Chapter 180
White Lotus Pavilion
The once-bustling White Lotus Pavilion had fallen silent.
The reason was simple: Hyeok So-jin, who had always been there to interpret Buddhist teachings and demonstrate techniques, had vanished.
Now, standing face-to-face in the empty training grounds of the pavilion were two figures—a man in a worn-out gray martial uniform and a youth clad in black robes.
Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin.
"Ahh, it's been far too long."
Hyeok So-jin raised both hands, summoning Divine-Rending Demonic Qi as he bared his fangs in an exaggerated grin.
"After a whole month without so much as a visit from you, Brother Bu... I'd almost thought you'd forgotten all about me, frolicking in some flower garden."
Crunch.
His teeth ground together before he continued.
"And yet, here you are, challenging me to a spar—right when my duties have just ended. How utterly humbling!"
Resentment simmered in Hyeok So-jin's heart.
He had ventured into the Martial World to advance his martial prowess as swiftly as possible.
Yet, because of his association with Bu Eun-seol, he had spent the entire month doing nothing but instructing the female disciples of the Fleeting Moment Boat.
His time in the Martial World was already severely limited. Every wasted moment was agony.
"Begin."
As Bu Eun-seol extended a hand with an indifferent expression,
"Then here I come!"
Hyeok So-jin poured all his pent-up frustration into unleashing the Dark Heaven Demon Dragon Palm.
'Huh?'
But the moment he launched his attack, Hyeok So-jin himself wore a bewildered expression.
He had intended to simply pour out his palm energy in a straightforward, brute-force manner—
Yet without realizing it, he had instinctively woven intricate hand techniques into his foundational stance, sending them coiling around Bu Eun-seol's body like tendrils.
"A fine form."
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Bu Eun-seol didn't evade. Instead, he neutralized the Dark Heaven Demon Dragon Palm with Fist Demon Initial Manifestation.
Watching this, Hyeok So-jin couldn't hide his inner surprise.
He's already using True Void after just one exchange? Was my technique really that unexpected?
"Try blocking this!"
Hyeok So-jin unleashed Divine-Rending Demonic Qi, attempting to disrupt Bu Eun-seol's stance.
But seeing his opponent stand firm, he instinctively shifted into Pipa Flicking Hand and Ice Soul Returning Killing Sword—techniques he had drilled into his disciples time and again.
'Damn it, it's become second nature.'
Yet something was strange.
These ultimate arts, which he had never truly mastered, flowed from him as naturally as if he had spent years refining them.
Shing!
Unable to fully deflect the condensed assault, Bu Eun-seol finally drew Ink Sword, blocking Hyeok So-jin's strike.
'He drew his sword after just three exchanges?'
Stunned, Hyeok So-jin continued to unleash the demonic arts he had been teaching, his movements fluid as water.
It was as if his body moved on its own, executing techniques without conscious thought.
Shing! Crack! Zing!
Whether he wielded sword techniques, palm strikes, or finger-energy attacks—
Each motion emerged smoothly, stable as if he had spent a lifetime perfecting them.
"Hm."
As he blocked Hyeok So-jin's relentless onslaught, a brilliant light flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
Huum.
With the low hum of Ink Sword, a dazzling streak of light shot toward Hyeok So-jin's throat like lightning—
The first form of Formless Heavenly Flow: Shooting Star Chasing the Moon.
'I can't dodge this!'
The moment light erupted from Bu Eun-seol's blade, Hyeok So-jin knew evasion was impossible.
Clang!
Yet, contrary to his thoughts, instinct guided his body effortlessly.
With one hand, he deployed Soul Annihilation Sword Method, weakening the force of the incoming brilliance.
Simultaneously, his other hand unleashed Divine-Rending Demonic Qi, diverting the trajectory of the sword qi aimed at his throat.
Swish!
The inky sword-light swept past his cheek instead of his neck, sending strands of hair fluttering.
Despite being executed with only three-tenths of his internal power, he had blocked Formless Heavenly Flow—imbued with Bu Eun-seol's martial refinement.
"Not bad."
Bu Eun-seol nodded in satisfaction before sheathing Ink Sword once more.
"You've improved far more than I expected."
"More than... expected?"
Only then did Hyeok So-jin sense something amiss and finally spoke.
"What in the world just happened? I blocked Brother Bu's True Power Sword Art in a single move."
Even as he said it, his face stiffened in disbelief, his head nodding slightly.
"And when I countered your sword technique—I've never even usedDivine-Rending Demonic Qi like that before."
Bu Eun-seol replied flatly,
"You've been teaching the disciples of the Fleeting Moment Boat all this time, haven't you?"
"I have."
"To teach others is no different from rigorous training yourself. And in doing so, you naturally grasp what you once failed to understand."
