Bu Eunseol wore a dazed expression.
“The task of protecting the martial world…”
“Indeed.”
“What on earth did he do that made him claim he was protecting the martial world?”
Bukgung Ryeong shook his head.
“I asked the exact same question. But he said it was something that must never be leaked to the outside under any circumstances, so he hoped I would understand his inability to speak of it.”
“So what did you say?”
“Well, I couldn’t figure out the details, but when even the Heavenly Emperor was ready to kneel before me… I had no choice but to accept. Still, ever since that day, I’ve found it hard to shake the impression that the Martial Alliance has become rotten.”
“I see.”
Only then did Bu Eunseol finally resolve the two lingering doubts he had always carried.
Why Bukgung Ryeong had hated the Martial Alliance so intensely all this time, and why he kept calling it rotten.
‘He had every reason to think that way.’
To witness the symbol of integrity—the Heavenly Emperor—using his authority to cover for the Martial Venerable…
It was inevitable that Bukgung Ryeong would conclude the Martial Alliance itself had become corrupt.
‘So the Heavenly Emperor and the Martial Venerable were far more than simple sworn brothers.’
The fact that the Heavenly Emperor had revealed to his sworn brother, the Martial Venerable, a secret passage connected to Heaven and Earth Pavilion.
It wasn’t merely for discreet meetings—it meant the two of them were jointly carrying out some kind of plan.
‘It’ll come to light soon. Just as everything else has.’
Neither the Heavenly Emperor nor the Martial Venerable could possibly be unaware of abyssal forces like the True Demon or the Baekri Family. If they truly did something for the sake of protecting the martial world? Then sooner or later… it would inevitably rise to the surface.
“So, are you leaving the Martial Alliance for the sake of your subordinates’ safety?”
“Yes. I came here to find the villain who killed my grandfather, but I don’t think I can endure any longer.”
“Your grandfather?”
“Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Bu Zhanyang.”
In truth, Bu Eunseol had long wanted to honestly reveal his background to Bukgung Ryeong. But because Bukgung Ryeong had once said, ‘There’s no need to explain everything to me one by one,’ he had kept silent until now.
Yet the time had come when Bukgung Ryeong had to listen, whether he wanted to or not.
“That person was my grandfather.”
Bukgung Ryeong’s eyes widened.
Seven-Finger Demon Blade, Bu Zhanyang.
His final whereabouts were said to be with the vice-lord of Majeon, yet in reality he was an unrivaled great master who left countless traces across the martial world and a monstrous butcher who slaughtered innumerable people.
“You’re his bloodline?”
“Yes. However, the version of my grandfather known to the martial world differs somewhat from the one I knew.”
Bu Eunseol calmly explained what he knew of his grandfather’s life.
Because hostility had flickered in Bukgung Ryeong’s eyes.
After all, someone who slaughtered so many regardless of righteous or demonic affiliation… In truth, hardly any member of the orthodox sects did not harbor hatred toward Seven-Finger Demon Blade Bu Zhanyang.
“…You have no reason to lie about this, I suppose.”
After hearing the full story, Bukgung Ryeong nodded in acceptance.
“I didn’t witness it myself, after all.”
Truly strange.
Among those who roamed the martial world, almost no one had never encountered his grandfather.
Yet Bukgung Ryeong alone had never once clashed with him.
“Who in the world could have killed such a master swordsman?”
“To be precise, it wasn’t the culprit who killed him. My grandfather gave up his own life to protect me.” Bu Eunseol clenched his fist tightly. “Of course, there must be circumstances no one knows about. Even the greatest martial artists in the world have yet to uncover the reason.”
With a sigh, he explained in detail how his grandfather had died, what characteristics the culprit possessed, and even how the Returning to One Realm had taken away his grandfather’s corpse as well…
“An unbelievable story—no, an outrageous story.”
Bukgung Ryeong wore a stunned expression.
The barrage of shocking revelations made his head spin.
“Do you happen to know anything related to the culprit?”
After sinking into deep thought for a long while at Bu Eunseol’s question, Bukgung Ryeong shook his head.
