Suddenly, shocking news spread through the martial world.
Chae Ju-heung, the supreme elder of the Mount Hua Sect, had abruptly died in the night, his heart simply stopping.
To attend his funeral, numerous figures from the Nine Great Sects, including Shaolin, planned to visit the Mount Hua Sect. Yet Mount Hua, as if sealing its gates, politely turned away the mourners from various sects and quietly conducted the funeral.
Behind this lay a shocking truth.
Mount Hua Sect elder Chae Ju-heung had been the mastermind behind the sporadic abductions occurring across Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces. He had been harvesting the yin energy of women to cultivate a bizarre demonic art.
However, since all the abducted women came from ordinary families, the full truth had never been properly uncovered.
If such facts were revealed to the martial world?
The disciples of the Mount Hua Sect would be unable to show their faces in the martial fraternity.
Gongsun Dankyung, who knew the truth, also kept silent about it.
First, if it were exposed that a Mount Hua Sect elder was an imposter, the orthodox martial world would descend into great chaos.
Second, if it became known that, under Gongsun Dankyung’s leadership, a man named Seon Woojin had eliminated the fake Chae Ju-heung?
Every faction would immediately begin closely monitoring the movements and actions of both individuals.
Until the roots of the forces capable of swapping identities were completely uprooted, this matter had to remain buried.
Martial Alliance, Silver Moon Pavilion. Gongsun Dankyung’s secret office.
“Well done.”
Gongsun Dankyung praised Bu Eunseol’s merit for successfully completing the mission.
Not only had he perfectly resolved the long-unsolved abduction cases, but he had also brought evidence of the evil deeds committed by the Mount Hua Sect elder Chae Ju-heung.
“These proofs will prove useful in the future.”
“For Elder Martial Venerable?”
If they held evidence of each sect’s weaknesses or misdeeds like this?
They could gain the support or assistance of the sects without even revealing the identity of the Heavenly Emperor.
“Of course not. Elder Martial Venerable would never use the weaknesses of the sects to manipulate them.” Gongsun Dankyung wore a subtle smile. “Things like this would rather aid my own work as Chief Inspector.”
She had a formidable enemy in the Infinite Realm.
If necessary, she intended to grasp the sects’ weaknesses and shake them to secure their help.
‘Terrifying.’
To achieve her goals, Gongsun Dankyung would not hesitate to take any action.
This was remarkably similar to Bu Eunseol himself, who disregarded orthodox-demonic distinctions and charged forward solely for revenge.
“With this incident, the Elder has acknowledged that Captain Seon has boarded the same ship as me. Naturally, he has also agreed to elevating you to Hall Leader.”
Bu Eunseol’s eyes sparkled.
With an utterly resolute expression, he said,
“Then please arrange a private audience.”
“With the Elder?”
“Yes.” Bu Eunseol nodded. “If he has acknowledged that we are on the same side, surely that much is possible.”
‘If the Martial Venerable, who plays the role of Alliance Leader, is indeed the Divine Mountain Sage… he would not bother hiding his identity when speaking alone with me.’
From his position, Bu Eunseol needed to confirm whether the Martial Venerable and the Divine Mountain Sage were the same person.
He intended to meet the Alliance Leader in private and verify his true appearance.
“That’s impossible.” Gongsun Dankyung shook her head. “Earning the Elder’s full trust with just this one incident is too much.”
She stated firmly, “Let me say it again: the Elder trusts no one in the Alliance. That includes even me, the Chief Inspector.”
The identity of those who had ambushed the Heavenly Emperor within the Alliance—and which force they belonged to—remained completely unknown.
From the Martial Venerable’s perspective, it was natural to suspect everyone inside the Alliance.
Not only the Alliance’s senior members, but no one at all could be trusted.
“But didn’t you, Chief Inspector, begin the plan together with the Elder from the start?”
“Ah, I didn’t mention that.”
Gongsun Dankyung revealed a surprising fact.
“I was in a similar situation to Captain Seon. I happened to enter a secret passage in the Heaven and Earth Pavilion and learned of the secret.”
