Chapter 494
Chapter 494
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 494
Chapter Title: The Beast Grand War
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Dae Gu-hwi.
He was the son of the Beast Palace Lord's third wife, a prodigy whose exceptional Beast Power was evident from a young age.
Thus, he monopolized the love of the Beast Palace Lord, Dae Gon.
However, jealous that the line of succession had been disrupted, the first wife ordered her subordinates to poison Dae Gu-hwi.
But it was his mother, who was caring for him, who was poisoned, and Dae Gu-hwi was forced to witness her agonizing death.
The truth was revealed, and all involved were punished, but the shock caused Dae Gu-hwi to lose his ability to wield his Beast Power.
As a result, he fell from the Palace Lord's favor, and all his supporters abandoned him.
Not only that, but he was also hated and ostracized by his siblings.
Currently, the Beast Palace was preparing for the Beast Grand War, a tournament to select the greatest warrior from among the heirs' subordinates.
However, due to his brothers' interference and ostracism, all the subordinates Dae Gu-hwi had prepared for the Beast Grand War had been severely injured.
Bu Eun-seol, having learned these facts beforehand through the Soul Annihilation Squad, tracked his movements.
Then, he staged a performance with a member of the Soul Annihilation Squad.
If he demonstrated the ability to subdue an enemy with profound martial principles without using internal energy?
It would surely capture Dae Gu-hwi's attention, and he could receive an invitation to enter the Beast Palace.
And in the end, the plan succeeded.
“Hmm.”
Bu Eun-seol pretended to hesitate for a moment before nodding.
“Very well.”
The young man, Dae Gu-hwi, was overjoyed and spoke to the servants standing nearby.
“Give them ample money to cover the repairs for this ruined inn.”
Then, the young man extended his hand.
“Let's go together. I have a carriage prepared.”
*Clatter, clatter.*
The carriage left the inn and traveled on endlessly.
Once inside, Roe Bi-hon finally asked Bu Eun-seol quietly.
“That young man must be someone from the Beast Palace.”
Though Roe Bi-hon had lost his memories, he was no fool.
In fact, the exceptional insight and observation skills once veiled by his madness had become even more pronounced.
He had immediately surmised that the fight at the inn was something Bu Eun-seol had orchestrated.
While the man's martial arts were formidable, with Bu Eun-seol's skill, there would have been no need to drag it out for so long.
“He is Dae Gu-hwi, the youngest son of the Beast Palace Lord.”
Bu Eun-seol calmly explained the details about Dae Gu-hwi.
“But just because we've caught his eye, does that mean we can obtain the Spirit Pasture?”
“The Beast Palace is currently preparing for the Beast Grand War. It is a competition to select the most valiant warrior from among the subordinates and reward them.”
Bu Eun-seol continued.
“The Beast Grand War selects those who can tame beasts and those who are skilled in Beast Martial Arts.”
“Hmm.”
“However, Dae Gu-hwi has no subordinates left to enter the Beast Grand War. His brothers have injured them all.”
“So he's been pushed to the brink.”
“Indeed.”
A faint light flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
“If he fails to achieve a decent result in this Beast Grand War, he will be completely eliminated from the line of succession.”
“But we are mere outsiders. We are not disciples of the Beast Palace, are we?”
When Roe Bi-hon pointed this out sharply, Bu Eun-seol smiled calmly.
“The Beast Palace has a unique rule. They believe that the ability to recruit talented individuals from the outside is also a measure of an heir's capability.”
“You mean to temporarily become his subordinate and participate.”
“That's right. The heirs of the Beast Palace are known to actively recruit outsiders to win.”
Roe Bi-hon's eyes sparkled as he spoke.
“Impressive. That's some incredible intelligence.”
To have thoroughly investigated the internal affairs of another sect, especially an external one like the Beast Palace.
And to have predicted the heir Dae Gu-hwi's travel route and set up a plan in advance.
That would require not just any information organization, but an intelligence network on the scale of a major sect.
“In the martial world today, there is nothing that cannot be bought with money. With sufficient funds, one can privately command even a large intelligence force.”
“I see.”
The carriage finally stopped at a large estate overlooking the Beast Palace.
“That is the Beast Palace.”
Bu Eun-seol gazed at the Beast Palace in the distance.
The majesty of the Beast Palace, carved from an entire mountain, was similar to that of the Wolf Fang Pavilion, which occupied the entirety of Mount Geommi.
But its scale was more than ten times larger than the Wolf Fang Pavilion.
This was because, much like the North Sea Ice Palace, vassals surrounded and protected the main palace, and the heirs had also formed their own independent factions.
They resided separately, centered around the Beast Palace.
“We've arrived.”
The place where Dae Gu-hwi stayed was located on the very outskirts of the Beast Palace.
