Halfway up a deep slope of Mount Geommi.

A man emerged from a pitch-black cave, clad in drab, somber robes.

“Eccentric.”

There was no other way to describe his appearance. His hair was a wild, tangled mess, and his clothes were so caked with grime and sweat—accumulated over God knows how long—that they had turned a murky, indistinct color.

“Hmm.”

As the man looked up at the distant sky, his eyes flashed with a brilliance like a bolt of lightning. Though morning had arrived, there was no trace of exhaustion on his face; rather, the healthy flush of his complexion suggested he had spent the entire night in deep meditation.

Step, step.

The eccentric stepped away from the cave and came to a halt in a forest clearing just outside.

“Hoo.”

With a short, sharp breath, the longsword that had been tucked into his waist was suddenly gripped in his hand.

Shing!

Abruptly, he thrust the blade forward. A light reminiscent of a dying sunset poured out, and dizzying shadows of the blade fanned out like the ribs of a folding fan.

Ssssh.

In that instant, the trees standing in all directions collapsed in unison. The angles and positions of the cuts were all different, executed with a precision that bordered on the divine. It was a swordsmanship of transcendental skill.

“Mmm.”

Despite performing such a miraculous feat, the man’s expression remained sour.

“At it again, I see.”

Crack. Clatter.

Cracks began to spiderweb across the blade he held, and within moments, it shattered into hundreds of shards, raining down onto the forest floor. Muttering a low complaint, the man headed toward a small waterfall nearby.

Roar.

The spray kicked up by the falling water brushed against his cheeks. Staring at his reflection shimmering in the pool below, the man began to wash his face.

Splash!

Once finished, he began to gather his disheveled hair and tie it up neatly. Slowly, a pale, porcelain face was revealed. Long, cold eyes that seemed frozen in time, a high, straight nose, and firmly set lips…

The face of a beautiful young man emerged, radiating an aura that was both chillingly aloof and profoundly mysterious.

It was Bu Eunseol.

“One year.”

Nearly a year had passed since he first took up residence in the cave. While his quarters within Wolf Fang Pavilion were suitable for rest, they were too bustling for the dedicated refinement of his swordsmanship. While wandering Mount Geommi, he had found this cave—a place close to a waterfall where he could watch the sun rise and set every day.

He had spent the last year here, honing his craft.

“I wonder if it’s because I added the Heavy Sword technique and rotational force.”

Bu Eunseol clicked his tongue softly.

Based on Dan Cheong’s swordsmanship, he had integrated everything he had learned: the Practical Combat Arts of the Four Friends, the Flower Rain Sword Art, and the Peerless Thunderbolt Form. To these, he added the insights and refined techniques he had gathered from the Central Plains to forge a new martial art.

The Supreme Heavenly Flow.

Bu Eunseol had named it thus. He had created a new combat system that encompassed every sword style scattered under heaven while simultaneously pioneering a technique that had never existed before.

The problem, however, was that every single form of the Supreme Heavenly Flow contained such immense, crushing force that an ordinary blade simply could not withstand it.

Snap.

The sound of a breaking branch signaled a presence. Bu Eunseol turned his head to find a middle-aged man dressed in white standing tall behind him.

It was Baek Yeon, the Captain of the Wind and Cloud Squad.

“Your physique has improved.”

After a year of rigorous cultivation, Bu Eunseol looked slightly leaner than before. Yet, in Baek Yeon’s eyes, the young man’s very body appeared as if it had been forged and sharpened into a razor-edged blade.

“Captain.”

As Bu Eunseol pressed his hands together in a respectful greeting, Baek Yeon nodded.

“You have been working hard.”

Baek Yeon’s eyes drifted to the shattered trees surrounding the clearing, and his pupils gradually dilated in shock.

This is…

Every sword style typically possesses distinct characteristics; the moment a technique is unleashed, it leaves behind the individuality and unique traces of the practitioner. However, there were no such traces on the trees Bu Eunseol had destroyed. The cuts were simple and crude, looking as though a common woodsman had merely split them apart. Because he had blended every technique under the sun, the result was a style that defied any specific classification.

“You have made significant progress.”

As Baek Yeon voiced his admiration, Bu Eunseol shook his head.

“It is not yet at a level I find satisfactory.”

“I wonder what kind of swordsmanship would ever be enough for you,” Baek Yeon said with a small, knowing smirk. “Let us head to the Clear Wind Study. The Deputy Pavilion Master is looking for you.”

Sensing a deeper story behind Baek Yeon’s gaze, Bu Eunseol asked, “Has something happened?”

Baek Yeon paused for a moment, then nodded. “Word has arrived from the Demonic Palace.”

“For me?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes.” Baek Yeon took a deep breath before continuing. “A decision has been made regarding the treatment of the Ten Demonic Successors.”

