Chapter 618
"Huuuuu."
A sound—whether a moan or laughter—escaped her lips.
"Ahahaha!"
Surprisingly.
Even after confirming Bu Eun-seol's death, A-yeon's personality had not resurfaced.
"Good. This is good."
Eun-ra nodded with a relieved expression.
There had only ever been one thing weighing on her mind:
The man A-yeon was obsessed with—Bu Eun-seol.
Though the Great Art had succeeded, its duration had been far too brief, leaving their two personalities entangled.
But with A-yeon submerged in grief, Eun-ra had taken full control.
Now that he was dead, and A-yeon's personality remained dormant, there was nothing left to hold her back.
Her martial arts prowess was unmatched among female masters, and her status was secure.
All that remained was to forget her memories of him and roam the Murim as she pleased.
"Now that he's gone, the Murim will regain its peace."
Eun-ra spoke with a smile.
But something was wrong.
Her eyes burned. And her chest ached as if being torn apart.
An inexplicable unease and anguish surged through her.
"He no longer exists in this world."
A low voice echoed in her heart.
"Then the shorter this life is, the better."
At the same time, an unbearable despair spread from the crown of her head to the tips of her toes.
'Don't be ridiculous!'
Eun-ra roared inwardly.
'You never even loved him in the first place!'
"I never sought his love."
A-yeon's sorrowful voice resonated in her mind.
"I simply loved him—that's all."
Her voice grew infinitely quieter.
"The man I loved like my own life, the man I yearned for so desperately... In the end, he died right before my eyes."
A-yeon murmured as though sobbing.
"Now I can never see him again."
Bukgung Ryeong and Song-ak stared at Eun-ra with strange expressions.
Sensing their piercing gazes, she forced a smile, ignoring A-yeon's voice endlessly echoing in her mind.
"Thank you. For saving me."
She clasped her hands together and bowed slightly to them.
"Then I'll take my leave now."
With a casual nod, she slowly turned to walk away.
But with each step, her eyes grew hotter.
The world around her darkened, and every movement made her feel as though she were plummeting into a bottomless pit.
Sssk—
With every step, her face paled, and her hair began turning white as if touched by frost.
"Aaaaah!"
Two eerie voices burst simultaneously from Eun-ra's lips.
She could no longer endure this torment.
In the same instant, she drew her Treasured Sword and lunged at Song-ak.
Fwaa!
The sword techniques she unleashed were the most brutal Killing Moves from the Elegant Dream Sword.
Even then, Eun-ra couldn't comprehend her own actions.
I am not A-yeon.
So why am I despairing over his death? Why am I raging and screaming?
Why do I want revenge for him?
"Aaaaah!"
Now fully white-haired, Eun-ra began unleashing Sword Strokes not just at Song-ak but at Bukgung Ryeong as well.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
As if anticipating her assault, Bukgung Ryeong and Song-ak countered with the Inner Energy Bullet Art and the Taiji Wisdom Sword, deflecting her Sword Qi.
The more she poured out her Internal Power, the more her hair turned silver, and her pupils burned crimson.
"Though I could not win his love in this life—"
A-yeon's voice reverberated endlessly in her mind.
"I want to sleep beside him in death."
Eun-ra swung her sword like a madwoman.
She would take revenge on these men.
Then she would lie buried in the earth, resting beside him for eternity.
Clashhh!
The relentless clang of steel rang out as razor-sharp Sword Qi exploded in all directions.
The more she poured out her martial arts—
The more she poured out her resentment—
The thinner and more futile the Boundary between life and death felt.
"Parted from my love in life."
As Eun-ra recited the verse, clear tears streamed endlessly from her eyes.
"Each at the far ends of the sky, hopelessly apart."
Before she knew it, her vision had blurred.
Now that they had been torn apart like this, in what life could they ever meet again?
Where in this world could she ever find him now that he was gone?
"Miss A-yeon."
Then, the impossible happened.
From behind her came a voice—deep, familiar, and unmistakable.
In that instant, her eyes flew wide open.
"Did I mishear?"
Eun-ra turned her head very slowly.
Then she saw the face of a man clad in black robes.
His complexion was pale, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, yet his gaze was incomparably upright and clear.
It was Bu Eun-seol, who should have been dead.
Clang.
Eun-ra dropped the sword from her hand.
It was the treasured sword that had never once left A-yeon's body in all her life.
Simultaneously, her consciousness began falling endlessly downward.
And finally, a pure, transparent consciousness settled into her physical body.
"You..."
