Solitary Light Pavilion, Yeop Hyocheon’s office.
Yeop Hyocheon and Bu Eunseol sat across from each other, sipping tea.
This private meeting was at Yeop Hyocheon’s request. Thus, Bu Eunseol remained silent, drinking his tea.
As the tea nearly ran out, Yeop Hyocheon finally spoke.
“This is the second time one of the Ten Demonic Sects supporting our order has declared gate-sealing.”
His words carried a subtle sting.
Bu Eunseol set his teacup down casually and replied, “Gate-sealing was Hell's Blood Fortress’s own suggestion. The Demonic Assembly hasn’t even started, has it?”
Yeop Hyocheon stared at Bu Eunseol.
Bu Eunseol lacked nothing, holding the upper hand.
It was only right to yield the initiative to the guest.
“Martial Soul Command Lord, you are the heir responsible for the future of our order,” Yeop Hyocheon said, narrowing his eyes.
“If Hell's Blood Fortress seals its gates, it will severely disrupt our operations.”
“…”
“If Hell's Blood Fortress seals its gates, it will create a significant financial gap. Moreover, we’ll lose all the groundwork we’ve laid in Guizhou.” Yeop Hyocheon continued in a low voice. “They’ve already lost a third of their elite forces due to the Daeyun Forest incident. If such punishments continue, the demonic martial world’s dynamics will shift dramatically.”
Bu Eunseol asked bluntly, “Are you saying we should overlook Hell's Blood Fortress’s crimes?”
He spoke sternly, “I’ve eradicated the righteous factions targeting me, those producing puppets, and the merchant guilds funding them. Can we just let Hell's Blood Fortress slide?”
“You can’t say the entire Hell's Blood Fortress is guilty of producing puppets. They only provided troops and poisons, and that was Gongya Geuk’s unilateral decision,” Yeop Hyocheon said with a faint smile. “You already know this, which is why you didn’t wipe out Hell's Blood Fortress outright and called for a Demonic Assembly.”
“I don’t understand what you’re getting at.”
He knew but feigned ignorance.
Whoever made the first proposal would be in a weaker position.
Finally, Yeop Hyocheon got to the point.
“Hell's Blood Fortress’s crimes are already known to the martial world. They’ve lost a third of their elite forces and much of their influence. They’ve been punished enough. And this all stems from Gongya Geuk’s unilateral actions.”
“…”
“Instead of holding a Demonic Assembly, what if we resolve this by having Gongya Geuk step down as lord?” Yeop Hyocheon took a sip of tea. “Frankly, in this situation, the order can’t fully support you. It might even jeopardize your position.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“With the Infinite Realm causing both righteous and demonic factions to suffer from spies, aren’t we all on edge?”
Bu Eunseol’s eyebrow twitched.
He hadn’t expected Yeop Hyocheon to bring up the Three Realms first.
Moreover, he specifically said “Infinite Realm,” not “Three Realms.”
That meant one of two things: either he was truly unaffiliated with the Three Realms, or he was connected to the Clear River Realm or another faction within it.
Sensing Bu Eunseol’s complex thoughts, Yeop Hyocheon’s lips curled slightly.
“Even the leader of the Beggars’ Sect was a spy.”
He continued leisurely, “If you keep uprooting the pillars of our order, won’t people start suspecting your intentions?”
Bu Eunseol’s eyebrow twitched again.
Only Namgung Un, who handled the Beggars’ Sect matter with him, and the Death Shadow Corps leaders knew that Nobong was a spy.
Yet Yeop Hyocheon knew?
Reading Bu Eunseol’s surprise, Yeop Hyocheon smiled.
“This could lead to people wondering if the heir himself is a spy.”
Nonsense.
Even if Nobong’s spying were exposed, no one in Majeon would look at Bu Eunseol that way.
‘If you don’t follow my words, I could reveal that you, as Seolso, killed Nobong.’
