A month ago.
At the Hidden Moon Pavilion of the Martial Alliance, in Gongson Dangyeong’s Secret Chamber.
Gongson Dangyeong and Bu Eunseol were putting their heads together, discussing the operation to subjugate the Celestial Human Sect.
With the forces of the Divine Guard Unit and the Martial Heaven Division, under Gongson Dangyeong’s command, subjugating the Celestial Human Sect was not a difficult task.
However, the important thing was for Bu Eunseol to build his merits.
To become a First-Grade Squad Leader through this subjugation operation… in other words, to secure the agreement of the majority of the Martial Alliance’s Hall Masters.
He needed to achieve a great merit.
“This Alliance has ultimately only provided two battle units. And even then, they are only the forces under the command of the Vice Leaders.”
Gongson Dangyeong spoke in a low voice.
“Not only that, the morale of the Vice Leaders participating in the battle and the martial artists under their command is in a miserable state.”
In truth, that was to be expected.
She had intentionally presented only circumstantial evidence to the high-ranking members, not the clear proof Bu Eunseol had brought.
Furthermore, since the Vice Leaders were being forced to step forward instead of the Hall Masters, the morale of the martial artists was also greatly diminished.
“According to my investigation, the Celestial Human Sect has been preparing for a large-scale battle while creating the Sword Tomb. They knew their evil deeds would one day be revealed.”
Gongson Dangyeong continued in a low voice.
“Since this Alliance has stepped forward, the outcome is already decided. The Celestial Human Sect will not be planning a way to win, but will be trying to find a way to stop this fight.”
She then pointed to the area near Haseo on the unfolded map.
“Considering the scale of the Sword Tomb built at the Great Peace Branch… the Celestial Human Sect must have a master of Mechanisms. They surely must have also created a Hidden Passage to escape from their Main Base on Mount Bright Gate.”
Bu Eunseol, sensing her plan, nodded his head.
“If defeat seems imminent, they will attempt a surprise attack on the Grand Strategist’s location.”
“That’s right. Other than that method, there is no way for them to survive.”
Even if the Celestial Human Sect grew to ten times its current size, it could not win against the Martial Alliance.
But what if they could capture Gongson Dangyeong, who was commanding the large army?
It would be like gaining leverage for a ceasefire negotiation with the Martial Alliance.
They could end the fight immediately.
“But will it be alright?”
Bu Eunseol, having grasped all of Gongson Dangyeong’s plan, stroked his chin.
“To even consider a direct assault on the Grand Strategist, Ho Yeon-gyeong, the leader of the Celestial Human Sect, must possess Martial Prowess far greater than what is known in the Martial World.”
“That’s an accurate analysis.”
“In that case, do you have another plan in mind….”
“I believe in you.”
Gongson Dangyeong looked straight at Bu Eunseol and said.
“No matter how great a master Ho Yeon-gyeong is, no matter how many troops they bring… I believe that Squad Leader Seonwoo will surely be victorious.”
Bu Eunseol, waking from his reminiscence, narrowed his eyes.
‘She must have known that not only was the leader of the Celestial Human Sect's martial arts outstanding, but that he also possessed a Demonic Saber.’
Bu Eunseol’s gaze deepened as he grasped Gongson Dangyeong’s true intentions.
‘If I don’t have the skill to defeat him, then I shouldn’t even think about becoming a First-Grade Squad Leader in the first place.’
Until now, he had planned to raise Seonwoo Jin’s reputation step by step.
But to succeed in Gongson Dangyeong’s plan this time, he had to reveal a level of skill comparable to a Young Grandmaster in one fell swoop.
In short, he had to display abilities beyond what the Divine Calculator and Bu Eunseol had established for Seonwoo Jin.
To become a First-Grade Squad Leader, one needed not only wisdom but also corresponding Martial Prowess and merits.
If he proved his wisdom by commanding Muk In-hyeok and Seong Joyeong to break through the Celestial Human Sect's Defense Line.
Now, he had to prove he possessed the Martial Prowess befitting a First-Grade Squad Leader by defeating Ho Yeon-gyeong.
Woong.
Bu Eunseol, holding the Iron Sword, immediately raised his Internal Energy.
The maximum amount of Internal Energy Seonwoo Jin could use was about two hundred and fifty years’ worth.
