Martial Soul Society, Martial Soul Pavilion, Grand Conference Hall.
“Bu Eunseol.”
Do Cheonlin, who entered the grand conference hall first, spotted Bu Eunseol standing tall near the window and hurriedly ran over, grabbing his shoulders as he shouted.
“What on earth happened?”
“Why haven’t we heard from you all this time?”
Before Bu Eunseol could even answer, Do Cheonlin spoke rapidly.
“The Demon Emperor is not someone who goes back on his word. Yet you broke the promise tied to the Life-and-Death Single Palm Decree mission. Just where have you been and what have you been doing until now? And why did you come to the Society instead of returning straight to Majeon?”
“Calm down.”
Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“There were circumstances.”
He was about to calmly recount from the beginning all the many events he had experienced in Cheonchuk but Do Cheonlin, whose temper had grown shorter in the meantime, cut him off and asked again.
“And in this situation, why do you keep setting up a separate household?”
“Separate household?”
“Last time you brought in a pretty young lady as a servant, and now you’ve placed an adorable young girl as a maid in our Society?”
After finishing all his affairs in Cheonchuk, Bu Eunseol had not returned immediately to Majeon.
To fulfill Hye Myo-eum’s request.
To ensure Seong-ah could live safely without being trapped by the term ‘new bloodline’ any longer.
He had arranged for her to live as a maid in the Martial Soul Society.
In any case, the secret art that transformed her into the new bloodline form could only be broken by his own blood—the mixed blood of the Baekri Clan and the True Demon. As long as he did not feed her his blood, Seong-ah would appear no different from an ordinary girl, to the point that even the Demon Emperor would not notice anything strange.
Moreover, as the Poison King of Cheonchuk, after absorbing the Poison King’s Four Poisons, Bu Eunseol had not only developed a Poison Essence within his body but had also gained the ability to transmit the energies within him to others.
He had injected the mysterious energy flowing through his body—the one capable of perfectly altering appearance—into Seong-ah, making her features indistinguishable from those of a Central Plains person.
If she lived quietly here, she would remain safe indefinitely.
“Anyway, the time promised with the Demon Emperor has already passed by more than a month…”
Bu Eunseol opened his mouth calmly.
“To find clues about the Baekri Clan and the True Demon, some sacrifices are inevitable.”
“What do you mean?”
“Anyway, it’s something I will explain during the meeting…”
He then explained everything that had happened in Cheonchuk.
As he listened, Do Cheonlin’s eyes widened.
To think that in such a short time, Bu Eunseol had gone on all sorts of life-risking adventures in Cheonchuk?
However, he did not mention that Seong-ah was the new bloodline. Instead, he lied and said he had made arrangements so she could live as an ordinary girl in a quiet village in Cheonchuk.
No matter how tightly security was maintained, that information could leak outside. Most importantly, he wanted her to live an ordinary life without being swept up in the storms of the martial world any longer.
“You deliberately leaked false information that the new bloodline… had been in our Society?”
Do Cheonlin’s eyes widened as if he had been struck on the back of the head.
If that were the case… the future events were obvious.
“Why? Are you lacking confidence?”
“Hmph, lacking confidence?”
Do Cheonlin wore an expression filled with utmost pride.
“Our Society now possesses formidable military power that no force can easily touch.”
He thumped his chest and continued.
“Let the Baekri Clan or the True Demon come if they dare.”
“Moreover, it would be even more perfect if you learned the Heart Mirror Technique.”
“No need. We can do without it.”
Do Cheonlin waved his hand dismissively.
In truth, Bu Eunseol had already delivered the perfectly completed secret manual of the Heart Mirror Technique—refined by Han Sangja—to the Martial Soul Society.
Simply by unfolding the Heart Mirror Technique, the Society could become a solid fortress equipped with a defensive posture against supreme experts.
Unfortunately, however, the Four Great Corps had made no progress in mastering the Heart Mirror Technique.
—Our own martial learning is sufficient!
