Chapter 1267

"I am called So-so."

She too bowed respectfully to Bu Eun-seol.

"It is the honor of three lifetimes to meet the Martial Soul Lord, whose name resounds across the Four Seas."

Had it ended there—

No matter what, Bu Eun-seol would have concluded the exchange with a smile.

"Since Jade Youth and I are practically wed already, might I call you 'brother-in-law' comfortably?"

But when So-so smiled and spoke boldly, his face stiffened before he could stop it.

"So-so, such titles are still too soon..."

Heuk-pyo, sensing Bu Eun-seol's discomfort, quickly intervened.

"Of course."

Yet Bu Eun-seol, having composed his expression, offered a gentle smile.

"Call me as you please."

"Thank you, brother-in-law."

As Bu Eun-seol and So-so exchanged bright smiles, Heuk-pyo relaxed and stood beside her, asking cheerfully:

"What do you think?"

Unaware of Bu Eun-seol's inner thoughts, he wore a blissful smile.

"They make such a well-matched pair."

Bu Eun-seol nodded, still smiling faintly.

Then So-so laughed and said to Heuk-pyo and Bu Eun-seol:

"The meal is ready. Wash your hands and come inside."

At that, Heuk-pyo beamed and went to wash up.

Bu Eun-seol also washed his hands and ate the meal she had prepared alongside Heuk-pyo.

The mealtime was far from pleasant—

Not because the dishes she served—a thin soup, tofu, and stir-fried vegetables—were poorly seasoned.

But because Heuk-pyo looked genuinely happy.

The woman named So-so fussed over Heuk-pyo attentively, constantly piling more vegetables onto his rice.

Bu Eun-seol ate half-heartedly before stepping outside. Heuk-pyo followed, wearing an apologetic expression.

"My wife has never cooked before. It wasn't to your taste, was it?"

"Not at all. It was a simple, delicious meal."

Bu Eun-seol spoke quietly.

"Follow me for a moment."

He led Heuk-pyo a short distance from the cottage.

After gazing at the distant sky for a while, Bu Eun-seol asked in a low voice:

"What of the Wanderer Unit? What became of your subordinates?"

The three hundred warriors under Heuk-pyo's command—

Were masters of such caliber they could rival thirty thousand elite soldiers.

And their loyalty was absolute—men who would march into hell if Heuk-pyo led the way.

Yet where had he left them?

"The Wanderer Unit is to be disbanded."

"Disbanded?"

"I intended to entrust everything to Vice Chief Cho Gwang, but they refused to serve under anyone but me... So I told them to each go their own way."

"Do you truly mean to leave the Martial World?"

To part without regret from the warriors who had shared his hardships—did that not mean he intended to abandon the Martial World entirely?

"Truthfully... I don't know."

Heuk-pyo shook his head.

"I've lived by the sword all my life. I'm not sure if I can endure a life of seclusion."

Seeing Bu Eun-seol's darkened expression, Heuk-pyo bowed apologetically.

"Forgive me. I should have consulted you first..."

"Nonsense. Don't trouble yourself over it."

Heuk-pyo, studying Bu Eun-seol's face, hesitantly asked:

"...Do you dislike her?"

He had already noticed Bu Eun-seol's displeasure and was worried.

"No, but..."

After a long pause, Bu Eun-seol spoke with difficulty.

"To be honest, I wish to advise you against meeting her. No—you must not meet her."

"Because she leads the Black Serpent Tower, an Unorthodox Faction organization in the Central Plains?"

"You knew?"

"Yes."

Heuk-pyo lowered his head with a bitter expression.

"She told me everything—her dark past."

Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.

He had expected her to make the first move, but he never imagined Heuk-pyo would continue seeing her despite knowing everything.

"How did you come to meet her?"

"She was originally the only daughter of a family that served as protectors of the Green Lantern House, a prestigious clan in Tibet. But the Green Lantern House eventually fell to a rival family, and her own household was torn apart in the aftermath."

Heuk-pyo paused, his expression pained.

"Because of her striking beauty, she was sold from place to place until she finally reached the Central Plains. There, she became a child courtesan in a brothel... until she caught the eye of the leader of an intelligence organization."