With that much Internal Energy, he could be considered at the highest level among the masters of the younger generation.
However, it was a bit lacking to face the masters who looked down upon the world.
In other words, the character Seonwoo Jin had to win not by the greatness of his Internal Energy, but through his outstanding understanding of the Principles of Martial Arts and his Sword Technique.
‘I’ll try it with the Iron Sword Thirteen Forms.’
The Iron Sword Thirteen Forms, as modified by the Divine Calculator, was a sword technique specialized in defense and counterattack.
He had decided to deal with Ho Yeon-gyeong somehow without using True Martial Arts.
Swish! Whoosh!
As Bu Eunseol swung his sword in time with Ho Yeon-gyeong unleashing his Saber Form, the Saber Energy was constantly sent back.
“What a messy sword technique!”
Ho Yeon-gyeong, having seen through Bu Eunseol’s constant rotation and returning of his Saber Form and Saber Energy.
Changed his Saber Form, and began to unleash them swiftly and in short bursts.
“This way, you won’t be able to catch the energy in the blade and return it!”
But that was Ho Yeon-gyeong’s miscalculation.
Whoosh!
After dealing with Peng Ryun, Bu Eunseol’s swordsmanship had greatly improved.
Therefore, even if Ho Yeon-gyeong skillfully used his Saber Technique, or struck quickly.
No matter how thread-like the Force was, Bu Eunseol was snatching it like a ghost and sending it back.
“Was Squad Leader Seonwoo’s martial arts at that level?”
“He might even surpass our Squad Leader.”
“His Internal Energy is impressive, but his Sword Technique is truly excellent!”
The members of the Ring Sword Squad all exclaimed in admiration.
The Ring Sword Squad was a First-Grade Sword Squad, and its Sword Squad Leader, Naeng Gyeom, possessed the skills of a Warlord who could dominate an entire region.
Yet, he couldn’t block a single strike from Ho Yeon-gyeong and was sent flying in an instant.
But this Second-Grade Squad Leader was blocking the attacks without much difficulty?
“A dangerous fellow.”
After about thirty exchanges, Ho Yeon-gyeong’s eyes flashed.
“I must not let him live.”
Woong!
As he raised his Internal Energy, a yellowish mist rose from the Demonic Saber he held.
“The Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel, has several abilities.”
Kiiik!
A ghost’s wail that could tear eardrums came from the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel, in Ho Yeon-gyeong’s hand.
Demonic Swords and Sabers themselves possess strange abilities.
And the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel, was a powerful Demonic Saber on par with the Thousand Men Blood that Cheon Hwa-in had wielded.
‘He must have killed countless people to awaken that sword.’
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel, which was emitting a strange light.
For a Demonic Saber to display its power, a corresponding price had to be paid.
Ho Yeon-gyeong must have sacrificed countless people to use the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel.
Clang!
Just then, something strange happened.
When using the Iron Sword Thirteen Forms, due to the Profound Principle of Pear Flower Grafting Jade, the swords should never clash.
But Ho Yeon-gyeong’s Demonic Saber was constantly pulling Bu Eunseol’s Iron Sword towards it, causing them to clash.
Clang!
And with each clash, it felt as if the power that had filled Bu Eunseol’s body was draining away.
Chiik.
After a few more exchanges, Bu Eunseol began to be pushed back.
The more their weapons clashed, the weaker his Internal Energy seemed to become, and he felt the blood in his entire body heat up.
The first ability of the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel.
It was to steal the enemy’s vitality with each clash of weapons.
“Strike that minnow-like bastard all at once!”
As Bu Eunseol was pushed back, Ho Yeon-gyeong shouted with joy and ordered the Demon Mask Envoys to attack again.
“Protect the Grand Strategist!”
The Sword Squad members bravely fought against the Demon Mask Envoys who rushed in again.
Bu Eunseol was risking his life fighting Ho Yeon-gyeong to protect Gongson Dangyeong and themselves.
Then they too must risk their lives to eliminate those foes.
Kwa-reung! Shshshsh!
An earth-shaking roar echoed, and as if fragments were scattering from Ho Yeon-gyeong's Blood Wheel, dozens of tiny Saber Rings rained down upon Bu Eunseol’s body.
To use enough Internal Energy to create Saber Rings, one must pour out at least three hundred years’ worth of Internal Energy.
