Deputy Leader Danri Muk died due to overwork.
That was the official announcement from the Martial Alliance.
The Deputy Leader of the Law Enforcement Hall, responsible for upholding justice, had been under investigation for corruption. The fact that he took his own life during the investigation was not a good look.
To preserve the honor of the deceased Danri Muk and to maintain the Martial Alliance’s reputation, it was announced publicly that he had died from overwork while performing his duties. Within the Alliance, aside from the Inspection Hall investigating Danri Muk, few knew the exact details, so silencing the truth was not particularly difficult.
The position of Deputy Leader of the Law Enforcement Hall was left vacant for the time being. Separately, it was said that Yang Seol, the Secret Flower Garden Master, quietly stepped down from her position due to illness and left for recuperation.
However, since the Flower Secret Pavilion’s usual duties were not extensive, her absence was not keenly felt. Meanwhile, Law Enforcement Officer Jong Jeongyak and her deputy, Neung Joun, were promoted one rank and transferred to the Inspection Hall. But as this was a minor personnel change within the Martial Alliance, it did not spark significant rumors.
Bu Eunseol returned to Majeon.
Regrettably, this journey through the martial world did not uncover any connection between the Martial Alliance and the Sahyang Clan.
However, there was an unexpected and significant gain.
The forces that had long stirred trouble in the martial world. They were resurrecting long-forgotten factions, turning them into puppets. They neither persuaded existing factions nor directly cultivated new ones.
Instead, they restored forgotten factions, used them as needed, and discarded them when they no longer served their purpose. No one would refuse a force offering immense support without asking for anything in return. In this way, they extended their influence across the Central Plains without revealing themselves.
“Prepare the Death Shadow Corps for immediate deployment.” With that, Bu Eunseol promptly headed to Yunnan with the elite masters of the Death Shadow Corps.
As the Martial Soul Command Lord, Bu Eunseol could move his forces at will.
He had no intention of letting the Five Poisons Sect, which kidnapped children for cruel experiments, go unpunished. Moreover, to ensure swift annihilation, he did not report to the Demon Emperor or the Chief Instructor.
The moment he went through complicated procedures and held a formal meeting to deploy the corps…
They would likely cut their tail and vanish once again.
“My Lord, at least report this.”
“He’s right. Operating a corps independently is a privilege only written in name. There’s no precedent for moving a corps without reporting!”
The leaders of the Death Shadow Corps, along with Myo Cheonwoo, Yoo Unryong, and others, strongly opposed Bu Eunseol’s decision. If he recklessly moved the corps and caused unforeseen consequences?
Given the already unfavorable perception of Bu Eunseol, his authority would undoubtedly plummet.
“While we go through procedures, they’ll already be gone.” With the Secret Flower Garden Master dead, the information had already leaked.
If he followed formal procedures and reported before moving the corps, they would vanish without a trace. Dismissing his subordinates’ advice, Bu Eunseol immediately mobilized the Death Shadow Corps and headed to Yunnan.
“The Martial Soul Command Lord has lost his mind.”
The key figures of Majeon, stunned by Bu Eunseol’s unauthorized mobilization of the corps, shook their heads in disbelief.
Even Dan Wolhon, the Deputy Leader of Majeon, who could move most of the sect’s forces, would report before deploying a corps of such scale. Yet Bu Eunseol, newly appointed as the successor, had moved a corps without authorization?
“No matter what he’s doing, this time we won’t let it slide! Even if the Demon Emperor forgives him!”
Finally, the hall leaders who had long disapproved of Bu Eunseol began openly voicing their discontent.
“We can’t just stand by and watch such a reckless successor!”
“Exactly! When he returns, we’ll demand his punishment from the Demon Emperor!”
The hall leaders’ grievances grew, forming a wave of public opinion. The moment Bu Eunseol returned to Majeon, they intended to strip him of his position and initiate disciplinary proceedings. But then, a strange rumor began to spread through the martial world.
“The Death Shadow Corps of Majeon annihilated the Five Poisons Sect.” The rumor spread that the Death Shadow Corps, led by Bu Eunseol, had eradicated the Five Poisons Sect, which had supposedly vanished from Yunnan.
“The Five Poisons Sect? They annihilated the already extinct Five Poisons Sect again? What does that mean?”
The martial world was shocked by the news.
The Five Poisons Sect was known to have been mysteriously wiped out over a hundred years ago. Yet, unbeknownst to any intelligence network, they had secretly reestablished themselves in Yunnan.
“The Five Poisons Sect has been kidnapping children across the Central Plains for human experiments!”
As the Death Shadow Corps annihilated them, the reasons and evidence for their actions were revealed one by one.
It was said that the Five Poisons Sect had been kidnapping children for human experiments for over thirty years. The Death Shadow Corps had publicly disclosed this evidence after their extermination. As this shocking news spread, the martial world’s intelligence networks moved swiftly.
