Chapter 980
Bu Eun-seol suppressed the shock that darkened his vision and gave a slow nod.
"So in the end, there were silent agreements from two factions behind Saha Manor's Blood Eye."
"You seem to be misunderstanding something."
The old man tilted his head and delivered an even more shocking revelation.
"The time when Saha Manor was attacked and the time when Saintess Saha lost her power to the two factions are different."
Flames seemed to leap in Bu Eun-seol's eyes in that instant.
"What do you mean by that?"
"The Baekri Clan and the True Demon—these two factions never directly laid hands on Saha Manor."
The old man spoke with unsettling calm.
"To my knowledge, it was martial artists from Murim who attacked Saha Manor."
"Murim artists?"
Bu Eun-seol's body trembled.
"Surely you don't mean the Twin Celestial Emperors of Righteousness and Demon?"
It was the only logical conclusion.
In all the world, only those two would dare touch Saha Manor.
"I don't know for certain. I wasn't there at the time."
The old man's explanation remained measured.
"However, I heard that the couple weren't together at Saha Manor when it happened, and that Baekri Mu-ha had already lost his power and was in an ordinary state when Saha Manor was annihilated."
"What do you mean by 'heard'? And how can you claim to know Murim artists attacked Saha Manor?"
"I wasn't present at the scene. I learned this through later investigation."
Bu Eun-seol's mind began spinning at lightning speed.
'If that's the case—'
After long moments of deep contemplation, he arrived at a conclusion.
'It's highly probable my father and mother weren't together when it happened.'
His father had evacuated him through the secret passage.
Conversely, when his mother had been bound to the pillar, engulfed in flames, his father hadn't been present.
'I was mistaken all along.'
During his time as Beggar Mumu, when he regained his memories and martial arts to save Bu Bok-un—
He had only recovered fragments of memory, mere splinters of the past.
Now, Bu Eun-seol calmly revisited those recovered memories.
—I'm sorry.
Whoosh.
His mother's beautiful form had immediately burst into flames like a candle.
—Leaving you with nothing but sorrowful memories...
Young Bu Eun-seol had stretched out his hands, screaming as he tried to run forward.
But his entire body had been frozen, unable to move toward her.
Then the scene shifted again.
He was cradled in his father's arms as they raced like the wind.
His father, having brought him into the secret passage, held him tightly and told him he must survive.
'Because of these fragmented memories... I assumed everything happened simultaneously.'
But what if it hadn't? What if his father and mother had been in separate places?
'The fake Saha Manor.'
In the location of Ho Family Village stood a replica of Saha Manor, created through a unique Absolute Boundary.
Though it lacked the mechanical devices of the real Saha Manor, its exterior was identical.
If his mother had been restrained there by the Baekri Clan and the True Demon's faction, her power stolen—
While he and his father had attempted their escape from the real Saha Manor with its mechanisms...
Or what if even those memories had been manipulated by someone?
As the old man said, the events could indeed have occurred at different times.
'Moreover, the fake Saha Manor contained an object from the Sacred Realm.'
The events at Ho Family Village suddenly resurfaced in his mind.
Back then, he had discovered a mirror secretly left behind by someone expected to be the Sacred Realm's next Successor.
That person had believed this place to be the safest refuge to hide the mirror.
But why?
How could they have been so certain the fake Saha Manor was secure? Who could have entered there to leave the mirror in Ho Family Village's Saha Manor?
'One thing is certain—that personage from the Sacred Realm knew the place would remain empty, that no one would ever find it.'
According to the old man from the Sacred Realm—
Murim forces had annihilated Saha Manor, and someone had used the fake Saha Manor to deal with his father and mother separately.
And the reason such events unfolded was due to someone's betrayal of his parents.
'If Murim artists destroyed Saha Manor, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor would be the prime suspect.'
Yet here too, questions remained.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor had revealed the location of Ho Family Village's Saha Manor despite knowing about his contact with Jin Seol.
Was it to prove his own innocence?
Or was it meant to sow further chaos?
For now... there was no answer.
"One last question."
Bu Eun-seol fixed his gaze on the old man from the Sanctuary.
"Why did you say the Baekri Clan and the True Demon's faction couldn't accept my existence?"
His expression was graver than ever as he asked.
"Then they would never have permitted the marriage in the first place."
If the two clans truly wished to prevent their bloodlines from mixing?
They should have opposed the union to the death. Because inevitably, a child bearing both bloodlines would be born.
"In truth, a mixed-blood heir would have been something to make the True Demon salivate."
