Chapter 555
A hesitation.
But Do Cheon-rin soon let his hand drop.
'If I resort to dirty tricks to claim victory, how could I ever attain the Sword Path?'
To grow stronger, he had abandoned everything. He had even cast aside the Bloodflame Blade he had honed his entire life and wandered the Martial World.
Then he obtained the Phantom Demon Sword.
Its power allowed him to wield the Moment of Time despite not yet reaching the Extreme Heaven Realm.
And one day, he hoped to reach the Extreme Heaven Realm through his own strength.
He wanted to face Bu Eun-seol—the one he had longed to defeat even in his dreams—once more in battle.
But if he were to seize victory through such underhanded means?
Far from reaching the pinnacle of the Sword Path, he wouldn't even be worthy of facing him.
Sssshhhhk!
At that moment, a sharp Sword Qi flew toward Bu Eun-seol's back, accompanied by the faint Sound of Breaking Air.
The wielder of the Blood-Lightning Demon Sword had unleashed a relentless barrage of Blood Arrows at Bu Eun-seol.
'How can he unleash another volley of Blood Arrows like this?!'
Do Cheon-rin's eyes widened.
The timing and angle of the Blood Arrows were flawless, and that mysterious man was still deflecting them—for his sake.
If this continued, Bu Eun-seol might not evade them in time and die.
'Damn it!'
In that instant, without thinking, Do Cheon-rin threw himself forward, intercepting the Sword Qi with his own body.
Pak! Pak! Pak!
As the razor-sharp Blood Arrows pierced his flesh, blood gushed forth in an instant.
Thud!
Struck by the Blood-Lightning Thunder Qi, Do Cheon-rin rolled across the ground with a pained expression.
"Ghk—!"
The agony, as if his blood vessels were burning, forced him to jerk upright, his body trembling uncontrollably for a long moment.
'Why did I—?!'
He couldn't comprehend his own actions.
Was it repayment? Because this man had risked his life to save him?
No. That couldn't be it.
'His gaze.'
Suddenly, Do Cheon-rin understood.
That familiar glint in the man's eyes—it was why he had avoided their first duel.
Because of those damned eyes.
Instinct had driven him to do this.
"Khh—!"
Another groan escaped him.
The Blood-Lightning Demon Sword's Sword Qi had pierced through his Body Protection True Qi, tearing through his shoulder and side.
The deep wounds were one thing, but the Blood-Lightning Thunder Qi carried a surge of formidable Internal Energy, inflicting severe Internal Injuries.
Sssizzle! Crackle!
Meanwhile, Bu Eun-seol deflected the remaining Blood Arrows and shot into the air.
Then, he hurled the Ink Soul Sword toward the distant forest.
Krrrung!
A violet lightning engulfed the blade before it vanished into the woods with a brilliant flash.
Swish! Whirr!
Not long after, the Ink Soul Sword flew back out from the opposite side of the forest.
Now, the returned blade was stained crimson with fresh blood.
He had used Sword Control by Qi, enhanced by Thunder Essence Divine Qi.
"Sword Control by Qi?!"
Do Cheon-rin's jaw slackened as he watched.
Sword Control by Qi—the art of freely manipulating a sword with True Qi—could be used without issue once one's Internal Energy surpassed three centuries of cultivation.
Yet, even masters refrained from employing it.
Because any opponent beyond the Peak Realm could effortlessly block such attacks.
Though manipulating a sword through True Qi seemed convenient, the strikes were monotonous and lacked the profundity of Martial Arts.
But the Sword Control by Qi Bu Eun-seol had just displayed—
Not only had it traversed over 400 feet with lightning speed, but it also executed intricate Sword Strokes as if the blade were alive.
"You were a master from the start. You had no need for a demon sword's power."
The focus in Do Cheon-rin's eyes faded.
After obtaining the Phantom Demon Sword, he had believed he could rival any master in Murim.
But that had been a grave delusion.
