“True Knot of Unenlightenment…”

Unenlightenment (Mumyeong) was the Divine Demonic Emperor’s name.

Did the Divine Demonic Emperor name this martial arts manual after himself?

Bu Eunseol shook his head.

Looking at the content of the scripture, he could guess that the True Knot of Unenlightenment was derived from the Buddhist concept of the ‘Knot of Unenlightenment’.

The Knot of Unenlightenment. It refers to the worldly desires and delusions that arise from not properly knowing the truth and phenomena. Everything in reality is not eternal or unchanging, but merely phenomena perceived by sensory organs like eyes and ears. And if one mastered the True Knot of Unenlightenment perfectly, they would be able to look straight into that truth and phenomenon.

But it was strange.

Why would the Divine Demonic Emperor, the peerless Grandmaster who looks down upon the Demonic World, choose a word used in Buddhism to create a martial arts secret?

“It is incomprehensible.”

Bu Eunseol stroked his chin and shook his head.

“At a realm like the Divine Demonic Emperor’s, does the distinction between Orthodox and Demonic disappear?”

Indeed, what did a name matter?

The important thing was that if he mastered the secret of this True Knot of Unenlightenment, he could not only change the form of his true energy as he wished but also… He could master an astonishing secret that allowed him to sense and grasp various phenomena through materialized true energy.

Expanding senses through materialized true energy.

That was a wondrous skill that only martial artists who had reached the Supreme Heavenly Realm could perform.

To think one can unravel a realm reached naturally through martial arts?

Reading the scripture, Bu Eunseol shook his head in disbelief.

If such a thing were possible, martial arts like ‘Transcendence Realm Martial Arts’ or ‘Supreme Heavenly Realm Martial Arts’… martial arts corresponding to martial realms would have existed separately.

It is impossible according to martial principles.

Bu Eunseol groaned.

He realized that he did not yet have the ability to perfectly understand or savor the essence of the manual authored by the Divine Demonic Emperor.

No choice. I just have to learn it first.

Bu Eunseol abandoned his distracting thoughts and began to memorize the scripture.

Finally, on the last, tenth day.

Bu Eunseol reached a level where he could unfold the secrets of the True Knot of Unenlightenment to some extent.

Was this also a coincidence?

Initially, it was stated that an arduous training period of at least three hundred days was necessary to unveil this True Knot of Unenlightenment. However, the True Knot of Unenlightenment possessed a unique energy circulation method that perfectly aligned with the Polarity Reversal Cultivation Art. Consequently, Bu Eunseol managed to partially unveil the True Knot of Unenlightenment within this relatively short timeframe.

“Shall I test it once?”

As Bu Eunseol raised his internal energy, a golden light, not the blood-red light of the Polarity Reversal, flashed in his eyes.

Sizzle.

When Bu Eunseol extended his finger, dozens of waving thread-like forms were visible.

He had materialized the powerful true energy flowing within his meridians.

Swish.

As he moved his fingertips, the form of a wooden box was created with a flashing light. When he doubled his true energy again and waved his hand, this time the wooden box transformed into the shape of an intricate key.

Clack.

As he placed the key made of true energy on the table, in an instant, Bu Eunseol could grasp the texture and temperature of the table, and even the shape of the invisible legs underneath.

“The sensation is fully transmitted… but the form is only at this level for now.”

Although he had only unfolded it for a moment, sweat beaded on Bu Eunseol’s forehead, and he felt dizzy as if the qi and blood of his entire body were twisted.

“But if I become more accustomed, I might be able to create even more intricate forms.”

If martial artists had seen this sight, they would have been horrified.

If internal energy exceeds two cycles, one can materialize true energy, albeit faintly, and at three cycles, one can maintain that form distinctly to some extent.

However, that materialization usually means manifesting the explosive momentum rising from the body as a wave of energy when raising true energy to full power… or injecting it into a weapon to create a form like Sword Aura.

Nowhere in the entire martial world could one find a method to create intricate and varied forms at will. Yet Bu Eunseol, having created a complex form like a key, was not satisfied.

“Once unfolded, one must wait until qi and blood stabilize… it says.”

