Chapter 493
Chapter 493
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 493
Chapter Title: The First Step
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“Is that so?”
Having regained consciousness, Bu Eun-seol let Noe Bi-hon’s words slide, asking with a gentle expression.
“How are you feeling?”
“Thanks to you, I’m feeling great.”
Noe Bi-hon offered a placid smile.
“My appetite’s back, and all the pain is gone.”
Bu Eun-seol’s eyes grew hazy.
It felt strange, seeing him smile so calmly, unaware that he was the Thunder God.
If he hadn’t been living for his son’s revenge… Bu Eun-seol would never have considered helping him regain his memories.
That was how peaceful Noe Bi-hon looked right now.
“But this is troublesome.”
Just then, Noe Bi-hon set down his chopsticks, crossed his arms, and asked.
“I don’t remember anything, and I don’t know anything. What should I do?”
“Don’t worry.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“We’re about to go and reclaim your memories and power, Brother Noe.”
“Memories and power?”
“That’s right.”
Bu Eun-seol said placidly.
“They say that to regain your memories, you must first reclaim your original power.”
“Hmm.”
Noe Bi-hon stroked his chin.
Then, with an utterly serious expression, he said.
“There’s something I must ask first.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“You keep calling me Brother Noe, Brother Noe.”
A faint light flickered in Noe Bi-hon’s eyes.
“What exactly is my name?”
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
And he began to explain everything.
That he was the Thunder God, Noe Bi-hon, who had the martial world at his feet, and that he had been defeated by a powerful adversary, temporarily losing his memory.
However, he did not speak of the Three Realms.
Doing so would mean he’d have to recount the memory of his family’s brutal death.
“To think I was a figure who ruled over the martial world.”
Noe Bi-hon shook his head as if he couldn’t believe it.
“It’s unbelievable.”
His voice was gentle, his eyes calm and serene.
This was likely Noe Bi-hon’s true nature.
But he had lost his family so tragically at the hands of the Three Realms, and having witnessed it himself, he must have been driven to madness.
Seeing the amnesiac Noe Bi-hon so gentle and composed pained Bu Eun-seol’s heart even more.
But he had wanted revenge. So much so that he had cast everything aside to wander the world.
That was why, whether he liked it or not, he had to help him regain his memories.
“Was I really that powerful?”
“Yes. In this era, there are not many masters who can contend with you, Brother Noe.”
“And yet, I was still defeated and lost my memories.”
Bu Eun-seol shook his head at Noe Bi-hon’s self-deprecating words.
“That was… likely because your mind was not in a good state recently. If you regain your power, you will surely be able to win.”
“But, do I really have to regain my power?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“There’s no such thing as an eternal victor. Just because I lost, is there really a need to regain my power?”
Those were words one could never imagine coming from the mouth of the absolute master known as the Thunder God.
And if possible, Bu Eun-seol also wished for Noe Bi-hon to live peacefully like this, forgetting everything.
‘Wouldn’t it be fine like this?’
The man who had relentlessly pursued the Three Realms, steeped in brutal vengeance and madness, was now questioning the need to find his power.
Bu Eun-seol’s heart wavered once more.
‘I can just find that grotesque old man myself.’
From Noe Bi-hon’s perspective, he had the right to forget.
When he himself didn’t want to find it.
When he couldn’t remember.
Was it right for an unrelated stranger to arbitrarily dig it all up?
Could his amnesia be a gift from his family in the afterlife, unable to bear watching his painful life any longer?
If someone has forgotten their past.
Shouldn’t others also let that past be forgotten?
“Brother Noe.”
Just as Bu Eun-seol, having made his decision, opened his mouth to speak to Noe Bi-hon, he realized.
His judgment was wrong.
“…It’s the same for you, Brother Noe.”
“What is?”
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol gave a lonely smile.
Noe Bi-hon hadn’t forgotten. He simply couldn’t remember.
Though his lips were smiling.
Noe Bi-hon’s eyes, too, were stained with endless sorrow.
‘He’s the same as me.’
Noe Bi-hon held a grudge against the Three Realms that could not coexist.
Just like himself.
He may have forgotten for a moment, but in the end, what he wanted was revenge.
“We have to find it, regardless.”
Bu Eun-seol said with a determined expression.
“If you had truly meant those words, Brother Noe, this younger brother would have gladly agreed.”
“…”
“But your words now are not sincere. If you were to regain your memories, you would bitterly regret what you just said. That is why we must find it.”
“Regret.”
“Yes. Because you have something you must do, even if it means risking your life.”
Noe Bi-hon fell silent.
