Chapter 720
"Very well."
When Bu Eun-seol readily agreed, Yang Seol-rin nodded her head with evident delight.
"Really?"
As she broke into a childlike grin, Bu Eun-seol found himself smiling unconsciously in response.
"Of course."
"I knew I had a good eye for people. You really do have integrity."
She kept thrusting her thumb up in approval before suddenly adopting a serious expression.
"First—Gongson Dan-gyeong. Investigate her for me."
The unexpected request made Bu Eun-seol furrow his brow.
"Gongson Dan-gyeong, you mean...?"
"Yes, the Martial Alliance's Chief Strategist."
"What exactly would you like me to investigate?"
"Everything."
Yang Seol-rin's expression darkened as she spoke.
"The last time I appeared in the Martial World, she tried to kill me."
"The Chief Strategist?"
In that instant, Bu Eun-seol realized his mistake.
Having always interacted with her as Seon-u Jin, his expression and tone when mentioning the Chief Strategist had come out far too naturally.
"Huh? You seem awfully familiar with her."
Yang Seol-rin's perception was uncannily sharp.
"Due to disputes with the Demon Hall. I met her once before when she visited the Demon Hall."
Bu Eun-seol swiftly covered his tracks.
"We built some rapport back then, so I suppose I feel somewhat close to her."
"Hmm, really?"
"Yes."
Avoiding Yang Seol-rin's scrutinizing gaze—her eyes narrowed like a flatfish's—he redirected the conversation.
"Then I'll focus on finding out why she tried to kill you."
"I already know the reason. She told me herself."
Placing both hands on her hips, she looked utterly exasperated.
"Would you believe it? She demanded to know the location of the Jungson Clan and asked me to tell her."
'The Jungson Clan, was it?'
Bu Eun-seol's expression turned peculiar.
Even after the fall of the Infinite Realm, she hadn't shown much joy, and the embers of vengeance still smoldered within her.
Perhaps her ultimate target had always been the Jungson Clan.
"Yeah, judging by how ruthlessly she acted, it seemed like she had some deep-seated grudge against them."
"You don't have any dealings with them, do you? Even though they're part of the same Three Clans?"
"You sound just like her. Is there some law that says just because we're called the Three Clans, we have to interact with each other?"
Yang Seol-rin's expression was so guileless that it didn't seem like she was deliberately hiding anything.
'She doesn't appear to be lying.'
But the Yangseol Clan had been active in the Martial World all this time—there was no way they wouldn't have noticed the Jungson Clan's covert movements.
'Then perhaps she isn't a core member of the Yangseol Clan and doesn't have access to critical information.'
Looking back, Yang Seol-rin was far too innocent for someone from the Yangseol Clan.
How could a member of a clan that had operated in secrecy for so long maintain such childlike naivety?
"Can you really do it?"
Yang Seol-rin's voice, tinged with worry, snapped him out of his thoughts.
"You are the Heir of the Demon Hall."
The moment he met her anxious gaze, all the suspicions swirling in his mind seemed to melt away.
'I shouldn't doubt her. Didn't I decide to trust her anyway?'
It was true—investigating the Martial Alliance's Chief Strategist as the Heir of the Demon Hall was no easy task.
But with his Seon-u Jin identity, gathering information on Gongson Dan-gyeong would be entirely possible if he wished.
"Don't worry. I'll do it for you."
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
"I'll bring you information so thorough, you'll be satisfied."
"Good. Then, my second request—"
She averted her gaze slightly before continuing.
"I'd like you to give me one of the things you always carry with you."
"Something I always carry?"
"Yes. Since we'll have to meet again about Gongson Dan-gyeong anyway, wouldn't it be nice to have some kind of token to identify you by instead of your face?"
Though the request was somewhat odd, Bu Eun-seol nodded in understanding.
"I don't have a token on me right now... but how about this?"
He extended his sleeve, revealing a small flying dagger tucked between his ring and middle fingers.
He had once used the Flying Dagger Art frequently, but over time, he had stopped.
This dagger was merely something he carried out of habit.
"A dagger is your token?"
"Not exactly, but I've carried it for a long time. It's forged from White Lotus True Steel, with perfectly balanced weight and density—"
"No, not like that. I mean something unique—something no one else in the world could replicate. Anyone could make another dagger like this."
