It was an utterly incomprehensible command.
But Gok Jindong didn’t argue, simply clasping his hands. It was obvious Bu Eunseol wouldn’t explain even if asked.
‘Ah, I get it.’ Suddenly, Gok Jindong realized why Bu Eunseol gave such an order.
Night had fallen deeply.
Crackle.
Bonfires burned where the Extinction and Venom Eye Divisions were stationed. Their mission wasn’t stealth or search but simply guarding the pass. As long as their presence was known, that was enough.
“Leader, is this really okay?” Oh Deungryong, the Venom Eye Corps Leader, asked cautiously. “It’s wartime. If the Death Shadow Corps Leader says to drink and we do…”
“You don’t get it,” Gok Jindong scoffed. “This place is far from Oji Mountain. We couldn’t clash with the Martial Alliance even if we wanted to.”
Clutching a flask of liquor, he let out a hollow laugh. “If the Martial Alliance comes here, it means the Heavenly Thief is either caught or dead.”
“Then…” Oh Deungryong began.
“The Cheonsal Leader sidelined the Death Shadow Corps Leader,” Gok Jindong said confidently. “No chance to gain merit.”
He took a swig of liquor and sighed. “Damn it. Those lowlife Demon Emperor Sect members rising so high.”
The Demon Emperor Sect was a den of riffraff even the sect’s lower warriors despised. Yet, thanks to a capable leader, they’d racked up achievements and now held first-class division status?
‘And that guy…’ Gok Jindong didn’t like Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
If he was a successor of the Ten Demonic Sects, he should act like one. Why covet a Corps Leader’s position and disrupt the chain of command?
“I ought to just quit,” Gok Jindong muttered.
Nearing forty, he was certain to remain a second-class Corps Leader until fifty if things continued this way.
“Damn it.” He drowned his frustrations in liquor.
But in the darkness, a group watched the Extinction and Venom Eye Divisions’ drinking party.
“…” Blending perfectly into the shadows, their forms indistinct due to masterful stealth techniques, they were nearly impossible to spot even near the bonfires.
Rustle.
The group silently bypassed the Extinction Corps, moving toward the Death Shadow Corps’s camp.
At that moment, in the Death Shadow Corps’s encampment:
Halfway up Hatch Peak, leather tents were scattered about.
Bu Eunseol hadn’t planned to set up tents, but Won Semun had taken those belonging to the Extinction and Venom Eye Divisions and set them up here.
“This won’t end quickly, right? We need at least one tent for the leader!” Or so he’d said, but Won Semun had taken all the remaining tents, ensuring the Death Shadow Corps members could rest comfortably.
As a result, the Extinction and Venom Eye Divisions were left to sleep under the stars.
Swish.
Inside a tent, Bu Eunseol sat at a table, meditating.
Whenever he had a moment, he studied the teachings of the Martial Emperor’s Tranquil Awakening. Unlike the Emotion-Severing Secret, which had imprinted itself on his spirit like a brand, the Martial Emperor’s Tranquil Awakening didn’t blend easily. It was proof that his nature aligned more with the Emotion-Severing Secret.
‘I will master the Martial Emperor’s Tranquil Awakening.’ An ordinary martial artist would have chosen the Emotion-Severing Secret for its quicker path to higher realms. But Bu Eunseol relentlessly studied the Martial Emperor’s Tranquil Awakening, not to follow the insights of two great masters but to use them as a foundation to reach greater heights.
‘Learning the inner energy techniques from Elder Blood Vajra was a stroke of fortune.’
Blood Vajra had taught him the Ban-geuk Method and meticulously explained the subtleties of mental techniques in inner energy cultivation. This allowed Bu Eunseol to interpret and master high-level techniques like the Emotion-Severing Secret and Martial Emperor’s Tranquil Awakening.
‘It’s not easy.’ As he delved deeper into the Martial Emperor’s Tranquil Awakening in meditation—
Whistle.
A faint sound of air splitting came from outside the tent. It was so subtle only Bu Eunseol could hear it, drawn out deliberately to signal his location.