The old man wore a peculiar smile.
"Yet until now, no mixed-blood descendant of the two great clans has ever appeared."
"Are you saying attempts were made?"
"The Baekri Clan may not have, but the True Demon certainly would have."
Only then did Bu Eun-seol grasp the old man's implication.
The True Demon had already created the Saint—that bizarre "hybrid of powers."
Naturally, he would have long coveted the Baekri Clan's bloodline, attempting to blend it with his own.
And if his true identity were fully exposed?
The Baekri Clan would seek to eliminate him as a potential research subject for the True Demon,
while the True Demon's faction would never willingly relinquish such a priceless specimen.
"So Grandfather knew all this..."
Understanding dawned, and Bu Eun-seol's hands trembled faintly.
"He poured all his power into... making me appear this ordinary."
His grandfather had gone to such lengths, infusing him with various energies, crafting him into an utterly unremarkable vessel.
And had urged him to live an ordinary life.
All because he couldn't bear to see his beloved grandson
become someone's tool or be swept into a cruel fate—his grandfather's desperate wish and profound love.
"Mmm."
The old man nodded deeply with a sigh.
"This is all I have to tell you."
As Bu Eun-seol carefully digested the words, he bowed respectfully to the elder.
"My gratitude."
He knew well enough.
That the old man hadn't revealed everything he knew.
But in all the world, only this elder of the Sacred Realm had willingly shared such knowledge.
For that alone, he owed his thanks.
"And I too have something to tell you, Elder."
Bu Eun-seol spoke calmly.
"I discovered a fake Saha Manor constructed in the ghost village straddling Jiangxi and Zhejiang."
"A fake?"
"Indeed. There, I also found a mirror and inscription likely left behind by the Sacred Realm's successor."
"What?"
The old man was visibly startled.
"What did it say?"
"That to protect something, they abandoned even their child, relinquished the successor's position, and stole the Creation Sun and Moon to flee the Sacred Realm."
He added,
"And that they begged for forgiveness through those words."
The elder's eyelids trembled faintly.
"Where is this place?"
"Ho Family Village."
"Ho Family Village..."
The old man turned abruptly as if to verify it immediately,
then looked back to say one last thing.
"The Martial Soul Society won't hold the neutral zone for long."
His expression was grave.
"You must survive. That's all this old man asks of you."
"What do you mean—"
Instead of answering, the elder gazed at the distant sky before vanishing in an instant.
As he departed, the Absolute Boundary unique to the Sacred Realm gradually dissolved around them.
The recent battle had triggered sweeping reforms within the Martial Soul Society.
Originally, the Society had occupied a unique position as both the Wanderers' Market and an alliance of orthodox and unorthodox factions.
Since official conflicts were handled by warriors of the Four Great Divisions, ordinary wanderers simply completed their contracts,
remaining largely indifferent to the Society's operations and direction.
But this incident awakened the wanderers.
They realized the Society wasn't merely an alliance managing a marketplace—
it had become a major faction shouldering one pillar of Murim.
—Shouldn't we too become formal warriors of the Martial Soul Society and take on greater missions?
Many wanderers chose to abandon their freewheeling, nomadic lives to enlist as official martial artists.
—Our work already involves risking lives for pay anyway.
Most wanderer jobs involved paid escort duties or mercenary work anyway.
Unless they were high-grade or special-grade wanderers,
many preferred receiving proper training while fighting on a grander stage.
Scripture Instruction Hall, Martial Soul Society.
This was where wanderers accepted jobs or settled payments upon completion.
But with increasing applications to join as formal warriors,
the Hall had established a dedicated registration process.
Bustling crowds.
Amid the throng of gathered wanderers, one figure was diligently writing something down.
It was none other than Yu Seol, now serving as the secretariat officer in charge of supplies for the Martial Soul Society's Equipment Management Bureau.
She was diligently jotting down various items at the servants' requests.
And by her side, assisting her in everything, was an attendant—none other than Seong-a, once a New Bloodline of the True Demon, now an ordinary woman.
"Please let that child live an ordinary life."
Hye Myo-eum had begged Bu Eun-seol with her dying breath.
Though she had lived a life of suffering, she must have wished only for her child to be happy.
"I promise."
Bu Eun-seol had sworn he would make it so.
And he had kept that promise.
'Grandfather must have felt the same way.'
For his beloved grandson—
He must have wished for him to live not in the ruthless world of martial arts, stained with blood and grudges, but in an ordinary life, savoring small joys.
