Chapter 205
Chapter 205
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 205
Chapter Title: A Sharp Sword
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Time seemed to stand still inside the private room, the air thick with a heavy silence.
“You must be out of your mind.”
After a long silence, Yong Jeok-bi looked at Bu Eun-seol and spoke.
“Kill one of the Seven Reaper Kings? Don't tell me you're planning to kill him in ten years, just because there's no deadline?”
He was the successor of the Geuk-sal-mil-gak, a master of assassination.
Even someone like Yong Jeok-bi judged it an impossible task without at least ten years.
But Bu Eun-seol offered no reply.
The assassination of Geol-wang.
It was a task Bu Eun-seol had to complete. Had it not been for the sacrifice of the Pung-un-dae, he would have met his end long ago.
‘Besides, I'm sick and tired of doing things just because I'm told to.’
If he had been given another passive mission, Bu Eun-seol would have been repulsed.
But Yeop Hyo-cheon had laid out missions written on slips of paper, and by chance, one was exactly what he wanted. For someone who had always insisted on living proactively, it was a stroke of immense luck.
“Hmm.”
Just then, Do Cheon-rin let out a thoughtful sound.
Then, his eyes flashing as if with a realization, he spoke.
“Bu Eun-seol. You're planning to change the mission's details later, aren't you?”
The mission has no deadline.
This could be interpreted to mean that the contents of the slip could also be changed.
But Yeop Hyo-cheon shook his head and stated firmly.
“Once a slip is chosen, it cannot be changed.”
At that, Do Cheon-rin suddenly stepped forward and clasped his hands.
“No matter how talented a martial artist he is, some things are simply impossible.”
He then said with an utterly serious expression.
“Of course, in the distant future, he might be able to attain the rank of a Seven Reaper King himself. But weren't these slips presented to assess the abilities of the successors?”
It was incomprehensible.
Why was he, the one who had consistently opposed Bu Eun-seol's candidacy, now pleading his case to Yeop Hyo-cheon?
“Wouldn't it be better for you if I failed, Do Cheon-rin?”
At Bu Eun-seol's words, Do Cheon-rin let out a short laugh.
“That wouldn't be so bad. But it's even worse to see a rival I considered competing against until the very end be ruined by a ridiculous mistake.”
Strange words.
Strictly speaking, Do Cheon-rin's rival was Wi Ji-hye-sang, not Bu Eun-seol.
For a long time, the Hyeol-yeom-do-ga and the Hwa-u-geom-mun had been compared and were always in competition.
Yet here he was, publicly declaring Bu Eun-seol as his worthy adversary.
“He is right, Young Master Bu.”
Despite Do Cheon-rin's insulting attitude, Wi Ji-hye-sang composed his expression and smiled brightly.
“Why not accept his advice and reconsider?”
He appeared pure and naive, but he too was saying the same thing.
—I also consider you, not Do Cheon-rin, my rival.
The two were using Bu Eun-seol to engage in a battle of wills.
Well aware of this, Bu Eun-seol shook his head with an unfazed expression.
“I have already decided.”
As Bu Eun-seol's answer came, Yeop Hyo-cheon asked in a low voice.
“It seems you have also decided which of the Seven Reaper Kings you will eliminate.”
“That is correct.”
“Who have you chosen?”
“Gu Hong-cheong.”
“Geol-wang.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon wore a faint smile, as if he had expected it.
Indeed, among the Seven Reaper Kings, Geol-wang was the master who occupied the lowest seat, his martial skill being the weakest.
Nevertheless, he had reached the early stage of the Geuk-cheon-gyeong and, more importantly, was the Grand Elder of the Beggars' Clan—the top intelligence organization of the Orthodox Faction among the Nine Great Sects and One Union.
Considering these two points, he was a formidable figure who could not be dealt with easily.
“I see.”
Nodding with a casual expression, Yeop Hyo-cheon turned his gaze back to Wi Ji-hye-sang.
“Will you not choose a slip today?”
“That is correct.”
