Bu Eunseol blinked, staring at Dan Cheong’s stunned expression.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, how did your martial arts level become so…”

Dan Cheong, who had been speaking while blinking rapidly, suddenly shut his mouth. He realized his attitude was undignified for a Deputy Pavilion Master.

Just what happened? How could his martial arts realm change so drastically in a single year?

Although his fame was not widespread because he rarely engaged in Murim activities and stayed cooped up in the Wolf Fang Pavilion, Dan Cheong was, in reality, one of the Grandmasters of Martial Arts who looked down upon the world. He had instantly seen through Bu Eunseol’s martial prowess; he had reached the Transcendence Realm, and not just the entry level, but the mid-stage.

“Ahem.”

Clearing his throat once more, Dan Cheong looked at Bu Eunseol and said, “Your journey through the Gangho was not in vain. You have made great progress.”

Knock, knock.

At that moment, a small voice from a maidservant accompanied the sound of knocking.

“The Wind and Cloud Squad Captain has arrived.”

“Let him in.”

With Dan Cheong’s permission, a middle-aged man with a face like jade, dressed in white robes, appeared. It was Baek Yeon, the Wind and Cloud Squad Captain.

“Captain.”

As Bu Eunseol bowed his head, Baek Yeon wore a slightly surprised expression.

“I heard you had returned, but…”

Baek Yeon’s eyebrows arched slightly as he scanned Bu Eunseol’s body.

“You have made considerable progress. It’s almost unrecognizable.”

At this point, Bu Eunseol became curious. Everyone who saw him marveled at how much he had changed, yet he himself felt no difference whatsoever.

“Do I look that different?”

“Hmm?”

“I’ve heard it several times since returning to headquarters… but I don’t feel anything in particular.”

At Bu Eunseol’s serious expression, Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon looked at each other and burst into hearty laughter.

“That is only natural. It is the nature of things,” Baek Yeon said with a smile. “The realm of martial arts is not something that can be confirmed with the eyes or has an objective reference point. It is merely a yardstick divided by Grandmasters for convenience.”

Savoring Baek Yeon’s explanation, Bu Eunseol asked again, “Then does that mean I still lack the insight to feel that yardstick?”

“Not necessarily. If this Captain’s martial arts had improved compared to a year ago, you would surely feel it. However, it is difficult to sense the change in one’s own aura.”

Dan Cheong, who had been listening silently, added an explanation.

“Martial arts are originally things outside of oneself. That is, one observes beasts or nature and finds laws within them.”

Staring intently at Bu Eunseol, Dan Cheong spoke in a low voice.

“But when one masters those principles, one can find and unravel even the phenomena and changes occurring within one’s own body. Those who reach such a level are what we call Grandmasters of Martial Arts.”

Dan Cheong’s explanation contained not only the meaning of the term Grandmaster but also the profound principles of martial arts.

Bu Eunseol looked blank for a moment, as if struck on the back of the head, and then his eyes flashed. He took a step back and bowed deeply until his head touched the ground.

“Thank you for enlightening me.”

With Dan Cheong’s advice, Bu Eunseol was able to resolve several questions about martial arts theory that he had been unable to understand until now. Of course, this was only possible because Bu Eunseol’s comprehension—his enlightenment—was exceptional.

“I can guess your level without seeing it… but I am curious about your actual combat skill.”

At Baek Yeon’s words, Dan Cheong nodded.

“Indeed. Since it’s been a while… shall this old body exert some strength?”

When it seemed Dan Cheong would instruct him personally, Bu Eunseol’s face brightened.

“Would you teach me a move?”

But Baek Yeon shook his head.

“Absolutely not.”

“Pardon?”

“Passing down techniques is one thing, but sparring is out of the question.”

Because he rarely engaged in Murim activities, Dan Cheong’s martial arts level was largely unknown. However, Baek Yeon, who had been with him since childhood, knew well that his true martial prowess was terrifying enough to tear heaven and earth apart.

If he got carried away while using martial arts and failed to control his strength? Bu Eunseol would suffer severe, unmanageable injuries.

“You have already entered the Transcendence Realm. Given your personality, won’t you attack with everything you have until it works? In doing so, the Deputy Pavilion Master might harm your body.”

In other words, it meant Bu Eunseol’s martial arts had become strong enough that he couldn’t be taken lightly.

I don’t know if I should be happy about this or not.

As Bu Eunseol made a disappointed face, Baek Yeon spoke.

“Do not worry. There is an opponent perfectly suited for you.”

***

In the reed field near the rear garden of Clear Wind Study.

There stood a man holding a massive great saber.

It was So Jeon, the Trailblazer Squad Captain.

“Bwahahaha. So it comes to this in the end.”

Looking down at Bu Eunseol, he laughed boisterously, clearly delighted.

“My hands were itching to see how much that kid had grown, and now the Deputy Pavilion Master has even arranged a stage for us.”

Instead of answering, Bu Eunseol glanced around.

