Chapter 170
Bu Eun-seol couldn't immediately comprehend Hyeok Gong-baek's words.
After a long moment of deep thought, he cautiously opened his mouth.
"What do you mean by 'wake up my grandson'?"
"My apologies. In my haste, I jumped straight to the conclusion."
Hyeok Gong-baek let out a low chuckle before continuing.
"This old man has one grandson. Since my son and his wife passed before me, that child is the only bloodline I have left."
Heaving a deep sigh, he went on.
"But that boy has no interest in anything. He idles away his days, wasting his time on gambling and frivolities. Even though he's the future master who will inherit the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary."
Bu Eun-seol, sensing something, asked,
"By any chance, is this grandson of yours a young man who wears blue robes and always has a languid expression?"
"Correct. That boy is my grandson—Hyeok So-jin."
A handsome man with an eternally bored expression.
That was none other than Hyeok So-jin, the grandson of the Phantom Demon, Hyeok Gong-baek.
"This old master can't live forever, can he? I'd like that boy to regain his passion for the martial world as soon as possible. But it won't be easy."
"I don't understand. If he's your grandson, shouldn't he have trained in martial arts more fiercely than anyone?"
The Demonic Path Ten Gates, the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary.
This place was both a resting ground for the Great Demons who once swept through the martial world and a treasury of all the forbidden demonic arts they had mastered—a repository of the World Demonic Art.
Most of the secret manuals piled in the Demon Hall's Myriad Demon Treasury Pavilion originated from this very sanctuary.
"Moreover, as the future master, he must have grown up with demonic manuals in his hands since childhood."
"There are two reasons."
Hyeok Gong-baek's expression darkened.
"First, it's because his parents died young. Though their martial arts were exceptional, perhaps due to heaven's envy, they contracted a strange illness and perished prematurely. After that, the boy became cynical toward everything."
No matter how great one's martial arts, they cannot conquer life, aging, sickness, and death.
Having witnessed his parents' deaths at such a young age and constantly surrounded by the elderly demons living out their days in Peach Blossom Paradise, it was clear he had grown disillusioned with life.
'Well, Peach Blossom Paradise may be beautiful in scenery, but in truth, it's just a place where old men waiting for their final journey remain.'
A paradise where elders stood before the terminal station of death.
From the perspective of the young left behind, it was no different from a funeral parlor where they had to prepare for the inevitable.
"The second reason is that the boy's talent is simply too monstrous."
As Hyeok Gong-baek took another sip of tea, a proud smile tugged at his lips.
"By the age of ten, he had already mastered about thirty percent of this old master's True Body Supreme Art."
"I see."
"Not only that, he's absorbed a significant portion of the sanctuary's most exceptional demonic arts into his mind."
Regardless of anything else, mastering thirty percent of the Phantom Demon's supreme art—one said to overturn the heavens—by the age of ten?
He was undoubtedly a martial genius of staggering caliber.
"Prodigies of such overwhelming talent often succumb to loneliness and emptiness quickly."
As Bu Eun-seol nodded, Hyeok Gong-baek continued.
"After turning ten, that boy completely lost interest in martial arts. Since he could learn everything so easily, he believed no one could surpass him."
"I see."
"I've tried every method until now, but nothing worked. No one could change that boy's mind."
After a moment of contemplation, Bu Eun-seol's eyes gleamed.
"I think there might be a way."
"There is?"
"Yes."
Bu Eun-seol spoke plainly.
"Does the method not matter?"
"Of course not. If that boy can shake off his lethargy and stretch his limbs as a true successor should..."
Hyeok Gong-baek declared firmly.
"This old man will be your ally for life."
Bu Eun-seol gave a crisp nod.
"Then, please summon your grandson to the training grounds."
After a brief pause, Hyeok Gong-baek sighed.
"Don't tell me... you intend to challenge him to a duel?"
He chuckled and shook his head.
"Even the successor of Hell Blood Citadel who visited recently requested a duel with that boy."
"Is that so?"
"Not even that Hell Blood Citadel successor could subdue So-jin. Of course, part of it was because he couldn't use his Poison Art—his True Void—but still..."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed.
The orthodox successor of Hell Blood Citadel couldn't overpower that idle wastrel?
"The boy is stronger than anyone. Even with his martial arts at a superficial level."
Hyeok So-jin was not the Ten Demonic Heir—he was a fully prepared successor of the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
From childhood, he had read and mastered all the demonic manuals of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary, inheriting even the Phantom Demon's supreme art.
"If he weren't the successor of Heaven-Severing Earth-Destroying Sanctuary, he would have already become a strong candidate to inherit the Demon Hall."
"This should be entertaining."
"Hmm?"
"Please summon him to the training grounds."
"You're truly serious about this."
