Was the heavens rooting for Gongsun Dankyung’s success?
Noh Dokcheong, the Iron Captain of the Martial Alliance, had been suddenly killed in the Yeokyung region, a territory under the Hell's Blood Fortress’s influence. The cause of death was poisoning. The body had been deliberately damaged with a combination of toxins, making it impossible to discern the exact method or identify the culprit…
But to poison a master like Noh Dokcheong in Yeokyung?
Only the masters of the Hell's Blood Fortress could manage such a feat. Upon close examination of the body, traces of the Hell's Blood Fortress’s exclusive poison technique, the Poison Steel Demonic Art, were finally discovered.
Commander Gongsun Dankyung sent a letter of protest directly to Majeon.
“Explain this incident immediately!”
It was an opportunity.
Guizhou had long been the stronghold of the demonic factions. Under normal circumstances, deploying a large Martial Alliance force into the Hell's Blood Fortress’s territory in Guizhou would be nearly impossible.
“Gun Yoksang, Vice Commander of the Divine Might Division, lead one-third of the division’s forces and station them at the Guizhou border.”
However, due to the Daeyun Forest Incident, the Hell's Blood Fortress’s lord had stepped down, and their influence had significantly weakened.
Moreover, with the Iron Captain killed by someone presumed to be a Hell's Blood Fortress master, Gongsun Dankyung shrewdly demanded explanations and compensation not from the Hell's Blood Fortress but from Majeon, the demonic coalition.
If an agreement was reached between the two coalitions, the Hell's Blood Fortress would have no choice but to comply.
Additionally, the Martial Alliance had gained a just cause with Noh Dokcheong’s death.
Gongsun Dankyung immediately deployed one-third of the Divine Might Division’s forces, led by Vice Commander Gun Yoksang, to the border between Sichuan and Guizhou.
“The negotiations with Majeon will be handled by Yeon Jagang, the Lord of the Dragon Might Hall.”
The negotiations were entrusted to Yeon Jagang, a strategist and eloquent speaker from the Dragon Might Hall. Of course, if Gongsun Dankyung herself had stepped in, she might have conducted the negotiations even more skillfully.
However, as this was a dispute over a portion of the Yeokyung region’s territory, it was beneath the dignity of the commander to personally intervene. A few days later, Bu Eunseol emerged from the Supreme Pavilion and walked for some time, finally arriving before a grand pavilion near the heart of the Martial Alliance.
The Silver Moon Pavilion.
It was the Commander’s Hall, where the Martial Alliance’s commander resided.
In the past, it was home to Tae Sahyeon, known by the grand title of Heavenly Strategist. Now, it was occupied by Gongsun Dankyung, hailed as the wisest woman in the martial world, the Star of Wisdom.
And Bu Eunseol had been summoned by her.
‘She’s planning to deploy my team,’ he thought.
Having already been tipped off by Yuk Jangcheon, Bu Eunseol could guess her intentions.
While the Divine Might Division was stationed at the border, the Dragon Might Hall would handle negotiations to seize control of Yeokyung’s territory. If a direct conflict arose, it was clear she intended to send the Supreme Corps to assist the Dragon Might Hall.
Having won the Phoenix Tournament, Bu Eunseol had proven his ability to swiftly dismantle formations like those of the Hell's Blood Fortress.
“Who are you?” a guard at the Silver Moon Pavilion’s entrance asked, blocking Bu Eunseol’s path.
“Seon Woojin, Captain of the Supreme Corps. I’m here at the commander’s summons.”
“Follow me.” As if already informed, the guard led Bu Eunseol inside.
Around the pavilion, first-rank sword teams from the Sacred Might Division, tasked with protecting the Alliance’s top leaders, were stationed. Inside, elite masters, including sword commanders, were meticulously positioned.
As Bu Eunseol followed the guard into the pavilion, a sudden question struck him.
‘How did she rise to the position of commander?’
The righteous martial world placed great importance on hierarchy and seniority. Even the selection of the next Alliance Leader was typically from among the middle-aged commanders of the seven great divisions.
