Nun Neungin nodded her head.
“That's right. The General Verses of our Pavilion's supreme sword technique, the Sword of Severing Illusions Like Dreams, were always passed down orally, and its variations were taught through direct demonstration.”
From her deeply wrinkled eyes, a jet-black resentment flowed.
“But because of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, the lineage of our Pavilion's greatest sword art was severed, and its profundity was lost. In truth, the power of the Sword of Severing Illusions Like Dreams has been reduced to less than half of its original strength.”
Bu Eunseol's eyes widened.
Until now, during his secret Journey through the Martial World, he had only ever heard good things about the Seven-Finger Demon Blade.
But to hear that he had committed a brutal massacre in a sect that had protected the Righteous Faction for generations?
“But I do not understand.”
Bu Eunseol pointed out a flaw in Nun Neungin's words.
“If the Seven-Finger Demon Blade committed such an evil act, why did no rumors of it spread in the Martial World?”
“There are complicated matters within our Pavilion concerning that, which cannot be explained to an outsider.”
Nun Neungin shook her head.
“However, what I wish to say is that because of that wicked man, the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Lord Ok was ultimately unable to become the successor of our Pavilion… and fell ill of the heart.”
Bu Eunseol sighed.
Of all things, for the Seven-Finger Demon Blade to have massacred the elders of the Sword Pavilion… that grudge would not fade even after hundreds of years.
‘But this is strange.’
Looking at the past deeds of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, he had not only avoided bloodshed but had also shown considerable favor to members of the Righteous Faction.
He was by no means a person who would ruin the life of the Sword Pavilion’s successor or massacre its elders without reason.
“Well, what’s the use in talking about old stories? What’s past is past.”
As Nun Neungin waved her hand, Bu Eunseol forced himself to swallow his curiosity.
“I understand.”
He then looked around and said.
“Then please tell me the method of the Sword Pavilion’s energy circulation. I will try to infuse my True Energy to revive her spirit.”
“I don’t know if it will be possible.”
Nun Neungin shook her head with a serious expression.
“Our Pavilion's internal cultivation method is so abstruse that I am not sure if you will be able to understand it even if I explain.”
“If a Wudang Elder can do it, then so can I.”
“The divine arts of the Daoist school and the profound arts of the Buddhist sects share a common thread, so it was possible for him. But are you not a martial man of the Martial World?”
Nun Neungin said with a sigh.
“Besides, if Chonghyeon True Man expended so much of his True Energy, it's highly likely he couldn't fully grasp the flow of A-yeon's True Energy.”
“I will simply do my best.”
At that, Nun Neungin nodded as if she had made a decision.
“First, let us go to a quiet place.”
Following Nun Neungin’s guidance, Bu Eunseol entered a small pavilion located in the most secluded part of the Sword Pavilion.
Judging by the plaque that read Simmi Pavilion, this place seemed to be where the disciples of the Sword Pavilion were taught the Secret Internal Arts.
The interior was empty, and only the serene moonlight seeped in through the window.
Nun Neungin spoke in a low voice.
“It would be impossible to explain the way A-yeon’s True Energy circulates in a short time. This humble nun will teach you the general verses of our Pavilion’s foundational internal art, the Secret Heart Art of the Hidden Source.”
“You mean to impart your internal cultivation method to me?”
Bu Eunseol asked with a puzzled expression.
An internal cultivation method could be called the core of a sect.
Therefore, not even a single verse was ever imparted to an outsider.
“The life of our Pavilion’s successor is at stake.”
Nun Neungin spoke calmly.
“Besides, just because I impart the general verses, it doesn't mean you can learn the internal cultivation method completely.”
In that moment, another flash of insight went through Bu Eunseol’s mind.
But he quickly nodded with a calm expression.
“I understand.”
“There is no time, so I will tell you the verses immediately.”
Nun Neungin began to explain the general verses of the Secret Heart Art of the Hidden Source and its method of energy circulation to Bu Eunseol.
The Sword Pavilion's internal cultivation method was quite different from typical Righteous Faction internal arts, and its method was very complex.
‘Are all profound arts of the Buddhist Sects connected?’
The general verses explained by Nun Neungin were very similar to the life-nurturing secret of the Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic that his grandfather had taught him in the past.
This was because the Sword Pavilion’s internal cultivation method, like Shaolin's, originated from the desire to possess a healthy body to more deeply master the Buddhist laws.
