Chapter 289
Chapter 289
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 289
Chapter Title: A Series of Misunderstandings
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In front of Jincheon Hall, at the small training ground.
A-yeon, the true successor of the Sword Pavilion, was there, wielding a treasured sword with a blade so white it seemed to glow.
And Wi Cheon-gyeong circled her swiftly, searching for an opening.
A-yeon's sword forms grew faster and faster, and as if in response, Wi Cheon-gyeong's footwork quickened as well.
*‘I see.’*
Watching their duel from a distance, Bu Eun-seol gave a faint nod.
*‘So she intends to break through to the Transcendent Realm using the Art of Equal Enlightenment.’*
A-yeon's martial prowess had not yet reached the Supreme Celestial Realm.
Yet, she was displaying a level of skill as if she had already set foot in it.
It allowed her to analyze every variable—the enemy's height and physical traits, the direction of the sun and wind—to grasp their techniques.
This was because she was using the Art of Equal Enlightenment.
*‘Now I understand why she requested a duel with me.’*
Won Se-mun, who had mastered various sword arts with Bu Eun-seol's help, had become an outstanding swordsman.
And Jo Nam-cheon's Black Venom Demonic Art made his body so durable that not even a treasured sword could pierce his skin.
But A-yeon had subdued them both in an instant.
She had seen through Won Se-mun's swordsmanship; though powerful, it was full of gaps and openings between its forms, allowing her to shatter his offense.
As for the resilient Jo Nam-cheon, she had unleashed a series of unpredictable sword forms, preventing him from even getting close and thus securing her victory.
She had then explained the reasons in detail, along with the principles of martial arts, granting both men a profound insight.
*‘She wants me to teach her a thing or two as well.’*
Her generous attitude was clearly calculated.
*‘She’s even cast aside her pride as the successor of the Sword Pavilion.’*
A-yeon's behavior was the struggle of a martial artist willing to forsake all pride to reach a higher plane.
The soul of a warrior.
After meeting Bu Eun-seol, a fiery warrior's soul had ignited within her.
*‘Having learned the Art of Equal Enlightenment, she will surely gain much from a duel with me.’*
The Art of Equal Enlightenment, which analyzed an opponent from various angles to predict their techniques and movements.
With that technique, she would be able to gauge the level of Bu Eun-seol's martial prowess and even discern what kind of profound arts he used.
*Clang! Shiiing!*
In that time, the duel between A-yeon and Wi Cheon-gyeong reached its climax.
Wi Cheon-gyeong was not only a master of throwing daggers, footwork, and chaotic swordplay, but he was also insightful and cautious.
She had identified the weaknesses of Won Se-mun and Jo Nam-cheon in a mere ten seconds, but her duel with Wi Cheon-gyeong had already surpassed forty.
*‘There it is.’*
Having finally found Wi Cheon-gyeong's opening, A-yeon's eyes glinted.
*Whoosh!*
As she closed in, Wi Cheon-gyeong swiftly threw a dagger.
But A-yeon instantly deflected the tip of the dagger with perfect precision and thrust her sword toward Wi Cheon-gyeong's neck.
*Click.*
With the tip of the treasured sword aimed at his neck, Wi Cheon-gyeong raised both hands, admitting defeat.
“I’ve lost.”
As Wi Cheon-gyeong bowed his head, A-yeon cupped her hands.
“I have learned a great deal.”
“But I don’t understand.”
Wi Cheon-gyeong asked cautiously.
“How were you able to block the dagger and strike my neck in a single move? That should require at least two separate actions.”
“Sir Wi, you throw your daggers without an inch of error.”
A-yeon replied calmly to Wi Cheon-gyeong's question.
“So this time, I anticipated the dagger's trajectory and executed a swift sword form to occupy that space first. Because I knew your dagger would aim for my neck without the slightest deviation.”
It was now clear that A-yeon had known Wi Cheon-gyeong's dagger technique was unerringly accurate and had used that very fact against him.
“To think that my precision became my weakness.”
Seeing Wi Cheon-gyeong's crestfallen expression, A-yeon said.
“Techniques that are too precise and detailed can instead allow the enemy to predict your sword's path. From now on, you should practice mixing in feints and variations to confuse your opponent.”
