Chapter 243
Chapter 243
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 243
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Duel
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Deep in the night.
Seated at his desk, Bu Eun-seol’s brush moved without pause.
He was organizing the manuals of various orthodox martial arts he had seen in the Muhwang's Secret Archive.
Four hundred years ago, the Martial Emperor, Seop Mu-heun, had reigned over the martial world.
He was known to have perfectly mastered orthodox martial arts that were not difficult to learn, thereby wielding immense power.
But having mastered all the martial essences in the Muhwang's Secret Archive, Bu Eun-seol realized this was a misconception.
The Martial Emperor's true art was the Thirteenth Night Arts, which forged a new martial art by unleashing different orthodox techniques as a single entity.
Furthermore, like the Ma-cheon-je, he had pursued the tempering of the spirit.
Otherwise, he could not have used a heart technique manual like the *Muhwang-jeong-gak*.
*Swish, swish.*
Bu Eun-seol was representing the principles stored in his mind not with words, but with lines and diagrams.
This was the Ma-jeon, after all.
They would never tolerate him studying and mastering the manuals of the Martial Emperor, who, though a figure from four hundred years ago, had been called the greatest orthodox master.
“Commander, are you unwell?”
As Bu Eun-seol hadn’t emerged from his office for two whole days, his unit members would occasionally come by to check on him.
But when Bu Eun-seol still didn't respond, Myo Cheon-u, unable to stand it any longer, finally entered.
“Bu Eun-seol. I’m coming in.”
Even as Myo Cheon-u entered, Bu Eun-seol paid him no mind, waving his hand in the air or drawing strange diagrams.
“So you were training.”
Realizing that Bu Eun-seol was in a state of deep immersion while studying a profound principle, Myo Cheon-u instructed the Sa-yeong unit members.
“The commander is in the middle of important training. Do not disturb him.”
From that day on, the area around Bu Eun-seol’s office became deathly quiet.
To avoid interrupting his training, the members didn’t even go near the building where he was staying.
Three days passed in a flash.
Bu Eun-seol had been endlessly drawing diagrams and lines in some forty books.
Something was constantly surfacing in his mind, but it refused to take a concrete form.
“Is it only about two variations for now?”
Shaking his head, Bu Eun-seol rose from his seat, performing the *Cheon-ji-byeol-ri* from the *Nanhwa Bulhyeolsu* with his left hand.
As he put strength into his legs, he unconsciously executed the *Pa-gyo-jeol-ryu* from the thirty-six stances of the *Muyeong Gakbeop* at the same time.
Then, something astonishing happened.
*Swoosh.*
The chair he had been sitting on was suddenly split in two, as if sliced by a sword.
Had any other martial artist witnessed this, they would have jumped back in shock.
He had merely performed a hand and foot technique simultaneously, yet it had unleashed a sharp burst of true energy?
“It’s too weak.”
But Bu Eun-seol, with a dissatisfied expression, carefully examined the diagrams and lines he had drawn so far.
Most of the martial arts in the Muhwang's Secret Archive were fist, palm, and finger arts, as well as footwork.
“Fist, palm, finger arts, and footwork…”
As if realizing something, Bu Eun-seol executed the *Ho-jo-dae-ryeok-gwon* with his left hand while simultaneously performing the *Man-jeong-sin-bo*.
Then, something strange occurred.
In that moment, another hand technique naturally came to his mind.
It was the principle of the *Dae-am-jin-cheon-su* he had seen in the Muhwang's Secret Archive.
*Papat!*
As he executed the three techniques in rapid succession, Bu Eun-seol naturally moved to his left, a sharp energy pouring out from his right hand on its own.
*Thwack.*
At the same time, the vase in the center of the side table split into two pieces.
By using three different martial arts simultaneously, a new art with a perfect balance of offense and defense had been created.
“So this is what he meant by… mastering them perfectly.”
Bu Eun-seol finally understood the exquisite principles of the Thirteenth Night Arts left by the Martial Emperor.
The Thirteenth Night Arts wasn’t simply about harmonizing specific techniques.
It was about combining them into a martial art that harmonized offense and defense.
“But executing footwork, kicking techniques, and different fist, palm, and finger arts in succession is nearly impossible.”
Just now, Bu Eun-seol had only combined the three easiest and most readily executable techniques from the Muhwang's Secret Archive.
To fully unleash the mysteries of the Thirteenth Night Arts, two conditions were necessary.
First, one must have a deep understanding of orthodox martial arts—enough to apply the principles and secrets contained within them.
Second, one’s legs, body, and even both hands must move independently, executing different martial arts in their own ways.
This was incomparably more difficult than the art of using both hands to perform different techniques, which required splitting one's focus.
The Martial Emperor.
He was, as his title suggested, a master who could preside over martial arts, a great grandmaster.
“This cannot be mastered in a short time.”
For the first time, Bu Eun-seol felt he had hit a wall.
