Gongsun Dankyung.
She was a figure women envied.
From her family background to her beauty, wisdom, and character—truly, she was born with every blessing a woman could possess.
How could someone like her harbor such bitter resentment toward the Infinite Realm?
“Are you afraid, Captain Seon?”
Her cold voice sent a chill down his spine.
“Can you do it?”
Bu Eunseol took a moment to breathe deeply.
‘A single answer will completely change my future.’
Should he jump off this ship that felt like it was sinking even now?
Or ride it to the very end?
‘No, there was no choice from the start.’
What if he refused this offer?
Gongsun Dankyung would do anything to keep her secret.
From the moment he entered the secret chamber of Silver Moon Pavilion… Bu Eunseol had boarded a ship with no stops in between.
“I understand.”
Gongsun Dankyung rested her chin on her hand, her eyes sparkling.
“That was quicker than I expected.”
“…”
“I thought you might hesitate a little, or ponder more. You couldn’t possibly have guessed this plan, could you?”
“Of course not. It’s just…” Bu Eunseol shook his head bitterly. “I realized there was no choice.”
“Hehehe.” Gongsun Dankyung let out a low laugh. “I always like that you never make me say things twice, Captain Seon.”
Bu Eunseol’s instincts were spot on.
If he had refused?
This beautiful woman with the face of a fairy would have become a witch dragging him down to hell.
“But don’t worry. I’ll make sure you never regret that choice.” Gongsun Dankyung spoke in a clear, confident voice. “After all, you came to this alliance to fully unleash your abilities, didn’t you, Captain Seon?”
“…”
“With your talents, you’ll surely reach the pinnacle of this alliance.”
Her face was incomparably beautiful and pure.
But to Bu Eunseol, she looked like a water ghost smiling as it lured people in.
Only now did he realize that this woman, smiling so innocently…
In truth possessed madness no less than his own.
‘Well, you’d have to be mad to pull it off.’
Bu Eunseol too had amassed unbelievable merits at a young age.
And Gongsun Dankyung, in her thirties, had risen to the position of a Martial Alliance Commander—an unprecedented record.
The reason it was possible?
Both of them charged blindly toward their goals, fearless of anything… because they were mad.
***
Suddenly, a shocking rumor spread through the Martial Alliance.
The Golden True Dragon, Baek Museong.
Word was that this new-generation master had abruptly become a martial artist under the Martial Alliance.
—What a bizarre rumor.
People laughed it off at first.
As the disciple of Buddha Venerable, not only was his martial prowess exceptional, but his status was extraordinarily high.
He had no need to join the Martial Alliance.
He could treat the heads of the Nine Great Sects without formality and even ask favors of them.
But the rumor turned out to be true.
He really had joined the Martial Alliance and officially become a martial artist.
—I don’t understand.
Everyone tilted their heads in confusion.
Baek Museong hadn’t formally joined before, but he’d always maintained close ties with the alliance’s leadership.
A man who didn’t need to be registered, who had traveled the martial world like a hidden dragon, keeping his movements secret.
Why lower his status to become an affiliated martial artist of the Martial Alliance?
—The Golden True Dragon Baek Museong has become the second-rank captain of the Coiling Dragon Hall.
The martial artists of the Martial Alliance faced yet another puzzling piece of news.
Considering his status—someone who could speak down to elders of the Nine Great Sects—he should have received at least the rank of hall leader.
Yet he became merely the second-rank captain of the Coiling Dragon Hall?
As a new-generation master representing the righteous faction, with nothing to want for—why make such a choice?
In a secret chamber of the Martial Alliance.
No light entered, and black mist rose on all sides.
The air inside was like a vacuum, hard to breathe.
The atmosphere was murderous, as if a monster with long fangs might suddenly appear.
An ordinary person would have felt uncontrollable anxiety and fled. But the man who entered stood as comfortably as if he were in an inn, showing no discomfort.
