Chapter 863
Han Sang-ja crossed his arms with a face full of pride and continued speaking.
"Our Sage Forest possesses a unique battle formation that allows one to perfectly blend with nature."
"Battle formation."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol realize what Han Sang-ja's scheme was.
If the Heart Scent—the condition used to distinguish people—was split between two individuals?
The Executioner would have no choice but to verify the appearances of both.
But what if their forms were concealed within a battle formation, making them impossible to see?
In the end, the Executioner itself would have no choice but to reveal its own form.
"Through this, we'll also be able to confirm just how transcendent the Executioner truly is."
Bu Eun-seol and the Heavenly Fragrance Constitution.
If both of them hid their forms using a special battle formation created by the sages of the Sage Forest?
The Executioner would inevitably tear through the formation to confirm who lay within.
And depending on how it tore through the Sage Forest's mystical battle formation...
They could gauge just how transcendent the Executioner's power truly was.
"But what if the Executioner controls countless people and sends a massive force instead?"
"That won't be possible."
Han Sang-ja replied calmly.
"The Executioner can only wield its power through those who are close to its target."
Bu Eun-seol let out a contemplative hum.
It seemed Han Sang-ja...
Was utterly convinced of the information about the Executioner passed down through generations of the Sage Forest.
"Are you certain?"
"Of course. That is the Law, after all."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
The murim was filled with bizarre Laws that martial artists remained unaware of.
And even sages like those of the Sage Forest...
Took them for granted.
"There's another problem."
Bu Eun-seol, who had been lost in thought, inhaled deeply.
"How do you plan to find someone with the Heavenly Fragrance Constitution in a land as vast as the Central Plains?"
"There's no need to worry about that."
Han Sang-ja smiled faintly as he spoke.
"We already found one over thirty years ago. And the Heavenly Fragrance Constitution is a hereditary constitution."
"Thirty years ago..."
"The Sage Forest's purpose is to research the world's many phenomena—including the murim's secrets—and unravel their underlying principles."
Han Sang-ja rubbed his nose sheepishly.
"Tracking down those with special constitutions across the land was also part of our research."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
The Sage Forest had mentioned that even beings like the Baekri Clan and the True Demon were subjects of their research.
Given that they had even attempted to artificially create a sage bestowed by the heavens—the Heavenly Mechanism Star—
It was only natural that they would have conducted research on special constitutions and Severed Meridians.
Still, Bu Eun-seol deliberately feigned ignorance and asked,
"Why did you seek out those with special constitutions?"
Han Sang-ja took a deep breath.
"There were many reasons, but the biggest one was... the fact that the physical bodies of those with special constitutions could serve as materials for the True Demon's resurrection."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
Those with special constitutions...
Were materials for resurrecting the True Demon?
Did that mean the True Demon wasn't human—
But rather, a being that manifested suddenly, like a demon?
"Does 'resurrection' truly carry that meaning?"
Bu Eun-seol couldn't help but press further about the True Demon.
"Then is the True Demon not a person?"
"No. It's said that the True Demon takes the form of an utterly ordinary human. It's just that the Baekri Clan sealed his abilities, preventing him from stepping forward."
As the conversation continued, Han Sang-ja's expression grew grave.
"Since I was the one who brought it up this time, I've answered your questions... but going forward, I'd appreciate it if you refrained from asking about the True Demon or the Baekri Clan."
"Why is that?"
"Information regarding the Baekri Clan and the True Demon belongs to Heaven's Will. In other words, the more I speak of them, the more I invite Heaven's Punishment upon myself."
Heavenly Punishment.
The punishment Heaven inflicts upon those who reveal the truths it has concealed.
But for all information about the Baekri Clan and the True Demon to be bound by Heaven's Will?
"Why is their information part of Heaven's Will?"
"That, too, is both truth and Law."
At Han Sang-ja's words, Bu Eun-seol's expression turned hollow.
That one would be punished for reading Heaven's Will or interfering with ordained fate—
Though its origins were unclear, people had believed in the concept of Heavenly Punishment since ancient times.
