Any information that a certain person stayed in a specific location is like the trace of an anchor sunk beneath a river.
Just as a ship must be above for the anchor to sink into the water, if someone reached that place, there must inevitably be footsteps leading up to it.
Upon returning to Majeon, Bu Eunseol shared the information he had gathered during his journey through the martial world, held meetings, and analyzed it thoroughly. At the same time, he mobilized the Death Spirit Corps to track Baek Museong’s whereabouts, the man who had destroyed Phoenix Valley.
Through this incident, the name Chu So was seared like a brand into the minds of the Death Spirit Corps warriors.
Until now, Chu So had never once revealed himself officially. There was no information about which faction he belonged to, what goals he pursued, or even his appearance or features.
Nevertheless, he had reached into the darkest abyss of the martial world, entangled himself with countless factions and pawns, and was manipulating them. He also possessed knowledge unknown to the current martial world and was searching for mysterious treasures that ordinary people did not even know existed.
If the strongest person in the current martial world was the Demon Emperor, then the most mysterious and secretive individual was undoubtedly Chu So.
—Share the information delivered by the Command Lord.
Following Yoo Unryong’s orders, key information was shared not only with the Shadow Pavilion but also with the Martial Soul Society and the Supreme Corps.
However, letters delivered by carrier pigeons or written messages carried the risk of being intercepted or having their contents exposed by other intelligence organizations. For this reason, masters of qinggong such as Wi Cheongyeong, Soyo, and Tak Ilhon had consistently delivered information in person.
Moreover, with all intelligence agents exerting every effort to track Baek Museong’s movements, even captains like Myo Cheonwoo and Won Semun—who normally did not handle intelligence—had to move personally.
But all those efforts ended in vain.
—We will now select the next Martial Alliance Leader!
This was because the Martial Alliance had suddenly announced the selection of the next leader.
—Martial Heaven Corps Leader Baek Museong and Star Guard Division Commander Baekri Mujo have been chosen as candidates. The next Alliance Leader will be decided according to the results of the leadership council meeting!
The entire martial world was thrown into great turmoil.
Although Baek Museong was a legendary figure who had risen to become the Martial Heaven Corps Leader at a young age, the prevailing opinion was that he lacked the qualifications to become the Martial Alliance Leader.
Furthermore, with all five major units of the Martial Alliance still intact, why had they specifically nominated the youngest and least experienced candidate, Baek Museong?
—Ever since becoming Division Commander, Lord Baek has secretly led the Martial Heaven Corps and successfully completed numerous near-impossible secret missions.
As unrest grew in the martial world, the Martial Alliance explained why they had recommended Baek Museong as a candidate.
—His martial prowess has risen dramatically through these missions, and his potential has proven to be immeasurable.
His crisis management ability, sense of justice, morality, strategic mind, eye for talent, foresight for the future, and insight that penetrates the essence of things have all been verified as flawless for the position of the next Alliance Leader.
However, public opinion remained cold even after the Martial Alliance’s announcement.
The Martial Alliance Leader was not merely the head of an organization. He had to be a symbolic and absolute figure who represented and led the entire righteous path.
No matter how heaven-sent Baek Museong’s potential was or how exceptional he had proven himself in every aspect, it was still insufficient for the martial world to accept him as its leader.
As if to quell the suspicions of the world, the Martial Alliance made another shocking announcement.
—In fifteen days, we will directly verify the qualifications of both candidates at the Martial Alliance’s arena.
It was a radical declaration that the next leader would be chosen through a public duel.
—Then the winner is as good as decided.
The top experts standing at the pinnacle of the martial world knew the true level of Baekri Mujo. They knew just how terrifying his martial prowess was and how overwhelming his true techniques were.
Holding a duel against him to decide the leader?
Baekri Mujo’s victory was as obvious as fire was hot.
—Once the next Alliance Leader is selected, we will stabilize the chaotic situation in the righteous path and proceed with the handover of duties.
With the current Alliance Leader, the Heavenly Emperor’s official declaration, the martial world boiled over once again.
In fifteen days, the birth of the next supreme figure of the righteous path would be confirmed.
***
A secret room submerged in darkness deeper than night.
Cold air that stung the skin seeped from the stone walls, and the air, mixed with the scent of dust-covered ancient books and incense, carried a heavy tension all on its own.
Rustle.
The sound of clothes brushing broke the silence as a small figure suddenly appeared.
His face was hidden in deep shadow and could not be seen, but the chilling aura emanating from his entire body seemed to swallow everything in the secret room.
[You must have already heard.]
As the dry voice cut through the air, a new shadow rose like a ghost from the darkness on the opposite side. He too wore clothes that made his identity impossible to discern, and his face was not visible.
[Do it in moderation.]
Rustle.
Only the sound of clothes brushing was heard once more, and the one who gave the order disappeared without a trace.