Dressed in white, he had jade-like features and clear eyes. His entire body exuded a mysterious aura, as if the filth of the dusty world couldn’t touch a single hair.
It was none other than the Golden True Dragon, Baek Museong.
[Have you gone mad?]
Suddenly, yellowish eyes gleamed in the secret chamber, floating in the void.
At the same time, a chilling voice echoed.
[Why join the Martial Alliance now?]
“Sooner or later, it doesn’t matter, does it?” Baek Museong spoke with a calm expression. “I have to be registered with the Martial Alliance anyway, don’t I?”
Sharp light flared from the eyes gleaming in the darkness.
An utterly cold voice flowed out.
[Even if you join the Martial Alliance, you won’t receive missions.]
Baek Museong had entered as the second-rank captain under the Coiling Dragon Hall.
Did that mean the eyes in the darkness belonged to the Lord of the Coiling Dragon Hall?
Or perhaps one of the alliance’s high executives who could impose sanctions on him?
“I never intended to take any.”
Baek Museong said confidently.
“I’ll get missions elsewhere anyway.”
[You mean the Lord of Lotus Hall.]
Yuk Cheongah, disciple of the former Elder Hall Lord South Sea Divine Nun, had risen to the youngest hall leader in the Martial Alliance through outstanding ability. Moreover, favored by many veterans, she was skilled at selecting or securing missions worth merit.
“Yes.” Baek Museong smiled, revealing white teeth. “Whatever else, her ability to fetch missions is reliable.”
He added in a confident voice, “If I rack up merits quickly through her, I might even become the youngest Commander.”
Shockingly, he too was aiming for the vacant position of Martial Heaven Commander.
[Are you planning to destroy everything you’ve built for one woman?]
“What have I built? It’s just an empty name.”
Baek Museong had wanted to join the Martial Alliance for a long time.
Because there was a woman here he adored.
He had longed to stay by her side.
But opposition from his faction prevented it.
Moreover, the Martial Alliance wasn’t a place where mere talent guaranteed ascent. Even with his skills, he needed someone to pull him up.
Then a good opportunity arose.
Yuk Cheongah had extended her hand.
If he became the second-rank captain of the Coiling Dragon Hall, she promised to funnel missions so he could definitely become a Commander.
Baek Museong no longer needed to hesitate.
Lotus Hall Lord, Yuk Cheongah.
With her ability, she could indeed secure missions worthy of a Commander.
And with his own skills, becoming the youngest Commander was possible.
“Isn’t once enough?” Baek Museong pleaded with a pained expression.
“To cut out what’s entered the heart.”
[How regrettable.]
But the voice from the darkness was merciless.
[Because of that weak heart, you wasted so much time yet still haven’t come to your senses.]
“It’s not weakness.” Baek Museong declared boldly. “I won’t be bound by the past anymore.”
He stared straight into the darkness with resolute eyes.
“And don’t worry. I’ll stop at obtaining the Commander of the Martial Heaven position.”
Shuk.
The gleaming eyes in the darkness vanished.
Baek Museong clasped his hands toward the darkness and slowly exited the chamber.
[That fellow won’t do after all.]
A low voice echoed once more from the darkness.
[His fall to the abyss is already fated anyway.]
With those words, no further sound came from the darkness.
***
Yuk Jangcheon sat in his office, his expression stiff.
The Golden True Dragon Baek Museong.
This outstanding young master had entered under none other than his rival, Yong Myeong, Lord of the Coiling Dragon Hall.
And the one who brought him to the Coiling Dragon Hall was his own daughter, Yuk Cheongah?
“Is it certain?”
At Yuk Jangcheon’s question, the advisor standing opposite bowed his head.
“Yes. This time, the Lord of the Coiling Dragon Hall even offered the position of Jeongmu Hall Leader of the Coiling Dragon Hall to the Lotus Hall Lord.”
“Heh heh heh.” Yuk Jangcheon burst into laughter.