"Unique in the world..."
Pondering her words, Bu Eun-seol gathered his Internal Energy.
Sshhk.
With his fingernail, he carved the symbol of the Langya Pavilion—a lone wolf—into the blade.
"How about this? Now it's a one-of-a-kind dagger."
"Hmm. Well, alright."
Yang Seol-rin laughed as she examined the wolf etched into the blade.
"The wolf looks a bit ferocious... but I like it."
"What's the third request?"
"I'll save that for later."
She smiled faintly.
"I should get going now."
"How should I find you? Don't I need to report back about Chief Strategist Gongson?"
"How about meeting at the Immortal Guesthouse in Wuchang Prefecture in fifteen days? Around sunset."
She smiled faintly.
"If you're busy, you can send a messenger. I can also send someone there myself."
"Understood."
"Then I'll be going. Ah—"
Just as she turned to leave, she spoke again.
"Don't tell anyone you have the Boundary-Prosperity Jade. And don't mention that I told you about it."
"Understood."
"And..."
Yang Seol-rin's gaze grew meaningful.
"Don't use too much power while carrying the Boundary-Prosperity Jade. It's only a temporary infusion of another energy."
"So it might be exposed?"
"Well..."
A mischievous smile played on her lips before she said,
"I'll be off."
With a whoosh, her figure vanished in an instant.
"I mustn't use too much power, huh."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes dimmed.
Now, the only thing left was his confrontation with the Sword Demon, Wi Hyeok-gun.
But Yang Seol-rin had made it clear—the Boundary-Prosperity Jade wasn't omnipotent.
Could he really face someone like the Sword Demon while posing as Seon-u Jin, with his power restricted?
Clench.
Bu Eun-seol tightened his fist.
"I have to."
He had no intention of letting Wi Hyeok-gun go unpunished for crippling Jin Gak's arm—not when the man had done so simply for teaching him.
Besides, he still couldn't challenge the Demonic Heavenly Emperor directly, whether in martial arts or influence.
But if this succeeded?
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor was not one to go back on his word. He would never lay a finger on the man known as Seon-u Jin.
At any rate... this duel with the Sword Demon was inevitable.
The ferry dock leading to Poseok Island was packed with disciples of the Fire Rain Sword Sect and warriors of the Martial Alliance.
This duel represented the clash of the greatest swordsmen from both the orthodox and unorthodox factions—a matter of pride for both sides.
The Martial Alliance's senior members regarded the match with deep concern.
The Sword Demon, Wi Hyeok-gun, was already a terrifying master who had reached the Heaven-Shocking Realm in his youth.
Had he wished it, he could have long since taken a seat among the Four Gods and Seven Kings.
And now, Seon-u Jin—who had only recently ascended to that very position—was daring to face him alone?
Regardless of victory or defeat, from the Martial Alliance's perspective...
This was a situation where a promising young talent, one who could achieve great feats in martial arts, might lose his life in an instant.
"The Fire Rain Sword Sect is the foremost sword sect of the Demonic Path, possessing the greatest combat strength among its factions."
Yet Seon-u Jin remained resolute.
"If we avoid this challenge, the Alliance's prestige will suffer, and the Fire Rain Sword Sect will seize the opportunity to flaunt its power."
The senior members, who were impressed by Seon-u Jin's cool-headed grasp of the bigger picture, were deeply impressed by Seon-u Jin's attitude—one that considered the Alliance's dignity.
They ordered Seo Muk, deputy commander of the Star Guard Corps, to personally escort him.
Murmur, murmur.
As warriors of the Fire Rain Sword Sect and masters of the Star Guard Corps stood in opposition, the ferry dock on Poseok Island was thick with a murderous tension.
And they had already begun filtering out the martial artists entering the dock.
Poseok Island was not a large uninhabited island.
What if the two masters used the entire island as their battlefield?
The aftermath of their clash could send heads rolling among the gathered martial artists.
"Even if it kills me, I must see this!"
But the gathered warriors refused to back down easily.
During Bu Eun-seol and the Heavenly Sword's duel, the Martial Alliance and the Demon Hall's leadership had arrived en masse.
