Book 27 Chapter 8

Bilyeon Meets Mu-myeong

—A Battle of Divine Arts

"What? You call me 'Miss'?"

Why would Na Yerim, who claimed to have been kidnapped, suddenly appear here? At Bilyeon's exclamation, the startled companions all turned their heads towards Mu-myeong. Clutched in the arms of the silver-haired man, who appeared to be in his late twenties to early thirties, was undeniably Na Yerim.

At that moment, Bilyeon's body flickered, and he suddenly appeared right in front of Mu-myeong. Simultaneously, he reached out towards Na Yerim.

Figuring out this man's identity could wait until after he got Yerim back. But something strange happened. He thought he had touched him, yet his hand grasped only empty air. Mu-myeong had already stepped back half a step.

'He saw through my Shunshin!'

The divine art he had just used, though seemingly simple, was so fast that to ordinary eyes, it looked like he simply vanished with a 'pop!' It was an ultimate divine art, so fast it appeared like teleportation, hence its name 'Shunshin' (Instantaneous Body). It was a state that could only be reached by perfecting the speed of footwork. While it was said that one could reach 'Chukji' (Earth Shrinking) beyond Shunshin, that was purely legendary. In reality, Shunshin was the ultimate divine art.

Moreover, Bilyeon's hand had been extended into a blind spot that he thought was impossible to evade. Even the most skilled master would be unable to withstand such a move. Yet, this man called Mu-myeong had completely discerned the move. This was the first time his technique had been so thoroughly understood since his master. He was no ordinary person by any means.

"Are you that damn Seocheon?"

Bilyeon asked, staring directly at Mu-myeong.

"Seocheon? What does Seocheon mean? I'm not that."

Mu-myeong tilted his head. He seemed completely clueless as to what Bilyeon was talking about.

"I'm asking if you are Seocheonmyeolgeop of Cheongeomryeong. You wouldn't say you don't know who that is, would you?"

"Well, I know of Cheongeomryeong, but my memory is rather poor. Unless I've forgotten that too, I'm sure I've never been Seocheonmyeolgeop."

"Hoho, so you're going to deny it first? Then I suppose I'll have to use force to make you talk."

On a day with not a whisper of wind, Bilyeon's martial robe began to flutter violently.

Just then, Hyoryong hastily intervened.

"Wait a moment, Ryuyeon!"

"What is it, Ryongryong? If it's not urgent, can't we talk later?"

Bilyeon had an urgent matter that he wouldn't trade for anything. However, Hyoryong shook his head.

"What he says is true, Ryuyeon. Captain Mu-myeong has been with the founding of Macheongak. He's not some Seocheonmyeolgeop."

Captain Mu-myeong's abilities were truly unknown. His depth was unfathomable. Fighting him rashly now would be extremely dangerous.

"That's right. But you seem to know me. Have we met before? Hmm, now that I think about it, you do look familiar…"

Hyoryong quickly turned his face away.

"Ah, no. I merely said that because I've heard of Captain Mu-myeong's alias."

"Is that so? That's strange…"

Hyoryong breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that Mu-myeong's forgetfulness had never been so fortunate.

"Wow, our Captain even had an alias! I've only ever teased him about being forgetful, sob sob!"

As if moved by Hyoryong's words, Jang So-ok, who was practicing nearby, shed tears of emotion.

Of course, Hyoryong had not only met Mu-myeong but had also learned martial arts under him. However, revealing that fact now would serve no good purpose.

After a moment of thought, Bilyeon asked again.

"Alright. Then, let's assume you're not. But then why are you holding the unconscious Yerim?"

Given what he had just witnessed, Bilyeon's eyes darting towards them was understandable.

"I met her by chance."

Mu-myeong had no reason to hide the truth.

"By chance? You expect me to believe that? That's something to scoff at."

"Believe it or not, it's the truth. Most of life's events happen when chance upon chance are piled up. Only in stories do things follow destiny."

Mu-myeong seemed to find Bilyeon's insistence stranger.

"Then I'll take my Yerim back. That should be fine, right?"

Bilyeon had been very displeased with another man holding Yerim for quite some time. To quickly get Na Yerim back, Bilyeon walked in front of Mu-myeong and extended his left hand. However, his hand was quickly blocked by Mu-myeong's.

