The expression on Shim Wol's face as he drew his last breath seemed to vividly reflect the fear and agony he must have felt in hell.
Chiiii.
Something flowed out from Shim Wol’s dantian, emitting white smoke before evaporating in an instant.
“This was… the melted artificial core, wasn’t it?”
Only now did Bu Eunseol understand.
Illusion King, Sa Okcheong.
When that man had died, hadn’t his body also released white smoke along with viscous blood?
At the time, Bu Eunseol had thought it was poison harbored within the body… but it was, in fact, the trace of a melted artificial core.
“So that’s why he drank blood.”
Sa Okcheong, having consumed an artificial core, must have been overwhelmed by uncontrollable murderous impulses. Thus, he created the fictional persona of the Black-and-White Witch, drinking people’s blood to constantly suppress the surging bloodlust.
‘But the leader of the Hyeok Clan?’
Bu Eunseol was confused.
The leader of the Hyeok Clan had not yet returned from beyond the pass. So how could he have passed an artificial core to Shim Wol?
Flap.
At that moment, numerous warriors descended from the air.
They were the elite members of Death Shadow Corps, led by Yoo Unryong. Upon discovering Shim Wol’s gruesome corpse, Yoo Unryong let out a sigh.
“So it ends like this.”
“What about Jin Seol?”
“The elites of Majeon have arrived to escort her back. However, as for Green Fragrance Sect…” Yoo Unryong bit his lip. “Because of this madman, the reputation of our sect will plummet to the ground. And since he brutally killed Green Fragrance Sect’s disciples… I don’t know how to resolve this.”
“No need to worry.” Bu Eunseol spoke.
“The Demon Emperor will take care of it.”
“Hm? The Demon Emperor?” Yoo Unryong shook his head. “The Demon Emperor is in seclusion.”
“He will come out. The Chief Instructor will likely deliver the message.” Bu Eunseol wore a resolute expression.
“Because this concerns none other than Jin Seol.”
The Demon Emperor was said to cherish Jin Seol like his own daughter. For her to be betrayed and endure such an ordeal… the Demon Emperor would handle everything that followed.
“I see.” Understanding Bu Eunseol’s meaning, Yoo Unryong nodded.
Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he asked.
“Will Jin Seol be alright?”
“She’ll be fine.” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “She is the flower representing our sect. She won’t falter or kneel before such an event.”
Bu Eunseol’s prediction was spot-on.
The Chief Instructor sought out the Demon Emperor, who was in seclusion, and reported all the events. Despite being in seclusion, the Demon Emperor personally stepped in to oversee the resolution.
First, he personally restored the martial arts that Green Fragrance Sect had lost. He sent three hundred spirit pills to help train exceptional disciples. In the name of Majeon, he issued a formal apology and paid substantial reparations to Green Fragrance Sect and the families of the fallen disciples. It was a clear and impeccable apology and compensation, leaving no room for criticism from the righteous factions.
As a result, no one in the righteous factions vehemently condemned the Demon Emperor or Majeon.
What was surprising was the Demon Emperor’s reaction.
Despite a disciple of Manbak Hall turning into a murderous fiend and committing unforgivable atrocities, and despite the great trial that befell his beloved Jin Seol, he neither conducted a detailed investigation nor punished those involved.
It was as if he knew everything already.
Bu Eunseol wanted to confront the Demon Emperor and ask:
‘Do you know about the Three Realms disrupting the martial world?’
‘If you do, why aren’t you stopping them?’
But the Demon Emperor would not provide answers. If he intended to, he would have done so long ago.
The Demon Emperor was a symbol of chaos.
Through countless wars, he had destroyed not only numerous masters but also the order and ideologies established by both righteous and demonic factions… everything that humans could shatter. Unless one reached a level capable of opposing the “phenomenon” he created, his true intentions would remain forever elusive.
In contrast, the position of the Elder Sect Leader Jeok Bung grew precarious.
No matter what excuses he made, it was difficult to avoid blame for failing to properly guide his disciple.
“I will relinquish my position as Elder Sect Leader and enter seclusion.”
Feeling the weight of responsibility, Jeok Bung stepped down from his role and went into seclusion.
