Yet Do Cheonlin, who had been listening silently, blinked at Dae Guhwi.
“Are you perhaps under the impression that a ‘direct collision’ means a full-scale righteous-demon war?”
“Huh?” Dae Guhwi blinked in confusion. “Isn’t it?”
“Of course not.”
Do Cheonlin let out a deep sigh and shook his head.
“What the Chief Strategist described as a direct collision does not mean a righteous-demon war.”
After glancing briefly at Dam Yuyeon, he rose from his seat and continued.
“For generations, Majeon and the Martial Alliance have clashed and tested each other’s strength repeatedly. If something like this were enough to ignite a righteous-demon war… they would have fought dozens more times by now.”
“Then…”
“Both sides are simply maintaining the standoff out of pride. One side had its highest leadership secretly ambushed and the other saw an entire ultra-secret elite unit they had painstakingly nurtured wiped out. If they don’t at least posture like this, neither coalition can save face.”
“I see.”
Only then did Dae Guhwi nod, as if something had finally clicked.
“If clashes of this level could spark a righteous-demon war… then third parties like the black path would have endlessly provoked collisions between Majeon and the Martial Alliance long ago.”
“Exactly.”
At that, Dae Guhwi let out a relieved laugh while stroking his chest.
“I didn’t realize… I actually thought Lord Bing was eagerly anticipating a righteous-demon war.”
The innocent look on Dae Guhwi’s face caused brief laughter to ripple through the room.
As the atmosphere softened, Bu Eunseol scanned the group and spoke.
“However, this incident touched none other than the Intelligence and Secret Affairs Division Lord—who can be considered the Martial Alliance’s top inspector. The standoff will likely last quite a while. The Martial Alliance’s prestige has taken a considerable hit.”
Narrowing his eyes behind the silk veil, he continued, “It would be ideal if we could use this chance to bring all of Shaanxi fully into our Martial Soul Society’s sphere of influence.”
“The opposition from Mount Hua and Zhongnan won’t be easy to overcome,” Yoo Hwaryeong said, shaking her head.
“They have no intention of caring about the posturing between the Martial Alliance and Majeon. Their minds are fully set on suppressing our Society. After all, they’ve always regarded Shaanxi as their own backyard.”
“Correct.”
Bu Eunseol replied calmly.
“But it can be handled.”
“How so?”
Bu Eunseol drew a single letter from his robes and handed it to Yoo Hwaryeong.
“This.”
As Yoo Hwaryeong read down the page, his eyes widened.
“Is this true?”
“It is.”
“If this is genuine… then yes, it could work, but—”
Unable to contain his curiosity, Do Cheonlin stepped beside him and read the letter together.
“This cannot be done.”
Having finished reading, Do Cheonlin shook his head.
“In the short term, this method might succeed. But in the long run, it will turn the Mount Hua Sect into an irreconcilable enemy. We will become foes who cannot coexist.”
“Coexist?” Bu Eunseol’s gaze was calm yet razor-sharp. “Did you think the Martial Soul Society could wedge itself between the righteous and demonic paths and live in cozy harmony with everyone?”
“…”
“In the end, they are all enemies. Whether by strength or any other means, they must be surpassed.”
Do Cheonlin took a deep breath.
He had always proclaimed the Society’s neutral stance between righteous and demonic paths, keeping a low profile. He assumed they would use the tension between Majeon and the Martial Alliance to quietly root themselves in between.
But from the beginning, Bu Eunseol had judged every faction as an enemy and was already devising every possible method to overcome them.
“Then what about Zhongnan?” Dae Guhwi asked.
Bu Eunseol answered, “If Mount Hua does not step forward, Zhongnan will lie low for the time being. They always have.”
The lips hidden behind the silk veil curved into a wide smile.
“Still, they have the pride of being one of the Nine Great Sects, so there will be a certain level of conflict.”
The statement meant that if clashes occurred, he was prepared to resolve them with force—up to a certain point.
