Chapter 230
Chapter 230
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 230
Chapter Title: Since We Started Together
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Yeop Hyo-cheon listened quietly to Bu Eun-seol before nodding.
“You are now officially a Level 2 Commander of this cult.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled warmly, as if he had been waiting for this.
“That is why I've provided new living quarters and a training ground for your unit members.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon rose from his seat and said.
“Twenty newly selected elite members will soon be assigned to the Sa-yeong Unit.”
Bu Eun-seol couldn't hide his surprise. The number of reinforcements he had intended to request was exactly twenty.
‘I see. Was this prediction made with Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong in mind?’
A suddenly amusing hypothesis occurred to Bu Eun-seol.
Perhaps the Demonic Emperor couldn't see the future or read minds…
He simply thought the same way Bu Eun-seol did.
“Then what should I do?”
“Nothing.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon smiled warmly.
“With things as they are, it would be good for you to take a short rest while the other successors finish their missions.”
It was an unexpected offer.
As Bu Eun-seol blinked, a faint smile graced the emperor's lips.
“Whatever you do, there's no need to report it.”
“Understood.”
His decision made, Bu Eun-seol bowed his head deeply.
To be given free time at a moment like this was a golden opportunity.
He had to make the most of this time.
Two days later, at the training ground in front of the Sa-yeong Unit's quarters.
Twenty newly recruited young members stood in formation.
Having just been selected, their faces were all youthful and visibly tense.
And before them stood Bu Eun-seol, dressed in a commander's uniform, and two men in shabby martial arts attire.
It was Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong.
“Myo Cheon-u, Yu Un-ryong.”
Bu Eun-seol looked at the two and spoke solemnly.
“From now on, you are the team leaders of the Sa-yeong Unit's Fourth and Fifth Teams.”
“Team leaders?”
As Yu Un-ryong blinked, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“Train the members yourselves. Make sure they can hold their own on the battlefield.”
They had blended into the Sa-yeong Unit under the pretext of helping Bu Eun-seol, but they were, first and foremost, Ten Demonic Disciples.
Beings who could not easily mix with ordinary members.
Bu Eun-seol was also aware that they still felt like outsiders.
That was why he had assigned subordinates directly under them. This way, their sense of responsibility and belonging would deepen.
“Train them so they can return alive from any battlefield.”
Bu Eun-seol said gravely.
“Currently, the Sa-yeong Unit's First Team has mastered sword arts, the Second Team movement techniques and hidden weapons, and the Third Team external martial arts as their specialties.”
Bu Eun-seol looked at the two of them and stated calmly.
“From now on, the Fourth Team's specialty will be palm techniques, and the Fifth Team's will be unorthodox methods.”
Bu Eun-seol looked at Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong and stated calmly.
“You've been officially registered as team leaders, so go to the Privy Council and give them your names. They'll have uniforms tailored for you.”
“Bu Eun-seol.”
Myo Cheon-u started to speak, but Bu Eun-seol acted as if he hadn't heard.
“Separate quarters will be assigned to you. Try to make them serviceable within two months if possible.”
“Bu Eun-seol!”
Myo Cheon-u called out again, but Bu Eun-seol still feigned ignorance and turned away sharply.
“We've been properly roped in.”
As Myo Cheon-u's shoulders slumped, Yu Un-ryong spoke calmly.
“Did you not see this coming?”
“Of course not. I knew.”
“If you knew, why were you calling for him so desperately?”
“My pay.”
Myo Cheon-u looked down at his empty coin purse and said with an utterly serious expression.
“Just how much is the salary for a Demonic Cult team leader?”
***
Back in his office, Bu Eun-seol took out a booklet from the bookshelf and began to write something.
It was the *Legacy of Nang-ya*, which he had started writing some time ago but had to put on hold.
Even now, the disciples of Nang-ya-gak must be going through all sorts of hardships to learn the Beast Arts.
Therefore, he intended to quickly find a way for them to steadily improve their foundational martial arts alongside the Beast Arts.
‘If I can complete the *Legacy of Nang-ya* during this downtime... that would be worthwhile.’
*Knock, knock.*
At the sound of a knock on the door, a man in black martial arts attire approached and respectfully cupped his hands.
“Su-hwa, a disciple of the Shadow Flight Pavilion, greets the Commander of the Sa-yeong Unit.”
The Shadow Flight Pavilion was the Demonic Cult's top-secret unit, one that even recruited former Ten Demonic Disciples.
“What is it?”
“It's a message from the Wind and Cloud Terrace.”
‘Now that I'm a Level 2 Commander, the Shadow Flight Pavilion delivers messages from the Wind and Cloud Terrace directly...’
This was truly the sweet taste of power.
And human beings were inevitably bound to become addicted to the power that grew with their status.
But Bu Eun-seol had no interest whatsoever in power or fame.
“There's no need to do this in the future.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly as he picked up the letter.
