Chapter 360
Chapter 360
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 360
Chapter Title: An Audience with the Mystic Demon
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“Hmm.”
After having Bu Eun-seol stand and wait, Wiji Mu-a, who had been savoring the lingering taste of the tea for a long while, opened his eyes.
The moment their gazes met, hundreds of thoughts flooded Bu Eun-seol’s mind.
It wasn’t an intentional spiritual attack; it was because Wiji Mu-a’s eyes maintained a state of perfect emptiness.
The Mystic Demon.
The First Sword of the Demonic Path, said to wield the most profound power among the Three Demons.
Surprisingly, he had the appearance of such a young, middle-aged man.
“That fellow Hye-sang praised you so highly. Indeed…”
Wiji Mu-a’s eyes, shining with a mysterious light, scanned Bu Eun-seol from head to toe.
“Brother Ak must have been overjoyed. To think a talent capable of inheriting the power of Essence Condensation and Illusory Return has appeared.”
Hearing those words, Bu Eun-seol had a strange feeling.
He had the intuition that Ak Mu-ryeong, the Master of Nangya Pavilion, and Wiji Mu-a, the Leader of the Flower Rain Sword Sect, had clashed multiple times, and the victories had been split evenly between them.
“Your features are like that of a divine dragon; women must be lining up for you. Truly a dragon among men.”
At Wiji Mu-a’s second lavish compliment, Bu Eun-seol finally came to his senses and clasped his hands together.
“Bu Eun-seol, a disciple of Nangya Pavilion, greets the Sect Leader.”
Originally, Bu Eun-seol had intended to present himself under his title as the Lord of the Martial Soul Order.
He had no intention of bowing his head to anyone.
But seeing Wiji Mu-a’s unpretentious demeanor, a sense of reverence arose in his heart on its own.
“Right. Is life in the Demonic Sanctum to your liking?”
“With the help of those around me, I am managing well enough.”
“Hahaha. To say that life in the Demonic Sanctum suits your palate, you must not be a tea drinker.”
Wiji Mu-a treated Bu Eun-seol as familiarly as he would a dear friend he had made in the martial world.
“The only one there who enjoys tea is that crimson old man. The rest of them are just drinking some tasteless Dragon Well.”
Wiji Mu-a’s tone felt so casual that…
It took Bu Eun-seol a moment to realize that ‘that crimson old man’ referred to the Blood Demon, Jeok-bung.
“Wait there for a moment. I’ll treat you to a cup of tea that will truly open your eyes.”
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and began to brew the tea.
Bu Eun-seol had never before seen someone brew tea themselves.
“Do you know? The process of making tea is similar to training in martial arts.”
Wiji Mu-a said in a calm voice, his hands moving ceaselessly.
“From the moment you roast the tea leaves picked from the fields, a high degree of concentration is required. You have to cook the leaves properly while maintaining a temperature that doesn't burn them.”
Then, as if singing or humming a tune, he continued with the unprompted story.
“You must delicately control the strength of the fire, maintaining the perfect temperature for the leaves at every moment. Since the temperature is high, this work is also quite arduous.”
Click.
Wiji Mu-a turned back and spoke again.
“The roasted tea leaves must be spread out to even out the moisture and shape the tea. This process is usually repeated eight or nine times, after which the tea is roasted again to deepen its fragrance.”
Handing a small teacup to Bu Eun-seol, Wiji Mu-a smiled gently.
“Only after repeating such arduous work does a proper tea emerge.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
Although Wiji Mu-a was explaining the process of roasting tea leaves, he was actually expounding on the principles of martial arts.
It was a mindset very similar to Bu Eun-seol’s own, who trained even while eating and sleeping.
“Here, have a taste.”
Bu Eun-seol did not refuse. He raised the teacup and drank the tea.
“...!”
It was a peculiar taste.
Just as he sensed a fresh, grassy scent, a rich, smoky aroma touched the tip of his nose.
“How is the taste?”
Wiji Mu-a watched Bu Eun-seol drink the tea from beginning to end with fiery eyes.
It was a sight no different from the supreme masters of the martial world who loved to have others drink their tea and receive their critiques.
“I do not know much about the taste of tea,” Bu Eun-seol said honestly.
“I have never properly enjoyed it before.”
“That would make sense.”
