As Song Samdo rose, spitting curses as if ready to unleash his internal energy at any moment, Seok Ung-cheon restrained him.
"Sect Leader Song. Restrain yourself."
"No, that dog-like..." Song Samdo, about to spit another curse, immediately swallowed his words upon meeting Seok Ung-cheon's solemn gaze.
Touching one of the Seven Great Division Commanders was akin to challenging the Martial Alliance itself. Moreover, facing Seok Ung-cheon's mountain-like presence, he could no longer act out.
"I was too stimulated."
As Song Samdo sat back down, the atmosphere in the conference room settled.
Then Dae Guhwi spoke again.
"This feels less like a conference hall and more like a street full of riffraff spouting whatever they please."
Though the words were insulting, Song Samdo no longer erupted.
Dae Guhwi shrugged as if bored and said, "Anyway, it has nothing to do with the Martial Soul Command Lord. It's merely a name meaning 'martial soul' in general."
"Explain it clearly. What exactly is this Martial Soul Society?"
When Seok Ung-cheon stepped in to ask, Dae Guhwi answered.
"The Martial Soul Society is an alliance between orthodox and unorthodox. We have united our strength to deal with the Ghost Children still lurking throughout the Central Plains and harming people."
"Ghost Children?"
"Yes. That is what we call the boys who committed the massacres this time."
"Hahaha."
Jeong Cheolsim, who had been listening silently, burst into incredulous laughter.
"Why should you, from outer sects, stop something happening in the Central Plains? Does the Central Plains martial world seem like a playground for you to barge in and fool around?"
"Of course not."
"Then leave immediately. Unless you want war with the Central Plains martial world."
"We cannot leave."
"What did you say?"
Dae Guhwi smiled faintly.
"My origin is indeed the Wild Beast Palace, but no longer."
Dae Guhwi said calmly.
"This association leader has left the Wild Beast Palace. I have relinquished all claims to the successor position."
Thud.
At this unexpected answer, everyone present widened their eyes.
For Dae Guhwi, who had been virtually designated as the next successor of the Wild Beast Palace, to abandon it entirely…
What on earth was this about?
"Wait."
Seok Ung-cheon, who had been listening silently, realized something and spoke.
"Then the North Sea Ice Palace Lord as well..."
"Yes." Dae Guhwi nodded. "Lord Bing has also left the North Sea Ice Palace. He has agreed to lead our association's Glacial Vanguard."
Gasp.
Those present opened their mouths in shock.
For Bing Hanpung, whose North Sea Ice Palace was at the height of its power, to suddenly relinquish his position and join the Martial Soul Society?
What was this sudden nonsense?
"Where do you get off with such nonsense!"
As Jeong Cheolsim shouted in fury, Dae Guhwi replied.
"Watch your words. Society Leader."
White thunder flashed in Dae Guhwi's eyes.
"I am also the leader of the Martial Soul Society."
"Haha. Who would recognize a punk like you as a leader?"
"Punk?" Dae Guhwi smiled coldly and stood. "Then there is nothing more to discuss. Command Lord, let's go."
As Dae Guhwi turned to leave, Jeong Cheolsim's face changed.
If the conference collapsed due to his rudeness, he would bear the responsibility.
"Wait." Jeong Cheolsim, biting his lip hard enough to draw blood, clasped his hands. "This Society Leader momentarily lost reason and committed rudeness. I apologize for that."
Then Seok Ung-cheon quickly said, "Society Leader Jeong has formally apologized, so please calm your anger. Now that we know you are the Martial Soul Society Leader, no further rudeness will occur."
"Are you acknowledging that I am the leader of the Martial Soul Society?"
At Dae Guhwi's words, Seok Ung-cheon let out a low groan.
‘He wouldn't lie in a place like this.’
If Dae Guhwi and Bing Hanpung had truly abandoned their sects to come here?
Whether forced or not, outwardly, it could not be questioned.
"What's there to acknowledge? If the Great Leader says he is the leader, then he is."
Though Seok Ung-cheon's slippery words were unsatisfactory, Dae Guhwi sat back down as if he had no choice.
"Fine."
Seok Ung-cheon immediately continued.