At that time, the gathered martial artists hadn't dared make a single sound, forced to obey their commands.
But this time, the Fire Rain Sword Sect's masters and only part of the Star Guard Corps were present.
They were hopelessly outnumbered against tens of thousands of furious martial artists.
"Do as you please."
In the end, both sides gave up on controlling the crowd.
And so, Poseok Island's interior was soon packed with martial artists.
Murmur, murmur.
Those with keen vision and formidable martial arts perched atop high vantage points, looking down.
The weaker martial artists and the troops of both the orthodox and unorthodox factions secured spots on the wide plains where the duel would take place.
Whoosh.
By the time the sun blazed hot in the sky, the ranks of the Fire Rain Sword Sect and the Star Guard Corps had parted.
Step, step.
From the Fire Rain Sword Sect's side, a shadow emerged—a middle-aged man with glossy black hair tied up.
His bearing was indignant, his aura sharp as a blade.
His gaze was so piercing that one could see the whites of his eyes even from dozens of yards away.
An intangible energy radiated from his entire body, spreading out for dozens of yards.
It was the Sword Demon, Wi Hyeok-gun.
Gulp.
As Wi Hyeok-gun stepped into the clearing, the crowd swallowed dryly, their bodies trembling as they unconsciously touched their own necks.
Just his presence alone made them feel as though a razor-sharp sword aura had already grazed their throats.
Step, step.
In contrast, the figure walking out from the Star Guard Corps' side was a young man.
His demeanor was unremarkable, his gait so slow and relaxed it bordered on dull.
Though tall, his eyes were ordinary.
At his waist hung a plain black iron sword—the kind one could buy at any forge if they had the coin.
His expression was so casual it seemed as if he were out for a stroll, presenting a stark contrast to Wi Hyeok-gun's solemn intensity.
It was the Sword King—Seon-u Jin.
"So this is the master who dares face the Sword Demon?"
Martial artists of exceptional skill let out admiring gasps as they observed Seon-u Jin's movements.
Wi Hyeok-gun was currently radiating a terrifying aura infused with razor-sharp formless qi that spread across dozens of yards.
Yet despite that, how could this man maintain such a leisurely demeanor while stepping within the range of that formless qi?
It was rare to see someone so young who had reached such a realm.
Swish.
Finally, the two masters stood close enough to lock eyes.
Wi Hyeok-gun's gaze was as sharp as a treasured sword, seemingly capable of piercing through all things in this world.
Seon-u Jin's pupils were endlessly deep, as if they could embrace everything the world had to offer.
Truthfully, these supreme masters had no reason to cross blades.
There was no grudge between them, nor any point of conflict that would bring them to blows.
Yet Wi Hyeok-gun had severed the nerves in Jin Gak's right arm simply because Jin Gak had been the first to teach Bu Eun-seol swordsmanship.
Superficially, it was claimed to have happened during a sparring session.
—"This is the price for raising a tiger cub on Hell Island."
Wi Hyeok-gun's words revealed his true motive: Jin Gak had been punished for teaching Bu Eun-seol, the Fire Rain Sword Sect's greatest enemy, on Hell Island.
When Bu Eun-seol heard this news, he flew into a rage.
Jin Gak had recognized Bu Eun-seol’s talent early. In the First Hall, where no other trainees remained, he had patiently taught him the basics of swordsmanship, one technique at a time.
He was Bu Eun-seol’s first swordsmanship teacher, and a benefactor to whom he owed a debt of gratitude.
And yet, simply for teaching him, they'd crippled a swordsman's arm?
Even if it was another sect's affair, Bu Eun-seol absolutely could not let this stand.
—"Investigate every trace of Sword Demon Wi Hyeok-gun and provoke him under the name Seon-u Jin."
Bu Eun-seol mobilized intelligence networks to goad Wi Hyeok-gun.
Coincidentally, Wi Hyeok-gun had also been searching for an opportunity to reverse the stagnant atmosphere of the Fire Rain Sword Sect.
Ultimately, the desires of the two masters aligned, leading to this duel's arrangement.
'What a strange bastard.'
Wi Hyeok-gun frowned as he observed the blazing intensity in Seon-u Jin's eyes.
Seon-u Jin had been the one to issue the challenge first.
