“Perhaps the Fist King has been involved with some organization until now. And in that place…”
Tae Muryong compiled the information gathered by the Death Spirit Corps and the Supreme Corps and reported it in detail to Bu Eunseol.
“I see.”
After hearing everything, Bu Eunseol let out a sigh mixed with relief.
Seok Chi-haeng had not suddenly become a Slaughter Star.
It seemed that while he was subdued by Bu Eunseol, the Ancient Sword Forest had collapsed, driving him mad with rage and despair.
If that was the case, then…
There must have been a deep reason why he became the guardian of the Ancient Sword Forest.
In the end, while frantically wandering the martial world to find the culprit who destroyed the Ancient Sword Forest, Seok Chi-haeng naturally clashed with various forces.
As battles repeated endlessly, he eventually fell into bloodlust madness and became a Slaughter Star.
‘Could it really have been a romantic attachment?’
It was natural to seek revenge when one’s affiliated sect collapsed, but for someone who had reached prowess like the Fist King…
Losing his sect and turning into a killer who slaughtered people out of lost reason seemed unlikely.
Then perhaps the reason he belonged to the Ancient Sword Forest was tied to a romantic relationship?
That suspicion lingered.
‘Maybe the object of it was Biyeon.’
Bu Eunseol recalled the woman who was the very essence of the Ancient Sword Forest and one with the Black Divine Energy—Biyeon.
In her final moments, she had spoken words that seemed apologetic toward Seok Chi-haeng.
If so, perhaps Seok Chi-haeng had loved her, become the guardian because of that, and upon her death along with the fallen Ancient Sword Forest, he had fallen into despair and rage.
“The Fist King, now a Slaughter Star, particularly attacks vibrant young warriors indiscriminately. That’s why he has clashed with various forces.” Tae Muryong spoke with a grave expression. “But his prowess is overwhelmingly powerful, and so far it has been judged as mere skirmishes with certain river-and-lake factions rather than a great massacre, so it’s being overlooked for now…”
He took a deep breath and shook his head.
“If our corps’ analysis is correct, he has already become a slaughter demon gripped by bloodlust madness.”
“Hmm.”
“Soon he will completely lose his mind, and before long he will become a Great Killing Star indiscriminately slaughtering martial world people and common folk alike.”
Bu Eunseol sighed.
It felt as though the Fist King becoming a slaughter demon was entirely his fault.
“I will stop him.”
“You, Captain?”
“Yes.”
Tae Muryong’s eyes widened.
Did that mean he would defeat the Fist King as Seon Woojin?
“Will it be possible?”
It was not that he doubted Bu Eunseol’s ability, but because the set capabilities of Seon Woojin’s identity had limitations.
“I have prepared measures accordingly.”
At Bu Eunseol’s words, Tae Muryong pondered deeply for a moment before nodding.
“Then I will immediately order an analysis of the Fist King’s movement path to locate him. Ah, and one more thing.”
As if suddenly remembering, Tae Muryong scratched his head.
“The Chief Inspector is looking for you.”
Bu Eunseol had been curious anyway.
Gongsun Dankyung’s goal was the annihilation of the Infinite Realm, and for that she maintained a cooperative relationship with Bu Eunseol, Majeon’s successor.
And Bu Eunseol had finally brought down everything in the Infinite Realm except the Supreme Emperor who ruled the Realm along with the Heavenly Deity.
Yet unexpectedly, she had shown little reaction.
She could not possibly be unaware that the Heavenly Blessing Medicine Forest was the Infinite Realm… yet she had neither secretly contacted the Death Spirit Corps nor expressed any stance.
‘I’ll know once I meet her.’
Having organized his thoughts, Bu Eunseol nodded.
“I will go to her at once.”
Silver Moon Pavilion—Gongsun Dankyung’s office.
There was a secret chamber installed where no sound could ever leak outside.
Gongsun Dankyung had called Bu Eunseol into that chamber to speak.
“Originally, the Martial Venerable intended to delay selecting a successor for the Martial Heaven Commander as much as possible.”
Perhaps because of Seon Woojin’s identity.
Unexpectedly, she made no mention whatsoever of the Infinite Realm and spoke only about selecting Martial Heaven Commander candidates.
