Though the Supreme Corps was a newly formed unit, it had achieved great feats multiple times and proven its excellence in battles like the Bonghwang Grand War and the Guizhou campaign.
Thus, despite its short existence, it had risen to a second-tier corps, and its leadership was drawing attention from the higher-ups.
But the nail that sticks out gets hammered. For rising too quickly, the Supreme Corps became the target of envy and jealousy from other units.
Moreover, it had no formal allies or close comrades within the Martial Alliance.
Its leader, Seon Woojin, was mostly out in the martial world, so he had no personal ties with other corps leaders either.
In the end, the Supreme Corps was subtly ostracized within the Alliance, and its members endured it in silence.
Then, a few days ago, strange things began happening.
“Vice-Captain Tae. Got time today? I just received fine liquor from Taepyeong Tavern in Shandong.”
“I’m Jang Un of the Yeongsin Sword Corps. We’re gathering at Pungwol Inn tonight with several members…”
Suddenly, countless warriors within the Alliance began approaching every member of the Supreme Corps—including Tae Muryong and Jeong Jongdo—with friendly words or inviting them to their gatherings.
They even came to the northern bamboo grove where the Supreme Corps was stationed, just to greet them while eating.
It was all because of one rumor.
—They say Commander Gongsun is very close with the Supreme Branch leader.
—Despite her extreme aversion to men, she went alone with the Supreme Branch leader to the Myriad Goods Store!
Commander Gongsun Dankyung.
What kind of person was she?
A genius of mechanical arts rivaling the famed Gyosu Cheonja, who had reached the pinnacle of organ arrays.
The heir to the immense fortune accumulated by the Gongsun family across generations.
Though her dazzling beauty didn't include her in the Three Beauties of the World, she still held the title of Wisdom Star. She possessed comparable looks, talent, and at barely thirty had become the Alliance’s Commander Gongsun—an extraordinary rise.
A woman who had everything, yet treated men like stones…
To think she was close enough with the Supreme Branch leader to secretly visit the Myriad Goods Store together?
At first, it was dismissed as nonsense. But the truth emerged from Star Guard Division warriors who responded to the scene: the two had been attacked by unknown enemies near Soho’s warehouse.
Thus, the rumor evolved into whispers of a subtle current between them.
What was curious was Gongsun Dankyung’s reaction.
She couldn’t possibly be unaware of the rumor shaking the Alliance.
Yet she made no response.
Rumors left alone grow like snowballs.
Soon, word spread that she and Seon Woojin were betrothed, even exchanging betrothal gifts. And as such rumors circulated, Alliance warriors scrambled to approach the Supreme Corps—
Either to confirm the truth…
Or to befriend the once-in-a-lifetime lucky man who had become Commander Gongsun’s lover.
Lotus Hall, Yuk Cheongah’s office.
For a hall leader’s office, it was lavishly decorated, filled with luxurious furnishings.
Swiik swiik
Yuk Cheongah sat at her desk, brush moving ceaselessly.
She managed not only the warriors under Ascendant Martial Hall but all the household affairs—ten bodies wouldn’t be enough to do what she did.
Tok tok.
A knock, followed by a subordinate’s low voice.
“The Supreme Branch leader has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
Drrrk.
The door slid open, and a lean man entered.
It was Bu Eunseol, disguised as Seon Woojin.
“Supreme Branch Captain Seon Woojin, reporting as summoned.”
Though roughly the same age, the gap between a second-tier leader and a hall master was vast. Even as Bu Eunseol bowed politely, she kept writing.
“……” Bu Eunseol quietly surveyed the room.
‘Will she be giving me a mission from here from now on?’
Lotus Hall handled many classified documents so outsiders were forbidden.
Yet she had suddenly summoned him here?
“Sorry.”
Tak.
Yuk Cheongah set down her brush and stood. “I had urgent letters to finish.”
“No problem at all.” As Bu Eunseol cupped his hands, she gestured to the reception table opposite.
“Have a seat.”
He sat. An odd silence followed.
She simply stared.
“Why have you called me?” Unable to bear the silence, Bu Eunseol asked.
