Yoo Unryong took a deep breath.
“In truth, I had the same thought as you, Young Palace Master. That is why I was looking for a way to confirm the Lord’s true intentions.”
He then honestly revealed the thoughts he had kept in his heart.
“So I went to find Deputy Corps Leader Soyo, who had temporarily left for closed-door training to polish her martial arts. Since she has always stayed by the Lord’s side… I thought she would be able to judge better than I could.”
Yoo Unryong was not only wise but also the person who understood Bu Eunseol better than anyone else.
Even so, there was always the possibility of a single oversight among a thousand considerations.
Fearing he might make an unforeseen mistake, he had even sought out Soyo’s opinion.
“And after hearing the entire story, Deputy Corps Leader Soyo said this to me.”
—If the Lord has that kind of personality, then is he not the Lord?
Recalling her words, Yoo Unryong shook his head.
“She said that if that is also part of the Lord’s personality, then shouldn’t we understand and accept it?”
Bu Eunseol had devoted everything and charged forward for the sake of revenge.
Nevertheless, he had always tried to ensure that no one around him got hurt.
Because of that, he must have suppressed his own desires and inclinations for a very long time.
If he had now changed his mind and decided to let those things manifest?
Then even the changed version of him should be understood and accepted.
“I see.”
After hearing everything, Yeon Soha showed a subtle expression.
“Deputy Corps Leader Soyo is also a woman, isn’t she?”
When Yoo Unryong looked slightly surprised, she shook her head.
“I don’t mean anything special by it. Only women who truly like him… and have that kind of attentive personality would say such things.”
“Please don’t misunderstand. The reason Deputy Corps Leader Soyo stays by his side so often is…”
“It’s fine. Really.”
Yeon Soha spoke calmly.
“And I think her words are correct too. But if I were to ask whether that was the Lord’s own choice or an unintended one…”
She said firmly.
“I can guarantee that it was not a choice the Lord intended.”
Yeon Soha and Soyo.
Both beautiful women genuinely liked Bu Eunseol.
However, their dispositions were extremely different.
If Soyo gave boundless love, understanding, and endless care,
Then Yeon Soha, along with love and understanding, also carried the sense of responsibility to guide him onto the right path.
It was impossible to say which disposition was better.
But if this choice was not what Bu Eunseol had wanted?
Then Yeon Soha’s words carried more weight.
From what he knew, Bu Eunseol was absolutely not the kind of person who would make such a choice.
“You are right.”
Yoo Unryong nodded.
“I share the same opinion as you, Young Palace Master. The Lord is definitely not someone who would intentionally make this kind of choice.”
Yeon Soha smiled.
“Then there must be a way to return him to his original self, right?”
“Yes.”
Yoo Unryong was known as the greatest strategist of the demonic path, and thanks to his research into the mind world and the power of treasures, his knowledge and foundation regarding the soul had reached a level that no one could match.
“In fact, ever since this incident occurred, I have been constantly researching methods… but I gave up because there was no suitable artifact in Majeon with the desired effect.”
Yoo Unryong took out a thin booklet from the bookshelf and handed it to Yeon Soha.
“Seeing that you came here, it seems this too is fate.”
“This is…”
As she examined the contents written in the booklet, Yeon Soha was greatly shocked.
The mind world.
It was a unique power that only the highest experts who looked down upon the world could unfold.
Yoo Unryong had reached the level where he could freely manifest it using Heart Mirror Technique and the power of treasures.
“It is not my own ability. I was simply lucky enough to find one ancient secret manual.”
“If it is as written here… then we will be able to know his true inner heart.”
Yeon Soha pointed at the contents in the booklet and said.
“Whether he genuinely chose such a personality, or whether it was changed due to some incident.”
“Correct.”
“I don’t care what kind of personality he has. Even if he were the greatest villain under heaven, I was prepared to gladly follow him as my husband.”
Yeon Soha took a deep breath.
“But right now, something has clearly gone wrong with his soul. We must uncover the truth.”