“The Death Shadow Corps’ claims were true.”
“They were using the Assassin’s Gate to secretly kidnap children.”
It was confirmed that everything the Death Shadow Corps announced was true.
The martial world was dumbfounded.
Not only was it astonishing that the long-gone Five Poisons Sect was still active, but they had been committing such heinous acts as kidnapping children? Moreover, the righteous factions, including the Martial Alliance, were equally shocked.
They had neither detected the Five Poisons Sect’s activities nor the child abductions.
“Is their intelligence network superior to ours?”
“The successor of Majeon resolved the child abductions across the Central Plains…” The righteous factions expressed shock and amazement, while the demonic factions showered praise.
“He’s a well-chosen successor.”
“Indeed. He’s been stirring up storms and raising Majeon’s prestige.”
Bu Eunseol’s name resounded through both the righteous and demonic worlds.
***
Solitary Light Pavilion, Yeop Hyocheon’s Office
Having annihilated the Five Poisons Sect and returned with the Death Shadow Corps, Bu Eunseol was meeting privately with the Chief Instructor, Yeop Hyocheon.
This was because the Demon Emperor had suddenly entered secluded training. Rumors had it that the Demon Emperor’s martial arts and inner energy had undergone another dramatic breakthrough, necessitating seclusion to stabilize his power.
“Martial Soul Command Lord, your actions never cease to amaze me,” Yeop Hyocheon said with a faint smile. “This campaign has once again raised the sect’s prestige in the martial world. Well done.”
His gaze and demeanor were like a grandfather looking fondly at a beloved grandson.
But Bu Eunseol was no longer fooled by that smile. Even if he was treated preciously today for his usefulness, the moment he became useless, his head would roll.
That was the way of the demonic path.
“Moreover, this has silenced those within the sect who harbored resentment toward you. Well done.”
“Thank you.”
Yeop Hyocheon smiled warmly. “But how did you learn of the Five Poisons Sect’s actions and their atrocities?”
In the past, Bu Eunseol might have cloaked the truth in lies to answer this question. But as the Martial Soul Command Lord, he no longer needed to weave elaborate tales and boldly concealed the truth.
“I heard it by chance through a reliable informant.”
“Hahaha,” Yeop Hyocheon laughed lightly and nodded. “Well, with the vast intelligence network of the Affectionate Blossom Sect in your grasp, that makes sense.”
He continued, “Since the Demon Emperor is in seclusion, I’d like to reward you on his behalf.”
He placed an envelope on the table.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a Four Stars (marriage proposal document).”
“Why give this to me…?”
“Isn’t it about time you started a family?”
Bu Eunseol couldn’t hide his incredulous expression.
“Isn’t the Four Stars something sent with a marriage proposal once a match is decided?”
“What martial artist cares about such trivial etiquette?” Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“Regrettably, as an orphan, I cannot have my fortune read.”
“Hahaha. Are you the only one in the demonic path who rose from being an orphan?” Yeop Hyocheon smiled broadly. “I brought the Four Stars not to read your fortune but to hear your thoughts.”
In a low voice, he added, “I’m not trying to play matchmaker. This is for your future, Martial Soul Command Lord.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Just read it first.” With no choice, Bu Eunseol opened the envelope.
Inside was a neatly folded sheet of pristine paper.
As he slowly unfolded it, a woman’s name and birth details were written.
Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened as he read.
“Jin Seol…” Shockingly, the name at the top of the paper was Jin Seol.
“Are you referring to Lady Jin, the Ceremonial Officer?”
Yeop Hyocheon nodded.
“Yes.” With a solemn expression, he said, “Take Jin Seol. To become the next leader of the demonic path, you must have her.”
“Why is that?”
“Because having her is akin to gaining half of the demonic world.”
It was incomprehensible.
Jin Seol was merely the Ceremonial Officer overseeing Majeon’s rituals.
True, it was remarkable that at her young age, she had risen to a position where she could interact with the highest echelons, like the Demon Emperor and the Elder Hall Leader.
But that was all, wasn’t it?
‘He must know my nature.’ Yeop Hyocheon surely knew Bu Eunseol wasn’t someone who sought power through marriage.
Yet he made such a proposal? There was clearly an ulterior motive.
As if reading Bu Eunseol’s thoughts, Yeop Hyocheon smiled meaningfully and said, “You’ll understand why once you’re betrothed to her.”
Coming from the Chief Instructor, it wasn’t an empty promise.
His words implied two truths.
First, betrothing Jin Seol would truly grant him half of the demonic world.
Second, no matter how extensive Bu Eunseol’s intelligence network was, he couldn’t uncover Jin Seol’s secret.
‘I’ll find out.’ Resolving himself inwardly, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“I appreciate the proposal, but I have no intention of starting a family yet.”
