Chapter 442
Chapter 442
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 442
Chapter Title: A Divergent Path
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For a long while, a deathly silence hung over Iron Cudgel Peak.
*Ssshhh.*
When the airflow completely subsided, Ak Mu-ryeong’s figure came into view.
‘Was it an illusion?’
He was certain he had seen Ak Mu-ryeong blown away by the full force of his power.
But now, he stood before Bu Eun-seol, his gaze indifferent.
Despite pouring every ounce of his strength into a strike born from a moment of enlightenment, he had failed to inflict even the slightest damage.
‘No, that’s not it.’
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes glinted as he noticed something.
Ak Mu-ryeong was still there.
But all the trees and rocks around him had vanished.
It was as if someone had cleanly erased a beautiful landscape from a canvas.
Furthermore, the positions where Bu Eun-seol and Ak Mu-ryeong had been standing were completely swapped.
Essence-Gathering Incarnation, Illusionary Return.
Sensing the danger in the power Bu Eun-seol had unleashed, Ak Mu-ryeong had attempted to seize control of his mind in that brief instant.
But when he found himself utterly unable to touch Bu Eun-seol's mind, he had instead employed a profound martial art.
He had swapped Bu Eun-seol’s position with his own, causing the immense attack to be unleashed in the wrong direction.
‘The Pavilion Master subdued my body in that instant.’
Ak Mu-ryeong had entered the Supreme Demonic Path, a state that transcended even the constraints of demonic arts.
Though he had failed to seize Bu Eun-seol’s mind, he certainly possessed the ability to arbitrarily change where he stood.
‘Incredible. Truly.’
Bu Eun-seol felt a renewed sense of respect for Ak Mu-ryeong.
The martial prowess Ak Mu-ryeong had attained was something Bu Eun-seol could not yet predict or even imagine.
He had reached a supreme height.
But there was a twist.
While Ak Mu-ryeong wore an indifferent expression… he was, in fact, so shocked he could have fainted.
—This brat?
Ordinarily, one could not block the power of the Essence-Gathering Incarnation, Illusionary Return, unless they stood on equal footing with him.
Yet, Bu Eun-seol, despite not having reached the State of Infinity, was completely unaffected by its power.
‘What in the world has he done?’
Ak Mu-ryeong already knew that Bu Eun-seol’s level of internal energy was abnormally high.
What he didn’t know was that Bu Eun-seol had undergone two bodily rebirths and had broken through the sixth stage of the Reverse Extremity Heart Law to achieve a spiritual aperture breakthrough.
[Hmph.]
As Bu Eun-seol’s power and prowess far exceeded his expectations, Ak Mu-ryeong seemed to make a decision.
Suddenly, he spread his arms wide.
*Swish!*
Then, something strange happened.
Even though Bu Eun-seol had not been consumed by the power of Illusionary Return, a strange vision suddenly unfolded before his eyes.
It was a desolate world, empty of everything, with a sky stained gray.
The entire world seemed to have met its end, and he felt as if he were the only one left standing.
In an instant, Bu Eun-seol understood why this was happening.
‘The Pavilion Master has created a secret art that synchronizes minds.’
—Sindo Mubi. He said you were angry that that raccoon-like fellow had created a strange secret art to synchronize internal energy.
These were words Dancheong had once spoken to him.
After a fierce battle with Jeongcheonje, Ak Mu-ryeong had discerned the function of the Heavenly Will Heart Art used by Sindo Mubi and had been enraged.
But Ak Mu-ryeong didn't stop at anger… He studied its principles and began to create a unique martial art of his own.
If Jeongcheonje could synchronize the flow of internal energy… Ak Mu-ryeong had advanced the power of Illusionary Return to create a secret art that synchronized his mind with his enemy's.
‘Is this the Pavilion Master’s mindscape?’
A scene of desolate nature, untouched by human hands.
It must be the landscape unfolding inside Ak Mu-ryeong’s mind.
As Bu Eun-seol gazed upon the empty scenery, everything felt burdensome.
