Chapter 768
Around the time the Demonic Heavenly Emperor was annihilating the Divine Guard Unit.
Bu Eun-seol ceased all activity for a while and wandered aimlessly northward.
Upon finally arriving in the Black Dragon River region, he immediately headed toward a certain village in Mohe.
This northernmost village was as bitterly cold as the North Sea.
Above all, it was a place where one could witness the aurora—a phenomenon typically visible only in polar regions.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the Sword Sovereign.
After witnessing their battle, Bu Eun-seol had gained immense insight.
Yet, the profound enlightenment the Sword Sovereign had achieved regarding the Nature Sword was not something he could immediately digest.
Even grasping the underlying principles of martial arts embedded within it proved difficult.
After much deliberation, Bu Eun-seol sought out the village of Mohe, where the polar night and aurora bore a striking resemblance to the essence of the Nature Sword.
Here, the sun did not rise, and one could behold the mysteriously beautiful aurora—a sight that resonated deeply with the principles of the Nature Sword.
Having settled in this desolate place, Bu Eun-seol began contemplating the truths of the Nature Sword.
"The Sword Sovereign was, in name and reality, the Foremost Sword of the Righteous Faction. Through the Nature Sword, he reached the pinnacle of the Supreme Sword Path."
Muttering softly, he shook his head with a regretful expression.
"Had the Sword Sovereign's spirit and mind reached the state of Ascending High Without Limit and Reaching the Supreme—had there not been even a sliver of doubt in his heart..."
Then, he could have felled the Demonic Heavenly Emperor in a single stroke with the Nature Sword.
But because of his unwavering resolve to kill the Demonic Heavenly Emperor at all costs...
Even as he unleashed the Nature Sword, he had forgotten its ultimate profundity.
And the price for that was death.
Before he knew it, a day had passed.
Motionless, Bu Eun-seol gazed at the distant sky, endlessly studying the subtleties of the Sword Sovereign's Nature Sword as it had clashed against the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
And at last, he realized the core of the Nature Sword lay in Emptiness Is Fullness and Attaining the Dao Through Nonattachment—
That is, "One must empty oneself to become truly full, and one must cast away all attachments to reach the ultimate Dao."
"In truth, breaking the spirit and mind of one who has reached such a realm is impossible."
And only then did he understand that the Sword Sovereign's defeat...
Could not simply be explained away by saying he had been too fixated on competition, too determined to kill the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
"No Trace to Follow."
Bu Eun-seol let out a deep sigh.
"The reason the Nature Sword transformed into the Flowing Sword was because the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's spirit and mind had shed all attachments... moving in perfect accordance with the natural order, leaving not a single trace behind."
The one who had truly embodied the Dao of nature...
Was not the Sword Sovereign, but rather the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor's actions—his motives, his intentions—
Were utterly impossible to discern, for they stemmed from an existence so natural it defied comprehension.
In truth, it was the Sword Sovereign who had acted contrary to his own nature.
"Only because I was an outsider could I perceive this truth."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled deeply.
"Had I faced the Demonic Heavenly Emperor now, my head would have been severed within eight martial forms."
He had been an observer.
Thus, he could grasp both the greatness of the Nature Sword, perfected by the Sword Sovereign—a martial artist of unparalleled stature—and the fatal missteps he had taken.
But what if he himself had fought the Demonic Heavenly Emperor?
He would not have been able to withstand even the ripples of destruction the Demonic Heavenly Emperor unleashed.
Perhaps his head would have been severed not in eight martial forms, but before he could even manifest his martial arts.
"Demonic Heavenly Emperor..."
Bu Eun-seol clenched his fist tightly as he muttered under his breath.
The true terror of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor did not lie in his martial prowess.
It was his piercing insight—his ability to instantly perceive and shatter an opponent's spirit and mind—
A power that rendered all counters impossible.
"He believes in himself."
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor trusted his own judgment without the slightest doubt and acted instantaneously.
If an ordinary person required half a quarter to process information and make a decision—
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor could comprehend it faster than the snap of a finger.
Thus, no matter how formidable an opponent might be—
Regardless of their martial prowess—they stood no chance against him from the very beginning.
KOOOOM—
Suddenly, the earth trembled, and the sky darkened.
At the same time, a shadow exuding a mountainous, oppressive presence emerged behind Bu Eun-seol.
A towering figure whose aura carried the tyrannical power to obliterate all existence in an instant.
It was none other than the Human Demon—Ak Mu-ryeong.
"Pavilion Lord."
Startled, Bu Eun-seol immediately clasped his hands in respect.
"What brings you here—?"
Ak Mu-ryeong let out a cold snort and said nothing.
