Chapter 229
Chapter 229
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 229
Chapter Title: The Reward for a King
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Baekri Muha.
Thirty years ago, he was a master who appeared in the martial world like a comet.
He defeated Bang Geuk, the Mad Demon, one of the Ten Great Evils and the strongest of the Unorthodox Faction at the time.
He then went on to defeat Sword Saint Baek Chu-su, one of the Three Absolutes of the Orthodox Faction, and Northern Hero Seok Jo-un, one of the Seven Heroes.
His fame for single-handedly felling the strongest masters of both the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions shook the world.
But then, something strange happened.
Baekri Muha, whose skills were so overwhelming that he was called the next greatest master under heaven, suddenly vanished from the martial world as if he had evaporated.
—Where in the world did he go?
Countless intelligence organizations and martial factions scrambled to trace his whereabouts.
But as if he had never existed in the first place, not a single trace of him could be found.
To Baekri Muha, who had appeared so suddenly and vanished so mysteriously, the people of the martial world gave the title of the Martial World's Greatest Secret, or the First Secret.
"Only Baekri Muha, the one called the First Secret, could make the Divine Phantom Thief Gong-gong, who was being pursued by both factions, disappear from the martial world."
‘Baekri Muha…’
Bu Eun-seol forced himself to calm his racing heart.
He didn't know why just hearing that name sent ripples through his tranquil mind.
"It seems I've gotten sidetracked."
Shaking his head, Baek Jeon-cheon continued.
"In any case, if he can be safely escorted back to the Main Hall, it would be a major event, one that could change the balance of power between the Orthodox and Unorthodox Factions."
Bu Eun-seol now understood exactly why the highest echelons, including the Heavenly Demon and the Grand Commander, had convened a meeting.
"Then the topic of the meeting must be clear."
He said in a meaningful tone, his eyes fixed on the distant sky.
"Whether to view Wi-ji Hye-sang's task as merely a successor's mission or as a matter for the entire Main Hall."
"Precisely."
Baek Jeon-cheon smiled at Bu Eun-seol's sharp deduction.
"However, your matter is also part of the reason this meeting was held. After all, you killed one of the Seven Kings of the Four Deities."
His eyes held a mixture of admiration and regret.
"But the Beggars' Sect—no, the Orthodox Faction… they will do everything in their power to prevent a rising master from the Unorthodox Faction, one who has not yet come of age, from being recognized as one of the Seven Kings. They'll use any means necessary."
"I expected as much."
"Are you not disappointed?"
Baek Jeon-cheon's brow furrowed deeply as he spoke.
"If only a single person had witnessed your duel with the Beggar King… the Beggars' Sect would never have been able to resort to such dirty tricks."
It was strange.
The truth was, besides the members of the Shadow Corps, no one in the martial world would believe that Bu Eun-seol had fought and defeated the Beggar King alone.
Yet, Baek Jeon-cheon took it as a matter of course that Bu Eun-seol had slain the Beggar King in a fair fight.
"Hall Master, you don't doubt it?"
"Doubt it?"
"The rumor that I didn't face the Beggar King in a one-on-one duel, but killed him using underhanded methods."
"Hahahaha."
Baek Jeon-cheon simply smiled warmly.
"That's something only those who don't know what kind of person you are would say."
Then, with eyes full of conviction, he said.
"Captain Bu, you would rather take your own life than defeat the Beggar King with such foul tricks."
A faint emotion flickered in Bu Eun-seol's cold eyes.
There was no interaction, no friendship between the two.
Yet, like a friend who had watched over him for a long time, Baek Jeon-cheon truly understood him.
"There's no need to look at me like that. Anyone who has met you would know."
Before long, the two of them were standing in front of a building located at the edge of the East Gate.
Bu Eun-seol stopped in his tracks, a puzzled expression on his face.
This place had originally been nothing but an empty, open field.
When had a building of this size been constructed here?
Moreover, it was surrounded by high walls, making it look like a large manor.
"This is the new home for the Shadow Corps."
Stepping inside, he saw a large training ground, and next to it, a kitchen with its doors wide open.
Seeing cooks outside washing vegetables and cleaning dishes, it seemed to be a dining hall capable of serving a large number of people at once.
‘Everything is new.’
The inner buildings and the training ground were all clearly recent constructions.
Could it be that the Heavenly Demon knew Bu Eun-seol would succeed in killing the Beggar King and had this new building constructed in advance?
‘That's impossible.’
Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
He had devised a meticulous plan, but killing the Beggar King had been almost a stroke of luck.
What if he hadn't encountered Gwang-yeon or the Eighteen Arhats?
And what if he hadn't fallen into a demonic state due to the scriptures of the Sakjeong Secret Art, unable to use the True Art of Wishful Might repeatedly…
His body would be buried in the cold earth, not in the Demonic Hall.
‘The timing must have been a coincidence.’
It was hard to believe that even the Heavenly Demon could have predicted such an outcome.
