The next day.
Hwa Jung-cheon, the Shadow Pavilion Lord, sat in Bu Eunseol’s office.
His expression was calm as he faced the teacup before him, but his complexion had turned a sickly purplish-red, like rotting pig liver.
‘To think he would have the experts of the Death Shadow Corps waiting the moment I arrived…’
It was nominally an honor escort.
To any outsider, however, it looked no different from a criminal being dragged away by the Death Shadow Corps.
“It has been a while, Pavilion Lord.” Bu Eunseol greeted him calmly, hands politely clasped. Hwa Jung-cheon returned the gesture.
“It has indeed been some time.”
“To what do I owe this visit?”
He already knew the answer perfectly well, yet pretended otherwise. Since he was the one in a hurry, Hwa Jung-cheon wasted no time and went straight to the point.
“Martial Soul Command Lord, do you remember the words we exchanged in private long ago?”
“Which words do you mean?”
“I asked whether you recall my declaration that the Shadow Pavilion would remain strictly neutral.”
Bu Eunseol smiled. “Of course. I remember them well.”
Yet while his lips curved, his eyes did not smile at all. The killing intent radiating from them was sharp enough to make even the seasoned Hwa Jung-cheon falter.
“That is why this Martial Soul Command Lord was conducting a perfectly neutral investigation into this matter. Had I not been…”
He paused. A sun-like brilliance blazed in his eyes.
“I would have torn the Shadow Pavilion down first.”
Silence stretched between them.
Hwa Jung-cheon drew a deep breath and spoke.
“Do you truly believe this Command Lord’s ambush is connected to me?”
“I never said it was connected to you personally, Pavilion Lord.” Bu Eunseol’s voice was ice. “I said it was connected to the Shadow Pavilion.”
Hwa Jung-cheon lifted his teacup.
Under normal circumstances, he would never have fallen for such provocation and bluff. Those who deal in information never utter a single disadvantageous word until clear evidence appears.
Yet Bu Eunseol’s intellect and stratagems had always transcended common sense, and he had never once let anyone who touched him walk away unscathed.
If the rumors were true—if Bu Eunseol had already identified every suspect and was in the midst of investigating them—and if even one thread led back to the Shadow Pavilion…
Then something truly irreversible would happen.
“Are you aware that touching the Shadow Pavilion could bring down all of Majeon?”
“Is the Shadow Pavilion some kind of sacred sanctuary?”
“I dare not claim the title of sanctuary. Yet surely the Command Lord understands its unique nature.” Hwa Jung-cheon spoke with utmost composure. “Given the current state of Majeon, could we not quietly bury this incident? After all, you are the next Emperor of Majeon, are you not? For the sake of avoiding the possibility of splitting Majeon…”
“Hahaha.” Bu Eunseol let out a hollow laugh. “This Command Lord nearly died at the hands of an unknown force right on the doorstep while returning to Majeon.”
“…”
“And you ask me to understand the Shadow Pavilion’s special nature? To understand that Majeon might collapse, and so let it go?”
Blood-red light flared in Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“Is that truly something a man in your position should say?”
Hwa Jung-cheon swallowed hard.
There would be no more negotiation.
One wrong word and he would be thrown out like a dog.
After a moment’s hesitation, he made a heavy decision.
“Very well. In exchange, as of today the Shadow Pavilion withdraws from the neutrality we once promised the Command Lord.”
His face grew deadly serious.
“From this day forward, until you become Emperor of Majeon, we will provide neither orders nor information. Will that be acceptable?”
“How amusing.” Bu Eunseol gave a contemptuous snort. “When have you ever treated me with favor?”
“You truly understand nothing. You have no idea how much consideration I have shown you until now.”
“Is that so?”
Bu Eunseol nodded as though it were of no importance.
“Fine. Speak.”
A chill like eternal glacier ice rose from his eyes.
“Whether you abandon neutrality or show me favor—it makes no difference. Just tell me.”
“Demon Shadow Hall Lord, Yu Jeokdo.”
Hwa Jung-cheon answered firmly.
“That confidant of the Chief Instructor leaked your return route to the outside.”
Demon Shadow Hall Lord Yu Jeokdo.
Longtime confidant of Yeop Hyocheon, second-in-command of the Dokmyeonggak that oversaw all operations carried out by the Chief Instructor.
In other words, the mastermind behind this ambush was Yeop Hyocheon.
“Then…”
“There is a chance the Chief Instructor ordered it. However, no evidence of that exists.”
“Yet responsibility cannot be evaded.”
“Hardly.” Hwa Jung-cheon spoke decisively. “Yu Jeokdo oversees and handles countless duties in the Chief Instructor’s stead. That is why the Chief Instructor granted him authority nearly equal to his own.”