'She'll be safe as long as she stays here.'
Because the Great Art of the Soul Return Summoning had been destroyed by his blood, and she had awakened from the glass tube, even if the True Demon came, it would be useless.
It would never react to anything but his own blood.
Bu Eun-seol turned away with a satisfied expression.
In the end, he had kept his promise to Hye Myo-eum and accomplished everything he had planned.
He had secured a safe place for Seong-a to live in peace.
And the Martial Soul Society had been recognized as a coalition that neither of the two great factions from the Sacred Realm could recklessly interfere with.
For the time being, their clutches would not reach here.
'Now, only one thing remains.'
Bu Eun-seol's expression turned bitter.
Despite accomplishing all the things he had once thought impossible—
He had ultimately failed to carry out the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's solemn decree.
No, rather, he had chosen not to carry it out.
Because, as the Saint had advised, he needed to uncover the True Demon's secrets first.
'Now, I must return to the Demon Hall and receive the Life and Death Palm Decree.'
In truth, it would be no exaggeration to say that this meant death.
"There's no need to go and receive the Life and Death Palm Decree!"
The Martial Soul Society's senior members, aware of the situation, desperately tried to dissuade Bu Eun-seol from returning.
Even if he had uncovered the Saint's true identity, even if he delivered that information—
He had still exceeded the deadline set by the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
No matter what method Bu Eun-seol used, no matter what excuse he gave, the fact remained that he had defied the decree.
Moreover, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor was not a man who showed mercy, nor would he ever tolerate anything that undermined his authority.
Having issued the decree of the Life and Death Palm Decree, he would never retract it.
Martial Soul Society, Grand Conference Hall.
"You must relinquish your position as the Martial Soul Lord."
The senior members, including Dam Yu-yeon, pleaded with him once more.
With just the identities of Seol-so or Seon-u Jin, he had more than enough influence to maneuver the intelligence network.
If he abandoned his status as the Martial Soul Lord—
Not only would he be free from sanctions by the Demonic Heavenly Emperor or anyone else, but he could also move with even greater freedom.
"No one will detect the Society Leader's disguise, so there will be no restrictions on your movements in the martial world, will there?"
Bing Han-pung also urged him earnestly.
The Sacred Realm's Ultimate Technique and the Darkness Secret Arts that Bu Eun-seol had obtained—
They allowed him to transform into a completely different person, down to his internal organs and even the finest hairs.
In fact, even the Old Man of the Sacred Realm, who had the authority to restrain the Baekri Clan, had failed to detect Bu Eun-seol's disguise until he unleashed the power of the Sacred Realm.
Meaning, unless a figure from the Sacred Realm deliberately sought him out to attack—
No matter what identity he assumed, his true self would never be exposed.
"Even if there are things the Society Leader must give up, none are as important as your life."
Noe Bi-hon spoke gravely.
Despite the senior members' desperate pleas, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"I can't do that now. If I don't return to the Demon Hall, every warrior of the Death Shadow War Unit will be beheaded and displayed as a warning."
If Bu Eun-seol never showed himself again?
Given the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's temperament, he would slaughter every last member of the Death Shadow War Unit first.
"Besides, this might be a good opportunity to experience the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's martial arts firsthand."
This time, he had not only clashed with the Servants of the True Demon but had also finally crossed hands with a Familiar of the Baekri Clan.
Though the white-robed man was not a full-fledged member of the Baekri Clan and had been restricted in power—
Bu Eun-seol had gained the confidence that he would not lose to anyone.
The only regret was that the nature of the Manifestation Art Energy remained elusive, its mysterious functions still veiled in obscurity.
What if the Old Man of the Sacred Realm hadn't intervened?
He wouldn't have been able to shake off the grotesque thing clinging to his back.
And the fact that the Martial Soul Society Leader was also the Martial Soul Lord would have been exposed by the white-robed man.
"The Demonic Heavenly Emperor is also a foe I must defeat someday. If I can't even withstand a single strike from him now..."
Having sorted through his thoughts, Bu Eun-seol spoke decisively.
"Even if decades pass, you shouldn't even dream of challenging him."
Though the gap in martial prowess between him and the Demonic Heavenly Emperor was currently vast beyond measure,
one day, he would inevitably have to face him.
But if he couldn't even endure a single palm strike from him without fear...
No matter how much his martial arts improved with time, he would never shake off the dread and terror rooted in his heart.
Even if his skills advanced immeasurably in the future, challenging the Demonic Heavenly Emperor would remain an impossible dream.
