Chapter 695
'Hasn't this sect always been connected to the Divine Calculator—no, to the Martial Venerable?'
The nature of the relationship between the Snowflower Sect and the Martial Venerable, the reason he had sent Bu Eun-seol here—none of it had been made clear yet.
'Perhaps the Ice Essence Jade isn't the goal. Maybe what he truly desires is for me to inscribe the pinnacle of my martial arts here.'
The Power of Harmony was akin to Bu Eun-seol's final trump card.
If he used it here, someone might witness it.
And if he failed... it would leave nothing but a meaningless scar upon this colossal ice wall.
'Moreover, Harmonization is also a martial art.'
According to the Snowflower Sect Leader, martial arts held no power against this ice wall.
And the Harmonization Bu Eun-seol had created was, in essence, the alignment and release of the latent forces within his body.
In other words, it was a power that fell within the domain of martial arts—which meant that, ultimately, destroying the ice wall might still be impossible.
'Even if the Power of Harmony works properly, it's still a problem.'
She had said that within the Heavenly Yin Ice Wall lay a spiritual herb called the Snow Jade.
What if Harmonization manifested fully and erased this ice wall entirely?
From the Snowflower Sect's perspective, they would lose an ancient spiritual herb passed down through generations.
Sssk.
Bu Eun-seol, his hand resting against the ice wall, hesitated for a moment.
Then, a sudden realization flashed through his mind.
'The Martial Venerable is a figure who stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Jeong Cheon-je, at the very peak of the murim.'
He wouldn't have assigned this task merely to observe the secrets of Bu Eun-seol's martial arts.
'And he knows I've mastered the Glacier Thousand Streams Art.'
As the Martial Soul Lord, Bu Eun-seol had used the Glacier Thousand Streams Art on several occasions.
Because of that, the Three Realms—and every other faction—must have noticed he had learned it.
If so, perhaps the Divine Calculator, aware of this fact, had sent him here precisely because of that?
'The North Sea Ice Palace and the Snowflower Sect share the same roots.'
As this thought took hold, a single word surfaced in Bu Eun-seol's mind.
'Origin.'
The Snowflower Sect Leader had said that the martial arts of her sect and the North Sea Ice Palace shared the same origin.
Perhaps the method to break the ice wall wasn't martial arts—but the Glacier Thousand Streams Art.
'There's a possibility.'
The Martial Venerable had orchestrated all of this, and he knew Bu Eun-seol had mastered the Glacier Thousand Streams Art.
Perhaps he had deduced that the Snowflower Sect's Restrictive Seal was linked to the art and sent Bu Eun-seol here to resolve it.
"I'll try."
Zzziiing.
First, Bu Eun-seol heightened his Empty Mind Spirit Perception, carefully observing the ice wall.
He could sense something—countless somethings—embedded within this massive structure.
Likely the Snow Jade, the spiritual herb said to be the source of the Ice Essence Snow Blossom Energy.
"But a mere spiritual herb couldn't possibly produce energy of this magnitude."
As he continued probing the energy within the ice wall, Bu Eun-seol finally detected something buried deep inside.
"That must be the cause."
No matter how durable the ice wall was, it couldn't be indestructible.
The reason martial arts had no effect, then, must be because something within the wall nullified their power.
Huuung.
Closing his eyes, Bu Eun-seol summoned his Ice Art.
The Glacier Thousand Streams Art.
The most formidable Extreme Yin Art in the world, capable of freezing his own body to block enemy attacks, absorbing surging cold energy, and more—a supreme Heavenly Outer Absolute Art with diverse functions.
Bu Eun-seol intended to use the Glacier Thousand Streams Art to absorb the power of the Snow Jade inside, weakening the ice wall's energy.
But then, a strange thought flickered through his mind.
'Lovers.'
The two Founders of the North Sea Ice Palace and the Snowflower Sect had been lovers, she had said.
Given that this story had been passed down to their descendants, they must not have parted on bad terms.
Perhaps, until their dying breaths, they never forgot nor ceased longing for each other.
If so, wouldn't the two Founders have wished for their descendants to reconcile—or even unite?
"From the Snowflower Sect's perspective, they wouldn't welcome an outsider absorbing their sacred treasure."
What if he used the Glacier Thousand Streams Art to drain all the energy from the ice wall?
It would deal a severe blow to the sect, and its disciples would face immense hardship in cultivating the Ice Essence Snow Blossom Energy from then on.
"Martial arts can't break it... is that it?"
After a long moment of contemplation, Bu Eun-seol summoned the Glacier Thousand Streams Art once more.
But this time, he didn't aim to destroy the wall.
Instead, he began pouring his own Glacier Thousand Streams Art into it—as if leaving his mark upon the ice.
Huuuuung.
