The air in the Small Training Ground, nestled before the Heaven-Quakering Hall, vibrated with the song of steel.
Ah Yeon, the orthodox successor of the Sword Pavilion, danced through the dust. In her hand, a precious sword glowed with an ethereal white light that seemed to permeate the blade itself.
Circling her was Wi Cheon-gyeong. He moved like a shadow, his footwork rapid and erratic as he hunted for a fractured second of vulnerability. As the duel stretched on, Ah Yeon’s sword forms accelerated, becoming a blur of white light, and Wi Cheon-gyeong’s movement techniques hastened in desperate response.
Indeed, that is it.
Bu Eunseol, observing from a distance, nodded faintly.
She intends to break through to the Transcendence Realm using the method of Single Turn of Balanced Perception.
Ah Yeon’s martial prowess had not yet solidified into the Supreme Heavenly Realm, yet the skill she displayed suggested one foot had already crossed that threshold. She was utilizing the Single Turn of Balanced Perception—a profound technique that analyzed every variable in existence. From the enemy’s height and muscle tension to the angle of the sun and the direction of the wind, she grasped the opponent’s methodology in its entirety.
Now I understand why she requested a duel with me.
Won Se-mun, having mastered various sword arts under Bu Eunseol’s tutelage, had become an outstanding swordsman. Jo Nam-cheon possessed the Dark Poison Demonic Art, rendering his body so tough that even precious swords failed to slice his skin.
Yet, Ah Yeon had subdued both men in an instant.
She had dismantled Won Se-mun’s art by seeing through the microscopic gaps between his powerful forms. Against the impenetrable Jo Nam-cheon, she utilized ever-changing sword flows to deny him any approach, securing a bloodless victory. Moreover, she had dissected their losses with such clarity, incorporating deep martial principles, that she had imparted significant enlightenment to both men in the process.
She is asking me to teach her a move as well.
Her generous attitude toward his subordinates was clearly calculated.
She even cast aside her pride as the Sword Pavilion’s successor.
It was the desperate struggle of a martial artist willing to abandon ego to climb the summit.
Martial Soul.
Since meeting Bu Eunseol, a burning martial spirit had ignited within her heart.
Since she has mastered the Single Turn of Balanced Perception, she will likely gain much from a duel with me.
The technique allowed one to analyze the enemy from multiple angles, effectively predicting the future. With that method, she hoped to gauge the depth of Bu Eunseol’s prowess and deconstruct the true arts he employed.
Clang! Schwing!
The duel between Ah Yeon and Wi Cheon-gyeong reached its crescendo.
Wi Cheon-gyeong was a formidable opponent. He had not only mastered flying dagger arts, footwork, and chaotic sword techniques but also possessed keen insight and prudence. While Ah Yeon had identified the weaknesses of Won Se-mun and Jo Nam-cheon in seconds, her duel with Wi Cheon-gyeong had already surpassed forty exchanges.
I see.
Ah Yeon’s eyes sparkled. She had found the flaw.
Whoosh!
As she closed the distance, Wi Cheon-gyeong launched a flying dagger. It was a reflex honed by years of survival. However, Ah Yeon did not dodge. She struck the tip of the flying dagger mid-air, pinning it down with terrifying precision, and thrust her blade forward.
Click.
The tip of the white sword stopped inches from his throat. Wi Cheon-gyeong raised both hands, his face pale.
“I lost.”
When Wi Cheon-gyeong bowed his head, Ah Yeon sheathed her blade and clasped her hands together.
“I learned a lot.”
“But I cannot understand,” Wi Cheon-gyeong asked cautiously. “How were you able to block the flying dagger and stab my neck in a single move? At least two movements should have been necessary.”
“You throw your daggers without a single inch of error, Young Hero.”
Ah Yeon spoke calmly, her voice carrying the weight of a lesson.
“So this time, I preemptively occupied the trajectory where the dagger would be fired and unfolded a swift sword form. Because I knew your dagger would aim for my neck without the slightest deviation.”
She had turned his perfection against him. Because he never missed, his path was predictable.
“To think precision could become a weakness.”