Wiji Mu-a looked into Bu Eun-seol’s eyes with a tense expression.
“Still, a person has their own palate, don’t they? I would appreciate it if you would just give me your thoughts as they come to you.”
After looking down at his teacup for a moment in thought, Bu Eun-seol spoke in a low voice.
“It has a fresh yet rich aroma at the same time.”
Wiji Mu-a’s eyes flashed as he spoke softly.
“That is too abstract. If possible, please explain in a little more detail.”
In truth, while it was unique, the taste held no particular appeal for Bu Eun-seol.
But with the great Mystic Demon leaning in close and asking, he had no choice but to explain in detail.
“If I were to describe it in detail… it has the fragrance of a pure maiden and a hedonistic courtesan, living a life of drunken dreams, dancing together in one place.”
“A pure maiden and a hedonistic courtesan dancing together in one place.”
Wiji Mu-a suddenly burst into a hearty laugh.
“Hahahaha.”
After laughing for a good while, he looked at Bu Eun-seol and nodded.
“You not only don’t enjoy tea, but you actually dislike it. Am I not right?”
“To be frank, yes.”
“But it’s fresh. A very fresh expression.”
Wiji Mu-a said with a smile.
“In my seventy years of enjoying tea, I have never heard such a witty expression.”
Wiji Mu-a was a master of tea.
He must have known countless expressions related to its aroma.
That was likely why the expression from Bu Eun-seol, who knew nothing about tea, felt so new to him.
“Those are tea leaves that this old man cultivated and picked himself, from start to finish.”
The Leader of the Flower Rain Sword Sect strangely referred to himself not as the Sect Leader, but as ‘this old man’.
“Therefore, those tea leaves contain all of this old man’s martial arts and spirit.”
Wiji Mu-a said with a calm smile.
“Would you like to drink the tea once more?”
It was strange.
Upon hearing that the tea leaves contained martial arts and spirit, the fragrance that had been lingering in his mouth completely changed.
Slurp.
Bu Eun-seol drank the tea again.
This time, the liquid seemed to slash at his tongue as if to shred it, then suddenly, it gently enveloped the wounds.
With just a single phrase, he had taken control of Bu Eun-seol’s spirit and physical senses.
‘This is the Mystic Demon’s State of Infinity.’
After drinking the tea, Bu Eun-seol was able to realize one thing.
The man named Wiji Mu-a was purer than anyone, but by that same token, he was a terrifying individual.
And his martial prowess was in no way inferior to that of Ak Mu-ryeong, who could clash with the Heavenly Demon Emperor alone.
‘The Pavilion Master’s Illusory Return only strikes the spirit directly.’
But Wiji Mu-a, with a single phrase, had naturally seized control of not only Bu Eun-seol’s spirit but his body as well.
‘Does this mean he’s a step above the Pavilion Master, who can clash with the Heavenly Demon Emperor?’
It was strange.
The world ranked the Three Demons in the order of the Human Demon, the Mystic Demon, and the Blood Demon.
But now, in Bu Eun-seol’s eyes, the Mystic Demon’s prowess seemed by far the most powerful.
‘If the world’s assessment was wrong, others might not care, but the Pavilion Master would never have tolerated it.’
The competitive drive of the Master of Nangya Pavilion to achieve the pinnacle of martial arts was second to none.
What if he had thought his skills were inferior to the Mystic Demon’s?
He would have fought the Mystic Demon to the death, not the Heavenly Demon Emperor, to determine who was superior.
‘In that case…’
Bu Eun-seol had a terrifying thought for a moment.
What if he was not only capable of controlling the spirit and body of others, but also had perfect control over his own?
If that were true, the Wiji Mu-a before him was growing infinitely stronger with every breath he took.
Because he would be able to freely control his own spirit and body at every moment.
“You sent me this gift, I see.”
Clack.
Just then, Wiji Mu-a placed a dagger on the table.
The blade was like that of a dagger, but the hilt was long, like one used for a greatsword.
It was Yeoro, the cherished blade of the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword, Bu Jan-yang.
“Now, let me hear your story.”
A glint of lightning flashed in Wiji Mu-a’s eyes.
“Speak.”
Those two words held countless meanings.
And Bu Eun-seol could intuit two additional facts.
If he failed to tell a satisfactory story, Wiji Mu-a would reveal not his pure self, but the face of a great demon.
