Chapter 616
The next day.
Having slipped out of the Martial Alliance for his journey through the martial world, Bu Eun-seol immediately switched identities with Seo Jin-ha.
And without delay, he headed straight for Hubei Province.
Unfalteringly employing his Lightness Art, he soon arrived near Pine Grove Mountain.
Passing through dense forests and wandering deeper inside, the ruins of a crumbling temple eventually came into view.
"Honestly, what kind of ghostly trickery is this?"
Bu Eun-seol gazed up at the distant sky.
The reason he had come here was none other than his promise with Bukgung Ryeong.
—The moment the sun rises tomorrow, leave the Martial Alliance immediately and return to your original identity. Then wait for this old man in front of the abandoned temple on Pine Grove Mountain.
Bukgung Ryeong had spoken with absolute confidence.
—I'll bring someone who can perfect your plan.
Though Bu Eun-seol couldn't comprehend it, he followed Bukgung Ryeong's instructions.
Not only was there no alternative, but the old man wasn't one to spout nonsense.
Chirp, chirp, chirp.
Only the faint calls of birds echoed around the silent ruins of the temple.
After waiting for a long while with no sign of anyone, Bu Eun-seol grew bored.
So he stepped inside the abandoned temple, settled into the lotus position, and began his Qi Circulation.
Huum.
As he activated his mental cultivation method, a faint glow began to emanate from his entire body.
He had already reached the Sixth Layer of the Counter-Polar Internal Art—
A state of Ever-Advancing Dharma Cycle and Heaven-Defying Boundlessness.
Frankly, he didn't even need to exert effort in Qi Circulation anymore.
Yet, whenever he wasn't researching martial techniques, he still practiced it whenever possible.
'The fundamentals are always important.'
Imagine if, without lifting a finger, delicious dishes endlessly appeared before you.
For a while, it would be incredibly convenient.
But eventually, you might forget how to cook altogether.
Thanks to the Ever-Advancing Dharma Cycle, Bu Eun-seol could maintain Qi Circulation effortlessly—whether sitting or sleeping.
Yet he still deliberately continued his practice and examined his inner self.
And precisely because of this habit—unlike other grandmasters who neglected the basics—
He would one day break through the limits of martial arts and attain an internal energy unmatched in the history of the martial world.
But that was still a tale for the distant future.
How much time had passed?
Flick.
His eyes snapped open.
He had sensed presences rapidly approaching.
'Two people?'
One was unmistakably the old man, Bukgung.
But alongside him was another presence, moving just as swiftly with an agile Movement Technique.
Creak.
As Bu Eun-seol pushed open the door and stepped outside, two figures descended from the sky.
"You—"
Bu Eun-seol froze.
The person standing beside Bukgung Ryeong—
Was none other than the Great Righteous Expert of the Wudang Sect, Song-ak.
"I heard you two were acquainted," Bukgung Ryeong said nonchalantly.
"Since it's a rare occasion, why not greet each other?"
"Old man."
Bu Eun-seol furrowed his brows.
"Are you already planning to give up your position as the Martial Alliance's Honorary Guardian?"
Bu Eun-seol was the Heir of the Demon Hall.
Bukgung Ryeong was a renowned hero of the Righteous Faction whose name was engraved on the Hero Stele, now serving as the Martial Alliance's Honorary Guardian.
If word got out that the two of them were on friendly terms—
His position would undoubtedly be stripped away, and irreversible consequences would follow.
"If both of you keep your mouths shut, who in the world would know?"
Bukgung Ryeong's voice carried deep trust.
Just as he believed in Bu Eun-seol, he also firmly believed in the integrity of Song-ak.
"It's been a while."
Song-ak, wearing a slightly surprised expression, greeted Bu Eun-seol.
"To break free from the bondage of the flesh and reach true enlightenment in such a short time—truly an immeasurable achievement."
Bu Eun-seol's expression turned peculiar.
Because Song-ak had described his realm as true enlightenment.
It was a subtle insight—
Implying that Bu Eun-seol had not strayed into the Demonic Path but had instead mastered the ultimate principles of both orthodox and unorthodox martial arts.
"You flatter me too much."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"Brother Song, you too have reached Blending Light with Dust and Listening with the Heart, entering the realm of the Martial Way. Congratulations are in order."
For a moment, Song-ak's expression stiffened.
He had vaguely described Bu Eun-seol's attainment as true enlightenment.
But Bu Eun-seol had precisely pinpointed the exact level of his martial arts mastery.
"Haha, you, benefactor is truly beyond compare."
Song-ak shook his head with a clear smile.
