Chapter 887
Yuk Jang-cheon wore a doubtful expression.
"But why would you help me?"
"Rather than becoming a Slaughtering Fiend who massacres tens of thousands, it would be better to kill one person and leave."
Having said his piece, the old man let out a deep sigh.
The Grandmaster of Palm Studies, who had once illuminated the Central Plains martial world.
Rather than letting him ultimately succumb to rage and grudges, becoming the Slaughtering Fiend and leaving behind that filthy disgrace for generations to come—
It would be better to let him vent the resentment in his heart and depart this world without regrets.
"If that's your concern, wouldn't it be simpler to just kill me now?"
The old man chuckled softly.
"I'm no deity. How could I kill you when you haven't even taken a life yet?"
"Then couldn't you just come kill me when I become an Evil Ghost?"
"There's no telling when you might become the Slaughtering Fiend. More importantly, I must soon return to my main house."
The old man's words and demeanor were utterly fair and square.
Finally recognizing him as someone trustworthy, Yuk Jang-cheon gave a nod.
"Very well. In that case, I ask you to perform the Great Art."
"Let me say it again—if we do this, you'll have barely half a month left to live."
"Isn't half a month more than enough time?"
Yuk Jang-cheon gazed at the distant sky with an expression free of regret.
"Far worse than death is dying with resentment still festering in your heart."
"Good, then."
"Since you're capable of performing such a Great Art, might I ask one more favor?"
Yuk Jang-cheon studied the old man as he spoke.
"His Lightness Skill is truly extraordinary. To prevent him from fleeing elsewhere... I'd like you to teach me an absolute formation technique, like the Life-and-Death Combat Formation of Langya Pavilion—one that makes escape impossible."
The old man released another heavy sigh.
He could indirectly sense just how deep Yuk Jang-cheon's resentment ran.
And how desperately he yearned to kill Seon-u Jin.
"Well, having reached this point, I suppose an Inner Demon has taken hold of you."
The old man's face twisted with pity.
Yuk Jang-cheon had already fallen deep into the throes of an Inner Demon.
"Very well."
Shaking his head, the old man clasped his hands behind his back and turned.
"Then follow me."
The Azure Heaven Alliance had been in constant turmoil since its founding.
In truth, this was a meticulously crafted coalition of orthodox factions built by a single individual.
Yet the one who had planned it all—
Had never intended to manage it himself, instead hoping that true knights-errant walking the Path of Chivalry would take the reins.
Consequently, the Alliance faced significant difficulties in its early operations.
But this very stumbling block became a blessing in disguise.
Because it was an alliance forged by those without greed, their clumsiness—
That very clumsiness—
Became the condition for birthing a true coalition that walked the Path of Chivalry.
—"Though we falter, let us advance step by step together."
So spoke Bukgung Ryeong, the Alliance Lord.
Though known for his somewhat stubborn and self-righteous personality—
This was merely the result of concealing his innate temperament after a lifetime spent wandering the martial world alone, heeding his master's admonition to never stand above others or seek dominion.
Does the position make the person?
Upon assuming leadership over thousands of martial artists, his inborn qualities surfaced—
Transforming him into a leader and sect master surpassing all others.
Much like how Yu Un-ryong—whose twisted, impatient nature stemmed from a wretched past—
Had met Bu Eun-seol and flourished as a strategist—
Evolving into a thoughtful, meticulous character who manifested his latent genius.
Azure Heaven Alliance, Grand Strategy Hall. Gongson Dan-gyeong's office.
"Phew..."
Entering her office, she exhaled deeply and took her seat.
The Azure Heaven Alliance was like a rapidly growing child, requiring meticulous care and attention.
And the one shouldering most of this burden was none other than Gongson Dan-gyeong.
The only saving grace—
Was that Dokgo Jin, the true Seon-u Jin who now served as the Alliance's Chief Steward, provided considerable assistance.
Had he not been there?
She would have collapsed from overwork long ago.
And the second reason she could endure these grueling days...
Was that all of this was ultimately to aid Bu Eun-seol.
Because she loved him.
Because this work would help him.
That's why she could smile through these exhausting, convoluted tasks.
But for days now, her smiles had dimmed.
Because of something sudden—and utterly terrifying—that had occurred.
Yuk Jang-cheon.
