Yoo Unryong opened his mouth and put on a blank expression.
A private audience with the Emperor was truly identical to putting one's head into the jaws of a tiger.
Yet he was smiling calmly in this situation?
'There is something.'
There was no way Bu Eunseol was smiling without grasping the situation. He had clearly intuitively sensed there was an inside story he did not know.
"Just why is that the case? Let's hear the reason at least."
Yoo Unryong asked as if he could not understand.
"Since you properly followed etiquette and sent a memorial... you said that if you returned the Dragon-Phoenix Ring, His Excellency would take care of it."
Stroking his brow, he continued his words.
"You're going out of your way to meet the Emperor directly? You tried to avoid a private audience no matter what method you had to use. The moment you do, you will be caught by the Empress Dowager's information network."
"I did it knowing everything."
"Why? When you hated being entangled in the affairs of the Imperial Family so much?"
The Empress Dowager had been opposing the Emperor for a long time and was connected with all sorts of martial world forces.
What if Bu Eunseol met the Emperor?
It would be judged that they were connected in some way... and future troubles would be boundless.
"Aren't you thinking about the affairs of the Imperial Palace too simply?"
Yoo Unryong's expression was more serious than ever.
It was true that Bu Eunseol had handled the major and minor affairs of the martial world, which seemed utterly impossible to resolve, based on his outstanding stratagems and martial arts.
However, the affairs of the Imperial Family were different.
In the face of the absolute power of the Emperor, there were matters that could not be resolved by stratagems and martial arts alone.
"Even if this is not an official edict, it is the Emperor's command. Once a command has been issued, it can never be retracted."
Even if Bu Eunseol possessed the power to shake the world, he could not openly disobey an imperial command.
Now, going to the Imperial Palace had become a matter that could not be retracted.
"I apologize for not telling you in advance."
Bu Eunseol answered calmly.
"My mind has changed. Because of this incident."
The Dragon-Phoenix Ring that Princess Hwijeong gave him.
He had thought it was a shackle to bind him within the boundary of the Imperial Family, and a political ploy to use the power of the Death Shadow Corps.
Therefore, he had decided to politely deliver a memorial stating he dared not accept it and end it at that.
However, in the process of tracing the memories contained in the remains of the True Demon this time, he realized that the Dragon-Phoenix Ring was a treasure he desperately needed.
Ultimately, he completely changed the contents of the memorial and sent it, and the Emperor had summoned him to hear the answer personally.
"Your mind has changed? Do you really intend to become an Imperial Son-in-law?"
"That is not what I mean. Only that this Dragon-Phoenix Ring is not an item to be returned."
He looked down at the Dragon-Phoenix Ring wrapped around his wrist.
From a form where a delicately carved dragon and phoenix were biting each other's tails.
Now, in order to embrace the Nine Heavens Cloud Splendor Pearl, it was changing its form like a dark, dull steel bracer.
This treasure was not a shackle tightening his path, but something like an inescapable destiny.
"Why can't you return it?"
"There is something I did not say at the meeting. I was going to tell you separately anyway."
Yoo Unryong was not a simple friend, but a companion and key figure who planned and led the grand design together.
Bu Eunseol shared secrets that he did not tell even his shadow, Seo Jinha, only with Yoo Unryong.
"Something you could not say?"
"Thanks to this Dragon-Phoenix Ring, I could safely protect the Nine Heavens Cloud Splendor Pearl, and I was able to access the memories contained in the remains of the True Demon."
Bu Eunseol explained in detail that thanks to the Dragon-Phoenix Ring combined with the Nine Heavens Cloud Splendor Pearl, not only did his martial arts advance, but he also came to experience the events of the past in Cheonchuk, and even Pahon's past.
"...So you're saying something like that happened again."
Focus disappeared from the pupils of Yoo Unryong, who expressed it as 'again' without realizing it.
It was exactly the same look as when he saw the Chains of Samsara that popped out of Bu Eunseol's hand a while ago.
"I thought there would be nothing more to be surprised about."