The Four Great Corps Leaders—composed of Nae Bihon, Bing Hanpung, Do Cheonlin, and Dae Guhwi—had each mastered one supreme field of martial arts from the martial world and had diligently refined it throughout their lives to become grandmasters in their own right.
Rather than relying on the ancient secret art of the Heart Mirror Technique that Bu Eunseol had proposed, they showed firm resolve to achieve great success using the martial techniques and learning they had cultivated over their lifetimes.
Bu Eunseol had tried to persuade them several times, but since the Martial Soul Society had not yet faced any full-scale clashes, they were taking their time to consider it.
“However.”
Do Cheonlin spoke with utmost gravity.
“If that happens, the entire Martial Soul Society could be wiped out in an instant.”
“I know.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“That is why I convened this meeting.”
Buzz, buzz.
Meanwhile, the sound of numerous footsteps filled the air as the core members of the Martial Soul Society entered the grand conference hall one by one.
All the other corps leaders—Nae Bihon, Bing Hanpung, Dae Guhwi—along with the strategist Dam Yuyeon, the chief steward Yoo Hwaryeong, and others.
They were the pillars and core figures of the Martial Soul Society.
“My Lord!”
Upon spotting Bu Eunseol, the core members of the Martial Soul Society gathered around him with joyful expressions.
They were extremely glad that he, who had been out of contact, was safe, and each inquired about his well-being.
Bu Eunseol exchanged light greetings with them and once again explained in detail what he had told Do Cheonlin about his recent activities.
After hearing the full story, everyone present opened their mouths in shock.
They had heard that he was conducting various investigations alone under the Demon Emperor’s orders. But to think he had been fighting life-or-death battles and adventures all by himself in a distant foreign land?
“The absurd legend of the True Demon is gradually becoming reality.”
Bing Hanpung, who had been listening silently, let out a sigh.
The existence known as the True Demon had been passed down through the generations of the martial world like a legend. However, he himself, as well as his subordinates, had rarely appeared in martial world history.
Yet in the current generation, the Eight Human Heavens and Four Divine Heavens were appearing one by one, and upon hearing that their servants were creating new bloodlines in Cheonchuk…
They were once again realizing that the True Demon was no mere legend.
“But… will this be all right?”
Dae Guhwi spoke after hearing everything.
“If enemies come that are difficult to face even if we pour out all the Society’s forces…”
The servants of the True Demon would surely be desperately searching for the vanished new bloodline.
If the last trace of her remained in the Martial Soul Society?
It would mean enemies beyond their capacity—possibly the entire force of the True Demon’s subordinates pouring out.
“That will not happen.”
Bu Eunseol said calmly.
“They operate a vast intelligence network. They would have finished their background investigation long ago.”
“Background investigation…”
“They have already confirmed that the new bloodline is not here.”
“That can’t be.”
Dae Guhwi spoke with a confident expression.
“The noses of our Beast Corps warriors are more sensitive than hunting dogs. If outsiders or scouting forces approach, we detect them instantly.”
At the innocent remark comparing himself and the Beast Corps to hunting dogs, the core members—who had been wearing serious expressions—could not help but smile.
“They are different from ordinary experts. They use ancient secret arts unknown to the world and operate in ways completely unlike ordinary martial factions.”
“So in the end, you intend to use the information about the new bloodline to draw out the forces of the Baekri Clan and the True Demon.”
At that moment, Bing Hanpung spoke.
“If it’s them, they might also easily uncover the culprit who harmed the Seven-Finger Demon Blade, which has been our long-standing target.”
The girl in the underground Ajanta Caves in Cheonchuk was the very first new bloodline the True Demon had tried to create—the progenitor, so to speak.
If she had suddenly disappeared and her final trace was left in the Martial Soul Society?
Even if the Baekri Clan did not act, at the very least the True Demon’s subordinates would use any means necessary to find her.
They could even use that to negotiate.
“I have considered that as well.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath and shook his head.
“Negotiation is impossible.”