As Bu Eun-seol continuously poured the Glacier Thousand Streams Art into the wall, a low vibration suddenly emanated from the massive ice barrier.
At the same time, a mysterious light began to flicker from within the ice.
Yet Bu Eun-seol remained with his eyes closed, ceaselessly channeling the Glacier Thousand Streams Art without pause.
Oooong! Oooong!
The energy flowing from within the ice gradually intensified until finally—
Crack. Craaack.
Fissures began to spread across the ice wall.
Tak.
Sensing the imminent collapse, Bu Eun-seol swiftly retreated backward.
Crrrrrr.
At last, a portion of the colossal ice wall began to crumble.
"This..."
Watching the scene unfold, Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
The massive ice wall, which had seemed on the verge of total collapse, had now transformed—into an ice sculpture carved with the figures of a young man and woman, frozen in time.
"So they left a sculpture hidden within the ice wall..."
Bu Eun-seol studied the enormous sculpture intently.
It was as if the Founder of the Snowflower Sect had been unable to forget the lover of her youth.
As if she had carved their happiest moments into ice and concealed them within this towering barrier.
Almost as if she had hoped that, when descendants of the North Sea Ice Palace eventually came here—
They would not inherit the same heart-wrenching separation she had endured.
"This is..."
But beneath the sculpture, an intricate martial formula was inscribed.
Snowflower Icefall.
It was the Snowflower Sect's supreme sword formula—a technique that could instantly freeze an opponent using Ice Essence Snow Blossom Energy.
The moment Bu Eun-seol laid eyes on the formula, the characters seared themselves into his mind like a Fire Brand.
—"Empty, yet inexhaustible. In motion, it creates ever more..."
Wasn't this the very secret to compensating for the Glacier Thousand Streams Art's weaknesses—its range limitations and the way it expelled cold energy?
Shiiik!
Without realizing it, Bu Eun-seol unleashed a sword technique toward the opposite stone wall with his finger-sword.
In an instant, the wall where his blade had passed was coated in a fine layer of ice dust.
Chik-chik! Shiiik!
Bu Eun-seol began executing sword techniques in the State of Selflessness.
This was not about expelling cold energy like the Glacier Thousand Streams Art—but rather, embedding it within his strikes like an accompanying force.
With this method, there was no need to expend Internal Power to unleash overwhelming cold.
He could freeze an opponent instantly with a single fist or sword technique.
Or, if he wished, freeze only a specific part of their body.
'Unknowingly, I've grasped the Snowflower Sect's martial secrets...'
Feeling somewhat abashed, Bu Eun-seol bowed deeply before the sculpture.
"Please forgive me, knowing that this was done to lift the sect's Restrictive Seal."
Grrrrr.
The two beautiful sculptures began to crumble slowly.
At the same time, a breathtaking garden was revealed—filled with countless flowers blooming like ice, more beautiful than could be counted.
Those flowers were likely the Snow Jade, capable of refining Ice Essence Snow Blossom Energy.
'So the Founder hoped a descendant of the North Sea Ice Palace would break the Snowflower Sect's seal...'
Bu Eun-seol had simply acted on a hunch.
He had done nothing more than continuously infuse the Heavenly Yin Ice Wall with the Glacier Thousand Streams Art—and yet, the seal had been lifted with surprising ease.
The Founder must have wished that, one day—
The North Sea Ice Palace and the Snowflower Sect could stand on good terms.
"The martial legacy you left behind—I will ensure it is passed on to both sects."
As Bu Eun-seol respectfully clasped his hands together once more—
Sssssss.
The sculptures gradually melted away, evaporating as if they had heard his words.
As if departing for the heavens without regret.
"May you meet again, even in the Underworld."
Bu Eun-seol bowed deeply once more as he watched the fading sculptures.
Snowflower Sect, Heavenly Snow Pavilion
This was the residence of the Snowflower Sect Leader—a place where no outsider had set foot for hundreds of years.
Yet now, Bu Eun-seol sat in the guest hall, sipping tea beside the Sect Leader herself.
"Thanks to you, our sect's Restrictive Seal has been lifted. Not only that, but we've also recovered the Founder's Ultimate Art and the perfected Snow Jade."
So Yeong-hwa wore a deeply satisfied expression.
"You have my gratitude."
"I only did what needed to be done."
"Heh heh heh..."
She chuckled softly before extending a small wooden box toward Bu Eun-seol, its surface gleaming with an eerie luster.
"The promised Ice Essence Jade."
When the box was opened, an immense cold energy surged outward—revealing a single white orb within.
The Ice Essence Jade.
Click.
The moment the box was closed, the cold energy vanished as if it had never existed.
"It seems this wooden box possesses some mystical power that blocks the chilling energy radiating from the Ice Essence Jade."
