Chapter 1024
BANG!
Without warning, flames erupted around Bu Eun-seol with a deafening explosion.
Status, seniority, and the depth of one's martial arts—
When this mere upstart, who couldn't possibly compare to him in any of these aspects, dared to provoke him by demanding he strike first, Sindo Jang-cheong responded appropriately. He unleashed the formless, soundless Seal-Destroying Palm, and Bu Eun-seol blocked it with his Protective Astral Energy.
"So, it seems you've at least mastered the basics of the Seal-Destroying Palm."
As Bu Eun-seol deliberately mentioned the technique with every word,
"Your arrogance ends now!"
PAK!
In an instant, Sindo Jang-cheong closed the distance and poured forth his formless, soundless Palm Energy.
His Palm Energy was so swift it couldn't be sensed or avoided, and with each movement of his hands, hundreds of palm shadows chaotically spread outward.
Then, something unexpected happened.
PANG!
Bu Eun-seol also closed the distance further and began countering the attacks by deploying his Leg Techniques.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
At such close quarters that their faces nearly touched, their fists and legs collided directly.
The arms and legs of these two masters carried force enough to topple even Mount Tai, and each collision resounded with the deafening clang of metal.
Yet, no matter how profound Bu Eun-seol's Leg Techniques were, they couldn't hold up against the grand pinnacle of Palm Arts—the Seal-Destroying Palm.
SWISH!
In the end, Bu Eun-seol twisted his body slightly, deflecting Sindo Jang-cheong's Palm Energy, and conjured dozens of Fist Shadows.
At last, he unleashed his signature move—the Fist Demon Seven Forms.
BOOM!
With another explosive sound, Sindo Jang-cheong and Bu Eun-seol's fists tangled once more in midair.
Arms and legs, hands and fists clashed relentlessly, bone grinding against bone, each impact sending razor-sharp currents of energy rippling outward.
When a lethal strike missed, an immediate counter followed, and the exchange of blows continued at a speed the naked eye couldn't follow.
Sindo Jang-cheong's Palm Techniques were as majestic and sharp as Mount Tai, while Bu Eun-seol's Fist Demon Seven Forms were profound and destructive.
But Sindo Jang-cheong was a master who had trained in the Seal-Destroying Palm for decades—the foremost Palm Art of the Demonic Path.
As expected, facing him with only the Fist Demon Seven Forms was somewhat reckless.
SCREECH!
Eventually, Bu Eun-seol's body began to be forced back.
SHWAK! PA-PA-PA-PA!
Sindo Jang-cheong's Internal Power was immense, and even as he unleashed hundreds of Palm Shadows, his Internal Energy remained undispersed.
His execution of Martial Forms was also effortless.
BAM! BAM!
The Palm Energy that broke through the Fist Demon Seven Forms' defense struck Bu Eun-seol's shoulder and abdomen.
"HAAHT!"
Despite the heavy blow, Bu Eun-seol refused to retreat and instead closed the distance again.
Sindo Jang-cheong, spotting an opening in his movement, attempted to seize the back of Bu Eun-seol's neck with the Seizing and Grasping Technique.
"PTUI!"
As the distance between them narrowed to the point their faces nearly touched, Bu Eun-seol spat out the blood he had been holding in his mouth.
"You have no shame!"
Originally, such underhanded tactics were beneath a grandmaster of his standing.
But the Langya Pavilion Martial Arts had no such restrictions—
To survive, he wouldn't hesitate to use even the most disgraceful Eighth-rate techniques, like the Lazy Donkey Roll, where one rolls on the ground in desperation.
WHOOSH!
Sindo Jang-cheong unleashed an even fiercer surge of Palm Energy.
'Even though he possesses the power of the Supernatural, he's only pouring out the Seal-Destroying Palm...'
Just as a flash of insight flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes—
BAM!
Another wave of Palm Energy grazed his shoulder.
It was so sharp and powerful that merely brushing against it turned his clothes to dust and blackened his skin.
"GRAAAH!"
Then, a bestial roar erupted from Bu Eun-seol's mouth.
