Yuk Cheongah fell into deep contemplation.
After a long while of weighing countless factors, she suddenly let out a cold laugh and rejected the proposal with a single, decisive cut.
“I refuse.”
“Why?”
“If the Alliance Leader truly has such intentions… there would be no need to put forward the Cheongmyeong Hall Leader and create such complicated procedures, would there?”
Yuk Cheongah lifted the corner of her mouth.
“No matter how much support he receives from the Vice-Alliance Leader and numerous other senior leaders, if the Alliance Leader truly wants to eliminate Captain Seon, it would be a simple matter.”
It was a ruthlessly sharp analysis.
Mu Gyeol nodded, readily acknowledging it.
“That is correct.”
“And yet, for Hall Leader Mu to come all the way here and make such a proposal to this Vice-Leader… isn’t that treating me with far too much contempt?”
“You are misunderstanding something, Vice-Leader.”
Mu Gyeol explained calmly, “First, if the Alliance Leader were to pressure the Vice-Alliance Leader and the rest of the senior leadership to eliminate Captain Seon, the risk would be far too great.”
“Risk?”
“The atmosphere in the Alliance is already poor enough. If word ever leaked that the Alliance Leader had given such an order? It would cause an uproar.”
Yuk Cheongah nodded.
The Heavenly Emperor, Shin Domubi, had spent far too long in repeated closed-door training. Moreover, he had been carrying out various matters unilaterally without ever showing his face…
By now, support among the senior leadership and their evaluation of him had become deeply divided.
“That makes sense.”
From the Alliance Leader’s perspective, it was safer to simply place a competitor like Mu Gyeol in the race. Even if things went wrong, he could always shift the blame onto Mu Gyeol’s independent actions.
“But for that very reason, I must refuse your proposal even more firmly.”
Yuk Cheongah made no effort to hide the contempt on her face.
“If things go south, you—Cheongmyeong Hall Leader—will be the one discarded as a pawn. Why should this Vice-Leader board a ship that might sink?”
“Even so, you will have no choice but to choose me.”
Mu Gyeol spoke in an utterly solemn voice.
“Because Hall Leader Yuk will betray you.”
“Betray?”
“Yes.”
Mu Gyeol stared straight into Yuk Cheonga’s eyes and continued, “A man like Hall Leader Yuk never truly trusts anyone. And so far, he has been betrayed countless times by his subordinates.”
“And?”
“Hall Leader Yuk has compiled ledgers recording every single misdeed and corruption of his subordinates.”
A faint, eerie gleam flashed in Mu Gyeol’s eyes.
“Including yours, Vice-Leader—his own flesh and blood.”
After a brief silence, Yuk Cheongah asked, “What evidence do you have for saying that?”
“Search for yourself. Among the documents Hall Leader Yuk has hidden, there will surely be records of the violations you committed in order to assist him.”
Yuk Cheonga’s expression remained calm.
Though Yuk Jangcheon was not particularly outstanding in terms of strategy, she had recently come to realize that he was far more cunning and deeply calculating than she had given him credit for.
That such a man would keep detailed ledgers of his subordinates’ misdeeds and weaknesses was not particularly surprising.
“As Hall Leader Mu says, my father does not trust others. He has suffered countless betrayals from his subordinates. Recently, he was even betrayed by the man he trusted most—Seon Woojin.” Yuk Cheongah wore an expression as if it were no big deal. “Ledgers recording misdeeds? Since ancient times, leaders have used such measures to prevent betrayal from their followers. It is nothing new.”
“I wonder whether you will still say the same after seeing exactly what is written in them.”
“What is written?”
“There’s no point in me telling you—you wouldn’t believe me anyway. Go and see for yourself, Vice-Leader.”
At Mu Gyeol’s confident reply, Yuk Cheongah furrowed her brow.
Now that she thought about it, such behavior was entirely plausible from Yuk Jangcheon’s perspective.
He had been betrayed even by Seon Woojin, whom he trusted so deeply and even by her, once.
From his point of view, there was probably no one left he could trust.
