Chapter 174
Swoosh!
As the offensive grew fiercer, the Ink Sword finally revealed itself.
Hyeok So-jin's martial arts only grew more powerful the longer he wielded them, and now, Swift Shadowless alone was no longer enough to evade his attacks.
Clang! Clash-clang-clang!
A metallic sound rang out as the Ink Sword and the treasured sword collided repeatedly.
Bu Eun-seol methodically dismantled each of Hyeok So-jin's martial forms as they poured forth endlessly.
"Haa. Haa."
Even as Hyeok So-jin unleashed a frenzied barrage of attacks, it was futile.
The more he attacked, the more exhausted he became—Bu Eun-seol remained as immovable as a Heavenly General, calmly parrying every strike.
"Are you boasting about how many martial arts you've learned?"
Swish—!
Every time Bu Eun-seol fiercely spun the Ink Sword, Hyeok So-jin's sword strokes were effortlessly deflected.
"Rather than dazzlingly pouring out a multitude of martial arts, it's better to master and adapt a single one with skill."
Upon hearing those words, Hyeok So-jin halted the palm technique he had been executing with his left hand and instead alternated between the Myriad Thunder Blood Sword and the Dragon-Slaying Demon Sword Form.
Though the power wasn't greater than when he had attacked with both hands, his forms became far more refined and stable.
'Fast learner.'
Bu Eun-seol nodded slightly as he observed.
'No wonder he's called a genius.'
With just a single remark, Hyeok So-jin immediately grasped the lesson and adjusted. Now that he had a clear goal and began putting in effort, his innate talent was manifesting without fail.
"Swift adaptation is good, but there's no depth yet."
Bu Eun-seol flicked the Ink Sword as lightly as if holding a willow branch, effortlessly deflecting Hyeok So-jin's strikes.
"If you can't perfectly synthesize all the martial arts in your mind, then only remember the useful ones. I can see you selecting forms in your head before executing them."
Shing!
When Bu Eun-seol poured strength into the Ink Sword and swung it forcefully, Hyeok So-jin was sent skidding back thirty feet.
"Kgh—!"
As Hyeok So-jin staggered, letting out a strained groan, Bu Eun-seol spoke in a low voice.
"Let's stop here for today."
"Just... just a little more."
"In that leg condition?"
Hyeok So-jin's legs were trembling weakly as he gasped for breath. Having neglected his martial training for so long, he couldn't even maintain basic stamina.
"One more time!"
With newfound stubbornness, Hyeok So-jin raised his sword and charged again.
Then—
A fierce blue light erupted from Bu Eun-seol's pupils.
Flash!
At the same time, a bolt of lightning in the shape of the character zhi crackled through the air—and before Hyeok So-jin could react, the Ink Sword was already at his throat.
He had unleashed the Peerless Thunderbolt.
Drip.
Even though the blade hadn't touched his skin, Hyeok So-jin's neck was sharply cut, blood trickling down.
"One last lesson."
Bu Eun-seol aimed the Ink Sword at Hyeok So-jin's throat and spoke in an icy voice.
"Composure."
His expression was solemn.
"In a life-or-death battle where victory hinges on a hair's breadth, losing your composure is the same as fighting with your hands tied."
"..."
"Don't forget. No matter how exceptional your martial arts may be, you can never win a fight if you aren't calm."
Click.
Sheathing his sword, Bu Eun-seol turned away without another glance.
As realization dawned on him, Hyeok So-jin exhaled deeply, shame washing over him.
"Why did I waste so much time...?"
Muttering under his breath, he shook his head.
"I don't even have time to complain."
Now, even regret was a luxury.
Whether by cutting sleep, saving time on meals—he had to make up for all the years he had squandered.
From then on, the battles between Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin continued without end.
The more they fought, the more composed and coldly rational Hyeok So-jin became. His forms grew increasingly concise, and unnecessary movements gradually disappeared.
—If you can't perfectly synthesize all the martial arts in your mind, then only remember the useful ones!
Taking Bu Eun-seol's advice to heart, Hyeok So-jin began categorizing the three hundred demonic arts stored in his mind.
Perfectly merging the strengths of multiple martial arts was still beyond his current ability.
After much deliberation, he selected a handful of techniques that suited his temperament and began mastering them in depth.
Thus was born—the Ten Great Demonic Studies.
Dark Howl Demon Finger.
Dark Heaven Demon Dragon Palm.
Great Bright Jade Fist.
Ten Thousand Thunder Blood Sword.
Dark Blood Blazing Flame Palm.
Dragon-Slaying Demon Sword Form.
Soul-Severing Extinguishing Hand.
Soul-Extinguishing Swordsmanship.
Lute Flashing Hands.
Ice Soul Illusion Killing Sword.
These were demonic studies that even a person of ordinary talent would struggle to master in a lifetime.
