Chapter 352
Chapter 352
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 352
Chapter Title: A Shared Illusion
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Abbess Neung-in nodded.
“That is correct. The ultimate principles of our pavilion's supreme sword art, the Graceful Dream Sword, were always passed down orally, and its variations were taught through direct demonstration.”
A dark resentment seeped from her wrinkled eyes.
“But because of the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword, the lineage of our pavilion's greatest sword art was severed, and its profound subtleties were lost. In fact, the Graceful Dream Sword can no longer even display half of its original power.”
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
Throughout his secret travels in the martial world, he had only ever heard praiseworthy tales of the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword.
And now he was hearing that the man had committed a brutal massacre in a sect that had protected the Orthodox Faction for generations?
“But I don't understand.”
Bu Eun-seol pointed out a flaw in Abbess Neung-in's story.
“If the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword truly committed such an atrocity, why has there been no rumor of it in the martial world?”
“There are... complex circumstances within our pavilion that I cannot explain to an outsider.”
Abbess Neung-in shook her head.
“I only wish to say that because of that vicious man, the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword, Matron Ok was ultimately unable to become the pavilion's successor... and developed an illness of the heart.”
Bu Eun-seol sighed.
It wasn't just anything; the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword had massacred the elders of the Sword Pavilion... A grudge like that wouldn't fade even after centuries.
‘But something is strange.’
From what he knew of the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword's deeds, the man not only avoided bloodshed but had also shown considerable goodwill toward members of the Orthodox Faction.
He was not the kind of person to ruin the life of the Sword Pavilion's successor or senselessly slaughter its elders.
“Well, what good will it do to rehash old stories? It's all in the past.”
As Abbess Neung-in waved her hand dismissively, Bu Eun-seol forced himself to swallow his curiosity.
“I understand.”
He then looked around and said.
“Then please, tell me how the Sword Pavilion circulates its true qi. I will try to infuse my qi and revive her energy.”
“I'm not sure if that's possible.”
Abbess Neung-in shook her head, her expression grave.
“Our pavilion's internal art is so esoteric that I doubt you would understand it even if I explained it.”
“If a Wudang elder could do it, then so can I.”
“The divine arts of Taoism and the profound arts of Buddhism share a common thread, so it was possible for him. But you are a martial artist of the pugilistic world, are you not?”
Abbess Neung-in said with a sigh.
“Besides, if Master Chunghyeon consumed that much true qi, it's highly likely he couldn't perfectly grasp the flow of A-yeon's qi.”
“I will simply do my best.”
At that, Abbess Neung-in nodded as if she had made a decision.
“First, let us go somewhere quiet.”
Following Abbess Neung-in's lead, Bu Eun-seol entered a small pavilion in the most secluded part of the Sword Pavilion's grounds.
A plaque reading 'Hall of Heart's Beauty' hung above the entrance, suggesting it was a place where the secrets of internal energy were passed down to the disciples.
The interior was empty, with only the quiet moonlight streaming in through the window.
Abbess Neung-in spoke in a low voice.
“It would be impossible to explain the flow of A-yeon's true qi in such a short time. Instead, I will teach you the ultimate principles of our pavilion's foundational internal art, the Secret Origin Internal Art.”
“You intend to teach me your internal art?”
Bu Eun-seol looked puzzled.
An internal art is the very core of a martial sect.
That is why not even a single word of its principles is ever taught to an outsider.
“Is our successor's life not at stake?”
Abbess Neung-in said calmly.
“Besides, teaching you the ultimate principles doesn't mean you can perfectly learn the entire internal art.”
In that moment, another flash of insight went through Bu Eun-seol's mind.
But he quickly adopted a calm expression and nodded.
“Very well.”
“We have no time to waste, so I will begin with the principles immediately.”
Abbess Neung-in began to explain the ultimate principles of the Secret Origin Internal Art and its method of qi circulation to Bu Eun-seol.
The Sword Pavilion's internal art was quite different from the typical arts of the Orthodox Faction, and its methods were extremely complex.
‘So all Buddhist profound arts share a common thread.’
The ultimate principles Abbess Neung-in explained were remarkably similar to the life-nurturing secrets of the Sinew Metamorphosis Scripture his grandfather had taught him.
This was because the Sword Pavilion's internal art, much like Shaolin's, originated from the desire to cultivate a healthy body to more deeply study the teachings of Buddhism.
