Killing intent surged in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
Even if personal, how could the Shadow Pavilion Lord presume so?
“Isn’t it obvious?” But the Pavilion Lord smiled leisurely. “You investigated Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s traces at Affectionate Blossom Sect and moved intelligence networks to tail Sahyang, no?”
Majeon’s supreme intelligence organ, Shadow Pavilion.
Incredibly, it not only scoured the Ten Demonic Sects’ movements and networks but… It had also investigated Bu Eunseol’s every action in detail.
“This is the Shadow Pavilion, Martial Soul Command Lord.” Hwa Jungcheon sneered coldly.
He expected Bu Eunseol flustered or rattled. ‘Hm?’ But the reaction defied expectation. Rather, eyes narrowed, he nodded?
‘As I thought.’
Provoking Hwa Jungcheon over Sahyang.
It tested the Shadow Pavilion’s intelligence prowess and limits.
‘The reason the Demon Emperor or Chief Instructor could always track my movements as if reading my palm was because of the Shadow Pavilion.’
And as Bu Eunseol foresaw, the Shadow Pavilion gathered intelligence without restraint. Even surveilling Affectionate Blossom Sect, the Ten Demonic Sects’ top intelligence holder. Thus, no matter Bu Eunseol’s deeds or network moves… he couldn’t evade the Shadow Pavilion’s net.
‘I’ll need it. Assuredly.’ Resolving something, Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed.
Hwa Jungcheon’s reply spurred the execution of a long-contemplated plan. Composing his thoughts, Bu Eunseol provoked Hwa Jungcheon once more.
“If Sahyang’s matter wasn’t this Command Lord’s personal affair?” At the continued arrogance, disappointment flickered in Hwa Jungcheon’s eyes.
“As the master of the Shadow Pavilion, I’m well aware of the affairs this sect is handling,” he said, continuing with an expressionless face. “If what you’re seeking is related to the matters this sect is pursuing, I would naturally cooperate. Does that answer your question?”
Silence fell briefly.
Staring fixedly at Hwa Jungcheon, Bu Eunseol nodded lightly.
“That’s fortunate.”
“What is?”
“It means that, at the very least, you, Pavilion Master, are not my enemy.” Killing intent had already vanished from Bu Eunseol’s body; a soft smile curved his lips. “There are many in this sect who are displeased with me becoming the successor,”
Hwa Jungcheon’s expression hardened.
That smile resembled a cold, sharp blade-tip.
“If the Shadow Pavilion Lord, who controls the sect’s intelligence network, harbored such sentiments… this lord would have had no choice but to draw his sword, tears in his eyes.”
Only then did realization dawn; Hwa Jungcheon’s eyes widened.
“You tested this Pavilion Lord just now?”
“Indeed.” Bu Eunseol had tested Hwa Jungcheon.
And if he held hostile stance… he would have truly severed his head.
“They call you the Mad Sword, and it seems this sect truly has chosen a madman as its successor!” Though he spoke thus, his eyes gleamed with amusement. “Well, without some madness, you couldn’t have achieved such feats at such a young age.”
Ceasing his laughter, he stared into Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“As successor, you’re sorting allies from foes?”
“Indeed.” Bu Eunseol nodded readily; Hwa Jungcheon smiled.
“But this Pavilion Lord sides with none.”
“Excellent. Maintain neutrality as you do now.” Bloodlight flared in Bu Eunseol’s eyes. “If others harbor ill intentions, I may overlook it, but if you, Pavilion Master, were to scheme against me… I’d have to cut you down first, no matter the risk.”
Hwa Jungcheon managed all of Majeon intelligence. If he turned hostile to Bu Eunseol? Even if it meant abandoning the successor’s position, Bu Eunseol would have to eliminate him.
“Hahaha. Mind your conduct well, Lord.” Hwa Jungcheon said with a low chuckle.
“Lest this Pavilion Lord entertain ill thoughts.” Dreadful aura poured from him too—enough to erase Bu Eunseol’s killing intent in an instant. “If this Pavilion Lord wills, even Majeon's successor can become a cold corpse.”
Murderous threat.
But Bu Eunseol smiled gladly instead.
“With pleasure.” He reverently cupped his hands. “Thank you for your precious time. Farewell.”
As Bu Eunseol departed, subtle light flowed from Hwa Jungcheon’s eyes.
“Whether this bodes well… or unravels all, we shall see.”
His voice held myriad emotions—like a conspiracy’s master hiding secrets.
***
Nine Deaths Squad Captain, So Jamyeong.
From the Extreme Slaughter Sect, he was once an elite Nine Deaths Squad member handling only armored missions.
“Lord, you were the legendary Nine Deaths Squad member Number Eighteen from the Yueyang Branch, weren’t you?” A smile played on So Jamyeong’s lips, facing Bu Eunseol.
