Chapter 868
Though So-dong appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen years old, he referred to himself as "this old man."
"What exactly is the Sacred Realm?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, So-dong's expression grew solemn beyond measure.
"It can be said to be a place that protects the world and maintains balance from the conflict between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon."
"From the conflict between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon..."
In that moment, countless questions cascaded like a waterfall through his mind.
He couldn't even grasp where to begin or what to ask first.
"If this place called the Sacred Realm protects the world from the conflict between those two factions..."
After barely organizing his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol spoke.
"Shouldn't they be dealing with those two rather than the Murim?"
"Far from it. Their battle has continued endlessly. There was never any need to interfere in the first place."
So-dong continued,
"But as time passed, the martial arts of Murim developed uncontrollably... and before anyone knew it, Superlative Martial Experts capable of influencing the conflict between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon were born."
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed as he grasped the meaning behind those words.
"You're saying they became the source of danger."
"Correct. Experts of that caliber could either intervene in the conflict between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon or pretend to align with either faction while seizing the world as they please."
So-dong spread both hands.
"Think about it. If a Superlative Martial Expert capable of influencing the battle between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon were to stir up trouble between the two factions... imagine how terrifying the consequences would be."
Then he uttered something even more shocking.
"The conflict between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon has continued from the dawn of time until now... maintaining a perfect 'balance.' What if that precarious balance were to break?"
So-dong's expression became reverent yet infinitely dark.
"The world as we know it would cease to exist."
The corners of Bu Eun-seol's eyes trembled faintly.
In the end, what So-dong was saying was this:
The battle between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon, which began at the dawn of time, had maintained a flawless equilibrium without the slightest deviation.
And because of this, the world retained its intact form—was that not the case?
"Then the Covenant is..."
"Correct."
So-dong nodded.
"It is an oath to become a Familiar of either the Baekri Clan or the True Demon."
The revelation was so shocking that Bu Eun-seol's vision darkened.
The Covenant.
It was not merely a non-aggression pact among Superlative Martial Experts.
Rather, it was an oath to become a Familiar of one of them—
either to refrain from interfering in the conflict between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon,
or to perfectly maintain that balance.
'So that's why he called it a matter of choice.'
In the past, the Old Man in Blue, who had tried to force the Covenant upon him,
had ultimately said it was a matter of 'choice.'
But who would have imagined it was meant so literally?
'Then was Gwi-jin-ja mistaken?'
Gwi-jin-ja had claimed that if one created a new martial art or power that had never existed in Murim,
they could break free from the Covenant.
But according to So-dong,
such a thing would never allow one to escape the Covenant.
"I heard that creating a new power could free one from the Covenant. Is that true?"
When Bu Eun-seol casually probed, So-dong snorted.
"At best, it would just be a new Covenant."
The answer came as expected.
The implication was that even if one created a new power,
it would never transcend the framework of power established by the Baekri Clan and the True Demon.
"Then does that mean all the Superlative Martial Experts of this era belong to either the Baekri Clan or the True Demon?"
"That is none of your concern."
"It sounds like you're saying no."
"In the current situation, that is hardly an important matter."
So-dong replied,
"Now that you know the inside story, I will ask you once more."
His voice was solemn.
"Will you accept the Covenant?"
Had this been the Bu Eun-seol of the past, he would have refused without hesitation.
But judging from So-dong's attitude, it was clear that if he did not join the Covenant,
they would send the Executioner after him without end.
"If I choose the Baekri Clan, must I obey their commands?"
"Generally, yes—but it is not unconditional. The most important thing is that it means abiding by the Laws."
"What are the Laws?"
"You must have heard them by now? They are akin to what you might call absolute truths."
"Then even the Baekri Clan and the True Demon cannot defy these Laws?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, So-dong's eyebrows twitched.
Judging by his expression, it seemed he had struck a nerve.
"You could... say that."
So-dong waved his hand dismissively.
