Chapter 213
Pear Blossom Villa
An old abandoned manor at the very edge of Kaifeng's outskirts.
Originally, this place had been the residence of a wealthy merchant who traded goods over a century ago, but a plague swept through, killing everyone.
Since it was a site of pestilence and lay far removed from Chengdu, Pear Blossom Villa had long since become a complete ruin, untouched by human footsteps.
Then, at some point, dozens of men began gathering at this abandoned manor.
Thud, thud.
They repaired the collapsed halls and laid down polished stone slabs in the front garden.
After several days of work, the once-dreary interior of Pear Blossom Villa had transformed into a place decent enough for people to stay.
"Haaah, I'm gonna die from exhaustion."
Won Se-mun, who had been engaged in intense sparring with his squad members on the training grounds paved with blue stone, plopped down heavily.
"Break time!"
The ones who had restored Pear Blossom Villa were Bu Eun-seol's group and the Death Shadow Squad members.
The Beggar King, the Grand Elder of the Beggars' Sect, was not someone who could be slain simply by martial prowess alone.
Moreover, to achieve their goal of eliminating the Beggar King, extensive preparations were necessary.
First, Bu Eun-seol established a base near Yeoju, bordering Kaifeng—where the Beggars' Sect Headquarters was located—to track his movements.
The darkest place is under the lamp.
While Kaifeng teemed with Beggars' Sect disciples, the border region near Yeoju was ironically almost devoid of them.
"Damn it, how much longer do we have to train like this? I feel like we've done enough already."
As Won Se-mun grumbled, Han So-ung, sitting behind him, replied,
"Squad Leader, don't you know the Great Leader's personality by now? Just assume we're already dead and get on with it."
"Ugh."
Won Se-mun clicked his tongue while staring at the distant sky.
Once the restoration of Pear Blossom Villa was complete, the first thing Bu Eun-seol ordered was the enhancement of the squad members' martial arts.
To deal with the Beggar King, they first needed to provoke the Beggars' Sect.
Though the Death Shadow Squad members were strong in both individuality and martial arts, they weren't yet at a level where they could easily handle the Beggars' Sect's front-line forces.
"Damn it. At least sparring is bearable!"
Just then, ten squad members trudged toward the training grounds, their shoulders slumped in exhaustion.
It was Jo Nam-cheon and the members of the Third Squad.
"We're being stuffed into iron coffins. And not just any coffins—ones filled with bizarre poisonous herbs."
The Third Squad members weren't as formidable in martial arts as the First Squad, nor were they as swift in movement techniques as the Second Squad.
So, to maximize their strengths, Bu Eun-seol had them train in the Black Poison Demon Art, acquired from the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying Sanctuary.
The Black Poison Demon Art reforged the body with true qi, making it incredibly resilient—comparable even to Arhat Qi.
Bu Eun-seol intended to transform the Third Squad members into defensive specialists for combat.
"But why does the Great Leader insist on practicing martial arts inside an iron coffin? You could do that anywhere."
When Won Se-mun asked, Jo Nam-cheon plopped onto the ground and answered,
"They say there are benefits to cultivating internal energy inside an iron coffin."
"Benefits?"
"The air is thin, and resisting the cold energy radiating from the iron supposedly toughens your willpower."
Jo Nam-cheon let out a sigh as he continued,
"Since mastering the Black Poison Demon Art turns you into a living shield... he says we need to temper our minds as well."
"I see. That's no easy task either."
As Won Se-mun nodded and let his shoulders sag—
"Here, have something to eat while you rest."
A young man dressed in black, with iron weights strapped to his ankles, distributed wooden baskets of snacks and water to the squad members.
Though his frame appeared lean, the taut muscles faintly visible beneath his clothes were like a finely honed blade. It was Heuk-pyo.
"Heuk-pyo, aren't you exhausted?"
Won Se-mun pointed at the thick iron weights fastened around Heuk-pyo's ankles.
They looked like ordinary iron, but in reality, they were made of Mysterious Iron—a material from the North Sea that weighed dozens of times more than regular iron.
Members of the Second Squad, including Wi Cheon-gyeong—who excelled in movement techniques—all wore similar Mysterious Iron weights on their legs.
"I'm fine."
Heuk-pyo scratched his head sheepishly.
"I'm just walking around with heavy weights, that's all."
"Right. Come to think of it, weren't you the Black Whirlwind who raided Blood Poison Valley with the Great Leader in the past?"