Having no particular grievances with Bu Eunseol, he knew of Bu Eunseol’s past as Number Eighteen, who had shaken the Yueyang Branch. Perhaps because of this, he displayed a highly favorable attitude toward Bu Eunseol’s sudden visit.
“But what brings you here? The Nine Deaths Squad doesn’t officially exist.” So Jamyung let out a faint smile.
The Nine Deaths Squad was an unofficial special operations unit, its members’ existence thoroughly concealed. Thus, even So Jamyung, the leader of the Nine Deaths Squad, was considered nonexistent within Majeon.
“Being the successor has its own perks, if I get to meet the leader of the Nine Deaths Squad in person like this.”
“Speak freely, whatever you wish to say,” So Jamyung said with a laugh in response to Bu Eunseol’s formalities. “After all, you’re speaking with someone who doesn’t exist in this sect.”
“Very well.” At his meaningful words, Bu Eunseol nodded and spoke in a low voice.
“I want to place the Nine Deaths Squad directly under my command.”
“Directly…?” So Jamyung’s face showed confusion.
“You mean under the Martial Soul Command Lord?”
“Indeed.”
The Nine Deaths Squad handled no honorable tasks. Missions were secretive, covert clashes with righteous factions. By chain of command, it fell under Manbak Hall Lord directly.
For it to suddenly fall under Bu Eunseol’s command was absurd.
“Directly… I see.” But So Jamyeong nodded as if realizing.
The Nine Deaths Squad belonged to Majeon but evaded Shadow Pavilion surveillance—impossible to surveil. For its existence was denied outright. Whatever it did, Majeon bore no blame.
Bu Eunseol had felt the Shadow Pavilion’s terrifying might firsthand with Hwa Jungcheon. Thus, he sought a secret force perfectly veiling his actions, free from any network’s gaze.
To wield the Nine Deaths Squad as his organization.
“What does the Nine Deaths Squad gain by coming under your command?”
“Within five years, I’ll ensure the Nine Deaths Squad is recognized as an official unit of the sect, with the status it deserves.”
“You seem to be mistaken about something,” So Jamyung said, shaking his head. “Nine Deaths Squad members, in exchange for their existence being denied, earn vast sums of money.”
He continued slowly, “That’s why disciples from the Ten Demonic Clans and various factions flock to join the Nine Deaths Squad. Why would we need official status?”
“I’ve heard the payments per mission are decreasing,” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “The Nine Deaths Squad’ missions will only dwindle further. The martial world is currently quite stable, with covert power struggles diminishing.”
Bu Eunseol smiled.
“Even now, the Nine Deaths Squad’ place is shrinking, isn’t it?”
So Jamyung’s smile faded.
As Bu Eunseol said, the Nine Deaths Squad’ missions were decreasing, and the funds allocated were significantly reduced. The Nine Deaths Squad members, risking their lives for missions without name or status, desired only money.
Moreover, since joining the Nine Deaths Squad meant severing ties with their original factions, long-serving members had nowhere to return. The bigger issue was that So Jamyung, the leader, was in the same situation as his members.
“You, who’ve served as the Nine Deaths Squad leader for so long after leaving the Extreme Slaughter Sect, must feel the same.”
“If you know that much, fine,” So Jamyung said with a serious expression. “I want to hear what you expect from our corps.”
Bu Eunseol had presented an irresistible, sweet fruit.
What he demanded in return must be equally challenging.
“Information,” Bu Eunseol said plainly. “The Shadow Pavilion monopolizes information and is loyal only to the Demon Emperor.”
So Jamyung looked puzzled.
“Don’t you have plenty of intelligence organizations? I know you command the Peongan Corps of Nangyang Pavilion and the intelligence network of the Affectionate Blossom Sect.”
“What I seek isn’t information obtainable through ordinary intelligence networks,” Bu Eunseol said in a low voice. “It’s the kind that requires agents to risk their lives, fight, and relentlessly strive for—dangerous things only.”
“Hm. In other words, tasks similar to those of the Nine Deaths Squad.”
“Not only that, but my actions must be completely concealed, undetectable by any intelligence organization or individual.” A fierce glint burst from Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“Even from the Demon Emperor himself.”
So Jamyung looked at Bu Eunseol with intrigued eyes.
Why would the newly appointed successor need a covert special operations unit to act outside the Demon Emperor’s sight?
What kind of information was he trying to uncover?
“What matters do you need investigated?”
“I’ll tell you once you swear to join my command.”
“Such things aren’t sworn with words,” So Jamyung said.
Like all in the Demonic Path, Nine Deaths Squad members were loyal only to money and profit.
Even a hundred oaths were worth less than fallen leaves.
