Chapter 352
Elder Nun Neung-in nodded her head.
"That's correct. The total decision of our pavilion's supreme sword technique, the Elegant Dream Sword, was always transmitted orally, and the variations of the sword method were demonstrated directly for instruction."
From her deeply wrinkled eyes, a pitch-black resentment flowed forth.
"But the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade cut off the lineage of our pavilion's supreme sword method, causing its profundity to vanish. In truth, the power of the Elegant Dream Sword no longer reaches even half of what it once was."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
Throughout his covert travels in the martial world, he had only ever heard praises about the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade.
Yet now he was being told that this man had committed a brutal massacre in a sect that had protected the Righteous Faction for generations?
"But... I cannot comprehend this."
Bu Eun-seol pointed out a flaw in Elder Nun Neung-in's words.
"If the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade committed such evil deeds, why has no rumor of it spread through the martial world?"
"There are... complicated circumstances within our pavilion that cannot be explained to outsiders."
Elder Nun Neung-in shook her head.
"However, what this humble nun wishes to say is that because of that vile man, the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade, Jade Envoy Ok ultimately could not become our pavilion's successor... and instead fell ill in the heart."
Bu Eun-seol let out a sigh.
If nothing else, the fact that the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade had slaughtered the Sword Pavilion's elders... meant that this grudge would not fade even after centuries.
'But something doesn't add up.'
Judging by the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade's known actions up to now, not only had he avoided bloodshed, but he had also shown considerable goodwill toward members of the Righteous Faction.
He was not the kind of person who would ruin the life of the Sword Pavilion's successor or slaughter its elders without reason.
"Well, what use is there in dredging up old stories? It's all in the past now."
As Elder Nun Neung-in waved her hand dismissively, Bu Eun-seol forcibly swallowed his curiosity.
"Understood."
Then, glancing around, he spoke again.
"Then, please instruct me in the Sword Pavilion's True Qi circulation method. I will attempt to infuse my qi and revive her energy."
"I do not know if it will be possible."
Elder Nun Neung-in shook her head with a grave expression.
"Our sect's mind art is far too abstruse—even if I explain it, I doubt you will be able to comprehend it."
"If a Wudang elder could do it, then so can I."
"The Divine Art of the Daoist School and the Mysterious Art of the Buddhist School share a common lineage, so it was feasible. But you are a martial artist of the secular world, are you not?"
Elder Nun Neung-in sighed as she spoke.
"Moreover, if Daoist Master Chung-hyeon exhausted so much of his True Qi, it is highly likely that he failed to perfectly grasp A-yeon's qi circulation."
"I can only do my best."
At this, Elder Nun Neung-in nodded as if she had come to a decision.
"First, let us move to a quieter place."
Following Elder Nun Neung-in's guidance, Bu Eun-seol entered a small, isolated pavilion at the farthest edge of the Sword Pavilion.
Judging by the signboard that read Hall of Heart Beauty, this seemed to be a place where the Sword Pavilion's disciples were taught the secrets of internal energy.
The interior was empty, with only the tranquil moonlight seeping in through the window.
Elder Nun Neung-in spoke in a low voice.
"Explaining A-yeon's qi circulation method in a short time would be impossible. Instead, this humble nun will teach you the total decision of our sect's foundational mind art—the Secret Origin Mind Art."
"You mean to impart an internal energy method to me?"
Bu Eun-seol's expression turned puzzled.
The methods of internal energy cultivation were the very core of any sect.
For that reason, not even a single word of such teachings was ever transmitted to outsiders.
"Is the life of our pavilion's successor not at stake?"
Elder Nun Neung-in spoke indifferently.
"Besides, even if I teach you the total decision, it does not mean you will fully master the internal energy method."
For an instant, another flash of insight streaked through Bu Eun-seol's mind.
But soon, he nodded with a composed expression.
"Understood."
"There is no time to waste, so I shall begin instructing you in the method immediately."
Elder Nun Neung-in started explaining the total decision of the Secret Origin Mind Art and the method of qi circulation to Bu Eun-seol.
The Sword Pavilion's internal energy method was markedly different from the orthodox sects' techniques, and its principles were exceedingly complex.
'So the Mysterious Art of the Buddhist School shares a common lineage, as they say.'
The total decision that Elder Nun Neung-in explained bore a striking resemblance to the Life Nourishing Secret from the Tendon Transformation Sutra that his grandfather had once taught him.