"I believe I've said all that needs to be said. Now make your decision."
"And if I refuse?"
"That is your choice. I will never force you."
Bu Eun-seol smiled with chilling amusement.
"How entertaining. You threaten me with the lives of those around me as collateral, yet claim you're not forcing me."
"There are no personal emotions involved. It is simply the Law."
Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
Originally, he had intended to fight the Executioner to the death and settle things decisively.
But judging by So-dong's attitude and tone, the Executioner was part of a larger faction.
Unless he eradicated them root and stem—
unless he completely uprooted them, the people around him would remain in danger.
'Very well. I will tear them out by the roots without fail.'
Bu Eun-seol had ruined Bu Bok-un's wedding and nearly killed Seong Su-ryeo because of the Executioner.
Such things could no longer be allowed to happen.
"Very well."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
"I will accept the Covenant."
As if completely unaware of Bu Eun-seol's true thoughts, So-dong smiled faintly.
"A wise decision."
Then, with a satisfied expression, he nodded as well.
"In that case, I shall grant you a small favor. After all, such incidents should never occur again."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
So-dong slowly stepped closer and said,
"Shall we begin, then?"
"Do I get to choose the terms of the Covenant?"
"Not exactly."
So-dong pulled out a piece of parchment from his sleeve, its surface shimmering with an eerie light.
Rather than words, it was covered in strange, chaotic patterns and symbols that resembled arcane diagrams.
"Then what must I do? Do I just press my bloody thumbprint onto it or something?"
Though he had said it half-jokingly, So-dong unexpectedly nodded.
"Precisely. You must draw blood and imprint your seal."
"Blood? That's all?"
"You martial artists always treat blood so lightly."
So-dong's expression turned solemn.
"Blood is the source of life, the medium that connects soul and flesh. It carries the legacy of lineage within it."
It was a deeply superstitious, almost ritualistic interpretation.
But Bu Eun-seol didn't argue. He simply nodded.
"Understood. I'll draw blood and make my mark."
"Then let your blood fall here, where the seal must be placed."
"Aren't you going to explain the contents first?"
"This is a Covenant to become a Familiar of the Baekri Clan."
So-dong explained calmly.
"And it binds you to absolute obedience to the Laws."
Bu Eun-seol doubted that was the full extent of it.
But since he had already made up his mind, he didn't press further.
Instead, he asked about something more crucial—the Covenant's enforcement.
"And you expect me to believe that a mere drop of blood will ensure I keep this Covenant?"
"Hohoho. That is... rather difficult to explain."
So-dong shook his head slightly before continuing in a composed tone.
"Simply put, you may consider this parchment to be imbued with the power of the Baekri Clan."
"So it's a kind of Dharma Art, then."
"Correct."
Come to think of it, terms like Manifestation Art Energy and Soul-Demon Magic Energy already carried an esoteric, almost religious weight.
Even if this parchment could make him fly through the sky, it wouldn't be all that surprising.
"I see."
Without hesitation, Bu Eun-seol bit his thumb to draw blood and moved to press his seal onto the parchment.
Sssss—
But something unexpected happened.
Before his blood could even touch the parchment, smoke began to rise—and in the blink of an eye, the parchment burst into flames.
"Hoh."
So-dong let out a low exclamation, then shook his head.
"How unexpected. You are far closer to pure evil than I thought."
"What do you mean?"
"It means you cannot become a Familiar of the Baekri Clan."
Despite the unforeseen turn of events, So-dong remained unperturbed.
"You must instead become a Servant of the True Demon."
Bu Eun-seol's expression turned slightly dazed.
"You're saying I'm evil?"
"Evil is relative. From the True Demon's perspective, the Baekri Clan is the evil one."
So-dong spoke with eerie calm.
"But this is no longer a matter of choice. The fact that you provoked such a reaction from the Baekri Clan's Covenant is proof enough that you are meant to be a Servant of the True Demon."
Then, he produced another parchment.