"I understand that figures from outer sects, including the Great Leader, have discarded their affiliations and formed an organization called the Martial Soul Society. But what is this about being between orthodox and unorthodox?"
"Our sole purpose is to eliminate the Ghost Children scattered across the martial world. It matters not whether orthodox or evil."
"Why exactly are you handling them?"
"To protect commoners and the weak from the Ghost Children."
Dae Guhwi smiled innocently.
He showed pure intent to protect the martial world, not for profit, but unfortunately, his opponents were leaders with eyes blazing for power and gain.
Whether sincere or not, they could never tolerate them taking root here.
"Regrettably, it won't do." Seok Ung-cheon shook his head. "You call it between orthodox and unorthodox, but the North Sea Ice Palace and Wild Beast Palace, if anything, lean toward the demonic path."
He smiled coldly and said, "As you know, Shaanxi has for generations been orthodox territory. We absolutely cannot tolerate demonic forces taking root."
Seok Ung-cheon was a Corps Leader of the Martial Alliance.
His refusal to tolerate it meant the Martial Alliance opposed it.
If the demonic-leaning Martial Soul Society forcibly tried to root in Shaanxi?
It was no different from declaring they would eradicate them.
—Heh heh heh.
At Seok Ung-cheon's words, the leaders in the room all wore sinister smiles.
With Seok Ung-cheon opposing so firmly, unless they waged war against the Martial Alliance, they could never hold out.
"No choice then. You clearly stated we are between orthodox and unorthodox, yet you label us demonic."
Dae Guhwi shrugged and said to Seok Ung-cheon.
"Then this association will join the Martial Alliance and follow its command."
"What?"
Seok Ung-cheon widened his eyes in shock.
For forces comprising over half of the North Sea Ice Palace and Wild Beast Palace to suddenly wish to subordinate under the Martial Alliance.
"We abandoned our sects solely to protect the peace of the Central Plains martial world." Dae Guhwi said naturally. "That is why we clearly stated we are between orthodox and unorthodox, but since Commander Seok insists otherwise, we have no choice. We must simply join under the Martial Alliance."
And he added one more thing.
"However, if we become orthodox-affiliated, this association's mercenary market will operate limited to orthodox only, so the profit from joining the Martial Alliance won't be great."
Seok Ung-cheon blinked.
The exact strength of the Martial Soul Society was unknown, but the revealed forces alone included core troops from two outer great sects and an exceptional mercenary force.
Yet they wished to join the Martial Alliance?
If so, not only could they resolve the headache of the Red Sky Veil that had fallen to Majeon, but massive troops would roll into the Martial Alliance on their own.
"Martial Soul Command Lord. Is this sincere?"
In the end, Seok Ung-cheon asked Bu Eunseol, not Dae Guhwi.
"The Great Leader doesn't seem to be joking."
Bu Eunseol shrugged.
"As I said, this Command Lord merely requested their help to deal with the Ghost Children disrupting the martial world."
“...”
"But since you pointed to and criticized this Command Lord as the one behind their settlement, I attended this conference out of responsibility. I repeat: the Martial Soul Society has absolutely no relation to this Command Lord."
Saying this in a place with leaders of orthodox, demonic, and evil…
Regardless of the true inner workings, it was officially acknowledging that Bu Eunseol and the Martial Soul Society were separate.
"Ahem."
Seok Ung-cheon cleared his throat.
"If you insist so much, there's no helping it."
Unable to hide his joy, he nodded.
"Great Leader. Since you wish to subordinate to this alliance, lead all your troops immediately..."
"Nonsense."
At that moment, the Mysterious Heaven Sect Leader, who had been listening silently, shouted loudly.
"Why should the Martial Soul Society join the Martial Alliance?"
He turned his gaze to Seok Ung-cheon.
"This is suspicious."
"What do you mean?"
"It's strange. After forming an alliance force, they suddenly join the Martial Alliance."
The Mysterious Heaven Sect Leader looked at Seok Ung-cheon suspiciously.
"Perhaps you planned everything in advance and hosted this conference? To create justification for the Martial Alliance to absorb the outer vanguards?"
"Of course not."
