At the bamboo grove by the Martial Alliance’s northern gate.
A grand estate-like scene was enclosed by a wall.
Entering through the lacquered gate, one would see a large garden and a beautifully arranged courtyard. In front of a small pond stood a pavilion for enjoying the scenery. Inside were a splendid hall, lodgings for the members, and even a dining hall.
This was the temporary residence Bu Eunseol had set up for the Supreme Branch.
“Phew.” Yuk Cheongah took a deep breath and entered.
“Hah!” With spirited shouts, twenty young members were training in the inner courtyard’s training ground.
They were the elite new warriors formally inducted into the Supreme Branch.
“Young Master Seon.” Yuk Cheongah greeted a young man observing the members’ training from the side of the training ground.
It was Bu Eunseol.
“Congratulations.” She approached and clasped her hands. “Now we’re truly family sharing the same pot.”
“Thank you.” As Bu Eunseol clasped his hands in return, Yuk Cheongah smiled brightly and spoke.
“There’ll be an appointment ceremony this afternoon. Originally, it was supposed to be under the Jangsaeng Hall’s direct command. But since Elder Gu gave up on the Supreme Branch…”
The Supreme Branch was largely established by Elder Gu, and it was intended to be directly under the Jangsaeng Hall, where he resided.
But when he relinquished control, the Alliance expressed concern.
While the purpose of handling martial world affairs was noble, finding a leader to command a third-class branch was difficult.
“Then what happens to our branch?” At Bu Eunseol’s question, Yuk Cheongah replied with an awkward expression.
“After discussion, it was decided that the Ascendant Martial Hall would oversee the Supreme Branch’s command. But since the Ascendant Martial Hall only manages second-class branches, the Supreme Branch’s affiliation was placed under one of the Seven Great Divisions.”
“The Seven Great Divisions?” Bu Eunseol’s eyes gleamed.
If the Divine Mountain Sage’s words were true, one of the Seven Great Division Leaders was the culprit who killed his grandfather.
This meant he’d have a chance to closely observe the culprit.
“Unfortunately, it’s only an affiliation with the Seven Great Divisions.” Yuk Cheongah thought the gleam in Bu Eunseol’s eyes was due to the joy of being affiliated with the Seven Great Divisions, known for their immense power and rapid promotion opportunities. “The Seven Great Divisions only require second-class branches, so there’s no place for a third-class branch like ours to be formally affiliated.”
“Then the Alliance Leader and leadership won’t attend the appointment ceremony?”
“No. Since the Supreme Branch is a third-class branch, the ceremony will be simple, with just a private meeting with the Division leader.” A flicker of disappointment crossed Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
He had hoped the appointment ceremony would allow him to see the Alliance Leader, the greatest figure in the orthodox martial world, who rarely appeared. But for a low-ranking third-class branch leader’s appointment, a figure like the Alliance Leader wouldn’t attend.
‘At least it’s fortunate I’ll meet one of the Seven Great Division Leaders.’
His goal was to identify the spies of the Three Realms within the Martial Alliance and find which of the Seven Great Division Leaders killed his grandfather.
A private meeting with one of them was a golden opportunity for Bu Eunseol.
‘No need to rush.’
Bu Eunseol had to climb the Martial Alliance’s ranks steadily.
Though he’d quickly earn merits, it might take as long as—or longer than—his journey to become Majeon’ heir.
“I see. Which Division is our branch affiliated with?”
Yuk Cheongah smiled faintly and said.
“The Star Guard Division.”
“The Star Guard Division…”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed.
The Star Guard Division was tasked with protecting all key figures in the Martial Alliance.
Its nature didn’t quite align with the Supreme Branch, which handled martial world affairs.
Due to Elder Gu’s arbitrary and irresponsible actions, the Supreme Branch’s affiliation and command were separated, leaving it floating in limbo.
“So we’re only formally affiliated with the Star Guard Division.”
“Exactly.” As Yuk Cheongah nodded, Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
Even if only in name, he was now under Baekri Mujo, the most mysterious figure among the Seven Great Division Leaders, known for minimal activity in the martial world.