Instead, he strode forward, clasped his hands behind his back, and gazed absently at the aurora painting the sky in dazzling beauty.
Watching this, Bu Eun-seol came to a realization.
'The Pavilion Lord has also come to contemplate the principles of the Nature Sword.'
An inexplicable laughter bubbled up inside him.
The pinnacle of Langya Pavilion Martial Arts lay in unraveling and absorbing an enemy's techniques to reach the extreme limits of martial arts.
Of course, if Ak Mu-ryeong had merely sought to digest the insights gained from the battle between the two Absolute Grandmasters, he could have easily grasped the Nature Sword through meditation alone.
But to create a new martial art through those principles—
He, too, had needed to seek out a landscape akin to the essence of the Nature Sword.
In the end, Ak Mu-ryeong must have concluded that the principles of the Nature Sword closely resembled the aurora unfolding in these polar regions.
And so, just like Bu Eun-seol, he had come to the northernmost village of Mohe.
That such a thing had happened—
It was ultimately because both of them had awakened the Langya Mind's Eye, enabling them to interpret the ultimate truths of martial arts through the lens of nature.
'But I have yet to reach the same realm as the Pavilion Lord.'
Ak Mu-ryeong, with his eyes wide open, was swiftly comprehending the principles of the Nature Sword by observing the aurora—
And in doing so, he was already creating a new martial art.
But Bu Eun-seol, though he gazed at the same aurora, had only been savoring the martial insights of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and the Sword Sovereign.
He had yet to devise a new martial art through the mysteries of the Nature Sword.
'I can only do my best with what I have.'
Bu Eun-seol plopped down where he stood.
Unable to reach Ak Mu-ryeong's level, he ceased observing nature and instead—
Sought to unravel the principles of martial arts once more through meditation, attempting to forge a new path.
'The Pavilion Lord will understand.'
Crossing his legs into the lotus position, Bu Eun-seol closed his eyes.
And plunged into an endlessly deep meditation.
"..."
The master and disciple, standing far apart, each unraveled the principles of martial arts in their own way.
The aurora's light was mystical, its profundity boundless.
The same thought flashed through both Bu Eun-seol and Ak Mu-ryeong's minds:
Those multicolored radiances were born from something pouring forth from the sun, colliding with the void.
In other words, it was the collision itself that gave rise to such varied hues.
—Then, could not the clash with an opponent naturally give birth to unforeseen martial secrets?
The Sword Sovereign had taken the mystical principles of nature—
Much like this aurora—and embedded them directly into his sword, creating the Nature Sword, an Absolute Sword Art.
But Ak Mu-ryeong, who had reached the pinnacle of Practical Combat Martial Arts, and Bu Eun-seol, who had inherited the secret transmissions of Langya Pavilion—
Focused on the very principles behind the aurora's formation, seeking to utilize the shockwaves generated by clashing with an opponent's formidable martial arts—
To devise techniques that could counter their enemy's methods—
Or even wield those shockwaves themselves to strike down foes.
Before they knew it, two days had passed.
Flick!
Ak Mu-ryeong, abruptly opening his eyes, suddenly began tracing something on the ground with his finger.
Scratch, scratch.
It was a new technique—one that did not exist in conventional martial arts—
A method to turn an enemy's own overwhelming martial power against them.
By observing the aurora and applying the mysteries of the Sword Sovereign's Nature Sword, Ak Mu-ryeong had created an entirely new martial art.
"..."
Ak Mu-ryeong glanced at Bu Eun-seol, still lost in the State of No-Self.
Twitch.
For a moment, his thick brows quivered.
'Does he intend to master a newly created martial art through meditation alone?'
Comprehending and even devising the principles of martial arts could be achieved through meditation.
But mastering a newly created technique required shaping its form and structure—
Making it nearly impossible to acquire through mere mental contemplation.
Yet Bu Eun-seol sought to—
Not just conceive a new secret, but immediately grasp it within his mind?
Even Ak Mu-ryeong, who looked down on all under heaven, had to trace lines upon the ground to complete his martial art.
But this fool, with his eyes closed, sought to internalize it purely through thought?
'This brat.'
Ak Mu-ryeong's eyes flashed.
Moreover, Bu Eun-seol wasn't merely meditating.
As he unraveled the mysteries of the Nature Sword, his physical body had completely merged with nature.
Had Ak Mu-ryeong not discovered him before he entered meditation—
He wouldn't have been able to detect Bu Eun-seol's presence at all unless he saw him with his own eyes.
'Hm.'
Ak Mu-ryeong glanced at the characters and diagrams he had carved into the ground.
If Bu Eun-seol saw these—
He would grasp the essence of the Nature Sword in a single breath and attain a great realization.
How wicked.
