Chapter 124
From Bu Eun-seol's fist, five streaks of lightning-fire poured forth. It was the marvel of the second form of the Seven Forms of the Fist Demon—Extreme Thunder Blend.
In response, the Masked Man's fingers moved smoothly through the air as if plucking the strings of a zither.
BOOM! BOOM! CRACK!
When the two formidable forces collided head-on, shockwaves of power rippled outward in rapid succession.
"Is that... the kind of power a human can unleash...?"
Namgung Un, who had been watching the spectacle, gaped in disbelief.
With each clash between the two, the sky darkened as if a tempestuous storm were brewing somewhere. The destructive range of their fist and claw techniques expanded so drastically that both factions had to retreat dozens of paces further back.
BOOM! CRACK!
In the meantime, Bu Eun-seol and the Masked Man clashed once more.
'Tch.'
Every time his fingers met the Masked Man's, Bu Eun-seol felt an oppressive force bearing down on his entire body.
To his astonishment, the Masked Man's level of internal energy was nearly on par with Bu Eun-seol's own, who had reached the third layer of the Reverse Extreme Inner Method.
'I need to create distance.'
Bu Eun-seol channeled his internal energy and deliberately pulled the crimson claw shadows toward himself.
Sensing a possible trap, the Masked Man slowed his offensive and retreated instead.
'Now.'
Seizing the opportunity, Bu Eun-seol unleashed Ultimate Speed Shadowless.
Only then did the Masked Man realize Bu Eun-seol's intent and pursued relentlessly, attempting to cut off his escape.
SWOOSH—
But as Bu Eun-seol rapidly shifted directions mid-air with Ultimate Speed Shadowless, he eventually slipped beyond the reach of the claw technique.
"Impressive movement technique. To think you could escape the grasp of Heavenly Net Claw Shadows."
The Masked Man let out a derisive snort as he observed Bu Eun-seol stepping back.
"But if what you've just shown is the extent of your abilities... you will die."
A crimson heat haze began to rise from the Masked Man's body, as if he were preparing for a final, decisive strike.
It was clear—he was gathering his internal energy at full power, aiming to settle the battle in one Heaven and Earth One Throw.
'There must be an opening.'
High-speed martial techniques lacked precision and were limited in adaptability.
Having learned this truth from the duel between Jamochang and Jeong Cheon, Bu Eun-seol regulated his breathing and drew out his internal power to its utmost limit.
CRACK—
The moment the Masked Man's fingers emitted a bone-chilling sound, his body became enveloped in a red mist.
FLASH!
His figure, now a streak of light, closed the distance in an instant, aiming to strike all of Bu Eun-seol's vital points.
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
The number of claw shadows raining down with enough force to crush Mount Tai was a staggering eighty-nine.
'I can't dodge this!'
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed.
He instinctively knew that, at this moment, he couldn't counter this sudden assault with the Seven Forms of the Fist Demon.
SHING!
At that very instant, a dark radiance erupted from his back.
HUM—HUM—HUM—
Accompanied by a resonant sword hum reminiscent of a temple bell being struck, the Ink Sword left its scabbard.
Simultaneously, the inky sword qi unfurled like the wings of a great roc, hammering against the eighty-nine claw shadows.
It was a Life-Saving Ultimate Technique, blending the stances of Fluorescent Sword Control and Return to Rightful Owner.
CLANG—CLANG—CLANG!
As claws and divine sword clashed, a cacophony of metallic echoes erupted, sending plumes of dust soaring in all directions.
WHOOSH—
A dry wind swept through the Heaven-Shaking Gate's grounds, revealing the silhouettes of the two figures standing in the clearing.
"Ah—!"
Namgung Un, pointing at the Masked Man, suddenly shouted.
"Brother Seol won!"
From three of the Masked Man's fingers, crimson blood dripped steadily.
After consecutive clashes with the Ink Sword, the sharpness had proven too much—the tips of his fingers had been sliced clean.
"The Spirit Divine Sword...?"
The Masked Man narrowed his eyes as he observed the Ink Sword, its surface flickering with an eerie sheen under the sunlight.