"The Black Serpent Tower's leader?"

"Yes."

Heuk-pyo continued.

"So-so grew up there, and thanks to her exceptional talents, she achieved great merit at a young age. Meanwhile, the ailing Black Serpent Tower leader, who had grown fond of her, passed the organization down to her."

Alongside her exotic beauty and family history—

This explained clearly how she had become the leader of the Black Silk Tower, an intelligence organization composed solely of women.

"But as you ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠know, intelligence organizations are always targets of powerful factions, rife with betrayal. Those who resented her rise conspired with Dorje, the Head Leader of Tibet's Star Radiance Sect, and staged a rebellion."

Heuk-pyo rubbed his nose sheepishly.

"While fleeing their relentless pursuit, she was gravely wounded and collapsed. I found her on the brink of death and rescued her. Since then, our affection grew, leading to where we are now."

"She is a woman tied to the True Demon Palace. The entire encounter could have been staged."

"I understand why you'd think that. The Black Silk Tower has long been manipulated by countless factions, including the Empress Dowager."

Heuk-pyo carefully tried to persuade Bu Eun-seol.

"It's true that she did many questionable things during her time as the leader of Black Serpent Tower. But after meeting me, she repented all her wrongdoings and disbanded the organization immediately. And... she vowed to live only for my sake."

"Heuk-pyo. The timing doesn't add up."

Bu Eun-seol reluctantly recounted the encounter he had with her at the inn in Sichuan not long ago.

However, he couldn't bring himself to mention her attempt at seduction, glossing over the details instead.

"If she had truly reformed, why would she try to persuade me?"

"Well, at least she doesn't seem to be my woman."

Heuk-pyo, who had been listening calmly, shook his head with a bright expression.

"During the time you claim to have met that beauty from the Demon Palace, she was with me."

"You mean you were together all day?"

Heuk-pyo mentally calculated the date and shook his head again.

"Not all day, but I'm certain she was in Tibet at the time."

Masters capable of traversing the frontier in a day or two were as rare as fingers on one hand in the martial world.

"She's trained in various martial arts, but her internal energy isn't particularly profound."

Heuk-pyo spoke matter-of-factly.

"And isn't it possible for unrelated beauties to resemble each other? Vice Chief So-yo and Lady A-wan look as alike as twins, don't they?"

"True. But my eyes don't deceive me."

Bu Eun-seol could distinguish people not just by their faces, but by their body structure, muscle density, temperament, and aura.

Even if they were twins born from the same womb, not all of those aspects could be identical.

"She must have a powerful intelligence network or backing. They likely fabricated evidence placing her elsewhere when the incident occurred."

"That's impossible."

"Heuk-pyo."

"Just as I am sincere, so is she."

Heuk-pyo bowed his head.

"Please trust me. It must be the remnants of Black Serpent Tower's traitors or the Star Radiance Sect scheming against her."

Then, resolutely, he added:

"Even if she did approach you at the Sichuan inn with some proposal, my feelings remain unchanged."

'Then there's only one way left.'

Bu Eun-seol studied Heuk-pyo.

Outwardly, there was no sign of his spirit and mind being suppressed.

But the Demon Palace was infamous for techniques that surpassed the martial world's understanding—how could he be certain?

"Heuk-pyo."

Having made up his mind, Bu Eun-seol channeled his internal power and spoke.

"Look into my eyes."

Zzziiing.

His irises had already darkened into deep amber.

Rumble.

At the same time, a whirlwind surged from all directions.

Not only had he grasped the essence of Ak Mu-ryeong's Phantom Restoration, but he had also confronted and overcome countless demonic arts and Mind Seizing Secret Arts from the Demon Palace.

Even the Mind Seizing Secret Arts, said to have no equal in the world—he was now confident he could shatter them.

Drip, drip.

The space around them rippled as the boundary between reality and illusion collapsed.

Heuk-pyo's consciousness was uprooted and dragged into the abyss.

Invisible tremors spread through the air, and within hundreds of feet, the wind grew so fierce that breathing became difficult.

'Nothing?'

The result was completely unexpected.

