smile.
Muhasuyujeong was the Demonic Path's top intelligence organization. Their every move had been meticulously reported even here.
“Thank you, Young Master.”
Just then, the disciples of Muhasuyujeong stepped forward and bowed respectfully. Their heads were all turned toward Hyeok So-jin.
For over a month, Hyeok So-jin had taught them martial arts so intensely, outside of sleeping hours, that they were worked to the bone.
Because of him, the martial arts of the Hundred Flower Maidens, who could be called the martial arts bridgehead and greatest fighting force of Muhasuyujeong, had improved by leaps and bounds.
“It was nothing.”
Hyeok So-jin smiled and returned their greetings one by one.
Although he had taught them on a whim, his own martial arts had improved as a result.
Just as Bu Eun-seol had said, teaching someone was also a form of training to polish one's own skills.
“Well then, shall we be on our way?”
As Hyeok So-jin turned to leave with a broad smile, a cute little girl in a light pink dress walked out from among the disciples.
It was Geuk Hye-bin.
“Ah, ah.”
Geuk Hye-bin approached Bu Eun-seol and held out both hands.
In her small, fern-like hands lay a colorful, five-colored tassel, looking as if it had just been made.
For a moment, Bu Eun-seol found himself giving a faint smile.
She must have embroidered it with those tiny hands.
*Ssk.*
Bu Eun-seol knelt on one knee and accepted Geuk Hye-bin's tassel.
Then, he took out the Muk-geom, scabbard and all, and tied the tassel he held to the end of the sword's hilt.
Geuk Hye-ryeong, watching the scene with a pleased expression, said in a low voice.
“That child has never learned embroidery. She got colored thread from the disciples of our manor and made that stitch by stitch to give you a gift.”
A smile formed on her lips, which were lined with coarse wrinkles, as she spoke again.
“Since Hye-bin was born, you're the first person she has ever given a handmade gift to.”
“Thank you.”
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands and expressed his thanks to Geuk Hye-bin.
In response, Geuk Hye-bin's eyes curved into half-moons as she gave a silent smile.
“And continue to strive forward.”
Bu Eun-seol gently patted Geuk Hye-bin's head.
“So that you may become the next successor to lead the Ma-jeon.”
“Ah, ah.”
Geuk Hye-bin nodded with a bright smile.
Seeing her smile, it was as if one could hear a lovely voice replying, 'I'll do my best!'
“Sect Leader!”
Just then, a young woman came running hastily from the entrance, her voice sharp.
It was Mi-ryeong, the Hye-bong Pavilion Lord who guarded the entrance of Muhasuyujeong.
“What's with all the fuss?”
Du Yak-rang, standing beside the Sect Leader, frowned. Mi-ryeong quickly replied.
“About three hundred martial artists have formed a line in front of our manor's entrance.”
“Three hundred martial artists? What are you talking about?”
“It's the Yeom-hon-dae from Sa-ryeong-mun.”
Mi-ryeong lowered her head and said in an urgent tone.
“The successor of Sa-ryeong-mun has left, but it seems the Yeom-hon-dae that came with him has been stationed in the Gyerim area all this time.”
She paused to catch her breath before continuing.
“Then, after hearing that our manor invested funds in Nang-ya-gak and Jeol-cheon-myeol-ji, they led their men here and…”
There was no need to hear the rest.
Having heard the rumor that Geuk Hye-ryeong supported Nang-ya-gak instead of Sa-ryeong-mun, the enraged Yeom-hon-dae was staging a show of force.
“Pay them no mind. Activate the Mu-ryang-cheon-su-gwan immediately.”
As Du Yak-rang scoffed, Mi-ryeong bowed her head again.
“Well… the Mu-ryang-cheon-su-gwan was destroyed recently.”
Du Yak-rang's expression changed in an instant.
There was only one reason why no one could enter Muhasuyujeong without permission.
It was because of the ancient defense mechanism called the Mu-ryang-cheon-su-gwan.