This was because the Sword Pavilion's internal energy method, much like Shaolin's, originated from the pursuit of cultivating a healthy body to delve deeper into the Buddhist Dharma.
The only difference lay in the nature of the True Qi.
While the Life Nourishing Secret of the Tendon Transformation Sutra generated a warm energy to forge a robust physique...
The Sword Pavilion's mind art produced a cool energy capable of instantly calming a turbulent spirit and mind.
'This is one of the methods for generating potent True Qi.'
Just as Bu Eun-seol sank deep into thought, Elder Nun Neung-in spoke again.
"Though the Secret Origin Mind Art is a foundational technique, its principles align with our pavilion's supreme mind art—the Nurturing Spirit Mind Art. The original name of the Nurturing Spirit Mind Art was, in fact, the Nurturing Spirit Secret Origin Mind Art."
"I see."
"Then I shall recite it once more. Try to memorize it."
Bu Eun-seol committed the method to memory as Elder Nun Neung-in recited it again.
Meanwhile, using the Life Nourishing Secret from the Tendon Transformation Sutra as a foundation, he attempted to circulate his True Qi accordingly.
Huum.
At once, his spirit and mind grew infinitely tranquil, and all the sounds of the world around him were cut off.
Simultaneously, a blue light lingered at the center of his brow.
"You—!"
Elder Nun Neung-in, noticing the faint glow appearing on Bu Eun-seol's forehead as he recited the total decision, was greatly startled and demanded:
"What have you just done?"
"I merely attempted a rough approximation of the mind art's qi circulation as a test, as you instructed."
At Bu Eun-seol's reply, Elder Nun Neung-in's eyes widened.
The total decision of a mind art was merely an explanation of the fundamental principles behind True Qi generation.
To properly circulate internal energy, one had to precisely learn the complex method under a master's guidance.
"If one recklessly circulates True Qi without proper guidance, it's like covering oneself in oil and leaping into flames."
"At best, you'd become a cripple. At worst, you'd bleed from your seven orifices and die."
"And you're telling me you grasped the circulation method of the Nurturing Spirit Secret Origin Mind Art—the supreme mental cultivation technique of Sword Pavilion—just by hearing its total principles?"
'That can't be possible.'
Yet the faint glow lingering between Bu Eun-seol's brows...
Wasn't that the Primordial Spirit Light, which only appears when one has mastered esoteric Buddhist teachings to Grand Perfection?
'Setting aside deducing an Internal Energy Method from just the total principles—this shockwave...'
The vibrations and light emanating from Bu Eun-seol's body.
Wasn't that the True Qi fluctuation only seen in martial grandmasters with at least 240 years of Internal Energy cultivation?
'Don't tell me. This man...'
A flash of insight crossed her mind.
In that instant, an eerie light flickered in her eyes.
Only then did she finally understand how this young man could face Ok Yu-ha without flinching and deliver such a chilling rebuke.
And how he could possess Internal Power that defied all imagination.
'So that's it.'
For a brief moment, a venomous, sinister light seeped from Elder Nun Neung-in's pupils.
It was an expression utterly unbefitting the benevolent elder who had always represented Sword Pavilion.
"Don't misunderstand."
Having discerned her thoughts from that look, Bu Eun-seol replied impassively:
"I've studied a similar mental cultivation method before."
"I see."
Elder Nun Neung-in quickly schooled her expression and hastily changed the subject:
"A-yeon. Do you happen to know why that child ventured back into the Martial World?"
"No."
"That child once went to Demon Hall seeking information about the Five Poisons Sect. After returning, she often wore a deeply troubled expression."
Elder Nun Neung-in sighed as she continued:
"From that day onward, she devoted herself to mastering sword techniques with desperate resolve. She even mastered our sect's supreme technique—the Elegant Dream Sword—yet her expression never brightened."
'Perhaps dueling with this hall's subordinates ended up shattering her confidence instead.'
A-yeon had dueled with the chiefs, achieving only a narrow victory against Yu Un-ryong.
This led Bu Eun-seol to assume her despondency stemmed from those encounters.
"And when the Black-White Witch appeared, she boldly stepped forward—only for things to end badly. This Humble Nun shares the blame for failing to stop her despite knowing her conflicted state."
"How could that be your fault?"
Uncharacteristically, Bu Eun-seol offered words of consolation.