Seeing Wi Cheon-gyeong’s dejected expression, Ah Yeon added softly, “Techniques that are too precise allow the enemy to read the sword path. From now on, you should practice mixing in feints and variations. Imperfection can be a weapon.”
Gaining great enlightenment, Wi Cheon-gyeong bowed deeply. “Thank you. It was a great lesson.”
“Don’t mention it.”
With Wi Cheon-gyeong defeated, Bu Eunseol’s gaze settled on Myo Cheon-woo.
It was his turn.
Thud, thud.
Myo Cheon-woo, who had been watching from the sidelines, walked slowly up to the training platform. He looked at Ah Yeon, then at his own hands, and sighed.
“I admit defeat.”
“Without even fighting?” Ah Yeon blinked her large eyes in confusion.
Myo Cheon-woo grinned. “The palm techniques I’ve created recently consist of killing moves that don’t suit a spar.”
Having survived various battles under Bu Eunseol, Myo Cheon-woo’s martial arts had evolved rapidly. His palm arts had deviated from the standard techniques of the Annihilating Seals Palace to form a unique, lethal school. To use bare hands against a weapon, he would have to draw upon intense internal energy. Against a master like Ah Yeon, it wouldn’t be a spar—it would be a death match.
Seeing how she had generously guided the other Squad Captains, Myo Cheon-woo had no desire to risk injuring her to satisfy his pride.
“Then how about facing me with only moves, without using internal energy?” Ah Yeon proposed, sensing his hesitation.
Myo Cheon-woo smiled bitterly. “If I use palm arts without internal energy, the essence is lost. I fear I would suffer a regrettable and ugly defeat against Lady Ah Yeon.”
Though he spoke humbly, his aura was not inferior to hers. He was simply preserving her condition for the main event: her duel with Bu Eunseol.
“I see.” Realizing his thoughtfulness, Ah Yeon bowed. “Understood. Thank you.”
“Now, only one person remains.”
Myo Cheon-woo turned his head. Yoo Woon-ryong stood there, practically dragged to the platform by his squad members, still dressed in his scholar’s robes.
“Fine. Let’s do this.”
Originally, Yoo Woon-ryong intended to forfeit like Myo Cheon-woo. But watching Ah Yeon’s duels had changed his mind. Not only was her martial art exceptional, but she was the perfect grindstone to test the weapon he had recently created.
“Scholarship Squad Captain, Yoo Woon-ryong. I will learn a move from Lady Ah Yeon.”
Snap!
Simultaneously, the Ten-Sectioned Staff poured out from Yoo Woon-ryong’s sleeve like a metallic snake.
It was a complex weapon of ten joints that flowed like a whip but solidified into a rigid staff when infused with internal energy. Finally, he intended to display its essence.
***
The Next Day, Yoo Woon-ryong’s Office.
The Squad Captains were gathered again. But this time, even Yoo Woon-ryong had abandoned his paperwork; instead, heads were huddled together in conspiracy.
“Indeed, a partner with outstanding martial arts suits him.”
Yoo Woon-ryong spoke with unusual passion.
The subject was the successor of the Sword Pavilion and the future Sword Empress, Ah Yeon. Her martial arts were superb, and her talent rivaled even Bu Eunseol’s.
“She will surely surpass the title of the Best Female Warrior and become a master encompassing the world.”
At Yoo Woon-ryong’s forceful endorsement, the Squad Captains, including Myo Cheon-woo, groaned in agreement.
“That does make sense. It’s true that both of them are slightly crazy about martial arts.”
“Come to think of it, her appearance is no less than Young Lady Yeon’s.”
If Yeon So-ha was the brilliant sun brightening the morning, Ah Yeon was the moonlight floating in the night sky. Although not officially counted among the Three Beauties under the Heavens, her elegance was undeniable.
“It won’t work,” Wi Cheon-gyeong interjected, playing the pragmatist. “Have you forgotten that the Sword Pavilion is a Taoist sect? How can the successor of the Sword Pavilion get married?”
“Ah, right.” Won Se-mun slapped his forehead.