Collecting evidence of wrongdoing from all his subordinates, including herself, was something she had long anticipated.
In truth, Mu Gyeol’s words were not particularly shocking.
But seeing the brazen confidence on his face, she realized it was not merely a collection of ordinary misdeeds.
If he held truly fatal leverage… then even if she died and came back to life, she must never take Yuk Jangcheon’s hand again.
“Very well.”
Yuk Cheongah spoke calmly.
“I will hear more of Cheongmyeong Hall Leader’s proposal.”
***
“The Lord is going personally to one of the Eight Great Families?”
Supreme Pavilion, conference room.
Bu Eunseol was discussing the current examination with the members.
“Since Lord Bukgung has already secured a recommendation letter from the Wudang Sect on your behalf, I don’t think there’s any need to go out of your way to obtain another one.”
Though Seon Woojin was a rising star, he was not yet in a position to easily win the personal support of the sect leaders of the Nine Great Sects or the Palace Masters of the Eight Great Families.
Yet upon hearing about the test, Bukgung Ryeong had gone out of his way to obtain a recommendation letter bearing the personal seal of the Wudang Sect Leader for Seon Woojin—that is, for Bu Eunseol.
“According to the Vice-Alliance Leader’s announcement, there was no mention of how many letters are required. I believe one from Wudang is already sufficient for a Commander candidate.”
Jeong Jongdo nodded in agreement with Tae Muryong’s words. “Indeed. There is no need for the Lord to personally visit any family or sect.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“Of course, I’m not hung up on the number. However, that letter is support given to me by Lord Bukgung. It cannot be said to be something I obtained through my own power.”
He continued calmly.
“At the very least, one must build a base of support through one’s own strength. This Lord believes that is the true core of this examination.”
The members swallowed hard and nodded.
It made sense.
Obtaining the Silver Shield Tower Formation, the defense battle, and now building support…
So far, nothing in this entire process had been remotely advantageous to Bu Eunseol.
Moreover, every test so far had contained hidden intentions.
This one, too, was surely not as simple as merely gathering recommendation letters.
Bu Eunseol believed the key lay in personally securing the support of one of the Nine Great Sects or Eight Great Families.
“Listening to the Lord, it does seem entirely possible.”
All the members, including Tae Muryong, spoke in unison.
“But the Eight Great Families won’t work. Aren’t those places closer to Hall Leader Baek or Vice-Leader Yuk?”
Jeong Jongdo added, “Exactly. No one else might care, but Yuk Cheongah—Vice-Leader Yuk, who has connections in the Eight Great Families—will surely roll up her sleeves and interfere. After all, they can easily obtain recommendation letters from other places anyway.”
The members’ opinions aligned perfectly with Bu Eunseol’s own thoughts.
“That is precisely why I am going.”
Bu Eunseol smiled faintly.
“Since I already received a recommendation letter for free from one of the Nine Great Sects, it seems I should obtain the support of one of the Eight Great Families through my own efforts.”
It was the equivalent of deliberately stepping into a difficult ordeal—no, straight into a pit of fire.
In the end, the members gave up trying to fathom Bu Eunseol’s deeper intentions.
Profound strategy and far-reaching foresight.
Bu Eunseol always anticipated things two or three steps ahead of everyone else.
“Understood. Then we will also prepare diligently from our positions.”
Instead, they resolved to gather information about the situation in the Eight Great Families from wherever they stood, so that the Lord’s visit would succeed.
‘I was right to start with the intelligence corps.’
Bu Eunseol felt a quiet sense of pride.
Thanks to their relentless harsh training, the Supreme Corps members had not only seen their martial prowess surge dramatically, they also possessed outstanding intuition and analytical skills befitting members of an intelligence unit.
While no single member could be called overwhelmingly brilliant in strategy, when they pooled their opinions, they could reach conclusions rivaling those of exceptional tacticians.
“Looking at your expression, Lord, it seems you already have a place in mind.”
At Tae Muryong’s words, Bu Eunseol nodded.
“I do.”
“Where do you plan to go?”
Bu Eunseol gave a faint smile.