Yuk Cheongah spoke in a low voice. “I heard the rumors, but I wanted to confirm.”
“Confirm what?”
“Are you really… in that kind of relationship with Commander Gongsun?”
Bu Eunseol looked bewildered.
With the Star Guard Division involved, strange rumors were inevitable. But what shocked him was Yuk Cheongah’s attitude.
Her usually expressionless face had frozen cold.
“My father cooperates with Commander Gongsun, but it’s only temporary.” She continued calmly, as if explaining her icy expression. “But if Captain Seon intends to stay by her side, the roles would be reversed.”
In short: becoming Gongsun Dankyung’s direct subordinate would be troublesome.
Understanding, Bu Eunseol shook his head calmly. “As you know, this mission was approved by the Lord in advance—it was simply Commander Gongsun’s order.”
“I know. But… why isn’t she responding?”
Gongsun Dankyung had used this incident to uncover forgeries at the Myriad Goods Store, trace the distributing forces, gauge the enemy’s intent and intelligence, and even root out traitors in the Inspectorate.
She had anticipated Star Guard Division’s involvement and the scandal. She saw no value in responding.
“Sometimes, leaving a rumor alone lets it die faster than addressing it.”
He couldn’t reveal all of Gongsun Dankyung’s plans.
He explained as politely as possible from her perspective.
“Of course, it’s a rumor not even worth addressing.”
“Hmm.” Yuk Cheongah looked skeptical. “So, Captain Seon has no relationship with Commander Gongsun?”
“None.”
“I see.” She exhaled softly and nodded. “You may go.”
Bu Eunseol was slightly flustered. She summoned him just for this?
“Then.” Swallowing his bewilderment, he bowed and left.
Once outside, Yuk Cheongah rubbed her forehead and sighed deeply.
‘Why am I acting like this?’
Truthfully, she didn’t need to meet him alone over this. Investigations had already confirmed the rumors were false.
Yet for some reason, she wanted to hear him deny it himself.
Even to her, this summons felt forced and incomprehensible.
‘I must become the Empress. I have no time for men.’
She had long abandoned a woman’s happiness.
Since joining the Alliance, her sole goal was reaching the pinnacle—and she had worked tirelessly for it.
Even recruiting her father, the rogue Yuk Jangcheon, to become Ascendant Martial Hall Lord was solely to realize her ambition.
Yet lately, her mind kept wandering. A man she hadn’t even considered kept catching her eye.
‘Just jealousy?’
Gongsun Dankyung was impossibly young and beautiful for her thirties.
Her family, knowledge, arts, martial prowess—nothing lacked.
She had everything a woman could desire.
But Yuk Cheongah wasn’t envious.
Gongsun would live as a woman; she would become Empress.
Still, strange feelings kept rising.
She had ignored countless suitors with far superior looks and background.
Yet inexplicably, she felt rational fondness for Seon Woojin.
‘I must keep my distance from Captain Seon from now on.’
She steeled her resolve, envisioning herself as the first Empress*.
T/L Empress as in leader of the Martial Alliance.
***
For once, Bu Eunseol stayed at the Supreme Corps, handling duties and training with the members.
Truthfully, the Supreme Corps was merely a stepping stone for his rise in the Alliance.
If he achieved his goal?
Or if the Divine Mountain Sage changed his mind midway?
Or if his identity as a spy was uncovered by the Alliance’s intelligence network?
Whatever the outcome, exposure as a spy was inevitable in the end. He had prepared countermeasures, but the problem was the lives of the Supreme Branch members.
If his identity were revealed, they would face brutal treatment or be forced to leave the Alliance. Thus, Bu Eunseol taught them martial arts generously and trained them harshly. So that even if they left the Alliance, they could thrive anywhere in the martial world.
So that if anything went wrong… they could survive unscathed.
“Captain, a letter from Sunflower Merchant Guild addressed to you.”
A letter was delivered while Bu Eunseol worked in his office.
He calmly opened the envelope. It contained brief inquiries about his well-being and updates on the guild’s affairs.
But the Sunflower Merchant Guild would never send him a letter.