A light of conflict appeared in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.

To use the True Knot of Unenlightenment repeatedly, one must master the Secret Art of Severing Emotions, which eliminates emotions and even the mind to make the spirit firm. If not, one can only unfold it for an extremely short time like now.

“If I can use the True Knot of Unenlightenment, I could say I have stepped into the Supreme Heavenly Realm at once.”

If it had been before meeting Guk Hye-bin, he would have mastered the Secret Art of Severing Emotions without hesitation.

But Bu Jan-yang had led the hand of the emotionless young Bu Eunseol, appreciating nature and teaching him the beauty of the world. And he taught him how to observe people and live together with them. So that a seed called ‘affection’ could be planted in Bu Eunseol’s heart, which was like a desolate desert…

How could he return to his past self now?

“I will try in my own way. So that I can use the True Knot of Unenlightenment freely without the Secret Art of Severing Emotions.”

The biggest gain obtained here. That was the martial arts secret that could assure entry into the Supreme Heavenly Realm.

“If I can reach such a realm… I can finally be seen as having reached a mature Supreme Heavenly Realm…”

In that instant, Bu Eunseol’s eyes flashed.

He realized that he had been subconsciously obsessed with the realm called the Supreme Heavenly Realm all along.

“I must reach a realm no one has walked. A realm no one has achieved.”

Realizing the fact he had forgotten, his eyes were dyed with a mysterious radiance.

In the past, the Divine Demonic Emperor had said:

—If you intend to reign over all people, you must not step on stairs made by others.

“I’ll forge a new path, uncharted by anyone before me. And this True Knot of Unenlightenment… will be my guide in carving out that new path.” Bu Eunseol murmured low, letting out a deep sigh before speaking. “However, the name True Knot of Unenlightenment is too bleak…”

His eyes sparkled after pondering for a moment.

“I will call it the True Knot of Will Manifestation.”

Will Manifestation.

It means one can do whatever one sets their mind to, like the ability of Buddha.

And through the True Knot of Will Manifestation, Bu Eunseol would sweep away the stairs made by others… and leap onto a new path no one had ever taken.

***

Inside the Divine Demon Pavilion.

Looking down at Bu Eunseol, who was bowing his head with gathered hands below the altar, the Divine Demonic Emperor nodded.

“Well done.”

And sitting in the Grand Preceptor’s Chair, he continued in a low voice.

“There is nothing better than filling what is lacking. Let alone if it becomes a stepping stone to rise higher.”

Surprisingly, just by looking at Bu Eunseol returning from the Pavilion of Truth-Preserving of the Ten Thousand Demons, the Divine Demonic Emperor seemed to grasp at a glance what martial art he had learned, and what the essence and enlightenment of it were. Of course, that would be possible because it was the Divine Demonic Emperor, who had reached the edge of the distant martial realm called the Limitless Realm.

“At that level, you are qualified.”

Just as Bu Eunseol raised his head with a puzzled expression, the Divine Demonic Emperor rose and nodded.

“Give that child a mission as well.”

And he turned and disappeared just like that.

As the Divine Demonic Emperor vanished leaving a short remark, Bu Eunseol could not hide his puzzlement.

“I will explain the rest.”

Slide.

At that moment, with a low and soft voice, a figure appeared from the darkness cast on the left.

It was a tall middle-aged man dressed as a scholar. His body looked thin, but his eyes were very large and deep, looking wise at a glance. It was Baek Jeon-cheon, the Ten Thousand Knowledge Hall Master.

“Hall Master.”

Bu Eunseol gathered his hands in surprise. Not only was it surprising that he appeared alone in the Divine Demon Pavilion where the Divine Demonic Emperor resided, but Bu Eunseol had not been able to detect his presence until he emerged from the darkness.

The Hall Master’s martial arts were this outstanding as well.

Baek Jeon-cheon, who was not particularly evaluated as a great figure solely because he was a strategist, despite having a high position. But in reality, he was an expert with terrifying martial arts.

Well, it is natural.