Yet, despite her remarkable intellect and talent, how could a young woman in her thirties ascend to the commander’s position, one of the top ten ranks in the hierarchy?
What had transpired among the higher-ups?
“The commander, the Supreme Corps Commander has arrived,” the guard announced before the office.
“Come in,” a clear voice responded.
“Enter,” the guard said, opening the door to reveal the spacious office.
Inside, shelves lined with books stood densely, and a large desk dominated the room. At the desk, a beautiful woman was diligently writing with a brush.
It was Commander Gongsun Dankyung.
“Seon Woojin, Captain of the Supreme Corps, pays respects to the commander,” Bu Eunseol said, clasping his hands and bowing.
Gongsun Dankyung set down her brush and smiled.
“Welcome.” Their eyes met, but unlike before, there was no threatening glint that challenged his spirit.
It seemed the power of her Divine Eye no longer affected him.
“It’s been a while since the Phoenix Tournament,” she said, her voice low but clear and distinct.
‘Not only wise but strong-willed,’ Bu Eunseol thought. In his experience, those with clear, resonant voices were not only intelligent but also typically stubborn.
Unaware of his thoughts, Gongsun Dankyung stood.
“Have a seat.” Offering him a chair, she got straight to the point. “There’s no time, so I’ll be brief.”
As she spoke, her graceful demeanor vanished, replaced by a heavy, commanding gaze. It was the aura befitting the commander of the vast Martial Alliance.
“Lead your team immediately to Yeokyung, where the Dragon Might Hall is stationed.”
“Is there a specific task for my team?” Bu Eunseol asked, emphasizing “specific.”
The Divine Might Division was already deployed, and Yeon Jagang, renowned for his negotiation skills, had been sent to Yeokyung. In such a situation, sending a second-rank team, especially an intelligence unit like the Supreme Corps, suggested that Gongsun Dankyung had a particular purpose for Bu Eunseol.
“Majeon won’t easily relinquish Yeokyung,” she said, staring directly at him. “Though the Alliance holds the upper hand in negotiations, conflicts, large or small, may arise.”
She continued, “The Supreme Corps proved its exceptional martial prowess in the Phoenix Tournament.”
Bu Eunseol nodded, realizing something. “You designed the Phoenix Tournament’s tests anticipating this situation.”
She had planned to reclaim Yeokyung even before the tournament and foresaw a potential clash with the Hell's Blood Fortress.
“Exactly. The tournament’s tests were designed with a battle against the Hell's Blood Fortress in mind,” she said with a slight smile. “Since Majeon named its successor, the Hell's Blood Fortress’s power has steadily declined. I knew an opportunity to reclaim their territory would arise.”
At her words, Bu Eunseol’s expression darkened.
Not out of pity for the Hell's Blood Fortress, but because a question arose: had she orchestrated Noh Dokcheong’s death?
If, to seize the Hell's Blood Fortress’s territory and establish her authority as the newly appointed commander, she had sacrificed Noh Dokcheong?
She would be a terrifying and ruthless figure, far different from her outward appearance.
“Hall Leader Yuk strongly recommended you. He said the Supreme Corps is not only an excellent intelligence unit but also martially superior, making it a great asset for this negotiation.”
Yuk Jangcheon likely intended to elevate not only Yeon Jagang but also the Supreme Corps in Gongsun Dankyung’s eyes. He was eager to build merit and gain the support of more higher-ups to ascend to the Martial Heaven Corps Lord position.
This wasn’t necessarily bad for Bu Eunseol.
But something left a bitter taste.
‘A prodigy who rose to the Martial Alliance’s commander at such a young age wouldn’t meet me alone just on Yuk Jangcheon’s recommendation.’
If she were simply ordering a deployment, she could have issued the command through subordinates or a written order. There was no need to meet a second-rank commander, who had little influence on the negotiations, in person to issue such an order.
“Understood,” Bu Eunseol said.
But thoughts could wait.
For now, he had to carry out Commander Gongsun Dankyung’s orders immediately.