"I was a frog in a well."
His voice was steeped in utter desolation and futility.
The Martial World was vast. And this man, who appeared to be around his age—had ascended to a True Realm so lofty that his Martial Prowess was beyond measure.
Which meant—
Even if he defeated every demon sword wielder, even if he devoted his life to honing the sword—
He would never become a master who could stand at the zenith of Murim.
"This is as far as I go."
Without hesitation, Do Cheon-rin reversed his grip on the Phantom Demon Sword and drove it toward his own abdomen.
Clang!
But with a clear Sword Resonance, the blade was deflected far away.
Bu Eun-seol had instantly unleashed Finger Wind.
"Why are you interfering?"
Do Cheon-rin glared at him with furious eyes.
"Do you intend to savor the joy of victory by showing me shallow mercy?"
"Victory?"
Bu Eun-seol looked slightly bewildered.
"If every Murim warrior took their own life after a single defeat, none would keep their heads for long."
"This isn't just one defeat."
Do Cheon-rin gazed at the distant sky, his expression calm.
"I resolved this long ago. If I were ever defeated again, I would end my life."
"What are you saying? 'If I lose, I'll die'?"
"Had I not made that Resolution, I wouldn't have abandoned everything to grasp this demon sword."
Until now, Do Cheon-rin had run forward with all his might, eyes fixed only ahead.
Though he had failed, fallen, and despaired time and again, he had never given up, pushing himself relentlessly.
Because that was the shortcut.
Because someone had taught him that enduring every Trial without avoidance was the shortcut.
And to defeat that very person, he had cast everything aside and stepped into the Martial World.
Then, when he coincidentally obtained a demon sword that compensated for his shortcomings, he had sworn an Oath.
That if he were ever defeated again, he would take his own life.
He was that desperate, for he had realized that only by staking his life could he progress.
"I was a frog in a well."
With a bitter smile, he gazed at Bu Eun-seol.
"I simply couldn't endure that truth."
His eyes fell upon the fallen Phantom Demon Sword as he gathered his internal power.
Picking up a dropped blade to end his own life would be shameful—so he intended to sever his heart meridian and take his own life.
But Bu Eun-seol had already seen through his intentions entirely.
Whoosh.
With lightning speed, he seized Do Cheon-rin's pulse gate using the Grappling Hand Technique.
"Cease these pointless thoughts."
"It's useless."
"Return to the Bloodflame Blade Family. If you refine their martial arts once more, you can grow even stronger."
"So you knew of me."
Bu Eun-seol spoke as if offering praise.
"Even if my eyes were gouged out, how could I fail to recognize the Perfect Scholar, whose name shakes the martial world?"
"I won't return to the main house."
"And why is that?"
Do Cheon-rin replied as if annoyed.
"Why must you pry so persistently?"
"If I don't know the circumstances, how can I dissuade you?"
"Enough nonsense. Unless you plan to follow me for the rest of your life, you'll never sway my resolve."
Sensing the unshakable determination in Do Cheon-rin's eyes, Bu Eun-seol spoke again.
"I could follow you for the rest of your life."
"What?"
"If not, at least tell me your circumstances. I must know your reasons before deciding whether to stop you or let you go."
Bu Eun-seol's gaze did not waver.
It truly seemed as though, if denied an explanation, he would indeed chase Do Cheon-rin endlessly to prevent his death.
After a moment of hesitation, Do Cheon-rin relented and shared his story.
From childhood, Do Cheon-rin had displayed genius in every field.
He had grown up bearing the full expectations of the Bloodflame Blade Family.
And finally, through negotiations with the leaders of the Demonic Path Ten Gates, he had even been designated as the next successor.
Traditionally, the ruler of the Demon Hall had always emerged from the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
To prevent another incident like that of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, Sado Mu-myeong, they had preemptively selected a successor.
But then, out of nowhere, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor initiated the Ten Demonic Heirs Plan, declaring that the heir to the Demon Hall would be decided through competition among them.