As an heir to the Beast Palace, he occupied a piece of land the size of a small village.
But there seemed to be more maids and servants than martial artists of the Beast Palace.
“This way, please.”
Dae Gu-hwi smiled and led Bu Eun-seol and Roe Bi-hon to his residence.
The servants prepared a banquet in no time.
Bu Eun-seol and Roe Bi-hon drank with Dae Gu-hwi all through the night.
Surprisingly, Dae Gu-hwi got along better with Roe Bi-hon.
The two drank and spoke with open hearts, as if they had formed a friendship that transcended age.
Perhaps it was because their personalities and auras were very similar.
“Surely, Great Warrior Roe, you couldn't be the Thunder God, Roe Bi-hon, one of the Four Gods who dominate the martial world, could you?”
Dae Gu-hwi asked with a laugh.
The Thunder God's body always radiated Thunder Spirit Energy, making it impossible to hide his identity.
Therefore, Dae Gu-hwi could only assume that Roe Bi-hon shared the same name as the Thunder God.
“If that were the case, Brother Roe could have handled the situation at the inn with a single finger, without me needing to step in.”
Bu Eun-seol replied, and Dae Gu-hwi laughed brightly.
“That's true.”
As the drinking party reached its peak, Dae Gu-hwi subtly brought up the main topic.
“Actually, there is something I would like to earnestly ask of you two.”
“Please, speak.”
“Soon, the Beast Grand War will be held at the main palace.”
“I am aware. A tournament to select the most valiant and exceptional among the subordinates of the Beast Palace.”
“That's how it's known to the public, but in reality, it's a competition to see which heir has the strongest subordinates. The truly best warriors of the Beast Palace don't participate.”
Dae Gu-hwi said with a serious expression.
“But my cherished subordinates have all been injured by my brothers. They can't allow any unexpected upsets, you see.”
At that moment, Roe Bi-hon, who had been listening silently, asked.
“What exactly does the Beast Grand War entail?”
“It is divided into the Bare-Handed Grand War, which tests the body's natural strength without internal energy, and the Taming Grand War, which is a contest of taming beasts.”
In short, the Bare-Handed Grand War was a test of physical strength, while the Taming Grand War was a test of Myriad Beast Control, the power to tame animals.
“Until now, I have never once distinguished myself in the Beast Grand War. I turn eighteen this year… I must win in one of the two competitions to maintain my status as an heir.”
Dae Gu-hwi explained his circumstances in detail.
How he lost the ability to use his Beast Power after his mother's tragic death.
And how he was ostracized by his brothers and lost all his supporters.
“At the inn, Young Master Seol, you subdued the vile thief using a profound fist technique without any internal energy. I believed that with such skill, you could certainly hold your own in the Bare-Handed Grand War.”
“So you didn't invite us just to build a friendship.”
At Roe Bi-hon's words, he spoke as if embarrassed.
“That was my initial thought, but not anymore. I have truly taken a liking to you both.”
Dae Gu-hwi said, looking abashed.
“If you don't want to, you don't have to participate. It was just… a thought I had.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“Young Master Dae, you are too honest.”
From the beginning, Bu Eun-seol's goal was to use Dae Gu-hwi to participate in the Beast Grand War.
But seeing his pure and honest attitude, he felt a slight sense of guilt.
“However, we are outsiders. Can we really participate in a Beast Palace tournament?”
Bu Eun-seol asked, deliberately pretending not to know the rules, and Dae Gu-hwi quickly replied.
“Of course. One of the conditions for becoming the head of our palace is having an eye for outstanding talent from the outside. And the ability to recruit that talent.”
Then he let out a sigh.
“In fact, many of my older brothers' subordinates are experts who did not originate from our palace.”
“I see.”
Bu Eun-seol and Roe Bi-hon looked at each other and nodded.
Dae Gu-hwi had laid out his situation with complete and utter honesty.
Both Bu Eun-seol and Roe Bi-hon felt a great liking for such a person.
“If Young Master Seol wins the Bare-Handed Grand War, I will be sure to reward you handsomely…”
Before he could finish, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“Very well. I will participate.”
“Really? Thank you.”
As Dae Gu-hwi's face lit up, Bu Eun-seol slyly brought up his true purpose.
“By the way, if I win, would it be possible to obtain something like a treasure held by the Beast Palace? For example… something like the Spirit Pasture.”
“The Spirit Pasture?”
Dae Gu-hwi blinked as if he had heard a completely unexpected word.
“If I could give it to you, I would do so right now. But that is something I cannot acquire with my own power.”
Dae Gu-hwi shook his head.
“If you wish to be granted a treasure from the palace, you must win both the Bare-Handed Grand War and the Taming Grand War. If you do, the Palace Lord will ask if there is anything you desire.”