And the position of successor to the Demonic Sanctum would be no shield for him.
“Hall Master Bu is alive.”
In that instant, a coldness flowed from Wiji Mu-a’s eyes.
The air inside condensed, and the space seemed to instantly transform into the heart of a glacier.
“He is alive?”
“Yes.”
“Interesting.”
Wiji Mu-a was still smiling gently, but it was as if blue lightning was constantly striking within his pupils.
The pressure was so intense it felt like his breath would stop.
With a single sentence, Bu Eun-seol had torn away Wiji Mu-a’s gentle facade.
“If he were alive, it would be a great fortune for the Demonic Martial World, but…”
Wiji Mu-a smiled and shook his head.
“That’s impossible, isn’t it?”
“That’s strange. Is it wrong for the elder Seven-Branched Demonic Sword to be alive?”
Wiji Mu-a’s gaze turned peculiar.
“Setting aside the fact that he disappeared without a trace for thirty years, isn’t this dagger a fake?”
He then scanned Bu Eun-seol’s eyes with a sharp gaze.
“Surely you don’t think this old man wouldn’t recognize his weapon?”
“Of course, I have other proof.”
“Then show it to me.”
“I have a condition.”
“A condition?”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“Please release Hall Master Cheon Un-gwang from his confinement.”
“Cheon Un-gwang?”
“I heard he is undergoing a harsh punishment of wall-gazing just for teaching me the Peerless Lightning Arts.”
Bu Eun-seol said in a low voice.
“If you release Hall Master Cheon from his confinement and allow me to meet him, I will show you the proof that Hall Master Bu is alive.”
Wiji Mu-a’s gaze deepened.
Cheon Un-gwang was just an excuse. He finally realized why Bu Eun-seol had come to see him.
The rumor that Bu Eun-seol was searching for the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword had already spread widely within the Ten Demonic Sects.
And the Flower Rain Sword Sect had planned to use his seventieth birthday celebration as a pretext to figure out all of Bu Eun-seol’s intentions.
Wiji Mu-a had known this and left it be.
He himself was curious as to why Bu Eun-seol was chasing the trail of the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword and what plans he had.
He was even prepared to strike him down if necessary.
But Bu Eun-seol’s actions were completely unexpected. He had suddenly brought the sword of the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword, who had been missing for a long time.
With that, Wi Hyeok-gun’s plan, and the plan Wiji Mu-a himself had considered, all fell apart.
“So this was just a toy to summon this old man.”
Clang.
As Wiji Mu-a glanced at it, a clear sound rang from the blade of the fake Yeoro on the table.
“Whether this is fake or real, a matter like this can only be handled by this old man and no one else.”
“That is correct. This was merely an item to request your presence, Sect Leader.”
“You are reckless.”
There was a hint of praise in Wiji Mu-a’s words.
Bu Eun-seol replied honestly.
“Wouldn’t it be good to establish a favorable relationship with the Sect Leader through this opportunity?”
If Wiji Mu-a were to lift Cheon Un-gwang’s punishment at Bu Eun-seol’s request, what would happen?
It would become known to the world that the Flower Rain Sword Sect and Bu Eun-seol had a considerable friendly relationship.
The Flower Rain Sword Sect was the number one sect of the Demonic Path.
Bu Eun-seol’s plan was to use this opportunity to build a connection with Wiji Mu-a and gain the support of the Flower Rain Sword Sect.
“Let me be frank with you.”
Wiji Mu-a said calmly as he sipped his tea.
“This old man has little interest in the affairs of this sect or the state of the martial world.”
Then, he looked not at Bu Eun-seol but into the empty air and spoke.
“It is not this old man but the disciples of this sect who do not look upon you favorably.”
“…”
“As long as you do not drive this sect into a corner, this old man will not take the initiative to act against you. Do you understand what I mean?”
—No matter what a young whelp like you does, I have no interest.
That is what Wiji Mu-a was saying.
He had no interest in Bu Eun-seol, let alone the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword… and even if he did build a relationship with him, the stance of the Flower Rain Sword Sect would not change.
He had clearly drawn a line.
“That is a relief.”
Despite the cold response, Bu Eun-seol smiled as if he were genuinely relieved.
“I was so worried, thinking that the Sect Leader had been looking upon me unfavorably all this time.”