***

Three teacups, steam swirling above them, were placed on the table. Seated in the guest hall of the Clear Wind Study, Bu Eunseol listened intently to Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon.

“…To put it briefly, the Palace has judged that the Ten Demonic Successors are not yet at a level to face the Masters of the Great Righteousness. Consequently, they have decided to grant you more time to refine your martial arts.”

“I see.”

“The deadline is one year. It is a duration that is neither too long nor too short.”

At Baek Yeon’s words, Dan Cheong furrowed his brow in blatant dissatisfaction.

“They tell them to refine their skills, yet they only give them a year? A mere year?” he muttered, his voice laced with irritation. “The Palace Master should either end his secluded meditation soon or appoint a successor before crawling back into his hole. Since the seat remains vacant, the influence of the Ten Demonic Sects and the Council of Elders is only growing stronger, is it not?”

Bu Eunseol looked puzzled. “Does the Palace truly allow itself to be led around by the Ten Demonic Sects and the Council of Elders?”

“The current Palace Master has yet to officially designate a successor. Naturally, the Ten Demonic Sects and the Council of Elders are doing everything in their power to steer the situation in a direction that favors them.”

“I don’t quite understand.”

“Hmph. It seems you need an explanation of the power structure within the Palace to grasp the situation,” Dan Cheong said, gesturing toward Baek Yeon. It was a clear sign that he didn’t feel like doing the talking himself.

“Ahem.”

Unable to withstand Dan Cheong’s pointed gaze, Baek Yeon reluctantly began.

“Have you heard that the power of the Demonic Palace is divided into three factions? The Palace Master’s faction, the Council of Elders, and the Ten Demonic Sects. The Council of Elders, in particular, consists of masters from the previous generation, and their voice carries immense weight.”

Bu Eunseol nodded, recalling what Dan Cheong had told him in the past. “I am aware.”

“Since the power is split three ways, all three factions are naturally pushing for a successor who suits their own interests,” Baek Yeon explained, his brow furrowing deeper. “Those under the Palace Master want a rising star of the Demonic Path who isn’t tainted by the influence of the Ten Demonic Sects or the Council. The Ten Demonic Sects, of course, want the successor to come from within their own ranks.”

Finally, the full picture became clear to Bu Eunseol. With no successor chosen, the three factions were desperately exerting their influence to gain an advantage.

“What about the Council of Elders?”

“The Council of Elders only cares about someone who will firmly protect their own authority. They don’t care if it’s an insider from the Ten Demonic Sects or an outsider. Because of that, they remain fundamentally neutral.”

Dan Cheong took a sip of tea and chimed in. “I know the Ten Demonic Successors project was the Palace Master’s own initiative, but it was only possible because the Council of Elders gave their consent. From their perspective, the project was a ‘no-loss’ scenario.”

Baek Yeon continued with a bitter expression. “And this one-year limit… that was a condition pushed by the Ten Demonic Sects. It’s because the Successors—you included—are simply too talented.”

One mountain cannot hold two tigers.

The Ten Demonic Successors were gifted enough to potentially displace the established heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects. Therefore, those entrenched successors wanted nothing more than for the newcomers to clash with the Masters of the Great Righteousness as soon as possible and destroy themselves in the process.

“I see.”

Unlike the worried Dan Cheong and Baek Yeon, Bu Eunseol’s eyes grew brighter.

“So, I have been granted another year of free time.”

A year, three hundred and sixty-five days, was a span of time that could forge a new destiny depending on how it was used.

“Indeed. The reason we called you here today was to discuss how you intend to spend this year.”

“Then I shall travel the Central Plains,” Bu Eunseol replied instantly.

Baek Yeon’s face clouded with concern. “Traveling the Central Plains again?”

“Yes.”

“Was a year in the Nine Assassination Squad not enough for you?”

“The missions in the Nine Assassination Squad were executed under circumstances where virtually all information and tactics were pre-arranged.”

“What?”

“It was a time where I could learn everything about the world of martial arts, but from another perspective, it wasn’t a raw experience.”

Baek Yeon sighed and shook his head. The missions of the Nine Assassination Squad were life-or-death operations; thorough intelligence was a basic necessity. Yet, Bu Eunseol viewed that very preparation as a lack of challenge.

I truly have no idea what goes on in this boy’s head.

Baek Yeon glanced at Dan Cheong before speaking slowly. “Reaching the heights of supreme mastery is not something that can be achieved in a short time. Simply honing combat arts isn’t the only way.”

It seemed Baek Yeon had already reached a conclusion.

“I want you to spend this year visiting the Ten Demonic Sects and building ties with their successors.”

“Build ties with the heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects?”

“Precisely. During that time, I will make it firmly known to the Palace once again that you are not merely a ‘Successor,’ but a true disciple of Wolf Fang Pavilion.”