Though offended, Seok Ung-cheon held back. The Mysterious Heaven Sect was a great sect rivaling the Black Flag Society, which had annexed thirteen sects.
Moreover, he was a senior among the Ten Demonic Experts.
"No prior agreement existed—why else would this vanguard leader have stepped forward like this?"
Seok Ung-cheon wore a resolute expression.
"Even if they come to this alliance, acceptance is uncertain. Even if accepted, the subordination process won't be easy."
"No choice then. If the Martial Alliance is in such difficulty…"
Dae Guhwi spoke another unexpected line.
"Then we will go under Society Leader Jeong of the Black Flag Society."
"What?"
This time, Seok Ung-cheon, Mysterious Heaven Sect Leader, and others jumped.
Already weakened on the demonic side, the Black Flag Society's power was growing uncontrollably.
If the Martial Soul Society became a vanguard under the Black Flag Society? The balance in Shaanxi martial world would completely shift.
"Is this serious?"
At the Black Flag Society Leader's words, Dae Guhwi clasped his hands.
"Of course. How could I speak nonsense here?"
And with utmost seriousness, he said, "We declared between orthodox and unorthodox solely to protect the Central Plains martial world. Affiliation truly does not matter."
The Black Flag Society Leader's lips twitched.
This was a conference with all leaders of orthodox, demonic, and evil present.
Words once spoken could never be retracted.
"Then no choice."
Just as the Black Flag Society Leader nodded, Seok Ung-cheon, the Mysterious Heaven Sect Leader, and Yaksha Sect Leader all jumped.
"Both vanguards are of demonic-origin—why go to the black path?"
"We cannot accept them joining the Black Flag Society."
Murmur murmur!
The conference room descended into chaos.
As confusion lasted over half a ke, Seok Ung-cheon's head ached.
Suddenly, he widened his eyes.
Only then did he grasp Dae Guhwi—no, Bu Eunseol's plan.
‘This was the plan from the beginning.’
The Martial Alliance had hosted the Exile Evil Conference, inviting not only itself but black path leaders, to firmly sanction the demonic figure Bu Eunseol.
The incident of recklessly bringing outer forces into the Central Plains.
They thought Bu Eunseol would frame it as a Martial Alliance vs. Majeon confrontation, using the tense standoff between orthodox and unorthodox to create an escape.
But Bu Eunseol had seen through the Martial Alliance's scheme and instead used it to create the opportunity for the Martial Soul Society to be perfectly recognized as a force between orthodox and unorthodox.
‘It's already riding the tiger.’
Seok Ung-cheon bit his lip.
With so many leaders of orthodox, demonic, and evil gathered, in the end, the Martial Soul Society could belong to neither orthodox, demonic, nor evil.
‘If I cannot have it…’
No one else should either—that is the way of the world.
"Enough!"
Grasping the situation, Seok Ung-cheon nodded.
"I understand what you mean, Great Leader."
He solemnly said.
"We will formally recognize the Martial Soul Society as a sect between orthodox and unorthodox."
In the end, Seok Ung-cheon, representing the Martial Alliance, quickly recognized the Martial Soul Society.
Otherwise, a vanguard threatening the Martial Alliance immediately could go to the black path.
"Hmm."
The black path leaders all swallowed groans.
Only then did they grasp the situation.
If the Martial Soul Society joined the Martial Alliance? It would eventually become a great enemy wielding a blade against them.
That must absolutely be prevented.
"What do you think on the black path side?"
At Dae Guhwi's question, they ground their teeth and answered.
"Fine. We will recognize the Martial Soul Society as an alliance between orthodox and unorthodox."
In the end, all black path leaders recognized it too.
Even if the Martial Soul Society was large, as long as the Martial Soul Command Lord did not interfere, becoming a force between orthodox and unorthodox was not overly threatening.
It was better to recognize it as between orthodox and unorthodox than have it join orthodox or black path.
"Good. Then we can operate the mercenary market without regard to orthodox or unorthodox."
At Dae Guhwi's words, everyone wore expressions as if struck.
—We've been continually falling into their plan.
