T/N: Ok technically, the family name of Shin Do-unhwi should be Shindo not Shin, but we’re at chapter 1020 and I don’t plan on going back a 1000 chapters and start fixing it. However, since the rest of the family aka the father come up in the next few chapters, I’ll keep the proper family name for them, but Shin Do-unhwi is going to stay the same.
A few days later.
Once the Majeon meeting concluded, the situation that everyone had feared finally erupted. The senior members of the Majeon had settled the matter with extreme simplicity and clarity.
"Since the cause is the Martial Soul Command Lord, let the Martial Soul Command Lord solve it."
Yeop Hyocheon called Bu Eunseol to the Solitary Light Pavilion to convey the results of the meeting.
"If the Extinction Palace is allowed to withdraw like this, a parade of withdrawals from the Ten Demonic Sects might follow. Especially places like the Hell's Blood Fortress or the White Horse Temple, which are in a state of semi-closure because of the Command Lord, would be even more likely to do so."
He commanded in a stern voice.
"As the successor of the Majeon, resolve this matter personally and definitively."
Ultimately, while shifting the responsibility for this crisis onto Bu Eunseol, they had also entrusted the entire solution to him.
"The Martial Soul Command Lord must have quite a headache."
As these results became known, the people of the Majeon and the followers of the Demonic Way reacted with consistent pity. No matter how superior his martial arts and wisdom were, they believed he could not have predicted such a situation, nor was it an issue he could resolve alone.
To think they asked him to turn the hearts of allies who had completely turned their backs, rather than simply cutting down or defeating an enemy?
It was virtually impossible to suddenly change the choice of a member of the Ten Demonic Sects who harbored such blatant hostility.
Furthermore, this crisis did not involve the Extinction Palace alone.
The Hwa Wu Sword Sect had sent heads to the Martial Soul Command Lord. Even that Hwa Wu Sect had given orders to Jingak, Cheon Un-gwang, and Dan Cheonyang to suppress Bu Eunseol simply because they had taught him martial arts. When that order was not properly executed, they had struck off their heads and sent them to the Nangyang Pavilion.
Incompatible.
Ultimately, the Hwa Wu Sword Sect, like the Extinction Palace, had shown a powerful will to never walk the same path as the Martial Soul Command Lord. As these facts became known, the martial artists of the Demonic Way looked on with concern.
Even if the matter with the Extinction Palace were resolved, the decision of the Hwa Wu Sword Sect was in a state that could never be reversed. Before long, Bu Eunseol would not only have to step down from his position as the successor of the Majeon, but a situation could arise where he might have to offer up his own neck to take responsibility for what had occurred.
"For now, he must at least persuade the Extinction Palace to put out the immediate fire."
The martial artists all showed a consistent reaction. If this trend was left as it was?
Starting with the Extinction Palace, a parade of withdrawals from numerous members of the Ten Demonic Sects would follow, and all those arrows would be aimed at Bu Eunseol.
***
Majeon, Grand Conference Room.
The corps leaders were gathered together, racking their brains to resolve the emergency that had suddenly occurred.
"This is not easy," Yoo Unryong said, shaking his head. "To resolve this, we must obtain the support of at least a majority of the Ten Demonic Sects, but even including the Blood Flame Blade Sect, there are only four places."
Although their start was a bad connection, due to the relationship with Do Cheonlin, the Lord of the Blood Flame Blade Sect, Do Mu-cheok, had withdrawn his hostile attitude toward Bu Eunseol. However, even if they persuaded Do Mu-cheok to gain his support, they could not obtain the support of a majority of the Ten Demonic Sects.
"Even the Extreme Slaughter Sect, which could be considered neutral, is not favorable. They are in a state of semi-closure because of Seok Woo-haeng."
Myo Cheonwoo sighed as he shook his head.
The Extreme Slaughter Sect had lost a third of its total strength and suspended external activities due to Seok Woo-haeng, who had committed suicide in the underground waterway. Consequently, they were in a state where they shuddered at the mere mention of the word Ten Demon Warrior.
Naturally, there was no way they would think highly of Bu Eunseol, who was also from the Ten Demon Warriors.
"As for the other places, it would be a relief if they simply didn't stand in our way," Wi Cheongyeong also shook his head.
The Hell's Blood Fortress and the White Horse Temple had constantly clashed directly with Bu Eunseol and were now in a state of semi-closure because of him.
