Chapter 126
Bu Eun-seol blinked as he observed Dan Cheong's startled expression.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, how has your martial arts proficiency reached such a level...?"
Dan Cheong, who had been blinking while speaking, suddenly closed his mouth. He had realized this was an unbecoming attitude, lacking the dignity expected of someone in his position as Deputy Pavilion Master.
'Just what happened? For his martial arts realm to change so drastically within a single year...'
Though his reputation wasn't particularly high due to rarely engaging in murim affairs and remaining secluded in Langya Pavilion, Dan Cheong was in truth one of the martial grandmasters whose skills overlooked the entire martial world.
He had instantly discerned that Bu Eun-seol's martial prowess had reached the Transcendence Realm—not just its initial stage, but its mid-phase.
Ahem.
Dan Cheong cleared his throat once more as he looked at Bu Eun-seol.
"Your travels through the martial world weren't in vain, it seems. You've made significant progress."
Knock knock.
Just then, the sound of knocking accompanied by an attendant's soft voice came from the door.
"The Wind and Cloud Corps Commander has arrived."
"Let him in."
The moment Dan Cheong spoke, a middle-aged man with jade-like features draped in white robes appeared. It was Baek Yeon, commander of the Wind and Cloud Corps.
"Commander."
As Bu Eun-seol bowed his head, Baek Yeon wore a slightly surprised expression.
"I'd heard you'd returned, but..."
Baek Yeon's eyebrows rose slightly as his gaze swept over Bu Eun-seol's body.
"You've made remarkable progress. I barely recognize you."
By this point, Bu Eun-seol had grown genuinely curious.
Everyone who saw him expressed astonishment at how much he'd changed. Yet he himself hadn't perceived any transformation whatsoever.
"Do I appear that different?"
"Hmm?"
"I've heard it multiple times since entering the Main Pavilion... but I honestly don't feel anything particularly changed about myself."
Seeing Bu Eun-seol's grave expression, Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon exchanged glances before chuckling.
"That's only natural. It's supposed to be that way," Baek Yeon said with a laugh.
"The realm of martial arts isn't something you can visually confirm or measure against objective standards. It's merely a convenient scale created by martial grandmasters."
As Bu Eun-seol pondered this explanation, he asked another question.
"Then does this mean I lack even the discernment to perceive that scale?"
"Not exactly. Had my martial arts visibly advanced compared to a year ago, even you would have clearly noticed. But sensing the changes in one's own qi is inherently difficult."
At this, Dan Cheong, who had been listening silently, added his own explanation.
"Martial arts fundamentally originate from things beyond oneself—observing beasts or nature, for instance, and discovering the laws within them."
Dan Cheong's low voice held Bu Eun-seol's gaze as he continued.
"But when one masters these principles to the point of comprehending even the phenomena and transformations occurring within one's own body... those who reach such a level are what we call martial grandmasters."
Dan Cheong's explanation contained not just the meaning behind the title of grandmaster, but also the profound principles of martial arts at their zenith.
Bu Eun-seol's expression went blank as if struck on the back of the head—then his eyes flashed with realization.
He took a step back and bowed so deeply his forehead nearly touched the ground.
"Thank you. For enlightening me."
Through Dan Cheong's advice, Bu Eun-seol had resolved several martial arts questions that had previously eluded his understanding.
Of course, this was only possible because of Bu Eun-seol's exceptional comprehension—his innate talent for enlightenment.
"Your martial proficiency is evident even without testing... but I am curious about your actual combat skills," Baek Yeon remarked.
Dan Cheong nodded in agreement.
"True. Since the opportunity has arisen... perhaps I should personally assess you."
Seeing Dan Cheong appear ready to instruct him, Bu Eun-seol brightened.
"You'll give me a lesson?"
But Baek Yeon shook his head firmly.
"Absolutely not."
"Huh?"
"Instruction is one thing, but sparring is out of the question."
Since Dan Cheong rarely participated in murim affairs, his true martial prowess remained largely unknown.
However, Baek Yeon—who had grown up with him since childhood—knew full well how terrifying Dan Cheong's genuine strength was, capable of tearing apart heaven and earth.
What if, while demonstrating his skills, he became too excited and failed to control his power?
Bu Eun-seol would undoubtedly sustain injuries far beyond what he could endure.
"You've already entered the Transcendence Realm. Knowing your temperament, you'd stubbornly keep attacking until you succeeded, wouldn't you? In that process, the Deputy Pavilion Master might accidentally harm you."
In other words, this was also an acknowledgment that Bu Eun-seol's martial arts had grown strong enough to potentially force Dan Cheong's hand.
'I'm not sure whether to be pleased or not.'
Seeing Bu Eun-seol's disappointed expression, Baek Yeon spoke up.
"Don't worry. We have the perfect opponent for you."
Near the rear garden of Clear Wind Pavilion stood a reed field.
There, a man holding an enormous greatsword stood imposingly.
It was So-jeon, commander of the Innovation Unit.
"Ahahaha! So it comes to this after all."