Alliances inevitably require vast funds but for a mercenary market to thrive, it is better not affiliated with orthodox or demonic.
Otherwise, it cannot take jobs from both sides.
Now recognized as between orthodox and unorthodox, the Martial Soul Society could freely take jobs from both and earn enormous money as it already was.
"Well, fine."
Seok Ung-cheon nodded.
"But though the Martial Soul Society has become an alliance between orthodox and unorthodox, there is something you absolutely cannot do."
He said with a solemn expression.
"You claim to handle murder ghosts, but such matters are strictly the affairs of the Central Plains martial world. Do you understand?"
If the Martial Soul Society had joined the Martial Alliance or Black Flag Society? They could not nitpick their outer origins. But through this conference, the Martial Soul Society gained recognition from the Martial Alliance and black path alliance as between orthodox and unorthodox, meaning their origins remained outer.
That fact never changed.
Now the Martial Alliance and black path sought to prevent them from becoming an alliance influencing the Central Plains martial world.
"Why not? The Ghost Children will continue appearing."
"As I said again, the Central Plains martial world will handle it."
"Even if all commoners die? Can you keep that promise?"
"What's there to promise? It's originally a Central Plains martial world matter."
"No way."
Dae Guhwi said mockingly.
"Even now, we are the ones who captured the Ghost Children."
"You think we couldn't?"
"Anyone can talk." Dae Guhwi smiled as he looked at Seok Ung-cheon and the black path leaders. "No way the black path alliance would handle difficult, unprofitable work, right?"
Instantly, the faces of the black path leaders in the room hardened coldly.
A gentle, innocent face like Dae Guhwi's wearing mockery had considerable impact.
"You say we won't do it? Can you guarantee that?"
At Song Samdo's shout, Dae Guhwi said calmly.
"We are not martial artists; we seek to protect commoners and vagrants. But those here... well, perhaps the Martial Alliance might, but the black path or evil sects likely won't."
"Are you saying you'll use the black path as an excuse to act in the martial world?"
"It's not an excuse—it's fact."
Dae Guhwi wore a sneer.
"If the black path sects can truly handle this, this association will never step forward."
He added, "The gaze of commoners is surprisingly frightening. Even if you promise temporarily and stand by, in the end, this association will step in."
—There is reason in that.
All the leaders in the conference room faintly nodded.
The opinion of commoners is fearsome.
Martial Alliance aside, the evil or black path would not step forward eagerly.
Then the Martial Soul Society would emerge as saviors of commoners.
Gradually growing, it could become an alliance rivaling the Black Flag Society—or even the Martial Alliance or Majeon.
—Their growth must absolutely be stopped.
The same thought flashed through all their minds.
"This Society Leader promises." Then Jeong Cheolsim said, "If those Ghost Children appear in this society's territory, we will absolutely handle them."
"This alliance as well."
At Seok Ung-cheon's words, Dae Guhwi looked at the other black path leaders.
"And them?" Dae Guhwi asked, "How can we trust that promise?"
Then, as if struck by inspiration, Seok Ung-cheon clapped.
"Yes. Why not create a joint petition this time?"
The leaders, grasping Seok Ung-cheon's intent, flashed their eyes.
Handling mere murderous ghosts was nothing.
Instead, if all leaders attending the Exile Evil Conference signed a joint document?
Under the pretext of helping commoners, they could completely block the Martial Soul Society's martial activities to take root in the Central Plains.
"Good."
"Let's do that."
Jeong Cheolsim and Song Samdo quickly stepped forward.
"If Ghost Children or any vicious beings appear in each territory, we promise to immediately handle it."
"Good. Good."
All the leaders in the room agreed eagerly and looked at Bu Eunseol and Dae Guhwi with triumphant expressions.
—How about that. You can never act now.
But something was strange.
Were they not faintly smiling instead?
"Good."
Dae Guhwi said refreshingly.
"Since you promise so, this association will immediately provide information whenever Ghost Children are discovered."
"Information?"
"Yes. This association's intelligence network is dense. Mercenaries active across the martial world serve as eyes and ears."
All present narrowed their eyes.
The Martial Soul Society could grow massively given the chance.
They must absolutely prevent interference in Central Plains martial affairs.
