Chapter 194
"The Lightless True Knot..."
Mu-myeong was the name of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
Had the Demonic Heavenly Emperor created this martial technique by drawing from his own name?
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
Upon examining the contents of the formula, he could surmise that the term "Lightless True Knot" was derived from the Buddhist concept of the "ignorance knot".
The ignorance knot—it referred to the afflictions born from failing to properly comprehend truth and phenomena.
All things in reality were not eternal and unchanging; they were merely phenomena perceived through the sensory organs of eyes and ears.
And if one mastered the Lightless True Knot perfectly, they would be able to gaze directly upon that truth and those phenomena.
But it was strange.
Why would the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, a peerless grandmaster who ruled over the Demonic Martial World, choose a term used in the Buddhist Order to create a martial secret?
"This is incomprehensible."
Bu Eun-seol stroked his chin and shook his head again.
"Does it mean that at the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's level, the so-called distinction between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths ceases to exist?"
Then again, what did the name matter?
The important thing was that mastering this Lightless True Knot would not only allow him to alter the form of his True Qi as he wished...
But it would also grant him the astonishing ability to detect and comprehend various phenomena through materialized True Qi.
Expanding one's senses through materialized True Qi—
That was a feat only martial artists who had reached the Extreme Heaven Realm could perform.
'Is it possible to express a naturally attainable realm through martial arts?'
As he read through the formula, Bu Eun-seol shook his head in disbelief.
If something like this were possible, there would have been separate martial arts like "Transcendence Realm Martial Arts" or "Extreme Heaven Realm Martial Arts" corresponding to different levels of mastery.
'From the principles of martial arts, it should be impossible.'
Bu Eun-seol let out a sigh.
He realized he still lacked the ability to fully grasp or savor the essence of the secret manual authored by the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
'No choice. For now, I'll just have to learn it as it is.'
Setting aside his doubts, Bu Eun-seol began memorizing the formula.
Finally, on the last of the ten days—
Bu Eun-seol had reached a level where he could somewhat manifest the techniques described in the Lightless True Knot.
Was this also a coincidence?
Originally, the manual stated that at least three hundred days of arduous training were required to manifest the Lightless True Knot.
But the True Qi circulation method of the Lightless True Knot matched exactly with that of the Reverse Polarity Heart Method, as if it had been modeled after it.
Because of this, Bu Eun-seol had managed to manifest the Lightless True Knot to some extent within this short period.
"Shall I test it out?"
As Bu Eun-seol channeled his Internal Power, a golden light—not the Extreme Counter-Blood Radiance—flashed in his eyes.
Fzzzt—
When he extended his fingers, dozens of shimmering, thread-like strands became visible.
They were the materialized forms of the powerful True Qi flowing through his meridians.
Swish—
As he moved his fingertips, a flickering light took shape, forming a wooden box.
Then, amplifying his True Qi once more, he waved his hand—and this time, the wooden box transformed into an intricate key.
Click.
The moment he placed the key-shaped True Qi on the table, Bu Eun-seol could instantly perceive the texture, temperature, and even the unseen shape of the table's legs in perfect detail.
"The sensation transmits perfectly... but the form is still limited to this level."
After maintaining it for only a brief moment, sweat had already beaded on Bu Eun-seol's forehead, and his entire body felt dizzy, as if his Qi vessels had tangled.
"But if I grow more accustomed, I should be able to create even more refined forms."
Had any martial artists witnessed this, they would have been stunned.
Once one's Internal Energy surpassed two sixty-year cycles, they could faintly materialize their True Qi. At three cycles, they could maintain its form somewhat clearly.
However, such materialization only manifested as explosive bursts of energy when drawing upon one's full Combat Power—either in the form of Qi waves...
Or by infusing it into a weapon to create something like a Sword Aura.
Nowhere in the entire martial world could one find a formula that allowed the creation of intricate and varied forms at will.
Yet here was Bu Eun-seol, dissatisfied even after forming something as complex as a key.
"After one use, I have to wait until my Qi vessels stabilize..."