"So it was you who won the Martial Refinement Tournament hosted by the Wandering Drifters."
'His internal energy is formidable.'
Bu Eun-seol remained silent, gripping his sword tightly.
The collision of their immense internal energies had left both Bu Eun-seol and the Masked Man with minor internal injuries.
Though he had gained the upper hand in this exchange, his expression was far from pleased.
At his current level of mastery, the Seven Forms of the Fist Demon had been insufficient to fully counter the Masked Man's final technique.
In the end, he'd been forced to deploy the Formless Heavenly Flow—and that left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Heh heh heh..."
The Masked Man let out a low chuckle, his voice tinged with amusement.
"To think you could block the Jade-Shattering Blood Demon Claw at your age... Truly remarkable."
'Jade-Shattering Blood Demon Claw?'
Bu Eun-seol's brow furrowed.
Despite knowing more about martial sects and techniques than most, he had never heard of such a martial art.
"Let's continue."
Bu Eun-seol's voice was icy.
"We haven't seen the end of this yet."
Neither of them had truly unleashed their full strength.
If Bu Eun-seol properly utilized the Harmonization embedded within the Formless Heavenly Flow, he could engage the Masked Man in a genuine, all-out battle.
SHINK—
As Bu Eun-seol raised the Ink Sword, the Masked Man shook his head.
"No. We end it here."
His gaze was fixed not on Bu Eun-seol, but on the Heaven-Shaking Gate's faction.
"So you admit defeat, then?"
From a distance, Wang In-hwa's question reached them. The Masked Man swept his gaze over his own back—over the Blade Tyrant Gate's forces—then gave a light nod.
"Well, I suppose that's the case."
At this, the Blade Tyrant Sect Leader Gwan Dok-gun came stumbling forward, shouting at the Masked Man.
"Then that means our sect has lost this match, doesn't it?"
"Can't be helped. It seems the Heaven-Shaking Gate's fate isn't spent yet."
The Masked Man turned away without hesitation, his eyes lingering on Bu Eun-seol standing tall like a Heavenly General descended from the heavens.
"I cannot accept this!"
Gwan Dok-gun's eyes were bloodshot.
"The match isn't over yet! So keep fighting!"
"How noisy."
"W-what did you say?"
As Gwan Dok-gun bristled, a sickly yellow Killing Intent rose like heat haze from the Masked Man's eyes.
"What exactly have you done so far, squealing like a pig?"
In that instant, every hair on Gwan Dok-gun's body stood on end. Behind the Masked Man, he hallucinated the illusion of a monstrous maw gaping wide.
"How dare you spout such insolence at this Sect Leader—!"
Gwan Dok-gun's furious shout was cut short.
Shhk.
The moment the Masked Man's outstretched finger touched near his heart, his head twisted at an unnatural angle before he abruptly collapsed.
"Ghk—!"
With a sound like a pig being slaughtered, Gwan Dok-gun's massive body began rolling across the ground. His eyes rolled back white, white foam bubbling from his mouth—as if subjected to the Sinew-Splitting and Bone-Dislocating torture.
Thud.
Finally, Gwan Dok-gun's suffering ended as he expired with his eyes still rolled back.
"..."
A silence like death fell over the Blade Tyrant Gate's forces.
No matter how frivolous Gwan Dok-gun's personality had been, he was still a sect leader. For such a master to be killed with a single finger...
"Let's go."
As though nothing had happened, the Masked Man and the Grand Master walked straight through the Blade Tyrant Gate's ranks and departed. Though countless sect members watched them pass, not one dared block their path.
"Our sect will now withdraw from Sangyang."
After a long silence, Gang Jung-hwan, the Blade Tyrant Gate's Blade Corps Leader, stepped forward and addressed Wang In-hwa.
"And so long as the Heaven-Shaking Gate remains, we shall never set foot on this land again."
Even faced with Gang Jung-hwan's devastated expression, Wang In-hwa merely nodded calmly. This battle had been the Blade Tyrant Gate's unilateral ambush—bearing full responsibility was only natural.