Bu Eun-seol turned his body and spoke in a low voice.
"You've become far more proficient in multiple demonic arts than I anticipated. At this level, you should be able to wield them appropriately even in real combat."
"B-Brother Bu."
Only then did Hyeok So-jin realize the profound meaning behind Bu Eun-seol's actions, and a wave of emotion surged in his chest.
"I didn't even realize there was such deep intent behind it... All this time, I've been resenting you terribly."
Bu Eun-seol turned away indifferently.
"To strengthen one's martial arts, it isn't always necessary to refine techniques or engage in decisive battles."
Gazing at the distant sky, he spoke calmly.
"Insights gained through various experiences can also advance one's martial arts."
Those were the words Heuk-pyo had once spoken to Bu Eun-seol.
And he had faithfully taken that advice to heart. Even while accomplishing many things, he had steadily strengthened his martial arts.
"It's about time we left."
By the decree of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, Bu Eun-seol had secured the support of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sect and the Fleeting Moment Boat.
Having achieved his objective, it was time to depart once more.
At the break of dawn,
Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin, who had been sitting on their beds circulating qi in meditation, rose simultaneously. Then, they quietly slipped out of their quarters.
They had arrived in silence, and so they intended to leave the same way.
But that was merely wishful thinking.
When they reached the entrance of the Fleeting Moment Boat, they found numerous disciples, elders, and even Geuk Hye-ryeong standing there.
"So, you're leaving now?"
"Pavilion Master."
As Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin clasped their hands in respect, Geuk Hye-ryeong smiled warmly.
"I heard you two planned to sneak away today. So, the family of this pavilion decided to wait for you in advance."
Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin both wore bitter smiles.
The Fleeting Moment Boat was the foremost intelligence organization of the Demonic Path. Every move they made had been thoroughly reported here.
"Thank you, Young Master."
At that moment, the disciples of the Fleeting Moment Boat stepped forward and bowed deeply. Their gazes were all fixed on Hyeok So-jin.
For over a month, Hyeok So-jin had devoted every waking moment—save for sleep—to teaching martial arts until his very essence was exhausted.
Thanks to him, the martial arts of the Hundred Flowers Lady, the foremost instructor and greatest combatant of the Fleeting Moment Boat, had improved by leaps and bounds.
"Don't mention it."
Hyeok So-jin smiled and returned their greetings one by one.
Though he had taught them in a rush, his own martial arts had also improved in the process.
Teaching someone, as Bu Eun-seol had said, was also a form of training that polished one's own skills.
"Shall we go now?"
Just as Hyeok So-jin turned with a bright smile, a cute girl dressed in soft pink robes emerged from the crowd.
It was Geuk Hye-bin.
"Ah."
She approached Bu Eun-seol and stretched out both hands.
In her delicate fingers lay a freshly made, vibrantly colored five-colored tassel.
For a moment, Bu Eun-seol found himself smiling faintly without realizing it.
She must have embroidered this herself with those tiny hands.
Swish.
Bu Eun-seol knelt on one knee and accepted the tassel from Geuk Hye-bin.
Then, he drew his Ink Sword—scabbard and all—and tied the tassel to the hilt.
Watching this with satisfaction, Geuk Hye-ryeong spoke in a low voice.
"That child has never learned embroidery. She begged the disciples of this pavilion for colored threads and stitched it together, one thread at a time, just to give you a gift."
Her wrinkled lips curled into a smile as she added,
"In all her life, you're the first person she's ever made a gift for with her own hands."
"Thank you."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together and bowed in gratitude.
In response, Geuk Hye-bin smiled brightly, her eyes curving into crescents like a mute's silent joy.
"And keep striving forward."
Bu Eun-seol lightly patted Geuk Hye-bin's head.
"So that one day, you may become the next successor to lead the Demon Hall."
"Ah!"
Geuk Hye-bin nodded cheerfully, her smile radiant.
Looking at that smile, it was as if he could hear a sweet voice saying, "I'll do my best!"
"Pavilion Master!"
At that moment, a sharp voice rang out as a young woman rushed toward them in a panic.
It was Mi-ryeong, the Pavilion Master of the Wisdom Peak Pavilion, who guarded the entrance of the Fleeting Moment Boat.
"What's all this fuss about?"
Du Yak-rang, standing beside the Pavilion Master, frowned, and Mi-ryeong hastily replied,
"Three hundred martial artists have set up camp outside our pavilion's entrance!"
"Three hundred martial artists? What do you mean?"
"The Soul-Flame Corps of the Death Command Gate."
Mi-ryeong bowed her head and spoke in an urgent voice.
"Though the Death Command Gate's heir has left, the Soul-Flame Corps that accompanied him seems to have been stationed in Guilin all this time."
She took a brief breath before continuing.
