Chapter 760
The conference room of the Soulless Pavilion.
There, Bu Eun-seol and Dam Yu-yeon, the strategist of the Martial Soul Society, sat facing each other.
Noe Bi-hon, Dae Gu-hwi, Bing Han-pung, and others—
The branch leaders of the Martial Soul Society were all engrossed in their training.
This meeting was effectively unrelated to them, which was why they hadn't attended.
"...In the end, the Zhongnan Sect is acting recklessly and pressing the attack."
Dam Yu-yeon explained the situation with a grave expression.
In the past, Bu Eun-seol had seized upon Elder Chae Ju-hong's weakness, ensuring that the Mount Hua Sect would not interfere with the Martial Soul Society's affairs.
Unaware of this fact, the Zhongnan Sect was greatly flustered when the Mount Hua Sect remained silent and merely watched.
But as Mount Hua continued to stay mute, the Zhongnan Sect had no choice but to grudgingly endure the situation.
Meanwhile, as the Martial Soul Society gradually expanded its influence in Shaanxi... the Zhongnan Sect finally exploded.
—If Mount Hua won't act, then our sect will!
Using the connections and influence they had built over generations in Shaanxi, the Zhongnan Sect began pressuring the Martial Soul Society from all sides.
Of course, if it came down to pure martial prowess, the Martial Soul Society could easily win.
But the Martial Soul Society had declared itself neutral between the orthodox and unorthodox factions, and its deeply rooted principle was to use force only for the sake of the martial world's stability.
In factional disputes, they had no choice but to remain passive.
Moreover, what if an all-out war broke out?
The Nine Great Sects or the Martial Alliance might intervene.
From the Martial Soul Society's perspective, they were stuck in a dilemma—unable to act decisively against the Zhongnan Sect's provocations.
"After much deliberation, we proposed a final negotiation at the Bewitching Soul Terrace in ten days, but..."
Dam Yu-yeon spoke with an uncertain expression.
"They won't even consider negotiations. They'll undoubtedly mobilize their connections to pressure us further. Or worse, they might deliberately pick a fight to create a pretext for all-out war."
Clack.
At that moment, the door opened, and Chief Steward Yu Hwa-ryeong entered, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Apologies for the delay. I was handling a few matters."
Yu Hwa-ryeong clasped his hands together as he entered the conference room, his eyes lighting up with joy when he saw Bu Eun-seol.
"Lord."
"Chief Steward Yu."
Bu Eun-seol also offered a faint smile.
Somehow, Yu Hwa-ryeong had become the busiest figure in the Martial Soul Society.
Not only was he responsible for managing the society's affairs, but he had also taken over more than half of the duties originally assigned to Dam Yu-yeon.
In fact, when it came to financial calculations and matters of profit, he handled things far more skillfully than Dam Yu-yeon ever had.
As a result, Dam Yu-yeon's workload had decreased, allowing her to spend more time with Do Cheon-rin...
In a way, Yu Hwa-ryeong had been the benefactor who solidified their relationship.
"Once the Elders' Hall is fully established, the Zhongnan Sect issue will likely resolve itself naturally."
Bu Eun-seol murmured softly before asking Yu Hwa-ryeong:
"How goes the progress with the Elders' Hall?"
"It's coming along steadily... but I'm worried because we haven't been able to recruit the most crucial figure."
Bu Eun-seol had suppressed Mount Hua's discontent by exploiting their weakness, but that was only a stopgap measure.
He knew full well that it wasn't a fundamental solution.
To completely free themselves from the pressure of Mount Hua and Zhongnan, they needed martial power capable of standing against the entire Nine Great Sects.
Of course, that wasn't feasible at the moment.
So instead, he had ordered them to placate the sects' dissatisfaction and recruit elders who could negotiate on their behalf.
"Who are you referring to?"
"The Carefree White Immortal—no, the man now called the Eccentric Physician, Jeung-pyeong."
The Carefree White Immortal, Jeung-pyeong.