Yeop Hyocheon was threatening him.
“That could happen,” Bu Eunseol said, nodding casually. “Then things could get interesting.”
‘Your threat won’t work.’
Already possessing the dual identity of Seon Woojin and a perfect shadow, the identity of Seolso held no meaning or value to Bu Eunseol.
“Don’t misunderstand,” Yeop Hyocheon said, smiling.
“The world knows you don’t bow to threats or external pressure. My words are merely a request…”
His gleaming eyes shone with an eerie light.
“Soon, the Demon Emperor will emerge from seclusion. Wouldn’t it look bad if our order is in disarray?”
Bu Eunseol remained silent.
The Demon Emperor’s emergence from seclusion wasn’t particularly significant.
Whether in seclusion or not, the Emperor stayed confined to the Sacred Demon Hall, delegating most duties to Yeop Hyocheon.
What puzzled Bu Eunseol was why Yeop Hyocheon mentioned the Emperor now.
‘Is that it?’
The Demon Emperor symbolized chaos.
Even in a situation like this, he wouldn’t unilaterally side with Bu Eunseol or Hell's Blood Fortress.
Yeop Hyocheon was signaling that his proposal was from a broader, strategic perspective.
‘If Hell's Blood Fortress seals its gates, it would genuinely disrupt Majeon’s operations.’
The exact intent was unclear.
Yeop Hyocheon never revealed his true thoughts.
But one thing was certain.
Both the Righteous and Demon Emperors had long known of the Three Realms, and their repeated seclusions were likely related. Otherwise, two supreme masters at the pinnacle of the Infinite Realm wouldn’t keep entering seclusion.
‘I initially thought they were challenging the Heavenly Intent Realm.’
The realm beyond the Infinite, where one could grasp the will of the heavens and become one with nature like an ancient being.
But throughout martial world history, no one had reached this state.
Thus, Bu Eunseol had assumed the Righteous and Demon Emperors’ seclusions were for this purpose.
Staring at Bu Eunseol, Yeop Hyocheon spoke again.
“It’s not much of a reward, but… if you wish, you can take back the Nine Deaths Squad.”
The Nine Deaths Squad Bu Eunseol had given up was a mere shell, its duties taken over by the Death Spirit Corps. But regaining So Jamyeong, a capable figure, was always desirable.
“Very well,” Bu Eunseol said, nodding after deep thought. “Let’s do it.”
“Good thinking,” Yeop Hyocheon said, smiling. “The Nine Deaths Squad will be disbanded anyway, so I’ll have Leader So return.”
Yeop Hyocheon had clearly recognized the Nine Deaths Squad as a shell.
To him, it was likely a burdensome liability, especially since he controlled Shadow Pavilion, Majeon’s top intelligence organization.
“Thank you.” Bu Eunseol rose calmly, clasping his hands.
“Quite a shocking affair, isn’t it?” Yeop Hyocheon said in a meaningful tone. “That Protector Hyeok Ryeon-eung was a spy who gave an artificial inner core to Shim Wol.”
Bu Eunseol maintained a neutral expression.
Most of Majeon’s leadership, like Gongya Geuk, either knew of the Three Realms or had close ties with them in their own way.
Bu Eunseol suspected Yeop Hyocheon was no exception.
“Spies are everywhere,” he replied.
“Indeed.”
“Soon, I’ll root out not only the spies within our order but also those colluding with external forces.”
“That would be ideal,” Yeop Hyocheon said, smiling faintly. “I’m working toward that as well, so let me know if you need anything.”
“Thank you. Farewell.” Bu Eunseol turned coldly.
Majeon was Majeon, and the demonic way was the demonic way.
He no longer cared what Yeop Hyocheon or the Demon Emperor thought.
Unless he had power and ability surpassing the Three Realms, finding their roots would be futile.
And if he couldn’t immediately create a force to surpass them, he would crush them piece by piece, one at a time.
