Whirlik!
In that instant, Bu Eunseol’s body began to spin violently.
Since there was no way to outright dodge the finger wind, he unfolded the Grafting Flowers onto Jade to disperse its force.
Ping!
The finger wind grazed past Bu Eunseol’s body and struck the massive warehouse behind him.
KWA-BOOM!
The warehouse exploded as though detonated, instantly reduced to splinters that scattered in every direction.
Whirririririk!
Even after shedding the power of the finger wind, Bu Eunseol’s body continued spinning like a top.
Although he had executed Grafting Flowers onto Jade, he had not perfectly neutralized the force. That was why his body kept rotating endlessly like a spinning top.
[Hmph, so he has trained Grafting Flowers onto Jade for quite a long time.] A glint of interest flashed in the eyes of the Emissary as he watched Bu Eunseol whirl like a top.
[But that much will not be enough.]
Hummmm.
Just as the envoy stretched out his finger again,
Piiii—
A very faint flute sound rang out from somewhere, causing him to furrow his brow.
[Lucky bastard.]
Slowly lowering his hand, he spoke to Wang Cheol.
[This fellow has heard everything. If that is the case, Wang Cheol, you will also find yourself in trouble.]
Wang Cheol was known as a man who understood agreements.
Yet, tempted by the words that he could dominate the martial world, he had obediently continued the conversation with the envoy who slaughtered commoners.
Moreover, if it became known that one could become the supreme of the martial world through the Demon-Killer Swords?
Countless martial artists would surely swarm to seize those swords.
“I understand. I shall deal with him.”
[Heh heh heh. A wise decision.] The Emissary sneered as he looked at Bu Eunseol, who was still spinning round and round.
[Erase him without leaving a trace.]
Flash.
In that same moment, the Emissary vanished into the air above.
Shiiing.
Wang Cheol drew the jet-black Demon-Killer Sword that hung at his waist, a cold smile on his lips.
“To eavesdrop on others’ conversations so carelessly means forfeiting one’s life…”
Yet something strange happened.
Whirriririk—thud.
The moment the Emissary disappeared, Bu Eunseol’s furiously spinning body came to an abrupt halt.
When the finger wind had been fired, Bu Eunseol had deliberately used the reverse flow of Grafting Flowers onto Jade and the secret of Reverse Vortex Body to evade it. He had pretended he could not withstand the might of the Emissary’s finger wind, all to intentionally conceal his true skill.
If it were revealed to the Three Realms that either Bu Eunseol or Seon Woojin had learned of these facts?
He would be hunted without respite.
“Seems you quite enjoy playing the righteous hero of the martial world, Iron Palm Wanderer.” Crimson light flared in Bu Eunseol’s eyes as he looked down at Wang Cheol. “What kind of famed righteous warrior clings to a murderer who slaughters innocents?”
“Silence!” Wang Cheol instantly swung the jet-black Demon-Killer Sword.
This demonic sword possessed many abilities and one of them was that when its sword techniques were executed, it could fire enormous sword rings as though the user’s inner energy had been amplified dozens of times.
BOOM!
Before Bu Eunseol’s eyes, a sword ring the size of a watermelon was already hurtling toward him.
By the nature of sword rings, unless repelled with equal force, defense was impossible from the start.
Moreover, blocking a ring of that size would be impossible even for someone with fifty years of cultivated energy.
PAAANG!
Yet an unbelievable sight unfolded before Wang Cheol’s eyes.
That young man wearing the face veil, as though merely annoyed, drew the sword at his waist—still in its scabbard—and flicked the sword ring away like a ball.
KWA-BOOM! Rumble.
The deflected sword ring exploded with a thunderous roar, completely collapsing an entire house in the village.
“Die.”
Shuk.
Bu Eunseol closed the five-jang distance in an instant and unleashed the Annihilation Palm.
PAA! Splatter.
Enveloped in crimson energy, Wang Cheol was torn into chunks of flesh that scattered in all directions.