‘Interesting.’ Who could understand the capabilities of the Beast Way so well?
Bu Eunseol immediately exited the tent, employing stealth techniques.
Gallop.
In the distance, a shadowy figure moved swiftly. The speed was considerable, but the path was predictable, deliberately linear to allow pursuit.
Deep in a secluded forest, the figure stopped.
Tap.
Moonlight filtering through the branches revealed only the figure’s silhouette. Though the face was hidden, the tall, sturdy build was unmistakable.
Bu Eunseol recognized him instantly. “Seo Jinha.”
“Heh heh heh.” With a low chuckle, the figure stepped from the shadows into the moonlight.
His handsome, almost androgynous features belied his robust frame.
He was Seo Jinha, the only ally who’d fought alongside Bu Eunseol on Hell Island, now a member of the Cheonsal and once the Ten Demonic Warrior of the Hell's Blood Fortress.
“You couldn’t even see my face. How did you know?” Seo Jinha asked.
“Your distinctive build,” Bu Eunseol replied.
“Heh, always saying cryptic things,” Seo Jinha said, approaching casually with a smile. “How’ve you been?” As the only one who’d survived Hell Island alongside Bu Eunseol, he harbored no resentment and was his closest friend from that time.
“You’ve become a squad leader,” Bu Eunseol noted.
Seo Jinha was surprised. “How did you know? Our division doesn’t use squad leader insignias.”
“Even a Cheonsal member couldn’t move alone in this situation,” Bu Eunseol said. “And passing through numerous divisions to get here undetected requires at least a squad leader’s authority.”
The Cheonsal was the sect’s elite.
A squad leader held higher status than most first-class Corps Leaders.
“You’re too much,” Seo Jinha said, chuckling and shaking his head. “You always deduce so much from the smallest clues.”
Examining Bu Eunseol, he sighed. “How do you live like this?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve gone through countless near-death experiences in our division to advance my martial arts,” Seo Jinha said, his voice tinged with frustration and envy. “But you…”
Though he’d become one of the Ten Demonic Warriors of the Hell's Blood Fortress, Seo Jinha had once prided himself as the greatest talent of his generation.
In the Cheonsal, through countless missions, he’d grown confident.
‘My martial arts have surpassed the Ten Demonic Warriors!’ His skills had advanced rapidly through countless battles, earning him the squad leader position.
Yet in that time, Bu Eunseol had defeated one of the Seven Kings of Death and become a first-class Corps Leader.
“I can’t keep up with you,” Seo Jinha said, his voice filled with admiration and envy.
“Why did you call me here?” Bu Eunseol asked, redirecting the conversation. “Surely not just to catch up.”
“Bu Eunseol,” Seo Jinha said, his gaze sharpening. “This Heavenly Thief matter is definitely a plot by the Hwa Wu Sword Sect.”
“And what’s that sticking out of your chest?” Bu Eunseol quipped.
Startled, Seo Jinha exclaimed, “Oh, my bad.” He pulled a flask from his robe and tossed it to Bu Eunseol. “Before we talk… let’s have a drink.”
“Talk first,” Bu Eunseol said.
“No way. You’ll just leave,” Seo Jinha snorted.
He knew Bu Eunseol’s personality better than anyone.
They sat side by side against a rock.
Moonlight cast a gentle glow, and the faint chirping of insects echoed through the quiet forest.
They passed the flask back and forth in silence.
Gulp.
After a sip, Seo Jinha spoke in a low voice. “For some reason, the Hwa Wu Sword Sect has been tracking the Heavenly Thief for a long time.” Tossing the flask back to Bu Eunseol, he continued, “And their actions being exposed to the world is likely their scheme too.”
“A scheme?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“More precisely, Weiji Hyesang’s manipulation,” Seo Jinha said, his expression grave as he stared at the sky. “Since you defeated the Beggar King single-handedly, you’re essentially confirmed as the successor.”
Bu Eunseol had pierced the Beggar’s Sect’s intelligence network and killed one of the Seven Kings of Death, proving his martial prowess and strategy were unmatched among the successors.
