Chapter 66
Somewhere deep in the slopes of Sword Brow Mountain.
A man in grimy clothes emerged from a pitch-black cave.
A grotesque figure.
His appearance defied any other description.
His hair was disheveled, and his clothes were so worn that they were thoroughly stained with dark patches of grime.
"Hmm."
The man gazed up at the distant sky, his eyes gleaming with a lightning-like brilliance.
Though morning had come, he showed no signs of drowsiness, and the healthy flush in his complexion suggested he had spent the night practicing Qi Circulation.
Thud, thud.
The strange man walked out of the cave and stepped into a small clearing in the forest before it, where he stood tall.
"Hm."
With a short exhale, the longsword at his waist was suddenly in his grasp.
Swish!
As he abruptly thrust the blade forward, a light like the hues of sunset poured forth, and chaotic sword shadows fanned out like the ribs of a folding fan.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
In that instant, the surrounding trees collapsed in a rustling heap.
Moreover, the direction and position of each felled tree were entirely different. It was a sword technique bordering on the divine.
"Hmm."
Despite displaying such a godly technique, the strange man's expression remained far from pleased.
"Still like this, huh."
Crack. Thud.
Before he knew it, fissures began spreading across the blade in his hand, and it shattered into hundreds of fragments that clattered to the ground.
Muttering under his breath, the man headed toward a small waterfall near the forest.
Splashhhh.
The spray from the cascading water brushed against his cheeks.
Staring at his reflection in the water below, the man began washing his face.
Phew!
Once finished, he started tying up his disheveled hair neatly.
Gradually, a pale, white face emerged—long, cold, still eyes, a prominent nose bridge, tightly pressed lips...
The face of an incomparably cold and mysteriously beautiful youth was revealed.
It was Bu Eun-seol.
"One year."
Before he knew it, nearly a year had passed since he began living in the cave.
While the quarters within Langya Pavilion were suitable for rest, they were too bustling for honing sword techniques.
While wandering Sword Brow Mountain, he had found this cave—close to a waterfall and facing the sunrise and sunset each day.
And here, he had spent a year refining his swordsmanship.
"Was it the addition of the Heavy Sword Technique and rotational force?"
Bu Eun-seol clicked his tongue softly.
Building upon Dan Cheong's sword art, he had combined all the martial studies he had learned so far—Sa-u's Practical Combat Sword Art, the Fire Rain Sword, the Peerless Thunderbolt Form—along with the insights and technique purification he had gained in the martial world to create a new sword philosophy.
Supreme Heavenly Flow.
Bu Eun-seol had named it the Supreme Heavenly Flow.
It encompassed all sword techniques scattered throughout the world while simultaneously pioneering an unprecedented new sword technique.
The problem was that every stance of the Supreme Heavenly Flow contained such immense force that an ordinary sword couldn't withstand it.
Snap.
Just then, the sound of a breaking branch reached him, along with a presence.
Turning his head, he saw a middle-aged man in white robes standing tall.
It was Baek Yeon, head of the Wind Cloud Brigade.
"You've improved further."
After a year of martial training, Bu Eun-seol appeared slightly leaner than before.
But in Baek Yeon's eyes, Bu Eun-seol's entire body now resembled a finely honed blade—sharp and lethal.
"Brigade Leader."
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together, Baek Yeon nodded.
"You've been working hard."
Baek Yeon's eyes gradually widened as he carefully observed the destroyed trees around the clearing.
'This...'
All sword techniques bear distinct characteristics, and the moment they are executed, they leave behind the practitioner's individuality and unique traces.
Yet, the trees Bu Eun-seol had destroyed bore no such marks. They were simply and roughly split, as if by a lumberjack's axe.
By blending all the techniques scattered across the world, he had paradoxically erased any discernible signature.
"Remarkable progress."
As Baek Yeon let out an admiring sigh, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"It's still not at a level I can be satisfied with."
"What kind of swordsmanship would ever satisfy you?"
Baek Yeon chuckled dryly before continuing.
"Let's head to Clear Breeze Studio. The Deputy Pavilion Master is looking for you."
Sensing something unspoken in Baek Yeon's gaze, Bu Eun-seol asked,
"Is something the matter?"
After a brief pause, Baek Yeon nodded.
"There's word from the Demon Hall."
"Regarding me?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes."
Baek Yeon took a deep breath before speaking.
"The decision regarding the Ten Demonic Heirs has been made."
Three teacups steamed faintly as they were placed on the table.
Seated at the table in the guest hall of Clear Breeze Studio, Bu Eun-seol listened intently to the words of Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon.
"To put it briefly, the Demon Hall has determined that the Ten Demonic Heirs are not yet at a level to face the Great Righteous Experts. So they've decided to grant them more time to refine their martial arts."
"I see."
