Chapter 66
Chapter 66
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: The Path Forward
-----------------------------------------------------------------
On a deep mountainside of Geom-mi Mountain.
A man in grimy clothes emerged from a dark cave.
A strange man.
No other words could describe his appearance.
His hair was a tangled mess, and his clothes were so caked in filth it was impossible to tell how long it had been since they were last washed.
“Hmm.”
The man's eyes, as he looked up at the distant sky, held a lightning-like gleam.
Though it was morning, he showed no signs of having slept. Judging by the healthy color in his face, he seemed to have spent the night circulating his internal energy.
*Step, step.*
The strange man walked out of the cave and came to a stop in a forest clearing before it.
“Hah.”
With a short exhale, the longsword tucked into his belt was suddenly in his hand.
*Shwing!*
As he abruptly extended the sword, a light like the sunset poured forth, and a dizzying array of sword shadows fanned out.
*Swish, swish.*
In that instant, trees standing in every direction toppled over.
Moreover, the direction and position of each felled tree were completely different. It was a sword art bordering on the divine.
“Hmm.”
Despite having executed a near-divine sword art, the strange man's expression was not pleased.
“Same thing again.”
*Crack. Crumble.*
Cracks began to spiderweb across the blade he held, and it shattered into hundreds of pieces that fell to the ground.
Muttering under his breath, the strange man headed toward a small waterfall near the forest.
*Whoosh.*
The spray from the falling water brushed against his cheeks.
Gazing at his reflection in the water below, the strange man began to wash his face.
*Pfft!*
After washing his face, he began to neatly tie up his disheveled hair.
At the same time, a pale white face was slowly revealed. Long, cold, still eyes, a high-bridged nose, and firmly set lips...
The face of a handsome young man, exuding an endlessly cold and mysterious aura, was unveiled.
It was Bu Eun-seol.
“One year.”
Nearly a year had passed since he started living in the cave.
His residence within Nang-ya-gak was suitable for resting, but it was too bustling to practice his sword arts.
While wandering Geom-mi Mountain, he had found a cave that received the sun in the morning and evening and was close to a waterfall.
And here, he had trained his sword arts for a year.
“Is it because I added heavy sword techniques and rotational force?”
Bu Eun-seol clicked his tongue softly.
Based on Dan-cheong's sword art, he had created a new style by combining all the martial arts he had learned so far... Sa-u's practical swordsmanship, the Hwa-u Sword, the Jeon-roe-mu-ssang-sik, and the insights and refined techniques he had gained from the Murim.
Mu-sang-cheon-ryu.
Bu Eun-seol had named it Mu-sang-cheon-ryu.
He had created a new sword art that not only encompassed all the sword styles scattered throughout the world but was also unlike anything that had come before.
The problem was that each move of the Mu-sang-cheon-ryu contained such immense power that it could not be performed with an ordinary sword.
*Snap.*
Just then, he sensed a presence, along with the sound of a twig snapping.
Turning his head, he saw a middle-aged man in white robes standing there.
It was the Master of Wind and Cloud, Baek-yeon.
“You look to be in even better shape.”
Having trained for a year, Bu Eun-seol appeared slightly thinner than before.
But to Baek-yeon's eyes, Bu Eun-seol's entire body looked as if it had been honed into a single, sharp sword.
“Great Lord.”
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands, Baek-yeon nodded.
“You've been training hard.”
Baek-yeon's eyes, which had been carefully observing the destroyed trees in the surrounding forest, gradually widened.
‘This is...’
Generally, every sword art has its own characteristics, and the moment it is executed, it leaves behind the user's unique traits and traces.
But the trees Bu Eun-seol had destroyed bore no such traces. They were simple and crude, as if split by a woodcutter.
Because he had mixed all the techniques in the world, no single characteristic stood out.
“You've made great progress.”
As Baek-yeon voiced his admiration, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
“It's not yet at a satisfactory level.”
“What kind of sword art would ever satisfy you?”
Baek-yeon chuckled and continued.
“Let's go to Cheong-pung-jae. The Vice Pavilion Master is looking for you.”
Sensing a story behind Baek-yeon's gaze, Bu Eun-seol asked.
“Has something happened?”
Baek-yeon paused for a moment before nodding.
“Word has come from the Demonic Cult.”
“For me?”
“You could say that.”
Baek-yeon took a deep breath and said.
“A decision has been made regarding the Ten Demonic Champions.”
***
Three teacups, steaming gently, were placed on the table.
Sitting at a table in the guest hall of Cheong-pung-jae, Bu Eun-seol listened intently to Dan-cheong and Baek-yeon.
“...To put it simply, the Demonic Cult has judged that the Ten Demonic Champions are not yet ready to face the Great Righteous Masters. So, they've decided to give you more time to refine your martial arts.”
“I see.”
“The deadline is one year. It's neither long nor short.”