Yoo Unryong placed a hand on his forehead and shook his head.
Until now, Bu Eunseol's path had all interlocked with the legends of the martial world.
It was no exaggeration to say that the things he experienced were contents that belonged in a myth.
He had prided himself that there would be nothing more to be surprised about.
Yet Bu Eunseol had done it once again.
He had come back from a matter that even Yoo Unryong's mind could not begin to believe.
"Right."
Yoo Unryong showed a smile as if giving up in despair.
"If you say so, it must be so. Forget the Empress Dowager, you must naturally protect the Dragon-Phoenix Ring."
"Huh?"
Realizing he had made a slip of the tongue out of extreme surprise, Yoo Unryong quickly waved his hand.
"No, it's nothing."
Then he pulled out an envelope from his bosom.
"This was given by His Excellency. He said to make sure to read it before going to the Imperial Palace."
Before being Yoo Unryong's father, Yoo Jeongpung was a key figure of the Imperial Family who had helped Bu Eunseol several times.
Without his help, he would not have been able to collapse the Jungson Family, nor would his connection with the Princess have begun.
Acquiring the Dragon-Phoenix Ring would have been impossible as well.
"Understood."
Bu Eunseol smiled.
"And thank you."
Because Yoo Unryong was there, he was able to overcome numerous crises and grow the Death Shadow Corps to this extent.
To Bu Eunseol, he was a bond even closer than blood relatives.
"Do not say such things."
Yoo Unryong shook his head.
"Ever again."
Those words had a similar meaning to what So Okrim had said a while ago.
The two were one body.
Saying thank you did not suit another self, who shared and partook in everything together.
"Alright, I understand."
Bu Eunseol, harboring a smile, nodded his head.
He did not want to become an Imperial Son-in-law, but he had to protect the Dragon-Phoenix Ring.
And for the grand design, he had to see the Emperor once anyway.
He was going to the Imperial Palace immediately.
* * *
The midday sun was shining dazzlingly.
As the sunlight shattered over the golden tile roofs of the Imperial Palace, the massive castle was revealing its majesty amidst a brilliant radiance.
Bu Eunseol entered a quiet teahouse near Donghwa Gate, the meeting place Yoo Jeongpung had written in his letter, and drank tea.
The Imperial Palace visible beyond the window looked like another world in itself.
The wall over three jang high seemed like a boundary blocking even the air of the secular world.
The auspicious decorations placed on the roof revealed majesty just from the long shadows they cast.
The firmly closed gates harbored a heavy intimidation, as if not even daring to allow a gazing eye.
Creak.
The door of the teahouse opened, and a man in shabby attire quietly entered.
Although he looked like an odd-job laborer on the street to anyone, his eyes were shining sharply.
The man, who entered the teahouse with a leisurely attitude, slowly drank a cup of tea and soon went outside.
Only, right before leaving, he subtly gave a nearly imperceptible nod to Bu Eunseol.
It was a signal that he was a confidant sent by Yoo Jeongpung.
Ssk.
Bu Eunseol, who rose from his seat, went outside the teahouse and quietly followed behind him.
The man unhesitatingly navigated through the narrow, winding alleys, as if he knew the geography of this area like the palm of his hand.
'Meticulous.'
After walking for a long time, the noise of the bustling marketplace receded at some point.
Only the musty smell of dirt and damp moss brushed the tip of his nose.
A mysterious array method was laid out nearby, and the man was approaching the Imperial Palace through it.
They turned the corners of the winding alley a few more times.
Finally, a narrow path barely wide enough for two people to pass, connected to the high wall of the Imperial Palace, appeared.
At the end of the path was a small side gate hidden by vines.
When the man grabbed the rusty iron ring and knocked on the door according to a set signal, the door opened with a creaking sound from the inside.
The inside of the door was a completely different world.
The chaos of the city disappeared like a lie, and heavy silence flowed along with cool air.
'This is.'
The place Bu Eunseol entered following the man was not the center where the splendid pavilions of the Imperial Palace lined up.
It was a secluded path with a weed-overgrown courtyard and an old storehouse.