“Even though this old man wandered the martial world for so long, I have never heard of anyone who reached the pinnacle of demonic swordsmanship, mastered the Tianzhu Confucian Fist, and used one of Sahyang’s hidden weapons.”
“I see.”
“But one thing is certain.”
Then Bukgung Ryeong said something unexpected.
“The culprit most likely prepared those three specific conditions in order to face the Seven-Finger Demon Blade.”
“What do you mean?”
“If a demonic cultivator killed the Seven-Finger Demon Blade Bu Zhanyang, they would have gained fame comparable to the supreme demonic master… If an orthodox cultivator did it, they would have obtained honor beyond description.”
Bukgung Ryeong continued.
“According to your words, Seven-Finger Demon Blade had reached an absolute invincibility that even the super-experts of his era could not touch. Yet the one who killed such a person hides it completely and lives quietly like a dead rat?”
“…”
“Moreover, would anyone dare wear Sahyang's hidden weapons against a master of Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s caliber unless there was a special reason?”
After pondering for a moment, Bu Eunseol spoke.
“You’re saying those things were specific conditions prepared to kill my grandfather?”
“Otherwise, who would dare attempt to assassinate someone like Seven-Finger Demon Blade alone?”
Bukgung Ryeong’s reasoning made sense.
No matter how powerful Sahyang's hidden weapons or the Rotten and Decaying Poison might be, they could never have worked on Bu Zhanyang under normal circumstances. Yet the culprit deliberately used them and even left behind such distinctive traces as demonic swordsmanship and Tianzhu Confucian Fist.
That suggested those were not merely the culprit’s natural specialties or habits but rather specially arranged conditions to threaten or kill Bu Zhanyang.
After long contemplation, Bu Eunseol spoke again.
“It could be… but couldn’t it simply be someone from the Three Realms’ upper echelons who favors Sahyang's weapons, or perhaps a vassal of the True Demon?”
“True Demon? Who is this True Demon?”
When Bukgung Ryeong asked back, Bu Eunseol gave a wry smile.
Only then did he realize he had omitted the single most important piece of information until now.
“You really did spend your time in the Martial Alliance just raising the next generation, didn’t you?”
Understanding Bu Eunseol’s implication, Bukgung Ryeong let out a snort.
“Did you think this old man, at my age, would suddenly start running an intelligence organization and meddling in the martial world’s affairs?”
“I understand. In any case, the True Demon is…”
Bu Eunseol began explaining in detail once more—the legend of the True Demon and his subordinate vassals.
After listening to everything, Bukgung Ryeong opened his mouth in disbelief.
“Are you telling this old man to believe such a story?”
Bukgung Ryeong’s reaction was perfectly natural. No one in the martial world who heard this would readily accept or believe it from the start.
The legend of the True Demon was that outrageous and upended every common assumption that existed.
“Until now, the hidden powers of the martial world and the super-experts who possessed formidable intelligence networks all knew these facts.”
Bu Eunseol wore a bitter expression.
“I’ve always been on the side chasing hidden truths.”
“So it’s the truth, then.”
Bukgung Ryeong looked ashamed.
He had walked the martial world alone his entire life and accomplished countless feats, yet in the end he had never acquired true ‘influence’ or ‘information.’ That was why, whenever he listened to Bu Eunseol, he sometimes felt how empty his past days had been.
“Well, you were just trying to do good in your own way, weren’t you?”
Sensing Bukgung Ryeong’s feelings, Bu Eunseol spoke comfortingly.
“In my case, the very people who stole my grandfather’s corpse were already connected to the abyss of the martial world. I had no choice but to build and operate an information network from the beginning.”
“There’s no need for consolation. My generation has passed anyway.”
Ever since meeting Bu Eunseol, he had felt his own era had come to an end. Because of that, even his once fierce and fiery temperament had almost completely faded.
“Anyway.” Bukgung Ryeong waved his hand. “What’s certain is that the culprit is neither from the Three Realms nor the True Demon you spoke of.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Intuition. If the culprit were an expert from the Human Heavens… there would have been no need to go through such troublesome preparations.”
