“Just rest here for a moment. I’ll sweep away those vermin and be right back.”
“Wait! If you step in—”
Dam Yuyeon tried to stop Black Leopard, but her words turned into a gasp of realization.
“No, never mind.”
Black Leopard was, after all, originally a mercenary himself.
And since this battle was outwardly nothing more than a clash between mercenary factions, the man who led the greatest mercenary force in the borderlands had more than enough justification to intervene.
“Then please wait just a little longer.”
Whoosh!
Black Leopard brought his palms together and vanished into the battlefield, leaving only an afterimage behind.
His speed was lightning and his presence as silent as a ghost.
“That little… he pretended not to know on purpose.” Do Cheonlin gave a hollow laugh and shook his head. “He said he ignores anything that isn’t intelligence capable of shaking the entire martial world, didn’t he?”
Until this very moment, Do Cheonlin had resented Bu Eunseol without cease.
The man who had once extended a hand to him without hesitation had turned a cold shoulder to Dam Yuyeon’s crisis, the very woman who had once saved him with the Golden Needle Technique.
But now he finally understood.
Bu Eunseol had decided to help Dam Yuyeon long, long ago.
Otherwise, he could never have summoned the famed Mercenary King of the borderlands at such an exquisitely perfect moment.
“He probably wanted to save you at the very last second so he could bask in your endless gratitude.” Dam Yuyeon laughed softly.
Do Cheonlin shook his head again. “No. He deliberately said he would not help.”
Only now did he grasp the full depth of Bu Eunseol’s far-reaching scheme.
“It wasn’t just to prevent information leaks… it was to wipe out the spies the Black Flag Society had planted inside the Red Sky Veil along with the invaders in one fell swoop.”
Dam Yuyeon let out a small “Ah.”
Do Cheonlin clicked his tongue. “I really can’t keep up with him.”
Even though he himself was called the Ten Perfection Scholar for his outstanding intellect, Bu Eunseol’s cunning was simply on another plane.
“Bu Eunseol… you’re a man I can never hope to measure with my own vessel.”
Dam Yuyeon looked gently at Do Cheonlin’s dazed expression.
“He’s a different kind of person from us. Don’t let it bother you.”
“Different…”
Do Cheonlin nodded slowly.
“You’re right. That does feel better.”
If he simply accepted that Bu Eunseol was an entirely different species, the weight on his heart strangely lightened.
***
The moment Black Leopard’s mercenary detachment fully entered the fray, the Black Flag Society collapsed like a house of cards.
Every one of them was a mercenary specialized in large-scale combat, wielding exotic weapons and tactics never seen in the Central Plains.
Some units hurled strange hidden projectiles that killed only enemy soldiers with uncanny precision.
Others wore full iron armor and charged solely to shatter enemy formations and lines.
Though they numbered barely three hundred, every man was worth a hundred. In the blink of an eye, the tide of battle reversed completely.
“Retreat!”
Dam Ung, watching the flow of combat, roared at the top of his lungs.
“Retreat!”
Leaving only that single command, he began fleeing with all his strength.
The moment those bizarre troops arrived, defeat was certain.
If he was to calm the wrath of the Black Flag Society Master, he had to preserve as many men as possible.
But that was nothing more than wishful thinking.
Rumble…
As though they had predicted the retreat, the mercenary forces spread wide to the left and right, pursuing and cutting down the fleeing soldiers with relentless precision.
Swish!
Like a hawk locking onto prey, Black Leopard instantly blocked Dam Ung’s path.
“Take him down!”
At Dam Ung’s order, the surrounding elite warriors lunged at Black Leopard.
They were the cream of the Black Flag Society—masters of exceptional skill.
Yet their opponent was the Mercenary King, a man who single-handedly completed missions deemed impossible, whose abilities were said to be unfathomable.
He sliced through the Society’s experts—men who could fell ordinary martial artists with a single stroke—like stalks of straw.
BOOM!