'It is a back door the Emperor deliberately created.'
"Follow me well from now on."
Fwooosh!
The man, raising his internal energy, deployed a movement technique and dashed forward quickly.
There was almost no movement of his legs, making it look as if he were riding on clouds.
Just looking at his movement technique skills, he was clearly an outstanding expert capable of making a name for himself in the martial world.
'Is it acceptable to deploy movement techniques so openly in the Imperial Palace?'
If they moved in this manner, it would ultimately be difficult to avoid the eyes of the Inner Court experts guarding the Imperial Palace and of the Imperial Presence Guard.
'I see.'
Bu Eunseol realized that those hiding in all directions were deliberately turning a blind eye to his presence.
Perhaps it was simply entering through this route because it was not an official meeting.
It was clear they already knew of his visit.
Swoosh.
Bu Eunseol silently followed the man's back, deploying a fairy-like movement technique with his hands clasped behind his back.
Perhaps an uncanny array method was laid out.
While running, the surroundings suddenly darkened as if it had become night, and the pavilions cast black shadows.
Finally the man's movement technique stopped.
Past a corridor with exquisitely carved railings stood a pavilion with a small garden of rough, strangely shaped rocks.
Seeing that not even a signboard was hung, it seemed to be a secretive space where the Emperor's private duties were carried out.
Nod.
The man pointed inside with a glance to Bu Eunseol, and disappeared into the darkness like smoke.
'Hmm.'
Bu Eunseol briefly caught his breath, pushed the heavy wooden door, and stepped inside.
Creak.
The interior of the pavilion was wider and quieter than expected.
The faint moonlight seeping through the window lattices and the light of the oil lamps placed in every corner were all there was.
The thick scent of juniper and the heavy smell of ambergris mixed, making his mind dizzy.
In the center of the pavilion, there was a high altar consisting of three tiers, and a massive screen that seemed to touch the ceiling was erected.
On the screen, over golden silk.
The image of nine dragons writhing in clouds in different postures was exquisitely embroidered with gold thread.
Bu Eunseol's vision could pierce even clothes woven with Heavenly Silkworm Thread, said to be the toughest under heaven.
Strangely, beyond that dragon screen was only blurry as if shrouded in thick fog, and nothing could be seen.
Right at that moment.
Along with the sound of silk rustling beyond the screen, a shadow revealed its form.
To Bu Eunseol's gaze.
It looked as if a majestic aura and light were slowly taking human form.
'Is this Dragon Qi?'
The Emperor and his blood relatives are born with a special energy bestowed by heaven, Dragon Qi.
Before Dragon Qi, no evil power could intrude, and the grand methods of esoteric arts likewise could not exert their proper effect.
"This commoner Bu Eunseol, greets Your Majesty."
Bu Eunseol knelt on one knee and bowed his head.
Originally, he would have had to kneel three times and bow his head nine times.
However, this was a secretive private audience, and he was the great grandmaster representing the Demonic Path martial world.
It was concise, but he expressed the utmost sincere respect he could give.
"Be at ease."
The Emperor also calmly spoke, as if having considered his feelings.
"Since there is only me and you in this place."
"Your grace is boundless."
As Bu Eunseol stood up again and raised his head, an exclamation was heard from inside the screen.
And then.
Step, step.
The Emperor slowly walked out from the screen.
Then, the appearance of the Emperor in comfortable dragon robes embroidered with a five-clawed dragon using golden threads was slowly revealed.
He looked to be in his forties.
A sharp jawline, unfathomably deep black pupils, and firmly closed lips were visible.
Every time he took a step with a relaxed motion, it even gave the illusion that the air inside the pavilion surged like waves.
A majesty commanding the world, completely different in nature from the strongmen of the martial world, was flowing out.
"Hmm."
The Emperor, who let out a low groan, looked down at Bu Eunseol with a face tinged with anger.
That gaze was like a sharp blade, but deep inside, complex emotions were swirling.
"Indeed."
Perhaps it was because he was far more imposing than expected, with a presence like a Divine Dragon.
