Chapter 501
Chapter 501
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 501
Chapter Title: The Grand Master's First Love
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In contrast, Sa Cheong-ha, having lost the majority of her vital energy, staggered backward.
“Ugh.”
Originally, the Crystal Divine Energy was an essence that even disciples of the Divine Water Palace could not easily absorb.
Moreover, even if expelled, it was supposed to cycle infinitely and be reabsorbed into her body.
So why had the majority of her Crystal Divine Energy been infused into Bu Eun-seol’s body?
“How can this be?”
Sa Cheong-ha glared at Bu Eun-seol, her face looking as if it had aged ten years.
“Don’t tell me you’ve mastered the Soul-Devouring Grand Art that absorbs the essence of others!”
“Vice Master.”
Bu Eun-seol sighed deeply and held out his hand.
“Do I look like someone who has mastered a wicked art?”
“What?”
“The Crystal Divine Energy you injected to kill me simply fused with my Extreme Yin Energy. Here, see for yourself.”
Bu Eun-seol unleashed his Glacial River Arts.
With a surge of blue energy, countless streams of water spread out like a mist.
It was a combined manifestation of the Glacial River Arts and the Water Divine Energy.
“You’re saying your ice arts and my Crystal Divine Energy have merged?”
“That is correct. You may check my pulse if you wish.”
Bu Eun-seol offered his wrist.
For a martial artist to freely offer their pulse point was tantamount to offering their neck.
Bu Eun-seol needed the Divine Water Palace’s permission to enter Yogeomji, one way or another.
Therefore, he willingly offered his wrist to clear his name.
*Grasp.*
Sa Cheong-ha hesitated for a moment before seizing Bu Eun-seol’s wrist.
The moment she did, she could feel the formidable power circulating within his body.
‘Impossible.’
Sa Cheong-ha was a master of martial arts who had been in the world of warriors for a long time.
But to think he could store such immense energies within his body all at once?
Such a thing was beyond imagination.
‘I can’t let it end like this. Not like this.’
A vicious glint appeared in Sa Cheong-ha’s eyes.
Bu Eun-seol had absorbed more than half of her Crystal Divine Energy.
What if she couldn’t get it back?
She resolved to clear her name, even if it meant killing this man.
“Did you think you could just walk away after stealing my Crystal Divine Energy!”
Holding Bu Eun-seol’s wrist, Sa Cheong-ha began to infuse it with a sharp stream of power.
Once the pulse point is subdued, even the greatest master cannot exert their strength.
She intended to use this opportunity to cripple Bu Eun-seol’s power completely.
*Vwoom!*
Sa Cheong-ha poured a sharp burst of true energy through Bu Eun-seol’s meridians.
But Bu Eun-seol’s expression remained impassive.
Not only could he handle the forces of yin and yang, but his internal energy level was equivalent to over five hundred years of cultivation.
Even as she poured in true energy sharp enough to sever his meridians, to Bu Eun-seol, it felt like being tickled by a leaf.
“To think the renowned Divine Water Palace was only at this level.”
Bu Eun-seol sighed deeply.
“For a woman as wicked as you, it would be better for the honor of the Divine Water Palace if you were dead.”
Bu Eun-seol immediately drew upon his Glacial River Arts.
*Crack, crackle.*
As five hundred years’ worth of internal energy converted into Extreme Yin Energy, it became like the unstoppable wrath of nature itself.
Sa Cheong-ha’s skin gradually hardened, and the moisture in her body began to freeze.
“Aaaargh!”
She let out a bloodcurdling scream.
The true energy circulating within her body turned into sharp needles under the influence of the Glacial River Arts, tearing through her meridians with excruciating pain.
“Aaaaaargh!”
Just as her desperate screams began to shake the Divine Water Palace,
“Stay your hand.”
A low, gentle voice echoed from all directions, and suddenly, a clear rain began to fall upon the Divine Water Garden.
*Pitter-patter.*
Simultaneously, a long, transparent hand formed from the rainwater and attached itself to Sa Cheong-ha’s back.