True to his epithet, he was a man whose medical skills were akin to those of an immortal.
But as he aged, his personality had grown increasingly eccentric and unpleasant.
Because of this, the martial world had long since stopped calling him the Carefree White Immortal and instead referred to him as the Eccentric Physician.
"The most crucial figure is missing."
"Is it absolutely necessary to recruit the Eccentric Physician?"
Yu Hwa-ryeong shook his head vigorously.
"That man's temperament is far too vile and erratic. Bringing someone like him into our society would invite endless calamities rather than benefits."
"Though he lost public favor in his later years due to his eccentric personality, in the past, he was a man who selflessly treated countless masters from both orthodox and unorthodox factions."
Bu Eun-seol explained calmly.
"Moreover, recruiting him would significantly reduce the pressure from the orthodox faction on our society."
"Hmm."
Yu Hwa-ryeong shook his head again.
"I've tried everything possible, but he remains unmoved. Forget recruitment—later, he even started focusing on provoking me and mocking my efforts."
Yu Hwa-ryeong had spared no effort in trying to recruit the Eccentric Physician, the linchpin of the Elders' Hall.
He had visited him personally, offered exorbitant sums of money, and even tried to persuade him through various connections.
But the Eccentric Physician not only rejected every proposal—he also spread rumors criticizing the Martial Soul Society and sent several letters mocking Yu Hwa-ryeong.
"Incidentally, it's not just our society—many factions have tried to recruit him. All have failed."
"Hmm."
Bu Eun-seol stroked his chin with a puzzled expression.
Even with extraordinary offers, there was only one scenario where recruitment would fail.
When the person was a reclusive eccentric who despised revealing themselves to the world.
But the Eccentric Physician lived openly in bustling Chengdu, mingling with many people.
So why was he refusing recruitment?
"Hmm."
Bu Eun-seol swallowed his thoughts and nodded.
"I'll handle this matter personally."
For the Martial Soul Society to firmly establish its roots, they needed to organize a proper Council of Elders as soon as possible.
In the end, Bu Eun-seol resolved to recruit the Eccentric Physician himself.
Typically, when a martial artist—especially one from a medical background—retired from the world,
they would leave the clamor of Chengdu behind, seek out a quiet Deep Mountain Secluded Valley, and build a small house to live in.
After all, they had spent their days treating endless streams of patients while enduring the noise and bustle.
But the Eccentric Physician was different.
His residence was a manor located in the liveliest part of the marketplace,
where courtesan houses and guest inns lined every alley.
However, because all his servants had fled, unable to endure his eccentric temperament,
he had been left to repeat the cycle of hiring new attendants and servants, only to live alone again when they inevitably abandoned him.
So this is the place.
Disguised as Seol-so, Bu Eun-seol arrived at the manor where the Eccentric Physician lived.
He just leaves the gate wide open?
The manor's gate stood wide open, as if welcoming any outsider who wished to visit.
"Excuse me."
Stepping inside, he was met with the sight of a desolate estate.
Weeds grew unchecked in the courtyard, and the buildings, left unrepaired, bore unsightly signs of decay.
"Who is it?"
With a creak, an elderly man emerged from the innermost pavilion.
He wore luxurious silk robes, but his stature was small, and his complexion was poor.
His eyebrows were unkempt, nose hairs stuck out, and his wild hair was tied back haphazardly.
This was the Eccentric Physician, Jeung-pyeong—once known as the Carefree White Immortal.
"It's an honor to meet you, sir."
But Bu Eun-seol greeted him with a friendly expression and a respectful bow.
"I am—"
"I have no interest in dark-skinned brats."
Cutting him off coldly, the Eccentric Physician turned and retreated back inside.
Hmm.
Bu Eun-seol stared blankly at the pavilion where the old man had disappeared.
Not because he was upset—
but because, in that brief exchange, he had instantly grasped the kind of person the Eccentric Physician was.
So that's how it is.
A faint smile played on Bu Eun-seol's lips.
This might be resolved faster than expected.
Clop, clop.