“My unit has plenty of team leaders.”
“...Understood.”
The man named Su-hwa looked uncomprehending but still cupped his hands in respect.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
After he left, Bu Eun-seol began to read the letter.
“So that's what happened.”
Bu Eun-seol's expression hardened as he read through the letter.
Letting out a low groan, Bu Eun-seol left his office with a heavy look on his face.
He entered the bamboo forest behind the living quarters. In a clearing at its center, the members of the First and Third Teams were gathered together.
“In truth, the principle of striking second to seize control is a method one can only employ after reaching a state of perfected mastery.”
Hyeok So-jin stood at the front, interpreting martial arts principles for them.
“In other words, the most important thing in combat is the initiative, and to seize the initiative, one must strike first...”
After finishing his forms, Hyeok So-jin would explain any flaws or mistakes in their martial arts to the Sa-yeong Unit members.
Thanks to him, the insight and martial skill of the Sa-yeong members were improving day by day.
‘Impressive.’
This was not something Bu Eun-seol had ordered.
By teaching the Sa-yeong Unit members martial principles, Hyeok So-jin was also refining his own foundational skills.
In fact, his own martial skill was developing daily, to the point where he was now on par with any of the successors of the Ten Demonic Sects.
“So-jin.”
As Bu Eun-seol approached, Hyeok So-jin stopped his explanation and smiled brightly.
“What brings you here?”
“Let's talk for a moment.”
Noticing Bu Eun-seol's grave expression, Hyeok So-jin had a bad feeling.
“Is this about my home?”
After a moment of thought, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“They say the Lord has collapsed.”
*Thump.*
In that instant, Hyeok So-jin's heart sank.
“Grandfather...”
“Don't worry. It's not life-threatening. They say he just overexerted himself a little.”
After thinking for a moment, Hyeok So-jin asked again.
“How did you find out?”
A peculiar smile touched Bu Eun-seol's lips.
“Do you think those old men would support me just because I made a few coffins?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I made a request to the Illusion Demon Elder. To receive regular reports on Jeok-cheon-mak-ji through the Wind and Cloud Terrace.”
Bu Eun-seol had been monitoring the situation in the Peach Blossom Paradise by receiving periodic reports about Jeok-cheon-mak-ji through the Wind and Cloud Terrace.
And the demons of the Peach Blossom Paradise, knowing Bu Eun-seol would honor his promise as if it were worth a thousand pieces of gold, gave him their full support.
“I’m sorry, Brother Bu.”
Hyeok So-jin touched his forehead with one hand in shame.
“As the successor, I was so caught up in my journey through the Murim that I'd forgotten about that place, yet you, Brother Bu, were watching over Jeok-cheon-mak-ji in my stead.”
“I was only keeping my promise to the Lord.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“Unlike promises between individuals, promises between sects are absolute. If they are not kept, the sect's very existence could be at risk.”
If it were simply about keeping a promise, he would only need to monitor the demons of the Peach Blossom Paradise.
But Bu Eun-seol had been receiving reports on all major and minor affairs of Jeok-cheon-mak-ji, keeping Hyeok Gong-baek's well-being in mind as well.
And that was a consideration for Hyeok So-jin's sake.
“Thank you.”
On the surface, he seemed indifferent to everything, but Bu Eun-seol observed those around him with meticulous care.
And Hyeok So-jin was incredibly proud that such a man was his sworn brother.
“Now...”
Bu Eun-seol paused for a moment, then looked at the distant sky and said.
“It seems it's about time for you to return to Jeok-cheon-mak-ji.”
For a moment, Hyeok So-jin's head drooped.
There is no feast that doesn't end, and after every meeting comes a parting.
Once his journey through the Murim was over, he, as the successor of Jeok-cheon-mak-ji, had to inherit the Illusion Demon's mantle and manage that place.
But because he had enjoyed his journey with Bu Eun-seol, he had been deliberately ignoring that fact.
But now, it was truly time to go back.
Hyeok So-jin forced a smile.
“I see. With the lazy grandson gone... I must follow in my grandfather's footsteps and manage Jeok-cheon-mak-ji.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded and said softly.
“It's late today, so leave early tomorrow morning.”
The next day.
All the members of the Sa-yeong Unit were lined up in front of the training ground.
They had gathered to say their final goodbyes after hearing that Hyeok So-jin was leaving.
“You've all heard, I assume?”
Hyeok So-jin stepped forward and smiled brightly.
“This Vice-Commander must now return to his home.”
In that moment, a deep sigh escaped the lips of the Sa-yeong members.
Even Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong's eyes showed a hint of regret.
If Bu Eun-seol was the strict father, Hyeok So-jin was the gentle mother.
It was thanks to his presence—the way he looked after each member and approached them without reservation—that the Sa-yeong members...
...and even the latecomers Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong, were able to blend in so naturally.