But Ho Yeon-gyeong had created hundreds of Saber Rings with just a light movement?
That was the second ability of the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel.
If one continuously poured Internal Energy into it to unleash Saber Energy, the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel, would emit it in the form of Saber Rings.
Chwaak! Paak!
“Uwaaak!”
“Keok!”
Then, the Sword Squad members fighting the Demon Mask Envoys around Bu Eunseol tragically lost their lives.
Bu Eunseol had perceived the trajectory of the unseen Saber Rings due to the Beast Path, but the members of the Ring Sword Squad could not perceive it.
‘I can’t dodge this.’
The Saber Rings were condensed Saber Energy and possessed terrifying destructive power.
If he dodged here and there, not only Gongson Dangyeong but also the remaining Sword Squad members could be annihilated at once.
Chwararak!
Bu Eunseol had no choice but to stand his ground and use the Iron Sword Thirteen Forms to return the Saber Rings.
But just the proximity of the Saber Rings caused sharp, cut-like wounds to appear on his body.
Shshshsh!
As Ho Yeon-gyeong’s Saber Rings poured down relentlessly like waves, Bu Eunseol’s movements became faster and faster.
His White Robes were soon stained red, and there was not a single spot on him without a wound.
But he did not stop his movements and concentrated on performing the Iron Sword Thirteen Forms.
Even a slight mistake would mean the death of his squad members.
“He’s standing his ground and blocking the Saber Rings to save us.”
The Sword Squad members bit their lips.
A Second-Grade Squad Leader was defending without dodging to protect them?
“Quickly finish them off and help Squad Leader Seonwoo!”
As Naeng Gyeom shouted, the Sword Squad members also let out a roar and began to fight bravely.
Swish!
Meanwhile, Bu Eunseol continued to send back the Saber Rings.
‘What is happening?’
Ho Yeon-gyeong finally sensed something was wrong.
No matter how much one mastered the principles of Pear Flower Grafting Jade, it was impossible to continuously return the Saber Rings that unleashed destructive power upon contact.
But every time that young man spun his dark sword, the Saber Rings were unfailingly returned?
In truth, it was just that Bu Eunseol’s Internal Energy and Sword Technique were so high that it merely looked like Pear Flower Grafting Jade.
In reality, he had reached the Realm of Ultimate Emptiness and was using the profound principles of martial arts at will.
‘This brat!’
Ho Yeon-gyeong, unaware of this fact, was so dumbfounded that steam was practically coming out of his ears.
Even though he was brandishing his sword haphazardly like a drunkard.
Not only was he lightly deflecting the Saber Rings, but sharp sword forms would suddenly burst forth, aiming for his Vital Acupoints?
“Hmph!”
However, Ho Yeon-gyeong, who was unaware of this, let out an annoyed snort when he couldn't inflict any damage even after pouring out Saber Rings.
Until now, he had defeated countless enemies with just the second ability of the Blood Wheel.
But to have to use the third ability against a brat who hadn’t even shed his baby fat?
Woowoong!
Ho Yeon-gyeong finally began to unleash the third ability of the Blood Wheel.
Suddenly, the surroundings turned dark, and then.
“Die!”
When the world brightened again, a Saber Energy like a bolt of lightning was digging into Bu Eunseol’s chest.
It was the third ability of the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel.
It confused the enemy’s vision and senses, making the unleashed Saber Technique and Saber Form completely disappear.
‘Something like this is easy.’
Bu Eunseol, on the contrary, shouted with joy.
While it was difficult to break Ho Yeon-gyeong’s Saber Technique with Seonwoo Jin’s Sword Technique, dodging it was entirely possible.
Whirik.
Bu Eunseol, with a relaxed expression, leisurely dodged the Saber Technique.
“What?”
Ho Yeon-gyeong’s eyes widened.
The Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel, boasted the strongest abilities among the Demonic Sabers that have appeared in the Martial World.
Especially this power that confused the enemy’s senses; even a master of the Extreme Heaven Realm could never avoid it.
But that insignificant young man had dodged it as if it were nothing?
“Who are you.”
Ho Yeon-gyeong sheathed his sword and asked Bu Eunseol.
“I said, who are you.”
“Why the formal introductions in the middle of a fight.”
Bu Eunseol muttered with a frown.
“If you don’t want to die, kneel quickly. Don’t try to talk to me.”