Shaking his head, Bu Eun-seol turned and left the manor.
[...Just relay this to him.]
After giving So-yo a few instructions, he stopped by a general store in the marketplace to purchase some supplies.
Creak.
Long after Bu Eun-seol had left, the pavilion door opened again, and the Eccentric Physician peeked his head out.
"Hmph. That brat has no persistence."
Clicking his tongue, he shook his head—
Swish.
—only for Bu Eun-seol to abruptly reappear inside the manor.
This brat moves without a trace of presence?!
The Eccentric Physician hurriedly tried to shut the door, but when their eyes met, he coughed awkwardly.
"What now? Why are you back?"
"The manor is too filthy..."
Bu Eun-seol's hands were laden with tools he had bought—supplies for repairs and cleaning.
"Predictable."
The Eccentric Physician curled his lip, seeing through Bu Eun-seol's intentions to clean and restore the estate.
"You think you're the first to try this trick? Every fool who's come here has done the same."
"..."
Ignoring the old man's mockery, Bu Eun-seol set to work, cleaning the manor and repairing the pavilion.
Thanks to his adoptive grandfather, Bu Jan-yang, he was not just skilled as an undertaker—he was proficient in all kinds of menial labor.
He repaired the pavilion better than a seasoned carpenter and cleaned more thoroughly than a lifelong servant.
Wherever Bu Eun-seol's swift hands moved, the manor was instantly transformed into a spotless, orderly space.
What the hell is this kid?
The Eccentric Physician gaped at the sight.
Did someone send him here to do chores, not to serve me?
Bu Eun-seol worked so efficiently that the old man began to suspect he was a skilled servant sent by some faction to win his favor.
"Even so, he won't last more than ten days—a month at most."
The Eccentric Physician sneered as he watched.
His temperament was so foul that no matter how patient or good-natured a servant was, none had ever endured more than half a month before fleeing.
—Servants are a dime a dozen, aren't they?
Knowing this, many factions had tried to win him over by constantly sending capable attendants.
But it was futile.
No matter how much money they promised, the servants always ran away in the end.
Swish. Swish.
Before long, Bu Eun-seol had already cleared the overgrown garden and begun repairing the collapsed pavilion.
With deep Internal Power and swift, precise movements, he swiftly restored the damaged sections.
Tap, tap, tap.
Then, retrieving planks from the warehouse, he began fitting them together one by one.
Finally completing the square box-shaped structure, Bu Eun-seol retrieved the copper mirror from inside and extended his hand toward the Eccentric Physician.
"Lie down here."
"What, lie down?"
The Eccentric Physician gaped in disbelief.
"Are you telling this old man to do that?"
"Who else is there in this rotting manor besides an old man like you?"
At the absurdly blunt reply, the Eccentric Physician's mouth fell open in astonishment.
"Have you lost your mind? Do you even know who I am?"
As the Eccentric Physician roared, Bu Eun-seol let out a sigh.
"Then do as you please."
Brushing off his hands with a few firm pats, Bu Eun-seol shrugged.
"If you want to grow old alone in this manor and die in solitude."
In an instant, the Eccentric Physician's pupils flashed with killing intent.
"What did you just say?"
"If you still have the energy to get this irritated, then lie down here."
The Eccentric Physician stared at the square box with a strange expression.
Why was this brat so insistent on him lying down on this shoddy wooden plank instead of a proper bed?
"Fine."
With an air of defiance, the Eccentric Physician strode over and lay down on the plank.
"I'm lying down. What now?"
Srrrk.
At that, Bu Eun-seol drew a sharp dagger from his sleeve.
And pressed it against the Eccentric Physician's throat.
"What is this, some half-baked—"
"Stop talking and keep your mouth shut."
Bu Eun-seol pressed firmly on the Eccentric Physician's lips, then began carefully shaving off his scraggly beard with the dagger.
Next, he meticulously trimmed the wild, overgrown eyebrows that sprouted like weeds.
"What in the world are you doing?"
