Chapter 497
Chapter 497
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 497
Chapter Title: An Artificial Paradise
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‘Or is it the power of harmony?’
The Sword Saint, Baekri Mujio, demonstrated the power of perfection and harmony through the arrangement of his office.
Perhaps the formation in this Hall of Wailing Souls, along with soul-reading arts, used such an arrangement to draw out the memories of others.
—*The Valley of Forgotten Souls is likely a communal village created by a cult.*
Suddenly, the Soul-Hunting Unit's report on the Valley of Forgotten Souls came to mind.
According to the Soul-Hunting Unit's investigation, those who entered the Valley of Forgotten Souls and successfully settled there…
…were martial artists with painful pasts, the very condition they had set.
Martial artists who were always tormented by suffering and regret, feeling happiness just because they entered the Valley of Forgotten Souls, a place cut off from the world?
That meant there was a high probability that the Valley of Forgotten Souls exploited the moments when spirits were weakened by suffering, using brainwashing or soul-reading arts.
‘In that case, it might be to steal the martial artists’ skills.’
The condition for entering the valley was being a ‘suffering martial artist.’ This could mean they were lured in to have their ultimate martial arts stolen.
‘But… this is strange.’
Whether through soul-reading or something else, after showing such an illusion, it should be followed by a means to suppress the spirit.
But this mechanism simply…
…created a tranquil scene and a gentle breeze, making one recall beautiful memories of the past, didn't it?
—*Depending on how you think, a person’s life can be happy. Or it can be unhappy.*
Suddenly, his grandfather Bu Jan-yang’s voice echoed in his ears.
Bu Jan-yang did his best in everything he could and never coveted or lamented what he could not have.
He was content with the humble meals he ate every day and was grateful for his work as a mortician, preparing the dead and performing funeral rites.
‘But I… I don’t wish for happiness, Grandfather.’
Bu Eun-seol had not entered the martial world for his own happiness.
It was to deal with those who had brutally murdered his grandfather and disturbed his eternal rest.
Because he couldn't live otherwise.
Because he couldn't leave this world while the one who did that to his grandfather still lived.
*Whoosh.*
But once again, a clear breeze brushed past Bu Eun-seol’s ears.
At that, the beautiful flower garden transformed into a scene filled with piles of corpses, where blood flowed like a river.
The place that had been beautiful when he recalled memories of his grandfather…
…had turned into a hellscape the moment he thought of revenge.
‘Is it telling me that I’m on the wrong path?’
*Crack.*
Bu Eun-seol clenched his fists.
‘I’m not trying to distinguish between right and wrong!’
There is no absolute right or wrong in the world.
Even if others unanimously call it the wrong path, to some, it can be the most righteous thing.
“Because if I can’t avenge my grandfather, nothing has any meaning!”
*Crash.*
As Bu Eun-seol let out a lion’s roar, the scenery before him vanished completely.
Simultaneously, the true appearance of the Hall of Wailing Souls was revealed.
“A flower… and wind.”
The inside of the passage was empty, save for a single artificial flower.
And a gust of wind was blowing in from an open window. That was all.
“The flower was just a flower, and the wind was just wind.”
Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his astonishment.
To think they could sway a person's heart using only a flower and the wind.
If so, the Master of the Valley of Forgotten Souls was clearly a person of immense ability, contrary to what was known.
“My son! My son! How could you leave your father behind?”
“Mother! You died so tragically!”
Unlike Bu Eun-seol, Noe Bi-hon and Dae Gu-hwi, still trapped in the illusion, were wailing miserably.
Unlike Bu Eun-seol, they were only recalling painful and agonizing memories.
‘So that’s how it was.’
Bu Eun-seol had achieved Spiritual Enlightenment, so the Hall of Wailing Souls could not invade his spirit.
Therefore, when he thought of something pleasant, a beautiful scene unfolded.
And when he unleashed his fury, a horrific scene appeared.
*Creeak.*
Just then, the door at the end of the passage opened, and a bright light poured out.
*Step, step.*
As Bu Eun-seol walked out as if mesmerized…
…a middle-aged man with sharp, well-defined features stood there, smiling gently.
“Welcome to our valley.”
“Are you the Master of the Valley of Forgotten Souls?”
“No, I am merely a guide.”
The middle-aged man extended a hand toward Bu Eun-seol.
“Follow me. I will guide you to the Master.”
“Just me?”
As Bu Eun-seol glanced at the wailing Noe Bi-hon and Dae Gu-hwi, the middle-aged man gave a faint smile.
