Chapter 996
Flicker, flicker.
Before he knew it, the orb had surpassed merely emitting a faint glow from its surface—it was now shooting out a fierce beam of light, as if pointing in a single direction.
'This orb has a completely different function from the one Martial Venerable gave me.'
If the orb from Martial Venerable had created a door to pass through endlessly layered boundary formations—
This orb not only indicated the location where the boundary formation was deployed but also pointed the way to dismantle it.
In other words, while their appearances might be similar, their functions were entirely different.
Whoooosh!
As he followed the direction guided by the beam of light, parting through the cloud mist, the scenery before his eyes shifted moment by moment.
'I've entered the boundary formation.'
The interior of the boundary formation changed ceaselessly, like a living creature, altering the Life Gate with every passing second.
'With an orb like this, one could perfectly conceal their true location.'
If there existed both a boundary formation that shifted moment by moment and a precious artifact that revealed the Life Gate—
Unless one possessed this orb or was an insider—
Entering the designated secret location would be nearly impossible.
Whoosh.
Finally, when the orb stopped pointing, a space shimmering with pure white light appeared in the distance.
But as he drew closer—
It wasn't a radiant aura.
It was a spatial rift, formed from the excessive layering of boundary formations.
Through the cracks in the rift, hundreds of lights flickered intermittently, and Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his astonishment.
'This many?'
These weren't Absolute Boundaries capable of perfectly separating space from space—
But the boundary formations were layered in such an unfathomably complex manner that their function was no less formidable.
'One hundred and eighty-one layers.'
In other words, before him lay—
Thirty-two thousand, seven hundred, and sixty-one boundary formations.
Such a formation was utterly impossible for a human mind to unravel.
If Hye-ga hadn't obtained this orb? He wouldn't have even been able to set foot here in the first place.
Giiiiing.
As he pierced through the endlessly layered boundary formations with the orb's power, a dazzling light poured before his eyes.
And when he finally passed through that radiance—
'This is...'
An unexpected landscape unfolded before him.
It was like a scene from a traditional ink-wash painting.
Ancient trees surrounded the area on all sides, and thick moss-covered stone walls stretched along the mountains.
In the distance, the waterfall's cascading water shimmered gold under the sunlight.
'Even the air is different.'
Somehow purer and more refreshing, with a faint fragrance lingering at his feet with every step.
The wind swept down the mountain, rustling through the bamboo forest, and the distant cry of a crane faintly echoed.
It was truly a Peach Blossom Paradise.
Just gazing upon it made him feel as if his very bones were being cleansed.
'I must hide the sword.'
But the moment he saw this beautiful scenery, Bu Eun-seol instead felt a heightened sense of danger.
Judging by the boundary formation alone—
Whoever controlled this place wielded a power more mysterious than any Abyssal Force he had encountered, including the Three Realms.
Though the Ink Soul Sword currently took the form of an ordinary iron sword, if they thoroughly inspected its state as a weapon—
They might detect something unusual, so he had to conceal it without fail.
Swoosh.
As he channeled his Internal Power, the Ink Soul Sword shot skyward—
Thud.
Then plunged deep into the ground, scabbard and all.
Hum.
Bu Eun-seol used his Internal Energy to erase all traces of its impact.
'With the sword buried this close to the Secluded Valley, I can draw it instantly if the need arises.'
Then he ventured deeper inside.
"Welcome."
A woman appeared as if she had arrived from the opposite side.
Her long hair cascaded down, and her fluttering robes resembled feathered wings, giving her the appearance of a celestial maiden descended from the heavens.
"Welcome to Immortal Valley, Young Master."
The woman bowed her head in a respectful greeting.
"I am Yeonju, who will be responsible for your reception during your stay."
Bu Eun-seol returned the courtesy with utmost politeness.
"I am Jeong Cheong."
Jeong Cheong was a dual identity Bu Eun-seol had created during his time as Eighteen in the Kill-Seeking Unit.
He was the successor of the Mysterious Sect known as Yangyo Gate—and had been a real person.
However, he was a vile man who had committed countless acts of rape and murder.
In the end, he met his demise at Bu Eun-seol's hands in an unnamed Secluded Valley.
In other words, it was a perfectly laundered identity.
Even if a major intelligence organization were to investigate thoroughly, it would take them at least three months to uncover anything.