And Han Sang-ja, as a member of the Sage Forest...
Firmly believed in such things as well.
As if they were Laws he had been talking about all along.
"It must seem strange to you."
Han Sang-ja spoke with a bitter expression.
"Not knowing why these Laws exist or why they function as they do... yet still believing them to be absolute truths."
"Frankly, yes."
Bu Eun-seol openly expressed his feelings.
"Moreover, such Laws... don't strike me as being for the sake of people at all."
That even mentioning the Baekri Clan or the True Demon invited Heavenly Punishment? It was absurd from the start.
"I think the same. But since the sages of previous generations declared it so, I can only believe it."
Han Sang-ja scratched his head.
"Perhaps Laws feel so unreasonable precisely because there's no clear answer to their essence from the beginning."
A heavy silence lingered for a moment.
As if to dispel the somber mood, Bu Eun-seol shifted the topic.
"In any case, we should go find the one with the Heavenly Fragrance Constitution now."
"Indeed."
"But even if we find them, there's no guarantee they'll help us, is there?"
This plan to lure out the Executioner required risking one's life.
Bu Eun-seol, as the principal involved, wouldn't feel wronged even if he died.
Han Sang-ja, too, was willing to take risks to uncover the truth about the Executioner.
But simply because someone possessed the Heavenly Fragrance Constitution—
There was no reason for them to stake their life to help Bu Eun-seol.
"Don't worry. They will definitely help."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because they are a figure from the Demonic Path Ten Gates who supports you, Lord."
"Someone from the demonic sects supports me?"
"Indeed."
Han Sang-ja nodded.
"It is the Fleeting Moment Boat."
"You can't mean—"
"Correct."
A peculiar smile played on Han Sang-ja's lips.
"The Ferry Master of the Fleeting Moment Boat was born with the Heavenly Fragrance Constitution."
This was astonishing.
During its golden age, the Sage Forest had not only conducted research on numerous members of the One Hundred and Eight Stars, including the Heavenly Mechanism Star, but had even discerned the innate constitutions of the sect leaders of the Demonic Path Ten Gates.
"The Fleeting Moment Boat is a forbidden zone for men, with strict security."
Unable to suppress his curiosity, Bu Eun-seol asked:
"Then how were you able to investigate the Ferry Master's constitution?"
"Our Forest has, for generations, been a place of extensive research into countless fields of knowledge."
Han Sang-ja's voice lowered.
"That research included techniques allowing infiltration into any location and the ability to mimic anyone."
He shrugged his shoulders with a proud expression.
"Just as the martial arts of the world originated from Shaolin, all disguise and infiltration techniques in the martial world trace their roots back to our Forest."
Bu Eun-seol let out an incredulous breath.
Every disguise and infiltration technique scattered throughout the martial world—all originated from the Sage Forest?
"Why would the Sage Forest conduct such research?"
"To study anything properly, one must be well-informed and verify the truth firsthand."
Han Sang-ja smiled, revealing his white teeth.
"For that, one needed the skill to infiltrate anywhere and the ability to assume any identity."
"No matter how refined the information, firsthand verification is always best—is that what you mean?"
"Precisely."
Bu Eun-seol stroked his chin.
In the end, the sages of the Sage Forest had—
Secretly infiltrated the Fleeting Moment Boat and confirmed the constitutions of all its disciples, including Geuk Hye-ryeong.
"The sages of our Forest in the past had a tendency to act without considering consequences."
Noticing Bu Eun-seol's hardened expression, Han Sang-ja scratched his head cautiously.
"If you, Lord, cannot tolerate such actions, then proceeding with this matter may prove difficult."
"Since it happened before you were born, I won't hold it against you."
Bu Eun-seol spoke solemnly.
"But if such attempts are made in the present era, I leave the consequences to your imagination."
"Don't worry. Things are different now."
"How so?"
Han Sang-ja replied smoothly, as if dispelling Bu Eun-seol's concerns.
"Now, to enter our Forest, one must undergo endless trials testing one's character—over and over again. In other words, to become a sage of our Forest, one must first prove themselves human."
"Trials of character, you say?"