His guilt over A-yeon's Inner Demon being connected to him prompted this rare show of sympathy.
"But speaking of which—"
Elder Nun Neung-in abruptly shifted topics:
"Demon Hall has a young master hailed as the foremost Rising Talent of the Younger Generation in the Demonic Path. Are you familiar with him?"
"I've heard rumors."
"They say his martial arts are peerlessly formidable, and his appearance is transcendent."
"Well, aren't the Martial World's rumors always exaggerated?"
"Hoohoho. Perhaps so."
Elder Nun Neung-in chuckled before saying:
"This Humble Nun has rambled pointlessly. Could you assess our sect's Qi circulation?"
"To some extent, yes."
"A-yeon is our sect's successor. Nothing must go wrong."
Staring intently at Bu Eun-seol, she spoke in her kindest voice:
"I entrust her to your care."
Exiting the Hall of Heart Beauty, Bu Eun-seol and Elder Nun Neung-in arrived before a large hall some distance from Sword Pavilion's center.
Beneath a signboard reading "Medicine Stone Courtyard," the pungent aroma of medicinal herbs permeated the air as disciples hurriedly decocted remedies.
"Let us enter."
Guided inside, they found over a dozen disciples standing guard in the corridor with grave expressions.
With their successor's life hanging by a thread, they maintained strict vigilance as protectors.
Worry clouded every pair of eyes—their concern for A-yeon's condition was palpable.
Just from their demeanor, Bu Eun-seol could surmise how A-yeon had treated her fellow disciples.
Thud. Thud.
Proceeding down the long passageway, they reached a small chamber.
Though sparsely furnished, it exuded refined elegance.
On a wooden bed spread with blankets sat a beauty in white garments, circulating her qi in the lotus position.
A-yeon.
While expelling the Cold Ice True Qi, her life-connected Jin-yang had suffered severe damage, leaving her at death's door.
Moreover, her failure to escape the Inner Demon left her complexion ashen and visibly ill.
That she'd recovered this much was solely due to Sword Pavilion masters infusing her with potent True Qi and Daoist Master Chung-hyeon reigniting her life's spark.
'Her body's grown even frailer.'
Bu Eun-seol clicked his tongue inwardly.
A-yeon looked more emaciated than when she'd lain in the coffin. Yet her face retained an ethereal beauty, as if veiled in moonlight.
Click.
The door opened, revealing a cold-faced middle-aged beauty—Ok Yu-ha.
"Head of the courtyard."
Elder Nun Neung-in looked uneasy.
Having finally persuaded Bu Eun-seol, another outburst from Ok Yu-ha would ruin everything.
"Don't worry. I only came to ask for your favor."
Then to Bu Eun-seol, she said:
"This courtyard head has repeatedly acted disgracefully. Please disregard that and focus on properly treating A-yeon."
Though her gaze remained icy, the former arrogance had vanished.
Her speech and tone had also transformed—no longer that of a young maiden but a solemn, composed middle-aged woman.
Perhaps her earlier mistakes had unexpectedly restored her clarity of mind.
"Understood."
"Then I leave her in your hands."
Ok Yu-ha quietly exited, as if trying not to disturb Bu Eun-seol's concentration.
Then, Elder Nun Neung-in spoke with a relieved expression.
"Outstanding disciples stand guard as Protectors here. So focus on the treatment without worry."
And she too slowly left the room.
Once both women had departed, the chamber was filled with silence.
Bu Eun-seol carefully seated himself behind A-yeon, who was deeply immersed in qi circulation.
Yet she seemed completely unaware of his presence, her eyes tightly shut as she focused on her energy flow.
'The Spirit Summoning Secret Voice hasn't been dispelled yet.'
Her eyes flickered restlessly beneath closed lids, her brows furrowed.
Likely due to her Inner Demon, the lingering effects of the secret voice kept her trapped in endless illusions.
Bu Eun-seol cautiously settled into a cross-legged position behind her.
Being alone in a room with a woman—something he had never experienced before—combined with the sweet fragrance of her body wafting into his senses, left his mind unsettled.
Carefully, he gathered his Internal Energy and placed his right hand against her Great Vertebra Acupoint.
The soft sensation against his palm only deepened his inner turmoil.
'If I lose my clarity of mind, we'll both fall into the Inner Demon.'
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eun-seol summoned the Glacier Thousand Streams Art.
Instantly, his body cooled, distracting thoughts vanished, and his mind became as clear as a pristine lake.