So-jeon looked down at Bu Eun-seol with a hearty, booming laugh.
"Ha! I've been itching to see just how much that brat has grown, and now the Deputy Pavilion Master has even prepared the stage for us."
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol swept his gaze around the surroundings.
The Reed Field was crowded—not just with Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon, but also with members of the Innovation Unit, including Deputy Unit Leader Je Un, and even the young masters of Langya Pavilion who had once demonstrated real combat techniques for him.
"Was it really necessary to make this spar so grand?"
Feeling the weight of their sharp gazes, Bu Eun-seol frowned uncomfortably. Dan Cheong spoke up.
"These are the same fellow disciples who once helped lay the foundation of your Practical Combat Martial Arts. Now, it's their turn to learn something from you."
"Understood."
"Then let us begin."
At Dan Cheong's words, Bu Eun-seol immediately drew his Ink Sword in a fluid motion.
Shring—!
The blade resonated, its dark light shimmering. So-jeon bared his teeth in a grin.
"You've got yourself a fine sword."
"It's sharp—be careful."
"Hmph. Who do you think you're saying that to?"
So-jeon adjusted the massive Great Blade resting on his shoulder and flicked his fingers dismissively.
"Make the first move."
Bu Eun-seol nodded and, without hesitation, swung his sword upward—a single stroke of the Strike Splitting Heaven and Earth.
It was a fusion of the Heaven Conquering Blade Ultimate Stance and the Heavy Sword Technique.
With this single move, Bu Eun-seol paid his respects to So-jeon, the man who had once laid the foundation for his Formless Heavenly Flow.
"You've altered the Heaven Conquering Blade Ultimate Stance."
"It's closer to the Sky-Shattering Sword Pinnacle Stance now."
So-jeon nodded approvingly, then pushed back against the pressure of Bu Eun-seol's strike before sweeping his Great Blade horizontally.
"—!"
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed.
So-jeon's move didn't just block his attack—it completely severed the three follow-up strikes Bu Eun-seol had prepared.
'He saw through my entire sequence in an instant.'
Once again, Bu Eun-seol was reminded of just how formidable So-jeon's Martial Prowess truly was.
'Even going all out, he's a tough opponent.'
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eun-seol unleashed the Formless Heavenly Flow, thrusting straight for So-jeon's throat.
This strike embodied the principle of Formless Breaks Form—protecting himself while luring the enemy into an opening.
"Good!"
Unable to find a flaw in Bu Eun-seol's technique, So-jeon praised him.
"You didn't just combine techniques—you've transcended their limitations entirely."
Instantly grasping the Sword Intent behind Formless Breaks Form, So-jeon countered with the Heaven Conquering Blade Ultimate Stance.
"Try blocking this!"
He raised his Great Blade high, and an overwhelming force surged down, crushing Bu Eun-seol's sword stroke.
The sheer might behind it dwarfed Bu Eun-seol's own Sky-Shattering Sword Pinnacle Stance by several times.
BOOM—!
Before Bu Eun-seol could react, So-jeon's Great Blade descended like a mountain splitting the heavens, aiming to cleave his skull.
'I can't dodge!'
Bu Eun-seol tried to activate Ultimate Speed Shadowless, but it was already too late.
The sword force radiating from the Great Blade had sealed off every possible escape route.
CLANG—!
With no other choice, Bu Eun-seol raised his Ink Sword and blocked head-on.
CRACK—!
The impact nearly drove him to one knee.
An immense internal energy, like the weight of Mount Tai itself, erupted from the Great Blade, pressing down on Bu Eun-seol's entire body.
'Even my inner strength can't keep up.'
Though Bu Eun-seol's Reverse Extreme Inner Method had reached the threshold of the Third Layer, So-jeon's internal energy still surpassed his.
'I have to break this with technique!'
Bu Eun-seol spun his sword rapidly, dispersing the crushing force.
But So-jeon adapted instantly—tightening his pressure when Bu Eun-seol resisted, pushing harder when he weakened.
CLASH—CLANG—CLANG—!
Sparks erupted in midair as the Ink Sword and the Great Blade clashed relentlessly, swirling like a storm.
After twenty-some exchanges, the two retreated as if by mutual agreement.
So-jeon stood calmly, his Great Blade raised high, while Bu Eun-seol lowered his sword, panting heavily.
"Hah... Hah..."
Even after three days and nights of continuous Lightness Skill, Bu Eun-seol's stamina had never wavered.
Yet now, after barely twenty exchanges with So-jeon, his breath was ragged.
"Hahaha. Seems I can't afford to hold back anymore."
With a metallic shink, So-jeon lowered his Great Blade to mid-stance, baring his fangs in a grin.
"I can't go easy on you. Absolutely not..."
RUMBLE—!
A thunderous roar erupted from the Great Blade as So-jeon gathered his True Inner Energy for a Killing Move.
"So-jeon! That's enough!"
Baek Yeon's shout went unheard.
"You'd better give this your all!"
BOOOOM—!
The thunder from the Great Blade grew louder, and the wind at his feet swelled into a gusting storm.
