Bu Eunseol stepped out through the main gate of the Sacred Demon Hall.
But as he emerged, an unexpected scene unfolded before him. About thirty warriors stood respectfully in formation in front of the Sacred Demon Hall.
Judging by the twin dragon patterns embroidered on their sleeves, they appeared to be high-ranking members of various organizations awaiting the Demon Heavenly Emperor’s summons.
“So, this is the disciple from Nangyang Pavilion,” one of them muttered. The warriors’ eyes, fixed on Bu Eunseol as he stepped out, were filled with uniform mockery.
“Pity, but becoming a successor isn’t just about martial prowess,” someone murmured.
A low voice chimed in agreement, “How absurd to think a disciple of Nangyang Pavilion could become the successor of the main hall.”
The position of Majeon’s successor required subjugating at least half of the Ten Demonic Sects to secure their influence and support. But Nangyang Pavilion focused solely on martial arts, neither expanding its influence nor engaging in significant exchanges with other demonic sects.
In short, they had confined themselves for the sake of martial arts. And now, a disciple from such a sect was a candidate for Majeon’s successor?
To them, it was an unacceptable notion.
“Young Master Bu,” a voice called.
A figure in pale pink approached Bu Eunseol, moving through the gathered warriors. She was a beautiful woman, clad in flowing blue robes with golden ornaments adorning her hair.
It was Dan So-ok, the young lady of Majeon's Strategic Department, whom Bu Eunseol had once saved from assassins during his time with the Nine Death Squad.
“So it was you, the Ten Demon Warrior of Nangyang Pavilion,” Dan So-ok said, her white teeth flashing as she smiled brightly.
Bu Eunseol clasped his hands in greeting. “It’s been a while.”
Murmur, murmur.
As Dan So-ok spoke warmly to Bu Eunseol, the warriors watching from a distance tilted their heads in confusion.
‘Isn’t that Lady Dan, the one tipped to be the next Chief Inspector of the main hall?’
‘How does the lady who’s always by the Majeon Strategy Lord’s side know a Ten Demon Warrior from Nangyang Pavilion?’
Thud, thud.
At that moment, a figure approached, surrounded by dozens of guards. The warriors’ eyes took on a strange glint. Only a select few could appear before the Sacred Demon Hall leading dozens of warriors in such a manner.
Clatter.
The guards halted in front of Bu Eunseol and solemnly lined up. As their ranks parted, a towering middle-aged man in black robes strode forward. The warriors in front of the Sacred Demon Hall hurriedly bowed, paying their respects.
Swish.
The towering man approached Bu Eunseol with long strides and spoke.
“Are you Bu Eunseol?” An overwhelming aura of authority radiated from the man’s entire being.
“Yes,” Bu Eunseol replied respectfully.
Dan So-ok whispered softly, “This is my father, the Lord of Majeon's Strategic Department, Dan Wolhon.”
The Night Star of Defiance, Dan Wolhon.
He was the lord of Majeon's Strategic Department, commanding all the forces of Majeon, save for the Demon Heavenly Emperor’s direct troops and the Elder Council.
“Bu Eunseol, disciple of Nangyang Pavilion, greets the Lord of Majeon's Strategic Department,” Bu Eunseol said, bowing.
Nodding, Dan Wolhon spoke in a low voice. “You saved my So-ok at the cost of your life.”
“I merely did what was required,” Bu Eunseol replied.
Dan Wolhon glanced around before placing a hand on Bu Eunseol’s shoulder. “Let’s move to another place.” With a remarkably friendly demeanor, he led Bu Eunseol away.
The warriors watching were dumbfounded.
‘The disciple of Nangyang Pavilion knows the Lord of Majeon's Strategic Department?’
The Lord of Majeon's Strategic Department, one of the top ten figures in Majeon’s hierarchy, treating Bu Eunseol so warmly? The warriors who had looked at Bu Eunseol with disdain now averted their gazes, coughing awkwardly as if nothing had happened.
Majeon's Strategic Department, the Hall of Refined Demons.
This hall was reserved for honoring those who had achieved great merits or for receiving distinguished guests. Dan Wolhon led Bu Eunseol to the Hall of Refined Demons.