He wanted to abandon all the martial arts he knew and simply fall into a quiet slumber here.
He wanted to erase all the secret arts that filled his mind in a single breath.
—Aaargh!
Just then, a scream echoed from somewhere.
Turning his head, he saw a burning manor and people dying gruesome deaths.
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes trembled as he watched the hellish scene.
‘That dream again.’
The scene before him was the same dream he’d had during his time as Mumu, when he had lost his memories.
Perhaps because his mind had synchronized with Ak Mu-ryeong’s bleak and desolate mindscape, the sorrowful and tragic memories of that time had resurfaced.
*Crash.*
At that moment, a sign board, engulfed in flames, fell to the ground.
Watching it, Bu Eun-seol’s eyes widened.
Ha (霞).
Amazingly, he could clearly make out a single character on the manor’s sign, one he had never seen in his dreams.
Bu Eun-seol’s heart pounded.
He had found it. Finally.
He had finally found a clue to his own origins.
At that moment, as his mind synchronized with Ak Mu-ryeong’s mindscape, a fiery emotion began to surge anew within Bu Eun-seol’s own desolate and lonely heart.
*Crack. Craaack… Shatter!*
The scene before Bu Eun-seol’s eyes shattered like glass, and the actual landscape of Iron Cudgel Peak slowly revealed itself.
And Ak Mu-ryeong stood tall, right across from him.
Judging by the flow of time, the visions he had just seen had likely lasted only a fleeting moment in reality.
[Hmph.]
For the first time, a flicker of emotion appeared in Ak Mu-ryeong’s eyes as he looked at Bu Eun-seol.
But it vanished without a trace just as quickly.
[What were you thinking, unleashing an attack like that?]
Since the power of Illusionary Return had no effect on Bu Eun-seol, Ak Mu-ryeong had been unable to seize his mind.
Ultimately, he had resorted to using the secret art of synchronizing their minds.
Therefore, he had no sense of the vision Bu Eun-seol had just witnessed.
“This disciple…”
Regaining his senses, Bu Eun-seol couldn't bring himself to admit that he had been imitating the Lord of the Seongwi Division, Baekri Mujo, and made an excuse.
“Upon seeing the power the Pavilion Master unleashed, I had a sudden moment of enlightenment… and tried to harmonize the powers I possess.”
[Hmph, it was a rather audacious enlightenment, but what you have chosen is merely temporary.]
Ak Mu-ryeong looked down at the dazed Bu Eun-seol, then slowly turned away.
[Especially that extreme yin and extreme yang. Avoid using those two powers if possible.]
“I understand.”
[If you cannot erase all the unnecessary things in your body and fully turn to the Demonic Path….]
His voice was like the verdict of the King of Hell.
[The same thing will happen again someday, and then, no power will be able to stop it.]
In the end, Ak Mu-ryeong was telling him that if he did not destroy the other heart laws and martial arts besides the demonic ones, he would eventually die.
[Go.]
“Thank you, Pavilion Master.”
Bu Eun-seol bowed deeply to Ak Mu-ryeong.
Then he carefully descended Iron Cudgel Peak.
From this incident, Bu Eun-seol realized two things.
‘The Pavilion Master wasn’t just a simple Great Demon.’
Ak Mu-ryeong was neither a madman obsessed with martial arts nor a Great Demon completely devoid of emotion.
He was simply trying to surpass his own limits again and again, to become the strongest under the heavens.
‘He healed me.’
And he was not a man who would abandon the relationship between master and disciple, even if he disregarded all other rules of etiquette and morality.
The force Ak Mu-ryeong had unleashed was not intended as an attack.
He had poured immense true energy into that force, completely restoring Bu Eun-seol’s twisted and tangled flow of blood and ki.
The internal energy he cultivated was nearly identical to Bu Eun-seol’s Reverse Extremity Heart Law and contained the pure energy of great nature.