The only difference was the nature of the true qi.
While the life-nurturing secrets of the Sinew Metamorphosis Scripture generated a warm energy to create a healthy body...
The Sword Pavilion's internal art produced a cool energy that could instantly calm a troubled spirit.
‘This is one way to create powerful true qi.’
While Bu Eun-seol was lost in deep thought, Abbess Neung-in spoke.
“Although the Secret Origin Internal Art is a foundational art, its principles are connected to our pavilion's supreme internal art, the Severing Shadow Internal Art. The full name of the Severing Shadow Internal Art is, in fact, the Severing Shadow Secret Origin Internal Art.”
“I see.”
“Now, I will recite them once more. Try to memorize them.”
Bu Eun-seol memorized the principles as Abbess Neung-in recited them again.
As he did, he tried circulating his true qi based on the life-nurturing secrets of the Sinew Metamorphosis Scripture.
*Woooong.*
His spirit became infinitely calm, and all the sounds of the world were blocked out.
At the same time, a blue light gathered between Bu Eun-seol's eyebrows.
“You...”
Seeing the faint light gather between the eyebrows of Bu Eun-seol as he recited the principles, Abbess Neung-in asked in astonishment.
“What did you just do?”
“I was just testing the internal art you taught me, circulating my energy in a similar fashion.”
At Bu Eun-seol's answer, Abbess Neung-in's eyes widened.
The ultimate principles of an internal art only explain the fundamentals of generating true qi.
To actually circulate one's internal energy, one must learn the complex divine art's principles precisely under a master's guidance.
To circulate qi recklessly would be like dousing oneself in oil and jumping into a fire.
If you were lucky, you'd be crippled. If not, you'd bleed from all seven orifices and die.
But had he truly figured out the circulation technique of the Sword Pavilion's highest internal art, the Severing Shadow Secret Origin Internal Art, just from hearing its ultimate principles?
‘That's impossible.’
But that faint light gathering between Bu Eun-seol's eyebrows...
Was that not the Primal Spirit Radiance, which appears only when one has mastered a secret Buddhist art to its peak?
‘Never mind figuring out the internal art from its principles, this vibration...’
The vibration and light emanating from Bu Eun-seol's body.
Wasn't that the ripple of true qi seen only in great grandmasters of martial arts who possess more than four cycles of internal energy?
‘Could it be? This man is...’
A flash of insight went through her mind.
In that instant, a strange light flickered in her eyes.
Only then did she understand how this young wanderer could face Ok Yu-ha without being intimidated and deliver such a chilling rebuke.
And how he could possess such unimaginably immense power.
‘So that's it.’
For a moment, a sinister and malicious glint appeared in Abbess Neung-in's eyes.
It was not an expression befitting an elder of the Sword Pavilion who had always appeared so benevolent.
“Don't misunderstand.”
Bu Eun-seol, having seen through her intentions from the look in her eyes, said calmly.
“I happened to have learned a similar internal art in the past.”
“I see.”
Abbess Neung-in quickly schooled her expression and hastily changed the subject.
“A-yeon. Do you happen to know why she went back out into the martial world?”
“I do not.”
“She once went to the Demonic Palace to gather information about the Five Poisons Sect. After she returned, she would sometimes wear a worried expression.”
Abbess Neung-in sighed and continued.
“From that day on, she devoted herself to honing her sword skills with grim determination. She eventually mastered our pavilion's supreme sword art, the Graceful Dream Sword, but her expression remained dark.”
‘It seems sparring with my subordinates in the palace actually chipped away at her confidence.’
A-yeon had sparred with the Grand Lords, and against Yu Un-ryong in particular, she had managed only a narrow victory by half a move.
Because of this, Bu Eun-seol thought she had become disheartened.
“And when the Black and White Witch appeared, she strode confidently into the martial world, but it ultimately led to a terrible outcome. It is my fault as well, for I knew of her complex feelings but did not stop her.”
“How could that be your fault, venerable Abbess?”
Uncharacteristically, Bu Eun-seol offered a word of comfort.
It was because he felt a sense of guilt, knowing that A-yeon's inner demon was related to him.
“By the way.”
Abbess Neung-in said, seemingly out of nowhere.
“I hear there is a young master in the Demonic Palace called the greatest talent of the Demonic Path's younger generation. Do you know of him?”
“I've heard some stories.”
“They say not only is his martial skill unparalleled, but his looks are also peerless.”