“I will lead my team to Yeokyung to assist the Dragon Might Hall.”
“I have high expectations,” she said as Bu Eunseol bowed with clasped hands. “They say Captain Seon turns any crisis into an opportunity.”
A bad premonition flashed through Bu Eunseol’s mind.
‘She doesn’t think highly of me.’ Meeting her gaze as he raised his head, he was certain.
‘No, she suspects me.’
Like Yuk Jangcheon initially, Gongsun Dankyung was suspicious of him, likely due to his exceptional abilities, far beyond those expected of a second-rank commander.
‘She’s been suspicious since the Phoenix Tournament.’ To demonstrate the Supreme Corps’ excellence in all areas, Bu Eunseol had broken demonic formations in the tournament with unconventional methods and astonishing speed.
He had prepared a booklet to explain his methods, anticipating scrutiny from the higher-ups.
While Gongsun Dankyung had nodded as if convinced, she had actually been suspicious of him all along.
“Is there anything else?” she asked.
“No, nothing,” Bu Eunseol replied, clasping his hands. “Then I’ll take my leave.”
As he stepped out of the Silver Moon Pavilion, his gaze was heavy and somber.
Yuk Jangcheon had also been highly suspicious of him, only relenting after having Jong Jeongyak investigate thoroughly. As the commander of the Martial Alliance, Gongsun Dankyung’s intellect suggested her suspicions ran deeper and more intense.
‘It was inevitable.’
Bu Eunseol needed to rise quickly and become a key figure in the Martial Alliance. Thus, he hadn’t concealed his excellence, and it was only natural that this drew suspicion.
‘She suspects I’m a demonic faction spy.’
Sending a second-rank intelligence team, of little use in negotiations, to a confrontation with Majeon likely stemmed from her suspicion that he was a demonic spy.
If so, she might expect him to sabotage the negotiations to prevent a smooth resolution.
‘I need to dispel her suspicions quickly.’ Being suspected by a high-ranking commander could lead to endless trouble if not addressed promptly.
‘Definitively.’ Bu Eunseol’s gaze turned icy as he looked at the distant sky.
If he were a demonic spy, this situation would have been distressing and troublesome.
But he felt no qualms—rather, a sense of exhilaration.
He was a man driven by vengeance, unbound by the concerns of either the demonic or righteous factions.
Moreover, the Hell's Blood Fortress was a target he had long intended to destroy.
To evade Gongsun Dankyung’s suspicions, he was willing to dance with his blade hundreds of times.
***
Majeon, Solitary Light Pavilion Conference Room
A meeting of hall lords was being held, presided over by Chief Instructor Yeop Hyocheon, regarding the incident of Noh Dokcheong, the Martial Alliance commander killed in the Yeokyung region of Guizhou.
Though the culprit who killed Noh Dokcheong hadn’t been identified, it was certain they were a master from the Hell's Blood Fortress.
Gongsun Dankyung, the Martial Alliance’s commander, had sent a letter of protest to Majeon, not the Hell's Blood Fortress, to simplify matters.
Yeop Hyocheon had gathered the hall lords to address this issue.
“Stationing the Divine Might Division at the Guizhou border is merely a show of force to gain leverage in negotiations. They likely don’t intend actual armed conflict,” Yeo Bulhoe, Vice Lord of the Shadow Pavilion, explained to Yeop Hyocheon.
“However, Noh Dokcheong was killed in Yeokyung, and they’ve boldly sent forces near Yuchun Valley. Using negotiations as a pretext, they’re seizing the perfect opportunity to deploy troops.”
“A perfect opportunity,” Yeop Hyocheon said, narrowing his eyes.
Yeo Bulhoe nodded.
“With Lord Gongya stepping down and the Hell's Blood Fortress’s influence weakened, they’re barely holding onto Yuchun Valley, the most valuable area in Yeokyung.” He continued, “Using investigations and accountability as an excuse, they’ve planted themselves near Yuchun Valley. Their goal is obvious.”
