Chapter 313
Bukgung Ryeong forcibly suppressed the surge of emotion rising within him and shouted loudly.
"Hmph, do you think this old man would ever accept help from the likes of you?"
His voice trembled slightly despite his cold rejection.
"It's not about giving help. It's mutual assistance."
Bu Eun-seol chuckled lightly and spoke as if it were nothing.
"As long as I don't return to the main hall, the attacks against me will continue. If I join forces with you, old man, wouldn't my journey through the martial world be a bit easier?"
In truth, that was just an excuse.
If he didn't clash with Bukgung Ryeong, he could simply return to the Demon Hall and be done with it.
"Join forces...?"
The corners of Bukgung Ryeong's eyes trembled faintly.
If he were to join forces with that outstanding rising talent of the Demonic Path? It would create an unstoppable pair.
"Hmph, 'easier' is far from it. This will be a journey where we stake our necks."
Bukgung Ryeong snorted, suppressing the emotions welling up inside him.
"They'll do everything to stop me from finding the Ten Weapons of the World."
"Isn't that just part of the martial world journey?"
"Fine."
As if having resolved something, Bukgung Ryeong nodded.
"Once we settle this matter, I'll give you a proper match. One that'll make any hesitation in your spirit vanish in an instant."
"Agreed."
A smile bloomed at the corner of Bu Eun-seol's lips.
In the end, the two had temporarily become comrades, transcending age and faction.
"Where are these Ten Weapons of the World?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Bukgung Ryeong gazed at the fading sky and answered in a chilling voice.
"Ghost Island."
Not far from Deungju Prefecture lay an uninhabited island where a sect called the Spirit Sound Sect had once resided.
The disciples of the Spirit Sound Sect were all masters of mechanism formations and the Art of Concealment. It was said they could hide their bodies using nothing more than a small pebble.
They had installed mechanisms and formations throughout the island they inhabited, making it appear completely empty to outsiders.
Because of this, the island where the Spirit Sound Sect had settled came to be known as Ghost Island.
But the Spirit Sound Sect, renowned for its ingenious mechanism formations, vanished without a trace from the martial world forty years ago.
They had been annihilated by the Great Killing Star of the Demonic Path—the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade, Bu Jan-yang.
The reason? They had cooperated with the Killing Veil, who had persistently attempted to assassinate the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade.
In truth, most of the traps set by the Killing Veil to kill Bu Jan-yang had been crafted by the Spirit Sound Sect.
When the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade learned of this, he came alone to Ghost Island and wiped out the Spirit Sound Sect.
Whoosh—
A massive sail billowed tautly, embracing the wind.
A ship, riding favorable winds, cut through the waves as it advanced toward Ghost Island.
On the deck stood an old man in white garments and a man in gray martial robes side by side.
They were none other than Bukgung Ryeong and Bu Eun-seol.
"I can't remember the last time I fought such a relentless battle."
Bukgung Ryeong stared at his own hands and shook his head.
The journey to board the ship and reach Ghost Island had been nothing short of a blood-soaked path.
Every step of the way had been dyed crimson.
Assassins swarmed endlessly wherever they went. If they entered a guest inn, poison was slipped into their food. If they secured lodging, hidden weapons and traps were laid in wait.
Merchants setting up stalls in the marketplace would ambush them, and women cradling infants would hurl fire pellets.
The unending onslaught of assassins forced the two to avoid Chengdu and take only remote paths. They slept under the open sky and had to prepare their own meals.
"If not for your help, I still wouldn't have been able to board this ship."
For the first time, Bukgung Ryeong offered sincere praise.
"You're still young, yet you seem more experienced in the martial world than this old man."
What if Bu Eun-seol hadn't been there?
No matter how exceptional his skills were, he would still be overwhelmed by the flood of assassins.
"Likewise."
Bu Eun-seol replied indifferently.
"If not for you, old man, I would've had to cut this journey short and return long ago."
Had Bukgung Ryeong not been there, Bu Eun-seol wouldn't have been able to focus on improving his martial arts at all.