Additionally, the Death Command Sect had also suffered a bitter defeat and lost a large army while trying to stop Bu Eunseol at Affectionate Blossom Sect.
In fact, excluding the Nangyang Pavilion, Affectionate Blossom Sect, and the Heaven and Earth Severing Sect, all of the Ten Demonic Sects were his enemies.
"Even if we persuade the Extinction Palace, it is a problem. Unless we turn the attitude of the Hwa Wu Sword Sect, the withdrawal of other members of the Ten Demonic Sects might accelerate."
At Wi Cheongyeong’s words, Jo Namcheon shook his head.
"To think the Ten Demonic Sects would stab us in the back like this; this is a complete checkmate."
Then, Yoo Unryong, who had been lost in deep thought, spoke again.
"There was a background behind why such a thing happened."
"A background?"
As Myo Cheonwoo narrowed his eyes, Yoo Unryong said, "I need to investigate further, but there are rumors that the martial prowess of the Lord of the Extinction Palace has increased rapidly."
He continued calmly.
"Ultimately, behind the background of the Extinction Palace taking such sudden action, there was a sudden increase in martial prowess."
"And that means there was help from an external force in that increase in prowess."
As Myo Cheonwoo took over the words, Yoo Unryong nodded.
"That is correct. For a master of the same level as the Lord of the Extinction Palace, a sudden increase in martial arts is impossible."
The martial arts of the Lords of the Ten Demonic Sects should at least be at the end of the Supreme Heavenly Realm or at a level where the Limitless Realm has manifested. At such a distant realm, a sudden increase in martial arts is nearly impossible.
"The bigger problem is that, from the start, this is a situation where negotiations won't work," Yoo Unryong said calmly. "If they would, even if they had the will to withdraw, they would never have explicitly written the name of the Martial Soul Command Lord."
Bu Eunseol, who had been silently listening to the corps leaders' conversation, finally opened his mouth.
"I have no intention of negotiating with the Extinction Palace."
"What?"
"Since it is a matter that will end if I blow off the heads of those who caused this trouble."
Bu Eunseol was calmly uttering shocking words.
"And next is the Hwa Wu Sword Sect."
He wore an expression of unwavering determination.
"I will cut down the leader of the Hwa Wu Sword Sect who sent me the heads."
At the shocking words, all the corps leaders were stunned and could not close their mouths.
Bu Eunseol was still in the position of the successor of the Majeon. In particular, the Hwa Wu Sword Sect was a place that represented the Ten Demonic Sects and was a sect that had maintained the honor of being the number one sect of the Demonic Way for generations.
Even if the large army of the Majeon were mobilized, that place could not be easily taken.
Even if it could, from that day on, Bu Eunseol would become the public enemy of the Demonic Way.
"Are you saying you will destroy the Ten Demonic Sects?"
To Wi Cheongyeong’s question, Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
"I said I would take the heads of the leaders who committed this act."
At his firm answer, the corps leaders consistently shook their heads.
"You absolutely cannot. Even if we concede a hundred times regarding the Extinction Palace, striking the Hwa Wu Sword Sect, the number one sword sect of the Demonic Way, makes no sense. Especially cutting down their leader is no different from turning the entire Demonic Way into an enemy."
"It is impossible with the troops of this Palace."
Furthermore, striking the Extinction Palace and the Hwa Wu Sword Sect with the troops of the Death Shadow Corps was like striking a rock with an egg. It was something that could never succeed.
"I will say it once more."
A flash of sharp light flickered in Bu Eunseol’s eyes as he looked at the corps leaders.
"I said I would take the heads of the leaders who caused this, not that I would destroy the two sects."
The corps leaders exchanged glances with unconvinced expressions. Whether destroying the sect or cutting down the Lords, did it not ultimately mean the same thing?
"Even if you could destroy them, touching the Hwa Wu Sword Sect is impossible. You must not do so."
As Wi Cheongyeong carefully advised, Myo Cheonwoo looked at Bu Eunseol as if he had realized something.
"Could it be that you intend to move the forces of the Azure Heaven Lord to solve this?"
Bu Eunseol was the master of the Martial Soul Society. Moreover, in an emergency, he could persuade Bukgung Ryeong to move the Azure Heaven Alliance.
In short, the forces of the Azure Heaven Lord to support him were more than enough.
"That will not happen," Bu Eunseol said firmly. "This matter must be resolved with the power of the Death Shadow Corps. Only then can the Majeon and the followers of the Demonic Way be convinced."