“So Weiji Hyesang orchestrated this to disrupt the successor hierarchy,” Seo Jinha explained calmly. “The Heavenly Thief has evaded both righteous and demonic pursuits for decades. Capturing him alive is nearly impossible.”
“Hm,” Bu Eunseol murmured.
“Weiji Hyesang likely leaked the information deliberately to draw the sect into this,” Seo Jinha said.
He paused, noticing Bu Eunseol’s unchanged expression despite the shocking revelation. “Did you already know?”
“I had my suspicions,” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “He’s too cautious to let such a mission reach the Martial Alliance’s ears.”
From the moment Baek Jeoncheon mentioned the Heavenly Thief, Bu Eunseol had anticipated something like this. The mission’s secrecy was paramount, yet it had reached the Martial Alliance. There was only one explanation: Weiji Hyesang had leaked it intentionally.
“The Cheonsal Leader is likely in on it,” Bu Eunseol said with a faint smile. “He requested a first-class division, knowing none were available, and had us stationed at Hatch Peak.”
“Hm,” Seo Jinha murmured.
“If I make a critical mistake here, it could upend the successor hierarchy in an instant,” Bu Eunseol added.
Seo Jinha’s jaw dropped. “You figured that out too?”
“Too many coincidences are rarely coincidental,” Bu Eunseol said matter-of-factly. “Being sent to guard Hatch Peak out of nowhere, and having the Extinction Corps, with whom we don’t get along, placed under us.”
Seo Jinha exhaled heavily. “You’re right. There’s probably an understanding between our leader and the Hwa Wu Sword Sect.” With a regretful expression, he added, “Or it could be because you refused to give up the Yeongsasin Sword at the Dongpyoseorang Contest. If you had…”
“Pointless,” Bu Eunseol said, shaking his head firmly. “Even if I’d given up the sword, the rift between the Cheonsal’s deputy leader and the Hell's Blood Fortress wouldn’t have changed. Same for the Corps Leader.”
Staring at Seo Jinha, he continued, “This was bound to happen eventually.”
“You’re right,” Seo Jinha said with a hollow smile, realizing his concerns were unnecessary.
Bu Eunseol, the only one he’d bonded with on Hell Island, now stood at the forefront of the demonic martial world’s successor candidates. It wasn’t just his martial prowess but his cunning and strategic mind that made it possible.
“This is starting to feel distant,” Seo Jinha said.
“What do you mean?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“You’re so far ahead, it’s making me jealous,” Seo Jinha admitted.
Bu Eunseol gave an uncharacteristic chuckle.
Those who openly showed their feelings were straightforward and held no grudges. In contrast, those who acted magnanimous or bold often struck from behind.
Then Seo Jinha spoke again. “I heard you took Myo Cheon-woo and Yoo Unryong as members?”
“Yes.”
“You’re trying to free them from the Ten Demonic Warriors’ shackles without repercussions.”
The Ten Demonic Sects were as tenacious as they were powerful.
The only way for a Ten Demonic Warrior to gain true freedom was to serve Majeon, like Seo Jinha himself. Bu Eunseol tossed the nearly empty flask back to Seo Jinha.
“You drank sparingly.”
Draining the flask, Seo Jinha rose slowly. “Handle things your way, but don’t clash with our leader yet.”
“…”
“I know you’re strong, but our leader is on another level. Beyond imagination.” With a grave expression, he added, “What you see isn’t all there is.”
Bu Eunseol, who also hid his true strength, wasn’t intimidated by the Cheonsal Leader.
But he replied simply, “Understood.”
Seo Jinha had come all this way out of concern. The only way to honor that was with a straightforward answer.
“Once this mission’s over, things will calm down a bit,” Seo Jinha said with a grin. “Next time we meet, let’s drink at a good tavern.”
Glancing into the darkness, he added with a cryptic smile, “All of us together.”
“Alright,” Bu Eunseol replied.
“I’m off then.” With that, Seo Jinha vanished with a swift movement technique.
Gallop.
Watching him disappear into the night sky, Bu Eunseol turned. “Come out now.”
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