Chapter 981
But then, something astonishing occurred.
Whoooosh—
Despite being exposed to the light of Harmonization, the White-Robed Man only emitted pale smoke from his entire body—his form did not disintegrate.
"Ghhh—"
A groan escaped his lips.
Though his body remained intact, he trembled like an aspen tree, and the divine radiance that had once flowed through him had vanished without a trace.
It was uncannily similar to how the Palm King, Yuk Jang-cheon, had lost all his power when exposed to the light of Harmonization.
[Impossible...!]
Flash!
In the end, the White-Robed Man staked his very life force to unleash a technique, striking Bu Eun-seol's body with one of the white orbs he had prepared in the air.
Crrrrk—
Like a living entity, the orb pressed down on him, slowly dragging his body into the abyssal depths beneath the earth.
Crackle— Sizzle—
Eventually, where Bu Eun-seol had lain, only a pale flame and a bottomless black pit remained.
"How... could this happen?"
The White-Robed Man's voice no longer resonated with the Six Harmonies Voice Transmission.
He stared down at his own hands with a weary expression.
The Manifestation Art Energy—the supreme force said to be the very laws of the universe and capable of opposing even the all-destroying Soul-Demon Magic Energy—had been completely sealed away.
"What in the world was that light?"
With every ounce of his power locked within him, his snow-white skin darkened to an ordinary, ashen hue.
If he were to remain like this and encounter either the Servants of the True Demon or another formidable enemy—
He would be captured or killed on the spot.
"A power that shouldn't exist...?"
The White-Robed Man clenched his fists.
He had heard rumors of a third force, separate from the True Demon's Soul-Demon Magic Energy, that could influence the bodies of the White Li Clan.
Did that mean this young man was him?
"At most, he's only delayed his death by a little."
Stagger—
The White-Robed Man swayed before dropping to one knee.
"Once the technique's power seeps into the body, there's no expelling or neutralizing it..."
He gazed down into the deep pit, where pale smoke still curled upward.
"He will die eventually. When that time comes, I'll take his head—"
Fwooosh!
But then, from within the pit, a dazzling meteor-like light shot into the sky—
Whoosh—
—before descending back down as a shadowy humanoid figure, landing right before the White-Robed Man.
It was Bu Eun-seol.
Whoooosh—
Pale smoke still rose from his body, and his complexion was deathly pale.
"A Servant of the White Li Clan... resorting to such petty ambush tactics."
His fury surged so intensely that it bordered on sheer disbelief.
How could a clan that had fought against the True Demon since the dawn of time—a clan of righteousness—employ such a despicable figure as one of their Servants?
Drip—
Despite having unleashed Harmonization, exposure to the Manifestation Art Energy had still taken its toll—a trail of crimson blood now trickled from the corner of his lips.
"You're... alive?"
Even after staking everything on that ambush—
Even after unleashing a life-forged Manifestation Art Energy technique that had completely annihilated both his soul and body—
How could he still be standing here, unharmed?
"This can't be..."
The White-Robed Man forced his body to emit one last surge of radiant white light.
He was squeezing out the final remnants of his life force to attack Bu Eun-seol once more.
Flash!
Light flooded the world, dyeing everything pure white.
But this radiance did not come from the White-Robed Man—
Hiss—
It erupted from Bu Eun-seol's drawn Ink Soul Sword.
The bodies of those from the White Li Clan were said to be incomparably perfect, even surpassing the Dharma Heaven Golden Immortal physique of the Martial Extreme Realm.
Ordinary martial arts or weapons could hardly damage them.
Which was why Bu Eun-seol had once again invoked Harmonization—this time, through the Ink Soul Sword, manifesting it in the form of the Heaven-Shattering Blade.
"You are unworthy of being a Servant of the White Li Clan."
Any ordinary martial artist would never dare lay a finger on a figure from the White Li Clan.
But Bu Eun-seol had never once left a debt unsettled.
Since this man had struck first with such a cowardly ambush... he would repay him in kind.
"I..."
The White-Robed Man glared down at Bu Eun-seol, his voice icy.
"Only sought to eliminate the True Demon and its Servants to bring stability to this world."
But now, with his Manifestation Art Energy sealed by Harmonization and his body exposed once more to the Heaven-Shattering Blade's power—
Crack— Crack—
Thousands of white fissures began spreading across his entire form before—
Crumbling—
—his body shattered into countless pale fragments, scattering in all directions.