After being exposed for his petty, small-minded behavior during his duel with Seon-u Jin over the Heavenly Martial Brigade leadership—
He had abruptly left the Martial Alliance, only to suddenly return to the martial world and issue a public challenge.
—"...(omitted preamble)...
It is undeniable that I, as a former pillar of the Martial Alliance, laid the groundwork enabling Seon-u Jin to rise within its ranks.
Profoundly remorseful for the great harm caused to the Martial Alliance, I hereby publicly challenge Seon-u Jin, Peak Leader of the Azure Heaven Alliance..."
Or so went his absurd justification.
'And the fact he sent that letter to me...'
Gongson Dan-gyeong's eyes narrowed to slits.
Yuk Jang-cheon hadn't sent his challenge to Seon-u Jin—but to her.
All while having already spread rumors throughout the martial world about his impending fight with Seon-u Jin.
'In the end, he accepted it anyway.'
The moment Bu Eun-seol heard that the challenge letter had reached Gongson Dan-gyeong, he immediately sent his response to Yuk Jang-cheon.
Accepting the duel.
Knock knock.
Just then, someone arrived at her office.
It was Tae Mu-ryong, the Deputy Unit Leader of the Supreme Edge Squad.
"Chief Strategist."
Tae Mu-ryong bowed respectfully.
Both the Supreme Edge Squad and Gongson Dan-gyeong knew Bu Eun-seol's true identity.
In essence, they were allies—comrades aboard the same ship.
"What brings you here?"
"There's something I'd like to discuss."
Gongson Dan-gyeong didn't even need to ask to know what it was about.
"Yuk Jang-cheon, the former Hall Master of the Murim Alliance's Hall of Ascending Martial. This is about the challenge letter he sent, isn't it?"
"That's correct."
Tae Mu-ryong spoke with a troubled expression.
"If Hall Master Yuk truly wished to duel the Commander, he could've easily sent a challenge through any intelligence network."
"..."
"But not only did he send a letter to the Chief Strategist, he deliberately spread rumors to amplify the spectacle—"
Taking a deep breath, he continued.
"Doesn't that mean he's confident he can publicly humiliate him?"
If Yuk Jang-cheon truly wanted to fight Bu Eun-seol, he could've simply delivered a challenge through any number of channels.
But the fact that he sent such a letter to Gongson Dan-gyeong, the Chief Strategist of the Azure Heaven Alliance—
It meant he was leveraging the Murim Alliance's discomfort with the Azure Heaven Alliance's very existence, forcing a public duel where he would crush Seon-u Jin before countless witnesses.
"You're right. That's exactly what it means."
Gongson Dan-gyeong nodded.
"That's why he spread the rumors in advance."
"This fight will only bring harm to the Lord. There's no need to accept it."
Tae Mu-ryong spoke cautiously.
"So what I'm asking is—could the Chief Strategist persuade the Commander to reconsider?"
His voice was subtly pleading.
"Yuk Jang-cheon knows the Commander's abilities better than anyone. Above all, he's not the type to take reckless risks."
Tae Mu-ryong's expression darkened.
"For someone like him to demand a public duel... it means he's absolutely certain, just as you said."
His face was graver than ever.
"Moreover, sending the challenge to you—it's a declaration that if he refuses, he will retaliate against you without fail."
Yuk Jang-cheon knew all too well that Seon-u Jin cherished his subordinates and allies as if they were his own flesh.
The reason he had exposed Seon-u Jin's true nature and left him in a state beyond recovery wasn't because he had attacked Seon-u Jin himself—
But because he had pushed the Supreme Edge Squad into the land of death.
That was why he had sent the challenge to her.
If refused, neither she nor his subordinates would be spared.
"Chief Strategist, we will protect you with our lives. So please, couldn't you persuade the Commander?"
"You believe that if he fights under the identity of Commander Seon-u, he might lose."
"Frankly, yes."
Tae Mu-ryong admitted.
"Whether he's called one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings or the Sword King, the identity of Seon-u Jin simply can't match the strength of the current era's superlative martial experts."
Had it been Bu Eun-seol's true identity, perhaps.
But in a duel where Yuk Jang-cheon was this confident, fighting as Seon-u Jin would impose far too many restrictions.