“Then…”
“Elder Martial Venerable recognized my outstanding wisdom and talent and selected me. He was convinced I could adequately assist him as Chief Inspector.”
In the end, Gongsun Dankyung had not joined the Martial Venerable’s plan from the very beginning either.
She had discovered midway that the Martial Venerable was playing the role of Alliance Leader.
Recognizing her exceptional intelligence and talent, the Martial Venerable had appointed her Chief Inspector to aid him.
‘Then the Martial Venerable might have yet another ally.’
No matter how much he was the leader of the Three Demons and Three Venerables and a close friend of the Heavenly Emperor, Bu Eunseol could not believe he had orchestrated this enormous scheme entirely alone.
“During my time as Lord of the Great Forest Pavilion, I often saw his face, but since becoming Chief Inspector… we communicate only through letters delivered by messengers. But don’t worry too much.” Gongsun Dankyung spoke gently, as if consoling him. “Though circumstances prevent me from publicly announcing Captain Seon’s contributions right now… all of this will serve as proof when you rise to Hall Leader in the future. Just think of it as steadily accumulating merits.”
Bu Eunseol merely wanted to confirm whether the Martial Venerable and the Divine Mountain Sage were the same person.
But she mistakenly believed he desired direct recognition of his merits from the Martial Venerable.
“Of course, I will try to create an opportunity to meet the Elder.”
She continued with an apologetic expression.
“Can’t you be satisfied with this for now?”
From her perspective, Bu Eunseol had become an indispensable, reliable ally and pawn. She could no longer demand the thorough obedience of the past.
“Hmm.” Bu Eunseol nodded as if he had no choice. “Understood.”
In truth, apart from the evidence he had given Gongsun Dankyung, while dismantling the lower organizations of the abductors, he had separately kept evidence of the evil deeds related to the Mount Hua Sect elder’s abductions.
‘If I handed her all the evidence, I might get stabbed in the back.’
Those were precious merits that could secure recognition for the figure known as Seon Woojin as a Hall Leader.
He could never entrust them solely to her.
“By the way, in the end, you couldn’t find the mastermind behind it all?”
“That’s correct. However, Chae Ju-heung did not seem to belong to the Three Realms.”
Bu Eunseol explained in detail Chae Ju-heung’s reactions at the time. Having heard everything, Gongsun Dankyung’s eyes grew profound.
“So there exists another force in the martial world, apart from the Three Realms, capable of orchestrating such things.”
“Indeed.”
After pondering deeply for a moment, Gongsun Dankyung nodded. “In any case, from their perspective, their lower organization was suddenly annihilated out of the blue, so they must be on high alert.”
She smiled and added, “You’ve worked hard, so rest for a while. Or, if you prefer, go out into the martial world and act as usual.”
“Without reporting to Hall Leader Yuk?”
“Hehehe. It seems they’ve already caught on.”
Gongsun Dankyung shrugged.
“Since the Serene Jade Hall Lord incident, the father and daughter have been in close contact again. Seeing how frantically they’re putting their heads together, they’ve likely already realized that Captain Seon is my man.”
“Then I don’t need to step in?”
“Hehehe. Captain Seon already has me, Lord Bukgung, and the Alliance Leader as backing, doesn’t he?” She showed a playful smile. “For the time being, I’ll handle the affairs of that father and daughter myself, so please focus solely on future missions, Captain Seon.”
That was also what Bu Eunseol wished for.
With so many complicated matters piled up now, he did not want to spare any attention for Yuk Jangcheon and Yuk Cheongah, the said duo.
***
Bu Eunseol’s expression was dark as he emerged from the Silver Moon Pavilion.
He had grasped the highest connection in the Alliance, from the Martial Venerable—who played the Alliance Leader—to the Chief Inspector.
But this connection was far too dangerous.
If the Martial Venerable was not the Divine Mountain Sage?
Someday, the Martial Venerable might discover Bu Eunseol’s true identity.
Then everything could turn to ash.
‘I need to locate the Martial Venerable.’