Was he planning to host a grand banquet in his honor? But the hall was empty, with no banquet prepared. Moreover, the warm and hospitable expression Dan Wolhon had worn earlier had vanished.
Yet Bu Eunseol stood calmly in the silence, as if he had anticipated everything.
“You don’t seem surprised,” Dan Wolhon said, his tightly closed lips slowly parting. “Then you must know why I brought you here.”
“As I said, I only did my duty,” Bu Eunseol replied, clasping his hands and bowing once more. “I’m merely grateful for such kindness.”
Dan Wolhon’s expression remained cold.
“To be honest, today’s actions were not my will but So-ok’s request,” he said, pausing briefly before continuing. “Ever since she learned you were heading to the main hall to meet the Demon Heavenly Emperor, she pleaded with me every day.”
Bu Eunseol had already suspected as much.
The Lord of Majeon's Strategic Department’s sudden hospitality was due to Dan So-ok’s request. Though he was a candidate for the Demon Heavenly Emperor’s successor, Bu Eunseol had no foundation or support within Majeon. Dan So-ok, knowing this well, had asked her father, the Lord of Majeon's Strategic Department, to bolster Bu Eunseol’s standing.
“She even predicted that the high-ranking officials would be gathered outside when you emerged from meeting the Demon Heavenly Emperor. Do you understand what that means?” Dan Wolhon asked.
Bu Eunseol nodded lightly. As a woman considered for the role of Chief Inspector, Dan So-ok could easily predict Bu Eunseol’s movements within Majeon.
Dan Wolhon’s gaze grew deeper.
“Nangyang Pavilion may hold a prestigious position in the martial world, but in the main hall, it is merely the lowest of the Ten Demonic Sects—nothing more, nothing less.” His sharp eyes scanned Bu Eunseol’s face. “If you leave after merely receiving the successor’s approval, some of the main hall’s leaders might send forces against you.”
Being a candidate for the Demon Heavenly Emperor’s successor was a position fraught with immense danger. The Demon Heavenly Emperor would likely see all such trials as tests for becoming his successor.
“So-ok was concerned about this and urged me to step in. Do you understand?”
“I see. I sincerely thank you for your kindness, my lord,” Bu Eunseol said.
“Kindness?” Dan Wolhon’s eyes turned icy. “Is that all you have to say?”
“…”
“That girl has never pleaded with anyone or knelt before anyone in her life.” His eyes grew larger as he spoke. “But to help you, she knelt before me, despite my objections.”
A murderous aura began to emanate from Dan Wolhon’s gaze.
“By my hospitality, you can now leave the main hall safely. And all you say is thanks for my kindness?”
Bu Eunseol’s brow twitched slightly. He had received kindness and expressed genuine gratitude. What more was expected of him?
“Then is there something else you wish of me?” he asked.
Now it was Dan Wolhon’s brow that twitched. Even the high-ranking officials of Majeon feared him and bowed, yet this young disciple from Nangyang Pavilion dared to challenge him with such defiance?
“You must think you’re something special just because you’re a candidate for the successor,” Dan Wolhon said, his eyes blazing red.
Majeon's Strategic Department was akin to the general commanding all Majeon’s forces. Yet his precious daughter, raised as if she were gold or jade, had knelt for a mere warrior.
His pride was deeply wounded.
“I’ll show you what the main hall is and who I am,” he declared.
Crack.
As Dan Wolhon lightly extended his hand, a sound like bones grinding echoed from Bu Eunseol’s spine. He was using his immense inner energy to force Bu Eunseol to bow.
“When expressing gratitude to someone of my stature, you must lower your waist. Understand?”
Whoosh.
At that moment, red glimmers began to rise from Bu Eunseol’s body.
Simultaneously, a blood-red glow, deeper than blood itself, formed in his eyes—the Ban-geuk Radiance.
Had Dan Wolhon asked politely, Bu Eunseol would have willingly bowed. But being forced to bend ignited a spark of defiance within him. As Bu Eunseol kept his head held high, Dan Wolhon’s thick eyebrows shot upward.
“What’s that look? Are you saying you won’t bow?”
“I will not,” Bu Eunseol declared.