"Of course. Even after becoming a disciple, one is subjected to continuous examinations."
The Sage Forest possessed profound knowledge and wielded various mystical Dharma Arts.
If such techniques were recklessly disseminated into the martial world—
Wouldn't uncontrollable factions of malice emerge?
Thus, when selecting disciples, the foremost consideration was character.
And even after becoming disciples, they were subjected to relentless testing.
"Becoming a disciple of the Sage Forest is no easy feat."
"Not necessarily. After all, humans are born with their destined paths."
Han Sang-ja's words carried a cryptic weight.
"Those meant to be sages become sages. Those meant to be butchers become butchers."
Bu Eun-seol exhaled deeply.
Even those so-called brilliant sages believed in fate.
As if avoiding Bu Eun-seol's piercing gaze, Han Sang-ja shook his head and changed the subject.
"We'll be arriving at the Fleeting Moment Boat soon."
The distance between Layered Colors Mountain and the Fleeting Moment Boat was so short that even by boat, it took little time.
"I wonder if the Ferry Master will agree to help. This matter carries great risk, after all."
"No. She has aged and grown frail—she wouldn't be suitable."
"Even if the Ferry Master has aged, her stamina remains strong, and her martial arts are profound."
"That's not what I meant."
Han Sang-ja explained.
"With age, constitutions change as well. Even in short spans, our bodies undergo transformations."
"But isn't it possible her constitution hasn't changed?"
"Impossible. Doesn't your body reek if you go just three days without washing? After decades, of course her constitution would have altered."
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"In any case, the young Ferry Master hasn't even reached adulthood yet. I can't endanger her just for my own convenience."
"That may sound reasonable, but if you dig deeper, it's also flawed logic."
Han Sang-ja countered.
"What if we fail to deal with the Executioner? The people around you, Lord, will continue to be sacrificed. It won't end with just the young Ferry Master."
"..."
"In that case, it would be better to explain everything to her and request her aid in eliminating the Executioner."
Though his words sounded somewhat like sophistry, they also carried an undeniable logic.
"That may be true... but I can't shake the feeling you have another motive."
Han Sang-ja was still young.
If he wished to roam the martial world, countless opportunities would present themselves in the future.
There was no need for him to wade into such perilous affairs.
"I wish to uncover the Executioner's true nature."
Han Sang-ja, too, spoke honestly.
"As a sage, the greatest joy lies in unraveling the truth."
Now it was clear—rather than wandering the martial world, he was assisting Bu Eun-seol to satisfy his own intellectual hunger.
"Your honesty is appreciated."
Truthfully, Bu Eun-seol had been somewhat wary of Han Sang-ja.
Gwi-jin-ja was a righteous figure, but it was said that the Sage Forest was conducting research to artificially create the Heavenly Mechanism Star.
If that was the case, then within the Sage Forest...
There must be those who would stop at nothing to fulfill their own desires.
But Han Sang-ja could be trusted.
Those with clear purpose and an insatiable thirst for knowledge rarely concerned themselves with anything else.
"Very well."
Bu Eun-seol gave a nod.
"Let us go to the Fleeting Moment Boat."
From this moment on,
he would accept Han Sang-ja's counsel and move to eliminate the Executioner.
At the same time Bu Eun-seol and Han Sang-ja were conversing aboard a boat—
Sssssssss.
Within the Sage Forest, hidden deep within Stacked Brocade Mountain—
A sound like scattering insects filled the air as countless shadows swarmed in.
Their bodies could hardly be called human—fragments of flesh and animal by-products clung to their forms,
their eyes slitted like serpents.
At their head strode a youth draped in white robes reminiscent of a crane's feathers, his movement technique unfolding like drifting clouds.
His features were as refined and elegant as polished jade, and atop his head rested a wide, fan-shaped hat made of cloth.
From afar, he resembled nothing less than the divine incarnation of Zhuge Liang himself.
It was none other than the Heavenly Mechanism Star—Chu-so.
"Truly remarkable. To uncover the forgotten Sage Forest in a single stroke."