“Southern Palace.”
No one knew the Southern Palace as well as Bu Eunseol did.
Not only the Palace Master, Namgung Jeong, but also the personalities and internal affairs of all his children—he understood them thoroughly.
He intended to visit without revealing his true identity, going only as Seon Woojin, to obtain the personal seal of Southern Palace—the foremost of the Eight Great Families—so that no one could later raise any objections about this examination.
After leaving the Martial Alliance, Bu Eunseol headed straight for Southern Palace.
In this test, it was best to reach a place that could be secured as quickly as possible.
After all, the number of places from which recommendation letters could be obtained was limited, while there were four candidates.
The destinations were, in effect, already set.
And for Bu Eunseol, the destination had long been decided.
Southern Palace was the head of the Eight Great Families.
A recommendation letter from here would carry far greater weight than one from any other family.
By contrast, Baek Museong, Mu Gyeol, and Yuk Jangcheon had a wide range of choices.
Baek Museong, disciple of the Buddha Venerable, and Yuk Cheongah, disciple of the South Sea Divine Nun, especially, had been building connections with the leaders of the Nine Great Sects and Eight Great Families since childhood.
No matter where they went, they would easily obtain recommendation letters.
In particular, Yuk Cheongah would be determined to make sure Bu Eunseol failed.
Whoosh!
Bu Eunseol unfolded the righteous faction’s Flowing Cloud Movement Technique as he sped forward.
Yet the speed and stealth he displayed were no different from the Heavenly Dragon Great Net Steps.
His mastery of movement techniques had reached such a profound level that, having attained the realm of Swift Beyond Shadow, he could now freely adapt and display even orthodox movement techniques with perfect fluidity.
Swish!
But then something strange happened.
Suddenly, a blue flash streaked across the distant sky, and a single figure began rapidly closing in on Bu Eunseol.
When he glanced back, he saw a familiar silhouette.
It was Baek Museong.
‘Not Yuk Cheongah, but him.’
As a disciple of the Buddha Venerable, he had built connections with countless leaders of the righteous sects and families since childhood.
He could easily gain support wherever he went.
In the end, it was clear that Baek Museong was not here to obtain a recommendation letter—
He was here to interfere with Bu Eunseol’s attempt to do so.
‘He’s completely changed.’
The old Baek Museong would never have stooped to such petty tactics, even if it cost him his life.
‘Can a person’s true nature change so easily?’
Baek Museong had always been a man of immense pride.
Even when he realized Bu Eunseol’s skill surpassed his own, rather than feeling jealousy, he had felt shame and despair.
Yet now he was resorting to such childish and despicable methods?
‘Is it because of his desperate desire for the Chief Inspector?’
Bu Eunseol actually felt pity for Baek Museong.
When a human blindly craves something unattainable, they can only fall into suffering and despair.
Baek Museong, who had wanted only Gongsun Dankyung, seemed to have lost himself entirely and become a completely different person.
Shuuu!
Finally arriving in the Huangshan region, Bu Eunseol reached the Southern Palace.
‘It hasn’t changed.’
Southern Palace seemed even more prosperous than before with dignitaries from all walks of life constantly coming and going, signing the guest register.
Bu Eunseol walked up to the main gate and handed a visiting card to the guard.
“Supreme Corps Captain of the Martial Alliance, Seon Woojin, has come to pay respects to the Palace Master.”
“Is that so? Please wait a moment.”
Just in case, Bu Eunseol had already sent a letter ahead in the name of the Martial Alliance yet it seemed Southern Palace still intended to verify the visiting card again before informing the Palace Master.
Thud. Thud.
But then Baek Museong, who had followed behind, entered the Namgung estate.
The guards recognized him immediately and bowed respectfully.
“Young Master Baek. It has been quite some time.”
They hurriedly escorted him inside.
“This way, please. We will guide you to the Palace Master.”
Baek Museong didn’t even need a visiting card.
A tree is known by its shade; a man by his name.
As the disciple of the Buddha Venerable who had built connections with the heads of the Eight Great Families since childhood, and who had long enjoyed fame throughout the martial world, Baek Museong was a guest Southern Palace could not possibly ignore.