“…”
“But hearing you say that, Sect Leader, puts my mind at ease.”
—Mystic Demon, besides you, I see no one in the Flower Rain Sword Sect who could trouble me.
That is what Bu Eun-seol was saying.
“Hahaha. Hahahaha!”
Wiji Mu-a suddenly burst out laughing.
“Thirty years ago, after Brother Bu disappeared, the atmosphere of the Demonic Martial World became very quiet and monotonous.”
The ‘Brother Bu’ Wiji Mu-a mentioned must have been the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword, Bu Jan-yang.
“But now that a similar character has returned to stir up the Demonic Path… it seems something worth watching will happen.”
Wiji Mu-a nodded, as if he had finally taken an interest in the person named Bu Eun-seol.
“This old man will give you a piece of advice.”
“I will listen with clean ears.”
“Never underestimate this sect. Especially Hye-sang’s potential; even I, his master, cannot hastily guarantee it.”
For a moment, Bu Eun-seol felt a strange sensation.
The one currently leading the Flower Rain Sword Sect was known to be the Head Instructor, Wi Hyeok-gun.
Like Dan Cheong of Nangya Pavilion, he was in charge of all major and minor affairs of the Flower Rain Sword Sect.
Moreover, as he was called the Sword Demon, his swordsmanship was regarded as the best in the Demonic Path.
In contrast, it would take the successor, Wiji Hye-sang, at least a decade to take control of the Flower Rain Sword Sect.
But Wiji Mu-a had named the successor, Wiji Hye-sang, as Bu Eun-seol’s rival.
What could be the reason for that?
“It was a pleasure meeting you.”
Just then, Wiji Mu-a issued a dismissal, as if their business was concluded.
Bu Eun-seol tilted his head.
“Is there no need for me to show you the proof?”
“You already did.”
Wiji Mu-a smiled faintly.
“To think that there are no rivals for you in this sect besides this old man… you must have certainly inherited Brother Bu’s legacy.”
He continued calmly.
“I do not know whether you met him in person or merely inherited his teachings. But judging by the fact that you spread rumors to information organizations that you were searching for Brother Bu’s traces… you must be after something else. Just like a successor to the Demonic Sanctum.”
In that moment, Bu Eun-seol regretted two things.
One was that he had not known Wiji Mu-a was such a transcendent figure.
And the other was that by lying about the Seven-Branched Demonic Sword being alive, he had made it impossible to ask him about the man.
‘It couldn’t be helped.’
Once he entered the Flower Rain Sword Sect, he had to meet Wiji Mu-a.
Even Bu Eun-seol could not have perfectly predicted such things.
“Then I will take my leave.”
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands and went outside.
When he descended the hill again, dozens of people were waiting for him.
“I am Nam Pung-gwan, the Vice-Head of the Disciplinary Hall.”
The middle-aged man at the front, Nam Pung-gwan, clasped his hands towards Bu Eun-seol.
“I will guide you to where Hall Master Cheon is.”
Not even fifteen minutes had passed since Bu Eun-seol had finished his conversation with Wiji Mu-a and come down here.
Yet these people were speaking as if they had heard the entire story.
‘So this is the Flower Rain Sword Sect.’
The Flower Rain Sword Sect was warning Bu Eun-seol.
The moment he entered the sect, all his words and actions were being monitored.
That he could never escape their sight.
‘Sect Leader Wiji truly has no interest in the sect’s affairs.’
To dare place eyes and ears in the Sect Leader’s residence. Bu Eun-seol gave a bitter smile and shook his head.
“Very well. Lead the way.”
The place Nam Pung-gwan led him to was a deep forest located at the western gate of the Flower Rain Sword Sect.
After passing a small waterfall, they came to a sunny clearing where a small thatched hut stood.
It seemed like the perfect space for an old man who had turned his back on the world to live alone.
“Well then.”
Nam Pung-gwan clasped his hands as if his job was done and departed.
Bu Eun-seol slowly walked towards the hut.
“Excuse me.”
As Bu Eun-seol stood before the hut, the door opened, and a middle-aged man in gray martial arts attire walked out.
His long hair was tied up carelessly, and a scraggly beard covered his face.
But his eyes were sharp, like looking at a roaring tiger.
It was Cheon Un-gwang.