“I see.”
At that, Roe Bi-hon nodded.
“Then I shall participate in the Taming Grand War.”
It was a completely unexpected and outlandish statement, even for Bu Eun-seol.
“Brother Roe, to win the Taming Grand War, you must have mastered Myriad Beast Control, the ability to command animals at will.”
Myriad Beast Control.
It was the most difficult secret art to learn in the Beast Palace, a technique that could make all the animals in the world submit.
Myriad Beast Control was particularly difficult to master because, more than anything, an innate disposition was crucial.
No matter how talented one was, if they lacked the ability to easily commune with animals… they could never achieve greatness in it.
But how could Roe Bi-hon, who had not even learned Myriad Beast Control and whose Thunder Spirit Energy was sealed, possibly participate in the Taming Grand War?
“You can't.”
Before Bu Eun-seol could say anything, Dae Gu-hwi spoke firmly.
“Great Warrior Roe, you're planning to use your internal energy, aren't you? But internal energy is also forbidden in the Taming Grand War.”
“I had no intention of using such a thing in the first place.”
“You mean to subdue them with your bare hands. But that's even more impossible.”
Dae Gu-hwi shook his head.
“The animals in the Taming Grand War are anything but ordinary. Most of them are ferocious and impossible to tame.”
“Did you think I was going to beat them into submission?”
“Am I wrong?”
“Of course you are.”
Roe Bi-hon said with a relaxed expression.
“Animals are no different from humans. I believe Myriad Beast Control was created with that same thought in mind.”
“Great Warrior Roe.”
“What's there to lose? With no expectations, there can be no disappointment.”
As he spoke with confidence, Dae Gu-hwi replied as if he had no other choice.
“Very well. However, if it seems impossible, you must forfeit immediately. Then you won't be seriously injured.”
“I will.”
With the conversation concluded, the drinking party became even more lively.
Dae Gu-hwi drank with the two men all night before returning.
And when night fell, Bu Eun-seol and Roe Bi-hon were resting in the large room Dae Gu-hwi had prepared for them.
“Brother Roe.”
Bu Eun-seol spoke as if he couldn't understand.
“What on earth are you thinking? To say you'll participate in the Taming Grand War without even having learned Myriad Beast Control.”
“That fresh-faced kid is struggling so hard on his own, isn't he?”
A strange light flowed in Roe Bi-hon's eyes as he stared at the ceiling.
“He's trying so desperately to survive, so I just thought I'd lend a hand.”
If his son were still alive, he would be about Dae Gu-hwi's age.
Though his memories were gone, Roe Bi-hon's instincts were clearly, subconsciously, longing for his child.
“However, since I've never controlled a beast before… I'll need to make some preparations.”
“Preparations?”
“Well, all I have is this body of mine.”
Roe Bi-hon's eyes sparkled as he let out a low laugh.
In that moment, he looked not like the world-shaking Thunder God, but like a strategist plotting a scheme.
* * *
The day of the Beast Grand War finally arrived.
In the center of the Beast Palace, two massive structures had been erected.
One was a giant iron cage, like a colossal prison, and the other was a bizarrely structured building with only an entrance and an exit visible.
The iron cage was the fighting stage for the Bare-Handed Grand War, and the bizarre-looking building was the apparatus for the Taming Grand War.
In front of them, a high platform had been set up, and a hulking middle-aged man who looked to be at least eight feet tall was seated there.
It was the Beast Palace Lord, Dae Gon.
Born with a perfect beast-like physique, he exuded an aura more akin to a wild animal than a human.
Yet, his eyes were full of wisdom, making him seem like a great beast that had taken on human form.
—We will now begin the Beast Grand War.
The proceedings of the Beast Grand War were being managed by the Beast Palace's chief steward, Yong Mun-gyeok.
—First, we will begin with the Bare-Handed Grand War!
At his shout, the giant iron cage, dozens of feet wide, opened on all sides.
Then, numerous muscular men who had been waiting nearby entered it.
“Young Master Seol. I'm counting on you.”
Bu Eun-seol gave a stoic nod and stepped inside the iron cage.
Instantly, sounds of ridicule echoed from all around.
He was tall, but his body was scrawny, and he lacked any imposing aura or sharp gaze.
The experts of the Beast Palace could gauge the strength dwelling within a body at a single glance.
Therefore, they thought Bu Eun-seol possessed no remarkable power.
“Take this.”
As Bu Eun-seol was about to enter, there was a pill in front of the cage.
It was a Scattering Energy Pill, designed to make it absolutely impossible to use internal energy.
Not only that, but a mist that dissipated internal energy constantly rose from within the cage.
Moreover, men who appeared to be judges were watching with sharp eyes from all sides, making it absolutely impossible to use internal energy.