“He said that choosing the next Alliance Leader is not his affair… it should happen after the Alliance Leader’s passing is made known.” Gongsun Dankyung shook her head as she spoke. “Yet suddenly issuing an order to select Commander candidates without consultation…”
“Wouldn’t it be to renew the internal atmosphere of the Alliance?”
“Then he should not have entrusted the selection and examinations to the Vice Leader.”
She was greatly bewildered that the Martial Venerable had suddenly pushed to quickly decide the Martial Heaven Division successor under Vice Leader Buk Ri-seong’s supervision.
Bu Eunseol’s current class was still a first-rank Captain.
To become a Martial Heaven Commander candidate, one needed at least the position of hall leader.
Yet in practice, successors had never been chosen from hall leaders; they were effectively selected from the heads of major Alliance organizations such as gardens, pavilions, and forests.
Yet at this time, suddenly selecting candidates who could become Commander?
That meant completely excluding Bu Eunseol, a first-rank captain, from the candidates.
“It has already been officially announced within the Alliance, so it cannot be retracted.”
Bu Eunseol, who had been listening silently, asked, “Why not request a conversation with the Martial Venerable?”
“Of course I tried. But contact cannot even be made.”
“Then how did the elder become Alliance Leader?” Bu Eunseol asked with a serious expression. “If we hear how the Martial Venerable became Alliance Leader, we might find the reason for this sudden action.”
Gongsun Dankyung frowned for a moment before relaying what she had heard from the Martial Venerable.
“At the time he learned of the Heavenly Emperor’s death, the orthodox martial world was in extreme chaos. There was also no one immediately capable of checking the Demon Emperor or succeeding as Alliance Leader.”
She continued calmly.
“And the Heavenly Emperor, as if foreseeing the future, always said this to the Martial Venerable.”
—Elder brother. If I die suddenly, you must succeed me as Alliance Leader without fail.
The Martial Venerable could not understand.
How could the foremost orthodox master die suddenly? Even the fearsome Demon Emperor could not guarantee victory against him.
—That will never happen.
The Martial Venerable always laughed it off.
Then one day, after handling some matters in the martial world and returning, the Martial Venerable entered the Heaven and Earth Pavilion office through a secret Alliance passage to meet his younger brother.
But waiting in the office was the cold corpse of Shin Domubi.
No matter how he examined it, the cause of death was unknown; why he died was incomprehensible.
The Martial Venerable immediately fell into confusion.
—Should I become Alliance Leader as my younger brother requested?
Though he had reached martial arts comparable to the Heavenly Emperor, he had lived a rootless, drifting life like duckweed. Moreover, his relations with the Alliance elders were extremely poor… he had not the slightest desire to become Alliance Leader.
But after much deliberation, the Martial Venerable decided to carry on the Heavenly Emperor’s will.
If things continued as they were, the balance between orthodox and demonic would completely collapse. However, he could not become Alliance Leader through normal means, so he hid the death.
He decided to act as Alliance Leader, manage the Martial Alliance, and once again balance orthodox and demonic worlds.
“I see.”
Having heard everything, countless questions poured into Bu Eunseol’s mind.
Was everything the Martial Venerable said truly fact?
Even if the Heavenly Emperor had said such words… was hiding his death and impersonating the Alliance Leader the best choice?
He was a man of outstanding wisdom and scheming, with another identity as the Divine Mountain Sage.
Why had he chosen such a peril-filled plan to conceal the Heavenly Emperor’s death?
Knock knock.
At that moment, a knocking sound came from the chamber door, accompanied by a low voice.
“Chief Inspector, Eternal Virtue Hall has delivered a missive for you.”
Gongsun Dankyung’s eyes instantly sparkled.
The Martial Venerable always used Eternal Virtue Hall to send letters.
“Perfect timing—the Martial Venerable has replied.”
Reading the letter received from her aide, she wore a resigned expression.
“An unwelcome reply, that is.”
“What does it say?”
“That the situation changed suddenly… and he conveys his apologies.”
Gongsun Dankyung added, “And if possible, to include Captain Seon in the Martial Heaven Commander candidates… but that is impossible.”
As Chief Inspector, it would not be impossible for her to elevate Bu Eunseol to hall leader rank.