"So it is Young Master Jeong."
Yeonju bowed her head respectfully before speaking in a demure voice.
"Please show me the Spirit Jade."
'Spirit Jade? Does she mean the orb?'
Pondering her words briefly, Bu Eun-seol extended the orb he was holding.
She then held it up to the sunlight, nodded, and continued.
"Please demonstrate the martial arts you've learned from the secret manual."
"Martial arts... you say?"
"Yes. It is a necessary procedure to enter our valley. I ask for your understanding, Young Master."
Yeonju gestured toward a massive great tree ahead.
Presumably, she wanted him to display his martial arts there.
Bu Eun-seol maintained an indifferent expression but inwardly swallowed dryly.
This was an unforeseen situation.
'They clearly spread word that they were luring people by leaking some of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars' martial arts.'
The problem was that Yeonju had scrutinized the orb very carefully.
Which meant—
There was a high probability that the orb and martial arts they used as bait had been pre-selected.
If he carelessly used any martial art associated with the Eight Emperors and Three Stars, his identity could be exposed immediately.
'There's no other choice.'
And even then, there was no room for choice.
Bu Eun-seol could only imitate two martial arts of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars.
The Flame Emperor's Flame Emperor Qi, which resonated with the Hot River Great Essence True Qi, and the Snow Emperor's Snow Emperor Qi, which was similar to the Glacier Thousand Streams Art.
As for the others—the Star Emperor's Fist Technique used by So Ok-rim, the Blade Emperor's Saber Technique employed by the Peng Family Head, the Blood Emperor Qi manifested by the oddity in the coffin, or even the Death Emperor's martial arts wielded by Jeong Cheon-je—he dared not even attempt to mimic them.
'Most men cultivate yang-aligned True Qi, so it's highly likely they didn't distribute martial manuals of the yin-aligned arts.'
After pondering deeply, Bu Eun-seol bit his lip.
'No, rather than making assumptions, I should at least attempt to gather the bare minimum of clues.'
Bu Eun-seol possessed not only the insight to pierce through a person's spirit and mind but also considerable skill in rhetoric.
Having made up his mind, he deliberately adopted an awkward expression and blustered,
"I'm ashamed. My aptitude is lacking, so I haven't mastered it perfectly."
Then, he lowered his head.
"Moreover, before arriving here, I misused my internal energy and suffered a loss in my Internal Power."
His demeanor was uncannily similar to that of insecure young men who, anticipating poor exam results, would list every excuse in advance.
"It's alright. We're not here to measure the depth of your Internal Power but to see how adeptly you can reverse its flow, Young Master."
'Reversal.'
Reversing one's internal energy was generally a technique employed when using yin-aligned Internal Power.
In other words, what she wanted was a martial art capable of manifesting Extreme Yin Qi.
'It's a gamble either way.'
Among the martial arts of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars, there were those that utilized profound yin energy besides the Snow Emperor's.
But the only one he could imitate was the Snow Emperor's martial art. There was no other choice.
'I can only hope it's the Snow Emperor's martial art.'
Whoosh.
Forming a sword with his index and middle fingers, Bu Eun-seol simultaneously invoked the North Sea Ice Palace's Glacier Thousand Streams Art and the Snow Blossom Sect's Ice Essence Snow Blossom Energy.
To mimic the Snow Emperor Qi—which lacked range restrictions and was no less formidable than the Glacier Thousand Streams Art—he had to execute both martial arts at once.
'They definitely wouldn't have given me a complete, authentic manual, so I'll have to imitate it crudely.'
Swiish!
In an instant, he slashed the sword toward the great tree.
Though the sword qi passed through it, the tree remained visibly intact.
Schlick.
Then, Yeonju drew her sword and cleanly severed the tree.
"As expected."
After examining the cross-section, she nodded in approval.
The Extreme Yin Qi had completely transformed the tree's tissue, embedding ice crystals within.
To anyone's eyes, these were the traces of someone who had clumsily learned a fragment of the Snow Emperor's martial arts.
"You're too modest."
Even though Bu Eun-seol had only crudely imitated the Snow Emperor's Ice Art, she let out an admiring sigh and nodded.
"This level would place you at the Fourth Star realm."
The wariness in Yeonju's gaze had softened into warmth.
She had concluded that Bu Eun-seol's identity was genuine.