“What did you say? You won’t?”
“No one can force my decisions.”
Grind.
A faint light emanated from Bu Eunseol’s body, pushing back against the force Dan Wolhon was exerting.
‘This insolent brat…’ Anger rising, Dan Wolhon doubled his inner energy.
Crack.
As a mountain-like pressure poured forth, another grinding sound came from Bu Eunseol’s body. Yet his head and waist remained unbowed, his gaze fixed firmly on Dan Wolhon.
‘He’s withstanding my fifth-level energy?’ The inner energy Dan Wolhon was currently unleashing exceeded sixty years of cultivation.
Yet Bu Eunseol stood resolute, staring back and resisting.
‘Could his inner energy surpass sixty years?’
Dan Wolhon’s eyes widened in disbelief. Majeon was a gathering place for countless prodigies. Yet not a single person past their twenties possessed such a level of inner energy.
“Fine. I’ll show you there’s a heaven above heaven!” Dan Wolhon roared.
Boom.
A sound like a massive bell ringing resounded as intense energy surged from Dan Wolhon’s body.
Crunch. Crack.
The ground beneath Dan Wolhon’s feet sank, and not only the garden but the entire Hall of Refined Demons began to shake. The energy pouring from his body became a terrifying whirlwind, tearing through the garden’s flowers and trees, with thick trees creaking loudly.
“Kneel!” Dan Wolhon thundered.
But a strange glint appeared in his eyes. Bu Eunseol’s body glowed red, and instead of bending, he stood even straighter.
‘Impossible,’ Dan Wolhon thought, a bizarre notion rising in his mind. ‘Does this brat’s inner energy exceed ninety years? Is he not a young man but a master from a previous generation disguised as a youth?’
“Father?” a clear voice called.
A woman approached the garden in front of the Hall of Refined Demons. It was Dan So-ok. At that moment, both Bu Eunseol and Dan Wolhon’s eyes wavered like a ship caught in a storm.
They locked gazes, their expressions turning solemn, their eyes narrowing. As if by agreement, they instantly withdrew their inner energy.
Whoosh.
The storm subsided with a sound like air escaping, and the trembling ground regained its calm.
“…” A strange silence lingered.
Amid the quiet, Bu Eunseol remained composed, while Dan Wolhon kept glancing nervously at Dan So-ok.
“Father,” she said.
“Yes?” he responded.
“Why did you use your inner energy on Young Master Bu?” Though she couldn’t practice martial arts due to her constitution, her insight and knowledge were on par with any martial artist.
“…”
“Father?” Dan So-ok pressed as Dan Wolhon avoided answering. “May I ask why you used your inner energy on Young Master Bu?”
Anger flared in Dan Wolhon’s mind.
Dan So-ok had always been quiet and composed since childhood, rarely showing emotion. Yet now, for this trivial matter, his refined daughter was glaring at him with fierce eyes?
‘Because of this brat…!’ His anger turned toward Bu Eunseol, not Dan So-ok.
As Dan Wolhon glared murderously, Bu Eunseol had no choice but to offer an explanation.
“The lord was merely testing my inner energy. Don’t worry about it,” he said.
Dan Wolhon quickly softened his gaze, looking at Dan So-ok and nodding.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Testing his inner energy? Why would you…?” she asked.
“Well…” Dan Wolhon’s authoritative demeanor faltered, his eyes losing focus. “His inner energy was stronger than I expected…” The man who could make a million demonic warriors kneel with a single glance was reduced to a doting father, tongue-tied before his daughter’s questioning.
“Anyway, he’s impressive,” Dan Wolhon said, approaching Bu Eunseol and patting his shoulder with a friendly expression to salvage his dignity. “His skills are quite good. He’ll soon become a fine successor to Majeon.”
His empty praise only made his gaze grow more vacant. In contrast, Dan So-ok’s eyes sparkled with life as she chattered excitedly.
“Exactly! Even when hundreds of assassins surrounded us in Yueyang, Young Master Bu protected me valiantly.”
As she praised Bu Eunseol, flames seemed to shoot from Dan Wolhon’s eyes once more.
‘This pretty-boy scoundrel has completely bewitched my So-ok!’
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