Chapter 507
Dae Gu-hwi, who had been imprisoned in the Paeng Clan's Wall-Facing Cave for several days in place of Paeng Mun-cheon, felt suffocated.
Not only did barely any light reach this place, but a foul incense rose from somewhere in the darkness.
It was the Fierce Remnant Heart Incense, a scent that clouded the human mind and ignited killing intent.
Paeng Ak had thoroughly regarded his own son, Paeng Mun-cheon, as nothing more than a tool.
One of the reasons he had imprisoned the rebellious Paeng Mun-cheon in the Wall-Facing Cave was to conduct experiments.
And the Fierce Remnant Heart Incense was a device for those very trials.
Paeng Mun-cheon, aware of this, had been reciting the Clear Mind Secret despite having no internal energy of his own.
'This is troublesome.'
But Dae Gu-hwi, trained in Beast Martial Arts, felt his killing intent surge violently the moment he inhaled the Remnant Heart Incense.
Until now, he had been unable to unleash his killing intent, preventing him from fully manifesting his Beast Force.
However, after releasing his rage in the Valley of Forgotten Souls, he had regained the ability to draw upon his Beast Force once more.
And thanks to the teachings of Noe Bi-hon, who had accompanied him all this time, he had now stepped onto the threshold of the Beast Path.
At this point, he could summon and withdraw his Beast Force at will.
Yet, regardless of his control, the Fierce Remnant Heart Incense provoked an overwhelming bloodlust within him.
If he failed to restrain it, he would inadvertently unleash his Beast Force.
And if that happened, he would lose his reason, becoming nothing more than a beast driven solely by slaughter.
'I must endure.'
Dae Gu-hwi calmly circulated the Thunder Spirit Art that Noe Bi-hon had imparted to him.
As he did, the Thunder Essence Divine Qi dormant within his body began coursing rapidly through his meridians.
Zzzt—zzzt—zzzt!
Suppressing the killing intent threatening to explode from within, he continued circulating the Thunder Spirit Art, and the absorbed Fierce Remnant Heart Incense gradually dissipated.
Crack—!
As he maintained his inner training, the sound of bones shifting ceaselessly echoed from his muscles and body.
With the fusion of his Beast Force and Thunder Essence Divine Qi, his physical form was undergoing a complete restructuring.
Originally, mastering the Beast Path required not the unleashing of killing intent, but the ability to temper it.
Otherwise, Beast Martial Arts risked becoming nothing more than a deranged combat style driven by instinct.
Thus, after stepping onto the threshold of the Beast Path, the first thing one had to learn—
Was how to suppress the overwhelming Beast Force and instincts surging within the body.
In other words, unbeknownst to himself, Dae Gu-hwi had encountered a fortuitous opportunity within the Paeng Clan's Wall-Facing Cave—one that allowed him to advance beyond the initial stage of the Beast Path.
'I must be of help when Lord Bu and Lord Noe arrive.'
His thoughts were solely occupied by concern for Bu Eun-seol and Noe Bi-hon.
If things went according to plan, a battle would soon erupt within the Paeng Clan to capture the Heir of the Blade Emperor.
And if that happened, he needed to grow stronger—even if just a little—to be of use.
'I'll give it my all until then.'
In the darkness, Dae Gu-hwi ceaselessly circulated the Thunder Spirit Art, suppressing his killing intent.
The current state of the Paeng Clan was an exceptionally peculiar one.
Though the Family Head should lead the clan in cooperation with the leaders of its various factions—
Paeng Ak had granted each faction leader considerable autonomy.
For example, the Privy Council, responsible for handling the Paeng Clan's external enemies, had the authority to eliminate any threats to the clan at their own discretion—without requiring the Family Head's permission.
Meanwhile, the Wind and Rain Pavilion, in charge of intelligence and security, could independently plan and execute operations as they saw fit.
However, such a structure carried the inherent flaw of constant friction—either between conflicting opinions of faction leaders or outright clashes between the organizations themselves.
Yet, within the Paeng Clan, such incidents rarely occurred.
Paeng Ak.
The absolute ruler of the Paeng Clan—a tyrant who had granted autonomy at his own discretion.
To avoid provoking his temper, the faction leaders cooperated among themselves, carrying out their duties without issue.
Of course, regardless of how smoothly the clan operated, most members and leaders of these factions harbored resentment toward Paeng Ak.
In principle, a Retired Family Head was merely an honorary position—one that granted no authority or right to command them.
Moreover, Paeng Ak would immediately replace or demote any faction leader who defied his will.
