White Lotus Pavilion.

A heavy silence had descended upon the White Lotus Pavilion, a place that had been boisterous for some time. This quietude stemmed from the absence of Hyeok So-jin, who had been a constant presence, interpreting scriptures and demonstrating martial arts.

Now, standing before the empty training grounds of the pavilion were two figures facing one another: a man dressed in worn gray martial robes and a youth clad in black.

They were Bu Eunseol and Hyeok So-jin.

“Ah, it has truly been an age.”

Raising both hands to channel his Divine Splitting Demonic Energy, Hyeok So-jin revealed his canines in an exaggerated, sarcastic grin.

“Since Brother Bu didn’t seek me out even after a month passed… I assumed you had forgotten me entirely and were off frolicking in some flower garden.”

Grind.

A sharp grating sound echoed from his clenched molars as he continued.

“To request a sparring match the precise moment my work is finished—I am overwhelmed by your gracious consideration!”

Resentment simmered in Hyeok So-jin’s heart; he had ventured into the Gangho to advance his martial arts as quickly as possible, yet because he accompanied Bu Eunseol, he had spent the last month doing nothing but instructing the female disciples of Momentless Fleet. For him, time in the Gangho was precious and finite, and the waste of it made him feel as though he were dying.

“Begin.”

When Bu Eunseol extended his hand with an indifferent expression, Hyeok So-jin shouted, “Here I come!” Channeling all his pent-up grievance, Hyeok So-jin unleashed the Dark Heavens Demonic Dragon Palm.

‘Huh?’

But the moment he launched the attack, a bewildered expression crossed Hyeok So-jin’s face; he had intended to pour out palm force in a fierce yet simple manner, yet without realizing it, he had superimposed profound subtleties within the sequence, the energy coiling around Bu Eunseol’s body like a deluge.

“Good form.”

Bang! Bang!

Bu Eunseol did not dodge, instead utilizing the Fist Demon Transcending String to neutralize the incoming Dark Heavens Demonic Dragon Palm. Witnessing this, Hyeok So-jin could not hide his internal astonishment.

To use true force immediately after only one exchange… Was this technique unexpected?

“Take this!”

Hyeok So-jin unleashed his Divine Splitting Demonic Energy, attempting to disrupt Bu Eunseol’s stance, but seeing his opponent standing firm, he instinctively unfolded the Pipa Flashing Hands and the Ice Soul Illusion Killing Sword—techniques he had been teaching constantly over the past month.

Damn it, it’s become a habit.

But it was strange. Why were these supreme arts, which he hadn’t even properly trained in, unfolding as naturally as if he had diligently practiced them for years?

Clang!

Unable to block the barrage of techniques that had melded into a single mass, Bu Eunseol eventually drew his Dark Sword to deflect Hyeok So-jin’s attack.

He drew his sword after only three exchanges?

Astonished, Hyeok So-jin continued to unleash the demonic arts he had been teaching, letting them flow like water, as if his body were moving on its own accord to perform the martial arts.

Clang! Papapapak! Piing!

Whether unfolding sword techniques, pouring out palm methods, or flicking finger force, the movements were released smoothly and stably, feeling as natural as if he had polished them for a lifetime.

“Hmm.”

As he blocked Hyeok So-jin’s continuous barrage, a brilliant light bloomed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.

Ziiing.

Accompanying the low cry of the Dark Sword, a radiant light dug toward Hyeok So-jin’s neck like lightning. It was the first form of the Supreme Heavenly Flow, Meteor Chasing the Moon.

I can’t avoid it!

From the moment the light bloomed from Bu Eunseol’s sword, Hyeok So-jin intuitively knew evasion was impossible.

Charararang!

However, unlike his mind, his instincts guided his body naturally. One hand unfolded the Soul Destroying Sword Technique to dampen the power of the pouring light while the other simultaneously unleashed Divine Splitting Demonic Energy to deflect the trajectory of the sword energy digging into his neck.

Slash!

The ink-black sword light grazed his cheek instead of his neck, sending a lock of hair fluttering into the air. Although executed with only thirty percent of his internal energy, Hyeok So-jin had managed to block the Supreme Heavenly Flow, which contained the essence of Bu Eunseol’s martial arts.

“Not bad.”

Bu Eunseol nodded with a satisfied expression, sheathing the Dark Sword on his back.

“Your skills have improved significantly more than I had anticipated.”

“More than anticipated…” Only then did Hyeok So-jin realize the peculiarity of the situation. “What on earth happened? I managed to block Brother Bu’s True Force Sword Art in a single move.” He nodded his head with a bewildered expression, astonished by his own accomplishment. “I hadn’t even used the Divine Splitting Demonic Energy when blocking sword techniques before.”

“Have you not been teaching the disciples of Momentless Fleet all this time?” Bu Eunseol asked calmly.

“I did.”

