Chapter 247
Chapter 247
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 247
Chapter Title: A Conspiracy and an Old Friend
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It was an utterly incomprehensible order.
But Guk Jin-dong didn't question it, simply clasping his hands. He knew it was pointless to ask, as he wouldn't get an answer anyway.
‘Ah, I see.’
Suddenly, Guk Jin-dong understood.
He understood why Bu Eun-seol had given such an order.
Night had fallen.
*Crackle.*
A campfire blazed where the Jeolmyeong and Dokan Units were waiting.
Their mission wasn't stealth or search, after all, but to guard this pass.
They just had to make it known that a unit was stationed here.
“Unit Leader, are you sure this is alright?”
O Deung-ryong, the Dokan Unit Leader, asked cautiously.
“We're in a state of war. If the Sa-yeong Unit Leader tells us to drink and we actually do...”
“You clearly don't get it.”
Guk Jin-dong scoffed.
“This place is a long way from Oji Mountain. We couldn't clash with the Martial Alliance here even if we wanted to.”
Clutching a gourd full of liquor, he let out a hollow laugh.
“If those bastards from the Martial Alliance make it this far, it means Gong-gong-sin-tu has already been caught or killed.”
“In that case.”
“The Cheonsal Unit Leader has sidelined the Sa-yeong Unit Leader. He's making sure there's no opportunity to earn any merit.”
Guk Jin-dong said with confidence.
“The Sa-yeong Unit Leader knows that too, which is why he's given up like this.”
“I see, so that's how it is.”
As O Deung-ryong nodded, Guk Jin-dong, who had taken a large swig of liquor, sighed.
“Damn it. To think those bastards from the Mubon Unit are climbing so high.”
The Mubon Unit was a gathering of scoundrels that even the lowest-ranking martial artists of the Ma-jeon looked down upon.
But they got a good superior, racked up achievements, and now they've attained the status of a first-class unit?
‘And that man…’
Guk Jin-dong didn't like the look in Bu Eun-seol's eyes.
If he was a successor to one of the Ten Demonic Sects, he should live like one.
Why covet the position of a Ma-jeon unit leader and disrupt the chain of command?
“This is so dirty, I should just quit.”
Guk Jin-dong was already approaching forty.
At this rate, it was certain he'd remain a second-class unit leader forever, never mind becoming a first-class one by the time he was fifty.
“Damn it.”
Guk Jin-dong drowned his sorrows in drink.
But in the darkness, a group was watching the Jeolmyeong and Dokan Units’ drinking party.
“...”
They stared impassively from the shadows at the drinking session.
They were completely assimilated into the darkness, their forms indistinct as if shrouded by a profound art of stealth.
It would have been difficult to spot them even if they were standing close to the campfire.
*Swoosh.*
With furtive movements, the group slipped past the Jeolmyeong Unit and moved up toward the Sa-yeong Unit's position.
At that moment, at the Sa-yeong Unit's encampment.
On the mid-slope of Gwanmo Peak, several tents made of leather had been set up.
Originally, Bu Eun-seol had no intention of setting up tents.
But Won Se-mun had confiscated the tents from the Jeolmyeong and Dokan Units and set them up here.
—This isn't going to be over quickly, is it? The Unit Leader needs to have at least one tent!
...he'd said, but Won Se-mun had also confiscated all the remaining tents from the Jeolmyeong and Dokan Units.
It was so that all the members of the Sa-yeong Unit could rest comfortably.
Thanks to him, the Jeolmyeong and Dokan Units had to sleep out in the open, exposed to the night dew without a roof over their heads.
*Rustle, rustle.*
Inside a tent, Bu Eun-seol sat at a table, meditating.
Whenever he had even a moment to spare, he studied the scripture of the Muhwang-jeong-gak.
Unlike the Sakjeong-bigyeol, which had been seared into Bu Eun-seol's soul like a brand, the scripture of the Muhwang-jeong-gak did not assimilate so easily.
It was also proof that Bu Eun-seol's disposition was better suited to the Sakjeong-bigyeol than the Muhwang-jeong-gak.
‘I will definitely assimilate the Muhwang-jeong-gak as well.’
If he were an ordinary martial artist, he would have unhesitatingly chosen the Sakjeong-bigyeol, which allowed for faster advancement to higher realms.
But Bu Eun-seol didn't give up on the Muhwang-jeong-gak, studying it relentlessly.
He didn't intend to simply follow the heart arts containing the enlightenment of two peerless grandmasters, but to use them as a stepping stone to reach an even higher realm.
‘It was a great stroke of luck to have learned internal energy arts from Elder Hyeol-geumgang.’
Hyeol-geumgang had not only passed down the Ban-geuk-sim-beop to Bu Eun-seol, but had also meticulously explained the subtle aspects of the heart arts that moved the mind within the internal energy arts.
That was why he was able to interpret and learn high-level heart arts like the Sakjeong-bigyeol and the Muhwang-jeong-gak in his own way.
‘It’s not easy.’
As he studied the scripture of the Muhwang-jeong-gak in deep meditation,
*Piiing.*
A very faint sound of something slicing through the air came from outside the tent.