In the secret room, only the shadow with its head bowed remained standing alone.
Kukukugung!
At that very moment, the entire secret room began to shake violently from below. The vibrations spread uncontrollably, shaking the surrounding area.
Had the one left behind caused an earthquake?
Before the truth could even be confirmed, the remaining figure scattered like smoke. Everything disappeared once again behind a veil of silence and darkness.
***
Finally, the day that would decide the fate of the martial world had dawned.
Buzzing murmurs filled the air.
At the Martial Alliance’s grand training grounds, where the duel to select the next leader was about to be held, renowned martial artists from all ranks had gathered like clouds, regardless of status.
This was not simply a duel to determine superiority in martial arts. It was the most sacred and solemn ceremony of the martial world, where everyone had to witness the birth of the new leader who would guide the Alliance and accept the outcome.
Soon, under the supervision of the current Alliance Leader, the Heavenly Emperor, the curtain rose on the duel.
Step.
The first figure to step onto the dueling stage, where the eyes of the entire world were focused, was Star Guard Division Commander Baekri Mujo.
His appearance was immaculate, as if he had stepped out of a traditional ink painting. He wore a white long robe with a jade belt tinged with blue light, and a white treasured sword hung at his waist.
As someone who had led the Star Guard Commander for many years, a natural dignity permeated his entire being.
Even the sleeves fluttering in the wind were as noble and elegant as the wings of a crane.
His straight back and perfectly composed posture fully revealed the depth of the sword arts he had accumulated over a long time.
Beneath his profound gaze lay the weight of Mount Tai and the calm serenity of a still lake.
His long, extended fingers contained both delicate and solid energy. Even without drawing his sword, his hands alone exuded the sharp presence of a blade.
Tap!
At that moment, on the opposite side, Martial Heaven Corps Leader Baek Museong strode onto the dueling stage.
A valiant physique clad in deep blue martial robes radiated a heroic spirit like crashing waves, completely opposite to Baekri Mujo’s calm energy. The heavy sword at his waist showed his strength, and his sharply shining eyes fully revealed his unyielding conviction and burning sense of justice.
He also flashed a refreshing smile, slightly revealing his teeth.
Step.
The two Division Commanders stood facing each other at a distance of twenty paces in the center of the dueling stage.
Burning fighting spirit, quiet coldness, and explosive heat mixed together, heating the stage intensely.
The martial artists filling the training grounds all held their breath.
The moment a new history of the martial world was about to be written had arrived.
“This place is not for determining superiority in martial arts, but to prove the qualifications to become the next leader who will lead our Alliance!”
Vice-Alliance Leader Buk Ri-seong stepped forward and declared.
“I hope you will show a match befitting that role!”
Baekri Mujo and Baek Museong stood with dignified eyes, showing no personal emotions.
“Begin!”
The moment Vice-Alliance Leader Buk Ri-seong’s shout rang out, the two simultaneously performed a fist salute in respect.
Words were unnecessary.
The time had come to prove the qualifications of the next Alliance Leader with nothing but their swords.
***
The foremost famous spot in the Jangsa region, the Baekmong Inn, embraced a clear lake like a garden. At night, poets and scholars seeking inspiration would drink under the moonlight, while during the day, it was filled with guests wanting to share stories of the world and get drunk.
Upon entering the inn, a spacious first floor with dozens of tables greeted the guests first. Looking up, the second and third floors were connected in a circular shape, allowing a full view of the lively first floor beyond the railings.
The higher the floor, the more exorbitantly the prices rose.
On the second floor, with its good view of the lake, one could occasionally see wealthy merchants and martial artists. The third-floor private rooms offered perfect soundproofing and secrecy, making it impossible to know who was coming and going.
Buzzing murmurs.
The inn at lunchtime was packed with people.
Boisterous merchants clinking glasses with hearty laughter, weary travelers from long journeys, and martial artists silently drinking with weapons at their waists. Loud conversations, the clatter of dishes, and calls for servers mixed together, filling the space with vibrant noise.
“Did you hear? They say the next Alliance Leader has been decided.”
Amid the commotion, a martial artist seated by the window on the second floor lowered his voice and spoke to the middle-aged man with a goat beard across from him.
His single sentence seemed to make the surrounding noise disappear.
“I heard. Who would have thought that the one called the Sacred Sword of the world, Division Commander Baekri, would fall in just thirty moves?”
The biggest topic in the martial world recently was undoubtedly the selection of the new Alliance Leader.
In the clash between the new and the old, an unexpected result had emerged.
Baekri Mujo, the Star Guard Division Commander whom most martial artists had been certain would become the next leader, had been helplessly defeated by the young and vigorous Martial Heaven Corps Leader Baek Museong.
“I still can’t believe it.”