*Vwoooom.*
The transparent hand blocked the Glacial River Arts pouring into Sa Cheong-ha’s body while expelling the Extreme Yin Energy that had been injected into her.
“My, my. To think the ultimate art of the Glacial Great Emperor would reappear in the martial world…”
A faint shadow materialized in front of Bu Eun-seol.
Though her face was covered by a veil, her clear, transparent eyes, reminiscent of the sea, were visible.
It was the Grand Master of the Divine Water Palace, Neung-gyeong, who was said to have gone into seclusion and no longer made public appearances.
‘If the Grand Master is here, there’s no need to kill her.’
*Swoosh.*
As Bu Eun-seol immediately withdrew his internal energy, the Grand Master also withdrew her Crystal Divine Energy.
Sa Cheong-ha’s life had been saved by Grand Master Neung-gyeong’s intervention, but she was so terrified she couldn’t move.
“Vice Master. Not only have you sullied the honor of this palace, but you have also resorted to a cowardly ambush worthy only of vile villains.”
The Grand Master spoke to her in a solemn voice.
“Relinquish your position as Vice Master and spend seven years in wall-gazing meditation.”
Sa Cheong-ha didn’t dare to even reply. She bowed her head and staggered away.
To an outsider, seven years of wall-gazing might seem a harsh punishment, but in truth, Neung-gyeong was showing considerable mercy.
Sa Cheong-ha had lost half of her Crystal Divine Energy to Bu Eun-seol.
She would need at least seven years of dedicated cultivation to recover her martial arts.
Neung-gyeong was giving Sa Cheong-ha an opportunity to recover her body without outside interference.
‘Wise.’
Bu Eun-seol nodded inwardly.
Sa Cheong-ha had twice employed vicious and petty tactics, tarnishing the honor of the Divine Water Palace.
By punishing Sa Cheong-ha, Neung-gyeong was preserving the palace’s honor while simultaneously giving her a chance to recover.
“I apologize to you on behalf of the palace. I am truly ashamed.”
Sa Cheong-ha’s crime was so grave that it would be unforgivable even if Neung-gyeong knelt and begged for forgiveness.
But Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands with an unconcerned expression.
“The Vice Master lost the majority of her power due to a mistake in her cultivation. In such a critical situation, how could she maintain her composure?”
He looked not like the ruthless leader of a demonic cult, but like a young grandmaster from the Orthodox Faction.
Neung-gyeong smiled faintly and nodded.
“For the Spirit Master to possess such broad-mindedness and compassion is a blessing for the martial world.”
Having held the position of Grand Master for thirty years, Neung-gyeong had to be well over seventy.
But her eyes and voice seemed far younger and more youthful than even Sa Cheong-ha’s.
This was because she was born with a Water Spirit Body, which could stave off aging, and had mastered the arts of the Divine Water Palace to their pinnacle.
“However, I believe an explanation is in order regarding your absorption of the Crystal Divine Energy.”
To steal another’s true energy or vital blood was a strictly forbidden act in both the orthodox and unorthodox martial worlds.
If Bu Eun-seol had indeed mastered such a wicked art, Neung-gyeong would have no choice but to act immediately.
“It wasn’t absorbed. The Crystal Divine Energy healed my body.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“My body contains a mixture of various energies. The Crystal Divine Energy simply embraced one of them.”
Bu Eun-seol once again extended his arm.
“Rather than a hundred explanations, it would be better for you to check my pulse once.”
“You seem to offer your pulse, which is as precious as your life, to others quite readily.”
Neung-gyeong’s eyes, behind the veil, curved into crescents.
It seemed she was trying to suppress a smile.
Bu Eun-seol scratched his head with an embarrassed expression.
“I can offer it because I have nothing to hide.”
“Very well.”
*Swoosh!*
As Neung-gyeong stretched out her white hand, the water flowing in the Divine Water Garden rose into the air.
She used the water to form a transparent hand and immediately grasped Bu Eun-seol’s wrist.
“Is it necessary to go through the trouble of using your power to check my pulse?”
“There is a distinction between men and women. How could I brazenly grab a man’s hand?”
‘What an eccentric person.’
There was at least a forty-year age difference between Bu Eun-seol and Neung-gyeong.