"As expected of the Foremost Sage of the Murim. Truly, everything has unfolded exactly as prophesied."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes gleamed.
In the end, all of this—
finding the one who could break the Snowflower Sect's Restrictive Seal through extraordinary prophecy and wisdom—
had become the Divine Calculator's achievement.
'With this, she'll follow the Divine Calculator for life.'
From now on, if the Snowflower Sect Leader were told the heavens would collapse, she would believe and obey the Divine Calculator's words without question.
In the end, all of this had been the Divine Calculator's scheme to seize control of the Snowflower Sect.
"Then I shall take my leave."
As Bu Eun-seol tucked the wooden box into his robes and made to rise, So Yeong-hwa smiled warmly.
"What need is there to hurry? Rest a while longer before you go."
Her gaze and tone were as if she were addressing a son-in-law.
A chill ran down Bu Eun-seol's spine as he stood and clasped his hands respectfully.
"My apologies. I have much to attend to, so I must take my leave now."
"Is that so? Very well."
The Snowflower Sect Leader smiled and clasped his hands in hers.
"The storms of the martial world are treacherous—take care."
"Thank you. Then, I shall go."
Bu Eun-seol immediately exited the Heavenly Snow Pavilion.
Outside, rows of solemn disciples stood in formation before the pavilion, with So Eun-hyang at their head.
"Lady So."
"I'll escort you to Heavenly Snow Peak."
So Eun-hyang immediately approached and affectionately linked arms with him, her demeanor like that of a doting wife toward her beloved husband.
'Once I leave this place, it won't matter anyway.'
So Eun-hyang's personality was a coexistence of innocence and wickedness.
Thus, rather than pulling away or provoking her with an awkward expression, he maintained a composed demeanor and walked shoulder-to-shoulder with her.
After traversing the long, winding passageway for some time, they arrived at an old iron gate.
Opening it finally led them to the area where Heavenly Snow Peak stood.
Bu Eun-seol withdrew his arm and respectfully clasped his hands toward So Eun-hyang.
"Then I shall take my leave."
"Husband."
At that moment, So Eun-hyang approached him and spoke.
"May I come to the Martial Alliance later?"
Cold sweat trickled down Bu Eun-seol's back, but he calmly countered,
"What do you mean all of a sudden?"
"Shouldn't I follow where my husband is?"
"Didn't you recover your True Yin through the Snow Jade from the Ice Wall?"
Thanks to Bu Eun-seol, she had not only regained her lost True Yin but had also elevated her Ice Essence Snow Blossom Energy to the Tenth Star Realm in one go.
So why was she suddenly talking about husbands?
"I've already made up my mind to marry you."
So Eun-hyang pressed close, tilting her face up toward his.
"Do I not please you?"
Bu Eun-seol was at a loss for words.
Beauty was a matter of preference—no one could definitively say who was more beautiful—
but So Eun-hyang's features were even more dazzling than Yeon So-ha or Gongson Dan-a, who were counted among the Three Beauties of the World.
Had the Snowflower Sect remained active in the martial world, had her beauty become known throughout the Central Plains—
that explosive radiance would have been so highly praised that instead of the Three Beauties, there might have been the Four Beauties Under Heaven.
"It's not a matter of pleasing or not... I still have much to do."
"Don't worry. I won't get in your way."
So Eun-hyang spoke serenely.
"Waiting patiently is our sect's specialty."
Then she stared straight at him.
"If you dislike it, you may refuse."
"Is that so? Then—"
Bu Eun-seol scrambled to voice his refusal, but So Eun-hyang was faster.
"I'll just go to the Martial Alliance where my husband is and kill myself. That's all."
For an instant, the focus in Bu Eun-seol's pupils vanished. Unfazed, So Eun-hyang curved her large eyes into crescents.
"And then I'll become a virgin ghost and follow you around for eternity."
Goosebumps.
Bu Eun-seol shuddered.
Had any other woman said such a thing, he would have dismissed it as a joke.
But coming from So Eun-hyang, it didn't sound like a joke at all.
'She's the type who would genuinely do it.'
What if he coldly refused?
She might immediately seek out the Martial Alliance and truly take her own life.
Clench.
Bu Eun-seol tightened his fist.
'Live or die—it's none of my concern.'
And he steeled himself to turn away coldly.
But at that very moment, he caught sight of So Eun-hyang's shimmering, wave-like eyes.
She was as pure as she was wicked—and like a child, she feared rejection.
'If I refuse, the Snowflower Sect will fall into the Divine Calculator's grasp.'
In the end, Bu Eun-seol found an excuse.
No matter how he looked at it, he didn't want to see So Eun-hyang take her own life because of him.
'Who knows what future awaits us.'