As he unleashed his Fist Techniques and Leg Techniques, he continuously spread the heightened senses of the Beast Path.
Naturally, the Beast Force was activated.
KWA-WOONG!
As the Beast Force surged outward—
The Fist Demon Seven Forms, which should have been profound yet packed with devastating power, suddenly transformed into a terrifying Demonic Art of pure, unrelenting ferocity.
This made it a direct counter to the eerie sharpness of the Seal-Destroying Palm.
PA-PA-PA-PA!
Bu Eun-seol, now like a wild beast, madly unleashed the Fist Demon Seven Forms at point-blank range, strikes powerful enough to split mountains.
Sindo Jang-cheong's movements became disordered, his Martial Forms scattering.
"Good!"
A mysterious light flared in Sindo Jang-cheong's eyes.
Though Bu Eun-seol's mastery of the Fist Palm Finger Art was inferior to his own—
He had grasped the Langya Pavilion's Practical Combat Martial Arts, which granted him terrifying Internal Energy and made him grow stronger the longer he fought.
Sindo Jang-cheong realized that the Seal-Destroying Palm alone wouldn't be enough to bring him down.
ZZING. ZZING.
Suddenly, a strange light radiated from Sindo Jang-cheong's twin palms.
SLAP-SLAP-SLAP-SLAP!
Immediately, palm marks began appearing incessantly on Bu Eun-seol's skin.
'Limitless Power.'
Unity of Mind and Will, Myriad Phenomenon Shattering.
Through sheer intent, his Palm Techniques struck true—unleashing the Limitless Power, capable of destroying any kind of force.
CRACK!
Bu Eun-seol, having drawn out his internal energy to its limits, attempted to shake off the palm imprints etching themselves onto his body.
SLAP! SLAP! SLAP!
Yet, the power of Myriad Phenomenon Shattering was steadily draining his energy, causing the palm marks on his body to appear and vanish in an endless cycle.
Myriad Phenomenon Shattering was a Limitless Power that could detect every kind of force and essence generated by martial arts—
And instantly neutralize or destroy them with palm energy.
In short, it was an unstoppable force.
An infinite torrent of palm energy that annihilated any and all power the moment it was exerted.
"No matter how formidable your internal energy may be, you will never shake off this Myriad Phenomenon Shattering."
Having unleashed the technique, Sindo Jang-cheong crossed his arms and observed Bu Eun-seol with leisurely arrogance.
Once Myriad Phenomenon Shattering locked onto its target—
No matter what kind of power was exerted against it, the palm energy would cling like a vengeful ghost, nullifying and crushing it.
Not only did it target internal energy and supernatural abilities—
But it also specialized in dismantling martial techniques primarily used for defense—
Transformation Force, Unbreakable Force, Pliant Force, Spiral Force, Shattering Force, Piercing Force—
Rendering an opponent's defenses utterly useless while systematically pulverizing their body.
SLAP! SLAP! SLAP!
Unable to neutralize the ceaseless palm imprints clinging to his skin like leeches, Bu Eun-seol—
THUD.
—finally buckled, dropping to one knee.
HUFF... HUFF...
He strained, continuously expending his internal energy to resist Myriad Phenomenon Shattering, but the invading force was simply too fast.
CRACK—WHOOSH!
For a brief moment, it seemed Bu Eun-seol had barely managed to counter the technique, releasing a shockwave of internal energy as he forced himself back upright.
But his expression was hollow, as if not a shred of strength remained in his body.
Cold sweat drenched him from head to toe.
"Impressive. I had my doubts when rumors spread that you'd reached the Martial Extreme Realm—but to actually withstand Myriad Phenomenon Shattering?"
The fact that his body hadn't shattered under the technique's assault led Sindo Jang-cheong to believe Bu Eun-seol had indeed attained the Martial Extreme Realm—
And with it, the physique of a Dharma Heaven Golden Immortal.
"If you truly intended to defeat me from the start, you should have prevented me from unleashing Myriad Phenomenon Shattering in the first place."
Sindo Jang-cheong smirked.