“So he said he would scatter the Demon-Killer Swords to choose an heir…” Bu Eunseol shook his head as he gazed in the direction the Emissary had vanished.
The Three Realms would never choose an heir so carelessly.
“From the talk of Void Spirit Physique and such, they are clearly looking for someone possessing something special.”
Bu Eunseol fell into thought for a moment.
He himself had not been born with a Void Spirit Physique or a Heavenly Martial Physique—nothing special dwelled in his body. But if the power of the Relic Divine Skill corresponded to that of a Void Spirit Physique… he might be able to deceive the people of the Three Realms.
“Shall I try putting on one more mask?”
If he could infiltrate the most terrifying faction among the Three Realms? If he truly became their heir?
He could uncover the true nature of the Three Realms without ever needing to become the Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance.
“However, I must not act rashly.”
Just the strength displayed by the envoy earlier was on a level that could not even be compared to the envoys of the Infinite Realm or the Clear River Realm. Moreover, the Silent Tiger Soul Sword had become Bu Eunseol’s beloved sword that he never parted from even for a moment… so he could not approach them using the Silent Tiger Soul Sword.
“For now, I should at least keep this.”
Bu Eunseol picked up the jet-black Demon-Killer Sword lying on the ground and tucked it inside his robes.
It is said demonic swords resonate with one another so, with this, he planned to first locate other bearers of other Demon-Killer Swords and seize their blades.
The Emissary had already seen that Wang Cheol possessed this particular jet-black Demon-Killer Sword.
“Let us return for now.”
He stopped by the provincial office to report the annihilated village, then headed back toward the Martial Alliance.
At this point, he still did not know why the Three Realms had scattered Demon-Killer Swords across the martial world, nor what their true purpose was.
But soon, Bu Eunseol would discover it.
The purpose behind the Three Realms scattering the demonic swords.
And the very thing he had been searching for all this time.
***
Martial Alliance, Silver Moon Pavilion. Gongsun Dankyung’s office.
Having returned to the Alliance, Bu Eunseol sat facing Gongsun Dankyung, calmly reporting everything he had learned while disguised as Seon Woojin—about the atmosphere in Majeon and the Martial Soul Command Lord.
“The Martial Soul Command Lord possesses even sharper wits than the rumors suggest and is a man whose joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure cannot be read.” After finishing his report, Bu Eunseol spoke with a grave expression.
“We absolutely must not maintain a prolonged relationship with him.”
“Hmm.” Gongsun Dankyung wore an enigmatic smile. “Even if we deal with him for a long time, I do not believe we will ever suffer a loss.”
“What do you mean?”
“Bu Eunseol, that man genuinely intends to destroy the Infinite Realm. Moreover, he is not particularly attached to the position of heir.”
Surprisingly, from just one meeting she had grasped many things about Bu Eunseol.
“He is also stained with madness. And madmen… if it means achieving their goal, they do not care about profit or loss.”
Sharp coldness flashed in Gongsun Dankyung’s eyes.
“Therefore, any negotiation with him will always proceed to our advantage.”
‘As expected, she is no easy person.’
In that short time, she had seen through him quite deeply.
To read a person’s thoughts and temperament at a glance was something that could not be done with mere outstanding intelligence alone.
And for a woman possessing such insight to confidently declare that she would suffer no loss…
When negotiating with her in the future, he would have to keep his wits razor-sharp.
“Rather, there is something else we should be wary of.”
“What might that be?”
“The atmosphere.” Uncharacteristically, Gongsun Dankyung cracked a joke. “That man’s aura is truly extraordinary. Now I understand why he has the twin beauties of the orthodox and demonic factions on both arms and is engaged to both.”
As though something amusing had occurred to her, she tossed out a rather whimsical jest.
“If he were to use the honey trap, I really might fall for it. Especially those eyes of his…”
Gongsun Dankyung abruptly shut her mouth.
Seon Woojin, who always maintained a composed expression, now had mismatched pupils and his mouth hanging wide open in shock.
“It’s a joke. Just a joke—no need to be that startled.”