When Yoo Unryong nodded, she pointed to a section in the middle of the book and said.
“Then I will take responsibility for this part. It seems the most appropriate.”
After scanning the contents of the book, Yoo Unryong shook his head in astonishment.
“You must not. You could lose your life.”
“If I lose my life while protecting the Lord, there could be no more rewarding deed than that.”
Yeon Soha’s eyes were as resolute as if they could melt even iron.
Seeing her gaze that did not waver in the slightest even while considering the possibility of death, Yoo Unryong gave a faint smile.
‘That guy really has an eye for people.’
Yeon Soha was truly a good person, and she genuinely cherished Bu Eunseol.
Even though there had been talk of her and Dan So-ok forcing the engagement, the fact that he had accepted it meant… Bu Eunseol must also have known how good a person she was and how thoughtful she was.
“Very well. Since the Young Palace Master is willing to risk her life, our Death Shadow Corps will also risk ours.”
“Understood. Then I will bring the artifact and return.”
“There is no need for that. If the Young Palace Master would simply write a spiritual plaque and a letter, I will send Captain Wi or Protector Tak. That will be faster.”
“Alright.”
But at that moment, Yeon Soha hesitated.
Realizing she still had something to say, Yoo Unryong asked.
“Is there something else you wish to say?”
“I have a request.”
Her expression was so solemn that Yoo Unryong unconsciously tensed up as he looked at her.
***
Yoo Unryong secretly convened a meeting of the captains.
He needed to explain Bu Eunseol’s situation to them and discuss once more the method to return him to his original self.
The captains shook their heads.
They could not easily believe Yoo Unryong’s words.
If Bu Eunseol had hit his head and gone mad, perhaps, but to say that such a personality had been inherent in his soul from the beginning?
“…It could be possible.”
At that moment, Wi Cheongyeong, who had been lost in deep thought, spoke.
“Until now, the Lord has always proceeded with everything while thoroughly suppressing his emotions.”
Humans express joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure as they live.
But Bu Eunseol was different.
Like an ascetic monk undergoing penance, he had constantly suppressed those emotions.
“It was not because the Lord’s personality was indifferent, but because he suppressed his desires and inclinations to protect the people around him.”
—Hmm.
At Wi Cheongyeong’s words, the captains nodded deeply while lost in thought.
When they thought about it, it was entirely possible.
“Then shouldn’t we just leave him be?”
At that moment, Won Semun spoke.
“If that is also the Lord’s inclination and personality… then shouldn’t we naturally accept it?”
“Of course.”
Yoo Unryong nodded firmly.
“If it is the Lord’s original personality, then of course we must accept it. However…”
He paused for a moment, and a profound light flowed from his eyes.
“I can guarantee it. Such an inclination was not originally inherent in the Lord. If we allow this unwanted soul state to continue as it is… when he regains his original mind, he will suffer immeasurable damage that cannot be put into words.”
Once again, Yoo Unryong made it clear to the captains that this discussion was not out of a desire to arbitrarily change Bu Eunseol’s personality and disposition, but a choice made while considering Bu Eunseol’s own position more carefully.
“If that is the case…”
When Myo Cheonwoo opened his mouth, Yoo Unryong nodded.
“It seems likely to be the influence of an external factor, or perhaps some kind of conspiracy is involved.”
At Yoo Unryong’s confident expression, the captains nodded once more.
Even if such a temperament existed deep within Bu Eunseol’s heart, he would never have tried to reveal it outwardly.
Otherwise, he would not have risked his life to protect his subordinates’ safety so desperately until now.
“Then is there a solution?”
Wi Cheongyeong asked.
“We have no way to intervene in the Lord’s soul.”
Bu Eunseol’s soul barrier was harder than diamond, leaving no room for outsiders to intervene.
“Correct. No one can break the Lord’s soul barrier.”
Looking over the captains, Yoo Unryong spoke with strength.
“However, there is a way to uncover the Lord’s true heart.”