Heuk-pyo's spirit and mind were perfectly intact, serene—without a single trace of exposure to any Great Art or Secret Art.

'He's sincere.'

In fact, his mind was filled with nothing but genuine emotion.

Heuk-pyo truly... loved So-so, the leader of Black Serpent Tower.

Crack.

The rippling space shattered like ice, and Heuk-pyo's sharp gaze locked onto Bu Eun-seol.

"Lord."

He had never neglected his training—his mental fortitude was unshakable.

"Did you suspect I had fallen victim to the Mind Seizing Secret Art and tried to undo it?"

"Yes."

Bu Eun-seol admitted frankly.

"Every person connected to the Demon Palace so far has used such methods."

"Lord."

Heuk-pyo exhaled deeply.

"Though I cannot match your back, I'm not so weak as to succumb to the Mind Seizing Secret Art."

Then, he lowered his head.

"I only wished to receive blessings with my beloved. It seems I've needlessly complicated your thoughts."

"You need not bow your head."

Bu Eun-seol patted his shoulder apologetically.

"I've been entangled in too many schemes—my suspicions have grown excessive. Forgive me."

He had meant to say, "Perhaps I misjudged her."

But for some reason, the words wouldn't leave his lips.

"I'll take my leave now."

Just as Bu Eun-seol forced a smile—

"Jade Youth!"

A clear, melodious voice rang out.

It was So-so calling.

"Where are you?"

Heuk-pyo's real name was Ok Sa-ha.

That was why she called him Jade Youth.

"I'm here!"

Heuk-pyo hurried toward her, and she beamed, her face smudged with soot.

"Call the Lord! I've prepared a delicious spread of wine!"

"Wine?"

"Didn't you say that if the Lord ever visited, you'd drink the Plum Blossom Wine all night?"

"Ah."

Heuk-pyo had completely forgotten.

Originally, he had planned to share a drink with Bu Eun-seol that evening, but—

Given Bu Eun-seol's unsettled mood and his own words that seemed to cast doubt on his beloved—

He had intended to quietly see him off.

But his adorable lover—

Had remembered his words clearly and, with clumsy hands, had even prepared side dishes in advance.

"The Lord must be busy..."

"Really? I went through all this trouble to prepare."

As So-so puffed out her cheeks and drooped her head with a sullen expression, Heuk-pyo turned to look at Bu Eun-seol and said,

"But... if I ask, the Lord will stay a little longer, won't they?"

Then, stepping closer to Bu Eun-seol, he pleaded:

"Right, Lord?"

Seeing the earnest look on Heuk-pyo's face, Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to nod.

"Of course."

The drinking session ended abruptly.

This was because Bu Eun-seol had an exceptionally high alcohol tolerance, while Heuk-pyo's capacity was not particularly great.

Of course, given Heuk-pyo's internal energy, he could have avoided getting drunk entirely.

But since it was a rare occasion—a pleasant gathering with fragrant liquor—he saw no reason to suppress the intoxication.

With his heart unguarded, he drank continuously.

And before even one jar was emptied, he had fallen into a deep, drunken slumber.

Click.

Bu Eun-seol retrieved a small wooden box from his sleeve and placed it on the table.

"A humble gift, nothing much."

Then, turning to So-so, who was watching over Heuk-pyo's sleeping form, he said:

"Well then."

Just as he was about to turn away—

"Are you really just going to leave like this?"

So-so's voice had shifted—from the innocent tone of a maiden to the cold, biting cadence of a seductress.

Just like when she had demanded the precious gem from him at the inn before.

"You give up too easily, don't you?"

Her attire was still plain, and only the sharpness of her eyes had changed.

But to Bu Eun-seol, she had suddenly transformed into a witch, her presence saturated with venomous hues.

"Do not provoke me."

His voice was calm.

"If you wish to hide your past, hide it thoroughly. Treat him with sincerity. Otherwise—"

"Or what? Will you kill me?"

"I will lay bare your true ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠nature before him."

So-so let out a soft laugh.

"You were hoping he'd hear our conversation, weren't you? Useless. He's asleep under the secret arts of my sect."

Something had felt off from the start.

No matter how much Heuk-pyo had let his guard down while drinking, there was no way he would have gotten that drunk.