He had always been able to instantly mimic any martial art and easily grasp its essence…
But the Martial Emperor's arts—no, the orthodox arts—could not be mastered in an instant. They required long periods of training.
‘Is this the difference between demonic and orthodox martial arts?’
Demonic arts were practical, quick to learn and execute.
Orthodox arts, however, would not reveal their true power unless one properly mastered all the essences they contained.
‘Hmm.’
Letting out a short groan, Bu Eun-seol this time executed a footwork technique, brushing past a pillar in his office.
On the surface, it looked as if he had simply performed the ordinary *Sam-jae-bo-beop*.
But in reality, he had executed three techniques in succession: *Gu-ju-il-seom*, *Su-ryong-jang-beop*, and *Sam-jae-bo-beop*.
*Sssk.*
A sharp gash was left on the thick wooden pillar.
The three footwork techniques had combined to become a unique leg art, leaving a sharp mark.
“So this is why rumors spread that the Martial Emperor had perfectly mastered ordinary martial arts.”
The Martial Emperor’s techniques could not be stolen by sight, and at a glance, they appeared utterly ordinary.
To martial artists who couldn't grasp the profound principles within his arts, it looked as if he was just performing a common technique.
“It was because his arts, unlike those of the main hall, left no trace.”
Since the Thirteenth Night Arts forged different orthodox techniques into a single entity, they didn't exhibit the distinct characteristics of any one orthodox martial art.
“The path of martial arts is endless.”
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
He had been fortunate enough to acquire exceptional martial arts, but it would take a long time to elevate them to a state of perfection.
“I’ll have to incorporate them in real combat.”
A typical martial artist would have trained until they were familiar with the techniques they had learned.
But Bu Eun-seol had a goal.
Rather than simply spending time training, he intended to perfect his martial arts through actual combat.
That path was a thorny one, fraught with trials, and one misstep could lead to a deadly quagmire.
But he was advancing down that path without fear.
* * *
After four days of seclusion, Bu Eun-seol finally emerged.
He could see the Sa-yeong unit members gathered on the training ground, practicing their martial arts.
A new-generation master, Bu Eun-seol, who at a young age possessed enough martial prowess to face the Geol-wang alone.
The sight of him training without rest had become a powerful stimulus for his members.
The members of the first squad, led by Won Se-mun, now exuded a sharp aura, like seasoned swordsmen at the peak of their skill.
The third squad seemed to have fully mastered the *Heukdok Magong*, their skin gleaming with a strange luster.
Their proficiency had far surpassed the fifth stage; ordinary sword strikes would likely not even scratch their skin.
The greatest improvement was seen in the members of the second squad.
Having specialized only in agility skills, they had primarily focused on agility and assassination techniques, but things were different now.
Having been taught various martial arts by Bu Eun-seol, they had become all-round warriors who wouldn't be pushed back in skirmishes or direct confrontations.
“Commander, you’re out?”
As Won Se-mun and Jo Nam-cheon got to their feet, the other resting members also rose one by one.
“Don’t mind me. Carry on with what you were doing.”
Waving a hand, Bu Eun-seol passed the training ground and headed for the bamboo forest behind the living quarters.
There, the second squad, led by Wi Cheon-gyeong, and the fourth and fifth squads, led by Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong, were training.
‘Hmm.’
Watching them, Bu Eun-seol’s eyes narrowed.
‘This side isn’t ready yet.’
Bu Eun-seol’s gaze was fixed on the fourth and fifth squads led by Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong.
‘It’s going to take quite some time.’
The two were skilled martial artists, but unfortunately, they had no experience teaching others.
Moreover, being martial geniuses who far surpassed the standards of ordinary people, they were completely unable to meet their members at their level.
As a result, they were struggling considerably even with teaching basic martial arts.
“Commander.”
Just then, Wi Cheon-gyeong, having finished instructing his members, came over to the bamboo forest where Bu Eun-seol was and clasped his hands.
“Have you finished your seclusion?”
“I was just contemplating some insights for a while.”
“I see. But…”
Wi Cheon-gyeong spoke in a low voice.
“Don’t you think you should help them out a bit, Commander?”
He glanced toward where the fourth and fifth squads were gathered and spoke in a low voice.
“It seems the new members are growing dissatisfied with the training.”
“That process is also part of the training,”
Bu Eun-seol said firmly.
“It’s difficult now because they don’t know each other’s dispositions and personalities. But once this whole process is over, the members will be solidly united.”
“…I see.”
Wi Cheon-gyeong nodded his head in admiration.
Easily overcoming challenges could actually hinder unity.
“That’s all for today.”
“Dismissed!”
Having seemingly met their teaching quota for the day, Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong dismissed their members simultaneously.
Watching them, Bu Eun-seol slowly turned to leave.
But just then,
*Thump, thump, thump.*
With the sound of running footsteps, a man with a burly physique rushed toward Bu Eun-seol in a single bound. It was Han So-ung.