"Or perhaps the Chief Strategist could devise a scheme to quietly nullify this duel."
Gongson Dan-gyeong possessed wisdom nearly on par with Bu Eun-seol's.
In fact, when it came to reading the flow of events and crafting strategies, she might even be a step ahead.
Tae Mu-ryong was hoping she could devise a clever way to avoid this confrontation.
"Of course, it's possible."
Gongson Dan-gyeong let out a sigh.
"But he will never accept it. He... isn't the kind of man to evade a trial."
Tae Mu-ryong lowered his head.
Truthfully, he already knew.
That Bu Eun-seol would never back down from this duel.
Yet he had come to Gongson Dan-gyeong because of an unease akin to intuition.
A man like Yuk Jang-cheon never took risks without absolute certainty.
"Let's trust and wait."
Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled.
"That's what he would want, too."
At those words, Tae Mu-ryong's expression turned apologetic.
Only now did he realize—
That Gongson Dan-gyeong, too, was so deeply worried she could hardly keep her usual composure.
A woman famous for never revealing her emotions had just referred to Bu Eun-seol as "my beloved"—
And hadn't even noticed it herself.
"My apologies, Chief Strategist."
Tae Mu-ryong bowed formally.
"You must be deeply troubled as well, and yet I've come to burden you with unnecessary words."
"Not at all."
Gongson Dan-gyeong smiled brightly—uncharacteristically so.
"I'm grateful you came to discuss this with me."
The fact that Tae Mu-ryong had sought her out—
Beyond rank or hierarchy, it meant he acknowledged her as one of Bu Eun-seol's people.
Though she had been carrying this worry alone, that alone was enough to make her smile.
Mudan Fortress was a ruined old castle located dozens of li from Hagok, said to be where the Twin Heavenly Emperors of Righteous and Demonic once clashed.
Over the years, countless martial artists had visited, searching for traces of the two Absolute Masters' fierce battle.
Yet in this place rumored to be the site of their legendary duel, not a single trace had ever been found.
As decades passed without any evidence of battle, rumors spread that the Twin Emperors' duel had been nothing more than hearsay.
At last, this place had faded so thoroughly from public memory that not even passing ants could be found here.
But when two Grandmasters representing the old and new generations of the Righteous Faction decided to hold their duel here,
the footsteps of martial artists once again turned toward this place.
The Palm King, Yuk Jang-cheon, and the Sword King, Seon-u Jin.
All to witness the fateful clash between these two Masters.
—Come to think of it, this is the first time two Masters who share the Seat of the Four Gods and Seven Kings have openly challenged and fought each other.
Until now, the Masters of the Four Gods and Seven Kings had never publicly challenged or fought one another.
Even when they did engage in decisive battles, they did so in utmost secrecy, with none ever learning the outcome.
But when Yuk Jang-cheon, who had been defeated by Seon-u Jin, openly sent him a challenge,
a new record was written in the annals of martial history.
—Why, of all places, must they fight here...?
The martial artists who had flocked to Mudan Fortress to witness the duel frowned in frustration.
Because of the structures still standing in this ruined fortress, preserved in their original forms,
only those with exceptional Lightness Skill could leap atop them to properly observe the battle.
—What does it matter? Merely being present at the site of their duel is enough!
Regardless of their Lightness Skill, martial artists continued to pour into Mudan Fortress without end.
And finally, on the day of the duel, as the sun reached its zenith—
—They've arrived!
The martial artists perched atop the fortress structures or stationed throughout the ruins let out exclamations.
They had spotted a figure clad in white garments approaching with an elegant Movement Technique.
Tap.
When he landed, the martial artists' eyes widened.
He was tall but somewhat lean, with an utterly unremarkable face devoid of any distinguishing features.
Yet his pupils were clear and profound, their brilliance so vivid it could be seen clearly even from ten li away.
This was none other than the Sword King, Seon-u Jin—the foremost representative of the new generation in orthodox Murim.
'Hm.'
Bu Eun-seol, who had arrived at the fortress in the guise of Seon-u Jin, narrowed his eyes slightly.
It was not out of concern for victory or defeat, but because of his fury toward Yuk Jang-cheon.
'How dare he deliberately send a challenge to the Chief Strategist.'
Yuk Jang-cheon's nature was not only ruthless, but he also stopped at nothing to achieve his goals.