"By what means?"
"I told you."
Cold frost flowed from Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
"If I cut them down, it is over."
And he added, "If that happens, the withdrawal becomes as if it never happened."
The corps leaders took deep breaths.
Once Bu Eunseol made up his mind, he never stepped back.
Since he said he would take the heads of the leaders of the two major sects and stop the withdrawal, such a thing was bound to happen.
Bu Eunseol prepared for the visit to the Extinction Palace.
He moved the intelligence network of the Death Spirit Corps to once again meticulously grasp the situation of the Extinction Palace and set up various plans and strategies for it. In fact, he had been expecting such actions from the Ten Demonic Sects all along, so it was not very surprising.
However, what he did not understand was the reaction of the Demon Emperor.
Even though the words 'Martial Soul Command Lord' were embedded as the cause of the withdrawal, strictly speaking, the Demon Emperor should have stepped forward personally for this matter.
The Demon Emperor is the master of the Majeon and the number one person of the Demonic Way. Even if the Ten Demonic Sects are the ten pillars supporting the Majeon, from the perspective of the Demon Emperor, they are merely subordinates under his command regardless.
Declaring a withdrawal from the Majeon so recklessly not only severely damaged the dignity of the Demon Emperor as the number one person of the Demonic Way, but it also amounted to committing a form of rebellion.
Furthermore, there was no way he could fail to perceive the truth.
Bu Eunseol had no special affection for the Demonic Way. The same went for the Extinction Palace, which had harmed Myo Cheonwoo in the past.
There was no way the Demon Emperor didn't know that if Bu Eunseol stepped forward, a great conflict would surely arise.
Yet, why did he tolerate this?
'The conclusion of this negotiation...'
The Extinction Palace had been confirmed to be manipulated by external forces through the previous Shin Do-unhwi incident, and the Hwa Wu Sword Sect had constantly plotted unknown conspiracies, such as infiltrating spies using Myo Cheonwoo, and even hiding a boy with a fake body involved with the Returning to Realm Lord. Finally, they had sent the heads of Cheon Un-gwang and others, announcing to the whole world that they could no longer coexist with him.
Knowing full well that he would never overlook this, and knowing that smooth negotiations with them were impossible, the Demon Emperor was standing by and watching, without opposing the opinions of the senior members who wanted to shift all responsibility onto Bu Eunseol.
If so... Bu Eunseol wore a subtle expression.
'Could it be that he actually wants me to do so?'
He had long intended to purge some of the Ten Demonic Sects, including the Hwa Wu Sword Sect. Among them were those so rotten they were beyond salvation, and even traitors colluding with outsiders were mixed in.
It was clear as day that if left alone, not only himself but the people around him would be in danger. Unless he didn't touch them at all, there was no way the Emperor didn't know that if he did, he would surely uproot the cause. Yet there was no reaction?
'It does not matter what intention he has.'
From the time he issued the punishment of the Life-and-Death Single Palm Decree, he had prepared to leave the Majeon at any time.
Also, the Martial Soul Society was growing steadily.
In a short while, it would reach a level where it could survive even among the alliances of the Righteous, Demonic, and neutral factions.
If he used this opportunity to destroy the Extinction Palace and the Hwa Wu Sword Sect and weakened the power of the Ten Demonic Sects?
It was possible that the Martial Soul Society could gain an opportunity to grow even more safely.
Then, along with the sound of knocking, Yoo Unryong entered with a serious expression.
"As expected, external forces were involved." He said, placing a thick ledger on the table. "It's not just that the prowess of the Lord of the Extinction Palace has soared; traces of using Infinite Reversal Power were captured, as if he had actually ascended to the Limitless Realm."
Bu Eunseol nodded as if it were natural.
"If it weren't for that much, he wouldn't have been able to calmly say he was withdrawing from the Majeon."
And he leisurely read down the book Yoo Unryong gave him.
"Perhaps he even thinks he can compete with the Demon Emperor once."
"It is not something to be said so lightly." Yoo Unryong shook his head with a dark expression. "For the Lord, who was always stuck in the Extinction Palace, to suddenly do such a thing, there must be a powerful backer."
And he spoke in a low voice. "It seems to be the work of Heavenly Mechanism Star, who manipulated Shin Do-unhwi."
According to the words of Seoryeong, who had been raised as a puppet in an orphanage by Heavenly Mechanism Star since childhood, Chu So’s purpose was to destroy the martial world. But through this vacancy, the true purpose of Heavenly Mechanism Star was revealed.
