Chapter 496
"Palace Lord."
Dae Gu-hwi bowed his head, suppressing the pounding in his chest.
In the past, he had been favored, but after losing his Beast Force, Dae Gon had cut off all interest in him as though he were a different person.
Even knowing that his envious, scheming siblings had caused him endless hardship, Dae Gon had never once offered help.
Yet now, with the aid of these two outsiders, Dae Gu-hwi had seized victory in the Beast Grand Tournament... There was a chance Dae Gon might even resent it.
"These two—"
Just as Dae Gu-hwi hesitantly tried to speak,
"Enough noise."
Dae Gon's low, solemn voice cut through the air.
Dae Gu-hwi broke into a cold sweat and instinctively stepped back.
"Return to your quarters first."
"...What?"
Dae Gu-hwi stiffened in disbelief, his head jerking up before he could stop himself.
Dae Gon's expression was rigid, his piercing eyes blazing like the sun.
'Is the Palace Lord angry?'
Was it because these two were outsiders who had been abruptly invited? Or because he had produced the tournament's victor?
Suppressing his tangled emotions, Dae Gu-hwi mustered his courage and spoke again.
"Palace Lord, I—"
"I said return."
At Dae Gon's stern command, Dae Gu-hwi bit his lip.
Then, bowing his head, he fled the tent as though chased out.
Once Dae Gu-hwi had left, Dae Gon's tiger-like eyes flashed as he turned his gaze to Noe Bi-hon.
"Well then."
The Palace Lord exhaled through his nose, his thick brows twitching before he spoke.
"Why has the Thunder God, who commands the Central Plains Martial World, come to my palace in disguise?"
It turned out he had already discerned Noe Bi-hon's true identity.
"You'd best answer carefully."
A mountainous energy surged from Dae Gon's body.
"Unless you believed my palace was a place any random outsider could barge into and disrupt."
The Beast Grand Tournament was meant to assess the capabilities of the successors.
Likely, Dae Gon assumed Noe Bi-hon had recklessly intruded upon the Beast Palace and ruined the event.
"My brother will explain."
Since Bu Eun-seol had orchestrated everything, it was only right to leave the explanation to him.
At Noe Bi-hon's words, Bu Eun-seol nodded and stepped forward.
"Palace Lord, to speak plainly, Brother Noe has lost both his strength and his memories."
Dae Gon's eyes flashed.
The Thunder God—one of the Death Gods, whose fame blazed as brightly as the sun—had lost both his power and his memories?
Moreover, this was the Beast Palace's headquarters.
If Dae Gon harbored ill intent, he could instantly claim the immense prestige of having slain a Death God.
Yet Bu Eun-seol continued with an unperturbed expression.
"And to restore Brother Noe's power, we require your assistance."
"How astonishing."
Dae Gon stroked his chin.
"The Thunder God of the martial world has lost his strength. And thus, he needs my help... Is that it?"
His voice dropped to an even deeper timbre as he asked,
"Why would you reveal such a truth to me so openly?"
The worst mistake in negotiations was laying all one's cards on the table.
"Since when have you trusted me enough for that?"
"It's not that we trust you."
"Then what?"
Without hesitation, Bu Eun-seol answered confidently,
"Because this is the Beast Palace."
The words carried countless implications.
Schemes and stratagems held no sway in the Beast Palace.
For generations, its lords had led by relying on the razor-sharp instincts and senses of beasts.
Bu Eun-seol understood this well—and so, he had chosen to lay everything bare.
"So you trusted not me, but the Beast Palace itself..."
Unconsciously, Dae Gon's lips curled into a faint, satisfied smile.
As the lord who ruled the Beast Palace—and as one of its disciples—there could be no higher praise.
"To say such a thing... You must have already studied my temperament."
"Correct."
Through the Death Soul Squad's intelligence,
Bu Eun-seol had learned that Dae Gon, as the Beast Palace's lord, was filled with pride for his sect and held nothing but contempt for schemers who relied solely on intellect.
Had Noe Bi-hon or Bu Eun-seol flaunted their identities and demanded an audience, or worse, attempted to manipulate their way into his presence?