This one was pitch-black, inscribed with crimson symbols in a chaotic sprawl.
At a glance, it was unmistakably a Covenant for becoming a Servant of the True Demon.
"Make your mark. Then you shall become one of them."
"I have no desire to be a Servant of the True Demon."
"Becoming one does not mean you will be one of the Three Attendants, the Four Divine Heavens, or the Eight Heavenly Servants. They are special existences who act as vessels for the True Demon's will, working solely toward its resurrection."
"But if I do this, I won't be able to kill the Demon's Servants anymore."
"Hohoho, killing them is perfectly fine."
The old man said something utterly unexpected.
"The True Demon would be delighted if you did. No—you must kill them. They are nothing but evil, wreaking havoc upon the Murim."
"Why would it be pleased if I slaughtered the very servants working toward its resurrection?"
"Once you become a Servant of the True Demon, you will understand."
"I refuse."
When Bu Eun-seol rejected it outright, So-dong shook his head.
"You have no choice. You have already shed blood for the Baekri Clan's Covenant."
"What does that mean?"
"It means everything has already been decided."
As So-dong extended the black parchment toward him—
Sssss—
A single drop of blood from Bu Eun-seol's finger was instantly drawn toward the bottom of the parchment.
But then, something entirely unforeseen occurred.
Whoooosh!
Even the pitch-black parchment—
—erupted into roaring flames, vanishing in an instant as thick black smoke dissipated into nothingness.
"You—!"
Until now, So-dong had carried himself like a god presiding over the Laws of the world.
His expression was solemn yet carried a hint of belittling disdain toward Bu Eun-seol.
But as this situation unfolded, So-dong's face instantly shifted into that of an utterly ordinary human.
Shudder.
His eyes widened in sheer disbelief.
"You... You are his child!"
"What are you talking about?"
BOOM!
Suddenly, So-dong unleashed a devastating strike.
At the same time, a spherical Protective Aura formed around Bu Eun-seol's body.
But what So-dong unleashed was—
A mysterious power that no Protective Aura, no matter how refined, could ever hope to block.
CRACK—
The aura shattered like glass.
Zzzziiing—
A radiance of five colors began spilling from Bu Eun-seol's body.
What So-dong had unleashed was something no human body could withstand—
A force akin to Limitless Power.
Thus, Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to manifest Harmonization to protect himself.
"You—"
Just as So-dong stuttered in shock at the sight of Harmonization—
KABOOOM!
With a thunderous roar, hundreds of fist phantoms rained down upon So-dong's face.
Fifth Form of the Seven Forms of the Fist Demon: Annihilation Without Trace had been unleashed.
CRASH—BOOM—KABOOM!
A fist force as savage as an Evil Dragon tearing through the earth swallowed So-dong whole.
"HAAAP!"
With a battle cry, So-dong attempted to disperse the fist force, summoning that mysterious power once more.
But Bu Eun-seol had already moved at blinding speed—
Flash!
Standing behind So-dong, he unleashed a blinding light that devoured everything in its path.
The pinnacle of Bu Eun-seol's power—
Harmonization.
Hiiiiisss—
Yet, astonishingly, So-dong remained standing, unharmed.
But he was no longer So-dong.
Exposed to Harmonization, his body had transformed—
Now, he stood as a mysterious old man draped in a robe embroidered with dragons.
"Heh heh heh heh..."
So-dong—no, the old man—suddenly pointed a finger at Bu Eun-seol's face.
"HA HA HA HA!"
His Mad Laughter erupted as he bared his white teeth, clutching his forehead.
"So that's how it was."
"..."
"HAHAHA!"
After laughing wildly for a long moment, the old man nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. Let us consider the Covenant null and void."
Then, with a carefree tone, he declared:
"I shall no longer send the Executioner after you."
The old man was genuinely delighted.
Not feigned—his joy was sincere.
"Why won't you send the Executioner?"
"Are you not her child?"
"Her?"