He knew Yuk Cheongah was decisive.
He knew she had no sticky affection for her father.
But he hadn’t predicted she would sever ties so boldly.
“Cheongah, you’re no different from the cunning schemers of the Nine Heavens Society.” Yuk Jangcheon muttered in a low voice.
He had already been betrayed by close associates, and the Nine Heavens Society he devoted his life to had crumbled.
Now his only daughter, just for a single harsh word, had cut him off in an instant and betrayed him?
Moreover, bringing a talent rivaling Seon Woojin to the Coiling Dragon Hall declared not just the end of their father-daughter bond but the start of a hostile relationship.
“Immediately suspend the Lotus Hall Lord’s duties.” Yuk Jangcheon said coldly.
“From now on, transfer all Lotus Hall operations to Sang Gu-baek.”
“Hall Lord.” His advisor Ho Unjong spoke cautiously. “The Lotus Hall Lord is the head of this hall. We absolutely cannot let her go like this.”
“The head? Yes, she was the head.”
Yuk Jangcheon said with eyes full of anger.
“And with that head, she’s aiming a blade at this hall lord.”
“Hall Lord.”
“No need for more words.” Yuk Jangcheon said coldly.
“Carry out the order as is.”
Ho Unjong bowed with a grave expression. “Understood.”
Turning away, he sighed.
‘It’s gone wrong.’ Ho Unjong gazed at the distant sky.
Yuk Jangcheon had wide connections and was skilled at handling people.
But he was strict with subordinates’ mistakes and swung between joy and anger over a single word.
Like when Yeon Jagang, loyal for over a decade, failed in negotiations with Dan So-ok and was immediately cast out in rage.
‘Moreover, he trusts Captain Seon excessively.’
The reason Yuk Jangcheon wouldn’t miss Yuk Cheongah’s absence?
Because there was Seon Woojin, the Supreme Branch’s leader whose wisdom and martial arts rivaled hers.
“Things are getting complicated.” Ho Unjong shook his head.
If Yuk Cheongah and Baek Museong joined forces, they could plan and execute much.
But Yuk Jangcheon had only Seon Woojin left.
The future of the Ascendant Martial Hall and Yuk Jangcheon’s success now rested entirely in his hands.
***
Returning to the Martial Alliance, Bu Eunseol gathered the Supreme corps members for a meeting.
Not only had they entered the Solitary Enlightenment Hall, but having received the modified Flawless Sword Manual and Iron Heart Secret from Bu Eunseol, they now exuded a solemn, heavy aura unlike before.
They had to grow stronger.
Because one day, they would leave the Martial Alliance because of Bu Eunseol.
Their eyes burned hot.
To the unit members, Bu Eunseol was no longer just a commander. He was a lord they would protect with their lives.
Of course, Bu Eunseol understood their feelings well.
If possible, even excluding his status as Majeon’s successor, he wanted to tell them everything about his situation.
But he couldn’t.
In the end, he had to leave the Martial Alliance. It was better for them to know as little as possible.
“From now on, this unit will be divided into two systems.” Bu Eunseol said calmly, looking at the members.
“The first group will continue classifying and handling alliance intelligence as before. The second group will travel the martial world to gather information while building an independent intelligence network.”
Silence fell for a moment.
“You plan to take on secret missions that cannot be revealed publicly.” Tae Muryong, deep in thought, looked at Bu Eunseol and said in a low voice. “Building an independent network means handling matters unknown to the outside.”
“Correct.” Bu Eunseol nodded readily. “And the outcome will be one of two.”
Taking a deep breath, he said calmly, “Rising to unimaginable heights… or crashing miserably.”
Those who undertake secret missions gain corresponding power and rewards.
But the risks are great.
If things go wrong, they fall into an abyss with no return.
“Assign us any mission.”
At Tae Muryong’s words, Jeong Jongdo and all the members spoke with resolute expressions.