—Just where is the Family Head?
Some faction leaders had questioned the Retired Family Head about Paeng Mun-cheon's condition.
But the only response they ever received was a curt: "He is undergoing treatment."
As this situation persisted, more and more individuals began to question and resent Paeng Ak.
And Paeng Mun-cheon exploited this very discontent within the clan.
—The Retired Family Head has allied with wicked forces and conducted cruel experiments. If this truth comes to light, the main house will be ruined.
Having secretly escaped the Wall-Facing Cave with Bu Eun-seol's help, Paeng Mun-cheon began covertly contacting the faction leaders, persuading them one by one.
—However, this is an internal conflict of the main house. If external forces intervene, or if rumors spread... the disgraceful name of our clan will be remembered for generations.
The justification was on Paeng Mun-cheon's side.
Already resentful of Paeng Ak, the Paeng Clan's personages immediately rallied behind Paeng Mun-cheon upon hearing his words.
One by one, as he gathered support, before anyone realized it—the majority of the Paeng Clan's faction leaders and warriors had resolved to follow Paeng Mun-cheon.
—It's done.
Paeng Mun-cheon rejoiced.
The Martial Soul Lord was a man who kept his promises.
Now that he had rallied over half the clan's forces, he would no longer be able to interfere in the Paeng Clan's affairs.
—"We must detain the Retired Family Head and swiftly restore the Paeng Clan to its rightful state."
He harbored no doubts about victory.
No matter how formidable the martial arts of Retired Family Head Paeng Ak might be, nearly the entire combat force of the Paeng Clan had risen in rebellion.
—"The uprising will take place four days from now. In front of the Supreme Ancestor Hall."
At Paeng Mun-cheon's words, the sect leaders all voiced their agreement and meticulously prepared for the revolt four days later.
Everything proceeded smoothly.
However, the moment Paeng Mun-cheon recalled the face of the Retired Family Head, Paeng Ak, his expression darkened severely.
'Retired Family Head, I pray you yield to the tide of the times.'
Truthfully, he still held onto a sliver of hope for Paeng Ak.
Now that the majority of the Paeng Clan's forces had turned their hearts, he believed Paeng Ak would submit to the inevitable.
That he would not choose all-out war, lest the centuries-old Paeng Clan crumble—such was his expectation.
At the end of each month, Paeng Ak personally evaluated the skills of the martial artists he had handpicked.
And this very habit had become one of the grievances held by the high command.
The Paeng Clan's saber technique, while devastating in its destructive power, was notoriously difficult to master.
Not only that, but the practical methods and movements had to be properly demonstrated and transmitted by a master.
It required the meticulous guidance of exceptional martial artists.
As the elder of the Paeng Clan, Paeng Ak should have impartially passed down the martial arts without discrimination.
Yet he concerned himself only with the Armed Brigade under his personal control.
Creak.
For the first time in a while, the doors of the Supreme Ancestor Hall within the Paeng Clan swung wide open.
An elderly man clad in voluminous robes slowly revealed himself.
Though his physique was not particularly large, his sharp eyes gleamed fiercely, and an aura of lofty majesty radiated from his entire being.
It was none other than the Retired Family Head of the Paeng Clan—Paeng Ak.
"Retired Family Head."
As he appeared, Paeng Seo-un, who had been standing solemnly before the Supreme Ancestor Hall, clasped his hands together.
"You have returned."
Paeng Ak observed the bright smile lingering at the corners of Paeng Seo-un's mouth and asked indifferently,
"What is the matter?"
"I bring joyous news."
"Joyous news?"
"The Heir of the Demon Hall has visited the main house and returned the Five Tigers Saber. He also brought several gifts."
"..."
"Of course, the matter was handled unofficially and discreetly."
Paeng Ak silently studied Paeng Seo-un before clicking his tongue.
"So, you've been caught by the tail after all."
"Pardon?"
"Fool. Did you truly believe a man of his stature would return our clan's treasure without reason?"
Paeng Seo-un quickly explained.
"No. He visited not only our main house but also the other Eight Great Clans, returning the treasures they had kept as well."
"..."
"And he expressed a strong desire to establish ties with our clan. He said that if our clan acknowledged him, it would be easier to approach the other orthodox sects..."
"At your age, you still fail to grasp the most fundamental truths."
Paeng Ak coldly cut him off.
"If someone seeks to grant you benefits without reason, they are nothing but swindlers."
"Retired Family Head."
"Unavoidable, I suppose. The Family Head cannot remain secluded here forever."
Rumble.
At that moment, shadows poured forth from all directions.