"There, that won't do."

Mu-myeong chuckled as he blocked Bilyeon's hand. Bilyeon's body stiffened, and his voice dropped a notch.

"Hoho, and why won't that do?"

"And why do you want to take this young lady away? Since I found her, I can't just give a fainting young lady to anyone."

The atmosphere grew even more tense.

"Why take her? Because Yerim's place has always been by my side. Just as all things find their path, it's a natural principle."

Bilyeon also spoke with a bright smile. Meanwhile, their arms remained crossed, motionless. Though it appeared frozen, a fierce struggle of strength was underway between the two.

"That's even more suspicious. Besides, that's what you say. What about this young lady's opinion? How can I know if you're her companions or enemies?"

"Isn't it obvious at a glance that we're companions?"

"I can't tell just by looking. In any case, I can't hand this young lady over to strangers."

As Mu-myeong began to become stubborn, the air grew even tighter and vibrated.

In the subtly ominous atmosphere, Jang Hong marveled at the silver-haired man's skill.

'That guy, he's blocking Ryuyeon's attack so easily…'

The current exchange, though seemingly simple, involved the clash of invisible auras at a single point in the air. Mu-myeong's ability to block Bilyeon's attack with one hand, without moving an inch while holding someone, was truly astonishing. Above all, there was only a smile on both their faces. In fact, the more intense the aura became, the stronger the smile grew.

"Well, I don't need permission to go find Yerim in the first place. I can just take her with my skill. That's the best for someone who won't talk."

At those words, Mu-myeong burst into laughter as if genuinely amused.

"Hoho, take her with your skill? That's interesting. Very interesting. Hahaha!"

Bilyeon also laughed in response.

"I'm glad you find it amusing. Well then, I'll take Yerim."

Withdrawing his extended hand, Bilyeon rapidly thrust his right hand towards Na Yerim again. Bilyeon's right hand was already free of the Mukryonghwan, making its speed incomparable to his left.

*Swish!*

Bilyeon's right hand cut through the air like lightning. Its speed was as swift as a flash of light in the dark sky. This time, it's a success, Bilyeon thought.

However, to his surprise, Mu-myeong's right hand was already blocking his. His left hand had quickly been brought to his chest to hold Na Yerim.

"It's no use! If I say no, it's no!"

Though he said so, both of them were surprised.

'To block that strike just now!'

'To make me use my right hand too!'

Both of them seemed unable to believe the current reality. If he hadn't been holding Na Yerim, he would have had to use both hands.

Bilyeon was the first to snap out of his shock, and thus, he was the first to move.

Bilyeon again used his ultimate footwork, 'Shunshin,' to pressure Mu-myeong.

"I told you, no."

Mu-myeong had already retreated a Zhang behind, still holding Na Yerim. It was as if he were saying, 'I've already seen through your footwork.'

"That's impressive divine art, even while holding someone."

The voice was heard from behind Mu-myeong. Bilyeon had already taken up a position behind Mu-myeong. As Bilyeon reached out towards the defenseless Mu-myeong, his hand passed through empty air futilely.

"Thanks for the compliment."

Bilyeon was startled by that remark. Mu-myeong, still holding Na Yerim, was already behind him. He was quite confident in his divine arts, but he had been outmaneuvered twice in a row.

"Yeonhwan Shunshin, huh? You're quite skilled."

"You too."

Although no victor was declared, Bilyeon was at a slight disadvantage in divine arts. This was because Mu-myeong's movements were naturally slower due to holding someone. Yet, Bilyeon couldn't catch up.

"This time, I really have to do it."

With his back held by Mu-myeong, Bilyeon's body split into four, surrounding Mu-myeong.

"Four-way Split!"

Mu-myeong was inwardly surprised by Bilyeon's forms, which seemed to have sprung up from all directions simultaneously.

"Now, give Yerim back."

Bilyeon's hands shot out like lightning from the east, west, north, and south. However, the moment he thought he had him, Mu-myeong's shadow scattered like a mirage.

"Illusion!"

The eyes of the four Bilyeons looked up into the air. About a Zhang above the ground, Mu-myeong stood there, holding Na Yerim. As if he had a foothold in the air, he pushed off five times and quickly retreated five Zhang, landing lightly on the roof of the opposite building.