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol sheathed his Ink Sword into the scabbard slung across his back. Then, closing both eyes, he drew upon his internal power.
BOOM!
Suddenly, a crimson radiance erupted from his body like an active volcano. He had fully unleashed the Reverse Polarity True Qi circulating within him.
"Heaven-Dominating Blade Ultimate——!"
In that instant, the world darkened as a single bolt of saber qi, resembling lightning, cascaded down toward Bu Eun-seol's head.
It was a force akin to the wrath of nature itself—impossible to evade, and equally impossible to block.
Swoosh!
At the same moment, the Ink Sword strapped to Bu Eun-seol's back slid free from its scabbard.
Screeeech!
A sound like the cry of a soaring hawk pierced the air as the sword clashed against the descending saber qi.
He had consecutively executed the First Form: Shooting Star Chasing the Moon and the Fourth Form: Fading Moon and Dawn Stars of the Formless Heavenly Flow, amplifying their power to an overwhelming degree.
Flash!
A dazzling sword light flickered in the narrow space between Bu Eun-seol and So-jeon.
The moment their blades met, the two shifted their sword techniques as if by prior agreement.
Clang-clang-clang!
To an onlooker, it might have seemed like they were merely exchanging a flurry of stances. But in truth—
So-jeon had unleashed a single, heavy, and ever-changing sword stroke.
Bu Eun-seol, though appearing to execute a single move, had in fact chained together three techniques of the Formless Heavenly Flow, creating a rapid and unpredictable killing strike.
"Ugh..."
Among the martial artists of Langya Pavilion watching the spectacle, those with weaker internal power shut their eyes.
They lacked the ability to appreciate the blade lights and sword shadows embroidering the air—let alone withstand the dizziness induced by the intricate exchange.
"..."
The light that had flooded the Reed Field scattered.
Bu Eun-seol's sword had already returned to its scabbard. So-jeon, too, had shouldered his great saber once more.
Had someone arrived just then, they might have mistaken the two for having not yet begun their spar.
"Hmm."
The silence was broken by So-jeon's low hum.
Though he had maintained a composed smile throughout, his brow was now furrowed as if he had bitten into a bitter pepper.
"How did you train your sword in just one year?"
Bu Eun-seol answered flatly.
"I sought out strong opponents and fought them."
"Just that?"
"And... I gained many realizations."
"Realizations, you say."
Nodding, So-jeon abruptly turned away.
"Let's spar again next time."
Without waiting for a reply, he strode out of the Reed Field with heavy steps.
"Great Leader. Let us accompany you."
At that, Je Un and the members of the Innovation Unit, who had been staring blankly, hastily bowed to Dan Cheong before scrambling after him.
The remaining martial artists of Langya Pavilion also bowed to Dan Cheong before dispersing from the Reed Field.
"Impressive."
Baek Yeon approached Bu Eun-seol, who stood motionless in the now-empty field, and grinned.
"To withstand So-jeon's killing stroke head-on... Even seeing it, it's hard to believe."
"I merely... blocked a single stroke from the Great Leader."
Bu Eun-seol's expression remained grim.
Despite pouring his all into that sword stroke, he had barely managed to defend against just one of So-jeon's techniques.
"A single stroke?"
Baek Yeon looked at him incredulously.
"You blocked Heaven-Dominating Blade Ultimate, one of So-jeon's Three Great Ultimate Moves, without a single injury. How can you call that just a single stroke?"
"Hahaha! That was refreshing to watch."
Dan Cheong strode over, laughing heartily as he clapped Bu Eun-seol on the shoulder.
"That stubborn bastard, who never listens to a word I say, actually retreated with his pride wounded? I can't even remember the last time I saw him slump his shoulders like that. Hahahaha!"
Yet even Dan Cheong's bluster failed to lift Bu Eun-seol's spirits.
Noticing this, Baek Yeon frowned.
"Why do you look like that? As if you were utterly crushed."
"I was thinking... whether I could have blocked it if the Great Leader had truly intended to kill me."
"What?"
Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon exchanged stunned glances.
Only now did they realize—Bu Eun-seol hadn't been sparring.
He had been fighting as if it were a battle to the death.
"Hahaha!"
Dan Cheong burst into laughter, nodding approvingly.
"I see. That's why this kid improves faster than the others."
Bu Eun-seol's mind held no room for mere duels or sparring.
He only ever researched—how, in every fight, he could pour his full strength into severing his enemy's lifeline.
In Langya Pavilion, where Practical Combat Martial Arts was the creed, it was inevitable that he would rise faster than anyone else.
"Bu Eun-seol. You've grasped the essence of the Main Pavilion's Practical Combat Martial Arts faster than anyone."
Dan Cheong nodded with admiration—then added something unexpected.
"You still fall short of So-jeon, but at this rate, you might just stand a chance against the Great Righteous Experts."
"The Great Righteous Experts...?"
"That's right."
A lightning-like intensity flashed in Dan Cheong's eyes.
"The order has come. All Ten Demonic Heirs are to assemble at the Demon Hall."