Mok Do-in let out a deep sigh arising from the depths of his lungs.
The Sacred Domain had balanced the martial world for generations, and there had never been those who escaped their control.
However, in the current generation, superhuman powerhouses who escaped their control were appearing one after another, and events that made it utterly impossible to predict even an inch ahead were unfolding.
Just like right now.
"Yes, that is so."
Mok Do-in acknowledged it. Bu Eunseol.
This man was like an unfathomable enigma. He was not an existence that could be rationalized or understood with the mind.
"Then who is the person who lost the Black Secret Arts to you?"
"My transaction with the Pavilion Master was regarding the Seven Great Demonic Sects and the Ten Great Immortals."
Bu Eunseol snorted.
"If there is something you desire, bring a corresponding price."
And he spoke in a low voice.
"Has the Pavilion Master also not reached a position where you understand the place called the martial world well enough?"
"What did you say?"
"To stand in an equal relationship, one must prove they possess the corresponding power."
Tremble, tremble.
Mok Do-in trembled with a sense of insult.
However, every word Bu Eunseol spoke was something he himself had uttered. He could not contest it.
"Do not think that all figures of this Domain will be like this old man."
Mok Do-in spoke in a voice that sounded as if he had given up all hope.
"You cannot remain equal to this Domain forever, and an individual who refuses to acknowledge that might eventually appear."
"It does not matter."
Bu Eunseol spoke indifferently.
"As long as we do not cross each other."
In the martial world, there were neither eternal enemies nor eternal allies.
Even now, while believing they could absolutely never coexist, was he not cooperating with the Demon Emperor?
Of course, the Demon Emperor currently held the upper hand, but there was no guarantee that such dominance would continue forever.
"I hope we can continue to make good transactions in the future."
Mok Do-in was the Hidden Forest Pavilion Leader of the Martial Alliance, and since Bu Eunseol possessed the Black Secret Arts, he could infiltrate the Martial Alliance at any time.
Although it was said that their mutual interests had aligned, Mok Do-in was an individual bound to the Martial Alliance.
He had been completely led by the nose by the Martial Soul Command Lord.
Clop, clop, clop.
In the carriage returning to Majeon, Yoo Unryong was riding entirely alone.
—I have obtained important information.
Upon emerging from the Martial Alliance, Bu Eunseol recounted to Yoo Unryong the conversations he had shared with Baek Museong and Mok Do-in.
—The situation over there is not favorable, you say.
Yoo Unryong stroked his chin. If that were the case, it meant the Sacred Domain grasped the situation of Ratna Fortress to a certain extent.
—Understood. Then I shall prepare the remaining matters on my own.
Originally, he ought to deploy the Death Spirit Corps to grasp the situation, obtain precise information, and then depart for that place.
However, within Cheonchuk, there resided the Four Star Merchant Guild.
—By the time you arrive in Cheonchuk, you will be able to obtain perfectly refined information.
The tribe of Cheonchuk that was once referred to as the Four Holy Clans had transformed into the Four Star Merchant Guild with the assistance of Bu Eunseol, acquiring immense wealth, personal connections, and a vast information network.
They swore complete loyalty to Bu Eunseol, who had bestowed his grace upon them.
In essence, the Four Star Merchant Guild was no different from the Cheonchuk branch of the Death Spirit Corps. While Bu Eunseol traveled to Cheonchuk, Yoo Unryong intended to grasp the overall situation of Cheonchuk, including Ratna Fortress. He wished to deliver that information so that Bu Eunseol could safely return under any circumstances.
—Understood.
Bu Eunseol displayed a smile blended with apology and gratitude.
The fact that he had been able to freely roam the martial world until now, and that he had been able to formulate and execute the far-reaching strategies of three-fold deliberation was all possible because the genius tactician, Yoo Unryong, had assisted him by his side.
—Do not overexert yourself.
Yoo Unryong knew.
The reason Bu Eunseol desperately sought to obtain the Artifact of Heaven and Earth was not simply to increase his martial prowess. It was because it was the method through which he could protect more people.
—Do not try to shoulder so many things all by yourself.
Bu Eunseol nodded his head without a word.
Watching that appearance, Yoo Unryong let out a deep sigh.