He would have been forced to return to the Demon Hall after exhausting himself against the endless waves of assassins.
"Take this."
As a faint outline of an island appeared in the distance, Bu Eun-seol pulled out a mask from his robes and handed it to Bukgung Ryeong.
"Who knows what might happen next. It'd be wise to wear this."
"No need. Those waiting there are all renowned heroes of the Righteous Faction."
"Renowned heroes, you say..."
Bu Eun-seol gazed at the distant sky and shook his head.
"If they were truly worthy of being called 'renowned heroes,' they wouldn't have come here in the first place."
Bukgung Ryeong fell silent.
If those people had possessed the upright values and detached mindset befitting the title of "renowned heroes"...
They wouldn't have come all the way to Ghost Island seeking the Ten Weapons of the World.
"That... may be true."
Bukgung Ryeong let out a deep sigh.
Though he was a seasoned veteran with profound insight, standing before Bu Eun-seol made him feel like a child.
"As I've said before, you feel more like an elder who's lived far longer than I have."
He shook his head with a bitter expression.
"Besides, wearing a mask would be pointless. My martial arts are unmistakable even to the blind."
The Bullet King's Inner Energy Bullet Art produced a sound like thunderclaps.
Whenever he unleashed his techniques, any martial artist would recognize him even from about three hundred meters away.
"But... are you sure about this?"
"About what?"
"We've already wasted too much time dealing with masked assassins."
"Even if we're delayed another ten days, it won't matter."
Bukgung Ryeong spoke with confidence.
"Treasure battles only conclude when either an overwhelmingly powerful individual appears, or when a united force like the Martial Alliance or the Demon Hall intervenes."
Narrowing his eyes, he continued.
"The only thing that can suppress those blinded by greed is martial might so overwhelming that none dare challenge it."
"Had this been the heart of the Central Plains, perhaps that would be possible. But this is a remote island, far removed from the mainland."
"What difference does that make?"
Bu Eun-seol gazed at the distant sky with a meaningful look.
"They each arrived with their own treasure maps, but they must have realized by now that many others are already on the island. In that case, they've likely already formed factions."
"Factions?"
"Indeed."
When an unspecified number of people gather in a situation where only a few can survive—what happens?
By instinct, people rally with like-minded allies and eliminate the rest.
That was why, back on Hell Island, all the outstanding figures—save for Bu Eun-seol and a few others—had quickly formed their own factions.
"If they've already grouped up, the battle for the treasure would've ended swiftly. By now, the victors may already have the weapon in their hands... or perhaps they've already set sail back to the Central Plains."
"If you knew that, why bring it up now?"
Bukgung Ryeong wore an incredulous expression.
If that were true, hadn't they wasted their time sailing all the way to Ghost Island?
Bu Eun-seol, still staring at the distant sky, spoke calmly.
"First, because the timing is uncertain. We can only speculate that it ended quickly."
Then, he continued matter-of-factly.
"Second, even if the battle is over, we still need to determine how it concluded—and what kind of weapon emerged... We must find clues to pursue."
Turning his head, Bu Eun-seol met Bukgung Ryeong's gaze.
"And lastly, if this remote island is truly deserted, wouldn't it be the perfect place for an undisturbed duel? That's why we came here."
Bukgung Ryeong's expression turned blank.
Looking at Bu Eun-seol, he couldn't help but feel as though he'd wasted his life.
'Even if this kid had been wandering the martial world since infancy, he couldn't possibly have more experience than me.'
It was only because Bu Eun-seol had learned profound insight and the principles of the world under Bu Jan-yang's tutelage...
But Bukgung Ryeong, unaware of this, was suddenly overcome with pointless self-loathing.
"Still, there's something I'm curious about."
Bu Eun-seol spoke as if a thought had just occurred to him.
"Those who came here must already be consumed by greed for the Divine Weapons."
His expression turned doubtful as he continued.
"Just how did you plan to stop them?"
Once blinded by the allure of martial manuals and Divine Weapons, not even an immortal could dissuade them.
Come to think of it, Bukgung Ryeong had come to Ghost Island under the pretense of saving them—far too casually.