The angry expression completely disappeared, and the Emperor, bursting into an exclamation, spoke in a thick, low voice.
"That child had high discernment and foresight since childhood."
That child meant Princess Hwijeong.
"Truly worthy of being handed the Dragon-Phoenix Ring."
"I am deeply honored."
"Yet you cannot return the Dragon-Phoenix Ring, and you cannot become an Imperial Son-in-law?"
"That is..."
"Let me ask you first."
The Emperor spoke in a low voice.
"According to Scholar Yu, I heard you expressed your will not to coexist with the Majeon Lord, Sado Muryeong... is that true?"
"That is correct."
"Why?"
The Emperor spoke with sharp eyes.
"Superficially, he is a figure who has greatly guided and supported you; was there any incident that could make you harbor a grudge?"
"There was no such thing."
"Then is it because you covet the name of the greatest person of the current generation?"
"No."
The Emperor asked again.
"Then is it because Sado Muryeong, he is a wicked man?"
In that instant, various reasons came to Bu Eunseol's mind.
The Heavenly Demon Emperor, maintaining ties with various Abyssal forces, tried to control him like a puppet.
He harbors the ambition to unify the martial world by eliminating both the Demonic Path and the Orthodox Faction.
However, those things did not constitute reasons why he could not coexist with the Heavenly Demon Emperor.
Superficially, the Heavenly Demon Emperor was something else entirely.
He was rather a benefactor who had imparted one of his secret arts and one of his mental formulas to Bu Eunseol.
And provided appropriate trials so that he could become a great grandmaster encompassing the world beyond the Demonic Path.
Of course, it was said to have been done out of necessity.
Until now, he had not inflicted great damage on Bu Eunseol, and despite challenges, he showed generosity rather than striking him dead.
It could not be denied that he had bestowed great grace.
If asked whether the Heavenly Demon Emperor was a wicked man, that was not it either.
His methods were cruel, he never left an enemy alive, and there were times he had massacred thousands or tens of thousands in one fell swoop.
He had never made a preemptive attack.
It was always someone else who attacked, framed, or challenged him first.
It was said that he was hiding various secrets, such as the blood calamity of Saha Manor, along with personal details about his grandfather.
Just because he hid secrets, it did not necessarily become a reason to kill him.
Yet Bu Eunseol had decided long ago.
He had resolved to settle matters with the Heavenly Demon Emperor once and for all, and had declared to his subordinates that he would not coexist with him.
Just why? Why did he have to?
'I see.'
Bu Eunseol, who thought for a long time, finally realized the clear reason.
'Because his very existence is a threat.'
The Heavenly Demon Emperor was a subject of anxiety, fear, and threat by his existence alone.
Not only could he massacre the subordinates of the Death Shadow Corps at any time.
If for an objective... he could sweep away the entire martial world without batting an eye.
The most terrifying threat under heaven, completely unpredictable.
That was precisely the Heavenly Demon Emperor, Sado Muryeong.
At that time, the Emperor harbored a subtle smile.
"Tell me the clear reason."
Bu Eunseol, who had finished his thoughts, calmly answered.
"It is the same reason as Your Majesty."
"Hufufufu, indeed."
As if satisfied with that answer, the Emperor nodded and laughed.
"If so, speak."
The Emperor opened his mouth with a low but solemn expression.
"Instead of the Dragon-Phoenix Ring, what joy you came to give me."
'He already knew.'
One cannot negotiate with the Emperor.
No, he is an entity one must not negotiate with.
If one attempted such a thing, he would instantly issue a command to sever their head, even if it were the Heavenly Demon Emperor.
However, the Emperor had asked what matter could give him joy.
In other words, the Emperor knew that Bu Eunseol had come to make a proposal.
And he guessed that the proposal would certainly bring immense benefits to each other.
"There is a plan I have been proceeding with from long ago..."
Bu Eunseol conversed with the Emperor for about half an hour.
And among the things he had planned so far, he selected and explained those that would be of immense benefit to the Emperor.
"I see."