The current situation of the martial world was far too bizarre. All common sense and systems that had been known until now were being destroyed. As a result, it was a situation where Bu Eunseol alone was handling far too many things.
—At least it is a relief that the Deputy Corps Leader has returned.
Soyo, who had returned from Mount Jangbaek, had significantly increased her martial prowess overall, not just her qinggong, Therefore, no matter how dangerous the task might be now, she had reached a level where she could accompany Bu Eunseol by his side.
What did that mean?
—Go together with Deputy Corps Leader Soyo.
—It is fine. It is merely a journey to locate the Artifact of Heaven and Earth.
Yoo Unryong strongly advised once more.
—Just take her along.
—For what reason?
When Bu Eunseol asked, he spoke resolutely.
—It is an intuition.
Even Bu Eunseol, who was notorious for being cold-blooded, was occasionally sentimental and lost his composure at times.
In contrast, Yoo Unryong had never once behaved in such a manner. If he were to lose his composure as well, not a single cool-headed individual would remain within the Death Shadow Corps.
The Captains uniformly possessed passionate hearts. If it concerned Bu Eunseol's affairs, even the Death Corps Leader Mu Heon or Soyo would plunge through fire and water without hesitation. Thus, at least one person had to remain rational.
Such a man was now discussing intuition instead of reason.
—Understood.
Bu Eunseol nodded his head without raising any objections.
Just as he trusted his own intuition, he also trusted Yoo Unryong's intuition.
He immediately headed toward Ratna Fortress along with Soyo.
"It is a truly arduous task."
Driving the carriage alone while recalling the conversation shared with Bu Eunseol, Yoo Unryong let out a deep sigh.
Before long, a moment would arrive where they would have to wager their faction in a decisive battle. To prepare for that time, the Death Shadow Corps, the Martial Soul Society, and the Supreme Corps had to constantly nurture their strength and continue to grow.
And if they reached a certain trajectory?
The Captains could either take charge of their respective missions like Bu Eunseol or travel the martial world alongside Bu Eunseol.
'I shall make it so that such a day arrives quickly.'
Staring at the distant sky, Yoo Unryong clenched his fist tightly.
***
Two silhouettes were advancing rapidly as if skimming across the earth.
It was Bu Eunseol and Soyo, who had departed all the way from the Central Plains.
Ratna Fortress, ruled by the Holy King, was the most arid and desolate land among the eight cities of Cheonchuk.
What entered their vision as they ran rapidly was a greyish plain that stretched out endlessly. Furthermore, earthen mud houses stood with difficulty, and even those appeared precarious as if they would collapse at any moment.
They had arrived near the capital castle.
On the road where dust swirled, only the citizens with hollow eyes, devoid of any vitality, were passing to and fro infrequently. Their shoulders slumped heavily, crushed by the weight of life, and the cries of children heard occasionally drifted into the empty air like crumbled leaves.
Staring at that barren landscape, Bu Eunseol's gaze was endlessly sunken.
The poverty of Ratna Fortress was not a matter of yesterday or today.
It was situated in the most arid and desolate land within Cheonchuk. Because the soil itself was fundamentally unsuitable for farming, the harvest of grain was inherently minimal, and the terrain made it exceedingly difficult to obtain water. Furthermore, the land was facing a prolonged drought. It was parched as if even the heavens had turned their back. Even on the rare occasions when it rained, the amount was dreadfully insufficient.
Swoosh! Rustle.
Upon entering the capital castle, the silhouettes of the two individuals grew even faster.
As they kicked off the earth like a gale, the outline of a massive castle rising faintly in the far distance began to come into view.
It was the Crescent Palace, where the Moon Queen resided.
As the distance gradually closed, the appearance of the Crescent Palace was clearly visible.
"Unexpected."
Belying its reputation as one of the eight factions of Cheonchuk, the Crescent Palace of the Moon Queen was unexpectedly far removed from extravagance. As if fully enduring the weight of time, faded castle walls and weathered roofs were visible.
Staring at the Crescent Palace visible in the distance, Bu Eunseol let out a low exclamation.