“Teaching someone else is akin to diligently practicing it yourself. Furthermore, one naturally masters aspects they hadn’t realized before.” Turning his body, Bu Eunseol spoke in a low voice. “You have become far more proficient in various demonic arts than I anticipated. At this level, you will be able to use multiple demonic arts appropriately in actual combat without difficulty.”

“B-Brother Bu.”

Only then did realization dawn on Hyeok So-jin regarding Bu Eunseol’s deep intentions, and a wave of emotion surged in his chest.

“I didn’t know you had such profound intent, and I was resenting you terribly all this time.”

Bu Eunseol calmly turned away. “To enhance one’s martial arts skills, one doesn’t necessarily have to train in isolation or engage in life-or-death duels.” He spoke stoically, gazing at the distant sky. “Martial arts can be developed through the insights gained from experiencing various things.”

Those were the words the Black Leopard had once said to Bu Eunseol in the past, and he had faithfully accepted that advice, steadily enhancing his martial arts even while accomplishing various tasks.

“The time has come to leave.”

Bu Eunseol, having secured Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying and Momentless Fleet as support forces by the order of the Divine Demonic Emperor and achieved his goal, knew it was time to depart once again.

***

As dawn broke, Bu Eunseol and Hyeok So-jin, who had been meditating on their beds, rose simultaneously and quietly slipped out of their quarters. Just as they had arrived quietly, they intended to leave without fanfare.

However, that was merely a hopeful wish.

Upon arriving near the entrance leading out of Momentless Fleet, they found numerous disciples, elders, and even Guk Hye-ryeong standing there waiting.

“Are you leaving now?”

“Fleet Master.”

As Bu Eunseol and Hyeok So-jin gathered their hands in a respectful salute, Guk Hye-ryeong wore a benevolent smile.

“I heard stories that you might leave with thief’s steps around today, so the family of this Fleet decided to wait in advance.”

Bu Eunseol and Hyeok So-jin smiled bitterly at the same time; Momentless Fleet was the greatest intelligence organization in the Demonic Path, meaning their movements had been thoroughly reported even here.

“Thank you, Young Master.”

At that moment, the disciples of Momentless Fleet stepped forward and bowed politely, their heads all turned toward Hyeok So-jin.

For over a month, aside from sleeping, Hyeok So-jin had transmitted martial arts until his mouth ran dry, and because of this, the martial arts of the Hundred Flower Lady—the instructor and supreme combat asset of Momentless Fleet—had improved by leaps and bounds.

“Don’t mention it.”

Hyeok So-jin smiled and bowed in return to each of them. Although he had transmitted the martial arts inadvertently, his own skills had risen in tandem because of it; as Bu Eunseol said, teaching someone was also a form of cultivation to polish one’s own skills.

“Then, shall we go now?”

Just as Hyeok So-jin smiled broadly and turned to leave, a cute girl wearing clothes dyed in soft pink walked out from among the disciples—it was Guk Hye-bin.

“Ah.”

Guk Hye-bin approached Bu Eunseol and held out both hands, revealing a colorful, five-hued tassel resting in her small, fern-like palms, looking as if it had just been made. In that moment, Bu Eunseol unconsciously wore a faint smile; she must have made it by embroidering with those tiny hands.

Rustle.

Bu Eunseol knelt on one knee and accepted the tassel from Guk Hye-bin, then took out his Dark Sword, sheath and all, and tied the tassel to the end of the hilt.

Guk Hye-ryeong watched the scene with satisfaction and spoke in a low voice. “That child has never learned embroidery. To give you a gift, she painstakingly stitched it by stitch using colored threads obtained from the disciples of the Fleet.” Her lips, lined with fine wrinkles, curved into a smile as she continued, “Since Bin was born, you are the first person she has ever given a handmade gift to.”

“Thank you.”

Bu Eunseol gathered his hands and expressed his gratitude to Guk Hye-bin, causing her eyes to crinkle into half-moons as she gave a silent smile.

“And continue to devote yourself diligently in the future.”

Bu Eunseol gently patted Guk Hye-bin’s head.

“So that you may become the next successor to carry on the Demonic Palace.”

“Ah.”

Guk Hye-bin smiled brightly and nodded, and seeing that smile, it felt as though he could hear a lovely voice replying, ‘I will try my best!’

“Fleet Master!”

Just then, a young woman ran hurriedly from the entrance, her voice sharp with urgency. It was Mi-ryeong, the Lord of Hyebong Pavilion, who guarded the entrance of Momentless Fleet.

“What is the matter that you make such a fuss?”

When Du Yak-rang, standing next to the Pavilion Master, frowned, Mi-ryeong answered urgently, “About three hundred martial artists have set up camp in front of the Pavilion’s entrance.”

“Three hundred martial artists? What do you mean?”