The Servant of the White Li Clan, who had mastered the Manifestation Art Energy—said to be the strongest power in existence—
Had been reduced to dust in an instant.
Clang—
Bu Eun-seol, having dropped the Ink Soul Sword, collapsed to the ground.
Hiss—
In terms of martial prowess, his strength had only been at the Third Achievement Level.
But the essence of that power was the Manifestation Art Energy—a force capable of shaking the very laws of the universe.
No matter how many powers Bu Eun-seol had merged within himself—
This was an unprecedented, overwhelming force, one that could melt the earth and scorch the heavens. It was simply unbearable.
Thud—
His skin cracked like parched earth as his consciousness faded.
At this rate, before even eight minutes passed, his body would crumble into dust and scatter to the winds.
Whoooosh—
But then—
One of the forces that had been sealing his Brain Gate Acupoint began spreading through his body.
It was solemn yet alien—
A power of creation born from infinite Emptiness, yet at the same time, a force of annihilation capable of extinguishing all life.
"Ghh—"
This contradictory, incompatible energy clashed violently with the Manifestation Art Energy ravaging his body from within.
Boom— Boom—
Finally, from the deepest recesses of his being, an explosion erupted—
And the power of the technique scattered like dying embers.
And those scattered fragments.
Like newly born life, they were breathing fresh power into his body.
Manifestation Art Energy.
The great power of the Baekri Clan, which had opposed the True Demon since ancient times... had also been lying dormant within him.
Bu Eun-seol, who had lost consciousness and collapsed, was sinking endlessly into the unfathomable depths of the Abyss.
—Geom-ha.
Then, a gentle yet deep voice reached Bu Eun-seol's ears.
It was unmistakably the voice of his father—Baekri Mu-ha.
'Father.'
Bu Eun-seol, who had been slowly sinking into the deep, dark Abyss, opened his eyes at the sound.
And before him, a round, radiant light floated into view.
The glow was divine yet soft, like the plump cheeks of a child.
Swoosh.
Without realizing it, Bu Eun-seol reached out a finger toward the light.
Whoooosh—
In an instant, the world expanded in a burst of radiance, and the scenery of Saha Manor began to materialize.
By the small pond in front of the pavilion.
Stood Baekri Mu-ha, clad in blue robes, and beside him—young Baekri Geom-ha, his round cheeks puffing slightly.
—"Those born in the Main House all come into this world with two personalities."
Baekri Mu-ha spoke as he watched a pair of fish leisurely swimming in the pond.
—"That's why, from childhood, the people of the Main House train in controlling their personalities... and in using their alternate selves to refine one another."
—"Different personalities can help each other grow?"
Baekri Geom-ha widened his already large eyes in astonishment.
—"But the Flawless Sutra says that even if a person has multiple personalities, there are limits to how much they can share information. Isn't that right?"
—"Correct. You're very well-informed."
Baekri Mu-ha nodded approvingly.
—"That's why the Main House developed a special method—one that allows personalities to freely exchange information."
Baekri Geom-ha's eyes widened even further.
If different personalities could share knowledge and achieve Harmonization...
Not only could they cultivate distinct talents, but they could even transcend human limits, reaching levels of judgment beyond ordinary comprehension.
—"Could I... do that too?"
Seeing his son's eager expression, Baekri Mu-ha shook his head.
—"No. You're different. You weren't born with a split personality."
—"Oh..."
Baekri Geom-ha puffed his cheeks in disappointment.
But his father's next words made him gasp, eyes widening once more.
—"Because you've inherited the abilities of both me and your mother... if you wish, you can create entirely new personalities and store them within yourself."
—"Create... personalities?"
—"Yes."
Baekri Mu-ha continued calmly.
—"A perfectly controlled multiple personality... is, in itself, a highly evolved mental structure. And such a thing... is only possible for you."
Knowing his son was no ordinary genius,
he spoke of profound truths, forgetting for a moment that Baekri Geom-ha was only six years old.
—"Think about it. If multiple personalities could freely exchange information, switching instantly when needed... and if each possessed unique abilities... what would that mean?"
After a moment of dazed silence, Baekri Geom-ha suddenly beamed in realization.
—"It'd be like one person doing the work of many! You'd become incredibly strong!"
—"Exactly."
—"But... is that really possible?"
Baekri Mu-ha nodded.