His nature was as pure and unadorned as water.
He simply gazed at Bu Eun-seol—who had effortlessly surpassed his own martial prowess—with nothing but admiration in his eyes.
There was not a trace of envy or jealousy, nor even the slightest prejudice toward the Orthodox and Unorthodox Paths.
'The Wudang Sect's people are generally decent.'
Bu Eun-seol allowed a faint smile to linger on his lips.
Throughout his travels in the martial world, he had witnessed the twisted beliefs and greed of so-called righteous faction members. Yet every Wudang disciple he had encountered thus far—like Song-ak—had been upright and honorable.
"I've heard the story," Song-ak said.
"Disciple A-yeon has fallen to an inner demon... and only your death can break her free of it."
Bukgung Ryeong must have simplified the explanation about the Three Realms by referring to it as an "inner demon."
"That's correct."
"Even without Honorary Guardian Bukgung's request, haven't I formed a brief bond with Disciple A-yeon? Naturally, I'll lend a hand."
When Bu Eun-seol made a peculiar expression, Bukgung Ryeong interjected,
"The Wudang Sect's Nonlethal Techniques are considered the finest among the Nine Great Sects."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol let out a quiet "Ah."
The Wudang Sect's sword techniques fundamentally embodied the Sword Intent of Non-Killing.
Among them were numerous moves designed to subdue opponents without inflicting fatal wounds, even when striking decisively.
As the Wudang Sect's next-generation Grandmaster, Song-ak would undoubtedly be well-versed in the diverse techniques of their Non-Killing Sword Arts.
"Besides," Bukgung Ryeong added, "rather than facing me one-on-one, having this lad join me in attacking you will make the deception far more convincing."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
Having Song-ak's assistance would indeed make it easier to deceive the sharp eyes of A-yeon, now possessed by the Witch.
"This place happens to be remote and perfect for martial training," Song-ak said, flashing a bright smile.
"Shall we begin, then?"
—We've located her movements.
The message from the Death Soul Squad was relayed to Bu Eun-seol through Xiao Yao.
The Flying Demon Unit, led by Eun Jung-hwi, surpassed even the Death Soul Squad's members in one aspect: their Lightness Art.
Perhaps it was only natural.
After all, they had spent years carrying people on their backs while executing relentless high-speed movement.
Under the Death Soul Squad's command, the Flying Demon Unit members—monitoring the vicinity of Mount Wu, where the Divine Maiden Palace stood, with their exceptional Lightness Art—had finally pinpointed A-yeon's whereabouts.
—As expected, she's heading toward the Divine Maiden Palace. However, since she's moving alone without troops or subordinates, it seems she intends to infiltrate covertly.
Upon receiving the news, Bu Eun-seol immediately unleashed a whirlwind-like Movement Technique and raced toward the Divine Maiden Palace.
'Does she think eliminating her betrothed will secure me for herself?'
A-yeon's martial arts—and likely her intellect—had advanced by leaps and bounds.
Yet if she was heading straight for the Divine Maiden Palace, just as he had anticipated, then either she was concealing another scheme...
Or she was confident she could overpower him in a direct confrontation.
'No matter. Either way, it doesn't concern me.'
If everything went according to plan... the dormant personality of the real A-yeon, buried deep within the Witch's psyche, would awaken.
'At least there's that small mercy. She hasn't committed any atrocities yet.'
As he surged forward with his Movement Technique, Bu Eun-seol felt a quiet relief.
A-yeon's true nature was solemn and righteous. If the malevolent personality had used her body to commit evil deeds...
Even if the brainwashing were undone, she might—like the Wanderer of the World—be unable to live with her actions and choose suicide.
Whoosh.
Arriving at the foothills of Mount Wu, where the Divine Maiden Palace stood, Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
If anyone were present, A-yeon would flee immediately—so he had even sent Xiao Yao far away.
How much time had passed?
From the distance, the faint Sound of Breaking Air accompanied the rapid approach of a beautiful woman clad in violet palace robes.
It was A-yeon.
Tap.
The moment she spotted Bu Eun-seol, she halted her steps, standing 30 feet away.
"How diligent of you," she said.
A sinister glint flickered in her pupils.
"So worried about your betrothed getting hurt that you've been lying in wait here."
Though her face remained unchanged, the occasional flash of that sharp glint and her violet-stained lips gave her an unmistakably wicked aura.
"You're not A-yeon," Bu Eun-seol deliberately provoked her.
"Given how your face has turned as dark as a raven's, I take it some hideous creature has taken over your body."
"Hehehe."