Mi-ryeong, her voice trembling with desperation, bowed her head. “It’s the Soul Scorching Squad of the Evil Spirit Sect,” she whispered. “The successor of the Evil Spirit Sect left, but the Soul Scorching Squad that accompanied him appears to have been stationed in the Guilin area all along.” She paused, catching her breath, before continuing, “Then, when I heard that this Fleet injected funds into the Wolf Fang Pavilion and Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying, they brought their warriors here and…”

There was no need to hear the rest of the story; upon hearing the rumor that Guk Hye-ryeong supported the Wolf Fang Pavilion instead of Evil Spirit Sect, the angry Soul Scorching Squad was staging a show of force.

“There is no need to worry. Activate the Boundless Heavenly Water Gate immediately.”

As Du Yak-rang scoffed, Mi-ryeong bowed her head again.

“That is… it seems that the Boundless Heavenly Water Gate was destroyed this time.”

In an instant, Du Yak-rang’s complexion changed.

The only reason no one could enter Momentless Fleet without permission was because of that ancient defensive mechanism, the Boundless Heavenly Water Gate, but since it had been destroyed by Bu Eunseol, there was no longer any device to block the intrusion of external enemies.

There is a spy.

Veins bulged on Du Yak-rang’s forehead. The destruction of the Boundless Heavenly Water Gate was a matter kept in such strict secrecy that even she occasionally forgot about it, yet Evil Spirit Sect had figured it out instantly and arrived leading the Soul Scorching Squad? It was certain that there was a spy within Momentless Fleet communicating with Evil Spirit Sect.

That is not what is important right now.

Just as Du Yak-rang was racking her brain, Guk Hye-ryeong asked in a calm yet low voice.

“What is it that they demand?”

Mi-ryeong answered politely, “They say it does not matter if we do not support Evil Spirit Sect, so long as we continue to maintain neutrality as we have now. If we refuse, they say they will immediately march the Soul Scorching Squad into the Pavilion.”

If three hundred of Evil Spirit Sect’s elite troops were to storm in at once, the damage would be uncontrollable.

“They dare to threaten this Fleet?”

Guk Hye-ryeong was so dumbfounded that laughter burst out instead. Momentless Fleet was one of the ten pillars supporting the Demonic Path. In other words, threatening one of the Ten Demonic Sects was no different from declaring the entire Demonic Path as an enemy.

“Tell them to do as they please.”

“Fleet Master. This is not a matter to be taken lightly.”

At Guk Hye-ryeong’s cold command, Du Yak-rang spoke cautiously, “The moment this Fleet supported the successor of Wolf Fang Pavilion, this fell into the category of the succession battle for the Demonic Palace.”

Guk Hye-ryeong knitted her brows with a grave expression.

Du Yak-rang was right; the reason this situation occurred was not a power struggle between sects, but a fight occurring solely within the process of selecting the successor of the Ten Demonic Sects, meaning no force belonging to the Demonic Palace could intervene or help.

“Do not worry.”

At that moment, Bu Eunseol, who had been listening silently, stepped forward with an unconcerned expression.

“This matter is my problem, so I will handle it myself.”

“What? What do you mean by that?”

When Guk Hye-ryeong widened her eyes, Bu Eunseol politely gathered his hands.

“Then.”

And before anyone could say anything, he walked briskly out of the entrance.

“Brother Bu.”

Hyeok So-jin, who followed hurriedly, spoke in an urgent voice.

“Are you crazy? The Soul Scorching Squad started as a ‘Squad’ in the past and is still called that, but in reality, it is one of the Six Great Battalions of Evil Spirit Sect.”

“So.”

“So? Even setting aside the three hundred elites who have mastered the Soul Scorching Spear, the Captain Yo Bul-beom is…”

“Did you not say you wanted a journey into the Gangho?”

Bu Eunseol stopped walking for a moment.

Straightening his back, he stared into the darkness of the long tunnel where the Boundless Heavenly Water Gate had once been installed, his figure seeming to reveal the dignity of an Absolute Grandmaster, overwhelming all people.

“This is the Gangho journey.”

At that moment, Hyeok So-jin’s eyes grew wide.

—This is the Gangho journey.

This was exactly Bu Eunseol’s version of a journey: in a situation where one does not know when or where an enemy might appear, engaging in battles where blood and flesh fly, risking one’s life… From now on, the true journey into the Gangho would begin.

“Are you confident you can win?”

At Hyeok So-jin’s question, Bu Eunseol wore a faint smile.

—Winning or losing is not important.

That smile seemed to say exactly that.

Bu Eunseol pushed through the darkness again and exited the tunnel of Momentless Fleet.

“Crazy. He was crazy from the start…”

Watching his retreating back, Hyeok So-jin finally realized how Bu Eunseol could reach such a martial realm at such a young age, and why he could be so transcendent.

“And I’m crazy too!”

Muttering as if spitting out the words, Hyeok So-jin began to run toward the exit where Bu Eunseol had headed.