Heh.
As he walked inside, Baek Museong turned his head and gave Bu Eunseol a mocking smile.
It seemed to say that no matter how hard Bu Eunseol tried, he would never receive a seal here.
Regardless, Bu Eunseol waited quietly.
Finally, the guards returned and began to guide him.
“Would you wait here? We have informed the Palace Master, so he should arrive shortly.”
“Thank you.”
Bu Eunseol sat at the table and waited calmly for Namgung Jeong.
But even after noon passed and the sun began to set, the Palace Master did not appear.
“So this is why righteous martial artists are so desperate to build connections.”
Seon Woojin, too, had risen to become one of the Seven Kings and Four Gods and was now recognized as one of the outstanding young grandmasters of the martial world.
If this had been the Demonic Faction, he would have received ample hospitality without any need for connections or seniority.
But the righteous martial world was different.
No matter how great one’s martial prowess, wisdom, or fame… it was not easy to break through the solid wall of the established senior leadership and privileged class.
Of course, within the Martial Alliance, as a hall leader-level figure, he wielded some influence.
But to the true powers of the martial world, the title of Martial Alliance hall leader carried no real weight.
“So that’s why Hall Leader Yuk desires the Commander position so desperately.”
Once one became Commander, one could personally mobilize entire corps of the Martial Alliance.
It meant having sect-level military power at one’s command, and every move would exert enormous influence on the martial world.
In other words, only by holding such authority could one build connections with the privileged class of the righteous sects without being looked down upon.
“But the Southern Palace Master will come.”
An ordinary person might have felt insulted and left already.
But Bu Eunseol waited patiently for the Southern Palace Master.
The Namgung Jeong he knew, while leading the foremost family of the Eight Great Families, was never an arrogant man who looked down on others.
If he had not appeared despite the respectful visiting card, it was likely either because he was occupied with urgent matters… or because of Baek Museong’s interference.
Creak.
As if to prove it, the door opened, and a tall figure appeared.
It was Baek Museong.
“So you’re still here.”
Baek Museong looked at Bu Eunseol with feigned surprise and spoke.
“Are you still waiting for the Palace Master?”
“Yes.”
“Hahaha.”
Baek Museong shook his head.
“Give up. The Palace Master has already decided to support me.”
When Bu Eunseol gave no reply, he smirked.
“Does it sound like a lie?”
“I don’t think you’ve fallen so far as to tell outright lies.”
“Hahaha.”
Baek Museong laughed cheerfully.
He believed that Bu Eunseol had finally dropped his composure and was now lashing out at him.
But the laughter did not last long.
Because Bu Eunseol’s gaze remained calm—more than that, it even carried a trace of pity.
“You know it’s not a lie, so why are you still sitting here?”
Baek Museong asked sharply, looking at Bu Eunseol’s relaxed expression.
“Shouldn’t you hurry to another place, even if it’s just one day sooner?”
Instead of answering, Bu Eunseol simply smiled.
Seeming annoyed, Baek Museong snorted.
“You think you can still persuade the Palace Master, do you?”
“Brother Baek seems to have a lot of free time.”
“I don’t need to go around begging for seals.”
“…”
“Even if I sit still, recommendation letters bearing seals will be sent to me. How could I not be free?”
“I see. Collect as many as you can, then.”
Bu Eunseol replied calmly.
“As for me, I will be satisfied with receiving the seal of Southern Palace Master.”
“Hahaha. We’ll see about that.”
Baek Museong turned away.
The moment he turned, all the earlier leisure had vanished from Bu Eunseol’s face.
The sun had already begun to set.
Bu Eunseol gazed quietly at the fading sunset outside the window.
He had believed that Namgung Jeong, at the very least, was a man who valued righteousness over status and seniority.
Yet in the end, swayed by Baek Museong’s sweet words and schemes, he had chosen not to show his face at all?
“Excuse me, my lord.”
At that moment, a young servant of the Southern Palace cautiously opened the door to the guest hall and spoke.