“Well, aren't rumors in the martial world always exaggerated?”
“Hahaha. Is that so?”
Abbess Neung-in said with a laugh.
“I've spoken of useless things. Can you grasp the flow of our pavilion's true qi?”
“I believe I can, to some extent.”
“A-yeon is our pavilion's successor. Nothing must happen to her.”
Abbess Neung-in stared intently at Bu Eun-seol and said in a benevolent voice.
“I'm counting on you to take good care of her.”
Bu Eun-seol and Abbess Neung-in left the Hall of Heart's Beauty and arrived before a large pavilion, quite a distance from the center of the Sword Pavilion's grounds.
Below a plaque that read 'Hall of Medicine,' the strong scent of herbs wafted out, and disciples who appeared to be physicians were busy brewing medicines.
“Let us go inside.”
As they entered the Hall of Medicine under Abbess Neung-in's guidance, they saw a dozen disciples guarding the interior with stern expressions.
With the life of the Sword Pavilion's successor in critical condition, they were standing guard with utmost solemnity.
Their eyes were all filled with worry. They seemed to be concerned for A-yeon's well-being.
Just by seeing this, Bu Eun-seol could roughly guess how A-yeon usually treated the disciples of the Sword Pavilion.
*Step, step.*
Following a long corridor deeper inside, they came to a small room.
The interior was simple but elegant.
On a wooden bed lay a quilt, and a beautiful woman in white was sitting cross-legged, circulating her energy.
It was A-yeon.
In the process of expelling the Frigid Ice True Qi, her True Yang, which was directly linked to her life force, had been severely damaged, and she was now dying.
Moreover, unable to escape her inner demon, her complexion was pale and her illness was plain to see.
She had recovered this much only because the masters of the Sword Pavilion had infused her with their powerful true qi and Master Chunghyeon had rekindled the embers of her True Yang.
‘She's become even more gaunt.’
Bu Eun-seol clicked his tongue inwardly.
A-yeon was thinner and more withered than when she was in the coffin. Despite this, her face was as beautiful as if it were veiled in a layer of moonlight.
*Click.*
Just then, the door opened, and a middle-aged beauty with a cold expression entered.
It was Ok Yu-ha.
“Matron.”
Abbess Neung-in looked anxious.
She had just managed to persuade Bu Eun-seol; if Ok Yu-ha had another outburst, everything would be ruined.
“Don't worry. I only came to ask him to take good care of her.”
She then turned to Bu Eun-seol and said.
“I have lost my composure several times. Please pay it no mind and focus on treating A-yeon properly.”
Her gaze was cold, but it no longer held the arrogant light of before.
Her tone and voice had also changed from that of a young, immature maiden to a solemn and dignified middle-aged woman.
It seemed her previous mistake had, paradoxically, restored her clear-mindedness.
“I will.”
“Then, I'm counting on you.”
As if trying not to get on Bu Eun-seol's nerves, Ok Yu-ha left quietly.
Abbess Neung-in then said with a relieved expression.
“Excellent disciples are standing guard here. So you can rest assured and focus on the treatment.”
And she too slowly left the room.
Once both of them had left, the room was filled with silence.
Bu Eun-seol carefully sat down behind A-yeon, who was circulating her energy.
However, she seemed completely oblivious to his presence, her eyes tightly shut as she focused on her energy circulation.
‘The Soul-Calling Whisper of the Void hasn't been broken.’
Her eyes darted about frequently, and her brow was furrowed.
It seemed that because she was trapped by her inner demon, the Soul-Calling Whisper of the Void remained unbroken, causing her to see endless illusions.
Bu Eun-seol carefully sat behind her and crossed his legs.
He had never been alone in a room with a woman before, and the sweet scent emanating from her unsettled his heart.
Bu Eun-seol carefully drew upon his internal energy and placed his right hand on her Dazhui acupoint.
The soft touch against his palm made Bu Eun-seol's mind even more flustered.
‘If I can't maintain a clear mind, we will both fall prey to our inner demons.’
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eun-seol activated the Art of the Glacial Flow.
Instantly, his body grew cool, his distracting thoughts vanished, and his mind became as clear as a transparent lake.
The extreme yin energy contained within the Art of the Glacial Flow had produced an effect similar to a mind-cooling art.
*Ziiiing.*
As he infused his Inverted Extremes True Qi once more, the true qi within her body began to resist.