"The outcome will be different this time."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed with sharp light as he approached Hyeok Gong-baek and spoke in a low voice.
"But first, promise me one thing."
The training grounds of Heaven-Severing Earth-Destroying Sanctuary were neither within Peach Blossom Paradise nor the sanctuary itself—instead, they were set up in a clearing far removed from the main temple.
Heaven-Severing Earth-Destroying Sanctuary housed an unfathomable number of forbidden demonic manuals under strict guard.
Because of this, the martial artists affiliated with this place had easy access to demonic arts, fostering an atmosphere of relentless training.
—What's the point of mastering martial arts? Drinking and gambling make for a far more enjoyable life.
But with Hyeok So-jin, the future Sanctuary Master and heir, indulging in gambling and liquor, the younger martial artists of the sanctuary naturally followed his lead.
"Hmm."
At the Grand Martial Training Ground of Heaven-Severing Earth-Destroying Sanctuary,
Hyeok Gong-baek and Pung Yeo-ryang stood to one side.
At the center, a young man in blue robes rubbed his eyes and yawned lazily.
It was none other than Hyeok So-jin, grandson of the Phantom Demon.
And standing opposite him was a swordsman with long, flowing hair and a blade strapped to his back—Bu Eun-seol.
"What a pointless waste of time."
Hyeok So-jin regarded Bu Eun-seol with bored eyes.
"I heard you entered as one of the Ten Demonic Heirs and got lucky enough to be recognized as Langya Pavilion's inheritor."
His voice carried a subtle sneer.
But Bu Eun-seol remained impassive, nodding indifferently.
"That's right."
"Then wouldn't it be wise to know your place?"
"A fair point."
Uncharacteristically, Bu Eun-seol smirked.
"That's why I'm here to teach you how to stay in your lane."
Whoosh.
At that moment, a violet light flickered in Hyeok So-jin's pupils.
'So he really has inherited the Phantom Demon's Internal Power.'
The faint purple radiance that occasionally shimmered in Hyeok Gong-baek's eyes was unmistakably present in Hyeok So-jin's as well.
"Unfortunately, I'll have to decline."
By now, Hyeok So-jin had regained his composure, his blazing gaze cooling back into clarity.
"I'm not the type to recklessly cross blades with just anyone without reason."
"Afraid of losing?"
"Hardly. What does it matter if I win or lose?"
So-jin's desolate eyes, fixed on the distant sky, were filled with profound melancholy.
"The years ahead are too vast to care about living or dying..."
Such words might have been expected from an old man weary of life—
But for a young man barely past twenty, they were far too nihilistic.
At an age when one should be brimming with vitality and ambition,
Hyeok So-jin seemed to have abandoned even the will to live, like an old man awaiting twilight.
"Then let's make a bet."
At Bu Eun-seol's suggestion, a spark of life returned to So-jin's eyes.
If there was one thing he still enjoyed, it was gambling—his sole remaining indulgence.
"A bet, you say? I'm listening. What are the terms?"
"Three moves."
Bu Eun-seol spoke flatly.
"Endure three moves of my Fist Technique. If you can take it without dodging, I'll concede."
"Not even a Sword Technique, but just three moves of Fist Technique?"
So-jin stared at him incredulously before letting out a low chuckle.
"And if I win? What do I get?"
"Anything. I'll do whatever is within my power."
"Heh heh heh, you must not gamble often. Those are dangerous words to throw around."
"Do you accept?"
So-jin shrugged at Bu Eun-seol's question.
"And if I lose?"
"Exactly as I proposed. Fight me—seriously."
"Is that really necessary? If I lose, all I have to do is spar with you once, no?"
Then, a crimson glow surfaced in Bu Eun-seol's pupils.
"I didn't say spar. I said fight."
Fight. That could only mean a battle to the death.
"Heh heh heh. Ha ha ha ha!"
After laughing for a long moment, So-jin's mirth turned icy.
"You're an arrogant fellow."
Unnoticed, violet light once again rippled like waves in his eyes.
"Do you even know who you're talking to?"
"I know very well."
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled into a razor-thin smile.
"A frog in a well."
Crack.
The training ground's floor beneath So-jin's feet caved inward as though he had released his internal power.
"Heh heh heh."
For the first time, the perpetually bored expression on So-jin's face gave way to something alive.
"Fine. I accept."
Simultaneously, an intense energy erupted from his body.
The orthodox successor of the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
Born with the finest bone and muscle structure, purified their qi and blood through spirit medicines and secret methods, and even undergoing Shedding Hair and Cleansing Marrow to reshape their bodies into forms perfectly suited for martial arts.
From the moment they could walk, the greatest masters and warriors of the Demonic Path devoted their full strength to imparting their martial arts.
Thus raised, the orthodox successors of the Demonic Path Ten Gates all invariably reached formidable realms.