He still had much to do.
And who knew how it would all end? He hadn’t even considered settling down.
“I’m not asking you to decide now,” Yeop Hyocheon said with a faint smile. “This is merely my own wishful thinking.”
Bu Eunseol’s brow twitched. Even as Majeon’s successor, Yeop Hyocheon still spoke in riddles.
‘He’s confident I’ll react as he expects.’ Changing his approach, Bu Eunseol smiled and clasped his hands.
“Very well. I’ll consider it carefully.”
“Good. I have a meeting to attend, so I’ll take my leave.” Yeop Hyocheon’s expression was that of a kindly grandfather arranging a match for his grandson.
But Bu Eunseol’s gaze grew cold as he watched him.
“Then.” With a respectful clasp of hands, Bu Eunseol slowly turned and left.
As he exited the Solitary Light Pavilion, numerous hall leaders were approaching, likely to attend the meeting chaired by the Chief Instructor.
“Martial Soul Command Lord.” Upon seeing Bu Eunseol, they all warmly clasped their hands in greeting. Among them were those who had once criticized him vehemently.
But his annihilation of the Five Poisons Sect had sent shockwaves through the martial world. No one would dare question his actions moving forward.
Step, step.
Bu Eunseol acknowledged their greetings lightly and strode confidently out of the Solitary Light Pavilion. In the past, dissenters might have cast disapproving glances or whispered complaints, but now, no one dared.
Since that day, Bu Eunseol had secluded himself in his quarters, meditating.
Having swiftly dealt with the Five Poisons Sect, he hadn’t had time to digest or even properly reflect on the insights gained from the Martial Alliance.
All members of the Death Shadow Corps, realizing he was in secluded training, avoided his quarters entirely. They even instructed servants to steer clear to avoid disturbing his focus.
But in truth, such things were irrelevant.
His meditation had long surpassed the level where external distractions could disrupt his mental clarity. If that weren’t the case, he wouldn’t have meditated in his quarters to contemplate martial insights.
‘As expected, the Three Venerables are on another level. Even within the same Boundless Realm, the state reached by righteous masters differs vastly from the demonic path.’
Jeok Bung, Ak Muryeong, and the Demon Emperor.
The masters at the pinnacle of the demonic path’s Boundless Realm all placed the essence of martial arts in the “mind.” Jeok Bung pressured Bu Eunseol’s spirit through casual conversation, while Ak Muryeong directly struck his psyche with the power of Illusion Upon Illusion.
The Demon Emperor proved through the Emotion-Severing Secret that the strength of one’s spirit was the foundation of martial prowess.
But the Buddha Venerable, Hong Hyeon, was different.
Through his Prajna Great Ability, he altered the principles of Bu Eunseol’s Thirteen Guiding Energies, dissipating them instantly.
In other words, he pursued the mysterious force of “qi” as the foundation of martial arts, manipulating its principles freely through qi.
‘So this is why the demonic and righteous paths diverged.’
All Streams Return to One.
When martial arts reach the ultimate realm, all seemingly different principles converge into one. But the demonic and righteous martial arts were fundamentally different, like water and oil, with no room for blending.
‘For now, I’d rather focus on mastering the Martial Emperor’s Ultimate technique and the Thirteen Guiding Energies.’
Through the Buddha Venerable’s teachings, the Thirteen Guiding Energies had advanced to a new level. Its power surpassed even the Wishful True Binding, which had long served as his trump card. Moreover, it consumed less inner energy, and its seamless balance of offense and defense eliminated the need to guard against counterattacks.
‘Ultimately, I’ll have to make a choice.’ Bu Eunseol instinctively knew.
If he reached the pinnacle of martial arts one day, he would have to choose.
Between the righteous and demonic paths.
Chirp, chirp…
Awakening from meditation, the sound of birdsong softly reached his ears. Slowly opening his eyes, Bu Eunseol rose and stepped outside.
“My Lord!” As he emerged, Won Semun ran up with a wide grin. “Have you completed your seclusion?”
“Yes.”
“But, my Lord… are you getting married?”
“What nonsense is that?”
Bu Eunseol frowned, and Won Semun glanced around before speaking.
“There’s a rumor spreading in the sect that you’re looking for a bride.” A glint flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
‘Did the private meeting in the Solitary Light Pavilion leak?’ The contents of a private meeting in the Solitary Light Pavilion or the Suppressed Demon Pavilion should never leak. That meant Yeop Hyocheon had deliberately spread the rumor.
‘He’s serious.’ With a low huff, Bu Eunseol dismissed it curtly.
“It’s nonsense.” He turned away with an indifferent expression.
But Bu Eunseol didn’t realize.
The ripple effect this rumor would cause. And that it would draw figures to Majeon that even he couldn’t handle.
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