But a hall leader rank was the minimum to become a Commander candidate so suddenly promoting a first-rank captain with no particular merit would be highly irregular.
Moreover, externally, the persona of Seon Woojin had not yet been recognized as capable of leading the Martial Heaven Division—as a Commander candidate.
The Martial Alliance also placed great importance on public evaluation.
But such things could never be raised in a short time.
In other words, from the elders’ perspective…
Seon Woojin was too young and lacking in ability to become Martial Heaven Commander.
‘It’s not that his mind changed, but the situation did…’
Lost in thought, Bu Eunseol let out a low groan.
The Martial Venerable’s true identity was the Divine Mountain Sage.
In other words, the one who knew Bu Eunseol’s original identity.
Wasn’t he deliberately trying to exclude Bu Eunseol from Commander candidates?
It would not be impossible for him to make Bu Eunseol a Commander candidate so this was his own decision.
“Until now, we have built ties with numerous figures and worked behind the scenes to make Captain Seon the Martial Heaven Commander.” Gongsun Dankyung spoke weakly. “But with things turning out like this, everything has come to nothing.”
Her expression was dark.
She had confidently promised Bu Eunseol the Martial Heaven Commander position.
For that promise alone, she had assigned him numerous dangerous missions until now.
But with things like this… she could no longer keep Bu Eunseol as her man.
‘It was all part of the process after all.’
Bu Eunseol gazed into the void and swallowed a deep sigh.
Does fate truly exist?
For this to happen precisely when the Fist King became a Slaughter Star?
It was as if giving him an opportunity to become a Commander candidate.
—Elevate Seon Woojin’s identity to the Seven Kings as well!
Finally, resolve hardened.
Through the Fist King, he would raise Seon Woojin to the ranks of the Seven Kings and prove he could become Martial Heaven Commander.
“No. Continue as planned.”
“Pardon?”
“I will immediately go out into the martial world and prove to the Alliance elders that I possess the qualifications and ability to become a Commander candidate.”
Gongsun Dankyung furrowed her brow.
“Is that possible in a short time?”
“Didn’t Brother Baek do it?”
“Ah.”
She let out a soft exclamation.
Not only had she grasped Bu Eunseol’s intent, but the story of someone she did not wish to mention had come up.
“I understand. If Captain Seon can do that… it would be best.”
Since even a renowned hall leader could become a Commander candidate, she would trust Bu Eunseol and steadily prepare.
“I was going to mention that anyway.”
With an uncomfortable expression, Gongsun Dankyung hesitated before speaking.
“Baek Museong. The timing of his return is too coincidental. Bringing the head of Majeon’s Hyeok Clan Leader in this situation.” Taking a deep breath, her eyes flashed. “It is absolutely not unrelated to this Martial Heaven Commander candidate selection.”
Bu Eunseol replied as if he knew nothing.
“Isn’t it good? With Brother Baek returning, the Alliance will regain its vitality.”
“Do you truly think so?”
Gongsun Dankyung stared fixedly into Bu Eunseol’s eyes as if trying to read his mind.
When he did not answer, she continued, “In any case, with such prowess and merit, he will aim for Martial Heaven Commander candidate. From Captain Seon’s position, a far stronger rival than the Six Commanders has appeared.”
“That’s fortunate.”
“Pardon?”
“Having such an outstanding figure become Commander is not bad for the Alliance.”
“If he becomes Commander, could you congratulate him?”
“Of course.”
It was a lie.
In the past, even if Baek Museong had become Martial Heaven Commander, he would have sincerely congratulated him.
But now he knew Baek Museong belonged to the Three Realms.
Yet seeing Gongsun Dankyung’s dark expression, Bu Eunseol lied.
They could no longer return to the relationship of the past.
“I spoke needlessly.” Bu Eunseol gave a dry smile and clasped his hands. “Then I will hurry out into the martial world. I must become a Commander candidate quickly.”
“I understand.”
Gongsun Dankyung nodded.
“In the meantime, I will build forces to support Captain Seon. So that you can become hall leader.”
“Thank you.”
“One more thing—are you still connected to the Martial Soul Command Lord’s direct intelligence vanguard?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Good.”
Gongsun Dankyung took a letter from her robes and handed it to Bu Eunseol.