"Providing information is fine. But you must never interfere."
At Seok Ung-cheon's words, Dae Guhwi nodded.
"Of course."
"Then let's immediately create a joint petition and promise."
He said most firmly.
"Absolutely no interference unless requested by each force."
It was not the Martial Alliance but rather the black path sects that must block the Martial Soul Society's rise.
At Seok Ung-cheon's words, the black path leaders nodded again.
"Good. If the promise is broken, you will face simultaneous attacks from the black path and Martial Alliance."
Gathered here was a Martial Alliance Commander and black path leaders, holding an open conference.
If the Martial Soul Society failed to honor the promise in this joint petition?
Even as Majeon's successor, Bu Eunseol could never escape responsibility.
Then Dae Guhwi said, "But if this association is requested for help... we must inevitably act in the martial world. You must not block this association's activities as a force between orthodox and unorthodox."
—As if we would.
The leaders in the room sneered inwardly.
They would never borrow the Martial Soul Society's power for mere murder ghosts and allow them to take root in the Central Plains.
"Good."
All the leaders present nodded. Dae Guhwi also nodded with satisfaction.
"Good."
The joint petition was drafted instantly.
It recognized the Martial Soul Society as a Shaanxi force between orthodox and unorthodox and prohibited involvement in Central Plains martial affairs until requested by other sects, with a clause to provide only information on the murder ghosts.
"Anything different from the content?"
When Seok Ung-cheon asked, Dae Guhwi shook his head.
"No."
He immediately signed his name in his own hand and stamped his handprint.
"Now, everything is settled."
Bu Eunseol surveyed the room and nodded.
"Having confirmed this Martial Soul Society matter has no connection to this pavilion or this Command Lord, I will take my leave."
At those words, Seok Ung-cheon smiled faintly.
"Please do."
"Then I will leave as well."
Dae Guhwi also clasped hands and left shoulder-to-shoulder with Bu Eunseol.
"Travel safely. Forgive us for not seeing you off."
"No need for words."
As Bu Eunseol and Dae Guhwi departed, the black path leaders burst into sinister laughter without prompting.
"Heh heh heh."
"Hahaha!"
They looked at each other and laughed in satisfaction.
If they had not united, the Martial Soul Society would have risen as a force influencing the Central Plains martial world, dominating it.
"The Martial Soul Command Lord wanted to somehow plant outer forces supporting him in the Central Plains. What a pipe dream."
Jeong Cheolsim said with a sinister laugh.
"From what I hear, his influence in Majeon isn't what it used to be. He must have felt threatened."
If the Martial Soul Society rose as a martial force?
Orthodox or Majeon—anywhere. It would rampage and shift the balance.
But they had foreseen it all.
Even if not benefiting each other, they signed the joint petition to avoid being played by that one force.
"The Martial Soul Command Lord seemed intent on creating another force under the name Martial Soul Society to influence not only demonic but orthodox, black path, and evil sects."
The Mysterious Heaven Sect Leader nodded and said, "By saying he'd join orthodox or black path, he was using sham negotiations to hold out in the Central Plains martial world."
Then Jeong Cheolsim laughed confidently.
"But with this solid joint petition and oath, there's nothing they can do now."
Song Samdo sneered.
"He publicly declared he is absolutely not the leader and put up a fake one to avoid treason charges..." He chuckled and said, "But as a result, he can never interfere in Martial Soul Society matters henceforth. So in the end, there's nothing that man can do."
Those in the conference room all flashed relieved eyes.
The Martial Soul Command Lord, Bu Eunseol.
He was known as a demonic master who had always done righteous deeds, but in truth, all of it was groundwork to create the Martial Soul Society.
The Martial Alliance and black path alliance, quickly realizing his ambition, united instantly to crush it.
"Henceforth, the Martial Soul Society will merely be another name for the Red Sky Veil mercenary market."
Seok Ung-cheon rose and clasped hands.
"Thank you for coming so far. This conference ends here."
Thus ended the Exile Evil Conference.
They left the room with smiles, never dreaming of what would come, and unaware that from now on…
They had taken over what the Infinite Realm should have done.
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