“Then we are finished.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon gave a dry smile and looked at the successors.
“Now that you have all decided what you must do, you may all leave.”
At his words, the successors in the private room all bowed respectfully to Yeop Hyo-cheon as if they had been waiting for this and left.
Do Cheon-rin and Wi Ji-hye-sang kept their eyes fixed on Bu Eun-seol until the moment they walked out the door.
Bu Eun-seol, however, remained standing there, showing no intention of leaving.
“It seems you have something to say to me.”
As Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled warmly, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“Yes.”
“Speak.”
Bu Eun-seol clasped his hands.
And with an expression both utterly serious and cautious, he began to speak.
“Is the successor to the Ma-jeon something that is decided from the start?”
A long silence followed.
Instead of answering, Yeop Hyo-cheon stared intently into Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
His expression seemed to ask if there was more to be said.
“Let me ask again.”
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eun-seol spoke in a low voice.
“Was Do Cheon-rin already designated as the successor to the Ma-jeon?”
As the question changed, Yeop Hyo-cheon's lips slowly parted.
“Why do you think so?”
“Because no matter how much he is the young master of the Hyeol-yeom-do-ga, he shouldn't be able to command the masters of the Ma-jeon so easily.”
In truth, it was a simple deduction that required little thought.
Do Cheon-rin had used the hall masters of the Ma-jeon to make Bu Eun-seol leave Nang-ya-gak and lured him to an abandoned manor.
And as soon as they parted, masters from both the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions, such as the Wudang Sect and the Ji-ok-hyeol-seong, began their attack as if on cue.
Even for the successor of the Hyeol-yeom-do-ga, this was too much power to wield.
“Huhu.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon showed a satisfied smile, as if it were his answer.
“Despite entering the world of martial arts late... you have not fallen behind one bit compared to the successors of the Ten Demonic Sects, who inherited the best talents and training in the Demonic Path.”
Letting out a murmur that could be either a sigh or praise, Yeop Hyo-cheon said quietly.
“Is that answer enough for you?”
“Yes.”
Bu Eun-seol respectfully clasped his hands and turned to leave. But then, Yeop Hyo-cheon's low voice came from behind him.
“In the future, this Hall will need a sword.”
When Bu Eun-seol turned back, Yeop Hyo-cheon wore a strange smile.
“Become a sword. A single, sharp sword.”
A sword has two purposes.
It can be a threat on its own, and when wielded, it can cut things down.
—Become the sword that cuts out the rot.
Bu Eun-seol did not ask the meaning of those words.
Yeop Hyo-cheon's gaze told him the precise meaning.
“I have a favor to ask.”
“Speak.”
Afterward, he had a secret conversation with Yeop Hyo-cheon in low voices.
“Thank you.”
Having finished their conversation, Bu Eun-seol once again clasped his hands respectfully. Then, without delay, he turned and left.
* * *
Clop, clop.
The gates of the Ma-jeon opened, and a black eight-horse carriage sped down the main road.
A flag symbolizing the Ma-jeon hung from the carriage, surrounded by the squad leaders of the Sa-yeong-dae on fine steeds. The members of the Sa-yeong-dae followed stealthily, using their movement techniques.
“What on earth are you thinking, Brother Bu?”
Hyeok So-jin said to Bu Eun-seol, who was staring out the window with his arms crossed.
“To kill Geol-wang... Why on earth did you choose such a task?”
By the time they left the Ma-jeon, a rumor had secretly spread that Bu Eun-seol had chosen the mission to eliminate one of the Seven Reaper Kings.
The fact that something that should have been top secret had spread meant that one of the four successors had almost certainly leaked it intentionally.
Do Cheon-rin had hidden his choice, and Wi Ji-hye-sang had yet to choose... but both of them already possessed superhuman martial arts and insight.
‘No, it might not have been those two.’
Hyeok So-jin shook his head.
Perhaps it was one of Yong Jeok-bi and Shin Do-un-hwi, or maybe all four of them had spread the news about Bu Eun-seol's mission.