This was from Soyo, via the Death Spirit Corps’ intelligence network.
Uuuung.
Activating Void Heart Command, entirely different contents appeared.
‘That man again…’ Bu Eunseol bit his lip.
The letter reported another mass appearance of puppets in Cheonsan. Which meant the monstrous old man, the heir of the Blade Emperor, had resurfaced.
‘Still chasing Southern Sky Great Hero Gwanhai Geum?’
The heir of the Blade Emperor possessed a terrifying martial prowess that even Bu Eunseol couldn’t match him in pure swordsmanship. And he was obsessed with the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, likely still pursuing Gwanhai Geum because of it.
‘I’ll lead the Death Shadow Corps and wipe them out.’
Southern Sky Great Hero Gwanhai Geum was the disciple of the nameless elder who had been the shadow of the Seven-Finger Demon Blade.
And a grateful benefactor who had revealed his whereabouts.
To ensure Gwanhai Geum could live in peace, free from the heir’s harassment…
Bu Eunseol would eradicate the puppets and the heir himself—and deliver news of the nameless elder.
He summoned all members to the meeting room.
“This leader will return to the martial world.” Looking at them, Bu Eunseol spoke calmly. “I must investigate those who attacked Commander Gongsun.”
The Alliance had launched a massive investigation into the forces that raided Soho warehouse. For any group to track and attack the Alliance’s brain, the Commander Gongsun, was unforgivable.
But it was tentatively concluded as a contract by the Ink-Blood Clan and Soul Demon Clan, targeting a huge bounty.
The two sects had received vast funds from an unknown client, executed the contract, then disbanded and committed mass suicide upon failure.
‘Ridiculous.’
But Bu Eunseol knew.
The Ink-Blood Clan and Soul Demon Clan were merely tails cut by the Three Realms. The former Commander Gongsun candidate had suffered the same, with a similar conclusion.
“But hasn’t the Alliance’s investigation team already closed the case?”
“Of course, but too many things don’t add up. Scum like the Soul Demon Clan and Ink-Blood Clan wouldn’t commit suicide out of fear of the Alliance.” Bu Eunseol declared firmly. “This corps must reinvestigate.”
At times like this, he was almost grateful to the Three Realms.
They always committed grand crimes and erased traces so perfectly that investigations yielded nothing.
Thanks to this incident, Bu Eunseol could roam the martial world for a long time.
“Then will the leader go alone? How many members should escort you?”
At Tae Muryong’s question, Bu Eunseol shook his head. “No need. I must contact various intelligence networks—alone is better.”
The members exchanged glances and nodded.
—Our leader never rests, always striving.
From their perspective, Bu Eunseol constantly found work whether assigned or not. Thus, they too must work tirelessly even without orders.
“Then how about I accompany you? This will take considerable time.” When Tae Muryong stepped forward, Bu Eunseol smiled calmly.
“If even the Vice-Captain is absent, who will lead and train the members?”
“Captain.”
“I’ll return quickly.” As Bu Eunseol prepared to leave, Jeong Jongdo spoke.
“Then how about the members seeing you off together? It’s rare for us all to be here.” He smiled and looked around. “It always bothers me that you leave so suddenly.”
Bu Eunseol smiled. He hadn’t spent much time with the Supreme Branch members. Yet they all felt he constantly nurtured and strengthened their abilities.
Thus, even seeing him rarely, they held firm, fierce loyalty.
“Then let’s do that.” Smiling, Bu Eunseol walked with the members toward the Alliance’s main gate.
Ureureu.
Then, a figure hurried past, leading a large group of warriors.
The Alliance’s Inner Manager, Seok Ryung-an.
“A very important guest must have arrived.” Tae Muryong muttered in surprise. “The Inner Manager personally going to the gate means an extremely high-ranking visitor.”
Soon, Bu Eunseol and the Supreme Corps reached the gate area. A tall man in white robes entered through the gate. Strikingly handsome, with a refined smile.
At a glance, his aura was upright and pure, as if a clear breeze followed him.
‘That man.’ Bu Eunseol was shocked.
Wasn’t this the man who had shared wine with him at the Misu Village tavern?