“Impossible?”
Bing Hanpung tilted his head and continued.
“The True Demon’s side must be desperate for information on the whereabouts of the new bloodline girl. If the Lord says he knows her whereabouts, couldn’t we negotiate with them?”
“I meant that negotiation itself will not take place.”
Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“Even if our Society has established itself in the martial world, from the perspective of the Baekri Clan or the True Demon, we are still nothing more than newborns.”
He let out a deep sigh and continued his explanation.
“If a newborn is holding a lump of gold in its hand, they would simply take it. There would be no reason to bother negotiating.”
“Then wouldn’t that make things even worse?”
Bing Hanpung said.
“If negotiation itself is impossible… then if they cannot find any clues, they might destroy our Society in one blow while interrogating us about her whereabouts.”
All the core members nodded.
No matter how deeply rooted the Martial Soul Society had become in the martial world, if the Baekri Clan or the True Demon decided to strike this place in earnest, resisting from the start would be impossible.
“That is correct. That is why I convened this meeting.”
At the shocking statement, the faces of the core members stiffened.
No matter what they did, war seemed unavoidable in the end.
“Isn’t the timing too early?”
At that moment, Dam Yuyeon asked in a low voice.
“Although our Society has grown significantly, we are still not at the level where we can fight against their attack.”
It was a cold but undeniable truth.
This fight offered no clear benefit and left no room for negotiation.
Yet, because of Bu Eunseol’s decision, an incomprehensible situation had arisen where all the warriors of the Martial Soul Society had to risk their lives.
“If the forces of the Baekri Clan or the True Demon attack, our Society will most likely be defeated.”
No matter that Bu Eunseol had founded the Martial Soul Society.
He could not sacrifice the warriors here simply for his own greed or opinion.
Yet he had proceeded with such an important matter arbitrarily, without any consultation?
Dam Yuyeon had pointed that out clearly.
“That is correct, but…”
At that moment, Yoo Hwaryeong looked at Dam Yuyeon and spoke.
“There are many forces in the current martial world that threaten our Society’s safety. The Martial Alliance, Majeon, the Three Families, and even the United Heart Society. There are still unknown forces whose identities we cannot determine.”
He continued quickly.
“However, they will not wait patiently while we grow stronger. Haven’t we been training diligently in preparation for urgent battles at all times?”
That was true.
But Dam Yuyeon’s expression did not brighten.
Because this fight was clearly a battle that had suddenly erupted due to someone’s actions.
“There is no need to worry.”
At that moment, Bu Eunseol spoke calmly.
“I did not proceed with this thoughtlessly or without any plan. This fight will stop midway anyway.”
“How so?”
In response to Dam Yuyeon’s question, Bu Eunseol explained calmly.
“In the current martial world, there has been a neutral force passed down through the generations that prevents interference in the long-standing fight between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon, or the collapse of their balance… adjusting it accordingly.”
He looked each of the core members in the eye as he continued.
“However, the moment one learns of their existence, they are immediately attacked. That is why they have remained an extremely secretive force unknown to anyone.”
After taking a deep breath, Bu Eunseol spoke with a solemn expression.
“If my prediction is correct, this time that neutral force will definitely appear.”
The Sacred Domain.
Only an extremely small number of people, including those who had sworn the oath, knew that name.
If an unrelated person learned the name, they would be killed by their hands.
Therefore, even in front of the core members of the Martial Soul Society, Bu Eunseol could not reveal the name and had to explain it this way.
“Is there really such a place in the world?”
Dae Guhwi asked in surprise, and Bu Eunseol nodded.
“Yes. The fact that the existence of the Baekri Clan and the True Demon has been hidden for so long is also not unrelated to them.”
For a moment, silence fell over the conference hall.
“The existence of a force that restrains martial artists capable of disrupting the balance of the fight between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon means…”
After a long while, Nae Bihon spoke.
“It means that the Baekri Clan and the True Demon cannot directly intervene in the affairs of the martial world. That is why… they created subordinates such as the Three Realms or the Eight Human Heavens.”