“The Nine Deaths Squad follows what benefits them. You know that well, don’t you?”
“Huhuhu. If that’s the case, so be it,” Bu Eunseol said, revealing his white teeth in a smile.
But the smile was so chilling that So Jamyung couldn’t laugh.
—Loyalty or death.
Bu Eunseol’s eyes seemed to say just that.
“I’d heard you were ruthless, but I didn’t know you were this domineering,” So Jamyung said, openly calling Bu Eunseol ruthless.
It was his honest sentiment.
“I want your answer.” At Bu Eunseol’s words, So Jamyung shook his head with a serious expression.
“For the Lord, who understands the Nine Deaths Squad’ nature, to want to take us under your wing with substantial support… I’m honored.”
But he continued plainly, “However, I must decline your proposal.”
Though he rejected it outright, Bu Eunseol’s expression remained calm, as if waiting for So Jamyung’s next words.
“Given our corps’ nature, we cannot swear eternal loyalty to you.”
“Fair enough. And?”
“Provide ample funds. As long as the funds keep coming, we’ll be your loyal subordinates.”
—If you want our loyalty, buy it with money. A lot of money.
“In short, you’ll be loyal subordinates as long as I pay handsomely.”
“Exactly.”
Bu Eunseol smiled.
It was a response a thousand times more trustworthy than verbal oaths of loyalty.
“Very well,” Bu Eunseol nodded. “From now on, I’ll pay double the amount allocated to each mission.”
“D-double?” So Jamyung’s jaw dropped.
The Chief Instructor, Yeop Hyocheon, had been reducing mission rewards, deeming them excessive. And yet, Bu Eunseol was starting with double?
“Is that for real?”
“Of course. Depending on future missions, I’ll increase it to triple.”
“How could you afford that…?” Seeing Bu Eunseol’s confident expression, So Jamyung let out an “Ah.”
‘Of course.’
Only then did he recall a forgotten fact.
Bu Eunseol was supported unconditionally by Geuk Hyeryeong, the eccentric lord of the Affectionate Blossom Sect. The Affectionate Blossom Sect’s financial power rivaled that of the entire Demonic Sect.
In other words, Bu Eunseol, though not the Demon Emperor, could wield the sect’s immense financial resources.
“Huhuhu! Hahaha!” So Jamyung laughed heartily.
He had been content as the Nine Deaths Squad leader, frustrated with the sect’s outdated elders and rigid factions holding power. But now, a remarkable successor who could shake the entirety of Majeon had appeared, and he couldn’t contain his inner joy.
“Very well,” So Jamyung said with a smile. “As long as the funds are provided, the Nine Deaths Squad will be your loyal unit.”
“Then I’ll inform you of the urgent tasks to handle immediately,” Bu Eunseol said, a solemn light in his eyes.
From the mysterious main base of Sahyang…
To the masked figures who burned the Seongga Ironworks. He intended to seize their trail first.
***
The Annihilation Conference
A meeting convened by Majeon’s successor, gathering the heads of the Ten Demonic Clans.
However, this authority existed only in name.
In the long history of Majeon, no successor had ever held this conference. This was because the Demonic Governance Conference, attended by the Ten Demonic hall leaders under the Demon Emperor’s leadership, already existed.
The position of successor was still too delicate to issue commands to the heads of the Ten Demonic Clans. Yet, Bu Eunseol abruptly convened the Annihilation Conference, summoning the leaders of the Ten Demonic Clans.
Inside the conference hall of Jamagak.
Seven figures sat with sour expressions, like they’d bitten into unripe persimmons.
They were the hall leaders of the Ten Demonic Clans, excluding Heaven and Earth Severing Sect, the Affectionate Blossom Sect, and the temporarily sealed Extreme Slaughter Sect. Though the Annihilation Conference was a nominal authority, the deputy leaders of the Ten Demonic Clans were supposed to attend.
But those displeased with Bu Eunseol had, as if by agreement, sent their hall leaders instead.
“I am Bu Eunseol, the Martial Soul Command Lord,” Bu Eunseol said, seated at the center of the conference hall, looking around at the hall leaders.
“You’ve all come.”
With a faint smile, he spoke in a low voice.
“Do you hall leaders have the authority to make decisions regarding the matters to be discussed at this Annihilation Conference?”
Woo Seok, the Hall Leader of White Horse Temple, replied with a displeased expression, “Of course.”
“The same goes for the others?” At Bu Eunseol’s question, the hall leaders nodded with annoyed expressions.
“Indeed.”
“Then good.” Bu Eunseol took a book from his robes. “Upon my investigation, I found far too many irregularities related to the Ten Demonic Clans.”
Thud.