At Baek-yeon's words, Dan-cheong furrowed his brow with a displeased expression.
“Telling them to refine their skills and then giving them only a year? Just one year?”
He then muttered in an irritated voice.
“The Lord of the Demonic Cult should either end his seclusion or decide on a successor before holing himself up in a cave. Leaving the seat empty for so long just lets the Ten Demonic Sects and the Hall of Elders grow more influential, doesn't it?”
Hearing Dan-cheong, Bu Eun-seol looked puzzled.
“Are you saying the Demonic Cult is being swayed by the Ten Demonic Sects and the Hall of Elders?”
“The current Lord of the Demonic Cult has not yet officially named a successor. So, both the Ten Demonic Sects and the Hall of Elders are trying to steer the situation in a direction that benefits them.”
“I don't quite understand.”
“Hmm. It seems you'll need an explanation of the power structure within the Demonic Cult to understand this.”
Dan-cheong then gestured to Baek-yeon with his eyes.
It was a signal for Baek-yeon to explain, as he couldn't be bothered.
“Ahem.”
Unable to withstand Dan-cheong's intense gaze, Baek-yeon reluctantly began to speak.
“Have you heard that the power in the Demonic Cult is divided into three factions?”
—*The Demonic Cult's power is split three ways between the faction of the Lord of the Demonic Cult, the faction of the Hall of Elders, and the faction of the Ten Demonic Sects. The Hall of Elders, composed of masters from the previous generation, has a particularly strong voice.*
Bu Eun-seol recalled Dan-cheong's past words and nodded.
“Yes.”
“Since the power is divided three ways, it's only natural that all three factions are backing a successor who suits their own interests.”
As Baek-yeon continued, his brow gradually furrowed.
“The faction under the Lord of the Demonic Cult wants a newly rising powerhouse from the demonic path, one who isn't influenced by the Ten Demonic Sects or the Hall of Elders. The Ten Demonic Sects, naturally, want the successor to come from within their ranks.”
Only then did Bu Eun-seol understand the whole situation.
With the successor to the Demonic Cult undecided, the three divided factions were desperately trying to exert their influence to their own advantage.
“What about the Hall of Elders?”
“The Hall of Elders simply wants someone who will firmly protect their power. It doesn't matter if they're from the Ten Demonic Sects or an outsider. That's why they are fundamentally neutral.”
Dan-cheong smacked his lips and spoke again.
“The Ten Demonic Champions project is known to be the Lord of the Demonic Cult's unilateral decision, but in truth, it was only possible because the Hall of Elders consented. From their perspective, there's nothing to lose from the project.”
Baek-yeon said with a bitter expression.
“And this one-year period was something pushed for by the Ten Demonic Sects. It's because you and the other Ten Demonic Champions are so exceptional.”
One mountain cannot contain two tigers.
The Ten Demonic Champions were skilled enough to push out the firmly established heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects.
Therefore, the designated heirs want them to clash with the Great Righteous Masters and self-destruct as soon as possible.
“I see.”
Unlike the worried Dan-cheong and Baek-yeon, Bu Eun-seol's eyes grew brighter than before.
“So I've been given another free year.”
One year, three hundred and sixty-five days. Depending on how it was used, it was enough time to greet a new destiny.
“That's right. The reason I called you today was to discuss how you'll spend this year.”
“Then I will journey through the Murim.”
At Bu Eun-seol's immediate response, Baek-yeon's brow furrowed.
“Journey through the Murim again?”
“Yes.”
“Was the year you spent in the Gu-sal-dae not enough?”
“The Gu-sal-dae's missions were carried out with all the information and tactics practically laid out.”
“Hm?”
“It was a time to learn everything about the Murim, but from another perspective, it wasn't completely raw.”
Baek-yeon sighed and shook his head.
The Gu-sal-dae's missions were life-threatening endeavors. For that reason, thorough intelligence gathering was a given.
But Bu Eun-seol was calling that 'everything being prepared'.
‘I really don't know what this boy is thinking.’
Baek-yeon glanced at Dan-cheong before slowly opening his mouth.
“Reaching a higher realm is not something that can be done in a short time. Practicing combat arts is not always the answer.”
Baek-yeon continued without hesitation, as if he had something in mind.
“I want you to spend the year traveling among the Ten Demonic Sects and building friendships with their heirs.”
“With the heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects?”
“Yes. In the meantime, I will make it clear to the Demonic Cult that you are not one of the Ten Demonic Champions, but a disciple of Nang-ya-gak.”
When Bu Eun-seol gave him a look of incomprehension, he spoke again.
“While you are visiting the Ten Demonic Sects in turn and forming bonds with their heirs, if I inform the Demonic Cult that you are the successor who will inherit our pavilion's legitimate line... you should be able to escape the shackles of being one of the Ten Demonic Champions.”
