Chapter 328
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flickered sharply in that instant.
The ultimate technique of the Martial Emperor, who had left the murim to meet a lonely end, had been severed four hundred years ago—until Bu Eun-seol inherited it after discovering the Martial Emperor Secret Repository.
Yet until now, not a single person had recognized the Thirteenfold Qi Induction as the Martial Emperor's ultimate art.
Even the Supreme Cult Commander, who was versed in all manner of martial arts, had failed to discern the origins of the Thirteenfold Qi Induction. So how had she identified it at a glance?
"Heh, so you're this arrogant just because you're the Martial Emperor's successor?"
So Ok-rim clenched her fists and chuckled.
"But you should know—even among the martial arts of the Eight Emperors, their quality depends entirely on who wields them."
Bu Eun-seol's gaze wavered again.
"The same Eight Emperors?"
"What, did you think you were the only special one?"
Grinning, she pointed at herself with her thumb.
"This Lady is none other than So Ok-rim, descendant of the Star Emperor—So Mu-bin."
Thud.
It felt like someone had struck the back of Bu Eun-seol's head.
A descendant of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars from four hundred years ago had appeared in this era? And not just a successor who inherited his martial arts, but a direct blood descendant?
—You'll find out soon enough.
The Sword Sovereign's words flashed through Bu Eun-seol's mind.
Had he been referring to the descendants of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars when he spoke of peerless geniuses?
"How do you know the Martial Emperor's martial arts?"
A bloody light flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
The Martial Emperor had met a desolate end in his later years, and without even a disciple to inherit his techniques, he had left behind the Martial Emperor Secret Repository.
So how could a descendant of the Star Emperor recognize the Martial Emperor's martial arts?
"You didn't know?"
So Ok-rim smirked.
"The Thirteenfold Qi Induction—that technique incorporates the method of Galaxy Severance."
"Incorporates?"
"Well, back in their youth, the two grandmasters of martial arts combined their insights to create a technique... something like that."
Her words were staggering.
The Martial Emperor and the Star Emperor had exchanged their martial arts, and the Thirteenfold Qi Induction was the ultimate art born from that collaboration?
'This doesn't make sense.'
If they had shared their life-or-death secret techniques to such an extent, their bond must have been unbreakable.
So why had the Star Emperor stood by when the Martial Emperor was falsely accused?
Could he really have believed the fabricated rumors that the Martial Emperor was a spy and turned his back until the end?
'Even if I ask, I won't get an honest answer.'
Though doubts swirled in his mind, Bu Eun-seol refrained from pressing further.
Even if he asked, there was no guarantee So Ok-rim would answer truthfully.
If he couldn't uncover her true intentions immediately, there was no need to reveal his suspicions.
"It's none of my concern."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Don't follow us any further. We have important matters to attend to."
"Important matters? Like what?"
"I can't say."
"Then I'll just tag along."
So Ok-rim glanced at Seo Jin-ha before adding,
"I can't just let my destined partner walk away like this, can I?"
Seeing the steel in Bu Eun-seol's gaze, she quickly amended,
"The Divine Calculator—you know of him, right? The sage who reads the will of heaven above and comprehends the laws of earth below?"
Bu Eun-seol frowned.
Truthfully, he didn't believe her nonsense.
She had wasted two years searching for the Divine Calculator, who had long vanished from the world—and all for the sake of finding a destined partner?
Did a master like her really have nothing better to do?
"Ah, it was just a side quest."
As if reading his thoughts, So Ok-rim sniffed and said,
"I had other business to take care of too."
"Are you serious?"
"Of course."
Her expression turned solemn.
"I told you it took me two whole years to find him. I'm dead serious."
Bu Eun-seol fell silent.
The entire murim knew the Divine Calculator was a sage who interpreted heaven's will.
Moreover, not a single one of his prophecies had ever been wrong...
If So Ok-rim had truly found him and received such a prophecy, then Bu Eun-seol couldn't simply dismiss her words.
'A destined partner...'
After a moment of deep contemplation, Bu Eun-seol spoke.
"Then you definitely shouldn't follow us."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because I need to treat that destined partner of yours."
Seo Jin-ha blinked at Bu Eun-seol in surprise.
Wouldn't saying that only pique her curiosity and make her even more determined to follow them?
But Bu Eun-seol had a different plan.