"You've worked hard, Young Master."
"Brother Seol. You were truly incredible. Thanks to you, I've had quite the eye-opening experience."
As Heuk-pyo and Namgung Un approached Bu Eun-seol to converse,
"Young Hero Seol."
Mun Gwang and Wang In-hwa stood side by side behind Bu Eun-seol, their faces filled with emotion.
"You are the benefactor who saved our sect from crisis. Please accept this old man's bow."
As Wang In-hwa moved to bow, Bu Eun-seol swiftly stopped him.
"I am merely a contracted wanderer."
"How could such words express our debt to you? Our sect wishes to—"
As Wang In-hwa's words threatened to lengthen, Bu Eun-seol turned away without hesitation.
"My task here is done. I shall take my leave."
"We shall prepare a feast in your honor. Stay just a little longer."
"That won't be necessary."
As Bu Eun-seol turned, Mun Gwang followed and urgently added,
"At least accept your payment before leaving. It's not as though you'll return to Silent Sky Lonely Earth now, is it?"
Mun Gwang had sensed it—that Bu Eun-seol was no mere wanderer. And now that his identity as the Eastern Drifters, Western Wanderers Martial Tournament champion was exposed, returning to Silent Sky Lonely Earth was impossible.
"I didn't do this for money."
With those final words, Bu Eun-seol turned decisively. Heuk-pyo and Namgung Un followed. The Heaven-Shaking Gate Leader, Mun Gwang, and the others could only stare blankly after them, mouths agape.
Having left the Heaven-Shaking Gate, Bu Eun-seol's party traveled beyond Sangyang and arrived at a village near Wild Goose Lake.
"Brother Seol. Let's at least quench our thirst before continuing."
After days of bloody battles and forced marches sustained only by tasteless rations and water—and having pushed their Lightness Skill to its limits day and night just to reach this village—exhaustion was inevitable.
"Hm."
Surveying their surroundings, Bu Eun-seol moved toward a small guest inn ahead. But Namgung Un shook his head with uncharacteristic seriousness.
"Today, let's drink something proper. My treat."
The place Namgung Un chose was the largest, most extravagant inn in the village. Securing a private room on the third floor of the multi-storied pavilion, he ordered thirteen dishes and several jars of expensive Fen Wine.
Yet Heuk-pyo sat withdrawn in a corner without touching the food, while Bu Eun-seol remained still with arms crossed. Because the expression on Namgung Un's face as he sat was deeply grave.
"Brother Seol."
After a long silence, Namgung Un poured wine and spoke.
"Or should I call you Brother Bu now?"
Champion of the Eastern Drifters, Western Wanderers Martial Tournament. The mysterious master who slew the Blood Ghost Society's leader of the Hell Blood Citadel.
"That name—Bu Eun-seol—is already well-known throughout the martial world."
"Call me whatever you're comfortable with."
At Bu Eun-seol's indifferent reply, Namgung Un downed the entire cup of Fen wine in one gulp.
"Seeing how even the Red Sky Curtain Branch knows nothing about your personal information, you must be concealing not just your name but your appearance as well."
"That's correct."
Namgung Un then turned to Heuk-pyo.
"And you too, brother?"
"Yes."
Heuk-pyo, as if having made up his mind, spoke to Bu Eun-seol.
"Would it be alright if I showed Young Master Namgung my true face?"
"Do as you wish."
Once permission was granted, Heuk-pyo immediately released his transformation and clasped his hands together toward Namgung Un.
"Young Master. In truth, I am Heuk-pyo, a wandering mercenary of the Wandering Drifters."
"I thought as much. You were the Black Whirlwind."
Nodding, Namgung Un then addressed Bu Eun-seol.
"Brother Bu, won't you show me your face as well?"
"It's troublesome."
At the icy response, Namgung Un's expression twisted with visible hurt.
"Even so, we fought back-to-back in battle. Isn't hiding your appearance a bit too much?"
"The martial world is such a place."
Bu Eun-seol refilled his empty cup and spoke flatly.