Then, accompanied by a peal of thunder from the distant sky, the Black Flag warriors surrounding Black Leopard scattered in all directions.
Do Cheonlin had rejoined the battle, unleashing the Evil Dragon Shatter Form once more.
“I’ll lend a hand.”
“No need. I will handle this.”
Black Leopard doubled his inner energy and dispatched the ring of Black Flag experts around him.
‘Incredible talent.’
Do Cheonlin smacked his lips as he watched.
‘With just a little more guidance, he could become truly extraordinary.’
Strange.
He had never once taught anyone in his life, yet the moment he looked into the bright, sparkling eyes of this handsome young man, an urge welled up in him to pass down every martial art he had ever learned.
“Your movement is clean and without waste, but your attacks are far too flashy.”
Do Cheonlin spun the Demon-Killer Sword in his hand, unleashing the Blood Flame Blade Art as he shouted.
“And against opponents who focus solely on defense, a blade that overwhelms with raw power is far more effective than fancy footwork. Watch!”
He executed one of the profound mysteries of the Blood Flame Blade Art—Walking and Walking, No Thought of Return.
“Ah.”
Black Leopard had spent years following Bu Eunseol and learning how to grasp the essence of martial techniques instantly.
Thus he instantly comprehended the exquisite principle behind Do Cheonlin’s blade.
“So that’s how it is. Thank you for the instruction.” Black Leopard flashed a bright smile.
In Do Cheonlin’s demeanor, he saw the shadow of the man who had once taught him—Bu Eunseol.
“Let me show you again!”
As instructed, Black Leopard greatly amplified his inner energy and wielded his short blades like heavy swords.
BOOM! BOOM!
Accompanied by explosive sounds, the entire guard collapsed in an instant.
With just one pointer from Do Cheonlin, his skill had leaped forward yet again.
‘A master I could never face.’
Dam Ung’s jaw dropped as he watched.
Though cruel and lecherous by nature, Dam Ung was also the man entrusted with the Black Flag Society’s finances—his calculations were lightning-fast.
The moment his bodyguard fell, he turned and fled without looking back.
Papapak!
But Black Leopard moved like lightning and sealed Dam Ung’s pressure points.
Thud.
Black Leopard pressed a dagger to Dam Ung’s throat and unleashed a lion’s roar.
“KNEEL!”
A voice brimming with the burning spirit of a true warrior shook the mountains and rivers, perfectly befitting the title Mercenary King.
The surviving Black Flag warriors saw their leader subdued and threw down their weapons, falling to their knees.
“Please spare us…”
The surviving mercenaries of the Red Sky Veil erupted into cheers.
“WAAAAA!”
They had believed they would never survive this day.
Yet they had achieved total victory and even captured Dam Ung.
“I surrender. I surrender!”
His pressure points sealed, Dam Ung babbled nonstop at Do Cheonlin and Black Leopard.
“I will never covet the Red Sky Veil again.”
Do Cheonlin and Black Leopard both turned to look at Dam Yuyeon.
The Red Sky Veil was hers to lead so the decision rested with her alone.
Step. Step.
Dam Yuyeon slowly walked forward until she stood before Dam Ung.
“Lady Dam.”
Dam Ung forced an obsequious smile.
“Please show mercy for the sake of the Society…”
Shiiing.
Dam Yuyeon drew her treasured sword without letting him finish.
“My Lady!”
One of the surrounding mercenaries cried out in alarm.
“If you kill the leader of the Black Flag Society, they will surely seek revenge on our land!”
Whoosh!
Yet Dam Yuyeon severed Dam Ung’s head without hesitation.
She turned to the mercenaries and declared, “Even if we spared him because we lack strength, even if we signed a non-aggression pact—it would mean nothing.”
This invasion had taught her once again, to the marrow of her bones:
Without power, one is invaded.
Only with power can one speak to an enemy instead of fighting.