—"It is. So from now on, you must practice creating new personalities."
—"New personalities..."
—"Yes. But don't try to imagine a completely new one from scratch. First, start by imitating the personality of someone who already exists. Can you do that?"
After a long pause, Baekri Geom-ha grinned brightly.
—"Then... I'll copy you, Father!"
From that day on,
whenever he had time, Baekri Geom-ha observed his father, Baekri Mu-ha.
How he stood. How he sipped tea.
Even the way he slept.
After a while, Baekri Geom-ha noticed something extraordinary.
Whenever his father walked alone in the rear garden...
A sacred, mysterious energy would rise from his entire body, repelling everything—from tiny insects to invisible mist—as if nothing could approach him.
Waddle, waddle.
From that day on,
Baekri Geom-ha began earnestly mimicking his father's habit of walking with his hands clasped behind his back.
The moment he woke in the morning, he would rush to wherever Baekri Mu-ha was,
then trail behind him like a duckling following its mother,
wiggling his little bottom as he struggled to match his father's stride.
—"My dear, isn't it too soon to teach him such things?"
Lady Sa Ah, startled upon seeing Baekri Geom-ha walking with his hands behind his back, spoke up in concern.
—"No matter how exceptional Geom-ha is, he's still too young. The secrets of Spirit and Mind... it's far too early for him."
Then, firmly, she added:
—"And if he tries to master it before his personalities are properly stabilized... it could even poison him."
Wearing a troubled expression, Sa Ah continued.
—"Not to mention... the Imperial Step is far too dangerous."
—"I know."
Baekri Mu-ha kept his voice low, deliberately ignoring his son's adoring gaze as the boy peeked at him from hiding.
—"But... I have a feeling that if I don't pass it down now... I may never get the chance."
Whoooosh—
Before he knew it, the scenery of Saha Manor vanished in an instant.
Swirl, swirl.
The surroundings melted back into the darkness of the deep Abyss.
—"Father."
At last, Bu Eun-seol recalled a memory from his days as Baekri Geom-ha.
The image of his younger self, earnestly mimicking his father's every move.
Though the method itself eluded him now,
his father's majestic presence and the mysterious aura that had radiated from his entire body remained vivid in his mind.
[You think you can take my memories?]
Suddenly, Baekri Geom-ha—who had been crouching in the Abyss—appeared and shoved Bu Eun-seol away violently.
[A fabricated personality like you?]
"A manufactured personality..."
Bu Eun-seol suddenly let out a bitter laugh.
Baekri Geom-ha.
Because he couldn't help but think that it was that very childish, immature personality that had been artificially created by someone.
[What, have you already summoned it?]
At that moment, Baekri Geom-ha pointed at Bu Eun-seol with his finger.
[You're going to break.]
And then he chuckled darkly.
[It's different from switching places with me. If you recklessly summon an incomplete personality that hasn't even fully formed yet...]
Glug, glug.
But just then, a sound like bursting water droplets spread in all directions.
And Bu Eun-seol couldn't hear the rest of Baekri Geom-ha's words.
Flash!
In that instant, Bu Eun-seol regained consciousness and opened his eyes to reality.
"I..."
He stared blankly at his hands, his expression dazed.
Everything he had just witnessed in the Abyss—
From the memories of his childhood to his encounter with Baekri Geom-ha in the depths—had been completely wiped from his mind.
Fortunately, the Manifestation Art Energy that had been corroding his body earlier had completely vanished.
"My body... just returned to normal?"
The energy unleashed by the white-robed man had been steadily breaking down his physical form.
Enough to make him lose consciousness in an instant.
It had been an overwhelming force, one that left no room for resistance. He had thought it impossible to dispel so easily.
Yet, in the brief moment he had been unconscious, his body had fully recovered?
Bu Eun-seol, who had been staring blankly into the void, slowly rose to his feet.
Something felt off.
And unfamiliar emotions he had never experienced before began to bloom within him.
The world seemed more beautiful than ever, everything shining brilliantly.
For the first time in his life, Bu Eun-seol found himself laughing without reason.
"The power of the Baekri Clan isn't all that impressive, is it?"
With an unusually bright smile on his face,
Drip, drip.
Bu Eun-seol released the Darkness Secret Arts, reverting to his original appearance.
"Shall I go receive the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's strike now?"
Bu Eun-seol, gazing at the distant sky, clasped his hands behind his back.