Yet suddenly, he stretched out his palm and wiped them all away.
'You'll reach your own conclusions in your own way.'
Ak Mu-ryeong knew full well just how exceptional Bu Eun-seol's insight was.
If he were to see the insights left behind...
Of course, he would enter a higher martial attainment a little faster.
But that would be his realization, not Bu Eun-seol's.
Even if it took a little longer... even if it required more time...
Believing that the boy would undoubtedly attain a realization far greater and loftier than his own, he deliberately erased them all.
Swish.
Ak Mu-ryeong, who had been watching Bu Eun-seol deep in meditation, turned away.
Having once again grasped a new principle of martial arts from the Sword Sage's Nature Sword and created a martial secret, he had no lingering attachments.
He was ready to leave this place without hesitation.
But then, as if struck by a thought, he turned back and raised his Internal Power.
Rumble...
The surrounding rocks rose and enveloped Bu Eun-seol's body, soon forming a small stone tower.
Bu Eun-seol had already become one with nature, emitting no presence whatsoever.
While perfect harmony with nature was good, if someone were to ambush him in this defenseless state, he would be utterly vulnerable.
By covering him with this stone tower, no one would be able to find him.
Swish.
Just as Ak Mu-ryeong was about to turn away, the sky abruptly began to brighten.
The Polar Night phenomenon had plunged them into endless darkness—so how could daybreak suddenly arrive?
"Reversal."
Ak Mu-ryeong muttered in a low voice.
There was only one person in existence who could defy even the laws of nature as he knew them.
"Sado Mu-myeong."
A sinister yellow light flickered in Ak Mu-ryeong's pupils.
"Did you come here to die?"
Whoosh—
Before his words had even fully left his lips, points of light gathered before him, coalescing into a human form.
Yet that form was endlessly dark, casting no shadow even beneath the bright sun.
Swish.
The moment the figure took a single step forward—
An old man, the kind one might see anywhere, instantly revealed himself.
Ordinary in appearance, yet in truth, the most terrifying figure in the world.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
The Number One of the Demonic Path, the peerless Great Demon who stood unrivaled under heaven, had appeared before Ak Mu-ryeong.
Whoooosh...
As the Demonic Heavenly Emperor fully manifested in human form, the sky reclaimed its darkness.
But this darkness was different—thick, viscous, and utterly alien.
"Hmm."
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor glanced at Ak Mu-ryeong like an old man out for a stroll before speaking indifferently.
"You should have been the first to notice my injuries. Why did you not challenge me?"
Whenever the Demonic Heavenly Emperor was not in seclusion, Ak Mu-ryeong would frequently seek him out to spar.
No—he would come with the genuine intent to kill.
He, too, held no fondness for the Demonic Heavenly Emperor and had always been prepared to take his life at any moment.
Yet even knowing the Demonic Heavenly Emperor was severely wounded, why had Ak Mu-ryeong not seized the opportunity to fight?
"The Human Demon is the Human Demon. If you could cut down an enemy, you would cast aside petty pride without hesitation."
"Hmph."
Ak Mu-ryeong snorted, his expression disinterested as he turned away dismissively.
As if declaring with his body—That's my prerogative.
"Then how about this?"
Just as Ak Mu-ryeong turned, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor made an utterly shocking proposal.
"What if I challenge you?"
BOOM!
In an instant, an explosive force erupted from Ak Mu-ryeong's body as an overwhelming energy surged forth.
"Are you serious?"
His head snapped back, pupils flashing with a sinister yellow light.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor's injuries were no lie—he was in critical condition.
If he acted now...
It wasn't entirely impossible for Ak Mu-ryeong to kill the Demonic Heavenly Emperor in a single strike.
Jeok Bung, Wi Ji-mua, and even the Buddhist Venerable had all been aware of the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's injuries, yet none had used it as an opportunity to challenge him.
They were all Grandmasters who had reached the extreme pinnacle attainable by humans.
The Buddhist Venerable, of the Righteous Path, possessed magnanimity, while Wi Ji-mua and Jeok Bung of the Demonic Path had pride as towering as Mount Tai.
But Ak Mu-ryeong was different.
Like the Sword Sage, he had made defeating the Demonic Heavenly Emperor his life's goal.
A Great Demon who would hesitate at nothing if it meant felling his enemy.
—Would he truly let this perfect opportunity slip by?
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor knew this all too well.
That was precisely why he had come to Ak Mu-ryeong.
"So you intend to drive in the final nail, ensuring I can never defeat you again."
Ak Mu-ryeong's lips curled as realization dawned upon him.
"Are you afraid of me?"
He had already pierced through the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's hidden intentions.