The Chain of Reincarnation.
He was trying to create that transcendental ability by joining hands with the servant called Pamyeong.
"With Heavenly Mechanism Star's ability, he could not only increase the martial arts of the Lord of the Extinction Palace but also sufficiently destroy the Demonic Way itself by making them withdraw from the Majeon."
"No, no matter how much it is Heavenly Mechanism Star, he cannot move the Extinction Palace, one of the Ten Demonic Sects, at will."
If Heavenly Mechanism Star had seized control of the Extinction Palace by borrowing the power of destruction? The Demon Emperor, who leads the grand game while treating the world as a game board and all sects and figures as chess pieces, would never let it be. Even if the servant possessed transcendental power, he would have instead demonstratively returned the Extinction Palace to its original position.
After thinking for a long time, Bu Eunseol stroked his chin.
"Perhaps it is a replaced person."
"A replaced person? Ah." Yoo Unryong nodded.
It is said that in the secret treasury of the Hundred Swords Sect Sect, the unique weapons of not only the previous martial world but also the current super-powerhouses of the martial world were stored. And a significant portion of the things stored in that cold storage was empty.
Perhaps the probability that the Lord of the Extinction Palace has also been replaced by a follower of the True Demon is not small.
"In fact, it doesn't matter who is behind it," Bu Eunseol said firmly. "Since I will surely take the heads of those who proceeded with this matter anyway."
And he handed over a letter from his pocket.
"First, proceed as written."
As he read down the letter, Yoo Unryong’s eyes sparkled.
"It will take at least three days to get in touch with him."
"I will go into closed-door cultivation for three days," Bu Eunseol nodded. "And command all members to complete the new Heart Mirror Technique to at least the eighth stage by three days later."
The missing formulas of the Heart Mirror Technique had been cleanly completed in the margins of the book. Because of that, they could even deceive the Inbiin, who could be called experts of illusions.
Previously, even though the Four Great Corps Lords of the Martial Soul Society had not mastered it properly, they gathered their strength and partially broke the restriction. In other words, it was proven that they could sufficiently face the powerhouses of the world and the armies of the abyss with the Heart Mirror Technique.
"But even if all the martial artists of the Death Shadow Corps can perfectly deploy the Heart Mirror Technique, they cannot face the Extinction Palace."
The combat martial artists of the Death Shadow Corps were three hundred at most. Furthermore, since the improved Heart Mirror Technique creates an image world specialized in defense rather than attack, it was impossible to massacre a large force like the Extinction Palace all at once.
"I told them to complete the new Heart Mirror Technique to at least the eighth stage. It was not to face the Extinction Palace."
"Could it be." Yoo Unryong, who was chewing over Bu Eunseol’s words, looked into the book once more, and his eyes flashed.
"So that was it."
Only then could he grasp what kind of plan Bu Eunseol had and what the Extinction Palace was aiming for.
"Ultimately, their purpose was neither the withdrawal from the Majeon nor to make you lose your position." Yoo Unryong realized. Behind the declaration of withdrawal by the Extinction Palace, a terrifying scheme that was completely unpredicted lay hidden.
"That is correct," Bu Eunseol said with a calm expression. "Proceed as planned."
Three days later.
Bu Eunseol, who emerged from closed-door cultivation, headed for the Extinction Palace accompanied by all the martial artists of the Death Shadow Corps. Even if they were to fight a full-scale war later, they had to face each other at least once and clearly confirm each other's intentions.
Creak—
The large army of the Death Shadow Corps entered the sphere of influence of the Extinction Palace, but no one blocked them. When they arrived in front of the Extinction Palace, the main gate was wide open as if they had been waiting.
"Welcome."
And disciples of the guest reception pavilion, who entertained external guests, kindly guided Bu Eunseol and the martial artists of the Death Shadow Corps so they could enter the interior.
"Please have your subordinates wait here for a moment, and let only one confidant who will attend the Command Lord and the Advisor follow me."
The Extinction Palace side asked to have the troops of the Death Shadow Corps wait and guided only Bu Eunseol and the strategist Yoo Unryong inside to conduct the meeting.
After walking for a long time, Yoo Unryong’s complexion changed.
The place where the disciples of the guest reception pavilion guided Bu Eunseol was not a place to entertain precious guests and visitors, but a small pavilion built lonesomely in a wide-open, empty lot.