"Then, upon hearing that this pavilion had invested funds in Langya Pavilion and Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying, they gathered their forces and came here..."
The rest needed no explanation.
Upon hearing rumors that Geuk Hye-ryeong had chosen to support Langya Pavilion over the Death Command Gate, the enraged Soul-Flame Corps was now staging a show of force.
"No need to pay them any mind. Activate the Immeasurable Heavenly Water Gate at once."
When Du Yak-rang scoffed, Mi-ryeong bowed her head again.
"That's... the problem. The Immeasurable Heavenly Water Gate was destroyed this time."
In an instant, Du Yak-rang's expression darkened.
There had been only one reason why Fleeting Moment Boat had been impervious to unauthorized entry—
The ancient defensive mechanism known as the Immeasurable Heavenly Water Gate.
But now that Bu Eun-seol had shattered it, there was no longer any barrier to keep intruders at bay.
'There's a spy among us.'
Blood vessels bulged at Du Yak-rang's brow.
The destruction of the Immeasurable Heavenly Water Gate had been kept under such strict secrecy that even she had momentarily forgotten about it.
Yet the Death Command Gate had instantly learned of its ruin and mobilized the Soul-Flame Corps to march here?
There was no doubt—someone within Fleeting Moment Boat was colluding with the Death Command Gate.
'But that's not what matters right now.'
Just as Du Yak-rang was turning the thought over in her mind, Geuk Hye-ryeong spoke in a composed yet low voice.
"What are their demands?"
Mi-ryeong answered respectfully.
"They say it doesn't matter if we don't support the Death Command Gate, but we must maintain our neutrality as we have until now. If we refuse... they will immediately send the Soul-Flame Corps into the pavilion."
If three hundred elite soldiers of the Death Command Gate stormed in at once, the damage would be irreparable.
"Daring to threaten this pavilion?"
Geuk Hye-ryeong was so incredulous that she burst into laughter.
Fleeting Moment Boat was one of the ten pillars upholding the Demonic Path—
To threaten the Demonic Path Ten Gates was no different from declaring war on the entire Demonic Path itself.
"Tell them to do as they please."
"Pavilion Master, this is not a matter to be taken lightly."
At Geuk Hye-ryeong's cold command, Du Yak-rang spoke cautiously.
"The moment this pavilion supported the heir of Langya Pavilion, we entered the realm of the Demon Hall's succession struggle."
Geuk Hye-ryeong's expression darkened as she furrowed her brow.
Du Yak-rang was right.
This situation had not arisen from mere factional disputes—
It was a battle unfolding solely within the process of selecting the heirs of the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
In other words, none of the forces under the Demon Hall could interfere or lend assistance.
"Don't concern yourself."
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol, who had been silently listening, stepped forward with an indifferent expression.
"This is my problem. I'll resolve it myself."
"What? What nonsense are you spouting?"
As Geuk Hye-ryeong's eyes widened, Bu Eun-seol respectfully clasped his hands together.
"Then."
And before anyone could say another word, he strode out toward the entrance with steady footsteps.
"Brother Bu!"
Hyeok So-jin, who had hurried after him, spoke in a frantic voice.
"Have you lost your mind? The Soul-Flame Corps may have started as a mere 'corps,' but they're actually one of the Death Command Gate's Six Great War Corps!"
"And?"
"And? Three hundred elites trained in the Evil Spirit Spear are one thing, but the leader of the Soul-Flame Corps, Yo Bul-beom—"
"You said you wanted to experience the martial world, didn't you?"
Bu Eun-seol paused briefly in his steps.
Then, straightening his back, he fixed his gaze into the darkness of the long passage where the Immeasurable Heavenly Water Gate had once stood.
His bearing radiated the dignity of an Absolute Grandmaster, overwhelming all who beheld him.
"This is the martial world."
At that moment, Hyeok So-jin's pupils dilated.
—This is the martial world.
This was Bu Eun-seol's martial world.
A world where enemies could appear at any moment, where life-and-death battles erupted in sprays of blood and flesh—
From this moment onward, the true martial world began.
"Do you truly believe you can win?"
At Hyeok So-jin's question, Bu Eun-seol's lips curled into a faint smile.
—Winning or losing doesn't matter.
That smile seemed to say just that.
Bu Eun-seol pushed forward again, cutting through the darkness as he exited Fleeting Moment Boat's passageway.
"He's insane. He was insane from the very beginning..."
As he watched Bu Eun-seol's retreating figure, Hyeok So-jin finally understood.
How Bu Eun-seol had reached such heights of martial arts at such a young age.
Why he could remain so utterly detached.
"I must be insane too!"
Gritting his teeth, Hyeok So-jin muttered under his breath before breaking into a run toward the exit Bu Eun-seol had taken.