“Since the leader has made this choice, we’ll do our best.”
“When else would we advance so quickly with our abilities? It’s all thanks to the leader.”
The members laughed and chatted freely even in front of Bu Eunseol. Not because they were lax, but proof they had gained skill and confidence.
The terrifying aspect of Bu Eunseol’s leadership was keeping them loose in normal times, then becoming frighteningly strict once a mission began.
“But have you heard the rumor?” Jeong Jongdo said cautiously then. “The young hero called the Golden True Dragon, Master Baek, became the second-rank captain of the Coiling Dragon Hall. He even created a non-existent unit called the Heavenly Order Corps and assigned excellent members to it.”
The Martial Alliance had been buzzing about Baek Museong for a while.
With his martial prowess and fame, he had no need to join. He had the status to converse casually with alliance veterans plus skills and renown earning the title Golden True Dragon.
Yet he started from the bottom as a second-rank captain.
“There’s a rumor that Captain Baek joined the alliance because of Commander Gongsun.” Jeong Jongdo said with a worried expression.
“They were apparently quite close in the past.”
“What does that have to do with the leader?”
When Tae Muryong asked, Jeong Jongdo said in a low voice, “Our captain is close with the Commander, so I’m worried.”
Starting with the Myriad Goods Store incident, Gongsun Dankyung had secretly taken him as a strategist on the Heaven-Human Cult annihilation mission.
Rumors said she not only acknowledged Seon Woojin’s skills but was quite close to him.
Jeong Jongdo hoped the rumors were true. They made a fine pair.
“It has nothing to do with this leader.” Sensing Jeong Jongdo’s thoughts, Bu Eunseol changed the subject. “Shall we discuss what we’ll do next?”
The Supreme Branch, now a first-rank corps, was reorganized into two groups.
Tae Muryong as deputy leader handled existing duties, while Jeong Jongdo became the new intelligence group leader. He and the members would travel the martial world to build a new intelligence network.
After the meeting, Bu Eunseol immediately left the Martial Alliance.
He met Seo Jinha at a secret safehouse near the merchant district and switched identities.
Telling him that Gongsun Dankyung wanted contact with him, the Martial Soul Command Lord.
“I don’t understand.” After hearing everything, Seo Jinha stroked his chin. “The Commander of the Martial Alliance wants to meet you secretly? If that rumor spreads, it’s fatal for her too.”
“I think she probably harbors intense hatred toward the Infinite Realm.”
“Hmm, we should have the Death Spirit Corps investigate.”
“I already ordered that. But considering her position as Commander… we won’t find anything.”
Gongsun Dankyung understood the importance of information more than Bu Eunseol.
She would never leave traces of her past exposed.
“Hmm.” Seo Jinha, arms crossed in deep thought, suddenly spoke as if remembering something.
“I was going to call you anyway. A few days ago, the Chief Instructor suddenly summoned me.”
“The Chief Instructor?”
“Yeah. Calling me alone means he’s up to something again. I’ve never had a good experience when that old man calls.”
Bu Eunseol stroked his chin. “Got it. When I return to Majeon, I’ll meet the Chief Instructor first.”
“But how will you connect with Commander Gongsun? Making contact too easily will raise suspicion.”
“I had the Death Spirit Corps leader arrange for Seon Woojin to gradually build ties with the Death Shadow Corps.”
Bu Eunseol shrugged.
“And this time, I reorganized the Supreme Branch to create an intelligence group building a network in the martial world.”
Bu Eunseol explained the meeting decisions in detail.
“Ah, then it’ll be easier.”
If the Supreme Branch built an independent network, even if Seon Woojin connected with Death Spirit Corps to contact Majeon, it would never leak outside.
“Come to think of it, all the Martial Alliance veterans seem to have independent networks.” Bu Eunseol said seriously. “Before, Yuk Cheongah alone obtained info that the Jongri family developed an antidote for Bound Asuras.”