"You cast a spell on Heuk-pyo?"

"Seizing control of the spirit and mind is difficult, but putting to sleep someone who trusts me enough to lower their guard? That's hardly a challenge."

In an instant, Bu Eun-seol's face hardened like stone.

Playing tricks on him was one thing.

But treating Heuk-pyo—who had given her nothing but sincerity—so carelessly? That was unforgivable.

"I had intended to quietly bury everything and leave."

Bu Eun-seol's pupils flushed crimson. His fury was such that he could no longer suppress the killing intent surging within him.

"To recklessly wield power like this—!"

Now that she had openly revealed her malice, there was no room for tolerance.

Even if it meant—

Even if it wounded Heuk-pyo's heart—

He would expose every last shred of her true self.

Ziiing.

The scarlet burning in Bu Eun-seol's eyes deepened once more into an amber glow.

After continuously facing masters of the Mind Seizing Secret Art from Jinma Palace—

His Phantom Restoration had grown nearly as formidable as Ak Mu-ryeong's.

Even if he couldn't fully unravel her schemes—

Shattering her mental barriers and revealing her true nature to Heuk-pyo would not be difficult.

Sssss—

As the power of Phantom Restoration unfurled, sparks of flame began erupting in all directions.

But something was strange.

So-so's gaze hadn't changed at all. In fact—wasn't she smiling?

'She's not using the Mind Seizing Secret Art?'

A clash of the Mind Seizing Secret Art was, in essence, a contest of spiritual strength.

Which was why Bu Eun-seol had been confident he could overpower her in an instant, even if she were a master of the technique.

Yet she showed no signs of using it—instead standing composed, her faint smile unwavering as she withstood Phantom Restoration.

Crackle—

Suddenly, the scattered flames flared violently, and a surge of azure fire erupted around So-so's body.

At the same time—

Wasn't Heuk-pyo, who had been fast asleep, slowly opening his eyes?

"Lord?"

Heuk-pyo, startled by the mysterious energy radiating from Bu Eun-seol's eyes, cried out—

"Jade Youth."

Then, So-so—wearing an expression of terror—rushed forward and threw herself into Heuk-pyo's arms.

"Ugh—!"

She began retching violently.

"What's wrong?"

Heuk-pyo, greatly alarmed, patted her back and asked:

"What happened?"

"The Lord suddenly cast the Mind Seizing Secret Art on me. I was trapped in it and barely managed to escape, so..."

Heuk-pyo's face stiffened.

Bu Eun-seol's eyes were indeed tinged with the eerie glow of Phantom Restoration—wasn't that proof enough?

"Lord."

He, too, was a martial arts master.

Realizing that Bu Eun-seol had genuinely attempted to use Phantom Restoration, he demanded with a furious expression:

"Why would you do this?"

Bu Eun-seol did not lie. He answered ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠calmly.

"I wished to show you the truth."

"Didn't I already tell you there was no need?"

Splat—

In that moment, So-so coughed up a mouthful of blood.

It seemed that in resisting Phantom Restoration, she had exhausted her mental power, severely damaging her spiritual core.

"Let me heal you."

As Bu Eun-seol reached out, Heuk-pyo turned away sharply, still holding So-so.

"That won't be necessary."

His voice was icy.

"Leave."

"Heuk-pyo."

"I'll handle this myself."

Never before—

Had Heuk-pyo ever used such an expression or tone with Bu Eun-seol.

No—even if Bu Eun-seol were to sever his limbs, he was not the kind of man to blame or resent him.

But now, seeing the one he cherished wounded—he could no longer contain ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠his fury.

"...Very well."

Bu Eun-seol, meeting Heuk-pyo's sharpened gaze, placed the Dream-Dispelling Pill on the table.

Then, slowly, he turned and stepped out of the cottage.

"......"

Dawn was breaking.

The faint violet hue spreading from beyond the distant horizon felt like some ominous presence revealing itself.

"Today, you will regret rejecting my proposal for the rest of your life."

Suddenly, the words spoken by the Black Silk Tower's leader before leaving the inn flashed through his mind.

Her words had never been an empty boast.