"Don't tell me... you need that weapon too?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Bukgung Ryeong let out a dry laugh.
"Do I look like I need a Divine Weapon to you?"
Bu Eun-seol faintly shook his head.
The Bullet King's Inner Energy Bullet Art was truly a peerless martial skill—far more formidable and destructive than any Divine Weapon.
"I've roamed the martial world for a long time and met many renowned heroes of the orthodox sects."
Taking a deep breath, he spoke again.
"And in the hearts of those called heroes, there was always unwavering righteousness. If they knew this treasure map was a trap meant to make them slaughter each other, they would never engage in pointless conflict."
Bukgung Ryeong trusted in the righteousness of the orthodox factions.
And that trust had been the driving force behind his desire to protect the martial world.
His attempt to save the heroes who had fallen for this treasure map was rooted in his belief that they would one day become pillars to dispel the martial world's dark clouds.
But in Bu Eun-seol's eyes, it was nothing more than a fairy tale filled with dreams and hope.
'No need to pour cold water on it.'
Bu Eun-seol had no desire to shatter Bukgung Ryeong's hopes and convictions.
All humans live clinging to hope, believing in and relying on their own convictions.
No one has the right to destroy another's faith.
"If you have something to say, say it."
As if sensing Bu Eun-seol's thoughts, Bukgung Ryeong spoke.
"Your tongue may be sharp, but I know you don't speak idly."
Bu Eun-seol opened his mouth as if resigned.
"If this were the heart of the Central Plains, your plan might have worked. Like it or not, you have a reputation built over time."
"Hmm."
"But as I said before, this is a remote island, far from the Central Plains."
Bu Eun-seol did not believe humans were inherently good.
And having already experienced a similar situation, he couldn't bring himself to trust, even if he wanted to.
"So you're saying it turned into a massacre?"
"Indeed. They would've started without hesitation."
A brief silence fell.
Bukgung Ryeong stared at the distant Ghost Island and spoke firmly.
"They might have formed factions, but these are seasoned martial artists... They wouldn't make the wrong choice."
Bu Eun-seol said nothing.
Everyone had their own convictions.
He only hoped Bukgung Ryeong wouldn't suffer the same chaos and confusion he had.
Splash.
Finally, their boat docked at Ghost Island.
The two immediately deployed their Lightness Skill to survey the island.
At its center, jagged rocks and towering cliffs gave way to a high mountain and deep forest.
To the west stretched a vast plain, lush with verdant plants in full bloom.
The scenery was so peaceful it belied the name "Ghost Island."
Yet the atmosphere was eerily silent and oppressive, the faint stench of blood lingering in the air.
Bukgung Ryeong, alongside the masked Bu Eun-seol, unleashed their movement techniques and advanced deep into the island.
Their goal was the Secret Cave marked on the treasure map.
But the closer they got to the cave, the darker Bukgung Ryeong's expression grew.
Just as Bu Eun-seol had anticipated.
The battle had already taken place—corpses lay strewn everywhere.
Had it been a fair contest for the treasure, Bukgung Ryeong's face wouldn't have darkened so severely.
This was merciless slaughter. A one-sided massacre.
The scars left on the corpses told a clear story: a group had banded together to ruthlessly exterminate the weaker factions.
'Hmm.'
Bu Eun-seol sighed inwardly.
The lofty titles of the Righteous Path and Renowned Chivalrous Heroes meant nothing on this remote island, far removed from the mainland.
The masks of civility had not just slipped—they had been violently torn away.
All for the sake of eliminating competition. To increase their own odds of claiming one of the Ten Weapons of the World, they had cut down others without the slightest hesitation.
"How could they do this?"
Bukgung Ryeong's pupils burned with fury as he surveyed the corpses.
He had roamed the murim for years, witnessing all manner of atrocities. He had seen treasure maps appear before—more than once or twice.
But this was different.
Martial artists who had discovered treasure on this uninhabited island, far from prying eyes—
Once beyond the reach of society, they had cast off the mask of chivalry and unleashed their cruelest instincts.