"Void Shunpo!"

It was an advanced level of Void Step, using the air as a stepping stone to move at high speed. It could be called a combined technique of Void Step and Shunshin.

Void Shunpo's level varied depending on how many stepping stones were used to move freely in the air. According to legends circulating in the martial world, the highest level of the Kunlun Sect's unique and supreme footwork, 'Dragon Cloud Dance,' was Void Shunpo, involving nine transformations in the air.

However, to move five times in the air while holding someone! Furthermore, his movements were light, as if there were no issues with pushing off the air.

"Don't underestimate me."

Bileimon's Unique Wind-Movement Footwork

Phoenix Dance, Ultimate Technique

Phoenix Overturns Heaven, Five Styles

Bilyeon kicked off the air continuously, launching himself. After kicking off five times, Bilyeon gained control of the space above Mu-myeong's head.

An eye for an eye, Void Shunpo for Void Shunpo.

Phoenix Split Shadow, Illusory Wings

Finally, Bilyeon, who kicked off the air not to ascend but to descend, split into six forms in an instant.

Transitioning from Void Shunpo directly to a clone technique.

Bilyeon's six forms charged towards Mu-myeong. One of his palms was extended right in front of Mu-myeong's nose.

Bilyeon didn't hesitate.

Bileido Sword Qi, Ultimate Technique

One-Winged Phoenix Chapter

Five Thunder Blades

Three beams of light shot out from Bilyeon's right hand. For Mu-myeong, who was holding Na Yerim, it was an attack of inescapable speed. Finally, Mu-myeong released Na Yerim, whom he was holding. Now, all he had to do was catch her before she fell.

At that moment, Mu-myeong's hands moved strangely in the air, drawing perfect circles. Then, five streams of lightning shot out in all directions. He deflected the attack, which had descended with the speed of thunder, in a single move.

"Huajin? Impossible!"

Huajin that bends Bileido?

Normally, Bileido should have pierced through Huajin. Ordinary Huajin could never block Bileido.

Mu-myeong, who had deflected the Five Thunder Blades, tried to catch Na Yerim again.

Although the fact that Bileido had been deflected was shocking, Bilyeon was not about to let the opportunity of Na Yerim falling slip away.

"Here you go!"

Bilyeon unleashed two more Bileido towards Mu-myeong. This time too, Mu-myeong dodged the two flashes by slightly twisting his body. At that moment, a triumphant smile appeared on Bilyeon's lips.

'Got him!'

This time, the objective was not to attack Mu-myeong. As the Lei Lingsa wrapped around the falling Na Yerim, Bilyeon, who had been waiting for that moment, immediately pulled the Lei Lingsa. Na Yerim's body floated up into the air like a feather.

"Oops, I misspoke when I said 'here you go.' My mistake."

Bilyeon descended from the air and gently, softly, received Na Yerim with the care one would use for the most precious treasure in the world. Then, he landed on the ground with a posture as if a feather were settling, feeling no weight at all.

Looking down at her, Bilyeon gently brushed Na Yerim's hair behind her ear with one hand. A faint smile appeared on Bilyeon's lips.

"It's been a while, Yerim. We finally meet again."

It had only been a day, but it felt like ten years.

"Huh? Huh? Huh?"

Mu-myeong tilted his head with a bewildered expression.

"She was taken? How?"

He looked dazed, as if he couldn't believe what had just happened. He wasn't the only one with a dumbfounded look. His subordinate, Jang So-ok, also seemed unable to believe that his trusted captain had been bested. Despite his severe forgetfulness, Mu-myeong had never been outmatched in martial arts.

"Huh? I don't think I made any mistakes, so why?"

Mu-myeong folded his arms and pondered for a moment. Even if he hadn't used his full strength, he couldn't understand how he had been outdone by such a young man. His confidence had rarely been shaken until now. Suddenly, he became extremely interested in this mysterious young man with hair so long it covered his eyes.

"You, won't you have a 'real' fight with me?"

Mu-myeong said, his eyes sparkling. As if the previous fight hadn't been real. As if he hadn't used his full strength at all.

"No."

Bilyeon's answer was firm.

"Why?"

Mu-myeong retorted, his face quickly turning sullen.

"Because I have to treat Yerim, of course."

