Chapter 303
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened as he asked,
"Are you saying... the Needle King fought a fierce battle against the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade?"
"Huh? Yes. That's correct."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head in disbelief.
After a long moment of contemplation, he spoke again.
"The Seven Fingers Demonic Blade is a legendary swordsman of the Demonic Path. So why has such a fact remained unknown in the martial world?"
"Well, naturally..."
She had been about to answer with a puzzled expression when she finally noticed Bu Eun-seol standing there, his eyes still wide open.
"But why are you standing like that?"
"..."
"Is something wrong?"
Only then did Bu Eun-seol realize his grave mistake and slowly took his seat again.
"Ah, no. My internal power was momentarily unstable."
It was a somewhat absurd excuse.
But Bu Eun-seol was too startled to even recognize how flimsy it sounded.
"I see. I've heard that masters with profound internal energy sometimes suffer discomfort due to the sheer intensity of their true qi."
As if recalling something, Jongri Sa-yu spoke in a hushed voice.
"Ah! As you know, my grandfather's needle techniques have reached divine mastery. And with the Primordial Golden Needles, he can disperse the overwhelming true qi gathered in the dantian through the Conception Vessel."
The claim of unstable internal power had been nothing more than a hasty excuse from Bu Eun-seol.
Yet, she responded with the utmost sincerity.
"If you wish, Young Hero, I could introduce you to my grandfather."
As she finished speaking, Jongri Sa-yu's cheeks flushed slightly.
To think she was considering introducing an outsider she had only met twice to her grandfather...
Even for someone as emotionally open as her, this was enough to make her feel embarrassed.
"But about the Needle King fighting the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade..."
"Ah, that? Grandfather said it remained unknown in the martial world because the battle was kept secret."
Jongri Sa-yu's eyes sparkled with innocence.
Though she was a prodigy with exceptional medical skills, she had a tendency to act somewhat foolishly in front of those she liked.
'How frustrating.'
Her demeanor was charming enough to enchant any man...
But to Bu Eun-seol, who needed accurate information, it only came across as dim-witted.
'At this rate, hearing it directly from the Needle King would be more reliable than listening to her.'
Having made up his mind, Bu Eun-seol spoke in a low voice.
"You truly mean to introduce me to the Needle King?"
"Huh? Well..."
"Then let's go."
"Right now?"
Jongri Sa-yu's face turned red.
She hadn't expected Bu Eun-seol, who had maintained such an indifferent attitude, to act so boldly.
"Don't misunderstand."
Noticing her flushed cheeks, Bu Eun-seol quickly spun an obvious lie.
"Truthfully, I've long admired the Needle King. So if I have the chance to meet him in person, how could I possibly let it slip?"
This, of course, was contradictory.
When they first met, Bu Eun-seol had recognized her as the Needle King's granddaughter yet remained utterly indifferent.
To suddenly claim admiration for the Needle King now was absurd.
But under Bu Eun-seol's intense gaze, Jongri Sa-yu didn't even consider that—she only smiled shyly.
"I-Is that so?"
'She likes me.'
Bu Eun-seol tilted his head slightly, staring intently at the bashful Jongri Sa-yu.
Exploiting a woman's affections was something that went against his nature.
But now was not the time to hesitate.
Those who had stolen his grandfather's peaceful rest—after his grandfather's brutal death—
They had to pay the price.
"But all I know about you is that you're a disciple of the Thousand Swords Society...?"
In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through Bu Eun-seol's mind.
The Needle King Family had rarely shown themselves openly in the martial world, yet they had secretly investigated many matters through their disciples.
If he continued pretending to be a disciple of the Thousand Swords Society, the chances of exposure were dangerously high.
'The Needle King... the Needle King.'
Ever since he had resolved to confront the Beggar King, Bu Eun-seol had conducted thorough research on the Four Gods and Seven Kings.
And the Needle King, contrary to public knowledge, was an exceedingly complex and unique figure.
Particularly because young heroes frequently sought him out, begging for his Primordial Golden Needle techniques, he actively avoided meeting the younger generation.
Even if Jongri Sa-yu took him to the Needle King, there was no guarantee he would get the answers he sought.
'It was said the only thing the Needle King reveres is Shaolin.'
The Needle King's personality was aloof—he rejected anyone he did not acknowledge, regardless of whether they were orthodox or unorthodox.