'How utterly predictable.'
Contempt flickered in Hyeok So-jin's eyes as he observed Bu Eun-seol.
Truthfully, he already knew. He was aware of the request his grandfather, Hyeok Gong-baek, had made to the successor of Hell Blood Citadel.
'He must have wanted me to feel provoked by witnessing their superior martial arts.'
The successor of Hell Blood Citadel had also challenged him to a duel. And indeed, they had displayed dazzling martial techniques in an attempt to provoke Hyeok So-jin.
But that was all.
When Hyeok So-jin refused to rise to the taunt and maintained a purely defensive stance, the Hell Blood Citadel's successor had no choice but to surrender.
After all, within the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary, no one dared to truly harm an orthodox successor.
But now, watching Bu Eun-seol repeat the same act, it was nothing short of ridiculous.
"You may begin whenever you wish."
Hyeok So-jin sneered as he spoke.
"Sir, Wild Dog of Langya Pavilion."
Even at the insult, Bu Eun-seol's gaze remained calm and steady.
"First Form."
With only those brief words, Bu Eun-seol unleashed a devastating punch.
It was the First Appearance of the Fist Demon, powered by Three Stars' worth of internal energy.
The fist energy, executed with Soundless and Voiceless precision, surged toward Hyeok So-jin's chest—
KWA-U!
Suddenly, a violent Sound of Breaking Air erupted as the fist energy split into two streams.
And then, it tore into Hyeok So-jin's sides with brutal force.
This was the profound technique of Borrowed Force Manipulation, something only possible within the Seven Forms of the Fist Demon.
"Hoho."
Yet Hyeok So-jin barely flinched, merely shaking his shoulders lightly.
Whoosh—
A strange energy surged from his entire body, deflecting the First Appearance of the Fist Demon's force at an angle.
"Impressive fist technique."
As Hyeok So-jin laughed, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Second Form."
KRACKLE—! KWA-RU-RUNG!
This time, with a thunderous roar, five razor-sharp streams of fist energy coiled around Hyeok So-jin from unavoidable angles.
The Second Form of the Seven Forms of the Fist Demon—Extreme Lightning Confusion.
"Hah!"
As the sharp, lightning-fast energy bored inward, Hyeok So-jin's expression flickered with surprise before he swiftly swung his arms.
Then, a faint violet radiance spilled from his palms, gathering the five streams of fist energy into one before—
Whoosh—
The energy soared over his head.
It resembled the Transformation Realm of Taiji Fist, dispersing the incoming force.
"Divine-Rending Demonic Qi?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Hyeok So-jin nodded.
Divine-Rending Demonic Qi.
This was less a martial art and more akin to esoteric arts like Shaolin's Prajna Great Power or the Illustrious Cult's Great Heaven and Earth Shift.
A supreme demonic art that used the overwhelming Divine-Rending Demonic Qi enveloping the body to alter the flow of external force.
At its highest realm, it was said to be capable of reflecting any martial art or power back at the attacker.
And Hyeok So-jin was employing a strategy of effortlessly redirecting every attack while shrouded in this qi.
"Wake up from your delusions."
Having discerned Bu Eun-seol's intent, Hyeok So-jin spoke confidently.
"No matter what you do, you won't break through the Divine-Rending Demonic Qi surrounding me."
Even if it was only at the Three Stars level, this qi was as sticky as glue and as tough as ox sinew.
Without using True Void, shattering it was impossible.
"We'll see about that."
The moment the words left his lips, a crimson radiance erupted from Bu Eun-seol's body.
BOOM!
Another explosive sound tore through the air as the glowing points transformed into searing red beams, shooting skyward.
Watching this terrifying spectacle, Hyeok So-jin only sneered further.
'Hmph. Trying to intimidate me with sheer internal power. As if he'd actually dare to kill me—'
CRACK.
The moment the sound of bones shifting echoed from Bu Eun-seol's body, the crimson beams soaring into the sky were sucked back into his right hand.
Goooooo...
As Bu Eun-seol's eyes traced a circle in the air, Extreme Counter-Blood Radiance surged from his pupils.
Seven Forms of the Fist Demon—Fourth Form: Heavenly Hand Empty Wave.
A world-shaking, peerless technique said to destroy all that stands in its path.
"W-Wait. You can't possibly—!"
Before Hyeok So-jin's cry could finish—
KWA-AAAAAAH!
A deafening explosion, as if tearing apart heaven and earth, erupted from Bu Eun-seol's left fist as a flood of crimson light poured forth.
It was the very essence of Heaven-Shattering Form—a power capable of annihilating everything between the heavens and the earth.
As the Heavenly Hand Empty Wave descended, Hyeok So-jin's eyes reflected what seemed like the glare of a colossal sun.