The middle-aged man with the goat beard shook his head.
“No matter how much of a heavenly genius he is, how could his martial prowess advance so much in such a short time?”
Martial Heaven Corps Leader Baek Museong was well-known for his outstanding martial skills, but he had never been evaluated as having reached a level that transcended generations. Yet through this duel, he had repeatedly broken through his own limits and proven that his superiority did not fall short even against previous-generation experts.
“What is certain is that from now on, Lord Baek is writing a new chapter in the history of the martial world.”
Baek Museong, who had started as a second-grade Corps Leader, achieved continuous success, but was crippled and left the Martial Alliance. However, after obtaining a great opportunity, he made a spectacular return, rose to become the Martial Heaven Corps Leader at a young age, and was now elected as the next Martial Alliance Leader.
Such an indomitable journey was an unprecedented record that would remain in martial world history.
“Truly, something impossible has happened.”
In a quiet third-floor private room.
There, a man with a handsome appearance like a painting and another with a gentle and beautiful face like pouring moonlight sat facing each other, quietly sipping from their cups.
They were Yoo Unryong and Bu Eunseol.
“No matter how much someone like Chu So intervened…”
Yoo Unryong shook his head.
Because he had heard from Bu Eunseol about the Baek Museong he met at Phoenix Valley, he could roughly guess what situation the man was in.
“Just what method did he use to so confidently defeat Division Commander Baekri in front of all the Martial Alliance’s martial artists and key figures?”
Yoo Unryong had organized and ranked the martial prowess of the strong experts Bu Eunseol had faced.
Baekri Mujo was an absolute expert who had clashed with Bu Eunseol multiple times and always held the upper hand.
Excluding unparalleled super-experts like the Demon Emperor, or the subordinates of the True Demon and abyss forces, among martial world figures, Baekri Mujo undoubtedly occupied the top position in that ranking.
Yet Baek Museong, who had not even fought ten seconds against Bu Eunseol, had defeated Baekri Mujo in thirty moves?
It was utterly impossible.
“Even if he has some kind of split personality power, he couldn’t have used it in front of the leadership, right?”
So far, those who had received great rituals through split personalities or other personas all had somewhat strangely altered appearances. If he had used such power on the dueling stage where the leadership and alliance members were all watching, it would definitely have been noticed. Such a technique could never have been used.
“Then there is only one answer.”
Bu Eunseol set down his cup and answered calmly.
“It was already a planned event.”
“A planned event?”
“Yes. Perhaps the selection of the new Martial Alliance Leader was not the Martial Venerable’s idea, but a decision made by those behind the Martial Alliance.”
The Martial Alliance was known as an organization pursuing justice in the martial world, but in reality, it was closer to a coalition where various factions gathered to exchange opinions.
Therefore, even as Alliance Leader, one could only move the forces in the open.
Even the Heavenly Emperor had not originally been a candidate for Alliance Leader.
Although he possessed great martial prowess and high reputation for chivalry, he was not originally a member of the Martial Alliance.
However, because he became the symbolic figure representing the righteous path in opposition to the Demon Emperor, the greatest of the demonic path, he had no choice but to ascend to the position.
“So they took this opportunity to select a leader who suits their taste.”
Given the nature of the Martial Alliance, where the hidden forces were originally stronger, they would naturally want a leader they could manipulate as they wished. Compared to the perfect Baekri Mujo in every aspect, the still young and inexperienced Baek Museong would be far easier to handle.
“Or perhaps they had been planning to raise Baek Museong as Alliance Leader from the beginning.”
Bu Eunseol shook his head after emptying the liquor into his mouth.
“The position of Alliance Leader is not something decided in such a short time.”
“The probability that they had been preparing it from the start is higher.”
Yoo Unryong let out a sigh.
“Being the next leader is practically the same as already holding half the authority of the Alliance Leader.”
The Martial Alliance and Majeon had fundamentally different roots in how they treated their successors.
In Majeon, a successor was merely the future power and was closer to a shadow that could not surpass the current leader.
But the Martial Alliance’s successor was different.
The moment one was designated as successor, they would handle part of the current leader’s duties and step forward as a practical leader dealing with the martial world’s current issues.
It was closer to a joint ruling system.
This difference was clearly revealed even in the customs of the inauguration ceremony.
If a grand inauguration ceremony was held, there was a high risk that the event would turn into a stage for various factions to line up with the new power and show off. Especially, precious gifts and unnecessary favors could intensify factional fights and cloud the eyes of the leader who had just begun to lead the righteous path.
Therefore, through long wisdom, the Martial Alliance had created a unique tradition.
The official inauguration ceremony would be held modestly with only internal personnel, while a grand celebration would be held when selecting the next successor, inviting envoys from all sects and factions.
This was the Martial Alliance’s way of preserving the new leader’s fairness while giving strength to the future leader.