It was a sound so thin that only Bu Eun-seol could hear it. And the sound was long, echoing for a good while.
It wasn't an attack, but a deliberately prolonged sound, intended to let Bu Eun-seol sense the sender's location.
‘Interesting.’
To think there was someone who understood the function of the Ya-su-do so well.
Bu Eun-seol immediately exited the tent and stealthily employed his movement technique.
*Fwoosh.*
In the distance, a shadowy figure could be seen dashing away at high speed.
Its speed was considerable, but its trajectory was constant. It was deliberately running in a straight line to be easily followed.
Finally, upon reaching a secluded spot deep in the forest, the figure running ahead came to a stop.
*Thud.*
The moonlight filtering through the tree branches revealed only the figure’s silhouette.
Though his features were hidden in the darkness, he was tall with a sturdy build.
Just from the physique, Bu Eun-seol instantly identified the figure.
“Seo Jin-ha.”
“Hahaha.”
A low laugh followed, and the shadow stepped out of the darkness, revealing itself under the moonlight.
His appearance was handsome and androgynous, a stark contrast to his imposing physique.
He was the only comrade who had fought back-to-back with Bu Eun-seol on Hell Island, and now a member of the Cheonsal Unit, one of the Ten Demonic Champions of Hell's Blood Star.
It was none other than Seo Jin-ha.
“You can't even see my face. What gave me away?”
“Your distinctive silhouette.”
“Hahaha. You still say the strangest things.”
Seo Jin-ha approached casually and smiled at Bu Eun-seol.
“Have you been well?”
He was the only one who had survived Hell Island by joining forces with Bu Eun-seol.
Therefore, he was the only one from Hell Island who held no ill will toward Bu Eun-seol and could be called his very first friend.
“You've become a squad leader.”
Seo Jin-ha was surprised by Bu Eun-seol’s words.
“How did you know? The main unit has no markings for squad leaders.”
“Even a member of the Cheonsal Unit couldn't move alone in this situation.”
This was a state of war, an extreme standoff with the Martial Alliance's sword units.
Under such circumstances, no one could move alone, not even a member of a special-grade unit.
“Besides, to have passed through numerous units on your way here so easily… you'd have to be at least a Cheonsal Unit squad leader.”
The Cheonsal Unit was the Ma-jeon's finest.
A squad leader from that unit held more authority than any first-class unit leader.
“I'm no match for you.”
Seo Jin-ha shook his head with a low laugh.
“You always manage to deduce so much from the smallest clues.”
Then, he scanned Bu Eun-seol from head to toe and sighed.
“But how on earth do you live to end up like that?”
“What do you mean?”
“I joined the main unit and developed my martial arts by surviving countless near-death experiences…”
His voice was thick with a sense of futility and envy.
Although he had become one of the Ten Demonic Champions of Hell's Blood Star, Seo Jin-ha had always prided himself on having talent that was among the best of his generation.
Moreover, after joining the Cheonsal Unit and undertaking numerous missions, he had become certain of one thing.
—My martial arts have now surpassed the level of the Ten Demonic Champions!
His skills had developed at a rapid pace through countless battles.
And though his prowess had been recognized, earning him the position of a Cheonsal Unit squad leader…
In that same time, Bu Eun-seol had killed one of the Seven Kings of the Four Deities and now stood as a first-class unit leader of the Ma-jeon.
“I just can't keep up with you.”
His voice was filled with admiration and envy.
“Why did you call me here?”
Bu Eun-seol changed the subject, looking into Seo Jin-ha's envious eyes.
“You didn't call me out here just to see my face.”
“Bu Eun-seol.”
Seo Jin-ha's eyes glinted as he looked at Bu Eun-seol, and his lips slowly parted.
“This whole affair with Gong-gong-sin-tu is definitely a conspiracy by the Hwaugeomun.”
“But what's that sticking out of your chest?”
Having uttered such a shocking statement, Seo Jin-ha suddenly let out a small gasp.
“Oh, right. My mind's all over the place.”
He took a gourd from his robes and tossed it to Bu Eun-seol.
“Before we talk… let's have a drink first.”
“Tell me first.”
“No. You'd just leave then.”
Seo Jin-ha scoffed quietly.
He knew Bu Eun-seol's personality better than anyone.
The two men sat leaning against a rock side by side.
The moonlight cast a gentle glow, and from the quiet forest beyond, the soft chirping of insects drifted through the air.
The two passed the gourd of liquor back and forth in silence.
*Gulp, gulp.*
After taking a swig from the gourd in his hand, Seo Jin-ha spoke in a low voice.
“For some reason, the Hwaugeomun has been tracking Gong-gong-sin-tu for a long time.”
He tossed the gourd back to Bu Eun-seol and continued.
“And the fact that his whereabouts were revealed to the world must also be their scheme.”
“A scheme?”
“To be precise, it's the machinations of that man, Wi Ji-hye-sang.”
Seo Jin-ha's expression was grave as he gazed at the distant sky.
“You killed Geol-wang single-handedly, so your position as the successor is all but confirmed, isn't it?”