“Do not worry. The painful memories are only temporary. They will soon be able to rest peacefully.”
As soon as he finished speaking, several men walked up from behind the middle-aged man.
They were all dressed in clean clothes, and a sweet fragrance wafted from them with every movement.
“It’s alright. Those were just bad memories. Please come with us.”
They helped the sobbing Noe Bi-hon and Dae Gu-hwi to their feet and led them away somewhere.
Judging by their benevolent expressions and actions, they certainly didn't seem to intend any harm.
“Follow me.”
Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to follow the middle-aged man into the Valley of Forgotten Souls.
An astonishing sight unfolded before him.
The interior was arranged like a large, sunny mountain village, with well-cultivated fields and orchards visible nearby.
These people were living a self-sufficient life here.
“This way.”
The middle-aged man led him to a house in the deepest part of the village.
Then he pointed to the main gate and said.
“Go on in.”
Nodding, Bu Eun-seol entered the small house.
When he opened the old door, he found incense burning inside and wooden floors.
It looked like a place where high monks would practice meditation.
And in front of a table, an old man in white robes sat neatly.
He was so old that his hair had turned white as an onion root, and the sparse wrinkles on his skin were reminiscent of an ancient tree.
“I am Song Baek-do, the master of this valley.”
Unlike his appearance, the old man's voice was clear and resonant. Moreover, his eyes were so clear that he didn't look like a villain at all.
“I am a wanderer, Seol So.”
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands, the valley master, Song Baek-do, wore a mysterious smile.
“To be unaffected by the Wailing Soul Formation, you must have reached the pinnacle of the secret arts of soul-reading.”
He said in a low voice.
“You should be able to control your spirit at will. Why bother visiting this valley?”
Song Baek-do didn't think that Bu Eun-seol could have achieved Spiritual Enlightenment.
He assumed Bu Eun-seol was unaffected by the Wailing Soul Formation because he had mastered incredible soul-reading arts.
“I came to borrow the Black Leaf Stone.”
“The Black Leaf Stone, you say.”
Song Baek-do narrowed his eyes for a moment, then nodded.
“Is that all you need to borrow?”
“Yes.”
“Very well. I will lend it to you. Take it.”
Bu Eun-seol looked stunned.
Could it be that things would be resolved this easily?
“However, there is a condition.”
“Please, state it.”
“Stay here for three days and help with the work of the valley. If you do so, I will give you the Black Leaf Stone immediately.”
“What kind of work must I help with?”
“Nothing much.”
Song Baek-do revealed his white teeth, belying his age.
“You just need to follow the same daily routine as the people of this valley.”
Bu Eun-seol felt puzzled.
To willingly lend a treasure like the Black Leaf Stone in exchange for just three days of following the valley's routine?
Didn't that make too little sense?
“I will consult with my companions before deciding.”
“What is there to consult about?”
Song Baek-do wore a mysterious smile.
“You are the only one who needs to decide.”
Song Baek-do’s gaze was too deep to fathom his inner thoughts.
‘There is no malice.’
Having achieved Spiritual Enlightenment, Bu Eun-seol could instinctively distinguish between goodwill and malice.
And the energy emanating from Song Baek-do was clearly one of goodwill.
‘Of course, my intuition could be wrong.’
After a moment of deep thought, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“Understood. I will do as you say.”
“A wise decision.”
Song Baek-do smiled and extended his hand.
“Then, make yourself comfortable.”
From that day on, Bu Eun-seol and his companions began their stay in the Valley of Forgotten Souls.
The people of the valley did everything together.
They woke up at the same time, ate together in a large dining hall, tilled the fields together, and went to sleep at the same time.
During rest periods, they would chant sutras that calmed the mind, like the Secret Art of Clarity.
Or they would listen to fables from Buddhist scriptures.
Each meal consisted only of rice and vegetables, but delicious fruits were served alongside them.
In between, they were also given foods like sweet potatoes and potatoes to keep them from feeling hungry.
Bu Eun-seol, Noe Bi-hon, and Dae Gu-hwi worked hard, ate, and chanted the incantations as if they had become people of the valley.
After one day passed and the second day began, a change occurred in the two men.
A tranquil energy flowed from their bodies, and their expressions became as serene as the Buddha's.
Their sense of time began to fade, and their spirits were filled with boundless tranquility.
“Isn't tilling the fields a truly rewarding task?”
Noe Bi-hon, who had been hoeing for a while, asked Dae Gu-hwi as he wiped the beads of sweat from his brow.