He had checked Yerim's pulse while receiving her and thankfully, although her energy was depleted, she was not mortally wounded. Bilyeon, due to his master's absurd theory that one must always be prepared for emergencies to save on treatment costs, had learned basic medical skills. He had considered whether he might have to swallow a red pill like Hyun-un, but it seemed such drastic measures weren't necessary.

"If it's about that, I'll ask Bulrak to help her, so don't worry. Right, Bulrak-gun?"

Seeing the seemingly thirty-something Mu-myeong casually call Bulrak-guk, who appeared to be in his forties, 'kid,' people were shocked. But what was even more surprising was Bulrak-guk's reaction.

"Sigh, I'm a captain now too. I'm no longer the kid you taught, so please stop calling me 'kid.' However, if it's a request from Teacher Mu-myeong, I have no choice but to treat her."

Seeing this eccentric and crazed individual nod obediently to Mu-myeong's words, people were aghast.

'Who on earth is this silver-haired man that this madman acts like such a docile sheep?'

It was a sight that would be unbelievable if not witnessed firsthand.

Only Officer Ok Yu-gyeong of the Seventh Unit and Hyoryong accepted this bizarre scene without question.

"Well, is that settled now?"

With treatment arranged, he was asking to fight again.

"Well, I'm not one to fight battles that offer no benefit."

In fact, now that Na Yerim was going to be treated, Bilyeon had no reason to fight.

"Benefit? Well, there is one."

Mu-myeong smiled as if relieved.

"What is it?"

Mu-myeong asked, smiling broadly with an incredibly innocent expression.

"Of course, it's the lives of your friends."

Bilyeon's expression stiffened slightly.

"What do you mean by that?"

Bilyeon retorted in a low voice. Mu-myeong continued nonchalantly, as if unaware that the atmosphere had turned cold.

"You all are intruders who visited Gak today, aren't you? I don't know if you're aware, but there's an extermination order out for you right now. As I'm one of the thirteen captains of Macheong, I must kill you since I've seen you."

Even as he spoke of killing everyone, there was no change in his expression or eyes. His eyes were as if he had no interest in human life or death. No, rather than not having interest, his eyes seemed to transcend life and death.

However, Bilyeon intuitively knew. If he said he would kill, he would truly kill. Because he had transcended life and death, he could take a life without any hesitation.

"Ah, don't make such a long face. I haven't killed you yet. I don't like bullying weak people. If you can withstand my 'Three Moves,' I'll overlook the fact that we met here. Then your friends' lives will also be saved. Don't you think that's enough of a benefit? Everyone wins, hooray!"

His eyes seemed to say, 'Well, if you don't accept, I'll just kill the rest of them and then fight.' Yet, his gaze was as clear and pure as a child's. His eyes seemed capable of killing people without any trace of malice. Even as he spoke of killing them, Bilyeon felt no anger. Strangely, he intuitively felt that he was speaking with a pure, innocent heart like a child, with no ill intentions.

"Sigh, you're quite good at negotiating. If you put it that way, I can't refuse."

Bilyeon said with a low sigh. He had once again unnecessarily exhausted himself. After all, if that guy wasn't Seocheon, there was no reason to fight. The problem was that while Bilyeon had no reason, Mu-myeong did.

"You've made a good decision. You're a smart fellow. Thanks to you, I've saved myself some trouble."

Mu-myeong smiled broadly, pleased with Bilyeon's answer.

Bilyeon looked into Mu-myeong's eyes.

They were clear, pure, deep, and innocent eyes. Somewhat empty eyes. The emptiness was perhaps because he wasn't seeing reality.

Eyes that didn't seem human. These eyes transcended the fundamental human emotions of desire and sentiment. Despite his somewhat bewildered appearance, this man's depth was unfathomable.

'Can someone with eyes like that be called human?'

Bilyeon had never seen someone with such eyes before.

Eyes that seemed to pierce through the principles of the world in an instant. How did the world appear in his eyes? They were eyes with a different feeling than Na Yerim's beautiful face.

'Could they be Life and Death Eyes?'

Nah, surely not… He shook his head. Such things only existed in legends. There was no reason for them to be wandering around here.

However, there was a part of himself that couldn't definitively dismiss it.

If these were the legendary eyes, then this fight would not be easy at all.