Yoo Unryong was so surprised that his eyes nearly popped out.
"What did you say?"
"Because Chu So had been conducting massive experiments all along, he needed an astronomical amount of funds. It would be strange if a smart human like him didn't lay his hands on counterfeit money."
Bu Eunseol wore a flawlessly calm expression as if telling an unfunny joke.
"The Jungson Family, which received that Chu So's orders, had been making counterfeit money for a long time. And they circulated it through the wandering troupes."
"It's just that they didn't circulate it in massive quantities like they are now."
"That is correct."
Bu Eunseol wore a faint smile.
"If not, could I have confidently said that I would invite the Grand Secretary?"
"What do you mean?"
"The matters related to the counterfeit money were investigated separately by me and the Grand Secretary, not the Death Spirit Corps."
At that moment, Yoo Unryong bit his lip.
As Bu Eunseol's strategist, he believed he shared everything and did everything together with him.
But out of nowhere, he was conducting a secret investigation separately with Yoo Jeongpung, excluding himself?
"Unryong."
"Ah, it's fine. You did well."
He felt so disappointed that he was almost dazed, but Yoo Unryong forced a smile and waved his hand.
"To deceive the enemy, you have to deceive those around you first. Isn't that right?"
Even as he said that, the focus disappeared from his pupils, and signs of shock were clearly evident.
'Hmm.'
Bu Eunseol let out a deep sigh.
Until now, Yoo Unryong knew of all matters related to Bu Eunseol and handled them together.
But what if he didn't tell the truth?
His depleted pride would never recover.
"It was a matter the Grand Secretary personally requested."
"Huh?"
"He requested it several times."
Bu Eunseol, having taken a deep breath, continued.
"To absolutely keep the full story of this counterfeit money circulation incident to myself, and to not reveal it to anyone else."
"What does that mean?"
"Back then, when you left, I conversed further with Lord Yoo. He requested it then."
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
"I said I definitely had to tell you, but the Lord requested it. He said absolutely not."
"Why, for what reason?"
"First, the evidence regarding the counterfeit money was not perfectly collected even at that point."
Bu Eunseol explained calmly.
"Therefore, the Grand Secretary proposed a brilliant stratagem. To publicly announce at the Grand Assembly that I fabricated the evidence regarding the counterfeit money altogether."
"The Lord did?"
"That is correct. By doing so, we could easily find the ones among the Eight Great Families or the Nine Great Sects and the Beggars' Sect who collaborated with the Jungson Family."
Bu Eunseol continued his words.
"And if there are no spies, it would serve as an opportunity to promote unity."
Under Chu So's command, the Jungson Family actually circulated the counterfeit money.
They had been confident that if they went through the wandering troupes, their tails would never be caught.
Bu Eunseol secretly collaborated with Yoo Jeongpung and secured several pieces of evidence related to the counterfeit money along with the government troops.
However, even up to that point, they could not clearly prove that it was the Jungson Family's doing.
At that time, Yoo Jeongpung had informed him of a stratagem.
―How about secretly informing the leadership that the evidence is fabricated?
If there was a spy inside, this story would definitely flow into the Jungson Family.
Then Bu Eunseol, in order to refute the suspicion of fabrication, would have to review and reinvestigate the entire incident.
He could buy that much time.
Conversely, what if there was no spy?
Even so, they could confirm who was willing to share Bu Eunseol's intentions when this fact was conveyed……
In other words, this could serve as an opportunity to test the unity of the Grand Alliance.
"In the end, due to this incident, twelve sects, including the Kunlun Sect, the Seoning Sect, the Golden Dragon Fort, and the Mount Huang Sword Sect, either informed against me to the government office or leaked this fact to the outside. And we found out that seven of them were connected to the Jungson Family."
A flash gleamed in Bu Eunseol's pupils.
"Now, they will face closed doors or annihilation depending on the severity of their crimes."
Yoo Unryong opened his mouth.
Claiming they had grasped the Martial Soul Command Lord's weakness through the counterfeit money incident.
The traitors who couldn't hide their excitement, and the Jungson Family's stooges who had informed against him……
They were all rooted out and instead faced the ruin of their families.