It was a deliberate attempt to provoke Ho Yeon-gyeong so he wouldn’t speak nonsense.
Pajik.
As if the effect was immediate, Ho Yeon-gyeong, with veins popping on his forehead, unleashed a thunderous Saber Form.
“Die!”
Every time he swung the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel, the whole world seemed to darken and the light of the sky changed.
Despite its tremendous abilities and power, from Bu Eunseol’s perspective, it was just a strange toy that changed the color of the sky.
Having mastered the Beast Path, his hypersensitivity had almost reached the state of Six Senses Communication with Spirits.
Even if the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel, completely blocked his five senses, Bu Eunseol could instinctively avoid the attack.
Chaeng! Chwararak!
‘This brat was hiding his skills!’
Ho Yeon-gyeong then realized that Bu Eunseol was by no means his lesser and had deliberately allowed himself to be wounded by the Saber Energy.
‘Good.’
Ho Yeon-gyeong took a deep breath.
Since obtaining the Demonic Saber Blood Wheel, he too had been hiding his martial arts.
Because with the power of this Demonic Saber alone, he could defeat any strong enemy.
But to kill the young man before him.
He had to unleash the final ability of the Blood Wheel and display all the skills he had hidden until now.
‘So that’s what it was.’
Ho Yeon-gyeong, who suddenly spotted Gongson Dangyeong watching the fight with a calm expression, faintly narrowed his eyes.
‘He deliberately stationed himself in the Haseo region.
To create this situation.’
Only now did he realize that all of this was orchestrated by Gongson Dangyeong.
But he couldn't understand.
If she had predicted this whole situation, it would have been over if she had secretly placed one of the Vice Leaders here.
Why stage such a fierce battle?
However, seeing Bu Eunseol staring straight at him even while covered in blood, he immediately knew the answer.
The plan was to make him fight a one-on-one duel with that young man... to greatly enhance his reputation and skills.
“You thought of me as a stepping stone?”
Cheok.
Ho Yeon-gyeong, who suddenly stopped his attack, removed the mask he was wearing.
Then, an indescribably hideous face was revealed.
Only his eyes were intact.
Everything else was melted and distorted.
The Demonic Saber Blood Wheel.
It was a terrifying Demonic Saber that melted the user’s body the more it was used.
“Let’s end this now.”
As he raised the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel, the sky darkened again.
Suddenly, it was as if only Ho Yeon-gyeong and Bu Eunseol had been transported to another space, and the surroundings turned pitch black.
Jjeojeojeok.
At the same time, Ho Yeon-gyeong’s body began to crack, and blood started to flow out.
Simultaneously, blood began to flow from Bu Eunseol’s body, and his skin began to crack.
The final ability of the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel.
It was to trap the bodies of the Demonic Saber's owner and the enemy in a barrier of Demonic Energy, causing both their bodies to melt away.
“This leader has mastered the Gray Soul, Spectral White Art, so I will not die from something like this.”
Ho Yeon-gyeong smiled faintly, blood trickling from his lips.
“But your body will burst in less than half an incense stick of time.”
Jjeojeojeok.
The amount of blood flowing from Bu Eunseol’s body increased.
And pieces of his skin began to crack like a cracker.
But something was strange.
Bu Eunseol, who should have been shrouded in black mist and trembling in fear of death, was smiling strangely?
“What’s so funny?”
“I’m grateful, that’s why.”
“Grateful?”
“I just couldn’t find an answer with the Iron Sword Thirteen Forms, and….”
Seueuk.
Bu Eunseol looked down at the Iron Sword he was holding and spoke in a low voice.
“It’s been nagging me for a while, but I couldn’t infuse it because there were too many eyes watching.”
And he immediately infused the two divine Qis into the Iron Sword.
Hwiiing.
Then the sword faintly shimmered, and a mysterious Inscription, imbued with golden and red light, began to be engraved on its body.
The dark Iron Sword he had been using until now was none other than the Demonic-Killing Sword he had obtained from the Sword Tomb.
Hwiiing.
The Demonic-Killing Sword was already greedily sucking in the Demonic Energy pouring from the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel, through its Inscription.
It looked like a predator opening its mouth wide to greedily swallow its prey.
Chiiing!
As all the Demonic Energy disappeared and the light of the Demonic-Killing Sword was about to be revealed to the outside.
