The carriage left the provincial capital behind, rolling tirelessly until the Yellow Creek came into view—a destination renowned for its open-air taverns overlooking the wide, lazy river. Though it was broad daylight, the roadside stalls teemed with drinkers seeking respite in the cool river breeze.

Hyeok So-jin beamed as he gazed out the window. “They say the wine drunk by the Yellow Creek is sweeter than any poured by a beauty’s hand.”

Bu Eunseol, who possessed little patience for such leisurely pursuits, offered no response. Hyeok So-jin knew this indifference well yet spoke with undimmed excitement.

“Especially since there are many springs with excellent water nearby, befitting the name Yellow Creek. Many tourists—”

“Let’s go.”

Bu Eunseol offered a curt nod.

“Since we have come this far.”

“Really?”

Surprised, Hyeok So-jin clapped his hands. “Then we must go quickly!”

Bu Eunseol signaled the coachman to stop and rose from his seat. Seeing this, Hyeok So-jin teased him in a playful tone. “But what is the occasion? For you to suggest it first…”

His lively expression faltered as a sudden thought crossed his mind, shadowing his eyes.

This was Hyeok So-jin’s final journey through the Gangho.

Bu Eunseol knew this. He intended to grant his companion as much joy as the time allowed.

Rustle.

A young man brushed past Bu Eunseol in a blur of movement. For a fleeting instant, the stranger’s lips moved in an almost imperceptible whisper.

“The scenery over there looks good.”

Bu Eunseol pointed to a stall, and Hyeok So-jin followed without complaint.

As they walked toward a spot with a commanding view of the river, Bu Eunseol scanned his surroundings before lowering his voice. “News has come that the Illusion Demon has almost fully recovered. Along with a message not to worry.”

He had just received a report on the situation at the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying sect from the passerby. Thanks to the integration of the Momentless Fleet’s intelligence network with the Wind and Cloud Squad, Bu Eunseol could send and receive information from anywhere under the heavens.

“Is that so? That is a relief.”

“It seems the Illusion Demon gained strength knowing his grandson is returning,” Bu Eunseol said with uncharacteristic warmth.

Both men shared the bond of being raised by their grandfathers. Because of this, Bu Eunseol understood Hyeok So-jin’s feelings better than anyone.

Hyeok So-jin rubbed his nose, looking bashful. “You don’t need to deliver every piece of news like that.” He grinned, revealing white teeth. “My grandfather is a strong man. I wasn’t worried in the first place.”

Shoulder to shoulder, the two men entered the roadside stall near the riverbank. Inside, the owner, wearing a towel wrapped around his head, was stirring a large wok filled with peanuts.

“Is this all you have for snacks?”

When Hyeok So-jin smacked his lips in disappointment, the owner grinned. “Not just us, but every stall around here only serves peanuts stir-fried with dried chili and spices.”

“Mm.”

“After downing a cup of yellow wine, if you pop a spicy stir-fried peanut into your mouth, you wouldn’t envy an immortal.”

At the owner’s vivid description, Hyeok So-jin salivated and nodded. “I can’t not try it then. Three kettles of yellow wine here, and plenty of peanuts too.”

“Yes, yes, coming right up.”

The owner quickly brought out the wine and a plate of the fiery red peanuts.

“Brother Bu. Please accept a cup from me.”

Hyeok So-jin filled Bu Eunseol’s cup to the brim. He seemed deep in thought for a moment before furrowing his brows. “They should arrive in the time it takes to drink about three cups.”

“Your senses have become quite sharp.”

“It is all thanks to you, Brother Bu.”

Gulp.

Just as Bu Eunseol and Hyeok So-jin were draining their third cup, the sharp sound of tearing air rang out in succession.

Whirrr-thud.

Dozens of martial artists materialized around the stall where Bu Eunseol sat. Hyeok So-jin tilted his cup, frowning as he spotted the character ‘Mysterious’ embroidered on their uniforms.

“The Mysterious Heaven Gang?”

The Mysterious Heaven Gang was an Unorthodox Path faction with influence spread throughout the Yellow Creek region. However, because they maintained connections with government officials and exerted influence in the commercial world, they were not recognized as a true Demonic Path sect.

Why had they come here with such force?

“I am Gwak Seung, Leader of the Mysterious Heaven Gang.”

An imposing man wearing flashy martial attire parted the crowd of warriors and clasped his hands together. “Bu Eunseol. Are you Young Hero Bu?”

Though the Mysterious Heaven Gang could not be called a major sect of the Murim, Gwak Seung was still a ruler who exerted power in his domain. Yet his attitude toward Bu Eunseol was polite to a fault.

“I am.”