“But why exactly did Baek Museong ask to send you as the congratulatory envoy?”
—Please send the Martial Soul Command Lord as the congratulatory envoy.
Even in Majeon, it was customary to send a congratulatory envoy whenever the Martial Alliance decided on a new leader.
The role had always been handled by the Vice Lord.
Since there was no Vice Lord, the next highest position of Chief Instructor, held by Yeop Hyocheon, should have gone.
However, because the next leader, Baek Museong, had expressed his desire to see the Martial Soul Command Lord, Bu Eunseol had no choice but to go as the envoy.
“Could it be that after the Phoenix Valley incident, he regained all his memories and called for you?”
Baek Museong, who had destroyed Phoenix Valley, had suffered a severe head injury from Bu Eunseol and briefly shown signs of reverting to his childhood self.
“Although it was only a short time, it might have served as an opportunity for him to regain some of his memories.”
“If that were the case, he would have called you secretly.”
“Then could he have formed a cooperative relationship with the Martial Venerable?”
Yoo Unryong showed a worried expression.
“That man must still hold a grudge against you. Perhaps after devising a plan to completely reveal that you are Seon Woojin, he used Baek Museong to call you.”
The period when Baek Museong had fully immersed himself with the abyss forces began when he realized he could not possibly defeat the figure known as Seon Woojin.
Because what he desired was only Gongsun Dankyung herself.
From the moment he learned through Seon Woojin that he could not obtain her, he had been unable to maintain a gentle heart.
The Martial Venerable was clearly aware of this as well. Perhaps all of this was yet another trap to bring down Bu Eunseol.
“It could be possible.”
Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“But I don’t think he was persuaded by the Martial Venerable and called me.”
“Then…”
Yoo Unryong widened his eyes as if a strange thought had occurred to him.
“Could he simply want to show off in front of you?”
“Show off?”
“Isn’t there no one in the world who doesn’t know you as the person who rose the fastest in the martial world?”
Yoo Unryong spoke with a very serious face.
“But now that he has finally risen faster than you, perhaps he called you to brag about it?”
“Especially since you have already become the most hated person in the martial world because of the Ten-Thousand-Li Treasure Ship incident.”
Bu Eunseol had eliminated the Vajra Demon Sect that created the Ten-Thousand-Li Treasure Ship and saved the greedy martial world. However, martial artists who did not know the truth poured out hatred, claiming he had monopolized the Ten-Thousand-Li Treasure Ship and trampled on their hopes.
The repercussions even reached the demonic path, sharply narrowing his influence within Majeon.
In the past, an invitation from the Martial Alliance would have come with a unit-level escort, but now that his authority in Majeon had shrunk, displaying such grandeur would only provoke uncontrollable backlash. After much deliberation, Bu Eunseol had quietly set out into the martial world with only Yoo Unryong accompanying him.
—How about hiring external forces to maintain face?
The Death Shadow Corps captains had carefully suggested it, but it was realistically impossible.
If forces from the demonic path, not directly under Majeon, entered the Martial Alliance’s territory, it would be close to a provocation the Martial Alliance would never tolerate. If such movements were detected, they would immediately block entry with force, and a full-scale conflict could erupt.
“We’ll find out when we get there.”
After emptying all the liquor jars, Bu Eunseol and Yoo Unryong stood up.
“I never thought I’d end up playing the role of a coachman.”
Grumbling, Yoo Unryong climbed onto the coachman’s seat of the carriage parked in front of the inn.
Since they were going as congratulatory envoys upon official invitation from the Martial Alliance, they could not travel using qinggong. With no separate escort, Yoo Unryong had no choice but to take the reins himself.
Clop. Clop.
The carriage ran through the night and had already entered the Henan region.
Whoosh.
Then, martial artists rapidly approaching while using qinggong began to draw near the carriage from all directions.
Whenever a major figure from Majeon appeared in righteous path territory, there were always those attempting assassination. Therefore, the moment the invited envoy entered Henan, the Martial Alliance would identify their route and send an escort unit to ensure safety.
The eight-horse carriage Bu Eunseol rode was the Flying Red Flash Shadow, which was three times faster than even the Blood-Sweating Horses.
“They must want to show off their qinggong.”
Yoo Unryong snorted as the martial artists leisurely followed the carriage as if flaunting their skills.
“Hya!”
When he loosely shook the reins, the Flying Red Flash Shadow shot forward like a streak of lightning.
However, the escorts followed the carriage without any difficulty.
Then, as if the sky were darkening, around forty martial artists dressed in black suddenly began following the carriage.
‘Additional escorts?’
As Yoo Unryong frowned,
Rumble.
They began to surround the carriage.
And instead of guiding it toward Namman, where the Martial Alliance was located, they were leading it in the opposite direction.
Comments