A-yeon spoke cautiously with a trembling voice.
"How did you come to be here...?"
She stared at Bu Eun-seol with a dazed expression, as if waking from a dream.
"Have you regained your senses?"
At Bu Eun-seol's affectionate voice, the pupils of A-yeon's eyes rippled like waves.
Only then did she realize she was standing in an unfamiliar forest.
And who were that old man and young Daoist?
"Benefactor."
Just then, the young Daoist behind Bu Eun-seol—Song-ak—approached.
"It's been a while. Do you remember this penniless Daoist?"
Song-ak smiled faintly.
A-yeon finally recalled Song-ak's appearance from Bu Eun-seol's days as the Ten Demonic Heir and nodded slightly.
"What brings you here—"
"When Lord Bu learned your soul had been stolen by an evil witch, he devised a plan to save you."
Song-ak gestured toward Bukgung Ryeong.
"Honorary Guardian Bukgung happened to know the solution."
"A solution?"
"He said that to break your brainwashing, the lifelong goal you had dreamed of must disappear."
"Brainwashing?"
"Do you not remember at all?"
In an instant, all the memories A-yeon had lost came flooding back.
Her own image, fallen into despair after failing to win Bu Eun-seol's love.
The temptations whispered to her by a figure from the Three Realms.
Thereafter, enduring a torturous Great Art while another personality—Eun-ra—clung relentlessly to her body.
And even the sight of Bu Eun-seol standing against her.
"Lord Bu faked his death... to save me."
"Precisely."
Clear tears streamed from A-yeon's eyes.
All she had ever desired was Bu Eun-seol's affection.
And when she believed he had died, the entire world she knew vanished.
Because of that, Eun-ra's personality disappeared as well.
"Lord Bu insisted he had to die even if it meant injuring his own body, so I executed our sect's Floating Cloud Veils the White Sword."
Floating Cloud Veils the White Sword was one of the Wudang Sect's supreme Sword Studies.
Literally, like floating clouds obscuring the sun.
Though it appears to deliver certain death to the enemy, in truth, it avoids vital organs and pressure points.
A supreme Secret Art that pierces without endangering life.
Since Song-ak executed the technique flawlessly and Bu Eun-seol protected his body with Water Essence Divine Qi.
He avoided fatal injury—only he suffered only a flesh wound.
"I see."
A-yeon's face brightened with profound realization.
"But the Lord Bu who lived in my heart has already drawn his last breath."
Though Bu Eun-seol's death had been a deception.
She had accepted it as real.
And so, the Bu Eun-seol in her heart had died.
Along with him... the woman who had hungered for love also perished.
Now, she was A-yeon, a nun of the Mystic Path.
"Thank you."
A-yeon bowed deeply to Bukgung Ryeong and Song-ak in gratitude.
Then she turned to face Bu Eun-seol.
"I know you've been opposing the Three Realms all along. You must have discovered me while dealing with such matters this time as well."
"Correct."
"They said the Azure River Realm collaborated with the Neither-Human-Nor-Beasts to carry out this brainwashing."
Neither-Human-Nor-Beast.
It was a term from the Buddhist Order.
Meaning beings that were neither human, nor animal, nor could they be called divine.
"And they said those like me who underwent brainwashing could also become Neither-Human-Nor-Beasts."
The words were perplexing.
'Something's off.'
Bu Eun-seol had been harboring a vague suspicion.
Hyeokryeon Eung had said one of the Three Realms harbored a terrifying plan, and the Infinite Realm acted righteously to stop it.
Until now, Bu Eun-seol had been certain that realm was the Return-to-One Realm.
After all, when the Heavenly Venerable realized Bu Eun-seol shared ideals similar to the Return-to-One Realm's banner, he declared them irreconcilable enemies and attacked.
But only now did he sense something amiss.
The Azure River Realm's actions were even more grotesque than those of the Infinite Realm.
'In the end, were the Three Realms trying to stop the forces of the Abyss?'
"Is 'Neither-Human-Nor-Beast' the name of a faction?"
A-yeon spoke in a low voice.
"I don't know about that. But whenever the Inhuman Ones were mentioned, the Azure River Realm frequently brought up a certain place name."
"Where?"
"Mountain Beneath the Earth."
"Mountain Beneath the Earth."
Bu Eun-seol furrowed his brow.
Mountain Beneath the Earth. There was no mountain or location in the Central Plains with such a name.
Most likely, Mountain Beneath the Earth wasn't a place name—but rather one of the Abyssal Forces that had never once revealed itself until now.
