Chapter 115
She was pure like a blazing flame, but she was no fool.
She was convinced that Bu Eun-seol had rejected her for some definite, ulterior purpose.
'Her pride's been wounded.'
Bu Eun-seol could sense it.
That she had come here wounded in pride by the thought of being rejected. That was why she had shown him her face.
She was the future palace lord who would lead the Divine Maiden Palace. Her pride would be incomparably greater than that of an ordinary woman.
'Sometimes honesty can be poison.'
Bu Eun-seol had originally intended to speak frankly.
But in this situation, doing so would only trample upon Yeon So-ha's pride.
"It seems the Divine Maiden Palace Lord does not favor me."
Having gathered his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol continued slowly.
"To be honest, even I lack the courage to defy the will of the Divine Maiden Palace Lord, whose name shakes the heavens."
"Are you saying it's because of my mother's opposition?"
"That's right."
Yeon So-ha bit her lip as if she couldn't comprehend it.
"Then why won't you return the Life-Preserving Divine Pearl? You know it was meant as a betrothal gift."
"I shall answer that."
Just then, two figures approached from afar—Yeon Ja-mi and Namgung Se-a.
"Palace Lord."
"Mother."
As Bu Eun-seol and Yeon So-ha bowed their heads, Yeon Ja-mi spoke.
"Before I am your mother, I am the leader of the Divine Maiden Palace. My position demands that I keep my word without fail."
"I don't understand what you mean."
"I have changed the betrothal gift for your future spouse."
Yeon Ja-mi's voice was calm.
"This palace lord declared that only one who passes the Twenty-Four Heavenly Generals Formation is qualified to be your partner. And if you found someone to your liking, I said you could give them the Life-Preserving Divine Pearl as a betrothal gift."
A faint smile graced Yeon Ja-mi's lips as she continued.
"But isn't the Life-Preserving Divine Pearl more suited for women than men? So I've decided to change the betrothal gift for you this time."
It was a somewhat absurd statement.
Yet this was the only way to avoid breaking her public vow while rendering the Life-Preserving Divine Pearl Yeon So-ha had given Bu Eun-seol meaningless.
"Is that so?"
Seeing that Yeon So-ha seemed to accept this, Yeon Ja-mi smiled warmly.
"Do you understand your mother now?"
"Of course. If the Palace Lord were to break her public vow, she would lose face before all the disciples of the Divine Maiden Palace."
"I'm glad you understand."
"But I like Young Hero Seol."
At Yeon So-ha's sudden declaration, Yeon Ja-mi's expression stiffened.
Now it seemed Yeon So-ha hadn't acted out of pride—she genuinely liked Bu Eun-seol.
"Why?"
"I don't know. It's just... I like Young Hero Seol."
At this, Namgung Se-a, who had been silent until now, beamed and nodded approvingly.
"As expected, the Young Palace Lord has excellent discernment."
"Master of Haehwa Palace."
Yeon Ja-mi glared sharply at Namgung Se-a, her anger palpable.
Then, in case he changed his word, she pressed Bu Eun-seol for confirmation once more.
"Do you intend to break the promise you made with me?"
"Nothing could be further from the truth."
Bu Eun-seol deliberately adopted a fearful expression and bowed.
"Who would dare defy the august command of the Divine Maiden Palace Lord?"
"Good. That's how it should be."
As the Divine Maiden Palace Lord relaxed, Bu Eun-seol immediately lowered his head.
"I shall take my leave of the Divine Maiden Palace at once."
"Mother, isn't this too unreasonable?"
When Yeon So-ha protested urgently, Yeon Ja-mi laughed.
"Didn't you hear? This isn't my coercion—it's his choice to withdraw."
"But that's only because he doesn't dare oppose you—"
"So-ha."
Yeon So-ha's expression turned solemn.
"You don't yet understand the world. He only seems acceptable because he was the first to break through the Twenty-Four Heavenly Generals Formation."
"No. Young Hero Seol is—"
"Yes, he risked his life to pass the trial. At your age, such things might seem admirable, but that's all there is to it."
Despite Yeon Ja-mi's explanation, Yeon So-ha's face remained utterly unconvinced.
Watching this, Namgung Se-a, who had been wearing a pained expression, suddenly approached Bu Eun-seol.
"Young Hero Seol."
"Do you have something to say?"
"Before you leave, show us your true self."
At this unexpected suggestion, Bu Eun-seol's expression hardened.
"My true self...? What do you mean?"
"I was the one who allowed you into the Divine Maiden Palace. Surely you can grant me this small request."