While Hyeok So-jin was lost in thought, Bu Eun-seol's reply came.
“It is simply something that must be done.”
Hyeok So-jin let out a sigh.
Once Bu Eun-seol called it 'something that must be done,' it became a task that he would absolutely accomplish.
“In any case, shouldn't we stop the rumor from spreading? If this news reaches the Beggars' Clan, for you to deal with Geol-wang...”
At that, Bu Eun-seol gave a cold smile.
“No. If they hadn't spread it, I would have.”
“What?”
“Geol-wang is a man of great pride. If he learns that I am targeting him, he will likely appear defiantly.”
With his arms crossed, Bu Eun-seol narrowed his eyes as if deep in thought.
“Even if that weren't the case, there are plenty of other reasons to spread the rumor.”
“...”
Hyeok So-jin fell silent.
Come to think of it, Bu Eun-seol never acted impulsively. He always assessed situations meticulously and considered various strategies.
Since he had said this, he must have a deeply considered plan.
“Why exactly are you trying to strike at Geol-wang?”
For a moment, a sharp glint flashed in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
“Because he touched a disciple of my Pavilion.”
Anyone who touches a disciple of Nang-ya-gak faces death, and their sect faces annihilation.
By striking down Geol-wang, Bu Eun-seol intended to once again proclaim Nang-ya-gak's iron rule and authority to the martial world.
“Then where are we heading now?”
Bu Eun-seol closed his eyes and said calmly.
“Myeol-in-gung.”
“Myeol-in-gung...”
After thinking for a long moment, Hyeok So-jin narrowed his eyes.
“Don't tell me you're planning to gather forces to strike Geol-wang together?”
No matter how outstanding Bu Eun-seol's skills were, the Beggars' Clan had countless exceptional masters.
Moreover, Geol-wang was a master of the Geuk-cheon-gyeong, an opponent Bu Eun-seol could never face alone.
“Not at all. I will face him alone.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly, gazing out the window.
“However, in order to face him one-on-one, I need the help of a master of a similar level to myself.”
“Similar... I see.”
Hyeok So-jin nodded as if he had finally understood something.
A master of similar age and power to Bu Eun-seol. There was only one group of such people in the world.
The Sip-ma-jeon-in.
Bu Eun-seol intended to gather the remaining Sip-ma-jeon-in to gain strength.
* * *
Myeol-in-gung was situated at the foot of Mount Cheon-bong, southeast of Suzhou.
Following the river, one would come across a beautiful forest of cypress and pine trees.
Walking further through it, a structure resembling an Il-ju-mun, the first gate of a large temple, would come into view.
As Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin looked up at the large entrance gate, they saw a plaque inscribed with the characters for Myeol-in-gung.
This was Myeol-in-gung, the sect of the Demonic Path's strongest palm technique, said to bring the world to its knees with just a pair of fleshly palms.
Bu Eun-seol disembarked from the carriage and ascended the mountain gate with the members of the Sa-yeong-dae.
There, in front of the entrance, stood two warriors with piercing gazes, tall and imposing like divine generals.
Judging by the aura and demeanor they exuded, they were likely no ordinary guards.
“Bu Eun-seol, Chief of the Sa-yeong-dae from the Ma-jeon.”
The guards flinched for a moment.
The position of a Chief in the Ma-jeon was not particularly high, but the moment one stepped out into the Jianghu, it was as good as representing the Ma-jeon itself.
“What business brings you to our palace?”
“I have come to see Myeol-in-gung's Sip-ma-jeon-in.”
The two guards looked at each other, exchanged a subtle glance, and then clasped their hands.
“Please wait a moment.”
One of the guards then hurried inside, likely to inform someone.
‘They knew the purpose of my visit.’
Bu Eun-seol assessed the situation at a glance.
Myeol-in-gung had already anticipated that Bu Eun-seol would visit to seek out their Sip-ma-jeon-in.