“Indeed.”
Dae Gu-hwi straightened his back, flashing a bright smile that revealed his white teeth.
“I never knew that working up a sweat could be so blissful.”
It was astonishing.
Only two days had passed, yet the two men were adapting perfectly to life in the Valley of Forgotten Souls.
Not only that, but a comfortable smile, one they'd never worn before, was etched on their lips.
‘Something is wrong.’
Watching the two of them, Bu Eun-seol finally realized that something was amiss.
Peace of mind and happiness…
…do not arrive so suddenly, so quickly.
Especially Noe Bi-hon. Even though he had lost his memories, only his personality had become gentler.
That sharp, cold edge of his had subtly remained.
But now, didn't he look as if he had completely abandoned all attachments, like a monk who had left the secular world behind?
“Brother Noe.”
Bu Eun-seol approached Noe Bi-hon and spoke calmly.
“The promised three days will soon be up. Shouldn't we prepare to leave immediately after getting the Black Leaf Stone from the Master?”
“Hmm?”
Noe Bi-hon, who was tilling the field, looked slightly dazed.
“Leave?”
He spoke with a slightly fearful expression.
“What’s the rush? Three days or four, what's the difference?”
Hearing this, Dae Gu-hwi also nodded.
“That’s right. We've only been here for three days. Wouldn't it be rude to the Master, who has shown us such kindness, to leave so soon?”
“Are you saying you won’t leave?”
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Dae Gu-hwi laughed awkwardly and scratched his head.
“I don’t think this is the right time to leave.”
He was smiling, but his eyes were resolute.
If he were to drag them out by force, it seemed they would just run away and come right back here.
‘This isn’t something to be handled with force.’
Looking at Noe Bi-hon and Dae Gu-hwi, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“Understood. I will go meet the Master first and ask his intentions.”
“Yes, ask the Master. Ask him how long we can stay.”
“That’s right. We need the Master’s permission to stay for a long time, don't we?”
Noe Bi-hon and Dae Gu-hwi were already no different from the people of the Valley of Forgotten Souls.
Bu Eun-seol gave no answer and headed straight for the house where Song Baek-do resided.
The promised date was three days.
There was no reason to delay any further.
“Master.”
When he arrived at the Master’s residence, Song Baek-do was standing outside the door as if he had been waiting.
“You’ve come.”
“Tomorrow will be the third day.”
“Yes, it will.”
Song Baek-do asked Bu Eun-seol.
“Are you planning to leave the valley?”
“I am.”
“I see. You were unaffected by the formation from the moment you arrived.”
Song Baek-do smiled faintly.
Seeing that smile, Bu Eun-seol was certain. This whole situation was something Song Baek-do had created.
“Master.”
Bu Eun-seol asked, his tone filled with incomprehension.
“Why do you force peace upon people?”
All the people in the Valley of Forgotten Souls. They had not achieved peace through their own efforts.
It was all stability and peace handed to them by the master, Song Baek-do.
And it wasn't through soul-reading or some grand technique. If it had been, Bu Eun-seol would have immediately shattered it and attacked Song Baek-do.
The peace felt by the people of the valley…
…was all an artificial ‘harmony’ created by Song Baek-do.
Every scene in the Valley of Forgotten Souls.
The food, the monotonous routine and mental arts, the shape of the furniture, the tranquil scent wafting from all around…
Everything in this valley blended together to bring about a powerful sense of stability and peace.
“God gave humans the gift of forgetfulness… but unfortunately, He made it so that truly painful memories cannot be erased by oneself.”
“…”
“As time passes, painful memories only become more vivid.”
Song Baek-do said, gazing at the distant sky.
“Some people suffer their entire lives because of those indelible memories, until they finally draw their last breath.”
Song Baek-do said with a deep sigh.
“Time cannot be turned back, and suffering changes nothing…”
He stared intently at Bu Eun-seol.
“Don’t you have such memories as well?”
“I do.”
“Did you not wish to forget them?”
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
“There were times I wished to, but they were memories I must never forget.”
“Why?”
“Because if I forget them, I would have no reason to live.”
The brutal death of his grandfather.
It was, of course, a memory he wished to forget. But if he lost that memory, he could not take revenge.
He could not move forward.
He would lose his purpose.
Just like Noe Bi-hon, who had lost all his memories.
“Painful memories may torment a person, but they also help them grow.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“To force someone to forget something just because it is painful is no different from ruining that person’s entire life.”
