Chapter 670
Swish!
Yu Cheong-rim's body was once again flung forward like a bullet.
So Ok-rim was hurling his body like a hidden weapon, trying to quickly subdue the children's suffering.
"Someone save me!"
Every time Yu Cheong-rim's agonized scream burst forth—
Thud!
—the children staggered back as if struck by a mace.
Swish!
With every flick of So Ok-rim's fingers, Yu Cheong-rim's body shot forward like a massive Inner Energy Bullet Art.
Bubble, bubble.
Under the control of the Living Mirror Wooden Puppet, Yu Cheong-rim's eyes had already rolled back from the sheer speed of his flight.
Soon, he couldn't even scream anymore—white foam spilled from his lips instead.
Splat!
In the end, the ten boys were struck by the massive hidden weapon that was Yu Cheong-rim, rendering them uncontrollable.
Their vital points had been avoided, and since he had been used as a blunt weapon, their lives weren't in danger.
Clatter.
When So Ok-rim released the puppet's steel threads—
Thump.
—Yu Cheong-rim, now a Blood Person, collapsed unconscious on the spot.
"Ugh..."
As the boys he had been controlling fell into a combat-incapacitated state, Cheon-ung's lips twisted where he stood atop the coffin.
His expression was that of someone watching their favorite toy being shattered.
So Ok-rim gazed at Cheon-ung—still bearing traces of innocence—with sorrowful eyes.
"Now, I'll set you free."
Cheon-ung could never return to being an ordinary human.
If that was the case, she would personally guide him to eternal rest.
"Huuu!"
With a loud cry, Cheon-ung raised the massive entrails connected to his lower body.
At the same time, a crimson mist spread outward, forming a bizarre whirlpool.
Rumble, rumble.
Then, the entire Grand Hall began to shake.
If Cheon-ung unleashed the power he had gathered, not only So Ok-rim but the entire hall would collapse.
Whoosh.
A gentle micro-wind brushed over So Ok-rim's body.
Simultaneously, a radiant light lingered in her hands.
That light bore a striking resemblance to the Power of Harmony that Bu Eun-seol wielded.
"Kaaah!"
With an eerie battle cry, the massive entrails surged toward So Ok-rim.
At the same time, she pushed forward with both palms.
Then, Cheon-ung's body began to shimmer with dazzling light, and soon, the interior of the hall was filled with a brilliant glow.
It was as if millions of stars from the universe had descended upon the earth.
Ssssshhh...
As the radiant points of light faded, Cheon-ung could be seen standing tall atop the coffin, now in his ordinary form.
Step, step.
So Ok-rim approached him with a composed expression.
Clutch.
Then, she spread her arms and embraced him.
"I'm sorry."
She murmured softly.
"Did I come too late?"
With trembling fingers, she carefully pressed against Cheon-ung's acupoint—a fatal Death Point that could sever his breath in an instant.
Drip, drip.
Then, crimson blood began to trickle from Cheon-ung's lips as he lay in her arms.
Yet, a faint smile remained on his lips, and his eyes—gazing at So Ok-rim—grew clearer.
"Thank you... Big Sister."
Cheon-ung spoke calmly as he drew his last breath.
Only in death had he regained his lucid mind and recognized So Ok-rim.
Hug.
Cheon-ung hugged her back tightly.
So Ok-rim stifled her sobs.
The warmth slowly faded from his small, soft body.
Tears flowed endlessly, and her shattered heart made her body tremble uncontrollably.
"And... in our next life, we must meet again."
Memories of the joyful times he had spent with So Ok-rim flashed through Cheon-ung's mind like a revolving lantern.
Slump.
In So Ok-rim's embrace, Cheon-ung—
—slowly breathed his last, still wearing that faint smile.
His peaceful expression in death... was like that of a child, blissfully asleep in their mother's arms.
Sohwa Pavilion, once a renowned attraction in Suzhou, had collapsed in an instant.
It had been a den of evil—a place where children were abducted and turned into spirit medicine.
The Muhon Society had uncovered the truth, seized the evidence, and brought it all down in one swift strike.
At first, people refused to believe it.
But when they saw the horrifying piles of children's corpses in Sohwa Pavilion's secret warehouse, they had no choice.
—The Infinite Realm has done another great deed.