Only then did Bu Eunseol close his gaping mouth and restore his expression. “My apologies. I was simply flustered.”
The most difficult and troublesome person in the current martial world was none other than she, Gongsun Dankyung.
From Bu Eunseol’s standpoint, let alone a honey trap, he did not wish to remain in the same room with her for even a moment while wearing the mask of the Martial Soul Command Lord.
“In any case, continue maintaining close contact with the Martial Soul Command Lord. We never know when we might need his cooperation again.”
“Understood.”
“Ah, one more thing.” Gongsun Dankyung’s expression turned serious as though she had remembered something. “It seems the Lotus Hall Master is preparing in earnest to move her seat to the Dragon Coiling Pavilion.”
Yuk Cheongah was originally the one who had fed Bu Eunseol major missions so he could earn great merit.
Yet at some point, no more missions came to him.
Instead, she continually pushed various tasks toward Golden True Dragon Baek Museong, the second-grade grandmaster of the Dragon Coiling Pavilion.
“She is convinced that Captain Seon has become this Commander’s man. And from now on, she intends to promote Captain Baek to first-grade captain in earnest.”
Gongsun Dankyung’s eyes gleamed.
“And her ultimate goal is none other than to raise Captain Baek to the position of Heavenly Emperor.”
“That is probably correct.”
A man like Baek Museong would never come just to remain a first-grade grandmaster or hall master in the Martial Alliance.
Yuk Cheongah had seen through Gongsun Dankyung’s plans and was clearly trying to install Baek Museong as the Heavenly Emperor.
“Hereafter, Captain Seon, please act as though you are wholly loyal to the Ascendant Martial Hall Master, while maintaining a firm and clear distance-keeping attitude toward this Commander.”
A sharp glint flashed in Gongsun Dankyung’s eyes.
“If you do so, the conflict with the Lotus Hall Master will only deepen, and in the end the Ascendant Martial Hall Master will personally assign missions to Captain Seon. Meanwhile, the Lotus Hall Master will inevitably become the Administrative Hall Master of Dragon Coiling Hall.”
‘Am I like that as well?’
Though Gongsun Dankyung wore the face of someone utterly innocent and beautiful, in truth he was a ruthless strategist who would employ any means without hesitation to achieve his goals.
Perhaps that was no different from Bu Eunseol, who raced toward vengeance without caring about methods or means.
“Understood.”
“Then you may go.”
“Yes.” Bu Eunseol respectfully cupped his hands.
From that moment on, Bu Eunseol carried out Gongsun Dankyung’s orders to the letter.
He never again came within a hundred paces of Silver Moon Pavilion. Whenever she tried to summon him or subtly hint at giving him a task, he instead sought out Yuk Jangcheon and earnestly advised him to draw a clear line with Gongsun Dankyung.
“Hall Master, the Commander keeps trying to assign me missions from the Commander’s Hall on the pretext that she needs me. Her true aim is clearly to gather useful talents and strengthen her own faction.”
“Hmm.” Yuk Jangcheon nodded with an expression of sympathy. “Even if we are in a cooperative relations, she is certainly going too far. That is precisely why Cheongah has turned her heart away.”
He spoke with an embarrassed look.
“As you know, that child no longer concerns herself with the affairs of this hall and pours all her attention into the Golden True Dragon who has entered Dragon Coiling Hall.”
Fury burned in Yuk Jangcheon’s eyes.
To insert Baek Museong—no one else—into Dragon Coiling Hall, the very hall that rivaled his own?
That could only mean she truly intended to become his enemy.
“It is all right,” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “Hall Master Cheongah must have some deeper plan in mind; she would never act to harm the Hall Master.”
At the quiet yet somehow pleading look in Bu Eunseol’s eyes, Yuk Jangcheon let out a heavy sigh.
“In truth, Cheongah… that child does not easily trust others.”
Then he revealed a story he had never told anyone.
“Not even this father of hers.”