Thinking about it, Baek Jeon-cheon was the one responsible for the operation of the Ten Demonic Successors along with Head Instructor Hyuk Ryeon-eung. If he were merely a strategist with a brilliant mind, he wouldn’t have been entrusted with such a heavy responsibility. Furthermore, appearing in this situation… it was clear that the Divine Demonic Emperor’s trust in him was also deep.

“It has been a long time. Young Hero Bu.”

Baek Jeon-cheon treated Bu Eunseol with a faint and gentle smile, as always.

“They say ‘If a scholar has been away for three days, one must scrape their eyes to look at him anew’… Young Hero Bu surprises me every time I see you.”

Despite being a high-ranking official of the Demonic Palace, Baek Jeon-cheon always practiced prudence and humility. Always lowering himself and elevating the other. Bu Eunseol keenly felt anew that the person named Baek Jeon-cheon was formidable.

“Have you been well all this time?”

When Bu Eunseol offered a greeting, Baek Jeon-cheon blinked his eyes with a slightly surprised expression.

“It seems Young Hero Bu has indeed drunk a lot of Gangho water.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was a little surprised.”

Baek Jeon-cheon, wearing a faint smile, opened his mouth.

“Because I didn’t think I would hear such a greeting so quickly.”

It turned out to be a light joke. Perhaps it was to relieve Bu Eunseol’s tension, as he was stiff.

“Anyway, there is no time, so I will explain quickly. Because Young Hero Bu must embark on another difficult journey.”

“What do I need to do?”

“To inherit the position of successor, not only the Divine Demonic Emperor’s sanction but also the agreement of the Ten Demonic Sects and the Council of Elders is required. In other words, you must obtain the consent of the forces supporting this Palace.”

Baek Jeon-cheon’s gaze as he continued was solemn, but on the other hand, a warmth lingered as if looking at a disciple.

“Therefore, to become the successor of this Palace, you must prove not only your martial arts but also a capability commensurate with it.”

It was a natural statement.

As Bu Eunseol listened with a serious expression, he continued, “While Young Hero Bu was out in the Gangho to solidify the successor status, the successor candidates selected by the Ten Demonic Sects and the Council of Elders received their respective missions and have been proving their capabilities.”

Was that so?

Unlike other successor candidates, Bu Eunseol had no support base at all. Because of that, he re-entered the Demonic Palace after passing through Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying and Momentless Fleet for four months. In the meantime, other successor candidates had been handling various missions.

“The status of successor of the Demonic Palace is not decided by martial arts alone. Since various forces are united under the Ten Demonic Sects, one must prove the ability to lead them.”

Pausing for a moment, Baek Jeon-cheon spoke with calm eyes.

“You can consider the mission given this time as a process of distinguishing jade from stone.”

“So the work I must do has been decided.”

“That is correct. However…” Baek Jeon-cheon suddenly sighed and shook his head. “Frankly speaking, a mission close to impossible has been assigned. The Ten Demonic Sects and even the Council of Elders joined forces to throw a nonsensical task at Young Hero Bu.”

Bu Eunseol nodded as if he had expected it.

Wolf Fang Pavilion has no particular interaction with other Ten Demonic Sects. Bu Eunseol was even on bad terms with the Fire Rain Sword School, White Demon Monastery, and Infernal Blood Fortress. Furthermore, since he had rejected the offer of Jeok Bung, the Head of the Council of Elders, flatly…

There was no one in the Ten Demonic Sects or the Council of Elders who viewed Bu Eunseol favorably. In this situation, there was no way a mission tailored to Bu Eunseol’s circumstances would be issued.

“It does not matter. Whatever the task.”

At Bu Eunseol’s confident attitude, Baek Jeon-cheon nodded with an inwardly pleased expression.

‘That attitude is exactly what befits a successor of the Demonic Palace.’

This young man’s appearance is slender and beautiful, but his will is like steel, unbending to any trial. Neither he nor Hyuk Ryeon-eung… had misjudged the person.

“Understood. Then I will convey the mission handed down to Young Hero Bu.”

Nodding, Baek Jeon-cheon unfolded a scroll from his bosom and read solemnly.