Dae Gon would never have entertained them.
But instead, the two had kept their identities hidden to the end, willingly abiding by the Beast Palace's laws.
They had endured even unfair conditions in silence, competing in the tournament until they stood here now.
Bu Eun-seol had predicted that Dae Gon would acknowledge their efforts thus far.
"I see."
Then Noe Bi-hon interjected with an unexpected remark.
"I thought my brother trusted Gu-hwi."
"Gu-hwi?"
Dae Gon's brow furrowed.
"Has even the Thunder God's famed vision dulled with time?"
He clicked his tongue.
"That child cannot even manifest his Beast Force and is shunned by his siblings. In short, he's a powerless scarecrow of a successor."
"For a father, you know nothing."
Noe Bi-hon spoke boldly.
"I can't say whether he has strength, but Gu-hwi is a child of integrity and righteous character. If you can't trust a child like that in this world, then your eyes are either ornaments or broken."
"What did you just say?"
An indescribably immense energy erupted from Dae Gon's body.
The energy filled the enormous barracks to the brim, pressing down on Noe Bi-hon's frame as if to crush him.
"Have your ears failed you too?"
At this, Noe Bi-hon's perpetually gentle expression froze over like a glacial plain.
"I said if you can't trust such a child, your eyes are either ornaments or defective."
Silence lingered between them.
If Dae Gon's rage erupted here, Bu Eun-seol would have to face all thirty thousand disciples of the Beast Palace.
"Heh heh heh. Hahahahaha!"
Suddenly, Dae Gon burst into mad laughter.
The booming laughter made the entire barracks tremble as if shaken.
"Yes, precisely. If one cannot trust such a child, their eyes are indeed mere ornaments."
When his laughter subsided, his expression turned bitter.
"His talent was merely sealed because he witnessed his mother die screaming—saw that wretched death with his own eyes."
Noe Bi-hon looked puzzled.
Upon closer examination, didn't Dae Gon actually cherish Dae Gu-hwi deeply?
"If you knew, why didn't you help the boy?"
"Before being a father, I am the Lord who leads the Beast Palace. I cannot show special favor to just one child."
Then he sighed in a low voice.
"And to become a warrior capable of leading the Main Palace, one must overcome all hardships alone."
Surprisingly, Dae Gon had always believed in Dae Gu-hwi.
Because he had inherited outstanding talent.
He was certain the boy would break free from despair and unleash his astonishing abilities once more.
"Very well, Brother Noe. What is it you desire?"
In truth, Dae Gon had instantly recognized that the flash Noe Bi-hon used to destroy the mechanism of Ten Thousand Beasts Pass was Thunder Essence Divine Qi.
Yet he neither pointed it out nor questioned it.
Because the Thunder God—a grandmaster of the Central Plains—had willingly lowered his status to serve under Dae Gu-hwi.
Given the prestige of the Thunder God's name and position, he could have demanded an audience immediately, and none would have protested.
Yet he had chosen to enter his son's service and compete in the Beast Grand Tournament.
That devotion alone compelled Dae Gon to regard Noe Bi-hon favorably.
When Noe Bi-hon glanced at Bu Eun-seol, the latter stepped forward.
"We need the Divine Spirit Staff."
"The Divine Spirit Staff. I see."
The Divine Spirit Staff was a sacred relic capable of summoning heavenly lightning.
In the past, the Beast Palace had used it to repel malevolent energies lingering nearby and purify the land.
But with no further need for its thunderous power, it had been stored away in the Secret Vault.
"I'll lend it."
Dae Gon answered without hesitation, without lengthy deliberation.
He didn't ask what benefits he would gain or what services they would render in return.
Because he could sense it—this young man and Noe Bi-hon were the kind who repaid debts of gratitude without fail.
'Good.'
Bu Eun-seol inwardly sighed in relief.
He had chosen to enter the Beast Palace by leveraging Dae Gon's affection for Dae Gu-hwi.
Perhaps Dae Gon had already deduced this scheme and might have taken offense.