“Is it not natural for misunderstandings to arise even between father and daughter?” Bu Eunseol answered with perfect composure. “Though she may feel wronged for now, once she understands the Hall Master’s heart, Hall Master Yuk Cheongah will surely turn back.”
Yuk Jangcheon nodded, visibly pleased.
‘His loyalty is unquestionable.’
From Bu Eunseol’s position, it would actually be advantageous if Yuk Cheongah distanced herself completely. Yet here he was, disregarding his own advancement and earnestly advising Yuk Jangcheon to preserve a good relationship with his daughter.
The man called Seon Woojin was far better than Yuk Jangcheon had ever expected.
“My own daughter treats her father coldly, yet you remain steadfast in your loyalty.”
“Did the Hall Master not take me in from the very beginning? I am merely fulfilling my duty.”
“Heh heh.” Yuk Jangcheon smiled bitterly. “If only that child took after even half of you.”
Then, as though he had made up his mind, he nodded.
“I had originally intended to observe you closely for a while longer before deciding your treatment. No matter how narrow-minded Cheongah may be, she is not a fool.”
After a deliberate cough, he lowered his voice.
“But there is no need to delay any further. Hall Master Sang, please enter.”
The door opened, and a middle-aged man with a goat-like beard cautiously stepped inside.
It was Sang Gu-baek, Hall Master of Taeseong Hall under the Ascendant Martial Hall.
‘He has already found a strategist to replace Yuk Cheongah.’
Yuk Jangcheon did not trust people easily—even his own daughter. And because he knew full well that once Yuk Cheongah made a decision she would not reverse it, he had immediately brought forward her replacement.
“Hall Master Sang.” Bu Eunseol cupped his hands politely.
Sang Gu-baek gave a slight nod and then paid his respects to Yuk Jangcheon. “Hall Master.”
“Have you thought of a suitable mission for Captain Seon?”
Sang Gu-baek inclined his head slightly and spoke. “The farming villages around U-gyeong have suffered greatly from flooding of late. I believe it would be best to send Captain Seon there first.”
“The flood-stricken area?”
“Yes. Captain Seon has recently accumulated considerable military merit. Now is the time for him to build a fine reputation before the world.”
“But has the Alliance not already dispatched many warriors there?”
“Precisely. Captain Seon must demonstrate his ability and earn the praise of being the one who restored the flood damage better than anyone else.”
‘A mission that could not be more perfect for this moment.’
Bu Eunseol nodded inwardly.
Sang Gu-baek was not an extraordinarily clever strategist, but he had experience.
His insight and ability to read situations were in no way inferior to Gongsun Dankyung’s.
“That sounds excellent.” At Sang Gu-baek’s words, Yuk Jangcheon nodded and looked at Bu Eunseol. “What do you think?”
When Yuk Jangcheon’s gaze fell upon him, Bu Eunseol respectfully cupped his hands.
“I shall immediately lead the men and depart.”
Yuk Jangcheon nodded and pointed to Sang Gu-baek.
“From now on, your missions will be decided after careful discussion between myself and Hall Master Sang.”
“Understood.” Bu Eunseol once more cupped his hands toward Sang Gu-baek. “I may be lacking, but I will do my utmost, Hall Master.”
Sang Gu-baek stroked his goat-like beard, clearly pleased with Bu Eunseol’s courteous attitude, and nodded. “The Hall Master has high expectations of Captain Seon. Do your best.”
“Yes.” Bu Eunseol paid his respects to both men once more and stepped out of the Ascendant Martial Hall.
‘So that is why he was driven out of the Nine Heavens Society.’
Recalling Yuk Jangcheon’s face, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
Seeing one thing revealed ten.
Yuk Jangcheon possessed outstanding ambition and the affability needed to maintain wide connections, yet he trusted people too easily—and abandoned them just as easily.
He should have listened a little more to his own flesh and blood, Yuk Cheongah.
He should have observed Bu Eunseol a little longer.
But the moment he learned that Yuk Cheongah had developed feelings for Bu Eunseol and had awakened to matters between man and woman, he rejected everything she said, wounded her pride, and made no effort to win back her heart.