Just as Bu Eun-seol was inwardly shaking his head, Baek Jeon-cheon smiled and said.
"The High Council meetings usually last for several days. Captain Bu, you should wait in your quarters and rest for now."
"Thank you."
Bu Eun-seol bowed his head as deeply as he could.
In the harsh martial world, it was rare to find someone who showed such unconditional kindness.
Especially if that person held a high position in the Demonic Hall.
"Don't mention it. Ah…"
Turning to leave, Baek Jeon-cheon spoke in a low voice.
"Hall Master Hyeok-ryeon, who was outside the pass, is on his way back to the Main Hall. The Grand Commander has ordered his return."
Then he added with a warm smile.
"If you get the chance, I hope you will be sure to meet with Hall Master Hyeok-ryeon."
Meeting Hyeok-ryeon Eung was something Bu Eun-seol also wished for.
"I will be sure to do so."
"Yes, well then."
With another faint smile, Baek Jeon-cheon turned and left.
Bu Eun-seol once again looked around the manor's interior.
It had its own dining hall and a training ground… In terms of facilities, it was the best treatment among the Second-Class corps.
*Thump, thump.*
Just then, dozens of people were walking down from the bamboo forest behind the manor.
It was the members of the Shadow Corps.
"The Captain is here!"
Won Se-mun, standing at the front and drenched in sweat, shouted loudly.
*Rumble.*
The rest of the members behind him all rushed out at once.
"Captain!"
Their bodies were all glistening with sweat. They must have been training their techniques and cultivating their energy in the bamboo grove.
They were now training rigorously without anyone having to tell them.
—If we don't do this… we won't survive under the Captain.
Bu Eun-seol not only always faced enemies stronger than himself but also engaged in perilous battles.
Therefore, the members of the Shadow Corps were training themselves to be able to complete their missions and survive in any situation.
"Where are the rest of the members?"
The ones standing before Bu Eun-seol were only the members of the First Squad, led by Won Se-mun.
"The Second and Third Squads are still cultivating in the grove, and the Vice-Captain is training separately."
"Why aren't you using the perfectly good training ground?"
"We don't use it much except when circulating energy. Other corps sometimes watch us, so…"
The Shadow Corps members had undergone harsh training to face the Beggar King's forces.
Not only that, but under Bu Eun-seol's orders, they had also trained to hone their techniques and gain insights by observing others' practice.
As a result, it had become a habit for them not to show their training to outsiders.
"What about Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong?"
At Bu Eun-seol's question, Won Se-mun scratched his head.
"I'm not sure. Other than coming back to the barracks, they don't really spend time with the other members."
"Hmm."
Bu Eun-seol hummed thoughtfully.
The two were, after all, former Ten Demonic Disciples.
Although they had grown close to the Shadow Corps members, now that they were back in the Demonic Hall, they were likely feeling the awkwardness of their position.
‘I should take care of that matter soon.’
Recalling their faces, Bu Eun-seol nodded to himself.
The next day.
As Bu Eun-seol was circulating his energy in his quarters, the low voice of a servant came from outside his door.
"Captain. A warrior from Dokmyeong Pavilion has come to see you."
When Bu Eun-seol opened his eyes and went outside, he saw the face of a familiar warrior.
It was Wi Chung, the man who had guided him to Dokmyeong Pavilion when the successors had gathered in the past.
"Wi Chung, warrior of Dokmyeong Pavilion, greets the Captain of the Shadow Corps."
"What is it?"
"The Grand Commander summons you."
‘The Grand Commander, not the Heavenly Demon.’
Bu Eun-seol looked at Wi Chung with a hazy gaze.
Since returning to the Demonic Hall, he had been eagerly awaiting a private audience with the Heavenly Demon.
Even during his life-or-death battle with the Beggar King, even as he narrowly escaped death at the hands of Nang-ya-gak's Master, Ak Mu-ryeong…
A single question had remained constantly in Bu Eun-seol's mind.
—Why is the Heavenly Demon watching me?
The Heavenly Demon had implicitly treated him as special.
Bu Eun-seol now realized it wasn't simply because of his outstanding talent. He sensed there was a hidden intention.
But whether it was because of pressing matters or to maintain fairness in the upcoming successor selection…
Despite having slain a figure as great as the Beggar King, and despite knowing he had faced death from Ak Mu-ryeong's wrath.
The Heavenly Demon had not summoned Bu Eun-seol.
"Captain."
Lost in deep thought, Bu Eun-seol was brought back to his senses by Wi Chung's call and nodded.
"I'll go right now."
Dokmyeong Pavilion, Yeop Hyo-cheon's office.
"Bu Eun-seol, Captain of the Shadow Corps."
As Bu Eun-seol announced his presence, Yeop Hyo-cheon's low voice came from within.
"Come in."
Though there was clearly no one there, the door swung open as if pulled by an unseen hand.