Following the case of Ghost Child, the Infinite Realm had once again rooted out factions disrupting the Murim and saved countless lives.
And from that day onward—
Several of the many orphanages scattered across the Central Plains vanished without a trace.
Along with them, the high-ranking officials and dignitaries who frequented Sohwa Pavilion slowly succumbed to a mysterious illness and died.
Yet, none of these facts ever came to light.
By the time the Muhon Society's operatives had uncovered and concluded all the evil deeds committed at Sohwa Pavilion—
Bu Eun-seol, So Ok-rim, and Yu Cheong-rim stood facing each other in the annex of the nearby Anpyeong Inn.
Though they hadn't captured the leadership of the Return-to-One Realm—
They had confirmed that the Return-to-One Realm had conducted experiments on children from orphanages established by the Infinite Realm.
And that they had quietly assassinated corrupt officials.
This evidence—
Would soon make it impossible for even the entire Martial World and the Imperial Palace to tolerate their existence, becoming the catalyst that would eradicate the Return-to-One Realm forever.
Moreover, with So Ok-rim—possessing mysterious martial arts and formidable influence—now bound by a bitter karmic bond with them—
Bu Eun-seol had gained a powerful ally, while the Return-to-One Realm had made themselves another troublesome enemy.
The only regret was—
The moment Cheon-ung died, the children So Ok-rim had subdued also stopped breathing instantly.
They were already no different from corpses, likely only able to move due to the energy flowing from Cheon-ung's body.
Just like the ability once demonstrated by the Jungson Clan's servant in the past.
"I owe you one."
So Ok-rim nodded calmly as she looked at Bu Eun-seol.
"Thank you for helping me with this matter."
Then she reached out and patted Yu Cheong-rim's shoulder.
"You really went through a lot this time."
Yu Cheong-rim shook his head.
"Through a lot? We haven't even started yet."
"Huh?"
"I've already completed all the preparations to infiltrate Sohwa Pavilion."
Yu Cheong-rim whispered in an extremely serious tone.
"Do you know who I am? I just happened to obtain information about a courtesan named Yak Hong who was scheduled to enter that place."
Glancing around, he continued in a hushed voice.
"I've already perfectly mastered Yak Hong's mannerisms, facial expressions, and even her skills. If I infiltrate as a courtesan, I'll definitely uncover the secrets of Sohwa Pavilion."
Bu Eun-seol's mouth fell open as he watched Yu Cheong-rim speak with such earnestness.
It was as if all his memories from the past three months had vanished.
"Brother Yu... Are you alright?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well..."
As Bu Eun-seol blinked, So Ok-rim sighed and whispered to him.
"I used the Living Mirror Wooden Puppet technique on him. The shock must have been too much."
"Living Mirror Wooden Puppet?"
"Yeah. I couldn't subdue the children myself... So I used him like a hidden weapon."
So Ok-rim casually explained that she had employed the Star Emperor's martial arts to manipulate Yu Cheong-rim's body like a concealed blade.
"Seems like he hit his head or something."
"Right?"
Just as Bu Eun-seol was about to say something, So Ok-rim waved her hand dismissively.
"I know. I went a bit too far this time."
Then, placing her hands on Yu Cheong-rim's shoulders—who was now staring wide-eyed—she declared:
"I think I'll have to take him with me for a while. Treat his injuries and teach him some martial arts."
"Him?"
"I owe him a lot this time."
"That's a good idea."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
Even though So Ok-rim phrased it like that...
It was clear she cared deeply for Yu Cheong-rim.
"And he needs to get stronger..."
But the words that followed sent a chill down Bu Eun-seol's spine.
"So he can withstand the Living Mirror Wooden Puppet technique without breaking next time."
Bu Eun-seol's mouth hung open.
It seemed Yu Cheong-rim must have been either a heinous villain in his past life who committed unspeakable atrocities... or a traitor who brought down an entire nation.
"Huh? What's wrong?"
"Nothing. It's just... Brother Yu getting stronger is a good thing."
Bu Eun-seol quickly changed the subject.
"Anyway, we must find the Return-to-One Realm."
They were deeply connected to the Jungson Clan, and above all, they had stolen his grandfather's corpse.
Even if the world ended, the Return-to-One Realm could never be forgiven.
"Right. I'll mobilize all my strength to track them down."
Nodding, Bu Eun-seol waved at So Ok-rim and Yu Cheong-rim.