"Making you into a person."
"What?! You little—!"
As the Eccentric Physician jerked upright, about to fly into a rage—
Whoosh.
Bu Eun-seol pulled out the copper mirror he had set aside and thrust it in front of him.
"This..."
Astonishingly, just from having his beard and eyebrows touched up—
His skin appeared cleaner, his features far more refined than before.
"How... how did you do this?"
The Eccentric Physician's voice trembled.
His entire life, he had been met with scornful gazes because of his repulsive, hideous appearance.
Though he eventually earned respect through his exceptional medical skills, there had been no remedy for his ugliness.
—Why not just use a disguise?
In the end, he had used a disguise and the Bone Shrinking Art, even elongating his stature.
And he had met a good woman, promising marriage—
But living like that forever was impossible.
Especially since the Bone Shrinking Art manipulated not just bones but also ligaments, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
Maintaining it for too long risked inflammation or severe nerve damage.
Eventually, the Bone Shrinking Art and his disguise unraveled abruptly, and the woman who saw his true face recoiled in horror, breaking off their engagement.
After that, he had given up on his appearance entirely, refusing to even touch his face.
Yet now, just by trimming his beard and eyebrows, his entire countenance had changed?
"What in the world were you before this?"
"An undertaker."
"What?"
Bu Eun-seol said nothing more.
This time, he began smoothing the Eccentric Physician's face with women's powder and honey.
"Now listen here—!"
Just as the Eccentric Physician was about to erupt again—
He caught sight of his gradually transforming reflection in the mirror and froze, eyes wide.
"What is this? Are you altering my appearance?"
"Altering? No. Just lightly covering up the grime on your skin."
"What?! You're telling me to wear makeup, like some woman?!"
Instead of answering, Bu Eun-seol silently held up the mirror again.
There, half of the Eccentric Physician's face—once twisted with perpetual ill temper—remained unchanged.
But the other half now bore the serene, immortal-like visage of an old man who lived free of worldly cares.
"It won't even take a quarter of an hour."
Bu Eun-seol sighed as he spoke.
"Can't you endure that much without constantly getting up?"
It was strange.
The Eccentric Physician had spent his entire life brushing off well-meaning advice and treating others' goodwill like dung.
So why—why was it that—
When he met the gaze of this smooth-faced young man, he felt cowed, unable to move?
Why did those ordinary eyes seem to see through everything in the world, like the piercing gaze of a phoenix?
Why did his entire body radiate an overwhelming majesty, as if dragons were soaring around him?
And why did every slight movement carry the crushing weight of towering mountains?
"Time is precious. Lie back down."
As Bu Eun-seol pressed him down again, the Eccentric Physician reluctantly lay back, pretending to submit.
"Does it really have to be on this plank?"
"You don't like the plank?"
"That's not it... It's full of holes, like a Seven Star Board."
Habits were frightening.
Without realizing it, Bu Eun-seol had shaped what was supposed to be a simple bed into something resembling a coffin.
"What does it matter?"
Avoiding the obvious gaze, Bu Eun-seol diligently continued refining the Eccentric Physician's face.
Then, after a quarter of an hour, he dusted off his hands.
"It's done."
And held up the mirror once more.
The Eccentric Physician stared at his reflection, his expression dazed with wonder.
Then what stood there was not some crotchety eighty-year-old man,
but a venerable elder whose gaze brimmed with dignity.
"Is this truly my face?"
"A person's appearance changes depending on how it is tended to,"
Bu Eun-seol replied calmly.
"Your natural features, Old Master, were never truly unsightly. But because you neglected them, you merely appeared to be the most destitute beggar under heaven."
The Eccentric Physician bristled at Bu Eun-seol's blunt words, yet he couldn't bring himself to be angry.
He was too stunned.
"Invest just a quarter of an hour each day."
"And this expensive honey? Must I keep using it?"
"For now, yield to your skin's needs."
Bu Eun-seol spoke evenly.
"There are few in this world blessed with effortless beauty or striking features."