His words contained a profound, mystical energy.
Song Baek-do seemed to empathize with Bu Eun-seol’s words, yet he shook his head.
“Your thoughts differ from mine.”
He said, looking at the people wandering through the valley.
“All of them are people who tried to end their own lives because of painful memories. I knew it was because of the grudges of the martial world, so I established this valley.”
He gestured around and said.
“As you may have felt, every blade of grass, every stone, every tree here… all of it has been meticulously arranged to bring rest and tranquility to the human heart.”
Song Baek-do let out a deep sigh.
“Of course, what you say is also true. Without suffering, there is no growth for a person.”
Then he looked straight at Bu Eun-seol with a sorrowful expression.
“But there are not many in this world who, like you, can sublimate suffering and pain into an opportunity for growth.”
Bu Eun-seol also let out a deep sigh.
Song Baek-do had created the Valley of Forgotten Souls out of his own goodwill and conviction.
And he was trying to save people with his outstanding abilities.
In truth, from Bu Eun-seol’s perspective, Song Baek-do’s actions could not be called righteous.
Unless one is a god, one should not control the emotions of others. Because humans grow through hardship and suffering.
A newborn child can only stand on two feet after experiencing much effort and hardship in learning to walk.
One must never meddle with another’s spirit to make them avoid pain and suffering.
“I have studied the soul-reading arts for a long time. And I researched a way to erase the suffering of those who need to forget.”
Song Baek-do looked at the distant sky and spoke with a pained expression.
“Because that was the only way to atone for my past mistakes.”
Only a sage-like energy flowed from Song Baek-do's body; there was no trace of malice.
It seemed he had truly committed a great wrong in the past and had created the Valley of Forgotten Souls to help people in order to atone for it.
‘So at least this wasn’t the game of a human pretending to be a god.’
Bu Eun-seol let out a deep sigh.
‘Moreover, to this extent, he must have reached the highest realm of the soul-reading arts.’
Just by Song Baek-do’s arrangement of the objects in the valley, Noe Bi-hon and Dae Gu-hwi were feeling…
…a stability and peace of spirit they had never been able to obtain before.
It had even been powerful enough to affect the spirit of Bu Eun-seol, who had reached Spiritual Enlightenment, when he first entered the gate.
In other words, Song Baek-do was on a level comparable to Hyeokryeon Eung, who had once driven Bu Eun-seol to a near-death state.
“Master, you must have been a part of the Three Realms in the past.”
Bu Eun-seol said nonchalantly, as if he had guessed something.
“Most likely the Infinite Realm, I presume.”
Song Baek-do’s eyes widened.
Those in the martial world who knew of the Three Realms were extremely few.
So how could this young man guess about the Three Realms, and even that he was from the Infinite Realm?
“You… were you also a person of the Three Realms?”
“How could that be?”
Bu Eun-seol snorted softly.
“You may not know because you live cut off from the world, Master, but many figures in the current martial world are aware of the Three Realms.”
“Then…”
“I have clashed with them continuously.”
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
“Toppling them is also my goal.”
Song Baek-do shook his head in disbelief.
There were no individuals or factions in the martial world that could stand against the power of the Three Realms, and those who defied them were doomed to perish.
Yet this plain-looking young man was talking about toppling the Three Realms as if he were talking about taking down a neighborhood gang.
“Unbelievable. Who in the world are you?”
As a master of the soul-reading arts, Song Baek-do could easily distinguish truth from lies.
However, because Bu Eun-seol had already achieved Spiritual Enlightenment, he could not peer into his inner thoughts.
“Since you have already left the secular world, Master, it would be better for you not to know who I am.”
Bu Eun-seol wasn't hiding his identity out of arrogance.
He was worried that if he revealed his identity, Song Baek-do might also get needlessly entangled in his grudges.
“Heh heh.”
Song Baek-do let out a dry laugh.
“If you know that I am a person of the Three Realms, then you must also know who I am.”
“No.”
“No? Then how did you know that I was part of the Three Realms?”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“Because I was nearly killed by the Empty Soul Beckoning Whisper.”
Taking a deep breath, he opened his mouth with an exceedingly grave expression.
“Elder, are you the master who taught that man, Hyeokryeon Eung, the Empty Soul Beckoning Whisper?”
For a moment, Song Baek-do was so shocked his eyes looked like they would pop out.
To think that a name he had long forgotten, a name he never wanted to recall even in his dreams, would come from Bu Eun-seol’s mouth.