“Deliver this to him. Tell him the Chief Inspector will help anytime he needs it.”
Her eyes were calm, but the flame deep within them had not died.
‘The Infinite Realm was not the final goal.’
Only then did Bu Eunseol understand why she had shown little reaction despite the Infinite Realm’s collapse.
The Infinite Realm had not been Gongsun Dankyung’s ultimate target.
‘The power of the Infinite Realm alone could topple the martial world world. What force did she make an enemy of?’
Since he knew nothing of what had happened between Gongsun Dankyung and the Jungsun Family, his curiosity only grew.
“Let’s leave together.” Gongsun Dankyung stood and said, “I have business toward the north gate as well.”
“Yes.”
Erasing the questions rising in his mind, Bu Eunseol walked shoulder-to-shoulder with her out of Silver Moon Pavilion.
Step, step.
Yet coming from the opposite direction was a man in white robes.
In that instant, both Gongsun Dankyung and Bu Eunseol widened their eyes as if by agreement.
Baek Museong. He was walking toward them.
—This is no coincidence.
Contempt rather than anger colored Baek Museong’s eyes.
That meant he knew Bu Eunseol and Gongsun Dankyung were together.
And had deliberately timed his appearance here.
“Chief Inspector.”
Baek Museong approached with a pleased smile toward Gongsun Dankyung.
His aura had become even more rugged, and the arm whose nerves had been completely severed moved freely.
“It has been a long time.”
Gongsun Dankyung greeted him warmly.
“I heard the news. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“How is your body?”
“Perfectly recovered.”
Unlike his formerly gentle tone, Baek Museong’s speech was now solemn and heavy.
“Captain Seon is here as well.”
Baek Museong nodded toward Bu Eunseol.
“Have you been well?”
“Brother Baek.”
Bu Eunseol approached warmly and spoke.
“What on earth happened? Why did you leave without a word all this time?”
Though he knew Baek Museong had completely changed, he spoke amicably so as not to let it show.
“There were circumstances.”
Baek Museong’s voice was as gentle and calm as before.
But his gaze toward Bu Eunseol was frozen cold like a northern glacier.
“It’s good to see you both again like this.” Baek Museong smiled, revealing white teeth. “But I am busy with various matters… Let us have tea together next time we have a chance. Farewell.”
He calmly turned away.
Gongsun Dankyung stared blankly at Baek Museong’s receding back.
In the past, seeing her would leave him flustered, unable to hide his affection.
But now he was not only indifferent—as if passing a maid—but his eyes seemed to carry a trace of contempt.
“He has changed a great deal.”
At Gongsun Dankyung’s words, Bu Eunseol nodded.
Calling it merely “changed” was insufficient.
Because Baek Museong’s aura had advanced incomparably beyond the past.
Moreover, behind his gentle expression, his eyes were coldly sunken.
It felt as though even his temperament and personality had become entirely different.
“Captain Seon.” Gongsun Dankyung spoke in a low voice. “You must return with merit worthy of Martial Heaven Commander candidacy.”
Her eyes and voice trembled slightly.
Gongsun Dankyung found snakes the most repulsive in the world.
And the changed Baek Museong felt like a massive serpent in human form.
She feared that if he became Commander, he might swallow her whole.
“I understand.”
Bu Eunseol respectfully clasped his hands and turned away.
Now he had to immediately deal with the Fist King who had become a slaughterer.
To prove that Seon Woojin too could sit among the Seven Kings and become Martial Heaven Commander.
***
Drip, drip, drip.
Fist King Seok Chi-haeng stared at the blood flowing down his fists.
He could no longer count how many he had beaten to death until now.
His fists were stained red, and remnants of human tissue clung under his nails.
“Grr…”
Yet he could not suppress the surging rage.
All he had ever wanted in life was one thing.
To remain by Biyeon’s side forever, even if only as guardian.
Without her, he would have vanished long ago.
“Grr.”
Staring at the full moon in the night sky, Seok Chi-haeng trembled.
Suddenly, the day he first met her came to mind.
—Shall I help you?
Long ago, Seok Chi-haeng had by chance encountered the strongest of the Three Demons—the Human Demon Ak Muryeong—and had confidently challenged him.