A glimmer of conflict flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
To use the Lightless True Knot repeatedly, he would need to master the Severing Emotion Secret Art—a technique that severed emotions and emptied the mind to fortify one's Spirit and Mind.
Otherwise, he could only manifest it for an extremely brief moment, as he had just done.
"If I could freely use the Lightless True Knot, I could say I've taken a step into the Extreme Heaven Realm in one leap."
Had this been before meeting Geuk Hye-bin, he would have mastered the Severing Emotion Secret Art without hesitation.
But Bu Jan-yang had taken the hand of the emotionless young Bu Eun-seol, guided him to appreciate nature, and taught him the beauty of the world.
He had shown him how to observe people and live among them.
So that the seed of emotion could take root in Bu Eun-seol's heart—once as barren as a desolate desert.
How could he possibly return to who he had been before?
"I'll strive in my own way. To wield the Lightless True Knot freely—without relying on the Severing Emotion Secret Art."
The greatest gain from this place was none other than this martial secret, which assured him he could enter the Extreme Heaven Realm.
"If I can reach such a state... then I can truly say I've attained the perfected Extreme Heaven Realm..."
In an instant, Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed with realization.
He had just become aware that he'd been unconsciously fixated on reaching the Extreme Heaven Realm all this time.
"I must walk a path no one has taken. I must attain a realm no one has ever achieved."
As he remembered this forgotten truth, his pupils began shimmering with a mystical radiance.
In the past, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had once told him:
―If you wish to reign above all others, you must never climb stairs built by another's hands.
"I shall walk a new path where no footsteps have tread before. And this Lightless True Knot... will become the guiding light that clears my untrodden way."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled a deep sigh after murmuring these words.
"Though the name 'Lightless True Knot' feels too desolate..."
His eyes, which had been pondering for a moment, suddenly sparkled.
"I shall call it the Willful True Binding."
Wish-Fulfilling.
Like the Buddha's divine power, it meant the ability to manifest whatever one's heart desired.
And through this Willful True Binding, Bu Eun-seol would kick aside the stairs built by others... and leap toward a new path none had ever walked.
Inside the Holy Demon Pavilion.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor nodded while looking down at Bu Eun-seol, who stood before the stone altar with his hands clasped and head bowed.
"Well done."
Seated upon the Imperial Mentor's throne, he continued in a low voice:
"Nothing is better than filling one's deficiencies. Especially when they become stepping stones to ascend higher."
Astonishingly, just by observing Bu Eun-seol's return from the Myriad Demonic Hidden Treasures Pavilion, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor seemed to instantly comprehend exactly what martial art he had learned—along with its essence and the realizations he'd gained.
Of course, this was only possible because the Demonic Heavenly Emperor stood at the farthest reaches of the Martial Extreme Realm, that distant pinnacle of martial achievement.
"At that level, you qualify."
Just as Bu Eun-seol raised his head with a puzzled expression, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor rose from his seat with another nod.
"Assign that child a mission as well."
Then he turned and vanished without another word.
Left behind with only that brief remark, Bu Eun-seol couldn't conceal his bewilderment.
"I shall explain the rest."
Whoosh.
A shadow emerged from the darkness to his left, accompanied by a soft, low voice.
It was a tall middle-aged man dressed in scholar's robes. Though his frame appeared lean, his eyes were remarkably large and profound—radiating wisdom at a glance.
None other than Baek Jeon-cheon, Hall Leader of the Myriad Talents Hall.
"Hall Leader."
Startled, Bu Eun-seol hastily clasped his hands.
It was shocking enough that Baek Jeon-cheon had appeared alone in the Holy Demon Pavilion where the Demonic Heavenly Emperor resided, but even more astonishing was how Bu Eun-seol had failed to detect his presence until he emerged from the shadows.
'So even the Hall Leader possesses such extraordinary martial prowess.'
Baek Jeon-cheon had never been regarded as particularly remarkable despite his high position—dismissed merely as a talented strategist. Yet in truth, he was a master of terrifying martial arts.
'Well, it makes sense.'