“As I said earlier, this time our unit must take action.” Bing Hanpung spoke up at that moment. “I’ve always wanted to test myself against the orthodox sword arts of the Central Plains at least once.”
“Very well.” Bu Eunseol nodded. “I will entrust any conflict with Zhongnan to the Glacial Vanguard. However, they will be obsessed with preserving face, so crush them just enough—then they will withdraw on their own.”
“Understood.”
Turning to Dae Guhwi, Bu Eunseol asked, “Is the Beast Corps ready?”
“We can move out at any time.”
“The Beast Corps will henceforth handle the sects we intend to absorb. Some sects will never bow their heads unless shown an overwhelming difference in power.”
The beast martial arts of the Wild Beast Palace were fierce and practical, unlike those of the Central Plains.
Moreover, when beast martial arts were unleashed, the practitioner’s physical appearance transformed into something terrifying.
Nothing broke an enemy’s momentum faster.
“Which sects do you plan to absorb?” asked Yoo Hwaryeong, the ever-silent Chief Steward.
War, in the end, came down to money.
The side with the stronger financial power usually determined the outcome.
“My thoughts are as follows…”
Once again, Bu Eunseol put his heads together with them, holding deep discussions in the meeting hall.
Shaanxi—long the sphere of influence of the orthodox sects and the traditional stronghold of the Mount Hua Sect.
From this base, they would gradually advance toward becoming a colossal coalition dominating the Central Plains.
—The Martial Soul Society has begun expanding its power.
Fresh news spread across the martial world.
After the Ghost Children incident, the long-dormant neutral coalition between righteous and demonic paths had finally begun active operations.
They were absorbing or annexing large and small sects across Shaanxi, steadily growing stronger.
The Martial Soul Society.
They possessed two elite strike teams from the outer great sects as their main force, along with the Mercenary Corps. They could also mobilize the Thunder Spirit Gate’s Swift Thunder Corps.
Rumors said they wielded immense financial power as well—enough to force sects to kneel through money alone if they wished.
Yet instead of using force or wealth to coerce submission, they absorbed sects through remarkably generous and friendly means.
They showed no discrimination against small sects.
Simply joining granted access to superior martial arts and formations regardless of prior affiliation.
Never before in the martial world had a coalition expanded in such a way.
—Let’s go to the Martial Soul Society!
Small sects that had long been squeezed between the great factions, never able to claim a proper sphere of influence, now rushed to join in droves.
—This is dangerous.
As the Martial Soul Society expanded its territory, the Mount Hua Sect—historically the dominant power in Shaanxi—grew deeply uncomfortable.
The emergence of new coalitions in the martial world was inevitable.
But a coalition that declared itself neutral between righteous and demonic paths had never existed in martial history.
Its banner and purpose were vague at best.
The very term “neutral between righteous and demonic” meant creating an independent power structure beholden to no side.
In other words—orthodox, demonic, black path, unorthodox…
It received support from none and could be attacked by all at once.
Yet the Martial Soul Society proudly proclaimed itself such a neutral coalition and not content with that, it was absorbing small sects—sometimes peacefully, sometimes by force—spreading across all of Shaanxi.
From Mount Hua’s perspective, this was an intolerable disruption of Shaanxi’s power structure.
They could never sit idly by.
Martial Soul Society — Guest Reception Pavilion.
This was the place prepared to receive distinguished visitors to the Society.
Inside the elegantly furnished hall stood a large table. Fragrant longjing tea had been prepared atop it.
Seated across from it was a middle-aged man with rather dark skin.
It was Mount Hua Sect Elder Yeop Gwang.
Finally, concerned by the Martial Soul Society’s expansion across Shaanxi, Mount Hua had sent an envoy to convey their unease.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
A woman in yellow robes entered the pavilion.
Her skin was snow-white, her eyes sparkled brilliantly.
It was the Martial Soul Society’s Chief Strategist, Dam Yuyeon.