Namgung Se-a spoke with a solemn expression.
"It shouldn't be difficult. Just show us once before you leave."
"Wait—you've been hiding your true appearance?"
In an instant, Yeon Ja-mi's gaze turned severe.
The Divine Maiden Palace was a place no outsider could enter. The mere fact that he had concealed his true face while staying here could already be considered a grave offense.
"Is this true?"
Bu Eun-seol hesitated briefly.
But since Namgung Se-a had already made up her mind to speak, he had no confidence in persuading the Palace Lord.
"It is."
"Why?"
"Because it was inconvenient."
"Inconvenient?"
Yeon Ja-mi's eyes grew even sharper.
"Explain yourself clearly. Now that you've entered the main palace, this isn't a matter I can overlook lightly."
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol's gaze also shifted.
He was not only bold by nature but also constitutionally incapable of feeling fear.
No matter that this was the heart of the Divine Maiden Palace, and no matter that the Palace Lord was a formidable master, he was not the kind of person to cower under intimidation.
"Is it a crime for someone to disguise themselves simply because they find it inconvenient?"
"Of course. For an outsider who has entered this palace to conceal their true appearance can only imply dishonorable intentions."
Sensing the atmosphere turning hostile, Namgung Se-a stepped forward in front of Bu Eun-seol.
"Young Hero Seol. If you just reveal your true face, I'll ensure there are no further repercussions."
Then, with a serious expression, she added:
"You don't even have to disclose your origins. After all, it's not as though we'll meet again, is it?"
"Then why insist on seeing my true face? As the Master said, we won't be seeing each other again anyway."
"Fine, I'll be frank."
Namgung Se-a sighed, glancing briefly at Yeon So-ha, who wore a desolate expression.
"I've always hoped you and the Young Palace Lord would form a proper bond. Because you seemed like the perfect match for her."
"..."
"Moreover, you've already seen the Young Palace Lord's face, haven't you? Aside from those within our sect, you are the only outsider in Murim to have witnessed her true appearance so openly."
Namgung Se-a spoke earnestly to Bu Eun-seol, who remained unmoved.
"I don't think it's so unfair to ask you to show yours in return."
At this point, Bu Eun-seol had nothing left to say. He exhaled deeply and nodded.
"Very well."
Drawing in a slow breath, he circulated his internal energy before speaking again.
"But once I reveal my true face, I will leave the Divine Maiden Palace immediately with my companions."
"Understood. I won't stop you."
Hearing this, Bu Eun-seol released the Face-Changing Bone-Shifting Art without hesitation.
Crack—
As his facial muscles and bones shifted, the hair tied in a topknot scattered loosely in all directions.
And under the bright moonlight, Bu Eun-seol's true appearance was unveiled.
"...!"
For a moment, it was as though time had frozen around the pavilion.
His skin, reflecting the moonlight, seemed to glow with a translucent radiance, and his eyes—so sorrowful they could bring one to tears—were also breathtakingly beautiful.
Bu Eun-seol's features perfectly matched the idealized visage that any woman might have dreamed of at least once in her life.
"Are we done now?"
At the sound of Bu Eun-seol's voice breaking the silence, Yeon So-ha and Namgung Se-a, who had been spellbound, snapped back to reality. Even Palace Lord Yeon Ja-mi blinked rapidly as she regained her composure.
—This man is no mere wanderer!
The three of them instinctively understood.
That Bu Eun-seol was no ordinary rogue martial artist—he must have come from an extraordinary background. Otherwise, he would never have needed to alter his appearance in the first place.
Crunch—
In an instant, Bu Eun-seol reshaped his face again and clasped his hands together.
"Then."
As he turned to leave, Yeon Ja-mi hastily called out.
"Wait!"
"You have more to say?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Yeon Ja-mi forced an awkward smile.
"What I meant was... if you have no urgent matters, you're welcome to stay in the palace a little longer."
Seeing right through her intentions, Bu Eun-seol replied firmly.
"I appreciate the Palace Lord's kindness, but I will be leaving immediately."
As Bu Eun-seol turned decisively, Yeon Ja-mi could say nothing more.
Then, Yeon So-ha spoke to him.
"Young Hero Seol. I won't change my betrothal gift."
"What does that mean now?"
When Bu Eun-seol gave her a bewildered look, Yeon So-ha curved her eyes into crescents.
"Finish your business and come back. To the Divine Maiden Palace."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"The Master of Haehwa Palace just said we wouldn't be seeing each other again."
"That was a promise made by the Hall Master, not one between us."
It was sheer stubbornness. Pure obstinacy.