However Bu Eun-seol had brought down the Heavenly Slaughter Star—
If he had wanted victory here as well—
He shouldn't have engaged with Fist Palm Finger Art. He should have immediately deployed Limitless Power and settled things in a single decisive strike.
But in his arrogance, he had fought with Fist Palm Finger Art—
And now, he couldn't even muster a counterattack, left completely exposed to Limitless Power.
"I don't understand."
Bu Eun-seol wiped the cold sweat from his brow and spoke.
"With martial prowess of this level, you could achieve whatever you desire. So why play the role of another's attack dog and come for me?"
"Isn't your leash the one held by another?"
Sindo Jang-cheong's smirk deepened.
"If the blade wielded by the Demonic Heavenly Emperor were to turn against him, it would make for quite the spectacle."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed to slits.
In the past, perhaps—
But to still believe he was a mere puppet dancing to the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's whims?
There was no way Sindo Jang-cheong hadn't witnessed the numerous clashes between them.
So why say such a thing?
(...Is his true target not me, but the Demonic Heavenly Emperor?)
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor wouldn't even blink if the Demonic Path Ten Gates turned against him.
So why would the Extinction Palace go so far as to ally with outsiders just to oppose him?
"If you're after the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, then targeting me is the last thing you should be doing."
Bu Eun-seol's voice was laced with genuine confusion.
"You've clearly seen the number of times I've clashed with him."
"Spare me your nonsense."
Sindo Jang-cheong scoffed.
"Do you think you can hide the truth just by flapping your lips?"
"The truth?"
"Enough."
He summoned Limitless Power once more.
"You can ask the King of Hell about the rest."
ZZZING—
A brilliant light erupted from Sindo Jang-cheong's pupils as palm imprints began carving themselves into Bu Eun-seol's body again.
He had activated Myriad Phenomenon Shattering once more.
But something was wrong.
Bu Eun-seol, who had been drenched in cold sweat and on the verge of collapse, calmly rose to his feet—
And shook his head.
"Did you think wielding Limitless Power would make you the master of the Extinction Palace?"
Sindo Jang-cheong's eyes widened in shock.
How could this man, whose body was riddled with palm marks from Myriad Phenomenon Shattering, stand so effortlessly?
"What—?"
"I played along because I thought you might know something useful."
Finally, Bu Eun-seol's gaze sharpened to an almost inhuman degree.
"But I must admit—replacing the fake with the real thing is a remarkably cunning move."
"......"
"No matter how exceptional the art of disguise, I found it hard to believe an entire sect could be fooled..."
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"So it wasn't about planting a clumsy imposter, but about bringing in a blood relative who could perfectly replace him."
The secret that had allowed them to replace the pinnacle figures of the martial world without detection.
It was this—recruiting a blood relative who could flawlessly stand in their place, crafting a perfect substitute.
"......"
Sindo Jang-cheong was left speechless by Bu Eun-seol's words.
Until now, this secret had remained entirely hidden, unnoticed by anyone.
So how in the world had this monstrous bastard seen through it?
"You—"
Just as Sindo Jang-cheong was about to speak,
"And what is that?"
he finally noticed the faint glow enveloping Bu Eun-seol's body.
Because of that dim light, the power of Myriad Phenomenon Shattering had been unable to invade his flesh.
"What the hell is that light, that it can neutralize Limitless Power?"
"As expected."
Bu Eun-seol wore a disappointed expression.
"Since it's not a realm you attained yourself, of course you wouldn't know."
In truth, he had been cloaked in Harmonization from the moment he tore through the Mind's Eye Mirror.
If this imposter was fit to replace the master of the Extinction Palace, he must possess considerable ability—
and might even surpass him in the depths of martial arts.
Yet Sindo Jang-cheon hadn't sensed the Power of Harmony at all.
Because he hadn't truly reached the Martial Extreme Realm—his martial prowess had merely been amplified by external aid.
"Judging by your gaze and physiological reactions..."
Bu Eun-seol murmured quietly, observing the utter bewilderment in Sindo Jang-cheon's eyes.
"You really are a blood relative of the Extinction Palace's master."
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
"Tsk, your Spirit and Mind are in disarray again."