"I'm almost certain. Because it's not my memory... but hers."
Her voice carried a faint sorrow.
Though Eun-ra could be called a witch who had devoured her own body, in another sense... she was also another version of herself.
'The Azure River Realm has undoubtedly joined hands with an external faction.'
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
He had assumed the Three Realms were just the Three Realms.
But the Azure River Realm had allied with another force. That meant even within the Three Realms, a ground shift was taking place.
"Then where are these Inhuman Ones?"
"They said they're hiding all across the Central Plains. Most likely... they'll reveal themselves soon."
Unfortunately, it seemed A-yeon, having never properly acted as the Jade Clarity Venerable, didn't know any high-level information about the Azure River Realm.
"I'm sorry. I've been no help at all."
A-yeon wore a self-deprecating smile.
She had been brainwashed and inflicted great damage on Bu Eun-seol. And despite having been part of the Azure River Realm, she couldn't provide any significant information.
"Not at all. You've been a great help."
"Then... I'll return to my sect."
After gazing at Bu Eun-seol with an expression of unfathomable depth and longing, she finally smiled brightly.
It wasn't a smile brimming with affection, but rather the serene Flower-Veneration Smile of a nun deeply devoted to the Mystic Path.
"And I will never forget the kindness you've shown me."
She had, at last, leaped over the profound and distant gate of love.
"Then."
Before Bu Eun-seol could say anything, A-yeon swiftly activated her Movement Technique and vanished like mist.
"Benefactor Bu."
At that moment, Song-ak approached and spoke.
"That was a lie."
"A lie?"
"Miss A-yeon hasn't completely crossed the gate of love. She merely lied for your sake."
Song-ak had seen the tears in A-yeon's eyes as she turned away.
Those weren't the tears of a woman devoted to the Mystic Path—but of a woman resigning herself to a love that could never be.
"She was crying, you see."
Song-ak sighed, murmuring as if to himself.
"She must have thought that only by letting go could the one she loves walk his path in peace."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
They hadn't spent much time together, nor had there been any moment that could have fostered such deep affection between them.
And yet, she had loved him so profoundly.
"He's right."
Bukgung Ryeong chimed in then.
"If that girl truly intended to return to the Mystic Path, she wouldn't have said she'd never forget your kindness."
The Buddhist Order teaches that one must let go of both great kindness and deep grudges. The more one clings to them, the more suffering accumulates.
But A-yeon had said she wouldn't forget.
Unconsciously, she had spoken her true heart.
"Love is a mysterious thing by nature."
Bukgung Ryeong studied Bu Eun-seol's conflicted expression and spoke.
"Even in the briefest of meetings, in the span of a single moment... one can come to understand a person completely, or yearn for them for a lifetime."
Pausing briefly, he then continued with a solemn face.
"Take her in. If you don't, she'll spend the rest of her life pining for you until she dies."
"Old man."
"You already have two wives, don't you?"
"Betrothed. Formally."
"Then take her in formally, if nothing else. Consider it saving a life."
Bukgung Ryeong's expression was utterly serious.
"Whether it's two or three, it makes no difference."
"I'll handle it my way."
"You brat! After I went out of my way to play matchmaker, you're just going to ignore me?"
As Bukgung Ryeong flared up in irritation, Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"I have too much to do. I don't want to form unnecessary bonds when I could die at any moment."
Bu Eun-seol had to move forward—to unravel all the mysteries surrounding him.
He had to avenge his grandfather and parents.
Until then, building a family was out of the question.
"What if you finish everything you need to do?"
At Bukgung Ryeong's insistence, Bu Eun-seol smiled bitterly and shook his head.
"If I can finish it all... that would mean Heaven took pity on me and lent me its aid. For now, I can only hope she resolves everything well."
Recognizing the absolute resolve in Bu Eun-seol's eyes, Bukgung Ryeong nodded slowly.
"Well, bonds are beyond our control, I suppose."
He, too, had once stood unrivaled in the murim and encountered many such bonds—yet in the end, he had failed to achieve his goal.
At that time, until his dying breath, there was something he had wanted to accomplish.
Because he had a goal—to establish the righteous energy of the murim and continue upholding justice.
And Bukgung Ryeong had surmised that Bu Eun-seol, too, must have a purpose he was determined to fulfill.
"Still, this old man... wishes for you to build a family, if possible."
That was Bukgung Ryeong's genuine sentiment—and also a blessing for Bu Eun-seol's long journey ahead.
Bu Eun-seol gave a dry smile and nodded.
