Chapter 176
There are three stages to Bone Transformation Rebirth.
The first stage expels impurities accumulated within the body, revealing new skin as smooth as a child's.
The second stage involves the loss and regrowth of teeth, with internal organs being remade anew.
And upon reaching the third stage, it is said that even the skeletal structure transforms entirely, granting a physical form that transcends human limits.
As Bu Eun-seol continuously unleashed formidable True Qi within the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, the first-stage phenomenon of Bone Transformation Rebirth abruptly occurred.
'Why is this happening so suddenly?'
Thud.
Bu Eun-seol halted his steps, gazing at the fragments of skin that had sloughed off within the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water.
After pondering deeply for a moment, he finally realized the reason.
'Another portion of my Hidden Acupoints has activated...'
Within his body lay dormant both the pure True Qi accumulated since childhood through the Nourishing Life Secret Art and the Reverse Polarity True Qi infused by Blood Vajra.
Though he had reached the Fifth Layer of the Reverse Extremity Heart Method, converting some of it into Internal Energy, a portion of the unconverted True Qi still remained stored within his Hidden Acupoints.
Yet, as the pressure of the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water evenly compressed his entire body, another portion of the lingering True Qi within his Hidden Acupoints had transformed into Internal Energy.
Rumble.
As he channeled his Internal Power once more, thunder seemed to roar within his body.
Bu Eun-seol's Internal Energy, which had reached three sixty-year cycles, had now unknowingly advanced to four cycles.
Plop. Plop. Plop.
Bu Eun-seol's figure, shimmering with translucent skin amidst the transparent Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, appeared as though an ancient celestial being had descended to earth—mystical and breathtakingly beautiful.
'A blessing in disguise.'
Having fully grasped the situation, Bu Eun-seol stood still, halting his steps.
"...!!!"
A strange vibration echoed from behind.
Turning his head, he saw Hyeok So-jin shouting something into the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water.
—I thought you were dead! What in the world just happened?!
When his skin had peeled away, golden light and swirling energy enveloped his entire body, so neither Hyeok So-jin nor Du Yak-rang had witnessed his Bone Transformation Rebirth.
Thus, when Bu Eun-seol stopped moving, Hyeok So-jin had assumed he had breathed his last.
Nod.
Bu Eun-seol gave a slight nod toward Hyeok So-jin, as if to say there was no need for concern.
Then, he turned and took a light step forward.
Soon, he reached the end of the transparent wall containing the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water. Just as he was about to step out—
"...?"
Bu Eun-seol's pupils flashed.
Only then did he realize another truth.
'I can't leave.'
The mystical stone capable of confining the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water—with its tremendous weight—within the passageway.
As long as its power remained active, escape was impossible.
"Old crone! We've reached the end—why haven't you drained the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water?!"
Hyeok So-jin protested, but the middle of the passage remained filled with the water, preventing his voice from reaching Du Yak-rang's ears.
Even if she wanted to save Bu Eun-seol, there was no way to do so while that mystical stone remained embedded within the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water.
'So this is the mechanism she's used to keep powerful foes at bay all along.'
Crossing his arms, Bu Eun-seol sank back into thought.
Though his formidable Internal Energy was offsetting the pressure of the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water...
He couldn't hold out forever. If he didn't escape within a quarter of an hour, death would be inevitable.
"Heh heh heh."
Beyond the transparent wall, Du Yak-rang watched with a triumphant expression.
A chilling glint flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes as he noticed her smirk.
'I'll break through.'
Taking a deep breath, he withdrew about half of the Internal Power he had been radiating outward.
Immediately, the protective barrier of True Qi around his body dimmed, and his bones seemed to contract as if crushed.
'Ordinary martial arts won't work here.'
Within the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water—heavy as Mount Tai—neither swordplay nor palm energy could unleash their full might.
'In that case...'
Grooooooan.
A vortex began swirling around Bu Eun-seol's right fist as his eyes flashed.
Simultaneously, the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, which had been as still as solid stone, began trembling within the transparent wall.
Fist Demon Seven Forms, Third Strike.
He was about to unleash the essence of the Extreme Fierce Fist Art—violently rotating overwhelming fist power and concentrating it into a single point.
Whoooosh.
Like a stormy sea surging violently, the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water coiled into a swirling sphere around Bu Eun-seol's right fist.
Forgetting Self and Shattering Together!
KWA-BOOOOOM!
As Bu Eun-seol thrust his fist forward, a violently rotating pillar of water erupted forth.
BOOM! BOOOOOM!
Then, the entire passageway began to shake as if struck by an earthquake, and even the transparent stones embedded in the walls started shifting.