“I am Dam Yuyeon.”
“I am Yeop Gwang.”
After a polite greeting, Yeop Gwang immediately cut to the chase.
“Our sect can no longer tolerate the Martial Soul Society expanding its influence in Shaanxi.”
Without waiting for Dam Yuyeon’s reply, he continued.
“Shaanxi has been a peaceful region for generations. This reckless annexation of sects is nothing less than a direct threat to our sect.” Pausing briefly, Yeop Gwang spoke with arrogant finality. “If you do not comply, we will immediately sweep the Martial Soul Society from Shaanxi without leaving a trace.”
Dam Yuyeon’s eyes narrowed.
At last, Mount Hua was preparing to launch a full-scale offensive against the Martial Soul Society.
Yeop Gwang looked at her with an arrogant smile.
He had every confidence.
Mount Hua possessed not only martial strength but generations of accumulated connections. From government offices and merchant guilds to key positions within the Martial Alliance—Mount Hua people were everywhere.
In the end, provoking Mount Hua meant provoking the Martial Alliance itself.
To make an enemy of Mount Hua was to stand against the countless networks they had built over centuries—including the full might of the Martial Alliance.
For a newborn coalition like the Martial Soul Society, it was an impossible burden.
“I believe it is not appropriate for the Mount Hua Sect to interfere in or pass judgment on our Society’s activities.”
At Dam Yuyeon’s response, Yeop Gwang raised an eyebrow.
“Are you saying you will continue expanding in Shaanxi as before?”
“It is not expansion—it is a natural development.” Dam Yuyeon spoke calmly. “We are not a single sect; we are a coalition between righteous and demonic paths. How can we possibly stop other sects from joining us?”
“You are rejecting our sect’s proposal, then.”
“I do not consider a sect as massive as Mount Hua attempting to interfere in our Society’s affairs to be a mere ‘proposal.’”
“I see. Very well.” Yeop Gwang rose as though further conversation was pointless. “I will faithfully convey your Society’s position to our sect leader. Do not regret this.”
As he turned to leave—
“One moment.”
At Dam Yuyeon’s call, Yeop Gwang’s lips curled.
‘Hmph. As expected.’
No matter how large their force, they could not possibly take root in Shaanxi while opposing Mount Hua.
“You have more to say?”
As Yeop Gwang sneered, Dam Yuyeon spoke.
“Please deliver this to your sect leader.”
What she held out was a small letter.
“What is this?”
At Yeop Gwang’s question, Dam Yuyeon smiled.
“Your sect leader will understand once he reads it.”
“I cannot simply deliver any letter to the sect leader.”
“Are you worried there might be poison on it?”
At Dam Yuyeon’s enigmatic smile, Yeop Gwang replied irritably,
“As an envoy, I have the right to inspect the contents immediately.”
“Do as you wish.”
Yeop Gwang opened the letter at once and began to read.
His body trembled like an aspen leaf with every line.
The letter contained something utterly unbelievable—and something that must never be known: the darkest disgrace of the Mount Hua Sect.
“How…?”
As Yeop Gwang asked in a cold sweat,
“Deliver this clearly to your sect leader.”
Dam Yuyeon spoke in a clear, ringing voice.
“If the Mount Hua Sect shows even the slightest sign of obstructing our Society’s activities, be prepared to face sect closure.”
It was an utterly humiliating statement.
Yet Yeop Gwang could say nothing.
The contents of the letter detailed none other than the gravest scandal of Mount Hua—the crimes of Elder Chae Ju-heung.
Despite being a Mount Hua elder, Chae Ju-heung had colluded with outside forces, abducted young women from brothels and teahouses, and committed heinous acts.
Only after his death did Mount Hua belatedly learn the truth.
Fortunately, heaven had mercy—the matter never leaked outside.
Mount Hua immediately buried every piece of evidence, ensuring no one would ever know of Chae Ju-heung’s crimes.