As Bu Eunseol nodded, Gwak Seung smiled brightly. “It was worth spending the gang’s funds to buy the information.”

When Bu Eunseol looked puzzled, Gwak Seung’s eyes flashed. “I, Gwak Seung, Leader of the Mysterious Heaven Gang, challenge you.”

Bu Eunseol remained silent.

Appearing out of nowhere to issue a challenge?

As silence flowed instead of an answer, Gwak Seung calmly began his story. “I have a long-standing grudge against the Beggar King that I could not resolve. I tried to find that old man for a long time, but due to the interference of the Beggars’ Sect, I could never track him down.”

To summarize Gwak Seung’s lengthy explanation, he had been humiliated by the Beggar King long ago and had trained relentlessly, sharpening his sword for revenge ever since. But no matter how many information organizations he mobilized, the Beggar King remained elusive. Just as he was about to give up, he heard rumors that Bu Eunseol had killed him.

Thus, Gwak Seung intended to challenge Bu Eunseol to prove he had surpassed the man he sought to kill.

Ridiculous. He’s just trying to steal Brother Bu’s fame.

Listening from the side, Hyeok So-jin wore an expression of disbelief. All of Gwak Seung’s stories were mere excuses. He had simply been too terrified of the Beggar King to dare challenge him until now.

Bu Eunseol killed the Supreme Elder with the help of a hidden assistant. He saw through the Supreme Elder’s weakened state. Luck King Bu Eunseol is merely lucky.

Gwak Seung must have heard the humiliating nickname and rumors spread by the Beggars’ Sect. Believing them to be true, he challenged Bu Eunseol with confidence. If he won this duel, he would gain immense fame in a single stroke.

“Young Hero Bu appeared in the Murim like a comet, defeating great masters in succession and finally achieving the mythical feat of taking down the Beggar King.”

Gwak Seung praised Bu Eunseol lavishly. Only then would the fruit of his victory be large and sweet.

“Since then, this Gwak has harbored a small wish. To test myself against a young Grandmaster like Young Hero Bu.”

Even if his faction was small, a challenge from a regional ruler held significant meaning. It meant Bu Eunseol possessed the highest honor, something even a regional overlord aspired to test.

“Fine.”

Nodding readily, Bu Eunseol pointed toward the riverside. “This place is cramped. Let us go over there.”

Clatter, thud!

At his words, countless people drinking at nearby stalls stood up. Bu Eunseol was the rising star causing a storm in the current Murim. To witness his fight with their own eyes was an opportunity they could not miss.

Bang!

But something absurd happened. The winner was decided before the spectators could even lift their buttocks from their seats.

“Ugh.”

Struck by the Seven Forms of the Demonic Fist unleashed by Bu Eunseol, Gwak Seung lay sprawled on the ground, vomiting fresh blood.

“Cough.”

“It has been a long time since you used your body for martial practice.”

Looking down at the man retching blood at his feet, Bu Eunseol spoke calmly. “When the body stiffens, one cannot execute proper techniques. Challenge me again after you have retrained your martial arts.”

“…I am ashamed.”

Defeated in a single punch, Gwak Seung’s face burned red.

“Then.”

Clasping his hands, he turned and left with his subordinates using light footwork, not daring to look back.

“That was unexpected.” Hyeok So-jin blinked. “I did not know Brother Bu was so generous.”

The usual Bu Eunseol would not have let an opportunist like Gwak Seung walk away on his own two feet. But this time, he had inflicted only minor internal injuries and sent him back gently.

“Although the Mysterious Heaven Gang is small, he is a regional leader. He challenged me politely and showed respect.”

“Aha.” Hyeok So-jin nodded. “As someone who will become the successor of the Demonic Palace, you showed generosity.”

“He is someone favorable to the Demonic Palace. There is no need to crush him miserably and humiliate him.”

In short, he intentionally showed magnanimity to win the favor of the Mysterious Heaven Gang Leader.

Wait… perhaps?

A thought suddenly flashed through Hyeok So-jin’s mind.

Bu Eunseol was a true martial artist who walked his own path, paying no heed to factional benefits or an opponent’s face. Yet now, he was making political moves, as if he had already become the successor of the Demonic Palace.

So that was it.

Looking at Bu Eunseol’s expression, Hyeok So-jin finally understood everything.

It was to teach me.

Hyeok So-jin, who would become the leader of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying, could no longer act like a wandering martial artist. Every move he made represented his sect, and he had to make choices that benefited the organization. Bu Eunseol was teaching him until the very end so he could become an excellent sect leader.

“Why do you go this far?” Hyeok So-jin asked, his voice choked with emotion. “Why do you care for me so…”

“It was a promise to the Area Master, Illusion Demon.”