Judging by the look in Bu Eun-seol’s eyes, it was undoubtedly the truth.
“But that path is far too difficult. Even if this younger brother uses all his abilities, I don’t know if we’ll succeed.”
While Noe Bi-hon was unconscious, he had immediately summoned So-yo and the Soul-Reaping Brigade.
He had grasped the situations of the sects Jong-ri Sa-hyeon had told him about.
And though he had devised plans to obtain all three treasures…
He couldn't be certain of success.
“This should be interesting.”
Noe Bi-hon said, stroking his chin.
“The fruit harvested with difficulty after overcoming hardship and adversity is always the sweetest.”
Though he had lost his memories, his heroic spirit seemed to be alive and well.
That was a relief for Bu Eun-seol as well.
“Shall we set off, then?”
Bu Eun-seol nodded at Noe Bi-hon’s words.
“For now, please rest and recover. When all preparations are complete…”
But just then,
*Flutter.*
The faint sound of flapping wings came from outside.
It was So-yo’s signal, calling for him urgently.
“I will come for you when all preparations are ready, Brother Noe.”
Noe Bi-hon nodded at Bu Eun-seol’s words.
“Very well.”
As soon as he stepped outside the Jong-ri estate, Bu Eun-seol used Thousand-Mile Sound Transmission.
[So-yo.]
Then, a faint transmission from somewhere pierced his ear.
[Nang-ya-gak, Master Cheol has summoned you.]
[Master Cheol?]
[He received a report on the situation from the Wind and Cloud Brigade. About you saving the Thunder God. And about you clashing with the Saber Emperor’s descendant.]
So-yo’s transmission was utterly grave.
[He said you must absolutely not clash with the Saber Emperor’s descendant. And that you should come and hear the rest in person.]
Bu Eun-seol wore a puzzled expression.
Master Cheol Wang Geol knew about the Saber Emperor?
‘In any case, to execute this plan, I need information from the Soul-Reaping Brigade and have to prepare various things.’
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
Before leaving for the Outlands, he would meet with Master Cheol Wang Geol and hear what he had to say about the Saber Emperor.
Mount Jianmei, Nang-ya-gak.
Departing immediately from the Jong-ri estate, Bu Eun-seol arrived at Nang-ya-gak in a single breath and sought out Master Cheol Wang Geol.
Wang Geol, who always used to repair weapons at the entrance of Nang-ya-gak.
He had now become the Head Master, responsible for all the disciples of Nang-ya-gak.
*Step, step.*
Bu Eun-seol gave only a brief report of his return to Dan-cheong and headed for the pavilion where Wang Geol was.
And as soon as Wang Geol met Bu Eun-seol, he spoke in a firm voice.
“You must never clash with the Saber Emperor’s descendant.”
“What is this…”
When Bu Eun-seol asked, Wang Geol immediately lifted his shirt.
A long scar, stretching from his shoulder to his navel, was revealed.
The purple-tinged scar, at a glance, was clearly from a major, life-threatening wound.
“Because the saber arts used by the Saber Emperor’s descendant are something you cannot block at your current level.”
Wang Geol said with a pained expression.
“His saber arts instantly nullify any martial art, any power. Not only that, but if you’re struck by his saber energy, it affects your internal energy and life force.”
“Did you fight him?”
“I did.”
Wang Geol said, taking a deep breath.
“The reason I ultimately stopped my journey through the martial world and stayed at Nang-ya-gak is because I lost all confidence in my martial arts after meeting him.”
Bu Eun-seol couldn’t hide his surprise.
Master Cheol Wang Geol was a man of outstanding insight and wisdom, who had not only led the Nine Killers Squad in his youth but was also a master who had built a tremendous reputation.
To think he had met the Saber Emperor’s descendant, lost his confidence, and had remained on Mount Jianmei ever since?
“In the past, I believed myself to be invincible, and I was confident that, aside from the Sect Leader, there was no one who could match me. Then I came to fight a man thought to be the Saber Emperor’s descendant among the Eight Desolations, Three Stars, and in the end, we could not determine a winner.”
Bu Eun-seol couldn’t understand.
To not determine a winner meant they were evenly matched. So why did Wang Geol lose his confidence?
“There were no flaws in his saber arts, and no technique of mine could defeat him.”
Wang Geol said with a tormented expression.
“No matter what martial art I used, no matter what technique I attacked with… it was all rendered useless. It made all the martial arts I had painstakingly mastered feel like child’s play.”
It was astonishing.
Master Cheol Wang Geol not only possessed the most extensive knowledge in Nang-ya-gak but was also proficient in a wide variety of martial arts.