Dan-cheong, who had been listening quietly, furrowed his brow.
“So, what you're saying is... you want this boy to spend a year building friendships with the heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects?”
“That is correct.”
“To solidify his position as our pavilion's successor and get him out of fighting the Great Righteous Masters?”
“That is correct.”
Baek-yeon said with a serious expression.
“With the exception of one disciple from the Diancang Sect who joined late... the martial achievements of the Great Righteous Masters have consistently reached the transcendent realm, and they are recognized as the next generation of grandmasters.”
“I understand what you're saying. But isn't that a proposal that ignores not only the boy but also the martial philosophy our pavilion pursues?”
Dan-cheong said with a hollow laugh.
“Our pavilion is a place where one hones their martial arts through real combat and pursues the Martial Way through extreme battles. And you're telling him to build friendships to avoid a fight?”
But Baek-yeon's gaze was firm.
“This boy's potential and talent are extraordinary. But the time he has spent learning martial arts is too short.”
He then turned his gaze to Bu Eun-seol.
“There is no need to risk your life before that world-class talent has had a chance to bloom. The Ten Demonic Sects know this as well, which is why they gave the Ten Demonic Champions such a short period of one year.”
Dan-cheong wore a displeased expression.
It was a plan unthinkable for a disciple of Nang-ya-gak.
‘But... he must have devised this plan in his own way to protect the boy.’
Knowing the deliberation Baek-yeon must have gone through to protect Bu Eun-seol, Dan-cheong couldn't blindly oppose the plan.
“Hmm.”
With a sigh, Dan-cheong asked Bu Eun-seol.
“Well. What do you think?”
Bu Eun-seol was silent for a moment.
If his goal had been to climb to a high position, he would have followed Baek-yeon's advice without hesitation.
But what he wanted was not a high position.
“I...”
Bu Eun-seol's tightly sealed lips finally opened.
“I still want to journey through the Murim and test myself further.”
“So you'll let yourself be swayed by the schemes of the Ten Demonic Sects?”
Baek-yeon said with a look of regret.
“To become a great warrior, you must know when to bow your head for a moment. When there's a chance to dodge a blade, you don't always have to stubbornly knock it away with your bare hands.”
But Bu Eun-seol's expression did not change. His firm gaze was answer enough.
“Look here, Baek-yeon...”
Dan-cheong, who was watching, sighed and spoke.
“Do you really see this boy as the type to cower when a blade comes flying at him?”
“That is a matter we must persuade him on. One who doesn't know how to bow his head can never become a truly great warrior.”
“But there are.”
“What do you mean?”
“Our pavilion's master, and the Lord of the Demonic Cult. They walked their own paths, never once bowing to another.”
Teuk-rip-dok-haeng. To act according to one's own convictions, unyielding to others.
The Pavilion Master of Nang-ya-gak and the Lord of the Demonic Cult of this era were masters who looked down upon the martial world alone, relying on no one and caring for no one's opinion.
The reason they could do so was simple.
They themselves were far stronger than any faction.
‘Surely the Vice Pavilion Master doesn't think this boy can reach such a level?’
Looking into Dan-cheong's eyes, Baek-yeon bit his lip.
‘No. They were born as supreme powerhouses. This boy is different.’
Bu Eun-seol possessed astonishingly great talent, but he was, at the end of the day, just a martial arts genius.
But the Lord of the Demonic Cult and the Pavilion Master of Nang-ya-gak were born as superhumans.
No matter how outstanding Bu Eun-seol was, Baek-yeon didn't think he could reach a level comparable to those terrifying figures.
“This boy is the greatest talent in Nang-ya-gak. Is there really a need for him to walk such a difficult path?”
At Baek-yeon's words, Dan-cheong smiled faintly.
“It is because he is exceptional that he seeks to walk the difficult path.”
He then turned to Bu Eun-seol and said.
“Bu Eun-seol. The Ten Demonic Sects are struggling with the Ten Demonic Champions, who are far more exceptional than they anticipated. They don't want another competitor added to the already chaotic succession battle of the Ten Demonic Sects.”
Dan-cheong wore a faint smile.
“But no matter what anyone says, you are a disciple of our pavilion. This is what Baek-yeon wanted to tell you... Do you understand what that means?”
“I understand perfectly.”
Bu Eun-seol also wore a faint smile.
Although the Ten Demonic Champions were created as weapons to face the Great Righteous Masters... Nang-ya-gak had acknowledged Bu Eun-seol as a true disciple.
And Baek-yeon had devised various ways to save Bu Eun-seol from danger.
‘I... am receiving more care than I deserve from this pavilion.’
Just then, Dan-cheong asked.
“Then I'll ask again. What will you do for the year?”
“I will journey through the Murim.”
At Bu Eun-seol's unhesitating reply, Dan-cheong nodded.
“Good. Then go to Dong-pyo-seo-rang.”