But the gamble had succeeded.
Dae Gon understood their efforts and was quietly pleased they had aided Dae Gu-hwi.
Because, in his heart, he cherished the boy.
Had Bu Eun-seol not obtained that information from the Death Soul Squad? He would never have acquired the Divine Spirit Staff so easily.
"However."
Dae Gon rose to his feet as he spoke.
"There is a condition."
Taking a deep breath, he continued.
"Gu-hwi—that boy has the potential to master our palace's Way of the Beast to its extreme. Yet despite his exceptional talent, his Blossoming remains dormant."
As he stood, his towering presence radiated an oppressive aura reminiscent of a colossal elephant.
"I want you to take him with you—let him gain some experience. Help him manifest his Beast Force once more."
"That—"
Bu Eun-seol hesitated to answer.
This journey was less about traversing the perilous martial world and more akin to visiting hidden sects to seek cooperation.
"The remainder of our journey isn't a dangerous expedition through the martial world—just visits to sects to request aid."
"No matter. I'll be satisfied simply knowing he accompanies you."
Dae Gon smiled faintly.
"You've already demonstrated your ability to brilliantly catalyze the Blossoming of a young martial talent, haven't you?"
In that instant, Bu Eun-seol realized Dae Gon had discerned his identity.
'Because of the Way of the Beast.'
Thanks to mastering the Way of the Beast, Bu Eun-seol had instantly absorbed the Beast Palace's Beast Martial Arts.
And the only one in the world who had achieved Great Completion in the Way of the Beast at such a young age was Bu Eun-seol—heir to Langya Pavilion.
Moreover, the fact that Bu Eun-seol, heir of Langya Pavilion, had triggered the Blossoming of Hyeok So-jin, heir of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying... was common knowledge throughout the martial world.
"At any rate, once you're done with the Divine Spirit Staff, someone will need to retrieve it. Consider this my request."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled deeply.
When the Lord of the Beast Palace made such an appeal, there was no justification left for refusal.
"Understood. However, I cannot guarantee he'll master the Way of the Beast during this journey."
"Naturally. Let me reiterate—I'll be content if you simply take him along."
"Very well."
As Bu Eun-seol nodded, Dae Gon's expression softened into an uncharacteristically gentle smile.
"I leave him in your care."
The words carried the solemn courtesy of a father entrusting his child to a distinguished master.
Dae Gon. He truly cherished Dae Gu-hwi, and it pained him that his talent had yet to blossom.
But now that he had found a worthy teacher, he was certain—Dae Gu-hwi would undoubtedly master the Way of the Beast.
"My Lord!"
At that moment, a cry akin to a scream rang out as Dae Gu-hwi stumbled frantically into the barracks.
Behind him, the guards stationed outside scrambled in panic, trying to pull him back.
"Forgive us! We told him he couldn't enter, but he forced his way in—"
"Enough. Leave him."
Dae Gon dismissed the guards with a wave.
"What brings you here?"
"Well..."
Dae Gu-hwi's gaze flickered between Bu Eun-seol and Noe Bi-hon.
When he had heard Dae Gon's mad laughter, he was certain something terrible had happened.
—The Lord never wanted me to win in the first place.
Surely, after probing their internal energy, Dae Gon had realized they weren't truly his subordinates—just hastily assembled allies.
And in his fury, he must have struck them down.
—I can't just stand by and watch!
He couldn't let these two, who had trusted him enough to join the Beast Tournament, die at the Lord's hands. So he had risked his life, barging into the barracks in desperation.
'What in the world is going on?'
But now, looking around, there was no sign of trouble. In fact, the faint traces of smiles lingered at the corners of their lips.
"Why have you returned?"
At Dae Gon's question, Dae Gu-hwi stammered out his answer.
"I... I thought you had turned against them. That you had harmed them because you disapproved."
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
Dae Gu-hwi couldn't meet Dae Gon's stern gaze and lowered his head.
"Because... you wouldn't have wanted me to win."
Dae Gon's brow furrowed.
Only now did he realize—Dae Gu-hwi hadn't just resented him. He had misunderstood him deeply.