*Gulp.*
Bu Eun-seol swallowed the pill without hesitation.
‘It's poisoned.’
Bu Eun-seol gave a bitter smile.
The pill contained not only a substance that disrupted internal energy but also a mild drug that would cloud the mind.
Someone had tampered with it to ensure Dae Gu-hwi could not win.
‘What a pointless act.’
Bu Eun-seol let out a soft chuckle.
As long as his Reverse-Extreme True Energy circulated within him, he was practically immune to all poisons.
Even if he consumed a drug hundreds of times more potent than this, it would have no effect on him.
*Thud.*
As he was the last to step inside, he found dozens of men crouching there.
The Bare-Handed Grand War of the Beast Palace was different from a typical duel.
They had to fight indiscriminately inside this cage, and the last one standing would be the victor.
*Grrr.*
The men, letting out beast-like growls and surveying their surroundings, revealed their sharp claws.
The only weapon was the body. Nothing else could be used.
“Kaaah!”
There were no formal greetings or opening stances.
The moment they entered the cage, the fight had begun, and they had to fight until only one person remained.
*Tatatak.*
Just then, a massive man rushed toward Bu Eun-seol.
It was Gwa-cheok, a subordinate of the Beast Palace's third son, Dae Un-pung.
He had decided that Bu Eun-seol would be his prey.
*Swish!*
While Bu Eun-seol stood still, Gwa-cheok flashed past him like lightning.
Blood spurted from Bu Eun-seol's shoulder.
Beast Martial Arts.
Even without internal energy, it displayed astonishing movement and power.
‘So this is the martial art of the Beast Palace.’
The Beast Martial Arts of the Beast Palace were said to allow one to use the human body to its absolute physical limits.
And seeing it in person, its reputation was well-deserved.
Even without internal energy, they could exhibit power and agility comparable to a master of the martial world.
‘But this is strange. Why do their movements leave afterimages?’
It was strange.
The beast-like movements Gwa-cheok displayed were leaving afterimages in Bu Eun-seol's vision.
Beast Arts.
The keen senses engraved in Bu Eun-seol's body were reacting to the Beast Martial Arts of the Beast Palace.
‘Was the story written in the Chronicles of Nangya true?’
In the past, to test the Five Forms, Bu Eun-seol had entered the Myriad Demon Illusion Pavilion of the Demonic Cult.
There, he had read a book called the *Chronicles of Nangya*, written by a master of the Wolf Fang Pavilion.
It stated that the origin of the Beast Arts lay in the Beast Martial Arts of the Southern Barbarian Beast Palace.
At the time, he hadn't given the story much thought. But now, feeling all of Gwa-cheok's movements connecting to the Beast Arts.
He knew it was true.
‘How peculiar. Those movements.’
Gwa-cheok seemed to be moving haphazardly in all directions, but in reality, his movements were extremely precise and profound.
And all those movements were being instantly assimilated by Bu Eun-seol's body.
*Flick.*
Unconsciously, Gwa-cheok's claws grazed Bu Eun-seol's cheek.
Simultaneously, he opened his sharp mouth, intending to tear out Bu Eun-seol's throat.
*Whoosh!*
But then, the unexpected happened.
Bu Eun-seol moved his body with agility, evading Gwa-cheok's attack, and bit into his opponent's neck.
*Pshush!*
Having his throat bitten, Gwa-cheok was greatly surprised and flipped his body in mid-air to retreat.
*Tuk, tuk, tuk.*
Although he had avoided a fatal wound, his neck was torn, and red drops of blood flowed endlessly from Gwa-cheok's throat.
“Grrrr.”
At the sight of blood, he seemed to become enraged, crouching on all fours and letting out a beast-like growl.
He was not mimicking a beast; he was the beast itself.
Beast Power.
Having realized that Bu Eun-seol was not an opponent he could easily defeat, he was about to use the ultimate art of the Beast Palace that broke through the body's limits.
He was about to use his Beast Power.
*Rrrrip.*
With the sound of tearing cloth, his body doubled in size, and his muscles bulged even more.
“Heh heh.”
Gwa-cheok's body now radiated nothing but killing intent, a desire to kill Bu Eun-seol.
But a strange thing happened.
As Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath, even the killing intent flowing from Gwa-cheok's body was being absorbed by his senses.
“Grrrr.”
Having absorbed all of Gwa-cheok's instincts, Bu Eun-seol let out a low growl, straightened his body, and greatly expanded his back muscles.
He looked just like a bipedal beast puffing up its body to face an enemy.
—That man?
The members of the Beast Palace who were watching from a place overlooking the iron cage were greatly astonished.
The immense killing intent flowing from Bu Eun-seol's body.
Wasn't that Beast Power, something that could only be wielded by one who had completely mastered the Beast Martial Arts?