“That is correct.”
When Bu Eunseol nodded, Do Cheonlin said,
“Then the calculation is that the Baekri Clan and the True Demon will also send their subordinates, just as they have done until now?”
“Correct.”
But Dam Yuyeon continued with a serious expression.
“The intervention of that neutral force is still only a prediction, isn’t it?”
“That is true.”
Bu Eunseol nodded.
“However, if things go according to plan, through this incident we will be able to confirm how the Baekri Clan, the True Demon, and the neutral force that balances their fight handle matters.”
After taking another deep breath, he continued.
“In essence, the current martial world can be seen as the battlefield of the fight between the Baekri Clan and the True Demon.”
“Battlefield.”
Only then did Dam Yuyeon fully understand what Bu Eunseol meant.
“Through this incident, you intend to confirm whether they are truly a neutral force… or whether they were simply created for the convenience of the Baekri Clan and the True Demon.”
“Exactly.”
After pausing for a moment, Bu Eunseol spoke again.
“If the Baekri Clan and the True Demon are beings who transcend everything? Then no matter how hard we struggle, there will be no room to bend their will or resist…”
When Bu Eunseol stopped speaking, a deathly silence briefly filled the room.
“If that is the case… I will give up everything.”
At the shocking statement, a death-like silence enveloped the interior.
The one who barely broke the heavy silence in the conference hall after a while was Do Cheonlin.
“What… do you mean by that?”
“If they are truly beings who transcend everything, I will relinquish all my current positions and, becoming a wanderer of the martial world, face them alone.”
At the unexpected declaration, the core members once again opened their mouths in shock. And they could say nothing.
After coming this far, to abandon without regret everything they had built?
Yet it was also a statement they could fully understand.
No matter how many identities one possessed.
No matter how many forces one built… if in the end the martial world was in their grasp?
Then all the efforts so far would be nothing more than meaningless struggles.
“Rather than wandering as a nameless wanderer, wouldn’t it be better to entrust yourself to one of the two forces?”
Nae Bihon, who had remained silent until now, opened his mouth with a faint smile.
“With your skills, little brother, both the Baekri Clan and the True Demon would welcome you.”
It was half a joke, but it contained some sincerity.
Bu Eunseol showed a dry smile.
“That might not be bad, but for some reason it doesn’t appeal to me.”
In truth, even if he wanted to, he could not.
Because he was a hybrid of both great families.
He could not belong anywhere.
According to the words of the Sacred Domain elder, if his true identity were exposed, neither of the two forces would stay idle.
“Anyway, there is only one conclusion…”
At that moment, Yoo Hwaryeong spoke.
“Through this incident, we can confirm whether the martial world is their playground… or whether it has its own set of rules.”
The core members nodded.
If the Baekri Clan and the True Demon were beings with absolute power?
Then all efforts so far would become meaningless.
But if, as Bu Eunseol said, the neutral force was clearly maintaining the line and both great forces were also following certain rules?
Then the martial world was not merely their playground, and the Martial Soul Society could become a force included within the rules they spoke of.
“And if this incident succeeds.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath, his eyes flashing as he looked at the core members seated in the conference hall.
“It will become the opportunity for the mysterious figure who has been hidden behind the curtain—the Lord of the Martial Soul Society—to reveal himself in the martial world.”
The core members’ eyes widened.
Bu Eunseol had remained the Lord of the Martial Soul Society all along but had not officially acknowledged the position because the time was not yet right.
However, after resolving this matter, he had revealed his intention to manage the Martial Soul Society as its true Lord.
He had been adjusting the timing of the Lord’s appearance all along, and through this Cheonchuk incident, he had used the identity of the Lord of the Martial Soul Society.
Whether the Baekri Clan or the True Demon, if they followed the trail of the missing new bloodline in Cheonchuk, they would inevitably come across the term “Lord of the Martial Soul Society.”