***
Under the pretext of displaying Majeon’s might and suppressing the spirit of the righteous path,
Bu Eunseol began forming a powerful corps by selecting especially blood-thirsty demonic practitioners among Majeon’s hardline martial artists.
—Then we cannot stay still either.
When the rumor spread that he was organizing a corps to crush the arrogance of the righteous path forces, even the wicked great demonic practitioners who had been hiding in Majeon without revealing themselves began to step forward, saying they would participate in this subjugation.
—Even those troublesome demonic practitioners are joining?
The martial artists of Majeon grew tense.
Those beings were fanatically obsessed with nothing but drinking the blood and tearing the flesh of righteous path figures.
In such a peaceful time, they could not be released recklessly, so they had been forced to keep low profiles under the strict orders of the Demon Emperor.
Yet now those very individuals were participating in this subjugation?
And then an even more unexpected event occurred.
“We will also participate in this battle!”
The captains and martial artists of the Death Shadow Corps, who had always opposed the subjugations Bu Eunseol was carrying out, changed their minds.
They solemnly lined up in front of the Suppressed Demon Pavilion, waiting for Bu Eunseol so they could join this battle.
“Hmm.”
Bu Eunseol showed a slightly surprised expression for a moment, then looked at the captains with sharp eyes.
“How foolish.”
Having seen straight through the Death Shadow Corps captains’ intentions, he shook his head with a disappointed look.
“Did you think that if you participated in a battle where nine out of ten would die, this Lord would worry about your safety and halt the plan?”
The captains could not say anything and only glanced at one another.
“It is true that I worry about your safety. But I will not worry to the point of ruining the greater picture.”
Bu Eunseol swept his gaze over the Death Shadow Corps martial artists with extremely cold and fierce eyes.
“If we stop the battle in this situation, this Lord will be breaking the promise made with the demonic practitioners of Majeon who have been eagerly awaiting combat.”
He then wore an expression full of contempt.
“You probably didn’t even calculate what would happen if that occurred, did you?”
The great demonic practitioners of Majeon right now were excited at the thought of finally being able to drink the blood of righteous path figures.
If he suddenly declared that the subjugation would be halted in such a situation?
Not only would his dignity and trust as Majeon’s successor decline, but he could also incur the resentment of the high-ranking members and face a strong backlash.
“Of course we thought about it.”
At that moment, Myo Cheonwoo spoke.
“That is why we are saying we will fight together.”
The captains, including Myo Cheonwoo, wore firm expressions.
Bu Eunseol stared at their faces for a long time before nodding.
“Very well. But as I said earlier, this fight is not for victory. It is to shed blood.”
He said resolutely.
“I cannot guarantee your lives, and most of you will die. Will you still go?”
“Of course!”
When the captains and martial artists shouted, Bu Eunseol frowned.
He then looked at Yoo Unryong, who was standing silently, and asked again.
“Is this sincere?”
“It is all sincere.”
Yoo Unryong nodded.
“Because we are the ones who swore to follow you even to hell.”
It was quite a touching statement, but Bu Eunseol’s expression did not change at all.
Hot passion and deep light flowed from the martial artists’ eyes.
But Bu Eunseol instead looked at them as if watching a swarm of moths willingly flying into a deadly trap.
His expression and eyes grew coldly frozen.
“What a pity.”
Bu Eunseol said coldly.
“This Lord wanted clever subordinates who could read the times well, rather than stupid and blindly loyal ones. And I have always taught you so that you could grow that way.”
If they participated in this expedition, their lives could not be guaranteed. No, nine out of ten would likely die.
Yet under the justification of loyalty, they were making a near-suicidal judgment by throwing themselves into the flames of hell?
Seeing the Death Shadow Corps captains make such foolish decisions, he could not hide his extreme disappointment.
“There is no helping it.”
There is no medicine for stupidity.
In the past, he would have tried to dissuade his Death Shadow Corps subordinates somehow, but now his heart had completely changed.
He looked at the Death Shadow Corps martial artists standing solemnly in full armor and nodded.
“Everyone, prepare for the expedition.”
***
Blood Heaven Order.