For the office of the second-in-command of the Demonic Hall, it was starkly simple, almost empty.
On one side of the office was a bookshelf packed tightly with books, and on another, a table and chairs where several people could sit and talk.
In other words, aside from a few pieces of furniture, the vast space of the office was filled with emptiness.
‘Hmm.’
The moment he stepped into the office, Bu Eun-seol felt a strange sensation.
Looking at the empty space that filled the room, he felt an urge to confess the stories he held in his heart.
‘This empty space must also be an intentional arrangement.’
Even the placement of the furniture and the empty space in the office held a subtle principle.
*Step, step.*
As he walked further in, he saw an elderly man in his later years sitting at a table.
His build was small, and his features were utterly ordinary.
But in reality, this was the Dark King, Yeop Hyo-cheon, considered to possess the most fearsome martial prowess among the Seven Kings of the Four Deities.
Walking forward, Bu Eun-seol respectfully clasped his hands.
"Bu Eun-seol, Captain of the Shadow Corps, greets the Grand Commander."
"You've been through a lot."
Yeop Hyo-cheon wore a benevolent smile.
"Normally, the Heavenly Demon would have commended your achievements himself, but the situation at the Main Hall is quite complicated right now."
Yeop Hyo-cheon rose from his seat and gestured to the table across from him.
"I'm sure you've heard the gist of it from Hall Master Manbak… Please, have a seat."
Despite being second to one and above all others, he showed no air of authority and treated his subordinates with ease.
‘The Grand Commander has intentionally erased his presence and authority.’
Masters with martial prowess like Yeop Hyo-cheon naturally exuded a powerful aura and dignity.
Yet, he didn't let out a single shred of his energy… It was impossible to even fathom the extent of his hidden power.
*Swish.*
As Bu Eun-seol took his seat, Yeop Hyo-cheon spoke.
"The missions in the recent missives were tasks that even the Main Hall could not easily resolve."
He sighed and continued.
"No one expected them to be handled in such a short time."
"Is there a problem?"
"It's not a problem, so much as a difficult choice."
Letting out a sigh, Yeop Hyo-cheon spoke in a low voice.
"The Supreme Spirit Elixir Fruit is a treasure that can completely heal any severed meridians. But there are more than a few prodigies in the Unorthodox Faction who suffer from that condition, are there not?"
"That is true."
"But the more troublesome matter concerns the Divine Phantom Thief Gong-gong. A person the Main Hall had been pursuing for a long time before giving up… and the successor of the Hwau Sword Sect has found his trail."
Yeop Hyo-cheon crossed his arms and shook his head.
"As things stand, the right course of action would be for the Main Hall to join forces with the Hwau Sword Sect and capture the Divine Phantom Thief. But if we do that, the successor selection will become a complete mess."
Bu Eun-seol finally understood the whole situation.
Capturing the Divine Phantom Thief had long been a cherished goal of the Demonic Hall.
Now that Wi-ji Hye-sang had found his trail, they had discussed whether to intervene in the successor competition and help her with all their might.
"So, what was the result?"
"In conclusion, we've decided to wait a little longer."
Yeop Hyo-cheon gave a dry smile.
"After all, the missions of the successors from the Hwau Sword Sect, the Geuksal Secret Pavilion, and the Myeorin Palace are not yet finished."
The only ones who had completely finished their missions were Bu Eun-seol and Do Cheon-rin.
Wi-ji Hye-sang had only found the trail of the Divine Phantom Thief; she hadn't succeeded in capturing him. Moreover, Yong Jeok-bi and Sin-do Un-hwi had yet to produce any results.
In the end, since nothing was concluded, it seemed the Demonic Hall had decided to wait a bit longer.
"Well, regardless of that, you must receive your reward for dealing with the Beggar King."
Yeop Hyo-cheon said quietly.
"The Heavenly Demon has entrusted me with full authority… Tell me what you desire."
A strange thought occurred to Bu Eun-seol.
Usually, when commending an achievement and giving a reward, the leadership would consult and decide on it themselves.
But the Heavenly Demon and the Grand Commander always asked Bu Eun-seol what he wanted.
‘As if they already know exactly what I want.’
Bu Eun-seol let out a sigh.
His martial arts had greatly improved, but he still couldn't fathom the minds of the Heavenly Demon or the Grand Commander.
—No one can know his mind, and no one knows what he is planning.
That was how Vice Pavilion Master Dang Cheong had described the Heavenly Demon not long ago. And Bu Eun-seol strongly agreed with her words.
"It's all right, speak freely."
At Yeop Hyo-cheon's words, Bu Eun-seol took a deep breath.
The position of successor had not been decided, but he was already riding the tiger. Having come this far, he had no choice but to climb endlessly higher.
"I wish to expand the size of my corps."
Taking a deep breath, Bu Eun-seol said with an utterly serious expression.
"I would like to be granted the official rank of a Second-Class Captain."