But for Hyeok So-jin, these were the ones he had carefully chosen from among three hundred demonic martial arts.
—My basic stamina is still lacking.
Moreover, to sustain a fierce battle against a master like Bu Eun-seol required endurance and tenacity akin to that of a camel.
To build his stamina, Hyeok So-jin increased his food intake and ran through the forest whenever he had the chance. He practiced Qi Circulation instead of sleeping, and during meals, he studied the martial arts techniques stored in his mind.
Finally, on the tenth day—
Chiiing!
With a clear metallic sound, Bu Eun-seol's Ink Sword and Hyeok So-jin's treasured blade clashed midair.
Simultaneously, the two swords clung together like magnets, and a powerful Qi Wave rippled outward in concentric circles.
They had entered an internal energy clash.
Creak—
Thick veins began to bulge on Hyeok So-jin's forehead.
"Ugh..."
No matter how hard he pushed, Bu Eun-seol's profound internal energy didn't budge an inch, pressing relentlessly against his body.
"Did you not anticipate that closing the distance would lead to an internal energy battle?"
"Hrk!"
When Bu Eun-seol spoke mid-clash, Hyeok So-jin was so startled that the internal energy he had been pouring out faltered.
At the same time, just as a sharp surge of internal energy was about to pierce into Hyeok So-jin's meridians—
Whoosh.
With the sound of escaping air, his body suddenly lightened.
Bu Eun-seol had withdrawn his internal energy in an instant—while simultaneously absorbing the full force of Hyeok So-jin's own energy.
Hiss—
White steam erupted from Bu Eun-seol's body as he took in Hyeok So-jin's sharp internal energy.
Yet he remained standing, unfazed, as if merely brushed by a breeze.
"Haa... haa..."
Hyeok So-jin's face twisted as he gasped for breath.
Even after ten days of grueling effort...
In the end, he hadn't managed to inflict even the slightest damage on Bu Eun-seol.
"I've lost."
Hyeok So-jin's expression darkened as he lowered his head.
For ten days, he had pushed himself to the limit, honing his martial arts and stamina. And yet, he hadn't even made Bu Eun-seol flinch...
The despair was beyond words.
"As promised, I'll give up on traveling the martial world."
Swallowing his bitter expression, Hyeok So-jin forced a smile.
"Your martial prowess is unmatched among the heirs of the Demonic Path Ten Gates. You will undoubtedly become the Heir of the Demon Hall."
As he turned away with a wry laugh, Bu Eun-seol's low voice reached him.
"I'll permit you to accompany me."
"What are you talking about? I lost the bet."
"It was irrelevant from the start. The outcome of the bet means nothing."
Hyeok So-jin's brow twitched as he turned back.
"I don't need your pity."
"This isn't pity."
Bu Eun-seol spoke calmly.
"I owe you a debt. This is repayment."
"A debt?"
"Thanks to you, I've been able to analyze the practical applications of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying demonic techniques—ones I hadn't fully grasped before. I'm merely settling that debt."
"I have no idea what nonsense you're spouting."
"Were you too idle to listen?"
As Hyeok So-jin furrowed his brow, Bu Eun-seol continued.
"I, too, have learned a significant portion of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying demonic arts. That's why I could effortlessly deflect your attacks until now."
"Our sect's demonic arts...?"
"Correct. While staying in Peach Blossom Paradise, I received instruction in them from the demonic elders there."
"Those old men taught you their martial arts?"
Instead of answering, a faint smile flickered at the corner of Bu Eun-seol's lips.
"However, I only learned them through maxims and demonstrations. I never fully mastered them."
Finally comprehending, Hyeok So-jin's sharp brows twitched.
"So, in other words, I've been acting as your teacher, imparting those techniques to you."
"Yes."
"Hah."
Hyeok So-jin let out a hollow laugh, his expression drained.
The reason Bu Eun-seol had so easily deflected his attacks wasn't due to an overwhelming gap in martial skill—but because he had already seen through Hyeok So-jin's techniques.
And all this time, their battles had essentially been lessons where Hyeok So-jin unknowingly taught him the practical applications.
"No wonder."
Hyeok So-jin exhaled a deep sigh, equal parts resignation and relief.
"I didn't realize... I thought the difference in our martial prowess was as vast as heaven and earth."
With a bright laugh, he dusted off his hands and said,
"Fine. You've already secured our sect's support anyway. It's not like learning a few techniques from me will change anything."
His expression turned solemn as he firmly pressed his brows together.
"From here on out, I'll be counting on you during our travels."
Before they knew it, they had reached a distance where they could arrive at the Fleeting Moment Boat in under ten days if they pushed their Lightness Skill to the limit.
But Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin didn't rush. Instead, they borrowed a carriage.
Their purpose was to continue refining their martial arts through sparring even as they traveled to the Fleeting Moment Boat.