The only difference was the attribute of the True Energy.
While the life-nurturing secret of the Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic generated a warm energy to create a healthy body.
The Sword Pavilion’s internal art created a cool energy that could instantly calm a troubled spirit.
‘This is one of the ways to create powerful True Energy.’
As Bu Eunseol was deep in thought, Nun Neungin said.
“Even though the Secret Heart Art of the Hidden Source is a foundational art, its principles are connected to our Pavilion’s supreme internal art, the Single Shadow Heart Art. The original name of the Single Shadow Heart Art is the Single Shadow Hidden Source Heart Art.”
“I see.”
“Then I will recite it for you one more time, so try to memorize it.”
Bu Eunseol memorized the verses Nun Neungin recited again.
As he did, he tried circulating his True Energy based on the life-nurturing secret of the original version of the Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic.
Woong.
At that, his spirit became infinitely calm, and all the sounds of the world were blocked out.
Simultaneously, a blue light lingered between Bu Eunseol’s brows.
“You….”
Nun Neungin, who was reciting the general verses, was greatly surprised to see a faint light gather between Bu Eunseol’s eyebrows and asked.
“What did you just do?”
“I was just testing the internal art the Elder Nun taught me by circulating my energy in a similar way.”
At Bu Eunseol’s reply, Nun Neungin’s eyes widened.
The general verses of an internal art only explained the foundation for generating True Energy.
To circulate internal energy, one had to learn the complex verses of the divine art precisely under a master’s guidance.
To circulate True Energy arbitrarily was like dousing oneself in oil and jumping into a fire.
If one were lucky, they would become a cripple; if serious, blood would flow from their seven orifices before they died.
But to have figured out the circulation method of the Single Shadow Hidden Source Heart Art, the supreme internal art of the Sword Pavilion, just by hearing the general verses?
‘That can’t be.’
But the faint light that had gathered between Bu Eunseol’s brows.
Wasn’t that the Original Spirit Light that appears when one has mastered a Buddhist secret art to its peak?
‘Figuring out an internal cultivation method from its general verses is one thing, but this shockwave of True Energy…’
The vibration and light flowing from Bu Eunseol’s body.
Wasn’t that the shockwave of True Energy that appeared in great righteous masters who possessed more than four Jiazi of internal energy?
‘Could it be.
This person is…’
A flash of insight went through her mind.
In that moment, a strange light appeared in her two eyes.
Only then did she realize how this young rogue could deliver such a cool retort to Ok Yu-ha without being intimidated.
And how he could possess an internal energy that surpassed all imagination.
‘So that’s how it was.’
In that instant, a sinister and malicious light flowed from Nun Neungin’s eyes.
It was not an expression that the elder of the Sword Pavilion, who had always shown a benevolent face, could make.
“Do not misunderstand.”
Seeing Nun Neungin’s gaze and discerning her inner thoughts, Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“I have learned a similar internal art before.”
“I see.”
Nun Neungin quickly changed her expression.
And she hastily changed the subject.
“A-yeon. Do you happen to know why that child went out into the Martial World again?”
“I do not know.”
“That child once went to the Demon Palace to get information about the Five Poison Sect. And after returning from there, she sometimes wore a worried expression.”
Nun Neungin sighed and said.
“Since that day, that child has been diligently practicing her sword techniques. And though she finally mastered our Pavilion’s supreme sword technique, the Sword of Severing Illusions Like Dreams, her expression still did not brighten.”
‘It seems dueling with the members of the Main Palace has actually chipped away at her confidence.’
A-yeon had dueled with the leaders, and against Yu Un-ryong in particular, she had only managed a narrow victory by half a move.
Therefore, Bu Eunseol thought she had become disheartened by that.
“And when the Black-and-White Witch appeared, she confidently went out into the Martial World, but in the end, the result was not good. It is also this humble nun’s fault for not stopping her, knowing her complicated state of mind.”
“How could that be the Old Nun’s fault?”
Bu Eunseol, unlike his usual self, offered a word of comfort.
It was because of the guilt he felt that A-yeon’s Heart Demon was related to him.
“By the way.”
Nun Neungin said something out of the blue.
“I heard there is a young master in the Demon Palace called the greatest late-stage prodigy of the Demonic Path. Do you know of him?”
“I have heard some stories.”
“I hear that not only is his martial arts unparalleled, but his appearance is also peerlessly handsome.”