“Don’t worry.” Black Leopard spoke up. “The Command Lord has ordered a portion of our mercenary detachment to remain stationed here and assist the Red Sky Veil.”
Dam Yuyeon’s body trembled slightly.
Bu Eunseol had not helped her just this once.
To protect the Red Sky Veil for good, he had arranged for Black Leopard’s mercenary forces to become its new strength.
They were mercenaries themselves.
Even if new mercenary factions settled and worked here, the Red Sky Veil would not lose its identity.
‘He hides his warmth behind coldness.’
He had always acted indifferent, yet without regard for her pride, he had arranged everything so she would never again suffer invasion—every detail meticulously considered.
“There’s no need for that.”
Dam Yuyeon rejected the offer firmly. Black Leopard looked surprised.
Even in this situation, was her pride still too great?
Or did she find Bu Eunseol’s favor burdensome?
“As of today, this land is officially subordinated under Majeon—no, under the direct command of Martial Soul Command Lord Bu.”
At that unprecedented declaration, not only Black Leopard but Do Cheonlin and all the mercenaries stood with mouths agape.
In the past, Dam Yuyeon would rather have died than join Majeon.
But now everything was different.
Now that she knew Bu Eunseol’s true character and the depth of his vessel…
Even if Majeon were a demonic sect that commanded corpses, she could place herself under his banner.
“Are you sure this is all right?”
It was Do Cheonlin who spoke, his face filled with concern.
“Shaanxi has always been orthodox territory for generations. If word spreads that you’ve pledged to Majeon, the orthodox sects will turn their backs on the Red Sky Veil.”
“I don’t care.”
Dam Yuyeon replied coldly.
“The orthodox sects watched in silence while the Black Flag Society—disguised as a mercenary faction—marched a massive army straight to our gates.”
She looked at the mercenaries and declared loudly,
“They stayed silent even after our land suffered such devastation. They’ll have nothing to say if we join the demonic path.”
Realizing her resolve was unshakable, Black Leopard brought his palms together.
“Understood. Then we shall remain stationed here only until Majeon officially announces the subordination.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Do Cheonlin stepped forward.
“If you’re joining Majeon anyway, it would be better to station the Blade Extreme corps instead.”
He looked at Dam Yuyeon and continued, “They are elite warriors of exceptional skill and utterly loyal to me. They would be perfect to guard you.”
Dam Yuyeon’s cheeks flushed crimson in an instant.
Attaching the swordsmen of the Blood Flame Blade Sect as her personal guard…
She understood perfectly what that implied.
“You…”
Her face burning, she stammered.
“Excellent decision!”
Black Leopard, whose perception was faster than his movement, jumped in immediately.
“Please send us the good news as soon as possible. I will definitely come to eat the noodles.”
“To eat noodles” was the same as saying that he would attend a wedding.
At Black Leopard’s words, Dam Yuyeon turned away, cheeks flaming, while Do Cheonlin coughed awkwardly and looked elsewhere.
“You really are impatient.”
As Do Cheonlin kept clearing his throat, Black Leopard scratched his head.
“I just really like noodles. The Command Lord likes noodles too.”
He flashed an innocent grin.
“Actually, my lifelong dream is to eat noodles served by the Command Lord himself.”
Black Leopard, too, earnestly wished for Bu Eunseol to meet the one he loved and hold a wedding.
“I spoke out of turn.” Black Leopard sniffed and brought his palms together again. “Then I’ll take my leave. Ah, and…”
As if suddenly remembering, he scratched his head once more.
“Please put in a good word for me with the Martial Soul Command Lord. Tell him I’m begging forgiveness.”
Do Cheonlin and Dam Yuyeon exchanged glances.
What on earth could this brilliant young man have done to make him so nervous around Bu Eunseol?
“Well… it’s because Young Palace Master Yeon of the Divine Maiden Palace was able to find the Command Lord… thanks to me revealing his whereabouts.”
Black Leopard scratched his head sheepishly.