They traveled by carriage at daybreak, hastening their journey. And when dusk began to settle, they would halt the carriage and spend the night outdoors.
In secluded places, they would spar through the night or delve into martial scriptures.
By now, Hyeok So-jin had fully adopted Bu Eun-seol's demeanor and disposition.
Even during meals, he studied martial techniques, and instead of sleeping, he devoted himself to qi circulation. Every breath, every action—everything was dedicated to advancing his martial arts.
After about a month of this, Hyeok So-jin's Martial Arts True Scripture had progressed astonishingly.
His Divine-Rending Demonic Qi had broken through to the Sixth Level, and his sparring sessions with Bu Eun-seol had reached a point where he could hold his own.
"We've arrived at Guilin," Hyeok So-jin remarked as he stepped out of the carriage, nodding at the endless stretch of mountains unfolding like a painted screen.
Guilin's scenery reigns supreme under heaven.
Guilin—a place whose name meant "where the osmanthus flowers bloom in profusion."
Here stood one of the Demonic Path Ten Gates: the Fleeting Moment Boat.
In the past, Bu Eun-seol had visited Guilin once before—to uncover the truth behind the Gong Twin Demons, who had overseen the Kill-Seeking Unit's Yueyang branch.
"Hmph."
As if brushing away the bitter memories of that time, Bu Eun-seol quickened his pace.
"Let's go."
If they boarded a boat and followed the river, they would see Guilin's landscape—thousands of karst peaks stretching endlessly.
Limestone, vulnerable to water, easily eroded into countless holes. And so, hidden within those mountains lay a labyrinth of bizarre caves.
The Fleeting Moment Boat.
Originally, this place had been home to the Forked Maiden Sect—masters of the Mind-Seizing Art.
And then there was the Joyous Union Palace, which specialized in studying the Essence-Harvesting Art—the absorption of male yang energy.
The two sects merged into one.
Not only did they share the commonality of practicing Women's Secret Arts, but their martial techniques also complemented each other's weaknesses.
Once united, their Secret Arts advanced to an even higher realm, eventually becoming one of the Ten Pillars upholding the Demonic Path.
"Fascinating."
Hyeok So-jin let out an admiring sigh as they stepped into the entrance of a massive cave riddled with holes.
The entrance to the Fleeting Moment Boat, hidden in this secret location, was highly unusual—one had to pass through a cave entirely submerged in water.
"Let's go in."
Bu Eun-seol took the lead.
The water-filled cave shimmered with an eerie glow, thanks to stones embedded in the walls that shone like Night Shining Pearls, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
Remarkable. To think there exists a precious artifact capable of repelling water.
Even Bu Eun-seol couldn't suppress his astonishment.
Transparent stones placed throughout the cave prevented water from flooding the passageway.
Thus, despite the cave being completely submerged, the two men entered without a single drop touching them.
"Hmm."
At the far end of the cave, beyond the translucent water, swayed countless pavilions.
Their exteriors, reflecting the sunlight, shimmered in iridescent hues, evoking the image of a mystical palace straight out of a fairy tale.
"Extravagant."
Bu Eun-seol clicked his tongue at the sight of the opulent pavilions visible beyond the water.
"To cover an entire place like this with that expensive Silver Reflection Stone..."
"It's hardly extravagant."
Hyeok So-jin chuckled dryly in response.
"If nothing else, when it comes to wealth, this place is unmatched in the Demonic Path."
The Fleeting Moment Boat was the predecessor of the Joyous Union Palace, which had once dominated all the courtesans of the realm.
Operating courtesan houses, the Joyous Union Palace amassed immense riches through money and information.
Their wealth was said to be enough to buy half the world.
"I wasn't talking about the buildings—I meant the battle formations."
The Fleeting Moment Boat wasn't just about appearances. Every structure before the palace was layered with mechanisms designed to repel intruders.
"Was it really necessary to invest this much?"
Even the flowers, trees, and rocks in front of the palace were cunningly arranged to unleash formidable battle formations.
"Isn't it only natural?"
Hyeok So-jin replied.
"Now, they may be proudly known as one of the Demonic Path Ten Gates, but in the past, every faction under heaven tried to swallow the Fleeting Moment Boat whole."
"Hmph."
"If they hadn't fortified themselves to this extent, the name 'Fleeting Moment Boat' would have long vanished from Murim."
Bu Eun-seol nodded in agreement.
Unlike the women's sects of the Righteous Faction, those of the Demonic Path had always been stepping stones for the strong.
And yet, the Fleeting Moment Boat had become one of the Ten Pillars supporting the Demonic Path—its hidden strength was immeasurable.
Rumble.
As Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin stood before the palace gates, the massive doors slid open on their own with the sound of rolling stone.
And before their eyes unfolded a sight beyond their expectations.