If it were a master capable of fighting his grandfather one-on-one?
There would be no need to bother with Sahyang's hidden weapons, Tianzhu Confucian Fist, or such bizarre demonic swordsmanship.
“It is said that Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s swordsmanship has never been broken by any method. Yet the culprit deliberately left such traces on purpose.”
His deduction was quite plausible.
“In short, the fact that the culprit used Sahyang's hidden weapons, the Tianzhu Confucian Fist, and an unprecedented bizarre demonic swordsmanship…” Bu Eunseol said calmly, “…means it is highly probable they are not great martial arts or techniques in themselves, but rather connected in some way to my grandfather.”
“Exactly. It was probably…”
As he continued, Bukgung Ryeong’s expression turned strange.
He hadn’t expected this wooden block of a man to look so astonished.
The only way this fellow ever showed emotion was through slight shifts in his eyes or eyebrows.
But now, instead of earnestly listening to his story, he was intently observing Bukgung Ryeong’s own expressions and eyes with a subtle gaze?
Only then did Bukgung Ryeong recall one fact.
This guy was terrifyingly intelligent.
Intelligent enough to surpass even Gongsun Dankyung, whom no one could match in wisdom and strategy.
There was no way such a person would fail to grasp what Bukgung Ryeong himself had already guessed.
“Why did you deliberately throw me clues about the killer of Seven-Finger Demon Blade, while observing this old man’s physiological reactions and facial expressions?”
In an instant, a flash passed through Bukgung Ryeong’s eyes.
“Are you testing me right now?”
Only then did he realize why Bu Eunseol had listened so seriously to the analysis of Seven-Finger Demon Blade’s death.
It was to test him.
“To find out whether even this old man belongs to their faction?”
Bukgung Ryeong trembled with anger.
If he himself had been part of the Three Realms or a vassal of the True Demon, he would never have offered such an analysis—he would have subtly steered suspicion toward the enemy faction as much as possible.
“It’s not quite right to call it a test.”
Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“I simply wanted to know what you truly thought about my grandfather’s death.”
“You’ve already investigated everyone in the Martial Alliance who could be investigated. Were you trying to interrogate me before you leave?”
“Why do you think that? I was merely telling you about my circumstances.” Bu Eunseol shook his head again. “I only confirmed your thoughts through our conversation.”
“That’s exactly what a test is, you brat!” Bukgung Ryeong glared with wide eyes. “Because of you I even entered the Martial Alliance, and yet you were suspecting me?”
Although there was an age gap, he had considered them friends who transcended generations.
He had been willing to help even at the risk of his life.
He had trusted this man beyond righteous and demonic divisions, yet he was being suspected?
“I have no further business with you.”
“Old man.”
“I know. Given everything you’ve been through, you couldn’t trust anyone. No—you shouldn’t have.”
Considering all that Bu Eunseol had experienced, trusting anyone at all was practically impossible.
“But listen.”
Bukgung Ryeong stared straight into Bu Eunseol’s eyes and spoke word by word.
“Sometimes in this world, there are moments when you must show absolute trust.”
Bukgung Ryeong was one of the most renowned righteous heroes of the orthodox sects. Nevertheless, he had trusted and believed in Bu Eunseol, the successor of Majeon, listened to him, entered the Martial Alliance, and even became a vassal.
Yet Bu Eunseol still did not trust him—he calculated and analyzed him.
In that case… such a relationship could no longer be maintained.
“I’m leaving.”
As Bukgung Ryeong stood up,
“Old man.”
Bu Eunseol spoke in the most serious and grave voice imaginable.
“If our relationship were going to end here between just the two of us, I would never have tried to fathom your intentions.”
“What nonsense are you spouting?”
Contempt poured from Bukgung Ryeong’s eyes.
“Who else is in this room besides you and me?”
“In the future, you will become the Alliance Leader who must take responsibility for and command countless lives. At the very least, shouldn’t we clearly confirm that you are not a vassal of the Three Realms or the True Demon?”