Bu Eunseol, without a moment's thought, immediately executed the Meteor Chasing the Moon Form.
The whole world slowed down, and a red light shot out from the Demonic-Killing Sword.
Jjeok.
As it touched the Demonic-Killing Sword, countless cracks formed on the body of the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel.
Chwaak!
The Demonic-Killing Sword, having swallowed the Demonic Energy of the Demonic Saber, the Blood Wheel, had now devoured Ho Yeon-gyeong’s neck as well.
Saaaaa.
The black mist that had cut off the space disappeared, and there stood Ho Yeon-gyeong, without his mask, standing tall.
Opposite him was Bu Eunseol, holding his Iron Sword, kneeling on one knee and bleeding profusely.
The battle was finally decided.
Geureureuk.
Ho Yeon-gyeong, who was frothing at the mouth with blood, spoke in a low voice.
“Why is that sword with you….”
But his voice was so soft that only Bu Eunseol could hear it.
“So you were... him.”
Muttering incomprehensible words, Ho Yeon-gyeong breathed his last.
‘What on earth did that man say?’
As Bu Eunseol looked down at Ho Yeon-gyeong’s corpse and widened his eyes,
Kwa-reung! U-reu-reung!
With an earth-shaking thunderous sound, two shadows landed on the ground from the sky.
It was Muk In-hyeok and Seong Joyeong.
They had immediately realized they had been deceived and had rushed back from Mount Bright Gate.
“That man is?”
Seong Joyeong and Muk In-hyeok’s eyes widened.
The leader of the Celestial Human Sect, Ho Yeon-gyeong.
Had that vile person died in such a miserable state?
“Waaaaah!”
Then, a roar erupted from all sides.
It was the roar of Naeng Gyeom, the Sword Squad Leader of the Ring Sword Squad, and his members.
Bu Eunseol had not only protected Gongson Dangyeong but had also risked his life to protect them.
If it weren't for him, they would have already become Wandering Spirits under the feet of Ho Yeon-gyeong and the Demon Mask Envoys.
“What on earth happened?”
At Muk In-hyeok’s words, Naeng Gyeom approached and explained.
“Squad Leader Seonwoo killed the leader of the Celestial Human Sect and saved us and the Grand Strategist.”
“What?”
“Well, you see, it’s like this….”
Naeng Gyeom quickly explained the situation.
Muk In-hyeok and Seong Joyeong, who listened silently to the story, looked at each other.
The Ring Sword Squad was a First-Grade Sword Squad.
Moreover, how could Seonwoo Jin have killed the leader of the Celestial Human Sect, whom even Naeng Gyeom, who had mastered the Single Sky Sword Technique to its extreme, could not defeat?
As they blinked their eyes in disbelief,
“Squad Leader Seonwoo.”
Just then, Gongson Dangyeong, who had been behind, ran over and helped Bu Eunseol up.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine.”
Of course, he was fine.
He had only forced himself to kneel and bit his tongue to draw blood to make it look like he had barely defeated Ho Yeon-gyeong.
Bu Eunseol, who struggled to his feet, faced Seong Joyeong and Muk In-hyeok and cupped his hands.
“You’re late.”
The two men looked at each other with their mouths shut.
If things had gone wrong, their bright futures could have been completely blocked.
What if Bu Eunseol hadn't been there?
They would have had to step down from their positions as Vice Leaders for the crime of failing to protect the Grand Strategist.
But because Bu Eunseol had risked his life to protect Gongson Dangyeong and the Ring Sword Squad, their necks and positions were saved.
“You’ve worked hard.”
Muk In-hyeok, who had finally grasped the whole situation, looked at Bu Eunseol and nodded.
“I wondered why the Grand Strategist valued you so much... you were a hidden Hidden Dragon.”
Seong Joyeong also spoke to Bu Eunseol with an admiring expression.
“You’ve done a lot. You’ve truly done a great thing.”
Bu Eunseol calmly shook his head.
“It was just my duty.”
As Bu Eunseol stumbled and turned around, the surviving members of the Ring Sword Squad rushed to support him.
Muk In-hyeok and Seong Joyeong, who watched the scene, looked at each other and nodded.
With such character, martial arts, and wisdom.
He should rightfully become a First-Grade Squad Leader.
Otherwise, it would be a great loss for the Martial Alliance as well.