Furthermore, in his youth, he had earned the name Grandmaster of Imitation for his ability to instantly mimic an enemy's techniques and quickly grasp the principles of their martial arts.
For his own martial arts to feel like child’s play in comparison?
Wang Geol spoke with an extremely grave expression.
“I heard that you intend to eliminate him to help Noe Bi-hon. And for the sake of revenge for the Great Hero of the Southern Heavens, Gwan Hae-geum, who helped you.”
“That is correct.”
“A gentleman’s revenge is not too late even after ten years. If you intend to fight him, then spend ten more years honing your skills.”
Before Bu Eun-seol could say anything, he continued.
“I know you have achieved a level of martial arts unattainable at your young age. But his saber arts are completely outside the bounds of martial cultivation, and…”
Pausing for a moment, he said resolutely.
“He uses a bizarre fighting style that nullifies his opponent’s martial arts and instills a sense of despair.”
Wang Geol looked Bu Eun-seol straight in the eyes.
“You are currently in the Ascendant Supreme Heaven Realm. To enter the Limitless Realm in the future, you must never doubt your own martial arts.”
“…”
“If you feel confusion in a situation like this, it would be like ‘surging waves and chaotic clouds.’ All the cultivation and martial arts you've built up until now would crumble in an instant.”
This was Wang Geol’s own regretful past.
During his journey through the martial world, he had won every battle, becoming an arrogant man, confident that he would never lose to anyone.
But when he faced the Saber Emperor’s arts.
He could neither handle nor overcome them, and he fell into despair, feeling that all the martial arts he had learned were utterly useless.
Eventually, as confusion and emptiness persisted, his martial cultivation, which had been soaring to the highest levels, plummeted to the bottom.
“If you fight him now, you too could experience the same thing I did. That is the nature of the Saber Emperor’s arts.”
“Master Cheol.”
“I know well that you do not shy away from any trial and grow through them. You are this Sect’s proud successor, after all.”
Wang Geol knew.
He knew it wasn't right to say such things. It wasn't something a member of Nang-ya-gak should say.
But he had to say it.
He couldn't let his proud successor suffer the same fate.
His wings could be broken before he was ready to fly to the heavens.
‘He’s been worried all this time.’
Bu Eun-seol could understand Wang Geol’s heart.
He was worried that Bu Eun-seol might repeat the painful experience he himself had gone through.
The Thunder God, Noe Bi-hon.
Even a powerhouse who had ruled the martial world was defeated in a single exchange and had even lost his memory.
‘His saber arts can not only sever life force but also inflict an unshakeable sense of despair upon his opponent.’
In a way, Bu Eun-seol even felt a strange sense of curiosity.
‘Are the Saber Emperor’s martial arts truly that incredible?’
A martial art that could instantly shatter the confidence of a master as brilliant as Master Cheol Wang Geol.
He was rather curious just how formidable those saber arts were.
“I understand.”
Washing away his complex thoughts, Bu Eun-seol cupped his hands.
For a man like Wang Geol to speak of his humiliating past—it was because he cared for him deeply.
Therefore, Bu Eun-seol spoke in an exceptionally firm voice.
“From now on, I will help you forget that past, Master Cheol.”
“What did you say?”
“This is neither recklessness nor baseless confidence.”
Bu Eun-seol said resolutely.
“I have learned many martial arts. And because I couldn’t use them properly, I received the Sect Leader’s help to sort out my ki and blood.”
“Hmph.”
“This time, it is an opportunity to develop what I have into my own unique martial art.”
Gazing into Bu Eun-seol’s eyes, Wang Geol let out a sigh.
As he said, it was neither recklessness nor foolish confidence. It was the resolve of a Nang-ya-gak disciple, determined to use a crisis as a stepping stone to leap to the next level.
“Alright, I understand.”
Realizing he couldn’t stop Bu Eun-seol, Wang Geol nodded.
“In that case, I will give you one piece of advice.”
After a moment of silence, he spoke in a low voice.
“How do the disciples of our Sect fight their enemies?”
It was a somewhat random question, but Bu Eun-seol answered immediately.
“Our Sect’s fighting style is to develop our own martial arts through the enemy’s, analyze them, and deliver a decisive blow.”
“Do not fight that way.”
Wang Geol said firmly.
“Forget our Sect’s fighting style and martial arts. Then you might be able to win.”
“You want me to forget… our Sect’s fighting style and martial arts?”
“That’s right. You are a clever one, so you will surely be able to do so.”
As if there was nothing more to say, Wang Geol turned away.