It was time to part ways.
"Then. See you again."
"Yeah. Let's meet again soon."
So Ok-rim also flashed a rare smile, revealing her white teeth.
She would return after making Yu Cheong-rim stronger.
And as long as they shared the common enemy of the Return-to-One Realm, they would inevitably cross paths again in the martial world.
They would meet again before long.
Bu Eun-seol immediately returned to the Demon Hall.
His footsteps were light as he walked.
'This is how we bring them down—one by one.'
The Return-to-One Realm had schemed again, using the Demon-Binding Jade Men left behind by the Infinite Realm.
But their plan to research the Jade Men had been foiled after Bu Eun-seol discovered them.
In the end, they had shut down all the orphanages scattered across the Central Plains.
If he kept breaking them down like this, one by one...
Just like with the Infinite Realm, he would eventually uncover the main body of the Return-to-One Realm and crush it.
Rustle.
The sound of fluttering wings reached Bu Eun-seol's ears as he executed his Lightness Skill.
Halting his Movement Technique, he moved into a quiet grove, where So-yo's Thousand-Li Voice Transmission whispered into his ear.
[We've received word from the Supreme Peak.]
Bu Eun-seol stopped and listened intently.
[Baek Mu-seong. He's requested a private meeting.]
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
Ever since Baek Mu-seong had returned to the Martial Alliance, Bu Eun-seol had repeatedly requested a private audience.
But each time, Baek Mu-seong had coldly refused.
Yet now, he was suddenly the one asking to meet? What could have caused such a sudden change of heart?
'Returning to the Demon Hall can wait.'
There was much Bu Eun-seol wanted to ask Baek Mu-seong.
How had he returned to the alliance with the fake Hyeokryeon Eung's head? How had his arm been treated?
How had he executed the Bloody Tears Seven Forms in Gangok District back then...?
But he hadn't asked—couldn't ask.
Because the answer was already decided.
The fact that he could wield the Bloody Tears Seven Forms—
That alone was proof that Baek Mu-seong had pledged himself to the Three Realms.
Yet despite that, Bu Eun-seol's feelings toward him hadn't changed.
Most people easily befriend and discard others based on convenience.
But someone like Bu Eun-seol—once he gave his heart, it never wavered.
Even if the other betrayed him.
Even knowing Baek Mu-seong had joined the Three Realms... Bu Eun-seol's friendship remained steadfast.
As night fell, the owner of a small guest inn lit the lanterns hanging outside the door.
Stepping through the worn-out entrance, Bu Eun-seol saw neatly arranged tables in the quiet atmosphere.
Sitting by the window in the corner, he ordered three bottles of baijiu.
The baijiu sold at this inn was very cheap.
But its taste was anything but.
Bu Eun-seol had taken an immediate liking to this place when he'd stumbled upon it by chance.
During his time with the Martial Alliance, whenever he'd craved a drink, he would quietly seek out this very spot.
He hadn't even told his cherished Peak Realm Members about this roadside inn's location.
If word spread and people flocked here, this tranquil atmosphere would vanish entirely.
Because of that, only two people had ever shared a drink with Bu Eun-seol here.
Bukgung Ryeong. And Baek Mu-seong.
The two had quite a few things in common.
They were both high-ranking figures from the Righteous Faction. Both were seasoned drinkers who knew how to hold their liquor. And—
They possessed the kind of character that Bu Eun-seol could genuinely respect.
But when the guest inn's door swung open,
and a man clad in white garments strode confidently toward the table—
Bu Eun-seol realized that one of them had changed—utterly.
The soft, kind eyes that had once brimmed with warmth at a mere glance were now slit like blades.
The lips that had once parted slightly to reveal white teeth had darkened somewhat, altering even his appearance.
It was none other than Baek Mu-seong, who had recently returned to the Martial Alliance in glory.
'It's not just his appearance.'
Bu Eun-seol could sense it.
The change wasn't merely skin-deep. The very aura and personality that radiated from him had transformed completely.
Where there had once been the composure born of high status and superiority,
now there was the relaxed ease that only a true powerhouse could exude.
"If you have something to say, say it."
Baek Mu-seong, seated across from Bu Eun-seol, spoke with deliberate leisure.
"You were so desperate for a private meeting, after all."