Although it was not extravagant, the Crescent Palace itself possessed an elegant posture like a refined piece of artwork. Like an ascetic who had continued his cultivation through hardships over a long period of time, a calm and serene energy was wafting from the entire castle.
Nod.
Soyo, who stood by his side, also nodded her head lightly.
"It seems the Moon Queen who rules Ratna Fortress is traditionally an elegant person."
Because it was old, its dignity was deeper, and because it was simple, a radiant holiness was visible.
A palace of that architecture could absolutely never be the dwelling of a greedy individual.
"That is something we cannot know. Buildings are merely passed down through generations."
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
"The Moon Queen, Tariga, is a mysterious figure among the eight factions of Cheonchuk who rarely reveals herself."
Bu Eunseol added.
"And I do not believe in legends."
The Moon Queen was regarded as an incarnation of mercy, and it was said that when one life ended, they would awaken anew.
At a glance, it sounded similar to the True Demon. However, they possessed no memories of their past life; it was said that they merely inherited the dharma power possessed by the Moon Queen.
Despite this, the citizens of Ratna Fortress revered the Moon Queen born in every generation like a god. They believed that she could wield mysterious powers.
However, Bu Eunseol did not believe in superstitions or sorcery, and he believed that deifying a human being was incorrect.
"From what I heard, she provides relief to those in difficulty and assists the sick."
In the past, they would have faced considerable difficulty in obtaining information regarding the eight factions of Cheonchuk. However, it was because currently, they had the Four Holy Clans who communicated closely with the Martial Soul Society.
Furthermore, while traveling to Cheonchuk, thanks to Yoo Unryong's efforts, they had acquired detailed information not only regarding the eight factions of Cheonchuk but also concerning various regions of Cheonchuk.
"That is also something we cannot know."
One must not blindly trust the contents obtained through an information organization.
One must always see and confirm with their own eyes.
"Let us first go ahead."
He headed toward the entrance of the Crescent Palace.
However, it was strange.
The guards who ought to naturally be in front of the palace were nowhere to be seen, and was the castle gate not wide open?
Ooh! Woah!
From the inside, massive shouts drifted out repeatedly.
It seemed like the merry voices of people enjoying a festival. It also seemed like the angry roars unleashed simultaneously by people filled with rage.
"It seems something is happening."
Soyo spoke in a low voice.
"Shall I go ahead first and investigate?"
"No, let us go together."
Obtaining the Artifact of Heaven and Earth was highly important. Furthermore, the sacred object of the Crescent Palace was not something that could be stolen; it required the assistance of the Moon Queen, Tariga.
Therefore, he had to formally meet her and seek her cooperation.
Murmuring.
Upon stepping inside, a wide open space enclosed by castle walls came into view, and a large pile of firewood was being stacked there.
Perhaps they intended to kindle a massive fire to blaze vigorously.
"It seems they are preparing some sort of ritual."
However, at that moment, along with the rustling of garments, four women emerged from the darkness and approached Bu Eunseol and Soyo.
They were all wearing clothes made of indigo cloth, and their faces were covered, revealing only their eyes.
However, their gaze was bright, and their movements possessed discipline and grace.
"Welcome to this palace."
The woman standing at the very front spoke in fluent Han speech.
"The King is waiting for you."
Surprisingly, the Moon Queen was aware of the fact that Bu Eunseol and Soyo were visiting this place, and even the exact time.
'This will be difficult.'
Bu Eunseol inwardly swallowed a groan.
Whether the Moon Queen possessed an outstanding information organization to predict the visit, or whether she possessed a power of foresight… possessing this level of capability was by no means an advantageous condition for negotiation.
"I see."
Swallowing his complicated inner thoughts, Bu Eunseol extended his hand indifferently.
"Lead the way."
Entering the quarters where the Moon Queen resided, Bu Eunseol widened his eyes slightly with a somewhat surprised expression.
What unfolded before his eyes was not a grand and luxurious main hall.
It was a surprisingly simple, neat, and cozy space akin to a well-maintained study.
The sunlight filtering through the window was gently filtered, dyeing the interior of the hall in a soft cream color. The walls were clean without decoration, and in one corner, a bookshelf where volumes were arranged neatly was visible.
In the center, a reception table where they could face each other and share a conversation was placed.