If one's Spirit and Mind were composed and dignified? Their physiological reactions wouldn't betray them, allowing emotions to be perfectly concealed.
Even if someone had reached the realm of Demonic Eye Insight, they'd never be able to read their innermost thoughts.
But once his composure crumbled in the face of the unexpected, Sindo Jang-cheon's emotional fluctuations and physiological reactions became exposed—
and Bu Eun-seol kept piercing through his defenses.
"I deliberately ignored the Extinction Palm Technique and prodded at your weak points—your reactions were quite entertaining."
Bu Eun-seol sighed.
"Even while pretending to be the Palace Master, you still take pride in the Extinction Palace's martial arts? Not only that, but you carry the exact same presence as the real Palace Master, indistinguishable to anyone."
When Bu Eun-seol provoked him with Fist Palm Finger Art,
Sindo Jang-cheon had mocked him, flaunting his pride in the Extinction Palace's palm techniques.
Not only that, but right now, he exuded the natural bearing of an elder—something only possible if he were of the same generation as the real Palace Master.
Which left only one conclusion.
"The only person who fits these conditions is Sindo Jang-cheong, the younger brother of the Extinction Palace's master. Am I right?"
When Bu Eun-seol clicked his tongue and posed the question,
Sindo Jang-cheon—no, Sindo Jang-cheong—could only stare wide-eyed.
How had this bastard figured out what even the Extinction Palace's elite hadn't noticed?
But it was too soon to be shocked.
"Judging by your actions, you must have long resented the Palace Master's decisions—enough to orchestrate this."
Bu Eun-seol continued, as if peering directly into Sindo Jang-cheong's past.
"Heavenly Mechanism Star or the Servants of the True Demon must have noticed that resentment and recruited you long ago."
"......"
"But your temperament isn't ruthless enough—you didn't kill your own kin, just locked him away somewhere."
Sindo Jang-cheong trembled as if he couldn't believe it.
"Are you saying you've reached the same Demonic Eye Insight as the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, reading my mind in an instant?"
"Hardly."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"If you were the real Palace Master, even if your thoughts were exposed, you wouldn't have shown such minute fractures in your Spirit and Mind."
Then he scoffed.
"If you wanted to play the part properly, you should have at least imitated the bearing of a sect leader."
"What did you say?"
"Just because your age and martial prowess match doesn't mean you can replicate the dignity of a sect's master."
Bu Eun-seol's words flowed like clear mountain streams, and Sindo Jang-cheong found himself unwittingly ensnared.
"Dignity? Are you saying I lack dignity?"
"You talk too much, and your mannerisms are frivolous."
Bu Eun-seol continued leisurely.
"Once you reach the level of leading a sect, frivolity naturally fades."
"......"
"Because with every decision, every word you speak—the fates of countless disciples hang in the balance."
The leaders of martial sects weigh every word and action with extreme caution.
The lives of all their disciples hinge on their choices and demeanor.
Thus, even the most naturally flippant man, once he ascends to leadership, inevitably becomes solemn and deliberate.
Moreover, constantly being in a position of command means an aura of authority—one that dominates and subdues—permeates their very being.
But none of that dignity could be felt from Sindo Jang-cheong before him.
"You must have found him dull and frustrating. Wondering why the Extinction Palace Master kept making such exasperating decisions."
Bu Eun-seol continued speaking as if he had peered straight into Sindo Jang-cheong's heart.
"But only after usurping the Palace Master's position did you realize it, didn't you? That those decisions were never foolish to begin with."
At these words flowing like clear mountain water, Sindo Jang-cheong's eyes widened.
"Are you truly that successor the Demonic Heavenly Emperor was said to have hidden away?"
He was making a grave misjudgment.
Thinking that Bu Eun-seol had mastered the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's Limitless Power—
That he had perfectly grasped Nature Shattering and forcibly cracked open his spiritual core to peer deep within.
"It wasn't Limitless Power. I knew from the beginning—that you were Sindo Jang-cheong."
"From the beginning?"
"Leading a sect means constantly making decisions and issuing commands. Because of this, sect leaders naturally exude a particular aura."