With the Daeyun Forest, Hell's Blood Fortress, Jangbaek Merchant Guild, and Sword Scale Valley incidents, a storm of blood swept through the martial world before peace returned.
For the first time in Majeon history, a Demonic Assembly to discuss punishing one of the Ten Demonic Sect Leaders was canceled.
This was because, per Yeop Hyocheon’s proposal, Gongya Geuk took full responsibility and stepped down as lord.
As spring arrived, with new buds sprouting and cool breezes blowing, life returned to Byeokgye Village.
The beggars, warmed by the season, began to look lively.
Spring was the season beggars welcomed most.
After enduring winter’s cold and scarce food, spring brought relief from the chill and a slight softening of people’s harshness.
“Hey!”
But unfortunately, kindness wasn’t the only thing returning to Byeokgye Village.
Thwack!
A massive fist sliced through the air, striking the faces of elderly beggars.
“You filthy beggar! If you’re too sick to beg, who’s going to feed you? Get to work!”
In spring, the old beggars of Byeokgye Village were invariably beaten by Heuk Woong. While others went out to beg, the elderly remained curled up as if still in winter.
Heuk Woong, the boss.
Originally a thug from the Black Faction, he was forced to retire after injuring his knee in a fight with a rival group. Knowing only extortion, intimidation, and brutal beatings, Heuk Woong quickly found a way to survive.
He dominated Byeokgye Village’s beggar community, living off their earnings.
At first, some beggars resisted, but his natural strength and Black Faction ruthlessness subdued them.
He became the king of Byeokgye Village, living a satisfying life.
“Boss, aren’t you being too harsh?” a slightly heavyset young beggar said, stepping in front of Heuk Woong. “You know the elderly can’t move right away, even in spring.”
Heuk Woong’s eyebrow twitched.
This was the fifth or sixth time that fat kid, who used to cower, had defied him.
“They’re in pain and can barely walk. Give them time until the weather warms up.”
In the past, the fat kid couldn’t even meet his eyes.
Now, he stood tall, arguing back.
“Who’s the boss here, you punk?”
Thwack!
Heuk Woong swung his fist at the fat kid.
Normally, one punch to the face would knock him out for half a day.
But now, the kid just tilted his head and stood firm.
‘Did this punk eat wild ginseng at the Seong Family Manor?’
Recently, bandits had attacked the Seong Family Manor, and the fat kid reported it to the authorities, driving them off.
The manor offered to take him in as a servant, but he refused, insisting on remaining a beggar.
Since that day, the fat kid had lost weight, his complexion improved, and he could withstand Heuk Woong’s tree-shattering punches.
“This guy’s really done for.” Heuk Woong drew a dagger from his waist. “Fatso, let’s see if your gut can stop a blade.”
Seeing the gleaming dagger, the fat kid stepped back in fear. As he said, no matter how tough his body had become, it couldn’t block a blade.
“Boss, Boss!”
“You’re finished. Boys, grab his arms and legs!” At Heuk Woong’s command, his lackeys seized the fat kid.
“Let go!”
But something strange happened.
As the fat kid struggled, the sturdy lackeys were flung away.
‘This guy?’
He had meant to scare him.
But seeing the fat kid’s strength, Heuk Woong changed his mind.
‘If I don’t break his limbs, he’ll take my place as boss soon.’
Eyes blazing, Heuk Woong raised his dagger and approached.
Rumble.
Suddenly, the sound of a herd of bulls echoed as countless workers and carts loaded with materials flooded into Byeokgye Village.
“What’s this?” Startled, Heuk Woong shouted at the workers.
“Who are you people?”
Step, step.
A tall man in scholarly robes emerged from the workers.
His sharp yet profound eyes gave him the air of a brilliant strategist.
“Where is… Lord Fatso?”
‘Lord Fatso?’
Heuk Woong’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Who in the world would call a beggar “Lord”?