After all, Baek Jeon-cheon shared responsibility for managing the Ten Demonic Heirs program alongside Chief Instructor Hyeokryeon Eung.
Had he been merely a brilliant tactician, he would never have been entrusted with such vital duties.
Moreover, his appearance in these circumstances... clearly indicated the depth of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's trust in him.
"It's been a while, Young Hero Bu."
As always, Baek Jeon-cheon greeted Bu Eun-seol with a faint, kindly smile.
"As they say—'After three days apart, view a scholar with fresh eyes'... Young Hero Bu continues to astonish me every time we meet."
Despite being a high-ranking official of the Demon Hall, Baek Jeon-cheon consistently practiced self-restraint and humility—always lowering himself while elevating others.
Bu Eun-seol felt anew how terrifying this man truly was.
"Have you been well during our time apart?"
When Bu Eun-seol offered this greeting, Baek Jeon-cheon blinked in mild surprise.
"You must have drunk deeply from the Rivers and Lakes, Young Hero."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm just slightly taken aback."
Baek Jeon-cheon's lips curled in that faint smile as he continued:
"I never expected to hear such polite greetings from you so soon."
At first puzzled, Bu Eun-seol realized it was lighthearted teasing—likely meant to ease the tension stiffening his posture.
"Regardless, we have little time, so I'll explain quickly. Young Hero Bu must soon embark on another arduous journey."
"What must I do?"
"Becoming the heir requires not only the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's approval but also consent from the Demonic Path Ten Gates and the Elders' Hall. In other words, you must gain agreement from the factions supporting the Main Hall."
As Baek Jeon-cheon continued, his gaze remained solemn yet carried a warmth reminiscent of a master observing his disciple.
"Therefore, to solidify your position as the Main Hall's successor, you must demonstrate not just martial prowess but corresponding capability as well."
A self-evident truth.
Seeing Bu Eun-seol listening intently with solemn expression, he proceeded:
"While Young Hero Bu was away in the Rivers and Lakes establishing your claim as successor, the other candidates selected by the Ten Gates and Elders' Hall have each received missions to demonstrate their qualifications."
'So that's how it was.'
Unlike other successor candidates, Bu Eun-seol had absolutely no support base.
This was why he'd spent four months traveling through the Heaven-Severing Earth-Ending Sanctuary and Fleeting Moment Boat before returning to the Demon Hall. During that time, the other candidates had been completing various missions.
"The position of the Demon Hall's heir is not determined by martial prowess alone. With numerous factions gathered under the Demonic Path Ten Gates, one must prove the ability to lead them all."
Baek Jeon-cheon paused briefly, his gaze steady as he continued.
"This assigned mission should be considered a process to distinguish jade from stone."
"So my task has been decided."
"Indeed. However..."
Baek Jeon-cheon suddenly sighed and shook his head.
"To be frank, it's an unreasonable mission. The Demonic Path Ten Gates and the Elders' Hall have joined forces to thrust an absurd task upon you, Young Hero Bu."
Bu Eun-seol nodded as if he had expected this.
Langya Pavilion had little interaction with the other Demonic Path Ten Gates. Worse, Bu Eun-seol's relations with the Fire Rain Sword Sect, White Horse Monastery, and Hell Blood Citadel were particularly strained.
Moreover, he had outright rejected the Elders' Hall head Jeok Bung's proposal from the Elders' Hall...
In short, there wasn't a single person among the Demonic Path Ten Gates or the Elders' Hall who viewed Bu Eun-seol favorably.
Under such circumstances, there was no chance he would receive a mission tailored to his situation.
"It doesn't matter. Whatever it is."
Bu Eun-seol's unwavering demeanor made Baek Jeon-cheon nod inwardly with satisfaction.
That very attitude is what befits the heir of the Demon Hall.
Though this young man's features were delicate and beautiful, his will was as unyielding as steel—no trial could bend him.
Neither he nor Hyeokryeon Eung... had misjudged this man.
"Very well. Then I shall relay the mission assigned to you, Young Hero Bu."