Crack. Crrrk.
As if unable to withstand the pressure of the spiraling Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, fissures gradually began forming across the stones.
'That bastard...?'
Just as Du Yak-rang was about to part her lips in shock—
KR-R-R-RACK!
The stones, unable to endure the strain any longer, shattered, and the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water burst forth like a broken dam.
KR-R-R-RUSH!
The unleashed torrent surged down the sloped passageway, cascading toward the exit where Hyeok So-jin stood.
'Its might... has increased.'
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened as he observed the power he had unleashed.
Though he hadn't exerted his full strength, the potency of his fist technique had grown beyond what it once was—a result of his deepened internal energy.
Tap.
Lightly leaping off the passageway's side, Hyeok So-jin landed beside Bu Eun-seol.
"Brother Bu. Are you unharmed?"
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol gave a slight nod.
Having erected a barrier of True Qi to block the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, his robes remained almost entirely dry.
"So you've been concealing your true internal power all this time. And that fist technique just now—"
Just as Hyeok So-jin was about to voice his admiration, Bu Eun-seol cut in coldly, addressing Du Yak-rang.
"Have we passed the trial?"
Du Yak-rang stood mute, unable to respond.
Originally, this Immeasurable Heavenly Water Gate was the strongest defensive formation meant to repel invaders attempting to breach Fleeting Moment Boat.
Even if one possessed the internal power to withstand the pressure, as long as the Repelling Field Stones pushed back the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water, no one should have been able to advance.
Yet Bu Eun-seol had shattered what should have been an inescapable, impenetrable Absolute Formation—using the very water meant to crush him as his weapon.
'To think his martial arts would be this formidable...'
Du Yak-rang's pupils trembled violently.
'And now the Immeasurable Heavenly Water Gate is ruined... What are we to do?'
The cost to fill the Immeasurable Heavenly Water Gate had been astronomical—at least ten million taels.
And the Immeasurable Heavenly King Water itself was a rare and precious artifact...
The mystical defensive formation that had safeguarded Fleeting Moment Boat was now lost forever.
'This is no time for such thoughts.'
Du Yak-rang swiftly regained her composure.
Right now, financial losses were irrelevant—what mattered was ensuring these terrifying uninvited guests were sent away.
'There's no choice.'
A venomous glint flashed in Du Yak-rang's eyes as she bit her lip.
'Judging by the level of his internal energy, if he were to use his martial arts, no one could stop him.'
Just as she prepared to step on the Silver Reflection Stone to activate another formation—
Rustle, rustle.
The faint sound of dozens of footsteps brushed past her from behind.
Simultaneously, several dozen women emerged from within, led by an elderly woman with neatly combed hair.
The crone's deep wrinkles resembled the gnarled bark of a withered tree. At a glance, she appeared well over a hundred years old.
Yet her eyes were deep, clear, and brimming with a radiant light—making it impossible to mistake her for an ordinary elder.
"Pavilion Master."
Du Yak-rang bowed respectfully toward the old woman.
This ancient-looking crone was none other than the Pavilion Master of Fleeting Moment Boat—Geuk Hye-ryeong.
"There's no need for further trials."
Geuk Hye-ryeong's profound gaze remained fixed on Bu Eun-seol.
"With a level of internal energy like his... any test would be meaningless."
It seemed this passageway had been specially designed—Geuk Hye-ryeong had likely observed the entire ordeal.
"Bu Eun-seol, disciple of Langya Pavilion, greets the Pavilion Master."
Bu Eun-seol bowed with utmost respect, and Hyeok So-jin clasped his hands as well.
"Hyeok So-jin of Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sect pays his respects to the Elder."
Under normal circumstances, a few words of praise might have been offered.
But Geuk Hye-ryeong merely gave a slight nod, remaining silent.
Though they were all part of the Demonic Path Ten Gates, Langya Pavilion and Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sect had no prior dealings with Fleeting Moment Boat.
Moreover, she had already pledged her support to another successor candidate—there was no reason for her to favor Bu Eun-seol or Hyeok So-jin.
"Escort them to Blood Moon Cave."
After curtly instructing Du Yak-rang, she turned away without another glance.
'Blood Moon Cave, huh.'
Bu Eun-seol suppressed a bitter smile.
No matter how unique Fleeting Moment Boat was, no respectable sect would name a guest reception hall after a cave.
The Pavilion Master was still treating them as unwanted intruders.
Guided by attendants, Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin stepped inside—and their expressions twisted in bewilderment.
The name "Blood Moon Cave" conjured images of a demon's lair where blood-drinking fiends sought immortality.