"It's best to never reveal your true self if possible, and always keep at least thirty percent of your strength concealed."
Namgung Un wore an unconvinced expression.
"While I can't say that's wrong... somehow, I can't shake this inexplicable sadness."
Draining his cup, Namgung Un spoke in a low voice.
"They say the martial world is heartless, but it's not just a place of killing and death."
Bu Eun-seol neither affirmed nor denied his words, merely downing his wine.
His figure seemed as though he had been left utterly alone between heaven and earth.
For reasons unknown, in that moment, Namgung Un caught a glimpse of Bu Eun-seol's true nature.
'His personality isn't cold by nature. Somewhere along the way, his heart froze entirely.'
Namgung Un was, by nature, a playful and warm-hearted person.
And he wished for warmth—not just around him, but throughout the entire world.
"Brother Bu."
As if having resolved himself, Namgung Un picked up the wine bottle.
Then, with utmost courtesy, he refilled Bu Eun-seol's cup.
"Please accept a drink from me."
And then, he extended his own empty cup toward Bu Eun-seol.
"Would you fill mine as well?"
For a simple request to refill a cup, his expression was far too solemn.
Bu Eun-seol, who had been staring intently at Namgung Un's face, let out a sigh. He understood the meaning behind those words—"Fill my cup."
"I'm just a wanderer."
"And I'm the infamous wastrel of the Namgung Clan."
Namgung Un laughed.
"A wanderer and a reckless ruffian. Don't we make a good pair?"
Though his words were light, his eyes held the dignity of a lion, and his entire being exuded an unshakable, heroic aura.
He may have disregarded worldly etiquette and laws, but he was undeniably a man of noble spirit.
"Do you intend to return to your family?"
"I do."
Namgung Un extended his cup once more, respectfully.
"Will you fill my cup?"
"Do you even know what kind of person I am to say such things?"
"I trust my own eyes. Even if the entire world points fingers and calls you a villain... I would still believe in you, Brother Bu."
At Namgung Un's unwavering conviction, Bu Eun-seol exhaled deeply.
All he had wanted was to wander the martial world and fight strong opponents. Why did these bonds keep forming?
—"Bonds are like the natural law of life and death."
Suddenly, the words Bu Jan-yang had spoken while preparing the burial of a deceased lover echoed in his ears.
—"A seed naturally meets the earth and blooms, and that flower naturally meets the rain and wind. Bonds are just that—something natural."
—"Like how I met you, Grandfather?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Bu Jan-yang had burst into hearty laughter and nodded.
—"Exactly. That's precisely it."
Bu Eun-seol understood now.
That human bonds could not be stopped.
That they must be left to flow... naturally.
Crack.
In that instant, Bu Eun-seol's face rippled like water. At the same time, his true appearance was revealed—radiant, like sunlight scattered across the surface of a lake.
He had released the Face Changing and Bone Shifting Art, unveiling his original face.
'That is Brother Bu's true appearance.'
In that moment, Namgung Un realized.
Why Bu Eun-seol had always concealed his face.
'Had he revealed this face earlier, not the Young Palace Lord of the Divine Maiden Palace, but the Palace Lord herself would never have let him go.'
Namgung Un had always believed his own looks were second to none, but compared to Bu Eun-seol's true visage, the difference was like that between the sun and a firefly.
"One look at your face, Brother Bu, and I'd never forget it for the rest of my life."
At the praise, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"I accept."
Then, he picked up the wine bottle and filled Namgung Un's cup.
"Thank you."
Namgung Un beamed and raised his cup.
"From now on, just call me Un."
Then, from his sleeve, he drew out a slender golden needle.
It was the Golden Needle Token—a sacred relic symbolizing direct lineage members of the Namgung Clan.
Namgung Un grinned sheepishly.
"If you ever have time, please visit our family estate."
"I will."
Though he said so, Bu Eun-seol faintly shook his head.
In the unpredictable journey of the martial world, who knew when he would ever have the chance to visit the Namgung Clan?
But one thing he could be certain of:
Because of Namgung Un, the Namgung Clan would rise to even greater fame.