“Well, aren’t the rumors of the Martial World always exaggerated?”
“Huhu. Is that so.”
Nun Neungin said with a laugh.
“This humble nun has spoken needlessly. Can you grasp the circulation of our Pavilion’s True Energy?”
“I think I can manage it to some extent.”
“A-yeon is the successor of our Pavilion. She must not come to any harm.”
Nun Neungin stared at Bu Eunseol and said in a benevolent voice.
“Please, I entrust that child to you.”
Bu Eunseol and Nun Neungin left the Simmi Pavilion and came before a large pavilion, quite far from the center of the Sword Pavilion.
Under a plaque that read Healing Hall, a thick medicinal scent wafted, and disciples who appeared to be from the Medicine King Hall were busily brewing medicine.
“Let us go in.”
As they entered the Healing Hall under Nun Neungin’s guidance, about a dozen disciples stood guarding the interior with stern expressions.
Since the life of the Sword Pavilion's successor was in critical condition, they were standing guard with great solemnity.
Their eyes were all filled with worry.
They seemed to be concerned for A-yeon’s well-being.
From that sight alone, Bu Eunseol could roughly guess how A-yeon usually treated the disciples of the Sword Pavilion.
Step, step.
Following the long corridor inward, they came to a small room.
The interior was simple but had an elegant feel.
And on a wooden bed, a quilt was laid, and a beautiful woman in white robes was sitting in the lotus position, circulating her energy.
It was A-yeon.
In the process of expelling the Cold Ice True Qi, her True Yang, which was directly linked to her life force, was greatly damaged, and she was in a dying state.
Moreover, unable to escape from her Heart Demon, her complexion was pale and she was clearly ill.
It was only thanks to the powerful True Energy infused by the masters of the Sword Pavilion and Chonghyeon True Man reviving the embers of her True Yang that she had recovered this much.
‘Her body has wasted away even more.’
Bu Eunseol inwardly clicked his tongue.
A-yeon was thinner and more emaciated than when she was in the coffin.
Despite that, her face was beautiful, as if covered by a layer of moonlight.
Click.
Just then, the door opened, and a middle-aged beauty with a cold expression entered.
It was Ok Yu-ha.
“Hall Master.”
Nun Neungin looked anxious.
If she had another fit after he had gone through the trouble of persuading Bu Eunseol, everything would be ruined.
“Don’t worry. I just came to say I’m counting on you.”
Then she turned to Bu Eunseol and said.
“This Hall Master has committed several blunders. Please pay them no mind and treat A-yeon properly.”
Her gaze was cold, but the arrogant light from before was gone.
Her tone and voice had also changed from that of a young girl to a solemn and dignified middle-aged woman.
It seemed that her past mistakes had instead brought back her clear mind.
“I understand.”
“Then, I leave her in your hands.”
Ok Yu-ha left quietly, as if not to get on Bu Eunseol’s nerves.
Then Nun Neungin said with a relieved expression.
“There are excellent disciples standing guard here. So, rest assured and focus on the treatment.”
And she too slowly left the room.
Once both of them had left, the room was filled with silence.
Bu Eunseol carefully sat down behind A-yeon, who was circulating her energy.
But she seemed completely unaware of his presence, her eyes tightly shut as she focused on circulating her energy.
‘The Soul-Summoning Heart Words haven’t been broken.’
Her eyes were constantly moving, and her brows were furrowed.
It seemed that because she was trapped in a Heart Demon, the Soul-Summoning Heart Words had not been broken, and she was continuously seeing illusions.
Bu Eunseol carefully sat behind her and assumed the lotus position.
Having never been alone in a room with a woman before, and with her sweet scent reaching his nose, his mind became disquieted.
Bu Eunseol carefully raised his internal energy and placed his right hand on her Dazhui point.
As a soft sensation was transmitted to his palm, Bu Eunseol’s mind became even more complicated.
‘If I can’t maintain a clear mind, both of us will fall into a Heart Demon.’
After taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol raised the Ice River Heavenly Flow Verse.
In an instant, his body grew cool, his distracting thoughts vanished, and his mind became as clear as a transparent lake.
The Extreme Yin Energy contained in the Ice River Heavenly Flow Verse had produced an effect similar to the Cold Heart Art.
Jiiing.
When he infused the Reverse Extreme Energy again, the True Energy within her body began to resist.