If he hadn't first restored Bu Eun-seol’s body with that initial burst of force, he would not have dared to even attempt to simultaneously unleash four different martial arts.
‘I can only feel sorry toward the Pavilion Master.’
According to Ak Mu-ryeong, to avoid the conflict between the heart laws and powers within his body, Bu Eun-seol had to destroy everything except the demonic arts.
But martial arts, once learned, could not be intentionally discarded or shaken off.
The only way was to devote himself wholeheartedly to the demonic arts and enter the same Supreme Demonic Path as Ak Mu-ryeong.
‘It’s as if I’ve refused to receive his teachings.’
Instead of trying to reach the Supreme Demonic Path, Bu Eun-seol had chosen a new way.
A way to harmoniously use the energies inherent within his body.
He intended to find such a path.
Perhaps it was because he had seen Baekri Mujo, a man who had artificially achieved that harmony.
And the Master of Nangya Pavilion, having sensed that resolve in Bu Eun-seol's single strike… had healed his body but had not passed on the power of Illusionary Return.
‘If the Lord of the Seongwi Division can do it, then I can surely do it too.’
Even if it ended in failure.
Even if it led to his death.
Bu Eun-seol was determined to choose the path no one had ever walked, without hesitation.
* * *
‘That brat.’
A golden glint flashed in Ak Mu-ryeong’s eyes as he turned away.
No matter the enlightenment, one could not simultaneously unleash four martial arts that mixed orthodox and unorthodox principles.
‘So that’s how it was.’
A fiery heat flowed from Ak Mu-ryeong’s eyes as he gazed at the distant sky.
He had originally intended to use the power of the Essence-Gathering Incarnation, Illusionary Return, to erase all the miscellaneous martial art formulas etched in Bu Eun-seol’s mind and impart the true essence of the martial arts he had mastered.
But Bu Eun-seol’s mental barrier was so formidable that even the power of Illusionary Return could not break it.
He had no choice but to use the new power he had created, inspired by the Heavenly Will Heart Art during his fight with Jeongcheonje, to synchronize their minds and steer him toward the Supreme Demonic Path.
But in that instant, Bu Eun-seol’s gaze had wavered greatly, and even the mental synchronization had been severed.
At that moment, Ak Mu-ryeong could feel it.
That Bu Eun-seol was already walking a new path. That he intended to harmonize the orthodox, unorthodox, demonic, and Buddhist arts he had learned.
‘To think that someone other than him could be capable of this.’
To use disparate orthodox and unorthodox martial arts simultaneously within a body of flesh and blood.
The only one capable of such a feat was that one man, a peerless grandmaster of his generation who had since vanished.
Of course, it wasn't a perfect simultaneous execution, but rather a rapid succession of two arts at a time… but the fact that his body remained intact after such a feat meant that Bu Eun-seol was a peerless prodigy comparable to him.
‘Is this also fate?’
As he realized he had just thought of the word ‘fate,’ a word his rival, Macheonje, was so fond of, Ak Mu-ryeong let out a snort.
[Hmph.]
[It seems this Pavilion Master has chosen his successor poorly.]
Muttering under his breath, he slowly vanished into the depths of Sword Brow Mountain.
* * *
When Bu Eun-seol, having descended from Iron Cudgel Peak, returned to Dancheong’s office, he found not only Dancheong but also Baekyeon, Sojeon, and even Master Cheol gathered there.
They all knew.
Though Ak Mu-ryeong, the Master of Nangya Pavilion, was a fearsome Great Demon, he was also a man who loved Nangya Pavilion more than anyone.
Therefore, he would not simply stand by and watch the abnormality in his successor, Bu Eun-seol.
They had held the expectation that this incident might even lead to him passing down the highest secret arts of Nangya Pavilion.
“He didn’t pass on any martial arts to you?”
But contrary to their expectations, Bu Eun-seol had only received a stern scolding from the Master of Nangya Pavilion. He had not been taught the power of Illusionary Return.
“That’s right. The Pavilion Master only used his power to settle the chaotic energy in my body. He did not pass on any martial arts.”