"The deadline is one year. Neither too long nor too short."
At Baek Yeon's words, Dan Cheong frowned with displeasure.
"A year to refine martial arts? What exactly can be done in just one year?"
Then, in an irritated mutter, he added:
"The Demon Hall Master should either end his closed-door training soon or solidify the succession before burying himself in seclusion. Leaving the position vacant only strengthens the influence of the Demonic Path Ten Gates and the Elders' Hall."
Bu Eun-seol, hearing Dan Cheong's words, wore a puzzled expression.
"You mean the Demon Hall is being swayed by the Demonic Path Ten Gates and the Elders' Hall?"
"The current Demon Hall Master has yet to officially appoint a successor. Naturally, both the Demonic Path Ten Gates and the Elders' Hall are maneuvering to steer the situation in their favor."
"I still don't fully understand."
"Hmm. It seems you'll need an explanation of the power dynamics within the Demon Hall to grasp this situation."
Then Dan Cheong shot Baek Yeon a glance.
The unspoken command was clear: You explain—my mouth is tired.
Ahem.
Unable to withstand Dan Cheong's piercing gaze, Baek Yeon reluctantly began.
"Have you ever heard that the Demon Hall's authority is divided into three factions?"
Bu Eun-seol recalled Dan Cheong's past words and nodded.
"The Demon Hall is split into three powers: the Hall Master's faction, the Elders' Hall, and the Demonic Path Ten Gates. The Elders' Hall, in particular, holds significant influence as it consists of past masters."
"Yes."
"With power divided three ways, naturally, each faction is pushing for a successor who aligns with their interests."
As Baek Yeon continued, his brow gradually furrowed.
"The Hall Master's faction wants a rising star of the Demonic Path—someone untouched by the Demonic Path Ten Gates or the Elders' Hall. The Demonic Path Ten Gates, of course, want their own disciple to take the position."
Finally, Bu Eun-seol understood the full picture.
With the Demon Hall's succession undecided, the three factions were desperately trying to exert their influence.
"What about the Elders' Hall?"
"The Elders' Hall only cares about securing their own power. They don't care whether the successor comes from the Demonic Path Ten Gates or an outsider. That's why they remain neutral by default."
Dan Cheong, having moistened his lips, spoke again.
"Though the Ten Demonic Heirs Plan was thought to be the Hall Master's unilateral decision, it was only possible because the Elders' Hall consented. From their perspective, the plan posed no risk."
Baek Yeon added with a bitter expression:
"And the one-year deadline was pushed by the Demonic Path Ten Gates. Because you and the other Ten Demonic Heirs are too exceptional."
One mountain cannot house two tigers.
The Ten Demonic Heirs were so outstanding that they threatened to displace the long-established successors of the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
Naturally, those designated successors hoped the Heirs would clash with the Great Righteous Experts and self-destruct as soon as possible.
"I see."
Unlike the worried Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon, Bu Eun-seol's eyes grew brighter than before.
"So I've been granted another year of empty time."
Three hundred and sixty-five days—a span that could forge a new destiny, depending on how it was used.
"Correct. The reason we called you today was to discuss how you'll spend this year."
"Then I'll wander the martial world."
At Bu Eun-seol's immediate reply, Baek Yeon's brows knitted.
"Wander again?"
"Yes."
"Wasn't your year in the Slaughter-Seeking Squad enough?"
"Slaughter-Seeking Squad missions were essentially executing prearranged intelligence and tactics."
"Huh?"
"Though it was a time to learn everything about the martial world, from another perspective, it wasn't truly raw experience."
Baek Yeon sighed and shook his head.
Slaughter-Seeking Squad missions were life-or-death operations. Thorough intelligence gathering was a given.
Yet Bu Eun-seol described them as "everything being prepared."
'I truly don't understand how this kid thinks.'
After glancing at Dan Cheong, Baek Yeon slowly continued.
"Breaking through to the next realm isn't something achieved in a short time. Simply honing Practical Combat Martial Arts won't be enough."
He spoke without hesitation, as if he'd already considered this.
"I'd prefer you spend the year traveling among the Demonic Path Ten Gates and building connections with their successors."
"With the successors of the Demonic Path Ten Gates?"
"Yes. Meanwhile, I will reinforce to the Demon Hall that you are not a Ten Demonic Heir, but a disciple of Langya Pavilion."
Bu Eun-seol's expression clearly conveyed his inability to comprehend, prompting the man to speak again.
"While you visit each of the Demonic Path Ten Gates in turn and forge bonds with their successors, we will make it known to the Demon Hall that you are the legitimate heir to the Main Pavilion's lineage... Then, you will be able to free yourself from the shackles of being a Ten Demonic Heir."
Dan Cheong, who had been listening quietly, furrowed his brow.