The Extreme Yin Qi inherent in the technique produced an effect akin to the Cold Heart Art.
Zzzing.
When he channeled Reverse Polarity True Qi into her, the True Qi within her body resisted fiercely.
But Bu Eun-seol, familiar with the Nurturing Spirit Mind Art's energy flow, didn't forcefully suppress it.
Instead, he adjusted his output, matching the rhythm of her circulation rather than forcing his own energy upon her.
'This will take a while.'
Now he understood why Daoist Master Chung-hyeon, despite his formidable Internal Power, had collapsed from exhaustion.
If he continued regulating her energy like this, he would need to sustain the infusion nonstop for at least three days and nights to barely restore her condition.
'No choice but to try.'
The foundation of Bu Eun-seol's Internal Energy was the Counter-Polar Internal Art, rooted in Shaolin's mental cultivation.
Thus, not only was his power profound, but its foundation was exceptionally solid.
Unlike ordinary martial artists, even three days of continuous energy transfer wouldn't plunge him into the Collapse State.
Oooom...
By the time the moon set and dawn approached, a scorching energy began rising from the depths of A-yeon's dantian.
Pure as flame, it burned away all impurities within her body.
'It's working.'
The Yang Energy within A-yeon was akin to life force itself.
As it flared back to life, color returned to her complexion, and her previously erratic qi flow stabilized.
Whoosh.
Just as Bu Eun-seol relaxed—
Sssss!
The latent Yang Energy within her erupted once more.
A heat so intense it threatened to melt her meridians surged violently, forcing Bu Eun-seol's eyes wide open.
'This can't happen.'
The Yang Energy within her was like an untamed wild horse.
After an entire day of coaxing it into submission, it had reverted to its unruly nature in less than eight minutes.
Sssss!
Before he knew it, white steam began rising from her body.
If left unchecked, A-yeon would turn to charcoal and meet her death.
'I can't use the Glacier Thousand Streams Art again.'
While the Ice Art could extinguish the heat, it would also permanently snuff out her Yang Energy—leaving her beyond recovery.
'Only one way.'
After a brief hesitation, Bu Eun-seol bit his lip.
Then, instead of the Counter-Polar Internal Art, he summoned the Sword Pavilion's Nurturing Spirit Mind Art.
Ooooom...!
As he activated the technique, his body trembled faintly.
No matter how much it contained the Energy of Great Nature, the Counter-Polar Internal Art was still a Demonic Path mental cultivation.
Inherently destructive, it stood in stark contrast to the Tendon Transformation Sutra and Nurturing Spirit Mind Art, which awakened organ vitality and enriched blood flow.
Now, using a Righteous Faction technique while rooted in a demonic method sent agony ripping through him as if his body were being torn in two.
'Was this too reckless?'
Gulp.
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
If he continued channeling energy like this, he would suffer fatal Internal Injuries.
—Seol-a. You've endured so much.
The overwhelming backlash surging through his meridians made Bu Eun-seol dizzy for a moment.
At the same time, a kind old man's voice echoed in his ears.
—Didn't I tell you to know your limits?
'Have I fallen into the Inner Demon too?'
Realizing he was slipping, Bu Eun-seol bit his lip harder.
The unresolved remnants of the Spirit Summoning Secret Voice had finally seeped into his own Spirit and Mind.
—Seol-a.
In that instant, the world turned white—then the surroundings shifted abruptly into the interior of Peaceful Burial House from over a decade ago.
And Bu Eun-seol found himself as a child, piggybacked on Bu Jan-yang.
'A vivid illusion.'
Yet something was strange.
Even though he had clearly regressed into his childhood self within the illusion...
Why was his current detached awareness still intact?
'The illusions she and I see must be entirely different. So this is the power of the Spirit Summoning Secret Voice.'
The Illusion King's Mind Seizing Secret Art—
It manifested one's deepest desires as reality while simultaneously stealing away the soul.
The scenery before him, the warmth of his grandfather's back—it was indistinguishable from reality.
If Bu Eun-seol had one wish, it would be to reunite with his grandfather—whether in the Underworld or the next life.
Yet, having returned to the past, hearing that voice again, feeling that warmth, and seeing those benevolent eyes—his Spirit and Mind trembled violently.
'What does it matter if it’s a fantasy?'
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
And without even realizing it, he was sinking deep into the Inner Demon.