“Alliance Leader?”
Bukgung Ryeong snorted.
“Are you telling me to become the Martial Alliance Leader now?”
Before Bu Eunseol could say anything, he declared firmly, “Forget it. I will never become the Martial Alliance Leader or anything of the sort.”
“Not the Martial Alliance Leader.”
Bu Eunseol spoke in an incomparably solemn voice.
“I named it the Azure Sky Alliance.”
“Azure Sky Alliance?”
“Yes.”
Radiance burst from Bu Eunseol’s eyes.
“The name of the new orthodox coalition. For true orthodox cultivators.”
Bukgung Ryeong was dumbfounded.
A new orthodox coalition out of nowhere?
“What are you talking about? Are you saying you’re going to create a new Martial Alliance?”
“Yes.”
“Impossible.” Bukgung Ryeong shook his head in disbelief. “Do you know why the Martial Alliance is the Martial Alliance?”
He spoke with grave dignity.
“Because every sect that has carried on its lineage for generations is registered within the Martial Alliance. It is utterly impossible for a new orthodox coalition to arise.”
Bukgung Ryeong sighed.
“Of course, things like the Yangguang Martial Alliance or the Jiangnan Martial Alliance have been created. But they remain nothing more than the scale of a single sect or loose coalition—that’s precisely why.”
He clicked his tongue.
“And now you suddenly want to create an orthodox coalition? You—a demonic cultivator?”
“I’m not the one creating it.”
Bu Eunseol said calmly.
“It will be created by the warriors of the Martial Alliance—including you—who have not been tainted by external forces.”
“What?” Bukgung Ryeong’s eyes widened.
Creating a new coalition with warriors from the Martial Alliance itself?
That was sheer madness.
“And if I had truly suspected you, I would have used a different method.”
Bu Eunseol extended his right hand.
A white current of energy unfurled from his body, bringing forth a strange wind.
“What is that?”
“Heavenly Mirror Heart Sutra.”
Bu Eunseol said calmly.
“There were countless opportunities to use it covertly until now. Yet I never did. Not even once.”
“…”
“Not even up to the moment I told you my entire story in this sealed room.”
If he had truly suspected Bukgung Ryeong, he would have used the Heavenly Mirror Heart Sutra without hesitation.
But he had not.
That meant he, too, had genuinely trusted Bukgung Ryeong.
“How did you learn the Heavenly Emperor’s Heavenly Mirror Heart Sutra?”
“My grandfather transmitted it to me. When I was young my body was too frail—even when he infused me with his true energy, it only lasted temporarily.”
For the first time, Bukgung Ryeong’s hardened expression softened slightly.
He finally realized that Bu Eunseol had not suspected him but had trusted him, which was why he had told him all this.
“I only wanted to gauge your intentions in order to make you the Azure Sky Alliance Leader. If things go wrong, innocent warriors will lose their lives.”
“I understand what you mean, but it’s impossible.”
Perhaps feeling guilty for having misunderstood Bu Eunseol’s deeper intentions and snapping at him, the embarrassed Bukgung Ryeong changed the subject back to the Azure Sky Alliance.
“Do you really think you can pluck warriors from the Martial Alliance like dried persimmons? If you did such a thing, even without the hidden forces intervening, the Martial Venerable—who is currently acting as Alliance Leader—would roll up his sleeves and step forward himself.”
Orthodox cultivators are not lenient toward rebellion.
Moreover, if someone started pulling their own people away to form a new coalition, it was obvious the Martial Alliance would mobilize all its forces to stop it. Above all, the acting Alliance Leader, the Martial Venerable, would never tolerate it.
“I’ll handle that part myself.” Bu Eunseol replied, “I’ve been preparing for this for a very long time.”
“You’re not planning to blackmail the Martial Venerable, are you?” Bukgung Ryeong looked worried. “I know your martial prowess is extraordinary. But you must never underestimate him. Aside from the Righteous and Demonic Twin Heavenly Emperors , he is evaluated as the strongest in the martial world.”
He added, “Moreover, just having the dual identity of the number one sage of the martial world makes him an opponent you can never take lightly.”