“Ah, the Jongri family.” Only then did Seo Jinha’s eyes widen as if remembering.
“Do you know how hard that was for me?”
Recalling that day, Seo Jinha felt his nose sting and cheeks ache.
Even ignoring the Needle King Jongri Sahyeon’s hands, the destructive power from Jongri Sayu’s delicate jade hands… that pain was unforgettable for life.
“So I brought liquor.”
Bu Eunseol pointed to the large jar on the table.
“Century-old bunju from that famous liquor store. I begged for the last jar.”
“Hmph, trying to settle with just one jar?” He said that, but Seo Jinha excitedly opened the jar.
As the fragrant aroma spread, his mind cleared.
Bu Eunseol then took a small bundle from his robes. It was blanched mountain greens.
“What’s this?”
“I tried various things; nothing beats this as a side. Have a drink and try.”
“Hmm.” Seo Jinha downed the bunju refreshingly, then chewed the greens.
Bunju left a soft fragrance and subtle sweetness lingering after drinking. Chewing the bitter greens long, strangely, the aroma deepened and lasted longer.
“Heh, you felt bad after all.” Seo Jinha, pleased with the greens, kept chewing. “The Martial Soul Command Lord personally blanches sides and serves them.”
He seemed more touched by the hand-blanched greens than the precious bunju.
“Kya.”
Watching Seo Jinha down a bowl refreshingly, Bu Eunseol asked, “But how exactly did you resolve it?”
“What?”
“The Jongri family matter.”
“Well, I did as you said.” Seo Jinha said casually. “Herbs, a thick face, and extra patience.”
“It really ended with one slap?”
Bu Eunseol knew Jongri Sahyeon and Jongri Sayu’s personalities well. The herb-obsessed Jongri Sahyeon might let it go, but the persistent Jongri Sayu wouldn’t.
“Her hands were harsh, but otherwise not bad.” Seo Jinha said, chewing greens. “Beauty goes without saying—elegant, refined, seemingly learned. The old Needle King taught well; her hands were very harsh…”
Downing more bunju, Seo Jinha grinned.
“She’d make an excellent spouse.”
Whoosh.
At Seo Jinha’s words, Bu Eunseol froze mid-drink.
A chill ran down his neck.
“Spouse?”
‘Oops.’
As lightning flashed in Bu Eunseol’s eyes, Seo Jinha quickly changed tack.
“I mean… the Jongri Miss would be an excellent spouse for anyone.”
He spoke boldly, but his gaze kept dropping.
Bu Eunseol followed the falling eyes and asked, “How do you know she’s excellent spouse material?”
Seo Jinha puffed his chest and said boldly, “You can tell at a glance, right?”
“Explain in detail. What conversation did you have?”
“Well, as you said, I told her it was an unavoidable situation while working for the martial world.”
“And then?”
“And then what? Finding the Seven-Finger Demon Blade is also for the martial world… I persuaded earnestly, and she understood.”
“She understood just from that?”
“Of course. I relayed exactly what you said, not a single word wrong.” Seo Jinha raised one hand boldly.
“If what I said is false, may lightning strike me dead!”
He was confident.
Everything he’d said was true.
He just omitted that “earnest persuasion” included promising to take responsibility. As long as that wasn’t discovered, he could remain upright before Bu Eunseol forever.
“Hmm.” Bu Eunseol hummed.
Seo Jinha spoke loudly and confidently.
But his gaze kept dropping.
“If you tell the truth, I won’t blame you.”
Instantly, Seo Jinha’s eyes sparkled.
Bu Eunseol never said two words from one mouth.
This was a chance to clear the unease.
“I said I’d take responsibility.”
Seo Jinha scratched his head with a bright smile.
“I said I’d take responsibility for anything. Hahaha.”
Instantly, Bu Eunseol’s fist clenched.
The inexplicable foreboding he felt seeing Seo Jinha’s smile when leaving the Jongri family had become reality.
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