The leaders of the Demonic Path Ten Gates scoffed.
Their successors had been rigorously trained since childhood—prodigies honed through strict discipline.
How could these newly trained Ten Demonic Heirs, barely versed in the Ten Gates' martial arts, possibly compete? It was a laughable scheme.
—That Langya Pavilion's Ten Demonic Heir, Bu Eun-seol... he's no ordinary one.
Yet rumors spread that among the Ten Demonic Heirs, there was one who could rival the heirs painstakingly raised by the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
And soon, those ominous whispers became reality.
Not only did he secure victory after victory against the Great Righteous Experts of the Martial Alliance, but he even slew the Beggar King, one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings!
—We cannot allow another outsider like the Demonic Heavenly Emperor to seize control again!
But the gap in martial prowess had already widened irreparably.
In desperation, the Demonic Path Ten Gates pressured the Demonic Heavenly Emperor to decide the succession based on merit in battle against the Black Alliance.
They had rigged the stage to ensure no outsider could possibly distinguish themselves—
Yet in the end, it was that very Ten Demonic Heir from Langya Pavilion who beheaded the Black Alliance leader and led the battle to decisive victory.
—Open the Blood Dragon Seven Gates! The one who ascends to the position of Demon Hall's heir must excel in all fields!
They thrashed about in one final struggle, but even the Blood Dragon Seven Gates were swiftly conquered, sealing his position as the Demon Hall's successor.
—All that talk of the Ten Perfect Scholar... in the end, his talent wasn't so remarkable after all.
—We should have just pushed the Fire Rain Sword Sect's heir as planned.
When the Demon Hall's succession was lost yet again to an outsider, the leaders of the Demonic Path Ten Gates turned their backs on Do Cheon-rin in resentment.
And among them was the Bloodflame Blade Family's head, Do Mu-jeok.
—Cheon-rin... that child is unworthy of even the main house's succession.
Perhaps disgusted by Do Cheon-rin's repeated failures, Do Mu-jeok passed the heirship to the second son, Do Yong-rin.
With this, Do Cheon-rin could no longer remain in the Bloodflame Blade Family.
Once the second son became heir, his continued presence would only breed internal strife.
To ensure his younger brother could stabilize his position—
He left the clan of his own will.
After departing, Do Cheon-rin wandered the martial world, honing his skills.
By staking his life against formidable foes, he began to grasp the deeper intricacies of the Bloodflame Blade Art.
—So this is how it is.
At last, he understood.
The Ten Demonic Heir of Langya Pavilion, Bu Eun-seol—
How he had grown so strong, so quickly.
—He never once considered survival in his battles.
Finally, Do Cheon-rin comprehended the mindset of his rival—how he had roamed the martial world, crushing opponents, accelerating his martial growth.
Emulating this, Do Cheon-rin abandoned all regard for his life, engaging in relentless duels.
Was it coincidence? Or someone's design?
During his travels, he obtained the Phantom Demon Sword, engraved with the sword studies of the Illusory Demon Venerable from four hundred years past.
—This is it.
The Dream-Reaching Illusory Demon Sword bore striking similarities to the Bloodflame Blade Art, allowing the fusion of their ultimate techniques.
With such a method, he was certain he could win.
—If I still lose despite wielding this demonic blade, I'd rather take my own life and die!
Thus, Do Cheon-rin fought with his back to the river, challenging the strongest.
—Victory or death!
With this resolve, he triumphed over every formidable opponent he faced.
As he felled countless wielders of demonic blades, the Phantom Demon Sword's demonic energy grew uncontrollably.
Do Cheon-rin could swear to it.
That even now, if he were to fight Bu Eun-seol, he could win.
And once he defeated all the Demon Sword Wielders in battle, he would go to the Demon Hall without fail and face him—that was his vow.