“That’s… me,” said the fat kid, his cheek red from Heuk Woong’s blow, stepping toward the man.
“Haha, you’re not as… fat as I expected,” the scholarly man said, flashing an innocent smile with white teeth. “While the manor is being built, take the Byeokgye Village folks to the separate quarters at Unhyang Inn. I’ve made reservations.”
Pointing to a cart at the entrance, the man caused the fat kid to tilt his head.
“Manor being built?”
“Here in Byeokgye Village, a grand manor will be constructed for you, Lord, and your followers to live comfortably.”
“Lord? Followers?”
The fat kid’s mouth fell open.
“Are you sure you didn’t come to the wrong place?”
“I came to the right place. Oh, and this…”
The man opened a small wooden box from his robes.
Inside was an elegant ivory plaque inscribed with the name Bu Bok-un.
“What’s this?”
“It’s an identity plaque proving you are Lord Bu.”
“This is… my identity plaque?”
The fat kid’s eyes widened.
For orphans without names, their greatest wish was to have an identity plaque proving their existence.
But a vagrant couldn’t afford one, and an adult needed connections and significant money to obtain one.
Yet someone had made one for him out of the blue?
“Why…?”
The fat kid shook his head, bewildered.
“Why would you give this to me?”
“For saving the martial world.”
“What?”
“You saved the martial world.”
The fat kid blinked, mouth agape.
“…Me?”
“Yes.” The scholarly man nodded with a serious gaze. “Without your good deeds, the order—no, the martial world—would be shattered into pieces by now.”
The fat kid couldn’t comprehend it.
What had he done to save the martial world?
“Once the manor is complete, maids and servants will be assigned to assist you. They’ll handle everything, so don’t worry.”
As the man turned to leave, he let out an “Ah” and looked at the beggars of Byeokgye Village.
“Who’s Heuk Woong?”
Heuk Woong’s eyes lit up.
‘Are they giving me something too?’
If they gave a manor to the fat kid for no reason, might they build a grand pavilion for him?
“That’s me!” Heuk Woong said, grinning and approaching the man.
“I’m Heuk Woong!”
“Heuk Woong?”
“Yes!”
A fist appeared before Heuk Woong’s eyes.
It lightly struck his right cheek.
Thwack! Crash!
Heuk Woong flew straight back, crashing into a shack ten yards away.
“Argh!”
Writhing in pain, Heuk Woong felt his cheek burning and his teeth uprooted.
“Drag him back here,” the scholarly man said.
Drag, drag.
Warriors standing behind him grabbed Heuk Woong’s hair and pulled him forward.
“Spare me!”
“Considering your past atrocities, you should be killed on the spot,” the man said, looking down sternly.
“But that would tarnish Lord Bu’s good deeds.”
Pointing to the fat kid, he said coldly, “Serve Lord Bu with utmost loyalty for life. That’s the only way you’ll survive.”
“Y-Yes, sir!”
The man nodded with satisfaction and added, “And the Black Faction you’re tied to has been entirely relocated from Byeokgye Village. Keep that in mind.”
Tremble.
Heuk Woong couldn’t believe it.
The black-robed man was a martial world master he’d never seen before.
Not only that, he wielded the wealth to mobilize hundreds of workers and had eradicated the Black Faction to prevent any mischief.
“And…” the man said, looking down at Heuk Woong with a cold smile.
“Learn to keep your eyes open.”
Turning, he clasped his hands toward the fat kid.
“Lord, I’ll take my leave.”
The fat kid, dazed, realized something at the man’s words.
‘Learn to keep your eyes open.’
Wasn’t that what Heuk Woong said every time he beat Mumu?
“He…” the fat kid—no, Bu Bok-un—ran to the man, asking in a trembling voice.
“Is he… alright?”
Realizing everything, Bu Bok-un’s question was met with a bright smile from the man, Yoo Unryong, revealing his white teeth.
“Of course.”
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