But that would only be temporary.
He was a man consumed by ambition.
It wouldn’t be long before he returned, scheming to seize power once more.
***
For a time, the atmosphere in Majeon was turbulent.
To think that Shim Wol, a disciple of the Elder Sect Leader, was a murderous fiend who indiscriminately slaughtered martial artists and civilians?
As a result, the Demon Emperor, despite being in seclusion, emerged to formally apologize to Green Fragrance Sect, and Majeon paid an enormous sum in reparations.
The Elder Sect Leader Jeok Bung entered seclusion, and Jin Seol, the flower of Majeon, also went into seclusion.
Consequently, several events planned by Majeon were canceled.
In short, the people of Majeon had been thoroughly humiliated.
Yet, one person’s honor and prestige remained untarnished: Bu Eunseol, the Martial Soul Command Lord.
He had tracked down the Shadowless Killer disrupting the martial world, uncovered their identity as a disciple of Manbak Hall, and executed them without hesitation.
Due to his just and impartial demeanor, the righteous factions even gave Bu Eunseol the title of “Righteous Within Demonic.”
Of course, those in the demonic factions were not pleased with such an evaluation of Bu Eunseol…
But there was no way to forcibly stop the righteous factions from praising him.
In Suppressed Demon Pavilion, Bu Eunseol’s office.
Unconcerned with the atmosphere of the martial world or Majeon, he was diligently handling the tasks piling up before him.
‘They are called the Three Realms, and the one stirring the martial world now is the First Realm, Infinite Realm…’
Suddenly, Shim Wol’s final words came to mind.
‘Find the leader of the Hyeok Clan…’
The one who gave him the core, a member of the Three Realms hiding within Majeon, was none other than Lord Hyeok, Hyeok Ryeon-eung?
This was a grave matter that Bu Eunseol could not keep to himself.
‘Even if the Demon Emperor lets it slide, from the sect’s perspective, this cannot be overlooked.’
Lord Hyeok of Majeon being a pawn of an external force? Beyond his status as a potential successor to Majeon, a thorough investigation was necessary.
Bu Eunseol immediately sought out the Chief Instructor, Yeop Hyocheon.
The Demon Emperor had returned to seclusion, effectively withdrawing from all of Majeon’s affairs. Since they needed to investigate a top executive like Lord Hyeok, Bu Eunseol intended to consult with Yeop Hyocheon.
“So, Lord Hyeok gave him an artificial core that amplifies power and bloodlust…”
But Yeop Hyocheon was utterly unconvinced.
“All this time, Lord Hyeok has been carrying out a covert mission in the great desert under the orders of the Lord.”
Surprisingly, Hyeok Ryeon-eung had been performing a secret mission in the great desert under the Demon Emperor’s command.
‘That’s why he hasn’t returned.’
Hyeok Ryeon-eung, who was said to have been released from punishment and would return immediately from beyond the pass. The reason he had not yet returned to Majeon was because he was carrying out a covert mission assigned by the Demon Emperor.
“For him to suddenly return to the sect and give Shim Wol a core? That’s far too implausible.”
“Could he not have returned secretly?”
“The movements of Lord Hyeok are closely monitored by Shadow Pavilion. Such a thing is impossible.”
Yeop Hyocheon was confident that not even Lord Hyeok could evade Shadow Pavilion’s surveillance.
“Then it must mean Shim Wol lied to sow confusion in the Lord…” Pausing briefly, he declared firmly.
“Or someone, knowing Lord Hyeok was absent, used a disguise to approach Shim Wol.”
Both possibilities were plausible.
But Bu Eunseol believed Shim Wol was not someone who would overlook such details.
‘A person like Shim Wol wouldn’t conduct a sloppy investigation.’
No matter what anyone said, Shim Wol was a member of Manbak Hall.
Even if offered a core to ascend to immortality, he wasn’t the type to blindly consume it. He must have thoroughly investigated Hyeok Ryeon-eung in this matter.
By consuming the artificial core, he likely gained the trust of the Three Realms and uncovered parts of their organization’s structure.
“Just in case, let’s investigate again. Check for any gaps in Lord Hyeok’s whereabouts or any suspicious circumstances.” Though he said this, his expression suggested he wasn’t particularly invested.