The guards had shown little surprise; instead, they had exchanged glances and one had hurried inside. They must have been instructed to send word if he arrived.
‘The Ten Demonic Sects are truly something else.’
Myeol-in-gung was also a core power of the Ten Demonic Sects. Their influence and intelligence network were unimaginably vast and intricate.
They had not only tracked Bu Eun-seol's route but had also predicted his intentions.
‘This won't be easy.’
Bu Eun-seol guessed that this matter would not be resolved easily.
Creeak.
Just then, the inner door opened again, and the guard who had gone inside approached Bu Eun-seol and clasped his hands.
“Please follow me.”
The place the guard led them to was a small pavilion, away from the central part of Myeol-in-gung.
It featured a small pond, and inside the pavilion sat an old man in blue robes with a white beard.
The old man's frame was very small and his body was gaunt, but his back was ramrod straight, and a sharp light glinted in his eyes.
He looked like an elder of high status at a single glance.
Bu Eun-seol looked at the old man, who was sipping tea with the leisure of an immortal, and clasped his hands.
“I am Bu Eun-seol, Chief of the Sa-yeong-dae.”
The old man, who had been watching his bow, nodded lightly as if he had only just noticed Bu Eun-seol.
“I am Mok In-cheong, the Hall Master of the Hall of Punishments.”
Mok In-cheong, 'He Who Makes the Sun Set and the Heavens Overturn'.
He was a fearsome master, known to make the sun fall and the heavens flip when he made his move.
But it was strange. Why was he, the Hall Master of the Hall of Punishments who strictly enforced the Ma-jeon's laws, and not someone from the reception hall, greeting Bu Eun-seol?
“You came to see our palace's Sip-ma-jeon-in?”
“Yes.”
“That is not possible.”
“Why is that?”
“Because the boy is in the Myeon-byeok-dong.”
Bu Eun-seol could not understand.
What crime had Myo Cheon-u committed to be sent to the Myeon-byeok-dong?
“Did he commit a crime?”
“Perhaps.”
Feigning ignorance, he suddenly said something completely unrelated.
“I hear you've publicly declared that you will kill Geol-wang.”
From Mok In-cheong's words and expression, Bu Eun-seol realized two things.
That it was Shin Do-un-hwi who had spread the rumor about the mission slip. And that Myeol-in-gung had no intention of letting Myo Cheon-u go quietly.
“I can guess what you are thinking. But if you truly aim for the position of successor, I wouldn't recommend such a method.”
Mok In-cheong seemed convinced that Bu Eun-seol planned to use Myo Cheon-u's help to strike at Geol-wang.
“That does not seem to be a matter for the Hall Master to concern himself with.”
Despite Bu Eun-seol's stiff reply, Mok In-cheong wore a faint smile.
“I must concern myself with it. Are you not in competition with our palace's successor?”
Mok In-cheong said with a faint smile.
“The reason we allowed you into our palace so readily despite this is because Nang-ya-gak has no particular grudge with us. Do you understand what I mean?”
Bu Eun-seol stared intently at Mok In-cheong with a cold expression.
It was suspicious that Myo Cheon-u had suddenly been sent to the Myeon-byeok-dong, and Mok In-cheong's attitude was bordering on a threat.
“It seems you have something else you wish to say.”
To Bu Eun-seol's words, Mok In-cheong replied coldly.
“I advise you for the third and final time: leave quietly.”
At that moment, warriors hidden around the pavilion released their sharp auras.
Not only that, but Mok In-cheong's ring finger, holding the teacup, was pointed at Bu Eun-seol.
He was poised to unleash a palm strike without hesitation if Bu Eun-seol showed any sign of using his martial arts.
When Bu Eun-seol said nothing, Mok In-cheong nodded with a satisfied expression.
“Well then. I am busy, so I will take my leave first.”
“I came here in my capacity as Chief of the Sa-yeong-dae.”
“And?”
Bu Eun-seol said in a solemn voice.
“As a Chief of the Ma-jeon, I command you. Bring Myo Cheon-u here.”