By the time he finished recounting everything, blood was trickling from the corner of Do Cheon-rin's mouth.
The internal injuries inflicted by the Blood-Lightning Demon Sword's sword qi had worsened considerably.
"So, to keep that oath, you're planning to take your own life?"
"The oath is important. But there's an even greater reason—it's because, upon seeing you, I realized one truth."
Do Cheon-rin spoke with a pained expression.
"That gaps like these... aren't so easily closed."
Only after witnessing the martial arts of that nameless rogue did Do Cheon-rin come to understand one thing.
That Bu Eun-seol—whom he had considered his rival—could not have been idle either.
That he must have achieved such tremendous growth as to leave him far, far behind.
Because that was the kind of man he was.
Because there had not been a single day when he failed to advance.
"I was deluded into thinking I was the only one progressing."
Bu Eun-seol, who never avoided trials, who walked a thorny path toward his own way—
He must have climbed so high by now that Do Cheon-rin's own progress would seem laughable in comparison.
"I thought I could catch up without fail. But every time I raised my head, that wall only grew taller."
In truth, this despair of Do Cheon-rin's was something shared by everyone who knew Bu Eun-seol.
What if Yu Un-ryong, Myo Cheon-u, or Seo Jin-ha had not become Bu Eun-seol's close friends?
They, too, would have become just another Do Cheon-rin, still drowning in despair.
"Well, are you satisfied now?"
Do Cheon-rin snapped irritably at Bu Eun-seol, who was gripping his Pulse Gate.
"Or do you intend to humiliate me further before letting go?"
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol raised his internal energy. Then, without hesitation, he channeled Reverse Polarity True Qi into Do Cheon-rin's Pulse Gate.
Ooom—
An immeasurable surge of pure true qi flooded through Do Cheon-rin's meridians, treating his internal injuries.
"You've misjudged things entirely."
As Bu Eun-seol infused his energy, his tone shifted—and Do Cheon-rin's eyes widened.
There was something familiar about that voice.
Moreover, the sheer volume of true qi coursing through his acupoints was overwhelming, yet the man spoke with eerie calm.
This person's martial arts surpassed imagination, and his internal energy was so profound it defied measurement.
"Your resolve is commendable, but if that were all it took, the masters of my sect would have long since become wandering spirits, drifting through the heavens."
"Your sect?"
Do Cheon-rin's pupils trembled like rippling water.
"Just who the hell are you?"
Crk—
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol released the Face-Changing Bone-Shifting Art.
Like moonlight breaking through clouds, his true, mystifying appearance gradually revealed itself.
Do Cheon-rin's jaw dropped as he stared.
The very man who had upended his life, his rival—wasn't this Bu Eun-seol?
"How are you—?"
The youth who had shown him that there were heavens beyond heavens—was, in truth, Bu Eun-seol?
Had he been defeated by the same person yet again?
"I needed another identity to move freely through the Martial World."
Bu Eun-seol answered curtly before doubling his internal energy and resuming the unblocking of Do Cheon-rin's acupoints.
His gaze darkened as he worked.
'This won't be enough.'
Though Reverse Polarity True Qi was a pure force, nothing was omnipotent.
The Blood-Lightning Demon Sword's Blood-Lightning Thunder Qi had ravaged Do Cheon-rin's meridians—this wasn't something that could be healed by mere infusion.
Ooom—
After channeling a considerable amount of Reverse Polarity True Qi, Bu Eun-seol withdrew his energy and spoke.
"First, let's get you proper treatment."
The wound on Do Cheon-rin's side, where the Blood-Lightning Demon Sword had pierced him, was so deep the bone was visible.
"Don't bother."
Do Cheon-rin glared at Bu Eun-seol with a humiliated expression.
"Having fun? Toying with me while hiding your identity?"
"Did it seem like toying?"
"I don't need your pity. Get lost."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"It's not pity, nor am I helping you. If anything, it's the opposite."
"What do you mean?"