Wi Cheon-gyeong, having gained a great realization, cupped his hands.
“Thank you. This has been very educational.”
“Not at all.”
With even Wi Cheon-gyeong defeated, Bu Eun-seol's gaze turned to Myo Cheon-u.
It was now his turn.
*Step, step.*
Myo Cheon-u, who had been standing at a distance, slowly ascended the training platform and cupped his hands.
“I admit defeat.”
“Without even fighting?”
As A-yeon blinked her large eyes, Myo Cheon-u smiled faintly and said.
“The palm techniques I’ve recently developed are composed of lethal moves, unsuitable for a spar.”
Having experienced numerous battles under Bu Eun-seol, Myo Cheon-u's martial arts had grown rapidly of late.
His palm techniques, in particular, had diverged from the Myeolin Palace's style and formed a unique school of their own.
Furthermore, to use one's bare hands as a weapon, one must draw upon intense internal energy.
To face an expert like A-yeon, it wouldn't be a spar but a true battle to the death.
Seeing how she had generously guided the squad leaders in their martial arts, Myo Cheon-u saw no need to stake his pride on a duel.
“Then how about we face each other using only techniques, without internal energy?”
A-yeon, discerning his reasoning, made the suggestion, to which Myo Cheon-u gave a wry smile.
“If I use palm arts without internal energy, wouldn't I be leaving out the best part? I fear I might suffer a regrettable loss to Lady A-yeon.”
Though he spoke thus, Myo Cheon-u's presence was in no way inferior to A-yeon's.
Myo Cheon-u was being considerate, allowing her to duel with Bu Eun-seol.
“I see.”
Realizing Myo Cheon-u's thoughtfulness, A-yeon cupped her hands.
“I understand. Thank you.”
“Well then, only one person remains.”
Myo Cheon-u turned his head to see Yu Un-ryong, dressed as a scholar, being practically dragged forward by the squad members.
“Fine. Let’s do it.”
Originally, Yu Un-ryong had intended to simply concede defeat like Myo Cheon-u.
But after watching A-yeon's duels, he had a change of heart.
Not only were her martial arts exceptionally skilled…
He realized she was the perfect opponent to test his newly created Ten-Section Staff techniques against.
“Yu Un-ryong, Leader of the Sanghak Squad. I would be honored to learn from Lady A-yeon.”
*Shwaaak.*
At the same time, a Ten-Section Staff spilled out from Yu Un-ryong's sleeve.
The Ten-Section Staff, which could become as rigid as a pole when infused with internal energy, and, with its ten joints, could be wielded like a whip.
He was finally about to reveal its true essence.
***
The next day, in Yu Un-ryong's office.
The squad leaders were gathered there once again.
This time, however, Yu Un-ryong was not working but was huddled together with them.
“As I thought, a partner with outstanding martial arts suits him best.”
Yu Un-ryong argued passionately this time.
A-yeon, the successor of the Sword Pavilion and the next Sword Queen.
Not only were her martial arts superb, but her talent was also on par with Bu Eun-seol's.
“She will surely surpass being the greatest female warrior and become an expert who reigns over the world.”
At Yu Un-ryong's powerful words, the squad leaders, including Myo Cheon-u, hummed in thought.
“That does make sense. It’s true they’re both a little crazy about martial arts.”
The other squad leaders nodded in agreement.
“And her looks are certainly on par with Lady Yeon’s.”
If Yeon So-ha was the brilliant sun that brightened the morning, A-yeon was like the moonlight in the night sky.
Although she was not one of the Three Beauties of the World, A-yeon's appearance was just as outstanding.
“It won’t work.”
Wi Cheon-gyeong said then.
“Have you forgotten that the Sword Pavilion is a Profound Gate sect? How can the successor of the Sword Pavilion possibly marry?”
“Ah, that’s right.”
As Won Se-mun slapped his forehead, Yu Un-ryong shook his head.
“Even if she is a nun of the Profound Gate, she can simply leave. Aren’t there cases of Sword Pavilion disciples returning to the secular world to marry?”
“But she is the successor, isn’t she? Besides, she didn’t come here as a prospective bride for the Ryeongju.”