"But why did he tell you not to tell me either? It's not like I have a loose mouth."
"Would you have stayed still?"
"What?"
"You clearly wouldn't have trusted the investigation of the government troops and would have racked your brains and mobilized the Death Spirit Corps to strive for perfection in your own way."
"Well, that's……."
As Yoo Unryong smacked his lips, Bu Eunseol spoke firmly.
"The Lord knew that it was a very dangerous thing."
"Dangerous?"
"If it's the Jungson Family's spy, wouldn't they surely possess a powerful force of extraordinary abilities like the One Hundred and Eight Stars?"
"Do you think I would lose?"
"Of course not. But the Lord was worried."
Bu Eunseol sighed deeply.
"I explained how thickly you had built the barriers of your spirit, but the Grand Secretary opposed it. He said that you could be in danger, and above all, it could become a single mistake among a thousand thoughts."
Only then did Yoo Unryong grasp everything and nod his head.
Even if Bu Eunseol were to face the Heavenly Demon Emperor, who could be called the current number one person under heaven, one-on-one.
He had reached a level where his biological reactions and inner thoughts could not be detected.
However, Yoo Jeongpung judged that his son Yoo Unryong's spiritual barrier was not perfect.
Above all, since he could fall into danger, he had made such a request.
Fervent paternal affection.
In the past, Yoo Unryong thought Yoo Jeongpung was a cold-blooded and heartless father, but in reality, he cared for him very much.
"Right, it really isn't a plan to suffer a loss."
Feeling awkward, Yoo Unryong scratched his nose.
"No, it must be a plan that absolutely doesn't fail."
He had wondered why the Emperor trusted him so much, and it turned out he possessed outstanding wisdom to the point that even Bu Eunseol clicked his tongue in admiration.
"Since he even deceived the son he trusted."
"Understand him. I explained it well, but somehow the Grand Secretary hasn't learned martial arts……."
"Enough."
Yoo Unryong smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
Even if his father didn't trust him, it didn't matter.
What truly mattered was that Bu Eunseol still trusted him.
That single fact was enough.
Even if the world didn't recognize him, if there was just one person.
If he had a friend who truly trusted him, if that was Bu Eunseol……
That alone was enough to satisfy him.
"Right."
Yoo Unryong took a deep breath.
"Then I guess it begins from now on."
For Bu Eunseol, this annihilation operation of the wandering troupes was not only to solve the Imperial Family's worries.
It was merely a process to receive the Emperor's plaque and solidify the status of the Martial Soul Society once more.
"That is correct."
Bu Eunseol's true goal was.
The one behind the Jungson Family, the Heavenly Mechanism Star.
He absolutely had to drag him out into the open and execute him.
"But will this incident be able to drag him out?"
At Yoo Unryong's question, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
"Of course, this much won't be able to completely reveal the Heavenly Mechanism Star."
Looking out the window, he spoke with a resolute expression.
"He is someone who only moves under perfect calculations. The reason he hasn't struck my back or attacked me all this time is also because those calculations went awry every time."
Bu Eunseol continued his words firmly.
"But he must have realized it clearly through this incident. That he shouldn't leave me be anymore."
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
"Catching the Heavenly Mechanism Star will be a fight requiring long patience and resourcefulness. This situation is only the prelude."
Even Han Sangja, who was facing off against the Heavenly Mechanism Star.
Had not even thought from the beginning that he would be able to catch him in a short period of time.
Devising meticulous stratagems.
While adding supplements according to the situation each time, he was tenaciously tracking Chu So's traces.
Bu Eunseol, too, knew that the Heavenly Mechanism Star had gone beyond being smart.
He had already experienced several times that he combined insight and stratagems to lead and see through situations.
Therefore, this incident, too.
Was one of the grand designs he had been carrying out so far. Ultimately, they had to enter a long-term fight to catch him.
"Right."
Yoo Unryong nodded his head.
"So that's why you called Chief Steward Gongsun."
"That is correct."
Bu Eunseol was certain.
"Since that person will not step back like this and will definitely try to launch a counterattack."
The Heavenly Mechanism Star was not someone who would just suffer like this.