If he could find the Martial Venerable, who was acting as Alliance Leader, he would know whether he was the Divine Mountain Sage or not. But the Martial Venerable never revealed himself, communicating even with Gongsun Dankyung only through extremely secretive letters.
Perhaps he would not show his face until Bu Eunseol was elevated to Hall Leader.
‘I should handle the most urgent matters first.’
The most pressing issue now was undoing A-Yeon’s brainwashing.
A-Yeon’s personality had fused with a villain’s, and her pure affection had twisted into obsession and possessiveness.
If it served her desires, she would carry out any act without hesitation.
“The methods of the Clear River Realm are truly bizarre.”
They destroyed the minds of villains, then brainwashed them to fuse with the personalities of good people… eliminating great evildoers from the world while simultaneously creating superhuman experts?
It was as grotesque as the Returning to One Realm’s practice of tampering with the corpses of past masters.
Moreover, they were suspected of being allied with—or perhaps one and the same as—some unknown force that had yet to appear in the martial world.
They were an opponent even more troublesome than the Returning to One Realm, said to be the most terrifying of the Three Realms.
“Perhaps she might know?”
Bu Eunseol turned his head to gaze up at Silver Moon Pavilion.
Gongsun Dankyung’s wisdom was no less than his own, and she was well-versed in the state of the martial world.
Perhaps she knew a way to undo the Clear River Realm’s brainwashing?
“No, that won’t do.” Bu Eunseol immediately shook his head.
The person in the Martial Alliance who he must be most guarded against was neither the Martial Venerable nor Yuk Jangcheon, but Gongsun Dankyung herself.
If he asked her about the Clear River Realm, there was no telling what consequences might arise.
Asking her would be a last resort.
Buzz buzz.
Then, from afar, low voices could be heard as a group of people approached.
‘Old man.’
It was none other than the Bullet King, Bukgung Ryeong, and his followers.
‘How fortunate for him.’
A figure whose name had been inscribed on the Hero’s Monument while still alive, and the first to receive the title of Merit Lord in the Martial Alliance—Bukgung Ryeong.
In recognition of his contributions, the Alliance had granted him authority rivaling that of the Chief Inspector. As a result, those wishing to lean on that power incessantly approached, flattering him and trying to form connections.
Distribution of benefits and personal networks.
Those were the greatest forces sustaining the Martial Alliance.
Step step.
At that moment, from the opposite path, a rugged yet imposing man approached, his robe fluttering.
His appearance was exceedingly clean and neat, untouched by even a speck of worldly dust.
It was Song Ak, a Great Righteous Master from the Wudang Sect.
“Merit Lord.” Song Ak respectfully cupped his hands toward Bukgung Ryeong.
Bukgung Ryeong extended his hand warmly in response.
“What brings you here?”
The Wudang Sect, rivaling Shaolin, had always maintained pure gates and performed many good deeds. Thus, even Bukgung Ryeong—who paid little heed to figures from other sects—maintained deep ties with Wudang.
In particular, he had doted on Song Ak, widely regarded as the next sect leader, since childhood, and Song Ak followed him well.
“I had business nearby and came to offer congratulations to Merit Lord.”
Song Ak presented the bundle he carried.
Inside were simple treats like sweets and rice cakes.
Those watching snorted inwardly.
—How laughable. Bringing such things as a congratulatory gift?
To the Martial Alliance’s Merit Lord and the Bullet King who commanded the world—cheap snacks as a celebration gift?
“What’s all this?”
Yet an unexpected scene unfolded.
Bukgung Ryeong accepted the gift with a beaming smile, clearly delighted.
“Come, let us share some tea.”
As Bukgung Ryeong warmly led Song Ak away, the lingering onlookers wore envious expressions.
They had offered all manner of expensive gifts, yet he barely glanced at them.
But he rejoiced greatly over cheap snacks brought by a Wudang Sect member?
—Should we bring food next time?
The onlookers smacked their lips and scattered.
However, the direction Bukgung Ryeong and Song Ak turned was precisely where Bu Eunseol stood.
As they approached, Bu Eunseol quickly composed his expression and respectfully cupped his hands.