Clicking his tongue, he gazed upon the mystical boundary formation spread across the mountain's forest.
"To think they still rely on such antiquated formations."
With a flick of his wrist,
the formations guarding the entrance to Stacked Brocade Mountain dissolved in an instant, revealing the inner sanctum of the Sage Forest—a paradise akin to the Peach Blossom Realm.
Rumble—
The grotesque figures behind Chu-so began pouring into the sacred grounds.
Zzzzzzzzzzzz—
In that instant, a mysterious light shimmered—
and Seok Gyeong-ja, guardian of the inner path, materialized before them.
"Who dares?!"
Despite his roar, the grotesques did not halt—they surged forward without hesitation.
"You wretches—!"
Seok Gyeong-ja immediately summoned the Yin-Killing Soul-Transferring Men to intercept the invaders.
But then, something unbelievable unfolded before his very eyes.
The grotesques, their bodies dangling tatters of rotting flesh,
were tearing through the diamond-hard bodies of the Yin-Killing Soul-Transferring Men as if they were mere paper.
"Those things—"
Only then did Seok Gyeong-ja realize the true nature of the abominations the youth had brought.
"True Yin-Killing Soul-Transferring Men... crafted from lifeless matter."
The Sage Forest's Yin-Killing Soul-Transferring Men were created using living humans as their foundation.
But those the youth commanded—
were forged from a long-lost forbidden method—
constructed from the bones of corpses, the blood of beasts, the essence blood of humans, and the purified energy of moonlight...
True Yin-Killing Soul-Transferring Men.
"You—surely you cannot be—!"
At last, Seok Gyeong-ja recognized the youth's identity.
In this world, there was only one who could create the genuine Yin-Killing Soul-Transferring Men.
"You—you who could be called our king!"
Seok Gyeong-ja shouted at the youth.
"Why do you seek to slaughter your own people?!"
The youth—Chu-so—let out a sigh and shook his head.
"Ah, so Gwi-jin-ja, that old fool, concealed the truth from you."
"What?!"
"Do you still not know why the Seven Fingers Demonic Blade annihilated your kind?"
Chu-so's lips curled in a playful, mocking smile.
"Tell me—what did the sages of the Sage Forest do with the territory they seized? The spirit beasts, the spiritual herbs... and the wretched souls they recovered after being torn apart—where did they use them?"
"What—?"
"You don't know? They made excellent offerings, didn't they?"
Chu-so's eyes narrowed to slits.
"Offerings... for an unspeakably evil Great Art."
Seok Gyeong-ja's eyelids trembled.
Only now did he understand the truth behind the rumors that had once shaken the Sage Forest—
and the reason Gwi-jin-ja had told him to abandon guarding the entrance.
'The Forest Lords knew all along.'
Gwi-jin-ja had sent Han Sang-ja to accompany the Martial Soul Lord,
and after his departure, declared there was no further need to maintain the gate.
That could only mean—he had already understood all of the Heavenly Mechanism Star's actions.
"The disciples here are unrelated to those who made you!"
"The ones who made me?"
In an instant, Chu-so's expression turned utterly frigid.
"Do you think yourselves gods?"
Within his pupils—
an emotion he had never once shown to others now surfaced: rage.
No—it was not mere rage.
It was a torment so profound, a sorrow so deep, that it seemed to suffocate the very air.
"From now on, you will suffer as I have suffered."
Swallowing the inferno of his fury, Chu-so's lips curled into a smile as sharp as a blade's edge.
"The Sage Forest, them too... and eventually, the entire world."
"So you choose the path of becoming a demon?"
"A demon?"
Chu-so let out a faint, hollow laugh.
"If I am a demon... what does that make you? Monsters wearing human masks? Or hypocrites hiding behind the guise of justice?"
He raised his hand—
and the Yin-Killing Soul-Transferring Men standing behind him surged forward like a tide.
"Watch from the Bottomless Prison as this twisted world you created... descends into hell."
In that moment, Seok Gyeong-ja's widened eyes—
were filled with the sight of the Yin-Killing Soul-Transferring Men swarming toward him like a storm of locusts.