The damage was roughly three hundred.
It was not a particularly large number, but considering that they were the elite troops that had been mobilized, it was a significant loss for the Martial Soul Society.
In the end, when their first-line defense collapsed easily and they lost their forces, the Martial Soul Society began employing a clever yet bizarre strategy.
“Attacking without any justification from Majeon… was clearly a plan to destroy the mid- and small-scale factions affiliated with our society, as well as the merchant world that our society protects!”
The Martial Soul Society raised the banner of a righteous-evil alliance and gained great support from merchants and commoners by creating jobs and establishing commercial districts, much like the forces of the merchant world.
Most of the martial factions that had joined the Martial Soul Society were also mid- and small-scale factions closely tied to commoners.
When their defense line collapsed under the merciless assault of the Blood Heaven Order and even their main base came under threat, the Martial Soul Society gathered all the affiliated mid- and small-scale factions along with the merchant forces.
‘Just as I expected.’
No matter how much the Martial Soul Society had expanded its influence, a cold analysis showed that their current strength was only at the level of the ruler of Shaanxi. If Majeon truly wished it, they could be crushed at any time.
In the end, as the Martial Soul Society desperately gathered warriors from the mid- and small-scale factions in a frenzy, Bu Eunseol, as if he had been waiting for this moment, withdrew his forces without hesitation, mocking them.
He had already broken through the Martial Soul Society’s defense line with a small-scale unit, inflicting over a thousand casualties, and had especially cut down more than three hundred high-level experts who formed the core of their defense.
By displaying the might of the Blood Heaven Order and sending a chill through the hearts of the heroes of the world, the objective had been sufficiently achieved.
If he had wiped out even the merchants and the forces of the mid- and small-scale factions gathered under the Martial Soul Society, there was a risk of facing a backlash or sanctions from the imperial court. That was why he chose to retreat without any lingering attachment.
‘Now we head to the Azure Heaven Alliance.’
Bu Eunseol immediately redirected his troops toward Sichuan.
However, upon hearing the rumors, the Azure Heaven Alliance had already built a defense line with their affiliated factions before the Blood Heaven Order even entered Sichuan.
“Never allow those devils to set foot in Sichuan!”
The Azure Heaven Alliance’s unit consisted of young martial artists who had flowed in en masse from the Martial Alliance, along with the gathered experts from the Sichuan Tang Clan, the Namgung Clan, and Wudang, all of whom had joined in the early stages.
However, since the Blood Heaven Order’s unit barely exceeded thirteen hundred in number, they too formed a unit of roughly three thousand to match. After all, mobilizing the entire strength of the alliance just to deal with a small-scale unit would only make them a laughingstock.
“Attack!”
The battle grew increasingly fierce.
Unlike the Martial Soul Society, the Azure Heaven Alliance was composed of orthodox righteous path martial artists and possessed many experts with outstanding martial skills. However, their opponents were great devils who had long thirsted for blood.
Fearless of death, they continued their relentless advance, and eventually the Azure Heaven Alliance began to be pushed back.
“Those reckless bastards!”
Although the Azure Heaven Alliance had many excellent strategists, unfortunately few were skilled in large-scale battles. Moreover, the Blood-Stained Ebony Sect and the Dark Crimson Demon Sect were devils specialized in studying righteous path martial arts and countering righteous path practitioners.
In the end, despite having twice the numerical advantage, the Azure Heaven Alliance suffered a crushing defeat.
“Retreat!”
In the end, the Azure Heaven Alliance could not withstand the devils commanded by Bu Eunseol and was forced to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
“Advance!”
Unlike with the Martial Soul Society, this time Bu Eunseol did not stop and continued to order relentless advancement.
However, the Azure Heaven Alliance was no fool. They had already anticipated the defeat of their first line, and in the second line, a special unit commanded by the Alliance Leader Bukgung Ryeong and the outstanding strategist, Chief Inspector Gongsun Dankyung, was waiting.
‘This won’t be easy.’
Bu Eunseol, who instantly grasped their strength, stroked his chin.
Although the Azure Heaven Alliance was still far from comparable to Majeon, a significant portion of the existing righteous path’s strong experts had joined them. When they threw themselves into the fight with full force, the Blood Heaven Order’s thirteen hundred troops could not possibly hold against them.
‘There is no need to risk our lives against them after already securing a great victory.’
Although the unit had been organized for the purpose of suppression, defeating a massive alliance like the Azure Heaven Alliance or the Martial Soul Society with only a thousand troops was originally an absurd notion.