If the Sword Sovereign was right, opponents who rivaled him would soon emerge in the martial world.
In that case, he needed to determine whether they were enemies—and what their true objectives were.
'It wouldn't hurt to verify if she really is the Star Emperor's descendant.'
If So Ok-rim harbored ill intentions—
Or if she was connected to the Shadow Force he had repeatedly clashed with—
'It's also strange that she takes pride in her high standing in the martial hierarchy.'
Even if she were a descendant of the Star Emperor from four hundred years ago, So Mu-bin wouldn't have risen from his grave to personally teach her.
Yet she emphasized her high generation standing... which could only mean she had a master of extremely high generation rank elsewhere.
'It's odd for a descendant of the Star Emperor to admit she has another master.'
Just as Bu Eun-seol sank deeper into thought—
"Treatment?"
So Ok-rim tilted her head.
"You came all the way here to treat an illness?"
Bu Eun-seol answered plainly.
"Not an illness—my dantian was destroyed. I've lost most of my internal power because of it."
"The dantian...?"
For a moment, So Ok-rim wore a dazed expression before her eyes widened.
"Aha! So you're trying to open your upper dantian to restore your internal power? That means your original internal power must have been incredible, right?"
The moment So Ok-rim grasped his intentions, Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed slightly.
Being deeply versed in the principles of martial arts meant possessing extraordinary intellect.
Outwardly, she appeared reckless and simple, but that could very well be an act—a deliberate attempt to conceal her true nature.
"That's correct."
When Bu Eun-seol answered readily, So Ok-rim asked,
"So, where are you headed? The Potala Palace?"
"Guangyang Temple."
"That monastery on Sera Utse Mountain? No way. That place specializes in external martial arts."
"I need the Great Vow Mirror. That's why I'm going—to borrow it."
"The Great Vow Mirror? How do you plan to borrow a temple treasure?"
"I brought the Thousand-Armed Heavenly-Eyed Guanyin Statue."
The Thousand-Armed Heavenly-Eyed Guanyin Statue had once been one of Guangyang Temple's most prized treasures.
But centuries ago, it had been stolen and disappeared—only to end up stored in the Demon Hall's vault.
Yu Un-ryong, anticipating Bu Eun-seol's plan, had prepared the statue in advance and placed it in an envelope for him.
"But seriously, why do you need the Great Vow Mirror? What's your actual destination?"
Without hesitation, Bu Eun-seol replied,
"Cloud Sea Azure Spirit Palace."
"Blue Spirit Palace? You're going there?"
So Ok-rim's expression turned incredulous.
"I've heard no one knows the true location of that place."
"I've already done my research."
"Wow, really? That's perfect, then!"
So Ok-rim's face brightened with excitement.
"I've always wanted to see that place for myself."
She spoke of visiting the most mysterious sect in Tibet as casually as if she were talking about a trip to the local market.
"So, can I come with you?"
She winked playfully, putting on a charming act.
"I might be more helpful than you think, you know? Hm?"
"There's a condition."
Bu Eun-seol's voice was firm, as if he had already considered this.
"You must assist me in obtaining the Great Vow Mirror."
"Well, obviously!"
She flexed her arm confidently.
"Breaking things is kind of my specialty."
At that, Seo Jin-ha sent a telepathic transmission laced with equal parts concern and exasperation.
"What are you thinking? Why would you agree to travel with that lunatic?"
"The fact that she claims to be a descendant of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars from four hundred years ago bothers me."
Bu Eun-seol didn't fully trust the Sword Sovereign's words.
That just because he had grown into an exceptional figure, others of equal strength from the same era would appear?
Especially since he didn't believe in things like "heaven's will" or "fate."
If something happened, he believed there was a concrete reason for it—nothing more.
"Ah, so that's it."
Finally understanding, Seo Jin-ha gave a slow nod.
Even if everything So Ok-rim said was true, the timing was far too coincidental.
"Fine. If we travel together, we'll uncover the truth eventually."
"Very well. I'll allow you to accompany us."
"This is going to be fun!"
So Ok-rim beamed at Bu Eun-seol's words.
"Then let's go right now!"
Northwest Lhasa. Atop Red Mountain stood a dazzling golden structure—the Potala Palace.
The spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, this colossal temple complex spanned roughly 99,000 square meters.