“Merit Lord.”
“It’s you.”
Bukgung Ryeong glanced at Silver Moon Pavilion behind Bu Eunseol and smiled.
“You’ve come from seeing the Chief Inspector.”
“Yes.” Bu Eunseol forced a smile, but his eyes remained slightly dark due to his many worries.
“I see. Good work.”
Bukgung Ryeong nodded and headed toward his quarters with Song Ak.
“Is the Sect Leader in good health?” Bukgung Ryeong brought Song Ak to his residence and served him tea. “Surely nothing is wrong?”
Looking at Song Ak, he wore a slightly worried expression.
Wudang, indifferent to power and profit, had sent only a congratulatory envoy to the Hero’s Monument erection ceremony.
They had neither visited personally nor sent gifts.
Yet now they had deliberately sent Song Ak late with a gift—Bukgung Ryeong suspected some trouble.
“Of course. The Sect Leader is in excellent health.”
“Good to hear.”
Bukgung Ryeong patted his chest in relief.
Wudang Sect Leader Young Chung-jang had suffered a severe internal injury in his youth and endured great hardship from its aftereffects.
Though he endured thanks to profound inner energy and a robust body, his health was always a concern.
“Our sect failed to pay respects to Merit Lord separately, did we not? While out on business in Henan, I was told to greet you, so here I am.”
Song Ak smiled brightly as he spoke, but his eyes were faintly dark.
Clearly, something had happened in the Wudang Sect.
‘So that’s it.’
If Wudang had purely intended to send a gift and strengthen ties, they would have sent someone with deep personal ties like Yeongheoja. But sending the swift-footed Song Ak meant there was an extremely confidential and urgent message to deliver.
“It’s fine.”
Uncharacteristically, Bukgung Ryeong wore a gentle smile.
“Speak freely. Though I am the Alliance’s Merit Lord, I am merely a wandering wild crane, am I not?”
Song Ak smiled.
That was precisely what he had wanted to hear.
What he was about to say was not for the Martial Alliance’s Merit Lord, but for the Bullet King who once roamed the martial world alone.
“The truth is…”
Song Ak cautiously continued.
Bukgung Ryeong’s expression grew grave as he listened silently for a long while.
What Song Ak described was too horrifying and bizarre to be something occurring within the Wudang Sect.
“Such a thing has happened?”
“Yes.” Song Ak spoke as if ashamed. “We could not reveal these circumstances to the outside, nor could we resolve it within the sect ourselves… After much deliberation, I came to you, Elder.”
He gazed at Bukgung Ryeong with bright, earnest eyes.
“You possess broad experience and knowledge, after all.”
As Song Ak said, having traveled the martial world his entire life, Bukgung Ryeong’s experience and knowledge surpassed anyone’s.
Yet he could only smack his lips.
No matter how he thought about it, let alone a solution—he could not even guess why such a thing had occurred.
‘This is not a matter of experience, but one that requires direct investigation to find answers.’
In the past, he would have rushed to Mount Wudang without a second thought.
But now he knew.
His own insight and wisdom were not particularly outstanding.
And the reason he had come to realize this was because of that slick demonic fellow, Bu Eunseol.
‘Wait.’
Bukgung Ryeong’s eyes sparkled.
Whatever the cause, that fellow’s insight and wisdom were the best in the martial world, were they not?
Even if he did not know why it had happened, if he investigated on-site?
He would surely find clues.
“Our sect desperately needs your help.”
As Song Ak bowed earnestly, Bukgung Ryeong sighed.
“This is not something to judge lightly.”
He spoke with a sigh.
“First, rest from your journey.”
Then, with an utterly serious expression,
“Let us discuss this again tomorrow.”
***
Bu Eunseol sat in his office, deep in thought.
He had deployed the Death Spirit Corps and the Flying Demon Corps to the Divine Maiden Palace and several other locations, establishing an emergency contact system and secret escort network.
Even if some incident occurred, they would not be harmed.
‘But.’
Even after examining all the Alliance’s records, he found no clue to undoing the Clear River Realm’s brainwashing.