When Bu Eunseol looked confused, Baek Yeon elaborated. “If you build relationships with their heirs while we establish your position as the legitimate successor of this Pavilion… you might be able to break free from the shackles of being a Demonic Successor entirely.”

Dan Cheong, who had been listening quietly, frowned. “So, what you’re saying is… you want this boy to spend a year playing nice with the heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects? To secure his position here and get him out of the fight against the Masters of the Great Righteousness?”

“Yes,” Baek Yeon said, his expression grave. “With the exception of one disciple from the Zenchang Sect who joined late… the martial achievements of the Masters of the Great Righteousness have consistently reached the Transcendence Realm. They are already recognized as the grandmasters of the next generation.”

“I understand your point, but doesn’t that disregard the martial philosophy of this Pavilion, as well as the boy’s own path?” Dan Cheong said with a dry chuckle. “This Pavilion is a place where one learns through real combat and seeks the Way of the Sword through the extremes of battle. And yet, you suggest he avoid the fight by making friends?”

But Baek Yeon’s gaze remained resolute. “This child’s potential and talent are extraordinary. However, the time he has spent training is far too short.” He turned his eyes back to Bu Eunseol. “There is no need for him to risk his life in battle before that peerless talent has even had the chance to bloom. The Ten Demonic Sects know this, which is exactly why they gave the Successors such a short window of a year.”

Dan Cheong looked dissatisfied. It was a plan unthinkable for a disciple of Wolf Fang Pavilion.

But… he must have racked his brain to find a way to protect the boy.

Knowing Baek Yeon’s heart and the worry he had carried, Dan Cheong couldn’t simply reject the plan out of hand.

“Mmm.” Dan Cheong sighed and turned to Bu Eunseol. “Well? What do you think?”

Bu Eunseol remained silent for a moment. Had his goal been merely to climb to a high position, he would have followed Baek Yeon’s advice without hesitation. But he did not crave status.

“I…”

Bu Eunseol’s lips finally parted.

“I still wish to travel the Central Plains and test myself further.”

“So you intend to be danced around by the schemes of the Ten Demonic Sects after all?” Baek Yeon asked, his voice full of regret. “To become a great warrior, one must know when to bow low. When there is a chance to evade a blade, there is no need to stubbornly try to strike it down with your bare hands.”

But Bu Eunseol’s expression did not waver. His unwavering gaze was answer enough.

“Listen, Baek Yeon…” Dan Cheong said with a sigh as he watched the scene. “Does this boy look like the type to crouch down when a blade comes flying?”

“That is exactly why I must persuade him. One who does not know how to bend low can never truly become a great master.”

“But they exist, don’t they?”

“Who?”

“Our Pavilion Master, and the Palace Master. Not once have they bowed to another; they have always walked their own path alone.”

Walking a solitary path. It meant acting on one’s convictions without yielding to others. The current Master of Nangya and the Master of the Palace were both titans who looked down upon the martial world, relying on no one and caring for no one’s opinion.

There was only one reason they could do so. They were far stronger than any other force.

Does the Deputy Pavilion Master truly believe this boy can reach such a height?

Baek Yeon bit his lip as he looked into Dan Cheong’s eyes.

No. They were born as supreme powers from the start. This child is different.

While Bu Eunseol possessed staggering talent, he was still, in the end, just a gifted martial prodigy. The Palace Master and the Pavilion Master, however, were born as transcendents. Baek Yeon could not fathom that Bu Eunseol, no matter how brilliant, could ever reach the same realm as those terrifying monsters.

“This boy is the greatest genius of Wolf Fang Pavilion. Is there any need for him to walk such a difficult road?”

Dan Cheong smiled broadly at Baek Yeon’s words. “It is precisely because he is so exceptional that he seeks the difficult path.”

He then turned to Bu Eunseol. “Bu Eunseol. The Ten Demonic Sects are finding the Successors to be much more of a burden than they anticipated. They don’t want another competitor added to the already chaotic power struggle among their heirs.”

Dan Cheong’s smile softened. “But no matter what anyone says, you are a disciple of this Pavilion. Baek Yeon wanted you to know that… do you understand what we are saying?”

“I understand perfectly.”

Bu Eunseol also allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. Although the Ten Demonic Successors were created out of a need for weapons to counter the Masters of the Great Righteousness… Wolf Fang Pavilion had accepted him as a true disciple. And Baek Yeon had gone to great lengths to find a way to save him from danger.

I am… receiving far more love from this Pavilion than I deserve.

Dan Cheong asked, “Then I will ask you once more. What will you do for this one year?”

“I will travel the Central Plains.”

At Bu Eunseol’s unhesitating answer, Dan Cheong nodded.

“Very well. Then go toward the East Drifter, West Wanderer.”