To Wi Cheon-gyeong's words, Myo Cheon-u replied.
“Take a good look at your Ryeongju. His martial arts, character, status. Is he lacking in any area? Of course, he has the flaw of a cold personality, but…”
He said in a confident voice.
“If he pursues her with that face and physique, Lady A-yeon will eventually pretend to give in and accept his heart. Her personality is calm, too, so as Yu Un-ryong said, they would make a good match.”
In the first place, pursuing a woman was something completely out of character for Bu Eun-seol.
But the squad leaders, not considering that at all, nodded their heads.
*Clap, clap, clap.*
Applause erupted once again.
Bu Eun-seol's partner had finally been decided.
***
Bu Eun-seol sat in his office, massaging his temples.
“This is troublesome.”
The affair that Chong-gyo-ryeong Yeop Hyo-cheon had started was growing uncontrollably.
Piles of portraits and envelopes now lay on his desk.
These were not the ones left by Baek-yeon, the Pungun Squad Leader.
As the rumor that he was seeking a marriage partner spread widely throughout the martial world, various influential families and sects had sent their own portraits.
The only silver lining was that Bu Eun-seol's appearance was not widely known compared to his fame.
If his peerless beauty, as lovely as moonlight scattered on a river, were widely known to the world?
The Demonic Palace's operations would have been paralyzed for some time by visits from the families of the Demonic Path.
“First, let’s deal with the matters at hand one by one.”
Today was the day of his duel with A-yeon.
Originally, A-yeon had intended to duel with Bu Eun-seol immediately after defeating Yu Un-ryong.
However, because Yu Un-ryong had held on with unexpected tenacity, she too had expended a great deal of energy.
Since she also had to transcribe the Five Venoms Sect's materials stored in the Jam-ma-gak and deliver them to the Sword Pavilion anyway…
They had decided to duel after she took a day to rest.
Just then, a maidservant outside spoke with a trembling voice.
“Excuse me, Ryeongju-nim.”
“What is it?”
“The Master of the Demon Subjugation Bureau requests your presence.”
“The Master of the Demon Subjugation Bureau?”
Bu Eun-seol looked puzzled.
He had left for Hangzhou with Dan So-ok to recuperate. When did he return?
“I understand. Tell him I will be there shortly.”
Leaving his office, Bu Eun-seol immediately headed for the reception hall.
There sat a large, middle-aged man with a furious expression.
His skin was slightly dark, and his eyes held the dignity of a great mountain. It was Dan Wol-hon.
“Bureau Master.”
As Bu Eun-seol cupped his hands and bowed,
“Hmph!”
Dan Wol-hon snorted, shot to his feet, and approached Bu Eun-seol, speaking in a low voice.
“Are you staging a protest against me?”
“What do you mean?”
“Because I said I wouldn’t give my permission, you decided to have an affair?”
Dan Wol-hon took a deep breath and boomed like a temple bell.
“Did you think I would fall for such a petty trick?!”
“Bureau Master.”
“Not a chance. Not a chance in hell.”
Trembling, Dan Wol-hon brought his rock-like face right up to Bu Eun-seol's.
“I will never forgive you for making my So-ok cry.”
“Bureau Master, I believe there has been some misunderstanding. I…”
“Silence.”
Dan Wol-hon seemed to be contemplating something deeply, then arduously raised three fingers.
He made the gesture with his middle, ring, and index fingers.
“Three years.”
With a deeply aggrieved expression, Dan Wol-hon thrust his fingers close to Bu Eun-seol’s face and repeated.
“That is, three years.”
Then, with bloodshot eyes, he said.
“Three years… that should be enough time, right?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I mean, what’s the big rush! You can’t even wait a mere three years?”
Dan Wol-hon yelled and whipped his head away.
“Any less is impossible! I need time to prepare myself, too!”
After his rambling and bizarre threats, Dan Wol-hon,
“So be it!”
glared at Bu Eun-seol for a long moment, then stormed out with a look of intense anger and injustice.
“…”
Bu Eun-seol watched him go with a blank stare.
Only then did he realize that the rumor about him seeking a bride had reached Dan Wol-hon’s ears.