"I'll do my best."
Bukgung Ryeong also allowed a faint smile to surface.
If he could see that arrogant brat settling down, holding a child who looked just like him...
He didn't think he could ask for anything more.
"Now, there's just one thing left."
At that moment, Song-ak spoke up, glancing between Bu Eun-seol and Bukgung Ryeong.
"It seems the time has come to resolve my sect's mishap."
Having already heard Song-ak's full account at the Martial Alliance, Bukgung Ryeong realized—
He himself couldn't solve the Wudang Sect's crisis.
He had merely seen and heard much, but even the Wudang Sect's outstanding figures had failed to unravel this enigma.
Fortunately, however, he knew someone capable of handling such a matter—
A young genius whose observation, wisdom, and insight surpassed all others, who could undoubtedly solve any problem.
But he couldn't guarantee that this man would help the Wudang Sect.
Their paths were simply too different.
Yet Bukgung Ryeong found a glimmer of hope.
Bu Eun-seol had first inquired about brainwashing and mentioned A-yeon's circumstances.
—I know someone who can definitely make your fake death a success.
After hearing everything, Bukgung Ryeong recalled Song-ak and said:
—In fact, it's even more certain than if I intervened myself. Because there are two people who absolutely cannot coexist with the Demonic Path.
Then, with utmost solemnity, he continued:
—But once this is resolved, you must help him in return. He's in trouble. Can you do that?
Bu Eun-seol naturally agreed.
No matter how he looked at it, this wasn't something he could handle alone.
Once Bu Eun-seol consented, Bukgung Ryeong then approached Song-ak:
—I know someone who can resolve this matter. But he's from the Demonic Path.
With an extremely grave expression, Bukgung Ryeong added:
—If you're truly desperate, I can bring him. But you'll have to help him first. He's not the type to live owing favors.
Then, with confidence, he concluded:
—I guarantee he will absolutely solve the Wudang Sect's crisis.
Having persuaded both men, Bukgung Ryeong arranged a secret meeting.
Fortunately, Bu Eun-seol and Song-ak were already acquainted—and held each other in high regard.
—If I help you rescue lay devotee A-yeon, then you must assist me with my own matter in return.
Bu Eun-seol, fortunately, didn't even ask what kind of help Song-ak needed or what the matter entailed.
Because Song-ak was a man of integrity.
If someone like him was pleading for help, it must be worth it.
Moreover, since Song-ak offered help first, there was no reason to refuse.
After that, the plan proceeded swiftly, without a hitch.
'Hm.'
Finishing his recollection, Bukgung Ryeong nodded.
"First, it would be best to explain the situation to him."
Song-ak, also nodding, took a deep breath and spoke to Bu Eun-seol.
"Our sect's Elders have fallen victim to sleepwalking."
For a moment, a heavy silence filled the forest.
"Sleepwalking, you say?"
"Yes."
After a pause, Bu Eun-seol answered clearly.
"For sleepwalking, Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium, Liver-Soothing Powder, and Poria Cinnamon Atractylodes and Licorice Decoction are effective."
"..."
Bu Eun-seol turned to Bukgung Ryeong and nodded firmly.
"Solved."
Song-ak immediately waved both hands in protest.
"That's not it. Though we call it sleepwalking, it's more akin to a plague."
His expression darkened as he continued.
"At night, they wander Wudang Mountain, devouring live birds. And when there's nothing left to eat... they've even dug up graves behind the Founders' Hall."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
That Wudang's deeply cultivated Daoists, afflicted by sleepwalking, would hunt and eat wild beasts alive was bizarre enough—
But when birds ran out, they dug up graves and attempted to desecrate the remains of past Masters?
This sounded like something straight out of a ghost story.
"We're short on time, so let's talk on the way."
Bukgung Ryeong interjected.
"I've arranged a carriage at the foot of the mountain."
"You're coming too, old man?"
"If I don't, what identity will you use to enter Wudang Mountain?"
Bukgung Ryeong replied calmly.
"Disguise yourself appropriately and follow. The Wudang Sect will introduce you as my disciple."
Going as Seon-u Jin would expose Bu Eun-seol's dual identity to Song-ak.
Bukgung Ryeong was looking out for him in his own way.
"Understood."
Crack.
Disguised as Seol-so, Bu Eun-seol nodded immediately.
"Let's depart at once."
At that moment, he still didn't know—
That by resolving the Wudang Sect's crisis,
He would uncover long-lost memories of his mother and clues about the Ink Soul Sword.