For such a man to send Gongson Dan-gyeong a challenge letter meant—
that if she refused, he would undoubtedly target her.
An indirect threat.
From Bu Eun-seol's perspective, it was an intolerable provocation.
KWAOOONG!
At that moment, an enormous shockwave began spreading through the ruins surrounding the fortress.
It was as if a massive explosion had erupted somewhere.
GRRRRUMBLE—
With a tremor that shook the very earth,
a colossal figure draped in yellow robes materialized about a hundred feet away from Bu Eun-seol.
His eyes were like a tiger's, his shoulders like a bear's, and his presence radiated the solemnity of a towering mountain.
It was Yuk Jang-cheon.
—His hair...
The martial artists gasped in shock upon his appearance.
The once-lustrous black hair at Yuk Jang-cheon's temples had turned white, as if frosted over.
Yet his body brimmed with such overwhelming vitality that the silvered strands—
only added to the strange, awe-inspiring impression he gave.
"Commander Seon-u."
Yuk Jang-cheon smiled as if greeting an old friend and spoke.
"It's been a while."
Bu Eun-seol also bowed slightly in courtesy.
"Hall Master Yuk."
"Hohoho, how long has it been since you left the Martial Alliance? Why call me Hall Master?"
"It seems you've achieved great success in the meantime. Congratulations."
When Bu Eun-seol delivered the compliment impassively,
"Ah, it's nothing much."
Yuk Jang-cheon also laughed.
"I merely honed the skill needed to crush some minor merchant-group martial artist."
Even at the insult, Bu Eun-seol smiled.
"Is that so?"
Then, Yuk Jang-cheon sent a Voice Transmission.
[You shattered me beyond recovery.]
Even through the silent message, his voice dripped with resentment.
[I will tear out your throat. Prepare yourself.]
Bu Eun-seol responded in his usual icy tone.
[You brought this upon yourself.]
Bu Eun-seol had served Yuk Jang-cheon with unwavering loyalty after Yuk Jang-cheon recognized him, completing every task assigned to him.
But Yuk Jang-cheon treated all his subordinates, including Bu Eun-seol, as expendable tools.
When Bu Eun-seol pleaded for the first time—to save Tae Mu-ryong, whose life was in danger—Yuk Jang-cheon turned away, caring only for his own advancement.
[Not just me—anyone under your command would have dragged you down if they could.]
[You have a sharp tongue.]
Yuk Jang-cheon concealed his killing intent behind a broad smile as he transmitted his words.
[Now, I will end all our karmic bonds by killing you—and reclaim my glory.]
Finishing the transmission, Yuk Jang-cheon amiably extended his hand.
"Shall we begin?"
"No."
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands together politely.
"There's no need for a duel."
"What do you mean?"
"I concede defeat."
THUD.
At the unexpected reply, Yuk Jang-cheon's expression stiffened.
"I don't understand what you're saying."
"I mean exactly what I said. I concede defeat."
"We haven't even exchanged a single Martial Form."
"I'll lose regardless."
Killing intent, thick as blood, dripped from Yuk Jang-cheon's eyes.
"Then why did you accept the challenge and come here?"
"You used to be my immediate superior, Hall Master. Since you sent the challenge, I thought it only right to come in person and concede defeat."
Yuk Jang-cheon felt his mind go blank.
In the Murim world, declaring defeat was considered more disgraceful than losing one's life.
Because if one were to show fear and avoid battle?
They could no longer hold their head high as a martial artist.
But Bu Eun-seol—
As casually as if he were calling off a sparring match at a local martial hall, he had calmly admitted defeat before the eyes of the world's greatest experts.
"You..."
Yuk Jang-cheon's eyes widened, but he couldn't find the words to continue.
After leaving the Martial Alliance,
there had not been a single night he hadn't dreamed of facing Seon-u Jin in a life-and-death duel.
Not a single moment he hadn't thought of revenge.
And never once had he imagined that the man would admit defeat so pointlessly.
"If you were going to concede defeat anyway, there was no need to accept the challenge... or come all the way here."
When Yuk Jang-cheon—struggling to maintain his composure—asked,
"If I simply refused, I doubted Hall Master's resentment would be appeased."
"..."