A-yeon's violet eyes sparkled as she smiled.
"There shouldn't be any noticeable difference right now."
"Your name?"
"A-yeon."
A-yeon flashed a provocative smile.
"And Eun-ra, they call me."
It seemed the name of the witch fused with A-yeon was Eun-ra.
"Then A-yeon Miss is still present, is she?"
"That's right."
"Then I'll ask, assuming A-yeon Miss is listening."
Bu Eun-seol's expression remained composed as he spoke.
"Have you changed your mind?"
"Do I seem like I have?"
"If not, why have you boldly revealed yourself before me? You couldn't have been unaware that I guard this place."
A-yeon smiled faintly.
"Who knows?"
"You must have a better plan, then."
"You've caught me."
A-yeon replied playfully.
"Aren't you actually a young disciple of the Demonic Path? There's no need for you to fight me directly."
Then she rolled up her sleeve, revealing her pale forearm.
"I've already spread word to the Martial Alliance that you ruined me."
The Sword Pavilion only allowed pure women to enter, marking their arms with the Cinnabar Palace Mark.
And the Cinnabar Palace Mark could only be erased through the union of a man and a woman—yet her arm was clean, devoid of any mark.
"I told the Sword Pavilion as well. That you lusted after me, then treated me like a madwoman and tried to capture me."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol realize why the Sword Pavilion's reaction had been so cold.
There wasn't a single disciple in the Sword Pavilion who didn't know A-yeon adored him.
Even if they wanted to believe in Bu Eun-seol, with the Cinnabar Palace Mark gone, they had no choice but to believe her.
"I'm looking forward to it. How will you prove your innocence?"
No one would dare ask Bu Eun-seol to his face whether he had stolen the chastity of a Sword Pavilion disciple.
But what if A-yeon spread the rumor across the entire Murim with a sorrowful expression?
Regardless of the truth, Bu Eun-seol's reputation would plummet to the ground.
"Why would I bother proving it?"
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"You've already proven it for me."
"What do you mean?"
Instead of answering, he glanced behind him.
From between the trees, dozens of shadows emerged.
They were none other than Ok Yu-ha and the disciples she had meticulously trained all this time.
"How...?"
The Sword Pavilion's location and movements had already been perfectly grasped with the Azure River Realm's help.
How could Bu Eun-seol have brought them here without anyone noticing?
And how had they hidden here, evading even her extrasensory perception?
"If you were truly A-yeon Miss, you wouldn't have resorted to such a shoddy plan. You would've known it wouldn't work on me."
All this time, Bu Eun-seol had lost precious people to the Three Realms and witnessed all their dirty tricks firsthand.
If A-yeon had been in her right mind? She would've known such a plan could never succeed.
But Eun-ra's personality had failed to recognize that, instead devising this crude scheme.
"Those tainted by evil think they can win just by exploiting weaknesses. That's why you failed to anticipate the Sword Pavilion's reaction—and my plan."
A-yeon only glared coldly, saying nothing.
Though she had executed vile, underhanded methods without hesitation through her split personality... such tricks were useless against Bu Eun-seol.
Meaning, A-yeon's true personality did not seem to be aiding her.
"Fine."
A-yeon smiled coldly.
"I'll just wipe you all out at once."
Fssht!
In an instant, she drew her sword and unleashed dozens of sword qi slashes toward Bu Eun-seol.
But then, Ok Yu-ha stepped forward.
Swish.
With a light flick of her sleeve, the sword qi A-yeon had unleashed melted away like snow.
"A-yeon. I know you can hear me."
Ok Yu-ha spoke with earnestness.
"You are strong. No matter the situation, your consciousness—"
Slash!
Her words were cut short.
A-yeon had immediately launched a sword slash, slicing across her cheek.
"How tiresome, all this chatter."
Shing.
Ok Yu-ha drew her sword.
"Lord. Since she is a disciple of our sect, I will handle this myself."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
If the Sword Pavilion subdued her and took her away, that would be the best outcome.
"Deploy the Saint-Slaying Adaptive Sword Formation!"
At Ok Yu-ha's command, thirty disciples moved like scattered flower petals, encircling A-yeon.
Most sword formations were designed to suppress enemies.
But the Saint-Slaying Adaptive Sword Formation was different.
Unlike the Sword Pavilion's usual formations, this one existed for a single purpose—to kill.
"So much for sparing your beloved disciple—in the end, you still deploy a Killing Formation."
As A-yeon spat these icy words, Ok Yu-ha replied impassively,
"With your swordsmanship amplified to this degree, how could we possibly attempt a half-hearted suppression?"