*‘Chong-gyo-ryeong!’*
If Bu Eun-seol were the Lord of the Demonic Palace right now, the first thing he would have done was fire Yeop Hyo-cheon.
*‘What on earth is your game?’*
Bu Eun-seol had many things to do.
The Jeok-cheon-mak-ji and the Muhasuyu Pavilion. And though he had gained the support of the Hell Blood Fortress from the previous incident,
he had yet to achieve harmony with the remaining Ten Demonic Sects.
So why, in a situation like this, would he recklessly spread rumors about finding a bride?
“Hmph.”
A murky feeling rising in his chest, Bu Eun-seol went outside and walked toward the Hwahong Pavilion.
He intended to clear his complicated thoughts for a moment by breathing in the fresh air.
How long had he walked? Just as he reached the Hwahong Pavilion and was staring blankly at the flowers scattering in the breeze,
“Ryeongju-nim.”
a maidservant scurried over to Bu Eun-seol and said.
“Jin Sang-hwa has visited the palace and requests your presence, Ryeongju-nim.”
“Her?”
Bu Eun-seol couldn't understand.
Jin Seol. Why was she looking for him now?
When he returned to the reception hall, a beautiful woman in an apricot-colored dress was sitting demurely in the chair where Dan Wol-hon had been. It was Jin Seol.
“Jin Sang-hwa.”
As Bu Eun-seol approached and cupped his hands, she also bowed lightly.
“Ryeongju.”
“What brings you here so suddenly?”
“I heard that the Chong-gyo-ryeong gave you my Four Pillars of Destiny.”
“Ah, that was the Chong-gyo-ryeong acting without even asking for my opinion…”
“It’s fine. I have no intention of getting engaged to anyone yet either.”
Jin Seol looked at Bu Eun-seol with a cold expression.
“But to bring women into the Jam-ma-gak before those rumors have even died down, isn't that a rather hasty decision?”
Looking at her expression, Bu Eun-seol instantly grasped the situation.
Jin Seol thought he was deliberately spreading scandals with various women to reject the Chong-gyo-ryeong's proposal.
From the perspective of Jin Seol, who was already entangled in rumors with him, this must have felt like a significant insult.
Furious, she had come to confront him about it immediately.
“There were circumstances. It was by no means an act intended to insult you, Jin Sang-hwa.”
“Circumstances?”
Bu Eun-seol hesitated for a moment.
He couldn't figure out where to even begin explaining.
“First, Lady A-yeon of the Sword Pavilion is here to recover her strength for a duel with me.”
“And what about the Young Mistress of the Shin-nyeo Palace?”
“She is…”
Just as Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath to explain,
“Pardon the intrusion.”
a beautiful woman dressed in clothes as white as a snowflake entered the reception hall.
It was Yeon So-ha.
“I apologize. I didn’t mean to interrupt… I just happened to be passing by and overheard my name.”
The reception hall of the Jam-ma-gak was not a place one could simply "happen to be passing by."
Yeon So-ha had clearly heard that Jin Seol had come to see Bu Eun-seol and had come here on purpose.
“So you are Jin Sang-hwa.”
A woman's intuition is a fearsome thing.
Yeon So-ha had recognized at a glance that the woman before her was the one with whom Bu Eun-seol had been discussing marriage.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Yeon So-ha, the Young Mistress of the Shin-nyeo Palace.”
Yeon So-ha, undoing the veil that covered her face, bowed politely.
“I heard that the Demonic Palace has a beautiful flower and a shining jewel.”
Yeon So-ha looked at Jin Seol with a gentle yet confident gaze.
“Seeing you in person, Jin Sang-hwa, I realize that those rumors were not exaggerated.”
In the martial world, Jin Seol, known as the Flower Amidst Demons, and Dan So-ok, known as the Silver-Scaled Jade Leaf, were collectively called the Flower and Jade Twin Phoenixes.
“To hear such words from the Young Mistress Yeon, who is counted among the Three Beauties of the World, is more than I can bear.”
Jin Seol spoke with humility, but her expression was cold.
The fact that Yeon So-ha had deliberately removed her veil to greet her.
She had seen through it as an attempt to intimidate her.