"So what you're saying... is that you want this boy to spend a year building connections with the successors of the Demonic Path Ten Gates?"
"That is correct."
"To solidify his position as the Main Pavilion's heir and exempt him from fighting the Great Righteous Experts?"
"That is correct."
Baek Yeon spoke with a grave expression.
"With the exception of one late-joining disciple from the Diancang Sect... every one of the Great Righteous Experts has reached the Transcendence Realm and is recognized as a future Grandmaster."
"I understand what you mean, but isn't that disregarding not just this child, but the very martial philosophy our Main Pavilion upholds?"
Dan Cheong let out a dry laugh.
"The Main Pavilion is a place where martial arts are mastered through real combat, where the Martial Dao is pursued through the crucible of extreme battle. And yet, you suggest he avoid fighting by building friendships?"
But Baek Yeon's gaze remained resolute.
"This boy's potential and talent are extraordinary. However, the time he has spent training in martial arts is far too short."
Then, he turned his eyes to Bu Eun-seol.
"There is no need for him to stake his life in battle before his unparalleled gifts have fully bloomed. Even the Demonic Path Ten Gates recognize this—that's why they granted the Ten Demonic Heirs this brief one-year reprieve."
Dan Cheong's expression darkened with displeasure.
This was not a plan any disciple of Langya Pavilion would ever consider.
But... he must have agonized over this to protect the boy in his own way.
Knowing that Baek Yeon had likely struggled deeply to shield Bu Eun-seol, Dan Cheong couldn't outright reject the proposal.
"Hmm."
With a sigh, Dan Cheong turned to Bu Eun-seol.
"Well then. What do you think?"
Bu Eun-seol was silent for a moment.
If his goal had been to climb to a high position, he would have followed Baek Yeon's words without hesitation.
But what he desired was not status or rank.
"I..."
Bu Eun-seol's tightly sealed lips finally parted.
"...still wish to test myself further by wandering the martial world."
"So you intend to let yourself be swept up in the schemes of the Demonic Path Ten Gates after all?"
Baek Yeon spoke with a pained expression.
"To become an exceptional martial artist, one must also know when to lower their head. If there is an opportunity to evade the blade, there is no need to stubbornly strike it barehanded."
Yet Bu Eun-seol's expression did not change. His unwavering gaze alone was answer enough.
"Listen, Baek Yeon..."
Dan Cheong sighed as he watched the boy.
"Do you really think this child is the type to cower when a blade comes flying at him?"
"That is precisely the issue we must persuade him on. One who does not know how to lower themselves will never become a true master."
"But there are exceptions."
"What do you mean?"
"The current Pavilion Lord of Langya Pavilion, and even the Demon Hall's leader—neither of them ever bowed to another, standing alone and walking their own path."
Teukripdokhaeng—to act independently, unbowed by others.
The current Pavilion Lord of Langya Pavilion and the Demon Hall's leader were both masters who disregarded all others, relying on no one, gazing down upon the martial world from their solitary heights.
And the reason they could do so was simple.
Because they themselves were stronger than any faction.
...Could the Deputy Pavilion Lord truly believe this boy will reach such a realm?
Baek Yeon bit his lip as he met Dan Cheong's gaze.
No. Those men were born as superlative martial experts from the very beginning. This boy is different.
Though Bu Eun-seol possessed astonishing talent, he was, at the end of the day, merely an outstanding martial prodigy.
But the Demon Hall's leader and Langya Pavilion's lord had been born as superhumans.
No matter how exceptional Bu Eun-seol was, Baek Yeon could not imagine him ever reaching the same terrifying heights as those titans.
"This boy is Langya Pavilion's foremost prodigy. Must he really take the hardest path?"
At Baek Yeon's words, Dan Cheong smiled faintly.
"It is because he is exceptional that he chooses the hardest path."
Then, he turned to Bu Eun-seol.
"Bu Eun-seol. The Demonic Path Ten Gates are already struggling with Inheritors far more formidable than they anticipated. They have no desire to add another competitor to the already chaotic succession battles among their own heirs."
A thin smile played on Dan Cheong's lips.
"But no matter what anyone says, you are a disciple of the Main Pavilion. This is what Baek Yeon wanted to remind you of... Do you understand?"
"I understand perfectly."
Bu Eun-seol also allowed himself a faint smile.
Though the Ten Demonic Heirs had been created as weapons to oppose the Great Righteous Experts... Langya Pavilion had acknowledged him as a true disciple.
And Baek Yeon had gone to great lengths to protect him from danger.
...I have been shown far more kindness by the Main Pavilion than I deserve.
Then, Dan Cheong asked:
"Then I'll ask again. What will you do this year?"
"I will wander the martial world."
At Bu Eun-seol's unwavering answer, Dan Cheong nodded.
"Good. Then go roam east and west."