Having challenged these alliance forces with a small-scale unit and achieved multiple victories…
Bu Eunseol had accomplished both his desired goals and the best possible outcome.
As their counterattack intensified, he began to retreat.
“Pursue those madmen!”
However, the enraged Azure Heaven Alliance did not tolerate Bu Eunseol’s retreat. The Blood Heaven Order carried out an orderly withdrawal, but in the end, due to the Azure Heaven Alliance’s persistent attacks, they lost a considerable number of the valiant devils from the Blood-Stained Ebony Sect and the Dark Crimson Demon Sect.
Bu Eunseol quickly retreated and attempted to divide and conquer by taking advantage of the extended frontline, but because the Azure Heaven Alliance’s forces were overwhelmingly superior from the start, the situation never reached the point of reversal.
Moreover, the warriors of the Blood Heaven Order were greatly exhausted from the continuous battles, and their morale had dropped.
“I believe we have shed about as much blood as needed?”
In the end, Bu Eunseol sent a messenger to the Azure Heaven Alliance and proposed a ceasefire.
“You dare invade as you please and then run away as you please? Don’t make me laugh!”
Naturally, the Azure Heaven Alliance rejected the proposal for peace.
But Bu Eunseol was one of the most experienced negotiators in the martial world.
“If we continue fighting with all our might like this, the Azure Heaven Alliance will also suffer great damage.”
“You knew that and still launched a preemptive attack?”
“Isn’t power struggle in the martial world an everyday occurrence?”
Bu Eunseol spoke shamelessly.
“Shall we begin negotiations that satisfy both sides, or shall we simply fight to the death?”
He added, “I will request additional troops from our sect. If we continue fighting like this, it will eventually lead to an all-out war between Majeon and the Azure Heaven Alliance. The newly formed alliance does not yet have the strength to face Majeon. And they still lack justification to ally with the Martial Alliance… In the end, the Azure Heaven Alliance would be the one to suffer the loss.”
“So you calculated all this before attacking.”
Bukgung Ryeong ground his teeth.
“However, if we accept the ceasefire as is, the prestige of our alliance will be damaged. How do you intend to compensate for that?”
“I will make a satisfactory proposal.”
Bu Eunseol said, “Let us sign a non-aggression treaty. I, the Command Lord, promise that there will be no hostile actions between us for the next ten years.”
“Are you the Demon Emperor? A promise you cannot even keep.”
“Not at all. Before long, I will become the Lord of Majeon.”
Bu Eunseol was extremely skillful.
“Choose. Will you invest in the future, or will you choose self-destructive war for the sake of prestige?”
From the Azure Heaven Alliance’s perspective, there was only one choice from the beginning.
“Fine.”
In the end, a non-aggression treaty was signed with the Azure Heaven Alliance in Bu Eunseol’s name.
Moreover, since the Azure Heaven Alliance had held the upper hand in this battle, they were able to preserve their prestige and dignity to some extent.
‘All in all, the objective has been achieved.’
Bu Eunseol had also successfully completed the goal he had in mind from the start.
Out of thirteen hundred troops, roughly three hundred had died. As he had declared, he had not sacrificed even three-tenths of his forces. He had crushed the first units of both the Martial Soul Society and the Azure Heaven Alliance and had announced the military power and prestige of Majeon to the entire martial world.
—So far, we have only been lying low.
Launching a preemptive strike against alliance forces with only thirteen hundred troops and returning with a great victory was an unprecedented event in the history of the martial world.
Through this incident, Bu Eunseol, as the successor of Majeon, had delivered a stern warning and check to the Martial Soul Society and the Azure Heaven Alliance, which had been steadily expanding their influence.
By never touching the righteous path and maintaining the middle path, he dispelled the dissatisfaction of the demonic path practitioners who claimed he lacked the qualities of a true Martial Soul Command Lord who should dominate the demonic path.
In the end, through this event, he once again imprinted upon the martial world that he possessed the qualifications to become the supreme leader commanding a million demonic cultivators while simultaneously displaying the might of Majeon.
***
Azure Heaven Alliance, Righteous Hero Hall.
It was the office of the Alliance Leader Bukgung Ryeong.
Inside, a secret chamber had been installed where not even a ray of moonlight could enter.
The interior of the quiet chamber, as if time had stopped, was filled with antique furnishings. In the center stood a large lacquered table, and above it, a soft light rose from a bronze lantern.
Three people sat on the chairs surrounding the table.
In the middle sat an old man with blade-like eyes and wrinkles carved by time, symbolizing authority.