But Bu Eunseol, who knew the circulation method of the Single Shadow Heart Art, did not try to suppress that power.
He controlled the force gently, not forcing the infusion of True Energy, but appropriately feeding it in sync with her energy circulation.
‘This is going to take a while.’
Bu Eunseol could now understand why Chonghyeon True Man, with his outstanding internal energy, had become exhausted.
If he controlled the True Energy in this manner? He would have to infuse True Energy for at least three days and nights to barely recover her body.
‘There’s no other way.’
The foundation of Bu Eunseol’s internal energy was the Reverse Extreme Method, based on the Shaolin internal arts.
Therefore, not only was his internal energy profound, but his foundation was also very solid.
Unlike an ordinary martial artist, he would not fall into a state of collapse even if he infused True Energy for three whole days.
Woong!
As the moon set and dawn broke, a hot energy began to rise from the depths of A-yeon’s Dantian.
It was as hot as pure fire, burning away all the impurities in her body.
‘Is it done now.’
The True Yang energy within A-yeon’s body was like her life force itself.
As that True Yang energy began to burn again, her complexion instantly regained its color, and her unstable energy circulation became smooth.
Fwoosh.
Just as Bu Eunseol felt relieved, the True Yang energy latent within her body began to explode again.
Chiiik.
Just like before, a scorching energy soared as if it would melt all her meridians, and Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened.
‘This won’t do.’
The True Yang energy latent in her body was truly like an uncontrollable wild horse.
After a whole day of coaxing and calming it back to normal, it was revealing its unruly nature again in just half a quarter of an hour.
Chiiik.
White smoke began to rise from her body.
If left alone, A-yeon would turn into a charcoal lump and meet her death.
‘I can’t use the Ice River Heavenly Flow Verse again.’
If he used the ice arts again, he could extinguish the heat, but the True Yang energy would be extinguished forever.
In that case, she would fall into an irreversible state and die.
‘This is the only way.’
After a moment’s hesitation, Bu Eunseol bit his lip.
And instead of the Reverse Extreme Method, he raised the Sword Pavilion's Single Shadow Heart Art.
Woooong!
As Bu Eunseol raised the Single Shadow Heart Art, his body began to tremble faintly.
No matter how much it contained the energy of great nature, the Reverse Extreme Method was a demonic internal art.
In other words, it contained verses that exerted destructive power.
Its principles were completely different from the Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic or the Single Shadow Heart Art, which awakened the essence of the five organs and enriched the vital energy.
But by circulating a righteous internal art based on a demonic internal art, Bu Eunseol felt a pain as if his whole body was being torn in two.
‘Was this too much?’
Gulp.
Blood flowed from the corner of Bu Eunseol’s mouth.
If he continued to infuse True Energy like this, he too would suffer a fatal internal injury.
—Seol-ah.
It must have been very hard for you.
As a massive reverse force pushed into his meridians, Bu Eunseol felt dizzy for a moment.
At the same time, his grandfather’s benevolent voice echoed in his ears.
—See, I told you to do things in moderation.
‘Have I also fallen into a Heart Demon?’
Realizing he had fallen into a Heart Demon, Bu Eunseol bit his lip.
The aftereffects of the still-unbroken Soul-Summoning Heart Words had finally affected his spirit as well.
—Seol-ah.
In that moment, the whole world turned white, and suddenly the surrounding scenery changed to the inside of the Pyeongan Funeral House from over a decade ago.
And Bu Eunseol had become a child, being carried on Bu Janyang’s back.
‘A realistic illusion.’
But it was strange.
Although Bu Eunseol had clearly fallen into an illusion and returned to his childhood form.
Wasn’t he still maintaining his current, calm state of mind?
‘The illusion she sees and the one I see must be completely different.
So this was the ability of the Soul-Summoning Heart Words.’
The Heart-Seizing Arts of the Heart-Seizing King.
It was a method of showing the desires held within one’s heart as if they were real, while simultaneously stealing the other’s soul.
The scenery spread before his eyes.
And the warmth of his grandfather’s back was no different from reality.
If Bu Eunseol had one wish, it would be to meet his grandfather again… even if it was in the netherworld or the next life.
But returning to the past and feeling his grandfather’s voice, his warm embrace, and his benevolent gaze, his spirit was greatly shaken.
‘What does it matter if it’s an illusion?’
Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
And without realizing it, he was falling into a deep Heart Demon.