After being lost in deep thought for a while, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“Then, I will take my leave.”
Wang Geol just waved his hand, not looking at Bu Eun-seol.
But even from his back, it was clear.
He was proud of him and believed he would be victorious.
*Click.*
Stepping out of the pavilion, Bu Eun-seol looked up at the distant sky.
All that remained was to restore Noe Bi-hon’s memories and martial arts. Only then could he uncover the identity of the Saber Emperor’s descendant and eliminate him.
“I must start now.”
He had laid out various plans for that purpose, and executing them required a great deal of preparation.
There was no more time to delay.
Nanman, the Beast Palace.
It was said that the First Ancestor, the King of Ten Thousand Beasts, could not only converse with animals but also freely wield the Power of Beasts, allowing him to use the strength of all creatures.
But as generations passed, no one with such superhuman abilities like the King of Ten Thousand Beasts appeared in the Beast Palace.
Instead, the Beast Palace established a martial art that could manifest similar abilities.
The method to converse with animals was transformed into the Ancestor of Ten Thousand Beasts, which could subjugate all animals.
And using the power of all beasts became a technique called the Power of Beasts, leading to the Way of the Beast.
Bu Eun-seol traveled to Nanman with Noe Bi-hon.
This matter required extreme caution and involved entering an Outlands sect. Therefore, So-yo did not accompany them.
Throughout the journey, Noe Bi-hon constantly tried to recover his memories.
As a result, he couldn't recall his past, but he would occasionally remember the martial scriptures of the Thunder Spirit School.
But that was all.
No matter how much time passed, his Thunderclap Divine Arts did not reactivate, and he couldn't remember anything about the Saber Emperor.
*Hubbub, hubbub.*
Arriving near Sun Valley in Nanman, Bu Eun-seol and Noe Bi-hon entered the marketplace.
He was disguised as a wanderer named Seol-so.
Since this mission involved visiting an Outlands sect, he could neither use nor should he use the identity of Bu Eun-seol or Seon-u Jin.
In contrast, Noe Bi-hon was dressed like a scholar in a blue robe and a long coat that covered his knees.
Therefore, even if they encountered someone who knew his face, they would never recognize him as the Thunder God.
The streets bustled with merchants and onlookers, and the narrow alleys were filled with peddlers.
Bu Eun-seol walked shoulder to shoulder with Noe Bi-hon, taking in the sights of the market.
Then, they entered a tavern with a good view of the surrounding scenery and leisurely drank.
“You said we had to go to the Beast Palace, so why did we come here?”
Noe Bi-hon tilted his head and asked.
This Sun Valley was quite far from the Beast Palace, and it seemed to have no connection to it whatsoever.
*Clack.*
Bu Eun-seol drained his cup and said calmly.
“The Beast Palace absolutely does not allow outsiders inside.”
“With your skills, I would think it wouldn’t be a difficult task.”
Although Noe Bi-hon had lost his Thunderclap Divine Arts, he hadn't lost his senses.
He had a rough idea that Bu Eun-seol was a formidable master.
“This matter cannot be resolved with martial arts or status.”
Bu Eun-seol explained calmly.
“The Beast Palace is the most unique sect even among those in the Outlands. They are proud and prioritize their own rules above all else.”
“Hmm.”
“If we were to approach them with status or martial arts, they would only react with more defiance and exclusion.”
“Then why not just sneakily borrow it and bring it back?”
The amnesiac Noe Bi-hon consistently acted like a gentleman, but he wasn’t a paragon of virtue to the core.
If there was a good trick, he was of a liberal character who wouldn't hesitate to use it, even if it was slightly against moral principles.
Of course, Bu Eun-seol was no paragon of virtue either, and his personality was similar to the free-spirited Noe Bi-hon.
“I considered that, but the masters of the Beast Palace possess strength and senses superior to those of ordinary martial artists. In short, it’s a place on par with the Martial Alliance or Shaolin.”
“Hmm.”
“Moreover, they have very persistent personalities. They would send pursuers to the ends of the earth… and we have to visit several sects, don’t we? If we were being pursued, it would hinder our progress.”
Noe Bi-hon smiled faintly at Bu Eun-seol’s explanation.
“You mean you have another way.”
Noe Bi-hon nodded.
With his madness gone, his personality had become very calm, and he had transformed into a man of outstanding insight and wisdom.
Knowing that Bu Eun-seol had already prepared a method, Noe Bi-hon didn't worry much and leisurely drank his alcohol.
“Hehehe, this is truly mouth-watering.”
Just then, a small commotion arose from a corner of the tavern.