He believed his Azure Heaven Seven Forms could sufficiently handle even the Human Demon Ak Muryeong.
But the result was disastrous.
In three moves, both fists shattered, he was defeated.
—A vermin that cannot even gauge its own strength… not even worth killing.
As Seok Chi-haeng knelt in a daze, Ak Muryeong snorted and left.
On a small forest path with no one around, Seok Chi-haeng knelt like a statue.
A Fist King with shattered fists was no longer the Fist King.
He had no hope left to live.
His mouth dried, his vision blurred.
He did not know how much time passed, but at least half a month seemed to have gone by.
Dying of starvation like this was not bad.
It was fitting punishment for a mantis who, ignorant of its limits, spread its arms to block a great chariot.
—Wow? I thought you were a statue.
Then suddenly a woman appeared before Seok Chi-haeng.
—What’s this? Practicing martial arts? Or heartbroken?
The suddenly appearing woman chattered endlessly at him.
Then, seeing his shattered fists, she giggled.
—What? Despairing because you’ll never hold chopsticks again?
She poked the statue-like Seok Chi-haeng’s shoulder and said,
—Shall I heal you?
Only then did Seok Chi-haeng’s eyes open.
Bones not merely broken but pulverized and scattered—wounds impossible even if Hua Tuo reincarnated.
How could this young woman heal his arms?
—There might be side effects, though. Is that okay?
Seeing she was serious, Seok Chi-haeng nodded without hesitation.
Even if his legs broke, it did not matter. Even if he could never walk again.
As long as his fists were whole… he could wield fist arts once more.
—Then follow me.
Seok Chi-haeng followed the young woman, walking and walking without rest.
The place they finally reached was a house amid strangely mushroom-shaped trees.
—This is the Ancient Sword Forest. A place cut off from the world.
And soon the treatment began.
Contrary to her words, there were no side effects. Simply soaking his fists daily in strange metal and liquid, they were regenerating perfectly.
—Amazing. Your body must naturally match this Black True Ring.
She smiled brightly and rejoiced for him.
—Just a hundred more days of treatment, and you’ll be perfectly healed.
Seok Chi-haeng too wore a joyful smile.
Soon, once fully cured…
He resolved to find Ak Muryeong again and definitely feed him the Azure Heaven Seven Forms to the face.
But the side effect appeared in a completely unexpected place.
On the day marking three hundred days, his fists were perfectly healed… but his heart broke.
He had fallen for the woman who healed his fists—Biyeon—who appeared thirty years younger than him.
—Let me stay by your side forever.
Seok Chi-haeng dared not hope to become her lover.
If he could simply live seeing her smile, hearing her chattering voice…
He thought it would not matter even if he lost both arms instead of fists.
—You seem sincere.
Knowing his sincerity, she gave him the position of guardian of the Ancient Sword Forest and ordered him to deal with any intruders.
In exchange, he could enter where she lived for one hour each day.
Though only staying by her side, that alone satisfied him.
—You do not age. Probably because of that Black Divine Energy.
As his guardian life lengthened, Seok Chi-haeng learned she was far older than him.
And the purpose and secrets of the Ancient Sword Forest.
—If you know, leave now. Don’t you need to find your own life?
At Biyeon’s words, Seok Chi-haeng smiled.
—This is the life I desire.
It did not matter if the world perished or shattered.
As long as she was by his side.
Until the day his breath ceased, he wished only to remain beside her.
But that happiness eventually shattered into pieces.
One moment he was subdued in pressure points by a suddenly appearing young man, and when he awoke, the Ancient Sword Forest was completely destroyed.
He howled and searched for her, but all he saw was the ruined Ancient Sword Forest.
—I will kill him!
Seok Chi-haeng tried to find the young man who had sealed his points, but his whereabouts were unknown.
Wandering the martial world, he beat to death any young men who resembled him, and before he knew it, he craved blood endlessly.
Beating people to death, the moment blood sprayed everywhere—at least the surging resentment, despair, and longing in his chest subsided slightly.
Continuing the slaughter like that, he eventually became a Slaughter Star gripped by bloodlust madness.
And this slaughter would continue until he found that young man who had secretly come to the Ancient Sword Forest.
Until he tore him limb from limb and drank his blood.
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