He would surely be looking for a chance to counterattack, bearing in mind that the Jungson Family was collapsing.
The one under heaven who could oppose the Heavenly Mechanism Star was Han Sangja, possessing the greatest brain in the Sage Forest.
And the person under heaven who knew best about the Heavenly Mechanism Star was……
Gongsun Dankyung, who was innately born with the disposition to see through others' abilities and had spent time together with the Heavenly Mechanism Star for a while.
If these two pooled their wisdom?
They would definitely be able to frustrate the Heavenly Mechanism Star's stratagems.
* * *
The Xuanyao Pavilion.
This mysterious space where the King of Sages stayed was filled with deep and profound light.
A garden where the subtle scent of orchids imbued with night dew flowed on the wind, and.
A pavilion where wind chimes hanging at the ends of the eaves cried out with a clear sound, was as tranquil as a painting.
In this quiet stillness.
A shadow stood tall, exuding a deep and chilly energy as if dyed in darkness.
Pitch-black hair shone chillingly as it caught the moonlight seeping through the window, and an indescribable depth could be felt from the face cast in shadow.
Eyes that seemed to pierce through all the knowledge of the world, or.
Beyond that sharp insight, an infinitely gloomy darkness was cast long.
It was the King of Sages possessing the number one wisdom under heaven, Chu So, the Heavenly Mechanism Star.
"Hmm."
He stood in front of a large map.
That map was one showing the strongholds of wandering troupes that had taken root throughout the entire Central Plains.
Of course, that was merely a surface-level disguise.
The lines tangled like red threads on the map were actually the Jungson Family's secret strongholds.
And they indicated the locations of counterfeit money manufacturing facilities that could shake the country's economy.
The densely connected strongholds were ensnaring the entire Central Plains like a massive spider web.
"To think they would annihilate it this cleanly."
It was truly a painful defeat and a humiliating situation with no room for resistance.
However, a confident smile bloomed on the corners of Chu So's mouth as he looked at the map.
That smile was the leisure of one who held the power to plan and preside over everything in his grasp.
"But it's going according to plan."
No matter how useful something is.
If it is dangerous, one shouldn't hold onto it for long, and must watch for an opportunity to completely discard it.
The reason Chu So had encroached upon the Jungson Family was their research on the One Hundred and Eight Stars.
And because he just needed a cell organization capable of secretly circulating counterfeit money.
Ultimately, not only was the main base discovered.
But kidnapping children and manufacturing counterfeit money were also exposed……
Now, the Jungson Family was not a sturdy subordinate organization, but merely a source of trouble that had to be discarded as soon as possible.
"It was wrong from the time we lost that beggar brat the other day."
Upon hearing the news that they tried to kidnap a beggar child from the White Snow Troupe but ended up being exposed to the Death Shadow Corps.
Chu So had already been thinking of abandoning the Jungson Family without hesitation.
"But there is also an aesthetics of exit."
He had controlled the Jungson Family for a long time and meticulously prepared everything.
Having circulated counterfeit money and amassed astronomical funds, the Jungson Family wouldn't last long.
That was an act equivalent to treason, and it would definitely be discovered someday.
Therefore, he had prepared another stratagem that could be used even up to that final moment.
"Since I have been researching the Thought-Imprint for a long time."
Chu So had braved the danger.
And secretly kidnapped not only vagrants but also the children of the government office, political circles, merchant circles, and martial arts families.
That was to plant puppets who followed his will in all walks of life.
What if those whose minds had been modified through the Thought-Imprint returned to their original places?
He could plant spies without lifting a single finger, and would be able to manipulate those factions as he willed.
"Now its effects should slowly be occurring."
Turning around, Chu So came out of the pavilion.
Before he knew it, more than a month had passed since the Jungson Family collapsed.
If so, it was time for reports to come from the children who had infiltrated all walks of life.
Swish.
At that moment, a black shadow formed in front of Chu So.
It was precisely his confidant, the Heaven-Killer Star, Eung Bi.
Eung Bi, having politely paid his respects, bowed his head.
"It seems something has gone wrong."
He spoke in an uncomprehending voice.
"The brainwashed children have not returned to their original places."