Bu Eun-seol spoke calmly.
"All the more so for the Palace Master leading one of the Demonic Path Ten Gates, the great Extinction Palace. Such an aura should be unmistakable."
"......"
"And yet, despite lacking that aura, the Extinction Palace's senior members noticed no change... If you possessed martial arts rivaling the Palace Master's and were brimming with pride for the Extinction Palace, you could only be an insider."
Bu Eun-seol studied Sindo Jang-cheong's stiffened expression as he continued.
"Someone who could perfectly mimic the Palace Master's mannerisms and speech patterns, of similar age... There's only one person in the Extinction Palace who fits. The Palace Master's younger brother."
Sindo Jang-cheong's lips parted.
Now he understood—this wasn't some demonic mind-reading technique. Bu Eun-seol had pieced together the entire picture from mere fragments of evidence.
Such intellect was nearly on par with the Heavenly Mechanism Star himself.
"What I meant to ask—"
Sindo Jang-cheong swallowed his shock and redirected the conversation.
"—is how you knew why I betrayed the Palace Master."
"Ah."
Bu Eun-seol let out a soft snort.
"The Extinction Palace Master may be narrow-minded and petty, but his ability to read the tides of power is unquestionable."
"......"
"That's why among the Demonic Path Ten Gates, his faction expanded most cautiously."
He exhaled slowly while studying Sindo Jang-cheong.
"And such a man would dig traps to lure this Lord using secession from the Demon Hall as pretext?"
A cold smile touched Bu Eun-seol's lips.
"For a scheme devised by that cautious, faint-hearted Palace Master, wouldn't gambling the Extinction Palace's survival be far too reckless?"
From the beginning, Bu Eun-seol never believed the real Palace Master would make such decisions.
And when Sindo Jang-cheong appeared, he became certain.
However formidable his martial arts, this Palace Master utterly lacked the dignity of a sect leader... He couldn't be the real one.
"Moreover, while executing this perilous scheme, you displayed nothing but confidence. Not a trace of fear or anguish over potential failure."
Only now comprehending the full situation, Sindo Jang-cheong released a heavy sigh.
"Yet you identified me despite perfect mimicry of martial arts and demeanor... Because you recognized the gaze matching my true age."
"Precisely."
At last, Sindo Jang-cheong understood—
Bu Eun-seol far surpassed the rumors circulating through the martial world.
"No wonder someone your age could command such influence."
His expression turned bitter.
"You're right—all the Palace Master's actions seemed overly cautious. No, more like needlessly submissive."
"That's the perspective of someone looking up from below, not down from the summit."
"True."
Sindo Jang-cheong had no choice but to concede.
Only now realizing every scheme he'd devised had crumbled to dust.
"At first, I didn't believe it."
His face twisted with profound regret.
"That man said—'The world holds unpredictable individuals, and the Martial Soul Lord is among them.'"
"The Heavenly Mechanism Star's words, I presume."
"Indeed. He's truly a terrifying figure."
As Sindo Jang-cheong continued speaking, a metallic glint surfaced in his eyes—
Sssk—zzzt.
Suddenly, his hair began whitening from the temples.
His face transformed like a snow spirit's, pure white, while overwhelming power surged through his body—force enough to contain the entire world.
Like some primordial deity awakening from slumber within a mortal vessel.
Flicker!
As his eyes slowly opened,
The black irises vanished without trace, replaced by silver pupils resembling blooming snowflowers.
Those eyes held no discernible emotion,
Yet radiated solemnity capable of piercing souls, depths profound as the Abyss cradling heaven's providence.
"This is the true Manifestation Art Energy."
His quiet incantation triggered
An explosion of overwhelming divine energy.
Invisible shockwaves radiated outward, sanctifying even the surrounding air.
Crickets silenced. Winds held their breath.
As if all earthly things prostrated before him in worship.
The True Manifestation Art Energy.
The Heavenly Mechanism Star had finally perfected this secret art—
The transcendent power once exclusive to the Baekri bloodline,
Now wieldable even by masters like Sindo Jang-cheong.