Yoo Woon-ryong shook his head, dismissing the concern. “Even if she is a Taoist nun, she just has to leave the sect. Aren’t there precedents of Sword Pavilion disciples returning to the secular world to marry?”
“But isn’t she the successor? Besides, she didn’t come here as a bride candidate for His Lordship.”
“Look closely at your Lord,” Myo Cheon-woo countered confidently. “Martial arts, character, status. Is there anything lacking? Of course, his cold personality is a flaw, but…”
He leaned in.
“If he pushes forward with that face and physique, Lady Ah Yeon will eventually pretend to lose and accept his heart. Since her personality is calm too, she’ll make a good match, just as Yoo Woon-ryong said.”
The idea of the emotionally distant Bu Eunseol “pushing forward” with a woman was impossible. However, the Squad Captains nodded sagely, conveniently ignoring reality.
Clap, clap, clap.
Applause erupted.
Bu Eunseol’s spouse had finally been decided—by committee.
***
Bu Eunseol sat in his office, massaging his aching temples.
“This is troublesome.”
The mess created by Grand Commander Yeop Hyo-cheon was spiraling out of control.
A pile of portrait albums and red envelopes sat on his table, a mountain of matrimonial offers. As the rumor that the Decree Master was seeking a bride spread throughout the Murim, every influential family and sect had sent their daughters’ likenesses.
The only saving grace was that Bu Eunseol’s appearance was not widely known compared to his martial fame. If his peerless beauty—lovely as moonlight scattered on a dark river—had been public knowledge, the Demonic Palace’s operations would have been paralyzed by a stampede of Demonic noble families.
“First, let’s deal with what’s in front of me.”
Today was the rescheduled duel with Ah Yeon.
Originally, she intended to fight him immediately after defeating Yoo Woon-ryong. However, the scholar had held out surprisingly well, draining her energy. Since she also had to transcribe materials on the Five Poisons Sect stored in the Stealth Demons Pavilion to send back to her sect, they had agreed to delay the spar by a day.
At that moment, a maid outside spoke, her voice trembling.
“Excuse me, My Lord.”
“What is it?”
“The Gathering Demons Manor Master requests your presence.”
“The Manor Master?”
Bu Eunseol frowned. He had sent Dan Wol-hon to Hangzhou for recuperation with Dan So-ok. When did he return?
“Understood. Tell him I will come shortly.”
Leaving his office, Bu Eunseol headed to the guest room.
There sat a massive middle-aged man radiating rage. His skin was bronzed, and his eyes held the weight of a crumbling mountain. It was Dan Wol-hon.
“Manor Master.”
As Bu Eunseol clasped his hands and bowed, Dan Wol-hon snorted.
“Hmph!”
The giant leaped up, approached Bu Eunseol, and spoke in a low, threatening rumble.
“Are you protesting against this Manor Master right now?”
“What do you mean?”
“Just because I said I wouldn’t allow it, you intend to cheat?”
Taking a deep breath, Dan Wol-hon let out a sound like a struck temple bell.
“Do you think this Manor Master will fall for such a petty trick!”
“Manor Master—”
“Impossible. Absolutely impossible.”
Trembling, Dan Wol-hon thrust his rock-like face inches from Bu Eunseol’s nose.
“I will never forgive you for making my So-ok cry.”
“Manor Master. I think there is a misunderstanding. I…”
“Silence!”
Dan Wol-hon seemed to ponder something deeply, his face twisting in internal conflict. Laboriously, he raised his hand. He extended three fingers—middle, ring, and index.
“Three years.”
Wearing an expression of extreme grievance, he thrust the fingers right in Bu Eunseol’s face and repeated himself.
“I mean, three years.” Then, with bloodshot eyes, he shouted, “If it’s about three years… that should be fine, right?”
“What are you talking about?”
“No, what is so urgent! Can you not wait a mere three years?”
Dan Wol-hon turned his head sharply away, unable to look at the ‘thief.’
“No more than that is possible! This Manor Master also needs time to prepare his heart!” After delivering this bizarre ultimatum, Dan Wol-hon roared, “Consider it done!”
He glared at Bu Eunseol for a long moment, made an expression of profound injustice, and stormed out of the room.