Before the old man could respond, he added,
"Ordinary people live their lives tending to their appearance like this. Only you, Old Master, insisted on letting your nose hairs grow like a broom."
The Eccentric Physician, left speechless, shifted the topic.
"Why, exactly, have you remade my face like this?"
"You desired it."
"Desired what?"
Bu Eun-seol exhaled a sigh.
"You spent your life mastering the medical arts, earned the name Carefree White Immortal by helping others."
His eyes swept over the manor grounds as he continued,
"But as time passed... all that remained was a hideous visage and a body withered with age. No one to care for you, no one to nag at your side."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"Now, even in your twilight years, you need someone to witness your final days... Isn't it anger at being unable to find such a person?"
Had he struck a nerve?
The Eccentric Physician gaped, utterly silenced.
'How does this brat know?'
How could some stranger, some young whelp, speak as if he had peered into the entirety of his life?
"Are you a fortune teller?"
"Hardly."
"Then how do you know? Did you investigate me?"
Bu Eun-seol sighed and gestured toward the great gate.
"You lack no wealth, yet you deliberately purchased this manor in the bustling marketplace. Left the gates perpetually open."
"..."
"Because here, you can watch people to your heart's content. That's why you bought this place, isn't it?"
Bu Eun-seol's gaze sharpened.
"You left the gates open so visitors could enter freely, didn't you? Because you were lonely. Day after day, hoping someone would come looking for you."
Exposed, the Eccentric Physician burned with unspeakable shame.
"Fine, I'll admit I longed for company."
He spoke defensively.
"But you're mistaken about one thing."
"And what would that be?"
"What need does a man my age have for a woman to nag at his side?"
The Eccentric Physician thumped the pouch at his waist and smirked, pointing toward the courtesan house.
"With enough coin, I can have all the amusement I want in a single day."
"Stop rationalizing."
"What?"
"Perhaps that's how you lived in the past. When meeting people became difficult, you turned to the courtesan house."
Bu Eun-seol continued dispassionately.
"At some point, you even paid to bring a courtesan into this manor. Tried to live with her as husband and wife."
'Is this brat truly a fortune teller?'
Whether the old man was stunned or not, Bu Eun-seol pressed on.
"But courtesans can drink and forget their worries—they don't know how to keep a home. So you fought, and fought again, until you finally sent her away. Am I wrong?"
"How in the—"
"Traces of women's half-hearted attempts at homemaking are scattered everywhere here."
The Eccentric Physician's face flushed crimson with humiliation.
"So, what do you want me to do?"
He thumped his chest in frustration.
"Fine! What I desire isn't extravagance—just a warm, simple meal and a wise woman by my side. A companion in life!"
He bit his lip.
"But no such person existed in my life. So what choice did I have but to seek out courtesans?"
"Your greed is staggering."
"What did you say?"
"At your age, still chasing after young, beautiful women?"
Bu Eun-seol's tone remained steady.
"Lower your standards, and you'd find plenty of decent women. But you despise those your own age, don't you?"
The Eccentric Physician trembled down to his eyelids, as if his very Five Viscera and Six Bowels had been laid bare.
'Can this demon truly see into my soul?'
It was true. Even now,
the Eccentric Physician yearned for young, beautiful women.
He had wealth, reputation—why shouldn't he?
But reality refused to comply, and by seventy, his solitary life had twisted his temperament beyond repair.
"So what's your point? Just because you've pried into my life like some fortune teller, do you expect praise?"
"I've seen many like you."
"Seen what?"
Bu Eun-seol's gaze turned fathomless.
"Rakes who drowned in the Forest of Wine and Meat with courtesans in their youth... only to seek proper women in old age."
"Isn't that natural? After sowing wild oats, shouldn't a man settle down with a virtuous wife?"
"Are you insane?"
Had Bu Eun-seol already given up on recruiting him?
His next words were so scathing they could have drained a man of tears.
"If a withered old man wants to hurl himself into a pit, let him do it alone. Why drag decent women down with you?"