Turning his head, he saw a sleazy-looking man harassing a beautiful woman.
“I could eat you raw, and you wouldn’t even smell fishy.”
Why did lechers incapable of controlling their lust all spout such similar lines?
“What is the meaning of this in broad daylight?”
Eventually, a few men with a strong sense of justice stood up to block the man.
But they were all knocked down in a single move.
*Crash! Thud!*
It turned out he wasn't an ordinary man but a martial arts master with outstanding skills.
Several enraged martial artists drew their weapons and stepped forward, but,
*Clang!*
Even when struck by their weapons, not a single scratch appeared on his body.
He seemed to have mastered not only a powerful palm technique but also an external art that made his body as hard as steel.
“Ugh.”
The martial artists struck by the sleazy man all collapsed to the floor in a wretched state.
“Hahaha. Come here.”
In the end, the man placed the beautiful woman on his lap.
But no one else in the tavern stepped forward. There were no other masters who could handle that man.
“Hmph.”
Just then, Bu Eun-seol calmly stood up.
And he slowly walked toward the man harassing the woman.
“And who are you?”
*Grin.*
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol just smiled.
The man, seeming greatly displeased, pushed the woman aside and thrust out his palm.
“Get lost!”
The fierce palm energy was impossible to evade.
But Bu Eun-seol turned his body diagonally as if he had predicted the attack.
“You’ve got some skill.”
The man, realizing Bu Eun-seol had mastered a high level of martial arts, this time struck out with three consecutive palm strikes.
As the sharp, axe-like palm energy poured down before him, Bu Eun-seol drew a circle with his left arm and slowly extended his right arm forward.
The circling left hand was as light as a feather, and the pushing right hand was as heavy as a mountain.
*Whoosh.*
Then, a soft yet powerful force dissipated the sharp palm energy without a trace.
At the same time, Bu Eun-seol took a light step forward and threw a palm strike.
It contained no technique or variation, but it was incredibly fast.
*Boom!*
An explosion erupted as the palm strike hit the man’s body.
“Hehe.”
But the man was unfazed, with only the clothes on his chest torn.
A faint glow emanated not just from his skin but from his entire body, indicating he had mastered an energy art that hardened the body.
“You’re just a brat, but your fist arts are impressive. But you’ll never be able to defeat me!”
The man swung his arms chaotically, pouring palm strikes at Bu Eun-seol.
The force was so great that even before the palm energy reached, a gust of wind blew back, pushing away tables and chairs.
“Hmph.”
Bu Eun-seol then moved his hands gently, neutralizing the palm strikes one by one.
When the man approached with brute force, unleashing his palm strikes.
He used a sticky yet soft fist art to pull the man’s body forward.
When the man tried to retreat and widen the distance, he created dozens of fist shadows, pouring down a storm-like offense.
His fist arts seemed simple at first glance, but each technique contained profound martial principles.
And its power was like a stone wrapped in cotton, soft on the outside but powerful on the inside.
*Bang, bang, bang, bang!*
Though the man had mastered formidable energy arts and palm techniques, he was helpless against Bu Eun-seol’s profound fist arts.
After being struck by twenty-six fist blows, he let out a retching sound and vomited blood.
“Y-you’ll see!”
He then quickly executed a movement technique and fled the tavern.
Bu Eun-seol didn’t pursue the man and calmly turned around.
He extended a hand toward the woman.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes.”
As the woman bowed her head, Bu Eun-seol cupped his hands.
“The world is a dangerous place these days, so please try not to travel alone.”
And as he turned to leave,
*Clap, clap, clap.*
Suddenly, the sound of applause came from behind.
Turning around, he saw a young man clapping at the entrance of the banquet hall.
He was thin but tall, with sharp eyes and dark skin.
From his splendid attire and the people standing in attendance around him, he seemed to be of very high status.
“Your martial arts are incredible, brother. To produce such power without even using internal energy… thanks to you, my eyes have been opened.”
“You’re too kind.”
As Bu Eun-seol calmly turned to leave, the young man spoke.
“Since fate has brought us together, how about we share a drink? It seems we can’t drink here any longer.”
The third-floor tavern was in a complete mess from the fight between Bu Eun-seol and the sleazy man.
“I am with my sworn brother.”
“If he is your sworn brother, he must be no ordinary man.”
The young man smiled brightly and nodded.
“I would like to have him join us as well.”
‘It worked.’
Bu Eun-seol smiled silently.
The reason he had staged this little play in the tavern with the man who had committed the harassment, a member of the Soul-Reaping Brigade.
It was all to attract the attention of this very young man, Dae Gu-hwi.