"But by admitting defeat here, before countless witnesses... wouldn't that preserve your dignity and ensure you no longer target those around me?"
Though his words were measured, a faint smile played at the corners of Bu Eun-seol's lips.
Finally grasping the situation, Yuk Jang-cheon bit his own lips until they bled.
'Of course it couldn't be that simple.'
That bastard Seon-u Jin hadn't just cast him into the abyss—
Now, even on the verge of their duel, he intended to humiliate him.
"I see. So you already knew."
They say that when rage reaches its peak, laughter follows instead.
Feeling that truth anew, Yuk Jang-cheon smiled faintly as he spoke.
"You were always like this. Not only seeing several moves ahead of others, but manipulating their psychology to orchestrate events."
"..."
"Fine. For that alone, I'll give up cleanly."
Yuk Jang-cheon surveyed the terrain around the Old Castle, then suddenly flicked his finger lightly.
Kukukuku.
A faint light began erupting from the surrounding structures.
"I'll simply give up the honor of killing you openly."
Kurururur.
As Mudan Fortress began collapsing,
the massive crowd gathered nearby screamed and scrambled backward in retreat.
—What in the world is happening?!
Even as they retreated in panic, their gazes remained fixed on Bu Eun-seol and Yuk Jang-cheon.
But then something bizarre occurred.
Ziiiiing—
A tremendous light suddenly erupted from the ground, shooting skyward before gradually descending in the form of a hemisphere.
As the light descended, the surrounding scenery slowly faded, replaced by a crimson sky and crackling bolts of unknown lightning.
"Absolute Boundary."
Bu Eun-seol murmured softly as he observed the phenomenon.
He realized that the formation Yuk Jang-cheon had just activated—
was none other than the Absolute Boundary, a technique wielded exclusively by the Three Clans.
"I already anticipated you'd resort to every trick in the book."
A white heat haze rose from Yuk Jang-cheon's body.
"So I learned this technique. To ensure you could never escape."
Surveying the now completely isolated space, severed from the existing world, Yuk Jang-cheon spoke.
"No matter how formidable you are, you'll never break this formation. Not before I die."
"You've made contact with someone from the Three Clans?"
At Bu Eun-seol's words, Yuk Jang-cheon's eyes flashed.
"The Three Clans? Yes, I suppose you could say that."
He muttered softly, as if reminiscing.
"If you're referring to that old man with aura and power like his."
"An old man?"
"Curious?"
Yuk Jang-cheon bared his teeth in a grin.
"Don't worry. Soon, you'll hear everything from the King of Hell himself in the Underworld."
Tzzzzzzzt—
A sound like tearing flesh erupted from Yuk Jang-cheon's body as a strange radiance seeped from his skin.
As if visually declaring that he had obtained a new power.
'He met an old man affiliated with the Three Clans and received power from him.'
From that single remark, Bu Eun-seol deduced much.
Yuk Jang-cheon's strength hadn't come from training or enlightenment—
but had been forcibly instilled by some mysterious elder.
And that elder might very well be an extraordinary figure from the Three Clans.
Bu Eun-seol sighed inwardly.
'If this is a fortuitous encounter, then it's certainly one.'
Then Yuk Jang-cheon spoke.
"Every night, I dreamed of drinking your blood and chewing on your heart."
An icy cold energy radiated from Yuk Jang-cheon as white currents swirled in his pupils.
Swoosh.
He levitated lightly into the air.
Not by employing a movement technique, but by using a power akin to the Land-Flying Technique, lifting himself effortlessly into the void.
"Heaven is not without mercy. It has granted me one final opportunity!"
'Final?'
Just as Bu Eun-seol frowned in puzzlement—
BOOOOM—
With his arms spread wide, an overwhelming surge of energy erupted from Yuk Jang-cheon's body.
KWA—AAAAANG!
The sky turned crimson as a blinding light exploded outward. A shockwave of scorching heat expanded in a ring, devouring everything in its path.
Kurururur.
The earth trembled violently, the seismic force battering the surrounding mountain ranges as fissures split the ground for hundreds of li.
At the epicenter of the explosion, the air shimmered faintly—but Bu Eun-seol was nowhere to be seen.
The heat and shockwave, intense enough to rival the detonation of hundreds of thousands of geun of gunpowder, had swallowed the spot where he stood in an instant.