It was the same misunderstanding all stoic fathers faced from their children.
"All I did... was bring these two to compete in the Beast Tournament, reaping the fisherman's profit."
"Meeting individuals of their caliber is also a testament to your ability."
Dae Gon's voice was low.
"I have waited a long time. For you to achieve your Breakthrough. And for the right bonds to find you."
Dae Gon knew well how Dae Gu-hwi had been constantly suppressed by his siblings.
How, as a result, his followers who were to enter the Beast Tournament had suffered grievous injuries.
But heaven helps those who help themselves.
Dae Gu-hwi had never given up, striving relentlessly—until fate brought him together with these extraordinary individuals, leading to his victory.
"But then why... all this time...?"
Dae Gu-hwi bit his lip.
"Why were you so cold to me?"
The bitterness in his chest spilled over, his words accusatory.
"Why did you stand by and let my siblings scorn and ostracize me without reason?"
"Hoh."
A storm of emotions flickered across Dae Gon's face before he let out a deep sigh.
"To become a worthy successor of the Beast Palace, you must overcome trials on your own. No matter how exceptional one's talent, the Lord must never show favoritism."
He shook his head slightly, looking down at Dae Gu-hwi.
"But now that you've won, followers will gradually gather under your banner. From here on, prove yourself."
The answer was so unexpected that Dae Gu-hwi's expression went blank.
All this time, he had resented Dae Gon's callousness.
He had thought him a heartless father, unable to tolerate his own son's incompetence.
But the truth was—Dae Gon had believed in him. Had trusted that he would break through his trials on his own.
And so, he had waited in silence.
"Leave."
As if realizing he had spoken too much, Dae Gon's voice turned cold again.
"Our discussion isn't over. Interrupt us again, and I will punish you severely."
Stepping outside, Dae Gu-hwi stared blankly at the distant sky, his expression dazed, as if in a dream.
'Was I just a foolish child?'
The next Lord of the Beast Palace could not yield to any trial.
The father he had resented all this time had merely been waiting—trusting in him. It was he who had misinterpreted and misunderstood.
Then from now on, he would change.
'I'll... try again.'
Dae Gu-hwi clenched his fists.
After losing his Beast Force, he had abandoned all thought of becoming Lord.
All he had wanted was his father's acknowledgment—to at least hold onto his position as successor.
But now, his resolve had shifted.
He would gather his forces anew and face his siblings in fair competition.
'Mother, watch over me.'
From now on, he would pour everything into reigniting his Beast Force.
And if he could make his talent bloom once more...
Dae Gu-hwi would become the successor worthy of leading the Beast Palace.
Contrary to its name, the Divine Spirit Staff was not made of wood but of smooth, polished metal.
It was also equipped with a folding mechanism, allowing its length to be adjusted.
Under Dae Gon's orders, Dae Gu-hwi now carried the staff as he departed the Beast Palace alongside Bu Eun-seol and the others.
"I leave myself in your care, Great Hero Noe, Young Hero Seol."
Having likely heard from Dae Gon that Noe Bi-hon was the Thunder God who overlooked the murim, Dae Gu-hwi's demeanor had become exceedingly cautious.
"There's nothing to entrust to me."
Noe Bi-hon smiled without formality.
"You've already mastered an exceptional martial art. All you need is to draw it forth again—no need to worry so much."
"Thank you."
The two conversed warmly, their interaction almost resembling that of a father and son.
Bu Eun-seol faintly smiled and nodded.
"Then let us depart."
Having left Beast Palace, Bu Eun-seol's party immediately set out for Yunnan.
For there, within that place, lay a sect possessing the second sacred relic capable of reviving Noe Bi-hon's Thunder Essence Divine Qi.
The Valley of Forgotten Souls.
Despite its ominous name—one that suggested even souls could be forgotten—this was a refuge where martial artists disillusioned with Murim sought seclusion,
or where those burdened with suffering sought solace.
Because within the Valley of Forgotten Souls, one could forget all painful memories and live in peace.
However, not just anyone could enter.
