Chapter 761
"Don't—don't mock me."
The Eccentric Physician spoke with an aggrieved expression.
"Do you think I'm at an age where I should be lying in a coffin?!"
His voice trembled with indignation, as if deeply wronged.
"I may be seventy years old, but judging by my Internal Power and health, I could live to a hundred—no, a hundred and fifty!"
He thumped his chest emphatically.
"Don't martial artists with profound Internal Power live as long as immortals? I've consumed so many Spirit Medicines that I barely even have gray hair!"
After venting his frustration for a long while, he finally cried out as if deeply wounded.
"My body is no different from when I was in the prime of youth! And you're telling me to give up because I'm old? Why should I be the one to give up?"
"Who said anything about giving up?"
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"That's why I'm helping you groom your appearance."
He pointed to the copper mirror reflecting the Eccentric Physician's face.
"From now on, follow my instructions—trim your beard and nose hair daily. Wash your body every day so you don't reek of old age, and change your clothes regularly."
"Why bother with such tedious things?"
"Then give up. If you can't even take care of yourself, why bother seeking companionship?"
Bu Eun-seol's tone was firm.
"You've spent your life as a physician—you should know better. What cure is there for a consumptive patient who keeps drinking himself to death?"
The Eccentric Physician fell silent, having no retort.
The truth was, his age wasn't the real issue.
But here he was, neglecting every aspect of himself while dreaming of a celestial beauty as his companion.
As Bu Eun-seol had said, it was no different from a consumptive hoping to recover while drowning himself in liquor.
"So... you're saying I just need to maintain my appearance?"
"Far from it. Appearance is merely the starting line. To reach your goal, you must refine your character as well. You must learn considerate behavior and a likable manner of speech."
"Why must I do all that?"
"Who would want to eat fruit that looks pristine on the outside but is rotten within?"
Bu Eun-seol's words were unyielding.
"You must also lower your standards. As you said, there are many in the martial world who maintain their youth through profound Internal Power."
Then he added once more:
"From now on, just as you groom your appearance, you must refine your character."
"Easier said than done."
The Eccentric Physician sighed.
"Do you think I haven't tried?"
"..."
"I've made efforts to temper my foul temper. But innate nature cannot be changed, I tell you."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"You're not wrong. But recognizing that is the first step toward possibility."
Creak.
Just then, the great gate opened, and a refined middle-aged man in fine robes entered.
It was none other than Bing Han-pung, the former lord of the North Sea Ice Palace and now leader of the Ice River Vanguard under the Martial Soul Society.
"This is Leader Bing of the Martial Soul Society's Ice River Vanguard."
The Eccentric Physician, being a figure of the Central Plains martial world, had little fondness for those from beyond the frontier.
But he had heard that Bing Han-pung had joined the united faction of the Martial Soul Society and had recently done much good in the martial world.
Reluctantly, he offered a perfunctory greeting.
"Welcome."
Despite the Eccentric Physician's blatant lack of courtesy, Bing Han-pung remained unbothered, standing tall yet politely clasping his hands together.
"A pleasure to meet you. I am Bing Han-pung, leader of the Ice River Vanguard under the Martial Soul Society."
As the two exchanged greetings, Bu Eun-seol interjected calmly.
"Though Leader Bing maintains the appearance of middle age, his years are comparable to yours, Elder."
The Eccentric Physician stared at Bing Han-pung with a dumbfounded expression.
Practitioners of Ice Art halt their aging.
Those with profound Internal Energy do the same.
But Bing Han-pung transcended mere youthfulness—an aura of noble elegance radiated from his entire being.
"And what am I supposed to do with that?"
"Near ink gets black; white herons don't flock with ravens."
Bu Eun-seol spoke serenely.
"Leader Bing happens to be on leave, so spend the next few days in his company. Naturally, you'll absorb some of his dignified bearing."
"You called the Ice Palace Lord here for this?"
"Indeed."
The Eccentric Physician's jaw dropped.