But now the Martial Soul Society held every shred of proof?
If this became public knowledge?
Mount Hua would not escape the accusation of being a den that raised flowers of corruption.
They would also face massive reparations to the abducted women.
The letter named names, listed victims, and provided irrefutable evidence.
If they dared interfere with the Martial Soul Society’s activities, as Dam Yuyeon said, Mount Hua would have to prepare for—at minimum—closure of the sect.
“I understand.”
Yeop Gwang moved sluggishly, as though drenched in water, and bowed his head.
“I will convey it exactly as written to the sect leader.”
Without raising his eyes, he left the Guest Reception Pavilion.
Having their disgrace seized by the Martial Soul Society meant that—even as the Society ran rampant across Shaanxi—Mount Hua could do nothing.
—Is the Martial Soul Society becoming the hegemon of Shaanxi?
It was astonishing news.
For generations Shaanxi had been orthodox territory, rooted deeply by Mount Hua and Zhongnan yet in barely two months, the Martial Soul Society had absorbed numerous sects and vastly expanded its reach.
Two reasons made this possible.
First, the Martial Alliance and Majeon remained locked in razor-sharp confrontation.
Second, the only force capable of stopping the Society’s annexations—Mount Hua—had suddenly gone silent and acquiesced.
—We cannot sit idly while the Martial Soul Society grows!
Finally, unable to bear it, Martial Alliance branches within Shaanxi rose up to pressure the Society.
But each time, Majeon branches hovered like vultures, watching for any chance to raid the Martial Alliance branches.
—Move your forces. We’ll wipe you out immediately.
—These bastards…?
From the Martial Alliance’s perspective, it was maddening.
Shaanxi had always been righteous territory.
If Mount Hua and Zhongnan could not stop it, the Martial Alliance had to defend it.
Yet every time they tried, Majeon lurked, waiting to strike an empty house…
In the end, the Martial Alliance was powerless.
—Are you simply going to watch this neutral righteous-demonic coalition grow?
The Martial Alliance panicked and, wary of the Martial Soul Society’s potential, tried to persuade Majeon.
But Majeon remained relaxed.
—Shaanxi was never our territory anyway, was it?
From Majeon’s viewpoint, it was far better for a newborn fledgling like the Martial Soul Society to take Shaanxi than for the Martial Alliance—the real threat—to do so.
There was no need to join forces with the Martial Alliance to suppress the Society that was upending Shaanxi.
—What in the world happened? Is something wrong with Mount Hua?
Unable to stand it any longer, Zhongnan attempted to coordinate with Mount Hua once more to restrain the Martial Soul Society.
But Mount Hua remained immovable and sent back an absurd reply.
—Isn’t it a neutral coalition anyway? They aren’t invading anywhere, so our sect will pay it no mind.
Zhongnan was dumbfounded.
But if Mount Hua refused, they could not drag them along by force to negotiate.
—Our sect will never tolerate the Martial Soul Society encroaching on our sphere!
In the end, fighting broke out between the Martial Soul Society and Zhongnan, using Xi’an as the boundary line.
Though not a full frontal clash, the Glacial Vanguard—the Society’s main force—collided with Zhongnan’s first-generation disciples.
Naturally, the battle ended in complete victory for the Glacial Vanguard, which wielded the supreme secret arts of the North Sea Ice Palace.
Zhongnan gritted their teeth, but continuing the fight was impossible.
In reality, the combined strength of the Society—its outer-region strike teams, mercenary forces, and the Shaanxi sects it had already absorbed—held overwhelming superiority.
If it escalated to total war, even Zhongnan’s roots would be shaken.
In the end, they too had no choice but to step back and watch the Martial Soul Society grow.
With pressure from the Martial Alliance branches, Mount Hua, and Zhongnan gone, the Martial Soul Society annexed three small sects and absorbed five more.