Opposite him sat a woman who emanated a bright glow even in the darkness. She had skin as white as a freshly bloomed white lotus, deep eyes, and a thoughtful gaze. She maintained a posture as upright as bamboo.
Beside her sat a man with a gentle smile. His eyes were not particularly deep beneath his brows, his nose was slightly high, and the corners of his mouth were faintly raised. At first glance he seemed ordinary, but upon closer inspection, he was filled with a refined elegance that spread like a calm lake.
They were Bukgung Ryeong, Gongsun Dankyung, and Bu Eunseol disguised as Seon Woojin.
“That was madness!”
The first to speak was Bukgung Ryeong.
“If we hadn’t perfectly filtered out the spies within the time limit, what would have happened?”
Before Bu Eunseol could even reply, Gongsun Dankyung calmly opened her mouth.
“He has been moving between the righteous and demonic paths for a long time and has done proper espionage work.”
She continued while looking at Bu Eunseol.
“Since he has hidden his identity for such a long period, he is bound to excel above anyone else in rooting out spies.”
“Hmm.”
Bukgung Ryeong let out a deep sigh.
“In any case, the spies and forces that had taken root in our alliance have all been naturally uprooted…”
“And we were also able to gauge the true skills of Majeon’s great devils who had been hidden behind the scenes, such as those from the Blood-Stained Ebony Sect and the Dark Crimson Demon Sect, right?”
When Bu Eunseol revealed his white teeth and smiled, Bukgung Ryeong snorted and turned his head away sharply.
“Anyway, I’ll let it slide this once.” Then he looked at Gongsun Dankyung and grumbled, “I suppose that was also beneficial for the Martial Soul Society that that fellow operates. Isn’t that right, Chief Inspector?”
During the roughly one month that Bu Eunseol spent organizing the unit in Majeon, he had busily traveled back and forth between the Martial Soul Society and the Azure Heaven Alliance. It was all to root out every single spy embedded in both alliance forces.
To make this operation a success, he had held endless discussions with the high-ranking members of the Martial Soul Society as well as with Bukgung Ryeong and Gongsun Dankyung of the Azure Heaven Alliance.
Once a perfect list of spies was completed, they carefully discussed once again how to conduct the battle. This was because, after including the spies in the units formed to oppose the Blood Heaven Order, they had to ensure that only the units containing the spies were completely annihilated during the fight.
And the scheme succeeded perfectly. In this suppression campaign, only the units from both major forces that contained spies were brutally slaughtered.
‘There was no way they wouldn’t have planted a large number of spies in the Azure Heaven Alliance and the Martial Soul Society.’
The abyssal forces crouching within the Martial Alliance, including the Three Realms, held sway over not only the righteous factions but the entire martial world.
And the moment a newly formed alliance was just being established was the perfect opportunity to plant spies. It was a time when they were desperately recruiting outstanding strategists and martial artists.
In particular, most of the warriors in the Azure Heaven Alliance were those who had defected from the Martial Alliance. Upon thorough investigation, one-third of them were large-scale spies planted to secretly control the Azure Heaven Alliance.
The situation in the Martial Soul Society was not much different. In order to be recognized as a central power, they had accepted numerous wanderers and strategists, and many organizations had taken advantage of that opportunity to plant spies.
As a result, so many spies had taken root that it was possible to form entire units consisting solely of them.
‘This suppression campaign was an excellent opportunity.’
And Bu Eunseol had turned what could have been a dead-end situation into an opportunity instead.
‘Wasn’t it the perfect chance to carry out a large-scale purge of the spies deeply rooted in both major forces?’
He was the greatest spy in the current martial world, having long moved between the two colossal powers that divided the martial world—Majeon and the Martial Alliance.
Therefore, identifying the spies and forces that had infiltrated both alliance groups was not particularly difficult for him.
Above all, such a large-scale spy purge was possible only because Bu Eunseol was both the leader of the Martial Soul Society and Seon Woojin of the Azure Heaven Alliance.
“That’s right. Thanks to this, the Martial Soul Society was also able to be purified cleanly.”
Bu Eunseol said while folding his arms.
“We were also able to gauge the skill and level of the secret organizations hiding within Majeon.”
There were many hidden secret forces within Majeon. Although only some of the devils belonging to the Blood-Stained Ebony Sect and the Dark Crimson Demon Sect had been mobilized, through this event they had managed to grasp their strength and tendencies to some extent.
“In any case, this was possible purely because heaven favored us.”
Bukgung Ryeong shook his head.
“If this plan had gone even slightly wrong, not only you, but both the Martial Soul Society and the Azure Heaven Alliance would have been destroyed in an instant.”
That statement was also true.