"Have you lost your mind? You summoned the Ice Palace Lord for such a trivial matter?"
"That's my concern. For now, begin. I have a manor to finish cleaning."
"You—"
Just then, Bing Han-pung offered a genial smile and gently guided the Eccentric Physician outside.
"Shall we?"
"Now, wait—"
Though waving his hands in protest, the Eccentric Physician found himself helplessly led out by Bing Han-pung.
There, a resplendent eight-horse carriage stood waiting.
Clack.
Once seated inside the carriage, Bing Han-pung engaged the Eccentric Physician in light conversation.
At one point, his gaze drifted through the window to where Bu Eun-seol was still tidying the manor.
'This is rather excessive.'
Suddenly, Bing Han-pung found himself struck by an inexplicable thought.
In that brief span of time, Bu Eun-seol had not only discerned the Eccentric Physician's temperament and deepest aspirations but had immediately dispatched a letter to Bing Han-pung through the Death Soul Squad.
And then, quite naturally, he had smoothed the physician's appearance with gentle touches, drawing his attention—not only that, but he had also drawn him close, already devising a plan to recruit him into the Shadow Spirit Hall.
All within half a day.
Is such a thing even possible?
Bing Han-pung had led the massive sect of the North Sea Ice Palace for many years and had witnessed countless human spectacles.
But Bu Eun-seol's ability was not merely at the level of an outstanding strategist.
It was as if he were a divine copyist—
A being capable of peering not just into a person's life but even into the hidden regrets buried deep within their heart.
Could it be... the Lord?
Throughout the ages in the martial world,
There had been sudden emergences of prophets—those said to see all human affairs as if they were reading the will of the gods.
Hadn't Mo-ryun the Dharma Seeker, too,
Manifested supernatural abilities upon reaching his thirties, gaining the power to discern the workings of Heaven's Will?
No, surely not.
Bing Han-pung swallowed a sigh and clenched his fist.
Others might not know, but he was aware—
That prophets, in the end, only brought destruction upon the world and ruined countless lives.
Hadn't Mo-ryun, too, with his flawed prophecy, created innumerable victims in the martial world?
Such a figure must never appear in the world again.
Or... could he be one of the One Hundred and Eight Stars?
Among the One Hundred and Eight Stars,
There was said to be the Heavenly Mechanism Star—one capable of not only predicting all possible branching futures but also manipulating the Flow of Fate itself with insight that transcended time and space.
No, impossible.
Prophets and the Heavenly Mechanism Star were existences that only brought ruin to the world.
Bu Eun-seol was merely a man of exceptional intellect.
He absolutely could not be a prophet or one of the One Hundred and Eight Stars.
The Eccentric Physician was naturally recruited into the Shadow Spirit Hall.
Bing Han-pung, who had risen to the position of palace lord in the North Sea Ice Palace—composed of five great clans—
Possessed decisiveness, wisdom, and an accommodating nature that allowed him to harmonize with any kind of person.
Just as Bu Eun-seol had predicted, the Eccentric Physician was drawn to these qualities in Bing Han-pung.
Whether eating, interacting with others, or handling affairs,
He began to admire Bing Han-pung's magnanimity and dignity, naturally striving to emulate him.
And that, in itself, was a form of education far superior to any other method.
In the end, his entry into the Shadow Spirit Hall
Was not due to agreement with the hall's principles but rather because he had been won over by Bing Han-pung's character, joining almost effortlessly.
Bewitching Soul Terrace.
A place of breathtaking beauty said to enchant all who beheld it—now seethed with a murderous aura.
Because it had become the site of negotiations meant to resolve the conflict between the Shadow Spirit Hall and the Zhongnan Sect.
Though it was called "negotiations" in name,
In truth, it was more akin to a declaration of war, a prelude to all-out battle.
As if to prove this, the Zhongnan Sect had summoned every renowned hero of the Righteous Faction active in Shaanxi to accompany them.