However, having been saved by a Shaolin master in his youth, he held Shaolin in deep reverence.
'There's no other way.'
Bu Eun-seol gave a faint nod.
In the end, to approach the Needle King, he had no choice but to disguise himself as a figure from Shaolin.
And not just any disciple—someone like the Divine Dragon, who had never revealed himself in the martial world, ensuring he would never be exposed.
"I am not from the Thousand Swords Society."
Having settled his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol answered slowly.
"You must have mistaken me because I traveled alongside Yu Hyeong, a disciple of the Thousand Swords Society."
"I thought as much."
Jongri Sa-yu nodded.
Bu Eun-seol's martial prowess was far too exceptional for him to be a mere disciple of the Thousand Swords Society.
In truth, at the time, only Yu Hwaryeong had revealed his affiliation—Bu Eun-seol had said nothing.
Since the only lead she had on Bu Eun-seol was the Thousand Swords Society, she had investigated it.
"Then which sect do you belong to?"
"My master's orders forbid me from disclosing my sect. However..."
Having meticulously planned every detail in his mind, Bu Eun-seol spoke in a low voice.
"My name is Baek Mu-seong. And I swear I will bring no harm to you or the Needle King."
"Baek Mu-seong... I see."
She blinked slowly, murmuring the name to herself.
No matter how much she wracked her memory, she had never heard of a young master in the martial world who bore such a name.
"I trust you, Young Hero Baek. But if you don't reveal your true background, Grandfather might refuse to perform the Primordial Golden Needle Art for you."
"I have no need for the Primordial Golden Needle Art. I merely wish to meet the Needle King in person and exchange words."
Bu Eun-seol held her gaze, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Did we not survive a crisis together in the Underground Castle? For that reason alone, I believe the Needle King won't coldly turn me away."
When Bu Eun-seol deliberately softened his gaze, Jongri Sa-yu felt as if her breath had been stolen.
"F-Fine."
After taking a deep breath, she leaned out the window for a moment.
Then, in a voice so low it was almost imperceptible, she whispered something strange.
Bu Eun-seol immediately recognized it—it was the secret language used to communicate with the subordinates circling around her.
'She's sending a message.'
Most likely, she was ordering her subordinates to return while simultaneously informing them that she was bringing Bu Eun-seol along.
"Then I'll formally invite you to our main house."
At her words, Bu Eun-seol respectfully clasped his hands together.
"My thanks."
His fists clenched tightly.
Soon, he would meet someone who knew the whereabouts of the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade from forty years ago.
The Needle King's manor was located on Gold King Mountain in Chimju, not far from Hwangju Prefecture.
Originally, the Jongni Clan had been based near Chao Lake in Anhui, but during the Needle King's generation, they had relocated to Chimju.
Moving the ancestral seat of a noble family meant abandoning countless advantages—yet the Needle King had unhesitatingly made Gold King Mountain his new home.
At the foot of the mountain stood the Needle King's manor.
Built against the dense forests of Gold King Mountain, the manor overlooked a mirror-clear lake, its surroundings filled with plum blossom trees.
When the spring breeze blew, the petals scattered like snowflakes, their delicate fragrance permeating the air.
Bu Eun-seol and Jongri Sa-yu stepped out of the carriage and ascended the stairs side by side, arriving before the manor's gates.
Creak—
The doors opened, and a middle-aged man dressed as a servant emerged.
"You've returned."
Bu Eun-seol's expression flickered with surprise.
The man's steps were steady, but his gaze carried a razor-sharp energy.
Moreover, that subtle aura—
It was unmistakably the presence of a formidable master from the Demonic Path.
Why would a Demonic Path master be serving as a mere servant in the Needle King's household?
"Uncle Do."
When Jongri Sa-yu smiled brightly, the middle-aged man spoke with a grave expression.
"His Lordship is furious. You should hurry inside."
In truth, Jongri Sa-yu had ignored her grandfather's orders to return, continuing her travels under the pretense of practicing medicine—though her real goal had been to find Bu Eun-seol.
"I understand. I'll go see him now."
"But this gentleman..."
When the man gestured toward Bu Eun-seol, she cleared her throat.
"Ah, this is Young Hero Baek. He saved me back in the Underground Castle in Sichuan."
"I see. Then I shall attend to Young Hero Baek for the time being."