Every one of them carried a saber, their expressions grimly solemn. Martial artists from every organization within the Paeng Clan had emerged.
Thud. Thud.
The assembled martial artists parted to either side, clearing a path.
Simultaneously, a middle-aged man clad in white robes slowly stepped forward. It was Paeng Mun-cheon.
"So, you've recovered your internal energy."
With a single glance, Paeng Ak assessed Paeng Mun-cheon's condition and faintly curled the corner of his lips.
"Do you not regret this decision?"
"I do not."
Paeng Mun-cheon's voice rang out clearly.
"Though our clan's history is the shortest among the Eight Great Clans, as a pillar of the Murim, we have upheld justice through countless deeds! Yet you, Retired Family Head..."
"Enough."
Paeng Ak cut him off with a cold smile.
"In the end, I'll just slaughter the lot of you and rebuild the Paeng Clan anew."
"Retired Family Head!"
"Did you truly believe I spared you out of familial affection?"
Paeng Ak's voice was icy.
"Despite never undergoing body modification, despite lacking divine power or talent—you mastered our clan's saber arts. That was the only reason I kept you alive. For experimentation."
Paeng Ak exhaled through his nose as he stared at Paeng Mun-cheon.
"But you've made a foolish choice. Now, you're not even fit to be test material."
Paeng Mun-cheon bit his lip.
Not only was there no lingering affection between father and son—he realized Paeng Ak's humanity had long been extinguished.
Yet, he had still clung to a sliver of hope.
That even if he was not loved, Paeng Ak would not destroy the clan. That he would not discard the Paeng Clan, which had taken root in the Murim for centuries.
But Paeng Ak showed not the slightest hesitation.
He declared outright that he would sweep away every last rebellious blood relative of the Paeng Clan and forge a new one in their place.
"All of you, listen!"
Having steeled his resolve, Paeng Mun-cheon channeled his internal energy, his voice booming.
"The Retired Family Head has joined hands with wicked forces to bring ruin upon our clan! We must suppress him and restore the majesty of our house!"
Rumble.
But then, something strange happened.
Half of the Paeng Clan's martial artists standing behind Paeng Mun-cheon began striding—toward Paeng Ak's side.
Stunned by the unforeseen turn, Paeng Mun-cheon could only stare wide-eyed at the scene.
"What are you doing?!"
Regaining his senses, Paeng Mun-cheon shouted—but they avoided his gaze and remained silent.
As the silence stretched, Paeng Jin-myeong, leader of the Cloud Forest Pavilion, spoke in a low voice.
"The Retired Family Head has led the main house in the absence of a proper Family Head. If there are faults, shouldn't we, as kin, cover for one another?"
Beside him, Golden Manor Lord Paeng Gi-un nodded in agreement.
"He speaks true. What good would it do for the main house to splinter and fight amongst ourselves over such matters?"
Paeng Mun-cheon swallowed his rising fury and shouted,
"The Retired Family Head conducted cruel human experiments—acts no person should ever commit! Do you not already know this well?"
"If the Family Head seals his lips, who would ever learn of such facts?"
At their shameless attitude, a hollow laugh burst uncontrollably from Paeng Mun-cheon.
The Martial Soul Lord had been right.
Had these men ever been upright, they would have long since driven out the Retired Family Head—or fought to restore the Paeng Clan to righteousness.
But they were no different from Paeng Ak.
They had grown accustomed to clinging to power, savoring the sweet fruits that fell from its branches.
'I see now.'
Finally, Paeng Mun-cheon understood the meaning behind Bu Eun-seol's words.
'The main house must be utterly destroyed.'
If any righteous figures remained in the Paeng Clan, they would never have allied with factions like the Infinite Realm.
They would never have dared commit atrocities like human experimentation.
The Paeng Clan had already become one with the Three Realms—indistinguishable from them.
Then what remained now was...
Only one method: reducing everything to nothingness and rebuilding a new Paeng Clan from the ashes.
Taking a deep breath, Paeng Mun-cheon turned his gaze to the warriors standing in formation behind him.
They were all loyal retainers of the Paeng Clan, men who, like him, still knew righteousness.
Shring!
As he drew the sword at his waist and prepared to give the order to attack—
"As the Family Head, I command you..."
Paeng Ak's voice, faster than his own, spread through the air first.
"...to wipe them out."
Shwish!
Black-clad warriors erupted from the ground before the Supreme Ancestor Hall like specters rising from the earth.
They were the blade assassins Paeng Ak had personally trained.
They had remained hidden all this time, lurking in the shadows around him, obeying only his orders.