“Bu Eunseol, successor of Wolf Fang Pavilion, is appointed as the temporary Captain of the Rootless Squad. Lead them to drive the Streaked Demonic Sect out of Shaanxi, and deal with the Sect Leader of Streaked Demonic Sect, Jeon Il-hon, to widely make known the dignity of this Palace to the martial world.”

Clearing his throat with a disapproving expression, he spoke again.

“The deadline is three months. If you fail, do not return to this Palace, but return to Wolf Fang Pavilion and wait.”

“I will obey the order.”

As Bu Eunseol gathered his hands respectfully, Baek Jeon-cheon, putting the scroll back, spoke with a gloomy expression.

“To be frank, this is a nonsensical mission. To tell Young Hero Bu to handle the matter of the Streaked Demonic Sect, which even this Palace couldn’t resolve, with only the Rootless Squad members.”

Streaked Demonic Sect.

A faction settled in Yulin, near the northern edge of Shaanxi.

In fact, Shaanxi is home to the Mount Hua Sect and the Zhongnan Sect, but since the scale of the Streaked Demonic Sect was so small, neither sect paid much attention to it.

However, the Sect Leader of Streaked Demonic Sect, Jeon Il-hon, was a figure with expertise not only in martial arts but also in expanding influence and managing people. Using a newly created blade art as a pretext, he gathered many disciples, and among them, he selected those who had lived at the bottom and ordered them to gradually encroach on the surrounding commercial rights.

Not only that, but Jeon Il-hon personally took up his blade and merged small and large Demonic sects in the vicinity to grow his scale.

As he expanded his power in that way, his fame and prestige grew day by day. Before anyone knew it, it had become a sect commanding not only Yulin but also the Yan’an Prefecture area.

Mount Hua and Zhongnan, who hadn’t paid attention, regretted it belatedly, but it was already too late. It had become a large-scale gang association big enough that both sects had to be prepared for some losses to drive the Streaked Demonic Sect out.

—This Palace will handle it.

When the Streaked Demonic Sect absorbed Demonic forces at will and even took control of the commercial rights in the Yan’an area, the Demonic Palace tried to send a large force to deal with it several times.

—We cannot let a large force of the Demonic Path pass through!

But every time, the Mount Hua Sect and Zhongnan Sect tackled them. If the Demonic Palace stationed a large force in Shaanxi land under the pretext of dealing with the Streaked Demonic Sect? It would be like bringing a tiger into the house to chase out a wolf.

“Furthermore, the Rootless Squad is a temporary squad gathering the troublemakers of this Palace.”

Baek Jeon-cheon opened his mouth again with an unpleasant expression.

“That is why even the name is Rootless (having no foundation).”

“Is that so.”

Bu Eunseol had a nonchalant expression, but Baek Jeon-cheon’s expression grew increasingly furrowed.

“Frankly speaking, this mission is closer to coercing Young Hero Bu to give up the position of successor.”

“…”

“The number of disciples of the Streaked Demonic Sect identified by this Palace exceeds three thousand. Moreover, Jeon Il-hon was a formidable expert who belonged to the Ten Great Blade Demons even before becoming the Sect Leader.”

Ten Great Blade Demons.

It refers to the ten blade users with the most outstanding blade arts in the Demonic Martial World. They all possessed unique specialties, and their martial arts skills had reached the Transcendence Realm.

Among them, Jeon Il-hon used an ancient treasured blade called the Ghost Soul Blade to cut down countless enemies with mysterious blade arts. Because of that, when he was active in the Gangho in his youth, he had a terrifying nickname: Ghost Soul Demon Blade.

“Even if Young Hero Bu can kill that Jeon Il-hon…”

Baek Jeon-cheon could not continue his words.

Even for Bu Eunseol, it is impossible. To drive out a Demonic faction that even large sects like Mount Hua and Zhongnan could not easily touch, with only thirty members who could be called the headache of the Demonic Palace.

Baek Jeon-cheon, who could be called the most outstanding strategist and master of divine calculation in the Demonic Palace, was saying this.

“Shaanxi…”

However, Bu Eunseol, realizing something, suddenly wore a bright smile.

When Baek Jeon-cheon showed a puzzled expression, he revealed his white teeth and nodded.

“It is not a difficult task.”