Bu Eun-seol shot Namgung Se-a a resentful glare.
Yet she avoided his gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips—as if she had anticipated this very outcome.
"There will be no reason for us to meet again."
Even as Bu Eun-seol's reply cut through the air like a winter gale, Yeon So-ha only smiled brighter.
"Not at all. We will meet again."
"That won't happen."
Yeon So-ha watched as Bu Eun-seol turned away, his back cold and unyielding. Her eyes, however, brimmed with confidence—as though she were gazing into a future already written.
Inside the office of the Scripture Instruction Hall at the Red Sky Curtain Branch.
Dam Yu-yeon, seated at her desk while writing an official letter, stared fixedly at the wooden case Bu Eun-seol had placed before her.
"What is this?"
"Open it."
Click.
As the case unfastened, a single orb, dyed a mesmerizing crimson, revealed itself, radiating an enigmatic glow.
It was none other than the Divine Maiden Palace's treasure—the Life-Preserving Divine Pearl.
"How did you—"
Before she could finish, Bu Eun-seol spoke flatly.
"How? You gave me the job. I completed it. That's all."
"But to obtain this pearl, you would've had to—"
As she stumbled over her words, Bu Eun-seol cut in sharply.
"Correct. It's impossible to acquire without becoming the Divine Maiden Palace's son-in-law."
"So you actually became their son-in-law?"
"You knew."
Bu Eun-seol's gaze bore into Dam Yu-yeon's face, his eyes sharp as blades.
"You knew, and you deliberately withheld that information."
When she remained silent, his voice turned icy.
"Is the Red Sky Curtain Branch in the habit of hiding critical details to trap wandering martial artists?"
Even under his piercing accusation, Dam Yu-yeon maintained an unrepentant expression.
"Information gaps are common in the Wanderers' Market."
She casually tucked the wooden case away and produced a purple tassel.
"Common, you say."
"Go to the Scripture Instruction Hall's counter. Your payment will be processed immediately."
"Fine. I'll head down."
Bu Eun-seol gave a slight nod and turned to leave.
"And not just the Scripture Instruction Hall—I'll spread the word to every intelligence network in Murim. That the Red Sky Curtain Branch deliberately omitted crucial details when assigning a Designated Commission to a High-level Wanderer."
"What?!"
"Feel free to defend yourself then, too."
Bu Eun-seol glanced back, lips curling into a smirk.
"Information gaps are common in the Wanderers' Market, right?"
"Wait—wait just a moment!"
Dam Yu-yeon scrambled to her feet in panic.
"Let's talk this over!"
In the Wanderers' Market, trust and reputation were paramount.
No wanderers would take jobs from an untrustworthy Wanderers' Market.
And if Bu Eun-seol truly leaked this, their credibility would plummet into the abyss in an instant.
"Have something else to say?"
At his leisurely smile, Dam Yu-yeon felt a chill.
'This man doesn't make empty threats.'
Reconsidering, she took a step back and softened her tone.
"I'm sorry. Truthfully, I only learned about the conditions after assigning the job."
"..."
"I sincerely apologize. I admit the information I provided was insufficient. And as an apology, I'll double your payment."
"If I were some swindler here to extort money, I'd be thrilled to hear that."
"Then what do you want?"
"You already know."
Dam Yu-yeon bit her lip.
"You're really intent on fighting the Head of the Horizontal Sky Department?"
"I am."
"Why?"
She shot up from her seat, composure shattered as she shouted.
"Why would you fight him?! You have no grudge against him!"
"Because he's strong."
"You're insane!"
"No, you're the insane one."
Bu Eun-seol looked down at her as though she were some bizarre toy.
"The person overseeing contracts for the Red Sky Curtain Branch deliberately hid information to corner a wandering martial artist."
She had no defense.
Biting her lip, Dam Yu-yeon bowed her head again.
"I'm sorry. Please, I beg you."
"For what?"
"Don't fight the Head of the Horizontal Sky Department."
"Don't tell me it's because he's frail."
Bu Eun-seol's smile was frosty.
"I already know he isn't."
"You're right. The truth is, he isn't weak at all."
Clenching her fists, Dam Yu-yeon cried out.
"The Head of the Horizontal Sky Department—no, Brother Cheon—when he uses his martial arts, the truth is—"
"So it is like that."
Just then, a low voice resonated from outside the office.
Click.
The door opened, and in strode an impossibly tall man—so tall his head nearly brushed the ceiling.
A slender treasured sword as long as he was tall hung at his waist, his complexion deathly pale as he let out a quiet cough.
It was Jeong Cheon.