Judging by the broken tables and chairs placed here and there around the pavilion, it seemed to be a place where general guests or the families of disciples were met when they visited.
—They are showing their intentions properly even before we speak.
The eyes of Bu Eunseol and Yoo Unryong narrowed simultaneously. Setting aside personal feelings, considering the position of the Martial Soul Command Lord in the martial world? At least an official of the Hall Master level should have come out to meet them, and they should have been guided to a place for entertaining distinguished guests.
But seeing them provide such poor treatment, it was clear that even when they spoke face-to-face, a good result would never come of it.
"The Palace Lord will arrive shortly."
When the disciples of the guest reception pavilion returned, Bu Eunseol and Yoo Unryong sat at the remaining table. Then, the disciples of the guest reception pavilion brought tea before the two men, at least as a formality. Yoo Unryong stared at the teacup that had grown stone-cold. The tea leaves were so old that instead of a savory aroma, they emitted a fishy stench.
"This is truly precious tea."
Yoo Unryong made a pretense of inhaling the aroma by lifting the teacup, then spoke with an exclamation.
"Seeing that it still retains such warmth, it reminds me of the wine Cao Cao gave before Guan Yu took the head of Hua Xiong."
Because it was brewed with tea leaves that were so cold and old, its taste was so sour and stale as to be offensive, so he was mocking it by saying it tasted like warmed wine.
Hearing those words, the disciple of the guest reception pavilion blushed and said, "Shall I bring you another tea?"
"No, it is fine." Yoo Unryong, who waved his hand, took another sip of tea and smiled broadly. "It must be a special grade tea of the Extinction Palace that is only served to distinguished guests, so shouldn't I savor it slowly?" And he winked.
The disciple of the guest reception pavilion, unable to say anything, bowed his head and went back inside.
"Indeed."
Bu Eunseol grasped why Yoo Unryong had chided a low-level martial artist who knew nothing and nodded.
"Was it not the united will of the Extinction Palace?"
If such a thing had happened under the leadership of the Lord of the Extinction Palace? If they truly hated Bu Eunseol for damaging the influence of the Ten Demonic Sects and decided to withdraw from the Majeon?
The low-level disciples would naturally have hostility toward Bu Eunseol and would not have been ashamed for giving stone-cold tea. But when Yoo Unryong spoke the words 'special grade tea of the Extinction Palace,' they felt great shame and tried to take it back.
That meant that this choice of the Extinction Palace was clearly a sudden event that even the low-level disciples could not accept, and one could guess that there would surely be external intervention.
"So it's possible that the Demon Emperor ordered this."
Perhaps because it was a public place, Yoo Unryong was speaking politely to Bu Eunseol using honorifics.
"Even while he suspects everything."
If the Lord of the Extinction Palace had made this decision with an ill intention? The Extinction Palace would have become an enemy of the Majeon.
Since it was already an irreversible situation, the Demon Emperor would have immediately come to take his head. However, using Bu Eunseol as an excuse to the world while saying they would withdraw from the Majeon meant the goal was ultimately Bu Eunseol. Knowing that, he might be watching the senior members issue the order for Bu Eunseol to resolve this.
"Unexpectedly, the matter might end easily." Yoo Unryong smiled broadly. "If it's a problem caused by external forces, we just need to defeat them and deal only with those who sympathized with them."
"It's troublesome."
At that moment, Bu Eunseol looked at the path leading up to the guest reception pavilion and shot out a sharp gaze.
"For that man to come here."
Step, step.
Then, with the sound of powerful footsteps, someone walked into the guest hall.
Naturally, the Lord of the Extinction Palace, Shindo Jangcheon, should have entered, but a young man wearing black martial robes slowly stepped into the hall. If the concept of the sharpness and keenness of a blade were molded into a human, he would surely look like that.
His eyes, containing a cold light within sharply slit lids, emitted an eerie aura as if he would pierce through everyone he met. His high-bridged nose and nimbly extended jawline formed a sleek contour like a line drawn without a single error. The energy emanating from his entire body was so sharp it seemed as if it would cut iron into pieces just by brushing past.
"Heavenly Killing Star."
Bu Eunseol, who recognized the young man's identity at a glance, muttered in a low voice. He was the Heavenly Killing Star, the one he had encountered in the past during the search for Wood Buddha, who was said to possess the strongest power among the One Hundred and Eight Stars.
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