That was the name of the corps Bu Eunseol had organized, consisting of roughly one thousand three hundred demonic practitioners from Majeon.
It was a number precisely adjusted to the corps scale that a Lord-level figure could command alone for a mission.
Considering Majeon’s overall size, it could be called a small corps, but looking at its composition, it was organized at a level capable of crushing even an army of tens of thousands.
The Supreme Commander was the Martial Soul Command Lord, Bu Eunseol.
The Vice Commander was Maeng Cheonrip of the Life and Death Soul Hall, who was in a rival relationship with the Lord of the Strategy Department, Dan Wolhon.
The force was further subdivided into thirteen corps, classifying martial artists specialized in close combat and long-range combat.
Each corps was assigned veteran warriors of Majeon who had led countless battles to victory as captains.
In addition, a special operations unit was organized to carry out infiltration, assassination, and reconnaissance missions.
That unit was precisely the martial artists of the Death Shadow Corps under the Martial Soul Command Lord.
—We will strike the Martial Alliance first!
Bu Eunseol was not only proficient in military strategy but also a renowned general who had led numerous battles to victory.
As if to prove it, he headed toward Hubei while commanding the one thousand three hundred martial artists as if they were his own limbs.
—Stop them!
As the Blood Heaven Order attempted to pass through Hubei, the righteous sects that received the news joined forces to block their advance.
However, Bu Eunseol’s method of commanding the corps was so sophisticated that ordinary sects could not possibly stand against it.
He simultaneously operated frontline units that clashed directly with the enemy according to each corps’s specialty, and flanking units that protected the left and right sides while preventing encirclement and surprise attacks.
In the midst of this, he also deployed infiltration and assassination units made up of Death Shadow Corps martial artists to eliminate the enemy command.
In an instant, he broke through the defensive lines and annihilated the opposing forces.
—He has completely lost his mind!
As the forces led by Bu Eunseol devastated the righteous sects and attempted to enter Hubei, the righteous sects in Hunan and Hubei joined forces to begin stopping the Blood Heaven Order’s advance.
—Martial Soul Command Lord! If you do not return to Majeon with those lunatics, a righteous-demonic war will break out!
Even in the face of the furious and stern warnings from the righteous path martial artists, Bu Eunseol did not stop his advance.
—Strike them down!
In the end, they joined forces to try to destroy the Blood Heaven Order.
But Bu Eunseol, with his god-like commanding ability, completely crushed the Martial Alliance and the sects standing in his way without losing a single man on his side and continued his advance.
—The Martial Soul Command Lord has truly gone mad!
The martial world figures watching the situation were shocked, unable to believe it.
The Martial Soul Command Lord, who had always walked the middle path until now, had suddenly become a great demonic practitioner and was attacking the forces of the righteous path?
Eventually, when the Blood Heaven Order entered Hubei, even Wudang joined the fray.
Yet they still could not stop the Blood Heaven Order and instead lost three hundred outstanding disciples.
—Let the Martial Heaven Corps step forward and resolve this!
As the Blood Heaven Order approached the border of Henan, the Martial Alliance finally took action.
They ordered the Martial Heaven Corps, now led by its most recently appointed leader Baek Museong, to defeat them.
In the meantime, the Martial Heaven Corps had completed harsh training under Baek Museong’s command and regained its past glory.
However, even the powerful formations of the Martial Heaven Corps were useless before Bu Eunseol’s military tactics. Especially since Baek Museong had no experience commanding large-scale corps, he needed an outstanding strategist skilled in military arts.
But since the Martial Heaven Corps still lacked such a figure, despite having more than three times the numerical advantage, they were repeatedly defeated in battle and eventually forced to retreat.
—There is no helping it.
As the Blood Heaven Order stood on the verge of entering Henan, the Martial Alliance reinforced their forces once again.
Instead of sending another corps-scale force, they dispatched a secret unit capable of annihilating the Blood Heaven Order in a single blow.
“Now they have come.”