Bu Eunseol clasped his hands.
“I understand. Thank you for informing me.”
Looking at him, Yuk Cheongah spoke in a subtle tone.
“By the way, that’s impressive. Even seasoned masters with extensive martial world experience take time to command and manage members.” Her eyes filled with admiration as she continued.“To establish discipline and structure in such a short time.”
“It’s probably because I’m from the merchant world.” Bu Eunseol smiled faintly. “Unlike martial artists, we merchants learn how to deal with people first.”
Yuk Cheongah chuckled. “You speak as if you’re not a martial artist, Young Master Seon.”
“Do I?” Bu Eunseol gazed at the distant sky and murmured softly. “Having worked in the guild for so long, I’m not well-versed in the martial world’s ways. I only gained a small reputation and recognition by dealing with bandits while traveling the borderlands.”
Yuk Cheongah shook her head and said.
“But you’ll do better than anyone, Young Master Seon.” A strange glint of emotion flickered in her eyes as she continued. “Unlike you, I’ve lived in the Martial Alliance since childhood, separated from my family. I’ve seen countless remarkable figures.”
Turning to look at Bu Eunseol’s profile, she said confidently.
“That’s why I’ve developed an eye for spotting those who’ll succeed as martial artists.”
“Is that so?” Bu Eunseol tried to brush it off as a joke, but Yuk Cheongah’s gaze grew more intense.
“Yes. And Young Master Seon will surely… rise to great heights.”
She’s full of ambition.
Yuk Cheongah’s gleaming eyes weren’t just those of someone who’d spotted an exceptional young master but of someone who’d found a treasure to fulfill her ambitions.
“You’ll need much help with the Alliance’s affairs. Don’t hesitate to come to me when you do.” Her eyes, reflecting the sunlight, sparkled almost seductively.
“Understood?”
“I understand. Thank you.”
“Warriors will soon come to guide you to the Star Guard Pavilion.” Yuk Cheongah flashed her white teeth and slightly bowed.
“See you later.”
As she walked away briskly, Bu Eunseol’s gaze darkened.
An ambitious woman, capable of dragging men to hell.
The Martial Alliance was full of exceptional young masters. Yuk Cheongah, recognizing Bu Eunseol’s potential, was trying to bring him under her influence early.
Does she aim to become an empress?
Watching her ambition-filled eyes, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
Yuk Cheongah, the only daughter of Yuk Jangcheon, the Palm King, and the youngest hall leader in the Martial Alliance, held a highly advantageous position to one day aim for the Alliance’s pinnacle.
“Grandmaster.” At that moment, Tae Muryong approached Bu Eunseol, clasping his hands. “A warrior from the Jiming Hall is requesting your presence. It’s likely for the appointment ceremony.”
Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile.
Currently, no guards were specifically stationed here.
When Yuk Cheongah arrived, no one stopped her, allowing her to enter freely. But when an unfamiliar warrior approached, they immediately intercepted and verified his identity.
This showed that, even without explicit orders, the Supreme Branch was already forming a perfect system.
“Understood. I’ll go.” As Bu Eunseol nodded, Tae Muryong clasped his hands again.
“Grandmaster, now that you’re officially the grandmaster… you can speak more casually.”
Bu Eunseol hesitated briefly.
If he suddenly adopted a commanding tone, he felt his true self as Bu Eunseol might inadvertently surface.
‘It’s not a bad idea to distinguish between my role as Majeon’ heir and as the Alliance’s grandmaster.’ After a moment’s thought, he smiled faintly.
“In time, I’ll get used to it.”
Following the Jiming Hall warrior, Bu Eunseol arrived at a mountain path by the Martial Alliance’s northern gate. After winding through the mountains, he saw a plum grove in full bloom. Beside it stood a grand three-story pavilion.
It was the Star Guard Pavilion, where the Star Guard Division Leader resided.
As he followed the warrior, Bu Eunseol paused.
The pavilion was built in a uniquely mysterious form, with a faint glow seeming to emanate from it. It wasn’t the exterior’s luster but as if light from within was passing through the walls.