Even his once-friendly tone and gaze had shifted.
But Bu Eun-seol showed no outward reaction, merely curling his lips into a faint smile.
"What's the rush?"
Then he poured liquor into a cup that had been prepared in advance.
"Have a drink."
Baek Mu-seong silently studied Bu Eun-seol before picking up the cup.
He inhaled the scent of the liquor briefly, then downed it in one swift gulp.
"Now, speak."
There were many things Bu Eun-seol could have asked.
—Just where and how did you sever Hyeokryeon Eung's head?
—Which of the Three Realms taught you the Bloody Tears Seven Forms?
—How did you restore your arm? What exactly did the Three Realms demand from you, Baek-Elder Brother?
But instead of voicing any of those questions... he simply said what he had truly wanted to say all along.
"I missed you. I'm glad you look well."
Bu Eun-seol's smile remained serene.
"Have you been doing alright?"
For a moment, Baek Mu-seong's expression twisted strangely.
He had expected Bu Eun-seol to barrage him with questions—and he had planned to answer none of them.
He had come only to mock the man's curiosity.
Yet the words he'd received were nothing but concern and well-wishes?
"You wasted my precious time just to say that?"
"What could be more important than asking after your well-being?"
"Hmph."
Baek Mu-seong scoffed coldly and rose from his seat.
"A waste of time."
He turned to leave—but then Bu Eun-seol's low voice reached him from behind.
"If it was what you wanted, I would have gladly yielded the position of Leader to you."
Halt.
Baek Mu-seong, who had been about to stride away, turned back sharply.
"Yield?"
"Yes."
"You think I could become Leader just because you yielded?"
Baek Mu-seong let out a derisive laugh.
"You don't even seem to want the position yourself."
"On the contrary. I need it. Desperately."
"Then why would you give it up for me?"
Bu Eun-seol answered with shadowed eyes.
"Because it isn't more important than you, Baek-Elder Brother."
Words brimming with the fiercest of friendships.
Even Baek Mu-seong, who had maintained nothing but cold mockery until now, could no longer keep up his sneer.
A man's friendship may be as calm and clear as still water, yet its resilience rivals steel.
And no matter the circumstance, it does not waver—even if held for only one person.
Its greatness endures for a lifetime.
"Hahaha."
As if unable to bear the weight of such ardent friendship, Baek Mu-seong burst into exaggerated laughter.
"You still want to play these childish games of camaraderie, even now?"
He turned away coldly and strode out of the guest inn. Yet after a few steps, he paused and spoke flatly over his shoulder.
"A word of advice."
"..."
"Climb the highest cliff you can find and jump off. With that weak mindset, you won't live long enough to become Leader."
With those final words, Baek Mu-seong stepped outside and disappeared.
Bu Eun-seol watched him go and let out a deep sigh.
The words had been merciless and icy—yet he had sensed the faintest trace of lingering friendship within them.
'Baek-Elder Brother...'
Bu Eun-seol's eyes narrowed infinitely.
Just what had happened to Baek Mu-seong? How had he become a completely different person?
What could he possibly want that would drive him to pledge himself to a place like the Three Realms?
Clack.
Baek Mu-seong boarded the carriage waiting outside the roadside inn. The coachman immediately set off.
Clatter. Clatter.
The carriage raced down the road.
But inside, Baek Mu-seong's rigidly composed face began to twist grotesquely.
—Because it isn't more important than you.
Bu Eun-seol's voice seemed to echo endlessly in his mind.
And those unwavering eyes.
Within them lay a heart as unchanging as diamond.
"Ugh..."
Abruptly, he clutched his head and shut his eyes tight.
Bu Eun-seol's gaze, his voice—filled with nothing but friendship—were tormenting him.
"Ugh... ugh..."
After gripping his head for a long while,
"Baek Mu-seong."
he muttered his own name under his breath.
Whoosh.
In an instant, his expression and eyes shifted entirely.
"If you're going to act like this, I'll erase you from my mind completely."
As Baek Mu-seong muttered to himself, a chilling Killing Intent surged from the depths of his eyeballs, and his skin tone gradually darkened as though shadowed.
"Remember this well. You are nothing but an empty shell."
With those final words, the color of Baek Mu-seong's skin returned to normal.
Then, as if nothing had happened, his gaze and expression transformed—cold and ruthless as a glacier.