Due to the incident caused by Shim Wol, Majeon had already been sufficiently humiliated.
Even if Hyeok Ryeon-eung was a spy, rather than holding a grand meeting to expose it, Yeop Hyocheon seemed inclined to investigate discreetly and resolve it quietly.
“Understood. I’ll conduct my own investigation as well.” Leaving Solitary Light Pavilion, Bu Eunseol’s mind grew even more complex.
Did Shim Wol lie?
Or were the Chief Instructor and Shadow Pavilion lying, despite knowing the full situation?
Or perhaps…
‘Is Lord Hyeok the leader of the Three Realms?’
Bu Eunseol shook his head.
Hyeok Ryeon-eung was a senior figure who had devoted himself to Majeon for a long time. If he were the leader of a mysterious faction, the Demon Emperor would surely know.
‘Then, the Demon Emperor?’
Bu Eunseol furrowed his brow.
Could it be, was this all a game orchestrated by the Demon Emperor? Could the leader of the Three Realms be the Demon Emperor himself?
‘No way.’
Strictly speaking, while the Demon Emperor was the Lord of Majeon, he couldn’t completely escape the influence of the Ten Demonic Sects.
Even as the foremost figure in the demonic path, the power of Majeon was comparable to that of the Ten Demonic Sects.
If the Demon Emperor were the leader of the Three Realms, capable of secretly destroying and sustaining factions, he would have already bent Majeon to his will and wouldn’t be in endless seclusion.
‘But…’
If Hyeok Ryeon-eung was truly a spy for the Three Realms, why would he risk punishment to save him?
Such a reckless and unilateral decision, which even sparked backlash from the leadership, was something a spy would never do.
‘It’s one of three possibilities.’
Either the Demon Emperor knew about Hyeok Ryeon-eung’s identity and the Three Realms but chose to ignore it.
Or Lord Hyeok was an extraordinary figure capable of deceiving even the Demon Emperor.
Or… Shim Wol truly lied.
‘There’s no need to rush.’
An investigation into Hyeok Ryeon-eung had already begun.
If he wasn’t a spy, he would return, and everything would come to light.
There was no need to focus on a matter that couldn’t be resolved immediately. After all, didn’t he have a more pressing issue than uncovering the martial world’s politics or shadowy forces?
‘If I have the Boeun Coin, I can find the culprit who killed my grandfather.’
For Bu Eunseol, the most important thing now was finding the Divine Mountain Sage.
With the Boeun Coin in his possession… if he could find him, he could obtain the information he had always desired most: the identity of his grandfather’s killer.
***
A few days later, in the Suppressed Demon Pavilion, Bu Eunseol’s office.
Bu Eunseol was discussing various matters with Mu Heon, the leader of Death Spirit Corps, the secret intelligence unit of the newly established Death Shadow Corps.
“We need to find someone to take on the role of deputy leader of this unit soon.” After a long conversation, Mu Heon wore a serious expression. “When the Lord ventures into the martial world, we need someone who can covertly follow and handle critical tasks.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
He had pondered this for a long time but had yet to find a suitable candidate for deputy leader.
The requirements were simply too stringent.
Bu Eunseol didn’t stay confined to Majeon; he often roamed the martial world.
Thus, the deputy leader needed to gather various intelligence and deliver it directly to him while he was on the move.
Not only did they need exceptional intellect and insight, but they also had to match his level of qinggong.
Currently, the only people in Death Shadow Corps who met these criteria were Mu Heon and Wi Cheongyeong.
However, Wi Cheongyeong, being a key leader in Death Shadow Corps, couldn’t take on the role of deputy leader for Death Spirit Corps.
As a result, even if they wanted to operate Death Spirit Corps, there was no one to act as the link between Bu Eunseol and the unit… They needed to find a deputy leader quickly.
“I’ll look into it again, my Lord.”
“Understood.”
Knock knock.
At that moment, a knock on the door was followed by Yoo Unryong’s voice.
“It’s Yoo Unryong.”
“Come in.”
Seeing Mu Heon with Bu Eunseol, Yoo Unryong clasped his hands in greeting.