So why was this bastard glaring at him as if they were mortal enemies?
Seeing the puzzlement in Wi Hyeok-gun's gaze, Bu Eun-seol realized his mistake and immediately reined in his killing intent.
'I mustn't lose control. Right now, I am Seon-u Jin.'
Bu Eun-seol, who had been steadily closing the distance step by step, swiftly calmed his mind.
Then a peculiar reflection surfaced.
'When I fought the Heavenly Sword, I was the demonic practitioner.'
But now, he was the orthodox faction member, while his opponent belonged to the demonic path.
Moreover, his duel against the Heavenly Sword had been witnessed by only a few hundred carefully selected martial artists.
Yet here on Poseok Island—
Tens of thousands of spectators surrounded them.
'It's definitely noticeable.'
Furthermore, he sensed an extremely covert gaze from somewhere.
Unlike the masses, this presence felt as though it were piercing through his very being.
Perhaps the Demonic Heavenly Emperor who had come here incognito—or an emissary acting as his eyes—was undoubtedly present here.
'I must stay sharp.'
If his true identity were exposed mid-duel? The martial world would plunge into chaos, and everyone connected to him would perish.
'No, wait.'
Suddenly, a strange thought struck Bu Eun-seol.
—Could it be that the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had intervened to prevent his identity from being exposed?
What if the Demonic Heavenly Emperor already knew his true identity?
And had orchestrated this very public spectacle precisely so that the powerful factions watching from the shadows—
Would never suspect Seon-u Jin's true nature?
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor treated all humans as chess pieces.
Perhaps such a possibility wasn't so far-fetched.
One thing was certain—Bu Eun-seol couldn't achieve an overwhelming victory against the Sword Demon in this battle.
Nor could he allow him to return unharmed.
He had to escape the suspicions of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and countless other powerful observers.
Whoosh.
At last, the two peerless swordsmen stood face to face.
"Chief Instructor Wi."
Bu Eun-seol, having cleared his thoughts, clasped his hands together. Wi Hyeok-gun responded coldly.
"Lord Seon-u."
As their gazes tangled in the air, sparks seemed to fly.
Sharpness and fluidity.
Just this single contrast in demeanor made it clear—these two possessed opposing temperaments and martial arts.
—Why did you mobilize intelligence networks to provoke me?
—You clearly know the gap in our strength, so why choose me as your opponent?
Before the duel commenced.
Wi Hyeok-gun's mind had been filled with countless questions.
But now, on the brink of battle, his spirit and mind grew infinitely tranquil.
His flesh and consciousness merged into perfect unity—solely for the sake of victory in this fight.
"Shall we begin?"
The veins on Wi Hyeok-gun's sword hand bulged prominently, his pupils dilated wide.
As the duel commenced, his blood surged rapidly, elevating his physical abilities to their peak.
Shring.
Wi Hyeok-gun drew his treasured sword, Jeokri, from its scabbard.
It was one of the ancient divine blades passed down through generations in the Fire Rain Sword Sect—a demonic sword that had drunk the blood of countless masters.
"Very well."
Bu Eun-seol also unsheathed Mukhongeom.
Seeing the fluid, natural motion of his draw, Wi Hyeok-gun's eyes narrowed slightly.
'So, it wasn't just luck.'
A swordsman who had honed his craft for a lifetime could gauge an opponent's skill just by the way they drew their blade.
Wi Hyeok-gun had instantly recognized Bu Eun-seol's exceptional prowess.
Dismissing any trace of underestimation, he observed him with the utmost caution—as if facing a life-or-death adversary.
"Make the first move."
In duels between swordsmen, the first strike often decided victory.
Naturally, Wi Hyeok-gun was well aware of this.
But his pride would not allow him to take the initiative against a mere rookie from the orthodox faction.
"You'll regret this."
Despite Bu Eun-seol's provocation, Wi Hyeok-gun only responded with a cold smile.
Once the battle had begun,
no words or actions could shake his spirit.
Clang.
Bu Eun-seol carefully raised Mukhongeom.
Duels between peerless swordsmen were often decided in an instant.
If one could dismantle the most profound and lethal technique, the rest would naturally crumble.
But fighting a swordsman trained in the Fire Rain Sword was different.