Divided into the Red Palace and the White Palace, its interior housed over a thousand rooms, ten thousand stupas, and two hundred thousand Buddha statues.
When Seo Jin-ha caught sight of Red Mountain and the Potala Palace, he longed to scale it in a single breath.
But their destination wasn't the palace—it was Guangyang Temple, located about twenty li (10 km) northeast.
With a resigned sigh, Seo Jin-ha turned away, forcing himself to abandon his desire to visit.
Finally arriving at Sera Utse Mountain, they were met with a rugged mountain path.
Guangyang Temple stretched from the mountainside all the way to the peak.
Though it couldn't compare to the roughly 99,000-square-meter Potala Palace, it was still several times larger than any Central Plains monastery.
As they approached the entrance, stern-faced lama monks stood guard.
Spotting Bu Eun-seol's group, they pressed their palms together respectfully.
"What brings you to our temple?"
"We've come to meet the abbot, Venerable Da-gil."
At Bu Eun-seol's polite response, the lama monk bowed apologetically.
"Our temple forbids entry to outsiders. Please turn back."
Guangyang Temple was, after all, an esoteric Buddhist monastery that strictly prohibited outsiders.
Bu Eun-seol nodded as if he had expected this.
"Then please inform Venerable Da-gil that someone has brought Guangyang Temple's treasure—the Thousand-Armed Heavenly-Eyed Guanyin Statue."
"The Thousand-Armed Heavenly-Eyed Guanyin Statue?!"
The lama monk's eyes widened in shock.
"Please wait a moment."
He hurried inside the temple.
Before long, an elderly monk emerged, leading dozens of lamas.
This was none other than the abbot of Guangyang Temple—Da-gil.
"You claim to have brought our temple's treasure?"
"Indeed."
Bu Eun-seol retrieved a jade-carved Thousand-Armed Guanyin Statue from his robes.
Exquisitely crafted from a single massive piece of jade, its dozens of arms seemed almost alive, as if they might move at any moment.
"It truly is our temple's treasure."
Abbot Da-gil studied him carefully.
"What do you ask of us in return?"
A monk of profound wisdom, he had already guessed Bu Eun-seol wouldn't return the treasure unconditionally.
"I wish to borrow the Great Vow Mirror—briefly."
"Our Great Vow Mirror?"
"Yes."
"That is impossible."
Da-gil's expression turned grave.
"The Great Vow Mirror is a priceless treasure of our temple—it cannot leave these grounds."
"I only need it for four days. I swear on my life to return it unharmed."
Bu Eun-seol's tone was deadly serious.
"I can have Guangyang Temple's masters accompany you for those four days if you wish."
"Hmm."
Da-gil pondered briefly before shaking his head.
"No matter what, I cannot allow the temple's treasure to leave these grounds."
"I see."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together as if resigned.
"Then I shall take my leave."
"Wait."
Da-gil spoke hastily.
"You mean to say you'll simply walk away with our temple's treasure tucked in your possession?"
"This was rightfully obtained by me in the first place. I brought it here as payment to borrow the Great Vow Mirror."
Bu Eun-seol replied flatly.
"But if you refuse to lend me the mirror, why should I simply hand it over?"
"Let me remind you—that is a treasure stolen from our temple long ago."
Da-gil's expression remained courteous but firm.
"Leave it behind."
"If you won't lend me the mirror, I cannot do that."
"Patron—"
"I'll be going now."
Da-gil's eyes widened.
No one would stand by and watch a generational treasure be shown only to be taken away again.
Yet he couldn't resort to force either.
If he did, Bu Eun-seol might shatter the Guanyin statue on the spot.
"Patron. The Thousand-Armed Heavenly-Eyed Guanyin Statue is something our temple has sought for a long time. I implore you to return it."
As Da-gil spoke again with urgency, Bu Eun-seol turned with a faint smile.
"Then how about we make a wager?"
"A wager?"
Bu Eun-seol gestured toward So Ok-rim.
"There isn't a single master within Guangyang Temple who can defeat her."
For a moment, Da-gil couldn't hide his incredulous expression.
Guangyang Temple's reputation and scale might not match the Potala Palace, but its Vajrayana monks, who specialized in rigorous ascetic practice, all possessed exceptional martial prowess.
And yet, this woman—merely large in stature—was supposedly unbeatable?