Yet in contrast,
From the Shadow Spirit Hall, only a young woman holding the position of strategist—
And a rough-looking wandering swordsman acting as her escort—stood before them.
"Let's dispense with formalities and speak plainly."
Elder Seop Un-saeng of the Zhongnan Sect glared at Dam Yu-yeon and spoke coldly.
"The Shadow Spirit Hall claims to be a coalition force between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions, yet continues to operate the Wanderers' Market."
He curled his lip as he continued.
"Expanding influence as a martial alliance while simultaneously running a wanderers' market—does that make any sense?"
"What exactly doesn't make sense?"
Dam Yu-yeon replied calmly.
"Our hall exists between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions and does not clash with any martial factions. Naturally, we are free to operate the Wanderers' Market, are we not?"
"But a coalition between factions is still a martial force, is it not?"
Seop Un-saeng stated firmly.
"Running a wanderers' market while acting as a martial alliance? Our sect cannot tolerate such behavior."
The Zhongnan Sect seemed to have deliberated deeply on this.
They were not making baseless accusations but had come armed with a clear justification.
"And if you refuse to tolerate it?"
Seop Un-saeng delivered his ultimatum.
"Either abandon the Wanderers' Market and act solely as a coalition, or operate only the market. Choose one."
Dam Yu-yeon furrowed her brow.
The Zhongnan Sect had presented a seemingly reasonable argument—
One that the Righteous Faction, obsessed with legitimacy, could never overlook, as it struck at the very foundation of their sect's authority.
"Let me say it again. As a martial alliance, we will never permit you to exert influence over an autonomous wanderers' market—"
Tap. Tap.
Then, from somewhere, the sound of footsteps echoed.
And then, an old man with neatly combed hair strode briskly up the pavilion of Mihundae.
Though his stature was diminutive and his features somewhat plain,
his meticulously combed hair and luxuriant, well-groomed beard
exuded an air of dignified elegance.
This was none other than the Eccentric Physician, Jeung-pyeong—whose appearance and temperament had undergone a complete metamorphosis and bone renewal with Bu Eun-seol's help.
"Esteemed Elder!"
Seop Un-saeng's face brightened the moment he spotted the Eccentric Physician, and he hurried forward to greet him.
The Eccentric Physician had saved countless Righteous Faction masters with his exceptional medical arts and maintained close ties with the sect leaders of the Nine Sects.
For such a figure to suddenly appear here? To Seop Un-saeng, it was no different than gaining an army of a thousand reinforcements out of nowhere.
"It has been far too long since we last met."
"Elder Seop, it has indeed been a while."
"What brings you here today?"
The Eccentric Physician nodded and replied,
"The Martial Soul Society said they needed to speak with the Zhongnan Sect, so I rushed over in a single stride."
"My deepest gratitude."
Seop Un-saeng, assuming the Eccentric Physician had come to lend his support, beamed with delight.
"If the Esteemed Elder were to impart some stern guidance, nothing could be more ideal."
"Good."
The Eccentric Physician nodded firmly.
"Then, cease your provocations against the Martial Soul Society."
Seop Un-saeng, who had been smiling broadly, turned ashen-faced at this shocking reply—like the liver of a rotten pig.
"What... what do you mean?"
"This old man has now joined the Martial Soul Society. As the Hall Master of the Elders' Hall."
Thud.
Seop Un-saeng's eyes bulged as if he had been struck on the back of the head.
"You—the Esteemed Elder—have joined the Martial Soul Society's Elders' Hall?"
"Indeed."
"But... why?"
"Upon closer inspection, I found the Martial Soul Society truly does many good deeds."
The Eccentric Physician spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"They wield force solely to protect the common people from factions that disrupt the martial world."
"Esteemed Elder..."
Seop Un-saeng was so bewildered his head spun.
"The Martial Soul Society may call itself an alliance between orthodox and unorthodox factions, but it's a bizarre gathering of forces from beyond the frontier!"
"Tsk, do you truly believe I would join such an organization without knowing that?"