If something had gone wrong this time, the fact that Bu Eunseol was both the leader of the Martial Soul Society and Seon Woojin could have been exposed. In that case, both the Martial Soul Society and the Azure Heaven Alliance could have been attacked by Majeon and the Martial Alliance and disintegrated in the blink of an eye.
“It is inevitable that spies will latch onto an alliance. After all, Majeon and the Martial Alliance are also full of them.”
Bukgung Ryeong let out a deep sigh.
“There was no need to take such a risk to handle this. If I had not considered you someone who must manage the martial world in the future…”
He spoke firmly, “I would never have approved this plan.”
“I know.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“But even if it wasn’t me, someone had to do it.”
Then he looked at Gongsun Dankyung.
“If it hadn’t been me, the Chief Inspector might have carried it out instead.”
“What do you mean?”
“Have you ever thought about why the Martial Alliance, which had protected the martial world for generations, ended up in such a state?” His eyes, staring into the darkness, grew endlessly deep. “In the early days of the martial world, it is said that the demonic path forces were dominant. The Martial Alliance was nothing more than a newly formed alliance compared to Majeon.”
Understanding his words, Bukgung Ryeong said, “Are you saying that the Martial Alliance intentionally accepted external forces in order to oppose the demonic path?”
“That’s right. Perhaps from that time onward, they abandoned the banner of protecting justice.”
Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“In the process, they probably could not resist the temptations of the Three Realms or the Three Families.”
“But they were external forces from the beginning, not spies.”
“To purge spies, that much sacrifice is necessary.” Bu Eunseol said, “The Martial Alliance would never have wanted to make such a sacrifice. They feared the danger and the weakening of the alliance’s power.”
Bukgung Ryeong let out a low groan.
He had realized the reason why the Martial Alliance had turned into such a monstrous group and why external forces crouching in the abyss had been able to rise to power.
“In the end, during the critical period when they needed to expand their power, they did not want to take the risk of self-purification. There was simply too much to lose.”
“That’s right.”
Bu Eunseol spoke as if it were obvious.
“If that happens, surpassing the demonic path becomes a distant dream.”
“To completely root out spies, one must accept not only the weakening of forces but also great risks…”
Bukgung Ryeong sighed.
“So you already knew all of this.”
“I thought you would naturally know since you approved it so readily, Alliance Leader.”
“As if that were possible.”
Bukgung Ryeong shook his head.
“I only approved it because you were making such big promises.”
At those words, a warm feeling spread through Bu Eunseol’s chest.
He really knew nothing and had simply trusted Bu Eunseol’s words and approved the plan.
“Don’t call me a foolish old man.”
Bukgung Ryeong looked at Bu Eunseol and said, “Since you said you could risk the Martial Soul Society, I naturally assumed you had a plan of that scale.”
He shook his head.
“I just thought you were proceeding with the plan far too recklessly.”
At his words, Bu Eunseol and Gongsun Dankyung looked at each other and smiled.
Even as the leader of the Azure Heaven Alliance, Bukgung Ryeong readily admitted when his own thinking was short or lacking. At that age and in that position, he was the only one who possessed such humility.
That was why he was developing at a frightening speed and was gradually becoming a complete leader guiding the righteous path alliance.
“In any case, with this opportunity, most of the spies in our alliance and the Martial Soul Society have been dealt with.”
Gongsun Dankyung said while unrolling a scroll.
“According to the investigation, there were roughly two hundred martial artists related to the Martial Alliance and about a hundred spies sent by the demonic path, the black path, and other forces.”
“That’s quite a lot.”
“It was a good opportunity. Planting them before the newly established alliance could settle in was definitely beneficial.”
Gongsun Dankyung continued her explanation.
“They will probably realize it now. That all those they lost in this battle were spies.”
After taking a deep breath, she said, “And they will reevaluate their opinion of the Alliance Leader. Since you identified and handled the spies in advance, they will not act rashly…”
“From now on, they will face us seriously.”
At Bukgung Ryeong’s words, Gongsun Dankyung nodded.
“That’s right.”
Gongsun Dankyung stared into the air.
“From now on, you will truly begin managing the righteous path alliance. Countless trials will come, you will meet many people, negotiate, coordinate opinions… and constantly face assassination threats.”
Although she was young, she had once been the Chief Inspector of the Martial Alliance. She knew well how arduous and heavy the position of leading an alliance was.
“But I will risk my life to help you.”
Gongsun Dankyung spoke with strength.
“I will do my best to assist you so that you never fall, no matter what happens.”
“Thank you.”
Bukgung Ryeong smiled.