“I’m very sorry for keeping you waiting so long.”
“It’s fine.”
“It seems… the Palace Master will not be able to meet you today.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m the one waiting.”
When Bu Eunseol spoke calmly, the young servant bowed his head again, looking awkward.
“In fact, the reception hours for guests have already ended…”
“Reception hours?”
“Yes. It seems you will need to come back tomorrow, my lord, or make another appointment.”
Occasionally, people would come to Southern Palace without an appointment, insisting on meeting the Palace Master or stubbornly waiting.
Because of this, they had established official reception hours, and once evening came, unless the Palace Master specifically mentioned otherwise, anyone who was simply waiting without an appointment would be asked to leave.
“It’s fine.”
“Yes?”
“The Palace Master will come soon.”
The servant scratched his head with a troubled expression.
“My lord, the rules of this house are absolute. No matter who comes—even from the Martial Alliance—they will not be bent.”
The servant phrased it euphemistically as “even from the Martial Alliance,” but the meaning was clear.
Even if the Alliance Leader himself came, the rule would not change.
“I understand. But the Palace Master must have momentarily forgotten that I am waiting—because of someone.”
That “someone” was Baek Museong.
But the servant, unaware of this, bowed his head with an embarrassed look.
“Th-that is…”
“Why hasn’t he been sent out yet?”
At that moment, a huge man—built like three grown men put together, with a deep scar beside his eye—burst into the guest hall.
It was none other than the Iron Wood Hall Leader of Southern Palace, in charge of outer security, the man who had once earned the nickname Wind Dragon Great Hero with his bold swordsmanship—Namgung Gwang.
“The hour of the wine has already passed. Why are the lights still on in the guest hall?”
At the tiger-like roar of Namgung Gwang’s voice, the servant bowed his head.
“This lord here keeps saying he will continue to wait…”
“What? Did you not tell him the rules of this house?”
“I did tell him, but…”
Hearing this, Namgung Gwang glared at Bu Eunseol with wide eyes.
“Once the hour of the wine arrives, all guests except those with inner invitation must leave.”
He spoke politely yet sternly, seemingly aware of Bu Eunseol’s identity.
“Even if you come from the Martial Alliance, there is no exception.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you not leaving?”
“Because the Palace Master will come here.”
“What nonsense…”
Namgung Gwang was about to sneer when he caught sight of the eerie intensity flowing through Bu Eunseol’s clear eyes and faltered for a moment.
‘What kind of eyes are those…’
But martial affairs could not be settled with eyes and aura alone.
Moreover, if he did not immediately drive this man out, the dignity of the Southern Palace would be damaged.
“This Hall Leader does not repeat himself.”
“…”
“If, after my words are finished, you still do not rise from your seat, I will regrettably have to resort to force. Please understand.”
Even at those words, Bu Eunseol merely gave a faint smile.
It was a clear provocation.
‘You bastard!’
Finally unable to endure, just as Namgung Gwang began to raise his inner energy,
Swish.
Bu Eunseol turned his head and pointed outside the guest hall.
Not understanding the gesture, Namgung Gwang frowned.
“What do you mean?”
“Can’t you hear the sound?”
“Sound? What nonsense are you—”
Just as Namgung Gwang was about to shout,
Thud. Thud.
Very faintly, the sound of footsteps could be heard.
In that instant, Namgung Gwang’s eyes wavered.
‘He can hear sounds from thirty zhang away?’
His hearing was exceptional, capable of detecting sounds within thirty zhang.
But the young master before him had been staring outside the door for a long time already…
He was a master with superhuman senses far beyond anything Namgung Gwang could compare to.
‘He is far stronger than the rumors say.’
Gulp.
As Namgung Gwang stared tensely at the door,
Thud. Thud.
With light footsteps, the door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed in blue entered the guest hall.
He had refined features and a rich, well-groomed beard; at first glance, he looked almost like a scholar.
Yet his eyes were as clear as a lake, and an untouchable aura flowed from his entire body.
It was the current head of Southern Palace—Namgung Jeong.
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