"I need your help."
"My help?"
Bu Eun-seol glanced at Do Cheon-rin's wounded side before shaking his head again.
"But we'll discuss that after your treatment."
"Nonsense."
"Harsh. Isn't it only fair that if something is given, something must be returned?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I listened to your story. Now, shouldn't you listen to mine?"
Bu Eun-seol's expression turned deadly serious.
"If, after hearing my circumstances, you still wish to die, I won't stop you."
Wasn't that the exact reverse of Do Cheon-rin's own situation earlier?
"Hmph."
Do Cheon-rin's brow twitched.
In the past, he had investigated Bu Eun-seol thoroughly but had only learned that he lived an ordinary life as an undertaker.
Now, the very rival he had always regarded as his equal was offering to reveal his past.
If he didn't hear it, Do Cheon-rin would be too curious to even pass on to the underworld in peace.
"Fine."
The place Bu Eun-seol took the injured Do Cheon-rin was none other than the Red Sky Curtain Branch.
In the lands of Shaanxi, where the Righteous Faction held sway, this was the only place Bu Eun-seol could trust—and the only place where a man like Do Cheon-rin could rest safely.
Above all, Dam Yu-yeon was capable of performing the Returning Soul Divine Needle Grand Rescue Art, a technique rivaling even the Needle King's Golden Needle Art.
With her acupuncture, she could ensure Do Cheon-rin—whose meridians were half-ruined—would not lose his martial arts.
Red Sky Curtain Branch, Scripture Instruction Hall. Dam Yu-yeon's office.
"Treat him."
At Bu Eun-seol's request, delivered as he brought in the pale-faced Do Cheon-rin, Dam Yu-yeon responded with icy fury.
"What is the meaning of this sudden demand?"
"He was struck by a vicious sword qi, and the majority of his Twelve Main Meridians are severely damaged. Without the Heaven-Restoring Divine Needle Grand Rescue Art, his injuries cannot be fully healed."
"Why should I grant such a request?"
Bu Eun-seol placed a banknote on the table.
"I'm not asking you to do it for free. This is the Wanderers' Market, after all."
"You're gravely mistaken, Martial Soul Lord."
Dam Yu-yeon didn't even glance at the banknote as she spoke in a low voice.
"I know you didn't kill my elder brother Jeong Cheon. But it's undeniable that you forced him into a martial confrontation."
Her expression turned icy as she glared at Bu Eun-seol.
"After that day, Jeong Cheon became obsessed with martial arts. Eventually, he left the Red Sky Curtain Branch. In the end, you might as well have killed him."
She still blamed Bu Eun-seol for Jeong Cheon's death.
'There's no helping it.'
Bu Eun-seol understood Dam Yu-yeon's feelings all too well.
If she had no one to resent, her heart would shatter even more.
'Then I'll have to push through and seek out the Needle King at Gold King Mountain.'
Do Cheon-rin's condition was far from stable.
By the time they reached the Needle King's estate, it might already be too late.
"Hahaha."
Suddenly, Do Cheon-rin, who had been standing there with a pale complexion, let out a dry laugh as he looked at Dam Yu-yeon.
"You've got it all wrong."
"What did you say?"
"Do you know what all those who met him and had their lives turned upside down have in common?"
Before Dam Yu-yeon could retort, Do Cheon-rin answered immediately.
"They were all self-proclaimed geniuses who overestimated their own abilities."
Dam Yu-yeon furrowed her brows but didn't argue.
Jeong Cheon, too, had been an exceptional talent—one who had overestimated himself.
Unable to control his killing intent, he had injured many.
Though he later mastered the art of suppressing it, he eventually lost interest in martial arts.
—"Are the others so weak that I must suppress my innate killing intent just to fight them?"
Realizing there was no one on his level, he grew disinterested in martial arts and weary of the world.
And so, he idled away his days at the Red Sky Curtain Branch.