On the table that appeared to be for administrative work, a white porcelain water dropper and a few writing brushes were placed. Beside it, the fragrance of clear and pure white sandalwood was drifting like a thread from a small incense burner.
'It is an item of the Four Holy Clans.'
Bu Eunseol nodded his head with satisfaction.
The people of the Four Holy Clans, who had become the Four Star Merchant Guild, provided high-priced white sandalwood free of charge to the temples visited by nobles. The nobles of Cheonchuk who grasped its superior quality ordered the white sandalwood of the Four Star Merchant Guild one after another. Before long, even the Crescent Palace of Ratna Fortress was utilizing the white sandalwood of the Four Star Merchant Guild.
The floor was laid with wood that was somewhat worn but cleanly maintained. With every step, the creaking sound of the old wood echoed softly.
'Is she truly an individual devoid of greed?'
Luxurious decorations or expensive utensils were nowhere to be found. However, inside, the deep fragrance of wood bearing the traces of long years, the light fragrance of books, and the gentle aroma of incense blended together, creating a strange tranquility.
It was as though one had entered the tea room of a deep mountain temple. It was meticulously designed so that the people who entered could feel neatness and comfort, allowing them to share a sincere conversation.
'I hope things go well.'
Click.
The door on the opposite side opened, and a shadow clothed in white garments slowly revealed itself.
It was an appearance whose age was difficult to gauge.
Deep wisdom coexisted on that face to call it young, and a fresh vitality coexisted to call it old.
The skin bore a gentle luster like a pearl that had long harbored the moonlight, and a light copper hue as if healthily tanned by the sun added to the unique mystery of a Cheonchuk woman. The pitch-black, thick, and long hair was combed back neatly without any decoration, flowing naturally below his shoulders, and each strand carried a deep luster like a river in the night sky.
She was the ruler of Ratna Fortress, the Moon Queen, Tariga.
Bu Eunseol even forgot to show courtesy and stared at the Moon Queen.
Her deep eyes seemed to harbor the stars of the night sky, shining brightly and intelligently, and within them rested a passage of wisdom along with a childlike innocence simultaneously.
Above all, it was because her eyes matched Soyo's exactly.
If the color of her eyes had been dyed in silver like Soyo's, Bu Eunseol would have thought the two were sisters.
"Your insight is magnificent."
The Moon Queen nodded her head while looking at Bu Eunseol.
"Though I suppose if it were not so, you would not have reached such a level at a young age."
'Does she also read the heavenly secret?'
The manner of speech and gaze of the Moon Queen were like a wise sage who read the entire future.
"I have committed a discourtesy."
Only then did Bu Eunseol snap out of his thoughts and politely show courtesy.
"A disciple of the Central Plains Demonic Path, Nangyang Pavilion, Bu Eunseol greets the Moon Queen."
Realizing that she possessed a clean nature, he deliberately lowered his status as a disciple of the Nangyang Pavilion instead of putting forward his identity as the Martial Soul Command Lord.
With that, Soyo also bowed his head politely.
"I am Soyo, a servant assisting the Command Lord."
"Soyo."
The Moon Queen nodded her head upon hearing Soyo's name. "I see."
"I apologize for the sudden visit. There is something I urgently wish to discuss..."
As Bu Eunseol tried to continue his words, the Moon Queen waved her hand.
"I am sorry, but this palace is currently facing a small event."
She spoke while looking at the wood piled high beyond the window.
"I would like to handle that first and then share our conversation again, what do you think? It will not take very long."
Bu Eunseol and Soyo looked at each other and nodded their heads.
In any case, they were curious to see what exactly they intended to do by kindling a large fire with that firewood.
"Very well."
Bu Eunseol and the Moon Queen followed behind the disciples attending her, stepping outside once more.
They moved toward the altar erected on the opposite side of the firewood that had been piled up like a mountain. On the altar, chairs from which one could clearly observe the event unfolding on the opposite side and a canopy to block the sunlight were installed.
The Moon Queen sat neatly on the chair installed there.
Rumble.
Then, dozens of people suddenly appeared on the opposite side, shouldering a massive log.
They erected the large log on top of the piled firewood.
Surprisingly, the figure of a man bound with two arms outstretched was visible on the log.