“Don’t worry. That won’t happen.”
“Fine. I won’t worry about that part then… Find someone else more suitable.”
Bukgung Ryeong said firmly, “I have no desire to become the head of any sect or coalition.”
“That is impossible.”
“Why?”
Bu Eunseol declared resolutely.
“If not you, then who will lead the truly righteous and chivalrous figures within the Martial Alliance?”
“What?”
“Should they just stay in this rotten Martial Alliance and be used by the forces of darkness until they’re satisfied?”
“That’s-”
When Bukgung Ryeong couldn’t continue, Bu Eunseol waved his hand.
“In any case, now that you know all the secrets, it’s no longer safe for you to remain in the Martial Alliance.”
Knowing such secrets meant becoming that much more dangerous.
Bukgung Ryeong could no longer stay comfortably in the Martial Alliance.
“So trust me and try leading a proper orthodox coalition for once.”
“You brat, you say that but you plan to make me a figurehead, don’t you?”
“With that temper of yours, becoming a figurehead? A few words and you’d threaten to quit on the spot.”
“You know me too well.”
“Then that means you accept.”
“When did I-”
Bu Eunseol spoke in an extremely low and serious voice.
“The orthodox path needs someone like you—a genuine, proper orthodox cultivator. So do your best.”
“A genuine… orthodox cultivator.”
Bukgung Ryeong wore a dazed expression.
He had roamed the martial world doing good deeds all his life, yet never built ties with the orthodox leadership.
He had always walked alone.
Just as Bu Eunseol said, it was because there had been no genuine orthodox cultivators.
Thus, those words also soothed the long-held regret he had toward the orthodox faction.
“It sounds plausible, but it still won’t work.” Bukgung Ryeong said. “Even if you pull people from the Martial Alliance, you can’t form a proper coalition. As you said, how many truly righteous people are even left in the Martial Alliance?”
“Who said I’m only pulling from the Martial Alliance?”
Bu Eunseol explained calmly.
“I’ll have the Nine Great Sects and the Eight Great Families—the major supporting forces—join as well. Don’t worry about that.”
“What?”
“Oh, and one more thing.”
Bu Eunseol gave an uncharacteristic playful smile.
“The Sword King, Seon Woojin, will be joining there too, so please treat him well.”
“What? What?”
Bukgung Ryeong’s eyes nearly popped out.
The moment one leaves the Martial Alliance, the identity of Seon Woojin can never be used again.
Because that identity was granted by the Martial Venerable.
The instant one leaves the Martial Alliance, the Martial Venerable would immediately reveal that Seon Woojin is Bu Eunseol.
If it became known that a core executive of Majeon had been active as a high-ranking member of the Martial Alliance, it could even trigger a full-scale righteous-demonic war.
Yet to openly join and operate in a new orthodox coalition under that identity?
Even if the heavens split in two, it would still be utterly impossible.
“What in the world are you plotting?”
“Rest assured. It will only benefit the orthodox path—it will never harm it.”
Bu Eunseol clasped his hands behind his back, exuding the aura of a grand master of a generation.
‘This guy…’
As Bukgung Ryeong looked into Bu Eunseol’s eyes, he felt as though he had fallen into an endless abyss.
It was as if eons of time were flowing past, and an overwhelming majesty pressed down so heavily he could barely breathe.
Only now did Bukgung Ryeong realize.
Bu Eunseol’s martial prowess had already surpassed even his own.
‘He has surpassed this old man?’
As the aura pressed down, his chest tightened and cold sweat ran from his forehead.
The light shining from those blazing eyes grew larger, as though it would swallow him whole in an instant.
It was the aura that only grand masters who had transcended even the peak of the Supreme Heavenly Realm—those who could unleash the Infinite Reversal Power—could emit.
“What exactly happened to you all this time?”
Bukgung Ryeong’s question was mixed with reverence and fear toward Bu Eunseol, who had leaped beyond the existing stages of martial arts.
“Don’t tell me… you’ve reached the Limitless Realm?”
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