When the additional forces sent by the Martial Alliance joined the Martial Heaven Corps, Bu Eunseol, who had been watching the scene, smiled.
The reason he had been carrying out such reckless battles until now was precisely to gauge the power of the secret forces lurking within the Martial Alliance.
After all, the Martial Alliance was not simply a union of righteous path sects but a gathering of abyssal forces.
“We cannot stop them!”
As the battle began, Vice Commander Maeng Cheonrip ran to Bu Eunseol in great panic.
The force sent by the Martial Alliance numbered only three hundred.
Yet they were easily slicing through the demonic practitioners of the Blood Heaven Order under Bu Eunseol’s command.
Before overwhelming power, even mysterious strategies and schemes were useless.
“Hmm, as expected.”
Bu Eunseol smiled as he watched the Martial Alliance forces pushing forward like a raging storm.
“Finally, one secret has been revealed.”
He had finally been able to confirm what level of forces the powers lurking in the Martial Alliance possessed and how they fought.
The Martial Alliance was a place that had to be destroyed eventually anyway.
Yet until now, they had never once revealed their true face.
He had been unable to determine what kind of power they held, how they operated their forces, or what kind of experts they possessed.
This time, by leading Majeon’s demonic practitioners, Bu Eunseol had intended to gauge the true strength of the secret forces hidden in the Martial Alliance.
But as he watched the battlefield for a long time, a strange light rose in his eyes.
“They are basically using the martial arts of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars…”
With his arms crossed, Bu Eunseol, who had been observing the battle situation for a while, had a flash of light in his pupils.
That light was like the eyes of a beast spotting prey in the darkness.
Then, with an extremely disappointed expression, he shook his head and clicked his tongue.
“Tsk, I wasted my time.”
The three hundred nameless martial artists were all using the martial arts of the Eight Emperors and Three Stars. Whether they had received a mysterious great technique or not, their internal energy seemed inexhaustible and their bodies were as hard as steel.
They were cutting down the martial artists of the Blood Heaven Order, whom Bu Eunseol was commanding with perfect coordination, like sheets of paper.
In short, the hidden power of the forces lurking in the depths of the Martial Alliance…
Far exceeded the level Bu Eunseol had anticipated.
“But it is clever. To dare deceive this Lord’s eyes.”
As he looked at the battlefield, his expression showed that his interest had cooled.
It was as if he were watching a boring play.
“What a rare sight. The entire army commanded by this Lord is being annihilated.”
“What are you saying right now, Supreme Commander!”
Maeng Cheonrip shouted at Bu Eunseol, who had given up on commanding and was leisurely watching the battlefield.
“Aren’t the subordinates of the Death Shadow Corps under the Supreme Commander dying out there?”
When he turned his head, the subordinates of the Death Shadow Corps were surrounded and falling miserably.
Yoo Unryong, Myo Cheonwoo, Won Semun, Wi Cheongyeong, Jo Namcheon.
The subordinates he had cherished like family were bleeding as they fought desperately and dying heroic deaths.
The Martial Alliance had perfectly analyzed the martial arts and characteristics of the Death Shadow Corps captains and had specially trained experts to counter them.
—Gaaaaargh!
—Keuk!
Along with agonizing screams, the Death Shadow Corps martial artists were helplessly losing their lives.
Yoo Unryong died with his head pierced by his own Ten-Section Staff.
Myo Cheonwoo knelt with both arms severed.
Wi Cheongyeong had both legs cut off, his body riddled with hidden weapons like a swarm of bees.
Won Semun and Jo Namcheon stood back to back, skewered by a massive spear, their heads hanging low.
Tremble. Tremble.
No matter how much Bu Eunseol’s personality had changed, when he saw his subordinates dying in such a miserable state, could he no longer endure it?
His body began to tremble as if he could not bear it any longer.
“Supreme Commander.”
“Uuuuugh.”
Bu Eunseol, whose body was trembling, suddenly let out a roar filled with rage.
“Uaaaaaaaah!”
After continuously shouting, he suddenly-
“Hahahahaha!”
Burst into loud laughter.
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