Yet she still acted like a young maiden.
“This is…”
Just then, Neung-gyeong, who was assessing the energies flowing within Bu Eun-seol, said with a flash in her eyes.
“It was you.”
Then, in an incomparably cold voice, she said.
“You were the one with Dan-a at Gugok Mountain.”
Neung-gyeong was known to have stepped back from the affairs of the Divine Water Palace.
In reality, however, she was working diligently to raise the next successor.
She had heard that Gongson Dan-a, the most promising candidate, had gone to Gugok Mountain on her own and had been in great danger before narrowly returning.
When she inquired about the details, she learned that Gugok Mountain housed a facility for creating Soulless Puppets, along with traps to deal with outsiders.
And Gongson Dan-a had survived thanks to the help of a reclusive master she happened to meet on her way there.
Neung-gyeong had asked about the master’s identity several times, but Gongson Dan-a only repeated that she didn't know who he was.
But Neung-gyeong knew.
From Gongson Dan-a’s bright and cheerful eyes, she could tell that this so-called master was a very young man.
Otherwise, there was no way Gongson Dan-a, who always maintained a solemn demeanor, would wear such a lighthearted expression.
—Something else has entered your heart.
At Neung-gyeong’s words, Gongson Dan-a, her feelings exposed, smiled innocently.
—Yes. I met someone just like me. It was the first time I’d ever met someone who didn’t care about another’s beauty or ugliness. Oh, and of course, we weren’t interested in each other’s faces either. And also…
As Gongson Dan-a spoke excitedly, Neung-gyeong sighed.
Such curiosity and familiarity could eventually cross the threshold into affection.
Because, in the past, Neung-gyeong herself had been the same.
—Your heart has been disturbed. I order you to stay in the Heart-Purifying Cave for one year.
Such a punishment was more an act of consideration, born from Neung-gyeong’s concern that Gongson Dan-a’s profound arts might be disrupted.
The Heart-Purifying Cave was a place where one could cultivate Crystal Divine Energy, a place any disciple of the Divine Water Palace would dream of going.
And Gongson Dan-a, understanding Neung-gyeong’s heart, had willingly followed the order.
But to think that the reclusive master she met at Gugok Mountain was the successor of the Demonic Cult, the Martial Spirit Master?
“How did you know?”
“The energy within your body.”
Neung-gyeong said calmly.
“The way it embraced the Crystal Divine Energy and expelled the Extreme Yin Energy… wasn’t that the Daoist secret that Dan-a passed on to you?”
Bu Eun-seol was surprised that Neung-gyeong had seen through it so quickly and bowed his head with a startled expression.
“That is correct. I happened to cross paths with her at Gugok Mountain, and we helped each other.”
Bu Eun-seol’s expression was filled with puzzlement, and his eyes were filled with innocence.
Like Gongson Dan-a, he showed only pure curiosity and goodwill. There was no trace of romantic feelings between a man and a woman.
‘What a relief.’
Neung-gyeong, sighing inaudibly with relief, changed the subject.
“Dan-a once told me a story about meeting a reclusive master at Gugok Mountain.”
“It was nothing special. We simply helped each other out.”
Bu Eun-seol spoke in a low voice, as if remembering something.
“However, I hope you won’t blame her.”
“Blame her?”
“At the time, I was trying to stop a trap in the underground of Gugok Mountain and ended up losing control of the energy in my body. She did what she had to do to save me.”
To steal and learn the martial arts of another sect or to acquire its power was an absolutely unforgivable act.
Bu Eun-seol was worried that Gongson Dan-a might be punished for infusing him with Water Divine Energy.
“Do not worry. The Daoist secret Dan-a passed on to you was not a martial art of this palace, but something the child came across by chance.”
Hearing Neung-gyeong’s words, Bu Eun-seol felt a little awkward.
‘So she didn’t mention infusing the Water Divine Energy.’
What he was referring to was the fact that Gongson Dan-a had infused him with Water Divine Energy.
But since Neung-gyeong thought he was only worried about having been taught the Daoist secret…
It was clear she hadn't mentioned infusing the energy.