"What do you mean?"
"They are still detained by the Grand Alliance."
Chu So doubted his own ears.
Since they had recovered the children they hadn't seen for a long time after being kidnapped.
The parents would truly hate being apart from their children for even a moment.
But even though the children were released.
They hadn't returned to their original places?
"Don't tell me."
Recalling something, Chu So tightly clenched his fist.
"Has that person noticed?"
"That, I do not know. It's just…… it has only been confirmed that most of the children have not returned to their parents or sects."
Grind.
For the first time in his life, Chu So gritted his molars tightly.
It was hard to suppress the anger bursting out from deep within his chest.
Drip, drip.
Ultimately, thick drops of sweat fell from his forehead.
He had researched the Great Art of the Thought-Imprint for a long time.
With that secret, he had been able to take over not only the Jungson Family but also about half of the Yangseol Family.
Although it was said that Yangseol Rin of the Yangseol Family from before had traces of the Great Art unraveling, in her case, a good twenty years had passed.
Even if the geniuses under heaven researched it, they couldn't unravel the Great Art in a short time.
And they could never notice its traces.
But why on earth did something like this happen?
"Are you all right?"
When Eung Bi asked with a flustered expression,
"Hehehe. As expected."
Chu So stroked his forehead instead of answering.
And looking at the distant sky, he shook his head.
"I have no choice but to admit that he is a great nemesis."
"My liege."
"It's fine."
Chu So, returning to a calm expression again, spoke composedly.
"Others might not know, but the Martial Soul Command Lord. Since it's a fact I've acknowledged from long ago that his abilities are utterly unfathomable."
The Martial Soul Command Lord, Bu Eunseol.
He, who had appeared like a comet at the Ten Demon Warrior contest to select the heirs of the Ten Demonic Sects.
Was already standing shoulder to shoulder with the super experts of the martial world.
And was breaking down the grand designs he had elaborately woven for years, one by one.
Considering his own ability that had won over the heads and leadership of countless sects from long ago and manipulated the entire martial world beneath the surface?
Just like the supreme masters of the martial world such as the Heavenly Demon Emperor or the Martial Venerable.
He had no choice but to admit that he was an uncontrollable, truly incomprehensible entity.
"Shall I try to take care of him?"
"No, there is no need for that."
Chu So shook his head.
"If you commit such a thing now, you will definitely fail."
He formed a cruel smile.
"And I have always kept all possibilities in mind."
Chu So's lips were shining with a red light so enchanting it was eerie.
"If he unravels the Thought-Imprint this time, then."
Looking at Eung Bi, he spoke in a chilly voice.
"Even if I have to give the Nine Heavens Cloud Splendor Pearl, I will have no choice but to summon Pamyeong."
"Pamyeong…… you mean?"
Eung Bi, who had worn an impassive expression all along, widened his eyes.
Pamyeong.
He, the only one among the Three Attendants who raised a rebellion against the True Demon.
Not only could he freely use all martial learning under heaven by mastering ancient secret arts.
He stole the True Demon's secret art of taking over others' physical bodies.
He could use the experiences and senses the taken-over humans had built up their entire lives intactly as his own.
And he could deploy the martial learning he had mastered over generations through the dominating physical body.
In fact, the worst disaster capable of dominating living humans.
No matter how incomprehensible a figure the Martial Soul Command Lord was, he absolutely could not defeat the Three Attendants.
What if Bu Eunseol unraveled the Thought-Imprint again and frustrated Chu So's work?
He would have no choice but to judge him as an entity he could no longer sit idle and watch, one who would become a great threat to him.
Even if he had to give one Nine Heavens Cloud Splendor Pearl, he intended to summon Pamyeong and take care of him.
"No, he will clearly unravel it."
Chu So, murmuring low, shook his head as if he had made some resolve.
"There's no need to drag out the time either."
He smiled and looked at Eung Bi.
"The Martial Soul Command Lord, shall we go kill him?"
In exchange for the Nine Heavens Cloud Splendor Pearl, Chu So.
Intended to make the True Demon's kin, Pamyeong, who was called the worst disaster…… take care of the Martial Soul Command Lord.
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