"Are you saying that if any of our temple's masters can defeat her in single combat, you will surrender the statue?"
"Correct."
Bu Eun-seol spoke with confidence.
"If someone can fell her in three bouts, I will return the statue immediately."
"And if our temple loses?"
"Then you will lend me the Great Vow Mirror just once."
Da-gil allowed a faint smile.
Though So Ok-rim's presence was unusual, Guangyang Temple had many who specialized in unique external martial arts—fighters particularly suited for one-on-one duels.
'He seems like a man who keeps his word.'
As the abbot of Guangyang Temple, his Buddhist power was formidable, and he was exceptionally skilled at reading faces.
Though Bu Eun-seol's features were plain, his gaze was steady and clear.
Not only was he clearly no villain, but Da-gil could also sense he was a man who honored his promises.
"Very well."
Da-gil nodded readily.
"Then let it be so."
"What in the world are you thinking?"
At Seo Jin-ha's worried telepathic transmission, Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"It's another chance to verify her identity."
Originally, Bu Eun-seol had multiple plans.
He could exploit the temple's inferiority complex and competitive spirit toward the Potala Palace to obtain the mirror.
Or, as the Heir of the Demon Hall, he could reveal his status, bolster their pride, and negotiate with the Guanyin statue as leverage.
With his skills and the Ultimate Speed Shadowless technique, infiltrating Guangyang Temple to take the mirror wasn't impossible either.
Yet Bu Eun-seol had proposed something entirely unexpected.
Because So Ok-rim had joined them.
Her appearance in the martial world two years ago—when she had turned the Liangguang region upside down for three months—was all that was known of her.
This duel would reveal whether her temperament was truly as foul as the rumors claimed—or if it was exaggerated or even fabricated.
'And whether she truly is a descendant of the Star Emperor.'
He could only guess that her fist techniques mimicked the Movement of Heavenly Qi. Whether they were truly the Star Emperor's techniques remained unknown.
But four hundred years ago, Guangyang Temple had been defeated by the Star Emperor when he visited.
Sects beyond the frontier often advanced their martial arts by studying the techniques of those who had bested them.
Perhaps Guangyang Temple would recognize the Star Emperor's fist techniques.
"Her identity. I see."
Understanding Bu Eun-seol's plan, Seo Jin-ha also wore an admiring expression.
When So Ok-rim had claimed her techniques were the Star Emperor's martial arts, Seo Jin-ha hadn't doubted her for a second—because her skills were simply that overwhelming.
But Bu Eun-seol was cautious in all things and slow to trust others.
What might seem an easy truth to accept, Bu Eun-seol still suspected could be a lie.
"Wait, me?"
So Ok-rim, who had been listening all this while, furrowed her brow.
Bu Eun-seol had used her as a bargaining chip without even asking?
Given her temperament, she would never accept this quietly.
"Why the hell do I have to fight them?"
"For the sake of your destined partner, shouldn't you at least do this much?"
Bu Eun-seol's lips curled faintly.
"Or have you forgotten the terms of our arrangement?"
Only then did So Ok-rim let out an Ah.
Cooperating to obtain the Great Vow Mirror—that had been Bu Eun-seol's condition for letting her accompany them.
"Hmph. Fine, I guess."
So Ok-rim clicked her tongue as if resigned.
"Alright. But you better help me out plenty from now on."
Her request for help seemed to refer to her relationship with Seo Jin-ha, whom she had marked as her "destined partner."
"I'll consider it."
"Good."
Cracking her knuckles, So Ok-rim stepped forward.
"Well? Who's coming?"
Da-gil's expression darkened momentarily.
With the Guanyin statue at stake, there was no room for leniency.
"Dan-pa."
At Da-gil's call, a muscular Vajrayana monk—Dan-pa—stepped forward.
Born with immense divine power, he was a master who had trained the Vajra Dharma Merit Art, similar to the Vajra Indestructible Body Divine Art, to over ten stars.
In other words, no matter how formidable the Internal Power unleashed against him, there was simply no way he could be knocked down. This bet had been Guangyang Temple's victory from the very beginning.
But there was one fact that Abbot Da-gil had yet to realize.
So Ok-rim was not merely a master of extraordinary Martial Arts... She was also a personage who wielded techniques that most in the Murim would hesitate to use—and she executed them without so much as a glimmer of hesitation.