“I thought the two of them would make a great match.”
Do Cheonlin and Dam Yuyeon blinked in utter confusion.
What was this young man talking about?
“So, um… I thought Young Palace Master Yeon was tight-lipped and upright, so she’d never tell anyone what I said…”
“…”
“I’ve been too ashamed to face the Command Lord ever since. If you two could kindly speak on my behalf, I would be grateful even in death.”
“Pfft.”
“Hahaha!”
Dam Yuyeon and Do Cheonlin looked at each other and burst into laughter.
The way he stammered in embarrassment didn’t look like the Mercenary King who shook the world at all.
He looked like nothing more than a shy young martial artist.
***
Unexpected news swept through the martial world.
The Red Sky Veil in Shaanxi had suddenly pledged itself to Majeon.
That the Wind-Rain Market had been created by the Black Flag Society, and that the Society had coveted the Red Sky Veil, was hardly new information.
The orthodox sects had simply refused to help because the Society had disguised the conflict as a muddy brawl between mercenary factions.
But then something astonishing happened.
When the Wind-Rain Market and Red Sky Veil clashed in earnest and the latter faced annihilation, the Mercenary King—who had received word in advance—intervened at once and saved the Red Sky Veil.
The real shock came afterward.
The Red Sky Veil had earnestly requested to be subordinated under Majeon.
―The Mercenary King helped them—why are they joining Majeon?
No one could make sense of it.
The Mercenary King was a young mercenary whose identity and background remained unknown, who had always operated beyond the borders.
Why had he set aside everything else to save the Red Sky Veil?
Even granting a hundred concessions and accepting that he helped because they were fellow mercenaries—why did the Red Sky Veil wish to join Majeon?
―Could the Mercenary King be from the demonic faction?
The martial world quickly shook their heads.
―Impossible.
A mercenary who takes money for jobs cannot pick orthodox or demonic—if he did, he would no longer be a mercenary.
―I heard the Blade Extreme Corps of the Blood Flame Blade Sect is already stationed there?
An even more absurd rumor followed.
The elite detachment of the Blood Flame Blade Sect, the Blade Extreme corps, had settled in the Red Sky Veil as if they were its main force.
Never in history had Majeon dispatched or stationed masters from the Ten Great Demonic Sects when absorbing a new territory.
So why were the Blood Flame Blade Sect’s elite now rooted there?
―What on earth happened?
The martial world was dying of curiosity, but the full truth never came to light.
Only one thing was certain.
―The orthodox sects are going to be furious.
Shaanxi had always been orthodox territory; even if demonic factions existed there, they could never wield open power.
Yet because the Red Sky Veil had joined Majeon, Majeon now naturally possessed a foothold in Shaanxi.
From the orthodox perspective, this was a bone-deep blunder.
Martial Alliance, Silver Moon Pavilion—Gongsun Dankyung’s office.
She sat frowning deeply, lost in thought.
No matter how she turned it over, an insoluble puzzle gnawed at her.
And it was not the uproar over the Red Sky Veil.
“Looking back, it’s simply too strange.”
Known across the land as the greatest strategist among women and called the Wisdom Star, what problem could possibly trouble her so?
“The Earth-Killer Star cannot be killed just because one’s martial arts are strong.”
A flash passed through her eyes as she drew a deep breath.
“How did he explode its body despite the Diamond Indestructible Body?”
Her eyes narrowed.
The Earth-Killer Star could instantly regenerate using the power of the dead.
Therefore, he could not be killed immediately.
To slay an Earth-Killer Star, one must first completely subdue it, then beat it to death over and over until it can no longer regenerate.
She knew this better than anyone.
“Then there are only two possibilities. Either everything Captain Seon testified was a lie…”
Staring into empty space, she murmured.
“Or he is one of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Spirits.”
The One Hundred and Eight Stars consist of thirty-six Heavenly Spirits and seventy-two Earth-Killer Stars.