"Soon, a new Snow Emperor will emerge in the martial world."
Offering somewhat excessive praise, she smiled and extended her hand.
"This way, please."
Following Yeonju inside, Bu Eun-seol saw pavilions and halls built along the mountain's contours.
Unlike the architectural styles of the Central Plains, the buildings were painted white, resembling clouds shrouded in mist.
Beneath each hall hung signboards that looked centuries old.
At the center lay a wide, flat training ground, beside which stood a grand scripture archive pavilion.
Beautiful trees and plants lined every path, their petals scattering with each gust of wind.
"This will be your resting quarters, Young Hero."
She guided Bu Eun-seol to a hall bearing the signboard "Hall of Lavish Hospitality."
The antique hall, nestled on the mountainside, was crafted from redwood, its exterior walls adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and clouds.
Upon entering, the interior was immaculate, furnished with elegant decor.
At its center stood an exquisitely carved redwood table, atop which rested a small tea set and kettle for brewing.
At the far end of the room was a small window, barely large enough to fit a person's head.
Click.
When opened, the window revealed mountain peaks veiled in mist, with a small table and silk cushion placed before it—a thoughtful arrangement for enjoying tea while admiring the scenery.
"A feast will begin shortly. Until then, rest and recover from your journey."
As she left, Bu Eun-seol's eyes gleamed as he gazed outside.
'Something's off.'
Despite dangling the irresistible bait of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars' martial arts...
It felt as though they were trying to win over talented individuals, much like a renowned hero of the righteous faction would, by luring them into their fold with hospitality.
Providing luxurious accommodations fit for high-ranking figures?
'This isn't good.'
Outwardly, it seemed impossible that this place would drag anyone into a den of evil or commit wrongdoing.
But these were the ones who, under the name of the Three Realms of Purity, distributed mysterious orbs and the martial arts of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars to countless unsuspecting youths.
That fact alone was proof enough.
They were clearly gathering young people with extremely ill intentions.
"..."
He stared out the window, lost in deep thought for a long while.
"The feast has begun."
Unbeknownst to him, time had passed, and Yeonju carefully reentered to guide him once more.
"When will I be able to learn the remaining martial arts?"
Bu Eun-seol was desperate to master the Eight Emperors and Three Stars' martial arts as soon as possible.
His expression clearly revealed the impatience of a young man burning with ambition.
"Don't worry," Yeonju replied calmly as she walked ahead.
"Once today's banquet concludes, we'll soon select the prodigies who will be granted the chance to learn the martial arts."
"Selected?"
Seeing Bu Eun-seol's disappointed expression, Yeonju chuckled.
"Martial arts of that caliber are akin to sacred relics. If they fall into the hands of ordinary people, they'll only ruin their bodies instead."
Her tone was not only exceedingly polite but also perfectly reasonable.
With a resigned expression, Bu Eun-seol silently continued walking.
As they ascended the high, flat terrain, the view suddenly opened up, revealing a breathtaking landscape.
A massive post inscribed with the words Seonin Terrace came into view, and the ground was paved with white stones polished like jade.
Upon reaching the summit, a majestic vista unfolded before them.
At the center stood a grand pavilion beneath a towering black ebony pillar, offering shade from the sun.
Silk drapes adorned the pavilion on all sides, enhancing its elegance, while an enormous table was laden with rare wines and delicacies from land and sea.
"Then, please enjoy the banquet, Young Master Jeong."
Yeonju bowed gracefully before calmly descending from Seonin Terrace.
Perhaps because he had arrived somewhat late, the moment Bu Eun-seol stepped onto the terrace, numerous young eyes turned to scrutinize him.
First, I must avoid suspicion.
Deliberately feigning awkwardness, Bu Eun-seol met their gazes one by one with an uncomfortable expression.
Then, he entered the pavilion and began mingling with the other youths, eating and drinking as if fitting right in.
The number of young people gathered here was roughly thirty.
Yet the banquet hall was so vast, and the spread of food so extravagant, that even three hundred people feasting all night would leave plenty untouched.
Going so far as to provide lavish accommodations, fine wine, and gourmet food...
Just as Bu Eun-seol's thoughts were sinking deeper into the labyrinth of his suspicions—
Tap, tap.
Someone ascended the dais at the front of the banquet hall.