Unlike his usual solemn and composed demeanor, his eyes now shone with an infinitely gentle and transparent light.
Whoosh!
In an instant, he activated his Movement Technique and vanished into the distant sky.
But this movement wasn't his signature Ultimate Speed Shadowless—it was an exact replica of the technique the white-robed man had used.
—The Martial Soul Lord has returned!
The moment Bu Eun-seol entered the Demon Hall, the entire assembly of martial artists, including the high-ranking officers, stirred in shock.
He had committed the crime of assassinating the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's secret operatives and was given a month to uncover the identity of the Saint.
Yet, he had defied orders and returned a full month late.
In other words, he now had to face the Life and Death Palm Decree for disobeying the Demonic Heavenly Emperor's sacred command.
—If he had just stayed in hiding, he might have prolonged his life a little longer.
Most of the martial artists in the Demon Palace clicked their tongues in disapproval.
The Demonic Heavenly Emperor's decrees were absolute.
No excuse could justify disobedience.
Even if he had sent word that he would be late, it wouldn't have mattered.
If his limbs had been broken, he should have crawled back.
If natural disasters had prevented his return, then it simply meant fate had decreed his death.
"My Lord!"
The warriors of the Death Shadow War Unit,
upon hearing that Bu Eun-seol had not only returned but was immediately heading to the Holy Demon Pavilion, rushed forward and prostrated themselves before him.
"You must not go!"
Truthfully, this act by the Death Shadow War Unit warriors was tantamount to defiance against the Demonic Heavenly Emperor.
But even knowing it was a crime, they had no choice.
Because the moment Bu Eun-seol stepped into the Holy Demon Pavilion, he would return as a cold corpse.
"There's no need to worry."
Bu Eun-seol spoke to his subordinates, who were on the verge of bursting into tears.
"I'll be fine."
And then he smiled faintly.
"Do you really think the Demonic Heavenly Emperor would kill me?"
It was an oddly inappropriate thing to say.
The high-ranking officers and martial artists exchanged bewildered glances.
A calm expression and tone before facing the Life and Death Palm Decree was one thing... but "Do you really think he would kill me?"
Hopeful speculation.
Wasn't that something Bu Eun-seol had always strictly warned his subordinates against?
'What's going on here?'
In truth, Bu Eun-seol himself was just as baffled.
He had intended to simply say, "There's no need to worry," with his usual impassive expression.
But his facial muscles had moved on their own, spouting unnecessary and absurd words?
"His Majesty... does not know forgiveness, does he?"
At Wi Cheon-gyeong's words, Bu Eun-seol opened his mouth.
—I'll handle it myself.
He had meant to reply curtly like that, but instead,
"You've all misunderstood the Demonic Heavenly Emperor. He, too, is human."
His mouth moved on its own, even forming a refined smile.
—He?
The Death Shadow War Unit warriors' eyes widened in shock.
—What in the world is happening?
The high-ranking officers swallowed dryly.
Unlike usual, his demeanor was strangely relaxed, his expression far too bright.
He was even flashing frivolous smiles from time to time.
—...Did he hit his head somewhere on the way back?
Seeing the officers' stunned expressions, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
"If I calmly explain the circumstances, the Demonic Heavenly Emperor will surely understand."
These words, too, had not come from Bu Eun-seol's own thoughts.
'Has my mouth malfunctioned now that my body's healed?'
Unable to speak as he wished,
Bu Eun-seol waved his hand dismissively and turned indifferently toward the Holy Demon Pavilion.
The Death Shadow War Unit warriors could only watch in stunned silence, their eyes wide as if they had seen a ghost.
"It seems... the Lord has suffered a head injury."
At Won Se-mun's words, the high-ranking officers pressed their lips together tightly.
Because no other explanation made sense.
"He's always been like this."
Yu Un-ryong, watching Bu Eun-seol's retreating figure, muttered under his breath.
"The Lord overturns situations with unexpected strategies."
"So you're saying all of this is part of his plan?"
At Won Se-mun's words, Yu Un-ryong nodded his head.
"That must be it."
Turning his head, Yu Un-ryong spoke with conviction.
"He's always worked miracles before."
In that moment, all the squad leaders and martial artists nodded in unison.
Time and again, he'd accomplished what they'd thought impossible. Countless feats—so unbelievable they seemed like miracles.
This time too, he would undoubtedly return alive.