“Commander. A warrior from the Dok-myeong-gak is looking for you!”
“It seems the Chong-gyo-ryeong is summoning me.”
“It’s not that…”
Han So-ung hesitated before speaking.
“He has requested your presence at the small training ground in front of the Jin-cheon-gwan.”
“The small training ground?”
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes narrowed.
The Jin-cheon-gwan was a place used for various ceremonies and events held within the Ma-jeon.
And its small training ground was primarily used for lower-ranking warriors to officially receive their positions, rather than for practicing martial arts.
Why would he be summoned there?
“I understand. I’ll go.”
As he descended from the bamboo forest, a warrior in a black uniform was standing respectfully in front of the training ground.
It was Wi Chung, a warrior from the Dok-myeong-gak.
“Commander.”
“What is it?”
When Bu Eun-seol asked, Wi Chung replied politely.
“The Chong-gyo-ryeong has summoned you.”
“Very well. Let’s go.”
As Bu Eun-seol readily started walking, Wi Chung bowed his head.
“The Chong-gyo-ryeong has ordered that you must bring your weapon.”
“My weapon?”
Though he couldn’t understand the Chong-gyo-ryeong’s intention, Bu Eun-seol soon nodded.
“I understand.”
Guided by Wi Chung, Bu Eun-seol stood before the small training ground of the Jin-cheon-gwan, located near the western gate.
Though called a small training ground, it was the size of a large training ground in most sects.
The floor was paved not with the usual bluestone slabs, but with pale, yellowish-brown stones, and a small armory was set up on one side.
*Swoosh.*
As Bu Eun-seol stepped onto the small training ground, an old man with neatly combed silver hair stood tall in the center, his hands clasped behind his back.
The Chong-gyo-ryeong. The Am-wang, Yeop Hyo-cheon.
“Bu Eun-seol, Commander of the Sa-yeong, greets the Chong-gyo-ryeong.”
As Bu Eun-seol bowed respectfully, Yeop Hyo-cheon, who had his back to him, slowly turned around.
“You stir up a storm every time you go out into the martial world.”
When Bu Eun-seol had returned to the Ma-jeon after leaving the Muhwang's Secret Archive, Yeop Hyo-cheon had been in a very important meeting.
That was why he had only given a brief report of his return and then had a private meeting with the Head of the Se-jeong-gwan about moving his quarters.
“I heard you ran into that man, Bukgung Ryeong, on your way back.”
“Yes, I did.”
“How did you manage to escape from his grasp?”
Yeop Hyo-cheon said with a smile on his lips.
“I heard there were only traces of his internal energy blast, and then you vanished without a trace.”
The Ma-jeon’s search party, looking for Bu Eun-seol, had apparently not found the Muhwang's Secret Archive.
It seemed that just as when Bu Eun-seol left, the iron gate had disappeared into the ground when Bukgung Ryeong broke it down to enter.
‘Strange. He didn’t monitor my movements this time.’
Yeop Hyo-cheon, along with the Ma-cheon-je, had always watched his every move as if under a microscope.
But this time, it was as if he truly knew nothing, asking for a detailed account of what had happened.
Yeop Hyo-cheon looked at Bu Eun-seol, who seemed lost in deep thought, and smiled faintly.
“Is that something you need to think about before answering?”
“No, sir. I was just thinking about something else for a moment.”
Feeling a chill, Bu Eun-seol immediately answered.
“When he learned that I had fought the Geol-wang fair and square, he ceased his actions.”
“So that’s how it was.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon nodded as if he had expected it.
“Bukgung Ryeong. He’s impatient and not very prudent, but he’s one of the few decent figures in the orthodox faction.”
From his tone, it seemed Yeop Hyo-cheon knew Bukgung Ryeong quite well.
“I’m curious.”
“About what, sir?”
“You said he ‘ceased,’ which means you must have exchanged a move with Bukgung Ryeong.”
“I…”
Bu Eun-seol was about to speak honestly.
—I did not fight him. All I did was dodge a couple of internal energy blasts he threw with a simple technique.
But he had to swallow those words immediately, because Yeop Hyo-cheon extended his arm and said:
“Let me see for myself.”
“See what, sir?”
“Your skills.”
Bu Eun-seol’s heart pounded.
The Am-wang, Yeop Hyo-cheon.
His martial arts, holding the top seat among the Seven Kings of the Four Deities, were even said to be comparable to the Three Demons and Three Reverends.
Such a supreme master wanted to spar with him. How could he possibly miss this opportunity?
“Then, I will be so bold.”
As Bu Eun-seol respectfully clasped his hands, Yeop Hyo-cheon said solemnly.
“There’s no need for courtesies.”
A faint glint flashed in his eyes.
“Show me your true skills.”
“I understand.”
Bu Eun-seol slowly gripped the hilt of the Muk-geom on his back.