He continued, “Moreover, Yu Jeokdo is not only exceptionally clever but he is the sort of man who would instantly offer his neck for the Chief Instructor’s sake.”
“…”
“Even if you walked in with perfect evidence, you could never hold the Chief Instructor accountable. That is how thoroughly he has prepared.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
That someone like Yeop Hyocheon had ties to the Three Realms was not particularly surprising. Only the questions of whether he belonged to the Infinite Realm and what his true aim might be remained unknown.
“In short, his confidant, the Demon Shadow Hall Lord, will take all the blame.”
“Most likely.”
‘In the end, he wants me to be satisfied with discovering that the Chief Instructor has ties to the Three Realms.’
Still, it was an acceptable result.
Because of this incident, Yeop Hyocheon’s connection to the Three Realms had been completely exposed.
From now on, he would never again be able to touch Bu Eunseol directly.
“My thanks.” Bu Eunseol clasped his hands politely. “As expected, the Pavilion Lord is exactly the man I took you for.”
The reason he had spread those rumors through Dan Wolhon in the first place was to drag Hwa Jung-cheon—who had always hidden behind the banner of neutrality—out into the open.
Hwa Jung-cheon could not possibly be unaware of what would happen if anyone touched the Shadow Pavilion, the Demon Emperor’s direct organ.
And Bu Eunseol had predicted he would inevitably come to negotiate.
“Phew.” Hwa Jung-cheon sighed deeply, clearly having seen through Bu Eunseol’s intentions. “Command Lord, may I offer one piece of advice?”
“Speak.”
“From now on, be truly careful. Because of your recent actions, both within Majeon and throughout the entire demonic faction, those who oppose you will multiply beyond control.”
He continued, “Perhaps to the point where maintaining your position as successor becomes difficult…”
He fell silent mid-sentence.
Bu Eunseol’s expression was far too calm.
To him, the position of Majeon’s successor was no different from fallen leaves scattered on the roadside—utterly worthless.
‘So that’s how it is.’
Only then did Hwa Jung-cheon understand everything.
Bu Eunseol had never cared about becoming Majeon’s successor in the first place. He would simply never stop until he achieved his goal.
‘The Demon Emperor will be pleased.’ Hwa Jung-cheon gave a faint smile and nodded.
“Then.”
He turned and left the Suppressed Demon Pavilion.
Gazing at the distant sky, Hwa Jung-cheon smiled.
If Bu Eunseol stirred the demonic path without any attachment to the successor’s seat…
Nothing could be better.
***
Armed with the information obtained from Hwa Jung-cheon, Bu Eunseol moved with lightning speed.
Rumble.
Warriors of the Death Shadow Corps and investigators from the Martial Soul Command poured into the Demon Shadow Hall.
“Yu Jeokdo. Kneel at once.”
At the sight, Yu Jeokdo burst into incredulous laughter.
“Heh heh heh. Have you all gone mad together?”
He was Yeop Hyocheon’s closest confidant, the one who managed the Chief Instructor’s household affairs. Aside from a few exceptions, he wielded power nearly identical to Yeop Hyocheon’s—a true power broker of Majeon.
Yet the Captains of the Death Shadow Corps dared to swarm in to bind him?
“Yu Jeokdo. You know your own crimes well. Come quietly.” Yoo Unryong spoke with solemn gravity.
“Unless you wish to be beaten like a dog and dragged out while still clinging to your Hall Lord title.”
“I see.”
Only when Yoo Unryong, strategist of the Death Shadow Corps, appeared did Yu Jeokdo finally grasp the situation.
“Faster than expected.”
He had erased every trace of his actions and even prepared scapegoats within the Shadow Pavilion to sever the tail.
But none of it mattered.
Bu Eunseol.
That man always shattered every meticulously laid plan in a single blow.
Creak.
At that moment, the inner door opened, and an old man in gorgeous robes slowly emerged. His appearance was utterly ordinary, his stature small—the sort of elder one might see in any village.
Yet he was the foremost of the Four Gods and Seven Kings, the second most powerful figure leading Majeon.
The Chief Instructor, Yeop Hyocheon.
“What is all this commotion?”
At his appearance, the warriors of the Death Shadow Corps wore embarrassed expressions.
No matter how clear the evidence, Yu Jeokdo was Yeop Hyocheon’s confidant. They could not very well drag the man away like a dog in front of such a towering authority.
“Grand Captain of the Death Shadow Corps, Yoo Unryong, greets the Chief Instructor.”
Yoo Unryong stepped forward and politely clasped his hands.
“We have secured evidence that Demon Shadow Hall Lord was involved in the recent ambush on the Martial Soul Command Lord. Therefore—”
“I understand.”
Yeop Hyocheon nodded.