Yet the interior resembled the dwelling of some fairy-tale princess—warm and steeped in classical elegance.
Before pavilions shaped like blooming flowers lay gardens filled with rare and exotic plants, while at the center stood a tranquil pond and an ornate pavilion.
Women clad in lavish robes greeted Du Yak-rang with light nods as she passed.
But toward Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin, they cast curious glances, sometimes baring pearly white teeth in unhesitant smiles.
Even among female sects, the atmosphere differs.
If the Divine Maiden Palace exuded mystery and solemnity, Fleeting Moment Boat radiated splendor and vitality.
"Wait inside. The Pavilion Master will arrive shortly."
Beyond the large doors at the heart of Blood Moon Cave lay a space resembling a tavern's banquet hall.
Though clean and orderly, the furnishings showed signs of age—clearly not a frequently used space.
"At least it's not an actual cave," Hyeok So-jin muttered with a wry smile as he surveyed the interior.
"Just like the situation at Bonji Pavilion. Seems you're a step behind this time, Brother Bu."
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol closed his eyes and heightened his senses through the Way of the Beast.
No matter how he looked at it, Blood Moon Cave didn't seem like a place meant to welcome them.
"No need to worry," Hyeok So-jin said with a knowing grin, having discerned Bu Eun-seol's heightened awareness.
"The Pavilion Master showed herself, didn't she? If she meant us harm, she wouldn't have guided us this deep into Fleeting Moment Boat."
Geuk Hye-ryeong, the Pavilion Master, had reached the Extreme Heaven Realm—a peerless martial artist among women.
Had she wished to kill them, she could have done so the moment they arrived.
"Most likely, she's weighing your martial arts to see which heir would be more useful," Hyeok So-jin mused.
Bu Eun-seol opened his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Negotiation or death."
"You mean she's hidden assassins?"
"Mechanisms."
Bu Eun-seol swept his gaze around with keen interest.
"Faint metallic friction echoes from all directions. If negotiations fail, they'll activate immediately."
Rustle.
At that moment, the sound of fabric brushing against itself accompanied the arrival of Geuk Hye-ryeong, clad in resplendent silver robes.
"Not bad," she remarked, seating herself at the head of the table and offering Bu Eun-seol her first words of praise.
"If you can detect the mechanisms of Blood Moon Cave... you're at least worthy of conversation with this Pavilion Master."
Hyeok So-jin's mouth fell open.
Bu Eun-seol had been right. Geuk Hye-ryeong had been ready to bare her fangs at any moment.
"Pavilion Master, this seems rather unfair," Hyeok So-jin said, meeting her gaze with unflinching boldness.
"Do you mean to negotiate with blades at our throats?"
"Heh-heh. Negotiate?"
Geuk Hye-ryeong let out a grating laugh like metal scraping metal.
"I said you were worthy of conversation."
Then, her lips—withered like ancient bark—parted.
"Those who can negotiate with this Pavilion are the mighty who tread the martial world beneath their feet—not fledglings like you."
Fleeting Moment Boat wielded the greatest financial power in the realm.
From their perspective, even the heirs of the Demonic Path Ten Gates were little more than unripe sprouts.
"Consider it an honor that this Pavilion Master deigns to speak with you at all."
A cold smile curled on her lips.
"I allowed you entry as an investment in the future."
An investment in the future.
Undoubtedly, she referred to the extraordinary potential Bu Eun-seol had displayed at the Limitless Heaven Water Gate.
"Now, speak."
Her voice lowered as she fixed her gaze on Bu Eun-seol.
"Tell me how you intend to please this Pavilion Master."
Geuk Hye-ryeong had not come to propose negotiations.
—What will you give me?
That was what she was truly asking.
Unless Bu Eun-seol could offer something capable of swaying her heart, they would be cast out immediately.
"This Pavilion is not only the wealthiest in the world but also maintains ties with countless formidable experts."
As Bu Eun-seol remained silent, Geuk Hye-ryeong narrowed her eyes, smiling thinly.
"So I wonder... what could the inheritor of Langya Pavilion possibly offer me?"
Would this end in ruin, or could it lead to a successful dialogue?
Everything hinged on Bu Eun-seol's next words.
If his answer failed to satisfy even slightly?
Expulsion—or worse, turning Fleeting Moment Boat into an enemy.
"Those who tread the martial world beneath their feet—not fledglings like you."
So that was the answer.
In that instant, the tension in Bu Eun-seol's brow dissolved.
Geuk Hye-ryeong's earlier words had held the key.
Fleeting Moment Boat lacked nothing—except one thing.
And he had found it.