At present, Ak Mu-ryeong had reached the state of Abundant Righteous Transcendence, stepping beyond the boundaries of the Martial Extreme Realm.
If, in such a condition—
He failed to defeat the injured Demonic Heavenly Emperor once more?
The despair of knowing he would never overcome him would be carved into his spirit and mind for the rest of his life.
Even if he ascended to the Heavenly Will Realm, or even beyond—
He would never again dare to entertain the thought of defeating the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
"Hmm."
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor smiled faintly.
"Well? Does the idea tempt you?"
Whoosh—
Flames akin to the sun blazed within Ak Mu-ryeong's pupils.
Now that the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had provoked him, the outcome was already decided.
After all, he had never once backed down from a challenge.
"The end has simply arrived a little sooner than expected."
A sickly yellow radiance erupted from Ak Mu-ryeong's eyes.
He was prepared to settle the matter of life and death—here and now.
But as he stared at the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, something seemed to occur to him. Baring his fangs, he grinned.
"Have you hit your limit?"
"..."
"Or was there simply nothing left for you to develop?"
If the Demonic Heavenly Emperor still believed he could endlessly advance his martial prowess—
He would never have sought to end things with Ak Mu-ryeong like this.
But now that he had reached his limit—
He intended to eliminate, one by one, those who could still pose a threat to him.
"How disappointing."
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor's faint smile deepened.
"I merely came because I couldn't bear to let this opportunity slip away."
Then, he uttered something terrifying.
"After all... this may be the last chance for me to fight as a human."
Had he already stepped into the Heavenly Will Realm?
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor was implying—
That the time he had left to fight as a human was running out.
Soon, he would ascend to the Divine Realm, a height no one had ever reached—and he was certain of it.
"Kehahahaha!"
Yet, contrary to expectations, Ak Mu-ryeong erupted into a derisive laugh.
"Save that nonsense for that Sword Sovereign bastard."
And with deliberate, heavy steps, he advanced toward the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
"You shouldn't assume you can toy with the minds of every human in this world."
Instead of responding, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor merely smiled—cold and serene.
Seeing that smile, Ak Mu-ryeong let out a laugh brimming with conviction.
"Did I catch you off guard?"
"How tedious."
The moment the Demonic Heavenly Emperor showed a bored expression, a dark heat haze began to rise from Ak Mu-ryeong's body.
No more words were needed.
Whether this was the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's act motivated by wariness of Ak Mu-ryeong's advancement—
Or whether he truly stood on the cusp of the Union of Heaven and Earth—
And sought, as a final commemoration of his injury—
To sever Ak Mu-ryeong's head from his shoulders—
The truth would soon be revealed.
Ooooooom—
The energy radiating from Ak Mu-ryeong's body pushed back the darkness conjured by the Demonic Heavenly Emperor, and a thick fog began to spread across dozens of yards.
He had unleashed Phantom Restoration Return to fully manifest his Limitless Power.
Just as the two Absolute Grandmasters were about to clash—
BOOM!
A sudden explosion shattered a nearby boulder.
Crackle—
Simultaneously, an overwhelming Qi Wave of true qi surged forth, and within it, a gray-robed man slowly emerged.
His expression was languid, as though he had just awoken from a long slumber.
It was Bu Eun-seol, who had been deep in meditation within that very space.
"..."
For the first time, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's gaze flickered with something unreadable.
Never before had he failed to detect a living being within roughly nine hundred meters.
Not even Bu Eun-seol's energy, which Ak Mu-ryeong had concealed at Seungsa Island, had escaped his notice.
Yet this time—he had sensed nothing.
Because Bu Eun-seol, having immersed himself in the Aurora to comprehend the patterns of the Nature Sword, had achieved perfect harmony with nature itself.
"Hohoho."
Ak Mu-ryeong laughed as he watched the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's reaction.
He had discerned it—the first time the Demonic Heavenly Emperor had ever failed to detect something, and the shock it brought him.
"HAHAHA!"
Ak Mu-ryeong's mad laughter was so intense it left him gasping for breath as he shook his head.
"Bragging about reaching the Heavenly Will Realm, yet you couldn't even sense this brat's presence?"
As Ak Mu-ryeong sneered, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor let out a soft chuckle before smiling faintly.
"So you've cloaked yourself in the Great Natural Qi..."
He was the Sky of the Demonic Path.
The Number One of the Demonic Path, who defied all predictions and wielded the power to reverse the very laws of the world.
No matter the crisis, he could always turn it into an opportunity.
"What perfect timing."
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor observed Bu Eun-seol before nodding slowly.
"With master and disciple standing side by side, the spectacle will be all the more entertaining."
A thread-like smile played on his lips as a white flash streaked across his pupils.
"Come at me—both of you."