In the reed field were not only Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon, but also the members of the Trailblazer Squad, including Vice-Captain Je Woon. Even the young masters of the Wolf Fang Pavilion who had shown Bu Eunseol practical combat before were gathered in groups.

“Is there a need to make this sparring match so grandiose?”

When Bu Eunseol made a troubled expression at the stinging gazes, Dan Cheong spoke.

“Are they not the fellow disciples who helped you with the basics of practical martial arts in the past? Now they should watch you and learn something.”

“Understood.”

“Then begin.”

At Dan Cheong’s command, Bu Eunseol immediately drew the Dark Sword.

Shing.

Seeing the Dark Sword glistening with dark light along with its sword cry, So Jeon grinned, revealing white teeth.

“You’ve obtained a good sword.”

“It is sharp, so please be careful.”

“Heh. To whom do you dare say such things?”

So Jeon beckoned with his hand, his great saber resting on his shoulder.

“Attack first.”

Nodding, Bu Eunseol unhesitatingly unleashed the Dark Sword from low to high—the single move of Heaven and Earth Splitting Strike.

It was a technique combining the Heavenly Crushing Saber Stance and heavy sword techniques. With this single move, Bu Eunseol paid his respects to So Jeon, who had provided the foundation for the Supreme Heavenly Flow.

“You’ve modified the Heavenly Crushing Saber Stance.”

“You could call it the Heavenly Crushing Sword Stance.”

Nodding, So Jeon swept his great saber horizontally, pushing back the pressure Bu Eunseol had unleashed.

“…!”

In an instant, Bu Eunseol’s eyes flashed.

So Jeon’s single move not only blocked Bu Eunseol’s attack but also completely cut off the sword path of the three subsequent moves.

To grasp the following moves at a glance.

Bu Eunseol realized anew just how outstanding So Jeon’s martial prowess was.

Even with full power, he is a difficult opponent.

Taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol unhesitatingly unfolded the Supreme Heavenly Flow, thrusting toward So Jeon’s neck. It was an exquisite move containing the principle of Formless Breaks the Formed, protecting his own body while inducing openings in the enemy.

“Good!”

Unable to find a flaw in Bu Eunseol’s move, So Jeon tossed out a compliment.

“You didn’t just encompass all techniques; the technique itself is not bound by form.”

Having grasped the sword intent of Formless Breaks the Formed in an instant, So Jeon unleashed the Heavenly Crushing Saber Stance.

“Try to block this!”

As he raised the great saber high, powerful force poured out, pushing back Bu Eunseol’s sword technique. The difference in power seemed to be several times greater than the Heavenly Crushing Sword Stance Bu Eunseol used.

Vwooom!

Before he knew it, So Jeon’s great saber was cleaving down toward Bu Eunseol’s head as if to crush heaven and earth.

I can’t dodge!

Bu Eunseol tried to use Shadowless Supreme Speed, but it was already too late. The saber momentum flowing at the tip of the great saber had sealed off all of Bu Eunseol’s evasive movements and retreat paths.

Clang!

Bu Eunseol had no choice but to raise the Dark Sword and block the great saber head-on.

Thud.

In that moment, one of Bu Eunseol’s knees nearly touched the ground. A powerful internal force like a great mountain erupted from the great saber, crushing down on Bu Eunseol’s body.

I can’t match his internal energy either.

Bu Eunseol’s Polarity Reversal Cultivation Art had reached the tail end of the third stage, but So Jeon’s internal power was a step above.

I must unravel it with technique!

Bu Eunseol spun the Dark Sword, dispersing the pouring force.

But So Jeon changed his move to match. When Bu Eunseol wound, he tightened; when Bu Eunseol relaxed his force, he pushed again.

Clang-clang-clang-clang!

Sparks showered in the air as the Dark Sword and great saber clashed ceaselessly like a whirlwind.

After twenty or so exchanges, the two men retreated as if by agreement.

So Jeon stood calmly with his great saber raised high, while Bu Eunseol was breathing heavily with his Dark Sword lowered.

“Haa. Haa.”

Bu Eunseol possessed stamina strong enough to use light footwork for three days and nights without tiring. Yet, he was out of breath after exchanging merely twenty moves with So Jeon.

“Heh heh heh. I can’t do this unless I get serious.” Lowering the great saber to the middle guard with a click, So Jeon grinned, baring his canine teeth. “I can’t go easy on you. I just can’t…”

Rumble.

At that moment, a sound like thunder erupted from So Jeon’s great saber. He was about to unleash a killing move powered by his true internal energy.

“So Jeon. Moderate yourself.”

Baek Yeon, watching from the side, shouted, but it did not reach So Jeon’s ears.

“You’d best use your full power for this one move!”

Rumble!

The thunderous sound flowing from the great saber grew louder, and the wind starting from beneath his feet soon became a gale. In that instant, Bu Eunseol sheathed the Dark Sword into the scabbard on his back. Then, closing his eyes, he drew up his internal power.