A woman who appeared to be in her thirties, dressed in flowing white garments and wearing a flower crown.
"I am Ga Gyeong, the master of the White Blossom Pavilion in this valley."
The woman introduced herself before addressing the youths gathered on Seonin Terrace.
"The reason we have invited you all here is because you possess exceptional martial talent and qualities that could shake the world."
Ga Gyeong swept her gaze across the crowd.
"Our valley seeks to select a successor who will master all of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars' martial arts and take responsibility for the Murim—alongside heroes who will support them."
Instantly, a fiery heat surged in the eyes of the youths.
Just one of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars' martial arts could allow one to dominate the world—
And yet, they were offering the chance to learn all of them?
"Originally, the Valley Lord was to arrive today, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the schedule has been delayed by a day."
She bowed politely as she spoke.
"Please rest comfortably and enjoy the banquet for today. Tomorrow, once the Valley Lord arrives, the successor will be chosen immediately."
Given that they bore the name of the Purifying Three Realms, their leader should rightfully be called the Realm Lord, not the Valley Lord.
And they should have explained why they were undertaking such an endeavor.
Yet Ga Gyeong offered no clarification, and none of the youths questioned it.
They had been told that their exceptional talent alone was reason enough for the valley to generously impart world-shaking martial arts.
Now that they had been selected as candidates for succession, what more could they possibly desire?
"But why show us such generosity?"
Just then, a young man seated in a corner of the banquet hall, a saber at his waist, spoke up.
"With this much power and wealth, you wouldn't need to recruit outsiders as successors."
The man's words were logical—striking right at the heart of the matter.
If they truly possessed all of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars' martial arts and commanded such vast resources—
Why scatter mysterious orbs and fragments of those arts across the Martial World to seek an outsider successor?
Wouldn't it be simpler to personally seek out and train an exceptional heir themselves?
"Our valley has faced relentless suppression," Ga Gyeong replied evenly.
"We attempted to raise successors in secret, but without exception, they were all killed."
Given that every internal successor had been systematically eliminated, recruiting prodigies from outside—
Was the only logical course of action left.
"I see."
The young man with the saber nodded.
Though the explanation left a somewhat bitter aftertaste, it wasn't unreasonable.
"Then, please enjoy the banquet at your leisure. We shall meet again tomorrow."
The banquet continued late into the night.
After Ga Gyeong's explanation, the gathered youths all lowered their guards, rejoicing at their incredible fortune.
They praised the valley—whether it was called Seonin Valley or the Purifying Three Realms—for undertaking such a righteous cause.
Indulging freely in food and wine, they toasted to fair competition among themselves, pledging camaraderie.
Bu Eun-seol, too, maintained a cheerful and hopeful expression, pretending to enjoy their company until the very end.
If there were surveillance eyes watching—
Or if he alone left early without blending in, he might draw unwanted attention.
—Then, let's meet tomorrow!
Finally, the banquet concluded.
Returning to his quarters, Bu Eun-seol sank deep into thought.
On the surface, Seonin Valley—claiming to be the Purifying Three Realms—appeared righteous and vibrant.
Their hospitality was impeccable, and their plans seemed ideal.
But what if he hadn't learned the truth about the Purifying Three Realms through Sohyokrim and Hye-ga?
He would never have suspected they had ulterior motives.
Something is definitely off.
It wasn't uncommon for mysterious factions or sects that rarely appeared in the murim to recruit outsiders as successors.
But Immortal Valley was going too far.
Their hospitality was excessive. The martial arts they promised to pass down were excessive.
Not only did they treat these unfamiliar youths like imperial envoys, but they even offered to teach them the martial techniques of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars—treasures even the Three Realms held dear?
Could they be from the Ghost Sun Sect?
In the past, the Ghost Sun Sect had lured exceptional masters with the traits of the One Hundred and Eight Stars by dangling a demonic sword as bait.
But he soon shook his head.
Even if they intended to create a large number of puppets, there's no way they'd gather prodigies like this.
Having once led and managed a coalition force, Bu Eun-seol knew all too well how major factions operated.
No matter how talented a prodigy was, raising them to a certain level required time and resources.
Yet these people were lavishing extravagant treatment on them from the very start—as if entertaining grandmasters of the martial world.
Which means they have a short-term objective.