‘Am I imagining things?’ Shaking his head, Bu Eunseol resumed walking.
Typically, the pavilions housing the Alliance’s key figures were tightly guarded by warriors.
But on the way to the Star Guard Pavilion, he didn’t see a single guard.
It was the same upon reaching the pavilion’s entrance.
“Go inside there.”
“Thank you.”
As the warrior left, Bu Eunseol stepped into the pavilion. Within this splendid pavilion resided the Star Guard Division Leader, one of the seven pillars supporting the Martial Alliance.
‘I must observe as closely as possible.’
Having just become a third-class grandmaster, he didn’t know when he’d get another chance to meet the Seven Great Division Leaders privately. He needed to gather as much information about them as possible during this opportunity.
‘Mechanism sounds?’ A glint flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes as he entered.
Faint metallic sounds reached his ears from all directions. Judging by the friction, the pavilion’s interior was filled with mechanisms.
‘Why install such mechanisms in a Division leader’s residence?’
Normally, mechanisms in a pavilion would be limited to secret rooms, storage, or hidden passages. But this pavilion seemed entirely constructed of mechanisms, with faint metallic sounds echoing.
‘What kind of mechanisms are these?’ As Bu Eunseol prepared to use his Void Heart Command to probe the interior, a sudden thought struck him.
‘I’m not Bu Eunseol; I’m Seon Woojin.’
The person residing here was none other than one of the Seven Great Division Leaders.
If Bu Eunseol extended his heightened senses, the Star Guard Division Leader might detect it.
“Phew.” Deliberately taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol resumed walking.
Step, step.
Walking confidently, he saw another door. Passing through it, he entered a guest hall.
The table and chairs in the hall were simple in design but arranged with perfect harmony and precision. If even one item were touched or moved, the perfect harmony would collapse, plunging the room into chaos.
At that moment, a tall shadow emerged from across the hall.
How is this possible?
Bu Eunseol’s hairs stood on end.
His heightened senses, honed to a beast-like pinnacle, could detect a leaf falling a hundred paces away. Yet he hadn’t heard the footsteps of the figure approaching directly in front of him?
Swish.
A figure in plain, unadorned white robes glided toward Bu Eunseol as if sliding across the ground.
He appeared to be a refined middle-aged man, likely in his forties. His presence exuded a majestic aura, and a refreshing smile, like a cool breeze, graced his lips.
Seeing the man’s appearance, Bu Eunseol was struck with a profound impression.
A pair of eyes.
Once seen, they were unforgettable, glowing with a mysterious light.
The Sacred Sword, Baekri Mujo.
The Star Guard Division Leader of the Martial Alliance, whose perfect and stable swordsmanship was said to make opponents kneel without daring to resist, stood tall before him.
Shiver.
Bu Eunseol trembled slightly.
‘Harmony?’
Even the aura emanating from Baekri Mujo’s body was in perfect harmony.
This allowed him to wield flawless, stable swordsmanship that none could oppose.
“Come in.” As Baekri Mujo spoke, Bu Eunseol felt as if his blood vessels might burst for no reason.
His heart raced, and his breath quickened.
‘I must calm myself.’ Bu Eunseol focused his mind to forcibly stabilize his body.
“Seon Woojin, a humble martial artist, greets the Division Leader.” Bu Eunseol clasped his hands with a calm expression.
A pair of mysterious eyes scanned his body thoroughly.
“A dragon has emerged from the merchant world.” As Baekri Mujo smiled faintly, Bu Eunseol’s heart stirred again.
Just a smile, yet it felt as if a warm, gentle current filled his body. At the same time, a strange nostalgia arose, as if he’d found a box of memories while cleaning an old storage room.
I don’t know why I feel this way.
Was it the presence of one of the Seven Great Division Leaders, who shook the martial world? Or the fact that he stood before someone who might be his grandfather’s killer?
Excitement, tension, and inexplicable emotions surged uncontrollably.
“Hall Leader Yuk praised you highly, saying you’ve inherited the Boundless Master’s legacy, excelling not only in martial arts but also in intellect.”
“That’s too kind of him.”