Nodding, Baek Jeon-cheon unfolded an assignment slip from his sleeve and read solemnly.
"Langya Pavilion's heir, Bu Eun-seol, is hereby appointed as the temporary commander of the Rootless Squad. Lead them to expel the Demon Rebel Gate from Shaanxi, eliminate its leader, Jeon Il-hon, and proclaim the majesty of the Main Hall throughout the martial world."
Clearing his throat with evident displeasure, he continued.
"The deadline is three months. Should you fail, do not return to the Main Hall—instead, await further orders at Langya Pavilion."
"I accept this command."
As Bu Eun-seol respectfully clasped his hands together, Baek Jeon-cheon tucked away the slip with a troubled expression.
"To be blunt, this is an impossible mission. To demand that you resolve an issue even the Main Hall couldn't handle—with nothing but the Rootless Squad at your side—is absurd."
The Demon Rebel Gate.
A faction based in Yulin, at the northern edge of Shaanxi.
Though Shaanxi was home to the Mount Hua and Zhongnan Sects, the Demon Rebel Gate had been too insignificant for either to pay much attention.
But Jeon Il-hon, its leader, was not only a martial master—he was also a man of considerable skill in expanding influence and commanding followers.
Using a newly devised saber technique as bait, he gathered many disciples, selecting those from the lowest rungs of society and gradually ordering them to infiltrate and dominate local commerce.
Beyond that, Jeon Il-hon personally took up his blade to absorb smaller demonic factions, swelling his ranks.
As his power grew, so too did his fame and prestige. Before anyone realized, his influence had expanded beyond Yulin, dominating the entire Yan'an Prefecture.
By the time Mount Hua and Zhongnan took notice, it was too late.
Expelling the Demon Rebel Gate now would require both sects to accept significant losses—it had grown into a force too large to dismantle easily.
—The Main Hall will handle this.
When the Demon Rebel Gate began absorbing demonic factions at will and seizing control of commerce in Yan'an, the Demon Hall repeatedly attempted to dispatch a large force to suppress them.
—We cannot allow the Demonic Path's main army to pass through!
But each time, the Mount Hua and Zhongnan Sects intervened.
If the Demon Hall stationed a massive force in Shaanxi under the pretext of dealing with the Demon Rebel Gate...
It would be like driving out a wolf only to invite a tiger into one's home.
"Worse, the Rootless Squad is a temporary squad assembled from the Main Hall's troublemakers."
Baek Jeon-cheon's expression darkened further as he spoke.
"That's why they're called Rootless—they have no foundation."
"Is that so."
Bu Eun-seol remained unfazed, but Baek Jeon-cheon's frown deepened.
"Frankly, this mission is closer to pressuring you to relinquish your claim as heir."
"..."
"The Main Hall estimates the Demon Rebel Gate has over three thousand disciples. And before Jeon Il-hon became its leader, he was already a formidable master counted among the Ten Great Blade Demons."
The Ten Great Blade Demons.
Ten peerless saber masters renowned across the demonic martial world.
Each possessed unique techniques, and their martial prowess had reached the Transcendence Realm.
Among them, Jeon Il-hon wielded the Wandering Soul Saber, an Ancient Treasure Blade, cutting down countless foes with his mysterious saber techniques.
In his youth, this earned him the fearsome epithet—Wandering Soul Ghost Saber.
"Even if you could kill Jeon Il-hon..."
Baek Jeon-cheon trailed off.
Even for Bu Eun-seol, it was impossible.
No demonic faction—one that even major sects like Mount Hua and Zhongnan hesitated to provoke—could be expelled with just thirty men, especially the Rootless Unit, the Main Hall's own collection of misfits.
This was the assessment of Baek Jeon-cheon, the Demon Hall's most brilliant strategist and a master of the Mystic Calculation Strategy.
"Shaanxi..."
But then, as if realizing something, Bu Eun-seol suddenly smiled.
When Baek Jeon-cheon looked at him in puzzlement, the young man revealed a row of white teeth and nodded.
"It won't be difficult at all."