“Then proceed with the matter.”
“Thank y—”
“However, is the procedure not flawed?”
A faint smile touched Yeop Hyocheon’s lips.
KUOONG.
In that instant, every warrior of the Death Shadow Corps simultaneously bent at the waist. An overwhelming pressure that seemed to crush the world had descended.
“The authenticity of the evidence will be revealed during investigation, and at present his guilt is not yet proven. Despite that… you intend to drag Hall Lord Yu away like a dog?”
Black haze rose from Yeop Hyocheon’s eyes.
“Can that be called proper procedure?”
For the captains to treat his confidant Yu Jeokdo with disrespect was the same as disrespecting him.
Yeop Hyocheon was more furious than ever before.
Yoo Unryong and the captains, with their deep inner power, barely withstood the pressure.
“Ughhh…” The rest of the corps members could not endure it; their eyes bulged as they groaned.
“Come back later. When the crime is clearly proven—through proper procedure.”
Though his voice was soft and calm, no one dared answer or withdraw. The pressure only grew fiercer, contrary to his gentle tone.
Step… step…
Yet at that moment, the slow sound of footsteps approached from the main gate of Demon Shadow Hall. A strikingly handsome man in ornate black martial robes embroidered with brilliant patterns appeared.
Bu Eunseol.
Hwi-iiing.
His gaze was fixed not on Yeop Hyocheon or Yoo Unryong, but solely on Yu Jeokdo standing in the center.
His eyes blazed crimson, and sharp winds swirled around his entire body.
Step… step…
Though Yeop Hyocheon’s tremendous pressure blanketed the entire courtyard of Demon Shadow Hall, Bu Eunseol walked forward as though it were nothing.
Sleeng.
Suddenly he drew the Silent Tiger Soul Sword from his waist.
And strode toward Yu Jeokdo, who stood three zhang from Yeop Hyocheon.
“Martial Soul Command Lord, what are you—” Yu Jeokdo’s eyes widened in panic.
PAAAH!
A fountain of blood sprayed as Yu Jeokdo’s head soared into the air.
Thud.
The severed head hit the ground, and deathly silence engulfed the hall.
Even Yeop Hyocheon had assumed Bu Eunseol was merely drawing his sword to display killing intent.
He would never actually swing it in his presence.
Yet before his very eyes, Bu Eunseol had walked straight up and beheaded Yu Jeokdo without hesitation.
Rumble rumble rumble.
At that moment, countless warriors of Demon Shadow Hall and many other Majeon experts flooded toward the front of the hall. The sound of drawn weapons and explosive footsteps rang out as they rushed in.
Clack.
Bu Eunseol calmly sheathed the Silent Tiger Soul Sword and turned to Yeop Hyocheon.
“Chief Instructor.”
He politely clasped his hands.
“I have committed a discourtesy.”
Rage surged to the very top of Yeop Hyocheon’s head—then burst out as laughter.
“Heh heh heh.”
To behead the confidant who had served him loyally for decades right before his eyes, and then call it a mere “discourtesy”?
“Yu Jeokdo not only leaked Majeon’s confidential information to the outside, he colluded with external forces in an attempt on my life.” Bu Eunseol presented a booklet.
It contained detailed evidence of Yu Jeokdo’s contacts with the Infinite Realm and the leaks of Bu Eunseol’s information.
“There was no need to take him to the Punishment Hall for questioning. Before coming here, I had already imprisoned everyone involved.”
Yeop Hyocheon’s eyebrow twitched.
With the Demon Emperor absent, Majeon was essentially in his grasp. How had Bu Eunseol managed to overturn Majeon and imprison the culprits without his knowledge?
‘So it was the Shadow Pavilion Lord.’
Only then did Yeop Hyocheon understand everything.
Bu Eunseol had obtained perfect evidence against Yu Jeokdo and imprisoned the related parties in one fell swoop all thanks to the Shadow Pavilion Lord’s assistance.
“And now—will you arrest even this Instructor?”
“I do not understand why you would say such a thing.” Bu Eunseol widened his eyes innocently. “Unless… the Chief Instructor has some connection to Yu Jeokdo?”
When Yeop Hyocheon remained silent, Bu Eunseol snorted and continued. “I will hold accountable and imprison everyone connected to Yu Jeokdo. Anyone who aided him even slightly will have their head severed on the spot.”
“…”
“But the Chief Instructor has always looked upon me kindly… so surely that cannot be the case.”
Despite the polite words, sharp light blazed from Bu Eunseol’s flushed eyes.
Before the second most powerful man in Majeon, he had drawn his sword and beheaded the man’s confidant.
And now he publicly declared he would cut the throats of everyone connected to that confidant.
—Will the Chief Instructor make a move against me?