Clang! Crash!
Then, from somewhere, came the faint sound of weapons clashing.
"...!"
"...!"
Bu Eun-seol and Bukgung Ryeong exchanged a glance before soaring into the sky like great rocs.
Whoosh!
Cutting swiftly through the forest, they arrived at a sheer cliff near the shore.
There, five martial artists wielding distinctive weapons were attacking a group of thirty.
No—this was no battle. It was a one-sided slaughter.
With every swing of their weapons, razor-sharp energy sliced through flesh and bone.
They even hunted down those who tried to flee or hide, mercilessly stabbing them in the back or severing their heads.
"Stop!"
Unable to stand by, Bukgung Ryeong landed before the slaughterers with a thunderous Great Roar.
"The Five Heroes! You've already obtained the weapons—why massacre these people?!"
The five perpetrators were chivalrous heroes who primarily operated in Shandong.
Having sworn brotherhood, they traveled together and performed many righteous deeds, earning them the epithet Shandong Five Heroes.
Yet now, after obtaining the Ten Weapons of the World, they had turned to such brutality?
"You are..."
Jeong Jung-won, the second of the Five Heroes, flinched and stepped back upon recognizing Bukgung Ryeong's face.
"The Bullet King?"
One of the Four Gods and Seven Kings, a man who could shatter boulders the size of houses with a single flick of his finger.
Why had a master of the Heaven-Shattering Art appeared here?
"Bullet King, did you come here for the Ten Weapons of the World as well?"
At Jeong Jung-won's arrogant shout, Bukgung Ryeong's eyes flashed.
"What nonsense are you spouting?!"
He pointed at the corpses piled around them.
"If you've obtained the weapons, then leave! Why slaughter these people?!"
The Five Heroes fell silent under his sharp rebuke, like mutes who had tasted honey.
Among the martial artists who had come to Ghost Island, the Shandong Five Heroes were among the strongest, with no need to form alliances.
Before the contest for the treasure could even begin, they had eliminated their competitors one by one... and ultimately seized the Ten Weapons of the World left in the Secret Cave.
Then, fearing their atrocities would be exposed, they had relentlessly hunted down and slaughtered those who remained.
—We must kill that man.
The Five Heroes' eyes gleamed as if they had made a silent pact.
If these deeds became known in the murim—
Even if they had obtained the Ten Weapons of the World, could they ever walk the martial world with dignity again?
"Has greed robbed you of your reason?"
Bukgung Ryeong's face twisted in sorrow as he looked at them.
"Come to your senses now. Can you truly throw away a lifetime of honor for mere weapons?"
Yet Jeong Jung-won shook his head at his plea.
"Bullet King, you were hailed as a grandmaster since your youth. You wouldn't understand our regrets."
He gazed at the Hero Stallion Blade in his left hand and sighed deeply.
"But we—through these weapons—have broken through a wall we could never have overcome in our lifetimes. Do you understand?"
The Shandong Five Heroes, too, were martial artists who had devoted their lives to the Martial Way.
But the wall of the Transcendent Realm was not something that could be shattered by effort alone.
Yet now, simply by wielding the Ten Weapons of the World, they could unleash power that allowed them to leap over that wall in an instant.
It was as if they had stepped directly into the Extreme Heaven Realm.
How could they possibly let go of such a dreamlike opportunity?
"I see."
Bukgung Ryeong nodded.
He understood the torment the Five Heroes were experiencing.
In his youth, he too had been frustrated by the wall of the Transcendent Realm, overcoming it only after countless brushes with death and hard-won realizations.
But that did not justify their greed.
"Enough talk."
Gu Yeong-hwa, the first of the Five Heroes, stepped forward, gripping the Azure Heaven Flute, now stained with a blue glow.
"Under normal circumstances, we would never dare defy Elder Bukgung. But now is different."
Killing intent radiated from his eyes.
To obtain these weapons, they had already slaughtered numerous renowned heroes of the Righteous Path through underhanded means.
"And now, they intend to kill even Bukgung Ryeong to silence all witnesses through murder."