Ultimately, the reason they had piled firewood here was to tie a person tightly and burn them to death.
At that moment, the man bound to the log discovered Bu Eunseol standing in the distance, and brightened up as he shouted.
"Command Lord! It is me!"
Bu Eunseol widened his eyes.
The person bound to the log was none other than Yu Cheongrim.
"Exactly what is the meaning of this?"
When Bu Eunseol asked one of the disciples who was firmly securing the log, she spoke coldly.
"This thief attempted to steal the sacred object residing in this palace. He ended up grasping it in his hands."
When Bu Eunseol glanced at Yu Cheongrim, he dropped his head as if he had no words to say.
"Is that why you intend to kill him?"
The woman spoke with utmost solemnity and calmness.
"Since an outsider laid hands on the sacred object, we have no choice but to purify him with fire."
Bu Eunseol could not hide his bewildered expression.
"That is merely an execution by burning, is it not?"
The woman spoke with an utterly indifferent expression.
"If he is one chosen by the sacred object, he will survive."
Yu Cheongrim had been unable to break his habit of thievery during this time.
He had randomly tampered with the supreme treasure of the Crescent Palace, which they regarded as sacred, and had ended up captured. The problem was that if an outsider tampered with the sacred object in this Crescent Palace, they had to execute a purification ritual.
Unfortunate as it was, that happened to be a ritual of receiving the choice of fire.
"I see."
Grasping the entire situation, Bu Eunseol looked at Yu Cheongrim and nodded his head.
"Command Lord!"
As Yu Cheongrim formed an expression like a baby bird with tears welling in his eyes, Bu Eunseol nodded his head vigorously and spoke.
"I hope you receive the favor of the sacred object."
As Bu Eunseol turned his body indifferently, Yu Cheongrim shouted urgently.
"Uaaah, save me!"
He screamed at the top of his lungs.
"I will do anything! Command Lord! I will never commit theft again. Uhuhuk."
Bu Eunseol halted his steps.
'There is no one quite like Yu Cheongrim to scout this place.'
As Bu Eunseol returned once more, Yu Cheongrim brightened up with tears welling in his eyes. Though he was said to be cold and a man of few words, he was not a person who would ignore his crisis.
He was surely intending to plead with the Moon Queen to save him.
"Perchance."
Bu Eunseol asked the disciple preparing the purification ritual.
"May this Command Lord also watch the ritual near here?"
"C-Command Lord?"
The disciple who heard Bu Eunseol's words furrowed her brows. However, soon realizing that he was a guest acknowledged by the Moon Queen, she pointed to a corner.
"Please stay over there so as not to disturb the ritual."
"Understood."
Bu Eunseol and Soyo nodded their heads.
Moving to the corner where Yu Cheongrim was clearly visible, they stared at him with intrigued expressions.
"Are you saving me?"
When Yu Cheongrim, whose complexion had turned pale, shouted, Bu Eunseol nodded his head.
"Do your best."
With that, Soyo also nodded his head.
"Do your best."
Dong.
At that moment, the massive sound of a gong echoed from the altar in the distance.
The disciples waiting below brought forth large torches.
Near the firewood, they had scattered a massive amount of fire powder ground from fire stones.
The moment the torch made contact, Yu Cheongrim, who was erected on the firewood, would turn into a whole roast just like that.
"Command Lord? You are joking, right? Right?"
At that moment, the clear voice of the Moon Queen echoed out.
"Begin."
With that, the disciple holding the torch began to slowly lower it onto the firewood.
Yu Cheongrim did not avert his gaze and stared at Bu Eunseol.
Trust.
Even if he spoke harshly, it was because he possessed a firm trust that he would surely halt the burning ritual at the final moment.
How many perilous adventures had he undertaken alongside Bu Eunseol during this time?
He had become a living bait for the Black-and-White Witch, and he had become a living hidden weapon at the orphanage of the Returning to One Realm.
Even considering those points, he would absolutely, surely, without fail, by all means never ignore him.
"Uaaaaak!"
Yu Cheongrim screamed.
Before he knew it, the torch had dropped, creating a massive blaze.
"Save me!"
In the end, Yu Cheongrim began to be burned alive.
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