But Bu Eun-seol, knowing the circulation method of the Severing Shadow Internal Art, did not try to forcefully suppress it.
He gently controlled his power, not forcing the infusion but rather feeding it in rhythm with her own qi circulation.
‘This is going to take a while.’
Bu Eun-seol now understood why the powerful Master Chunghyeon had collapsed from exhaustion.
If he had to regulate his qi in this manner, it would take at least three full days and nights of continuous infusion to barely restore her body.
‘I have no choice but to try.’
The foundation of Bu Eun-seol's internal energy was the Inverted Extremes Internal Art, which was based on Shaolin's internal arts.
Therefore, not only was his power profound, but its foundation was also extremely solid.
Unlike an ordinary martial artist, he would not fall into a state of depletion even after infusing qi for three straight days.
*Woooong!*
As the moon set and dawn approached, a hot energy began to rise from deep within A-yeon's dantian.
It was hot like pure fire, burning away all the impurities in her body.
‘Is it done?’
The True Yang energy within A-yeon's body was akin to her life force.
As that True Yang energy began to burn again, color instantly returned to her face, and her unstable qi circulation smoothed out.
*Fwoosh.*
Just as Bu Eun-seol felt relieved, the True Yang energy within her body began to erupt once more.
*Sizzzle.*
A heat so intense it felt as if it would melt all her meridians surged forth, and Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
‘This won't do.’
The True Yang energy within her was like an uncontrollable wild horse.
He had spent an entire day coaxing and soothing it back to normal, only for it to reveal its unruly nature again in less than half a moment.
*Sizzzle.*
Before he knew it, white smoke began to rise from her body.
If left alone, A-yeon would be burned to a crisp and die.
‘I can't use the Art of the Glacial Flow again.’
If he used the ice art again, he could extinguish the heat, but her True Yang energy would be snuffed out forever. If that happened, she would reach a point of no return and breathe her last.
‘This is the only way.’
After a moment's hesitation, Bu Eun-seol bit his lip.
And instead of the Inverted Extremes Internal Art, he activated the Sword Pavilion's Severing Shadow Internal Art.
*Wuuuuung!*
As Bu Eun-seol activated the Severing Shadow Internal Art, his body began to tremble faintly.
No matter how much it contained the energy of great nature, the Inverted Extremes Internal Art was still a demonic art.
In other words, its principles were inherently destructive.
Its nature was completely different from the Sinew Metamorphosis Scripture or the Severing Shadow Internal Art, which awakened the essence of the five viscera and enriched the blood and qi.
But now, by circulating an Orthodox art based on a demonic one, Bu Eun-seol felt a pain as if his entire body were being torn in two.
‘Was this too much?’
*Gulp.*
Blood trickled from the corner of Bu Eun-seol's mouth.
If he continued to infuse his qi like this, he too would suffer a fatal internal injury.
—Seol-ah. You've had a hard time.
As an immense backlash surged through his meridians, Bu Eun-seol felt a momentary dizziness.
At the same time, his grandfather's benevolent voice echoed in his ears.
—I told you not to overdo it.
‘Have I fallen prey to an inner demon as well?’
Realizing he had succumbed to an inner demon, Bu Eun-seol bit his lip.
The lingering effects of the unbroken Soul-Calling Whisper of the Void had finally affected his own spirit.
—Seol-ah.
In that instant, the whole world turned white, and suddenly, the surrounding scenery changed to the inside of the Pyeong-an mortuary from over a decade ago.
And Bu Eun-seol was a child again, being carried on his grandfather's back.
‘A realistic illusion.’
But it was strange.
Although Bu Eun-seol was trapped in an illusion, having returned to his childhood form...
...wasn't he still maintaining his current, calm state of mind?
‘The illusion she sees and the one I see must be completely different. So this is the power of the Soul-Calling Whisper of the Void.’
The Mind-Shattering Secret Art of the Illusion King.
It was a method that manifested one's deepest desires as if they were real, while simultaneously stealing the target's soul.
The scene before his eyes, his grandfather's warm back—they were indistinguishable from reality.
If Bu Eun-seol had one wish, it was to be reunited with his grandfather, be it in the afterlife or the next world.
But now, having returned to the past and feeling his grandfather's voice, his warm embrace, and his benevolent gaze, his spirit was profoundly shaken.
‘What does it matter if it's an illusion?’
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
And without realizing it, he was sinking deeper into his inner demon.