“Captain Mu.”
“Captain Yoo.”
After the two exchanged brief greetings, Mu Heon said to Bu Eunseol.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
“No, it’s fine. This is something we need to discuss with Captain Mu as well.”
“With me?” Mu Heon blinked, and Yoo Unryong, after glancing around cautiously, spoke in a low voice.
“We’ve found traces of the Divine Mountain Sage.” Bu Eunseol’s eyes widened instantly.
The Divine Mountain Sage, the enigmatic sage of the martial world who never revealed his whereabouts and only answered those who possessed the Boeun Coin.
To think they had finally found his trail.
“How did you find him?” At Bu Eunseol’s question, Yoo Unryong answered promptly.
“He was caught in the intelligence network of the Affectionate Blossom Sect. He’s set up a fortune-telling shop in Myogaso, in Namanbu, posing as a diviner.”
The Divine Mountain Sage rarely appeared in the martial world, but when he was found, he was always playing the role of a wandering fortune-teller. Moreover, Myogaso was a village of vagrants, making it an ideal place to evade pursuers.
“It’s likely genuine.” At Bu Eunseol’s words, Yoo Unryong nodded and said.
“The problem is not just meeting him but finding him at all. According to the Divine Mountain Sage’s iron rule, only those who possess the Boeun Coin can do so.” Yoo Unryong’s expression grew serious. “In other words, while you’re searching for the Divine Mountain Sage, you can’t have any escorts or forces with you. Because they don’t have the Boeun Coin.”
Sighing, he shook his head.
“He’s adhered to this bizarre rule for a long time. If you bring even a small number of forces… the Divine Mountain Sage will immediately leave Myogaso.”
Mu Heon, who had been listening quietly, nodded. “So, if the Lord wants to meet him, he must venture into the martial world alone.”
“Exactly. But that’s far too dangerous, which is why I wanted to discuss this with Captain Mu.”
Bu Eunseol cut in decisively.
“I’ll go alone.”
“What?”
“You’re right. If I go to Myogaso with any escorts, it’s highly likely he won’t meet me.”
“But it’s too dangerous.” At Yoo Unryong’s words, Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile.
“How can I meet such an enigmatic figure without taking some risks?” He spoke firmly once more. “Without the Boeun Coin, no one can accompany me anyway. So don’t worry.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
“I have to meet him no matter what.” Seeing Bu Eunseol’s resolute determination, Yoo Unryong nodded reluctantly.
“Alright.” Realizing his expression was grim, Yoo Unryong forced a bright smile. “You’ll be fine.”
Since the incident at the North Sea Ice Palace, Yoo Unryong had always supported and trusted Bu Eunseol’s plans.
He knew that was the best way to help him.
***
Martial Alliance, Eumwol Pavilion
In the office of the pavilion, a lantern was lit, and at the desk sat a middle-aged man in a luxurious robe, writing with an antique brush.
His eyes were filled with a clear light, and a refined smile lingered on his lips. With a well-groomed beard reaching down to his chin, his eyes sparkled with profound wisdom like candlelight.
This was Tae Sahyeon, the Chief of the Martial Alliance.
Creak.
Suddenly, the door opened, and a man in a martial robe adorned with intricate silver embroidery walked in slowly. His hair was dyed black, but his eyes were a striking blue, reminiscent of the sea.
“You called for me, Chief?” As the blue-eyed man clasped his hands, Tae Sahyeon slowly set down his brush.
“It seems your martial arts have advanced further.” Smiling faintly, he scrutinized the blue-eyed man’s body before narrowing his eyes. “Did your master pass down another remarkable technique?”
The blue-eyed man responded with a faint, slightly irritated tone.
“How could that be? It’s been over two years since I last saw my master.”
“Is that so?” Tae Sahyeon clicked his tongue regretfully and gestured to the reception table across from him.
“Sit. Would you like some tea?”
“I’m fine.”
“Heh, heh. Well, your master doesn’t enjoy tea either.” Nodding, Tae Sahyeon sat down and spoke bluntly. “I’ll get to the point. The Martial Soul Command Lord has left Majeon and is traveling alone in the martial world.”
“…The Martial Soul Command Lord.”