But after crossing blades with a man named Seol-so and fighting to a standstill, an unprecedented warrior spirit ignited within him.
—"I will train until I can defeat him."
Jeong Cheon wandered the Martial World, honing his skills.
Then he learned that Seol-so was none other than Bu Eun-seol, the Heir of the Demon Hall.
From that moment, he realized he had been a frog in a well—unable to follow Bu Eun-seol. And that knowledge tormented him.
"And in the end, that was the life he chose for himself. Isn't that right?"
"What do you know, acting all high and mighty?"
Dam Yu-yeon shot to her feet, shouting.
"What gives you the right to speak like you understand anything?!"
"The same could be said of you." Do Cheon-rin replied calmly.
"I, too, met him, abandoned my clan, and staked my life to walk the Martial World."
"But I have no regrets. If I could face him again—if I could become someone as strong as him—then even my life wouldn't be too high a price."
"What an impressive man. So, are you saying you're someone who can compare to Brother Cheon?"
"I don't know who this 'Brother Cheon' is. But I doubt he's any more renowned than I am."
"And just who are you?"
"Do Cheon-rin of the Bloodflame Blade Family."
Dam Yu-yeon took a sharp breath.
"The Perfect Scholar?"
The man hailed as the greatest genius in the Bloodflame Blade Family's history—yet cast out after failing to become the Demon Hall's heir.
This pale-faced man before her was that tragic figure?
Like Jeong Cheon, he had met Bu Eun-seol, had his life overturned, and now wandered the Martial World, staking his life on the path.
Just like the man she had loved.
"Let's go."
Do Cheon-rin turned away indifferently.
"Seems I won't be hearing what I came for."
Cold sweat drenched his face.
His Twelve Main Meridians were already critically damaged just from making it here. He couldn't hold on much longer.
"I see."
Bu Eun-seol nodded solemnly.
Do Cheon-rin was a man of fierce pride, one who cared little for his own life.
If Bu Eun-seol were to beg Dam Yu-yeon to save him, it would only be an insult.
"Then let's at least share a drink before the end."
Bu Eun-seol gave Dam Yu-yeon a slight nod.
"My apologies for the intrusion."
As the two turned to leave, Dam Yu-yeon wore an expression of utter disbelief.
"You're just leaving? In his state, he won't last even two hours."
Bu Eun-seol glanced back.
"From the moment he left his clan, he foresaw a day like this."
"..."
"He gave up everything to walk the Martial Way."
At the same time, a faint, dignified smile touched the lips of both Bu Eun-seol and Do Cheon-rin.
It was the kind of smile only those who had already transcended life and death could wear.
And that smile—
Overlapped perfectly with the one Jeong Cheon had shown her when he left the Red Sky Curtain Branch.
Shudder.
Her fists clenched tightly.
Why did men of the Martial World treat their lives so carelessly?
Why did they throw their entire existence away for something as meaningless as the Martial Way?
"Then—"
Just as Bu Eun-seol began supporting Do Cheon-rin to leave, Dam Yu-yeon bit her rosy lips and suddenly shouted.
"Is anyone outside?!"
Her sharp voice rang out to the guards waiting beyond.
"Clear the Hall of Rejuvenation immediately! I must perform the Divine Needle Grand Rescue Art!"
"Lady Dam."
Bu Eun-seol turned back, surprised.
Dam Yu-yeon met his gaze coldly.
"Don't misunderstand."
"..."
"I just couldn't stand the sight of you making such a grand, solemn face while talking about dying for the Martial Way."
A faint smile touched Bu Eun-seol's lips.
Then he bowed deeply, clasping his hands together in utmost respect.
"Thank you."
The Heir of the Demon Hall, the Martial Soul Lord, was known as a man who bowed to no one.
Yet here he was, showing such deference—all for the sake of the person he had brought to be healed.
This was the mark of a true man.
One who would not so much as tilt his head for his own sake, yet would not hesitate to kneel for another.