“…”
Bu Eunseol watched the retreating back with an unfocused gaze.
Only then did the realization dawn: the rumor about seeking a bride had reached Dan Wol-hon’s ears, and he assumed Bu Eunseol was rushing into a marriage to bypass him.
Grand Commander!
If Bu Eunseol were officially the Palace Master of the Demonic Palace right now, he would have fired Yeop Hyo-cheon immediately.
What on earth is your scheme?
Bu Eunseol had much to do. Although he had gained the support of the Heaven Severing, Earth-Destroying, the Momentless Fleet, and recently the Infernal Blood Fortress, he still hadn’t harmonized with the rest of the Ten Demonic Sects.
To recklessly spread rumors about a wedding in this delicate political climate was madness.
“Hmm.”
A murky heaviness filled his chest. Bu Eunseol stepped outside and walked toward the Crimson Flower Pavilion, hoping to clear his mind. He arrived at the pavilion and stared blankly at the flowers swaying in the breeze.
“My Lord.”
A maid ran up to him, breathless.
“High Attendant Jin has visited the Pavilion and requests to see Your Lordship.”
“She did?”
Bu Eunseol couldn’t understand. Jin Seol. Why was she looking for him again?
When he returned to the guest room, a beauty in apricot-colored clothes was sitting modestly on the chair where Dan Wol-hon had just raged.
It was Jin Seol.
“High Attendant Jin.”
As Bu Eunseol approached and clasped his hands, she bowed lightly.
“My Lord.”
“What brings you here so suddenly?”
“I heard the Grand Commander gave my Four Pillars Note to you, My Lord.”
“Ah, that was the Grand Commander acting without asking my opinion…”
“It’s fine. I also have no intention of engaging with anyone yet.” Jin Seol looked at Bu Eunseol, her expression frosty. “However, bringing women into the Stealth Demons Pavilion before such rumors have even subsided… isn’t that judgment too hasty?”
Looking at her cold eyes, Bu Eunseol grasped the situation.
Jin Seol believed he was intentionally creating scandals with various women to publicly reject the Grand Commander’s proposal regarding her. From the perspective of Jin Seol, who was already rumored to be involved with him, this felt like a significant insult.
“There were circumstances. It was never an action intended to insult High Attendant Jin.”
“Circumstances?”
Bu Eunseol hesitated. Where could he even begin?
“First, Lady Ah Yeon of the Sword Pavilion is recovering her stamina to duel with me.”
“And the Young Palace Mistress of the Divine Maiden Palace?”
“She is…”
Just as Bu Eunseol took a deep breath to explain, a voice cut through the tension.
“Excuse me.”
A beauty dressed in clothes as white as snow entered the guest room.
It was Yeon So-ha.
“I apologize. I didn’t intend to interrupt… but I happened to hear my story being discussed as I passed by.”
The guest room of the Stealth Demons Pavilion was not a place one passed by accident. It was clear Yeon So-ha had heard that Jin Seol had come to see Bu Eunseol and had intervened deliberately.
“You must be High Attendant Jin.”
A woman’s intuition is a terrifying thing.
Yeon So-ha instantly realized that the woman before her was the very person rumored to be in marriage talks with Bu Eunseol.
“It’s our first meeting. I’m Yeon So-ha, the Young Palace Mistress of the Divine Maiden Palace. After removing the veil covering her face, she bowed politely. “I’ve heard that the Demonic Palace possesses a single beautiful flower and a sparkling jewel,” she said, looking at Jin Seol with a gentle yet confident gaze. “Seeing High Attendant Jin in person, I realize those rumors were not spread in vain.”
In the Murim, Jin Seol, known as the Flower in the Demon, and Dan So-ok, called the Silver Scale Jade Leaf, were grouped together as the Flower and Jade Twin Phoenixes.
“For Young Palace Mistress Yeon, counted among the Three Beauties under the Heavens, to say such things… it is overwhelming praise.”
Jin Seol spoke words of humility, but the temperature in the room plummeted. She realized that Yeon So-ha removing her veil was not a greeting, but a calculated move to dominate her spirit.