“This Alliance Leader will also do his best.”
He also knew.
That Gongsun Dankyung was in the Azure Heaven Alliance only because of Bu Eunseol. That she was there because she loved him and wanted to help him.
‘Since that fellow cannot split his body in two, he sent someone as outstanding as her to me.’
“Thank you for trusting me, Alliance Leader.”
Bu Eunseol stood up from his seat.
“Then I will take my leave first, as I have things to do.”
“Go ahead. Hurry.”
Bukgung Ryeong waved his hand as if it were troublesome.
“From now on, don’t worry about our alliance’s affairs. We will handle them ourselves.”
“Of course.”
Bu Eunseol, smiling, said to Gongsun Dankyung,
“Chief Inspector, you have worked hard as well.”
Then he left the secret chamber with a refreshed motion.
‘Just wait, you bastard.’
Watching him leave, Bukgung Ryeong clenched his fist tightly.
‘I will soon make this alliance grow enormously.’
He could not leave everything to that young fellow forever. While lowering himself to help many people, he too needed to quickly understand the martial world situation and become a person who could manage the martial world.
***
After leaving the Azure Heaven Alliance, Bu Eunseol headed not to Majeon but to the Nangyang Pavilion.
In fact, the first thing he needed to do once he regained a clear mind was to find the ‘Nangyang Pavilion disciple’ mentioned by the Martial God Heaven Lord.
According to the Martial God Heaven Lord, the sword hilt contained the sword techniques and manuals of the Blood Tears Seven Forms, and the sword body held every detail of his grandfather’s sins.
In other words, it would not be an exaggeration to say that it contained the truth of the martial world.
Knowing this, he had to find his grandfather’s great sword as soon as possible.
Because the matter that Baekri Geomha had caused was far too great, he had no choice but to handle the aftermath first.
‘If the Nangyang Pavilion disciple really took my grandfather’s great sword…’
If the Martial God Heaven Lord’s words were true, entering the Nangyang Pavilion and investigating would quickly reveal who had taken his grandfather’s great sword.
‘It might not even be a disciple of this pavilion.’
The Martial God Heaven Lord had said the person might have mastered sensory martial arts. If they had found the great sword hidden in the Ghost Island, it meant they were a master capable of unfolding the Nangyang Heart Eye at the extreme of the Beast Way.
The number of people in the Nangyang Pavilion who could unfold the Nangyang Heart Eye at that level was extremely limited.
Thinking of this made his chest feel tight. If it really was someone from the Nangyang Pavilion… then that person would undoubtedly be one of the highest-ranking members and someone he knew.
‘Moreover, my unstable mind was also a variable.’
Through this incident, he had realized it.
There was another personality residing within him.
And that it might be the real Baekri Geomha.
‘In the end, thanks to my incomplete mind, I was able to seal him.’
After witnessing his grandfather’s death, a massive hole had formed in his mind and thanks to that endlessly deep abyss, he had been able to deal with the unexpected personality that was Baekri Geomha.
Right before being sucked into that place, Baekri Geomha had said this:
—A mere personality that is nothing but an illusion created by someone else…
If that was true, then his very existence would be an illusion from the beginning. Even all the memories of the past would be nothing but illusions.
‘Is it possible to create an illusory personality?’
Ordinary people also have various aspects mixed within their minds.
However, that does not mean their personality splits into two or that they hold separate memories.
Yet the Baekri Geomha he had seen in the mind mirror was clearly a new personality completely separated from himself.
‘It may be that because I am a shell, as he said, I cannot remember the past.’
The only memories Bu Eunseol could call his own were memories with his grandfather.
His memories of Saha Manor were only fragments and unclear. He could only confirm the faces of his parents, and the fact that such people had loved him felt like nothing short of a blessing.
‘No, I am someone who does not need memories.’
In the past, he had felt a sorrowful longing for his parents.
But at some point, that longing had grown faint.
Because he had realized that what he truly wanted was only revenge.
The only desire in his heart was one thing:
To completely annihilate the culprits and forces that had killed his grandfather.
What he needed to do now was not to find the reason why a dual personality had appeared…
He had to find the person who had taken his grandfather’s great sword, which had been hidden in the domain of the Martial God Heaven on Ghost Island.
Kwa-rung.
With the sound of thunder, a mountain towering as if to pierce the sky appeared before his eyes as he swiftly cut through the air.
The ridges were sharp yet graceful, resembling the black eyebrows of a handsome man in a painting.
Iron Staff Mountain.
Before he knew it, Bu Eunseol had arrived at the Nangyang Pavilion.
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