The Eccentric Physician's expression was resolute.
"All of its high command—including the three great leaders—have abandoned their former factions and come to the Central Plains martial world. Even the Rogue Vanguard is led by a figure from the Demonic Path, while the Swift Thunder Corps is commanded by the Renowned Chivalrous Hero of the Righteous Faction, the Thunder God."
Then he added one final remark.
"The Martial Soul Society is an alliance that transcends the boundaries between orthodox and heterodox factions—that is the truth of it."
Seop Un-saeng swallowed dryly.
He realized no argument would get through now.
"Ah, Great Hero Jang..."
In desperation, Seop Un-saeng turned to the Renowned Chivalrous Hero of the Righteous Faction, Jang Man-jung, who had been waiting behind him.
But the Eccentric Physician acknowledged Jang Man-jung first.
"It's been a while. How fares your father?"
In the past, he had treated Jang Man-jung's father, Jang Won-sang, for an illness.
Because of this, Jang Man-jung treated the Eccentric Physician like a revered elder of his own family.
"O-Of course, Esteemed Elder."
Jang Man-jung dared not meet his gaze and bowed his head.
'This won't do.'
Seop Un-saeng glanced back at the other renowned heroes waiting behind him.
But without exception, they averted their eyes or lowered their heads.
Every one of them either owed the Eccentric Physician a debt or knew he had deep ties with the elders of their sects.
'Damn it all.'
Beads of sweat formed on Seop Un-saeng's forehead.
With the Eccentric Physician now siding with the Martial Soul Society,
any justification for pressuring them had vanished.
'We should have just challenged them outright.'
In his foolish pursuit of legitimacy, he had brought renowned heroes who wielded influence in Shaanxi to pick a fight over the Wanderers' Market.
But now, with the Eccentric Physician's sudden appearance,
the renowned heroes stood silent as if their tongues had been glued shut—relying on external aid had been a mistake.
"Esteemed Elder, regardless of what the Martial Soul Society is, running a Wanderers' Market is still absurd, is it not?” The Eccentric Physician replied, “The Wanderers’ Market cannot be considered purely commercial; it has often clashed with martial factions.”"
The Eccentric Physician replied calmly.
"Only the Righteous Sects care about legitimacy and orthodoxy. The Martial Soul Society openly declares its stance between orthodox and heterodox factions, with members of diverse origins gathered under its banner—what need does it have to chase after legitimacy or justification?"
His gaze sharpened.
"If the Zhongnan Sect insists on picking a fight, wouldn't it be better to wait until the Martial Soul Society commits a clear wrongdoing before raising objections?"
Seop Un-saeng shut his mouth.
With a martial world elder of the Eccentric Physician's standing firmly taking sides, securing outside help was now impossible.
And without the Zhongnan Sect's troops recklessly charging in... there was no way to provoke the Martial Soul Society any further.
"I understand. Since the Eccentric Physician insists... we shall set aside the matter of legitimacy for now."
Seop Un-saeng lowered his head like a condemned prisoner being led to the execution grounds and descended from the Unmarried Platform.
Following his lead, the Renowned Heroes, seemingly at a loss for words, gave the Eccentric Physician half-hearted bows before stumbling down after him.
Smirk.
The Eccentric Physician looked at Bu Eun-seol with a faint smile.
"Well? How was this old man's imposing presence?"
Though he had endured Bu Eun-seol's occasional scolding while staying with Bing Han-pung, this time, he couldn't help but puff out his chest a little, eager to boast.
"I didn't utter a single vulgar word and persuaded them with utmost courtesy, did I not?"
Nod.
Bu Eun-seol nodded and gave him a thumbs-up.
It was a gesture reminiscent of a mother bird gazing fondly at her fledgling.
***
Assembly Hall, Shadow Spirit Pavilion.
"Thanks to the Elders' Hall Master, the negotiations with the Zhongnan Sect concluded smoothly."
Dam Yu-yeon spoke in a bright tone.