At that moment, Jo Nam-cheon extended his thumb toward Heuk-pyo with an admiring look.
"To possess Lightness Art skills comparable to Wi Cheon-gyeong at such a young age. Truly remarkable."
Heuk-pyo's Lightness Art was so exceptional that his skill was on par with Wi Cheon-gyeong, who stood out even among the elite Death Shadow Squad members.
That was why he wore the same heavy dark iron ankle weights as Wi Cheon-gyeong.
"You flatter me too much."
Heuk-pyo spoke with a sheepish smile.
"Please take your time. I'll tidy up the weapons here."
He then turned and began methodically organizing the scattered training equipment the squad members had left in disarray.
"Leave it. We'll take care of it later."
Won Se-mun waved his hand dismissively, but Heuk-pyo wiped the sweat from his brow and continued without pause.
"No, it's fine. I don't have anything else to do until the Young Master arrives."
"Then let me help. I've already finished today's training quota with the squad leader."
Han So-ung, who had been drinking cool water, suddenly stood up and spoke.
"You should rest. You've been doing chores all day."
The other Death Shadow Squad members chimed in one after another.
"Yeah, take a break."
"We'll clean this up in no time, so just relax for a bit."
The Death Shadow Squad members were usually rough around the edges, preferring to clash with others rather than engage in idle chatter, and their social skills were practically nonexistent.
Yet, as they looked at Heuk-pyo, every one of them wore a gentle smile.
Heuk-pyo was too polished to be called a mere rogue—he was courteous, sharp-witted, and diligent.
Not only that, but he never shied away from hard work, was highly skilled in martial arts, and was unfailingly earnest.
Because of this, even the notoriously rough members of the First Squad, known for their brutality, doted on Heuk-pyo like a beloved younger brother.
Creak.
Just then, four men emerged from the central hall of the manor.
Bu Eun-seol, Hyeok So-jin, Myo Cheon-u, and Yu Un-ryong.
Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong were originally from the Ten Demonic Heirs, but they weren't official members of the Death Shadow Squad—they were Bu Eun-seol's close friends and allies.
"Chief."
Won Se-mun and the other squad members, still seated, raised their hands in greeting.
"Ah, the Deputy Unit Leader and our esteemed friends are here too."
Though there was a clear hierarchy, Bu Eun-seol never demanded strict formalities beyond direct orders.
Because of this, the squad members interacted with Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin in a relaxed and comfortable manner.
"Have you finished training?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Jo Nam-cheon nodded.
"We've wrapped it all up."
"Hmm."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed slightly as he surveyed the cracked stone slabs of the training grounds.
Two months had already passed since they began refining their martial arts at Pear Blossom Villa. It was neither long nor short—just enough time.
Yet, the squad members had trained relentlessly, never allowing themselves a single day of laziness.
And their progress was undeniable—their skills had improved dramatically.
"I see."
Bu Eun-seol studied the squad members, their sharp auras palpable, then gave a slow nod.
"Preparations are nearly complete."
Won Se-mun brightened at that.
"So we're finally starting soon?"
But Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"There's still one crucial training left."
"Training?"
"That's right."
The squad members exchanged bewildered glances.
Up until now, their training had been nothing short of life-or-death combat, so intense that some had suffered severe injuries.
And yet, there was still an important training left?
"The Beggars' Sect is the most widespread of the Nine Great Sects and One Gang, wielding a diverse range of martial arts. Not only do they have sheer numbers, but their ranks are thick with Masters."
Bu Eun-seol's expression grew increasingly solemn.
"You must become even stronger than you are now."
"But... what exactly is this crucial training?"
At Jo Nam-cheon's question, Bu Eun-seol answered in a low voice.
"Watching fights."
The squad members' faces twisted in confusion.
They had braced themselves for something extreme, only to be told it was just... watching fights?
Then, Wi Cheon-gyeong calmly asked again.
"You're telling us to observe battles, Chief?"
"Correct."
Bu Eun-seol turned his gaze over the seated squad members.
"From now on, each of you will observe one sparring session per day. The remaining time is yours—use it to refine your martial arts with the insights you gain, or simply rest."
Then, with a grave expression, he added:
"However, if your skills don't improve after a month, you won't remain in the Death Shadow Squad. Because by then... you'll likely be dead in battle against the Beggars' Sect."
At those words, the unit members' eyes flashed like wild beasts.