At Bu Eun-seol’s words, Dancheong, Baekyeon, and Sojeon exchanged puzzled glances.
Bu Eun-seol had already reached the Transcendent Heaven Realm and was ready to train in Nangya Pavilion’s highest secret arts.
So why hadn't he been taught them?
“The truth is, the reason my body became like this is because…”
Bu Eun-seol honestly explained the state of his body.
He spoke of how he had learned the Martial Emperor’s arts in his hidden vault, absorbed the energy of the Great Prajna Power when he executed Sahyangju, and even mastered the secret techniques of the North Sea Ice Palace and the Yeolha Star Palace, considered the pinnacles of extreme yin and extreme yang.
—Haa…
Hearing his story, Dancheong and the others wore grave expressions.
Never in the history of the martial world had anyone simultaneously learned martial arts that stood at the apex of the orthodox, unorthodox, demonic, and Buddhist paths.
Only then did they realize that the problem with Bu Eun-seol’s body was far more serious than they had thought.
“So you have no intention of abandoning them.”
Dancheong, who had been listening silently, nodded his head.
“The Pavilion Master must have realized that as well, which is why he didn’t pass on his martial arts.”
At those words, everyone present nodded in agreement.
Bu Eun-seol was a man who never shied away from any trial and walked his own path that others would not.
Ak Mu-ryeong, knowing this well, had chosen to watch him forge a new path rather than turn him into a second Human Demon.
“I believe so.”
As Bu Eun-seol replied, Baekyeon nodded.
“Yes, that too is a path a disciple of Nangya Pavilion can take.”
This time, Sojeon sniffled.
“Damn it. I was hoping to have a go at you after the Pavilion Master taught you his arts… I guess we’ll have to fight once your body is fully recovered.”
Afterward, Bu Eun-seol continued to talk with them for a long time.
Until now, with the exception of Baekyeon, the members of Nangya Pavilion had shown little interest in the affairs of the martial world or the Three Realms.
But because of Bu Eun-seol, everything had changed.
They were now keenly aware of the situation in the martial world, and they all supported the path Bu Eun-seol intended to walk… offering him their strength.
After leaving Nangya Pavilion again, Bu Eun-seol summoned Soyo to return to his identity as Seon U-jin.
—Contact the Four Soul Unit and mobilize the entire intelligence network. Find any manors with the character ‘Ha’ in their name that were destroyed sometime between twenty and thirty years ago.
If the memory from his dream was correct, then based on his age, the manor from his dream must have existed somewhere between twenty and thirty years ago, and he would have been living there happily.
—Got it. I’ll go make the call.
After Soyo left, Bu Eun-seol switched places with Seo Jin-ha, who had been leaving a trail as Seon U-jin.
Seo Jin-ha had been relentlessly pursuing the Bloodlust Lecherous Demon and had finally tracked him to Clear Tranquil Valley.
Now that Bu Eun-seol was back, the two had to switch identities once again.
“He’s prepared quite a bit.”
Bu Eun-seol, now Seon U-jin, clicked his tongue as he observed the various formations laid out around Clear Tranquil Valley.
“Since you can’t escape pursuit, you plan to make your last stand here, is that it?”
This place was likely one of the hideouts the Bloodlust Lecherous Demon had prepared in advance.
It would be impossible to set up such intricate formations while on the run.
Calmly breaking through the formations, Bu Eun-seol entered Clear Tranquil Valley and immediately located the hiding Bloodlust Lecherous Demon.
With the chaotic energy in his body completely gone, he could have flown his sword from a hundred paces away and taken the demon's head if he wished.
But Seon U-jin couldn’t do that.
He had to use techniques that precisely matched his known level of prowess.
“You’ve certainly been diligent in preparing your escape routes.”
Bu Eun-seol frowned as he arrived before the Bloodlust Lecherous Demon.
“If only you’d put this much effort into your martial arts.”