The old man burst into another round of raspy laughter.
Frustrated and furious, Bu Eun-seol shouted:
"Answer me! Who is this 'her' you speak of?"
"The Saintess of the True Demon Family, Sa Ah. Are you not of her bloodline?"
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
Sa Ah.
Was that his mother's name?
"Sa Ah..."
In that instant, a single word flashed through his mind—
Saha Manor!
His head spun, his chest burning as if boiling blood surged within.
Saha Manor.
After his long journey, he had finally learned the meaning behind that name.
Baekri Mu-ha, descendant of the Baekri Clan.
And his wife, Sa Ah, the Saintess of the True Demon Family.
Combining their names—Saha Manor.
'So I am a mixed-blood descendant of the Baekri Clan and the True Demon Family.'
Thud.
Bu Eun-seol dropped to one knee.
'I must keep my wits about me.'
Now was not the time to lose himself in confusion.
Clenching his fists, he forced himself to stand and spoke:
"Are you saying that the wife of Baekri Mu-ha, master of Saha Manor and once called Jianghu’s Greatest Secret, was the Saintess of the True Demon Family?"
The old man tilted his head in confusion.
"Why are you asking me that?"
"I have no memories. I know nothing of the Blood Eye of Saha Manor."
"Blood Eye?"
The old man cocked his head, then frowned upon seeing the Ink Soul Sword sheathed at Bu Eun-seol's waist.
"What nonsense are you spouting? You carry the sword Saintess Sa Ah forged for Baekri Mu-ha, yet you claim ignorance...?"
Muttering to himself for a while, the old man finally realized—
Ah.
He gasped as he sensed nothing in Bu Eun-seol's energy flow.
"Ah... I see. So that's why Bu Jan-yang died."
"What do you mean by that?!"
Bu Eun-seol's voice trembled.
"Explain it clearly!"
"Your bloodline is closer to a curse. Neither the Baekri Clan nor the True Demon Family could ever tolerate it."
"A curse..."
"And yet, your body now is more ordinary than a woodcutter's in the mountains."
The old man gazed up at the distant sky.
"In all the world, across all ages, there has only ever been one person capable of forging such a body—of perfecting such a vessel."
He looked down at Bu Eun-seol and declared firmly:
"The Seven Fingers Demonic Blade—Bu Jan-yang."
CRACK.
A splitting pain tore through Bu Eun-seol's skull.
Thud.
His legs gave way, and he collapsed to his knees.
"Heh heh heh heh..."
Then, covering his forehead with one hand, he began to laugh—
"KEHAHAHAHA—!"
His Mad Laughter echoed wretchedly, spreading in all directions.
That was how it was.
I should never have learned of my bloodline.
—And a body like this could never have been forged in a short time.
Suddenly, the words spoken by Gwi-jin-ja of the Sage Forest resurfaced in my mind.
—Unless one had been trained since childhood to merge the secrets of Orthodox and Unorthodox Martial Arts with mental cultivation methods...
At the time, I had been confused, but only now did I understand the reason.
Grandfather had realized everything too late.
He had known of my shackles...
And so, he had poured various powers into me, erasing all traces of my bloodline.
So that I could live an utterly ordinary life.
But because of that...
Because he had transferred all his power to me... he had died at the hands of the culprit.
"Kuhahahahaha——!"
Tears streamed from Bu Eun-seol's eyes as he erupted into mad laughter.
Perhaps my parents had been the same.
They must have arranged everything and sacrificed themselves to keep me alive.
And in return, both of them had met their end.
"Heh... hehahahaha——!"
All of this was fate's cruel prank.
I should never have been born.
My very existence was a calamity.
In the end, I was a being who dragged everyone around me into a swamp of misery and ruin.
"Tch."
The old man let out a sigh as he watched Bu Eun-seol's mad laughter.
Crackle—
Unbeknownst to him, his skin had split like spiderwebs, blood seeping out.