“To seize Yuchun Valley as part of the Martial Alliance’s territory,” Yeop Hyocheon said, instantly grasping the Alliance’s intent.
“Under the guise of negotiations.”
“Exactly.”
“Then it’s best for the Hell's Blood Fortress to resolve this directly,” Yeop Hyocheon said, scanning the gathered lords.
“Speak if you have opinions.”
Baek Hyomyeong, the Lord of the Four Eyes Hall from the Hell's Blood Fortress, spoke up.
“Since the Martial Alliance sent a letter to our faction, shouldn’t we resolve it?”
With a deeply aggrieved expression, he continued, “Isn’t this situation the fault of someone from our faction?” Suppressing his frustration, he added, “If the lord hadn’t stepped down… if they hadn’t weakened our territory, the Martial Alliance wouldn’t dare encroach.”
Though he didn’t name names, Baek Hyomyeong was clearly pointing to Bu Eunseol as the cause.
“Not entirely wrong,” Yeop Hyocheon said with a peculiar smile. “And since the Martial Alliance is fully committed, it’s only right for us to handle it.”
As the gathered lords nodded in agreement, he continued, “Who did the Martial Alliance send as their negotiator?”
Yeo Bulhoe replied, “The Martial Alliance sent Yeon Jagang, Lord of the Dragon Might Corps under the Martial Affairs Hall.”
‘That’s why the Chief Instructor called this meeting,’ the lords realized, nodding. It was a minor territorial dispute, and the Martial Alliance had sent a hall lord to negotiate.
Thus, Majeon didn’t need a full meeting of higher-ups.
“The Dragon Might Hall,” Yeop Hyocheon chuckled. “They’re obsessed with justification, aren’t they?”
If the Martial Alliance had sent a powerful first-rank sword team or combat unit, Majeon would have had to prepare for battle. But sending the Dragon Might Hall and an intelligence team showed that, outwardly at least, they prioritized negotiation.
Justification was paramount to the Martial Alliance.
“Then we should send someone of appropriate rank,” Yeop Hyocheon said, and the higher-ups nodded.
For instance, if the Martial Alliance sent a third-rank commander and Majeon sent a first-rank commander, it would damage their prestige.
Likewise, if the Alliance sent a hall lord and Majeon sent a division Commander, the disparity in authority would prevent negotiations.
“Then we should send someone a rank higher,” Yeo Bulhoe suggested.
“Since the Martial Alliance is playing the victim.”
After all, the Alliance had lost a captain.
They would make various demands, so sending someone of higher rank to lead negotiations smoothly was appropriate.
“This matter involves not just negotiations but a territorial struggle, so it requires someone with exceptional cunning.”
Though a small territorial dispute, Yuchun Valley was a key trade route for caravans, generating significant revenue. This struggle was akin to a power contest between Majeon and the Martial Alliance.
Thus, they needed to minimize losses and maximize gains with a brilliant strategist.
“Hmm,” Yeop Hyocheon mused, stroking his chin.
“Then the Martial Soul Command Lord is the only suitable candidate.” Looking at Baek Hyomyeong, he said calmly, “The Hell's Blood Fortress’s decline began with the Martial Soul Command Lord’s audit, which led to Lord Gongya’s resignation.”
The room buzzed.
Though the Hell's Blood Fortress had suffered due to Bu Eunseol’s actions, he was Majeon’s successor, among the top ten in the hierarchy.
If he negotiated with a Martial Alliance hall lord, it would diminish Majeon’s prestige.
“Chief Instructor,” Baek Hyomyeong said cautiously, “that would undermine our faction’s dignity.”
Yeop Hyocheon smiled and shook his head.
“I’m just saying. As Baek said, the Martial Soul Command Lord bears some responsibility…” Pausing to think, he continued with a relaxed expression, “It might be best if someone close to the Command Lord resolves this.”
With a decision seemingly made, a strange smile played on Yeop Hyocheon’s lips.
*Bu Eunseol’s gonna have to learn tango to get out of this web of lies
Comments