Bu Eunseol turned away indifferently. “Let us get up now.”

He hid his kindness once again behind the excuse of a promise. But a man’s heart is not conveyed through words alone. Knowing this all too well, Hyeok So-jin swore an oath inwardly. No matter what happened in the future, he would protect this man before him. Even if he had to sacrifice his own life.

Step, step.

However, another unexpected situation arose.

With the sound of dozens of footsteps thudding in unison, thirty swordsmen walked toward the stall.

They are…

Hyeok So-jin’s eyes widened. The martial artists were all wearing the white headbands characteristic of the Martial Righteous Alliance warriors.

At the forefront stood a young man with an incredibly arrogant bearing, flanked by a solemn-looking middle-aged man. Both emitted an unusual aura, clearly possessing significant martial prowess.

“Hoh.”

The arrogant young man stared intently at Bu Eunseol’s handsome features. “Are you Bu Eunseol?”

When Bu Eunseol gave no answer, the young man curled the corner of his lip.

“I am Jo Bi-woon.”

The Flawless Sword, Jo Bi-woon.

One of the Seven Dragons and Three Phoenixes, a rising star and master of the Fast Sword. He had been unrivaled in the Shanxi province since the age of fifteen, and now, well past twenty, his skills were said to rival the Masters of Great Righteousness within the Alliance. Moreover, he was the only son of Jo Cheon-wang, the Emperor Dragon Sword and Captain of the Martial Heavens Corps—one of the Seven Great Combat Corps.

The Martial Righteous Alliance provided constant protection to the direct families of its leadership. Thus, he was always under guard.

“There are rumors that you defeated Masters of Great Righteousness in succession and even crushed the Beggar King. Is it true?”

Jo Bi-woon’s expression was full of arrogance. And with reason—he had never once been defeated in his life. Furthermore, having witnessed Bu Eunseol’s fist technique defeating Gwak Seung from afar, he merely saw it as a technique with strong power, leading him to conclude Bu Eunseol’s skill was exaggerated.

When Bu Eunseol remained silent, he spoke again. “How about it? Shall we have a bout?”

Smiling coldly, he glanced at the sword at his waist. “If you can withstand a couple of my sword moves, you might gain even greater fame.”

He intends to use the Martial Righteous Alliance guards as a shield to gain fame for chasing Brother Bu away.

Hyeok So-jin saw through Jo Bi-woon’s scheme instantly. Peak masters of the Alliance stood around Jo Bi-woon with glaring eyes. Knowing Bu Eunseol would not fight a hopeless battle, Jo Bi-woon was picking a fight on purpose. Even gaining the reputation that Bu Eunseol fled a duel would be a significant victory.

“Hmph.”

Bu Eunseol turned his body as if he hadn’t heard a thing.

“Are you afraid? Luck King?”

He boldly shouted the humiliating nickname created by the Beggars’ Sect right in Bu Eunseol’s face. “To think you gained such a nickname by killing the Beggar King with dirty and cowardly tricks.”

Despite Jo Bi-woon’s mockery, Bu Eunseol did not answer and began to walk away.

“Hmph, seeing you tuck your tail and run, the rumor that you killed the Beggar King must be a lie too. Hahaha!”

At that, Bu Eunseol turned his head instead of answering.

And smirked.

In an instant, Jo Bi-woon’s face hardened like stone. Seeing the handsome Bu Eunseol smirk with a gaze that seemed to look down on him, he felt an indescribable sense of humiliation.

“You bastard!”

Trembling with rage, Jo Bi-woon shouted. But Bu Eunseol walked away quickly without looking back.

“Where do you think you’re running!”

Enraged, Jo Bi-woon drew his sword and unleashed a sword wind toward the back of Bu Eunseol’s head. It was a feint intended to force Bu Eunseol to dodge and face him.

And that… was the last movement Jo Bi-woon made in his life.

Shiing!

As the sword wind poured forth, the Dark Sword was already in Bu Eunseol’s hand with a ringing cry.

Flash!

Simultaneously, without even looking back, he unleashed a brilliant beam of light. The Meteor Chasing the Moon unfolded like a bolt of lightning.

“…”

Jo Bi-woon stood there, eyes wide open as if frozen.

Drip, drip, drip.

Red blood dripped from the center of his forehead, drawing a flower of blood on the ground. His forehead pierced in a single instant, he had died on the spot.

Thud.

As he finally collapsed backward, screams that sounded like shrieks erupted from the masters of the Martial Righteous Alliance.

“No!”

At the same time, the Squad Captain of the escort guard at the front, Gu Dong-ak, drew his sword with a roar like thunder.

“Stop right there!”

Moving like lightning, Gu Dong-ak blocked Bu Eunseol’s path.