Otherwise, there would be no reason to spend such vast sums just to win over these youths in such a short time.
But the young men gathered here didn't seem to realize any of this was abnormal.
They didn't even need to assign separate quarters.
The successor hadn't even been chosen yet. Under normal circumstances, they would have housed the youths together.
No matter how much money they had to burn, assigning individual pavilions like this was far too excessive.
Chirp, chirp.
By now, even the sound of crickets had faded—it was well past midnight.
As Bu Eun-seol gazed out the window, a sudden unease gripped him.
Martial artists were all heavy drinkers with exceptional stamina.
These were vigorous young men, unable to contain their excitement at the prospect of learning the martial arts of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars.
They should have been outside, making noise—drinking the liquor they'd brought from the banquet hall and raising a ruckus.
Yet the interior was so silent, you could hear a pin drop.
This makes no sense.
No matter how drunk or exhausted they were, it was impossible for not a single young martial artist to be awake—sleeping as soundly as a baby after a full meal.
Something had clearly gone wrong.
They're secretly surveilling the pavilions...
Moreover, he could sense hidden gazes around the pavilion.
Though their figures remained unseen, it was clear that members of Immortal Valley were watching this area.
Come to think of it, even the window size isn't normal.
Ordinary windows were made large enough for a person to slip through.
But the windows in this pavilion were so small, only a head could fit.
Not that it's a restriction for me.
With the Wind & Cloud Divine Qi, he could pass through even a space as small as a palm in an instant.
Whoosh.
Slipping out through the window, he activated the Shadow Concealment Art and vanished from sight.
They've deliberately spaced them far apart so they can't monitor each other.
Immortal Valley had assigned separate pavilions, spacing them at considerable distances.
Unless he moved for quite some time to reach another pavilion, there was no way to check on the other youths.
Not just one person—all of them.
He tried to locate where the surveillance was concentrated, but...
The martial artists of Immortal Valley were watching every single youth who had entered the pavilions.
I'll have to check them one by one.
Tsk, tsk.
Activating his Concealed Flight Technique, he slipped into the nearest pavilion like a shadow.
Are they really asleep?
As he surveyed the interior, Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his disbelief.
The man lying on the bed was genuinely in a deep slumber.
So deep, in fact, that even when Bu Eun-seol released his presence and leaned in close, the man didn't stir—as if he had fainted rather than fallen asleep.
This is...
Looking around, he suddenly noticed a thick, fragrant scent lingering in the room.
This peculiar aroma, filling the chamber, was continuously emanating from the sleeping man's breath.
An elixir?
What was spreading from their mouths was the scent of spirit medicine.
In that moment, Bu Eun-seol recalled that the wine they drank earlier had carried a similarly herbal fragrance.
There must have been a trace amount mixed in.
Thanks to repeated Metamorphosis and Bone Renewal and his internal energy reaching its utmost limit,
no matter how potent the elixir, it couldn't affect his body.
Moreover, having reached the realm of the Sage Among Poisons, he could neutralize mild toxins so swiftly he wouldn't even notice them.
Paradoxically, his internal energy and poison techniques were so refined that he couldn't detect weak elixirs or poisons anymore.
They didn't lace it with good intentions.
Even if it was a small dose, if they had mixed an elixir into the wine, they should have announced it beforehand.
Because if one consumed an elixir without properly circulating their qi, its efficacy wouldn't fully dissolve—instead settling in the hidden acupoints or meridians—
inducing a deep, unconscious slumber, as if drugged, leading to a state like this.
Exactly like now.
Then...
Silently activating his Lightness Skill, he checked another pavilion.
The situation was identical.
Even when Bu Eun-seol approached and leaned in close,
the young men remained dead asleep, completely unaware of his presence.
But then, something strange happened.
Swoosh...
Deep within Immortal Valley, in the distance,
figures clad in black were moving about, carrying massive barrels on their heads.
What in the world...?
They weren't just barrels—they were large enough for a person to fit inside.
There was no reason to cook at this hour, and even if they were, they wouldn't need barrels that big.
Besides, weren't those the martial artists of Immortal Valley, who claimed to be the Purification Three Realms?
Why were they lugging around enormous barrels in the dead of night?
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol still had no idea.
That here in Immortal Valley... he would fight the Return to Unity Realm Lord with all his might, despite being critically wounded.