Fear held no place in their hearts. The only thing they dreaded was wasting their days away, only to be buried in the ground without ever having taken flight.
Now that their moment had come—to stretch their wings and soar—there was no room for fear.
"But whose sparring are we supposed to watch?"
At Wi Cheon-gyeong's question, Bu Eun-seol turned his gaze to Hyeok So-jin.
"From now on, you will spar with Heuk-pyo once a day in front of the unit members."
Hyeok So-jin tilted his head.
"Sparring... Do you mean I should teach Heuk-pyo martial arts?"
He had already served as a martial instructor at the Fleeting Moment Boat.
Because of that, he understood better than anyone that teaching someone was akin to refining one's own martial arts from the ground up.
"I said sparring. Assume it's a real battle."
"But sparring with Heuk-pyo is..."
Hyeok So-jin couldn't bring himself to finish.
Though Heuk-pyo was a martial prodigy with exceptional talent, his skills still fell far short of being able to contend with Hyeok So-jin.
"His martial prowess may not match yours, but Heuk-pyo has survived countless real battles during his rogue years. You could say he's been roaming the martial world since childhood."
Bu Eun-seol explained calmly.
"Advancing martial prowess in the Transcendent Realm ultimately lies within the domain of enlightenment. Sparring with Heuk-pyo, who employs diverse combat techniques, will undoubtedly yield valuable insights."
"Understood."
Hyeok So-jin nodded without further complaint.
Bu Eun-seol's words were always right. This sparring with Heuk-pyo would not be time wasted.
"Then what am I supposed to do?"
When Myo Cheon-u, who had been listening silently, spoke up, Bu Eun-seol answered immediately.
"Fight."
"Fight? Continuously?"
Myo Cheon-u slumped his shoulders.
For two months, he had dueled Yu Un-ryong without a single day's rest.
Thanks to that, his skills had improved by leaps and bounds—to the point where they could now evade each other's opening moves blindfolded.
And now he was being told to keep sparring with him?
"From now on, you'll fight me."
At Bu Eun-seol's words, Myo Cheon-u brightened.
"You mean you? Now that's more like it."
"Both of you."
"What?"
Bu Eun-seol alternated his gaze between Yu Un-ryong and Myo Cheon-u.
"I mean both of you attacking me at once."
"What?"
Myo Cheon-u nearly jumped out of his skin, but Yu Un-ryong replied coldly.
"I appreciate that."
In the past, Yu Un-ryong would have bristled with wounded pride, either lashing out in anger or refusing outright.
But now he knew.
He knew just how formidable Bu Eun-seol's martial prowess was. And he knew that sparring with Bu Eun-seol would grant him another opportunity to leap forward.
"Whoa, Yu Un-ryong!"
When Yu Un-ryong didn't explode, Myo Cheon-u gaped in shock.
"You've really changed."
Clapping his hands, Myo Cheon-u grinned.
"Who'd have thought the stubborn, prideful rock of a man would transform like this? Guess you really do live long enough to see everything."
"Shut up."
As the two bickered, Won Se-mun raised his hand.
"Chief. May I ask a question?"
"Go ahead."
"Are we only supposed to watch the Vice Chief's sparring? Or can we watch yours too?"
Bu Eun-seol replied indifferently.
"It doesn't matter. That's your choice."
"Really?"
"But watching the Vice Chief's sparring would be better. Watching my sparring won't grant you any insights or enlightenment."
Won Se-mun nodded.
The less-skilled unit members still lacked the ability to grasp the profundity of Bu Eun-seol's martial arts.
"Then let's begin immediately."
Bu Eun-seol turned and walked toward the rear garden.
Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong nodded and followed.
Then Hyeok So-jin, Heuk-pyo, and the squad leaders exchanged glances before trailing after them. Soon, the rest of the unit members fell into line as well.
No matter what hardships awaited them, they would prioritize watching Bu Eun-seol and the Ten Demonic Heir spar first.
Whoosh.
The rear garden of Pear Blossom Villa was dense with bamboo.
But since the unit members often trained here, about two thirds of the bamboo forest had been cleared away.
Bu Eun-seol stopped in the center of the clearing and spread his hands.
"Let's begin."
At once, Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong surged their true qi.
Bu Eun-seol versus Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong.
The three who had once fought to the death as Ten Demonic Heirs were now about to engage in a one-against-two decisive battle.