Gongsun Dankyung had no idea that Bu Eunseol had stored the power of the Twenty-Eight Constellations within his body; she simply assumed he was one of the Thirty-Six Heavenly Spirits.
“Seon Woojin… a man who hides extraordinary intellect and martial prowess behind an ordinary facade.”
Her eyes gleamed.
If, on top of that, he possessed the ability to instantly slay an Earth-Killer Star…
“I must make him mine.”
Gongsun Dankyung drew a deep breath.
“No matter what.”
What she needed now was not superior strategy, but overwhelming power.
If Seon Woojin could provide that power… she would give him everything she had.
Because she had to have revenge.
“Since the Yangseol family has revealed themselves, the Jungson family must have appeared in the martial world as well.”
Surprisingly, Gongsun Dankyung seemed to know a great deal about the Jungson family, which had yet to show itself openly.
“After I destroy the Infinite Realm…”
In her eyes, as she stared into the void, burned an abyss-deep, dark flame of grudge.
“It will be your turn, Jungson family.”
Clench.
Her fists tightened so hard that her nails dug into her palms and blood trickled down.
And a memory she could never forget, even in death, rose unbidden.
***
So Min was born into a farmer’s family.
Though their household was not wealthy, she grew up showered with her parents’ love.
So Min was also exceptionally bright.
At three, she could converse fluently with adults; by four, she had taught herself to read.
Yet when So Min turned five, masked intruders suddenly stormed their home.
They brutally murdered her parents and kidnapped her.
When she opened her eyes again, she was in a small village hidden deep in a secluded valley.
There, children her own age were gathered.
Astonishingly, every child was the same age as her, and their intelligence and talent were nearly identical.
Together with the other abducted children, under the strict supervision of five instructors, So Min was forced to study academics and martial arts.
By the time she turned six, she finally learned their purpose.
Heavenly Mechanism Star.
A being born with intellect and wisdom that surpassed imagination, whose mind spun endlessly like a turning wheel, capable of creating techniques and knowledge that did not yet exist in the world.
Even the legendary Zhuge Liang was said to have been born under the Heavenly Mechanism Star, and since then, such existences were so rare that they were almost never seen again.
The instructors’ goal was to kidnap children believed to possess the aura of the Heavenly Mechanism Star, bring them here, and awaken that genius until the true Heavenly Mechanism Star was found.
If they poured knowledge into them endlessly, surely that heavenly talent would blossom.
But as time passed, no child stood out clearly.
So they changed their method.
“If their lives are on the line, that power will surely manifest. From now on, we will begin culling.”
When So Min turned seven, they began death examinations.
Children who failed to solve the problems disappeared without a trace the next day.
So Min studied desperately and trained exactly as ordered.
To survive.
And to one day exact revenge on those who had murdered her family so cruelly.
“I will survive—no matter what!”
So Min swore to herself.
She would survive, and she would have vengeance on the people who killed her family—and on everyone here.
The moment vengeance took root in her heart, So Min’s abilities began to awaken.
She absorbed academics and martial arts far faster than the others.
Even while doing so, she constantly schemed how to escape this place and survive.
But soon, So Min fell into despair.
Forget revenge—she realized there was an opponent she could never hope to defeat, no matter how hard she tried.
Chu So.
A child who always walked around pale and sickly.
In every displayed talent and measured ability, Chu So ranked exactly average among the children.
Yet So Min saw the truth.
Chu So possessed the greatest ability of anyone here.
“Why do you struggle so desperately to survive?”
The moment So Min pierced his façade, strangely, Chu So approached her with warmth.
“I’m going to have my revenge,” she said, biting her lip until it bled. “And I will never let those people get away with what they’ve done.”
In the eyes of a seven-year-old girl blazed a grudge so vicious and scorching it should never belong to a child.
They had murdered her family.
They had mercilessly killed even the children she had suffered alongside for two long years.
Because of that, the hatred in her heart swelled without limit, burning hotter with every heartbeat.
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