“Hahaha.” Baekri Mujo let out a low laugh and gestured toward the table. “Sit first.”
Bu Eunseol hesitated.
If he sat at the table, it felt like the harmony filling the room would collapse.
Swish.
Baekri Mujo sat without hesitation.
The room’s harmony shifted entirely.
Only when Bu Eunseol sat would the arrangement revert to perfect harmony and stability.
‘This level of mastery?’ Bu Eunseol couldn’t hide his astonishment.
In this guest hall, Baekri Mujo was like a god. He dismantled the existing harmony and created a new one.
Such a vast difference, even among Division leaders.
Bu Eunseol had fought fiercely against Jo Cheonwang, the Martial Heaven Division Leader. Though Jo Cheonwang was superior in skill and experience, Bu Eunseol wasn’t far behind.
But the Star Guard Division Leader’s prowess was incomparably greater, impossible to gauge.
‘If the Seven Great Division Leaders were active in the martial world, the hierarchy and positions of the Four Gods and Seven Kings would be entirely different.’
The rumors in the martial world weren’t false.
Baekri Mujo’s skill was above Bu Eunseol’s and rivaled the top of the Four Gods and Seven Kings.
Then Baekri Mujo spoke.
“The Supreme Branch handles various martial world matters that the Alliance’s sword hall or sword branch can’t address.” His eyes gleamed with profound light as he continued. “It’s not a secret branch, but most missions will be conducted discreetly. You’ll face many trials ahead.”
Looking at Bu Eunseol, Baekri Mujo smiled faintly.
“Unlike what’s known, the Sunflower Merchant Guild has wealth that rivals the ten major guilds.”
“…”
“You could live a life of luxury envied by emperors. Why plunge into this ruthless and bleak martial world?”
It was a question Bu Eunseol had anticipated.
Taking a deep breath, he answered clearly.
“The position of a guild heir may seem glamorous, but in reality, it involves traveling the borderlands, meeting tycoons and merchants, constantly negotiating deals and haggling over prices.”
“Hmm.”
“A merchant’s strength lies in business acumen and wealth. I was born with both.” Bu Eunseol spoke with conviction.
“I want to stand tall in the world with the abilities I possess.”
“I see.” Baekri Mujo nodded with a faint smile. “Then I appoint you as the official grandmaster of the Supreme Branch, a third-class branch under this Division.”
Bu Eunseol respectfully clasped his hands and bowed.
“Thank you.”
“However, your command and missions will come from the Ascendant Martial Hall, as this Division has no place for a third-class branch.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“I hope you strive diligently in your duties. That way, you can steadily rise.”
“I’ll do my best.” As Bu Eunseol clasped his hands respectfully again, Baekri Mujo smiled faintly.
“Good. You may go.”
Swish.
As Bu Eunseol left the pavilion, the smile on Baekri Mujo’s face vanished completely. His body seemed to turn to steel, and it felt as if thick oil flowed through his veins instead of blood.
Just by erasing his smile, he seemed to become a different being.
“Interesting. A new wind might blow through the stagnant Martial Alliance.” Shaking his head, he spoke in a low voice.
“What’s the result?”
As if he’d been there all along, a figure knelt before Baekri Mujo.
“There were no issues.” The figure used a secret voice transmission despite being right in front of Baekri Mujo.
“Any chance of a forged identity?”
A deeply respectful, low voice resonated in his ears. “None. If it’s a forged identity, it would’ve been crafted from birth. No one would go to such lengths just to become a third-class grandmaster.”
“I see.” Baekri Mujo nodded.
The assurance from his trusted subordinate, who had never been wrong, was reliable.
“Seon Woojin… a very intriguing figure. Even his way of hiding excellence as ordinary is remarkable.”
At Baekri Mujo’s words, the kneeling figure trembled.
He knew Baekri Mujo wasn’t one to express fondness for anyone.
“Keep a close watch.” As Baekri Mujo gave a mysterious smile, the figure responded.
“Absolutely, My Lord.”
The figure bowed deeply, as if pressing his head to the ground.
“So we can guide him anytime…”
With that, Baekri Mujo slowly turned away.
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