“Even without me, be sure to follow the Commander's orders well.”
“Are you leaving for good?”
When Wi Cheon-gyeong asked, Hyeok So-jin gave a bittersweet smile.
“There's no such thing as 'for good.' If fate allows, we'll meet again somewhere.”
“I see.”
Wi Cheon-gyeong cupped his hands with a regretful expression.
“Take care, Vice-Commander.”
At that, all the assembled members shouted in a thunderous voice and bowed deeply.
—Take care, Vice-Commander!
Then, they each began to call out loudly.
“Well, if we miss you, we'll just come visit you at Jeok-cheon-mak-ji!”
“Will you feed us if we come?”
“How about you just ditch all that and stay with the Sa-yeong Unit?”
These were the members of the Sa-yeong Unit, who had lacked not only affection but even a sense of camaraderie.
But in a short time, they had grown very fond of Hyeok So-jin, with whom they had crossed the line between life and death on missions.
“Improve your martial arts further by the time I return.”
Just then, Bu Eun-seol stepped forward and spoke.
“Especially the members of the Fourth and Fifth Teams, I will personally inspect your skills when I get back.”
“Wait, are you going somewhere too, Commander?”
At Won Se-mun's question, Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
“Since we started together, isn't it only right that we finish together?”
In that instant, the members felt something hot stir in their chests.
—Since we started together, we finish together.
It sounded as though Bu Eun-seol was speaking to all the members of the Sa-yeong Unit.
‘Since we started this journey through the Murim together, we finish it together...’
Hyeok So-jin's heart grew warm as well.
Since he began his journey through the Murim with Bu Eun-seol, it was only right that they finish it together.
“You're right. Since we started, it's only right that we finish together.”
As Hyeok So-jin spoke with a smile, Myo Cheon-u, who had been standing silently, suddenly stepped forward.
“If you're going, request an escort from the cult.”
With his arms crossed, he said with a rather serious expression.
“After you killed King Geol, all sorts of bastards in the Murim have their eyes on you, don't they? If you two go out there alone now, every riffraff will come at you.”
“You have a point.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“That is why I am accompanying him.”
At that, Hyeok So-jin's jaw dropped as he realized something.
“Brother Bu. Don't tell me...”
“This journey will provide the foundation for you to become an excellent successor.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“Because that was my final promise to the Lord.”
The Illusion Demon had asked Bu Eun-seol to awaken his dormant passion and warrior's spirit.
And Bu Eun-seol had not only awakened his warrior's spirit but had also molded Hyeok So-jin into a powerful martial artist befitting the successor of Jeok-cheon-mak-ji.
But as if that weren't enough, Bu Eun-seol intended to demonstrate his elevated martial prowess to help Hyeok So-jin develop once more.
‘He intends to leave me with his final insights.’
At a young age, Bu Eun-seol had displayed unprecedented martial prowess, having set foot on the threshold of the Supreme Heavenly Realm.
He intended to pass on the great insights he had gained from his fight with King Geol to Hyeok So-jin.
“Then I'm going too.”
Just then, Yu Un-ryong stepped forward abruptly and said.
“I can't miss out on a fight.”
“Then me too.”
As Myo Cheon-u also stepped forward, Bu Eun-seol shook his head.
“No.”
“Why not? I want to get stronger by watching you fight, too.”
“If that's your reason, then you most certainly cannot come.”
As Myo Cheon-u revealed his honest feelings, Bu Eun-seol calmly explained.
“You two have both mastered the Transcendent Realm. However, neither of you has ever taught martial arts to another.”
Only then did Myo Cheon-u let out a sound of understanding.
He recalled how Hyeok So-jin's martial progress had unknowingly accelerated while teaching the Sa-yeong Unit.
“That's right. At your level, the fastest way to advance your martial arts is to start teaching others.”
Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong looked at each other in surprise.
‘So he didn't assign the new members to us just to work us to the bone.’
In truth, they too had a desire to teach the Sa-yeong Unit members.
But the existing members had already learned distinctive martial arts from Bu Eun-seol, so they couldn't pass on their own insights.
But now that new members had arrived, they could begin to impart their insights and foundational martial arts.
“Alright. We'll do it.”
Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong's expressions had changed.
Realizing Bu Eun-seol had been considerate of their own martial development all along, a newfound sense of loyalty bloomed within them.
“Go on, don't worry about us.”
As Myo Cheon-u spoke, Jo Nam-cheon smiled and shouted.
“That's right. Don't worry and have a safe trip, Commander. We'll train hard while you're gone.”
“That's right, don't worry and have a safe trip!”
As each of the members added a word, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
“Train hard until I return.”
—Sir!
As the members bowed their heads in unison, Bu Eun-seol calmly looked down at them.
Now, for the sake of Hyeok So-jin, who had to protect Jeok-cheon-mak-ji, he was about to embark on their final journey together.