But now that Bu Eun-seol had destroyed it, there was no longer a device to fend off external invasions.
*'There's a spy.'*
A vein throbbed on Du Yak-rang's brow.
The destruction of the Mu-ryang-cheon-su-gwan was a top-secret matter, so much so that even she herself had momentarily forgotten about it.
So how did Sa-ryeong-mun find out about it so quickly and arrive with the Yeom-hon-dae?
There was clearly a spy within Muhasuyujeong colluding with Sa-ryeong-mun.
*'That's not what's important right now.'*
As Du Yak-rang's mind raced, Geuk Hye-ryeong asked in a calm, low voice.
“What are their demands?”
Mi-ryeong answered respectfully.
“They say they don't care if we don't support Sa-ryeong-mun, but we must maintain our neutrality as before. If we refuse, they will have the Yeom-hon-dae enter the manor immediately.”
If three hundred elite soldiers from Sa-ryeong-mun were to charge in at once, the damage would be uncontrollable.
“They dare to threaten our manor?”
Geuk Hye-ryeong was so dumbfounded that she actually burst out laughing.
Muhasuyujeong was one of the ten pillars supporting the Demonic Path.
In other words, threatening one of the Ten Demonic Sects was tantamount to making an enemy of the entire Demonic Path.
“Tell them to do as they please.”
“Sect Leader. This is not a matter to be taken lightly.”
Du Yak-rang spoke cautiously in response to Geuk Hye-ryeong's cold command.
“The moment our manor supported the successor of Nang-ya-gak, we entered the scope of the succession battle for the Ma-jeon.”
For a moment, Geuk Hye-ryeong's brow furrowed with a grave expression.
Du Yak-rang was right.
This situation had arisen not from a power struggle between sects, but solely from the conflict surrounding the selection of the Ma-jeon's successor.
This meant that no other power belonging to the Ma-jeon could interfere or offer help.
“Don't worry about it.”
Just then, Bu Eun-seol, who had been listening silently, stepped forward with an unconcerned look.
“This is my problem, so I will handle it myself.”
“What? What do you mean?”
As Geuk Hye-ryeong's eyes widened, Bu Eun-seol respectfully clasped his hands.
“Well then.”
And before anyone could say a word, he strode toward the exit.
“Brother Bu.”
Hyeok So-jin, who had hurriedly followed, said in an urgent voice.
“Are you crazy? The Yeom-hon-dae may have started as a 'Brigade' and is still called that, but in reality, it's one of Sa-ryeong-mun's Six Great Battle Groups.”
“So?”
“What do you mean, 'so'? Leaving aside the three hundred elites who have mastered the Sa-ryeong Spear, the leader of the Yeom-hon-dae, Yo Bul-beom…”
“Didn't you say you wanted to walk the path of the Murim?”
Bu Eun-seol paused his steps for a moment.
And with his back ramrod straight, he stared into the darkness of the long passage where the Mu-ryang-cheon-su-gwan had once been installed.
His figure seemed to exude the dignity of an absolute grandmaster who could overwhelm all.
“This is the path of the Murim.”
In that instant, Hyeok So-jin's eyes widened.
—This is the path of the Murim.
This was Bu Eun-seol's path of the Murim.
To risk one's life in battles where blood and flesh fly, in situations where one never knows when or where an enemy might appear…
The true path of the Murim began now.
“Are you confident you can win?”
In response to Hyeok So-jin's question, Bu Eun-seol gave a thread-thin smile.
—Winning or losing is not important.
His smile seemed to say just that.
Bu Eun-seol once again cut through the darkness and exited the Muhasuyujeong passage.
“He's insane. He was insane from the very beginning…”
Watching his back, Hyeok So-jin could finally understand.
How Bu Eun-seol had managed to reach such a level of martial arts at such a young age.
And why he could be so detached.
“And I'm insane too!”
Mumbling as if spitting out the words, Hyeok So-jin began to run toward the exit where Bu Eun-seol was headed.