Upon seeing Bu Eun-seol, the Bloodlust Lecherous Demon grit his teeth with a look of utter exasperation.
“That’s right. I knew you were chasing me all along!”
The Bloodlust Lecherous Demon, worn down from the constant pursuit, had dark circles under his eyes and was filled with malice.
Bu Eun-seol sighed and looked around.
“Are you putting your faith in the explosives and poisons you’ve planted here?”
Just then, Soyo spoke in a low voice.
“Already taken care of.”
“You bastard.”
Hearing their conversation, the Bloodlust Lecherous Demon bit his lip.
He finally realized that no matter what he did, he couldn't shake off this persistent ghost.
“Die!”
Watching the charging Bloodlust Lecherous Demon, Bu Eun-seol flicked his sleeve slightly.
*Flash!*
Simultaneously, a glint of light flashed in the air, and the Bloodlust Lecherous Demon fell backward.
He had pierced his throat with a single thrown dagger.
“Hmph.”
Bu Eun-seol looked down at the dead Bloodlust Lecherous Demon.
‘Hmm.’
Then he looked down at his own hand.
Fortunately, since meeting Ak Mu-ryeong, he hadn't suffered from his blood and ki becoming twisted or experienced any pain from the Glacier Flow Art or the Great Essence of the Scorching River.
But he had to be careful at all times.
His body wasn't completely healed, and if he unconsciously unleashed those techniques while in the guise of Seon U-jin, his identity could be exposed.
‘I need to delve deeper into the Martial Emperor’s True Awakening now.’
The Martial Emperor’s ultimate heart law, the Martial Emperor’s True Awakening, was a technique that enhanced the power of martial arts by stirring up an overwhelming wealth of emotions.
Bu Eun-seol had always avoided mastering either the Sakjeong Secret Art or the Martial Emperor’s True Awakening too deeply in order to walk a middle path.
But to maintain his dual identity as Seon U-jin, he needed to master the Martial Emperor’s True Awakening to minimize any potential mistakes.
“Is something wrong?”
*Swoosh.*
Soyo, who had been concealed at a distance, saw Bu Eun-seol staring blankly at his hand and approached him, concerned.
“No, I was just thinking about something.”
“Oh.”
With a hum of acknowledgment, her gaze fell upon the Bloodlust Lecherous Demon, dead with a dagger in his throat.
To prove this man had been dealt with, his head needed to be taken to the Murim Alliance.
“I’ll do this.”
Soyo calmly drew a short sword.
She looked like a caring older sister taking care of her younger brother.
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
“Soyo. From now on, you shouldn't reveal yourself unless it's something special.”
“It’s fine. There’s no one around.”
*Click.*
Just then, a metallic sound came from the belt the Bloodlust Lecherous Demon was wearing, followed by a soft *pop!* as an invisible powder spread in all directions.
*Swish!*
Soyo moved like lightning to evade, but she still ended up inhaling a small amount of the substance.
“Doing something lecherous to the very end.”
Bu Eun-seol frowned.
The Bloodlust Lecherous Demon knew there was a massive bounty on his head.
Predicting that someone would come to take his head after his death, he had installed a cunning hidden weapon on his body as a form of revenge.
“It’s fine. It’s nothing.”
Soyo said calmly.
“I have a resistance to most poisons.”
Assassins, too, dealt with various poisons, so while they weren't poison masters, they built up resistance to withstand most common toxins.
“The weapons of Sahyang are still making their rounds, I see.”
Bu Eun-seol clicked his tongue as he looked at the device on the belt.
At the center of the belt was a slightly protruding button. Pressing it would release a hidden weapon after a time delay, an intricate device made of springs and gears.
“Huh?”
But then, Soyo made a strange sound.
She sniffed the powder that had touched her, and her face suddenly flushed red.
“Ecstatic Pleasure Powder.”
What the Bloodlust Lecherous Demon had spread was not a poison, but the most potent aphrodisiac in the martial world, for which there was no cure… the Ecstatic Pleasure Powder.