Clang!
Without hesitation, they lunged at the warriors in Paeng Mun-cheon's formation and began their assault.
Their bodies had been modified, granting them massive frames, and they had mastered the Five Tigers Gate-Breaking Saber Method to Grand Perfection.
Their martial prowess was such that one could contend with a hundred.
Against nearly half the Paeng Clan's combat power, they brandished their saber techniques with terrifying confidence.
"A fine opportunity to test whether you've properly mastered your saber techniques."
Paeng Ak, watching the battle unfold, snorted in amusement.
"The rest of you may watch or fight as you please."
Then, as if bored, he turned and strode back into the Supreme Ancestor Hall.
"Retired Family Head!"
Paeng Mun-cheon charged toward him—only to be immediately surrounded by the black-clad assassins.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
He unleashed his saber techniques in rapid succession, locked in fierce combat with the assassins.
'Even mutual destruction is impossible now.'
Despair twisted his expression.
Fights between fellow disciples often dragged on endlessly, leaving neither victor nor vanquished.
No matter how brilliant one's saber techniques, when both sides trained in the same martial arts and knew each other's strengths and weaknesses too well, true victory was rare.
Paeng Mun-cheon had believed that even if he couldn't achieve total victory, mutual annihilation was still possible.
But contrary to his expectations, the Five Tigers Gate-Breaking Saber Method of Paeng Ak's assassins was nothing like the orthodox lineage.
The Paeng Clan's traditional saber method could be summarized in eight words: Gang-yu-gyeom-jeon (hardness and softness united) and Gyeon-in-bul-bal (unyielding perseverance).
But the assassins' method was Pyo-han-hwal-jeok —ferocious, cunning, and built not on weightiness but sheer speed.
It had become a saber method entirely distinct from the orthodox form.
—Agh!
—Guhk!
When the two clashing styles met, this was no drawn-out stalemate.
It was a desperate, life-and-death struggle—as if fighting external enemies.
And when those who had already surrendered to Paeng Ak joined the battle, the tide turned completely.
In the end, this was no longer a battle for the Paeng Clan's survival—but for the utter annihilation of Paeng Mun-cheon and his faction.
'If only we had one more master to turn the tide...'
What this chaotic melee needed was a single peerless expert who could overturn the battle in an instant.
Had Bu Eun-seol and Noe Bi-hon been here, this fight would have been swiftly resolved.
But their target was solely the Retired Family Head, Paeng Ak.
Even before the battle began, the two had already infiltrated the Supreme Ancestor Hall in secret.
Moreover, to prevent the Paeng Clan's internal strife from leaking outside, they had activated the Strange Formations placed throughout the estate.
Even if reinforcements arrived from outside, they wouldn't be able to enter immediately.
'This is the end.'
As Paeng Mun-cheon closed his eyes in despair—
—KAAAH!
A deafening roar shook heaven and earth as a streak of shadow erupted into the sky from the direction of the Wall-Facing Cave to the north.
Swish!
The figure, soaring skyward with the Qi-Piercing Ascent technique, surveyed the battlefield before cutting through mid-air and charging toward them.
His eyes burned crimson, his emaciated body wreathed in dark-red energy.
It was Dae Gu-hwi—his Beast Force unleashed to its absolute limit.
Crunch! Sizzle!
Dae Gu-hwi raced across the battlefield on all fours, launching himself at the assassins Paeng Ak had trained.
His entire body was wreathed in crimson battle aura. Everywhere he passed, the assassins coughed blood and collapsed.
'That man...'
Only then did Paeng Mun-cheon notice Dae Gu-hwi's figure, his eyes widening in realization.
'Did he foresee this situation?'
That young man from the Beast Palace, the one who had rescued him from the Wall-Facing Cave—wasn't he someone who took orders from the Martial Soul Lord?
'Thank you, Martial Soul Lord.'
Finally recognizing his own arrogance, Paeng Mun-cheon gazed at the distant sky and cried out inwardly.
'As promised, the main house will collapse completely. But in the future... it will be reborn anew.'
"I'm not sure if that boy alone will be enough."
Noe Bi-hon, who had just entered the Supreme Ancestor Hall, sensed Dae Gu-hwi's sudden emergence from the Wall-Facing Cave and spoke to Bu Eun-seol.
"No matter how valuable real combat experience is, is it really necessary to stake his life on it?"
From the beginning, Bu Eun-seol had predicted everything—that the forces Paeng Mun-cheon had gathered would betray him, that they wouldn't be able to withstand Paeng Ak's faction.