Having sorted his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol finally gave a retreating answer.
"Could you wait for me a little longer?"
He spoke with an awkward expression, rubbing his nose.
"It's hard to say how things will unfold from here."
Thud.
So Eun-hyang pulled Bu Eun-seol into a tight embrace.
At that moment, an indescribably sweet fragrance spread in all directions.
"I've been waiting for those words."
"Lady So."
"I'll wait until I'm a hunched old granny."
So Eun-hyang whispered into Bu Eun-seol's chest, her face buried against him.
"Now, thanks to you, my sect can resume activities in the Murim. If you ever need help, I'll come to you immediately."
Bu Eun-seol briefly recalled the Muhonhoe.
The Muhonhoe must rise as a united force against the Demon Hall and the Martial Alliance in the future.
When that time comes, the Seolhwamun will become a great asset.
'But that would be no different from exploiting Lady So's pure-hearted devotion.'
Bu Eun-seol swallowed a bitter sigh inwardly.
'Still, I can't just leave things as they are.'
What if a major faction like Seolhwamun were to emerge in the Central Plains martial world?
Even if other factions remained indifferent, at the very least, the Martial Venerable would roll up his sleeves and try to use them for his own ends.
'My personal concerns are trivial. The bigger picture matters.'
After all, the Muhonhoe was created to break free from the power struggles within the orthodox-unorthodox alliance, to protect his subordinates and the innocent, and to do what was right.
If he could guide Seolhwamun onto the proper path, nothing could be better.
"Very well."
Having made up his mind, Bu Eun-seol spoke.
"However, the Martial Alliance is only a temporary stop for me. I'll call for you when I truly need help."
"Promise me that."
So Eun-hyang, pulling away from his embrace, smiled faintly.
"But next time, show me your real face."
"How did you—?"
"Perhaps because you took my True Yin, but when I embraced you just now, I could sense your Qi circulation technique."
Bu Eun-seol was stunned.
Detecting another's True Qi circulation was only possible after mastering the Heavenly Robe Mind Art.
Yet she had grasped his Qi flow just by hugging him?
Could her True Yin be exerting some kind of influence?
"Promise me."
"I will. And also..."
"Also...?"
After hesitating briefly, Bu Eun-seol spoke in a low voice.
"The Divine Calculator is not to be trusted."
"The Divine Calculator?"
"Yes. The Sect Leader likely won't heed my warning, so you must stay vigilant."
So Eun-hyang's large eyes sparkled.
She stared into Bu Eun-seol's pupils for a long moment before nodding.
"Understood."
"Then."
As Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together—
"Don't make me wait too long."
So Eun-hyang smiled brightly, her eyes twinkling.
"My love."
As if embarrassed by her own words,
her face flushed red, and she vanished in an instant, her movement technique unfolding like mist.
Bu Eun-seol stood dumbfounded, recalling the smile she had left behind.
Then, with a movement technique swift as a gale, he descended Jade Dragon Mountain in haste.
Martial Alliance, Hidden Moon Hall. Gongson Dan-gyeong's office.
Gongson Dan-gyeong sighed as she gazed at the wooden box placed atop the table.
Inside was the Ice Crystal Jade Bu Eun-seol had received from Seolhwamun.
And he had left a message—that he would personally deliver this Ice Crystal Jade to the Martial Venerable.
Gongson Dan-gyeong had deemed it impossible, but...
"The Martial Venerable will undoubtedly accept it."
Bu Eun-seol had confidently asserted this, requesting she arrange a meeting with the Martial Venerable.
After much deliberation, she had finally contacted the Martial Venerable through a trusted messenger and was now waiting with Bu Eun-seol.
"Don't get your hopes up too much."
Gongson Dan-gyeong shook her head faintly.
"He's someone who never lowers his guard, not even around the Chief Strategist, and keeps his movements concealed."
Though the Martial Venerable acted as the Martial Alliance's leader, he rarely appeared in public, using closed-door cultivation as an excuse.
Not only that, but even Gongson Dan-gyeong, who secretly assisted him, wasn't fully trusted—he carried out numerous covert operations independently.
"I'm not expecting anything."
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"Because the Martial Venerable is already preparing to meet me."
"What?"
Knock knock.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door, and the adjutant's voice echoed softly from outside.
"His Excellency has sent a trusted envoy. Commander Seon-u is to be summoned within the time it takes to eat a meal."
Shockingly, an immediate reply had come.
True to his word, the Martial Venerable had personally requested to meet Seon-u Jin.
'It's done.'
A brilliance unseen before erupted in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
The Foremost Sage of the Murim, the strongest in the orthodox martial world, who held all the secrets regarding Jeong Cheon-je.
He was about to have a private audience with the Martial Venerable.