“You’ve arrived, Young Hero Baek.” Inner Manager Seok Ryung-an greeted the white-robed man politely. “You must be tired from the long journey. Please follow me.”
He personally led the man with great familiarity.
The Inner Manager oversaw all Alliance affairs—his status was high. For him to guide like a servant? Just who was this man?
“I’m overwhelmed by the hospitality.”
“Hahaha. No need for formalities. By seniority, this manager is your nephew, isn’t it? And as the Golden True Dragon of the martial world…”
Hearing Seok Ryung-an’s words as he led the man, Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed.
‘So he’s the Buddha Venerable’s secular disciple.’
Just from the gourd-throwing motion back then, Bu Eunseol had guessed a young grandmaster. But he never imagined Baek Museong, disciple of the Buddha Venerable.
Why was this man, who never showed himself in the martial world, openly visiting the Alliance?
Bu Eunseol sighed deeply. He would eventually have to meet the Buddha Venerable and ask about the Absolute Demonic Blade Project.
‘A pity. I liked the man.’
But if he was The Buddha Venerable’s disciple, better not to form ties. Depending on The Buddha Venerable’s answer, they could become enemies.
“Buying him a drink will be difficult.”
“Pardon?” When Tae Muryong asked, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“Nothing.” He turned calmly and smiled at the members. “Then I’ll be off.”
“Safe travels, Captain.” As Bu Eunseol left, Tae Muryong and all members bowed.
***
Silver Moon Pavilion, Gongsun Dankyung’s office.
Baek Museong sat at the reception table, having just returned from chatting with the Vice-Leader.
Across from him sat Gongsun Dankyung.
“It’s been a while, Senior Sister.”
Gongsun Dankyung nodded at Baek Museong’s words. “It has.”
While she remained calm, his expression was slightly flushed.
“I heard you were in danger. If Commander Baekri hadn’t stepped in, it could’ve been serious.”
“It was nothing. Just a joint attack by black path forces and assassin sects targeting the Myriad Goods Store.” Baek Museong’s eyes darkened.
If it were merely assassin sects, a giant like Baekri Mujo wouldn’t have moved personally. But he didn’t pry and simply nodded.
“I heard you carried out a mission with a young Alliance leader. Thanks to him, you were safe.”
“Yes.”
An awkward silence followed. After hesitating, Baek Museong bit his lip and spoke softly.
“Do you still resent me?”
A rather out-of-place question.
He stared into Gongsun Dankyung’s eyes. Hoping they would waver. Hoping even a spark remained in the ashes.
“Of course not.” But contrary to his wish, her gaze was perfectly calm. “It was long ago.”
“I see.” Baek Museong’s eyes dimmed.
His expression resembled a foolish man still clinging to a lost lover, unsure what to do.
“Senior Sister, perhaps…” As he began, Gongsun Dankyung pointed to the stacked letters.
“Young Hero Baek, I’m sorry, but I’m swamped with work… Could we meet again another time?”
It was a cold dismissal, yet Baek Museong smiled faintly instead. If she had treated him with complete indifference, he would have been devastated.
But she was deliberately avoiding him.
That proved at least some feeling remained.
“Belated congratulations on becoming Commander Gongsun, Senior Sister.”
“Thank you.”
“Sorry for taking your time. Then… until next time.” Baek Museong stood, turned, and left immediately.
After gazing at Silver Moon Pavilion a moment, he looked to the distant sky and muttered.
“Who is the man who carried out the mission with her?”
A low voice reached his ear.
「The newly formed Supreme Corps leader, Seon Woojin.」
Surprising.
Baek Museong, known for wandering alone, had a subordinate in the Alliance? And one who never showed himself—no ordinary position.
“Ah. The one who played a decisive role in the peace treaty with Yeolha Holy Palace.” Baek Museong seemed well-informed of all recent Alliance events.
“Investigate him thoroughly and report to me.”
「Understood.」
Turning back to Silver Moon Pavilion, Baek Museong spoke with a pained expression.
“Senior Sister. I’ve returned with the power to undo past mistakes. So… let’s take our time.”
Then he turned without regret.
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