Because he had a replacement named Bu Eunseol.
In the end, because of that arbitrary nature and inability to truly read people… he had failed to win hearts, and had been forced to step down from the seat of Nine Heavens Society Lord as though chased out.
‘History does not repeat itself.’
Bu Eunseol gazed up at the Ascendant Martial Hall and smiled faintly.
People do not change easily, and they repeat the same mistakes.
Yuk Jangcheon would not change in the future either, and the history of the past would, once again, repeat itself.
For the first time in a long while, the Supreme Branch left the Martial Arts Alliance.
Every single member had departed the Alliance to carry out the mission given by the Master of the Ascendant Martial Hall: restoration of the flood-stricken area around U-gyeong.
Smiles bloomed on the lips of the warriors as they stepped outside.
Although it could not be called a true journey through the martial world, simply being on a mission together with Bu Eunseol was enough to fill their hearts with the joy of an outing.
“There are already many warriors from our Alliance offering aid.” Tae Muryong remarked as he surveyed the surroundings.
The moment they entered the U-gyeong region, warriors of the Martial Arts Alliance were visible everywhere, busily helping the common folk with flood recovery.
At Tae Muryong’s words, Bu Eunseol pointed toward the mountain beyond the village, as though he had already planned everything.
“The main unit will assist Uga Village on the other side.”
Instantly, the faces of Tae Muryong and the warriors stiffened.
Uga Village was nothing more than a tiny, remote mountain hamlet. Helping it would hardly become known to the outside world. Moreover, the area was filled with vagrant settlements; rather than simple flood recovery, they would end up caring for the vagrants as well.
If handled poorly, the result could backfire, which was why, despite the flood of Alliance warriors, no one paid the place any attention.
“Uga Village, you say?” Tae Muryong whispered in bewilderment. “Captain, even if we go there we will not hear many good words. Even the government pays it little mind.”
Jeong Jongdo added in a low voice, “He’s right. There are simply too many vagrants. It would be less flood recovery and more aiding vagrants—they do not even feel gratitude when helped.”
“I am aware.” Bu Eunseol replied calmly. “Of course it would be nice to be praised, but even if we are not, does it matter? We came to help the common people, after all.”
Tae Muryong and Jeong Jongdo exchanged glances.
Though they had not served Bu Eunseol for long, they could read his expression and eyes. He was not thoughtlessly rushing in to help everyone—he undoubtedly had some profound scheme or separate plan in mind.
“That is indeed a good deed.” When both men nodded, Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile.
“Then shall we go?”
Clack, clack.
The restoration of Uga Village proceeded with astonishing speed.
‘The commoners will each beg us to fix their own houses or damage first. But we must not do that. We have to prioritize by scale and urgency.’
Bu Eunseol had once led the warriors of the Death Shadow Corps to aid disaster-stricken villages, so he was rich in such experience. Thus, unlike other Alliance units that rushed in haphazardly, he restored the village systematically and swiftly.
First he spent his own private funds to provide food for the villagers and the nearby vagrant settlements.
Only with something in their stomachs could people think clearly and assess the situation.
Next they cleared away the earth and sand that had washed down, repaired collapsed walls and houses, and removed the stones and trees blocking the farm roads that had worsened the flood damage.
Like a man who had spent his entire life on flood recovery, Bu Eunseol commanded the unit with perfect discipline, and in the blink of an eye he had completely restored both Uga Village and the vagrant settlements.
This speed was far beyond what a single corps should have been capable of.
“Now, let us move on to the next village!”
‘So that was the Captain’s intention.’
Only then did the warriors understand.
Using this extraordinary speed, Bu Eunseol planned to travel only to the remote regions that other Alliance corps ignored and restore them one by one.
‘The mouths of vagrants are swifter than any courier.’
Even if a force the size of a hall restored a prosperous village near government offices, only the residents there would sing their praises.
But by restoring many small, isolated villages without discrimination, Bu Eunseol would inevitably receive far more praise than any other corps—it was plain as day.
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