Bu Eun-seol, who had broken through the Beggars' Union's information network to slay one of the Seven Kings of the Four Deities.
He had proven that his martial prowess and tactical skills were the best among the successors.
“So Wi Ji-hye-sang orchestrated this to ruin the current succession structure.”
Seo Jin-ha calmly continued.
“Gong-gong-sin-tu is a mysterious figure who evaded the pursuit of both the orthodox and unorthodox factions for decades. Capturing him alive was impossible from the start.”
“Hmm.”
“Wi Ji-hye-sang must have deliberately leaked the information. To get the Ma-jeon involved in this affair.”
As he spoke, Seo Jin-ha felt something was off.
Despite the shocking revelations, Bu Eun-seol's expression hadn't changed at all.
“Don't tell me, you knew?”
“I had my suspicions. To some extent.”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“He was a man so cautious he wouldn't even pick a mission slip right away. There's no way he'd let a mission like that reach the ears of the Martial Alliance.”
From the moment he heard about Gong-gong-sin-tu from Baek Jeon-cheon, Bu Eun-seol had anticipated such a turn of events.
Moreover, the mission Wi Ji-hye-sang had chosen was one where the confidentiality of information was paramount. If word of it spread to the Martial Alliance, there could only be one reason.
Wi Ji-hye-sang had leaked the information himself.
“The Cheonsal Unit Leader must be in on it with him.”
Bu Eun-seol smiled faintly.
“Requesting a first-class unit when he knew full well he couldn't dispatch any more. And having my unit guard Gwanmo Peak.”
“Hmph.”
“If I were to make a grave mistake or error here, he could shatter the tilted succession structure in an instant.”
Seo Jin-ha's mouth fell open in astonishment.
“You anticipated all of that?”
“A series of coincidences is a rare thing.”
Bu Eun-seol said flatly.
“The sudden order to guard Gwanmo Peak. And pushing the Jeolmyeong Unit, which isn't on good terms with my unit, under my command.”
Listening in silence, Seo Jin-ha let out a heavy breath.
“You're right. It seems there's some kind of tacit agreement between our Unit Leader and… the Hwaugeomun.”
Then, he spoke with a regretful expression.
“Or it could be because you refused to return the Yeong-sa-sin-geom during the martial tournament. If you had given up that sword…”
“It would have been useless.”
Bu Eun-seol shook his head firmly.
“Even if I had given up the sword, the relationship between the Cheonsal Unit's second-in-command and Hell's Blood Star would not have changed. The same goes for the Cheonsal Unit Leader.”
He stared intently at Seo Jin-ha and said,
“Something like this was bound to happen eventually.”
“Yes, now that you mention it, that seems plausible.”
Seo Jin-ha smiled hollowly.
He realized he had been worrying for nothing.
Bu Eun-seol, the only one he had felt a friendship with since Hell Island.
He was now on the cusp of becoming a successor who could command the entire Demonic Cult.
And it wasn't just because of his outstanding martial arts.
It was his mind. Bu Eun-seol was deeper and more resourceful than anyone, which was what had made it all possible.
“Ah, I'm starting to feel a real distance between us.”
“What do you mean?”
“You're doing so well, it's making me jealous.”
Uncharacteristically, Bu Eun-seol let out a small laugh.
Those who openly revealed their inner thoughts were straightforward and held no grudges.
It was often those who acted manly or pretended to be magnanimous who would stab you in the back.
Just then, Seo Jin-ha spoke again.
“I heard you took Myo Cheon-u and Yu Un-ryong as your unit members?”
“That's right.”
“You're definitely trying to free them from the shackles of the Ten Demonic Champions. So there are no loose ends.”
The Ten Demonic Sects were as persistent and powerful as their influence.
The only way for one of the Ten Demonic Champions to become truly free was to be officially enlisted in the Ma-jeon.
Just like Seo Jin-ha himself.
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol tossed the gourd, which had about a mouthful of liquor left, to Seo Jin-ha.
“You drank sparingly.”
Downing the gourd in one go, Seo Jin-ha slowly rose to his feet.
“I'm sure you'll handle things well on your own, but for now, don't clash with our Unit Leader.”
“...”
“I know you're strong, but our Unit Leader is truly powerful. Beyond imagination.”
Seo Jin-ha said with an incredibly grave expression.
“The presence he shows now isn't all he has.”
If it was a matter of hiding one's true strength, Bu Eun-seol was no different. Besides, he had no intention of cowering, even before the Cheonsal Unit Leader.
But he answered obediently.
“I understand.”
Seo Jin-ha must have rushed here out of concern for him.
The only way to respond to such goodwill was with a simple, compliant answer.
“Once this mission is over, things should quiet down a bit.”
Seo Jin-ha grinned.
“Next time we meet, let's go to a good tavern and have a drink.”
He then looked into the darkness and smiled mysteriously.
“All of us together.”
“Alright.”
“I'll be going then.”
With those words, Seo Jin-ha instantly executed his movement technique.
*Fwoosh.*
Watching Seo Jin-ha disappear into the night sky, Bu Eun-seol turned around.
“Come out now.”