He had ordered Yoo Unryong to thoroughly search the books in the Majeon.
He had even consulted trusted seniors like the Medicine Hall Lord Gyo Junghak.
Yet they could not even believe such brainwashing existed. The Clear River Realm’s secret arts were that unfamiliar and grotesque—unknown to martial world history.
‘There is still time.’
Since A-Yeon’s personality had split in two, not only her martial arts but her wisdom had likely been enhanced as well.
She would never act rashly.
‘Should I ask the Chief Inspector after all, or find the Divine Mountain Sage?’
Bu Eunseol frowned in confusion as he looked down at the letter on his desk. ‘Why is the Sword Pavilion’s response like that again?’
A-Yeon was, after all, a disciple of the Sword Pavilion.
In truth, the pavilion should bear responsibility for all her actions.
Before coming to the Martial Alliance, Bu Eunseol had immediately contacted the Sword Pavilion through the Death Spirit Corps to inform them of A-Yeon’s situation.
Yet the Sword Pavilion had replied with formal thanks for the information, adding only that they too were continuing to search for A-Yeon…
A rather perfunctory response.
‘Is it because she is no longer a mere disciple?’
In fact, after confessing her true feelings to Bu Eunseol, A-Yeon had voluntarily stepped down from the successor position.
Is that why they paid little heed? Or was the Sword Pavilion still in turmoil?
Due to the grave misjudgment of their supreme elder Nengyin, the Sword Pavilion had rendered the next pavilion lord candidate, Ok Yuha, a cripple.
Though Bu Eunseol’s help had barely restored her clear mind, the pavilion still had not produced a new lord and remained somewhat chaotically managed.
‘Or perhaps they are raising a new successor.’
The Sword Pavilion’s situation was difficult, and A-Yeon had relinquished the successor role herself.
Perhaps rather than reinstating A-Yeon, they were selecting an outstanding disciple anew.
Even if that were the case, it was not entirely convincing.
Unlike the Demonic Path, the orthodox factions were strict about master-disciple bonds. A disciple had been recruited by a vicious force and turned evil—yet they ignored it?
‘Then something has happened in the Sword Pavilion as well.’
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
In this situation, he could not possibly investigate the Sword Pavilion’s internal affairs and offer help.
‘No—I must do what I can.’
The Sword Pavilion shared deep ties with his grandfather.
If trouble had arisen, he could not simply turn a blind eye.
In the end, Bu Eunseol began writing another letter to the Sword Pavilion.
Then, suddenly gazing out the window, he looked at the blazing sun—and a certain person came to mind.
‘The Pavilion Lord would know a solution.’
The greatest elder of Nangyang Pavilion and the strongest of the Three Demons—Ak Muryeong.
He was the person most versed in martial arts in the entire martial world.
Moreover, having endlessly traveled between the Central Plains and beyond, engaging in countless duels since youth, his experience was vast as well.
Perhaps he knew information about the brainwashing used by the Clear River Realm.
‘No—that won’t do.’
—Destroy them if you wish to destroy them. Join them if you wish to join them.
When he had asked about the Three Realms, Ak Muryeong had firmly drawn the line with Bu Eunseol.
—Take no one’s hand. They are everywhere.
Whether he destroyed or joined them—he had to handle everything alone.
‘Ah, there is one more close by.’
Deep in thought, Bu Eunseol’s eyes suddenly gleamed.
Less knowledgeable than the Divine Mountain Sage but with far longer experience in the martial world.
Lower in martial prowess than Ak Muryeong but with even broader experience—there was such a person.
Whoosh.
Then a subtle sound came from outside the window.
It was the air-rending noise deliberately made by a supreme master.
At the same moment, an extremely faint voice transmission reached him.
‘Did our minds connect?’
Bu Eunseol wore a curious smile and immediately left through the west gate of the Martial Alliance.
Unleashing his qinggong and running for a long while, he soon arrived at a small valley where a waterfall cascaded down.
There, seated on a large boulder, gazing at the moonlight and drinking wine, was an old man.
It was none other than the Bullet King, Bukgung Ryeong.
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