The Eccentric Physician had been inducted into the Elders' Hall, and the negotiations on the Unmarried Platform had ended in success.
Of course, the Zhongnan Sect hadn't been fully convinced—but the Eccentric Physician was a senior figure of the orthodox faction to whom countless martial artists owed debts.
He had saved innumerable warriors from grave illnesses and injuries, including elders and disciples from Mount Hua and Zhongnan.
Thus, they had no choice but to reluctantly accept his mediation.
However, that wasn't the main topic of today's meeting.
"And we've obtained some unusual intelligence."
Dam Yu-yeon's expression turned grave.
"According to information brokers, a mysterious vault has been discovered—one allegedly created by one of the legendary Three Clans."
"The Three Clans?"
"Correct. It seems someone deliberately fabricated a treasure map and spread it to sow chaos."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes gleamed.
"Then either a formidable faction like the Three Realms or the Neither-Human-Nor-Beast forged the map... or the real Three Clans themselves created a fake one."
The legendary Three Clans—
Contrary to rumors, they had not vanished but had continued their activities in secret.
Yet now, a treasure map bearing their name was being openly circulated by intelligence networks?
The only ones capable of such an act were either the Three Realms or the Neither-Human-Nor-Beast—both of whom wielded immense influence—or the actual Three Clans themselves.
"Precisely. If the real Three Clans exist, they would never tolerate such rumors being spread in their name."
If someone had exploited the Three Clans' reputation for their own schemes—
The Three Clans, who had remained hidden in the martial world, would never allow it.
Meaning, the culprit was either a faction with power and intelligence networks on par with the Three Clans... or the Three Clans themselves.
"Our elite Unit Members, as well as the leaders of the Trust, Glacier, and Wanderer divisions, all investigated but found nothing substantial. Countless martial artists had already combed through the area beforehand."
Dam Yu-yeon's eyes sharpened.
"It seems the rumors were deliberately spread to lure a specific individual to that location."
Why invoke the legend of the Three Clans?
Why circulate a treasure map bearing their name?
And yet, nothing was found there—meaning the person they sought likely hadn't arrived yet.
"The Three Clans..."
A strange intuition prickled at Bu Eun-seol.
A hunch that perhaps... they were calling for him.
"I'll go investigate."
Dam Yu-yeon nodded calmly, as if she had expected this.
"I anticipated as much. The elite forces of this meeting have already prepared."
"I'll go alone."
"It's too dangerous. The Lord's safety is the Shadow Spirit Pavilion's safety."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"No."
His voice was firm.
"The Shadow Spirit Pavilion must grow stronger even if I cease to exist. Just like the Martial Alliance or the Demon Hall."
The two great allied factions remained powerful even if the Twin Heavenly Emperors of Righteous and Demonic were to vanish—
No force dared challenge them.
But the current Shadow Spirit Pavilion still relied heavily on Bu Eun-seol's wisdom and strength.
To complete the Three-Way Division Strategy and establish a tripod balance of power—
The faction itself, not Bu Eun-seol, must become the core.
"I understand. But—"
Dam Yu-yeon's eyes narrowed.
She knew Bu Eun-seol had reached the Supreme Origin Realm, where ordinary forces could no longer threaten him.
But his refusal to bring guards or troops was because he prioritized his subordinates' lives over his own safety.
And that always unsettled her.
"The enemies are strong, and they are always poised to ambush the Lord."
She began to persuade him.
"If the Lord were to face a perilous situation, even if the subordinates survived, it would be meaningless."
"Understood. From now on, I'll be sure to bring an escort."
Despite her earnest plea, Bu Eun-seol smiled dismissively.
"But this matter is highly unusual. It's better to investigate discreetly, so I'll go alone this time."
Faced with his unwavering stance, Dam Yu-yeon had no choice but to nod.
"Very well. Then please be careful."
"I will."
At that moment, neither of them knew—
That this incident would unravel the very origins of the Three Realms, the truth he had so desperately sought to uncover.