And so, he had instructed Dae Gu-hwi: the moment battle broke out, he was to escape the Wall-Facing Cave immediately and attack Paeng Ak's warriors.
—Unleash yourself. Release all the killing intent you've suppressed until now.
Having spent over ten days in the Wall-Facing Cave, Dae Gu-hwi had advanced another step.
His Beast Force had also grown exponentially compared to before.
At Bu Eun-seol's words, Dae Gu-hwi had erupted with the murderous intent he had long suppressed, transforming into a beast as he charged onto the battlefield.
"He'll be fine."
Bu Eun-seol replied in a tranquil voice.
"Gu-hwi has elevated his martial prowess yet again while staying here. He may suffer injuries, but he won't be in any real danger."
"I saw that much myself, so I know."
Noe Bi-hon let out an uncharacteristic sigh.
"But do you really think Paeng Ak would deploy ordinary fighters?"
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
He knew all too well—Noe Bi-hon was fretting because he saw Dae Gu-hwi as his own son.
"Gu-hwi has trained in the Beast Palace's Beast Martial Arts, so like the masters of the main house, he needs abundant real combat experience."
Bu Eun-seol explained calmly.
"He's grown too quickly during this journey. Now, he must internalize that growth through life-and-death battles."
"Will he do well?"
"Of course."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"He has become a peerless master, having inherited both Beast Force and Thunder Essence Divine Qi. He'll fight while recovering from most wounds."
At those words, Noe Bi-hon allowed a proud smile to surface.
Though not his blood son, Dae Gu-hwi—who had inherited his martial arts and Thunder Essence Divine Qi—was like a clone of himself.
"Then shall we go catch that bastard?"
Without hesitation, Noe Bi-hon stepped further into the Supreme Ancestor Hall.
It had been far too long.
Driven to madness by the brutal deaths of his wife and son, he had wandered the Martial World alone, hunting for the murderer.
And now, at last, he was going to exact vengeance on the one he had dreamed of killing.
Rustle.
As they entered the Supreme Ancestor Hall, an eerie sight unfolded.
This wasn't a place where people lived—it was like a ghost's dwelling, devoid of any warmth or human traces.
The interior was hollow, with only the faint sound of mechanisms echoing through the emptiness.
"He's crammed this place full of mechanisms."
At Noe Bi-hon's remark, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
This Supreme Ancestor Hall wasn't where Paeng Ak conducted business or slept.
It was merely a secret passage leading somewhere else.
Creak—!
The moment Bu Eun-seol located and manipulated the hidden mechanism, one of the walls began to rotate with a heavy groan.
Clank.
When the mechanism stopped, a wide staircase descending underground was revealed.
"Generally speaking, the Three Realms' members do love their underground spaces."
Bu Eun-seol made an uncharacteristic joke.
Because Noe Bi-hon's expression was far too grave.
'Of course it would be.'
This was the moment he would finally face the enemy he had sought for so long.
Even if it meant mutual destruction, there was no way Paeng Ak would be allowed to live.
"Little brother. I have a request."
Noe Bi-hon turned his head and spoke with utmost seriousness.
"Do not interfere in this fight."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"Of course."
Originally, he too had intended to avenge the Southern Heaven Great Hero.
That man had saved him from the Strange Old Man's attack and had been the one to reveal that his grandfather was the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade.
But compared to Noe Bi-hon's grudge—having lost his son and wife, having everything torn from him—his own was insignificant.
It was only right to yield this battle to Noe Bi-hon.
'However...'
Bu Eun-seol's expression darkened.
Though Noe Bi-hon had regained strength far surpassing his past self, whether he could achieve a complete victory against the Strange Old Man remained uncertain.
Against the Blade Emperor's saber techniques, the power of Thunder Essence Divine Qi does not work.
The only hopeful observation was that Noe Bi-hon, who had been unable to wield the subtleties of his martial arts due to madness, could now unleash the Thunder Spirit Gate's profound ultimate techniques in full.
'Besides, even if he dies, Elder Noe would never accept help.'
Even if Noe Bi-hon were to perish, he wouldn't want Bu Eun-seol to intervene.
All Bu Eun-seol could do was watch from afar.
'But if my suspicions are correct...'
The actions of the Paeng Clan's Retired Family Head, Paeng Ak, had always deviated from the Strange Old Man's.
Which meant there was a high probability that another figure stood behind him.
Thud. Thud.
As they descended underground, a vast great hall came into view.
And there, seated on the throne with his chin resting on his hand, was an old man.
Paeng Ak.