The Fire Rain Sword consisted of ten forms, each so distinct they could almost be considered separate sword arts.
There was no single "most powerful" stroke—all ten had to be broken for victory to be decided.
Moreover, the Fire Rain Sword Sect was the birthplace of numerous sword techniques rivaling their own, such as the Peerless Thunderbolt Style.
As the Chief Instructor, Wi Hyeok-gun was one of the most versatile swordsmen in the martial world.
'I stake everything on this single move.'
In contrast, the techniques Seon-u Jin could employ were limited.
Against the Sword Demon Wi Hyeok-gun, there was only one viable option—the Sword Laughs at Xuanyuan Style.
With this very technique, Seon-u Jin had defeated the Fist King Seok Chi-haeng and earned the title of Sword King.
Now, he sought to cement that name by defeating Wi Hyeok-gun.
Kwawoong!
Since Wi Hyeok-gun had yielded the first move, Bu Eun-seol slowly, deliberately, and with full force, gathered his internal energy.
Seon-u Jin's internal energy spanned three hundred and fifty years.
But wielding the full twelve-degree strength of his internal power in battle was impossible—he could only utilize around three hundred years.
Oong.
As his energy surged into the blade, Mukhongeom remained motionless—yet faint afterimages began to flicker around it.
—That is...!
A few martial artists gasped as they noticed the afterimages emanating from Bu Eun-seol's sword.
They recognized it—the Sword Laughs at Xuanyuan Style, the supreme ancient sword art once wielded by the former Alliance Leader Cheol Mu-heun.
Oong. Oong.
A low hum resonated from Mukhongeom as dark ripples of sword energy began to rise like heat haze.
The Sword Laughs at Xuanyuan Style transcended the limits of conventional swordplay, encompassing the principles of all creation.
Its complexity allowed for countless variations.
Against Seok Chi-haeng, Bu Eun-seol had enveloped his opponent in sword energy, rendering evasion and defense impossible.
Against Baek Mu-seong, he had unleashed the Heavenly Immortal Beyond the Heavens Style, weaving orthodox sword arts into each of its one hundred and eighty variations.
Wi Hyeok-gun was a master of all sword arts scattered across the martial world.
So Bu Eun-seol refined the method he had used against Seok Chi-haeng—
factoring in Wi Hyeok-gun's height, weight, the length of his beloved Jeokri,
the angle of the sunlight, the firmness of the ground—every variable that could influence the outcome.
He was preparing a Sword Laughs at Xuanyuan strike from which escape was impossible.
"..."
Yet Wi Hyeok-gun did not even blink, his sharp gaze fixed on Bu Eun-seol.
He was a grandmaster of the sword.
He sensed that Bu Eun-seol was attempting to execute a flawless opening strike—one that would leave no room for counterattack.
And he was calculating how to shatter it.
The standoff continued.
The island fell so silent that even the sound of a hair dropping would have been audible.
The blazing sun had now sunk into a crimson dusk.
The martial artists watched without breathing, their eyes locked on the two figures.
Sssssaaaa...
The sound of waves filled the island.
Chwaak!
At the same moment, a sound like splitting water echoed—
and a blinding sword light, as if sealing away the entire world, cascaded toward Wi Hyeok-gun.
Bu Eun-seol had unleashed the Sword Laughs at Xuanyuan Style at full power.
But the gathered warriors could not clearly see the technique—only dazzling flashes of sword energy moving at incomprehensible speed.
All they perceived were brilliant points of light—
and the sharp Sound of Breaking Air that filled their ears.
Sssssaaaa...
When the swordplay finally ceased,
the martial artists wore expressions of men waking from a dream.
Bu Eun-seol's technique had been so swift, so overwhelming,
that it felt as if they had briefly hallucinated while wide awake.
—Ooh!
Rubbing their eyes, the warriors suddenly gasped.
The Sword Demon Wi Hyeok-gun stood in a defensive stance, Jeokri held upright.
But surrounding his body was a dark silhouette—an exact replica of his form, composed entirely of sword energy.
It was as if an artist had painted his likeness in black ink.
Sword Laughs at Xuanyuan.
The ancient secret art had manifested—encasing the enemy in sword energy that could neither be dodged nor dismantled.