“I see. That is a relief.”
In fact, the reason Bu Eun-seol was able to accept the Crystal Divine Energy into his body was not just because of the Daoist secret of the Quanzhen School.
It was because Gongson Dan-a had already infused him with Water Divine Energy.
But Neung-gyeong, completely unaware of this fact,
was pleased by Bu Eun-seol’s thoughtfulness in worrying about Gongson Dan-a.
Moreover, since he had saved her most cherished disciple, Neung-gyeong also felt she owed Bu Eun-seol a debt.
“Hmm.”
Neung-gyeong let out a sigh.
“The entanglements of the martial world are truly unpredictable.”
“What do you mean?”
“I tried to escape from such entanglements by disappearing from the world and focusing only on raising the next generation… but now my cherished disciple throws a bundle of new entanglements my way.”
Hearing the word ‘entanglements,’ Bu Eun-seol’s eyes sparkled.
“Speaking of which, there is something I would like to ask the Grand Master.”
Bu Eun-seol had heard from Gongson Dan-a that Grand Master Neung-gyeong knew a great deal about the Seven-Fingered Demonic Swordsman, Bu Jan-yang.
Since she was a master from the same era and of a similar age… she was likely to know much about him.
“Speak.”
“I heard that the Grand Master knows about the Seven-Fingered Demonic Swordsman.”
In that instant, Neung-gyeong’s gaze deepened.
She couldn’t bring herself to look at Bu Eun-seol and turned her head to gaze at the distant sky.
From the way she held her head high with a somber expression, it seemed she held an unspoken story in her heart.
‘She doesn’t wish to be involved in the affairs of the martial world.’
Bu Eun-seol could read Neung-gyeong’s heart.
‘In that case, there’s no need to pry it open.’
Just because he wanted to find traces of his grandfather didn’t give him the right to unearth a past that someone else wished to forget.
“My apologies.”
Bu Eun-seol quickly clasped his hands.
“I have spoken out of turn and disturbed the Grand Master’s peace of mind. Please forget my previous question.”
“Huhu, you are not like a successor of the Demonic Cult. Truly not like a successor of the demonic path.”
Sensing Bu Eun-seol’s consideration, Neung-gyeong gave a faint nod.
“It is true that he and I had a connection. But…”
She shook her head and said.
“Now that I am entering the twilight of my years… I find it difficult to recall old memories.”
Bu Eun-seol bowed his head once more and clasped his hands.
“I apologize for asking such a thoughtless question.”
At his respectful apology, Neung-gyeong’s gaze softened.
That dignified yet solemn atmosphere.
Those stubbornly set lips. Those handsome yet somehow lonely eyes.
Wasn’t it an exact replica of the man she had longed for even in her dreams?
‘I still haven’t forgotten him.’
Neung-gyeong felt her profound arts, which had been quiescent for decades, begin to tremble uncontrollably.
And without realizing it, she posed a question to Bu Eun-seol.
“Do you have some special relationship with the Seven-Fingered Demonic Swordsman?”
A special relationship.
At those words, Bu Eun-seol’s gaze wavered like ripples on water.
“I do.”
“What is your relationship?”
Bu Eun-seol hesitated for a moment.
Should he tell the truth, or should he be vague?
Although the Grand Master was a person of the Orthodox Faction, she had a wise and calm personality. He couldn't imagine her meaning him any harm.
“He is…”
Having made his decision, Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“My grandfather.”
“What?”
Neung-gyeong staggered, as if dealt a great shock.
“You are Bu Jan-yang’s grandson?”
“I am.”
Neung-gyeong stared at Bu Eun-seol with a dazed expression.
No wonder they looked alike. He had perfectly inherited that lonely atmosphere.
*Clench.*
She clenched her fists tightly.
Otherwise, it felt as though tears would stream from her eyes.
“I see. So he had a grandson.”
Neung-gyeong forced a smile and nodded.
“I don’t know why I never heard such a rumor.”
Then, she took a deep breath and said.
“In any case, you may leave. I am busy…”
“There is something I wish to ask of the Grand Master.”
“I had almost forgotten.”