Clang-clang-clang!
The circular formation expanded and contracted chaotically, its battle rhythm erratic.
Yet A-yeon's swordplay remained Seamless as a Heavenly Robe with every stance.
Even standing at the heart of the Saint-Slaying Adaptive Sword Formation, designed to absorb all external force, the might of her techniques showed no sign of diminishing.
"You thought this shoddy formation could capture me?!"
Unaffected by the formation's suppression, she felled the Sword Pavilion disciples one by one.
"Argh—!"
Short screams erupted in succession as the formation crumbled uncontrollably.
"Enough!"
Finally, Ok Yu-ha stepped forward with a sharp command.
Clang-clang-clang-clang!
When their blades clashed at the formation's center, a storm erupted in all directions, and a shockwave of True Qi surged to the heavens.
"You think that level of Internal Power can suppress me?"
A-yeon's lips curled into a frigid smile.
Ok Yu-ha's swordsmanship was peerless, but her energy was pitifully weak—her Internal Energy had drastically waned after years of practicing Youth-Retaining Arts while waiting for the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade Bu Jan-yang.
Swish!
A-yeon's Treasured Sword whirled in a wide arc, aiming to sever Ok Yu-ha's neck in one stroke.
Clang!
Ok Yu-ha parried frantically, but each block forced her back a step, unable to withstand the force imbued in A-yeon's blade.
Yet she pressed on, unrelenting.
Clang-clang-clang!
Before long, they had exchanged forty blows.
Though Ok Yu-ha steadily retreated, her expression remained composed.
In contrast, A-yeon—who had seized the offensive—grew increasingly distorted.
"How...?"
Her gaze lost focus.
Ok Yu-ha's swordplay was neither flawless nor overwhelmingly powerful.
Yet with every clash, it exposed vulnerabilities in her own perfect techniques.
"You've failed to fully control your mind."
Ok Yu-ha's smile was cold.
She sensed it—the Witch hadn't completely dominated A-yeon's Spirit and Mind. The girl's true self still slumbered within.
Why else would A-yeon's body instinctively react to Ok Yu-ha's stances the longer they fought?
"Don't mock me!"
A-yeon roared, unleashing another flawless sword form.
Thud-thud-thud!
Though their Internal Energy gap was vast, Ok Yu-ha's swordsmanship had reached Heart Calm as Water, Heart Empty and Hand Solid—a state where she could dismantle any technique, regardless of power disparity.
Even Bu Eun-seol, watching from afar, couldn't suppress his admiration.
As expected.
The Sword Pavilion had long guarded Murim as the righteous Sword Gate.
Whenever chaos arose in the Rivers and Lakes, they resolved it by sending a single disciple with a blade.
Such feats were only possible because of their unparalleled swordsmanship.
No wonder they devoted such effort to selecting successors.
The essence of their techniques could be summed in one word: Stillness.
From tranquility, they drew the pinnacle of the sword—attacking through defense.
Now, with her clarity restored, Ok Yu-ha wielded the Sword Pavilion's ultimate technique: the Elegant Dream Sword at its zenith.
And A-yeon's body, corrupted by the Witch Eun-ra, was gradually responding to it.
Whoosh.
As Ok Yu-ha's blade coiled fluidly around A-yeon's sword—
Clang!
A clear Sword Resonance rang out, and A-yeon's weapon was sent flying.
Tap.
Ok Yu-ha leveled her Long Sword at A-yeon's throat.
"Remember. The hours we spent honing your skills together."
A sharp light flashed in Ok Yu-ha's eyes as translucent energy radiated from her body—a form of Mind Sword, striking directly at A-yeon's Spirit and Mind to awaken the girl buried within.
"M-Master..."
A-yeon's pupils wavered like rippling water.
The violet hue staining her lips and eyes began fading, returning to their natural color.
Finally, through Ok Yu-ha's Mind Sword, she regained her senses.
"You've come to your senses?"
"Master..."
A-yeon knelt, her voice trembling.
"Thanks to you... I've broken free of the delusions in my heart."
Ok Yu-ha exhaled in relief and nodded.
"Thank goodness—"
But her words died.
Thud.
In a flash, the kneeling A-yeon drew a dagger from her sleeve and plunged it into Ok Yu-ha's abdomen.
"She's already gone, I told you."
A-yeon's laughter was venomous.
She hadn't truly awakened—she'd feigned clarity to exploit Ok Yu-ha's opening.
Flash!
A brilliant sword light suddenly severed the space between them.
Bu Eun-seol, unable to watch any longer, had drawn his blade.