"The Martial Soul Society Leader's words mean..."
At that moment, Do Cheon-rin spoke.
"If you avoid the Life and Death Palm Decree now, even if your martial prowess rises in the future, you'll never rid yourself of the reverence and fear carved into your mind for the Demonic Heavenly Emperor."
Unlike the Death Shadow War Unit's senior elders, he had been using the highest honorifics since Bu Eun-seol ascended to the Society Leader's position.
"Correct."
"Understood."
Do Cheon-rin nodded, then addressed the assembled elders in the conference hall.
"Since this is the Society Leader's will, it seems we have no choice but to trust in it."
The elders, realizing they could not dissuade Bu Eun-seol's stubbornness, nodded in agreement.
But their expressions were resolute.
If Bu Eun-seol failed... they were prepared to wage all-out war against the Demon Hall.
KWAOOO—
Departing the Martial Soul Society immediately, Bu Eun-seol did not head for the Demon Hall but instead entered the Shaanxi region.
'The Secret Shadow Pavilion must not suspect a thing. I must leave behind a flawless trail.'
Following the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's orders,
Bu Eun-seol completed his investigation entirely alone, without relying on intelligence networks or external aid.
And throughout the process, he meticulously concealed his movements to avoid detection by any information network.
But if he were to return directly from Sichuan, where the Martial Soul Society was based, things would become problematic.
The carefully hidden traces of his past actions might be exposed.
'I must erase all traces completely.'
Not only the Secret Shadow Pavilion but countless intelligence organizations would be relentlessly tracking his past movements.
Until the moment of his return, he had to thoroughly conceal every trace, ensuring no overlap between the routes of "Seol-so," the wandering martial artist, and the Martial Soul Society Leader.
Thus, instead of heading straight from Sichuan to the Demon Hall,
Bu Eun-seol chose a long, circuitous path.
KWAOOO—
Finally crossing into Shaanxi's borders, Bu Eun-seol gradually slowed his Lightness Skill.
Before heading to Chengdu, he intended to catch his breath and revert to his original identity before entering a bustling area.
But then, the unexpected happened.
OOM—
The sky abruptly darkened, and the surrounding scenery began to melt like liquid.
At the same time—
BOOM!
Bu Eun-seol, who had been cutting through the air, plummeted to the ground with a deafening explosion.
The impact was so tremendous that his body carved a crater about ten feet deep into the earth.
SSSHHHH—
As white steam rose from the deep pit, a single white-robed figure descended soundlessly from the void.
It was the white-robed man—a Familiar of the Baekri Clan.
[As expected.]
The white-robed man gazed down at Bu Eun-seol, motionless in the crater, and murmured softly.
[To withstand a full-powered Spirit Strike and still remain intact... Your true nature is obvious.]
Watching Bu Eun-seol, whose eyes were tightly shut in pain, he curled his lips into a vicious smile.
[A cockroach hiding somewhere, crawling out... You must be either one of those detestable Blood Kin of the True Demon or one of its discarded shells, no?]
From the start, he had never believed that "Seol-so," the Martial Soul Society Leader who had fallen from the sky, was just an ordinary martial artist.
He was certain—this was either a vessel inhabited or once inhabited by the True Demon or one of its Blood Kin scattered across the world.
Otherwise,
how could a mere martial artist possibly resist Manifestation Art Energy?
WHEEENG—
As the white-robed man stretched his hand toward the void,
several orbs wrapped in white light gradually formed in the sky.
They were twice as large as those he had unleashed against Bu Eun-seol before—and this time, there were three of them.
This was the full might of his Manifestation Art Energy.
[The Servants of the True Demon and shells must be eradicated.]
Killing Intent surged in his eyes.
Had the True Demon never existed, had those vile Familiars never been born...
he could have lived as a member of the Baekri Clan, basking in infinite glory.
But because of the True Demon and the wicked trap laid by its servants, everything had been ruined.
[First, I'll shatter your body, then verify the truth.]
If this was indeed a Blood Kin or shell of the True Demon, there would be traces left in its flesh.
If he could confirm it,
not only would his violation of the Law be forgiven, but he would also receive a great reward.
KWAOOO—
Just as the massive orbs were about to crash down upon Bu Eun-seol in succession—
FLASH!
A brilliant light erupted from Bu Eun-seol's hands as his eyes snapped open.
He had feigned unconsciousness to discern the identity and motives of the master who ambushed him.
But now that the white-robed man had appeared—and was truly intent on killing him—he unleashed Harmonization without hesitation.