Neung-gyeong waved her hand as if her mind was elsewhere and nodded.
“You asked for Yogeomji to be opened.”
“That is correct.”
“You may enter. But.”
She said calmly, her head still turned away.
“Once you have finished your business, you are to leave immediately. That is the condition I require.”
“Understood. I shall do so.”
Although hidden by a veil, Bu Eun-seol could tell that Neung-gyeong’s features were as beautiful as Gongson Dan-a’s.
Her personality and demeanor were also benevolent and gentle.
‘They would have been a good match for my grandfather.’
Bu Eun-seol could sense it intuitively.
Neung-gyeong also had a complex history with his grandfather and still longed for him to this day.
Otherwise, she would not have shown such a wistful gaze upon hearing the name ‘Seven-Fingered Demonic Swordsman.’
‘Grandfather.’
Thinking of his grandfather, a surge of longing rose in his own chest.
But he couldn’t just indulge in nostalgia. He had to find the culprit as soon as possible, destroy the Three Realms… and get his revenge.
“I am grateful for the Grand Master’s kindness.”
Having organized his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands.
“Then, I will return to the Divine Water Palace with Brother Noe.”
“Wait.”
Just then, Neung-gyeong turned around and said.
“Follow me for a moment.”
She led Bu Eun-seol into a pavilion located in the inner part of the Divine Water Palace.
It was a small room filled with the faint scent of incense. It seemed to be a meditation chamber she used to calm or collect her mind.
“He…”
Looking at Bu Eun-seol, Neung-gyeong’s lips trembled behind her veil.
If she were to speak the words in her heart now, the profound arts she had built up for decades would crumble.
Her position as the Grand Master of the Divine Water Palace—no, she would cast aside everything she had and leave in search of him.
Knowing this, she couldn’t bring herself to speak the words aloud.
“My grandfather…”
Just then, Bu Eun-seol opened his mouth, his voice clear and deep.
“Did not marry. He took me in, an orphan, as his grandson.”
As if he had read Neung-gyeong’s mind.
“And he lived happily with me… helping to send off the souls of the dead.”
It was a short piece of news, one that made the long years feel meaningless.
But Neung-gyeong could surmise that Bu Jan-yang had lived happily with his grandson.
And that he was no longer of this world.
*Drip.*
Finally, a clear teardrop rolled down from her large eyes.
*Rustle.*
As if unable to bear the weight of the sorrow she shed, Neung-gyeong’s blue veil slipped to the ground.
An indescribably beautiful face was revealed.
Amazingly, even at her age, the Grand Master of the Divine Water Palace maintained the youthful appearance of a beauty in her early twenties.
‘This is the punishment for my lack of courage.’
In the past, and even now.
Neung-gyeong had never had the courage to cast off the shackles and restraints that bound her.
“The threshold of affection is so difficult to cross.”
Neung-gyeong was shedding tears like pearls. But a bright smile graced her lips.
Only now did she realize that what had pained her heart for decades,
was not the memory of Bu Jan-yang, but the image of herself, afraid to make a choice.
“You are the spitting image of him.”
At Neung-gyeong’s words, Bu Eun-seol straightened his shoulders and said proudly.
“Because I am my grandfather’s grandson.”
Neung-gyeong smiled.
Like a grandmother looking lovingly at her grandson.
“But do not follow your grandfather’s life.”
Neung-gyeong could sense it.
Bu Eun-seol was also living a life similar to Bu Jan-yang’s.
“You must live a different life from his.”
It was an entreaty for him to meet someone he loved and build a happy family.
Bu Eun-seol didn’t know what it meant, but the emotion in her eyes was so desperate and earnest that he nodded.
“I understand.”
When he answered, she offered a faint, dry smile and turned away.
Then she slowly walked out of the meditation chamber.
Bu Eun-seol knew.
Neung-gyeong would retreat deep into the Divine Water Palace and never show herself to the world again.
“Thank you for telling me about him.”
Turning her head for a moment, Neung-gyeong gave Bu Eun-seol a smile of unparalleled beauty.
It was a final smile, bidding farewell to her first love, the one she had held in her heart for so long.