Before coming here, Bu Eunseol had been intensely curious. Would Yeop Hyocheon lash out in fury? Or would he endure?
And if he did strike… that was precisely the situation Bu Eunseol dreamed of even in his sleep.
‘Hmmm. I see.’ Yet contrary to Bu Eunseol’s hopes, Yeop Hyocheon assessed the situation with terrifying calm.
The Shadow Pavilion Lord had not betrayed him.
Judging that Bu Eunseol possessed perfect evidence, he had unhesitatingly offered up the body instead of the tail to protect the head: himself.
“Was Hall Lord Yu not a subordinate under this Instructor?” Having finished his calculations, Yeop Hyocheon spoke leisurely. “When a subordinate commits a crime, naturally the superior bears responsibility as well.”
He looked at Bu Eunseol with the same expression as always. Then he glanced at Yu Jeokdo’s headless corpse and clicked his tongue.
“What a pity. He was quite a capable subordinate.” He shook his head in regret, yet his face showed no more sorrow than if a favorite teacup had been broken.
“A valuable talent lost.”
“…”
“My apologies, Martial Soul Command Lord.” Yeop Hyocheon spoke with a bitter expression. “No matter how trusted a confidant, I gave a mere Hall Lord far too much authority. That seems to be why this happened.”
“Will you not even examine the evidence?”
“Well, since it is something the Command Lord has handled, I am sure it was done properly.” Yeop Hyocheon looked around with a forlorn air. “Still, he was my subordinate no matter what. Though he committed a crime, he has already paid with his life… I would ask the Command Lord to stop here.”
“…”
“Surely among those who cooperated with Hall Lord Yu there are some who were coerced? Let us end the spilling of blood between Majeon’s own people at this point.”
All the warriors of Demon Shadow Hall and the onlookers from Majeon—except the Death Shadow Corps—wore deeply moved expressions.
Even though the Martial Soul Command Lord had drawn a weapon and beheaded the Chief Instructor’s confidant right in front of him, even though he had committed such insolence, the Chief Instructor bowed his head in apology, shielded the guilty subordinate’s men, and even looked after their aftermath.
—As expected of the Chief Instructor!
With that display, Yeop Hyocheon became a great man who set aside status and face to protect his subordinates’ faults, while Bu Eunseol became a cruel tyrant who acted arrogantly on the strength of power and tolerated no mistakes.
Had Bu Eunseol cared about the successor’s seat, this incident could have been a painful blunder.
‘As expected.’
Yet Bu Eunseol did not care in the slightest.
He could only admire Yeop Hyocheon’s skill.
A cunning owl-hero of that caliber could conceal his true feelings and handle everything in secret.
“I shall take my leave first.”
As Yeop Hyocheon personally lifted Yu Jeokdo’s corpse, cold light flashed in his eyes.
Crunch.
The bones in Yu Jeokdo’s forearm shattered under the strength of his grip.
‘Who would have thought the Buddha Venerable would suddenly appear.’
This had been his last chance to confirm exactly what card he still held. But because of the Buddha Venerable, it had failed… and he could never verify it again.
‘That means I must lie low for a while. Forget about the Martial Soul Command Lord as well.’ Yeop Hyocheon quietly swallowed a confident smile.
‘I retreat now, but only for the moment.’
No scheme would work anyway.
As long as that thing remained in his possession, the victor of this fight was already decided.
Jiiing.
Suddenly a sensation sharp enough to tear the skin on the back of his neck prickled from behind.
Yeop Hyocheon knew instinctively that it was Bu Eunseol’s gaze.
‘He must be furious.’
He had probably hoped for a violent clash.
After all, Bu Eunseol had beheaded his confidant right in front of Majeon’s second-in-command without hesitation. With both justification and evidence, he must have been certain he could seize victory no matter what.
Yet Yeop Hyocheon had turned the tables with a completely unexpected move.
In the end, all Bu Eunseol gained were hostile stares, the reputation of arrogance, and Yu Jeokdo’s severed head.
Sssk.
Yeop Hyocheon slowly turned his head.
A grandmaster of his level normally never looked back once he started walking.
But he desperately wanted to see Bu Eunseol’s enraged expression.
“…!”
The moment he turned, his face froze.
Contrary to expectation, Bu Eunseol was smiling.
His eyes glimmered with mysterious light, half-hidden beneath lowered lids… and an impossibly pure—almost bewitchingly sinister—smile curved his lips.
Hwik.
Yeop Hyocheon involuntarily whipped his head back forward.
The instant their gazes met, cold chills had formed over his entire body, as though he had stepped into an eternal ice cavern.
‘So that’s how it was.’
Quickly regaining his icy composure, Yeop Hyocheon resumed walking with a serene expression, as if nothing had happened.
Comments