After a brief hesitation, Jongri Sa-yu shook her head.
"No. He'll come with me."
"That's impossible, Young Miss. You know His Lordship's iron rule."
Due to his exceptional medical skills, the Needle King had suffered greatly from relentless demands in the past.
As a result, he refused to meet anyone below the rank of sect leader—
And he particularly loathed young rising talents who sought his Primordial Golden Needle Art.
"That's why I'm bringing him."
Her expression was resolute.
She knew the iron rule all too well—which was precisely why she intended to take Bu Eun-seol with her.
"You must help me with this, Uncle."
"But how—?"
"My entire future depends on it."
Her face flushed red as she transmitted the words directly into his mind.
Only then did the middle-aged man grasp the situation.
With a resigned sigh, he nodded.
Even if it meant facing the Needle King's wrath, he had no choice but to let them in.
"Very well."
Bu Eun-seol followed Jongri Sa-yu toward the heart of the manor.
Physicians—likely disciples of the Needle King—moved busily about, brewing medicinal concoctions from various ingredients.
The fragrant aroma suggested they were producing large quantities of spirit medicine.
'So that's it.'
Suddenly, Bu Eun-seol recalled the faces of those poisoned by the Human Blossoms.
The Needle King was likely developing an antidote to neutralize the drug's effects.
'Then he's like the Bullet King.'
Though the Needle King was said to have withdrawn from the martial world, he had sent even his granddaughter to observe its affairs.
That meant there was a high probability he, too, was pursuing certain figures—just like the Bullet King.
"Don't be so tense."
Misinterpreting his deep contemplation as nervousness, she smiled gently.
"Grandfather may seem strict, but he's actually very kind."
The word grandfather was like home to Bu Eun-seol—always missed, always warm.
He returned her gaze with a faint smile.
"I can imagine. Seeing you."
It was both longing for a grandfather and agreement that she was a mischievous one.
But Jongri Sa-yu misunderstood, her cheeks burning red.
"You're more teasing than you look."
Seeing her flustered expression, Bu Eun-seol swiftly changed the subject.
"That servant earlier—he was clearly a master of the Demonic Path. How did he come to be here?"
"You have quite the sharp eye. No one else has ever recognized Uncle Do's Demonic Path origins at first glance."
She couldn't conceal her surprise as she answered in a hushed voice.
"Grandfather saved him years ago near West Lake in Zhejiang when he was on the verge of death. To repay that debt, Uncle Do chose to serve as a servant in our household."
"I see."
Truthfully, it wasn't all that surprising for a master of the Demonic Path to defect to the Righteous Faction.
In the Demonic Path, if one's strength and authority wane, they receive no respect.
Moreover, those who reach the Extreme Demon Realm not only lose their violent tendencies but sometimes even undergo a complete change in temperament.
Because of this, it wasn't unheard of for former demonic practitioners to seek refuge in the orthodox sects later in life.
'Seems he doesn't hold the usual prejudices against the unorthodox factions.'
Bu Eun-seol nodded slightly, intrigued.
Most orthodox martial artists recoiled at the mere mention of anyone from the Demonic Path.
Yet here was the Needle King—a figure who could be considered the very embodiment of the orthodox faction—taking in a demonic practitioner? It seemed he held an unexpectedly lenient stance toward them.
'Perhaps he's from the Bloodflame Blade Family.'
The middle-aged man referred to as "Uncle Do" not only wielded an exceptional saber but also carried a uniquely shaped blade.
At a glance, Bu Eun-seol suspected he might be affiliated with the Bloodflame Blade Family.
However, there had never been a recorded instance of a master from the Demonic Path Ten Gates defecting to the orthodox factions.
So for now, his deduction remained nothing more than speculation.
"This is where Grandfather resides."
Passing through the Moon East Gate—a large circular opening in the towering wall—they found themselves on a small path lined with vibrant flowers.
Plum trees flanked both sides of the walkway.
Beyond the path stood an elegantly constructed traditional house.
As the wind blew, plum blossoms scattered through the air, painting a scene so serene it seemed fit for an immortal's dwelling.
And there, standing before the garden with his hands clasped behind his back, was an old man with the bearing of an immortal sage.
Though his frame was lean, he stood over six feet tall, his phoenix-like eyes long and brimming with majesty.