Only those who could naturally pass through the Ghost Valley Pass—a mechanism installed by the valley—were permitted entry.
It was said that the Ghost Valley Pass did not harm people, but rather, it selected those with a reason to enter the Valley of Forgotten Souls... those who carried unforgettable pain.
If one lacked the qualifications to enter, they would simply wander in circles within the pass before eventually finding themselves outside again.
Once, many in Murim had sought to enter the valley.
Rumors claimed that once one stepped inside, they could live so blissfully they would never wish to leave.
Indeed, among the Murim Masters who had entered, some had been brought back out at the behest of their families and sects.
—I despise the outside world. I will return to the Valley of Forgotten Souls.
Yet without exception, those who emerged from the valley longed to go back.
They described it as akin to the Immortal Realm, where only happiness and beauty remained—a paradise incomparable to the outside world.
In the end, those who had been coaxed out by their families and sects returned to the valley.
—Let us go to the Valley of Forgotten Souls too!
And as such rumors spread, countless people flocked to the valley.
—There are conditions for entering the Valley of Forgotten Souls.
Then, the Valley Lord addressed the surging crowd.
—First, you must be a martial artist drowning in despair. Second, you must pass through the Ghost Valley Pass.
Even with these conditions, multitudes still poured in.
But contrary to expectations, those who rushed in with desperate hope all emerged with disappointed expressions.
Because to the eyes of ordinary people, life in the valley was neither prosperous nor remotely happy.
—The legends of the Valley of Forgotten Souls were false.
As those who had entered spread the truth, the fervor surrounding the valley vanished in an instant. Now, even the memory of its existence had faded.
On the slopes of Heavenly Wind Mountain in Yunnan stood an abandoned mountain lodge.
Shrouded in a dreary mist, the closed gates of the lodge looked like an entrance to hell itself.
Step. Step.
But then, three figures emerged through the fog—Bu Eun-seol's party.
"So this is the mechanism that tests those seeking entry to the Valley of Forgotten Souls," Noe Bi-hon murmured, gazing up at the lodge.
Dae Gu-hwi wore a troubled expression.
"Will we be able to enter?"
Having heard the valley's tales, his face betrayed unease.
"According to the rumors, only martial artists weighed down by sorrow and worry can enter."
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"If we cannot enter, then we must make it so we can."
He had to enter the Valley of Forgotten Souls to obtain the Mysterious Leaf Stone.
To find the Heir of the Blade Emperor.
And to uncover the true visage of Noe Bi-hon, sealed within oblivion.
Step. Step.
Without hesitation, Bu Eun-seol strode toward the lodge.
Creeeak.
As they stepped inside, the aged door swung open on its own.
The interior was swallowed by darkness, like the gaping maw of some colossal beast.
"Let us proceed."
At Bu Eun-seol's words, Noe Bi-hon and Dae Gu-hwi followed.
Thud.
The lodge door shut behind them.
Instantly, the surroundings plunged into total darkness.
Likely, a Strange Formation had been activated.
Whoosh.
But then, at some point, an intense light began to rise before their eyes, and the surroundings gradually turned white.
As the light faded, an unbelievable landscape unfolded before them.
The pitch-black interior of the lodge had transformed into a radiant garden, blooming with fragrant flowers.
Swoosh.
A gentle, warm breeze drifted in from somewhere.
And with every brush of that wind through their hair, faint memories began to flow into their minds.
The happiest moments of their lives—specifically, Bu Eun-seol's memories of his time with Bu Jan-yang.
'Is this possible through a mere formation?'
Bu Eun-seol could not conceal his astonishment.
Having reached the Spiritual Aperture Breakthrough, he could repel any intrusion upon his Spirit and Mind.
Yet simply by observing the surroundings, by inhaling the floral fragrance... he was being made to recall his happiest memories?
'An illusion?'
A chill ran down Bu Eun-seol's spine.
Could it be that the one who had arranged this garden within the mechanism had reached the realm of the Martial Extreme Realm?
That merely by entering this space, they could dredge up the deepest memories buried within one's heart?