Therefore, the True Demon’s subordinates, unable to find the new bloodline, would have no choice but to seek out the Lord of the Martial Soul Society.
That was why he had planned everything with this opportunity in mind.
“But you haven’t even returned from Majeon yet.”
At Do Cheonlin’s words, Bu Eunseol shook his head.
“The Lord of the Martial Soul Society will appear in the identity of Seolso.”
“In the identity of the wanderer Seolso?”
“Yes.”
“If you appear as the Lord of the Martial Soul Society while in the identity of the Bullet King’s disciple… wouldn’t your martial prowess seem too weak?”
Bu Eunseol explained.
“In truth, being the disciple of the Bullet King was Seolso’s dual identity. Originally, I planned to reveal him as an absolute expert who inherited an extraordinary status and martial learning… based on natural energy as the foundation, with martial learning as the true void.”
“Natural energy?”
“Thanks to gaining some insights while in Cheonchuk… I can use it to some extent now.”
The Endless Heavenly Light Art.
Based on the mind method secret art that allowed the integration of the Three Divine Energies, Bu Eunseol intended to re-establish Seolso’s identity once more.
“But the disguise might be discovered.”
At Do Cheonlin’s words, Bu Eunseol spoke confidently.
“I possess a disguise technique that even people from the Baekri Clan or the True Demon cannot see through. There is no need to worry about that.”
If someone else had said it, the reaction would have been, “There is such a disguise technique in the world?”
But since it was Bu Eunseol speaking, the natural reaction was simply, “Ah, I see.”
After all, he had always accomplished things others thought impossible.
“Then the timing of the Lord’s return to Majeon… will be after this fight.”
For the first time, Dam Yuyeon respectfully addressed Bu Eunseol as “Lord.”
It signified that he would set aside all previous relations and serve him with renewed loyalty from the heart, while also expressing his earnest hope that this plan would proceed without a hitch and that the fact of Seolso being the Lord of the Martial Soul Society would be announced to the martial world.
“That is correct.”
Bu Eunseol nodded calmly.
“Depending on how this matter is resolved, I may return to Majeon… or I may erase all my identities and become a wanderer.”
In the end, this fight would determine whether the grandmaster who would rule the world as the Lord of the Martial Soul Society—Seolso—would appear in the martial world, or whether Bu Eunseol would abandon all his identities and become a wanderer drifting alone across the world.
A heavy silence once again fell over the conference hall.
It was something they would have to face someday, but it had come far too suddenly.
Yet how many things in the world go exactly as one wishes?
That is why wise people always prepare and ready themselves for dangers that may suddenly arrive.
“Then we must begin preparing for battle from now on.”
Do Cheonlin spoke with a confident expression.
“Well, since we haven’t wasted even a single day and have been training all along, there isn’t much preparation needed.”
At those words, all the corps leaders, including Nae Bihon, revealed their white teeth and showed confident smiles.
Just as Do Cheonlin said, they had trained strictly without missing a single day until now.
Although they had rejected Bu Eunseol’s proposal and had not completed the Heart Mirror Technique, they were confident they could block any powerful enemy that came.
“From now on, our Society has welcomed its Lord, so let us show him proper respect.”
At Nae Bihon’s words, all the core members nodded in agreement.
In the end, they intended to acknowledge Bu Eunseol as the official Lord from now on, after winning this fight and without opposing his will to step forward as the Lord of the Martial Soul Society.
“Very well.”
Bu Eunseol took a deep breath.
“Now, let us risk our lives and unravel one of the secrets of the martial world.”
From now on, they might have to fight against the two great forces that dominated the world.
But he could smile.
Because he was with comrades and close friends to whom he could entrust even his life.
“Understood!”
Then, all the core members in the conference hall bowed with solemn expressions.
Before he was the Lord, Bu Eunseol was a brother and benefactor with whom they had long sworn to share life and death.
If they died fighting against the two great forces that dominated the world, their names would remain forever in the history of the martial world.
There was nothing to fear and nothing to regret.
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