The earth could no longer withstand the shockwaves radiating from his body, splitting apart with jagged fissures.
Inner Demon.
Bu Eun-seol had finally succumbed to his inner demon.
'If left like this, he'll die.'
The old man swiftly moved behind Bu Eun-seol and channeled True Qi into his Life Gate Acupoint.
"Snap out of it!"
But Bu Eun-seol's body pulsed violently, light and darkness swallowing each other, folding and swelling in turn.
'His energy is too overwhelming.'
The old man had reached a realm of martial arts far surpassing even the current era's superlative experts.
He had even mastered Dharma Arts far beyond that.
And yet, he couldn't control the energy radiating from Bu Eun-seol's body in the slightest.
'At this rate, Guilin itself will evaporate.'
If Bu Eun-seol's energy exploded like this?
The name Guilin might very well vanish from the maps of the Central Plains.
"Grrgh—!"
The old man poured all his strength into suppressing Bu Eun-seol's energy.
The shockwaves emanating from their bodies evaporated even the air itself.
The surrounding mountain ranges trembled, the earth crumpling like paper.
Drip—
Finally, black blood spilled from the old man's lips.
'This won't do.'
"HAAAAAP!"
With a fierce shout, the old man unleashed the magical energy and spell power within his body, both rooted in his life force.
Flash—!
A blinding light erupted, as if ready to incinerate everything, and in an instant, the entire world transformed into a domain of pure white.
Rumble—
At last, as the shaking earth stilled—
Thud.
The energy radiating from Bu Eun-seol's body vanished in an instant.
Thud.
And he collapsed, unconscious.
"Kuh—kgh!"
The old man spat blood and dropped to one knee.
The power within Bu Eun-seol's body was an all-consuming void—yet also a sun endlessly radiating boundless energy.
"This power is real. Then..."
The old man gazed at the unconscious Bu Eun-seol and let out a heavy sigh.
"The fake has become the real one."
Lifting his head, he stared into the void, covering one side of his forehead.
How could something so absurd happen in this world?
"Sa Ah... Sa Ah... Did you truly foresee all of this?"
The old man sighed deeply as he looked toward the distant sky.
"This is beyond what I can handle."
Then, glancing back at Bu Eun-seol, he shook his head.
"Bu Jan-yang... Even a Divine Being like you... only realized far too late that this child carried their bloodline."
He must have thought he was raising an ordinary child, only realizing the truth when the power manifested much later.
But what if he had known everything from the start?
He would have transformed Bu Eun-seol into a perfect vessel capable of wielding that power in full.
But precisely because he had learned too late—
He had resorted to merging energies—
Reforging Bu Eun-seol's body into an utterly ordinary constitution modeled exactly on his physique.
Because only then could this child survive.
"To reach such heights even with this ordinary physique..."
The old man sighed in awe.
Bu Jan-yang—just how had he raised this child?
What teachings had he imparted to awaken such extraordinary abilities?
"If he succumbs to the meaning of his bloodline now, everything will be for nothing."
The old man muttered under his breath.
"Better to leave him entangled in the affairs of the Martial World... and hope things resolve themselves naturally."
Huuung—
Stretching out his hand, a mysterious light spread forth, and the chaotic energies within Bu Eun-seol's body realigned once more.
[Examining the energies within your body, I see they are a tangled mess. It may not be due to the Saintess' bloodline, but rather the result of forcibly merged powers.]
The old man began leaving words in Bu Eun-seol's mind through Wisdom-Light Mind Speech.
[Even if you are of their mixed blood, your fate is to belong nowhere. You must never let this truth spread beyond yourself.]
Huuung—
Finally, he left one last brief message in Bu Eun-seol's mind.
[I will return for you before long. Survive until then—no matter what.]
With those final words imprinted, the old man vanished into the distant sky in an instant.
At the same time, a faint mist spread in all directions—
Crack—
The Absolute Boundary shattered like glass, and the original scenery returned.
The old man was gone without a trace.