They extended their reach into the strategic heartlands—Xi’an Prefecture, Hanzhong Prefecture, and Gongchang Prefecture.
In effect, the Martial Soul Society had become the most influential coalition in Shaanxi.
***
Martial Alliance, Supreme Pavilion, Seon Woojin’s office.
‘This should be enough.’
Having returned to the Martial Alliance, Bu Eunseol was writing letters without pause, brush in hand.
Using the Amcheondae’s ambush and the Dongrim Pavilion Lord’s assassination attempt, he had maneuvered Majeon and the Martial Alliance into a frozen standoff. By exploiting that icy tension, he had steadily and safely expanded the Martial Soul Society’s power.
‘Rising in status certainly has its advantages.’
Setting the brush down for a moment, Bu Eunseol smiled.
By climbing to a high position within the Martial Alliance, he gained the ability to investigate the movements of Alliance division leaders.
Moreover, it became possible to pit Majeon and the Martial Alliance against each other.
‘The Martial Soul Society must grow even larger.’
Becoming hegemon of Shaanxi was, for now, only temporary.
If their power grew uncontrollably?
The Martial Alliance might swallow the losses and impose sanctions, or Mount Hua might change its mind.
In such a case, the Society could find itself facing the full might of the orthodox martial world.
‘In the end, we must fundamentally drain strength from both sides.’
Using Majeon and the Martial Alliance to wear each other down had limits.
Unless a righteous-demon war actually erupted, the standoff would eventually fade.
Ultimately, the Martial Soul Society had to seize the accumulated power of both righteous and demonic paths.
In other words—absorbing the existing great sects was the only path to further growth.
“But…”
Suddenly Bu Eunseol let out a hollow laugh.
“To think it would come to this.”
He had never cared about hegemony or factional power in the martial world, nor had he any intention of getting involved.
He had entered the martial world solely to find the one who brutally murdered his grandfather.
In the end, however, to track down his grandfather’s killer, he had overturned every force in the three realms.
In the worst case, he would have to shatter them all.
Ultimately, he might even have to seize hegemony over the entire martial world.
“Sigh…”
A deep sigh escaped him.
Bu Eunseol was a man who never yielded to any hardship, yet looking back, no situation had ever felt so absurd.
“In the end, creating the Martial Soul Society was inevitable.”
Taking up the brush again, Bu Eunseol drew a deep breath.
The one hopeful thing—unlike the past—was that now he could see a path forward.
By investigating with the power of both righteous and demonic sides and growing the Martial Soul Society, he would surely uncover the culprits behind his grandfather’s and parents’ deaths.
‘Now… perhaps I should look at the Poison Classic for a while.’
Whenever he had time, he relentlessly studied poison-related secret manuals—seeking ways to neutralize the deadly gu poison that the Martial Venerable had inflicted on his subordinates.
Knock knock.
At that moment, a knock sounded, followed by Tae Muryong’s voice.
“Division Lord, it is Tae Muryong.”
“Come in.”
Tae Muryong entered cautiously and immediately opened his mouth.
Only half a day had passed since Bu Eunseol entered the office yet the desk was already piled high with books and documents that would normally take Tae Muryong a full month to review.
“Division Lord, your health—”
No matter how great one’s martial arts or how immune to fatigue, mental stamina had limits.
Tae Muryong worried Bu Eunseol’s body would wear down.
“I’m fine.”
Setting aside the Poison Classic he had been glancing at, Bu Eunseol asked, “What is it?”
“A secret missive has arrived from the Death Spirit Corps addressed to you.”
As Bu Eunseol read the letter, his expression grew grave.
‘The Tang Clan…?’
The envelope bore the official seal of the Sichuan Tang Clan—plum blossom leaves in water.
And the contents were utterly shocking.
‘Why…’
Focus vanished from Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
This letter was a blood-sealed challenge to mortal combat.
And it was sent by none other than the father of his very first friend in the martial world—the current head of the Sichuan Tang Clan, Tang Pae.
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