The Emperor nodded his head.
"Certainly, for me there are only benefits, and no losses."
And he spoke coolly.
"Good, let it be done."
'Indeed.'
Bu Eunseol faintly nodded his head.
What if the Emperor was a petty man who only calculated immediate gains? He would never have accepted his proposal.
Fortunately, the Emperor was extremely wise and sagacious, a figure who knew how to look into the future.
He could not be called a benevolent sage king who thought only of the safety of the people.
It could not be denied that he was an enlightened monarch with outstanding insight and wisdom.
"Then shall we handle the most urgent matter first?"
The Emperor, harboring an odd smile, continued his words.
"I will take care of the Princess's matter myself. You do not need to return the Dragon-Phoenix Ring."
"Your grace is boundless."
"However, you must be prepared."
A desolate light flowed from the Emperor's eyes.
"The Empress Dowager will certainly summon you."
To simply refuse the Dragon-Phoenix Ring, a memorial was sufficient and there was no need to request a private audience.
However, Bu Eunseol, changing his mind, went out of his way to request a meeting with the Emperor, and ultimately had no choice but to be caught in the Empress Dowager's vision.
And she would absolutely... not let Bu Eunseol leave peacefully.
The Emperor's eyes became desolate.
"If you speak exactly as Scholar Yu wrote for you, she will not be able to find fault... but still, she will constantly harbor doubts."
Bu Eunseol had constantly tried not to get entangled with the affairs of the Imperial Family, and above all, he extremely dreaded becoming the Empress Dowager's target.
To speak more frankly, Bu Eunseol thought the victor of this long battle was the Empress Dowager.
The Emperor was wise, but unfortunately, he could not recruit and keep outstanding talents by his side.
Of course, Grand Secretary Yoo Jeongpung was trying to fill that empty spot.
It was ridiculously insufficient to keep up with the footsteps of the Empress Dowager, who had gripped numerous talents in her hands while acting as regent for a long period.
'It was a sequence of events anyway.'
Previously, Bu Eunseol had received the help of the Imperial Family to deal with the Jungson Family.
And to repay that debt, he helped with Princess Hwijeong's matter through Yoo Jeongpung.
From the beginning, he was already entangled with the Imperial Family...
Princess Hwijeong giving him the Dragon-Phoenix Ring was merely a small trigger.
'Originally, I had definitely intended to sever the connection.'
Bu Eunseol was confident he could detach it, even if the Emperor and Princess Hwijeong set out to entangle him.
But then he learned that the Dragon-Phoenix Ring was a treasure that could perfectly store the Nine Heavens Cloud Splendor Pearl, and that it could counter the power of the True Demon's remains.
Thinking there must certainly be a deep connection, he completely changed his mind.
'Since it is something that will happen anyway, it is better to lead it favorably.'
"I have braced myself."
At Bu Eunseol's calm answer, the Emperor nodded.
"Originally, I intended to appoint you as Commandant of Loyalty and Righteousness or General of Resonant Bravery."
Although there was no practical military command authority, he intended to give an honorary post fitting Bu Eunseol's martial arts and reputation.
"Also, since the Empress Dowager is watching with eyes wide open, the position of head of the Inner Court Guard, or of the Imperial Presence Guard, will be difficult."
"It is a boundless honor..."
When Bu Eunseol opened his mouth, the Emperor waved his hand.
"From now on, will you not be coming and going from the Imperial Palace? It is a special appointment I am making for as long as I sit on the throne, so you do not need to feel burdened."
The Emperor handed Bu Eunseol a plaque carved with countless scales.
"Bu Eunseol, as of today, I appoint you as the Commander of the Dragon Scale Guard."
The Dragon Scale Guard, just like dragon scales, was the secret escort organization guarding the Emperor most closely.
In other words, they were the Emperor's secret shadows, and could be called an Imperial Presence Guard mobilized for unofficial events or secretive affairs.
If it was the commander position of such a secret organization?
It certainly gave the impression of being the Emperor's closest confidant, yet the Empress Dowager could not find fault with it.
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