Paaang!

Suddenly, crimson radiance surged from his body like an active volcano. He had raised the Polarity Reversal True Energy circulating within his body to its limit.

“Heavenly Crushing Saber Stance—!”

In that moment, the whole world turned dark, and a single streak of lightning-like saber energy poured down onto Bu Eunseol’s head. It was like the power of great nature, impossible to dodge or block.

Shing!

Instantly, the Dark Sword lodged on Bu Eunseol’s back left its sheath.

Screeech!

Simultaneously, a sound like a hawk crying out as it soared into the sky spread out, clashing against the pouring saber energy. It was a combination of the first form of the Supreme Heavenly Flow, Meteor Chasing the Moon, and the fourth form, Morning Star of the Waning Moon, executed in rapid succession to greatly increase power.

Flash!

A blinding sword light flashed in the small space between Bu Eunseol and So Jeon.

As sword and saber met, the two men changed their sword techniques simultaneously as if promised.

Clang-clang-clang-clang!

Outwardly, it looked as if they had unleashed multiple moves, but So Jeon used a single, heavy, and ever-changing saber form.

Bu Eunseol seemed to unleash a single move, but in reality, he unfolded three forms of the Supreme Heavenly Flow continuously, creating a swift and ever-changing killing move.

“Ugh.”

Among the martial artists of the Wolf Fang Pavilion watching, those with weaker internal power closed their eyes. Not only did they lack the ability to appreciate the saber light and sword shadows embroidering the void, but the complex moves also made them feel dizzy.

“……”

The light that had filled the reed field scattered.

Bu Eunseol’s sword was already back in its sheath. So Jeon, too, had his great saber resting on his shoulder again.

If someone had just arrived, they would have mistaken it for the two men not having started their spar yet.

“Hmm.”

It was So Jeon’s low groan that broke the silence.

He had maintained a relaxed smile throughout, but now his brow was furrowed as deeply as if he had chewed on a hot pepper.

“How did you train your sword for a year?”

At So Jeon’s question, Bu Eunseol answered calmly.

“I sought out the strong and fought them.”

“Is that all?”

“And… I gained much enlightenment.”

“Enlightenment, huh.”

Nodding, So Jeon turned abruptly.

“Let’s try sparring again next time.”

And before hearing Bu Eunseol’s reply, he strode away, leaving the reed field.

“Captain. Let’s go together.”

Je Woon and the Trailblazer Squad members, who had been watching blankly, hurriedly paid their respects to Dan Cheong and followed him. The remaining martial artists of the Wolf Fang Pavilion also bowed to Dan Cheong and exited the reed field.

“Excellent.”

Baek Yeon approached Bu Eunseol, who stood tall in the empty reed field, and smiled brightly.

“To block So Jeon’s saber technique head-on. It’s hard to believe even after seeing it.”

“I merely… blocked one of the Captain’s moves.”

Bu Eunseol’s expression was not good. Although he had unleashed his sword technique with all his might, he had barely managed to block a single saber move unleashed by So Jeon.

“One move?”

Baek Yeon spoke with an incredulous expression.

“You blocked Heavenly Crushing Saber Stance, one of So Jeon’s Three Great Ultimate Arts, without a single scratch. How can you call that just one move?”

“Bwahaha! That’s refreshing.”

Just then, Dan Cheong approached, laughing boisterously, and slapped Bu Eunseol on the shoulder.

“To think that guy, who doesn’t listen to a word I say even with his earholes open, would turn tail because his pride was hurt? I don’t know when the last time was that I saw him slump his shoulders. Bwahaha!”

Despite Dan Cheong’s banter, Bu Eunseol’s expression did not brighten. Noticing this, Baek Yeon asked with a puzzled look.

“Why has your face been like that since earlier? You look as if you suffered a miserable defeat.”

“I was thinking about… whether I could have blocked it if Captain So had truly intended to kill me with all his might.”

“What?”

Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon looked at each other, dumbfounded.

Now that they realized it, Bu Eunseol had been fighting not with sparring in mind, but with actual combat against So Jeon.

“Hahaha!”

Dan Cheong burst into satisfied laughter and nodded.

“I see. That’s why this guy was able to improve faster than the others.”

There was no such thing as victory or sparring in Bu Eunseol’s mind. He had only been researching whether he could cut off the enemy’s breath with all his might in every fight…

In the Wolf Fang Pavilion, which pursued practical martial arts, it was inevitable that his skills would rise faster than anyone else’s.

“Bu Eunseol. You are understanding and practicing the secrets of our pavilion’s practical martial arts faster than anyone.”

Dan Cheong, nodding with an admiring expression, said something unexpected.

“You still fall short of So Jeon, but at this level, we can expect a match against a Master of Great Righteousness.”

“A Master of Great Righteousness…”

“That’s right.”

Lightning seemed to flash in Dan Cheong’s eyes, as if to burn the soul.

“The order has come down to gather all Ten Demonic Successors at the Demonic Palace.”