A flash of light passed through the blue-eyed man’s eyes.
In the past, Bu Eunseol had suddenly appeared in the underground city of Sichuan, where they cultivated human flowers, blocking his sword in an instant and even shattering the Bound Asura.
How could he forget the one who had humiliated him?
Unfortunately, the Chief seemed completely unaware of this fact.
“And Jo Cheonwang, King Jo, has obtained this information and is preparing to venture into the martial world. It’s the perfect opportunity to avenge his son.”
“Then the task you’re assigning me is…”
“Such an opportunity doesn’t come easily.” A sharp glint passed through Tae Sahyeon’s eyes. “King Jo’s skills are formidable, but that man has mastered the essence of Nangyang’s martial arts, possessing tenacious vitality. Not to mention, he can steal an opponent’s techniques on the spot.”
He spoke in a solemn and resolute tone.
“This is a golden opportunity to eliminate that demonic seed. Do you understand?”
“Hmm.” The blue-eyed man nodded but wore a troubled expression. “If I do this, King Jo might not leave me alone.”
“Heh, heh. Don’t worry. How could he dare touch a disciple of a pillar of our alliance?”
The blue-eyed man furrowed his brow. “Only a few, including you, Chief, know that fact. I’m not even registered in the Martial Alliance… I’m just a ghost.”
“A ghost?” Tae Sahyeon dismissed the notion. “I heard your master deliberately didn’t register you in the alliance to use you for greater purposes in the future.”
“Regardless, King Jo doesn’t even know my face, let alone my identity. If I pull this off, his Dragon Sword might crush my neck.”
“I’ll handle the aftermath, so don’t worry.” Tae Sahyeon said in a low voice. “If you handle this properly, I’ll personally bring you into the light and guarantee you a position as a leader in the alliance.”
A spark of joy flashed in the blue-eyed man’s eyes.
To gain an official, honorable position in the Martial Alliance, no longer a secret agent handling dark tasks.
Wasn’t that what he had always dreamed of?
“Why are you giving me this opportunity?” The blue-eyed man asked, puzzled. “You have plenty of capable subordinates under your command.”
“Haha. They may be excellent, but how could they compare to your skills?” Tae Sahyeon said in a subtle tone. “If you kill him, I’ll recommend you as the deputy leader of the vacant Iron Blood Clan. That way, the Chief’s Office and the Iron Blood Clan can cooperate more closely, don’t you think?”
Only then did the blue-eyed man grasp Tae Sahyeon’s true intentions.
‘He wants to bring me under his wing.’
Tae Sahyeon had held the position of Chief for a long time but had failed several times.
One of those failures was the assassination of the Ten Demon Warrior of Nangyang, who had emerged alone from Majeon.
‘He might also be looking for a chance to bring down my master by recruiting me.’
“Will you do it?” At Tae Sahyeon’s question, the blue-eyed man, deep in thought, answered quietly.
“I understand.”
“You’re agreeing?”
“Yes.”
“Well thought.” As Tae Sahyeon smiled, the blue-eyed man politely clasped his hands.
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
Stepping outside the pavilion, the blue-eyed man turned to look at Eumwol Pavilion, where Tae Sahyeon remained.
‘With his position teetering, he’s scrambling to secure his survival.’
The position of Chief was a prestigious one, but it was also the role with the most frequent turnovers.
There were plenty of talented individuals to replace the Chief, and with great authority came immense responsibility. Moreover, with the scrutiny of the Elder Council and other leaders, one couldn’t survive without strong support, connections, and achievements.
‘It’s about time he stepped down.’
Tae Sahyeon should have relinquished his position long ago. Yet, he clung to it, building achievements and using connections to hold on.
“If I succeed, he gains a major achievement. If I fail, he can undermine my master’s influence.”
Tae Sahyeon’s intentions were clear.
This was a chance to either recruit him as a loyal subordinate or, at the very least, clip the wings of his master, who kept him in check.
Whether it succeeded or failed, Tae Sahyeon himself would face no consequences.
“I have no reason to refuse, though.”
Bu Eunseol.
That man should have died long ago. Taking care of him now wouldn’t be such a bad thing.
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