Placing the book on the table, Bu Eunseol looked at Un Sadok, the Hall Leader of Hell's Blood Fortress, and said, “Thus, we will begin with an audit of Hell's Blood Fortress.”
***
“An audit?” Un Sadok, gaping in disbelief, spoke with a cold expression. “Why must our fortress be audited by you, Lord?”
“Have you forgotten that I am the Martial Soul Command Lord?” Bu Eunseol said solemnly. “A significant portion of the poisons meant for the sect are unaccounted for.”
He pointed to the book on the table.
“If you doubt it, check for yourself.”
“There’s no need to check,” Un Sadok said without glancing at the book. “That’s a long-standing custom.”
“Custom?”
As a cold glint rose in Bu Eunseol’s eyes, Un Sadok cleared his throat and said, “It’s been somewhat tolerated that a portion of the poisons entering the sect from our fortress goes missing.”
“I don’t know whether it’s been tolerated or not,” Bu Eunseol said coldly, looking down at Un Sadok. “But the quantities recorded in the documents consistently don’t match the actual inventory. Doesn’t that mean someone’s embezzling the sect’s assets?”
“As I said…”
“How much profit have you made by siphoning off those poisons? I’ll personally verify it at Hell's Blood Fortress.”
“So… you really intend to conduct an audit?”
“Exactly.” As the Martial Soul Command Lord, the head of the sect’s inspection agency, Bu Eunseol had the authority to audit the Ten Demonic Clans.
After all, the Ten Demonic Clans were part of Majeon.
But that authority was merely codified, practically obsolete.
Who would dare enter the Ten Demonic Clans to conduct an audit, even as the Martial Soul Command Lord? Yet Bu Eunseol boldly designated Hell's Blood Fortress for an audit.
“I understand your zeal to carry out your duties, Lord. But…” A chilling menace emanated from Un Sadok’s eyes.
“You must know how ruthless our fortress lord is.” Pausing briefly, he stared directly at Bu Eunseol. “If you enter our fortress for an audit, no one knows what might happen inside.”
“Interesting,” Bu Eunseol sneered. “Hell's Blood Fortress always starts with threats against this lord.”
“Threats?” A dark flame flared in Un Sadok’s gaze.
“Lord, your words go too far.”
“Too far, you say…” Bu Eunseol revealed his white teeth in a bright smile. “I’ll show you what going too far really means.”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Un Sadok felt humiliated.
But given his status, he suppressed his anger and said in a cold voice, “The Martial Soul Command Lord, your words grow increasingly harsh.”
“Hell's Blood Fortress has persistently provoked this lord. Relentlessly.” Cutting him off coldly, Bu Eunseol smiled.
In truth, he and Hell's Blood Fortress shared a deep enmity. To seize the Black Blade obtained at the Dongpyoseorang Tournament, Blood Ghost Hall Leader Yang Myeong launched an ambush. Later, when Bu Eunseol headed to Majeon for successor confirmation, Hell's Blood Fortress led an entire unit to attack him. Even Poison Demon Hall Leader Yu Hyeoksim used the Azure Flower as bait to coerce Hyeok Gongbaek, urging him to sever ties with Bu Eunseol.
—Tell your fortress lord: for obstructing my path at every turn, I will no longer stand idly by.
At the time, Bu Eunseol had driven Yu Hyeoksim away with those words.
As a result, Yu Hyeoksim was sentenced to seven years of the Poison Abyss Punishment for tarnishing Hell's Blood Fortress’s authority. Recalling these events, sweat beaded on Un Sadok’s forehead.
‘He’s keeping his word.’
He instinctively knew.
Bu Eunseol intended to make an example of Hell's Blood Fortress, crushing the spirit of the Ten Demonic Clans.
“Don’t worry. It’s just talk,” Bu Eunseol said, smiling as gently as a spring breeze. “It’s not out of personal grudges, so I ask for your understanding, Hall Leader.”
His coaxing and soothing were almost like toying with someone. Only then did Un Sadok realize how terrifying and meticulous Bu Eunseol was.
‘This guy’s truly insane.’ If he continued to antagonize him, he’d surely fall into greater trouble.
Adjusting his expression, Un Sadok wiped his sweat and said, “You say such things. Very well, I’ll inform our fortress that you’ll begin the audit.”
“No need for that.”
“No need?”
Bu Eunseol smiled leisurely and said, “I’ll set out with you.”
“With me?”
“I’ve already prepared everything for the audit.” Un Sadok’s face darkened.
‘This guy targeted our fortress from the start and held this conference.’
He swallowed dryly.03
Called a madman, the Mad Sword… he was clearly set on turning Hell's Blood Fortress upside down.
“Then let’s conclude here,” Bu Eunseol said, standing and nodding.
“This Annihilation Conference ends now.”
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