This was none other than Jongri Sa-hyeon—one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings, revered as the Needle King.
"Grandfather."
At the sight of Jongri Sa-hyeon standing as regal as a crane, Jongri Sa-yu spoke with visible tension.
"Grandfather."
"You brat."
The moment their eyes met, Jongri Sa-hyeon's expression turned stern, his gaze sharpening.
"How long has it been since I ordered your return? Where have you been wandering that you only show up now?"
His voice resonated like a temple bell, and an aura of solemn authority radiated from him like rolling clouds.
Even the usually confident Jongri Sa-yu couldn't bring herself to lift her head, replying in a small voice:
"Well... I kept running into people who needed healing along the way."
"Nonsense."
Jongri Sa-hyeon's piercing eyes bore down on her.
"The Spring Attire Unit reported that you were tearing through intelligence networks searching for some supposed disciple of the Thousand Swords Society. What in the world were you thinking?"
"G-Grandfather!"
Her face burning red, Jongri Sa-yu flailed her hands.
"That's not it! There really were a lot of sick people!"
"Hmph."
With a dismissive snort, Jongri Sa-hyeon's gaze finally shifted to Bu Eun-seol standing behind her.
"And who is this?"
"He's the one who saved me back in Sichuan—"
"Sichuan?"
Jongri Sa-hyeon blinked, and Bu Eun-seol stepped forward, clasping his hands respectfully.
"This disciple, Baek Mu-seong, greets the esteemed Needle King."
The old man tilted his head slightly, then frowned as he glanced at his granddaughter.
"Don't tell me this is the Thousand Swords Society disciple you wouldn't stop praising?"
"Well... it turns out I was mistaken about him being from the Thousand Swords Society."
"Hmm."
Jongri Sa-hyeon gave his embarrassed granddaughter a disapproving look before finally scrutinizing Bu Eun-seol's face.
'Hah. This boy looks like he could steal souls with that face.'
His features were as if carved by a divine hand, his skin wrapped in a faint, luminous glow.
Even Jongri Sa-hyeon, who had always believed appearance was nothing more than skin-deep, nearly let out an admiring sigh.
Yet, despite his striking looks, his qi felt utterly ordinary, with no trace of internal energy's shockwave.
His granddaughter had claimed his martial prowess was so exceptional that one might mistake him for a rejuvenated master.
But now, seeing him in person, he seemed completely unremarkable.
'Sa-yu isn't one to misjudge.'
His granddaughter, who had inherited his medical arts, wouldn't misread someone's martial skill.
'Then that means he's reached Return to Plainness...'
He shook his head.
To attain the state of Return to Plainness, one needed not only martial mastery but also internal energy refined to its absolute peak.
No matter how prodigious a talent, there were limits to how much qi one could cultivate at such a young age.
"You saved my Sa-yu in Sichuan, I hear."
Swallowing his doubts, Jongri Sa-hyeon finally spoke.
"That's an overstatement. I merely did what was necessary and offered a bit of assistance."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands and replied in a clear, resonant voice—like a righteous sect's disciple standing firm.
"Hm."
Jongri Sa-hyeon exhaled deeply and nodded.
"Well, since you've come all this way... No point standing around. Let's at least share some tea before you go."
Then, casually, he reached out and placed a hand on Bu Eun-seol's shoulder.
'Testing my martial arts, are you?'
Though Bu Eun-seol instantly discerned his intent, he didn't evade the touch.
'This is exactly what I wanted.'
His Return to Plainness had already reached the stage of Perfect Return to Origin.
Even if the Needle King were a grandmaster who had attained the Martial Extreme Realm—
Unless Bu Eun-seol actively displayed his skills, there was nothing to uncover.
Tap.
At last, the wrinkled hand lightly patted his shoulder.
In that instant, the faint smile on Jongri Sa-hyeon's lips slowly faded.
Simultaneously, a blade-like glint flashed in his eyes.
"You there."
The Needle King halted, staring at Bu Eun-seol for a long moment before speaking.
"Which sect's disciple are you?"
"What do you mean, sir?"
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly, and Jongri Sa-hyeon's lips curled slightly before he extended his palm.
Between his middle and index fingers was wedged a golden needle as thin as a strand of hair.
It was none other than the sacred relic symbolizing the Needle King—the Primordial Chaos Golden Needle.